Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026: Referendum, Sewer Rates, and Contracts
Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026
The Half Moon Bay City Council held a regular meeting on July 21, 2026, addressing a variety of topics including recognition of youth sports teams and CERT graduates, a referendum petition on the 555 Kelly Avenue affordable housing project, approval of sewer service charges and a rate study, extension of the golf fee agreement, waterline project contract, median maintenance contract, and a new law enforcement services agreement with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. The meeting lasted into the evening.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of meetings on June 16, 2026 (special) and July 16, 2026 (regular).
- State and Federal Advocacy Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
- Amendment to cooperation agreement with San Mateo County for federal housing funding.
- Acceptance of warrants for June 2026.
- Potential acquisition of San Mateo County APN 056-126-040.
- Water service agreement with Coastside County Water District for Wave Crest Road Waterline Project.
- Authorization to apply for certificate of consent to self-insure workers' compensation.
- Proposed public works department classification changes.
- Item 9K (revisions to deadlines for arguments) was approved with Councilmember Nagengast abstaining.
Public Comments & Testimony
- David C., a coach, advocated for increased youth sports facilities and lighting at Cunha and Smith Fields, emphasizing the importance of keeping youth engaged to prevent poor decisions.
- Colette Seaton praised the Half Moon Bay Pirates baseball coaches for their character-building impact.
- A Zoom commenter raised concerns about the lack of an emergency evacuation center and hospital on the coastside, particularly after the tsunami warning.
- Joaquin Jimenez announced the upcoming Vaquero Days event (August 15-16, 2026) with trail rides, music, and food vendors.
- Fernando Oliveira, Jonathan Oliveira, John Mueller, and Kerry Burke spoke in strong support of the sister city MOU with Nazaré, Portugal, highlighting community momentum and a signed MOU from Nazaré.
- Joaquin Jimenez (on 555 Kelly) opposed the project, accusing it of racism, classism, and corruption.
- Carolina Carmahal (via translator) supported the project, arguing for dignified retirement for farm workers and noting that many impacted are ineligible to vote.
- Hale Bagner (on behalf of Let Half Moon Bay Voters Decide) supported placing the ordinance on the ballot and requested ballot language changes to improve accuracy.
- Rick Bonia supported the project, stating that many who would be impacted cannot vote and that the city should represent all residents.
- Jordan Grimes (Peninsula for Everyone) warned that if the housing element is not certified, the city could face builders' remedy projects, which could be worse than the proposed five-story building.
- Kelly Hollywood (Mercy Housing) urged the council to select option 1 (place on ballot) rather than repeal.
- Lily Ray (ALAS) urged keeping the project alive, noting the council's prior unanimous vote.
- Harvey Rebeck supported the project and promised a campaign to educate voters.
- Belinda Hernandez Arianga invited the community to dream of equity and love for senior farm workers.
- Eric DeBodey called the project a gift and urged the council to do the right thing.
- Nancy Fontana supported option 1 despite not favoring the project, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process.
- Mike Ferrara (online) supported putting the project on the ballot, citing that the original conforming project was replaced by a non-conforming one.
- On the sewer rate study, no public comments.
- Bruce Russell (Ocean Colony Partners) supported the golf fee extension, noting the golf course is for sale and urging expedited approval.
- Naomi Jenkins and RJ Jenkins (Parks and Rec commissioner) commented on the Wave Crest Waterline project, with RJ cautioning about low bids.
- Sid Young (online) suggested working with the Chamber of Commerce and nurseries to improve the northbound median.
- Nancy Fontana commented on the sheriff's agreement, noting a positive quiet presence and improved fireworks enforcement.
Discussion Items
- Sister City MOU with Nazaré, Portugal: The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city manager to enter into a memorandum of understanding. The MOU does not obligate financial resources. The community presented a new emblem and reported that Nazaré has already signed. The council praised the initiative.
- Referendum Petition on Ordinance 2026-01 (555 Kelly Avenue): City Clerk Maggie Rodriguez presented the timeline: the ordinance was approved May 5, 2026; a referendum petition was filed; 1,092 signatures were submitted, of which 843 were examined and 782 verified as valid (exceeding 10% of registered voters). The council had two options: submit to voters or repeal. After extensive public comment, the council voted 5-0 to submit the ordinance to the November 3, 2026 general municipal election. The ballot question was amended to include "at a rate of one dollar per year, which is customary" for the 99-year ground lease. Councilmembers expressed support for the democratic process and trust in voters.
- Sewer Service Charges and Assessments FY 2026-27: The city presented the annual sewer fee assessment, totaling $7.5 million in estimated revenue. Rates remain unchanged from 2025. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
- Sewer Rate Study and Prop 218/AB 2257 Procedures: Authorized a professional services agreement with Kersh & Associates (up to $30,000) for project management, release of an RFP for a sewer rate study, and establishment of rate-setting procedures under Proposition 218 and Assembly Bill 2257. Council approved unanimously.
- Golf Facilities Fee Agreement Amendment: The city negotiated an extension of the non-resident golf fee (6% currently) with Ocean Colony Partners. The new agreement extends the term to September 16, 2036, with a reduced fee: 5% in the first year and 4% thereafter. Estimated revenue: $560,000 in year 1 and $450,000 annually thereafter. Preferential resident rates were removed. Council approved unanimously (Councilmember Penrose recused due to employment with Ocean Colony Partners).
- Wave Crest Road Waterline Project Construction Contract: Awarded a $774,000 contract to Golden State Construction Utilities, Inc., with a 20% contingency ($154,800) for a total budget of $928,800. The project will replace a failing 2-inch water main with an 8-inch main, add fire hydrants, and set up future improvements at Smith Field. Work starts August 3, 2026, with completion by early October. Council approved unanimously.
- Median Landscape Maintenance Contract: Awarded a one-year contract to Brush Hog Tree Care, Inc. for $35,400, with four optional one-year extensions, for maintenance of medians along Highway 92 and Highway 1. Councilmembers discussed the need for improvements and irrigation repairs. Council approved 4-1 (Vice Mayor Penrose dissenting, citing desire for a larger scope).
- Law Enforcement Services Agreement with San Mateo County Sheriff's Office: Approved a new five-year consolidated agreement (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2030) and an amendment setting FY 2026-27 rates at $7.2 million (9% increase). The agreement removes some local special conditions, but the sheriff's office has committed to maintaining services through local collaboration. The council will receive quarterly updates and an annual report. Public comment praised the transition and improved fireworks enforcement. Council approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Sister City MOU with Nazaré, Portugal: Approved unanimously. Signing ceremony to be scheduled.
- 555 Kelly Avenue Referendum: Placed on November 3, 2026 ballot. Ballot language amended to include details of ground lease rent. City clerk authorized to make minor non-substantive edits.
- Sewer Fees: Approved for FY 2026-27 at existing rates; $7.5 million in revenue.
- Sewer Rate Study: Kersh & Associates hired for project management; RFP to be issued; rate-setting procedures adopted.
- Golf Fee Agreement: Extended to 2036 with reduced fee; estimated annual revenue $450,000-$560,000.
- Wave Crest Waterline: Contract awarded to Golden State Construction; work begins August 3, 2026; completion by October.
- Median Maintenance: Contract awarded to Brush Hog Tree Care; council directed staff to explore expanding scope to include irrigation repairs and possibly the northbound median.
- Sheriff's Contract: Five-year agreement approved; annual rate of $7.2 million for FY 2026-27; quarterly updates and annual report to council.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the regular Half Moon Bay City Council meeting for Tuesday, July 21st, 2026. As a reminder, if you were 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 is your turn to speak. If joining by phone, you star nine to raise your hand, star six to mute and unmute. We also have Spanish interpretation services available in person and via Zoom. Good evening, Victor. Thank you very much, Madam Mayor. Honorable Council members. This microphone is working very well tonight. And uh good evening, uh Mr. Chittister, uh, Miss Bazano, Miss Rodriguez, all city staff and members of the public, Victor Hernandez, Spanish Interpreter. Thank you, Victor. Um, could I please have a roll call? Councilmember Brownstone? Here. Councilmember Johnson. Here. Councilmember Nagangast. Here. Vice Mayor Penrose? Here. Mayor Ruddick. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. I'll rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. The next item is approval of the agenda. And we'll need a motion for that, but uh, I'd like to ask the maker of that motion to move item 11A in front of item 10A. So it would be the first item after the consent approval. And um we'll deal with the consent items when we get to it, but right now we need uh an motion to approve the agenda with that change. So moved. Second. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed. Uh motion carries. Okay. So we're gonna share some beautiful moments now. Uh we're gonna start by celebrating two local youth sports teams and recognize them for their great achievements, and these are great achievements. These teams consist of outgoing fifth and sixth graders across the coast side. And first, we're gonna recognize the Half Moon Bay Pirates, 11U baseball team. So, the Half Moon Bay Pirates hosted a Memorial Day baseball tournament at Smith Fields in Half Moon Bay, welcoming 36 teams from across the Bay Area, featuring players from the 8U to 12U divisions. Highlighting the weekend was an out of the park two run home run by Wyatt Mock and a standout pitching performance by Gavin Seva, both helping power the pirates to a championship finish. The team went on to play two more tournaments, winning another championship and coming in second place this past weekend in Lake Tahoe. They conclude their season with an impressive 12 3 record. Congratulations to our Half Moon Bay Pirates on this achievement, and now our city clerk will read the team names and then take a picture. Awesome. So when I say your name, just come up here to the front and we'll get a picture with City Council.
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