Public Meetings - Monterey, California

The Library Board of Trustees met on Monday, July 7, 2025, to elect new officers, discuss the timeline for the annual director evaluation, and approve a funding proposal for library facility improvements. The meeting included a roll call vote for the new chair and vice chair, and a unanimous vote to submit a $761,000 request to the Neighborhood Community Improvement Program (NCIP). Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were noted. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made, either in the room or online. Discussion Items - Election of Officers: The board discussed and voted on the roles of chair and vice chair. Trustee Delormeier was nominated and elected as chair, and Trustee Petty was elected as vice chair. The vote was unanimous (5–0). Trustee Delormeier stated she would not accept the chair position in 2026–2027. - Annual Director Evaluation Timeline: The board debated when to conduct the performance evaluation of Library Director Brian. Key constraints included Trustee unavailability in August (Trustee Petty’s surgery recovery) and September (Trustee Delormeier’s travel). The group considered moving the evaluation to spring 2026. They agreed to form an ad hoc committee (Chair Delormeier and Trustee Moreau) to develop a new schedule, consulting with HR. The board will not proceed with the evaluation in August or September. - NCIP Library Facility Proposal: The board reviewed a draft proposal for NCIP funding totaling $761,000, covering three categories: - ADA compliance ($428,000) - Community resilience (emergency power generator with automatic transfer switch) - Archives improvements Staff reported consulting with NCIP district representatives, who recommended a single consolidated proposal. The proposal title is “Everyone’s Library.” Trustees discussed the urgency of ADA compliance and the need to make the case that the library serves the entire city. They voted unanimously to approve submission of the proposal, with the understanding that community members will be encouraged to speak at future NCIP meetings. Key Outcomes - Election: Trustee Delormeier elected Chair, Trustee Petty elected Vice Chair (5–0). - Director Evaluation: Postponed; an ad hoc committee will propose a new timeline targeting early 2026. - NCIP Proposal: Approved for submission by the end of July 2025. Trustee and Staff Reports - Trustee Moreau praised the success of the Drag Queen Story Hour and the bookmobile’s “freedom to read” sign at the Fourth of July parade. - Director Brian reported that library lockers at Montecito Park and the Sports Center will arrive around August 6, 2025. He also noted that the library is now fine-free, with overdue fines eliminated. - Discussion included plans to replace the book drop bins with dual-sided units (funded by Friends and Foundation) and a question about auto-renewal notices for items on hold, which staff will review.

On July 3, 2025, Zoning Administrator Levi Hill called the meeting to order at noon. Staff present included Planning Manager Levi Hill, Principal Planner Fernanda Roveri, Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt, and Recording Secretary Eric Cabrera. The main agenda item was a use permit (UP 250087) for converting a vacant second-floor commercial space at a Cannery Row property into four one-bedroom residential units. The meeting also included approval of the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes. Minutes Approval - The May 15, 2025 zoning administrator meeting minutes were presented for consideration. No public comments or staff edits were offered. Zoning Administrator Hill, who was present at that meeting, reviewed and approved the minutes as submitted. Discussion Item: Use Permit UP 250087 - Second-Floor Residential Conversion - Staff Presentation: Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt presented the project. The applicant had previously obtained a coastal development permit waiver (approved in 2024). The project involves converting the vacant second floor (formerly used for storage and office) into four one-bedroom residential units. No additional floor area is proposed. Each unit will have dedicated storage. The applicant will secure parking passes at the Cannery Row garage. The first-floor retail use will remain. Exterior modifications include expanding existing windows to meet current code requirements. - Findings for Approval: Staff recommended approval based on three findings: (1) consistency with the zoning ordinance, including a parking plan and storage requirements for mixed-use residential development in the Cannery Row district; (2) consistency with the general plan and no detriment to public health, safety, or welfare; and (3) compliance with conditions, including a parking agreement for residential parking. - Applicant Comments: Vince Balstrike of K Real Cobra, the applicant, thanked staff for their patience through the process, noting that COVID and coastal permit delays had extended the timeline. He expressed appreciation for the recommendation for approval. - Public Comment: No public comments were offered, either in person or online. Key Outcomes - Approval: Zoning Administrator Levi Hill approved the use permit (UP 250087) with the incorporation of the previously approved residential parking plan (associated with use permit 17-0485) and the conditions in the draft resolution, plus two additional conditions. - Additional Conditions: (1) The project shall incorporate the recommendations of the attached acoustical noise mitigation report, with evidence of compliance submitted with building permit applications. (2) Prior to final inspection, the applicant shall secure residential parking permits at the Cannery Row garage consistent with the previously approved residential parking plan. - Appeal Information: The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days of the meeting. Applications for appeal can be found online or at the planning office. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) of Monterey met on July 2, 2025, to consider an architectural review permit for a single-family home expansion at 417 Antilope Lane, a sign permit at 601 Franklin Street, and annual appointments for chair and vice chair. The committee unanimously approved the home expansion permit, continued the sign permit due to inconsistencies, and appointed new officers for the coming year. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments on any agenda item. Discussion Items - 417 Antilope Lane (ARP-25-0076): The applicant, architect Bill Meffert, presented a proposal for first- and second-story additions (227 sq ft and 82 sq ft, respectively) and a new 168 sq ft gazebo, prompted by a tree falling on the home in December 2024. New exterior materials, including fire-resistant Hardy siding, and a new paint color (Urbane Bronze) were also proposed. Staff found the project compatible with the neighborhood and design guidelines, meeting all four findings for approval. A committee member expressed that the project met objective standards and suggested that such applications could be handled ministerially to save time and money. Staff noted that any process changes would require separate ordinance action. The committee voted unanimously to approve the permit. - 601 Franklin Street (SI-25-0094): Staff reported that the sign permit application, after being noticed and agendized, was found to have inconsistencies with the city's sign guidelines and ordinance. The applicant was asked to revise the proposal. The committee voted unanimously to continue the item to a date uncertain. - Annual Appointments: Principal Planner Fernanda Roveri recommended that, based on rotation, Committee Member Turgeon (next in line) be appointed chair and Committee Member Palmer be appointed vice chair for a one-year term. The committee voted unanimously to approve the appointments. Key Outcomes - Approved Architectural Review Permit ARP-25-0076 for 417 Antilope Lane (unanimous vote). The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. - Continued Sign Permit SI-25-0094 for 601 Franklin Street to a date uncertain (unanimous vote). - Appointed Committee Member Turgeon as chair and Committee Member Palmer as vice chair for the next 12 months (unanimous vote). - The next ARC meeting is likely to be cancelled due to no items scheduled.

The City of Monterey held a regular council meeting on June 25, 2025, to conduct public hearings and confirm assessments for two maintenance districts: the Alvarado Street Maintenance District (established 1985) and the CHI Principal Maintenance District (established 2000). Councilmembers Barber and Rash and Mayor Williamson were present; Councilmembers Garcia and Smith were absent. Both hearings resulted in unanimous votes to authorize the proposed assessments after no majority protest was received. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments on either agenda item. Discussion Item 1: Alvarado Street Maintenance District 85-1 - Public Works Engineering Assistant Cody Hennings presented the proposed assessment rate of $4.65 per linear foot of frontage per month for fiscal year 2025-2026, based on property owners' desired level of service. The city clerk counted the sealed ballots and reported no majority protest, allowing the assessment to proceed. Discussion Item 2: CHI Principal Maintenance District 00-1 - Staff presented the proposed assessment rate of $0.57 per linear foot of frontage per month for fiscal year 2025-2026, also reflecting property owners' desired service level. The ballot count again showed no majority protest, enabling the assessment. Key Outcomes - Alvarado Street Maintenance District: Motion to adopt the resolution and authorize the assessment passed unanimously (3-0). - CHI Principal Maintenance District: Motion to adopt the resolution and authorize the assessment passed unanimously (3-0). - Both assessments were confirmed without opposition, and the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was called to order by Levi Hill, Planning Manager for the City of Monterey, at 15:54 UTC on June 24, 2025. No additional agenda items, discussions, or actions were recorded from the provided transcript.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) of Monterey, California, met on June 18, 2025, to consider two agenda items: a sign permit application for a medical office building at 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive and exterior alterations to a residence at 3 Cielo Vista Drive. The committee also received a planning update and discussed the potential consolidation of the ARC with the Planning Commission. The meeting was held in person with remote participation available. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment, either in person or remotely. Discussion Items - 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive – Sign Permit Application (SI250109): Staff presented a proposal for five internally illuminated wall signs for a new medical office building (Building E) in the Montage Health complex. The signs included two types: Sign Type One (62.8 sq ft each, two signs) with the Montage Health logo, and Sign Type Two (circular, originally calculated as 16 sq ft but corrected to 12.56 sq ft each, three signs) identifying the building as "E." Staff noted a calculation error in the plans regarding the circular sign area and recommended a special condition requiring the applicant to submit revised plans with correct calculations. The applicant, Sean Adams (owner of Monterey Science), spoke in favor, citing improved wayfinding for the community and reduced light pollution (signs on a photocell timer, turned off by 11 PM). The committee found the proposal consistent with sign ordinance objectives despite exceeding the 50 sq ft maximum for wall signs and the two-sign limit, due to the large building scale, emergency wayfinding needs, and matching existing campus branding. The sign permit was approved with the special condition to correct the square footage calculation. - 3 Cielo Vista Drive – Architectural Review Permit (ARP240253): Staff presented a proposal for exterior alterations to an existing two-story residence on a steep lot. Changes included expanding the second-story deck by approximately 70 sq ft (to a total of 385 sq ft), new deck materials with steel posts and cable railing, roof form changes (including a switch from asphalt to metal seam roof), new windows and doors, a new paint scheme (green with black accents), and other minor alterations. The roof change increased the building height slightly, triggering ARC review. Staff found the design compatible with the neighborhood and that views, privacy, and living environment were not unreasonably impaired. The owner, Josh, spoke in favor, noting the metal roof improves fire hardening. The committee approved the permit unanimously, praising the improvements. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Sign Permit (2 Upper Ragsdale Drive): Approved with a special condition requiring the applicant to submit revised plans correcting the circular sign area calculation (from 16 sq ft to 12.56 sq ft per sign). The motion carried unanimously. - Architectural Review Permit (3 Cielo Vista Drive): Approved unanimously. - Appeals: Both decisions are appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days; forms available online and at the planning office. - Planning Update: Staff reported that on June 10, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended to the City Council amendments to implement the local SB9 ordinance (allowing up to six units on single-family lots with affordability requirements) and other housing element programs. The council is expected to consider this in August. Staff also noted that the City Council directed staff to bring back legislation to consolidate the ARC with the Planning Commission, a process expected to take two to three months. Committee member Ostrovar is stepping down (term ending June 30), and member Hunter’s term also ends June 30. The next ARC meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2025 (not July 3 as originally printed), with tentative items including 66 Mara Vista, 17 Antelope Lane, and 601 East Franklin. Committee members expressed support for the consolidation and suggested streamlining minor projects for staff-level approval.

The Monterey City Council held a regular meeting on June 17, 2025, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. The meeting included a series of proclamations and recognitions for military personnel and city employees, a historic apology to Dutra Street indigenous residents, approval of an expanded fire and ambulance services agreement with Carmel-by-the-Sea, and a major discussion on the process for appointing members to boards and commissions. The Council also approved a one-year extension for the Ocean View Plaza development project and continued discussion on changes to the rental assistance program to a later meeting. Consent Calendar - Items 3 (Proclamation recognizing MST General Manager Carl Sederholm) and 13 (Fire and ambulance services agreement with Carmel-by-the-Sea) were pulled from consent for separate discussion. - The remainder of the consent calendar was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1: DLI Awards: Two public speakers attempted to speak on topics unrelated to the awards (toxins at Fort Ord and U.S. foreign policy) and were cut off by the Mayor for being off-topic. - Item 2: Employee Anniversaries: One speaker (Esther Colleen) congratulated the employees. - General Public Comments: - John Jim Burns (street vendor) proposed changes to sidewalk vending regulations, including moving planters, improving trash service, marking bike paths, and issuing a vendor map. He argued that vendors are currently doing the city's work. - A speaker (name unclear) expressed strong support for the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, highlighting its origins in protecting immigrant communities from ICE raids. - Olivia Zeller (Parks and Rec employee) raised concerns about bike path safety and conflicts with bikers at El Estero Park. - Ross Pounds (Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation) announced a defensible space grant program for residents needing help clearing vegetation for wildfire preparedness. - Staff Sergeant Jesse Morgan (DLI) spoke against alleged predatory practices by USA Towing, citing high fees and lack of oversight under CHP contract. - Callers criticized the Mayor for cutting off speakers on the DLI awards, urged action on global warming, and complained about Mayor's address of public comments. - Item 3: Carl Sederholm Recognition: One speaker (Staff Sergeant Jesse Morgan) thanked Mr. Sederholm for MST service. Two callers (Brian Rosen and Rita Moffat) strongly opposed the recognition, criticizing Mr. Sederholm’s management, the SURF! project, and alleging conflicts of interest. - Item 13: Carmel Fire/Ambulance: First speaker raised concerns about women's safety and self-defense classes; Ross Pounds (Monterey Firefighters Association) enthusiastically supported the merger. - Item 15: Dutra Street Apology: Multiple speakers (Rudy Rosales, Karen Brown, Ann Jacobson, Philip Laverty, Nina Beattie, Tom) expressed gratitude for the apology and called for further actions such as land acknowledgments, public art, and a more accurate historical narrative. - Item 18: Boards/Commissions Process: Over 20 speakers from the public addressed the Council, with the vast majority urging more transparency in the appointment process (supporting options B, C, or D) and many opposing the combination of the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission with the Historic Preservation Commission. Some speakers defended the current mayor's process and criticized perceived bullying from neighborhood association leaders. - Item 16: Ocean View Plaza Extension: Bob Evans urged denial of the extension, calling the project an eyesore and citing climate change concerns. Bob (current applicant) defended the project, detailing improvements and arguing that denial would delay development for decades. Discussion Items - Proclamations & Recognitions: The Council read and presented proclamations to four service members (Seaman Elise Rising, Lance Corporal Ashton Elzy, Sergeant Samuel Garcia, Sergeant Jocelyn Mata) for their achievements at DLI, and recognized five city employees with 20-year milestones (Baltazar Garcia, Jose Bonilla, Michael Nemi, Jeffrey Welch, and one absent). - Item 3: Carl Sederholm Proclamation: The Council honored Carl Sederholm for 25 years of service as General Manager/CEO of Monterey-Salinas Transit, citing achievements such as securing over $200 million in grants, launching SURF! bus rapid transit, and serving over 100 million passengers. Councilmember Smith personally thanked him. - Item 13: Carmel Fire/Ambulance Contract: Fire Chief Miller presented the proposed agreement to take over ambulance services for Carmel-by-the-Sea, adding it to the existing fire services contract. The agreement would add 6 new positions, increase total contract value from $3.43M to $5.55M, and includes a 16% administrative fee. All direct and indirect costs are covered by Carmel. Chief Miller noted that the city’s fire contracts generate about $2M annually in unencumbered funds for the general fund. - Item 15: Dutra Street Apology: City Manager Hans Usher presented an updated resolution apologizing to the Dutra Street indigenous residents for their forced displacement in the 1950s via eminent domain, acknowledging racist comments and historic injustices. The Council approved the proclamation after public testimony. - Item 18: Boards & Commissions Appointments Process & Potential Consolidation: - Appointments Process: The Council debated options for making nominations. After extensive discussion, a motion carried to establish a standing committee of the Mayor and Vice Mayor to conduct interviews. The committee's meetings would be publicly noticed and subject to the Brown Act. The full Council retains authority to appoint. Council also requested staff to draft a formal policy outlining procedures (scheduling, question format, etc.). - Combination of Boards: The Council voted to start the process of combining the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) with the Planning Commission, citing efficiencies and state-driven shifts to objective standards. The combination of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) with the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission (MCAC) was set aside for now, with Council requesting more information on feasibility and legal constraints (such as CLG status for HPC). - Item 16: Ocean View Plaza Extension: Staff recommended and the Council approved a one-year extension of the vesting tentative map for the mixed-use project on Canary Row. The applicant argued that the extension was needed due to ongoing litigation with the Coastal Commission and that the project would bring housing and community benefits. An opponent argued the project should be reconsidered given changed conditions and climate risks. Key Outcomes - Dutra Street Apology Proclamation: Adopted unanimously (5-0). The Council apologized to the Dutra Street indigenous residents and their descendants, acknowledging the forced displacement and historical injustices. Several Council members committed to further steps, including a broader land acknowledgment process. - Fire/Ambulance Contract for Carmel-by-the-Sea: Approved unanimously (5-0). The City Manager was authorized to enter into the new agreement, effective upon execution. - Boards & Commissions Appointment Process: A motion establishing a standing committee of the Mayor and Vice Mayor to conduct public interviews and make nominations to the full Council for appointment was passed unanimously (5-0). Staff will draft a codified policy. - Combination of ARC and Planning Commission: Approved unanimously. Staff will begin work on amending the zoning code and related regulations to consolidate the two bodies, with the Planning Commission absorbing ARC functions. - Combination of HPC and MCAC: Motion to proceed failed; Council requested additional analysis from staff on legal requirements (CLG status) and potential impacts before reconsideration. - Ocean View Plaza Extension (Item 16): Approved unanimously (5-0). The vesting tentative map is extended by one year to June 17, 2026. - Item 19 (Rental Assistance Program): Continued to the August 5, 2025 council meeting by unanimous vote.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of proceedings, discussions, or decisions can be generated.

On June 12, 2025, the Monterey Historic Preservation Commission met to consider a delisting request, approve prior meeting minutes, and discuss proposed changes to commission structures. All commissioners were present except Juan Rodriguez. Staff included Christy Sabdo (Principal Planner), Levi Hill, Fernando Riveri, and Spencer Argonbright. Consent Calendar - Minutes of May 8, 2025: Approved unanimously by voice vote (moved by a commissioner, seconded). The motion carried with no opposition. Discussion Items - 287 Monroe Street – Removal from Lower Old Town Reconnaissance Survey: Staff (Christy Sabdo) presented the application (HP 240256) to delist the property, citing lack of historic significance under all four criteria (events, persons, design/construction, information potential) and low integrity due to vinyl windows, a mismatched mid‑century addition, and loss of character‑defining features. Architectural historian Kent Seavy explained that the property is a confused composition of two distinct periods with no unifying design; differentiation does not rescue it because the original character is lost. Applicant Duke Kelso stated the owner intends to keep the building envelope and only add French doors and rework the deck/front entrance. Commissioner Julie commented that vinyl windows could be replaced and the addition is not visible from the street, but agreed the property is not a good example. Commissioners Kathy, Carol, and William concurred. Commissioner Smith Cravello recused herself (lives within 500 feet). A motion to accept staff’s recommendation to remove the property passed with all in favor and one abstention (Commissioner Daryl). Commissioner Comments & Staff Reports - Proposed Commission Restructuring: Commissioner Gerlin raised concerns about a city council agenda item (scheduled for June 17, 2025) that could consolidate the Historic Preservation Commission with the Museum and Cultural Arts Commission and change appointment processes. Staff (Levi Hill) confirmed the item is on the next council agenda and that the council will have an initial conversation; no detailed proposal exists yet. Staff noted that preserving the commission’s qualified membership is critical for maintaining Certified Local Government status. Commissioners discussed the different purviews of the two bodies and expressed uncertainty about how consolidation might affect both groups. The commission was encouraged to attend or submit written comments. - Staff Report: Levi Hill noted no tentative items for the July 10 HPC meeting pending the council’s direction, but chair/vice‑chair rotation will likely be placed on the next agenda. Upcoming events were highlighted: free art and literature tours (June 12–14), community craft day (June 14), and free admission at Monterey Museum of Art through August 31. Commissioner Gerlin reported on a successful Monterey birthday celebration at Mary Enda with about 400 attendees. Key Outcomes - 287 Monroe Street delisted: Approved (with one abstention). The property is removed from the Lower Old Town Reconnaissance Survey. Delisting can be appealed within 10 days. - No formal action on commission restructuring; council discussion scheduled for June 17, 2025. - Meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM.