Monterey City Council Meeting April 1, 2025

The Monterey City Council met on April 1, 2025, in afternoon and evening sessions to receive presentations on pension management, the public safety facility feasibility study, police annual reports, and other items. The council approved consent items, an urgency ordinance on firearms retail, fee schedule updates, and military equipment renewals, while also discussing long-term financial planning and facility needs.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda (Items 5-7): Approved with exceptions. Item 5 (Rental Registry) passed 3-2 (Councilmembers Rash and Smith voting no); Councilmember Smith noted a separate no vote. Item 7 (Midpen housing project) approved after discussion on environmental clearance and potential federal voucher challenges.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Whale Fest Recognition: Speakers supported the event and urged volunteering. Others raised environmental concerns about the bay, including high-decibel sonar surveys and tree planting needs.
• Pension Management: Public comments addressed overtime pension impacts, CalPERS investment risks, and confusion around the pension system.
• Consent Agenda / Rental Registry: Multiple speakers opposed the rental registry, arguing it burdens small landlords, fails to address housing supply, and creates government overreach. Concerns included lack of proper noticing and fear of future fee increases.
• Forest Management (Item 6): One speaker opposed further funding, alleging harm to wildlife and fire safety risks, and called for independent expert review.
• Firearms Urgency Ordinance (Item 8): A gun store owner opposed the extension, stating the city should be more business-friendly and that state law already covers insurance requirements.
• Fee Schedule Update (Item 9): A property owner opposed the new zoning clearance permit fee until the ordinance is formally discussed, arguing it gives staff too much authority over principal permitted uses.
• Public Safety Facility (Item 11): Speakers supported a new facility, highlighted the need to prioritize public safety over road projects, and raised concerns about bond costs and tax burdens. One suggested creative funding and tent structures.
• Police Annual Report (Item 12): Multiple speakers thanked Chief Hobert for his service and praised the department's outreach and professionalism.
• ALPR Report (Item 13): Speakers generally supported the system's effectiveness, though one voiced privacy concerns. The public noted the system's success in catching criminals.
• Military Equipment Report (Item 14): One speaker opposed the acquisition of additional drones, citing militarization concerns and suggesting resource sharing.

Discussion Items

• Item 1: Whale Fest 15th Anniversary Recognition: Mayor read a proclamation; public comments noted the event's importance and environmental issues.
• Item 2: Pension Management Strategy: Consultants from Weiss Law and CalMuni presented options including a 115 trust, fresh start programs, and long-term financial planning. Council discussed funding reserves, the 115 trust investment strategy, and the need for proactive management.
• Item 6: Forest Management Fund Allocation: Council approved an $800,000 appropriation from NCIP ending balance for fuel reduction projects, despite public opposition.
• Item 8: Firearms Urgency Ordinance Extension: Council extended the temporary prohibition on new firearms retailers for 10 months and 15 days to allow development of a permanent ordinance.
• Item 9: Master Fee Schedule Update: Council approved fee adjustments across departments, including removal of library late fines, following public comments about zoning clearance permit concerns.
• Item 11: Public Safety Facility Feasibility Study: Core Design Group presented options (Option 1 with below-grade parking ~$108M; Option 2 ~$92M). Council discussed consolidation of city offices, site alternatives, and funding challenges. Staff directed to return with additional options (including renovation, off-site locations, and second-floor expansion).
• Item 12: Police Department Annual Report: Chief Hobert reported on 2024 activities: 45,000 calls, 1,000 arrests, 193 DUI arrests, 30 use-of-force incidents, and staffing challenges due to vacancies. Council praised the department's work, especially outreach programs.
• Item 13: ALPR Annual Report: Chief Hobert reported 12,500 vehicles/day captured, 366 searches/month, and successes in criminal investigations. Policy updates included tightening documentation requirements. Council supported the system and requested future transparency on camera locations.
• Item 14: Military Equipment Use and Renewal: Council approved renewal of the ordinance and authorized acquisition of a command vehicle, 8 patrol rifles, and 4 drones, after reviewing annual usage statistics and holding a public town hall.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Items 5-7 passed with Item 5 passing 3-2 (Rash/Smith opposed).
• Item 6 Passed 5-0: $800,000 allocated for forest management.
• Item 8 Passed 5-0: Urgency ordinance extended.
• Item 9 Passed 5-0: Fee schedule updated.
• Item 14 Passed 5-0: Military equipment ordinance renewed and acquisitions authorized.
• Directives for Staff: For the public safety facility, staff will explore additional options (renovation, off-site, second-floor expansion) and return with detailed analysis; a broader infrastructure funding discussion is scheduled for May 6. For ALPR, staff will provide camera location details and district breakdowns.