OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pacific Grove City Council Meeting – September 3, 2025: Street Improvements, AI Policy, Sculpture Donation, and More

City Council — Wednesday, September 3, 2025
BodyPacific Grove, California
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, September 3, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:15:13

Transcript — Verbatim
19:37

The council will not begin consideration of any item on the agenda later than 10 p.m.

19:44

unless there's consideration to it is approved.

20:00

You could just call the meeting to order and we'll get started.

20:02

Okay.

20:03

Thank you, Mr.

20:04

Clark.

20:05

Um I'll call the meeting to order.

20:08

Um we'll start off with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mayor Smith is not here, so Mayor Pro Tem, please stand.

20:17

I pledge allegiance.

20:35

Okay.

20:37

Let's see.

20:40

A motion to approve the agenda.

20:42

So moved.

20:43

Second.

20:44

Second.

20:45

Okay.

20:45

Thank you.

20:46

Um I'm going to be doing some presentations on you want to call the vote or just have the voice vote.

20:54

I mean a voice vote.

20:55

Yeah, voice vote.

20:57

All those in favor?

20:58

Aye.

21:00

Thank you.

21:01

No, none.

21:02

Thank you.

21:03

I'm going to go ahead and uh talk about the mayor's proclamation with Jacob's heart.

21:11

I think someone's here for Jacob's heart.

21:21

Maybe I'll do this.

21:22

There it is.

21:23

There we go.

21:23

It's working.

21:24

Good.

21:25

Um is someone here from Jacob's Heart.

21:30

Not yet.

21:31

Not yet.

21:32

Not yet.

21:33

Okay.

21:33

Do you want to do the others first?

21:35

Maybe I'll go ahead and do the others first.

21:46

I'll do the uh mayor's proclamation on the county of Monterey Board of Supervisors establishing the third Tuesday of September as the National Voter Registration Day, whereas the County of Monterey is committed to encouraging board voter registration access and citizen participation in elections among voting eligible citizens, and whereas the county of Monterey recognizes that many Americans are not able to vote because they miss a registration deadline, do not update their registration information, or are unfamiliar on how to register.

22:22

Whereas the County of Monterey recognizes the challenge that many Americans face in their everyday lives that may impede their abilities to register to vote, and whereas the County of Monterey recognizes the need for diverse partners such as nonprofits, libraries, businesses, college, and universities, and more to work in the communities they serve to register for citizens to the vote, whereas the need for reliable and trusted public information and education on voter registration is critical to Americans' active participation in elections and the integrity of the electoral processes.

23:04

Therefore, I says Nick Smith, but I am Mayor Pro Tem Joe Emilio of the City of Pacific Grove.

23:13

Do hereby declare that the third Tuesday of every September as National Voter Registration Day in commitment to joining national efforts to support voter registration and participation.

23:26

And I do want to recognize Sandra for doing so much on the voter registration.

23:34

Thank you.

23:37

And is there anybody here?

23:44

Okay.

23:46

This is the Hispanic Heritage Month, whereas each year the physical federal, state, and local governments observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th by recognizing and celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and Central America.

24:17

Whereas September 15th is designation is significant as a starting date for Latino Heritage Month because of its anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

24:34

In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16th and September 18th, respectively, and Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, which is October 12th, falls within the 38th period.

24:49

Whereas Hispanics and Latinos are the largest of the ethnic group in the state of California and at 18.5% of the United States population make up the largest ethnic or race minority group in America.

25:04

Whereas Hispanics, Latinos have and continue to serve as civil rights leaders, educators, public servants, business owners, activists, artists, colleagues, friends, and much more in our community and across the world.

25:22

The values, service to others, nonviolence, acceptance of all people, respect for life in the environment and celebrating community are also America's values, and whereas Hispanics and Latinos continue to nourish our nation's character, shape our common future, and affirm the narrative of the American unity and progress in whereas National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate Hispanic culture, honor the invaluable ways of Hispanic contribution to our common goals, and work together toward a stronger, more inclusive, more prosperous society for all.

26:00

Whereas the City of Pacific Grove Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force recommends proclamation of the Hispanic Heritage Month each year.

26:09

Now, therefore, I Joe Emilio, Mayor Pro TAM of Pacific Grove, do hereby proclaim September 15th, 2025 through October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month, and encourage all citizens to recognize the significance of Hispanic Heritage and history of our nation and city.

26:34

And we have someone from it doesn't appear so um Mayor Pratem, so I would just proceed with the meeting if you okay this is a proclamation honoring Jacob's Heart of a Children's Center Cancer Support Services and declaring September 25th as childhood cancer awareness month in the city of Pacific Row.

26:58

Whereas the character of our community is revealed in how we treat our most voice vulnerable in, whereas each year 19.2 in every 100,000 children in our community will be diagnosed with cancer.

27:15

And whereas cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children, more than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenial anomalies, and AIDS combined, and whereas Jacob's heart has been keeping medically fragile children and families housed, fed, and emotionally supported by steadfastly adhering to the following community commitments.

27:41

Parents of children with cancer and other serious illnesses will be relieved of financial fears and able to focus attention for in their children.

27:52

No child seriously ill, children will not experience food insecurity during and after the pandemic, and no child seriously ill in our child in our community will ever miss a medical appointment because of lack of transportation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Technology and Innovation███████████████████████23%
Arts And Culture████████████████16%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Public Safety███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Community Engagement███3%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Pacific Grove City Council Meeting – September 3, 2025

The City Council met at approximately 6:16 p.m. (noted by public comment) under Mayor Pro Tem Joe Emilio (Mayor Smith absent). The meeting covered proclamations, public comments on e-bike safety and the local newspaper, approval of a consent agenda, a street improvement project for Central/Grand/Fountain, a resolution correcting the referendum on council pay, a policy framework for artificial intelligence, a location decision for a donated monarch butterfly sculpture, appointment of voting delegates for the League of California Cities conference, and a presentation from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). Several votes were taken; the meeting concluded without a formal adjournment recorded.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (with Mayor absent) after a procedural correction to allow public comment on consent items. No items were pulled.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Susan Goldbeck (PG resident, former council member and newspaper owner) spoke about the Pacific Grove Beacon online newspaper, requesting community support and volunteers.
  • Jasmine Venegas (PG&E Government Relations) introduced herself as a point of contact for power outages and shared PG&E's wildfire mitigation updates: over 2,000 miles of power lines hardened, 960 miles undergrounded since 2021, and no major wildfires caused by their equipment in 2023–2025.
  • Rivka Revivo (resident) highlighted a public safety issue with e-bikes on the recreational trail, noting a July incident where a cyclist hit her. She urged monitoring and enforcement of speed limits.
  • Sharon Miller (League of Women Voters) thanked the council for the Voter Registration Day proclamation and announced registration events on September 16th.
  • Inga Lawrence noted the meeting started 16 minutes late and requested a news blast about the November 7th Chautauqua Hall historic designation meeting.
  • Anthony Ciani echoed e-bike concerns, especially on the rec trail and roads, noting groups of speeding e-bikes.
  • Lisa Ciani described dangerous behavior by e-bike riders at Berwick Park and urged enforcement, suggesting use of police on e-bikes.
  • Jane Haynes praised city staff (Sandra, Garrett McCown, Joyce Hallaby) for excellent service and a well-written agenda report.
  • Carol Marcourt (online) criticized spending time on DEI proclamations and advocated for 10 minutes on other groups; she also urged the council to address the Point Lobos Grill's financial challenges (closing in November due to $15,000/month city rent) and requested it be placed on the October agenda.

Discussion Items

11a – Central Grand and Fountain Avenue Street Improvement Project

  • Presenter: Dan Goh (Public Works). The project reconfigures confusing intersections near the new Kimpton Hotel, including a four‑way stop at Fountain, a bull‑out (sidewalk extension) at Grand and Central, new sidewalk, ADA ramps, and 26,000 sq ft of new roadway.
  • Funding: Total $657,634 (lowest bid, Monterey Peninsula Engineering). Sources: $315,811 from Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) via TAMC, $86,976 from the developer (per condition 11 of hotel permit), and $124,000 from Measure X street rehab funds (contingency and engineering).
  • Public comment: Inga Lawrence asked about the book drop and handicapped access; Lisa Ciani requested tribal monitoring (Ohlone/Essein) during excavation, as the area is archaeologically sensitive.
  • Council discussion: Members praised the project. Goh confirmed no underground utility work, but sub‑soil excavation for curbs would include tribal and archaeological monitors. Work to start Oct. 1 with 70 working days; minimal disruption to farmers market expected. Motion to approve the ordinance and authorize the agreement passed unanimously.

11b – Resolution on Referendum and Repeal of Ordinance 25-007 (Council Pay Increase)

  • Presenter: City Attorney Perry. Corrected a typo (stray "2") in Resolution 25-020 regarding sufficiency of signatures for the referendum on the council pay increase. Also introduced first reading of an ordinance repealing Ordinance 25-007 (which had increased council/mayor salaries) as directed at the Aug. 20 meeting. Future discussion on a 2026 ballot measure pending.
  • Public comment: None.
  • Council: Adopted the corrected resolution unanimously. Then passed the first reading of the repeal ordinance unanimously (Mayor absent).

12a – Artificial Intelligence Framework and Policy

  • Presenter: Councilmember Paduri. Explained AI types (predictive, generative, perceptive), risks (bias, data privacy, liability), and the need for a comprehensive citywide AI policy. Suggested six‑month timeline to develop policy using examples from other cities.
  • Public comment: Lisa Ciani asked about staff capacity and funding; Inga Lawrence voiced fear about AI and questioned whether containment is possible.
  • Council discussion: Members supported a policy but wanted to leverage existing resources (e.g., League of California Cities). Councilmember Drogos suggested including risk mitigation against material damages (e.g., financial system control). Councilmember Garfield emphasized enterprise‑wide training. Motion to direct city manager to develop a citywide AI framework/policy for council review passed unanimously.

Dancing Monarchs Art Donation – Location Selection

  • Presenter: George First (via Zoom). The Stewarts are donating a 12‑ft tall fused‑glass monarch sculpture by Peter Hazel. Staff presented several locations:
    • Museum of Natural History (high visibility, thematic tie, secure, but no coastal backdrop – donor’s preference)
    • Lovers Point circle (Chase Park East) (scenic backdrop, 360° view, but potential competition with views, vandalism risk; diameter ~20 ft suitable)
    • Planter box below Beach House (raised, high foot traffic, no view obstruction)
    • Other sites rejected (Perkins Park, City Hall Plaza, Lighthouse/Ardley).
  • Public comment: Speakers supported museum (Susan Goldbeck) or Lovers Point circle (Jan Stewart, donor; Sharon Miller; Lisa Ciani). Concerns about vandalism and headroom. Donor emphasized coastal backdrop and 360° visibility for photo opportunities.
  • Council discussion: Most members favored the Lovers Point circle, citing its iconic location, 360° view, ability to incorporate solar cameras and educational signage, and potential to draw visitors downtown. The location also requires a Coastal Development Permit. No formal vote; council provided direction to staff to proceed with the Lovers Point circle and address permitting, lighting, and security.

League of California Cities Conference – Voting Delegates

  • Presenter: Stephanie Ariola. The conference is Oct. 8–10 in Long Beach. Need to appoint voting delegates and alternates. Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Emilio, and Councilmember Paduri were nominated (Paduri as alternate). Approved unanimously.

14a – Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Presentation

  • Presenter: Sophia Schwartzki (Community Relations Manager). Shared 3CE’s clean energy achievements: serves 1.2 million people, 94% of eligible customers; power purchase agreements for 69% renewable by Oct. 2028. Highlighted battery storage safety (outdoor containerized units vs. indoor Vistra facility). Provided data on reducing fossil fuel use during 2024 heat waves. Offered programs: Electrify Your Fleet (up to $300k/yr for cities), residential rebates, no‑cost technical assistance, and electric bus program. Pacific Grove has received over $440,000 in funding. Noted federal tax credits may sunset after Sept. 30 (EVs) and Dec. 31 (home upgrades).
  • Public comment: Lisa Ciani asked about battery storage safety specifics; Schwartzki elaborated.
  • Council discussion: Members explored city fleet electrification, especially a potential trolley, and asked for staff to connect with 3CE’s Anna Capstick for a gap analysis. Presentation received unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
  • Central Grand & Fountain Avenue Street Improvement: Ordinance introduced and contract with Monterey Peninsula Engineering authorized (unanimous).
  • Referendum Resolution adopted; Ordinance repealing council pay increase passed first reading (both unanimous).
  • AI Framework directed to city manager for development within six months (unanimous).
  • Dancing Monarchs Sculpture: Council directed staff to pursue installation at the Lovers Point circle (Chase Park East), including necessary permits, security, and lighting.
  • League of California Cities Delegates: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Emilio, and Councilmember Paduri (alternate) appointed (unanimous).
  • 3CE Presentation received; staff to follow up on fleet electrification opportunities.

Meeting Transcript

The council will not begin consideration of any item on the agenda later than 10 p.m. unless there's consideration to it is approved. You could just call the meeting to order and we'll get started. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Um I'll call the meeting to order. Um we'll start off with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mayor Smith is not here, so Mayor Pro Tem, please stand. I pledge allegiance. Okay. Let's see. A motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Second. Second. Okay. Thank you. Um I'm going to be doing some presentations on you want to call the vote or just have the voice vote. I mean a voice vote. Yeah, voice vote. All those in favor? Aye. Thank you. No, none. Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and uh talk about the mayor's proclamation with Jacob's heart. I think someone's here for Jacob's heart. Maybe I'll do this. There it is. There we go. It's working. Good. Um is someone here from Jacob's Heart. Not yet. Not yet. Not yet. Okay. Do you want to do the others first? Maybe I'll go ahead and do the others first. I'll do the uh mayor's proclamation on the county of Monterey Board of Supervisors establishing the third Tuesday of September as the National Voter Registration Day, whereas the County of Monterey is committed to encouraging board voter registration access and citizen participation in elections among voting eligible citizens, and whereas the county of Monterey recognizes that many Americans are not able to vote because they miss a registration deadline, do not update their registration information, or are unfamiliar on how to register. Whereas the County of Monterey recognizes the challenge that many Americans face in their everyday lives that may impede their abilities to register to vote, and whereas the County of Monterey recognizes the need for diverse partners such as nonprofits, libraries, businesses, college, and universities, and more to work in the communities they serve to register for citizens to the vote, whereas the need for reliable and trusted public information and education on voter registration is critical to Americans' active participation in elections and the integrity of the electoral processes. Therefore, I says Nick Smith, but I am Mayor Pro Tem Joe Emilio of the City of Pacific Grove. Do hereby declare that the third Tuesday of every September as National Voter Registration Day in commitment to joining national efforts to support voter registration and participation. And I do want to recognize Sandra for doing so much on the voter registration. Thank you. And is there anybody here? Okay. This is the Hispanic Heritage Month, whereas each year the physical federal, state, and local governments observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th by recognizing and celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and Central America. Whereas September 15th is designation is significant as a starting date for Latino Heritage Month because of its anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16th and September 18th, respectively, and Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, which is October 12th, falls within the 38th period.

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