CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber – City Hall – 300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA The Council will not begin consideration of any item on this agenda later than 10:00 p.m. unless such consideration is approved. Any items on this agenda not considered this evening will be continued to a future meeting.
Copies of the agenda packet are available for review at the Pacific Grove Library, in the Finance Department, and electronically at www.cityofpacificgrove.org/agendas. The most effective method of communication with the City Council is by sending an email to [email protected]. In order to allow the City Council adequate time to review communication related to an agenda item, it is recommended that the communication be sent no later than 9:00 AM on the day prior to the City Council meeting. Public comments received through this email address by noon on the day of the meeting will be posted with the corresponding agenda item.
Under the Brown Act, public comment for matters on the agenda must relate to that agenda item and public comments for matters not on the agenda must relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of this legislative body. This is a warning that if a member of the public attending this meeting remotely or in-person violates the Brown Act by failing to comply with these requirements of the Brown Act, then the Mayor or Chair may request that speaker be muted. If a member of the public attending this meeting in-person engages in disruptive behavior that disturbs the orderly conduct of the meeting, they may be removed from the meeting after a warning, pursuant to Council Policy 000-17.
PACIFIC GROVE COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE CONDUCTED IN PERSON AT CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER AND VIRTUALLY.
PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING WILL PROCEED AS NORMAL EVEN IF THERE ARE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ACCESSING ZOOM.
THE CITY WILL DO ITS BEST TO RESOLVE ANY TECHNICAL ISSUES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO VIEW THE MEETING ON PENINSULA CHANNEL 25.
JOIN THE ZOOM WEBINAR TO PARTICIPATE LIVE AT:
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_CC
Please click here for directions to dial into the meeting audio.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Rau
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. Mayor's Proclamation: PGHS Football Team's Shoe Game Win This item was continued from the September 16, 2026 City Council meeting. PAGE 6
Reference: Nick Smith, Mayor
Recommended Action: Present the proclamation.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
3. COUNCIL AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS (City-Related Items Only) A. Other
4. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
General Public Comment must deal with matters subject to the jurisdiction of the City and the Council that are not on the Regular Agenda. This is the appropriate place to comment as to items on the Consent Agenda, only if you do not wish to have the item pulled for individual consideration by the Council. Comments from the public will be limited to three minutes and will not receive Council action. Comments regarding items on the Regular Agenda shall be heard prior to Council’s consideration of such items at the time such items are called. Whenever possible, written correspondence should be submitted to the Council in advance of the meeting, to provide adequate time for its consideration.
A. Written General Public Comment
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda deals with routine and non-controversial matters, and may include action on resolutions, ordinances, or other public hearings for which testimony is not anticipated. The vote on the Consent Agenda shall apply to each item that has not been removed. Any member of Council, staff, or the public may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for individual consideration. When items are pulled for discussion, they will be automatically placed at the end of their respective section within the Regular Agenda. One motion shall be made to adopt all nonremoved items on the Consent Agenda.
5. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 11. Unfinished and Ongoing Business A. Minutes of the September 16, 2026 Special and Regular Meetings PAGE 8 Reference: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
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6. RESOLUTIONS
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 11. Unfinished and Ongoing Business or 12. New Business
7. ORDINANCES
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 10. Public Hearings A. Second reading of an Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year Budget for the CalHOME Reuse (Fund 36) PAGE 14
Reference: Phillip Anderson Senior Hsing Mgr.
Recommended Action: Hold second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending the FY26/27 Budget for the CalHOME Reuse (Fund 36) Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
CEQA: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
8. REPORTS – INFORMATION ONLY
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 11. Unfinished and Ongoing Business or 12. New Business A. Boards, Commissions and Committees Quarterly Reports - 1st Quarter PAGE 22 Reference: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
Recommended Action: Receive the quarterly reports from Chairs of the City's Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. (Additional reports received by the Clerk will be provided to Council on a future agenda.)
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Monterey-Salinas Transit Minutes for July 13, 2026 PAGE 28 Reference: Joe Amelio, Mayor Pro Tem
Recommended Action: Receive the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
C. 2026 CalCities Annual Conference Report PAGE 36
Reference: Nick Smith, Mayor
Recommended Action: Receive the report.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
9. REPORTS – REQUIRING ACTION
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 11. Unfinished and Ongoing Business or 12. New Business A. Contract Amendment with LCW PAGE 37
Reference: Leticia Livian, Human Resources Director
Recommended Action: Approve a professional services contract amendment with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore not to exceed $87,000.
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CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
10. MEETING MINUTES OF COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES Items pulled from this section will be placed under 12. New Business A. Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Minutes: August 10, 2026 PAGE 53 Reference: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
Recommended Action: Receive the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
REGULAR AGENDA
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
For public hearings involving a quasi-judicial determination by the Council, the proponent of an item may be given 10 minutes to speak and others in support of the proponent’s position may be given three minutes each. A designated spokesperson for opposition to the item may be given 10 minutes to speak and all others in opposition may be given three minutes each. Very brief rebuttal and surrebuttal may be allowed in the sole discretion of the Council. In public hearings not involving a quasi-judicial determination by the Council, all persons may be given three minutes to speak on the matter.
12. UNFINISHED AND ONGOING BUSINESS
13. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution Accepting the Certificate of Signature Verification for Initiative Charter Amendment Requiring Voter Approval of Mayor and Coucilmembers Compensation and Benefits.
Reference: Alex Lorca, City Attorney and Sandra Kandell, City Clerk PAGE 56 Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the Resolution Accepting the Certification of Signature Verification;
2. Direct staff to return at a future City Council meeting with a resolution submitting the Initiative to voters in the City.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
14. FULL PRESENTATIONS
15. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
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NOTICE OF ADA COMPLIANCE: Pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Codified At 42 United States Code Section 12101 and 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 35), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the City of Pacific Grove does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation in the provision of any services, programs, or activities. The City of Pacific Grove does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. City Hall is an accessible facility. A limited number of assisted listening devices will be available at this meeting. Participants requiring the agenda in a different format or a modification or accommodation to participate in the meeting should submit their request to the City by emailing Sandra Kandell at [email protected] 48 hours prior to the meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting or provide the requested agenda format.
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Agenda No. 2 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Nick Smith, Mayor
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Mayor's Proclamation: PGHS Football Team's Shoe Game Win This item was continued from the September 16, 2026 City Council meeting.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Present the proclamation.
Attachments
Proclamation
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Agenda No. 5 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk/DEI Coordinator
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Minutes of the September 16, 2026 Special and Regular Meetings CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the minutes.
Attachments
Draft Minutes 9-16-26
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1 DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 5:00 P.M.
Council Chamber – City Hall – 300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING TO PARTICIPATE LIVE AT:
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_Closed
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Present in chamber: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Mourlam, Poduri, and Rau.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Rau and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rau, Council voted 7-0 to approve the Special Meeting Agenda
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MATTERS No public comment received.
A. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code Section 54957.6) City Negotiators: Chip Rerig, Interim City Manager, Fred Marsh, Administrative Services Director, Che Johnson, Esq. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Employee Organization: General Employees Association (GEA), Police Management Association (PMA)
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2 DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber – City Hall – 300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA JOIN THE ZOOM WEBINAR TO PARTICIPATE LIVE AT:
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_CC
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present in chamber: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Mourlam, Poduri, and Rau.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Poduri led the pledge of allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: Consent agenda item 6A was pulled and considered immediately following the Consent Agenda.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Rau and seconded by Councilmember Poduri, Council voted 7-0 to approve the Regular Meeting Agenda as amended.
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. Mayor's Proclamation: Paint the Town Purple
Action: Presented the proclamation.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Mayor's Proclamation: PGHS Football Team's Shoe Game Win This item was continued to October 7, 2026 meeting.
Action: Presented the proclamation.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
3. COUNCILAND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS (City-Related Items Only) A. Report on Closed Session by City Attorney
Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code Section 54957.6) City Negotiators: Chip Rerig, Interim City Manager, Fred Marsh, Administrative Services Director, Che Johnson, Esq. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Employee Organization: General Employees Association (GEA), Police Management Association (PMA)
City Attorney Alex Lorca stated Council received updates from staff, direction was provided, but no reportable action was taken.
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3 B. Council and staff made general announcements.
4. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
General public comment received from Moe Ammar, Mike Gibbs, Christi Italiano-Thomas, and Tara Leweling.
A. Written General Public Comment
CONSENT AGENDA
Action: During the Approval of the Agenda, Consent agenda item 6A was pulled and considered immediately following the Consent Agenda.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Poduri and seconded by Councilmember Rau, Council voted 7-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as modified.
5. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A. Minutes of the September 2, 2026 Regular Meeting
Action: Approved the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
6. RESOLUTIONS
A. Adoption of Resolutions Amending City Credit Card Policy (400-7) and Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy (000-2)
Reference: Fred Marsh, Administrative Services Director Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the Resolution amending City Council Credit Card Policy (400-7) and Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy (000-2).
2. Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
7. ORDINANCES
8. REPORTS – INFORMATION ONLY
A. Check Register, Purchase Order Report, and Financial Status Report Action: Received the Check Register, Purchase Order Report, and Financial Status Report.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Boards, Commissions and Committees Quarterly Reports - 1st Quarter Action: Received the quarterly reports from Chairs of the City's Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. (Additional reports received by the Clerk will be provided to Council on a future agenda.)
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
9. REPORTS – REQUIRING ACTION
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4 10. MEETING MINUTES OF COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES A. Library Board Regular Meeting Minutes: 7/7/26
Action: Received the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
*****
6.A. Adoption of Resolutions Amending City Credit Card Policy (400-7) and Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy (000-2)
Public comment received from Andrew Kubica.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Rau and seconded by Councilmember McDonnell, Council voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution No. 26-032 amending City Council Credit Card Policy (400-7) and Resolution No. 26-033 amending City Council Meeting and Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy (000-2).
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
REGULAR AGENDA
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Budget Amendment Request for the CalHOME Reuse (Fund 36) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
No public comment received.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Rau and seconded by Mayor Smith, Council voted 7-0 to
1. Introduce and hold first reading of an Ordinance that amends the FY26/27 Budget for the CalHOME Reuse (Fund 36) Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget; and
2. Direct that publication of the ordinance will be satisfied by publication of a summary approved by the City Attorney.
CEQA: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
12. UNFINISHED AND ONGOING BUSINESS
13. NEW BUSINESS
14. FULL PRESENTATIONS
15. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Council adjourned the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
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5 Approved by Mayor: ____________________________________Date________________ Attest by City Manager: _________________________________Date_________________ DRAFT PGCC 10-7-26
Agenda No. 7 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Phillip Anderson Senior Housing Program Manager
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Second reading of an Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year Budget for the CalHOME Reuse (Fund 36) CEQA: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
RECOMMENDATION
Hold second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending the FY26/27 Budget for the CalHOME Reuse (Fund 36) Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
DISCUSSION
There were no changes made to this ordinance since it was introduced at the September 16, 2026 regular meeting of the City Council. The City Clerk caused a summary of the ordinance to be published on September 24, 2026.
The City has an adopted CalHOME Reuse loan program, Fund 36, that provides loans to qualified homeowners to rehabilitate and make their single-family dwellings safe.
The City has received and processed an application for a loan from this program to rehabilitate the existing owner-occupied single-family dwelling in need of repairs that will make it safe and habitable. The owner of this property has been found to meet all qualifying criteria for this program.
This rehabilitation project has been found to meet and comply with all the requirements of the CalHOME Rehabilitation Loan Program. There are sufficient funds in the CalHOME Reuse fund to support a transfer of $120,000 from the reserves of this fund to the expenditure column.
In June of 2025, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26/2026-27 Budget and an amendment to the CalHOME Reuse budget is necessary because funds sufficient to cover the issuance of the loan were not allocated. Pursuant to the Pacific Grove City Charter Article 15, an amendment to the budget must be approved by ordinance.
Staff is recommending an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to reflect an opportunity to rehabilitate and preserve housing for the fiscal year budget.
OPTIONS
Provide an alternative direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient funds in the CalHOME Reuse fund to support a transfer of $120,000 from the reserves of this fund to fund this proposed budget adjustment..
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA:Community Development
Attachments
Budget Amendment Ordinance
CalHOME Budget PPT
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ORDINANCE NO. 26-000
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
AMENDING THE CALHOME REUSE EXPENDITURE BUDGET
FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026-27
FACTS
1. The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26/2026-27 Budget on June 18, 2025.
2. It is customary to amend the budget to adjust expenditures to reflect updated information since the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
3. Staff is recommending an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to reflect an opportunity to rehabilitate and preserve housing for the fiscal year budget.
4. The City has an adopted CalHOME Reuse loan program, Fund 36, that provides loans to qualifying homeowners to rehabilitate and make their single-family dwellings safe.
5. The City has received an application for a loan from this program to rehabilitate an existing owneroccupied single-family dwelling in need of repairs that will make it safe and habitable, and the owner of this property has been found to meet all qualifying criteria for this program.
6. This rehabilitation project has been found to meet and comply with all the requirements of the CalHOME Rehabilitation Loan Program.
7. There are sufficient funds in the CalHOME Reuse fund reserves to support this budget amendment.
8. The City Council has determined it is appropriate to amend the approved budget for FY 2026-27 to increase the CalHOME Reuse Fund expenditure budget, allowing for issuance of a simple interest loan for projects that will rehabilitate and make safe owner-occupied single-family dwellings.
9. Pursuant to Charter Article 15, an amendment of the budget must be approved by ordinance.
10. A summary of the Ordinance, approved by the City Attorney, was published on September XX, 2026.
11. In the enactment of this ordinance, the City followed the guidelines adopted by the State of California and published in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000, et seq.
12. Enactment of this ordinance action does not constitute a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The foregoing facts are adopted as findings of the City Council as set forth fully within the body of this ordinance.
SECTION 2. The Fiscal Year 2026/27 expenditure budget for the CalHOME Reuse Program, Fund 36, is hereby amended as follows:
Fund Beginning Expenditure
Fund Balance
Available Reserves Reserve Transfer Ending Expenditure
Fund Balance
36 $22,000 $149,346 $120,000 $142,000
SECTION 3. In accord with Article 15 of the City Charter, this ordinance shall become effective upon adoption hereof.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE this XX day of September, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
___________________________________
NICK SMITH, Mayor
ATTEST:
DATED:____________________________
SANDRA KANDELL, City Clerk APPROVED
AS TO FORM:
ALEX LORCA, City Attorney
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HOUSING DIVISION
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP)
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HRLP - FUNDING SOURCES
CalHOME – Housing and Community Development (HCD) – State
1. CalHOME Reuse Fund
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- Federal
1. CDBG-Program Income
a. CDBG-PI Reuse Fund is in development
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BUDGET AMENDMENT - CALHOME REUSE FUND
Current budgeted amount - $22,000.00
Available funds in reserve - $149,346.00
Transfer of reserve funds - $120,000.00
Ending Expenditure Balance - $142,000.00
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HRLP – CURRENT STATUS
1. One (1) project in the final stages of completion.
2. One (1) approved project in the pre-development stage.
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HOUSING DIVISION
- Questions -
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Agenda No. 8 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk/DEI Coordinator
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Boards, Commissions and Committees Quarterly Reports - 1st Quarter CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the quarterly reports from Chairs of the City's Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. (Additional reports received by the Clerk will be provided to Council on a future agenda.) Attachments
BNRC Agenda Report
PC Agenda Report
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BEAUTIFICATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL QUARTERLY REPORT:
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Chair Name: Jennifer Gorman Date: September 2026
Council Priority Area: Environmental Stewardship–Pacific Grove cares for and protects its natural resources
Goal: Complete Climate Action and Adaptation Efforts
Objective: Complete an updated George Washington Park Master Plan Progress this quarter:
(highlights, key learnings,
actions and outcomes,
potential issues, next steps)
In progress
6/16/26 – Received, reviewed, and discussed the DRAFT George Washington Park Forest Management Plan and made recommendations.
There was general support for the proposed plan, with specific additions and changes recommended to strengthen the plan. GWP subcommittee members will support staff in compiling this information to inform the revised final draft. City staff will incorporate feedback into a revised final for Council consideration and adoption.
Next steps: BNRC requested the final draft return to the commission at the next meeting for final review with the understanding Council may request the item to be placed on Council’s agenda for consideration prior to reconsideration and a formal recommendation by the BNRC.
Council Priority Area: Environmental Stewardship–Pacific Grove cares for and protects its natural resources
Goal: Protect and Preserve the Natural Resources of Pacific Grove Objective: Wildlife and Local Marine Environment Protection Efforts Progress this quarter:
(key learnings, actions and
outcomes, potential issues,
next steps)
In progress
7/21/26 – Received data-driven presentations from Save Our Shores, Santa Cruz County Healthy Services Agency, Monterey County Tobacco Control Collaborates, and PG’s Environmental Steward 2026 Volunteer of the Year regarding a proposal to ban the sale of filtered tobacco products within the City of Pacific Grove due to the toxicity of these discarded/littered butts, which are largely composed of non-biodegradable microplastics and chemical hazards, along our coastline and in our local marine environment. The unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz, followed by the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola, have all adopted such a ban, with enforcement to begin 1 January 2027 in Santa Cruz proper and the unincorporated areas, and 1 July 2027 for Capitola.
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prohibiting the sale of filtered tobacco products within the City of Pacific Grove.
Council Priority Area: Environmental Stewardship–Pacific Grove cares for and protects its natural resources
Goal: Complete Climate Action and Adaptation Efforts
Objective: Complete an updated George Washington Park Master Plan Progress this quarter:
(key learnings, actions and
outcomes, potential issues,
next steps)
On track
7/21/26 – Received additional public input and discussed staff responses to BNRC recommendations matrix regarding the DRAFT George Washington Park Forest Management Plan and provided feedback.
GWP is designated in the General Plan as a:
■ Natural Resource
■ Community Park–Natural Area for recreation
■ Open Space
The City’s General Plan recognizes its significance due to its diverse flora, Monterey pine forest, wildlife and Monarch butterfly overwintering habitat.
BNRC recommendations included: Carrying forward background, history, and goals from the 1999 Master Plan to preserve the 20-acre Monterey pine forest and natural aesthetic of the park. Strengthen reforestation and wildlife habitat restoration efforts in all zones to prevent further degradation and forest/habitat fragmentation. Expand Monarch habitat restoration. Add interpretive park signage (please kindly stay on trails, restoration in progress, habitat restoration, no bicycles/e-bikes, etc.) to inform and educate visitors, and protect its natural resources. Prohibit open flames within the park since CA no longer has a traditional “fire season” and has instead transitioned to a “fire year.” Include the term “preserve” in the Ecological Integrity goal so it reads, Protect, preserve, and restore native forest and associated habits. Address soil compaction/root damage with trail improvements, trail signage, and prohibiting bicycle traffic. Update planting native shrubs language to better reflect CAL FIRE Wildland-Urban Interface requirements—where houses blend directly into natural forests and brushlands and managing vegetation is not about scraping the earth bare, but breaking up "fuel continuity." Reference other scientific reports like Creekside and revise bibliography. Coordinate with PG&E regarding powerlines/transformer vegetation management. Make edits/corrections, etc.
Without a final draft for BNRC consideration, commissioners could not make a formal recommendation to the Council.
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Council Priority Area: Environmental Stewardship–Pacific Grove cares for and protects its natural resources
Goal: Protect and Preserve the Natural Resources of Pacific Grove Objective: Assess Wildlife Protection efforts in the City that can be achieved, within available resources and present feasible measures to the City Council for consideration
Progress this quarter:
(key learnings, actions and
outcomes, potential issues,
next steps)
On track
8/18/26 – Kim Akeman, lead of Harbor Seal Team – a Pacific Grove citizen science volunteer group – presented a summary of this year's 2026 harbor seal pupping season. Threats and minimizing disturbance to the harbor seals were discussed. Noise mitigation strategies were discussed including collaborating with the Traffic Safety Commission to consider street noise mitigation strategies.
8/18/26 – Received Creekside Center for Earth Observation 2026 Report for the Monarch Grove Sanctuary and George Washington Park. Dr.
Weiss' 2026 report highlights recent history and current conditions, long-term views, and recommendations. Management activities include:
Removing hazard trees and branches, thinning overly dense trees, adding and removing old tree caging/staking, managing nectar beds, and holding off on new tree plantings with some exceptions along the property boundary where recommended. *At this time the California Fish and Wildlife recommends moving from an annual maintenance review to every 3 years unless major maintenance activities are planned.
The City will host its annual walkthrough of the Monarch Grove Sanctuary on September 7th.
to Council on 8/5/26 for consideration. Council authorized staff to commence work (in September) based on the presented draft plan, and simultaneously, incorporate changes and bring back a revised draft plan for final adoption at a future date.
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PACIFIC GROVE PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT FOR THE 1st and 2nd QUARTER 2026
MEETING DATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Regular Meeting of
January 8, 2026
• Approved minutes from the December 11, 2025.
• The Commission discussed concerns and impact if HCD did not approve the recently submitted Housing Element.
• Draft Goals were started. Process for Objective Standards and path forward were discussed
Regular Meeting of
February 12,2026
• Chair and Vice Chair were selected.
• Approved Minutes from Jan 8, 2026 Planning Meeting.
Approved Architectural Permit (AP), Variance (VAR), and Coastal Development Permit (CDP) 25-0153: 372 Central Ave (APN 006- 187-003-000).
• Discussed goals for the commission.
Regular Meeting of
March 12,2026
• Approved Amendment (25-0348) to a previously approved Coastal Development Permit (CDP 22-0158) and Architectural Permit/Use Permit/Variance (AP/UP/VAR 22-0158); 420 La Calle Corte (APN 007-072-024) with addition of up to 3 additional cypress trees. Approved Coastal Development Permit No. 26- 0011; Crespi Pond Vegetation Management that had been
accomplished in many years. Work on Crespi Pond to start in September 1, 2026 timeframe. Public Works to return to
Planning in early 2028 with status for additional vegetation determination for September 2028.
• Approved Amendment (26-0013) to a previously approved Coastal Development Permit (24-0010) for Temporary Special Events in the Coastal Zone.
• Complete Goals for Planning Commission. Complete Quarterly report ending December 11, 2025.
Special Meeting of
March 26, 2026
• Passes R3, C1, C2 and R3-M Zoning for the Housing Element Regular Meeting of
April 9, 2026
• Moved Amendment (25-0329) to a previously approved Coastal Development Permit, Architectural Permit, and Parcel Merger (24-0186 and 19-0645) for 236 Asilomar Avenue (APN 007-041- 035)to May meeting.
• Rejected Architectural Permit (AP), Historic Preservation Permit (HPP), and Coastal Development Permit (CDP) 25-0186 for 689 Mermaid Avenue (APN 006-085-001-000)
Regular Meeting of
May 14, 2026
• Received and approved Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 12, 2026, Regular Meeting of March 12, 2026, Special PGCC 10-7-26
PACIFIC GROVE PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT FOR THE 1st and 2nd QUARTER 2026
Meeting of March 26, 2026, and Regular Meeting of April 9, 2026
• Received presentation from City Manager on Community
Conversation on City’s Long-Term Fiscal Planning
• Approved Architectural Permit (AP) and Use Permit (UP) 25- 0231 for 220 Willow Street (APN 006-312-006-000)
Regular Meeting of
June 11, 2026
• Approved Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of May 14, 2026
• After much discussion the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) 25-0316 for 146 19th Street (APN 006-161-011-000) was
approved.
• Received information form Staff on plan forward on Objective Standards. RFP has been put out and responses are due on June 15,2026.
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Agenda No. 8 B
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joe Amelio, Mayor Pro Tem
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Monterey-Salinas Transit Minutes for July 13, 2026.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the minutes.
Attachments
MST Minutes
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Agenda # 3-2
September 14, 2026 Meeting
MEETING OF THE MST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2026
10:00 a.m. (Pacific)
JURISDICTION BOARDMEMBER
(Alternate)
JAN 2026FEB 2026MAR 2026APR 2026MAY 2026JUN 2026JUL 2026AUG 2026SEP 2026OCT 2026NOV 2026 DEC 2026 Carmel-by-the-Sea Bob Delves
(J. Baron)
P A A P P P P
Del Rey Oaks Kim Shirley
(J. Hallock)
P P P P P P P
Gonzales Lorraine Worthey
(M. Orozco)
A P P P P A P
Greenfield Ariana Rodriguez
(R. White)
P P P P P A P
King City Mike LeBarre
(C. DeLeon)
P A A P A P A
Marina Liesbeth Visscher
(B. Delgado)
P P P P P
(A)
P P
Monterey Ed Smith
(J. Rasch)
P P R P P
(A)
R P
Pacific Grove Joe Amelio
(C. Poduri)
P P P P P P A
Sand City Mary Ann Carbone
(K. Scudder)
A P P P P A P
Salinas Tony Barrera
Chair
(G. De La Rosa)
P P P P P P P
Seaside Dave Pacheco
(A. Garcia-Arrazola)
P P P P P P P
Soledad Fernando Cabrera
(E. Banuelos)
P R P P P P R
County of
Monterey
Luis Alejo
Vice Chair
(W. Askew)
P P P P R P P
P=Present
A=Absent
R=Remote
P(A)= Present Alternate
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Counsel: Michael Laredo, Remote General Counsel, De Lay & Laredo Staff: Lisa Rheinheimer Deputy CEO
Kelly Halcon Chief Human Resources Officer
Norman Tuitavuki, Remote Chief Operating Officer
Michelle Overmeyer Director of Planning and Innovation
Jeanette Alegar-Rocha Deputy Secretary/Clerk to the Board Beronica Carriedo C/S & Community Relations Supervisor
Andrea Williams Finance Manager
Christine Church Compliance Analyst
Cristy Sugabo Mobility Manager
Dave Bielsker Transit Scheduler
Ezequiel Rebollar Systems Engineer
Ikuyo Yoneda-Lopez Marketing & Communications Manager
Isamar Rodriguez Customer Service Representative
Jack Perrin Assistant Planner
Jose Sanchez Barajas Communications Systems Supervisor
Kevin Allshouse Mobility Coordinator
Marc Friddle Trainer
Marcy Yanes Customer Service Representative
Marzette Henderson Transportation Manager
Max Musto CivicSpark Fellow
Michelle DiPretoro Maintenance Analyst
Paul Lopez Facilities Manager
Rolando Munoz Mobility Specialist
Ruben Gomez Mobility Coordinator
Scott Taylor IT Manager
Sonjé Dayries Civil Rights Officer
Steven Bruno Purchasing Agent
Susie Flores Grants Analyst
Vince Dang Project Management Coordinator
Public: Jasmine Mejia-Cortes County of Monterey
Linda Gonzales County of Monterey
Javier Gomez County of Monterey
Fred Simkins ATU
Esteban Ybarra ATU
Miranda Smith ATU
Mary Mendez ATU
Olanrewaju "Ola" Adelekan Transdev
Chris Duymich AMBAG
Jon Laslett Environmental Concerns Inc.
Jean Rasch City of Monterey
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1. CALL TO ORDER
1-1. Roll Call.
1-2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Barrera called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. ATU President Esteban Ybarra led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1-3. Highlights of the agenda. (Lisa Rheinheimer)
Deputy CEO, Lisa Rheinheimer reviewed highlights of the agenda.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
There were no public comments
3. CONSENT AGENDA
These items will be approved by a single motion. Anyone may request that an item be discussed and considered separately.
3-1. Financial Reports – May 2026 (Lori Lee)
a) Accept Report of May 2026 Cash Flow
b) Approve May 2026 Disbursements, and
c) Accept report of May 2026 Treasury Transactions
3-2. Approve Minutes of the MST Board Meeting on June 8, 2026. (Jeanette Alegar-Rocha)
3-3. Receive Draft Minutes of the MST Board Operations Performance Committee Meeting on June 8, 2026. (Jeanette Alegar-Rocha) 3-4. Adopt Resolution 2027-01 Recognizing Paul Scott Jr., Utility Service Person as Employee of the Month for July 2026. (Frank Marcos) 3-5. Adopt Resolution 2023-02 in Appreciation for MST Leadership Lorraine Worthy. (Carl Sedoryk)
3-6. Adopt Resolution 2023-03 in Appreciation for MST Leadership Mary Ann Carbone. (Carl Sedoryk)
3-7. Approve Resolution 2026-04 Authorizing the General Manager/CEO or Their Designee to Execute Grant Documents for Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program Funds. (Susie Flores) PGCC 10-7-26
3-8. Receive Fiscal Year 2027-2028 MST Committee Assignments (Carl Sedoryk)
3-9. Receive Draft Minutes of the Mobile Advisory Committee Meeting on May 27, 2026. (Ruben Gomez)
End of Consent Agenda
There were no public comments on the Consent Agenda.
On a motion by Director Smith, seconded by Director Visscher, and carried by the following roll call vote, the Board approved all items on the consent agenda with Directors Amelio and LeBarre noted as absent.
AYES: 11 Delves, Shirley, Worthy, Rodriguez, Visscher, Smith, Barrera, Carbone, Pacheco, Cabrera, Alejo
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Amelio, LeBarre
ABSTAIN: 0
RECUSE: 0
4. RECOGNITIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
4-1. July 2026 Employee of the Month – Paul Scott Jr., Utility Service Person (Paul Lopez)
The MST Board recognized Paul Scott Jr. as the July 2026 Employee of the Month for his outstanding contribution to MST and the entire community. 4-2. Appreciation for MST Leadership Lorraine Worthy. (Tony Barrera) The MST Board expressed their appreciation for Director Lorraine Worthy, thanked her for her leadership as Vice Chair of the MST Board of Directors between July 2024 and June 2026, and recognized her for her dedication and support of public transit services throughout Monterey County and the communities MST serves.
4-3. Appreciation for MST Leadership Mary Ann Carbone. (Tony Barrera) The MST Board expressed their appreciation for Director Mary Ann Carbone, thanked her for her leadership as Chair of the MST Board of Directors between July 2024 and June 2026, and recognized her for her dedication and support of public transit services throughout Monterey County and the communities MST serves.
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5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
6. ACTION ITEMS
6-1. Receive Presentation on Uber Voucher Pilot and Provide Direction to Staff. (Cristy Sugabo)/ Norman Tuitavuki)
There were no public comments.
6-2. Authorize the General Manager/CEO or Their Designee to Enter a Contract with Ecological Concerns Incorporated for the SURF! Coastal Dune and Maritime Chaparral Restoration Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $2,390,813. (Lisa Rheinheimer/Steven Bruno)
There were no public comments.
On a motion by Director Alejo, seconded by Director Smith, and carried by the following roll call vote, the Board approved item 6-2 with Directors Amelio and LeBarre noted as absent.
AYES: 11 Delves, Shirley, Worthy, Rodriguez, Visscher, Smith, Barrera, Carbone, Pacheco, Cabrera, Alejo
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Amelio, LeBarre
ABSTAIN: 0
RECUSE: 0
Director Worthy left the meeting at 11:11 a.m.
6-3. Receive First Reading of Trespass and Camera Ordinance 2026-01 (Michael Laredo) (Page )
a) Introduce and Hold a First Reading of an Ordinance 2026-01 (Attachment 1) that Would Establish Regulations for the MontereySalinas Transit District, and b) Direct Publication of Ordinance for a Second Reading, and Proposed Adoption at the Board Meeting of September 14, 2026.
There were no public comments.
On a motion by Director Smith, seconded by Director Pacheco, and carried by the following roll call vote, the Board approved item 6-3 with Directors Amelio, LeBarre, and Worthy noted as absent.
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AYES: 10 Delves, Shirley, Worthy, Rodriguez, Visscher, Smith, Barrera, Carbone, Pacheco, Cabrera, Alejo
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 3 Amelio, LeBarre, Worthy
ABSTAIN: 0
RECUSE: 0
7. REPORTS & INFORMATION ITEMS
The Board will receive and file these reports, which do not require action by the Board. 7-1. General Manager/CEO Monthly Report – May 2026
7-2. Federal Legislative Advocacy Report
7-3. State Legislative Advocacy Report
7-4. Staff Trip Reports
7-5. Correspondence
8. BOARD REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND REFERRALS
8-1. Reports on Meetings Attended by Board Members at MST Expense. (AB 1234)
8-2. Board Member Comments and Announcements.
8-3. Board Member Referrals for Future Agendas.
9. ATTACHMENTS
9-1. The Monthly Report for May 2026 can be viewed online:
https://mst.org/board-meetings/
10. CLOSED SESSION
10-1. Conference with Labor Contract Negotiator – General Manager/CEO Contract Gov. Code § 54957. (Tony Barerra)
MST General Counsel, Michael Laredo, reported that the Board met in closed session with contract negotiators regarding the General Manager/CEO contract. The Board authorized commencement of labor negotiations with Mr.
Sedoryk and appointed a subcommittee for that purpose. The subcommittee includes Directors Barrera, Carbone, and Smith.
11. ADJOURN
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With no further business to discuss, Chair Barrera adjourned the regular Board meeting at 11:43 a.m. (Pacific).
12. MONTEREY COUNTY REGIONAL TAXI AUTHORITY BOARD OF
DIRECTORS MEETING
12.1 The Monterey County Regional Taxi Authority Board of Directors Meeting convened in MST Boardroom, Suite 100.
Prepared by: ___________________Reviewed by: __________________ Jeanette Alegar-Rocha Carl G. Sedoryk
Deputy Secretary/Clerk to the Board General Manager/CEO PGCC 10-7-26
Agenda No. 8 C
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Nick Smith, Mayor
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: 2026 CalCities Annual Conference Report
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the report.
DISCUSSION
On September 23-25, I attended the 2026 CalCities Annual Conference in Anaheim, California.
During the conference, I attended sessions and lectures related to city governance and policy, including the following topics:
municipal litigation, voting rights act litigation, brown act updates, legal ethics and other governance topics.
The CalCities Conference is also a great opportunity to network with other local leaders from our region. To that end, I attended the Monterey Bay Division luncheon/meeting along with councilmembers from other Monterey Bay cities.
I was appointed the City’s voting delegate and at the direction of the full Council, voted in favor of a Resolution of the General assembly of the League of California Cities Calling for a Working Group to Consider a State Constitutional Amendment or other form of Initiative to Ensure Final Local Authority over Housing and Land Use Decisions
OPTIONS
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact on the submission of this report.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Not Applicable.
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Agenda No. 9 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Leticia Livian, Human Resources Director
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Contract Amendment with LCW
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a professional services contract amendment with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore not to exceed $87,000.
DISCUSSION
In January 2026, the City entered into an agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW) for employment and labor-related legal services in an amount not to exceed $39,000. The agreement provides the City with specialized legal counsel on personnel, labor relations, collective bargaining, and other employment-related matters.
Since execution of the agreement, the City has experienced an increased level of personnel and labor relations activity that was not anticipated when the original contract amount was established. This additional activity includes the formation of a new employee association, which has resulted in additional collective bargaining and labor relations responsibilities; continued negotiations with existing employee associations; and other employment-related matters requiring legal review, consultation, and representation.
As a result of these increased service needs, expenditures under the existing agreement are projected to exceed the current notto-exceed amount. Staff recommends increasing the contract amount to ensure sufficient funding is available for LCW to continue providing timely and specialized legal services in support of the City’s ongoing personnel and labor relations needs.
OPTIONS
1. Do Not approve the amendment
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The additional $48,000 is budgeted for FY 26/27.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Not Applicable.
Attachments
Amendment
Agreement
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FIRST AMENDMENT TO CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE
This First Amendment to City of Pacific Grove Agreement for Professional Services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW) ("First Amendment") is entered into by the City of Pacific Grove. a political subdivision of the State of California ("City'') and Liebert Cassidy Whitmore hereinafter called “LCW” and shall be effective 7/1/2026.
The City and LCW hereby agree to the following terms:
1. On January 1, 2026, the City and LCW entered into a City of Pacific Grove Agreement for Professional Services in Exhibit A to the Agreement and generally described as:
employment law legal advice.
2. The Agreement provided LCW agrees to the following in section 2 of the agreement. “PAYMENTS BY CITY. City shall pay the CONTRACTOR in accordance with the payment provisions set forth in Exhibit A, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement. The total amount payable by City to CONTRACTOR under this Agreement shall not exceed the sum of $39,000.”
3. The purpose of this Agreement is revised to the following section, 2:
“PAYMENTS BY CITY. City shall pay the CONTRACTOR in accordance with the payment provisions set forth in Exhibit A, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement. The total amount payable by City to CONTRACTOR under this Agreement shall not exceed the sum of $87,000”
4. Except as modified by this First Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
TN WITNESS WHEREOF, City and LCW have executed this First Amendment as of the day and year written below.
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
By: By: Nick Smith Melanie Chaney
Mayor LCW Managing Partner
Date: Date:
By: Alex Lorca
City Attorney
Date:
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Agenda No. 10 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk/DEI Coordinator
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Minutes: August 10, 2026 CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the minutes.
Attachments
DEI Minutes 8-10-26
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1 MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
TASK FORCE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, August 10, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber – City Hall – 300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA JOIN THE ZOOM WEBINAR TO PARTICIPATE LIVE AT:
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_DEI
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Chair Bui called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. City Clerk/DEI Coordinator Kandell conducted roll call with the following Task Force members present in person: Chair Bui, Vice-Chair Doneux, Secretary Pye, and Members Fisher and Rubin.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: Upon motion by Chair Bui and seconded by Vice-Chair Doneux, the Task Force voted 5-0-0 (unanimously), to approve the agenda.
3. PRESENTATIONS
4. TASK FORCE AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS (City-Related Items Only)
5. COUNCIL LIAISON ANNOUNCEMENTS
6. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
No general public comment received.
A. Written General Public Comment: None received.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion by Vice-Chair Doneux and seconded by Member Rubin, the Task Force voted 5-0-0 (unanimously), to approve the Consent Agenda.
A. Minutes of the May 11, 2026 and June 8, 2026 Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meetings.
Action: Approved the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
A. Approve the Task Force Work Plan
No public comment received.
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2 Action: Upon motion by Member Rubin and seconded by Member Fisher, the Task Force voted 5-0-0 (unanimously), to approve the 2026-27 Work Plan as presented.
B. Appoint Work Plan Subcommittees
No public comment received.
Action: Upon motion by Member Rubin and seconded by Secretary Pye, the Task Force voted 5-0-0 (unanimously) to appoint Vice-Chair Doneux and Member Fisher to the Youth Advisory Committee of the Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
9. NEXT MEETING – September 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Pye
Secretary
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Agenda No. 13 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Alex Lorca, City Attorney and Sandra Kandell, City Clerk MEETING DATE: October 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution Accepting the Certificate of Signature Verification for Initiative Charter Amendment Requiring Voter Approval of Mayor and Coucilmembers Compensation and Benefits.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Resolution Accepting the Certification of Signature Verification;
2. Direct staff to return at a future City Council meeting with a resolution submitting the Initiative to voters in the City.
DISCUSSION
Background
On February 3, 2026, resident Luke Coletti (“Proponent”) presented the City Clerk’s Office with a Notice of Intent to Circulate Petition for the purpose of "amending the Charter of the City of Pacific Grove to require voter approval for compensation and benefits for the Mayor and Councilmembers." (Hereinafter “Charter Amendment Initiative”). The Notice of Intent is attached here as Attachment 1.
As required by law, the City Attorney prepared a title and impartial analysis of the Charter Amendment Initiative. The City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis is attached here as Attachment 2. Thereafter, the Proponent circulated the petition among registered voters in the City. As the Charter Amendment Initiative seeks to amend the City Charter, the Petition was required to be signed by at least 15% of the registered voters of the City to place it on the ballot.
On August 17, 2026, the Proponent submitted the Charter Amendment Initiative petition to the City Clerk. The petition format was reviewed by the City Clerk for adherence to state law (e.g. required heading, copy of the ordinance, proper components for voter entries, declaration of circulator) and a prima facie count was conducted. Finding the petition compliant with state law, on August 17, 2026, the City Clerk delivered the Charter Amendment Initiative petition to the County of Monterey Elections Department and Registrar of Voters for review of the petition's signatures.
The County of Monterey’s Registrar of Votes examined the petition’s signatures and certified it had been signed by the requisite number of voters in the City. The Registrar of Voters’ January 14, 2026, Official Report of Registration to the Secretary of State found there were 10,549 registered voters in the City.
Therefore, to obtain the requisite signatures of at least 15% of registered voters in the City, 1582 valid signatures were needed to qualify the Charter Amendment Initiative for the ballot.
The following is the Registrar of Voters’ summary of the signatures received, reviewed, qualified, and determined to be found not sufficient:
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Signatures submitted to City (prima
facie count):
2105
Signatures required to qualify: 1582
Signatures filed with the County (per
County count):
2120
Signatures verified: 2120
Signatures - valid: 1725
Signatures - found not sufficient: 395
On September 22, 2026, the County of Monterey Registrar of Voters issued a Certificate of Signature Verification, which was received by the City Clerk, who forwarded it to the Proponent and the City Council. The Certificate of Signature Verification is attached here as Attachment 3.
The draft Resolution accepting the Monterey County Election's Certificate of Signature Verifications is attached here as Attachment 4.
Submission to the Voters
Where, as here, an initiative seeks to amend a city charter, a city council does not have the option to adopt it without change as it might with other initiatives. Rather, a city council must submit such an initiative to the voters.
Timing of Election
Elections Code section 9255(c) provides that a petition to amend a city charter that is signed by 15% of the registered voters of the city “shall be submitted to the voters at an established statewide general, statewide primary, or regularly scheduled municipal election … occurring not less than 88 days after the date of the order of election… .”
Article 8 “Elections” of the City Charter provides, “General municipal elections shall be held in the City on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even numbered year under and pursuant to the provisions of the General Laws of the State of California so far as the same may be applicable, except as herein otherwise provided. All other municipal elections that may be held by authority of this Charter or of the General Law shall be known as special municipal elections.” Based upon the forgoing, the Charter Amendment Initiative could be placed on the ballot on the following dates:
1. March 2028 (consolidated with Statewide Primary Election)
2. November 2028 (consolidated with Statewide General Election) Note that the Proponent has requested the City place the Charter Amendment Initiative on the November 2028 ballot.
Future Actions
This item consists only of adopting the Resolution accepting the Monterey County Election's Certificate of Signature Verification. At an appropriate time in the future, City Staff will return to Council with a resolution containing typical election-related items such as, placing the Charter Amendment Initiative on the ballot, authorizing arguments for and against, consolidating the City's election with a statewide election, and retaining the County of Monterey Elections Department for election services.
OPTIONS
Provide alternate direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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There are no costs associated with this item. Future fiscal impacts will be based on calling and conducting an election.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Not Applicable.
Attachments
Notice of Intent
CA Impartial Summary
ROV Signature Verification
Proposed Resolution
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City Attorney’s Impartial Title and Summary
City of Pacific Grove Ballot Initiative
Charter Amendment Requiring Voter Approval of
Mayor and Councilmember Compensation and Benefits
This measure amends the Charter of the City of Pacific Grove to require voter approval, at the City’s General municipal election, before the City may fix compensation or provide City-paid benefits for the Mayor or Councilmembers.
The measure provides that compensation for Councilmembers may not exceed the amount permitted by State law for general law cities of comparable population to the City of Pacific Grove.
This measure authorizes voters to approve additional compensation for the Mayor. The Mayor or Councilmembers may waive compensation in whole or in part and the waived compensation shall be paid into the City treasury. Any lawful compensation in effect when this measure becomes effective would remain in effect unless modified in accordance with this measure.
This measure requires voter approval before providing City-paid benefits to the Mayor or Councilmembers, subject to limits imposed by applicable State law for legislative body members.
The Mayor or Council members may decline benefits to the extent allowed by law and applicable benefit plan rules. The Mayor or Councilmembers may participate, at their own expense, in Citysponsored benefits if allowed by law and the applicable benefit plan rules. The measure does not apply to benefits required by State or Federal law.
Before placing a compensation or benefits measure on the ballot, the City must obtain and make publicly available a fiscal impact report. The fiscal impact report must include the City’s current financial condition, liabilities, unfunded obligations, reserves, revenues, and projected impact associated with the proposed compensation or benefits.
This measure authorizes reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred by the Mayor or Councilmembers in the performance of official duties, as provided by ordinance.
This measure may be amended or repealed only the voters of the City of Pacific Grove.
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RESOLUTION NO. 26-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
ACCEPTING THE CERTIFICATE OF SIGNATURE VERIFICATION
1. On February 3, 2026, Proponent presented the City Clerk's Office with a Notice of Intent to Circulate Petition for the purpose of amending the City Charter to require voter approval of compensation and benefits for the Mayor and Council Members.
2. On February 19, 2026, the City Clerk transmitted the approved City Attorney’s Title and Impartial Summary commencing the period to circulate petitions February 27, 2026 to August 17, 2026.
3. On August 17, 2026, Proponent submitted the Charter Amendment Initiative petition in sections. The petition format was reviewed for adherence to state law (e.g. required heading, copy of the ordinance, proper components for voter entries, declaration of circulator) and was found to comply. A prima facie count was conducted by the City Clerk's office, and it was established that there were 2105 signatures received.
4. On August 17, 2026, the Charter Amendment Initiative petition was delivered to the Monterey County Elections Department and Registrar of Voters for review of the petition signatures. The City’s instructions to the County requested examination of signatures and certification be accomplished by full check pursuant to Elections Code Section 9114. Based on the County Registrar's January 14, 2026, official report of registration to the Secretary of State of 10,549 registered voters in the City of Pacific Grove, 15% of registration required 1582 valid signatures to qualify.
5. On September 22 2025, the Monterey County Registrar of Voters provided the City with its Certificate of Signature Verification resolving that the number of valid signatures on said petition exceeds 15% of the registered voters in the City of Pacific Grove; as required for a charter amendment initiative.
6. This action does not constitute a “Project” under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council determines that each Finding set forth above is true and correct, and by this reference incorporates those Findings as an integral part of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. The City Council accepts the Certificate of Signature Verification, and hereby authorizes and directs the City Clerk to enter upon the records of this Council the Certificate of Signature Verification, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately following passage and adoption. 1 PGCC 10-7-26
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE this 7th day of October 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
____________________________
NICK SMITH, Mayor
ATTEST:
DATED:______________________________
_____________________________________
SANDRA KANDELL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
ALEX LORCA, City Attorney
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