MINUTES
COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AND
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
CITY OF MONTEREY
Friday, May 23, 2025
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Councilmembers
Present:
Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson
Absent: Barber
City Staff Present: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Public Works Director, City Engineer, Engineering Assistant,
Management Analyst, Recording Secretary
Call to Order
Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. Recording Secretary Barrera called the roll with the Council present as indicated above.
Public Appearance
1. Receive a Presentation on the Draft Local Road Safety Plan (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received Presentation
Engineering Assistant Garcia gave a presentation and answered Councilmembers’ questions.
Public comment was received from an unidentified speaker, who asked the City to work with the State on safety concerns at the Highway 1 exit to Munras Avenue; Dr. Ri Chang, who emphasized the need for bicycle infrastructure improvements; and MaryAnn Vultaggio, who expressed concerns about traffic safety on Jefferson Street and Franklin Street.
The Council emphasized the importance of public input, data-driven decision-making, and continuous updates to the plan to improve road safety for all users. Suggestions were made to staff on topics including education and enforcement efforts on speeding and turning violations; collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions; and collection of driver data.
2. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing and Approving One or More Locations for Rainbow Crosswalks (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Continued to June 3, 2025 (3-1-1, with Councilmember Smith voting no and Councilmember Barber absent)
Management Analyst Ackermann gave a presentation and answered Councilmembers’ questions.
Public comment in opposition was received from: Alan Beanfield, Charlene Carter, Rina Tringali, Peter Kaiser, Luis Osorio, Rick Heuer, Kathy Anderson, Rick Aldinger, Carol Sassel, Nelson Vega, Tom Casas, Robert McKay, Gary Cursio, Tom Reeves, Lori Mazzuca, Eloise Shim, and Andrea Olsen. Reasons cited by commenters in opposition included concerns about fiscal responsibility and the need to prioritize infrastructure issues; perceived divisiveness and lack of community involvement and support; the need for recognition of and fairness for other City Council Minutes May 23, 2025
2 groups; and safety concerns such as the sidewalk causing potential distractions for drivers and pedestrians. It was stated that funding for any such crosswalk should be through private contributions.
Public comment in favor was received from: Nadine Anderson, Tina Rau, Meganne Yeoman, Sarah Epperson, Kate Daniels, two (2) unidentified speakers, Melissa, P.K. Diffenbaugh, Taylor Merritt, Gabe Sanders, Andy Owen, Esther Malkin, Luca Oake, Chinyere Ogbonna, Jan Shriner, and Brian McCarthy. Reasons cited by commenters in favor included the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for marginalized groups; the visibility and sense of belonging and safety that such a crosswalk would provide for the LGBTQ+ community and young people. It was suggested that the intersection of Alvarado and Pearl Streets be the location for a rainbow crosswalk, and that the community could fundraise for its installation.
The Council discussed the matter. In favor of approving a rainbow crosswalk, personal experiences were shared and it was emphasized how important visibility was for marginalized voices, including the LGBTQ+ community and in particular its youth. It was stressed that the crosswalk would be consistent with the City’s values of inclusivity and would send a welcoming message to residents and visitors alike. The potential life-saving impact of the crosswalk was highlighted and it was stated that preventing one suicide would make the crosswalk worth the investment. It was suggested that the Council consider approving the project contingent on private contributions, and that outreach to business districts be conducted.
In opposition to approving a rainbow crosswalk, concerns about the process were expressed, stating that the item had been rushed and lacked sufficient community outreach and input, and that it could create a precedent for other groups to request crosswalks. It was stated that there were safety concerns and the potential for distractions for drivers and pedestrians, and further research was requested, including about potential impacts for visually challenged individuals. It was suggested that the City explore alternative ways to celebrate diversity, such as art installations in public spaces.
It was proposed to continue the item to the next regular meeting, allowing time for further outreach to business districts, additional research, and more community input.
On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council continued the matter to the June 3, 2025 regular Council meeting:
AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Williamson
NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber
Closed Session
Due to the late hour, and because City staff indicated that one of the individuals involved in the closed session items had already been informed that the discussion might be postponed, the Council proposed tabling the two closed session matters until they could be heard at a later date. Public comment was not received.
On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council tabled closed session items 3 and 4:
City Council Minutes May 23, 2025
3 AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Williamson
NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber
3. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 1 Old Golf Course Road (Hyatt Regency Monterey) Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete
Negotiating Parties: Tony Lombardo (Representing FWREF Monterey, LLC) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for New Lease Agreement (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- continued from May 6, 2025 and May 20, 2025
Action: Tabled (4-0-1, with Councilmember Barber absent)
4. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8; Property: Crematorium at El Encinal Cemetery, Fremont Street and Camino Aguajito; Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete; Negotiating Parties: Michelle Price (Keystone America, Inc., dba The Paul Mortuary, a subsidiary of Service Corporation International); Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for Lease Amendment (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- continued from May 20, 2025
Action: Tabled (4-0-1, with Councilmember Barber absent) Adjournment
The Council adjourned at 5:43 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Erica Barrera
Recording Secretary
Tyller Williamson
Mayor