Monterey City Council Meeting - March 18, 2025

The Monterey City Council held a regular meeting on March 18, 2025, addressing a wide range of topics including employee milestone anniversaries, a presentation on unfunded pension liabilities, a second reading of a camping ordinance, proposed amendments to the rental inventory program, a public engagement approach for Lower Presidio Historic Park, and a pathway for utility undergrounding. The meeting included public comments on multiple items, council deliberations, and several votes.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with the exception of Item 6, which was pulled for discussion. Item 6, regarding council member travel to a sister city (Dubrovnik, Croatia), was tabled after a motion passed 4-1, with council members expressing that city funds should not be used for such travel and that a formal policy should be developed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sister City Travel (Item 6): Multiple residents spoke against using taxpayer money for the trip, citing the city's $200 million unfunded pension liability and urging private funding. Some noted past practices where travel was privately financed. One resident questioned the timing of the item on the consent agenda.
• Camping Ordinance (Item 13): Speakers addressed the 30-day warning provision, with one resident urging a shorter period and another expressing concern about enforcement on Navy property. Another resident asked that an area near Ramona and Roberts be included. A caller urged compassion and provision of shelters.
• Rental Inventory Program (Item 16): Several landlords opposed the expansion of the registry, citing costs, privacy concerns, and the risk of driving small owners out of the market. A tenant advocate supported the registry as necessary for data collection and protection. Some asked for a family exemption and for the program to be decommissioned.
• Lower Presidio (Item 17): A representative from the Old Monterey Foundation supported public engagement and suggested involving neighborhood associations and seeking Congressman Panetta's help. Another resident recommended reaching out to the Big Sur Land Trust.
• Undergrounding (Item 18): Supporters emphasized the need for a project manager to utilize $4.7 million in Rule 20A credits for North Fremont before expiration. Some residents urged caution on costs and suggested starting with a feasibility study and community survey.

Discussion Items

• Employee Milestone Anniversaries and Retirements: The council recognized several employees for 20 to 30 years of service, with presentations from department heads. Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers.
• Pension Obligation Strategies: Actuary Drew Ballard presented the city's unfunded pension liability (about $200 million) and forecasted contribution requirements. Options included using a Section 115 pension trust or making additional discretionary payments to CalPERS. Public comment was received; one speaker advocated paying down the liability directly. Council discussed the flexibility of the trust and potential for additional payments.
• Second Reading – Camping Ordinance (Chapter 23 amendments): The ordinance prohibits camping in high/very high fire hazard zones, within 1,000 feet of schools, and in recreation areas. Staff confirmed that the updated CalFire maps will be incorporated via the general plan update. Council discussed jurisdiction, private schools, and Navy property. Public comment was mixed. The ordinance was adopted.
• First Reading – Rental Inventory Program Amendments: Staff proposed requiring all rental property owners to register (removing the exemption for owners of 3 or fewer units) but exempting them from fees, and eliminating the 50% fee passthrough to tenants. Public comment was extensive. Councilmember Smith moved to decommission the rental registry; the motion failed (2-3). Councilmember Garcia then moved to approve the amendments as recommended; the motion passed (3-2). The item will go to a second reading.
• Public Engagement Approach for Lower Presidio: Staff presented a roadmap for community engagement, including surveys, workshops, and commission presentations, with a report back to council in 2026. Council discussed options such as a national monument designation and collaboration with the Army. The motion to approve the approach passed unanimously.
• Pathway for Undergrounding Implementation: Staff recommended hiring a senior project manager to advance undergrounding, starting with the North Fremont corridor to utilize $4.7 million in Rule 20A credits. Council debated between hiring a full-time employee or a consultant. A substitute motion to hire a contract consultant to focus on North Fremont passed 4-1. The city manager will proceed with the contract approach.

Key Outcomes

• Sister City Travel (Item 6): Tabled by a 4-1 vote to await a formal council travel policy.
• Camping Ordinance (Item 13): Adopted on second reading (voice vote, unanimous).
• Rental Inventory Program Amendments (Item 16): First reading approved 3-2. A motion to decommission the program failed 2-3. The ordinance will return for a second reading.
• Lower Presidio Engagement (Item 17): Motion to approve the public engagement approach passed unanimously.
• Undergrounding Implementation (Item 18): Motion to hire a contract consultant to focus on North Fremont passed 4-1. Staff will bring recommendations for a project manager or consultant approach in the budget.
• Pension Obligation Strategies: No formal vote; the presentation was received as information. Council directed staff to continue exploring options and bring recommendations during budget discussions.
• Consent Calendar: Approved with item 6 pulled and tabled.