Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Tuesday, June 17, 2025 4:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith (left at 10:04 p.m.), Williamson Absent: None City Staff City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Finance Director, Present: Community Development Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Library & Museums Director, City Clerk, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, Building Official, General Services Superintendent, Parks Supervisor, Acting Assistant Fire Chief, Police Lieutenant, Harbormaster, Assistant Library Director, Firefighter, Senior Administrative Analyst (Fire) AFTERNOON SESSION (4:00 p.m.) Call to Order Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:0 p.m. City Clerk Klein called the roll with the Council present as indicated above. Presentations (Afternoon) 1. Recognition of Defense Language Institute Quarterly Joint Service Awards Second Quarter FY25 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized awardees The Council recognized Seaman Elise Risen, from the U.S. Navy; Lance Corporal Ashton Ellzey, from the U.S. Marine Corps; Sergeant Samuel Garcia, from the U.S. Marine Corps; and Sergeant Jocelyn Matta, from the U.S. Marine Corps. Each awardee made brief remarks. Public comment on this item was not received. 2. Recognize City Employees for Milestone Anniversaries in 2025 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized employees The Council recognized, and their Department Heads made brief remarks praising, Park Maintenance Leadworker Garcia, Custodian Bonilla, Police Services Assistant Nehme, and Police Sergeant Welch, for achieving the milestone of 20 years each of service to the City. Public comment was received from Esther Malkin, who expressed gratitude to City employees. General Public Comments Based on the number of people expressing interest in speaking, Mayor Williamson limited public comments to two minutes per speaker. Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from: Jim Burns, India Weeks, Olivia Miller, Ross Pounds of Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation, Jesse Morgan, Lorna Moffat, Bryan Rosen, and Nina Beety.  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 Mayor Williamson noted that Item 19 in the evening would be recommended for continuation to a future meeting. Consent Agenda On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda except Items 3 and 13: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Consent: Proclamations 3. Proclamation Recognizing Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) General Manager and CEO Carl Sedoryk for his 25 years at MST (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Honored Mr. Sedoryk The Council recognized Carl Sedoryk, General Manager and CEO of Monterey-Salinas Transit ("MST"). Mr. Sedoryk made brief remarks thanking the Council and City staff for supporting MST. The Council and Mr. Sedoryk announced the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the SURF! busway. Public comment was received from Jesse Morgan, who commended Mr. Sedoryk for his work; and Bryan Rosen and Lorna Moffat, who both objected to the recognition, citing various alleged issues relating to Mr. Sedoryk's performance at MST. The Council made remarks commending Mr. Sedoryk and wishing him the best in the future. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council issued the proclamation: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Consent: Approval of Minutes 4. May 20, 2025 Regular Meeting (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved 5. June 3, 2025 Regular Meeting (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved Consent: Ordinances 6. 1st Reading of an Ordinance Adopting an Administrative Remedies Procedure for Challenges to Fees, Charges, and Assessments (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Passed ordinance to a second reading 7. 1st Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 25, Article 3, Section 25-3.03(d)(3) to Authorize the Assistant City Manager to Delegate Investigation Duties Related to Harassment / Discrimination / Retaliation / Abusive Conduct / Bullying Policy Complaints 2  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Passed ordinance to a second reading 8. 1st Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance Ordinance to Repeal Requirement for Inspection and Repair Verification Upon Change in Property Ownership (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Passed ordinance to a second reading Consent: Resolutions 9. Authorize a $1 License Agreement with Sunflower Star Laboratory for Use of East Mooring Blocks for Sunflower Sea Star Research and Restoration (Exempt from CEQA, Article 19, Section 15306, Class 6) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-061 C.S. 10. Distribute Awards of $199,132 in State of California Department of Housing and Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Grant Funds and Authorize the City Manager to Enter into Agreements with Downtown Streets, Inc., Gathering for Women - Monterey, and Community Human Services to Assist Persons Experiencing Homelessness (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-062 C.S. 11. Authorize Appropriating $270,227.46 in Donated Funds to the Library Trust Fund Budget (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-063 C.S. 12. Authorize the City of Monterey Cemetery El Encinal to Buy Back Cemetery Lot 11 in Block 63 for $2,872.75 payable to Mr. Eugene Balance and Cemetery Lots 36 and 37 in Block 217 for $5,745.50 payable to Mr. Scott Hutchins. (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-064 C.S. 13. Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a New Agreement to Provide Fire and Ambulance Services to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Amend the FY 25-26 Position Control List and FY25-26 Adopted Budget (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 25-065 C.S. Fire Chief Miller gave a verbal staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from Olivia Miller, who asked the City to look at ways to keep the community safer, and Ross Pounds of Monterey Firefighters Association, who spoke in support of the agreement. On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-064 C.S.: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 3  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 Consent: Other 14. Approve the City of Monterey’s Response Letter to the 2024-2025 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Final Report “Monterey’s Deteriorating Wharves: A Concern for Public Safety” (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved letter End of Consent Agenda Afternoon Session Items Public Appearance (Afternoon) 15. Proclamation Apologizing to the Dutra Street Indigenous Residents and their Descendants in Monterey and Acknowledgement of Historic Injustices Towards Native American Populations (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) – Continued from June 3, 2025 Action: Presented proclamation City Manager Uslar gave a verbal presentation and Mayor Williamson read the proclamation aloud. Public comment was received from: Rudy Rosales, tribal leader, who thanked the Council for the apology and shared with the Council and public a description of his former neighborhood at Dutra Street and his family's experience when they were displaced; Karen Brown, Ann Jacobson, Philip Laverty, and Tom Reeves, who all thanked the Council for this first step of apology and remembrance; and Nina Beety, who stressed that there was more to be done. Bobette McDonald Torres, another former Dutra Street resident, was recognized. The Council expressed support for the proclamation, acknowledgment of and deep regret for the historical wrongs, and their respect for the significance of Dutra Street, its former inhabitants, and the land. They made statements in recognition of the speakers' patience and grace. It was emphasized that the City's resources must be managed with sensitivity and respect for Indigenous peoples’ history, and that a broader conversation was still needed about what it meant to live in and enjoy Monterey knowing that it belonged to native people who cared for, protected, and cherished this land. It was stated that this was a first step toward more action. Members shared stories and histories of their own cultural and ancestral backgrounds. There was a brief discussion about the hyperlocal scope of the proclamation and it was determined that there were opportunities for additional ways to recognize indigenous people more broadly but that it was important for this particular apology to be specific to the City's actions relating to the historical Dutra Street neighborhood. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council issued the proclamation: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Recess The Council recessed at 6:01 p.m. 4  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 Reconvene The Council reconvened at 7:00 p.m. EVENING SESSION AGENDA Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Rasch led the Pledge. Mayor Williamson noted that Item 19 would be recommended for continuation to August 5, 2025. Evening Session Items Public Hearing (Evening) 16. Approve Ruby Falls Fund, LLC’s Request to Extend Expiration of the Vesting Tentative Map for Ocean View Plaza Project Located at 457, 465, 470, 484, 565 and 570 Cannery Row for One (1) Year (Map is a component of and implements a Project previously analyzed in an Environmental Impact Report) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-066 C.S. (4-0-1, Smith absent) This item was heard third in the evening, after Item 19. Community Development Director Cole gave a verbal presentation. Public comment was received from: Bob Evans, who urged the Council not to extend the vesting tentative map, with concerns including in relation to blight, overuse of City's administrative resources, predicted sea level rise impacts, need for affordable housing, and lack of Coastal Commission support; and Bob Faulis of Ruby Falls Fund, who supported the extension, citing ongoing maintenance efforts, plans for the site's development, and challenges with the Coastal Commission. On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Mayor Williamson, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-066 C.S.: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith The Council made brief remarks acknowledging the concerns raised during public comment, it was stated that the extension had been supported in order to allow the project to move forward, in part due to the potential to provide much-needed housing, with the understanding that it would have to return to the Council for deeper discussion and public input at a future date. Adjourn to Ocean View Community Services District Meeting: Consent Agenda The City Council adjourned to the Ocean View Community Services District meeting. 17. Receive Ocean View Community Services District Quarterly Report (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report 5  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 This matter was heard second in the evening, after Item 18. City Attorney Davi briefly noted that there was nothing new to report beyond the update that had been included in the agenda report. Public comment was received from Bob Faulis, who provided a brief update on the project. Adjourn to City Council Meeting The Ocean View Community Services District Board of Directors adjourned back to the City Council meeting. Public Appearance (Evening) 18. Provide Direction on: (1) the Process for Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees; (2) Whether to Combine the Architectural Review Committee with the Planning Commission; and (3) Whether to Combine the Historic Preservation Commission with the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- Tabled from May 28, 2025 Action: Directed staff to return to Council with: 1) Legislation combining the Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Commission; 2) An amendment to the Council's Governance Resolution, in order to form a Standing Subcommittee consisting of the Mayor and Vice Mayor that would be charged with conducting board and commission interviews and making appointment nominations; and 3) Providing the Council with greater detail about the potential to combine the Historic Preservation Commission and Museums and Cultural Arts Commission This item was heard first in the evening session at the request of the Council. City Clerk Klein gave a verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received. Regarding how boards, commissions, and committee interviews and nominations should be conducted, comment was received from: Rick Heuer, Lee Whitney of the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee, Tom Rowley of Fishermans Flats Homeowners and Residents Association, Pat Venza of Monterey Vista Neighborhood Assocation, Bob Faulis, and Curt Tipton of the NCIP Committee, all in favor of more than one Councilmember being involved in the process and there being more transparency and public input; Marta Kraftzeck, Bob Evans of the MCAC, and Lori Mazzuca, all in favor of Option B (full City Council interviews and nominates applicants); Nickie Bach, in favor of either Option B or Option C (a standing Council subcommittee interviews and nominates applicants); Mike Brassfield of the Planning Commission, Chinyere Ogbonna of the NCIP Committee, and Ray Meyers, all in favor of Option C; Tom Reeves of the New Monterey Neighborhood Association, in favor of Option B or Option C/D (a standing Council subcommittee interviews and nominates applicants, with separate NCIP subcommittees that would include the appropriate districted Councilmember), and with neighborhood associations having input; Hans Jannasch of the NCIP Committee, Nina Beety, and Lori Mazzuca, all in favor of neighborhood associations being involved in selecting NCIP Committee members; and Kent Glenzer and Esther Malkin, who both expressed concern about why a longstanding practice was suddenly being questioned under the present Mayor’s leadership. Speaker comments made in favor of both Option B and Option C expressed the desire for a method with full transparency that would allow residents to participate. Comments in opposition to Option B expressed concern that some applicants could be uncomfortable coming in front of the full Council. 6  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 Regarding potential consolidation of committees and commissions, comment was received from: Rene Kimzey of the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission ("MCAC"), in opposition to combining the MCAC and Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC"); Rick Heuer, Curt Tipton of the NCIP Committee, and Nina Beety, who all expressed concern about combining the Architectural Review Committee ("ARC") and Planning Commission ("PC"); Tom Rowley of Fishermans Flats Homeowners and Residents Association, and Bob Faulis, who both expressed hesitation about any combination of appointed bodies; Mike Brassfield of the Planning Commission, who acknowledged there could be efficiencies in combining boards, and stressed the importance of preserving local governance; Sandra Freeman of the Planning Commission, and Bob Evans of the MCAC, both in favor of combining the ARC and PC but hesitant about combining HPC and MCAC; and Bob Bluth, Chair of the Planning Commission, who spoke in support of combining the ARC and PC. Comments made in opposition to combining boards included concerns: that the MCAC and HPC had different focuses and goals, about unknown future demands for architectural review when water might someday become available for development, and that streamlining favored business over the community. It was stated that if the ARC and PC were combined, some architectural expertise should be required on the PC. Comments in favor of combining boards included remarks observing: that the PC and ARC had a strong overlap in skills, experience, and focus; that the combination of ARC and PC could result in increased efficiency, cost savings, and alignment with state housing requirements; and that the PC had the capacity to handle the additional workload; and that more objective design standards might result in more affordable housing. During public comments, Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 8:02 p.m. to 8:03 p.m. On question, Community Development Director Cole provided further context about State law changes, which she said kept moving in the direction of development review checklists and objective design standards, not discretionary revew processes. She asserted that the PC could handle the ARC workload and that it would streamline operations. She provided an example of a new mixed-use project and the more drawn-out permitting and approvals process that would take place under the present-day City Code. Regarding the future availability of water for development, she emphasized that it would be wise for the City to put together good planning and design standards in the intervening time to prescribe what the City would like to see built in the future. The Council discussed the matter. Regarding how boards, commissions, and committee interviews and nominations should be conducted, it was stated that the public should be able to access information and participate in the process. It was stated that the City’s neighborhood associations were respected for their role in the community but that not all of them functioned in the same way or achieved the same amount of outreach or connection in the community, and that the process needed to be truly inclusive of all Monterey residents and their diversity. Regarding logistics of process, it was stated that providing excess notice such as one proposal for two weeks worth of notice of interviews is not feasible. It was stated that interviewees should be able to interview remotely using technology such as Zoom. One proposal discussed was to leave the interviewing process with the Mayor but incorporate the ability for public participation. Another proposal was that a subcommittee be formed of the Mayor and Vice Mayor to conduct interviews and put forward appointment nominations in public meetings. It was noted that this would be balanced because the Mayor was an at-large seat representing the whole City, and that the Council's practice was to rotate the Vice Mayor seat. Another proposal included separate subcommittees for the NCIP Committee, consisting of two Councilmembers plus one member of the applicable neighborhood association, who could participate in a non-voting role. On question, Councilmembers who were in office in 2019, when the appointments policy changed from the previous subcommittee interview model to the current 7  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 Mayor-only interview model, provided insight on that Council decision and how the former Mayor had gathered community feedback on appointments. On the one hand it was suggested that the Council's governance policy could be evaluated on an annual basis, and on the other hand it was stated that it would be more efficient only to look at the policy when/if an issue arose. Regarding potential consolidation of the HPC and the MCAC, it was noted that the members of these bodies who had provided input were not in favor of combining them. Concern was expressed about challenges due to the statutory need for members with appropriate training and backgrounds for evaluating matters such as Mills Act designations and for specific grant qualifications. It was inquired whether Mills Act determinations could potentially be made by the PC. On question about whether any MCAC activities could be taken over by the Board of Library Trustees, City Attorney Davi noted that the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees were laid out in the Charter. It was stated by the Council that based on available information, it would be premature to make a decision on combining these two bodies. Regarding potential consolidation of the ARC and the PC, it was stated that this would increase efficiency and it was noted that there had been clear support expressed by members of these bodies as well as by City staff. On question, City Manager Uslar and Community Development Director Cole informed the Council that preparing updated plans and zoning code to make this change would take a few months’ time. It was requested by the Council to hear from staff what Community Development work would be done faster resulting from this combination. Regarding neighborhood associations' role in the interview and nominations process, it was stated that as long as all members of the public, whether individuals or neighborhood association presidents, had equal and full access to information and interviews took place at noticed meetings where the public could comment, everyone would be heard equitably. Councilmember Barber left the Chamber between 9:00 p.m. and 9:01 p.m. Remarks were made addressing the appointments to the NCIP Committee that had been made the prior year, and it was stressed that the appointments process was conducted thoroughly and transparently. It was stated that some criticism about the current process and recent appointments seemed personal and it was noted that the current process had been put in place years before under a different Mayor and Council. It was recommended that former members show courtesy and professionalism and consider welcoming and assisting new members in their roles. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Rasch, and seconded by Councilmember Smith, to direct staff to bring forward an amendment to the Council's Governance Resolution, in order to form a Standing Subcommittee consisting of the Mayor and Vice Mayor that would be charged with conducting board and commission interviews and making appointment nominations. The Council discussed the motion. On question, City Attorney Davi noted that anyone on the Council could legally attend a meeting of the subcommittee as long as they did not participate. Concern was expressed that transparency would primarily only increase for the Vice Mayor. It was briefly considered by the Council to incorporate the prescription of standardized interview process procedures, but this was withdrawn in the interest of proceeding efficiently with the existing motion. It was briefly considered by the Council to allow the subcommittee members to appoint a designee, but this was withdrawn based on guidance from legal counsel. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 8  City Council Minutes June 17, 2025 On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council directed staff: to bring back legislation combining the Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Commission; and to provide the Council with greater detail about the potential to combine the Historic Preservation Commission and Museums and Cultural Arts Commission: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) The Council recessed at 10:04 p.m. and reconvened at 10:13 p.m. During the recess Councilmember Smith left the meeting and was absent for the remainder of the meeting. 19. Approve Changes to Rental Assistance Program (RAP) Guidelines (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Continued to August 5, 2025 (4-0-1, Councilmember Smith absent) This item was heard at the end of the evening, after Item 16. Mayor Williamson noted that staff had requested to continue the item to the Council regular meeting on August 5, 2025. On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council continued the matter to August 5: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith Council Comments Mayor Williamson briefly announced that he had enjoyed his Sister City visit to Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, Italy, and would provide further details to the Council and public soon. City Manager Reports City Manager Uslar noted that City Hall would be closed on June 19, 2025 in honor of the Juneteenth memorial holiday. Adjournment The Council adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson City Clerk Mayor 9