Public Meetings - Pacific Grove, California

The Pacific Grove City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 Forest Avenue. Mayor chaired the meeting; all council members were present except Councilmember Rao. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM. The council modified the agenda by pulling Item 11B and Item 15A, approved a budget amendment for a fire station alert system, and provided direction on water allocation policies including a 60% discount increase. Council and Staff Announcements - Councilmembers reported on the League of California Cities conference in Long Beach, covering topics such as general plan updates, AI, immigration, and community calendars. - City staff announced that Point Pinos Grill will close near the end of November 2025; a new RFP for the restaurant lease will be released soon. - The Planning Commission will consider the Housing Element on November 13, 2025, with City Council action scheduled for December 3, 2025. - Street and sidewalk projects are underway; fall recreation programs have started; City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 20, 2025, for staff training. - The council held a closed session earlier in the afternoon with no reportable action. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda unanimously with no items pulled. Public Comments & Testimony - A caller urged the council to protest the Monterey Bay Aquarium's planned high-decibel sonar mapping of the Monterey Canyon (November 11-16, 2025), stating it would harm marine life and ecosystems, and requested the council and community to stop the activity. - A speaker thanked the city for pulling Item 15 and the skate park report, affirming compliance with the Brown Act. - A speaker expressed concern about the closure of Point Pinos Grill on November 21, 2025, and requested more information from the council. Discussion Items - Item 11A: Emergency Alerting System Upgrade for Fire Station – Budget Amendment – Staff (Mr. Moginson) presented that the fire station needs an upgraded alert system to standardize with other stations in the Monterey system. The original CIP budget of $100,000 was insufficient due to cost increases from tariffs and wage rates; a new quote of approximately $142,000 was received. The overage would be covered by the Fire Structure Fund (Fund 12), not the general fund. One public commenter criticized the lack of prior planning. The council approved the budget amendment unanimously (6-0). - Item 13A: Allocation of Available Potable Water – CDD Director John Biggs presented staff recommendations for allocating water from Pure Water Monterey (32 acre-feet becoming available soon) and the city's entitlement water (19.2551 acre-feet remaining). Staff recommended allocating Pure Water mostly to affordable housing (23 AF), with smaller amounts to commercial (6 AF) and municipal (3 AF), and zero to market-rate residential. For entitlement water, they recommended 15 AF to residential and 4.2551 AF to unallocated reserve. Staff also proposed increasing the discount on entitlement water from 30% to 60% to incentivize development. Public comments included criticism of the local water project and questions about water for the ATC project. Council discussion covered pent-up demand, the rationale for the 60% discount, and flexibility for future adjustments. A motion to approve staff's recommendations, including the 60% discount, passed unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - The council approved (6-0) a motion to pull Item 11B (purchasing system ordinance) and Item 15 (closed session item) from the agenda. - The council unanimously approved the budget amendment for the fire station alert system (Item 11A), increasing the project budget from $100,000 to approximately $142,000, funded by the Fire Structure Fund. - The council unanimously approved the staff recommendations on water allocation (Item 13A), including: - Allocation of 32 AF Pure Water Monterey: 23 AF to affordable housing, 6 AF to commercial, 3 AF to municipal, 0 to market-rate residential. - Allocation of 19.2551 AF entitlement water: 15 AF to residential, 4.2551 AF to unallocated reserve. - Increase the discount on entitlement water from 30% to 60%. - Staff will return with a formal resolution to codify the water allocation decisions. - The council had no reportable action from the earlier closed session.

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM (special meeting) Location: Pacific Grove City Council Chambers This was a brief special meeting of the Pacific Grove City Council convened solely to enter a closed session. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM, and the council unanimously approved the agenda with a 6-0 vote (six members present; one councilmember absent). No public comments were offered, either online or from the chambers, as no non-staff members were present. The council then adjourned to closed session to discuss the single agenda item. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. No members of the public were present in person or online. Discussion Items - Closed Session – Building Security (Government Code §54957): The council entered closed session to discuss building security. No further deliberation occurred in open session. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved: 6-0 vote. - Adjourned to closed session to discuss building security. - No other actions or decisions were taken in open session.

The Pacific Grove City Council met on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:01 PM at 300 Forest Avenue. Mayor Nick Smith presided, with all council members present except Councilmember Garfield. The meeting covered a proclamation for Women's Small Business Month, consent calendar, building code updates, an encroachment permit for sidewalk dining, a recreation needs assessment, and a proposed drone ordinance to protect wildlife. Several decisions were made, including directing staff to draft a drone ordinance and authorizing a bulb-out project for Hops and Fog Brewing Company. Presentations - Mayor Smith read a proclamation declaring October 2025 as National Women's Small Business Month, highlighting the history of women-owned businesses. Women business owners from Artisana Gallery, The Quill, Bookworks, Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, Whimsy, Bookmark Music (31st birthday), and The French Baker spoke. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no items pulled. Council and Staff Announcements - City attorney reported no reportable action from closed session. - Councilmember Rao announced approved district maps available on the Monterey County elections website. - Councilmember McDonnell noted Pacific Grove was ranked 10 in HGTV's top 40 most charming small towns in the U.S. and the first in California. - Staff announced: the Central Fountain and Grand project is underway (expected completion by Thanksgiving), slurry seal project on October 14-16, preschool open house on October 8, and the application window for storefront retail commercial cannabis business license closes on October 15. Public Comments & Testimony - Genie Anton and Mark Trevale (Heritage Society) promoted butterfly day events, including historic walks, a birdhouse auction, and a ticketed event at the lighthouse. - Inga Lawrence praised the HGTV article and emphasized the importance of preserving historic districts. - Regarding the drone ordinance, multiple speakers expressed strong support. A black oyster catcher monitor with 11 years of experience described recreational drones as unmanageable and urged a ban. A harbor seal monitor of 15 years witnessed escalating disturbances and recommended clear signage. Other residents cited impacts on wildlife including seals, birds, and deer, and requested enforcement. Discussion Items - Item 11a: Ordinance Adopting 2025 Building Codes – Chief Building Official John Keel presented the updated codes, noting fewer amendments and a new urban wildland interface code. Council discussed a finding about rocky shorelines and directed staff to correct language on second reading. The ordinance was introduced and passed unanimously. - Item 11b: Hops and Fog Brewing Company Encroachment Permit – Public Works Director Dan Go presented a bulb-out design for sidewalk dining, which would replace one parking space. The applicant funded the project. Council discussed insurance, engineering (city-performed), and consistency with sidewalk dining guidelines. Public comment raised concerns about process and fairness. The council approved the permit unanimously. - Item 13b: Recreation Board's Needs Assessment – Mayor Pro Tem Emilio recommended using the 2018 survey rather than hiring a consultant. Staff indicated 20 hours might be insufficient for a full update. Council consensus was not to proceed with a new survey at this time, but staff will work with the recreation board to identify specific gaps from the 2018 survey. - Item 13c: Proposal to Draft Ordinance Regulating Drones – Councilmember McDonnell presented a detailed proposal to ban recreational drones and permit research/commercial flights with wildlife education. She noted that Pacific Grove is the only area between Santa Cruz and San Simeon without restrictions. Council discussed enforcement challenges, FAA preemption, and potential technology. After public support, a motion was made and seconded to direct staff to bring back a legal analysis and a draft ordinance for first reading, including penalties. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the consent agenda. - Unanimous introduction and first reading of the 2025 building code ordinance (with a direction to correct a finding). - Unanimous authorization to issue an encroachment permit to Hops and Fog Brewing Company for a sidewalk bulb-out. - No action on the recreation needs assessment; staff will engage with the recreation board on gaps. - Unanimous direction to staff to return with a legal analysis and draft ordinance regulating drones, including a ban on recreational flights and enforcement provisions. - Meeting adjourned in honor of Shelton Verden.

The Pacific Grove City Council convened on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at 300 Forest Avenue. Six council members were present (Councilmember Garfield was absent). The meeting was called to order and a motion to proceed was seconded and passed unanimously. No members of the public were present in chambers or online to comment. Discussion Items - Closed Session \u2013 Real Property Negotiation: The council entered a closed session under Government Code Section 54956.8 to discuss the negotiation of a lease for the Point Pinos Grill property. Agency negotiators were listed in the agenda. Negotiations covered price and terms of payment. The council agreed to return to open session at 6:00 PM for the regular meeting. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously voted to proceed into closed session. No decisions or votes from the closed session are recorded in this transcript. Note: The transcript ends before the regular meeting began, so no further actions are available.

The City Council met at approximately 6:16 p.m. (noted by public comment) under Mayor Pro Tem Joe Emilio (Mayor Smith absent). The meeting covered proclamations, public comments on e-bike safety and the local newspaper, approval of a consent agenda, a street improvement project for Central/Grand/Fountain, a resolution correcting the referendum on council pay, a policy framework for artificial intelligence, a location decision for a donated monarch butterfly sculpture, appointment of voting delegates for the League of California Cities conference, and a presentation from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). Several votes were taken; the meeting concluded without a formal adjournment recorded. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (with Mayor absent) after a procedural correction to allow public comment on consent items. No items were pulled. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Goldbeck (PG resident, former council member and newspaper owner) spoke about the Pacific Grove Beacon online newspaper, requesting community support and volunteers. - Jasmine Venegas (PG&E Government Relations) introduced herself as a point of contact for power outages and shared PG&E's wildfire mitigation updates: over 2,000 miles of power lines hardened, 960 miles undergrounded since 2021, and no major wildfires caused by their equipment in 2023–2025. - Rivka Revivo (resident) highlighted a public safety issue with e-bikes on the recreational trail, noting a July incident where a cyclist hit her. She urged monitoring and enforcement of speed limits. - Sharon Miller (League of Women Voters) thanked the council for the Voter Registration Day proclamation and announced registration events on September 16th. - Inga Lawrence noted the meeting started 16 minutes late and requested a news blast about the November 7th Chautauqua Hall historic designation meeting. - Anthony Ciani echoed e-bike concerns, especially on the rec trail and roads, noting groups of speeding e-bikes. - Lisa Ciani described dangerous behavior by e-bike riders at Berwick Park and urged enforcement, suggesting use of police on e-bikes. - Jane Haynes praised city staff (Sandra, Garrett McCown, Joyce Hallaby) for excellent service and a well-written agenda report. - Carol Marcourt (online) criticized spending time on DEI proclamations and advocated for 10 minutes on other groups; she also urged the council to address the Point Lobos Grill's financial challenges (closing in November due to $15,000/month city rent) and requested it be placed on the October agenda. Discussion Items 11a – Central Grand and Fountain Avenue Street Improvement Project - Presenter: Dan Goh (Public Works). The project reconfigures confusing intersections near the new Kimpton Hotel, including a four‑way stop at Fountain, a bull‑out (sidewalk extension) at Grand and Central, new sidewalk, ADA ramps, and 26,000 sq ft of new roadway. - Funding: Total $657,634 (lowest bid, Monterey Peninsula Engineering). Sources: $315,811 from Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) via TAMC, $86,976 from the developer (per condition 11 of hotel permit), and $124,000 from Measure X street rehab funds (contingency and engineering). - Public comment: Inga Lawrence asked about the book drop and handicapped access; Lisa Ciani requested tribal monitoring (Ohlone/Essein) during excavation, as the area is archaeologically sensitive. - Council discussion: Members praised the project. Goh confirmed no underground utility work, but sub‑soil excavation for curbs would include tribal and archaeological monitors. Work to start Oct. 1 with 70 working days; minimal disruption to farmers market expected. Motion to approve the ordinance and authorize the agreement passed unanimously. 11b – Resolution on Referendum and Repeal of Ordinance 25-007 (Council Pay Increase) - Presenter: City Attorney Perry. Corrected a typo (stray "2") in Resolution 25-020 regarding sufficiency of signatures for the referendum on the council pay increase. Also introduced first reading of an ordinance repealing Ordinance 25-007 (which had increased council/mayor salaries) as directed at the Aug. 20 meeting. Future discussion on a 2026 ballot measure pending. - Public comment: None. - Council: Adopted the corrected resolution unanimously. Then passed the first reading of the repeal ordinance unanimously (Mayor absent). 12a – Artificial Intelligence Framework and Policy - Presenter: Councilmember Paduri. Explained AI types (predictive, generative, perceptive), risks (bias, data privacy, liability), and the need for a comprehensive citywide AI policy. Suggested six‑month timeline to develop policy using examples from other cities. - Public comment: Lisa Ciani asked about staff capacity and funding; Inga Lawrence voiced fear about AI and questioned whether containment is possible. - Council discussion: Members supported a policy but wanted to leverage existing resources (e.g., League of California Cities). Councilmember Drogos suggested including risk mitigation against material damages (e.g., financial system control). Councilmember Garfield emphasized enterprise‑wide training. Motion to direct city manager to develop a citywide AI framework/policy for council review passed unanimously. Dancing Monarchs Art Donation – Location Selection - Presenter: George First (via Zoom). The Stewarts are donating a 12‑ft tall fused‑glass monarch sculpture by Peter Hazel. Staff presented several locations: - Museum of Natural History (high visibility, thematic tie, secure, but no coastal backdrop – donor’s preference) - Lovers Point circle (Chase Park East) (scenic backdrop, 360° view, but potential competition with views, vandalism risk; diameter 20 ft suitable) - Planter box below Beach House (raised, high foot traffic, no view obstruction) - Other sites rejected (Perkins Park, City Hall Plaza, Lighthouse/Ardley). - Public comment: Speakers supported museum (Susan Goldbeck) or Lovers Point circle (Jan Stewart, donor; Sharon Miller; Lisa Ciani). Concerns about vandalism and headroom. Donor emphasized coastal backdrop and 360° visibility for photo opportunities. - Council discussion: Most members favored the Lovers Point circle, citing its iconic location, 360° view, ability to incorporate solar cameras and educational signage, and potential to draw visitors downtown. The location also requires a Coastal Development Permit. No formal vote; council provided direction to staff to proceed with the Lovers Point circle and address permitting, lighting, and security. League of California Cities Conference – Voting Delegates - Presenter: Stephanie Ariola. The conference is Oct. 8–10 in Long Beach. Need to appoint voting delegates and alternates. Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Emilio, and Councilmember Paduri were nominated (Paduri as alternate). Approved unanimously. 14a – Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Presentation - Presenter: Sophia Schwartzki (Community Relations Manager). Shared 3CE’s clean energy achievements: serves 1.2 million people, 94% of eligible customers; power purchase agreements for 69% renewable by Oct. 2028. Highlighted battery storage safety (outdoor containerized units vs. indoor Vistra facility). Provided data on reducing fossil fuel use during 2024 heat waves. Offered programs: Electrify Your Fleet (up to $300k/yr for cities), residential rebates, no‑cost technical assistance, and electric bus program. Pacific Grove has received over $440,000 in funding. Noted federal tax credits may sunset after Sept. 30 (EVs) and Dec. 31 (home upgrades). - Public comment: Lisa Ciani asked about battery storage safety specifics; Schwartzki elaborated. - Council discussion: Members explored city fleet electrification, especially a potential trolley, and asked for staff to connect with 3CE’s Anna Capstick for a gap analysis. Presentation received unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Central Grand & Fountain Avenue Street Improvement: Ordinance introduced and contract with Monterey Peninsula Engineering authorized (unanimous). - Referendum Resolution adopted; Ordinance repealing council pay increase passed first reading (both unanimous). - AI Framework directed to city manager for development within six months (unanimous). - Dancing Monarchs Sculpture: Council directed staff to pursue installation at the Lovers Point circle (Chase Park East), including necessary permits, security, and lighting. - League of California Cities Delegates: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Emilio, and Councilmember Paduri (alternate) appointed (unanimous). - 3CE Presentation received; staff to follow up on fleet electrification opportunities.

An online and in-person special meeting of the Pacific Grove City Council was held on September 3, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The sole purpose of the meeting was to convene closed session discussions regarding two real property lease negotiations. The agenda was adopted unanimously by voice vote. There were no public comments, either in person or online. The meeting adjourned to closed session. Closed Session Items - Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code § 54956.8): The Council discussed the price and terms of payment for a lease of the property known as the Pacific Grove Golf Links (77 or similar identifier). Agency negotiators and negotiating parties were listed in the agenda. - Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code § 54956.8): The Council discussed the price and terms of payment for a lease of the property at 79 Almar Boulevard (Point Pinos Krill). Agency negotiators and negotiating parties were listed in the agenda. Key Outcomes - The Council unanimously adopted the agenda (all ayes). - No public testimony was received. - The meeting was adjourned to closed session for both real property negotiations; no decisions or votes were made in open session.

The Pacific Grove City Council convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting featured a memorial presentation, routine council and staff announcements, and significant discussions and actions on board/commission protocols, a citizen-initiated referendum on council salaries, and a concept review for combining city commissions. The council also handled consent calendar items and heard reports on city vacancies and building permit fees. Presentations & Recognitions - Memorial for Steve Clatterbuck, Jamie Tabscott, and James Vincent: Council held a presentation and moment of silence for three men who died in an airplane crash. Mayor Pro Tem Emilio proposed a memorial bench near the crash site. Community member Mo Amar, representing families and the diving community, thanked the council and announced that local realtor Nicolette Eason would cover the bench's expenses. Several council members offered condolences. The bench is expected to be installed within a couple of months. - City Attorney Resignation Announcement: City Attorney Brian Perric announced he would be stepping down effective late 2025 to allow for a recruitment process and smooth transition. Public Comments & Testimony - General Comments: Speakers announced the Carmel International Film Festival (Oct 2-5), a new online community newspaper (PacificGrove.com), and an update on the Chautauqua Hall restoration fundraiser (including an RFP for an architect). - Item 9C - Traffic Safety at Lighthouse/Central/Congress: Multiple residents expressed support for improving safety at the intersection, citing confusion, speeding, and pedestrian mobility issues. They urged council to direct staff to consult a traffic engineer for solutions, which could include stop signs, rumble strips, or other traffic calming measures. One speaker emphasized a need for greater traffic enforcement citywide. - Item 12A - Amended Protocol for BCC Recommendations: Numerous public speakers, including board and commission chairs and residents, opposed proposed amendments to limit boards to two recommendations per year and consolidate an annual review. They argued this would stifle community input, reduce transparency, and create long delays for timely issues. Speakers requested a more open process that values citizen expertise and communication. - Item 13A - Referendum on Ordinance 25-007 (Council Salary Increase): Multiple residents who helped gather referendum signatures stated their primary goal was to give the public a vote on the council-approved salary increase, not necessarily to oppose it. Some speakers opposed the raise, arguing council service is a volunteer stipend. One speaker supported the raise, citing the workload and need to attract diverse candidates. Many urged the council to place the measure on the ballot for voter decision. - Item 13B - Concept to Combine ARB and HRC: A strong majority of public speakers, including former board members and historic homeowners, opposed merging the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Historic Resources Commission (HRC). They argued the boards have distinct missions and expertise, that a merger would dilute historic preservation efforts, lead to overly long meetings, and reduce the quality of review. Several suggested improving recruitment and training for the separate boards instead. Discussion Items - Item 9C - Traffic Safety Commission Recommendation (Pulled from Consent): Council discussed a recommendation to assess safety improvements at the Lighthouse Avenue, Central Avenue, and Congress Avenue intersection. Members shared concerns about pedestrian safety, speeding, and confusion at the intersection. The consensus was to direct staff to consult a traffic engineer and return with concept drawings and cost estimates for council consideration. - Item 11A - AB 2561 Vacancy, Recruitment, and Retention Report: The Human Resources Director presented a mandated report on 2024 city staff vacancies (8% annual rate), recruitment obstacles (lack of awareness of public sector jobs, lengthy process), and retention strategies (promotions, engagement, benefits). The council received the report and discussed challenges like housing costs impacting recruitment. - Item 11B - Combination Building Permit Fee Increases: Staff reported a typographical error in the FY 2024-25 fee schedule that undercharged for high-value projects. The council approved a correction to reset fees to their intended levels to ensure cost recovery. - Item 12A - Amended Protocol for BCC Recommendations: Council debated proposed amendments to the process for boards, committees, and commissions (BCCs) to submit recommendations. Discussion centered on balancing project management, staff workload, and meaningful public input. The council approved a revised motion to adopt the amended protocol (with a limit of two recommendations per BCC per year and an annual review), direct BCCs to provide quarterly written reports to council, and review the protocol's effectiveness in January 2026. - Item 13A - Referendum on Ordinance 25-007 (Council Salary Increase): Following a successful citizen referendum petition that suspended the ordinance, the council discussed three options: repeal the ordinance, proceed to a public vote, or repeal and later discuss a new ballot measure. After extensive debate, the council chose Option 3: to repeal the current ordinance and, at a future date, discuss placing a new, clear ballot measure before voters (likely in 2026). Several council members expressed support for a raise to attract a more diverse candidate pool under the new district elections but emphasized letting the public decide. - Item 13B - Concept to Combine ARB and HRC: Staff presented the concept of merging the Architectural Review Board and Historic Resources Commission into a single 7-member board to streamline processes, reduce confusion for applicants, and improve staffing efficiency. Council discussion revealed mixed opinions, with concerns about losing specialized historic expertise and creating overly long meetings. The council directed staff to return with more detailed analysis on board composition, training, and operational impacts before drafting any ordinance. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously, with Items 7B (salary classification correction) and 9C (traffic safety) pulled for separate discussion. - Item 7B - Ordinance Correction: Approved with ministerial corrections to the city manager's salary classification ordinance. - Item 9C - Traffic Safety at Lighthouse/Central/Congress: Vote 7-0. Directed staff to consult a traffic engineer to assess installing stop signs and reconfiguring the intersection of Lighthouse, Central, and Congress Avenues, and return with concept drawings and cost estimates. - Item 11A - AB 2561 Report: Received and filed the annual vacancy and recruitment report. - Item 11B - Building Permit Fees: Vote 7-0. Approved a resolution correcting the master fee schedule for combination building permits. - Item 12A - Amended BCC Protocol: Vote 6-1 (Walkingstick opposed). Approved the amended protocol with a limit of two recommendations per BCC per year and an annual review process, directed BCCs to provide quarterly reports, and scheduled a review for January 2026. - Item 13A - Referendum on Council Salaries: Vote 7-0. 1) Adopted a resolution accepting the certificate of sufficiency for the referendum petition. 2) Chose Option 3: Directed staff to return on September 3, 2025, with an ordinance to repeal Ordinance 25-007, and to schedule a future discussion on a potential ballot measure for a public vote in 2026. - Item 13B - ARB/HRC Merger Concept: Vote 7-0. Directed staff to further analyze the concept of combining the ARB and HRC, including details on board composition, training, and operational impacts, and return for further discussion before drafting an ordinance. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM. Item 13C was continued to the next regular meeting.

The Pacific Grove City Council held a special meeting on August 20, 2025, to address a single agenda item: approving a closed session for the initiation of litigation under government code section 54956.9. The session included public comment and clarifications from the city attorney regarding notice compliance and legal fees. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public requested postponement of the closed session, expressing opposition to proceeding due to inadequate public notice under government code requirements and reliance on previously inaccurate information about legal fees paid to specific law firms. Discussion Items - City Attorney Mr. Bear clarified that the agenda item pertained to the initiation of litigation under subdivision D4 of government code section 54956.9. He addressed the public's concerns by explaining the agenda description and providing corrected legal fee information: approximately $15,000 for services from October 2022 to August 2023, and $612,689.33 for the period July 2021 to July 2022. Key Outcomes - The council approved the agenda for the closed session via a motion, second, and unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned to closed session, with plans to reconvene at 6 p.m.

The Pacific Grove City Council convened for its regular meeting on July 16, 2025. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments on various community issues, and deliberation on several agenda items including engineering services, a land acknowledgement directive, budget adjustments, the city manager's contract, cannabis fees, a school liaison subcommittee, and the police department's annual report. Multiple items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved, with Item 11A (AB 2561) continued to the next meeting. - A certificate of recognition was presented to the "Walk Every Street PG" group. - The consent calendar was approved unanimously, except for Items 9B and 9E which were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Peggy Gibbs (Pacific Grove Cares) expressed appreciation for city support and announced progress on landscaping projects at Chase Park West and Caledonia Park, with a ribbon cutting scheduled. - Susan Goldbeth announced the relaunch of the PG Beacon online newspaper to report on city council actions and invited community contributions. - Carol Markworth questioned the relevance and activities of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) task force, suggesting its cultural calendar did not represent majority community values. - A speaker (name not specified) expressed concern about the city's $55 million debt and opposition to the DEI task force, advocating for the city to be run like a business. - Mike Gibbs (Pacific Grove Cares) provided an update on the landscaping project, noting positive community reactions and ongoing fundraising needs. - Jane Haynes expressed opposition to the housing element's draft EIR, arguing that converting downtown parking lots to housing would cripple local businesses by eliminating accessible parking. - Ken thanked the Beautification and Natural Resources Commission (BNRC) and Public Works for support during harbor seal pup season. - An online caller pledged not to comply with administrative directives targeting community members based on identity and thanked the city for supporting the DEI task force. - Beth Walker (Monterey Peninsula Pride) thanked council members for participating in the Pride parade and expressed support for the DEI committee, stating it was needed to protect children. Discussion Items - Item 9B: Engineering Services Contract with Neal Engineering - Public Works Director Dan Goh presented the item for routine engineering services on capital improvement projects. - Andy Kubica argued against outsourcing, citing increased public works staff and suggesting the work should be handled internally. - Another speaker echoed Kubica's concerns, questioning the necessity of the $601,000 contract. - Mr. Goh clarified that the firm provides specialized surveying and plan preparation services not available within the current public works staff, and that the costs were allocated from various funds, not just the general fund. - Council discussed the need for the services given current staff capacity and training limitations, and the ongoing search for a civil engineer position. - Item 9E: Land Acknowledgement Directive to DEI Task Force - Councilmember Paduri explained the item directed the DEI task force to develop language for a land and ancestral peoples acknowledgement for future council consideration. - Carol Markworth expressed opposition, comparing land acknowledgements to prayers and stating they imply blame and shame. - Another speaker expressed opposition, arguing that such acknowledgements and pronoun declarations were unnecessary in a united community. - Lisa Ciani expressed support for the land acknowledgement as a statement of truth and appreciation for the DEI task force's work. - Sharon Miller expressed support, stating it was a normalized and kind practice to recognize indigenous peoples. - Councilmember Walking Stick provided perspective on the importance of acknowledgment for intercultural healing and respecting local tribes. - Councilmember Garfield emphasized the need for the DEI task force to conduct robust outreach and education, clarifying they would not set policy but provide a sample statement. - Item 11B: Budget Amendment for Monterey Sidewalk Reimbursement - Finance Director Eric Marsh presented an ordinance to amend the budget to pay a $113,000 bill from the City of Monterey for sidewalk work completed in 2011, which had been overlooked due to staff turnover. - Andy Kubica questioned how the bill was missed and whether other liabilities might exist. - Staff confirmed thorough research showed no prior payment, and Monterey was waiving interest. - Item 11C: Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement - City Attorney presented a first amendment to increase City Manager Matthew Mogensen's salary, deferred compensation, and paid time off. - Council expressed unanimous support and praise for Mr. Mogensen's performance, communication, and staff leadership during his first year. - An amendment to remove a sentence requiring written council approval for flexible work hours was added. - Item 11D: Adoption of Cannabis Regulatory Fees - City Manager Matthew Mogensen presented a resolution to adopt 100% cost-recovery fees for the commercial cannabis regulatory program. - Council discussed the fee structure, which covers application processing, inspections, audits, and background checks. - Item 12A: City-School District Subcommittee Restructuring - City Manager proposed a more informal structure for collaboration with the Pacific Grove Unified School District, moving from formal joint meetings to quarterly staff meetings and occasional informal committee meetings with the mayor and board chair. - Council supported the change to improve efficiency and collaboration. - Item 14A: Police Department 2024 Annual Report - Police Chief Jay presented an interactive annual report highlighting call statistics, crime data, organizational changes, training, and the department's strategic plan. - Councilmember Rao inquired about the discontinuation of the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract. The Chief explained the school board's decision was based on multiple factors, including ideological differences, and that the SRO had resigned, creating a vacancy. The department will prioritize calls for service to schools based on staffing and call priority. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Item 9B (Engineering Services): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Item 9E (Land Acknowledgement Directive): Approved unanimously (7-0). Council directed the DEI task force to develop language for future consideration. - Item 11B (Budget Amendment): Approved unanimously (7-0). Ordinance introduced. - Item 11C (City Manager Contract Amendment): Approved unanimously (7-0). Resolution adopted and ordinance introduced. - Item 11D (Cannabis Fees): Approved unanimously (7-0). Resolution adopted. - Item 12A (Subcommittee Restructuring): Approved unanimously (7-0). Council delegated the mayor and mayor pro tem to attend existing meetings for 2025 and approved the new informal structure for 2026. - The meeting adjourned following the police department report.