MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
4:00 PM 7:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
City Staff
Present:
Councilmember, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Finance Director, Community Development Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Parks and Recreation Director, Human Resources Director, Library & Museums Director, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Planning Manager, Recreation Manager, Administrative Analyst/Public Information Officer, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, Police Lieutenant, Assistant Human Resources Director, Senior Engineer, Police Lieutenant, Administrative Assistant (City Manager's Office), Mark Ackermann Management Analyst (City Manager's Office), Intern (City Manager's Office), Assistant Fire Chief, Senior Administrative Analyst (Fire), Fire Engineers (2), Firefighters (2), Fire Captains (3), Division Chief
***Afternoon Session Agenda ***
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF THE 2022-2024 CITY COUNCIL
Councilmembers
Present: Garcia (present from 4:01 p.m. to 6:24 p.m.), Haffa, Smith, Williamson
Absent: Barber
City Clerk Klein called the roll with the 2022-2024 Council present as indicated above.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of Councilmember Alan Haffa (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Recognized Councilmember Haffa
The Mayor and Council praised Councilmember Haffa's public service, specifically highlighting his skills at governing and finding compromise. City Manager Uslar read remarks that were sent by Dr. Barber to be read in her absence, then made his own comments of appreciation.
Councilmember Haffa expressed his feelings of gratitude for his wife Arlene, his supporters and friends, colleagues on the dais, and City staff. He spoke about his time in office and shared some of his most proud achievements serving the community.
Public comment was received from: Hans Jannasch, on behalf of the Monterey Vista Neighborhood Assocation, who thanked Councilmember Haffa for his leadership and his efforts on campaign finance reform and the City's cellular ordinance; Esther Malkin, who thanked City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
2 Councilmember Haffa for his early support and vision in working to address the housing crisis; Bruce Zanetta, who praised Councilmember Haffa for his handling of the Wharf lease issues and his disciplined decision-making process; and Tom Reeves, who said that he appreciated how Councilmember Haffa listened to people and expressed his rationale for his decisions.
ELECTION CERTIFICATION AND COUNCIL INSTALLATION
2. Adopt a Resolution Reciting the Results of the November 5, 2024 Consolidated General Municipal Election, and Install Newly Elected Officers (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-189 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent) City Clerk Klein gave a brief staff presentation.
Public comment was received from: Eric Palmer, who congratulated Jean Rasch and discussed his run for office; Esther Malkin, who praised the diversity of the City Council and thanked the City's voters; and Nina Beety, who spoke about challenges that would face the City Council.
City Manager Uslar, who read written remarks from Councilmember Barber about looking forward to working with Jean Rasch and in appreciation of Mayor Williamson and Councilmember Garcia.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 24-189 C.S. declaring the results of the consolidated General Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Haffa, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta gave the ceremonial oath to newly elected Mayor Tyller Williamson. Former Councilmember Haffa gave the ceremonial oath to newly elected Councilmember, District 3, Jean Rasch. Emily Garcia gave the ceremonial oath to newly elected Councilmember, District 4, Gene "Gino" Garcia. Following the oaths each newly elected member made brief remarks thanking their loved ones and supporters and looking forward to their terms of service.
The Council recessed at 5:01 p.m. for a break during which the newly elected members were sworn in officially by the City Clerk in the City Clerk's Office. The Council reconvened at 5:16 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF THE 2024-2026 CITY COUNCIL
Councilmembers
Present: Garcia (present from 4:01 p.m. to 6:24 p.m.), Rasch, Smith, Williamson
Absent: Barber
City Clerk Klein called the roll with the 2024-2026 Council present as indicated above.
City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
3 GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Steve Lightfoot, Nina Beety, and Peter Berridge.
CONSENT AGENDA
Public comment on the Consent Items was not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the CONSENT AGENDA:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Approval of Minutes
3. December 3, 2024 Regular Meeting, Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, and Special Planning Commission Meeting (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
Action: Approved (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
Award of Construction Contracts
4. Award a Construction Contract in the Amount of $821,249.00 to Kraemer Engineering Inc for the Citywide Road Rehabilitation Project, Phase 5 ***CIP*** (Exempt from CEQA, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-190 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
5. Award a Contract for the El Estero Park Center Playground Equipment Upgrade Project to Ross Recreation Equipment Company, Inc. in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $210,000. (Exempt from CEQA Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1, Existing Facilities) ***NCIP*** Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-191 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent) Ordinances
6. 2nd Reading of a Zoning Ordinance to add a Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District (RHNAOV), Amend the Multifamily Overlay District Land Use Regulations and Development Standards, Rezone Properties to be Included in the Multifamily Residential and RHNAOV, Rezone 1200 Aguajito Road, and Amend Architectural Review Procedures (CEQA:
Certified Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2023080034), Article 11, Section 15168(c)) Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3688 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
7. 2nd Reading of an Ordinance Amending Monterey City Code Chapter 38, Section 38-112.5 Density Bonus To Comply With State Housing Law And To Establish Local Density Incentives For Qualifying Housing Projects (CEQA: Certified Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2023080034), Article 11, Section 15168(c))
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3689 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent) City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
4 Resolutions
8. Authorize the Finance Director to Reimburse Funds in the Amount of $220,034.00 from the Neighborhood Improvement Fund to the Street Infrastructure Rehab Fund (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) ***NCIP***
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-192 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
9. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey One Water for Services Related to Collection of the City’s Sewer Collection Fee on the Monterey County Tax Roll to Include FY 2024-25 for Costs Not-to-Exceed $24,355.32 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-193 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
10. Award a Contract for the Purchase and Installation of a New Station Alerting System in Fire Stations 11, 12 and 13 in the amount of $358,279.77 (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-194 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
11. Appropriate $325,000 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to 30 Fisherman’s Wharf Deck Repairs (CIP2514) ***CIP*** (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301 Class 1)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-195 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
12. Approve the Amended FY2024/25 Salary Schedule for Regular Full-Time and Regular PartTime Employees Effective January 1, 2025 (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-196 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent) Other
13. Appoint Councilmember Garcia as Vice Mayor for 2025 (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Appointed Councilmember Garcia as Vice Mayor for 2025 (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
14. Receive Mayor’s Recommendation and Appoint David Stocker to the Building and Housing Appeals Board (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 19, Section 15061)
Action: Appointed David Stocker as a regular member of the Building and Housing Appeals Board for a term ending June 30, 2029 (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent) *** End of Consent Agenda ***
The Council adjourned to the Ocean View Community Services District meeting.
Adjourn to Ocean View Community Services District Meeting: Consent Agenda
15. Receive Ocean View Community Services District Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report
City Attorney Davi stated that there was no additional report. Public comment was not received.
City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
5 The Board of Directors of the Ocean View Community Services District adjourned to the City Council meeting.
Adjourn to City Council Meeting
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
16. Appoint Council Representatives to Outside Agencies and City Boards and Committees for 2025 (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Reappointed members to the same roles as in 2024, with Councilmember Rasch taking on the appointments of former Councilmember Haffa, but with the following changes: appointing Mayor Williamson as representative to Central Coast Community Energy, Councilmember Garcia as representative to Community Human Services, Councilmember Barber as alternate to Monterey One Water, Councilmember Rasch as representative to the Chamber of Commerce's Council of Monterey Business Associations, and Councilmember Garcia as alternate to TAMC (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent)
City Clerk Klein presented the worksheet of possible appointments to the Council. Public comment was not received.
The Council discussed various outside agency and committee roles needing Monterey City Council representation. The majority of the discussion revolved around the interest of more than one Councilmember in serving as the representative to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC).
A motion was introduced by Mayor Williamson, and seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to keep the 2024 appointments, with Councilmember Rasch taking on the appointments of former Councilmember Haffa, but with the following changes: Mayor Williamson as representative to Central Coast Community Energy, Councilmember Garcia as representative to Community Human Services, Councilmember Barber as alternate to Monterey One Water, Councilmember Rasch as representative to the Chamber of Commerce's Council of Monterey Business Associations, and Councilmember Garcia as representative to TAMC.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Williamson
NOES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Rasch, Smith
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Smith, and seconded by Councilmember Rasch, to keep the 2024 appointments, with Councilmember Rasch taking on the appointments of former Councilmember Haffa, but with the following changes: appointing Mayor Williamson as representative to Central Coast Community Energy, Councilmember Garcia as representative to Community Human Services, Councilmember Barber as alternate to Monterey One Water, Councilmember Rasch as representative to the Chamber of Commerce's Council of Monterey Business Associations, Councilmember Garcia as representative to Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), and Councilmember Garcia as alternate to TAMC.
City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
6 A friendly amendment to the motion was introduced by Councilmember Garcia, and approved by the mover and seconder, to keep Councilmember Smith as the MST representative.
The amended motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECESS
The Council recessed at 6:24 p.m.
RECONVENE
The Council reconvened at 7:01 p.m. with Councilmembers Barber and Garcia both absent. *** Evening Session Agenda ***
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Rasch led the Pledge.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED
Continued public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Bryan Rosen.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE (EVE)
17. Approve the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan 2024 Update (Exempt from CEQA Article 19, 15306, Class 6)
Action: Approved the ADA Transition Plan 2024 Update (3-0-2, Councilmembers Barber and Garcia absent)
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was received from: Bryan Rosen, who urged the City to prioritize its spending on helping people in need, including providing assistance in navigating the downtown area; Esther Malkin, who said that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds could be used for ADA improvements, and suggested looking at the way City residents' income was calculated for grant qualifications; Lorna Moffat, who expressed concern about hazards faced by pedestrians and particularly disabled people at street crossings; and Nina Beety, who asserted that she had been denied access to City facilities for years because of her sensitivity to the presence of wireless internet connections, which she said the City had not taken seriously. Councilmember Smith had left the Chamber for part of Mr. Rosen's comment, so the Council listened to the recording of Mr. Rosen's comment to enable the voting quorum of the Council to hear it in full.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Smith, and seconded by Councilmember Rasch, to approve the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan 2024 Update.
City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
7 The Council discussed the public comments received. It was stated that the categorization of Monterey as a high income city was based on the median household income of residents. It was noted that an additional reason for making ADA improvements was to assist veterans who had served the country. Regarding concerns brought up about MST staff helping lift bicycles onto bus racks, it was stated that it had been an issue causing workers compensation claims.
The Council discussed the matter generally. It was stated that to be serious about making ADA improvements the City would need to work hard to figure out how to pay for it. A bond and grant opportunities were mentioned as potential revenue generating measures. It was noted that the hospitality industry could be included in the discussion because if the City were identified as a top rated accessible community it would benefit tourism. Strong interest was expressed in successfully making the ADA improvements and making the City more accessible for everybody.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Rasch, Smith, Williamson
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Smith addressed concerns he had heard from members of the public regarding MST's bus route to Carmel Valley. He said that changes to the route were part of a reduction by the MST board when adopting safer, more economical routes, which he said was a process in place before he joined the MST Board. He explained that the route's ridership had been relatively low and that MST had looked at many factors when determining to eliminate the route.
He explained that he had repeatedly advocated to bring the route back but that it did not seem to have the evidence and data to support a reevaluation of the decision to eliminate the route.
Councilmember Rasch reported that the Monterey Vista Neighborhood Association's executive board had attended the recent sentencing of Les Flores, and expressed appreciation for Police Chief Hober for his presence at the sentencing and for the Monterey Police Department's support of the neighborhood.
Mayor Williamson addressed concerns he had heard about the City's ADA accommodations, and stressed that the City was trying and was one of the few cities in the County that still accepted remote public comments by Zoom. Regarding bus routes he thanked Councilmember Smith for his advocacy and said he hoped the route could return, citing comments from residents who he said had stopped using the bus as a result of the route's elimination and were now driving cars. He welcomed Councilmember Rasch to the dais and congratulated her on her electoral win. He said that he had attended part of the recent meeting on the Local Road Safety Plan and encouraged his colleagues to attend the next meeting and provide feedback so that the City would feel engaged in the eventual plan proposal. He wished all a happy holiday season.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Uslar thanked the Council and City staff for a successful year. He said that First Night Monterey was the last remaining continuously operating First Night program in the nation, City Council Minutes December 17, 2024
8 spoke to the City's participation in its success, and encouraged all to participate. He shared his wishes for happy holidays and a wonderful New Year celebration.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson
City Clerk Mayor