MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
4:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Councilmembers
Present: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
Absent: Williamson
City Staff
Present:
City Manager, City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, Community Development Director, Finance Director, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Deputy Public Works Director/ City Engineer, Property Manager, Recreation Manager, Planning Manager, Associate Planner, Police Lieutenant, Engineering Projects Managers (x2), Code Compliance Coordinator, Environmental Regulations Analysts (x2)
Call to Order
Vice Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. City Clerk Klein called the roll with the Council present as indicated above.
Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Rasch led the Pledge.
Vice Mayor Smith announced that there was a technical issue affecting the Zoom (remote) connection for the meeting (incoming audio from Zoom participants was not working), and the Council recessed at 4:05 p.m. to allow staff and broadcasting technicians time to correct the issue.
The Council reconvened at 4:10 p.m. with the connection reestablished.
AFTERNOON SESSION: 4:00 p.m.
Presentations (Afternoon)
1. Recognize June 2026 as Pride Month (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira read the proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Public comment was solicited but not received.
General Public Comments
Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from: Abdallah Manasiri of Manasiri Crepe and Nacho Bizness, Tom Berrera of Easy Drains Plumbing, Nina Beety, Sabrina Hiltunen of the Old Monterey Business Association, and Esther Malkin Consent Agenda
Public comment on the Consent Items was received from: an unidentified man, who spoke about Item 6, expressing concern about restricting businesses.
City Council Minutes June 2, 2026
2 On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda, except Items 7, 8, and 9:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
Consent: Approval of Minutes
2. May 19, 2026 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, Mayor Williamson absent)
Consent: Ordinances
3. 1st Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 31.5, Article 1, of the Monterey City Code by Repealing Article 1 and Replacing it with a new Article 1 Relating to Stormwater Utility Service and Funding (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Passed Ordinance to a second reading (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
4. 2nd Reading of Ordinance to Prohibit Roosters (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3717 C.S.
5. 2nd Reading of Ordinance to Clarify the City’s Reasonable Accommodation Regulations (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3718 C.S.
6. 2nd Reading of Ordinance Amending the Monterey City Code to Prohibit Vehicle Storage on Properties with Both Industrial, Administration, Research (I-R) and Multi Residential Family (MF) Zoning (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3719 C.S.
Consent: Resolutions
7. Establish the 2026-27 Appropriation Limit (Gann Initiative) (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 26-073 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
Finance Director King gave a brief verbal presentation. Public comment was solicited but not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-073 C.S.:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
City Council Minutes June 2, 2026
3 8. Approve the City of Monterey’s Investment Policy (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 26-074 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
Finance Director King gave a brief verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was solicited but not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-074 C.S.:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
9. Authorize an Application to the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) for a Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant and, if Awarded, Appropriate the Funds and Authorize Grant Agreement (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15306, Class 6) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 26-075 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
Planning Manager Hill gave a brief verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was solicited but not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-075 C.S.:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
10. Call and Consolidate a General Municipal Election for November 3, 2026 (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-076 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
11. Approve a Five-Year Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey One Water for Professional Services Related to the Preparation of the City’s Annual Report Required for the Collection of the City’s Sewer Service Fee on the Monterey County Tax Roll (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-077 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
12. Award Three Professional Services Agreements in the Amount of $500,000 Each for OnCall Mechanical Engineering Design Services for Projects Within the City of Monterey to:
(1) ColeBreit Engineering, LLC; (2) Advance Design Consultants, Inc.; and (3) Cannon Corporation (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution Nos. 26-078, 26-079, and 26-080 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
End of Consent Agenda
Afternoon Session Items
City Council Minutes June 2, 2026
4 Public Hearing (Afternoon)
13. Open a Public Hearing to Receive Protests Related to the Collection of Sewer Service Charges on the Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27, Approve the Annual Rate Report of Sewer Charges for FY 2026-27, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Collection of FY 2026-27 Sewer Charges on the Tax Roll if a Majority Protest Does Not Exist (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Held public hearing; Adopted Resolution No. 26-081 C.S. (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
Environmental Regulations Analyst Kreutzer gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was received from: Rick Heuer, who spoke against the collection of the sewer charges on the tax roll.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, City Clerk Klein reported to the Council that the number of protests that had been received was substantially fewer than the number required to constitute a majority protest (4,128), and that therefore a majority protest had not been received.
Councilmember Garcia left the Chamber from 4:47 p.m. to 4:49 p.m.
On a motion by Councilmember Rasch, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, roll call - the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-081 C.S.:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
14. Levy Assessments to Fund the Cannery Row, New Monterey, and North Fremont Business Improvement Districts -- Recommended to be Continued to June 16, 2026 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Opened public hearing;Continued to June 16, 2026 (4-0-1, Mayor Williamson absent)
Vice Mayor Smith announced that the Council would continue the matter to June 16, 2026. Public comment was solicited but not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council continued the hearing to June 16, 2026:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
Public Appearance (Afternoon)
15. Receive Update on the Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association's Request to the County of Monterey's Environmental Health Bureau and Monterey Bay Air Resources District for an Air Quality Assessment (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received update
City Council Minutes June 2, 2026
5 Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was received from: an unidentified man, who expressed concerns about safety for residents in areas near the airport; Colin Gallagher, who said that looking into the matter was a waste of money because the City did not have jurisdiction; Esther Malkin, who spoke in support of the City's involvement; and Chelsea Lenowska and Richard Ruccello of Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association, who thanked the City for helping get answers for the neighborhood.
Requests from Councilmembers to Agendize New Matters
16. Councilmember Smith’s Request to Agendize a Discussion Regarding City’s Decorative Crosswalk Policy and to Review a Request by Local Community Members for a Patriotic Crosswalk (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Directed staff to agendize on June 16, 2026 the request for consideration of a temporary red, white, and blue patriotic crosswalk at a location to be determined by staff, paid for in full by donations made by private parties, with a value statement that would align with installing the patriotic crosswalk (2-2-1, with Councilmembers Barber and Garcia voting no, and Mayor Williamson absent) Vice Mayor Smith gave a brief verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. On question from the Council, City Manager Hall said that the timing issue Public comment was received from: Rick Heuer and Chinyere Ogbonna, who each spoke in support of agendizing the matter; Luis Osorio and Lori Mazzuca, who each spoke against using City crosswalks for messaging; Sherna Stewart, who said that banners would be more appropriate for messaging; and Colin Gallagher, who spoke in favor of a permanent patriotic crosswalk.
During public comment, Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 5:28 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Council discussed the matter. Support was expressed for agendizing the matter in order to clarify the policy. On question, City Manager Hall said that there was not enough time to do the proper policy analysis in time for the next Council meeting, but that there was just barely enough time to consider a request for and implement a patriotic crosswalk in time for Independence Day celebrations. Consensus was expressed by the Council for bringing a discussion at a future meeting to clarify the policy.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following roll-call vote, the City Council directed staff to agendize on June 16, 2026 the request for consideration of a temporary red, white, and blue patriotic crosswalk at a location to be determined by staff, paid for in full by donations made by private parties, with a value statement that would align with installing the patriotic crosswalk:
AYES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Rasch, Smith
NOES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson
Council Comments
Councilmember Garcia thanked the residents who came to a recent District 4 community meeting, and expressed gratitude for the support shown by various agencies including City Planning staff.
City Council Minutes June 2, 2026
6 City Manager Reports
None were made.
Adjourn to Closed Session
Closed Session (Afternoon)
Public comment on the closed session was solicited but not received.
The Council adjourned to closed session at 5:49 p.m.
17. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 9 Wharf II (Sandbar & Grill)
Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete
Negotiating Parties: Craig Ling (Janeboy, Inc.)
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for Lease Extension and New Lease Agreement
(Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: On a unanimous roll call vote of 4-0-1, with Mayor Williamson absent, the Council gave confidential direction to its property negotiators
18. Conference with Legal Counsel – Significant Exposure to Litigation, the Facts and Circumstances of Which are Known to Potential Plaintiffs, Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(2).
Facts and Circumstances: Contract payment dispute between the City and the Contractor related to Agreement-11257 for Goods & Services (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: On a unanimous roll call vote of 4-0-1, with Mayor Williamson absent, the Council gave confidential direction to its legal counsel Adjournment
The Council adjourned at 6:01 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson
City Clerk Mayor