Public Meetings - Monterey, California

The Monterey Planning Commission met on March 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:31 PM. Commissioners absent: Dawson, Fletcher, and Brassfield. Chair Bluth presided, with Vice Chair Silva, Commissioner Freeman, and Commissioner Latasa present. Staff included Planning Manager Levi Hill and Recording Secretary Eric Cabrera. The agenda included a consent calendar item (minutes from February 25), a public hearing on a proposed zoning clearance permit, and acceptance of the 2024 General Plan Annual Report. Consent Calendar - The approval of the February 25 meeting minutes was postponed to the next meeting due to Commissioner Freeman’s absence. The motion to continue passed unanimously (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Julie Gorman (owner of 1099 Delmonte Avenue) commented on the first agenda item, criticizing the proposed zoning clearance permit. She argued that the city’s business license serves a regulatory purpose, citing a 2013 court ruling in the city’s favor. She claimed the ordinance would not apply equally to properties in specific plan areas (Downtown, Lighthouse, North Fremont) and lacked an appeal process, making it unfair to properties like hers. - No other public comments were made in chambers or online. Discussion Items 1. Recommended City Council Amend the Zoning Code to Require a Zoning Clearance Permit for New Businesses or Changes in Use/Location - Planning Manager Levi Hill presented the item: the current business license is for revenue only, creating a gap where businesses can unknowingly establish unpermitted uses. The new permit would be ministerial, checking zoning compliance for principally permitted uses. It would not replace use permits or business licenses. - Commissioners discussed the scope (only for uses not requiring a discretionary permit), the lack of a clear appeal process, fees, and applicability to specific plan areas. Concerns were raised about potential confusion with business licenses and impacts on non-conforming uses. - Julie Gorman testified again, opposing the ordinance and stating it would override a court decision. - A motion to continue the item to clarify the appeal process failed 2-2 (Chair Bluth and Vice Chair Silva against; Commissioners Freeman and Latasa for). A subsequent motion to recommend approval with language for an appeal process passed 4-0. 2. Accept the 2024 General Plan Annual Report for Review and Comment - Levi Hill summarized the 145-page report. The general plan was updated in July 2024. Key data: the housing element requires 3,654 new units (2024-2031); in 2024, only 43 units were completed, but 74 were approved (mostly ADUs). About 45% of housing programs are completed or ongoing; 29 programs have not started. Other elements (circulation, conservation, safety, historic preservation) were also discussed. - Commissioners asked about the discrepancy between entitled and completed units, water availability for new projects, and the no-net-loss policy. Staff noted that many previously entitled projects are in the pipeline and that new water from Pure Water Monterey may become available in the next year. - A motion to adopt the resolution accepting the report passed 4-0. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the zoning clearance permit ordinance, with a clear appeal process included (4-0 vote). - The Commission adopted Resolution PC-2025-03 accepting the 2024 General Plan Annual Report (4-0 vote). - Approval of the February 25 meeting minutes was postponed to the next meeting. - Commissioners discussed concerns about electric bike safety on the recreation trail; staff advised that this falls outside the Planning Commission’s purview and should be brought to the City Council. - The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 25, pending completion of an SB9 ordinance draft.

On March 5, 2025, the Monterey Architectural Review Committee met to review a sign permit for the Stanton Center and handle continuances for two other projects. Committee members present: Palmer, Ostebar, Polly, Sanders; absent: Turgeon, Hunter. Staff present: Planning Manager Hill, Principal Planner Overy, Senior Associate Planner Schmidt, Recording Secretary Argonbre. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the minutes from the February 19, 2025, meeting and field trip. Chair Polly abstained as she was not present at that meeting. The motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda item: Lena Bunsen, a Monterey homeowner, expressed concern about an ADU under construction at 805 Fillmore Street, which she said would block her ocean view, reduce natural light, and include a window facing her bedroom. She urged the committee to reconsider the plans. Staff advised her to contact city staff to understand the ADU process, as administrative ADUs typically do not require ARC review unless specific exceptions apply. - Item 3 (5 Custom House Plaza): Anna Marie Della Sala Stanton, president of the Italian Heritage Society, spoke in support of the proposed signage. She described the effort to create an exhibit and emphasized the need for visible, eye-level signage to attract visitors, noting that the building currently appears as an office building. Discussion Items - Continuance of Items 4 and 5 (20 and 22 Spray Avenue): Staff requested reordering the agenda to address items 4 and 5 first. The applicant had raised concerns about the accuracy of story polls for both projects. The committee voted to continue both items to a date uncertain, with re-noticing required. - Item 3: 5 Custom House Plaza – Sign Permit for Stanton Center: - Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt presented the application for nine wall signs (including rotating banners) at the Stanton Center, owned by the Monterey History and Art Association. The signs would identify the museum and rotating exhibits. The proposal required ARC approval due to inconsistencies with sign guidelines: individual signs exceeding 50 square feet (signs D at 66.5 sq ft, E and F at 96 sq ft each), total sign area (453.54 sq ft) exceeding the building frontage (410 linear ft), and more than two wall signs per storefront. Signs would be painted, HD urethane, aluma-clad, or banner materials. The downtown specific plan also recommends minimizing signs and using historically appropriate materials. Staff recommended approval with a condition allowing banner rotation without future ARC review. - Applicant Gary Spradlin, board president of the Monterey History and Art Association, explained the need for signage to make the museum visible from the parking lot and street, noting that the building is often mistaken for an office. He clarified that many signs are temporary banners to showcase exhibits. - Committee discussion focused on reducing sign clutter. Members expressed support for the museum but suggested removing sign D (facing the plaza) as unnecessary, and revising signs A and B (entrance) to simplify the graphic design. Some members preferred vertical banners (like sign G) for consistency. Others debated color consistency and the placement of permanent versus rotating signs. - The committee also discussed that sign content (text and images) could not be regulated, but size, location, and material were within their purview. Key Outcomes - Items 4 and 5 (20 and 22 Spray Avenue): Both continued to a date uncertain due to story poll accuracy concerns. Re-noticing will occur. - Item 3 (5 Custom House Plaza): The committee voted to approve the sign permit (SI-23-0070) with the following modifications: - Remove sign D entirely. - Strongly recommend that the applicant reconsider the graphic design of signs A and B to reduce visual clutter. - Adopt Condition of Approval No. 1 allowing rotating banner signs to be changed without returning to the ARC, provided size and location remain the same. - The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within ten days. - Future Meetings: The committee noted upcoming reviews on March 18–19, 2025, for 2600 Sand Dunes (landscaping) and 1150 Munras Avenue (signage for America's Best Value Inn).

The Monterey City Council met on March 4, 2025, beginning at 3:57 PM PST in an afternoon session and reconvening for an evening session after closed session. All five council members were present. The agenda included proclamations for American Red Cross Month and Women's History Month, a public hearing on zoning changes for bicycle rentals, a first reading of a camping ordinance, and discussion and approval of council priorities. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included item 5 on Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding. Councilmembers discussed the declining funding levels and the potential for regional collaboration on a housing trust fund, but staff noted that current population thresholds prevent this. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment (Afternoon): - Steve (no affiliation stated) complained about personal grievances and announced his impending move to Utah. - Janine Chikarate (Portola Hotel & Spa, incoming C Monterey chair) thanked the city for its investment in destination marketing, reporting $38.9 million in economic impact to Monterey alone and $24 million to the conference center. She noted 45,000 room nights booked last year. - Martha Krapchik (neighbor) and Tony Tolner (resident) voiced serious concerns about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety near Monterey High School due to construction closing access points. They presented photos of blocked crosswalks, dangerous driver behavior, and a collision between two school buses. They requested the city provide traffic control and reopen additional routes. - Jeff Whitmore (Larkin Street resident) described parking difficulties due to student vehicles and requested one-hour parking restrictions. - Sherry Flamerfeld (Western Flyer Foundation, Executive Director) invited the public to a send-off event for the Western Flyer boat on March 16 at Old Fisherman's Wharf, noting the 85th anniversary of Steinbeck's voyage. - Nina Beattie (resident) argued for banning lithium-ion battery storage and smart meters in high fire hazard zones, claimed aerosol geoengineering is increasing fire risk, and questioned the safety of smart meters. She requested engineering documentation from the city. - Erica Delamar (resident) called for better management of Laguna Grande Regional Park, citing invasive species, fuel buildup, erosion, and illegal camping that create fire and safety hazards. - Public Comment on Item 8 (Bicycle Rentals): - Bob Paulis (Canary Row property owner) supported expanding bike rentals but asked about display regulations. - Kyle Wareham (Adventures by the Sea owner) noted there are already five rental companies on Canary Row and suggested focusing on visitor areas. He expressed concern about bike path congestion. - Barry Riddock (Escape Room 831 owner) supported the idea but warned about safety on the bike path, urging the council to develop an enforcement plan. - Jeff Davy (representing property at 550 Wave Street) supported the ordinance, noting the building has been vacant and a tenant is interested in a bike rental business. - Joaquin Sullivan (Big Sur Adventures owner) supported, recommending speed limits (e.g., 12 mph) as used in Pacific Grove. - Adam (Zoom caller) supported, saying it was surprising the use was not already allowed. - Bob Luthe (Planning Commission Chair) recommended addressing safety concerns on the recreational trail as a separate issue. - Public Comment on Item 11 (Camping Ordinance): - A female speaker (name not recorded) displayed photos of drug use and illegal activities near parks and businesses, requested stronger enforcement and language to protect children and workers. - Mitchell (Zoom caller, business owner) requested no camping in business districts, stating that customers and staff feel unsafe, and called for regular police patrols. - Esther (resident) asked to include Laguna Grande Park in the high fire zone maps, noting past encampment fires. She argued that police cannot be everywhere and called for safe parking alternatives for those living in vehicles. - Tom (resident) expressed confusion about the Desert Rain case, asked for clarity on enforcement against sleeping in cars, and urged the city to prohibit overnight camping citywide except in designated safe parking areas. - Lorna Moffitt (resident) demanded that the city provide alternatives (e.g., open city lots at night with portable toilets) before banning camping, citing the Supreme Court's emphasis on due process and humane treatment. She criticized service providers for not helping a homeless veteran. - Brian Rosen (resident) argued that criminalizing homelessness is cruel, noted many homeless are veterans, and called for helping rather than punishing. - Kim (resident) sought a balance between safety and compassion, suggested reducing the 30-day warning period to 7 days, and supported police discretion while providing transitional services. - General Public Comment (Evening): - Esther thanked the city for the wildfire town hall and criticized PG&E for power outages. - Brian Rosen urged the council to pass a resolution opposing President Trump and Elon Musk's actions, calling them illegal and dangerous. - Laura (telephone caller) echoed Brian, calling for a citizen's arrest of Elon Musk for illegally cutting congressionally funded programs. Discussion Items - Item 8: Bicycle Equipment Rental as Permitted Use (C2 and CR Zones): Staff presented the proposed amendment to allow bicycle and equipment rental (including Class 1 and 2 e-bikes) in Community Commercial (C2) and Cannery Row (CR) zoning districts, expanding upon the 2022 ordinance that limited such use to the Lighthouse Plan, Downtown Specific Plan, and Open Space zones. The Planning Commission recommended approval on February 11, 2025. Council discussion focused on whether to include C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) zones; staff noted that would require a new Planning Commission referral. Safety on the recreational trail was raised as a separate concern. The council adopted the ordinance as recommended, while expressing interest in a future study of trail safety. - Item 11: First Reading of Camping Ordinance: The Assistant City Attorney explained the legal backdrop (Martin v. Boise, Desert Rain, Johnson v. Grant Pass) necessitating updates to the city's camping regulations. The proposed ordinance: - Moves camping prohibitions from Chapter 23 (recreation areas) to Chapter 32 (public property). - Repeals Section 20-85 (prohibition on sleeping in vehicles) due to constitutional vagueness concerns from Desert Rain. - Prohibits camping on all public property within 1,000 feet of schools (amended from 'two blocks' after public comment), in cemeteries, in high/very high fire hazard zones (based on the General Plan map), and in recreation areas (except Veterans Park). - Includes a 30-day warning requirement before citation, with escalating fines (infraction then misdemeanor). - Staff noted the city's multidisciplinary outreach team (MDOT) continues engagement and service referrals. Public testimony was deeply divided: some residents demanded strict enforcement citing safety and drug activity, while others called for humane alternatives and warned against criminalizing homelessness. Council discussion recognized the need for balance, with several members noting the complexity of enforcement and the importance of providing services. The first reading was approved unanimously, with a request that staff prepare a map showing affected areas for the second reading. The item will return for a second reading. - Item 12: Approval of City Council Priorities: The Assistant City Manager presented insights from the January 29, 2025 council workshop. Key outcomes: - Achievements praised included Measure S projects, police technology (ALPR), the MDOT team, and the Wildfire Community Protection Plan. - Opportunities identified included community discussion on Measure S renewal, disaster preparedness, affordable housing and water, economic development, and pedestrianizing Alvarado Street. - Challenges included staffing capacity and funding limitations due to high cost of living and recruiting difficulties. - Importance/urgency scoring and forced ranking yielded top priorities: (1) Community Engagement & Transparency, (2) Public Safety, (3) Fiscal Stewardship / Stable Revenue, (4) Housing & Homelessness Services, (5) Economic Development, (6) Infrastructure Maintenance, (7) High-Quality Workforce, and (8) Affordable Housing & Water. - Staff proposed a Citizens Academy and a National Citizen Survey as new engagement initiatives, and noted upcoming discussions on the Central Public Safety Facility (April 1), Measure S renewal (expires 2027), and an Economic Development framework (March 26 study session). - The council unanimously adopted the priorities. Councilmembers requested that staff provide a timeline calendar to guide work over the year and expressed interest in reopening Casanova Park Center. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved Consent Calendar (including PLHA funding items). - Unanimously adopted Ordinance amending zoning to allow bicycle rentals in C2 and CR districts (Item 8). - Unanimously approved First Reading of the Camping Ordinance (Item 11) with an amendment changing school buffer to 1,000 feet. The ordinance will return for a second reading. - Unanimously adopted City Council Priorities as presented (Item 12). - Closed session Item 10 (real property negotiation) was continued to a future meeting. - Staff was directed to prepare a map for the camping ordinance and a proposed calendar for council priorities. - The meeting was adjourned with a moment of silence in memory of Gaspar Cardinelli, a community leader who worked on the sister city relationship with Isola delle Femmine, Sicily.

The Board of Library Trustees met on February 27, 2025, for a regular meeting. The meeting featured a presentation from the new bookmobile coordinator, approval of the consent agenda, and a lengthy discussion on library advocacy, facility needs, and future planning. Trustees reviewed progress on a bookmobile locker order from Australia and heard an update on the capital improvement request through NCIP. Consent Calendar - The Board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, the activity report, and a request for appropriation of $63,000 from the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the purchase of library lockers, which are being manufactured in Australia and have a 12–14 week shipping time. Trustee Moreau asked about the timeline and why it would take 14 weeks if materials were already on hand. Library Director Brian explained that the lockers are being built and shipped from Australia, and a concrete pad and power need to be prepared at Station 13. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present or provided comments. Discussion Items - Bookmobile Coordinator Presentation: Matt Petriello, the new bookmobile coordinator (since July 2024), presented an update on bookmobile operations. He reported that the bookmobile visits 11 regular locations, including community centers, retirement homes, and schools. On Tuesdays, he visits El Estero, Hilltop, Casanova Oaknoll, and recently the Alvarado farmers market on the first Tuesday. Wednesdays include La Mesa and Montecito Park. Thursdays serve retirement homes (Merrill Gardens, Park Lane) where carts are wheeled into lobbies. Fridays are school visits to San Carlos, Bayview Upper and Lower, and Monterey Bay Charter School Foothill campus. The bookmobile carries about 1,000 items, rotated monthly. Average customer interactions are 600 per month (400 from regular stops, 200 from school visits). Petriello also described STEM programs (stomp rockets, fossil digs), outreach events (Trunk or Treat with Toy Story theme, back-to-school bashes), and volunteer contributions, notably Judy who curates large print and audio books for retirement home patrons. Trustees asked about adult visitation (about half of visitors are adults), school selection criteria (schools often reach out, especially those without libraries), and capacity. Trustee Silvera praised the bookmobile as a "community center on wheels" and noted the excellent volunteer support. - Library Advocacy & Facility Needs Update: Director Brian provided an update on the advocacy efforts begun in fall 2023. A subcommittee (Trustees Silvera and Moreau, friends Doug Holtzman and Jerry Jamona, and Brian) had worked on messaging and priorities: increasing collection budget, adding staff to support Monday hours, making the teen librarian position full-time, and addressing facility needs. Recent developments: Chair Silvera and Trustee Moreau met with the city manager and assistant city manager last week. The city manager committed to funding immediate facility needs (e.g., electrical switchboards, distribution panels) but urged the board to articulate a long-term vision beyond maintenance. Brian presented that the current facility needs are roughly $7.5 million, while the Group 4 plan from 2020 envisioned a $30–40 million renovation/expansion, now likely higher due to cost escalation. The city manager suggested a potential 50/50 partnership with NCIP for capital projects, or a three-way split with the Friends and Foundation raising a third. Brian recommended the board hold a special session (retreat) to review past documents, reaffirm goals, and decide on a vision—whether to pursue the large Group 4 plan or a more modest $7–10 million campaign. Trustees discussed the need not to reinvent the wheel but to compile existing materials and present a unified message to the new city council and mayor. They agreed to dedicate the March 27, 2025 regular meeting to this topic, with all other agenda items postponed, to review the Group 4 report and other documents, and determine next steps for advocacy and NCIP engagement. - Other Items: Trustees noted the successful Chocolate and Wine fundraiser by the Friends and Foundation, which raised significant funds. The library director mentioned ongoing recruitment for an assistant library director, with the board chair involved in initial interviews. Trustee Moreau reported attending an NCIP meeting to learn the process; they plan to attend future meetings and seek partnerships for library capital projects. Key Outcomes - The Board approved the consent agenda (minutes, reports, CIP appropriation for lockers) unanimously. - The Board agreed to hold a special discussion-focused meeting on March 27, 2025, to review past facility and vision documents (Group 4 plan, current needs) and formulate a strategic vision for library capital improvements, to be presented to city council. - The Board will consider forming a new ad hoc committee for vision planning at the March meeting. - Trustees will continue to engage with NCIP by attending meetings and developing relationships to improve future funding requests. - The library director will circulate the Group 4 report and current facility needs documents to trustees ahead of the March meeting. - The city manager committed funding for immediate facility repairs (estimated $250,000–$300,000) as part of the budget process.