Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026

The Half Moon Bay City Council held a regular meeting on June 2, 2026, covering a wide range of items including the graduation of the Future Leaders Civics Academy, student leadership awards, an update on the Stone Pine Cove affordable housing project, adoption of a fiscal sustainability plan, approval of a rental assistance program and a tenant legal services agreement, and a ballot measure to amend the Measure D growth management map. The meeting also included public comment on traffic safety on Wave Avenue and on the 555 Kelly referendum.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: 9a (waive reading of ordinances), 9b (treasurer's report), 9c-9d (minutes of May 19 meetings), 9e (display of LGBTQ flag for Pride Month), 9f (resolution calling for November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election), 9g-9h (acceptance of auditors' reports for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25), 9i (final acceptance of John L. Carter Park Improvements), 9j (amendment to agreement with Mason Associates for auditing services).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Wave Avenue traffic concerns: Residents Lisa Kramer, Kevin Dixon, and Tom Roman requested a formal traffic study and installation of asphalt speed bumps on Wave Avenue due to increased speed and volume. They expressed frustration that prior data collection methods (radar speed detectors) were inadequate and that promised actions (road markings, traffic calming policy) had not been completed. They asked the council to refer the issue to a future agenda.
• Vaquero Days promotion: Joaquin Jimenez announced the annual Vaquero Days event on August 15-16, 2026, expecting families from across California, and encouraged council and public support.
• 555 Kelly referendum: Harvey Robach urged the public not to sign a referendum petition to nullify the ordinance approving the 555 Kelly affordable senior farm worker housing project, stating that the signature gatherers are disingenuous and that the referendum would kill the project.
• CSFA program support: Three speakers (Spandan Chakrabarty of Sonrisas Dental Health, Judith Guerrero of Coastside Hope, and Sandy Winton of Senior Coastsiders) urged the council to fund the Community Services Financial Assistance Program at the full $300,000 level, citing increased need due to rising costs and federal cuts.
• Tenant legal services: A representative of Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLESPA) expressed gratitude for the proposed $40,000 agreement, noting that demand for legal help has surged and that assistance has already prevented evictions and unlawful rent increases.

Discussion Items

• Stone Pine Cove Housing Update: Ray Hodges (County Housing) and Helen Tong Ishikawa presented the final stages of the 46-unit affordable homeownership project for low-income farm workers. Of 315 applicants, 40 of 46 homes have been sold (90% occupancy), with six remaining. Challenges included limited unit types (only two-bedrooms left) and some applicants walking away due to rent concerns or community rules. Council members praised the project and requested a future debriefing after full occupancy.
• AB 2561 Compliance – Vacancy Report: Interim Administrative Services Director Kenneth South reported a citywide vacancy rate of 20%, with 10 interim positions. The report was received as part of a public hearing with no public comment.
• FY 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule: A 1.7% CPI adjustment to most fees was adopted unanimously after a public hearing with no comments.
• Measure D Ballot Measure (downtown map amendment): Assistant Planner Ruby Zalduando presented a proposal to replace the existing Measure D downtown area map with the town center map from the 2020 Local Coastal Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission did not approve the measure but sent a summary of discussion. Council debated arguments in support and decided not to draft a council-sponsored argument, instead leaving it to public groups. Councilmember Nagengast recused himself. The resolution placing the measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot was adopted 4-0.
• FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget: Kenneth South presented a budget with total revenues of $24.2M and expenditures of $25.7M, creating a deficit of approximately $1.5M to be covered by unassigned fund balance. Reserves are projected to be fully funded at $12.5M. A three-phase Fiscal Sustainability Plan was also presented. The council adopted the plan and directed staff to return with a final budget for adoption on June 16, 2026.
• Community Services Financial Assistance Program (CSFA): Julisa Acosta presented two funding options ($300,000 or $250,000) for nine safety-net nonprofits. Council chose Option A ($300,000) with an amendment: reduce cohort support from $30,000 to $25,000 and increase Coastside Adult Day Health Center from $20,000 to $25,000. The motion carried unanimously.
• Rental Assistance Program: Irma Acosta proposed a $120,000 one-year program administered by Coastside Hope, providing short-term financial assistance (rent, utilities, security deposits) to households at or below 60% AMI. Funds would be paid to landlords/providers. Council adopted the resolution unanimously.
• Tenant Legal Services Agreement with CLESPA: Irma Acosta presented a $40,000 one-year agreement for legal consultations, tenant education workshops, and advocacy. Council adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously.
• Measure D Ballot Measure – Resolution adopted (4-0, with Councilmember Nagengast recused) to place a measure on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot asking voters to redefine the Measure D downtown area as the town center map from the Local Coastal Land Use Plan.
• Fiscal Sustainability Plan – Adopted unanimously; staff directed to return final FY 2026-27 budget on June 16, 2026.
• Community Services Financial Assistance Program – Approved at $300,000 with adjustments: cohort support reduced to $25,000 and Coastside Adult Day Health Center increased to $25,000. City manager authorized to execute grant agreements.
• Rental Assistance Program – Approved at $120,000 for one year, administered by Coastside Hope, funded from the Affordable Housing Fund.
• Tenant Legal Services Agreement – Approved at $40,000 for one year with CLESPA.
• Future Agenda Items – Councilmember Johnson requested an item on traffic calming for Wave Avenue, Kelly Avenue, and Merrimonts Point Road. The wayfinding kiosk at MacDutra Park was noted as part of upcoming council priority discussions.