San City Joint Successor Agency and City Council Meeting - September 17, 2025

The meeting opened with a closed session regarding the city manager's performance evaluation (no reportable action), followed by the regular city council meeting. Key topics included updates on city projects, the West End Celebration 2025 recap and future planning, a proposal to join C Monterey's jurisdiction investment partnership (JIP) and tourism improvement district (TID), and approval of the fiscal year 2025-2026 fee schedule. The council took unanimous votes on the consent calendar, directed negotiations for the West End Celebration 2026, approved negotiations for both the JIP and TID, and adopted the fee schedule.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5A through 5G were approved unanimously via roll call vote (4-0-1, Vice Mayor Blackwell absent). Included a resolution recognizing National Recovery Month, which was later presented to Katia Gutierrez of Sun Street Centers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luke Kilpatrick (resident and vendor) requested a weekly/biweekly police blotter and publication of Flock camera data on the city website to increase transparency.
• Tom Jacobson (owner's representative, San City Marriott Hotel) introduced the hotel's general manager (Fadi) and director of sales (Jan). He thanked the council for supporting the hotel development.
• Nadia (West End coordinator) presented the 2025 recap; the council and public provided feedback.
• Luke Kilpatrick (vendor) praised the West End event but suggested more advertising, curation of vendors, and priority for San City residents.
• Rob O'Keefe (CEO, C Monterey) urged the council to join the JIP, emphasizing unity and the return on a $30,000 annual investment.
• Rick Aldinger (Monterey County Hospitality Association) supported the partnership, citing the proven track record of C Monterey.
• Richard Dole (C Monterey finance VP, San City resident) highlighted free membership benefits for local businesses and the potential for marketing murals and small businesses.
• John Turner (GM, Intercontinental Hotel) described the hotel opening as a “battle” and urged the council to join C Monterey for support.
• Jackie (former economic development commissioner) noted that C Monterey supports a new mobile app for county murals.
• Janine Shakrad (incoming chair, C Monterey) emphasized the competitiveness of destination marketing and the value of collaboration.
• Unnamed resident supported the C Monterey app and recommended a one-year trial.
• Tom Jacobson (owner's rep) expressed full support for both the JIP and TID, saying the hotel ownership is “wholly, full-throatedly” for the partnership.
• Luke Kilpatrick (short-term rental owner) opposed including STR TOT in the 3% contribution unless C Monterey provides marketing for STRs; he requested a carve-out.

Discussion Items

• West End Celebration 2025 Recap and Direction for 2026

  • Staff and coordinator Nadia reported: attendance increased by 6% (approximately 1,200 more people than 2024), vendors increased from 100 to 165, 50% were return vendors, and 10 of 14 bands were local. Positive feedback from attendees and vendors. Issues identified: restroom shortage, Wi-Fi/cell signal problems, vendor quality concerns, and logistical gaps (volunteer meals, water for officers). The council provided feedback: maintain family-friendly controls, improve vendor curation, enhance advertising, and prioritize San City residents. Council directed the city manager to negotiate a contract with the coordinators for 2026 and approved the dates (August 22-23, 2026).

• C Monterey Jurisdiction Investment Partnership (JIP) and Tourism Improvement District (TID)

  • City manager Vivica explained: San City currently pays $2,000/year for a “sweetheart deal” with C Monterey. With the new hotel opening, C Monterey proposes a JIP contribution of 3% of the city's TOT (estimated $30,000/year based on projected hotel revenue of $515,707 in the first six months). The TID would add $1.70 per room per night, with the city retaining 1% administrative fee. The city manager recommended a one-year trial. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in favor, with the exception of Luke Kilpatrick who sought exclusion of STR TOT. The council voted separately: motion to negotiate the TID passed 4-0-1; motion to negotiate the JIP (one-year agreement) passed 4-0-1.

• Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Fee Schedule

  • Jennifer Pope presented: annual CPI adjustment (as established in April 2024), inclusion of the parking and loop fee from 1988 (adjusted for inflation), and clarifying language for reimbursement agreements on large development projects. Council approved the resolution unanimously (4-0-1).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (4-0-1).
• West End Celebration 2026: City manager directed to negotiate a contract with the 2025 coordinators; dates set for August 22-23, 2026 (unanimous consensus).
• C Monterey TID: City manager directed to initiate the process to join the Tourism Improvement District (motion passed 4-0-1).
• C Monterey JIP: City manager directed to negotiate a one-year agreement with C Monterey for the Jurisdiction Investment Partnership (motion passed 4-0-1).
• Fee Schedule: Resolution approving the 2025-2026 fee schedule adopted (4-0-1).
• Next Steps: The C Monterey agreements will be brought back to the council for final approval. The West End coordinator contract will return for approval.