Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C8&7AF9-8A33-83A1-301CECESB3OF CARMEL.BY.THE€EA
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 6,2026
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Byme called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Roll call: Councilmembers Jeff Baron, Hans Buder, Robert Delves, Alissandra Dramov, and Mayor Dale Byme were present.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Byme rcquested to pull item #2 from Consent, Councilmembers Buder and Dramov pulled #5, and a member of the public pulled item #7.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delves to approve the consent agenda items #1,3,4, 6, 8 and 9, seconded by Councilmember Buder, and approved 5-0{{ by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmemberc Baron, Buder, Delves, Dramov, and Mayor Byrne NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Item 1 - June 1 and 12,2026, Specia! Meeting Minutes, and June 2,2026, Regular Meeting Minutes - Approved 5-04-0
Item 3 - May 2026 Check Register Summary - Apprcved +0-0-0 Item 4 - Resolution 2026446 designating Mayor Dale Byrne as the voting delegate and Councilmember Hans Buder as the altemate voting delegate at the 2026 League of Galifornia Cities Annual Conference and Expo - Apprcved *0-0-0
Item 6- Resolution 2026-048 approving the revised Monterey Regional Stormwater Management Program Memorandum of Agreement and authorizing execution of theAgreement - Apprcved S
0.o.o
Item 8 - Resolution 2026-050 authorizing the City Administrator to execute an agreement with the Church of the Wayfarer to lease a portion of the Church building for use as a temporary library location during the Hanison Memorial Library Restoration Project - Approved fl-0-0 Item 9 - Resolution 2026-051 Authorizing a refund of Preliminary Site Assessment application fees of $1,571.00 to Molly Branch - Approved 5-0-G0
Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C8&7AF9-8A33{3A1-301 CECESB3OF Ci$ Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
Item 2 - May 2026 Monthly Reports - Apprcved *0-0-0
Mayor Byme pulled this item from consent to give kudos to the first responders for their excellent response rate to code 3 emergencies.
Public comment None
Item 5 - Resolution 2026-M7 Approving a list of street projects for fiscal year 2026127 Capital lmprovement Plan partially funded by SB1 The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 - Apprcved 5-0-0-0
Councilmember Buder pulled this item to say that we should develop a sidewalk plan for downtown and consider hiring a landscape architect to help with the planning for what type of pavers, hardscape, or tree wells and planters to have. He would like to @me back to this idea under the Council priorities. Councilmember Dramov agreed with further discussion on this.
Public comment:
NancyTwomey
Cindy Lloyd
Victoria Beach
Item 7 - Resolution 2026{,49, approving Change Orders #2 and #3 for the City's On-Call Landscape Service Contractors, Town & Country, increasing the totalnot-tocxceed contract limit from $229,200 to $266,362 for Fiscal Year 2025126 and $340,000 for Fiscal Year 2026127 - Approved 5-0-0-0
Public Comment:
Shirley Moon
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delves to approve the consent agenda items #2, 5, and 7, seconded by Councilmember Dramov, and approved 5{-0{ by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Baron, Budet Delves, Dramov, and Mayor Byrne NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item l0 - Consideration of an Appeal (APP 26134, Diamond) by John and Patricia Dilks, of the Planning Commission's approval of Design Study and Coastal Development Permit application DS 25206 (Diamond) for non excluded development (ground disturbance for an 800 square accessory dwelling unit (ADU) attached to an existing rear terrace, landscaping, drainage improvements and associated site work) and the installation landscaping consistent with the Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C8&7AF9-8A33{3A1-301CECESB3OF City Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
proposed landscaping plan as authorized by the Coastal Development Permit, located at Scenic Road 5 northwest of 8th Avenue in the Single-Family Residential (R-1) District, Archaeological Significance (AS) Overlay District, Park (P) Overlay District, and Beach and Riparian (BR) Overlay. APN: 010-312-012-000 - Reammended for continuane to August 3, 2026 Motion by Mayor Byme to separate fDe discussion of the ADU Policy and the Diamond Appeal Hearing, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Delv*.
Council discussed the motion.
SuDsfifufe Motion by Councilmember Buder to hear the diamond appeal tonight, and to have the ADU policy discussion at ffie August 3 or 4th Council meeting, seconded by Mayor Byme.
Councilmember Baron expressed disappointment that the agenda did not include both the ADU policy discussion and the appeal hearing, noting that Council directed that both items return at the same meeting. Mayor Byme said that there is a time constraint to hear the appeal, so that is why it is recommended thatthe appeal being heard today and the ADU policy be heard separately from the appealat another meeting date. Mayor Pro Tem Delves said that it doesn't make sense to make the appellants wait even Ionger for an answer when the ADU policy wasn't ready.
Motion by Councilmember Buder, seconded by Mayor Byrne, to hear the diamond appeal tonight and to have the ADU policy discussion at a future meeting date, approved 4-1-0{ by the following roll callvote:
AYES: Councilmembers Buder, Delves, Dramov, and Mayor Byrne NOES: Gouncilmember Baron
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Aftorney Pierik distributed copies of Resolution 2026-033, originally presented during the June 1st hearing, to both the Council and members of the public to facilitate the continued discussion and direction on Appeal26134 (Diamond).
Senior Planner Evan Kort summarized the appeal regarding a proposed 800-squarc-foot ADU on Scenic Road, concluding with staffs recommendation to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's decision. He answered questions from Council regarding State Law and the City's ADU policy
Publiccomment:
John Dilks
Donna Jett
Patricia Dilks
EarlMyers
Steve
Cody Phillips
Jeff Fullton
Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C8&7AF9-8Ai}3{3A1 -301 CECESB3oF City Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
Councilmembers Buder, Dramov, Delves, and Mayor Byme supported upholding the Planning Commission's decision, noting the applicant's compliance with established rules. Councilmember Buder noted square footage as the main concern, and that subject will be discussed later with ADU policy. Councilmember Dramov cited the lack of a counter-argument by the appellant to the beach erosion analysis. Councilmember Baron also supported faimess but favored immediate ADU policy discussion, arguing the ADU violates floor area ratio restrictions meant to protect city character.
Motion by Mayor ProTem Delves to adopt Resolution 2026-033 (as presented June 1,20261 to deny the Appeal by John and Patricia Dilks (APP 26134, Diamond), upholding the Planning Commission's decision (Resolution 2025-04-PC, adopted April 8, 2026) to:
a. Deny a Design Study Referralfor a new roof deck above a proposed 800aquarefoot accessory dwelling unit under a separate ministerial permit; b. Approve a Goastal Development Permit for non-excluded development (ground disturbance for the 800-square-foot ADU attached to a rear terrace, landscaping, drainage, and site work) west of Carmelo Street at Scenic Road 5, northwest of 8th Avenue (R-1, AS, P, and BR Overlays;APN: OIO-312-012-000); and c. Approve a Design Study Referral for installing landscaping consistent with the plan authorized by the Coastal Development Permit;
Seconded by Councilmember Buder, and approved 4-1-0-0 by the following rollcallvote:
AYES: Gouncilmemberc Buder, Delves, Dramov, and Mayor Byrne NOES: Councilmem ber Baron
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ORDERS OF BUSINESS
Item 11 - Discussion and Direction Regarding Funding for See Monterey Marketing Services; Consider Adoption of Resolution 2026-052 Amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Adopted Operating Budget
Finance Manager Jayme Fields presented the item and rcquested Council direction on whether to amend the FY 26-27 adopted budget regading funding for See Monterey marketing services.
Rob O'Keefe, CEO of See Monterey, gave a presentation detailing their 2O-year partnership and tourism investment in Carmel-by-the-Sea, highlighting their historica! approach and a decadelong strategy aimed at increasing fly-in visitation.
Publiccomment:
Andi Can
Ashley Wolf
Kirk Gafile
AprilMontgomery
Scott Gertoli
Bashar
Susan Dampier
Carrie Theis
Joe DiNucci
Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C8&7AF9-8A33{3A1.301CECESB3OF City Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
Amy Hezog
Cindy Lloyd
Laura Bolling
Nancy Twomey
Stary Steele
LanceAndercon
Victoria Beach
Mayor Pro Tem Delves and Councilmember Dramov both voiced support for funding See Monterey at the requested amount, noting that the presentation by Mr. O'Keefe helped clariff how funds are spent, though Dramov acknowledged concerns regarding overtourism.
Councilmembers Buderand Baron noted residents'frustrations regarding visitor volume and overmarketing. Councilmember Buder noted flat hotel occupancy rates and suggested establishing clear performance metrics for marketing partners before the next budget cycle. Councilmember Baron emphasized the impact of high visitor volume on residents, arguing that hotel occupancy should not be the sole metric for decision-making, visitors should not be viewed merely as revenue sour@s, and the community should welcome both local day trippers and overnight guests.
Mayor Byrne said that he is supportive of the City's continued partnership with See Monterey and agreed with Bude/s suggestion to receive more metrics ahead of approving funding requests.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delves to adopt Resolution 2026-052, Amending the FiscalYear (FY) 2026-2027 Adopted Operating Budget by funding See Monterey's marketing request tor$292,947, seconded by Mayor Byrne and approved 4-1-0{ by the following rollcallvote:
AYES: Councilmembes Buder, Delves, Dramov, and Mayor Byrne NOES: Gouncilmembers Baron
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECESS
Counciltook a recess at 5:40 p.m. and returned at 5:52 p.m.
Item 12 - Receive a presentation on the updated Council Strategic Priorities list following the January 22nd workshop, and provide direction to staff
Acting City Administrator Brandon Swanson summarized vvhere the Council left off on reviewing the Strategic Priorities list and confirming what priorities to keep, amend, or remove, and assigning priority levels to each.
Publiccomment:
Nancy Twomey
Maria Ruess
Victoria Beach
Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C88-7AF9-8A33{3A1-301CECESB3OF City Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
Donna Jett
Maria Ruess
Stacy Steele
Laura Bolling
Cindy Lloyd
Kelly Steele
Council gave direction to update the goals under Strategic Priority #4 (S-4) Prcserve the Vlllage Gharacter with priority levels as follows:
Desion Review (P-4.11
Council gave direction to update the goals under Strategic Priority #5 (S-5) Provide Effective, Reliable, Responsive, and Friendly Government Services
Goal PioriV Level
Adopt updated Design guidelines and Zoning Code - Design Traditions 1.5 Project (City Council)
1 Certify LCP amendment for ufiated Design Guidelines and Zoning Code (Coastal Commission)
1 Reinstate the Design Review Board (DRB) 3
Complete Objective Design and Development Standards for affordable units (oDDS)
1 Goal Pioritv Level
Adopt ADU ordinance (City Council) 1
Certify LCP amendment forADU Ordinance (Coasta! Commission) 1 Adopt Housing Element amendment to move units from City lots (City Council) 1 Certification of Housing Element amendment to move units from City lots (CA State HCD)
1 Research policy options in response to accelerating population loss / loss of families with children
2 lmplement the City's 6th Cycle Housing Element 1
NEW - Streetscape Plan for Downtown 1
Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C8&,7AF9-8A33{3A1-301 CECESB3OF City Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
Process lmprovements (P-5.1 )
Public Access to Records (P€.2)
Goal Prioritv Level
Scan and digitize all physical city records to make available online (resolutions, ordinances, etc.)
1 Council gave consensus direction to remove P-5.3 "Smart Village" Plan and it's goalto expand free public wi-fi network to cover all parks and key public areas.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attomey Pierik read the closed session item titles.
Public Comment:
Beth Bowman
NancyTwomey
A. CONFERENCE WTH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE sEcTtoN 54957.6;
Agency Designated Representatives: Acting Assistant City Administrator Marisa Bermudez, Police Chief Todd Trayer, and Zachery Lopes, Burke Williams & Sorensen; Employee Organization: General Employees Unit, an Affiliated Unit of LIUNA, and Management Employees Unit, an Affiliated Unit of LiUNA
B. CONFERENCE WTH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT coDE sEcIoN 54956.8:
Property: Sunset Center, San Carlos Street between 8th and 1Oth Avenues, Carmel-bythe-Sea (APN: 010-143-001 -000)
Agency negotiators: City Administrator, City Attomey
Negotiating parties: Sunset Cultural Center, I nc.
Under negotiation: Price and terms of lease
Goal Piority Level
lmplement new permitting soflware, with focus on integrating Artificial lntelligence
1 lmplement technologies to support routine staff tasks and free up time for enhane,ed customer service (combine with above goal)
1 lmplement a citywide customer service program 1
NEW- Develop performance metrics, KPI's, publicdashboad 2 Docusign Envelope lD: 86802C887AF9-8A33{3A1-301CECESB3OF City Council Special Meeting Minutes - July 6, 2026
Page I of 8
ADJOURNMENT
Council adjourned to closed session at 7:15 p.m.
APPROVED:
by:
0a,