Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting Summary – March 4, 2026

The Half Moon Bay City Council met on March 4, 2026, for a regular meeting. Key topics included the mid-year budget review, community services financial assistance, homeless services and an encampment ordinance, and updates to the Brown Act. The council approved the consent calendar (minus item 8D), adopted a resolution amending the FY2025-26 budget, and directed staff to restore $63,000 in funding to partially supported nonprofits. Public comment addressed rent stabilization, a second pool, concerns about automated license plate readers, and other community issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 8a (waive reading of resolutions), 8b (treasurer's report), 8c (financial report), 8e (minutes of Feb 17 special meeting), and 8f (minutes of Feb 17 regular meeting). Item 8D (authorization to transfer Stone Pine Cove grant funds) was continued to a future meeting at staff's request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marjorie Ruiz (PG&E government affairs representative) expressed commitment to reliability work discussed in January and offered to meet with council members.
• Willa Chapman (35-year resident) urged the council to maintain or correct the rent stabilization ordinance, arguing that the threatened landlord exodus never materialized and that eliminating protections would harm working-class residents. She also warned that referring renters to nonprofits could expose them to dangers under the current federal administration and suggested the city investigate algorithmic rent-setting tools.
• Joaquin Jimenez expressed frustration with council comments on rent control, stating that money should not drive democracy and that the community needs rent control to keep working families in Half Moon Bay.
• Rocio Avila (speaking in Spanish and English) urged the council to reject option three (eliminating rent control) and to maintain protections. She noted the average rent in Half Moon Bay exceeds $4,000 and argued that essential workers rely on these protections.
• Ray Mueller (Sam Mateo County supervisor) asked the council to endorse a second community pool, noting that the county helped fund the library and would be proactive in finding money for a pool if the council supported it.
• Paul Grigoriev raised concerns about the Flock license plate reader system, citing recent cancellations by Mountain View and Santa Clara County, a California Attorney General lawsuit against El Cajon, and a class action suit. He requested the city staff and attorney review the contract and agendize the item.
• Sid Young (MWSD director, speaking as an individual) urged waiting for data on Flock’s effectiveness and encouraged support for the Pelagic Restaurant Group at the harbor.
• Chrislin (online) invited the community to a grand opening of Visit California’s new office on April 2.

Discussion Items

Mid-Year Operating Budget Review and Budget Amendment (Item 10E)

Finance staff presented the mid-year review. Key points:

• Revenues: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) performed better than budgeted, with a revised estimate of $9.9 million (up $1.2M). Property taxes were revised upward by $600,000 due to timing of vehicle license fee payments. Sales tax (including Measure R) was on track, with a small upward adjustment of $75,000. Overall net revenue adjustment: +$1.5 million.
• Expenditures: No true expenditure adjustments were recommended; only accounting cleanup ($7,000) to close a bond fund.
• Reserves: The city recommends fully funding reserves to 50% of operating expenditures ($12.1 million), leaving $1.6 million in unassigned fund balance. The reserve policy is higher than the standard 16% due to revenue volatility.
• Five-year forecast: The projected deficit for the next fiscal year has been reduced from $4.5 million (June 2024) to $1.8 million, reflecting actions taken.

Council members praised staff for fiscal progress. The resolution to amend the FY2025-26 budget was adopted unanimously (5-0).

Community Services Financial Assistance Program Mid-Year Update (Item 10B)

Staff reported on the nine nonprofits funded under the program. Challenges included federal funding cuts and immigration stress. Successes included collaboration among nonprofits and the establishment of the Alcove mental health program for youth. The council discussed restoring $63,000 to partially funded organizations (those not at 100% of their original allocation) to bring them to full funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. Council directed staff to bring a resolution to the March 17 meeting for this restoration. The council also discussed the program’s future, including continuing the two-year cycle and the subcommittee process, and advocated for the county to adequately fund mental health services locally.

Homeless Services Update and Encampment Ordinance (Item 10C)

Staff provided an update on homeless services, including partnerships, encampment cleanups (8 in 2025, removing 10,000+ pounds of trash), and the operation of Coast House shelter (54 adults, 10 children). The council reviewed the county’s Hopeful Horizons ordinance, which establishes a 72-hour process for clearing encampments when shelter is available. Public feedback from a preliminary survey emphasized housing affordability, more training for outreach teams, and exploration of a safe parking program. Council members expressed support for an ordinance but noted the need to address local conditions (e.g., sensitive habitats, private property). The item was for discussion only; further direction will be considered at the March 14 priority-setting session. Council also noted the importance of fencing along Pillar Citos Creek and a potential regional approach.

SB 707 Brown Act Amendments (Item 10D)

Staff presented changes to the Brown Act effective July 1, 2026, including requirements for remote public participation (two-way audio/video or telephonic), real-time captioning, translation of agendas into Spanish, enhanced meeting webpages, and a disruption policy. Officials participating remotely under just cause circumstances must appear on video. The council was informed of upcoming staffing and technology needs. No action was taken; staff will continue implementation.

Commission and Committee Updates

• The Recreation Commission met with the school district superintendent to discuss pool collaboration and set priorities for the year.
• The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) will meet on March 5 to discuss e-bike regulations.

Council Reports

• Councilmember Johnson reported on a new sign on Highway 92 drawing attention to downtown, which received positive feedback from merchants.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (minus item 8D) unanimously.
• Resolution amending FY2025-26 budget adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Direction given to staff to bring a resolution at the March 17 meeting to restore $63,000 in funding to partially supported nonprofits under the Community Services Financial Assistance Program.
• No formal action on the homeless encampment ordinance; discussion will continue at the March 14 priority-setting session.
• No action on SB 707 Brown Act changes; staff will prepare for implementation by July 1, 2026.