Sand City Council Meeting Summary - May 19, 2026

The Sand City Council held a regular meeting on May 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Key actions included approving a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process for solid waste collection services, adopting salary schedules, authorizing a special event permit for the annual bicycle race, and renewing a grant-writing contract. The meeting also featured public comments on the general plan and budget priorities, as well as presentations from waste service providers and public works recognition.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5A, 5C, 5D, and 5E were approved unanimously (4-0, with Vice Mayor Blackholder absent). Item 5B (grant writer contract with California Consulting) was pulled for separate discussion and later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Clark (Sand City resident): Urged the city to streamline zoning into two categories (retail/commercial and multi-flex), reconsider the mandate for all-electric vehicles, and rebalance budget spending to prioritize infrastructure and ocean access over public safety. He also praised the city's grant efforts.
• Josh Stratton (California American Water): Presented the company's updated Emergency Response Plan (ERP), outlining procedures for protecting life, environment, and water/wastewater systems during emergencies. He offered continued coordination with the city.
• Manny Gobaya (Green Waste, Vice President): Requested the council to pause the proposed RFP process and instead extend Green Waste's current agreement to 2035. He noted high customer satisfaction (93% in survey) and stated that Green Waste's rates in region member agencies are the lowest in the area—on average $8.89 less per month for residential and $77.12 less for commercial compared to competitors. He emphasized that Green Waste has not sought extraordinary rate increases since 2015.
• Liz Hall (WM/Waste Management): Supported the RFP process, stating that a competitive bid would allow WM to demonstrate value and service. She noted WM's history serving the peninsula and its current operations in Monterey County.
• Emily Hanson (Republic Services): Supported the RFP, highlighting the city's autonomy under the region agreement and the unique ability to compare collection-only costs due to the region-owned facility. She encouraged the council to proceed with the bid process.
• Zoe Jones (Region Monterey): Acknowledged the work of the Technical Advisory Committee and thanked the haulers for their service. She noted the milestone of having an all-female council and expressed support for the RFP recommendation.

Discussion Items

• Item 5B – Grant Writer Contract Renewal: City Manager reported that California Consulting has submitted 19 grant applications, securing approximately $2.6 million in awards. The annual contract fee is $55,000. Council member Diaz inquired about transparency and public awareness of grant terms; staff explained that grant agreements with conditions come to council for approval and that city manager reports list applications monthly. The item was approved.
• Item 8 – Ordinance Prohibiting Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities: Continued to a future meeting as the city was not ready.
• Item 9A – National Public Works Week Proclamation: Council adopted a proclamation recognizing Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026). Staff praised the public works team, including Mark Fucker, Audrey, Leon Gomez, and others, for their service.
• Item 9B – Solid Waste Franchise Agreement (RFP Process): HF&H Consulting presented results of stakeholder engagement: 93% resident satisfaction with Green Waste; affordability was the top priority by residents; 47% felt rates were "about right" while 29% said too high; 66% very satisfied with service. The subcommittee recommended a competitive RFP process for collection services. Council heard from multiple providers and then approved the recommendation to initiate an RFP, allowing all qualified providers to compete. The process integrity policy was also adopted.
• Item 9C – Special Event Permit for Criterium Bicycle Race: Staff presented the request for the annual race on June 14, 2026, with same-day setup, street closures, and traffic control. Applicant Tom McCola stated that neighboring residents would receive notices. Council approved the permit.
• Item 9D – Salary Schedule and Personnel Actions: City Manager presented proposed updates: 3% COLA for general employees (previously approved), 4% increase for police officers per MOU, 3% COLA for Police Chief, 3.7% increase for Public Works Manager (due to expanded duties as project manager for street improvements and other projects), a minor adjustment for Finance Manager, and addition of one full-time Public Works employee (funded partially by a Community Facilities District (CFD) from the South of Tioga project). Also, the Community Development Director title was removed from the salary schedule as it duplicates the City Manager's current role; no new hiring is contemplated. Council member Diaz questioned the change, but the item was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar items (except 5B).
• Approved: Grant writer contract renewal (California Consulting) for 2025-26.
• Approved: National Public Works Week proclamation.
• Approved: Initiation of a competitive RFP for solid waste, recycling, and organics collection services, and adoption of a process integrity policy.
• Approved: Special event permit for the 2026 Criterium bicycle race on June 14.
• Approved: Salary schedules for FY 2026-27 (general employees) and FY 2024-27 (POA), including adjustments for specific positions and addition of a maintenance worker. The city manager was authorized to amend the Public Works Manager job description.
• Continued: Ordinance on offshore oil and gas facilities to a future meeting.
• Next Steps: The region will release an RFP in late 2026, with a recommended provider expected in early 2028 and contract transition by 2030.