Public Meetings - Monterey, California

The City Council and NCIP committee held a special joint meeting to discuss the potential appropriation of NCIP funds into the general fund to address the city's $10 million structural deficit in the next fiscal year. City staff presented four alternatives, recommending alternative two: freezing selected existing NCIP projects while preserving the upcoming funding cycle. After public testimony and deliberation, the council voted 4-1 to direct the NCIP committee to identify $3-4 million in projects that could be frozen, using a racking and stacking exercise. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve (Kona neighborhood resident): Expressed support for staff's recommendation (option two) but called for language ensuring fiscal solutions and oversight, warning against perpetual use of NCIP funds. - Multiple speakers: Emphasized the importance of NCIP as a community program and urged the council to consider other revenue sources before drawing from NCIP. Some speakers supported option three (skip a cycle) or option four (hybrid). - Christian Schmidt (Casanova Oaknolls resident): Asked for the percentage of the city's budget funded by the federal government. - Ryan Heron (assistant business manager, Lyuna Local 792, representing general employees): Urged the council to avoid staff reductions, noting that NCIP projects require city staff to operate. - Elizabeth Yanish: Described NCIP as the backbone of the community, warning that a vote to diminish the program would harm community stewardship. - Esther Mount: Opposed staff cuts, called the program outdated, and emphasized that the city and NCIP must work together without territorial disputes over funds. - Several NCIP committee members and alternatives spoke, with many favoring option two but expressing concerns about freezing projects that had already been approved. Discussion Items - Staff presentation: City Manager Nat, Finance Director Rafela King, and Public Works Director Andrea Rennie outlined the structural deficit, the five-year forecast, and four alternatives for using NCIP funds: status quo (no change), freeze select projects and preserve next cycle (recommended), skip a cycle, or a hybrid approach. - Council questions: Council members asked about the impact of freezing projects, the timeline for the next NCIP cycle, and the use of reserves. They explored the feasibility of matching NCIP funds with reserves to close the gap. - NCIP committee input: Members expressed a range of views, with a straw poll showing a majority leaning toward option two but with dollar amounts varying from $2 million to $3-4 million. Some committee members voiced concerns about fairness to project submitters and the difficulty of reviving frozen projects. - Council deliberation: After robust discussion, a motion was made to ask the NCIP to produce a list of projects to defund, totaling $3-4 million, with a racking and stacking exercise for clarity. The motion passed 4-1. Key Outcomes - Motion passed: The council voted 4-1 to direct the NCIP committee to review approved but unstarted projects and recommend $3-4 million in projects to freeze. The NCIP will use a racking and stacking exercise to prioritize which projects could be put on hold, with the final amount to be decided later based on other revenue solutions. - The council affirmed that layoffs are not under consideration and that the direction is collaborative, aiming to minimize harm to the NCIP program while addressing the city's immediate fiscal challenge.

The Historic Preservation Commission met on October 9, 2025 at 4:01 PM. The meeting included a consent calendar, a public hearing for exterior alterations at the Golden State Theater, and a planning update. The meeting adjourned at 4:28 PM. Consent Calendar - The commission considered approval of field trip minutes from August 11, 2025 and August 14, 2025. - The August 11, 2025 minutes were postponed due to being unavailable to the public. - The August 14, 2025 minutes were approved with corrections (noting the field trip was with Lark, not Lark Street) by a vote of 4-0-1 (Commissioner Rath abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments in person or online. Discussion Items - 417 Alvarado Street (Golden State Theater) – Exterior Alterations: Staff presented a historic permit application (HP 250232) for removal of a non-original metal ornamentation cap installed in 1934. The cap originally supported a sign removed by 1948. The project aims to restore the building's original appearance. A historic preservation report prepared by architectural historian Margaret Clovis was reviewed; the report covers broader rehabilitation but the permit is only for cap removal. Staff found the proposal consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The applicant, Igor Garvik, confirmed the scope and noted a scale model of the original 1926 facade guides the work. Commissioner questions addressed attachment methods and historical documentation. The commission expressed support for preserving the theater's historic character and noted the upcoming centennial. Key Outcomes - Motion to adopt the historic preservation report and approve HP 250232 was made and seconded. - Vote: Unanimous approval (5-0). - The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. - Planning Update: No applications are ready for the November meeting. Upcoming events were noted: Old Fisherman's Wharf 180th birthday (Oct 12), Trunk or Treat (Oct 18), Big Sur Food and Wine Festival (Nov 6-8), Monterey Bay Half Marathon (Nov 9), and artist open houses (Oct 11-12). Commissioner Rath inquired about term renewal; staff will follow up with the city clerk.

The Museums and Cultural Arts Commission met on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The meeting addressed consent agenda approval, updates on the Colton Hall music series, and a detailed activity report from the Library and Museums Director, covering multiple projects and upcoming events. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with a roll call vote: Chair Kimsey (yes), Vice Chair O'Neill (yes), Commissioner Evans (yes), Commissioner Wachowski (abstained due to absence). No other items were discussed. Discussion Items - Colton Hall Music Series Update: The first concert of the season was held on a Saturday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, featuring guitarist Terrence Farrell indoors at Colton Hall. Registration reached 65 people (exceeding the fire marshal limit of 50, which was later increased to 65 by adding benches). The event received a standing ovation and elicited positive feedback. Staff noted the early time (4 PM) was chosen to accommodate an older audience and staffing constraints. The next concert is tentatively scheduled for October 25 or November 1, 2025. Donation envelopes were distributed, and future fundraising emails will be sent to attendees after the series concludes. - Library and Museums Director Activity Report: Key highlights included: - Artifact Specialist Brianna Schwerling received a Groundworks Grant for collections management, funding additional vault shelves and a cold storage freezer for film and negatives. - The replacement De Anza tile map (based on Pedro Font's map) is on track for installation by March 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the De Anza expedition. A new stainless steel tray mount will prevent water damage. - The department participated in the American Planning Association Northern California Conference, hosting a history booth and leading tours of Colton Hall, Lower Presidio, and Ricketts Lab. - The Path of History expansion to Pearl Street and New Monterey is under development; staff are considering printed maps and metal signs for private sites, potentially funded through grants or the Old Monterey Foundation. - Pacific Biological Labs hosted 10 guided tours in the past month; private tour fees are $60 for up to four people ($15 each additional), with free school tours under review for potential future fees. - A public survey for Lower Presidio Historic Park next steps will open in October 2025 (bilingual). Results will be brought back to the commission, and a joint meeting with Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation commissions is planned. - A new Monterey Angel ornament is being released; proceeds support angel restoration projects. - Two new displays were installed: a 4x6 foot photo at the Monterey parking garage (Wave Street) and updated vinyl panels in display cases on Tyler Street near the MST trolley stop, featuring historical photos including Japanese American contributions. - Upcoming Events: - October 5, 2025: California Constitution Convention reenactment at Colton Hall (two showings: 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM). - October 8, 2025: California State Supreme Court will hear four oral arguments at Colton Hall (first visit since 1959). Overflow seating at Irvine Auditorium, council chambers, and the library. High security with CHP. - October 15, 2025: Director Brian speaks at the Old Monterey Foundation event at McCone Center (MIIS) on how California became a state. - October 11–12 and 18–19, 2025: Art studio tour includes Colton Hall with four artists displaying work. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioners praised the staff's extensive work and productivity. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (meeting minutes) was approved with a vote of 3–0–1 (Wachowski abstained). - The Colton Hall music series will continue with a second concert tentatively scheduled for late October or November 1, 2025. - The De Anza map replacement is proceeding, with installation planned by March 2026. - A public survey for Lower Presidio Historic Park will launch in October 2025; results will be discussed at a future commission meeting. - The commission noted the need to fill the vacant seat left by Commissioner Sovereign to maintain quorum. - No immediate impacts from city fiscal issues were reported for the museums division; a "chill" on hiring was mentioned but no budget changes for museums.

The Monterey Zoning Administrator (ZA) meeting was called to order on October 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM by Zoning Administrator Levi Hill, with Principal Planner Fernanda Riveri and Recording Secretary Barrera in attendance. The ZA considered two use permit applications: one for animal services (aviary) at 500 & 528 Foam Street and one for a live-work unit at 528/556 Wave Street. Both applications were approved with conditions. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 (Foam Street use permit): Maria CNC, a neighborhood resident, submitted written questions and spoke about the exterior appearance of the building on Foam Street, asking if there were specifics about improvements to make it more attractive for the neighborhood and Monterey Bay Aquarium's pride. Michael Hansel asked about the entry point for delivering birds, noting the building's back entrance. The ZA clarified that public comment is not a question period. - Item 2 (Wave Street live-work unit): No public comments from the audience or online. The applicant, Robert Yates, expressed gratitude for the helpful planning staff. Later, Jeff Javi, representative of the building owner, noted that the building currently has three vacancies and that approving the live-work unit would help fill a vacant space. Discussion Items - Item 1: Use Permit UP-25-0195 for Animal Services (Aviary) at 500 & 528 Foam Street – Principal Planner Riveri presented the proposal by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to use a portion of an existing building for bird rehabilitation and staging (aviary services) as part of their operations. The site is currently used for vehicle/vessel parking and storage (approved in 2022). The aviary would occupy a small, windowless corner of the building, with no public access, and would operate concurrently with existing parking. The building would also house administrative and mailing offices (principally permitted). Improvements include ADA access, parking lot repaving, and stormwater/sewer infrastructure. The ZA asked about noise and odors; applicant Arthur Ashbach stated the small shore birds produce only peeps, not loud noises, and odors would be contained. Staff recommended approval. The ZA read additional conditions: (1) animal services limited to aviary only; (2) ambient noise not to exceed 60 dB (55 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.); (3) no objectionable odors perceptible at property lines; (4) revocation procedure for violations. The ZA found the proposal consistent with the Lighthouse Pacific Plan and General Plan, and approved the use permit with conditions. - Item 2: Use Permit UP-25-0197 for Mixed-Use (Live-Work Unit) at 528/556 Wave Street – Principal Planner Riveri presented a proposal to convert 760 sq. ft. of existing second-floor office space into a residential live-work unit (1,060 sq. ft. total, with 300 sq. ft. retained as professional office). The building straddles two lots (550/556 Wave Street). The project is an interior remodel only, with no addition of floor area or height. One permanent parking space and one storage space are assigned. The parking requirement decreases from four spaces (for full office) to two spaces (for mixed use). Staff recommended approval. The applicant, Robert Yates (structural engineer), spoke positively about the process. The ZA approved the use permit as presented. Key Outcomes - Item 1 (UP-25-0195): Approved with four additional conditions of approval as read into the record (animal services limited to aviary; noise limits; odor prohibition; revocation clause). The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. - Item 2 (UP-25-0197): Approved with conditions as reflected in the draft resolution. The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. - The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

The Monterey Planning Commission met on September 23, 2025, with Vice Chair Latasa presiding due to absences. The commission handled routine consent items, reviewed a proposed amendment to local density bonus ordinances, and considered a use permit and variances for a Montessori daycare on Garden Road. Key discussions centered on incentivizing affordable housing and addressing airport safety concerns related to the daycare proposal. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 11, 2025, meeting after no public comments. Public Comments & Testimony - During the public hearing for the Garden Road use permit, multiple speakers expressed support for the Montessori school: - Applicant team members, including Henry Runkey and Bill Tursey, emphasized the school's educational value and alignment with community needs, particularly for upcoming housing developments. - School staff, parents, and community members, such as Madeline Tursey, Alex Schwartz, and Gracie Taramo, argued that parents should have the choice to assess risks and highlighted the shortage of quality childcare in Monterey. - Speakers generally dismissed safety concerns from the airport as overstated and urged approval to allow parental discretion. Discussion Items - Local Density Incentives Amendment: Planning Manager Levi Hill presented a staff recommendation to amend Chapter 38 of the City Code to establish a 50% density bonus for 100% affordable housing projects, targeting low and very low-income units. Staff stated that this addresses a gap in existing incentives. Commissioners asked about water availability, contractor challenges, and potential reviews, but no opposition was expressed. - 2400 Garden Road Use Permit and Variances: Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt reported on the application for a daycare use permit and variances for reduced setbacks. Staff recommended denying the use permit due to inconsistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, which discourages vulnerable populations near runways, but supported the variance for a waste enclosure while opposing the deck variance. The applicant, Henry Runkey, contended that the school is vital for the new Garden Road housing and that airport risks are minimal, citing past overrides and community needs. Commissioners raised concerns about liability, jet effluent pollution, noise, and safety, with some suggesting that the city council should ultimately decide on the override. Key Outcomes - Local Density Incentives: The commission adopted a resolution recommending that the city council approve the amendment, with a roll call vote of 4-0 (Vice Chair Latasa, Commissioner Blue, Commissioner Brassfield, and Commissioner Freeman in favor). - Garden Road Use Permit: The commission denied the use permit application (UP 25-0013) for the daycare, based on findings related to public health and safety, with a vote of 4-0. - Variances: The commission approved both variance applications (VA 25-0075) for the waste enclosure and deck, using findings of special circumstances and no detriment, with a vote of 4-0. - Other Business: Planning staff provided updates on future agenda items, including regulations for firearms retail and cannabis overlays, and noted the upcoming California APA conference in Monterey.

The Zoning Administrator meeting on September 18, 2025, addressed two use permit applications. Both were approved following staff recommendations and limited public input, with conditions imposed for compliance. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the zoning administrator meeting from September 4, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments on items not on the agenda. - For the 22 Dormitory Court use permit: Ken Nelson, a future resident, expressed support for the project to enable walkability to downtown as they age. Discussion Items - 22 Dormitory Court Use Permit: Staff presented the project for converting a commercial office to a single-family dwelling with a new garage. Applicant Glenn Warner advocated for approval, emphasizing the need for housing. Zoning Administrator discussed compatibility with the neighborhood. - 7 White Tail Lane Use Permit: Staff presented the project for a replacement retaining wall over 6 feet high to improve safety and stability. No applicant or public comments were made. Zoning Administrator reviewed the findings and proposed conditions. Key Outcomes - Approved the use permit for 22 Dormitory Court with conditions, including architectural review and landscaping requirements if applicable. - Approved the use permit for 7 White Tail Lane with conditions, amended to require tree removal permits prior to any removal, in addition to architectural review.

The Appeals Hearing Board met on September 18, 2025, from 10:01 AM to 11:05 AM. The session focused on a compliance order for tire pile violations at 1299 Del Monte and included routine administrative approvals. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from March 22, 2024. - Adopted the regular meeting schedule for 2025-2026. - Selected the chair and vice chair for the term ending June 30, 2026. All items passed with unanimous 4-0 votes. Discussion Items - Administrative Order for 1299 Del Monte: The board conducted a hearing on failure to comply with a June 6, 2025, compliance order for violations of the Monterey City Code (International Property Maintenance Code and California Fire Code). - Staff Presentation: Assistant City Attorney Karen Crotley, Code Compliance Officer Rory Lakind, and Fire Division Chief Justin Cooper presented evidence. They stated that tire piles exceeding 1,000 tires were stored unsafely, posing fire and environmental hazards, and had not been remedied despite 17 inspections and citations. Staff requested administrative costs of $7,339.92 and penalties. - Appellant's Position: Anthony Virgil, owner of Peninsula Tire Services and the property, admitted to the violations and attributed non-compliance to financial difficulties. He expressed that he had sold the property and was closing the business, committing to clean up the tires within three weeks. - Board Deliberation: Board members acknowledged that due process was followed and violations were clear. They discussed balancing compliance with fairness, expressing concern over the high administrative costs and considering reductions. Suggestions included starting the cost accrual from the compliance order date (June 9) rather than earlier inspections. Key Outcomes - The board modified and approved the administrative order with a 3-0 vote (one member recused). Decisions included: - Reduced administrative costs to $3,368.68, effective from June 9, 2025. - Imposed penalties of $340 for 34 days of non-compliance (August 15 to September 18, 2025), but waived if full compliance and payment are made by October 31, 2025. - If compliance is not achieved by October 9, 2025, penalties will increase to $50 per day. - Authorized the board chair to sign the updated administrative order.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) convened on September 17, 2025, to approve consent items and review an architectural review permit application for pool and spa improvements at 750 Cannery Row. Staff recommended approval, and the committee moved to adopt the resolution. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from the September 3rd meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received on agenda or non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Senior Associate Planner Matthew Buggert presented the architectural review permit application ARP 25-0178 for resurfacing the existing pool and spa, adding tread strips, updating tiles with non-slip markers, and replacing handrails at the hotel. Staff expressed support for the project, finding it appropriate for the site and consistent with guiding documents, with no significant changes anticipated. Key Outcomes - The committee motioned to approve the architectural review permit application ARP 25-0178 with standard conditions. The decision is appealable to the Planning Commission.

The Monterey City Council convened on September 16, 2025, handling a packed agenda. Key discussions included the proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month, recognition of long-serving city employees, public comments on community concerns, adoption of the annual performance report (CAPER), a strategy for polling tax measures to address the budget deficit, and a decision on the city manager recruitment process. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda with a correction to a resolution on ambulance services, changing 'July' to 'October 2025'. Public Comments & Testimony - On Hispanic Heritage Month: Esther voiced pride in Hispanic representation on the council. Brian supported the proclamation but urged a more inclusive approach to heritage celebrations, citing historical genocide and the need to address white male alienation. Gary Curcio, representing the Monterey County Hospitality Association, expressed full support for Hispanic Heritage Month but criticized the mayor's wording that hospitality 'runs on the backs' of Hispanic workers. - On employee recognition: Public commenters praised the police department and city staff for their dedication and service. - General public comments: Issues raised included support for local restaurants, opposition to NCIP fund clawbacks for the San Burnaby curve safety project, concerns about vendor regulations and lottery systems, impacts of SB9 on residential neighborhoods, maintenance of public plazas, and suggestions for partnerships with entities like the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Speakers also expressed opposition to bond measures and support for alternative revenue strategies. Discussion Items - Hispanic Heritage Month: Councilmember Garcia read a proclamation highlighting historical contributions, and council discussion emphasized ongoing recognition beyond one month. - Employee Recognition: Staff from public works and police departments presented milestones for employees with 20, 25, and 30 years of service, and retirements. Council members expressed gratitude for their long-term commitment. - CAPER: Jacob presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, summarizing CDBG fund expenditures and housing program accomplishments. Council questions focused on the rental registry's effectiveness and unit rehabilitation costs. - Tax Measures: Hans and Lucia Del Pupo from FM3 Research outlined a two-phase polling strategy to gauge voter support for sales tax increases, parking taxes, and renewals of existing measures to address the $10 million structural budget deficit. - Ad Hoc Committee: Brett proposed creating an ad hoc committee for the city manager recruitment. After debate, the council moved to have the mayor work with HR instead. Key Outcomes - Unanimously proclaimed September 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Monterey. - Recognized city employees for milestone anniversaries and retirements. - Adopted the CAPER for fiscal year 2024-2025 for submission to HUD. - Directed staff to proceed with phase one polling for potential tax measures, focusing on sales tax and parking tax options for the June 2026 ballot. - Denied the creation of an ad hoc committee; passed a motion for the mayor to collaborate with HR on reviewing the recruitment brochure for the city manager position.