Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Half Moon Bay City Council met on June 16, 2026, to adopt the FY 2026-27 operating and capital budget, receive a proposal for a sister city partnership with Nazaré, Portugal, and hear a presentation on a proposed 52-unit affordable housing project at 940 Main Street. The council also approved several consent calendar items, a policy on remote meeting disruptions, and an easement agreement related to the wastewater treatment plant. Public comment included concerns about housing affordability periods, allegations of election law violations during a referendum effort, and support for the sister city and housing projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 9A through 9F, 9H, 9I, and 9J, with item 9G (COPS grant) pulled for separate discussion and later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nancy Fontana requested a general discussion about affordable housing, noting that affordability restrictions can expire after 15 years and expressing shock about the potential for rents to rise to market rates.
• Harvey Warback (supporter of 555 Kelly project) accused signature gatherers for a referendum on the project of violating state election laws, deceiving the public, and intimidating supporters. He claimed the petition form initially covered up the actual ordinance and referenced an investigation into their tactics.
• Joaquin Jimenez promoted Vaquero Days (August 15–16), a celebration of equestrian heritage.
• Hale Bagner (representing Let Half Moon Bay Voters Decide) responded that 1,085 signatures had been turned in for verification, defended the referendum effort, and asserted that signing a petition is private and not a public record. He stated the goal is to let voters decide.
• Several speakers supported the sister city proposal, including Naomi Patridge (former councilmember), Nancy Fontana, Carrie Burke, Jason Stark (big wave surfer), and others who highlighted the cultural and economic benefits.
• During the housing item, numerous residents voiced concerns about density (52 units on a narrow dead-end street), parking (64 spaces for about 52 units, with spillover from nearby senior center and school), safety (children walking to Seacrest School, seniors crossing Main Street), three-story height, and lack of access via Poplar Street. Others expressed support, noting the need for affordable housing for teachers, farm workers, and service employees. Planning commissioner Rick Hernandez urged compliance with objective design standards.

Discussion Items

• Sister City Exploration with Nazaré, Portugal: Jonathan and Fernando Oliveira presented a proposal for a formal sister city partnership, highlighting shared coastal identity, big-wave surfing (Mavericks and Nazaré), Portuguese heritage, and economic opportunities. They proposed a compass rose installation at Main and Correa streets. Council members expressed strong support and directed staff to bring back a resolution and MOU.
• FY 2026-27 Operating and Capital Budget: Finance Director Ken presented the budget with revenues of $24 million (down 5%) and expenditures of $25 million (up 1.5%), resulting in a $1.5 million deficit. Reserves are fully funded at $12 million. The deficit is mitigated by using prior year salary savings. The council adopted the budget unanimously after discussion about reserve funds and vehicle license fee litigation.
• Affordable Housing Project (940 Main Street): Midpen Housing presented a 52-unit 100% affordable project for low- and very low-income households, including 13 units for farm workers. The project would be processed under SB 35 (streamlined ministerial review). The council heard public comments and asked clarifying questions about design standards, parking, emergency access, and resident preferences. No decision was made; the item was informational.
• SB 707 Disruption Policy: The council adopted a policy for handling remote meeting disruptions, requiring a recess of at least one hour to restore access before reconvening if feasible.
• Easement Agreement (SAM Plant): The council approved extending the easement for the wastewater treatment plant indefinitely, retroactive to 2022, with termination conditions.
• City Council Priorities FY 2026-28: City Manager Chittister presented a draft priorities list. Council members discussed adding a coastal trail repair in Ocean Colony and elevating a healthcare district study as top priorities. Staff will return with a detailed work plan in July.
• COPS Grant (Item 9G): Councilmember Nagengast clarified that the ALPR pilot program contract ends in October and that the council will discuss continuation in September before using grant funds for it. The resolution accepting the $100,000 grant was approved.

Key Outcomes

• FY 2026-27 Budget: Adopted unanimously (5-0) after establishing GANN appropriation limit and approving investment policy.
• Sister City Partnership: Council directed staff to draft a resolution and MOU to formalize the relationship with Nazaré, Portugal. No vote taken; consensus to proceed.
• Housing Project (940 Main): No action taken; council received information and will continue to work with Midpen Housing and the community.
• SB 707 Policy: Adopted unanimously (5-0) to address remote meeting disruptions.
• SAM Easement (11D): Approved unanimously (5-0) to extend the easement indefinitely.
• COPS Grant (9G): Approved unanimously (5-0) with understanding that ALPR funding will be discussed in September.
• Future Agenda Item: Councilmember Nagengast requested adding a sidewalk improvement at Frenchman's Creek exit (estimated cost $30,000–35,000) to a future meeting; seconded and placed on future agenda.
• Item 11C (drainage easement): Continued to a future meeting for further negotiation with SAM.