Pacific Grove City Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2025

This was a regular meeting of the Pacific Grove City Council covering staff and council announcements, general public comment, action on an appeal of a coastal development permit, a first reading of an amendment to the cannabis licensing ordinance, and adoption of updated fire hazard severity zone maps. Several community members spoke on a variety of topics, and all agenda items were approved as recommended.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting agenda and consent calendar were approved unanimously on a voice vote with no discussion.

Staff & Council Announcements

• Harbor Seal Pupping: The harbor seal pupping season concluded; over 70 seal births were observed at and around Hopkins Beach, the highest count in five years. Temporary fencing has been removed; quiet police signs remain year-round.
• Summer Reading Program: The library reminded residents that summer reading is underway with programs for all ages. Events run through July.
• Recreation Update: Recreation Manager Katie reported that 273 campers were served in the first week of summer camps, and 276 in the second week. Staff training included CPR, first aid, and other certifications.
• PGPD 2024 Report: Police Chief Dave announced the completion and publication of the PGPD 2024 end-of-year report, available on the department website. The report will be presented to council on July 16.
• Fire Services JPA Study: A possible joint powers authority for fire services among Carmel, Monterey, and Pacific Grove (replacing the current contract model) was mentioned. A study may be brought to council in coming months.
• Council Announcements: Councilmembers praised the Chalk the Block event; a summer heat warning was noted for inland areas; an anniversary greeting was offered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment:
  • Representatives of the Pacific Grove Art Center spoke about judging Chalk the Block and invited the community to the Art Center's 56th birthday celebration on July 4.
  • Kim Bowie, President of the PG Public Library Friends and Foundation, highlighted the library's 50th anniversary and pledged continued support amid challenging times.
  • Jameson, a board member at the Art Center, shared how the center provided him a creative home after he had to leave Pacific Grove.
  • Karen Owen, President of the PG Art Center, described recent board improvements and efforts to attract younger members.
  • Robin Eshlemann complained about a denied tree removal permit for a non-native Eugenia tree and the unpermitted topping of a redwood tree on the right-of-way by PGE and Public Works, asking what steps to take next.
  • Former Mayor Bill Peake spoke in opposition to a petition that would stop a council pay raise (from $410/month to $966/month), noting no medical benefits are included and that it is the first raise in 26 years.
  • Online caller Adam DeBore asked for clarification on whether the raise includes a 5% annual escalation and whether health benefits were included. City Attorney responded that neither a 5% annual increase nor medical benefits are in the ordinance.
  • Several online speakers debated the pay raise referendum, including claims of disinformation and a statement that sufficient signatures have been collected.
• Public Comment on Item 11A (Coastal Development Permit Appeal):
  • Appellants Lisa and Tony Ciani spoke against the trail realignment, calling for a comprehensive plan and citing safety concerns for pedestrians, lack of traffic engineering, and lack of specific construction protections.
  • Sandra Dormer called the project a "band-aid" and criticized piecemeal planning.
  • Anthony Tershill of Surfrider Foundation supported the project as an example of managed retreat.
  • Layla Sandell, a nearby resident, expressed worry about ongoing erosion and supported a larger plan.
• Public Comment on Item 11B (Cannabis Licensing Ordinance):
  • Sandra Dormer expressed distrust in the consulting firm HDL but had no major problem with the ordinance itself.
  • Mike Gibbs opposed the dispensary, citing concerns about youth access, cannabis-induced psychosis, and a financial analysis showing costs exceed revenue.
  • A caller (Elohim) opposed the dispensary, citing Narcan kiosks in neighboring cities and risks to youth.
  • Melissa White, a dispensary owner, supported the ordinance, noting tested products and potential for additional state funding.
  • Sarah Epperson called in support, stating the voters decided.

Discussion Items

• Item 11A – Appeal of Coastal Development Permit (Trail Realignment at Ocean View Boulevard):
  • Staff presented the proposal to realign a 100-foot segment of the shoreline recreation trail inland to address erosion and safety. The project would occur within the existing right-of-way and follow the Black Oyster Catcher Protection Protocol. Staff recommended denying the appeal and approving the permit.
  • The appellants argued for a comprehensive plan for three failing trail sections, noted safety issues from the "bulb-out" into the street, and complained about lack of specific engineering detail in the plan.
  • Council discussion focused on immediate safety needs, the temporary nature of the fix, and ongoing planning for coastal adaptation. Councilmember Garfield noted the current hazard from the narrow trail and the need for continuous accessible path. Councilmember McDonnell asked about costs of a larger plan and was told it would cause significant delay. The public works director stated that a traffic engineer was involved and that all permit conditions would be enforced.
  • Motion to deny the appeal and approve the coastal development permit with findings and conditions passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Bernard abstained).
• Item 11B – First Reading of Amendment to Cannabis Licensing Ordinance:
  • Staff outlined the three-phase process: a 30-day application window, a lottery of eligible applicants after review by contractor HDL, and then a conditional use permit process. Minor amendments include shortening the application period from 60 to 30 days, requiring a specific site location, and establishing a lottery. Fees will be brought forward at the next meeting.
  • Council discussion: Several members emphasized that voters approved cannabis twice, and that the process has been slow. Concerns about youth were countered by noting regulated dispensaries provide tested products. Some members asked about revenue projections, noting the conservative $50,000 estimate may be exceeded.
  • Councilmember Garfield suggested adding a reference to the city's smoking ordinance, but the city attorney recommended addressing that comprehensively in the future. The motion to introduce the ordinance and adopt the application procedures passed 6-0.
• Item 11C – Adoption of 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps:
  • Staff and Division Chief Cooper of Monterey Fire presented the updated CAL FIRE maps. The very high hazard zone increases from 82 acres to 167 acres, plus additional high and moderate zones. Annual defensible space inspections will begin in the very high zone, and new state requirements (like zone zero) will have a three-year phase-in.
  • Councilmember Emilio expressed concerns about trees on public and Pebble Beach property, asking about enforcement for non-city parcels. Division Chief explained coordination with CAL FIRE and Pebble Beach for vegetation management, emphasizing it's not about cutting all trees but about ladder fuels.
  • Councilmember Garfield asked about integrating new standards into city codes, and was told the building and fire code updates will address these.
  • Motion to adopt the ordinance and related actions passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Item 11A (Coastal Development Permit): The council denied the appeal and approved the CDP for the trail realignment, with conditions, by a vote of 6-0-1 (Bernard abstaining). Work is expected to begin as soon as a contractor is selected.
• Item 11B (Cannabis Licensing Ordinance): The council held the first reading and introduced the amended ordinance (including waiving further reading) and adopted the application procedures and guidelines, voting 6-0. The second reading and fee resolution will be on the July 16 agenda; the application period is tentatively set to open August 5 and close September 4.
• Item 11C (Fire Hazard Severity Zones): The council adopted the new fire hazard severity zone maps and approved the accompanying ordinance changes, voting 7-0. Defensible space inspections will proceed in newly designated zones.
• Closed Session: The council adjourned to closed session to discuss labor negotiations with the city manager. No reportable action from earlier closed session.