MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
4:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Councilmembers
Present: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson
Absent: None
City Staff
Present:
City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Finance Director, Community Development Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Human Resources Director, Library & Museums Director, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Recreation Manager, Assistant Fire Chief, Assistant Human Resources Director, Police Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Assistant Police Chief, Parking Superintendent, Parks Supervisor, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, Fleet Manager, Associate Planner, Administrative Assistant, Building Official, Streets and Utilities Operations Manager, Management Analyst (City Manager's Office), General Services Superintendent, Conference Center General Manager, Housing Manager, Communications Manager, Senior Building Inspector, Inspector, Senior Administrative Analyst (Fire), Code Compliance Coordinator, Engineering Projects Manager, Police Lieutenant, Senior Administrative Analyst (Police), Human Resources Analyst, Administrative Assistant (Property Management), Building Technician, Administrative Assistant (Building & Safety), Legal Secretary, Housing and Community Development Coordinators (2), Administrative Assistant (City Manager), Engineering Assistants II (2), Senior Parking Controls Technician, Senior Locksmith, Acting Records Supervisor, Division Chief, Fire Captain, Fire Engineer, Firefighter
AFTERNOON SESSION
Call to Order
Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. City Clerk Klein called the roll with the Council present as indicated above.
Presentations (Afternoon)
1. Recognize City Employees for Milestone Anniversaries in 2025 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized employees
The Council recognized, and their department heads made remarks praising, Chief Information Officer Blake, Public Works Director Renny, Senior Parking Controls Technician Diaz, Accounting Assistant Martin, and Assistant Fire Chief Moore, each celebrating 25 years of service to the City; and Street Maintenance Worker Cortez and Senior Locksmith Lamas, each celebrating 20 years of service to the City.
Public comment on the matter was received from Esther Malkin, who spoke highly of City employees and expressed her confidence in Assistant Fire Chief Moore.
City Council Minutes December 2, 2025
2 2. Congratulate City Manager Hans Uslar on His Retirement and Recognize His 28 Years of Service to the City of Monterey (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Congratulated and recognized City Manager Uslar The Mayor and City Council recognized City Manager Uslar for the humor, analytics skills, dedication, respect, and heart that he had shown during his 28 years of service to the City.
Additional remarks of recognition were made by Erin Davison on behalf of U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Isabel Meza on behalf of California State Senator John Laird and Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Police Chief Hober on behalf of the Monterey Executive Management Employees Association, Naval Support Activity Monterey (NSAM) Commanding Officer Captain Robert Smith on behalf of the Naval Postgraduate School and NSAM installation, and Defense Language Institute (DLI) Garrison Commander Colonel Dan Artino on behalf of the DLI and Presidio installation. City Manager Uslar spoke about his time at the City and shared his gratitude for his family, the elected officials and City employees he had worked with, and all residents and stakeholders.
Public comment was received from: Communications Manager Huelga, Lew Bauman, P. K.
Diffenbaugh of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Administrative Assistant Goodwein, Mike Brassfield, Michael Clark and Ellen Martin of First Night Monterey, Management Analyst Ackermann, Rick Aldinger of Monterey County Hospitality Association, Tom Reeves, Elizabeth Jannasch, Rob O'Keefe of See Monterey, Hans Jannasch, Esther Malkin, Adam Pinterits of Monterey County Association of Realtors, Lori Mazzuca, and Chinyere Ogbonna of the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee, who all praised and thanked City Manager Uslar for his many talents, actions, and dedicated service.
During public comments, Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 5:17 p.m. to 5:18 p.m., Mayor Williamson left the Chamber from 5:24 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 5:36 p.m. to 5:41 p.m.
General Public Comments
Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Rich Wilson and Daniel Armendariz.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Williamson stated that a member of the Council had requested that Item 6 be removed from the Consent agenda. Public comment on the Consent Items was not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda except Item 6:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Consent: Approval of Minutes
3. November 18, 2025 Regular Meeting (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Approved
City Council Minutes December 2, 2025
3 Consent: Award of Construction Contracts
4. Award a Contract in the Amount of $91,776.61 to Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for Annual Sewer Root Foaming 2025 (Exempt from CEQA Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-119 C.S.
Consent: Resolutions
5. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Public Library Resource Sharing between Libraries in the Cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-theSea (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-120 C.S.
6. Approve the Purchase of Four (4) Ford Police Interceptors in the Amount of $235,571.04 from Folsom Lake Ford, Inc. (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Removed from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 25-121 C.S.
The Council suggested that, as a way to retain some of the funds, staff consider whether future items like this could have a staggered payment schedule such as with payments being split into two consecutive fiscal years. Public comment was not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-121 C.S.:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
End of Consent Agenda
Adjourn to Ocean View Community Services District Meeting The Council adjourned to the Ocean View Community Services District meeting.
Ocean View Community Services District Meeting: Consent Agenda
7. Receive Ocean View Community Services District Quarterly Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report
City Attorney Davi gave a very brief verbal presentation and answered a Councilmember's question. Public comment was not received.
Adjourn to City Council Meeting
The Ocean View Community Services District convened back to the City Council meeting.
Public Appearance (Afternoon)
8. Receive a Report on the Concept for a Community Center Space at 205 Montecito Avenue in Partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County and Provide City Council Minutes December 2, 2025
4 Direction to Staff (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Tabled (3-2, Councilmembers Smith and Rasch voting no) The Council discussed the matter, stating that based on comments received from the public it could be premature to bring the proposal before the Council at the present time.
A motion was introduced by Mayor Williamson, and seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to table the item.
In opposition to the motion, the Council expressed that it would be beneficial to the Council and the public to receive the report, and that members of the Council and public were ready to hear the report and hold a discussion on the matter.
In defense of the motion, it was stated that there was not significant new information to share with the public, that there was hesitation about unduly exciting the neighborhood about the project if it was not feasible, and that the matter shifted attention away from efforts to reinvigorate the Casanova Oak-Knoll Park Center. It was suggested to slow down and look at how best to serve neighborhoods throughout all of District 4. It was proposed that a town hall could be a more effective way of having a community conversation on the subject.
Public comment was received from: John McClellan, who spoke in support of the project concept and said it was separate from the need that existed in the neighborhood surrounding Montecito Park; Mike Brassfield, who said that City staff had run the Casanova Oak-Knoll Park Center successfully in the past and that the cost of the project concept was high in comparison with the City's current budget deficit; Esther Malkin, who commended the creative approach but agreed the timing might not be appopriate; and Lori Mazzuca, who echoed the call for a town hall and agreed this was not the time for discussion of the matter.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Williamson
NOES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Rasch, Smith
9. Receive Public Testimony on the Proposal to Modify the Management Plan of the Monterey County Tourism Improvement District (MCTID) to Add the City of Sand City to the District (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received public testimony
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. During the presentation, Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 6:18 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
Public comment was received from Rick Aldinger, who spoke in support of adding Sand City to the MCTID in order to project a unifying, welcoming message from the entire Monterey Peninsula, which he said would benefit everyone.
10. Measure P and S (Special Sales Tax) Annual Report on Conformity with Requirement that Expenditures be used Exclusively for the Rehabilitation, Repair, and Improvement of City Streets, Sidewalks, and Strom Drains and Disabled Access Improvements (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received report
City Council Minutes December 2, 2025
5 Measures P & S Oversight Committee members Rick Aldinger and Carol Chorbajian gave a verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions with input from City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Easterling.
Public comment was received from: Daniel Armendariz, who spoke about the different qualities of paving materials; and Nina Beety, who alleged that a street closure had been conducted improperly using Measure S funds. The Council stated that it had approved the street closure.
The Council expressed dismay about the lower quality of street repairs by utilities negatively affecting the City's hard work to improve its streets. City Manager Uslar said that staff was working on an ordinance to help resolve the issue.
11. Approve Interim City Manager Employment Contract with Lew Bauman (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 19, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-122 C.S.
City Manager Uslar gave a brief verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was received from Nina Beety, in opposition, citing concerns about Mr. Bauman's prior leadership at the County of Monterey.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-122 C.S.:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Adjourn to Closed Session
Public comment on the closed session was not received. The Council adjourned to closed session at 6:48 p.m.
Closed Session (Afternoon)
12. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1): Stronghold Engineering, Inc. v. City of Monterey (Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 18CV329015) (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: No reportable action taken
13. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d), Rappa v. City of Monterey (Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Case Nos. ADJ 1914164, 19141140) (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: On a unanimous roll-call vote, confidential direction to legal counsel was given
14. Conference with Legal Counsel, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(1) (Six Cases) (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: On a unanimous roll-call vote, confidential direction to legal counsel was given
City Council Minutes December 2, 2025
6 The Council recessed at 7:17 p.m. and reconvened at 7:23 p.m.
EVENING SESSION AGENDA
Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Smith led the Pledge.
General Public Comments, Continued
Continued public comment on non-agendized matters was not received.
Announcements from Closed Session
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira reported out from the closed session as indicated in the actions recorded for closed session items 12, 13, and 14, above.
Public Appearance (Evening)
15. Receive Presentation on Phase 1 Poll of Likely Voters: Potential Tax Measures to Reduce the City's $10 Million Structural (Annual) Budget Deficit (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received presentation
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira and Lucia Del Puppo of FM3 Research gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. During the presentation, Councilmember Garcia left the Chamber from 7:45 p.m. to 7:46 p.m. and Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 8:04 p.m. to 8:06 p.m.
Public comment was received from: Daniel Almendariz, who provided suggestions for higher parking sales tax percentages and on how to present a sales tax increase to the public; Lori Mazzuca, who said that the polls showed that personal finances were important to voters and that impacts to local businesses should therefore be kept in mind when considering what taxes to propose to the voters; and Esther Malkin, who said that the Aquarium should contribute financially to the City by being subject to an admissions tax because it did not pay property taxes.
On question from the Council, Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira and City Clerk Klein explained that it was difficult to estimate in advance the cost of each individual ballot measure, but that putting one measure on the June 2026 ballot would be the primary expense and that it could be negligible to add a second. On question, City Attorney Davi said that in order to place a sales tax measure on the June 2026 ballot, the Council would have to declare a fiscal emergency. She said that exemptions could generally be done, but that they needed to be well justified. On question, City Manager Uslar explained the method by which the City evaluated and updated parking fees.
The Council expressed disappointment in the wording used in the poll question about an increased sales tax, and it was stated that this question should be clearer and should be presented as an increase of 0.375%. It was proposed that there should be a few different wording options presented to the polled voters regarding sales tax. It was proposed that the 0.5% sales tax due to expire in 2029 be brought to the voters as an extension in November 2028, and that the potential sales tax increase of 0.375% be brought to the voters in June 2026 with a declaration of fiscal emergency. Regarding a potential parking tax, it was stated that there was opportunity to City Council Minutes December 2, 2025
7 provide more clarity to the public. It was stated that the polling question about the potential parking tax could be presented in a clearer way to the voters, and that the question to the voters on the potential admissions tax should be posed with the option for imposing it on the Aquarium only.
On question, City Attorney Davi said that there were legal questions that needed to be resolved about the concept of proposing an admissions tax for the Aquarium solely. On question, City Manager Uslar said that the additional administrative work due to the imposition of a parking tax would fall to the private parking lot operators, similar to the administration required of lodging businesses to collect and transmit transient occupancy taxes (TOT).
The Council discussed the need to educate the public and to prioritize those educational efforts in order to produce the largest wins and greatest amount of revenue from the tax measures. It was suggested that in further polling the voters could be presented with various combinations of sales, parking, and vacancy taxes to see what polled best.
Council Comments
Councilmember Barber asked when the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee would bring their project savings recommendations to the Council, and City Manager Uslar said the item should come forward to the Council in January 2026.
Councilmember Smith shared further congratulations to retiring City Manager Uslar.
Mayor Williamson reported on his recent ride-along with the Monterey Fire Department and remarked on the professionalism of the team and the appreciation shown by the public. He complimented Monterey Fire Department leadership for their dedication to training, and thanked the team for the good conversations and experiences they shared that day.
City Manager Reports
City Manager Uslar announced the following upcoming events: traditional tree lighting ceremony, Brighten the Harbor lighted boat parade, donuts and photo shoot with Santa, Christmas in the Adobes, and Monterey Police Department promotional ceremony.
Adjournment
The Council adjourned at 8:56 p.m. in memory of former Parks and Recreation Director Kay Russo.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson
City Clerk Mayor