Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Half Moon Bay City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Ted Adcock Community Center. The meeting included a proclamation, public forum, consent calendar, and several major discussion items including an additional budget allocation for the Main Street Bridge rehabilitation, a professional services agreement for Pilarcitos Creek floodplain modeling, and a report on the city's draft Artificial Intelligence Policy. All council members were present except Vice Mayor Penrose. The meeting adjourned after approximately three hours.
9F – Wavecrest Road Water Line Project Final Acceptance Public Works Director Dale Eita presented a new “project closeout report” including lessons learned, marking the first time the city has conducted such a self-assessment. Councilmember Nagengast and Jonsson praised the transparency and requested similar post-mortems for future projects. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
11A – Main Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project Additional Budget Allocation and Change Order Dale Eita and Todd Seely presented findings of concealed structural deterioration on the western pedestrian walkway (built in 1940). Key issues included rotted joists, corroded sill plates, and a steel gusset plate with 50–60% section loss. The existing supports cannot meet current building code (90 psf). Staff requested a $275,000 budget transfer (from Wavecrest Water Line Project) and authorization for Change Order No. 3 up to $250,000 with Farallon Company. Work includes replacing steel supports, joists, sill plates, and concrete sidewalk repairs, plus removing an abandoned water main. Estimated 8 weeks to complete. Council approved the resolution with added findings that the work was unforeseeable and integral to the original contract. Vote: 4-0.
11B – Pilarcitos Creek Floodplain Modeling Professional Services Agreement Staff recommended a $47,975 agreement with BKF Engineers to model floodplain as part of the Stormwater Master Plan Update, focusing on three areas: downtown reach from confluence to Church Street, Oak Avenue, and an expansion of previous modeling at Stone Pine Cove. During discussion, public speaker James Benjamin cautioned about BKF’s past performance on some projects (Beechwood, St. John’s subdivision). Councilmember Brownstone suggested adding analysis of the Menitas property (southeast corner of Hwy 1 and 92) for potential flood storage and trail connections. The motion was amended to increase the contract amount to $65,000 and include that property. Council also noted potential coordination with the Army Corps SAM plant study and with the Resource Conservation District (RCD). Approved 4-0.
11C – Draft Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Interim Administrative Services Director Ken Styles and IT expert Brian Lopez presented the draft policy, developed over nearly a year using the GovAI coalition template. Key features: AI systems are internally hosted, heavily siloed, and do not make decisions; all interactions are logged; access is restricted; cybersecurity audits are performed twice a year. The AI subcommittee has been testing tools for public records requests, plan review, and cybersecurity monitoring. Public speaker Evelyn D’Souza recommended adding: resident protections for high-impact use cases, a public AI tool inventory, periodic council reporting, separation of monitoring duties, bias/accuracy monitoring, staff training, and a redline of changes from the template. Council supported incorporating her suggestions and requested a revised policy return in 60–90 days. Council also asked for a tutorial/training for themselves, regular progress reports, and outreach to community experts. No formal vote taken; staff directed to return with updated policy.
Attendees may use the raise your hand feature and will be called upon and unmuted when it is their 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. On point language solutions is in the back left corner. If anyone needs assistance with interpretation services, on point will now provide information on how to receive those interpretation services if you are in need of them. Welcome, Victor. Thank you so much, Madam Mayor. Um good evening, esteemed council members. Um, Miss Rodriguez, all uh city staff, members of the public, Victor Hernandez, Spanish interpreters. Can I see us Victor? Uh, could I have a roll call, please? Councilmember Brownstone. Here. Councilmember Johnson. Here. Councilmember Nagingas. Here. Mayor Radic. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Vice Mayor Penrose will not be participating tonight. Thank you. I'll stand for a Pledge of Allegiance. I'd like to get a motion and second to approve the agenda for this evening. So vote. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. So our first order of business this evening is a proclamation for the United Against Hate Week. Tonight we recognized October 18 through the 24th as United Against Hate Week. We have Pastor Lisa Carey here to accept the proclamation and say a few words when I conclude. Hate incidents and hate crimes harm more than individual victims. They send a message of fear to entire communities. Hate often goes underreported, which means communities may not get the support or the resources they need. Encouraging reporting helps us respond effectively. Prejudice thrives in silence. Speaking up, showing up, and standing with neighbors is how communities push back. Schools, faith communities, businesses, nonprofits, and local government all play a role in building an inclusive community. We stand together today and every day for a community where everyone belongs. And so I'd like to present this proclamation