MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
4:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST., AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Councilmembers
Present: Albert, Haffa, Smith*, Williamson (arrived at 4:08 p.m., Roberson
Absent: None
* Attended by teleconference
City Staff
Present:
City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Administrative Analyst (Housing)
CALL TO ORDER
This meeting was held with a combination of in-person and teleconference attendance, pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act, Calif. Government Code section 54953(e)(1)(C) and Resolution No. 22-134 C.S.
Mayor Roberson called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. City Clerk Klein explained to the public how to participate in the meeting virtually and the safety rules for in-person attendance. She called the roll with Councilmembers Albert and Haffa and Mayor Roberson present in the Chamber, Councilmember Smith present by teleconference, and Councilmember Williamson absent. Councilmember Williamson arrived at 4:08 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
1. Climate Change - Update (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received update
Sustainability Manager Terrasas, Community Development Director Cole, and Public Works Director Renny gave the staff report. It was stated that staff will be seeking decisions in the future on whether to pursue Window of the Bay Phase II, and on planning for sea level rise impacts to the coastline and low-lying areas susceptible to flooding.
Public comment was received from Esther Malkin, who said there is a need to address both traffic congestion on North Fremont, and the affordability of sustainability initiatives; Beth Fabinsky, who recommended that the Climate Action Plan be revised to define actions with specifics such as responsible parties and cost; Mike Clancy, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Monterey Chapter, who said that more progress is needed to provide electric vehicle charging stations and that the City can set an example for the rest of California; Tom Rowley, who encouraged the Council's efforts and echoed Ms. Malkin in stressing that renters and retirees may not be able to afford sustainable options; Jody Emerson, who asked if the City can support residents in requesting that HOAs support conversions to more renewable alternatives; and Gabe Sanders, LandWatch Monterey County, who encouraged the City to take advantage of LandWatch's support and said what can be done must be done as soon as possible.
City Council Minutes October 26, 2022
2 Sustainability Manager Terrasas, Community Development Director Cole, and Public Works Director Renny answered Councilmembers' questions.
On recommendation from City Attorney Davi, Mayor Roberson reopened public comment.
Additional comment was received from Beth Fabinsky, who suggested additional available funding for EV charging for multi-family housing; Mike Clancy, who urged the Council to take a very long range view for future generations; and Tom Rowley, who noted that most of the coast of California will have sanctuaries and encouraged the City Council to keep up their good work.
It was stated by the Council that much more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are and will be needed and that the City should focus on that as well as creation of incentives and infrastructure. It was noted that the move to electric vehicles is not changing the focus on individual vehicles as a main transportation method. It was stated that beach replenishment should be monitored on an annual basis. It was stressed that housing affordability and housing the workforce should be included in discussions about climate action. It was observed that transportation is the largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions. It was encouraged that the City do more as an organization of practicing what it preaches. It was stated that pedestrian and cycling infrastructure improvement is needed.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Clementine Bonner Klein Clyde Roberson
City Clerk Mayor