Public Meetings - Monterey, California

The Monterey Planning Commission met on August 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Chair Bluth presided, with Vice Chair Silva and Commissioners Brassfield, Dawson, and Freeman present. Commissioner Latasa was absent. The meeting covered routine consent items, a continuance request for a daycare project, annual officer appointments, and staff updates. Consent Calendar - 2076 North Fremont Street Architectural Review Permit (ARP-250134) – Approval for structural repairs to an existing hotel. Commissioner Silva recused. Vote: 4-0 (Bluth, Brassfield, Dawson, Freeman in favor). - Minutes of June 10, 2025 – Approved. Commissioner Brassfield did not vote (stated he was not present). Chair Bluth, Vice Chair Silva, Commissioner Dawson, and Commissioner Freeman voted in favor. (4-0, Brassfield not voting). - Minutes of July 22, 2025 – Approved. Vice Chair Silva abstained. Chair Bluth, Commissioners Brassfield, Dawson, and Freeman voted in favor. (4-0-1). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - Garden Road Daycare (LP25-0013, VA25-5) – Applicant requested a continuance to August 26, 2025, for reduced front and side yard setbacks. No public opposition. Commissioner Silva recused. Vote to continue: 4-0 (Bluth, Brassfield, Dawson, Freeman in favor). - Annual Appointments for Chair and Vice Chair – Confirmed Peter Silva as Chair and Terry Latasa as Vice Chair for the upcoming year. Vote: 5-0 (unanimous). Other Matters - Commissioner Dawson requested that minutes from the Historic Preservation Commission’s discussion of 581 Scott Street (the Hellum House) be provided in advance of the item’s return to the Planning Commission. - Staff provided a planning update: the SB9 ordinance (amendments to Chapters 33 and 38) passed first reading and will go to second reading at the next City Council meeting; a potential application at 611 Lighthouse Avenue is tentatively scheduled for the next meeting. - A request was made for a presentation on recent CEQA changes at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - All consent items and the Garden Road continuance were approved with the above votes. - The new Chair (Silva) and Vice Chair (Latasa) were confirmed. - Staff will incorporate requested information (HPC minutes, CEQA update) into future agendas.

The Monterey Museum Commission met on August 7, 2025, with a quorum of four commissioners. The meeting focused on a comprehensive presentation of the city's art collection, annual leadership appointments, and planning for the revival of the Colton Hall Music Series. Staff provided updates on museum operations and visitor statistics. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the April 2025 meeting with corrections to the listed chairpersons. Discussion Items - Art Collection Inventory and Needs: Artifact Specialist Brianna Schwerling presented on the city's art collection, detailing over 400 artworks, with 149 on display and 307 in storage. She described ongoing inventory work, including attaching archival tags and updating records. Staff expressed concern about overcrowded storage and the fragile condition of items like the Monterey Angels, highlighting future needs such as interpretive signage, conservation funding, an updated art appraisal, and a public art policy. - Annual Leadership Appointments: With Commissioner Thomas stepping down and Commissioner Warchkowski absent, the commission confirmed Commissioner Renee Kimsey as Chair and Commissioner Chris O'Neill as Vice Chair for the coming fiscal year, based on seniority guidelines. - Colton Hall Music Series: Library Museums Director Brian Edwards proposed restarting the concert series with a budget not to exceed $3,000 for four fall performances. He recommended working directly with the new chair and vice chair to select performers, citing limited staff and commissioner availability. Commissioners supported the initiative, suggesting afternoon times and discussing cost-saving alternatives like open calls for musicians. - Informational Reports: Brian Edwards and Assistant Library Director Melissa Mejia provided updates on museum activities, including new interpretive signage, visitor statistics (9,713 interactions from January to July 2025), and preparations for events like the American Planning Association conference and the 175th anniversary of California statehood. Edwards also discussed progress on a tile art map for the De Anza anniversary. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the corrected minutes from the April meeting. - Unanimously confirmed Commissioner Kimsey as Chair and Commissioner O'Neill as Vice Chair, effective at the next meeting. - Directed staff to proceed with planning the Colton Hall Music Series for fall 2025, with Brian Edwards to collaborate with the new chair and vice chair on performer selection and scheduling.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) convened on August 6, 2025, primarily to consider a sign permit application for 1099 Del Monte Avenue. The committee approved previous meeting minutes and, after discussion, voted to approve the permit despite a staff recommendation for denial. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from the July 2, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Julie Gorman, the applicant, expressed strong support for approval of the sign permit. She argued that replacing only the sign face preserves critical sight lines for safety, whereas a new compliant sign with a full base would create a blind spot. She cited higher costs for a new sign, precedent from other non-conforming signs, and personal financial impacts. Discussion Items - Matthew Bugert, senior associate planner, presented staff's recommendation to deny the sign permit application SI-25-0016. Staff stated that the proposal did not achieve the purposes of the sign ordinance due to deviations from guidelines, including a height of 11.8 feet (exceeding the 8-foot limit) and lack of a full-width base. - Committee members discussed the application, referencing a similar approved sign at Fisherman's Cove as precedent. Members expressed concern about safety hazards from a new sign blocking visibility and supported approval given the minimal change of only replacing the sign face. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved a motion to approve the sign permit application, with the condition that any future structural modifications to the sign must comply with current city guidelines. The motion included findings that the approval better achieves the sign ordinance's purposes than strict guideline compliance. - The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. - Staff provided updates on tentative agenda items for the August 20 ARC meeting and the planned merger of the ARC with the Planning Commission, with an ordinance expected to go to the City Council in September.

The Monterey City Council convened on August 5, 2025, for a lengthy session covering a wide range of policy issues. Key discussions included a contentious update to the sidewalk vending ordinance, funding decisions for neighborhood improvement projects, an update on the city's Climate Action Plan, a divided vote on a letter to state regulators concerning water supply, the process for recruiting a new city manager, updates to governance policies for board appointments, the implementation of a state housing law (SB9), and revisions to the rental assistance program. The meeting featured robust public participation and council deliberation on these matters. Consent Calendar - Items 3 (Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Update) and 7 (NCIP Project Funding) were pulled from the consent calendar for discussion. All other consent items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agendized Items: Anthony Mitchell, representing Echo Green Solutions, promoted a no-cost energy efficiency program for city facilities. Dan Mormon Derez commented on the lack of disabled parking near the harbor and raised concerns about city staff sensitivity training. - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance: Multiple permitted street vendors, including Mira Nissim, Brian (a caricature artist), and others, expressed strong opposition to the proposed ordinance. They argued that reducing vendor space to 8x4 feet would destroy their livelihoods, that the regulations were based on misleading photographs and testimony from wharf business owners (e.g., Tony Lombardo), and that real safety issues, like unmarked bike paths, were being ignored. Vendors requested larger spaces and reasonable setbacks. - CPUC Letter: Public comment was sharply divided. Representatives from the Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association, Monterey County Hospitality Association, and the Farm Bureau opposed the letter, arguing that the Pure Water Monterey expansion's water supply was unreliable and that the city should not interfere. Conversely, speakers from Public Water Now, Landwatch, and other advocates supported the letter, stating that Cal Am's water demand forecast was inflated and would lead to unaffordable rates. - City Manager Recruitment: A firefighter association representative expressed support for internal candidate Nat Rajana Sathira. Other commenters advocated for a transparent, national search process. - SB9 Implementation: Numerous residents voiced opposition, citing concerns about over-densification, inadequate infrastructure, parking, traffic, and loss of neighborhood character. Housing advocates, including Landwatch and the Monterey Opportunity Housing Trust, spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for more affordable housing supply. Discussion Items - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Update: Staff provided a brief recap of the ordinance, which included size limitations, setback requirements, and a potential lottery system. Councilmembers acknowledged the vendors' concerns but emphasized the need for safety and clarity in a congested area. The ordinance was approved unanimously. - NCIP Funding and Fire Station Seismic Study: Staff recommended closing several NCIP projects that could not proceed due to lack of property owner support. Discussion focused on Fire Station 12, where costs had increased significantly. Public commenter Tom urged a seismic study. Council moved to approve the staff recommendation but added a directive to conduct a $15,000 Tier 2 seismic assessment. The motion passed unanimously. - Climate Action Plan Update: Staff presented the draft plan, highlighting that transportation and building energy are the largest sources of emissions. Mitigation measures were outlined. Council provided feedback on ensuring equitable outreach and incorporating practical steps for renters. - Letter to the CPUC on Water Demand: Mayor Williamson presented a draft letter urging the CPUC to lower its water demand forecast for the Monterey Peninsula. A lengthy debate ensued regarding water supply reliability and housing development. The council voted 4-1 to authorize the mayor to sign and submit the letter, with Councilmember Smith opposed. - City Manager Executive Recruitment: Council discussed options for replacing the retiring city manager. There was consensus to direct staff to pursue a recruitment process using an executive search firm for a national search. - Governance Policy Update: Proposed changes would create a mayor and vice mayor subcommittee to interview applicants for boards and commissions. After discussion on interview length and question standardization, the council approved the update, including offering two interview time slots and limiting interviews to 15 minutes. - SB9 Implementation Ordinances: A public hearing was held on ordinances to ministerially allow lot splits and up to four units (or six with affordable housing incentives) on single-family lots, as required by state law. Council acknowledged public concerns but noted the legal requirement to comply. The ordinances, including the affordable housing incentives, were approved. - Rental Assistance Program Guidelines: Staff proposed changes to tighten eligibility, focusing assistance on very low-income households and preventing fraud. Council amended the proposal to clarify that medical debt should not be considered "excessive debt" for eligibility. The updated guidelines were approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the second reading of the sidewalk vending ordinance update unanimously. - Approved NCIP funding adjustments and authorized a $15,000 seismic study for Fire Station 12 unanimously. - Received the Climate Action Plan update and provided direction to staff. - Authorized the mayor to sign and submit a letter to the CPUC questioning water demand forecasts (4-1 vote). - Directed staff to begin the city manager recruitment process using an executive search firm. - Approved updates to the governance policy for board and commission appointments. - Adopted ordinances to implement Senate Bill 9, including affordable housing incentives. - Approved changes to the rental assistance program guidelines, with an amendment regarding medical debt. Note: Closed session items were also heard, but no public report was provided in this transcript segment.

The Library Board of Trustees convened with a focus on the museum's art collection inventory and fund development strategies. Key discussions included the status of the art inventory, storage challenges, future needs, and plans for fundraising initiatives. Financial updates and routine approvals were also addressed. Consent Calendar - Items 3 through 8 were approved unanimously without discussion, covering routine administrative matters. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting, as confirmed by zero online attendees. Discussion Items - Art Inventory Presentation: Artifact Specialist Brianna Schmerling presented on the museum's art collection, detailing over 400 works with 149 on display. She highlighted storage concerns, the need for updated condition reports, and future projects including deaccessioning, online accessibility via Catalog It Hub, and creating a public art policy. Library Museum Director Brian Edwards noted the complexity of developing a public art policy due to historic districts and private property considerations. - Fund Development Update: Director Brian Edwards reported on discussions with the Friends and Foundation to hire a contractor for fund development and event coordination, with a proposed budget of $15,000-$20,000. The group is considering a general support campaign for the upcoming Big Idea grant application. - Financial Discussion: Trustees reviewed budget expenditures, with explanations on variances due to salary savings from vacant positions and encumbrances. Edwards clarified that overspending in part-time hours was offset by savings elsewhere, and the city manages salary savings as part of budget planning. - Other Updates: Trustees discussed holiday closure schedules, with the library closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas. The summer reading program was highlighted as successful, with one week remaining. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The board endorsed moving forward with fund development plans, including hiring a contractor through the Friends and Foundation. - Trustees received updates on art inventory progress and budget management, with no immediate votes but continued focus on storage solutions and conservation funding.

The Monterey City Council held a special meeting to address urgent federal compliance for housing grants and discuss significant reforms to boards, commissions, and committees, including governance policies, consolidation efforts, and term limits. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval to amend and resubmit the draft fiscal year consolidated plan and annual action plan for the Community Development Block Grant program to comply with federal executive orders, as requested by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Public Comments & Testimony - On HUD compliance: Esther expressed opposition to the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion statements, calling it "embarrassing" and a step backward. - On boards and commissions reforms: Multiple speakers, including Kurt Tipton, Pat Benza, and Nina Beattie, opposed term limits, arguing that they would lead to a loss of experienced members and increase reliance on staff. Nancy Soule emphasized the need for neighborhood representation in the Neighborhood Community Improvement Program. Esther and Tom supported term limits with the caveat that incumbents could remain if no other qualified applicants applied. Nina Beattie also opposed dissolving the Architectural Review Committee, stating it would strip local authority and serve special interests. Several commenters, including Nina Beattie, criticized the short notice for the special meeting. Discussion Items - Governance policy changes for a mayor-vice mayor subcommittee to interview and nominate applicants: The council reaffirmed consensus to proceed with the previously approved standing subcommittee. - Process for dissolving the Architectural Review Committee (ARC): Council discussed merging ARC duties into the Planning Commission. Staff indicated that ordinances would be drafted to facilitate this, with a preference for including architects on the Planning Commission. - Potential combination of the Historic Preservation Commission with the Museum and Cultural Arts Commission: Discussion was deferred; staff will bring back analysis at a future date. - Potential term limits for boards, commissions, and committees: Heated debate occurred. Councilmember Garcia expressed support for term limits to create opportunities for new voices and diversity. Councilmember Rash opposed term limits, arguing that the existing reappointment process suffices. Mayor Williamson proposed 12-year term limits with an exception allowing incumbents to continue if no other applicants apply. - Authorization for a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission on water demand forecasts: The council agreed to continue this item to the August 5th regular meeting. Key Outcomes - HUD plan amendment approved unanimously (5-0). - Governance policy changes affirmed by consensus without a formal vote. - Motion to dissolve the Architectural Review Committee and consolidate its duties into the Planning Commission approved unanimously (5-0). - Motion to direct staff to draft ordinance amendments for 12-year term limits with an incumbent exception passed 3-2, with Councilmembers Garcia, Barber, and Williamson in favor, and Councilmembers Rash and Smith opposed. - CPUC letter item continued to August 5th meeting. - Closed session items on city manager performance evaluation and existing litigation were not discussed in open session.

The meeting focused on reviewing financial reports for the Measure PNS (street maintenance) fund, including unaudited expenditures and a periodic compliance report. Staff provided updates on current and upcoming street rehabilitation projects and sales tax revenue. Committee members discussed the need to renew the measure for future funding. Public Comments & Testimony - Tony Caldy, a resident, expressed concern about deteriorating road conditions on Jocelyn Canyon, citing serious safety hazards from potholes and dips, and requested the street be added to the city's repair list. Discussion Items - Review of Unaudited Expenditures: Committee members, particularly Patrick Aldinger and Justin Chang, questioned specific expenditures tagged with notes (e.g., ADA curb ramps at the conference center, tunnel maintenance). Staff clarified that some items were for city right-of-way work and that project titles in the citywide list required cross-referencing for location details. - Review of Periodic Report: The committee acknowledged the report's statement that the city has managed PNS projects and funds in compliance with the voter-approved measure. - Review of Street Rehabilitation Reports: Senior Engineer Max Reese reported a network PCI (Pavement Condition Index) of 81, detailed completed and upcoming projects (e.g., Hawthorne, Wave Street, North Fremont), and discussed challenges with permitting for the Via Esperanza storm drain project. Committee members discussed problematic streets in mixed jurisdictions (Aguajito, Mulholland) and the cost-efficiency of repair prioritization. - Sales Tax Updates: Finance staff Wendy Davies presented data showing mixed quarterly performance, with Q4 2024 showing a 9.1% increase over 2023, boosted by conference center, hotel, and fine dining activity. Carol Trabajian highlighted the importance of group business to the city's sales tax revenue. - Future Measure Renewal: Committee members, led by Carol Trabajian, discussed the need to begin planning for a renewal or replacement of Measure PNS for the 2026 ballot. Trabajian advocated for the full allocation to street maintenance and offered to organize a tour for City Council members to illustrate the ongoing need. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved (3-0) the review of unaudited expenditures from July 1, 2024 through June 15, 2025. - The committee unanimously approved (3-0) the review of the unaudited periodic report. - The committee unanimously approved (3-0) the review of the street rehabilitation and reconstruction reports for 2025. - The committee unanimously approved (3-0) the sales tax updates for quarters three and four of 2024. - Staff announced that Pyam Ostovar had stepped down from the committee. - The committee directed staff to provide more detailed attachments for recurring expenditure items (like conference center ADA ramps) in future reports and to confirm fund eligibility for tunnel-related work. - Committee members agreed to pursue organizing a tour for City Council members to demonstrate the condition of streets and the need for continued Measure PNS funding.

The Monterey City Council held a session on July 15, 2025, featuring presentations on Parks and Recreation Month, a sister city visit to Sicily, updates to the residential parking permit program, adoption of a local road safety plan, and the first reading of a sidewalk vending ordinance update. The meeting included extensive public testimony and council deliberations. Public Comments & Testimony - Parks and Recreation Month: Public commenters expressed strong support for the parks and recreation department. India Weeks shared childhood memories of Dennis the Menace Park and praised its safety improvements. Astor thanked specific staff members for their attentiveness and partnership. - General Public Comment: Multiple speakers addressed various issues. Anthony Gonzalez, representing a cannabis dispensary, urged the council to reconsider the 20% tax on sweetened cannabis beverages, stating it hurts consumers. Joyce Hoffman raised concerns about airport noise ordinances being repealed. Jim Burns suggested community enhancements like mosaics and an environmental walk of fame. India Weeks spoke in support of sidewalk vending rights under state law. Devin and Wendy Brickman discussed challenges with cannabis zoning in North Fremont. - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance: Vendors, including Rafiel Siniso, Athena Zenizo, and Kirk Brock, opposed the proposed regulations, arguing that the 4x8 foot space limits are economically unviable and that they were not adequately consulted. They requested compromise and better enforcement of existing rules. Other commenters, like Anton Lombardo and Wendy Brickman, supported the ordinance for safety reasons, citing congestion and hazards on the recreation trail. Discussion Items - Parks and Recreation Month Presentation: Staff, including Shannon Leon, highlighted the department's impact from youth camps to senior services. Council members unanimously expressed gratitude and recognized the team's contributions to community health and social connections. - Sister City Visit to Isola della Femine, Sicily: Mayor Williamson and Dr. Vince Malfitano presented on their trip, emphasizing cultural ties, economic opportunities, and personal reunions. Councilmember Smith noted that no city funds were used and stressed the importance of local-level international relations. - Residential Parking Permit Program Updates: Christy Steffi outlined proposed changes to modernize the program, including online permits, fees, and revised petition thresholds. Council discussed concerns about neighborhood outreach and equity, directing staff to return with final recommendations in the fall. - Local Road Safety Plan Adoption: Marissa Garcia presented the plan, developed with grant funding, aimed at reducing serious injuries. Public commenter Esther urged for more safety measures in her neighborhood. The council moved to adopt the plan. - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance First Reading: Levi Hill explained the ordinance's provisions for vendor spacing, display limits, and operational standards. After heated public testimony, the council debated safety vs. economic viability. Amendments were discussed, such as prohibiting vending on both sides of the recreation trail. Key Outcomes - Parks and Recreation Month: Recognized with accolades; no formal vote needed. - Sister City Visit: Presentation accepted; future collaborations on commerce and cultural programs endorsed. - Residential Parking Permit Program: Updates presented; council directed staff to finalize plan for fall consideration. - Local Road Safety Plan: Adopted unanimously by roll call vote (Councilmember Rash yes, Councilmember Smith yes, Councilmember Barber yes, Mayor Williamson yes; Councilmember Garcia absent). - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance: Passed first reading; council approved staff recommendation with a motion and second, pending second reading. Votes: Councilmember Barber yes, Councilmember Smith yes, Councilmember Rash yes, Mayor Williamson yes.

The Historic Preservation Commission met on July 10, 2025, to consider two public hearing items: a permit amendment for a roof deck expansion and alterations to accessory structures at 581 Scott Street, and a Mills Act contract and historic zoning application for 817 Martin Street. The commission also approved the consent calendar and continued the annual vice chair appointment. Commissioners expressed concerns about scope creep, privacy impacts, and historic compatibility, leading to a continuance for the first item and approval with conditions for the second. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - 581 Scott Street: - Elizabeth Atkinson (neighbor, 236 Larkin Street) opposed the skylights on the tobacco barn, stating they would destroy its historic character, and questioned the safety of a spiral stairwell as an egress. - Sandra Carnazzo (neighbor, 218 Larkin Street) expressed concerns about privacy and noise from the proposed rooftop deck, fearing it would overlook her property. - John Bailey (representing neighbor at 211 Larkin) argued the deck expansion would further intrude on his clients’ privacy, noted the project represented “scope creep” from a previous Mills Act approval, and raised an unaddressed environmental issue regarding a sewer lateral on the site. - 817 Martin Street: - No public comments were received. - No online attendees commented on any item. Discussion Items - 581 Scott Street – Historic Permit Amendment (Deck Expansion) and Alterations to Garage & Tobacco Barn: - Planning Manager Chris Schmidt presented the staff recommendation to approve a 68-square-foot expansion of an already-approved roof deck and restoration of the tobacco barn and garage, including new foundations, roof framing, skylights, and repairs. The property is the historically designated Hellam House. - The project architect explained that the deck expansion was a later aesthetic decision—to avoid a membrane roof—and that the existing roof framing made the extension simple. He argued the expansion is not visible from public views and does not increase occupancy. - Commissioners questioned the scope creep (the deck was not part of the original approval), privacy impacts on neighbors, the appropriateness of skylights on the historic barn, and the lack of a landscape plan. Several commissioners noted they could not visualize the impacts from plans alone and requested a field trip. - After public comment, the commission voted unanimously to continue the item to a date uncertain to allow a site visit when construction conditions permit. - 817 Martin Street – Mills Act Contract and H2 Historic Zoning: - Principal Planner Fernando Roveri presented the staff recommendation to approve the Mills Act contract and rezone the property to H2 (local historic overlay). The property qualifies under Criterion 2 (association with significant persons—the Bruggier, Macaulay, Snook, and Powers families) and Criterion 3 (collectic architecture reflecting vernacular and Monterey Colonial elements). - The historian (Kent Seavey) provided detailed background on the families and their contributions to Monterey. - The applicant, Gregory Bernard, spoke about his family’s stewardship and the discoveries made during renovation, including original flooring and fixtures. - Commissioners praised the historical research and supported the application. Commissioner Barlow suggested revising the maintenance schedule to remove items not directly historic (e.g., fencing, driveway, tree trimming) to be consistent with past practice. Staff noted that such items could be retained if they are part of the historic environment. - The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the H2 zoning and Mills Act contract to the Planning Commission and City Council, with a condition that the applicant work with planning staff to refine the maintenance schedule. - Annual Vice Chair Appointment: - The item was continued to the next regular meeting because Commissioner Juan Rodriguez (the nominee) was absent. The motion to continue passed unanimously. - Planning Update: - Staff noted that no items are currently scheduled for the August 14, 2025 meeting, so it will likely be cancelled. The continued item for 581 Scott Street will be scheduled once a field trip can be arranged. Upcoming historic and cultural events were announced. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar: Approved unanimously. - 581 Scott Street: Continued to a date uncertain for a field trip; no action taken. - 817 Martin Street: Motion passed (7–0) to recommend approval of H2 zoning and a Mills Act contract, with a condition to revise the maintenance schedule. - Vice Chair Appointment: Continued to the next regular meeting.