MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
4:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Councilmembers
Present: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson
Absent: None
City Staff
Present:
City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development Director, Finance Director, Human Resources Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Public Works Director, Assistant Police Chief, City Clerk, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, HCD Coordinator, Recreation Manager, Assistant Fire Chief, Planning Manager, Associate Planner, Senior Public Works Inspector, Police Lieutenant, Senior Administrative Analyst (Police), Park Operations Manager, Environmental Regulations Analyst, Human Resources Analyst, Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator, HCD Coordinators (x3), Police Sergeants (x2), Police Officers (x7), Community Service Officers (x3), Park Maintenance Supervisor, Park Maintenance Leadworkers (x2), Parks Maintenance Worker, Police Services Assistant, Administrative Services Technician (Parks), Administrative Clerk (Parks) Call to Order
Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Presentations (Afternoon)
1. Recognize City Employees for Milestone Anniversaries and Retirements in 2026 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Recognized employees
Assistant Police Chief Bruno recognized Police Office Oelfke, Sergeant Greg Galin, and Police Services Assistant Madruga for 20 years of service each, and the retirements of Officer Mosqueda after 14 years of service, Sergeants Newby and Nino after 23 years and 13 years of service respectively, and Lieutenant Kaster after 21 years of service. Park Operations Manager Norton recognized Park Maintenance Supervisor Garcia for 30 years of service and Recreation Manager Leon recognized the retirement of lead Preschool Instructor Pruitt after 23 years of service. Park Maintenance Supervisor Garcia made brief remarks.
The Council thanked and congratulated the recognized staff members and retirees. Public comment was received from Esther Malkin of the Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande Neighborhood Association, who spoke highly of City staff and their fine work, and Cathy Giammanco, who expressed being impressed by the City's retention of high quality workers.
City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
2 General Public Comments
Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Cathy Giammanco, and Robbie Torrise of Robbie's Ocean Fresh Seafood.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Williamson announced that Councilmember Garcia planned to abstain from voting on the portion of Item 4 pertaining to Casanova Oak Knoll Park Improvements project due to a conflict resulting from his residing near the project site. City Attorney Davi clarified that no other member had a conflict. Public comment on the Consent Items was solicited but not received.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda, with Councilmember Garcia abstaining from voting on the Casanova Oak Knoll Park Improvements project portion of Item 4:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Consent: Approval of Minutes
2. September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved
Consent: Ordinances
3. 2nd Reading - Ordinance Amending Monterey City Code Section 35-70(b), the Expenditure Plan for the Street Infrastructure Rehabilitation Transactions and Use Tax (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 3723 C.S.
Consent: Resolutions
4. Authorize the Finance Director to Appropriate Funds to Six (6) Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects from the NCIP Fund, Close Three (3) NCIP Projects and Release Remaining Balances to the NCIP Fund ***NCIP*** (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-123 C.S. (with Councilmember Garcia abstaining from voting on appropriating funds for the Casanova Oak Knoll Park Improvements project)
5. Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Pegasus Risk Management, Inc. for Workers’ Compensation Third-Party Administration Services (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-124 C.S.
6. Authorize $99,805 in State of California Department of Housing and Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Grant Funds and Authorize the City Manager to enter into Agreements with Gathering for Women, and Community Human Services to Assist Persons Experiencing Homelessness (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-125 C.S.
City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
3 Consent: Other
7. Receive Report on Housing Successor Agency Annual Reports (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received reports
End of Consent Agenda
Adjourn to Ocean View Community Services District Meeting The City Council adjourned to the Ccean View Community Services District meeting.
Ocean View Community Services District Meeting: Consent Agenda
8. Receive Ocean View Community Services District Quarterly Report and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing an Application to the Local Agency Formation Commission to Dissolve the District (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted CSD Resolution No. 20 (4-1, Director Smith voting no) City Attorney Davi made a brief verbal presentation. Public comment was received from Bob Evans, who spoke in favor of dissolving the District.
A motion was introduced by Director Barber, and seconded by Director Rasch, to adopt CSD Resolution No. 20.
On question from the Council, City Attorney Davi explained that all project entitlements had expired and that therefore there was no reason to continue the District.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 DIRECTORS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Williamson
NOES: 1 DIRECTORS: Smith
Adjourn to City Council Meeting
The Ocean View Community Services District Board adjourned to the City Council meeting.
Public Hearing (Afternoon)
9. 1st Reading to Amend Monterey City Code section 19-103, the Schedule of Fees and Services Charges, to Reduce the Amount of the City’s Cost Recovery for Specific Encroachment Permit and Inspection Fees to less than 100% (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Held public hearing; Passed ordinance to a second reading and directed staff to bring the subject of the Master Fee Schedule back for a study session City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Easterling gave the staff presentation for both Items 9 and 10 combined, and answered Councilmembers' questions with additional input provided by City Manager Hall and Community Development Director Cole.
Public comment was received from: Tom Barrera of Easy Drains Plumbing, who asked the Council not to vote on this item yet, questioned the quality of the fee study, and said that the permit fees were not affordable; Tom Reeves, who said this would be a step in the right direction but echoed concern about affordability of the fees; Nelson Vega, who said the fee should be lower and the City should subsidize it to encourage people to replace their sewer lines; Marta Kraftzeck, City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
4 who said that the Council should consider waiving all administrative fees for property owner sidewalk repairs; Tom Rowley, who said that encroachment permit fees were too high; and Rick Heuer, who echoed concern about the quality of the fee study and said the process should be paused while the fee study was redone.
On question from the Council about the fee study, City Manager Hall said that he had reviewed the fee study and found it accurate. City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Easterling agreed with this interpretation, calling it reasonable if not conservative, and provided insight into the staff work involved in reviewing and administering permits.
The Council expressed interest in finding an appropriate fee that would work for now and spend more time considering the details. On question, City Manager Hall confirmed that this action would help to provide more immediate relief and that further time could be spent examining the fee schedule.
An initial motion was introduced by Councilmember Garcia, and seconded by Councilmember Rasch, to pass the ordinance to a second reading.
The Council expressed appreciation to staff for being nimble and jumping quickly to provide a solution to public concerns.
It was suggested to categorize the street opening sewer lateral fee as two different fees that would be priced depending on whether the work does not go to the center of the street. A concern was expressed that charging the sewer lateral fee as well as the building permit for the same project amounted to double charging, and it was stated that only one fee should apply when work overlaps.
Councilmember Smith requested a friendly amendment to reduce sewer lateral and sidewalk encroachment fees by 50% (subsidizing them by 50%) as well as directing staff not to charge other fees ("double charge") on work already covered by building permits. The mover did not accept the friendly amendment. It was stated that staff should have the opportunity to review and assess the fee issue more broadly, then return to the Council at a later time.
It was questioned whether the Council could invite specific members of the public to present on the issue. City Attorney Davi said that a member of the Council, or the City Manager, could establish a blue ribbon committee outside of the meeting, or that there could be a study session, but that the public should be treated the same as far as public comment. On question from the Council, City Manager Hall confirmed that a study session would be a feasible next step for reviewing the matter.
On a substitute motion introduced by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council passed the ordinance to a second reading and directed staff to bring the subject of the Master Fee Schedule, and the fee-related concerns and questions raised, back for a study session:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
10. Amend Resolution 26-071 to Include Fees for New Encroachment Permit and Inspection Categories, Update Descriptions, Reduce Five Categories of Encroachment Fees to Reflect City Cost-Sharing, and Revise Subpoena Fee (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. 26-126 C.S., as amended to reflect effective dates as follows: subpoena fee effective immediately; items at City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
5 100% cost recovery to become effective Nov 16, 2026; and items below 100% cost recovery to become effective January 4, 2027
City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Easterling referred to the previous presentation, which also related to this item, and answered Councilmembers' questions.
Public comment was received from: Tom Rowley, who expressed concern over the cost of encroachment permits for storage pods; Tom Barrera, who said he would be comfortable paying $461 for a minor sewer lateral/encroachment fee; and Rick Heuer, who asked about staff time that was spent approving encroachment permits for storage pods. During public comment, Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 5:58 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. On question from the Council, City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Easterling provided details regarding staff time and storage pod approvals. Community Development Director Cole explained that applicants must specify a time period for storage pod placement.
City Attorney Davi asked that the resolution be amended with effective dates as follows: subpoena effective immediately; items at full cost recovery effective Nov 16, 2026; items not at full cost recovery effective January 4, 2027.
On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-126 C.S. as amended to reflect fee effective dates as follows: subpoena fee effective immediately; fees for items at full cost recovery to become effective Nov 16, 2026; fees for items not at full cost recovery to become effective January 4, 2027:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Public Appearance (Afternoon)
11. Approve a Minor Sidewalk Repair Pilot Program, Authorize the Finance Director to Appropriate Measure S Funds, Award a Job Order Contract in the Amount of $1,000,000 to Precision Emprise, LLC dba Precision Concrete Cutting for On-Call Sidewalk Repair Projects, and Direct Staff to Bring Forward a Major Sidewalk Repair Pilot Program at the Second Council Meeting in December (Exempt from CEQA, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-127 C.S., as amended to direct staff to bring forward a pilot program that includes 50/50 cost sharing for major repairs in sidewalks, and a subsidy for the associated fees, funded by Measure S, with specifics on program implementation to be adopted at the second meeting in December 2026
Public Works Director Renny gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions.
A motion was introduced by Mayor Williamson, and seconded by Councilmember Smith, to approve staff recommendations #1-4 [Approving a Minor Sidewalk Repair Pilot Program, as further described in Exhibit A; Authorizing the Finance Director, or their designee, to appropriate $500,000 from the Measure S Fund to the Measure S Capital Outlay account (252-310-3121-0000-4505) and $500,000 from the Measure S Fund to the Measure S Contractual Services account (252-310-3121-0000-4220); Awarding a Job Order Contract to City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
6 Precision Emprise, LLC dba Precision Concrete Cutting for On-Call Sidewalk Repair Projects for a term of one year with the option to renew for two additional years with an annual funding limit of $1,000,000; Authorizing the City Manager, or their designee, to execute the contract upon the receipt of information required by the contract]; and modified staff recommendation #5 to approve a pilot program that includes 50/50 cost sharing and a subsidy for the associated fees, for major repairs in sidewalks, funded by Measure S, with specifics on program implementation to be adopted at the second meeting in December 2026.
Public comment was received from: Kevin Dayton of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Tom Reeves, and Tom Rowley and Rick Heuer of the Monterey Peninsula Taxpayers Association ("MPTA"), who all spoke in favor of the motion.
The Council discussed the motion. It was stated that the MPTA had expressed support for a $2,500 cap for the cost sharing.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Adjourn to Closed Session
Public comment on the closed session was received from Tom Rowley of the Fisherman's Flats Homeowners and Residents Association, who spoke about the Save Tarpy Flats case and said that the land in question was not appropriate for a buffer property. The Council adjourned to closed session at 6:17 p.m.
Closed Session (Afternoon)
12. Conference with Legal Counsel:
A. Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1):
1. Desiree Albert v. City of Monterey (Monterey Couty Superior Court Case No. 25CV006534)
2. Monique Arge v. City of Monterey (United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 5:25-CV-09710-NW
3. City of Monterey v. Edward Ciliberti (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 26CV002092)
4. City of Monterey v. Leslie J. Flores, Trustee (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24CV000750)
5. City of Monterey v. David Goad (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 26CV004732)
6. Shai and Mira Nissim v. City of Monterey (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 25CV004945)
7. Stronghold Engineering, Inc. v. City of Monterey (Sixth District Court of Appeals Case No. H054446)
8. Save Tarpy Flats v. City of Monterey (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24CV005125)
9. Richard and Mildred Zilinskas v. City of Monterey (United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 5:25-CV-07506)
10. John Alexiou v. City of Monterey (Workers Compensation Appeals Hearing Board Case No. ADJ15441015)
11. Gaudenz Panholzer v. City of Monterey (Workers Compensation Appeals Hearing Board Case Nos. ADJ20647221, 20647238)
B. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(3): Receipt of a Government Claim from Danny Clark City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
7 Action: In the Zilinskas matter: On a unanimous roll call vote, confidential direction given to legal counsel; In the Alexiou matter: On a unanimous roll call vote, confidential direction given to legal counsel; In the Panholzer matter: On a unanimous roll call vote, confidential direction given to legal counsel; In the Clark matter: On a unanimous roll call vote, confidential direction given to legal counsel; The other matters listed were not heard or considered
The Council recessed at 6:55 p.m. and reconvened at 7:07 p.m.
EVENING SESSION AGENDA
Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Barber led the Pledge.
General Public Comments, Continued
Continued public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Luis Osorio and Nina Beety.
Announcements from Closed Session
City Attorney Davi reported out from the closed session as indicated in the actions recorded for closed session item 12, above.
Public Hearing (Evening)
13. Adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Authorize Submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Exempt from NEPA per 24 CFR Part 58 and from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1, 15306, Class 6 and 15326, Class 26) Action: Held public hearing; Adopted Resolution No. 26-128 C.S.
Community Development Director Cole and HCD Coordinator Verania gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions with additional input from Community Development Director Cole.
Public comment was received from Esther Malkin, who noted that Monterey's homeless count had gone up while adjacent jursidictions' numbers had gone down, and asked how residents could apply and find out more about rehabilitated units. On question from the Council, HCD Coordinator Verania explained that interested residents should submit an application.
On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-128 C.S.:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Public Appearance (Evening)
14. Receive Project Update, Amend the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget (Resolution 26- 090) to Authorize $1.5 Million from Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) to MP Madison Street Associates, L.P. as a Loan to Construct an Affordable Housing Project Located at 587 and 593 Van Buren Street and 424 and 450 Madison Street, Adjacent Parking Lot and Area Behind the Building Located at 546 Dutra Street City Council Minutes September 15, 2026
8 and Assign the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Loan to MP Madison Street Associates, L.P. (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-129 C.S. as amended
Community Development Director Cole and Gina Harris of MidPen Housing gave the presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. During the presentation the Council recessed at 7:44 p.m. and reconvened at 7:50 p.m. Public comment was received from: Alec Manas, who spoke in support of the matter and of the housing project; Esther Malkin, who expressed how exciting it is that this project is happening; and Tom Reeves, who echoed excitement and asked questions about parking and MPUSD referrals.
On question from the Council, Planning Manager Hill provided details of the reduction in City Hall parking that would result from the project, and confirmed there would be no parking underneath the building. Joanna Carman of MidPen Housing said that with regard to the school district referral program, typically participants would not need to vacate their units after graduation or no longer of school age, and that the next available unit would go to the same program.
Mayor Williamson noted that amendments had been provided by City staff and were recommended to be made to the resolution.
On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-129 C.S. as amended:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None)
Council Comments – None made.
City Manager Reports
City Manager Hall told the Council about his experience sharing information about the Roadmap to Resiliency budget process at the recent "Budget Brews" sessions, and shared information about upcoming budget workshops. On the subject of economic development he shared that City staff was working with business associations to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and how to collaborate together. He shared details for the upcoming Winter Storm Ready town hall meeting.
Adjournment
The Council adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson
City Clerk Mayor