Public Meetings - Monterey, California

The meeting of a Monterey city board or commission was called to order on October 22, 2026. Roll call confirmed the presence of Vice Chair Graf, Termoro, Dean Lormay, and Eddie; Harish was absent. The chair called for public comment on the agenda item regarding the library director and order view. No members of the public offered comments, either in person or via Zoom (the chair conducted a countdown to allow remote participation). The board then exited to closed session. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on the item concerning the library director and order view. The meeting allowed for public participation via Zoom and in person, but none were received. Closed Session - The board moved to closed session.

The NCIP Committee met on October 22, 2026, to review 43 nominated projects for the upcoming funding cycle. Approximately $2.6 million is available for projects, with voting scheduled for November 18, 2026. The meeting included staff presentations, committee questions, and public testimony, with a focus on project feasibility, safety, and alignment with city resources. No formal votes were taken; further discussion will occur on October 28. Public Comments & Testimony - An Aguajito Oaks resident supported the street light at the Littlefield Road hairpin turn, citing safety for pedestrians and drivers and confirming neighbor support. - A Del Monte Beach speaker clarified that cigarette receptacles were placed to reduce litter from beach smoking, contrary to concerns that they encourage smoking. - Chelsea from Casanova Oak Knoll supported an alternative path for Deer Flats and proposed painting/reflectorizing bull-outs on Airport Road for safety, noting recent crashes. - Robert Yoha supported the Del Monte Grove trail improvements (DG01) and his own Casanova Oak Knoll 5 project, arguing that red paint on curbs and reflectors visibly reduce collisions and slow traffic, citing a successfully painted bull-out at Casanova and Ralston. - Bonnie Adams (Cannery Row Business Association) supported New Monterey 02 (gateway marker), emphasizing improved wayfinding and safety for visitors and traffic flow. - Gina Sessions supported safety-oriented projects (Franklin Street, ADA ramps, lights), suggested stop signs on Franklin, and favored steps to address urgent needs given budget constraints. - Rosemary opposed the Van Buren loading zone due to loss of two parking spaces, noting only 50% tenant parking and inadequate visitor/loading space; side entrance is not a viable alternative. Discussion Items Neighborhood Project Reviews Staff presented projects by neighborhood, with committee questions and representative comments. - Aguajito Oaks: Street light discussed; nearest neighbors support. Committee noted absence of neighbor signature requirement for areas with no residences. - Casanova Oak Knoll: Five projects: COK01 modified to install electrical connections for decorations; COK02 (potholes/repaving) considered ordinary service eligible for Measure S; COK03 (sign on private property) likely infeasible; COK04 (neighborhood sign restoration) moving forward; COK05 revised to painting/striping bull-outs for safety. - Deer Flats: Sidewalk and crosswalk project estimated at $750K–$1M+; committee noted existing non-ADA path and suggested signage/awareness as a lower-cost alternative. - Del Monte Beach: Dune restoration (DMB01) recommended to align with existing NCIP project; traffic study (DMB02) requires early work and Coastal Commission approval; driveway line cuts (DMB03) could be addressed by education; historic tree replacement (DMB04) options investigated; cigarette receptacles (DMB05) policy conflict noted. - Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande: DG01 (intersection/trail improvements) supported by committee as the neighborhood’s only project. - Downtown: Nine projects, many resubmitted. Solar panel project (DTO4) has no rebate programs; sign replacement (DTO2) and weed removal (DTO7) clarified with submitters. - Fisherman Flats & Glenwood: Greenbelt maintenance and fuel reduction recommended for consolidation into the citywide multi-neighborhood project. - Monterey Vista: Sidewalk project (MV01) returned due to higher bids ($100K); committee noted safety need but cost could be a factor. - New Monterey: Eight projects, including Hilltop Park improvements, gateway marker (NM02) supported by business associations, David Avenue drainage/crosswalk (NM03) expected to be addressed by current curb work, median barrier (NM05) to be considered under a state grant for Lighthouse Avenue, and restroom renovations (NM09). Traffic study for NM07/NM08 recommended. - Old Town: Franklin Street radar signs (OT01) judged insufficient; committee member requested a traffic study to address Presidio cut-through traffic. Van Buren loading zone (OT02) raises parking loss concerns; committee asked for neighbor/property owner approval. - Multi-Neighborhood: MN02 (community-wide fuel reduction) and MN03 (urban forest management plan) distinguished; MN03 faces City Council direction limitations and staff bandwidth. Committee noted potential for CalFire grant funding. Committee Priorities & Constraints Members emphasized focusing on shovel-ready, safety-oriented projects that do not add to the city’s project backlog or compete with staff capacity. The limited $2.6M budget and need to address urgent safety concerns were highlighted. Staff recommended starting the curb/gutter fund at $500,000 and suggested phasing the $1M fuel reduction request down to $750,000. Key Outcomes - All 43 projects reviewed; several modifications and consolidations agreed upon for next week’s final review. - Committee encouraged submitters to consider alternatives (e.g., education, signage) where full projects are costly or complex. - Reminder to read staff comments and online public comments before voting on November 18. - Next meeting scheduled for October 28, 2026, for final deliberation and prioritization. - No formal votes taken at this meeting.

The Monterey City Council held its afternoon session on October 20, 2026, with Mayor Williamson presiding and Councilmembers Barber, Garcia, Rash, and Smith present. After the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, the council heard public comment, approved the consent agenda, and took action on a right-of-way hearing date, the North Fremont Street Sidewalk Gap Project funding, an appointment to a cost-of-living task force, and agendizing a welcoming-city resolution. The meeting also included a staff update on the Roadmap to Resilience and closed-session public comment. Consent Agenda - A councilmember asked to pull item 9 for separate discussion; the remaining consent items were approved unanimously. - During public comment on consent, one speaker praised the San Burnaby Drive NCIP project and asked the council to approve it without pulling it. - A public commenter on Zoom opposed smart parking meters on toxicity and microwave-radiation grounds and questioned the peace pole item, saying the city does not fully represent peace. She did not ask that any item be pulled. Public Comments & Testimony - A former U.S. Air Force captain invited residents to an Armistice Day event on November 11 and warned that the nation is on the brink of World War II, citing casualty figures and military costs. - Several speakers urged action on a forest management plan, asked the council to agendize a long-pending conversation about smoking in multifamily housing, and requested rent relief for a business affected by delayed invasive-weed harvesting. - Chelsea Lenovska of District 4 defended residents' right to criticize city officials and expressed concern about the tone of the mayoral race and threats of legal action against public speakers. - Sabrina Hilton promoted downtown Monterey holiday events and asked for sponsors. - David Stoker thanked council members and candidates for their public service. - A property owner asked about asbestos inspection requirements in the re-roofing permit process and inherited liability. - A property manager requested that city staff inspect an alley drainage problem before the rainy season. - Nina Beattie raised county health and safety concerns and opposed the city's sponsorship of a Ukraine-related event. - Richard Rosello described 40 years of North Fremont traffic-signal and drainage problems and asked for inter-jurisdictional coordination. - Greg asked for annual public reporting and audits of the city's surveillance and ALPR program. - Esther defended the mayor's handling of public comment and criticized a mayoral candidate's statements and campaign mailer. Item 9 – Public Hearing Date for Olmsted Road Right-of-Way Vacation - Staff requested setting a December 1, 2026 public hearing to consider vacating a portion of the right-of-way on Olmsted Road at Garden Road. The adjacent property owner is the Monterey Regional Airport District. Councilmember Smith noted the parcel is about 17,000 square feet and is on the airport side. - Public commenter Nina Beattie asked whether the item was connected to a previous property abandonment; staff replied that it was a different property and that the earlier memorandum of understanding had expired and was not renewed. - The council approved the resolution unanimously. Item 12 – North Fremont Street Sidewalk Gap Project - Staff and a Kimley-Horn consultant presented the project, which closes the pedestrian and bicycle gap from Casanova Avenue to the city limit. The scope includes a bridge over an environmentally sensitive area, ADA access, protected bike lanes, drainage improvements, and signal and underground utility work. Prior corridor improvements totaled about $9 million; the gap-closure project is about $4 million and includes a 41,000-gallon stormwater tank. - The council action amended Resolution 26-092, accepted $2,862,000 in Transportation Agency for Monterey County grant funds, and authorized transfer of those funds to the project. - Public comment was mixed. Supporters called it a critical safety and regional connection. Critics questioned bike-lane usage and business impacts, asked who would maintain the bridge, and suggested a culvert alternative. Staff responded that maintenance will be addressed in a future agreement with Seaside, that grant funds can pay for design services, and that the bridge was selected after the culvert option was evaluated due to the 20-foot gorge and environmental constraints. - The council approved the item unanimously. Memorial Recognition: Carl Anderson - The council paused to close the meeting in memory of Carl Anderson. The mayor read a tribute describing his decades of leadership in public facilities, marina and harbor operations, parking, the conference center, and destination marketing. His wife was present and received expressions of gratitude and condolences. Item 13 – Appointment to Ad Hoc Community Cost of Living Reduction Task Force - The city manager proposed a staff-light task force with eight stakeholder seats representing housing, workforce, small business, students, economic development, community-based organizations, and a resident with lived experience. It would meet up to four times over 12 months and deliver recommendations to the council at the end of 2027. - Public comment included concerns about duplication with existing economic development and budget-resilience work, lack of membership balance, and the timing just before an election. Other speakers, including a young worker, supported the proposal as an important first step. - Council discussion raised concerns about staff workload and task-force composition. Supporters said an outside perspective could identify fee, process, and efficiency improvements. A motion to appoint Councilmember Barber as chair and liaison passed 3-1-1, with the understanding that Councilmember Garcia's suggestions about broader resident representation and facilitation would be considered. Item 15 – Agendizing a Welcoming City Resolution (Heard Before Item 14) - The council considered a request to agendize a resolution declaring Monterey a welcoming city for transgender and gender-diverse people, recognizing November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance, co-hosting a ceremony with Monterey Peninsula Pride, and raising the transgender flag at city hall. The requesting councilmember said no city funding was being requested. - Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive. Speakers shared personal experiences as transgender residents and allies, cited an increase in anti-trans legislation, and urged the council to take a protective stand. One caller opposed the item and raised unrelated issues. - Council discussion focused on the staff report and the resolution's language regarding lawful gender-affirming health care and out-of-state investigations. One councilmember offered the county's resolution as model language. - The motion to agendize the item for the November 3, 2026 council meeting passed 4-1. Item 14 – Roadmap to Resilience Update - The city manager provided an informational update on the Roadmap to Resilience, a six-part effort to address the city's financial future. No action was requested. - Key elements include understanding the fiscal gap, prioritizing services, workforce planning, efficiencies, maximizing revenues, and ongoing community engagement. Upcoming engagement includes a November 16 workshop at El Estero Park Center and a December 3 workshop at Monta Vista School, plus budget brews through December 2026. A community survey is available at Monterey.gov/roadmap. - Councilmembers thanked staff and noted that the structural deficit dates back years, that community input will shape recommendations, and that difficult budget decisions remain ahead. Closed Session Public Comment - Before closed session, the council took public comment on closed-session agenda items related to labor negotiations and Fisherman's Wharf concessions. Harry Kaufman introduced himself, described more than 11 years of marine operations management, and said the family that operates concessions 84 and 48 has run them since 1949. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously, with item 9 pulled and considered separately. - Approved unanimously: December 1, 2026 public hearing for the Olmsted Road right-of-way vacation. - Approved unanimously: North Fremont Street Sidewalk Gap Project grant acceptance and fund transfer of $2,862,000. - Approved 3-1-1: Councilmember Barber appointed chair and liaison to the ad hoc cost-of-living reduction task force. - Approved 4-1: Welcoming city resolution agendized for November 3, 2026. - Received as information: Roadmap to Resilience update; no vote taken.

On October 19, 2026, the Measure P and S Oversight Committee met in council chambers with Vice Chair Rick Hoyer participating remotely from California. The committee reviewed financial reports, street rehabilitation updates, and sales tax data, and approved several items unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments, either in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (July 20, 2026): The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. - Review of Periodic Reports and Unaudited Expenditures: Rafaela presented two reports: the annual report for FY2025-26 and the first quarterly report for FY2026-27 (July 1 – September 30, 2026). - FY2025-26 Annual Report: The PCI remained at 79. Cumulative revenues from inception totaled $121.5 million, expenditures $90.9 million, and the fund balance was $30.6 million. For the year, revenue was $13.5 million ($12.6 million in tax revenue, $868,000 in interest), expenditures were $3 million, and the fund balance increased by $10.4 million. Tax revenue was up 2% from the prior year and exceeded projections by $690,000. - Q1 FY2026-27 Report: Cumulative revenues reached $122.7 million, expenditures $91 million, and fund balance $31.8 million. Quarterly revenue was $1.2 million ($1.113 million in tax, $115,673 in interest), expenditures were $72,270, and the fund balance grew by $1.156 million. Tax revenue was up 15% compared to the same quarter in the prior year. - Andrew provided context for lower expenditures, noting several projects in the pipeline, including the Wave Street project (resumed after summer suspension), Cemetery roads, 2026 road resurfacing, and ADA improvements. Specific projects discussed: Via Esperanza storm drain (permits obtained, bidding soon), Canary Road garage pavement (stormwater tree box tied to pavement work), and Iris Canyon sediment removal (ongoing mitigation reporting). - Committee member Carol Trebajian questioned the appropriateness of a $62.38 expenditure for “ADA lumber for traffic study signs,” suggesting it may not qualify under Measure P/S. Andrew explained it was related to evaluating the Taylor and Prescott traffic signal for removal. Similarly, a laptop adapter expense was clarified as necessary for field survey equipment. The committee approved both reports unanimously. - Street Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Reports for 2026: Andrew presented the street segment report showing PCI scores and treatment history. Upcoming projects include Cemetery roads, the 2026 road resurfacing, and Cass Street/El Dorado (expected spring 2027, pending Cal Am water main replacement). The PCI is currently 79 and fluctuates with major rehab projects. Rick Hoyer requested a future report detailing plans for segments with very low PCI scores (e.g., Antler Place at 18, Aguajito at 14). The committee voted unanimously to receive the report. - Sales Tax Update for Q1 2026 (January – March 2026): Rafaela presented data from HDL. Citywide sales tax was up 3.5%, compared to 1.3% for the county and 4% for the state. Measure S receipts totaled $2.8 million, up 0.6% from the prior year, excluding aberrations. The top 25 producers were listed in alphabetical order. Committee members noted the importance of distinguishing hospitality’s share of the increase. The report was accepted unanimously. - 2027 Meeting Dates: Elizabeth proposed quarterly meetings on Mondays at 10 a.m. in council chambers: January 25, April 19, July 19, and October 18, 2027. The committee approved the dates unanimously. Committee Member Comments - Members discussed the upcoming Measure P renewal campaign, noting support from firefighters, contractors, and vendors. One member cautioned against electioneering during the meeting. Another mentioned that Councilmember Jeff Whitmoore opposes the measure. The committee also noted that the annual report will be presented to the city council at its first December meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of July 20, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved the FY2025-26 annual periodic report and the Q1 FY2026-27 periodic report (both unanimous). - Received the 2026 street rehabilitation and reconstruction report (unanimous). - Accepted the Q1 2026 sales tax update (unanimous). - Approved 2027 meeting dates: January 25, April 19, July 19, and October 18 (unanimous). - Directed staff to provide a future report on low-PCI street segments and their planned treatments. - The meeting adjourned at 10:46 a.m.

The Monterey Zoning Administrator, Levi Hill, called the meeting to order on October 15, 2026. Principal Planner Fernanda Roveri and Recording Secretary Spencer Argonbright were present. The meeting included the approval of previous meeting minutes and a public hearing for a use permit application. Consent Calendar - The September 3, 2026 meeting minutes were approved as submitted by the Zoning Administrator. No public comments were received on this item. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for items not on the agenda or during the public hearing for the use permit application. Discussion Items - 601 Wave Street (Use Permit UP 260185): Principal Planner Fernanda Roveri presented a staff report recommending approval of a use permit for a fast food restaurant with a walk-up window within an existing commercial tenant space at the Cannery Row parking garage. The proposed business is a bagel shop and deli offering baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and non-alcoholic beverages. It would operate Wednesday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an estimated 4 to 6 employees per shift. Employee parking would be managed via annual permits at the Cannery Row parking garage. No outdoor seating, nighttime activity, amplified sound, or alcohol sales are proposed. Staff found the use consistent with the C2 zoning district and General Plan, and not detrimental to public welfare. Key Outcomes - Zoning Administrator's Decision on UP 260185: Zoning Administrator Levi Hill approved the use permit application UP 260185, adopting the conditions of approval outlined in the staff report. The Administrator formally found the use consistent with the objectives of the C2 zoning district, the General Plan, and not detrimental to the neighborhood. The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days of the meeting.

The Neighborhood Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee met on October 15, 2026, beginning at 6:02 p.m., for preliminary screening of 44 project applications submitted by the September 30 deadline. City staff presented a neighborhood-by-neighborhood overview with eligibility notes, cost information, and recommendations. The committee asked questions, heard public testimony, and took no final votes. The next meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026, and voting night is scheduled for November 18, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - An in-person speaker urged the committee to create a clear definition of capital project, saying the El Estero Lake weed-removal proposal seemed similar to past NCIP-funded work at Washer Woman’s Pond. The speaker estimated approximately $2 million remained for distribution and suggested using three categories: critical needs, important but not critical needs, and nice-to-have items. - Chelsea, an NCIP alternate, spoke in support of the Casanova Oak Knoll proposal to add reflective markings to curb bulges and center medians on Airport Road. She said speeding is a constant problem in the neighborhood, described a recent speeder hitting multiple parked cars and a garage, and said the proposal follows the adopted traffic-calming plan. - Robert Yoha, the applicant for that Casanova Oak Knoll project, said he submitted quickly and wanted to clarify it. He provided the 2003 traffic-calming diagram, stating the two center medians were approved but the three curb bulges were not. He said the combination is dangerous, especially for older drivers and people unfamiliar with the road, has caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, and needs reflective or painted treatment. Discussion Items - Project intake and distribution: Staff reported 44 applications were received by September 30. The distribution included 9 downtown, 9 in New Monterey, 6 multi-neighborhood, 5 in Casanova Oak Knoll, 2 in Old Town, and 1 each in Aguajito Oaks, Deer Flats, Del Monte Beach, Del Monte Grove/Laguna Grande, Fisherman’s Flats, Glenwood, Monterey Vista, Ryan Ranch, and Villa del Monte. No applications were received for Oak Grove or Skyline. - Eligibility findings: Staff said several submissions would not qualify as NCIP capital projects as written. These included holiday decorations (COK01), North Fremont pothole filling and repaving (COK02), Del Monte Beach cigarette receptacles (DMB05), and El Estero Lake weed removal (DT07). Staff suggested revisions for some, such as installing electrical connections for holiday lights and adding lake aeration or piping. Staff also recommended against driveway repairs at Del Monte Beach 03 and drainage work at 1655 David Avenue (New Monterey 03) as private-benefit projects that could be perceived as gifts of public funds. - Projects needing further study: The Deer Flats sidewalk/crosswalk proposal (DF01) would need traffic counts and curb ramps and would be coordinated with the approved bike path design. The Del Monte Beach traffic-mitigation proposal (DMB02) would require a traffic study. New Monterey crosswalk and rapid-flashing-beacon proposals (NM07, NM08) would have to meet the city’s adopted crosswalk policy; a committee member suggested treating them as studies rather than construction to avoid funding projects that might not meet criteria. Staff said major changes to traffic-calming features would require redoing the neighborhood traffic-calming plan to avoid shifting traffic to other streets. - Park, facility, and capital projects: Staff reviewed the Hartnell Gulch creek rehabilitation, El Estero Park Center and El Estero Park Complex improvements, Hilltop Park Center tennis court repair and phase-three renovations, Jack’s Park outfield grass project (bids came in higher than previously approved), restroom renovations at Coast Guard Pier and Cannery Row Garage, and solar panel/control system replacement at 735 Pacific Street. A committee member asked whether grants from PG&E or other programs could fund the solar project before NCIP money is used. Staff noted an existing dune-restoration project at Del Monte Beach and recommended focusing on that proposal rather than a new restoration submission. - Forest and fuel-reduction projects: Staff recommended consolidating the Fisherman’s Flats green belt maintenance, Glenwood fuel reduction, and community-wide forest management/fuel reduction proposals. For the urban forest and wildlife resilience management plan (MN03), staff said city council had directed ordinance changes first, but a committee member reported a different staff member had suggested considering the plan before spending up to $200,000 on CEQA work; staff said they would clarify by the next meeting. - Sidewalk program and undergrounding: A multi-neighborhood proposal (MN06) would help pay for sidewalk, curb, and gutter repairs beyond the city program being developed, under which each property could receive $2,500 for a major sidewalk repair. Staff reported that the PG&E undergrounding project (MN07) is facing approximately a two-year delay because other cities’ construction needs have affected the program schedule. - Other clarifications: Staff will confirm whether the Aguajito Oaks streetlight site (A001) is in city right-of-way or HOA-owned property. Two sign projects require ownership confirmation. The Old Town 02 curb cut and loading zone could be permitted even without a cross-block connection. The Ryan Ranch roller skating facility is numbered MN05 in the multi-neighborhood category. Key Outcomes - No motions were made to approve, deny, or rank projects at this preliminary screening meeting. - Staff will prepare additional materials for the October 21, 2026 meeting, including an agenda packet expected Friday, a clarification on the MN03 forest management plan, and confirmation of the remaining NCIP funding amount. A public commenter estimated about $2 million; a committee member said it was closer to $3 million. - Committee members encouraged applicants and neighborhood representatives to consolidate overlapping proposals, especially fuel-reduction and forest-maintenance projects. - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:50 p.m. The next meeting is October 21, 2026, and voting night is November 18, 2026.

The Monterey Parks and Recreation Commission met on October 15, 2026. The agenda included the recognition of two retiring staff members, a proposal to expand the city's smoking ordinance, an update on department operations from June through September 2026, a comprehensive presentation on the city's structural budget deficit, and a recommendation on a Rotary peace poll installation. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from June 10, 2026. - Approved the meeting minutes from September 16, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Esther, representing the Laguna Grande Neighborhood Association, thanked staff for installing owl boxes at the park. She also raised a long-standing jurisdictional boundary issue between Monterey and Seaside at Laguna Grande Park, requesting the commission help expedite a resolution. - During the budget discussion, Esther noted the challenge of "disinformation" regarding the failed sales tax measure, stating that many voters did not realize the tax is predominantly paid by visitors. She also mentioned a resident-driven effort to form a "Friends of the Sports Center" foundation. Discussion Items - Retirement Recognitions: Commissioners presented service awards to retiring staff. Michelle Pruitt was recognized for nearly 24 years as Lead Preschool Instructor. Renee Hardestein was recognized for 26 years as Gymnastics Instructor. Both were lauded for their profound impact on generations of Monterey families. - Proposed Smoking Ordinance Amendment (City Code Section 22-29): Megan Gonzalez, a CSUMB intern, presented a proposal to prohibit smoking in all city parks. She noted the city holds a "C" grade from the American Lung Association and a "D" grade for smoke-free outdoor air, with only beaches and the recreation trail explicitly protected. The proposal would expand the definition of "recreation area" to cover 37 parks and 790 acres, relying on a self-enforcement model. Commissioners unanimously expressed strong support for the concept and agreed to forward it to staff for development. - Status of Parks & Recreation Operations (June-September 2026): Division heads provided a detailed report. Recreation reported a successful summer with Camp Kinsabi serving over 500 children. The Monterey Sports Center has grown to over 9,000 members. Staff highlighted maximizing Solcito Ballpark, ongoing Hilltop renovations, and a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club at Casanova. - City Budget Deficit and "Roadmap to Resilience": Assistant City Manager Nat Rajanza and Parks & Rec Director Nicole presented on the city's structural deficit. Key drivers include a 153% increase in insurance costs ($3.1M annually) and a 70% increase in utilities. The current budget was balanced by freezing 30 positions and reappropriating $3.5M in NCIP funds. A sales tax increase failed by 162 votes. Commissioner Buaya shared that a community workshop exercise showed strong public support for parks. - Rotary Peace Poll at Sister City Park: Deb Linden from the Rotary Club of Monterey Bay Passport proposed installing an eight-foot peace poll at Sister City Park. The poll would display "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in eight languages and include braille. The Rotary Club would fund the poll and installation. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council. Key Outcomes - Smoking Ordinance: Staff will prepare a formal amendment to City Code Section 22-29 to prohibit smoking in all city parks. - Rotary Peace Poll: A motion to recommend approval to City Council passed unanimously. The item is scheduled for the Council's October 20 consent agenda. - Budget Considerations: Staff will continue public and internal engagement to identify efficiencies and revenue opportunities. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 9, 2026.

The Board of Library Trustees convened at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, via Zoom and telephone. The meeting consisted of a roll call, a brief public comment period on the closed session agenda item, and immediate adjournment to closed session. No other business was conducted. Roll Call - Present: Trustee Moreau, Vice Chair Graph, Trustee Delaurier, Trustee (unnamed, present). - Absent: Trustee Joshi. Public Comments on Closed Session - The chair invited public comments on the closed session agenda item. After a 10-second countdown, no comments were received from Zoom or telephone participants. Key Outcomes - The board voted to adjourn to closed session at approximately 3:01 PM. No decisions or votes on substantive matters were recorded in open session.

The Board of Trustees of the Monterey Public Library met on September 24, 2026, to discuss advocacy strategies, review the library's budget in light of the city's structural deficit, and address routine matters. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a detailed walkthrough of the library's finances, and planning for upcoming budget resilience workshops. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the last two meetings and information reports, with three votes in favor and one abstention (the abstention related to the August minutes). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the two public comment periods (initial and later). No remote participants raised hands. Discussion Items - Library Advocacy Strategy: The board discussed goals for advocacy: identifying library needs requiring funding, creating a messaging strategy, and building a methodical pathway for engagement. They reviewed the pocket guide, planned events (e.g., an 1849 legacy society event at Colton Hall, block printing, walking tours, cemetery tours), and strategies for donor messaging, including highlighting the impact of donations of all sizes. They also discussed using census block group data to understand patron demographics and targeting outreach accordingly. - Budget Resilience Workshops and Library Budget Review: The board considered attending the city's budget resilience workshops (also called "budget brews") to discuss the library's needs. They agreed to attend as individuals rather than as board representatives, ensuring no more than two trustees attend any single session to avoid a quorum. Director Brian (or library director) presented the library's FY2026 and FY2027 budget details, noting that the library cannot absorb a 10% across-the-board cut due to staffing and internal service fund costs. Key points included: utility costs rose to $98,000; the materials budget is at the same level as 20 years ago; potential revenue sources include charging for community room use and offering passport services. The director also noted that the library's general fund budget includes mandatory charges from other city departments (IT, risk management) that cannot be adjusted. They discussed the impact of potential closures (e.g., Monday hours) and the need to prioritize spending. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda with one abstention. - Agreed that board members would attend budget resilience workshops as individuals, with no more than two per session, and the director would send a calendar of dates. - Identified that future board representation at city council budget discussions may be assigned via action items, but no formal action was taken. - Director received a $7,000 grant from Pacific Library Partnership for technology upgrades to the solarium and study carrels. - Planned to update the community room and add signage recognizing donors. - No formal votes were taken on advocacy strategy items; discussions will continue.