Half Moon Bay City Council Reorganization Meeting – December 16, 2025

The Half Moon Bay City Council held its annual reorganization meeting on December 16, 2025. The meeting included the State of the City address by outgoing Mayor Robert Brownstone, the selection of a new mayor and vice mayor, and action on several administrative and policy items. The council approved a 70-unit Measure D allocation for 2026, accepted grant funding for the East Side Parallel Trail, and made changes to city staff classifications and the city manager's contract.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar with the exception of items 12E (approval of past meeting minutes) and 12L (agreement with HDL Companies for business license and TOT administration), which were pulled for separate votes.
• Item 12E: Approved certain past city council regular and special meeting minutes (Councilmembers Johnson and Nagengast abstained).
• Item 12L: Approved a one-year agreement with HDL Companies for business license and transient occupancy tax administration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• RJ Jennings expressed continued support for the 555 Kelly Avenue affordable housing project, recalling the community's response to the 2023 mass shooting and urging the council to honor commitments to farm workers.
• Joaquin Jimenez congratulated outgoing Mayor Brownstone and urged the council to let city staff do their work, emphasizing the need for 555 Kelly Avenue and more housing.
• Anita Reese (Pacifica Resource Center) provided an update on unhoused outreach services, reporting 39 unhoused individuals in five encampments, and invited volunteers for the January 29, 2026 homeless count.
• Patty Ramirez congratulated the new mayor and vice mayor and voiced support for 555 Kelly Avenue.
• Rocío Ayala (speaking in Spanish) welcomed the new mayor and vice mayor, called for advancing affordable housing for low-income and farm workers, and requested a meeting with the new mayor to discuss plans.
• Carolina Carvajal (speaking in Spanish) echoed support for 555 Kelly Avenue, stressed the need for dignified housing, and urged the council not to wait for another tragedy to act.

Discussion Items

• State of the City Address (Mayor Brownstone): A pre-recorded video highlighted accomplishments in 2025, including the renovation of John L. Carter Park, completion of Stone Pine Cove affordable housing, progress on 555 Kelly Avenue, commercial vitality ordinance, and strong partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and Library. The Chamber and Library provided brief reports on their activities.
• Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor: Following public comment, Vice Mayor Debbie Ruddick was nominated and unanimously elected as mayor for 2026. Councilmember Deborah Penrose was nominated and unanimously elected as vice mayor. Outgoing Mayor Brownstone received commendations from Supervisor Ray Mueller and council members.
• Measure D Allocation (Item 14A): Staff presented the annual allocation calculation, recommending 70 residential dwelling unit allocations for 2026 (47 downtown, 23 outside downtown). Mayor Ruddick requested a joint workshop with the Planning Commission to educate the public on Measure D. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
• East Side Parallel Trail Grant (Item 14B): Staff reported on the long-delayed Segment 4 trail project, which requires a pedestrian bridge over Roosevelt watercourse. A $200,000 grant from CCAG (Transportation Fund for Clean Air) was approved, along with $20,000 in local match. Councilmember Johnson raised concerns about maintenance of existing trails.
• Classification and Compensation Changes (Item 14C): The council approved creating a standalone City Clerk classification (replacing the combined Communications Director/City Clerk role) and a new Chief Building Official position. Both changes are expected to yield net savings and improve customer service.
• City Manager Contract Amendment (Item 14D): The council approved the third amendment to City Manager Matthew Chittister's employment agreement, removing the fixed end date and adding a separation option with six months' notice and no severance. No changes to salary or benefits.
• Recreation Commission Update: Mayor Ruddick reported on the commission's year-end meeting, highlighting successful programs (line dancing, yoga, inclusive Zumba) and the Carter Park reopening.

Key Outcomes

• Mayor and Vice Mayor Elected: Debbie Ruddick was elected mayor and Deborah Penrose vice mayor for 2026, both by unanimous vote.
• Measure D Allocation Approved: 70 residential dwelling unit allocations for 2026 (47 downtown, 23 outside downtown). A joint workshop with the Planning Commission on Measure D will be scheduled.
• Trail Grant Approved: Authorized acceptance of $200,000 from CCAG and $20,000 local match for the East Side Parallel Trail Segment 4.
• Staffing Changes Approved: Created City Clerk and Chief Building Official classifications; reclassified the Communications Director/City Clerk position to City Clerk.
• City Manager Contract Amended: Removed the May 19, 2026 end date and added a six-month notice termination option without severance.
• Future Agenda Items: Councilmember Johnson flagged the need for future discussion on e-bike regulations and drone/airspace issues related to Half Moon Bay Airport. Mayor Ruddick requested a presentation from Midpen on the Yep property project.