Monterey City Council Meeting Summary – June 2, 2026

The Monterey City Council met on June 2, 2026, at approximately 5:08 PM to discuss a variety of items including a Pride Month proclamation, public comments on budget cuts and permit fees, consent agenda items, a public hearing on sewer service charges, an update on air quality concerns in the Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood, and a council member’s request to reconsider the city’s crosswalk policy and a patriotic crosswalk for the 250th anniversary.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 2–6 and 10–12 unanimously (motion by Councilmember Garcia, second by Vice Mayor Smith). Items 7, 8, and 9 were pulled for separate discussion.
• Item 6 (restriction of auto storage on Garden Road) was approved as part of the consent calendar; a public commenter later expressed concern about the timing of this restriction given air quality studies.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Downtown Security (Budget Cut Concern):
  • Abdallah Menis (owner, Manaseri Crape and Nacho Business) urged the council not to remove the downtown security ambassador, citing daily issues with transients, safety for customers and family, and the need to maintain a safe environment for business investment.
  • Tom Barrera (Easy Drains Plumbing) objected to proposed permit fee increases effective July 1, 2026, calling a 500% increase (from ~$700 to ~$2,600 for two permits) “price gouging” that would be passed on to homeowners.
• Landline Service Threat:
  • Nina Beattie (landline advocate) warned that AT&T is seeking to discontinue copper landlines and lifeline service, and urged the city to oppose these efforts. She noted comments are due June 22, 2026.
• Downtown Security:
  • Sabrina Hilton (Executive Director, Old Monterey Business Association) advocated for funding the downtown security ambassador ($80,000/year) stating it provides seven-day/week coverage, helps with transient populations, and reduces calls to police. She warned cutting it would increase police costs.
• City/Seaside Border:
  • Esther (president, Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande neighborhood) requested that the city formally address the border with Seaside along Laguna Grande Park, citing safety hazards and financial inequities. She noted this request has been made for over a decade without being agendized.
• Air Quality (Item 15):
  • Colin Gallagher questioned the value of the air quality study, stating the city lacks authority over airport emissions.
  • Chelsea (Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood) thanked the council for elevating the issue, noting that community efforts are key to getting proper channels to listen.
  • Richard Rosello (president, Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association) reported widespread concern about black soot and jet fuel odors, and asked for a definitive answer on whether the air is safe.
  • Esther also noted underground plume contamination that needs follow-up.
• Patriotic Crosswalk (Item 16):
  • Speakers supported and opposed the idea. Some urged clear policy before considering any design; others suggested temporary banners or revenue generation.
  • Rick Hoyer and Luis Sorrio asked for a well-defined policy, including who pays for maintenance and how locations are chosen.

Discussion Items

• Item 7 – Gann Limit Appropriation: Finance Director Rafila King explained the annual calculation: appropriation limit is $183 million for FY2026-27 based on $100 million in tax revenue. Council voted to approve.
• Item 8 – Investment Policy: King noted minor changes: commercial paper term limit increased from 270 to 397 days per state law, and sunset for 40% allocation extended to January 1, 2031. Council voted to approve. Bank partner is Wells Fargo with four years remaining on contract.
• Item 9 – Sea Level Rise Grant Application: Staff requested authorization to apply to California Ocean Protection Council for SB1 sea level rise adaptation grant (phase 2 of planning). Council questioned timing and boundaries; staff clarified the background report had a minor disclaimer error that would be corrected. Approved unanimously.
• Item 13 – Sewer Service Charges Public Hearing: Staff reported that four written protests were received, far below the 50% threshold for a majority protest. Council adopted the resolution authorizing collection of sewer charges on property tax rolls for FY2026-27 (third year of a five-year increase).
• Item 14 – Business Improvement District Assessments: Council continued this item to June 16, 2026, to allow more time.
• Item 15 – Casanova Oak Knoll Air Quality Update: Assistant City Manager Nat presented an update: county Environmental Health Bureau conducted a field observation (May 28) and confirmed black soot on stone walls, observed aircraft activity, but no major odors at the time. The bureau cannot conduct an independent air study but will refer the case to state/federal agencies (ATSDR or CDPH). Airport district noted they cannot regulate aircraft emissions under federal law. Council directed staff to request a formal written response from the airport district. No vote needed; report received.
• Item 16 – Vice Mayor Smith’s Request for Patriotic Crosswalk and Policy Review: Vice Mayor Smith proposed agendizing a discussion for June 16 regarding a red, white, and blue patriotic crosswalk for the 250th anniversary, and separately revising the city’s crosswalk policy. Staff noted insufficient time to prepare a policy review by June 16 but could handle a single request. Council voted 2-2 (Barber no, Rash yes, Garcia no, Smith yes) — under the city’s governance policy, two votes are sufficient to agendize an item. The patriotic crosswalk request will be agendized for June 16, 2026; the broader policy review will be placed on a future agenda by staff.

Key Outcomes

• Pride Month Proclamation: Issued for June 2026.
• Consent Items (except 7,8,9): Approved.
• Item 7 (Gann Limit): Approved (unanimous).
• Item 8 (Investment Policy): Approved (unanimous).
• Item 9 (Sea Level Rise Grant): Approved (unanimous).
• Item 13 (Sewer Charges): Resolution adopted; no majority protest.
• Item 14 (BID Assessments): Continued to June 16, 2026.
• Item 15 (Air Quality): Report received; staff directed to request written response from airport district and to follow up on neighborhood concerns.
• Item 16 (Crosswalk): Patriotic crosswalk request to be agendized for June 16, 2026; policy review to be scheduled later.
• Closed Session: Announced items: real property negotiation for 9 Wharf 2 (sandbar and grill) and legal counsel exposure to litigation regarding contract dispute.
• Next Meeting: June 16, 2026, will include continuation of Item 14 and new discussion on patriotic crosswalk.