Monterey Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting - December 4, 2025

The Monterey Museums and Cultural Arts Commission convened on December 4, 2025, to address critical updates regarding the Lower Presidio Historic Park, the Colton Hall concert series, proposed fee schedule changes for museum services, and capital improvement projects funded by the Neighborhood Community Improvement Program (NCIP). The meeting focused heavily on the feasibility and historical preservation guidelines surrounding the Lighthouse Curve retaining wall and ADA compliance for the Pacific Biological Laboratories.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the previous meeting as submitted without changes.
• New commissioners acknowledged and abstained from the consent vote as required.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Representative from the Old Monterey Foundation: Expressed strong support for retaining consistent public access to the Lower Presidio Historic Park and highlighted the organization's contributions to improvements such as ADA walkways and benches. Stated that the Old Monterey Foundation represents the community's desire to keep the park open and accessible.
• Commissioner Evans: Expressed significant concern that a proposed 20-25 foot retaining wall at Lighthouse Curve represents a solution "much worse than the problem" due to its scale and conflict with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for historic sites. Argued that extensive excavation required for such a wall could disturb archaeologically sensitive Indigenous remains and questioned the Army's initial pressure to proceed.
• Commissioner Tokowski: Supported the view that the proposed wall is infeasible and advocated for exploring less invasive alternatives, such as sprayed soil (gunite) or natural netting and landscaping, to manage erosion without compromising the historic character of the site.
• Commissioner Caldy: Expressed full support for generating revenue to offset costs but noted that proposed fees must account for wear and tear on historic floors and building structures, not just staff time. Emphasized the need to ensure fees are competitive with other municipalities and parks.

Discussion Items

• Lower Presidio Historic Park & Lighthouse Curve: Staff presented the history of the site as an Indigenous location, Mexican-era fort, and U.S. Army garrison. The Commission discussed a potential 20-25 foot retaining wall requested by the Army to stop soil sloughing on the hillside. Commissioners debated the high cost (estimated at $1.5 million to $5 million), the archaeological sensitivity of the site, and the appropriateness of the design under Secretary of the Interior standards. The staff and Commissioners explored alternative solutions like gopher management, natural landscaping, and a special resource study for National Park Service designation. Commissioner Turgeon volunteered to act as a liaison to attend future public workshops on behalf of the Commission.
• Colton Hall Concert Series: Staff reported high attendance (over 60 people per session) despite limited seating. The series, shifted from evening to 4:00 PM to accommodate staff availability, was unanimously supported by Commissioners. Staff recommended continuing the 4:00 PM Saturday sessions through the spring. The Commission discussed rebranding the series without "Candlelight" in the title.
• Master Fee Schedule Revisions: Staff proposed updates to the fee schedule for private tours, commercial filming, and special events to better recoup staff time and facility wear. Current fees ($60 for small tours, $50/hour for filming) were deemed by some commissioners to be too low to cover fully encumbered staff costs and maintenance. The Commission discussed creating tiered fees for private events (including weddings and ghost hunts) and potentially offering reduced rates for 501(c)(3) educational groups. The goal was to move toward a comprehensive fee schedule that reflects market rates for historic venues.
• NCIP Projects Update: Staff reviewed several upcoming projects including Hartnell Creek Park Enhancements (Indigenous narrative space), Lighthouse Curve road improvements (removing sidewalk to install wall), Hilltop Park mural expansion, Colton Hall drainage improvements, and the Native American art installation. Commissioners noted that voting on projects is scheduled for December 17, with recommendations to Council in April.
• Pacific Biological Laboratories (Ricketts Lab) ADA Access: Staff presented a 2019 accessibility study and a 2025 update recommending a modified rear entrance with a platform lift and outdoor restroom to avoid invasive interior modifications. The estimated cost of the full study recommendations is ~$1.8–$2.2 million, while the Western Flyer Foundation has offered ~$260,000 for initial staging. Commissioners raised concerns about the high costs, liability issues, the building's vulnerability to sea-level rise, and the risk of creating an incomplete ADA solution (e.g., accessible entry but non-compliant interior doorways). Virtual Reality tours were suggested as an immediate alternative for accessibility.

Key Outcomes

• Liaison Appointment: Commissioner Turgeon agreed to serve as the Commission's liaison for the upcoming public workshop regarding the Lower Presidio Historic Park.
• Concert Series Continuation: The Commission endorsed the continuation of the Colton Hall concert series at 4:00 PM on Saturdays through the spring.
• NCIP Participation: Staff will attend the NCIP voting session on December 17 to observe and prepare for future recommendations.
• Pacific Biological Lab Strategy: The Commission agreed to support a phased approach to ADA compliance, prioritizing the adoption of the 2025 accessibility study (focusing on exterior/minimal impact solutions) and seeking to partner with the Western Flyer Foundation to utilize their grant for initial staging, while avoiding invasive interior renovation.
• Fee Schedule Development: The Commission directed staff to research comparative fees and prepare a comprehensive fee schedule proposal for future Council review that addresses staff costs, facility maintenance, and potential educational discounts.

Next Meeting: February 5, 2026.