Public Meetings - Monterey, California

On September 17, 2026, the City of Monterey Appeals Hearing Board convened at 10 a.m. to hear an appeal by Eric Foster regarding the Harbormaster's revocation of his mooring license and liveaboard permit. The board voted 2-0 to deny the appeal, upholding the revocation effective October 1, 2026, due to Foster's non-compliance with the city's vessel insurance requirements. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (August 20, 2026): The board unanimously approved the minutes with a 2-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public made comments either online or in the chambers. Discussion Items - Appeal by Eric Foster: The hearing centered on Foster's appeal of the Harbormaster's decision to revoke his mooring license (mooring 21) and liveaboard permit, effective September 24, 2026 (later amended to October 1). Staff presented evidence that Foster failed to provide proof of vessel liability insurance (minimum $300,000, with the city named as additional insured) as required by Monterey City Code Section 17-33M, adopted September 1, 2025, and enforced through multiple notices since December 2025. - City Staff Presentation: Harbormaster Nicole Rodriguez testified that Foster is the only recreational vessel owner in the harbor who has not complied with the insurance requirement. A small group of commercial fishermen (the "mosquito fleet") were granted a hold due to ongoing code amendments. Rodriguez stated that the city's revocation notice provided 30 days' notice as required by code and contract. - Appellant's Testimony: Foster acknowledged the timeline but argued that the city acted illegally by using its sovereign authority (police power) as a landlord to change contract terms midterm, citing contract law and California Civil Code protections against retaliatory eviction. He claimed that other tenants had not yet provided insurance without facing revocation, and that the revocation notice was issued just days after he raised legal objections. Foster stated he does not have insurance and has no intent to obtain it under the current framework, but requested a remedy through lease renegotiation rather than revocation. - Board Deliberation: Board members considered Foster's arguments but noted that the mooring license agreement (signed in 2015) allows either party to terminate with 30 days' notice. The board concluded that the revocation procedure was properly followed and that Foster's non-compliance was undisputed. Key Outcomes - Motion to Deny Appeal: Board member Shell moved to deny the appeal, with a second from board member Fritz. The motion passed 2-0. - Revocation Effective Date Amended: At the request of the board and with city staff's agreement, the revocation effective date was changed from September 24, 2026, to October 1, 2026. - Final Decision: The board adopted the proposed decision (attachment five) as modified, upholding the Harbormaster's revocation. The decision is a final administrative order subject to judicial review under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.

The Monterey City Council met on September 15, 2026, in a combined afternoon and evening session to recognize city employees, discuss fee adjustments, approve a sidewalk repair pilot program, and authorize funding for an affordable housing project. Key actions included adopting reduced encroachment permit fees with a future study session, approving a 50-50 cost-sharing plan for major sidewalk repairs, dissolving the Ocean View Community Services District, and committing $1.5 million from the low- and moderate-income housing fund to the Madison Street affordable housing project. Employee Recognitions and Retirements - The council honored city employees reaching milestone anniversaries and retiring in 2026. - Police Department: Officers Paul Elfkey (20 years), Sergeant Greg Gallon (20 years), Police Services Assistant Angie Madruga (20 years), and retiring officers Luis Mosqueta, Sergeant Jason Newby, Sergeant Brennan Nino, and Lieutenant Gabe Castor were recognized. - Parks and Recreation: Steve Garcia (30 years) and lead preschool instructor Michelle Pruitt (nearly 24 years) were honored. - Public commenters praised the staff's dedication and highlighted the importance of retaining city employees. Public Comments & Testimony - On Anniversaries: Esther Malkin (Laguna Grande Neighborhood Association) thanked staff and urged against staff cuts due to the budget deficit. A resident commended the long tenures of city employees. - General Public Comments: Kathy Giamanco (Alestairo Boating) described the closure of Lake El Estero due to invasive weeds and algae, leading to employee layoffs and lost revenue. She requested rent relief and criticized the city's permit process. Another speaker, a business owner on the wharf, asked the council to dismiss seven parking tickets for an expired permit, citing an honest mistake. - On Encroachment Fees: Multiple residents and contractors (Tom Barrera, Tom Raleigh, and others) expressed that the proposed fee reductions were still too high for homeowners, especially for sewer lateral and sidewalk work. They urged the council to pause and conduct a more realistic cost study. - On Sidewalk Repair Pilot: Kevin Dayton (Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce) supported the pilot and encouraged Measure S renewal. Two other speakers praised the 50-50 cost-share commitment for major repairs. - On CAPER: Esther Malkin asked for clarification on how to apply for the city's purchase and resale program. She also suggested that the homeless count increase in Monterey may be due to displacement from neighboring cities. - On Madison Street Affordable Housing: Speakers expressed strong support for the project, noting its long development process. Tom Raleigh asked about net parking loss and residency rules for MPUSD-referred families. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda (including item 4, with Councilmember Garcia abstaining on the Casanova Oak Knoll Park improvement project due to a conflict of interest). - Item 8: Ocean View Community Services District quarterly report and resolution to apply to LAFCO to dissolve the district. The council adopted the resolution 4–1 after public comment from Bob Evans, who supported the dissolution. Discussion noted that all project entitlements had expired and the district was no longer needed. Discussion Items Items 9 & 10: Encroachment Permit Fee Update - Staff presented proposed changes to reduce five encroachment permit fees from full cost recovery to subsidized levels (30%–50% reduction), create three new fee categories (temporary pod/dumpster, minor encroachments under 100 sq ft, traffic signal flash operations), and reorganize the fee schedule. - Council debated the methodology behind the cost study. Councilmember Smith suggested further splitting the sewer lateral fee into two tiers (connection to main vs. not). Councilmember Barber raised concerns about affordability and proposed a cost-of-living task force. - A substitute motion was made to approve staff's recommendation but also direct staff to hold a study session to delve deeper into the numbers and consider additional subsidies. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 10 (resolution amending the fee schedule) was approved unanimously, with an effective date of January 4, 2027, for the subsidized fees. Item 11: Sidewalk Repair Pilot Program - Staff presented a three-year minor sidewalk repair pilot program funded by Measure S ($500,000 per year). The council discussed expanding the program to include major repairs on a 50-50 cost-share basis. - Mayor Williamson made a motion to approve the pilot and commit to a 50-50 cost share for major repairs, with program details to be finalized at the second council meeting in December 2026. The motion passed unanimously. Item 13: CDBG CAPER Report (Fiscal Year 2025–2026) - The council received the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant program. Staff reported $525,761.95 in expenditures, including $179,808 to public service agencies, rehabilitation of one unit, sale of two units, and $39,000 in planning and administration. - Questions addressed the unspent $1 million, the goal of assisting six households (only two achieved), and the uptick in homelessness. Staff clarified that the unspent funds were originally intended for a loan to the Midpen Housing project, but that plan changed due to federal requirements. - The council approved the CAPER unanimously. Item 14: Madison Street Affordable Housing Project - Midpen Housing provided an update on the 42-unit affordable housing project behind City Hall, which received SB35 entitlements and a $30 million state award. Construction is expected to begin in late fall 2026 with a 16-month timeline. - The council authorized amending the fiscal year 2627 budget to allocate $1.5 million from the Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund to MP Madison Street Associates LP as a loan, and removed the assignment of the permanent local housing allocation loan. - The motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers and public commenters celebrated the milestone. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved with one abstention on Item 4. - Ocean View CSD Dissolution: Resolution to apply to LAFCO passed 4–1. - Encroachment Fee Update: Staff's recommendation (reduced fees and new categories) approved; council directed staff to return with a more detailed study session. - Sidewalk Repair Pilot: Approved minor sidewalk repair pilot (3 years, $500k/year) and committed to 50-50 cost share for major repairs, with implementation details to be adopted in December 2026. - CDBG CAPER: Approved and authorized submission to HUD. - Madison Street Affordable Housing: $1.5 million loan from LMH fund authorized; budget amendment approved. - Closed Session: Confidential direction given to legal counsel on three litigation matters and a government claim.

The Museums and Cultural Arts Commission met on September 3, 2026, at 22:56 UTC. Commissioners present: O'Neill, Bulla (out of town), and others; quorum achieved. The meeting included approval of consent agenda, acceptance of two angel artworks into the city collection, discussion of a draft public art policy, and updates on various city art and museum projects. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved minutes from the August 6, 2026 meeting. Vote: 9 in favor, 3 opposed. (Note: The transcript records a vote tally of 9-3, but the context suggests this may be a procedural anomaly as consent items typically pass unanimously. The discrepancy is noted.) Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public comment period or during agenda items. Discussion Items - Acceptance of Objects into City Art Collection: The commission considered a recommendation to accept two Monterey Angels into the city collection: an unrestored original 1956 angel and a 2007 angel by Virginia Fry. Staff highlighted that the unrestored angel provides a unique historical reference, showing original colors and design distinct from later restored versions. Commissioner expressed support, noting the educational value. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Draft Public Art Policy: Staff presented a draft policy to establish a clear process for public art proposals, including murals, sculptures, temporary installations, and digital media. Key points: alignment with the city's General Plan, criteria for art selection (scale, context, safety, durability, inclusivity, sustainability), treatment of artificial intelligence in proposals (disclosure required), and management of maintenance and decommissioning. Commissioners discussed the need for a decision flowchart, handling of private art on public spaces, insurance and liability, integration of existing utility box art program, and clarity on terms. Feedback included suggestions on wording edits and the need to coordinate with community development and planning departments. No action was taken; staff will incorporate feedback and present a revised version with a flowchart to the city attorney. - Commissioner Comments and Staff Reports: Staff reported on recent ghost tours at Colton Hall (additional events scheduled), upcoming concert series featuring harpist Patrick Ball, and the annual reenactment event in October (October 11th, two performances). Updates on the military museum roof: awaiting final estimates, hoping to complete by year-end. Update on the Monterey mural restoration: received a $50,000 grant from Community Foundation, but additional funding needed; staff working on reappropriation or additional city funds to match grant; mural tiles likely need full removal and reinstallation due to improper mortar. Commissioner raised ideas for future agenda items: discussing the need for a city museum and exploring fundraising mechanisms for art projects. Key Outcomes - Approval of Art Acquisition: The commission approved accepting the two Monterey Angel artworks into the city collection, with staff to proceed with formal acceptance. - Public Art Policy Next Steps: Staff will revise the draft policy based on commissioner feedback, develop a decision flowchart, and submit to the city attorney for review. A future meeting will present the updated policy. - Mural Restoration: Staff to pursue additional funding and present an agenda report to the city council within the next few weeks to secure appropriation for mural removal and reinstallation. - Future Agenda Items: The commission agreed to consider putting on a future agenda the topic of establishing a city museum and developing fundraising strategies for arts projects.

This meeting, held at 21:58 UTC on September 3, 2026, was chaired by Zoning Administrator Levi Hill with Senior Associate Planners Chris Schmidt and Matthew Buggert, and Recording Secretary Spencer Argentbright. Two use permit applications were considered: conversion of a commercial office to a single-family dwelling at a substandard lot, and a retail sales major use permit with outdoor sales for Farm Fresh Fruits at 899 Lighthouse Avenue. Both were approved with conditions. Consent Calendar - No public comments were offered on the consent calendar. No edits were made. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (Conversion to Single-Family): No members of the public spoke in the chambers or online. - Item 4 (Farm Fresh Fruits): - Bob Paulis, a Monterey resident and restaurant developer, expressed support for the fruit stand, stating it would enhance Lighthouse Avenue as a walkable area and provided community benefits. He referenced a municipal code section that he believed allowed temporary ancillary sales like pumpkins. He encouraged approval. - Nelson Bega, an apartment and property owner in the area, expressed support for the business, noting it serves nearby tenants and improved the corner from its prior unsightly condition. He urged the committee to assist the applicant. Discussion Items Item 3: Use Permit UP 260103 – Conversion of Commercial Office to Single-Family Dwelling - Project Description: The site is a 4,500 sq ft substandard lot in the CO (Commercial Office) zoning district with an existing 1,178 sq ft commercial office building. The applicant proposed converting the building to a three-bedroom, two-bath single-family home with no additional floor area. A new two-car garage is proposed at the rear, accessed via an existing shared driveway. Exterior alterations include windows, doors, and reconstruction of rear decks and stairs. An architectural review permit was submitted but is incomplete. - Staff Report: Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt presented the proposal. Staff recommended approval with conditions including: (1) a recorded easement for shared vehicular access, (2) a boundary survey, (3) a historic resource evaluation (since the building may be over 50 years old), and (4) updated plans to ensure the garage meets setback requirements. The zoning administrator must make three findings: that the use is conditionally permitted in the CO district, is compatible with surrounding areas (which have a multifamily overlay), and complies with zoning conditions. - Applicant Comments: The applicant (unnamed in the transcript, but representing the property owner) agreed with the conditions and noted that a preliminary title report would be provided during escrow. They expressed confidence that a prescriptive easement exists for the shared driveway and would work with the neighbor to formalize access. - Zoning Administrator Questions: The zoning administrator asked about the status of the architectural review permit (incomplete) and the shared driveway easement. The applicant stated they are comfortable with the conditions. Item 4: Use Permit UP 260064 – Retail Sales Major Use and Outdoor Sales at 899 Lighthouse Avenue - Project Description: The site is a one-story building with parking lot in the Planned Community – Lighthouse Specific Plan zoning with a cannabis business overlay. The proposed business, Farm Fresh Fruits, would operate from 8 AM to 7 PM with up to three employees. A 432 sq ft outdoor sales area is proposed under an awning near the structure. A forklift would be stored outdoors for lifting heavy pallets. The use requires a conditional use permit and an architectural review permit. - Background: The item was continued from the August 6, 2026 meeting due to unpermitted outdoor activities. Staff issued a letter requiring removal of outdoor storage and sales, but upon inspection the week before this meeting, produce, the forklift, and other materials were still present. As of the meeting date, outdoor produce sales and storage continued. - Staff Report: Senior Associate Planner Matthew Buggert presented. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including removal of two parking spaces that conflict with the sales area, that outdoor sales be primarily within 10 feet of the building, and that all outdoor merchandise be brought indoors when closed. Three findings are required: consistency with zoning objectives, no detriment to public health/safety/welfare, and compliance with conditions. Staff noted that the non-permitted activities had not been remedied. - Applicant Comments: Randy Marino, the applicant, stated that the pumpkins currently displayed outdoors were believed to be exempt from the use permit requirement. The zoning administrator clarified that all outdoor sales require the permit and that the conditions apply to all outdoor activities. Mr. Marino acknowledged the misunderstanding and agreed to abide by the conditions of approval. - Additional Conditions Read into Record: The zoning administrator imposed three special conditions: 1. Outdoor sales area limited to 430 sq ft, not protruding more than 10 feet from the building toward Lighthouse Avenue, and not extending past the building wall plane along David Avenue. 2. Installation of four permanent concrete protective bollards along the boundary between the sales area and the David Avenue vehicular entry, to be installed within 45 days of approval unless extended. 3. Accessory equipment (e.g., forklift) shall be stored out of view from public right-of-way or adjacent properties when not in use. Key Outcomes - Item 3 (UP 260103): Approved by Zoning Administrator Levi Hill with the conditions from the staff report. The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. - Item 4 (UP 260064): Approved with the three special conditions read into the record, in addition to the previously drafted conditions. The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days.

The Monterey Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee met on September 3, 2026, to adopt a revised meeting schedule for FY 2026-27, discuss criteria for reviewing the 83 existing projects, and vote on two projects with budget issues. The committee also received an update on improved communication with the mayor and approved a recommendation to close one project. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom expressed skepticism that the criteria exercise was a prelude to building a "slush fund" for the city council and urged the committee not to eliminate projects simply because they are difficult. He recommended using the IRS definition of capital expense to distinguish maintenance from capital improvements. - Gina made two points: 1) when considering cuts, the committee should account for the impact on submitters who went through a rigorous approval process; 2) the solution is to establish a solid upfront structure for qualifying projects before the voting process. - Dennis argued that the agenda item was a "leading question" and that the committee had historically only removed projects when the proponent withdrew support. He cited the Casa Verde Way underpass and Windermere drainage projects as examples of community-supported projects that should not be removed based on criteria alone. - Tys (parks department) expressed appreciation for discussing maintenance, noting that even minimal maintenance adds up for parks staff, which is losing two more positions. He encouraged nominators to consult with staff early to understand maintenance implications. Discussion Items - Revised Meeting Schedule (FY 2026-27): Staff presented changes including extending the nomination deadline from August 15 to September 30, consolidating project review nights, and removing the September 30 meeting (conflict with city storm preparedness event). The committee approved the schedule unanimously. - Review Criteria for Existing Projects: Staff proposed seven criteria: original year nominated/approved, defunded in 2020, creates new facility, creates maintenance responsibilities, budget concerns, outside agency coordination, and neighbor support. The committee discussed the definition of maintenance, noting that 43% of existing projects were nominated before 2020, 39% were defunded, 51% would create new facilities, 52% would create new maintenance, and 53% have budget concerns. Eight projects fell into all categories. No vote was taken; the committee agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting. - Fairgrounds Road/Airport Road Lighting: The project originally budgeted at $150,000 now required an additional $432,000 (total $542,000) for 21 solar streetlights. The committee voted unanimously to recommend closing the project. The fairgrounds CEO indicated they could not contribute funds. - Via Arbolus Curb Ramps: Originally $25,000, the project now needed an additional $76,000 (total $101,000) due to an ADA requirement for a second ramp. A motion to recommend closing was amended to postpone the decision until the next meeting after bids are opened (September 15, 2026), to see if existing funds would cover the cost. The motion to postpone passed. Key Outcomes - Approved the revised FY 2026-27 meeting schedule (unanimous). - Voted to recommend closing the Fairgrounds Road/Airport Road lighting project (unanimous). - Postponed vote on the Via Arbolus curb ramp project until the next meeting (September 23, 2026) pending bid results; the project may also be resubmitted with a more accurate budget in the future. - Continued discussion on defining criteria for reviewing existing projects will be placed on a future agenda. - Update: The chair and vice chair met with the mayor to improve communication; the mayor agreed to involve the committee in discussions about NCIP's future. - Announcement: After six years, the North Gap Viemont grant from TAMC was awarded; staff were thanked for their perseverance. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.

The Monterey City Council held an afternoon session on September 1, 2026, covering a proclamation, general public comments, consent agenda, and major discussion items on sidewalk repairs and the climate action plan. The meeting lasted several hours and included public testimony on a variety of issues. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with the exception of Item 4 (Cass and El Dorado Street Curb Ramp and Road Rehabilitation Project), which was pulled by Councilmember Smith for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation: Esther (public comment via Zoom) thanked the city for acknowledging the Hispanic community and noted recent ICE activity at Monterey Airport. - General Public Comment: - A former cybersecurity professional raised concerns about Flock cameras, citing privacy risks, officer misuse, and lack of independent effectiveness studies. He urged suspending the program pending a full review. - Josh Stratton (California American Water) presented the updated Emergency Response Plan and offered coordination with the city. - Richard Lynn (Del Monte Beach) complained about driveway and sidewalk ticketing and called for a committee to review the issue. - Kathy Chamanko (El Estero Boating) reported that invasive weeds forced her business to close, causing financial losses, and criticized the city's handling of the lake. - Rick Aldinger (Measure P/S Citizens Oversight Committee) supported renewal of Measure S, noting it transformed street conditions from a PCI of 54 to 79. - Carol Churbajan (resident and business owner) echoed support for Measure S, emphasizing that visitors pay the sales tax. - Tom Raleigh (neighborhood president) raised concerns about open government, citing an unpermitted ADU and lack of neighbor notification. - A contractor criticized recent 500% permit fee increases, stating that inspections take far less than the two hours billed. - Nina Beattie (via Zoom) argued that 5G and microwave radiation from the Navy and NPS harm public health, and called on the city to oppose this exposure. - Esther (via Zoom, second time) criticized a mayoral candidate, Vince Mosfitano, citing his business practices and a requested compensated position, urging voters to consider the contrast with the incumbent. Discussion Items - Item 4: Cass and El Dorado Street Curb Ramp and Road Rehabilitation Project - Sean (Public Works) presented the project to rehabilitate Cass Street, a key corridor. The engineer's estimate was $2.1 million, but the low bid from Mission Construction Inc. came in at $1.61 million. Utility coordination with Cal Am for water main replacement was noted. Councilmember Smith highlighted the project's importance and asked about future resurfacing plans. The council approved the project and appropriation of $374,525.11 from the Measure P/S fund. - Item 8: First Reading – Amending Measure S Expenditure Plan - Andrea Rennie (Public Works Director) presented an updated expenditure plan to replace fixed dollar amounts with minimum percentages: streets (35% minimum), senior/disabled access (20% minimum), sidewalks (7% minimum), storm drains (7% minimum), and 31% flexible. Councilmember Barber requested adding the word "approximate" to the minimums to provide flexibility. The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading, with a second reading scheduled for September 15, 2026. - Item 9: Pilot Sidewalk Repair Program Using Measure S Funds - Staff proposed two alternatives: (1) a minor repair program (grinding/slicing) only, or (2) minor repairs plus a 50-50 cost-sharing program for major repairs with a cap of $2,500 per property. Public comment strongly favored the cost-sharing option (Option 2). Council debated: Councilmember Garcia favored Option 2, while others preferred Option 1 due to lack of detailed cost information. After a substitute motion, the council voted 3-1-1 (one abstention) to direct staff to proceed with Option 1 (minor repair pilot) for a three-year pilot, with a plan to revisit Option 2 after six months. The motion also included a commitment to consider waiving encroachment fees in a separate item on September 15. - Item 10: Update on Climate Action Plan (CAP) – Qualified vs. Non-Qualified - Levi Hill (Planning Manager) presented the status of the CAP update. A qualified CAP (CEQA-qualified) would allow streamlining for private development but would require implementing 66 actions by 2030 at an estimated cost of $3.1–$5 million. A non-qualified CAP would still set targets but with a more flexible timeline. Staff recommended the non-qualified path due to the city's $11.7 million structural deficit. Public comment included support for the non-qualified approach from Tom Raleigh, and criticism from Nina Beattie about contradictions in climate goals. Councilmember Garcia moved to proceed with a qualified CAP, arguing for bold action and regional partnerships. The motion passed (with one opposed, no abstentions). The council directed staff to continue developing the CAP as a qualified plan, with a final decision expected in early 2027. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved with Item 4 pulled. - Item 4: Construction contract awarded to Mission Construction Inc. for $1.61 million for Cass Street rehabilitation. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 8: Ordinance amended to use approximate minimum percentages for Measure S expenditure plan. First reading passed unanimously. Second reading on September 15. - Item 9: Council directed staff to develop a three-year pilot sidewalk repair program focusing on minor repairs (Option 1), with a report back in six months to consider adding a cost-sharing component. Vote: 3-1-1. - Item 10: Council directed staff to proceed with a CEQA-qualified Climate Action Plan, despite staff recommendation for a non-qualified plan. The plan will be brought back for adoption in early 2027. Motion passed (one opposed).

The Monterey Public Library Board met on August 27, 2026, to receive updates on the bookmobile and outreach services, discuss an advocacy guide, set the December meeting date, and hear trustee announcements. The meeting began at approximately 4:00 PM and included a presentation, consent agenda approval, and discussion items. Consent Calendar - Minutes and Information Reports (Items 2–6): Approved unanimously without discussion or pull. The consent agenda included approval of minutes and four information reports. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the general public comment period. There were no public comments on agenda items. Discussion Items - Bookmobile and Outreach Services Update: Melissa, Library Administrator, presented on behalf of the bookmobile team (Micah Whitaker, coordinator, and Esmé, library assistant). Key highlights: - Bookmobile Stops: 7,281 visits recorded from August 2025 to July 2026, a 12% increase over the prior year. Items checked out reached 12,000, a 10% increase. The Casanova Knoll stop was moved from 2–3 PM to 4–5 PM after a neighborhood survey, resulting in average visits rising from 4 to 8–12. A new private stop at the Ohana Center for child and adolescent behavioral health will begin September 3, 2026, on the first and third Thursdays from 3–4 PM. - Hold Pickup Lockers: Installed late 2025, lockers at Montecito Park and the Sports Center have processed 306 and 574 checkouts, respectively, from January to July 2026, with monthly usage increasing. Returns are not tracked but are reported as frequent. - Outreach Events: 23 events were attended (same as prior year), reaching 4,755 people (23% increase). Events included the MPUSD back-to-school fair, Fourth of July parade, and Monterey Pride. - Community Connections: Staff updated marketing materials with a new logo and bilingual guides. A citywide summer reading competition among city departments was initiated, with the Finance Department winning. Board members requested updated web content and explored adding foundation/friends information at outreach events. - December 2026 Meeting Date: The board discussed scheduling a combined meeting (replacing the late November and December regular meetings) for early December. After reviewing council and commission calendars, the board set the date for Monday, December 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the library meeting room. Motion carried unanimously. - Library Advocacy Guide Update: Melissa presented a draft “zine”-style pocket guide intended for trustees, staff, and foundation members to use when advocating for the library. Feedback included: - Renaming it a “Pocket Guide to the Monterey Public Library” rather than an advocacy guide. - Clarifying language (e.g., “Be understanding of MPL” deemed vague; suggested replacing with “Learn about MPL”). - Adding a QR code or link to the Friends & Foundation website for donations. - Updating statistics to use rolling 12-month averages instead of fixed fiscal-year dates to avoid frequent reprinting. - Board members requested one week to submit additional feedback via email before finalizing for printing. - Disbanding the Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee: Trustee Petty moved to disband the ad hoc advocacy committee (originally formed to create an advocacy guide and deploy a strategy). The committee’s initial task (the guide) is nearly complete, and future scheduling of advocacy events (e.g., budget town halls) will be brought as a separate agenda item at a later meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Bookmobile and lockers: Service statistics and new stop approved for Ohana Center. Staff will update the website and consider adding foundation materials to outreach events. - December meeting: Scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM. - Advocacy guide: Revisions to be submitted by board members within one week; printing to proceed thereafter. - Ad hoc committee: Dissolved; future advocacy scheduling to be agendized separately. - Trustee announcement: Trustee Petty announced his intention to resign from the Library Board at the end of 2026, after more than 10 years of service. He cited a desire for rotation and personal burnout. The chair thanked him for his service. - New library card design: A new library card design was unveiled, to be issued starting September 1, 2026. Stickers designed by staff will also be sold to benefit the library trust fund. The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:55 PM.

Zoning Administrator Levi Hill called the meeting to order at 21:55 UTC. The consent agenda was approved, and the primary agenda item was a use permit for a personal improvement service (gym/fitness studio) at 2024 Del Monte Avenue. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - The August 6, 2026 meeting minutes were approved as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments on the consent agenda or on non-agenda items, either in chambers or online. Discussion Items - Consideration of Use Permit UP 260116 for 2024 Del Monte Avenue to allow a personal improvement service (gym and fitness training studio currently called "The Lab") within lease spaces B, C, and D. Senior Associate Planner Matthew Buggert presented the staff report. The proposal would combine existing fitness spaces, add two golf bays, move the entrance to lease space D, and relocate bathrooms. Operating hours are weekdays from 6 to 11 p.m. Background music will be played. No additional parking is needed. Conditions include limiting amplified sound to 65 dB, occupancy maximum per building and fire codes, prohibition of the Helvick Avenue gate for this use, and a requirement to update the use permit if the reciprocal parking easement is terminated. The use permit may be reopened if conditions are violated. Staff recommended approval. Key Outcomes - Zoning Administrator Levi Hill approved Use Permit UP 260116 with the conditions in the draft resolution, adding a whereas clause that repeals previously approved use permits UP 02085 and UP 13539. The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days of the meeting.

The Appeals Hearing Board of Monterey, California, convened on August 20, 2026, at approximately 8:53 AM and adjourned at 10:40 AM. With two members present (a third was absent), the board heard one appeal and approved prior meeting minutes. All decisions were unanimous (2-0). Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 28, 2026, meeting (vote 2-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided oral or written comments; the public comment period was closed without testimony. Discussion Items - Appeal of Forestry Division’s Denial of Tree Removal (205 Montecito Avenue) Applicant Michael Hall appealed the City Forester's denial of a permit to remove two eucalyptus trees on his property. Hall inherited the property in 2019 and argued the trees are a safety hazard due to frequent limb failures, costly maintenance, and incompatibility with the neighborhood (Live Oak Park). He expressed willingness to replace the trees with multiple live oak trees as mitigation. City Forester Mike Taupe testified that the trees are healthy, vigorous, and have no major defects; he recommended denial based on the trees’ ecological and aesthetic value, and the lack of sufficient arborist evidence supporting removal. The reporting arborist, Jesus Martinez, also recommended retention. Board members discussed the difficulty of applying existing code (Chapter 37) to non‑native species, noted the absence of a city forestry plan, and weighed Hall’s safety concerns against the trees’ health. The board acknowledged the applicant’s offer to plant four oak trees as mitigation. Key Outcomes - The board voted 2-0 to grant the appeal, overturning the Forestry Division’s denial of the tree removal permit. - Conditions: The permit is subject to Mr. Hall planting four live oak trees (15‑gallon size) at his discretion on the property. He must also obtain a CEQA determination from the Planning Department before the permit is issued. - The decision requires unanimous action because only two board members were present; both voted in favor. The city attorney noted the meeting could have been continued to a date with a third member if the vote had been split.