CITY OF PACIFICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Council Chambers
2212 Beach Blvd
Pacifica, CA 94044
Mayor Christine Boles
Vice Mayor Greg Wright
Councilmember Sue Beckmeyer
Councilmember Mary Bier
Councilmember Mayra Espinosa
City Council Regular Meeting 1 May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026 (MONDAY)
www.cityofpacifica.org
Mayor Christine Boles called the meeting to order on May 11, 2026 at 6:04 PM 6:00 PM OPEN SESSION
Call to Order
Mayor Boles called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. She welcomed new City Manager Sean Charpentier to his first City Council meeting.
City Manager Charpentier thanked Mayor Boles for the warm welcome. He stated that he is happy to be here and in the service of Pacifica City Council and serving the community.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Christine Boles Mayor Present
Greg Wright Vice Mayor Present
Sue Beckmeyer Councilmember Present
Mary Bier Councilmember Present
Mayra Espinosa Councilmember Present
City Clerk Coffey took a verbal roll call.
Staff Present: Sean Charpentier, City Manager; Michelle Kenyon, City Attorney; Yulia Carter, Asst. City Manager; Scott Leslie, PB&R Director; Melissa Tigbao, PW Director; Samantha Updegrave, Community Development Director; Marisol Gómez, Finance & Administrative Services Director; Gretchen Heckman, Economic & Housing Development Manager; Lucy Xie, Dep. Finance Director; Roland Yip, PW Dep. Director-Engineering; Desmond Barca, Acting PW Dep. Director (Wastewater); Daniel Patten, Wastewater Engineering Manager; Vince Romero, Police Captain; Nick Doyle, Battalion Chief (NCFA); Stephanie Coy, Financial Analyst; Sarah Coffey, City Clerk; Emily La, Dep. City Clerk.
Reading of Land Acknowledgment
Mayor Boles read the Land Acknowledgment
Salute to the Flag led by Councilmember Espinosa
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council Regular Meeting 2 May 11, 2026
A. Special Presentation - Peninsula Clean Energy
Mayor Boles invited CEO of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), Shawn Marshall, to the podium for a special presentation.
CEO Marshall stated she is providing both an update on Peninsula Clean Energy’s various activities as they celebrate a decade of service and to support an item on the consent agenda related to JPA amendment changing their name. She briefly described their purpose regarding providing clean power resources, working with PG&E, etc. She then stated that their Board decided to change their name from Peninsula Clean Energy to WestLight Energy, explained their reasons, and stated that they are asking the City to approve the JPA amendment. They are having some great events to mark their ten years of service. She thanked them for all their support and recognized Mayor Boles for her great leadership on their Board of Directors.
Mayor Boles thanked her for all that information. She asked Council for comments or questions.
Vice Mayor Wright thought he heard her say that they deliver cleaner energy cheaper and asked if people can sign up with them.
CEO Marshall stated that customers are automatically enrolled with the option to opt out and stay with PG&E for bundled service if they choose to do that.
Vice Mayor Wright asked about a loan product for electrical upgrades.
CEO Marshall stated that they can go to their website and search for zero percent loans and a page will come up that is available to all customers. It has to be used for electrification and sustainability and it is repaid over five years on their PG&E bill.
Vice Mayor Wright asked about special rates for solar panels.
CEO Marshall stated that program will be up later this year. It is a reboot of a program they had and it will also be on their website.
Vice Mayor Wright thanked her for all the great work they do in our community.
Councilmember Espinosa asked about energy-efficient equipment outside of electrical panels on solar panels, such as heater, stoves, furnace, etc.
CEO Marshall stated that customers are welcome to use whatever solar product they want to use. In the program they are rolling out later this year for solar and batteries, customers choose their own products and work with a third-party provider if they want to finance it under preferred rates. She stated that PCE is providing some of the credit backing for that so they can access special terms. She referred to the loan application and stated to indicate that it would be used to swap out old appliances for more efficient, cleaner appliances, and you have to provide proof of that. Other than that, it is not difficult to get access to that loan.
Vice Mayor Wright asked if solar is only rooftop or if they also help with ground mount systems.
CEO Marshall stated, for residents, she is sure they will do ground mount. For the cities, when they have been putting in solar on rooftops at recreation centers and police stations, those have both been ground mount parking lot structures as well as rooftop.
City Council Regular Meeting 3 May 11, 2026
Mayor Boles stated it is a pleasure to serve on their Board to know what a big difference they are making, reducing electrical rates for our residents and businesses and reducing our greenhouse gases. It is fun to see all these technical contracts that PCE, soon to be WestLight Energy, is purchasing for power and being forward thinking. She felt they were a great resource.
There were no public comments.
B. Proclamation: Wildfire Preparedness Month - May 2026 Mayor Boles stated Vice Mayor Wright will read the proclamation for Wildfire Preparedness Month.
Vice Mayor Wright read the proclamation.
Battalion Chief Nick Doyle was present to receive the proclamation.
There were no public comments.
C. Proclamation: Emergency Medical Services Week (May 17 - 23, 2026) Mayor Boles read the proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week.
Battalion Chief Doyle stated he is here on behalf of EMS Chief Matt Powers. He thanked Council for the two proclamations and recognizing the dedication of EMS responders. This week is an opportunity to acknowledge all the various responders who answer the call 24/7; their commitment, compassion and professionalism make a difference during difficult moments in people’s lives. EMS is a team effort and proud to stand alongside healthcare partners, etc., in providing high quality care. He thanked them for the proclamation and support of Emergency Medical Services.
Councilmember Beckmeyer thanked them for all they do. She stated that they often hear when they are responding because of the sirens, and they see them in highways and neighborhoods, and she has been observant of so many calls for service at senior living areas. They also make Pacifica safer and healthier for people to age in place, and as an age-friendly city improving when we can, she is grateful for their services, especially in light of a personal event.
Battalion Chief Doyle added that they have dedicated professional firefighters and they strive to give the best service to all the citizens and was glad she was taken care of.
Councilmember Bier could not thank them enough, adding that she is sure they have all had some kind of experience to help them or their neighbors, schools, families, etc.
Vice Mayor Wright stated they are always there for us 24/7 and he sleeps so much better at night knowing they are there. He thanked them for all they do to make us all safer and better.
Councilmember Espinosa shared an anecdote and appreciated their services, and she thanked him for what they are doing.
Battalion Chief Doyle appreciated the kind words. He stated they are happy to be in the community and give back as much as they can.
City Council Regular Meeting 4 May 11, 2026
Mayor Boles shared a personal anecdote about her and her mother and appreciated that they were not just taking care of her but giving them advice about the kind of care she needed. She described their education efforts to the community to clear space around our homes and doing what we can to prevent fires from starting and spreading.
There were no public comments.
D. Proclamation: National Public Works Week (May 17 - 23, 2026) Councilmember Beckmeyer read the proclamation for National Public Works Week.
PW Director Tigbao stated, on behalf of Public Works, they thank Council for passing this proclamation and recognizing our PW team as they approach National Public Works Week (May 17-23). She is accompanied by some PW staff who keep our community running every day.
She stated the past year is extra special due to several awards received by the State and regional organizations. They invited Council and the public to their Public Works Open House on Wednesday, May 20, from 9:00 a.m., to 11:30 a.m. at their corporation yard at 151 Milagra Drive.
Councilmember Bier stated that our city could not run without Public Works and she wanted her to know how much we appreciate Public Works.
Vice Mayor Wright emphasized the presence of Public Works in our lives, from routine sewer needs to emergency or late night calls to the sea wall. People do not know about those calls in the middle of the night and take them for granted. So many of those things are what PW does with a smile on their face and the culture they have created in their department and how they work together is amazing. He thanks them for doing that for all of us.
Councilmember Espinosa thanked them for keeping the city running, even though most people do not see what they do every day. They appreciate them so much.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated it is her hope and goal to get more Public Works staff. She appreciates the camaraderie and willingness to jump in and help, even when it is not necessarily their area. When the mission is critical, it is everybody’s area and she has been on Beach Boulevard in the rain and it is amazing to see what they do and how pleasant they are in the way they do it. She thanked them.
Mayor Boles stated congratulations for the work at our Wastewater Treatment Plant. She knows it won awards when it was first built. Some people might not know that it is a really special system with an ultraviolet disinfection and we won awards again over 20 years later for the continued operation. They not only keep us running but thinking steps ahead to make sure that we stay running and we appreciate what all of Public Works and staff do.
There were no public comments.
E. Proclamation: Small Business Month - May 2026
Councilmember Bier read the proclamation for Small Business Month.
City Council Regular Meeting 5 May 11, 2026
Economic & Housing Development Manager Heckman stated that Pacifica businesses do more than sell products and provide services; they represent hard working families and neighbors that make up Pacifica. Small business owners are tireless, showing up early and stay late. Their storefronts are not just a place of business, but are gathering spaces where new connections are made and old ones are strengthened. They provide familiarity and stability for us all. They kept their doors open through a pandemic, economic uncertainty and through their own life challenges. She acknowledged the regional recognition of one or our homegrown businesses, Breakers, in Rockaway. Just last week, our Region Small Business Administration, a division of the Federal Agency that exists to understand small business success, recently named Steve and Robby Bankroft of Breakers the Regional 2026 Small Business Persons of the Year. She then passed on to small business representatives to say a few words about their businesses, starting with Beth Lemke, owner of Grape in the Fog in Rockaway, and Tyler Martinez, friend and facilities manager of Pacifica Thai Cuisine in Sharp Park.
Ms. Lemke stated she owns Grape in the Fog and are celebrating 16 years. Since 2010, they have been part of so many milestones, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, people moving to and away from Pacifica, etc. During the pandemic years, they discovered how committed the greater Pacifica community is to supporting local businesses. She is seeing new businesses foregoing brick and mortar all together and instead participating in pop-up events. She stated time will tell if this is a win-win for traditional brick and mortar. The years since the pandemic have been difficult for the wine bar and they are not out of the dark. She is proud of what she created with her staff and loyal customers. When she was opening the bar, she took advantage of all the help she could get. After 16 years, you would think she is a pro at running her business and the reality is that nothing prepares you for owning a business in a coastal bedroom community. She referred to an article about them in this month’s Coastside Magazine.
Mr. Martinez stated that Pacifica Thai Cuisine has been a staple in our community for over 38 years. He stated that Joy and Tom Hlawphakdi founded it in 1989 to follow their dreams of serving fresh and culturally accurate and original food from their homeland to Pacificans and the Bay Area. They are heartbroken about Tom passing away but will continue to carry on his legacy and have plans to keep the restaurant operating into the future. It has always been a family-owned and operated business offering a warm, friendly and inclusive environment for all to enjoy and mentioned their open hours and their various menu options. He stated that they cannot thank Pacificans enough for their support over the years and they are forever grateful.
Mayor Boles opened public comments.
Jennifer Christainsen, Pacifica, is the owner of Art Space on the Coast, a pottery studio in downtown Pacifica. She thanked Council for the Small Business Week proclamation as it means a lot for small business owners to be recognized this way every year. She stated in April, WalletHub published a ranking naming Pacifica as the worst city in the country to start a small business. What happened next is over 30 businesses have signed up together for what they are calling Project 1334, and they are each creating a special item for sale, priced at $13.34, turning the ranking into a symbol of where they are in the community. She believes this project has the potential to help Pacifica earn different national attention, not as the worst place to do business but a city where small businesses do not give up, neighbors rally together and the community can write its own story.
Robby Bancroft, Pacifica, stated that he accepted the proclamation last year. He wanted to thank everyone, and he welcomed E&HD Manager Heckman. He gave a shout out to his dad and staff at Breakers and the Shore Shack. He wanted to also honor May as Mental Health City Council Regular Meeting 6 May 11, 2026
Awareness Month as well as National Small Business Burger Month. He thanked everyone for all the support.
Ed Ochi, Pacifica, stated he is speaking for himself as a Pacifica resident. He shared his positive thoughts on the importance of small businesses, which differentiates Pacifica as a town, not a suburb, and his pride for involvement with Project 1334.
Mayor Boles closed public comments.
Councilmember Bier wanted to honor Tom and stated he will be missed. She thanked Mr.
Martinez for being here and showing his pictures.
Councilmember Espinosa stated she went for dinner to Pacifica Thai Cuisine in the past week and highlighted the owner’s generosity and friendliness.
Councilmember Bier expressed her frustrations with the article and stated there is no ranking or article that will show the heart of our city, as the heart is in the relationships we build with each other and how we support each other’s businesses, families, adventures, etc. She agreed that it is hard to run a business anywhere, including here, but when we keep our relationships together, we nourish them and shop at all our shops, talk to small business owners, and become friends. She appreciated the Project 1334 initiative.
Vice Mayor Wright expressed his frustrations with the article and shared his appreciation of local business owners as well as Economic & Housing Development Manager Heckman.
Councilmember Espinosa reiterated that Pacifica is the city where small businesses do not give up and encouraged everyone to support them.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated the article did not know how this community came together during the pandemic and how we produced a lift for our businesses and how we survived together. She thanked the fortitude of local business owners for keeping our city a town and not a suburb.
Mayor Boles wanted to give a special shoutout to Robby Bancroft. He is not only promoting his business but every other business in our city overall. She stated he should celebrate the award they received as he and his dad are the small business persons of the year, regionally. She stated it is exciting to see a business open and thrive. She loved the collective creativity in Project 1334 and thanked them for leading us forward, and we are proud and grateful for each one of them and the hard work it is to open their business doors every single day.
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no public comments.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sue Beckmeyer, Councilmember
SECONDER: Greg Wright, Vice Mayor
AYES: Boles, Wright, Beckmeyer, Bier, Espinosa
1. Approval of Disbursements for 4/1/26 through 4/30/26 City Council Regular Meeting 7 May 11, 2026
PROPOSED ACTION: Receive and file the Monthly Check Register Report for the month of April 2026.
2. Approval of Minutes
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to approve the minutes for the February 23, 2026 City Council Special and Regular Meeting.
3. Continuation of Proclamation of Local Emergency of the Pacifica Coastline from Westline Drive to the End of Beach Boulevard
PROPOSED ACTION: Accept report and make a determination that conditions of local emergency continue to exist within the Pacifica Coastline from Westline Drive to the end of Beach Boulevard.
4. Continuation of Proclamation of a Local Emergency at the Sewer Mains Crossing Calera Creek in the Vallemar Neighborhood
PROPOSED ACTION: Accept report and make a determination that conditions of local emergency continue to exist at the Sewer Mains Crossing Calera Creek in the Vallemar Neighborhood.
5. Fourth Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement which amends the name of Peninsula Clean Energy Authority to WestLight Energy, the new agency name approved by the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors on October 23, 2025.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution approving the Fourth Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement which amends the name of Peninsula Clean Energy Authority to WestLight, Energy the new agency name approved by the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors on October 23, 2025.
6. Quarterly Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026 PROPOSED ACTION: Review and accept the Quarterly Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
7. Adopt a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 funded by SB 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 funded by SB 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
8. Approval of Consultant Services Agreement with BKF Engineers for Feasibility Study Services for the Oceana Bike Lanes Project
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution Approving the Consultant Services Agreement with BKF Engineers for feasibility study services for the Oceana Bike Lanes Project in the amount of $91,446 and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to the project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE POSTED AGENDA
Jenna Duca and Jeri Duca, Pacifica, stated they are from Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School and are here to talk about climate change, decreasing sea levels, rising water shortages, increasing wildfires, and bad air quality. They emphasized the need for a new path to renewal energy.
City Council Regular Meeting 8 May 11, 2026
Joaquin Jiminez, Half Moon Bay, stated he is one of the candidates for County Supervisor for District 3 and shared details about his campaigning in Pacifica, especially visiting the local businesses. He also shared what he supports now and his goals if elected.
Anita Rees, Pacifica Resource Center, shared updates on opening hours, grocery distributions, the Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, and Palm-a-Palooza. She also shared information from Unhoused on the Coast outreach team and data on encampments in Pacifica.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.
CONSIDERATION
9. Presentation from San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) regarding SB 63 (Connect Bay Area Act) and the Local Investment Plan.
PROPOSED ACTION: Receive a presentation from San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) regarding SB 63 (Connect Bay Area Act) and the Local Investment Plan and provide further direction to staff, as desired.
SamTrans Government & Community Affairs Director Jessica Epstein presented the staff report.
City Manager Charpentier shared the following additional information for reference: In the General Plan, there was very strong policy guidance for advocating for SamTrans and other public transit providers to improve transit service and facilities, enable trips to be made without use of a car and advocate for the expansion of public transit services and facilities to improve public access and recreation opportunities along the coast. He also shared the data for how Pacificans get to work: approximately 62% drive alone; approximately 7% carpool compared to 10% for the County; 24% work from home versus 17% for the County; and, for public transportation, about 4% commute from Pacifica versus 6% for the County. Furthermore, Pacifica has the lowest pavement index in the County and one of the lower ones in the Bay Area. Lastly, he added that we are at 9.85% sales tax. Within that, there are six local sales taxes: our Measure Y, County Measure K and the transportation Measure A and W as well as Measure RR for Caltrain which is one-quarter of a cent, and SamTrans has a half-cent as well.
Vice Mayor Wright asked what percent does the City collect in sales tax.
City Manager Charpentier stated usually it is one cent. He stated that there are two components: a base of state sales tax of 7.25% and a share of the sales tax the City gets from the state portion (Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law). He believes it is the 1% but also the half-cent Measure Y.
Finance & Administrative Services Director Gómez stated State, County and other agencies make up about 8.375% of our 9.875% so Pacifica’s total with the Bradley Burns and Measure Y is 1.5%.
City Manager Charpentier concluded Measure Y is 0.5% and Bradley Burns 1%.
Vice Mayor Wright asked what return to source in SamTrans vision look like, i.e. $50 million coming back to the municipalities in terms of additional new services or investments.
Director Epstein stated that is the process they are going through now, i.e., getting feedback to figure out what it would look like. She stated some would be reserved for the operational deficit.
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Vice Mayor Wright stated that is outside of the return to source fund. He stated that they have additional funding, not just the return to source funds.
Director Epstein stated that would be within the return to source funds. There are specific categories within SB63 that fund Caltrain, BART, AC transit, other agencies, and SamTrans does not have one of those categories. They are the administrator of the funding that would come back to the County. This measure is about preservation of service. There is money for pavement in this, but it is very constrained in that it can only go to streets that have fixed route bus service. She encourages them to look at the May Board meeting as that is where they did a first round of how it could look at a high level. That will function in the way that the SamTrans Board normally does where projects come before them and allocates budget toward that, but these funds would be guided by a framework for the SB63 specific return to source fund.
Vice Mayor Wright asked, in terms of their public outreach, of the 1800 responses what percentage is that of San Mateo County.
Director Epstein stated this is not a professional poll, not statistically significant, and is an opt in survey that is a small fraction of San Mateo County residents. She stated that as they looked at it roll in from 300 responses to 1800 responses, that data stayed the same: efficiency, reliability, and bus stop improvements stayed a priority no matter how many results they got. That is also why they gave the City Council and other organization presentations, as well as stakeholder and agency advisory groups.
Vice Mayor Wright asked how they weigh that public input versus input from City Councils.
Director Epstein stated it was all presented to the Board as what they heard in the survey, their working groups, Councils in other presentations, etc. There is a lot of consistency within Councils and other groups, such as Citizens Advisory Committee and Paratransit Coordinating Council. They heard more about the fiscal responsibility and the budget. They heard more about east/west connections and neighborhood coverage and the specific Coastal issues. An individual project may also fit into different categories.
Vice Mayor Wright asked when is it that Pacifica can find out what is in it for Pacifica if we were to support this measure.
Director Epstein stated they are not doing specific projects right now. It is forthcoming and takes time through a comprehensive operational analysis. The reality is that, if this does not pass, they would have to reassess their entire network and reaction to that. For example, if the Colma BART station is closed, they may stop sending buses there. They do not know what that means for the overall network today. It is a holistic network, but they are very aware that, in past work, the coastal communities, particularly in Pacifica and south of Half Moon Bay, do not feel that they have done enough and that has been made clear to their Board.
Vice Mayor Wright stated Pacificans’ tax dollars helped build transit infrastructure, but we are not benefitting from that. He asked if they consider the fact that we have less service than many other communities that have the economic benefit and transportation infrastructure that makes it much easier for people to commute to the city to get to work.
Director Epstein stated that, as a public transit agency, SamTrans is not asking for them to do anything, vote for anything, or support anything. If it were to pass, that is what this process is City Council Regular Meeting 10 May 11, 2026
and how do we do that. Within that realm that SamTrans has control over, she can just repeat that they made it clear to the Board that the coast feels underserved.
Vice Mayor Wright asked, if one of your constituents comes to you and says what is in it for us and why should we vote for it, what is her answer.
Director Epstein referred to the polling data that found very broad support for public transit in general. Their service connects to BART, which serves more people in San Mateo County than Caltrain by a wide margin. The Daly City BART hub is the major transit hub and Pacifica does have people who take those routes to Daly City and Colma and connect into the rest of the network. There are funds that would come back into the County and SamTrans is looking at how to best distribute those funds, potentially with pilots and other ways for new service while also maintaining the integrity of the core network.
Vice Mayor Wright stated there were not concrete answers to his question.
Director Epstein stated that they are not picking specific projects at this time. However, she would say it is their Board of Directors who are the ones that will direct funds to specific projects and this is a long-term conversation, not an immediate conversation or not at near term.
Vice Mayor Wright asked if there are four existing sales tax measures that help fund transit.
Director Epstein stated Measure RR is pure transit (for Caltrain), Measure A which is a half-cent of SamTrans, and Measure W which is a quarter-cent to SamTrans. The rest is transportation to fund bike paths, highway interchanges, shuttle programs, etc. Measure A is a mixture of funding for Caltrain, shuttles and transit, bike path highway, grade separation, safety improvement, etc. However, SamTrans does not get four operational funding for Measure A.
Vice Mayor Wright asked, in terms of the funding distribution on this measure, if it is true that most of it is going to BART.
Director Epstein stated no, as the way the funds were determined was based on service in the County. BART has a slightly higher percentage than Caltrain. Caltrain is based in San Mateo being one of three partner counties with Santa Clara and San Francisco. She thinks BART has 27% and Caltrain has 24% and MUNI about 7%. The majority of 37% is return to source funds that comes directly back for local administration.
Vice Mayor Wright asked if that is to fund already existing projects.
Director Epstein that is exactly the conversation they are having now, i.e., that SamTrans board has to determine and it will be at the June board meeting.
Vice Mayor Wright stated that it could be for existing already budgeted projects.
Director Epstein stated there will be funds for operational deficit and others. They have their near-term budget which is budgeted and they have their long-term budgets. A good example is the bus stop improvement plan. She thinks they actively budgeted maybe $20 million out of $100 million plan. By the time any funds come in, whatever current budget cycle is, they will be over based on the the length of time it will take for these funds to come in versus what is actively budgeted right now or not lined up.
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Vice Mayor Wright stated he was looking for a reason to tell Pacificans we should support public transit and be able to tell them what we get here in Pacifica.
Director Epstein emphasized preservation of SamTrans operating service, with high potential for new bus stops. In Pacifica they have a bus stop improvement plan which includes bus stops around the County and there are potentials for pilots, like Ride Plus. She cannot guarantee any specific projects or programs because she does not have direction to do that.
Mayor Boles opened public comments.
Rick Nahass, Pacifica, stated that for the past nine years, SamTrans said the coast does not deserve better public transit because of low ridership. In the past five years, surveys of hundreds of coastside residents say they do not take the bus because it takes too long to get anywhere. He shared his concerns and suggested options on this issue.
Jessica Sheppard, Pacifica, asked Council to support this initiative, even if it is not perfect.
Being able to get public transit to other places is important. She encouraged investing in flexibility and freedom of movement in order to provide that ability to Pacifica residents.
Sue Digre, Pacifica, stated she agrees with the speakers and has dealt with this issue when on Council. She referred to previous shuttles and emphasized the need for ridership within the City. She also emphasized making sure to get ridership on the vehicle if available.
Mayor Boles closed public comments.
Councilmember Beckmeyer asked about the Ride Plus program in Half Moon Bay, in which we do not qualify, despite the fact there was no other service being proffered by SamTrans. She heard positive things about it, and she would like to know more about how one qualifies.
Director Epstein stated they have two Ride Plus programs, which are expensive but popular.
She could see the expansion of that being something these funds could go to, and it would rely on ridership for pilots to continue. They need the help of the cities for marketing, but they hope it works and people love it so it is something they are looking at as a potential for these funds in the future. They do not have resources for mass expansion of Ride Plus at this time with their current funding situation.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated it sounds to her that, with a return to source funding that is coming if Senate Bill 63 passes or sales tax passes, there would be an opportunity for using those dollars for such a program in Pacifica. She asked if that is accurate.
Director Epstein stated there is a potential. They have put it before the Board that there is much desire for neighborhood coverage, which Ride Plus could offer. From that coverage concept, it is the best one they have seen in terms of disabilities to get around the community.
Councilmember Beckmeyer thinks that one of the things that works well for public transit is critical mass. What she sees being a success with SamTrans is the support that is given for moving our students around Pacifica. With the timing, she knows there is work put into planning routes, timing of routes, changes when there is no school during the summer and it gears up for fall again, etc. She is hopeful for an equally creative and energetic look at serving another element of our population in Pacifica, which is seniors. We have an increasing number of senior members in our community and they need to get around. The whole idea of aging in place is City Council Regular Meeting 12 May 11, 2026
not just staying put in your house, but to get around the community. She would love to figure out how to enable that kind of mobility in our community.
Director Epstein mentioned there is always (outside the SamTrans world) the option of applying to the Transportation Authority Shuttle program, a Pacifica-sponsored local shuttle. South San Francisco has a lot of success in that area. She stated that, with the Transportation Authority, they are going to be launching a corridor study, working with the cities on the coast about the projects they have already been working on and how to help them interconnect on all different modes. She stated that the senior population is very much a real issue here.
Councilmember Bier stated she also works for a high school district and she is happy about SamTrans’ school service, but she is not sure it is fulfilling the needs of our students.
Director Epstein stated that, on the after school service, they do not have the resources to run multiple buses after school so it is either the kids who get out at dismissal or covering the afterschool programs. It is an unfunded gap.
Councilmember Bier agreed and expressed concerns about young riders. She knows ridership has been low in Pacifica historically, and she thinks the only way we can promote ridership is if we have a decent system to get us places.
Mayor Boles thinks another missing piece in Pacifica is connection to Skyline College due to the number of high school students attending and being unable to drive themselves. She mentioned potential equity issues for underserved portions of the community that did not have bus stops. If we had some shuttle that went from Sharp Park to Skyline, and then went over to Millbrae BART and Caltrans, that would be so many more commuters you would capture. She appreciated that they will be looking at the routes but emphasized the opportunities lost from people not riding because they do not have any good options now.
Councilmember Espinosa stated we do need transportation and shared a personal anecdote where she walked for over an hour because there were no better alternatives for transportation.
Mayor Boles asked where can Council and the community come to speak about this.
Director Epstein stated the next opportunity for public comment is their June 3 Board meeting.
Mayor Boles stated later on, assuming the ballot measure is successful, there will be opportunities for us as part of their process to evaluate the routes.
Director Epstein stated what will happen on June 3 is a high level framework. Specific list of projects going to certain communities will go through regular transportation planning. One thing they do at SamTrans is that they build out their community engagement program, partner with community-based organizations, do extensive outreach in communities, have their working groups, etc. With any transportation planning that is coming out of this, there will be extensive opportunities to engage and influence the project itself as it moves forward.
Vice Mayor Wright believes, at their last Board meeting, they discussed a 5% of return to source funding going towards potholes.
Director Epstein stated that is one element of what could be funded.
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Vice Mayor Wright understood and emphasized that our streets are in need of attention and would need more of return to source funding going for the transportation routes to repair roads.
Director Epstein understood that this would have to be project-based. She reminded him that the renewal of Measure A is where all of the pass through pothole funding is coming from but she will take the note that the “fix it” categories are insufficient and he would like to see more towards potholes on fixed route transit streets.
Vice Mayor Wright agreed and added more express buses down the highway. He mentioned our Housing Element has a number of sites counting on there being public transportation infrastructure that is affecting the number of parking spots.
Mayor Boles stated, as a follow up to that, these developers will have to do transportation demand management planning and that could go into a shuttle program. We need to identify those needs and have those projects that they can pay into as they are building their projects.
Vice Mayor Wright supported public transportation. He wants to be able to go to his people and give them a reason to support it and he needs her help with a plan that says this is what they are going to do.
Director Epstein stated they need to do transportation planning thoughtfully and the ballot measure passing would be necessary for that. She cannot promise any specific project or funding for Pacifica.
Vice Mayor Wright was trying to advocate as strongly as he can and understood the issues with the budget deficit.
Mayor Boles thanked Director Epstein for being present and taking Council’s questions and feedback.
Director Epstein stated that they will be back with the Transportation Authority and will be back for future studies and transportation work.
RESULT: NO VOTE REQUIRED
10. Approve the updated City of Pacifica 2023 to 2030 Strategic Plan Mission, Vision, Values, Goals and Strategies
PROPOSED ACTION: Approve the updated City of Pacifica 2023 to 2030 Strategic Plan Mission, Vision, Values, Goals and Strategies.
Asst. City Manager Carter and Strategic Plan Facilitator Greg Larson presented the staff report.
Facilitator Larson asked for any questions on Goal 1B.
Mayor Boles asked him to remind her about the tobacco and cannabis licensing.
Facilitator Larson stated cannabis licensing came up in the realm of possibly looking at the newer models that might be out there for cannabis product perveance via lounges and onsite consumption, rather than offsite sales. Those may create revenue-positive opportunities for the City Council Regular Meeting 14 May 11, 2026
City. Similarly, tobacco could be enforcement which might create revenue opportunities or pursuing what other communities have done to possibly increase tobacco revenue.
Councilmember Bier concluded the tobacco retail license fee.
Strategic Plan Facilitator Larson agreed.
Facilitator Larson asked for any questions on Goal 2.
Councilmember Espinosa stated she would like to revisit this Goal to include a bathroom for Fairmont Park on the Strategic Plan.
Facilitator Larson thinks, following public comment, that would be the appropriate time to bring that up as a change to see if the Council concurs and staff’s response. He made a note of it.
Facilitator Larson asked for any questions on Goal 3C.
Mayor Boles stated we had discussed wanting to continue the Temporary Safe Parking Program and asked if that is separate from the category of interim housing solutions.
Facilitator Larson saw that as part of the interim housing solutions as it is dealing with shortterm housing demand.
Mayor Boles stated that the issue is, in terms of budget, it is a big difference in working toward solutions or continuing a program we have that is expensive. She stated that we will put a pin in that one.
Mayor Boles opened public comments.
Gail Benton Shoemaker, Pacifica, stated she was speaking as a citizen and sent a letter to Council with a request to change 10B to “Adopt a 25% urban forest canopy goal, remove loophole language from the tree ordinance, work on urban forestry plan, inventory and projects.” Cindy Abbott, Pacifica, agreed with the proposed change by Ms. Shoemaker. She also referred to Goal 5 and suggested changing use of the word “harness” to “engage and nurture”.
Sue Digre, Pacifica, emphasized the need for ample opportunities for the public to know what is happening and be engaged in a timely manner. She also supported what Ms. Benton Shoemaker and Ms. Abbott said.
Jessica Sheppard, Pacifica, described the additional layer of barrier that meeting times can present for people working 8 AM to 5 PM. Therefore, if we want people to get involved, we not only need to give the advance notice, but the meetings also need to be an accessible time.
Facilitator Larson turned to Goal No. 1.
Vice Mayor Wright referred to Goal 1A. Because we pay people on average 13-15% less than their peers in other municipalities, he reads that to include trying to be more competitive.
Mayor Boles agreed, adding fair salary is one of the reasons behind staff retention.
City Council Regular Meeting 15 May 11, 2026
Vice Mayor Wright stated, as long as that is considered an inclusion, that makes him happy.
City Council discussed changing portions of Goal 1B or 1D, primarily regarding removing or leaving in “plan check services.”
Strategic Plan Facilitator Larson added, as the outside consultant, in cities that he has worked with both as manager and a consultant but had an in house building official, they justify the full time expense of that and handle some of the plan check services with staff.
There was Council consensus to leave Goal 1B and 1D as is.
Facilitator Larson turned to Goal No. 2. There were no changes made by Council.
Facilitator Larson turned to Goal No. 3.
Facilitator Larson referred to Councilmember Espinosa’s request about the bathroom in Fairmont Park. He stated that was a clear part of the discussion and part of the closing exercise they did at the Council workshop and he thinks staff was aware of that as a possible work plan item that may become a budget allocation need, not necessarily a strategy unless Council decided otherwise.
Mayor Boles asked if it would possibly be included in the Facilities Assessment Study.
Facilitator Larson stated it could be included there and, depending on the scale of the project that staff is looking out for it, if it is a lower scaled project it might be more of a budgetary decision; if there will be groundskeeping facility along with public restrooms, sewer, plumbing and piping, then it needs to be part of the Facilities Assessment Study. It depends on the scale of the project.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated, if we are talking about a bathroom facility in a park that does not have one at all, it needs to be part of the Facilities Assessment Study.
Councilmember Espinosa stated there is a facility with a restroom but it is used for day care only, not for the public. It will cost less money because we already have the infrastructure there.
Councilmember Beckmeyer concluded there is an existing building.
Vice Mayor Wright stated it would still be a new structure and new plumbing, which would fall under the Facilities Assessment Study.
Councilmember Espinosa stated it is but because we already have the pipes nearby, it will not cost as much as putting in new pipes. She would like to see it considered.
Mayor Boles stated there is another option of the Throne toilets, approximately $75,000 a year, which handles the infrastructure and maintenance. She would like to see it on the work plan.
Facilitator Larson stated he is hearing Council direction to staff to include the north end bathroom facility as a work plan item, either under the Facilities Assessment Study if it is of that scale and magnitude, or as a stand alone work plan item if there is an interim or smaller scale solution and that is what staff would bring back to them for consideration on June 8.
City Council Regular Meeting 16 May 11, 2026
Councilmember Espinosa agreed.
Asst. City Manager Carter stated her understanding is that Facilities Assessment Study would cover existing facilities, not new facilities. If Council wants to consider a new facility, that would be part of a later CIP discussion. It would be focused on funding more than feasibility.
Mayor Boles stated the other assessment study she was referring to was the parks assessment so we can also have that conversation as part of that presentation from the PB&R Commission and understand the equity issues around town.
Asst. City Manager Carter agreed, but if Council wants to call out the potential new facilities, it sounds more like a CIP agenda topic rather than for the Strategic Plan.
Vice Mayor Wright asked if it would be more appropriate to put it on the CIP list.
Asst. City Manager Carter agreed. In the next agenda item, there is a list of funded and unfunded CIPs, and they are all for Council discussion.
Mayor Boles asked how a small project, like a $75,000 bathroom, compares to a big CIP of a new bathroom facility in a park that might cost several hundred thousand.
Asst. City Manager Carter agreed, adding, to Mr. Larson’s point, if you want to establish or study feasibility, you can do it here. Alternatively, you can discuss allocation of funding.
City Attorney Kenyon thinks the question of the Mayor is would the CIP be a proper place to have that discussion for a project that is $75,000. She thinks the answer is yes.
Asst. City Manager Carter agreed.
Facilitator Larson stated, for either scale, it could be there.
Mayor Boles understood it does not belong here and we will come back to it.
Councilmember Beckmeyer added at the CIP discussion.
Facilitator Larson referred to affordable housing and including interim housing solutions, which would include the Temporary Safe Parking Program.
City Manager Charpentier stated that there is a Housing Element policy, HE-10, where it specifies assisting non-profits with providing the types of services and programs that are in the Temporary Safe Parking Program.
City Attorney Kenyon read the language in the Housing Element that they are required by law to implement: “The city shall support non-profits that offer housing solutions and services for the homeless. The city shall support with staff expertise and funding as available, non-profit organizations that offer solutions to solving homelessness and/or providing housing related services for the homeless or at risk homeless.”
Mayor Boles asked what the timeline is for that.
City Attorney Kenyon stated Director Updegrave may know what the timeline is.
City Council Regular Meeting 17 May 11, 2026
Vice Mayor Wright asked staff what is the downside of leaving it in.
City Attorney Kenyon stated that there is no downside, just what is it that you want to include and do you want it to focus on this language or other language. Council may feel this language is adequate or feel that additional language in here needs to emphasize this language that it feels adequate or feel that this language is not adequate and add another item to the work plan.
Councilmember Bier thinks we have to call it out and include what is the city’s role in this, including interim housing solutions, besides supporting the non-profits.
City Attorney Kenyon stated that there could be language put at the end of that sentence that said “including interim housing solutions provided for by the City”. Housing Element implementation is already included in the Housing Element, but that second phrase would be interim housing solutions provided by the City which, to her point, is different than this Housing Element implementation which focuses on non-profit.
Vice Mayor Wright stated that would preclude them from working with the County because it would not be a City project if we are doing something with the County instead.
City Attorney Kenyon thinks we are providing services and we may not be the ultimate funder but we are taking action to create more services for the unhoused. However we may do that, she thinks it would fit under the definition of the City providing services or we could change it.
Vice Mayor Wright asked how about including facilitating interim housing solutions by the City.
Councilmember Bier emphasize that we are equal partners, not only supporting the non-profit.
City Attorney Kenyon suggested “prioritizing Housing Element program implementations and…” Facilitator Larson concluded “interim housing solutions”. He stated one could argue you are putting interim housing solutions as the most important thing to move forward with in the Housing Element program implementation because it is the only thing in the Housing Element you are calling out. He is not sure the Council’s discussion on March 7 was that robust to make that statement but it is clear there is a sense of it not being sufficient without it being cited.
Therefore, he followed the City Attorney’s suggestion and further asked where does the City want to allocate limited funds in light of the priority required by the Housing Element.
Mayor Boles stated this, in particular, refers to a program that is ongoing that Council wanted to continue to make sure we have something for our unhoused. That will need to come up in the budget discussion, but it is something we are committing to address.
There was Council consensus to update Goal 3B to “Prioritize Housing Element program implementation and prioritize interim housing solutions.” Facilitator Larson turned to Goal No. 4.
Facilitator Larson raised two questions for Council: Does Council wish to follow the public strong request to articulate an explicit goal now or does Council want to let the planning process lead to what is the appropriate goals for Pacifica? Furthermore, does Council want the tree ordinance called out or is action imminent with Council direction that will happen? City Council Regular Meeting 18 May 11, 2026
Vice Mayor Wright suggested “prioritizing refinement of the tree ordinance, including loophole language” or something more specific to make that part of the canopy plan.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated what has been asked by the community in more than one public comment or more than one time before this body for over more than one year specifically regarding this item, is changes to the current language which reads “continue the urban forestry plan, tree canopy goals, inventory and project, prioritizing refinement of the tree ordinance loophole language”. The proposed changes to that language read “adopt a 25% urban forest canopy goal, remove loophole language from tree ordinance, work on Urban Forestry Plan, inventory and projects”. She stated it is very specific with regard to the percent of the canopy goal, specifically referring to loophole language and removing it, and it includes the Urban Forestry Plan inventory and projects.
Vice Mayor Wright thinks in order of priority the Urban Forestry Plan should be stated first.
Mayor Boles suggested “start the Urban Forestry Plan”.
Vice Mayor Wright stated including a 25% canopy goal and removing loophole language. He stated the canopy goal is part of the Urban Forestry Plan, not the other way around.
Mayor Boles asked if he was saying, because we have not started the Urban Forestry Plan and it might be some years before that happens, that we cannot have a canopy goal at this point.
Vice Mayor Wright stated that is not what he is saying.
Councilmember Beckmeyer concluded the idea of continuing the Urban Forestry Plan does not make sense to Mayor Boles because we have not started it.
Asst. City Manager Carter stated that the work is underway. She stated we are currently ready to go out with the RFP and the majority of Public Works’ time will be spent next year on this project. Typically, the plan will provide when it is done the full inventory of all trees, both public and private. To the Mayor’s point, that is when you usually set the goals, after you know what to tie those goals to. Therefore, one question is about 25% goals and do you want to set it now before you know what the inventory is and what Urban Forestry Management Plan will show at the study. The second question is do you want to look at the ordinance before the plan is done.
Councilmember Bier stated we do not want any less than 25%.
Mayor Boles stated that we are not doing a complete review of the ordinance without looking at this language which she thinks they can look at separately.
Councilmember Beckmeyer personally thinks we should include 25%, which is called out in the Climate Action Plan as well. She thinks the recommendations from the community has been based on what other communities have done that are also tree cities, etc. She believes, with the connection between the 25% and the loophole language is because their interest is to see the 2-1 happening all the time.
Mayor Boles mentioned helping otherwise healthy trees.
City Council Regular Meeting 19 May 11, 2026
Facilitator Larson suggested “complete the Urban Forestry Inventory Plan with a 25% canopy goal and projects”.
Mayor Boles asked if we can say “at least” or “minimum”.
Facilitator Larson updated the suggestion to state “complete the Urban Forestry Inventory and Plan with 25% tree canopy goals”. The next question is how do you handle the tree ordinance.
Mayor Boles thinks part of the problem is tying the tree canopy goals to the Urban Forestry Plan. What she is hearing is that we would like to adopt a tree canopy goal now and then continue the Urban Forestry Plan inventory projects.
Mayor Boles, Vice Mayor Wright, and Councilmember Beckmeyer referred to the language from public comments.
City Manager Charpentier stated, if that is the direction, the Urban Forestry Master Plan may prioritize preservation, so we may have to come back and have this conversation again. He stated it would not be to say not have 25% but it may have different levels of prioritization between preservation and expansion.
Councilmember Beckmeyer believes it is not only the future trees that are contributing to the 25% canopy goal. What needs to be assessed is what percent we have now and what do we need to do to get to 25%.
Mayor Boles recalled we have about 17% now and we are doing Arbor Day projects and tree planting 2:1. We are working towards that goal from now.
Vice Mayor Wright stated that the heritage tree ordinance will, over time, preserve more trees than what has happened in the past.
Mayor Boles asked to refine “loopholes” to “refine the tree health definition”.
City Attorney Kenyon advised Council not to direct revisions to an ordinance. Instead of loophole, we can say “vague language”.
Mayor Boles stated that, in the public comments, it was two places where it says “otherwise healthy trees” and there are ranges of what is a healthy tree.
City Attorney Kenyon stated if there are two areas in the ordinance that need to be clarified she suggested “prioritize revision to the ordinance to address ambiguities with language ‘otherwise healthy trees’”.
Facilitator Larson asked if this is coming from the PB&R Commission.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated no, it’s coming from the public.
Mayor Boles stated that it is certainly being discussed at PB&R Commission.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated the connection to the PB&R Commission is because the ambiguity of the language is making tree appeals difficult to handle. If that language was made less ambiguous it would be clearer for the Commission that handles tree appeals.
City Council Regular Meeting 20 May 11, 2026
City Attorney Kenyon reiterated the final change as “prioritizing revising the ordinance to eliminate ambiguous language related to tree health”.
Vice Mayor Wright stated as point of order it is 9:58 p.m.
Mayor Boles stated she did not know if we will finish by 11:00 pm.
City Attorney Kenyon asked about removing anything from the agenda at this point.
Mayor Boles stated the budget is the last thing.
Vice Mayor Wright moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 pm; seconded by Councilmember Bier.
EXTENDED MEETING TO 11:30 PM
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Greg Wright, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Mary Bier, Councilmember
AYES: Boles, Wright, Beckmeyer, Bier, Espinosa
Facilitator Larson concluded Goal 4B would be revised to “adopt a 25% urban forest canopy goal, complete the Urban Forestry Plan and tree inventory and prioritize revising ambiguous language related to tree health”.
Mayor Boles referred to the suggestion from Ms. Abbott about the word “harness”.
Facilitator Larson stated her language was to “creatively engage and nurture community expertise advocates and volunteers”. He stated that the word “harness” was a point of discussion previously and he offered and Council agreed then to differentiate the three roles for the public. There is drawing in the public as experts, there is drawing in the public as advocates, and there is drawing in the public as volunteers. They may remember the discussion then with the City Attorney that advocates cannot necessarily be expert serving as volunteers because they are wearing hats that inherently conflict, so differentiating roles becomes important due to public process requirements. He does not think Council’s use of the word harness was controlling but was to engage and nurture, to have it help pull the organization forward. He thinks the challenge becomes resource management, such as handling significant staff reductions across the organization.
City Attorney Kenyon stated, as a reminder to Council, these are the Council’s goals and priorities and however Council interprets “harness” will be the law of Council. If Council is agreeing with the public speaker, who said that “harness” can be constricting, then you can come up with any word you want and this record becomes part of what you call the legislative history so whatever term you want to insert in there will be the term as you all define it.
Facilitator Larson recommended “creatively engage community expertise, advocates, and volunteers to advance City priorities”.
There was Council consensus.
City Council Regular Meeting 21 May 11, 2026
Mayor Boles referred to Goal 5D and asked if it is about regional and/or local commissions, boards, and committees.
Facilitator Larson thought that change removes the ambiguity and clarifies it. He referred to how we get our commissions, boards, committees and Council in alignment, given resource constraints but also recognizing all the regional bodies have rules to play there as well.
City Attorney Kenyon would say one of the reasons it probably was not included because the City includes our commissions and committees. She thinks the way to revise it would be “between City Council and local and regional commissions, boards and committees”.
Mayor Boles asked if it was just City Council or also the City, such as our police department.
City Attorney Kenyon stated that the point is our committees are part of the City as well, just as our police department is. We are all part of the city. If the City Council implements policy, we are required to implement the policy so it will be implemented if that is what Council wants.
Mayor Boles concluded that she is suggesting adding “between City Council, local and regional commissions, boards and committees”.
There was Council consensus.
Facilitator Larson stated we are now prepared for a motion incorporating adopting the Strategic Plan with all of the changes as discussed with each goal.
Councilmember Bier moved; seconded by Vice Mayor Wright.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mary Bier, Councilmember
SECONDER: Greg Wright, Vice Mayor
AYES: Boles, Wright, Beckmeyer, Bier, Espinosa
11. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Base Budget and Introduction of the 2026-31 Capital Improvement Program
PROPOSED ACTION: Accept the report and provide feedback and direction on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Base Budget, and introduction of the FY 2026-31 Capital Improvement Program.
City Manager Charpentier, Asst. City Manager Carter, Administrative Services Director Marisol Gómez, PW Dep. Director Roland Yip, and WW Engineering Manager Daniel Patten presented the staff report.
Vice Mayor Wright was excited to hear about the solar project at the wastewater plant. He asked what percentage of the PG&E bill we may be able to cover with that.
WW Engineering Manager Patten stated, based on previous energy consumption before replacing the EV system, these panels are going to produce somewhere between 5 and 10% of the total usage. A larger portion of that may be their new EV equipment that has been in operation the last six months and is significantly more efficient.
City Council Regular Meeting 22 May 11, 2026
Vice Mayor Wright asked how does the public access Council questions and emails to understand the dialogue going on in addition to the agenda packet between staff and Council.
Asst. City Manager Carter stated that the questions and answers are shared with the public.
City Clerk Coffey stated that we typically print the questions and answers that are provided to Council and make those available in the public agenda binder in the back of the room.
Vice Mayor Wright concluded the public needs to check the public agenda binder to access answers to these questions. He asked, if it was a Councilmember’s prerogative to inform the community about one of their questions, would they need to reiterate that question here.
City Attorney Kenyon stated that the purpose of asking questions ahead of time is to limit the number of questions at the meeting. What most Councilmembers do in the jurisdictions she has worked in is let their community at the dais know that they had a lot of questions, they were all answered and, if you want to give them more details on the type of questions you ask and got answers to, that would be fine as well.
Vice Mayor Wright stated that the major point he tried to make through his questions is that when we are talking about this budget, it is at the current level of staffing which is 15% below.
Mayor Boles agreed it is 15.3% below other cities.
Vice Mayor Wright added underpaying people. He wants the community to understand that they are asking staff to do more with less.
Councilmember Beckmeyer referred to packet page 15 with regard to some of the projects Manager Patten mentioned. For the environmental compliance project on Item 15, she asked if other environmental agencies that are California agencies permit it.
WW Engineering Manager Patten stated that it can be federal, state and local.
Councilmember Beckmeyer referred to packet page 16, project No. 23, Crespi De Anza Sewer Replacement project, and she asked which side of the highway is that on.
WW Engineering Manager Patten stated that it is near the walking path on Pacifica State Beach.
Councilmember Beckmeyer concluded on the west side, and that will require a Coastal Development Permit.
WW Engineering Manager Patten stated very likely.
Councilmember Beckmeyer referred to No. 26, the lateral grant assistance program. She asked if staff will be informing residents about fairly recent changes in City policy adopted by Council about street cuts so that, if they did not opt to do their lateral when this project is going on and they opt to do it later, that the cost will be increased because of the street cut fee.
WW Engineering Manager Patten agreed, adding that they will mention that during the one or two public meetings that they have budgeted for with their consultant and through other means, City Council Regular Meeting 23 May 11, 2026
and they will keep Council informed on when we are having public meetings and other activities with the project.
Councilmember Espinosa had concerns about the budget. We receive 53.2 million and we spend 57.1 million. We asked different departments to reduce expenditures by 5%. She asked what that 5% is going to take us next year, assuming that we have to increase salary. She also asked what happens if we do not receive the money from the vehicle license fee. The other thing is, what happens if we have to hire somebody.
Asst. City Manager Carter referred to the long-term financial outlook. Staff will update the longterm financial projections for future years, once we know what the recommended budget is going to be. Staff presented the preliminary projections for the future years and the following year deficit was in the same magnitude of $3 million. The VLF is an ongoing issue. Staff budgeted it for the base budget on the revenue side but also filled that in the reserves; thus, if the State falls through on its obligations, we will patch the hole from the reserves. However, this is not a sustainable strategy long term. As far as the service enhancement, unfortunately, that is part of the whole discussion we are having without renewable ongoing revenue streams. It is going to be very challenging to entertain certain enhancements. All service enhancements will have to come with a very robust recommendation of why it is being asked and how it will improve service down the road, gain some efficiencies, save somewhere else, etc. That is what we will be expecting from departments.
Mayor Boles stated that we are all worried about budget and that is why we are focusing on economic development and trying to find other ways to bring money into the City.
Asst. City Manager Carter referred to the revenue study sessions in November, which had short term and longer term strategies, including economic development strategies and user fee study that will come to Council later to review development in-lieu fees and make sure we are recovering the cost at the fee level. Unfortunately, we are not done with this study before the budget but it is already in the works. Some of the strategies are longer term so that is why we need to balance the budget in the short term.
Mayor Boles stated in terms of the roadwork it is a huge cut out of the $1.5 million budget to lose $1 million because we are losing residents here in Pacifica. It looks like PW Dep. Director Yip is not proposing any smaller projects here, at least through this fiscal year, but at some point in the master plan of the roadwork, if the lower amount we will be getting from grants continue, does this mean that the project scopes are going to have to be reduced.
PW Dep. Director Yip stated we are going to continue and fully fund the next projects in the fiveyear master plan. The reason why the General Fund is going to have less of a transfer going in is because Measure A will fund the five-year master plan.
Mayor Boles asked if we will discuss one-time contributions at the next meeting.
Asst. City Manager Carter stated Council will weigh in on all budget options at the next meeting, but if she feels that she is ready to make some recommendations, staff will entertain them and integrate them in the next budget study session discussion.
Mayor Boles opened public comments.
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Kimberly Finale, Pacifica, thanked them for their service and continued dedication to this democratic process. She felt there was a lot of uncertainty with many fearing what the future holds, mentioning all the aspects of problems in the economy, and as a community, they will need to make difficult budget decisions and shared her thoughts on options needed.
Mayor Boles closed public comments.
Mayor Boles moved to extend the meeting to 11:45 p.m.; seconded by Councilmember Beckmeyer.
EXTENDED MEETING TO 11:45 PM
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Christine Boles, Mayor
SECONDER: Sue Beckmeyer, Councilmember
AYES: Boles, Wright, Beckmeyer, Bier, Espinosa
Mayor Boles appreciated the work staff is doing to find ways to save and we are in this together.
RESULT: NO VOTE REQUIRED
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Boles stated she and Vice Mayor Wright have been to Sacramento twice trying to advocate for our VLF and it sounded positive in the Assembly, less positive in the Senate. As Finance Director Gómez stated, we hope this money might be included in the next budget that comes out in June.
Councilmember Bier thanked them for their advocacy and further thanked Mayor Boles and Councilmember Beckmeyer for coming to the mayor’s mental health training the past Saturday.
Mayor Boles thanked Councilmember Bier for all that hard work.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Charpentier thanked everyone for a productive meeting and giving staff direction on the strategic priorities and he looks forward for returning for the budget conversation.
ADJOURN
Mayor Boles adjourned the meeting at 11:29 p.m. in honor of Thirawath (Tom) Hlawphakdi from Pacifica Thai.
Transcribed by Barbara Medina, Public Meeting Stenographer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Coffey, City Clerk
APPROVED: 5 - 0; 8/24/2026
______________________________
Christine Boles, Mayor