Monterey City Council Meeting - August 4, 2026

The Monterey City Council met on August 4, 2026, in afternoon and evening sessions. The meeting included recognition of a DLI service member, a zoning amendment to establish minimum density standards in multifamily overlay districts, a contentious public hearing on the Madison-Herman-Larkin intersection safety improvement project that resulted in the project being halted, and an update on the draft economic development strategy engagement plan.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (items 2–5), including the appointment of agency negotiators for a property easement with California American Water Company for a portion of land north of 731 Dry Creek Road. Item 4 was pulled for separate discussion and vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment on DLI Awards: Nina Beattie, a Monterey resident, spoke against the Defense Language Institute's mission, stating she does not consent to language and culture being used as weapons of war, and referenced the 1953 CIA-backed coup in Iran.
• Public Comment on Consent Agenda (Item 4): Nina Beattie requested that the city include a provision in the Cal Am easement agreement to prohibit installation of cellular antennas on the property. A representative from Cal Am responded that they are in the water business and have no intention of placing telecommunications towers.
• Public Comment on Minimum Density Ordinance (Item 6): Nina Beattie asked for clarification on whether the minimum density is 20 or 60 units per acre and raised concerns about traffic impacts on Highway 68.
• Public Comment on Madison-Herman-Larkin Project (Item 7): Nineteen people spoke in the chamber, with three additional callers on Zoom. The overwhelming majority expressed opposition to the project. Key points included the need for a data-driven process, lack of input from Monterey High School parents and staff, gridlock concerns, and alternative solutions such as school-operated drop-off zones. A few speakers supported the project, noting the need to address safety conflicts. The school district's absence was noted by multiple speakers.
• Public Comment on Economic Development Strategy (Item 10): Three callers spoke. Tom Reeves highlighted healthcare as a major economic driver and the importance of retaining retirees. Esther emphasized affordability, housing, and better attention to North Fremont and Laguna Grande Park. Nina Beattie urged the city to address hard realities first, such as high hotel rates and downtown vacancy, and to partner with permaculture and affordable housing efforts.

Discussion Items

• DLI Quarterly Joint Service Award: The council recognized Private First Class Grant Kazi of the U.S. Army. Kazi gave brief remarks in Arabic and English. The mayor expressed pride in recognizing service members and the DLI's role in building international partnerships.
• Ordinance to Establish Minimum Density in Multifamily Overlay (Item 6): Staff presented the proposed amendment, required by HCD after a corrective action letter. The ordinance sets a minimum density of 20 dwelling units per acre (60 max) in the multifamily overlay zones. Councilmember Smith expressed frustration that state law does not account for water credit constraints that could prevent development. The council adopted the first reading unanimously.
• Madison-Herman-Larkin Intersection Safety Improvement Project (Item 7): Staff presented the Quick Build project, which aimed to improve safety with a traffic circle and decorative features. After a June 26 direction to gather community feedback, a July 9 meeting saw 45 attendees, with the majority opposed. Staff reported that $29,000 had been spent on design and 40–60 staff hours. Council debated the project's necessity, collision data (2012–2021: 8 collisions per MPD, 4 injury collisions per TIMS; 2022–2026: 4 total collisions per MPD, 0 injury per TIMS), and the lack of school engagement. A motion to approve the plans failed 2–3 (Garcia and Williamson yes; Smith, Barber, Rash no). A subsequent motion to reject all bids and the grant, and to direct the city manager to continue collaboration with MPUSD and the community for alternative solutions, passed 3–2 (Smith, Barber, Rash yes; Garcia and Williamson no).
• Economic Development Strategy Update (Item 10): City Manager Dante Hall and Assistant City Manager Nat presented the draft stakeholder engagement plan, including industry clusters, business association, and resident meetings over four months. Council questioned hotel tax data, the role of nonprofits, and the timing of hiring an economic development manager. The council provided feedback and received the update; no formal vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (items 2–5) with item 4 considered separately and approved.
• The council unanimously approved first reading of the ordinance establishing minimum density standards in the multifamily residential overlay district (Item 6).
• The council rejected the Madison-Herman-Larkin intersection safety improvement project, voted to reject all bids and the grant, and directed the city manager to work with MPUSD and the community on alternative solutions (3–2).
• The council received the update on the economic development strategy engagement plan, with direction to include nonprofits in outreach and to update data for the final plan.
• The council met in closed session on labor negotiations (Monterey Police Association) and real property negotiations (Cal Am easement); the labor item received unanimous direction to negotiators, and the Cal Am item was tabled to a date uncertain.