Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting - February 5, 2026

The Museums and Cultural Arts Commission met on February 5, 2026, with six commissioners present (five in person, one remote) and a quorum. The meeting covered upcoming exhibits at Colton Hall, a detailed activity report including visitor statistics and project updates, and an accessibility plan for the Pacific Biological Laboratories (Ed Ricketts Lab). No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• No consent items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Colton Hall Art Exhibits (Staff Report): Brian presented plans for future exhibits at Colton Hall, including displays on Monterey Fire Department and Police Department history, as well as rotating art shows (e.g., plain air group, youth arts collective). He proposed assigning a commissioner to work offline on the timeline and proposals. Commissioner Rukowski suggested tying in the history of the Monterey jail and public schools. Commissioner Evans inquired about display methods; Brian described using an expandable art display and existing locking cases for artifacts. The commission expressed general support for proceeding.
• Activity Report: Brian highlighted the recent Canary Row Days program, a wet salvage training course attended by staff, and visitor statistics: open studios drew 214 visitors on the first weekend and 238 on the second; Christmas at the Adobes (December 12–13) had 900 visitors. Pacific Biological Laboratories had 15 visitors (one private tour in December). Presidio Monterey Museum is open weekends. Mobile tour usage totaled 2,787 website/phone tours and 260 phone callers. Discussion included potential collaboration with other historic sites and marketing. Brian also reported on the Monterey mural at the Conference Center: four lower tiles detached and were temporarily braced; an engineer will investigate the cause. The Anza mural has been installed in the city manager's garden. Angel storage racks were donated and installed. NCIP project updates were provided: the Colton Hall drainage project ($350,000) ranked 4th; lower priority projects included the Lower Presidio Slope Monument Restoration ($150,000), Via del Monte Casa Verde underpass hardscape ($548,238 including sidewalk work), Shoreline Park Fish Hopper Restoration ($60,000), and Lower Presidio Walkway Phase 2 ($78,000). The Canary Row worker houses restoration is out for bids.
• Update on Pacific Biological Laboratories: Brian reported that the accessibility concept plan will be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission on February 12. The plan uses the non-historic rear entrance with a lift, stairs, and an accessible restroom under the stairs. ARG’s cost estimate is over $2 million. Commissioner Evans questioned whether off-site alternatives (iPad tour, using hotel restrooms) would suffice and expressed concerns about cost and impact. Commissioner Rukowski supported using the rear deck and stairs, which are not historic. Brian clarified that the lift would allow wheelchair access to the lower level and rear patio; doorways can be widened as they are not original. Ramp was considered but rejected due to steep slope. The lift would be similar to the one at Colton Hall, used for special events.

Key Outcomes

• The commission agreed to proceed with the Colton Hall exhibits plan; staff will bring back a formal proposal at a future meeting.
• The activity report was received and discussed; no formal action was taken.
• The Pacific Biological Laboratories accessibility plan will go to the Historic Preservation Commission on February 12, 2026; commissioners were invited to attend.
• Chair Kimzi announced that the next Colton Hall concert is on February 14 (Valentine's Day) and is sold out (65 seats). She also suggested meeting monthly through May to address the busy agenda; no formal motion was made.