CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
4:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST., MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
AND TELECONFERENCE LOCATION: 30 NONOHE PLACE, PĀʻIA, HAWAIʻI Councilmembers
Present: Barber, Rasch*, Smith, Williamson
Absent: Garcia
* Attended remotely by teleconference at the duly noticed teleconference location listed above
City Staff
Present:
Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Finance Director, Human Resources Director, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Assistant Police Chief, Recreation Manager, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, Recreation Coordinators (x2), Recreation Specialists (x2), Administrative Assistant (Recreation), Park Operations Manager, Sustainability Manager, Sports Center Manager, Parking Superintendent, Engineering Assistant II, Recreation Supervisor, Associate Civil Engineer, Assistant Urban Forester, Management Analyst (Recreation), Engineering Projects Manager, Park Maintenance Supervisor, Park Attendant (Veterans Park), Park Maintenance Worker, Facility Worker (MSC)
Teleconference Notice
This meeting was held with a combination of in-person and teleconference attendance, pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act, Calif. Gov. Code sec. 54953(b).
AFTERNOON SESSION
Call to Order
Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Mayor Williamson prompted Councilmember Rasch to confirm that she could hear the meeting proceedings, had posted the agenda 72 hours prior to the meeting at the teleconference location, and was providing public access from the same location, pursuant to GC 54953(b)(3). City Clerk Klein called the roll with the Council present as indicated above.
Presentations (Afternoon)
1. Recognize July as Parks and Recreation Month 2025 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized Parks and Recreation Month
Recreation Manager Leon gave the staff presentation. Parks and Recreation employees received recognition from the Council.
Public comment was received from India Weeks and Esther Malkin, who both praised the Parks and Recreation programs and staff.
2. Presentation by Mayor Williamson on his Sister City Visit to Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, Italy (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received presentation
City Council Minutes July 15, 2025
2 Mayor Williamson, together with Vince Malfitano of the Monterey chapter of Friends of Isola delle Femmine, gave the presentation and received Councilmembers' positive remarks. It was noted by the Council that public funds had not been used for the trip.
Public comment was received from Wendy Brickman, who spoke about the importance of the sister city relationship.
3. Receive Presentation on Residential Parking Permit Program Updates (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received presentation
Parking Superintendent Steffy gave a verbal staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was received from Marta Kraftzeck, who expressed concern about the proposed threshold for neighborhood support for residential parking programs, and Daniel Armendariz, who asked about how disabled parking worked within residential parking programs.
On question, Public Works Director Renny said that the City was fully compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for disabled parking and provided information on how disabled people with placards can park throughout the City. Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira said that Monterey High School was on target to complete their parking lot update project before the start of the school year.
The Council discussed the proposed threshold for neighborhood support of new residential parking programs, and the merits of a higher or lower threshold.
General Public Comments
Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from: Anthony Gonzales, Joyce Haferman, Jim Burns, India Weeks, Diane deLorimier, Devon Wardlow, and Wendy Brickman.
Brief remarks were made by the Council denouncing violence.
Consent Agenda
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia
Consent: Approval of Minutes
4. May 23, 2025 Special 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 Garcia absent)
5. May 28, 2025 Special 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 Garcia absent)
6. June 17, 2025 Regular 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 Garcia absent)
City Council Minutes July 15, 2025
3 7. June 25, 2025 Special 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 Garcia absent)
Consent: Award of Construction Contracts
8. Awarding a Construction Contract in the Amount of $983,389.00 to Sweetwater Construction, Inc. for the Wharf 1 Immediate Repairs Project (Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration - Notice of Determination was filed on February 20, 2020) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-069 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent) Consent: Ordinances
9. 2nd Reading of an Ordinance Adopting an Administrative Remedies Procedure for Challenges to Fees, Charges, and Assessments (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3705 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent)
10. 2nd Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 25, Article 3, Section 25-3.03(d)(3) to Authorize the Assistant City Manager to Delegate Investigation Duties Related to Harassment / Discrimination / Retaliation / Abusive Conduct / Bullying Policy Complaints (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3706 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent)
11. 2nd Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance Ordinance to Repeal Requirement for Inspection and Repair Verification Upon Change in Property Ownership (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3707 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent) Consent: Resolutions
12. Approve the May 2025 Update of the Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP) in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ (Exempt from CEQA, Article 19, Section 15306, Class 6)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-070 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent)
13. Approve an Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Monterey Regional Waste Management District (ReGen Monterey) and Member Agencies Regarding Compliance with Organic Waste Recycling and Food Recovery Laws (SB 1383) to include FY 2025-2026 Costs of $43,178 for These Services (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-071 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent)
14. Authorize the Following Actions Related to the Jacks Park Improvement Project: (1) Submission of a Land Water Conservation Fund Grant Application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Jacks Park Improvements Project and, If Awarded, Execute Grant Agreement; (2) Accept $150,000 in Grant Funds from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation; (3) Amend Resolution 25-060, the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan, to Add this Project; and (4) Appropriate Grant Funds (Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Article 19, Section 15306, Class 6)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-072 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent) City Council Minutes July 15, 2025
4 15. Adopting an Addendum to the Pure Water Monterey Groundwater Replenishment Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Lake El Estero Stormwater Diversion Project and Authorization to Proceed with Project Implementation (Adopt Addendum to the Pure Water Monterey Groundwater Replenishment Project Environmental Impact Report) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-073 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent)
16. Authorize the City of Monterey Fire Department to Apply for a California Fire Foundation Grant and Accept Grant Funding, if Awarded, (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-074 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent) End of Consent Agenda
Afternoon Session Items
Public Appearance (Afternoon)
17. Adopt the City of Monterey Local Road Safety Plan (Exempt from CEQA, Article 19, Section 15306, Class 6)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-075 C.S. (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent) Engineering Assistant Garcia gave a verbal staff presentation.
Public comment was received from Esther Malkin, who reported on a recent safety incident in the Laguna Grande neighborhood.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-075 C.S.:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia
Adjourn to Closed Session
Public comment on the closed session item was not received. The Council adjourned to closed session at 6:08 p.m.
Closed Session (Afternoon)
18. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1):
United Public Employees of California, Local 792 v. City of Monterey (State of California Public Employment Relations Board Case No. SF-CE-2241-M) (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: On a unanimous roll call vote (4-0-1, with Councilmember Garcia absent), confidential direction was given to legal counsel
Recess
Reconvene
City Council Minutes July 15, 2025
5 EVENING SESSION AGENDA
The Council reconvened at 7:08 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Smith led the Pledge.
General Public Comments, Continued
Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Daniel Armendariz.
Announcements from Closed Session
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira reported out from the closed session as indicated in the actions recorded for closed session item 18 above.
Evening Session Items
Public Appearance (Evening)
19. 1st Reading of the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Update (Monterey City Code Chapter 32, Article 1, Section 3) (Exempt from CEQA Article 19, Section 15305, Class 5) Action: Passed ordinance to a second reading (4-0-1, Councilmember Garcia absent)
Planning Manager Hill gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment critical of the ordinance included arguments that the restrictions would make it difficult for vendors to earn a living, suggestions of alternative solutions including a reservation system and larger vending spaces, allegations of lack of City enforcement of existing rules, allegations that the ordinance misrepresented state bills, and statements highlighting the diversity of vendors and their sense of community, and was received from: India Weeks, Rafael Zenizo, Athena Zenizo, Kirk Brock, Marina, Jim Burns, Elvie Avila, and Daniel Armendariz.
Public comment in favor of the ordinance included showing photos and discussing conditions suggesting significant congestion and accident risks on the recreational trail, statements highlighting concerns about current health and safety issues including sanitation, and allegations of aggressive behavior from vendors, and was received from: Judie Henderson, Anthony Lombardo and Wendy Brickman.
During public comments, there was a disruption from the audience and the Council recessed from 7:50 to 7:56 p.m.
The Council discussed the matter. Concern was expressed about the ability for a fire apparatus to enter the recreation trail area. Preference was expressed for eliminating crossover with vendors on both sides of the trail, and keeping the allowable area only to one side of the trail. It was questioned whether permittees could receive refunds if the procedures were changed.
Support was expressed for the ordinance, which it was stated would provide the right balance to reduce congestion and improve health and safety in the recreation trail area. Importance was expressed of health and safety in addition to appreciation for the vendors' entrepreneurialism and eclectic, rich community. It was stated that the staff recommendations were reasonable. It was stated that the approximately 13 tables that would be provided within the proposed ordinance City Council Minutes July 15, 2025
6 seemed like a good place to start. It was stated that there was opportunity for vendors to be successful, including at other locations. It was stated that the current status was not safe enough for everyone who uses the area.
There was another disruption from the audience and the Council recessed from 8:10 to 8:11 p.m.
Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 8:11 to 8:13 p.m. The Council expressed disappointment with the disrespectful behavior exhibited by some members of the audience.
On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council passed the ordinance to a second reading:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia
Council Comments
Councilmember Smith expressed thanks and appreciation for the City staff members, Old Monterey Business Association staff, and volunteers who all worked together on the July 4th celebration. He said he was looking forward to visiting Camp Quien Sabe soon. He said he enjoyed visiting Monterey's beaches and parks with his grandchildren, and appreciated parents for their hard work. He announced that he would attend the Chamber of Commerce's upcoming Excellence Awards ceremony. He said he would attend a conference in September on behalf of Monterey-Salinas Transit, which he said would be receiving a prestigious award.
Mayor Williamson provided an update from Monterey One Water (M1W) regarding the expansion of the Pure Water Monterey project, which he said might allow some additional flexibility for housing.
City Manager Reports
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira provided brief details about the success of the City's 4th of July celebration. He announced the launch of the First City Academy in which residents would learn more about their local government. He invited all to attend the upcoming end of summer celebration on August 1.
Adjournment
The Council adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson
City Clerk Mayor