Monterey City Council Meeting

The Monterey City Council convened on August 19, 2025, for a meeting dominated by debates over implementing state housing laws and prioritizing neighborhood improvement projects. Key agenda items included the second reading of an ordinance to comply with Senate Bill 9 (SB9) for residential densification and a joint session with the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) to address project backlogs and community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 and 7 were pulled for discussion; all other consent calendar items passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Judy, a Monterey citizen and event worker, expressed support for Car Week but requested resources for trailer parking and improved safety measures.
• Uva Groebecker of New Monterey advocated for speed limits and clear separation on the bike trail between Sun Calus Beach and Wharf parking lots, citing safety hazards.
• Marsha Renzula, a Monterey resident, proposed updating the municipal code to prohibit roosters due to noise exceeding city limits and public health risks.
• Daniel Mandares, a local business owner, opposed a 98% reduction in street vendor space, arguing it was an unacceptable encroachment.
• Another resident supported prohibiting roosters, noting disruption from crowing.
• Jody Emerson, a low-income housing unit owner, requested incentives for decarbonizing homes by allowing cost additions to selling values.

Discussion Items

• SB9 Ordinance Implementation: Staff clarified that SB9 allows up to four units on a single lot, with an option for six units if affordability requirements are met and a lot split occurs. Council members debated compliance with state housing mandates, water availability, oversight of owner-occupancy rules, and neighborhood impacts. Public comments were largely in opposition, fearing increased density, traffic, and loss of R1 zoning character.
• Deputy City Attorney Position: Amendment to the position control list was briefly discussed and approved.
• Historic Preservation Rezoning: First reading of an ordinance to rezone 817 Martin Street for historic preservation and authorize a Mills Act contract was approved without significant debate.

Key Outcomes

• SB9 ordinance passed with a 3-2 vote, with Councilmembers Barber, Garcia, and Williamson in favor, and Councilmembers Rash and Smith opposed.
• Deputy city attorney position amendment passed unanimously.
• Historic preservation rezoning passed unanimously.
• Councilmember Garcia appointed as primary representative to the Access Media Productions board, with Councilmember Rash as alternate.

Joint Meeting on NCIP

• Discussed the backlog of 75 active NCIP projects and staffing challenges limiting completion. Staff highlighted a structural budget deficit affecting maintenance costs for new projects.
• NCIP committee members emphasized prioritizing public safety and health in project selection, with improved collaboration between staff and the committee.
• Debated defining maintenance and potentially amending the city charter to include maintenance funding in NCIP projects. Concerns were raised about community outreach and managing project lists to reduce backlogs.