Monterey NCIP Committee Meeting – July 30, 2026

The Monterey Neighborhood Capital Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee met on July 30, 2026, at 6:03 PM. The meeting included public comments, approval of minutes, consideration of additional funding for eight CIP projects, approval of three project close-outs, and discussion of a joint meeting with the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shark Carter (Monte Vista area resident) described a long-standing drainage problem on Sierra Vista Drive due to missing culverts on the uphill side. He asked how to obtain NCIP funding for a culvert from one main drain to the next.
• Unnamed speaker (Franklin Street resident) raised safety concerns about speeding bicyclists and vehicles coming down Franklin Street from DLI, particularly at the intersection with High Street, and requested cautionary signs.
• Esther (online) provided an update on the Laguna Grande Park workout equipment project, noting that a location change was needed to avoid tree removal and that an amendment would be resubmitted with installation costs included. She asked for clarification on project status given the budget crisis.

Discussion Items

Approval of Minutes – The committee voted to approve the minutes from January 28, 2026, and June 10, 2026. Several members abstained due to absence at those meetings. The motion passed.

Additional Funding for CIP Projects (Item 4) – Staff presented eight projects requiring additional appropriations. The committee discussed each project, noting that some increases reflected scope creep (e.g., Fairgrounds Road lighting, Moonrest Avenue curb ramp) while others were due to cost increases. Public comment included support from the Monterey Fire Department for the Hilltop swing space project and opposition from a neighborhood representative to the Fairgrounds lighting project. The committee voted on each project individually:

1. American Legion to Harrison Street stairs – Additional $100,000. Passed (with some opposition).
2. Casanova Oakno Park improvements – Additional $20,000 for a food prep table with umbrella. Passed (3 no votes).
3. Fairgrounds Road/Airport Road lighting – Additional $432,000. Failed unanimously.
4. Bruce Arias Way lighting upgrades – Additional $71,000. Passed (8 yes votes).
5. Moonrest Avenue/Via Arbolus curb ramp – Additional $76,000. Failed (many no votes due to private property concerns).
6. Fire Station 12 swing space at Hilltop Park – Additional $100,000. Passed unanimously.
7. Solicito Ball Field lighting – Additional $50,000. Passed unanimously.
8. Del Monte Beach boardwalk cable replacement – Additional $2,840.89. Passed unanimously.

After the votes, the committee approved a motion to bring the two failed projects (Fairgrounds lighting and Moonrest curb ramp) back at the next meeting for a vote to defund and close them out.

Project Close-Outs (Item 5) – Staff recommended closing three projects: Del Robus Avenue Solar Street Lights (property owners declined), 57 Millway Circle sidewalk infill (completed by others), and a bike rack at Beachway parking lot (no suitable location). The committee voted unanimously to close all three projects and return the remaining funds to the NCIP fund.

Joint Meeting with City Council (Item 6) – The committee had an open discussion about the scheduled joint meeting on August 4, 2026. Many members expressed that past joint meetings were unproductive and hostile, and that the current council’s comments showed a lack of collaboration. Several members suggested postponing the meeting until after the November election to allow for potential council changes and better preparation. A motion to postpone the joint meeting to a date to be determined later passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of January 28 and June 10, 2026.
• Approved additional funding for six CIP projects: American Legion stairs, Casanova Oakno park improvements, Bruce Arias Way lighting, Fire Station 12 swing space, Solicito Ball Field lights, and Del Monte Beach boardwalk cables.
• Denied additional funding for Fairgrounds Road lighting and Moonrest Avenue curb ramp; these projects will be considered for defunding at the next meeting.
• Closed three projects (Del Robus solar lights, Millway sidewalk, Beachway bike rack) and returned funds to the NCIP fund.
• Postponed the joint City Council/NCIP meeting to a later date (to be determined).
• Next regular meeting scheduled for September 2, 2026.