Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting - April 7, 2026
Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting - April 7, 2026
The Half Moon Bay City Council met on April 7, 2026, to discuss proclamations, commission reports, a hotel business improvement district annual report, National Night Out planning, a vehicle purchase, and a planning code update. Key actions included approving the BID annual report and assessment continuation, providing direction on National Night Out, deferring an electric vehicle purchase, and awarding a contract for the implementation plan update.
Consent Calendar
- Unanimously approved items 8A-8F: waiving reading of ordinances, approving minutes from March 10, 14, 17, and 18, 2026 meetings, and awarding a professional services agreement with Gainey Science for an initial study at 1049 Railroad Avenue (not to exceed $46,014).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Joaquin Jimenez (candidate for County Supervisor District 3) spoke about the importance of farming and ranching on the coastside. He expressed support for reopening a slaughterhouse and establishing a local dairy farm, and highlighted his organization Rancho San Benito (76 acres in Half Moon Bay) that aims to train new farmers. He urged the council to protect open spaces for agriculture.
- Mariana Stark (principal of MStart Gallery, 727 Main Street) noted that the Downtown Association (a 501c3 representing primarily Heritage District businesses) has discontinued monthly merchant meetings that previously allowed non-Heritage District merchants to engage with city staff and elected officials. She requested the city create a new forum—such as a regular newsletter, quarterly meeting, or official committee—for all downtown merchants to provide input early in the planning process. She also mentioned that a Business Improvement District could be an option.
Discussion Items
- City Manager Updates & Commission Reports
- Parks and Recreation Commission (March 25): Discussed high school pool project letter of support, Poplar Beach volleyball courts, FIFA World Cup planning, and priorities for 2026. Next meeting April 22 at 6 p.m.
- Planning Commission (March 10 and 24): Submitted annual progress report to state; allocated six Measure D allocations (in addition to 17 approved by council) and recommended shortening the allocation-to-transfer period to 30-60 days; reviewed a self-storage facility at 215 San Mateo Road (68 units, landscaping, retaining walls, bio-swale) proposed by the Cardoni family, who will keep existing tenant Curly and Reds; upcoming agenda includes a Verizon tower extension and a Coastside Land Trust presentation on coastal prairie restoration.
- Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) (March 5): Discussed e-bike and e-moto safety forum, finalized draft amendment to Municode Section 103140 (to be brought to council after legal review), recommended trail signage (speed limits, informational), and appointed youth member Angela Garnier. Next meeting May 7 at 6 p.m., focused on South Corridor study with focus groups May 6-8. Staff also presented a grant opportunity (C/CAG TDA Article 3) with two paths: $750,000 capital for coastal trail overlay (Seymour Bridge to Maraudha Beach) and $200,000 planning for bike-ped master plan update. State parks has offered $35,000 toward the 10% match. Applications due April 16.
- Student Awards: Reminder that applications for high school and 8th grade sustainability awards are due April 30.
- Hotel Business Improvement District (BID) 2025 Annual Report (Item 10A)
- Irma (city staff) and Krista Lynn (Chamber CEO) presented. The BID uses a $2 per room per night assessment to fund marketing. 2025 highlights: combined part-time PR and group sales roles into a full-time coordinator (saving $20,000), increased Half Moon Bay occupancy to 60% (up 6%), unincorporated areas 64% (down 3%), hosted 17 media and influencers from Italy/Korea, published 85 quality articles, launched TikTok/BlueSky/Threads, and began implementing a five-year strategic plan by Noble Studios. A fam trip for meeting planners is planned for May 2026. Council requested copies of the annual report and strategic plan. Motion to accept report, adopt resolution of intention to continue assessment for FY 2026-27, and set public hearing for April 21, 2026. Approved unanimously (5-0).
- National Night Out Update (Item 10B)
- City Manager Matthew Chittister and Recreation Manager Eddie presented. National Night Out is August 4, 2026. The city provides $150 gift cards for registered block parties (20-30 annually, total $3,000-$6,000). Council discussed: whether to limit number of parties (decided not to cap now), whether to include Moonridge (city funds spent outside city limits—Councilmember Johnson opposed, Vice Mayor Penrose supported inclusion; no final vote, staff to continue with existing practice? The direction was not clear; staff will bring back later), and gift card usage (Council debated restricting use for alcohol/drugs vs. affirmative guidelines; consensus to use positive language directing funds toward supplies without prohibitions). Staff will proceed with planning and report back in August.
- Purchase of New All-Electric Vehicle (Item 10C)
- Interim Public Works Director Todd Seely proposed replacing a 2010 pool vehicle (33,500 miles, multiple issues) with a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (extended range, 318 miles per charge) for $41,697.04 from Hyundai of San Bruno. Benefits: zero emissions, cost savings, meeting CARB mandates. Council expressed concerns about budget deficit and requested more education on EV life cycles and state requirements. Motion to defer to next fiscal year was implicitly agreed upon; staff will return with additional information and possibly other vehicle requests. The item was deferred without a formal vote.
- Professional Services Agreement for Implementation Plan Update (Item 10D)
- Community Development Director Leslie Lako presented a contract with Miller Planning Associates to update the Local Coastal Program implementation plan and associated zoning code sections. Total cost $769,586, with $500,000 from a Coastal Commission grant and $269,586 from city funds. Completion by December 31, 2027. Discussion included the role of AI (Martha Miller of Miller Planning stated AI is used for summarizing input but not for writing code) and legal oversight. Motion to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement passed unanimously (5-0).
Key Outcomes
- Consent calendar approved unanimously.
- Hotel BID annual report accepted, resolution of intention adopted, public hearing set for April 21, 2026 (5-0).
- National Night Out: Council provided direction to continue program with affirmative gift card guidance; Moonridge inclusion to be further discussed.
- EV purchase deferred to next fiscal year; staff to provide additional information.
- Professional services agreement with Miller Planning Associates approved (5-0).
- Student award applications reminder (due April 30).
- Councilmember Nagengast reported on League of Cities e-bike legislation discussion; will provide update when e-bike ordinance comes to council.
Meeting Transcript
Twenty six City Council meeting. As a reminder, if you're joining this meeting via Zoom, you can still make public comment. During any public comment portions, attendees may use the raise your hand feature, and will be called upon and unmuted when it's their turn to speak. If you're joining by phone, use Pound Nine. Councilmember Brownstone. Here. Councilmember Nagginast? Here. Councilmember Johnson? Here. Vice Mayor Penrose. Here. We have a quorum. I would also like to ask for a motion to approve the agenda. So mood. Second. All in favor. Aye. Aye. Now we have two proclamations. And allegiance. I was gonna skip it. That's your prerogative. That's right. All right, two proclamations. Two proclamations, and our city manager, Matthew Tittister will be presenting those. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Very exciting to present these proclamations tonight. Our first proclamation is to recognize a really, really, I think important program here in the state of California. It's called Friday Night Live. And I'm just going to read a few key portions of the proclamation so people understand what this is about. So whereas the Friday Night Live program, which was established in 1984 as the model program for the state of California in engaging young people as active leaders in their communities to reduce underage alcohol use and address other challenges faced by their peers by building partnerships for positive youth development. And the Friday Night Live program engages youth partners from grade four through high school and beyond, ensuring that they benefit from the continued growth and enhancement of this youth-led youth-driven program and the unique opportunities it provides. Now therefore, be it known that the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay does hereby recognize that the month of April 2026 be recognized as California Friday Night Live month and applauds Friday Night Live youth leaders and their adult allies who are committed to improving the quality of life for present and future generations. And I think they've got uh few words they want to share. So please awesome. Thank you. Good evening, Council members, council staff, and community members. My name is Ollali Quenka Kang, Bay Area Director of Programs at Youth Leadership Institute. It is my privilege to speak to you today on behalf of Half Moon Bay leaders about the city's proclamation of April as Friday Night Live Month. As a city manager mentioned, each year Friday Night Live Month serves as a statewide opportunity to elevate youth voices, highlight the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, and celebrate the powerful work of young people across communities and in California. More than a celebration, it is a coordinated effort to raise the profile of Friday Night Live, spotlight youth leadership, share accomplishments, and strengthen the partnerships that make our schools and communities safer. This year, youth leaders are tackling vaping. They have research and identify the harms and risks of vaping and their impact it has on their bodies, their mental health, and the environment. Part of their public health advocacy has included developing youth-centered public service announcements, classroom presentations at the Half Moon Bay High School, as well as developing a first of its kind healthy alternatives pledge that encourages youth to engage in activities that bring them joy to support their overall well-being, such as singing, dancing, playing cards, sports, creating art, and so much more. Our youth leaders thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to working with any member of the city council as well as any city department to further our advocacy efforts. Thank you. Thank you. Does anyone in the public have anything that they'd like to comment on or say? No, okay.
openpublica.com