Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Tuesday, May 19, 2026 4:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson Absent: None City Staff City Manager, City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, Community Present: Development Director, Finance Director, Fire Chief, Human Resources Director, Library & Museums Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Police Chief, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Planning Manager, Assistant Human Resources Director, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, Assistant Police Chief, Harbormaster, General Services Superintendent, Management Analyst (Public Works), Administrative Services Technician, Parking Services Representative, Engineering Projects Manager, Finance Manager, Streets & Utilities Operations Manager, Senior Engineers (x2), Associate Civil Engineers (x2), Engineering Assistant II, Recreation Manager, Principal Planner, Parking Superintendent, Assistant Parking Superintendent, Parking Enforcement Officer, Senior Parking Enforcement Officer, Code Compliance Officer Call to Order Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. City Clerk Klein called the roll with the Council present as indicated above. AFTERNOON SESSION: 4:00 p.m. Presentations (Afternoon) 1. Recognize National Public Works Week 2026 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized National Public Works Week Public Works Director Renny gave the staff presentation together with Management Analyst Echinique, Administrative Services Technician Gaskins, Parking Services Representative Munguia, and Engineering Projects Manager Hernandez. The Council recognized and expressed appreciation for the staff of the City's Public Works Department. Public comment was received from Tom Reeves, who echoed the appreciation of the Public Works Department. 2. Receive Presentation from Montage Health (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received presentation Dr. Mike McDermott of Montage Health gave a presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Public comment was received from: Esther Malkin, who highlighted affordability issues and on behalf of Laguna Grande Neighborhood Association asked Montage to assist with installing a senior workout area  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 in Laguna Grande Park; Lori Mazzuca, who compared the tax-advantaged status of Montage Health with the City's current fiscal struggles and asked Montage to do its part to assist the City; and Nina Beety, who expressed concern about understaffing and radiation at the hospital, citing safety issues. General Public Comments Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from: Dan Turner, Sherna Stewart, and General Services Superintendent Dwight introducing Mary Dotson of the U.S. Army. Consent Agenda The Council requested to pull Item 11 and a member of the public requested to pull Item 9. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda, except Items 9 and 11: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Consent: Approval of Minutes 3. April 29, 2026 Special Meeting (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved 4. May 5, 2026 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved Consent: Resolutions 5. Authorize Renewal Agreement for 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Services and Governance with Multiple Public Agencies in Monterey County (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-063 C.S. 6. Identify Franklin at Calle Principal and Alvarado Street ADA Improvements as the Project to be Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-064 C.S. 7. Authorize a Contract with Washington Western Systems, Inc. in the Amount of $472,340.65 for the Purchase of Adaptive Traffic Control System and Traffic Management Software for the Citywide Traffic Signal System Project ***CIP*** (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-065 C.S. 8. Adopt the Annual Reports and Approve Resolutions to Set a Public Hearing Date to Levy the Annual Assessment for the Cannery Row Business Improvement District, the New Monterey Business Improvement District, and the North Fremont Business Improvement District (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution Nos. 26-066, 26-067, and 26-068 C.S. 2  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 9. Accept the Traffic Signal Warrant Evaluation and Approve the Removal of the Traffic Signal at Prescott Avenue and Taylor Street ***CIP/NCIP***(Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 26-069 C.S. Public comment was received from Steve Wilson, who urged the Council not to approve the removal of the traffic signal, stating that causing all travelers to come to a stop on Prescott Avenue would be a hindrance. Engineering Assistant II Garcia gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions with additional input provided by City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Easterling. On a motion by Councilmember Rasch, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-069 C.S.: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Consent: Other 10. Authorize Master Programs Funding Agreement with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County to Receive Allocations from Regional Surface Transportation Program, Regional Development Impact Fee, and Transportation Development Act 2% Program and Authorize the Finance Director to Increase FY26 Revenue and Appropriate Regional Surface Transportation Funds in the Amount of $209,442.61 ***CIP*** (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-070 C.S. 11. Approve Installation of Public Trash Receptacle Art on Fisherman's Wharf (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Approved installation of up to 12 rolled aluminum panels depicting historic sardine cans to be wrapped on City-owned trash receptacles along the Fisherman’s Wharf area Library & Museums Director Edwards gave a brief verbal staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from: Wendy Brickman of Fisherman's Wharf Association, who expressed strong support for the proposal; and Esther Malkin, who agreed and asked that attention also be given to installing public art in all areas of the City. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Smith, and seconded by Councilmember Barber, to approve the staff recommendation to install up to 12 rolled aluminum panels depicting historic sardine cans to be wrapped on City-owned trash receptacles along the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Council made comments in support and thanked Cafe Fina and Domenico's on Fisherman's Wharf for suggesting the proposal. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 5:14 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. 3  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 12. Support the Transportation Agency for Monterey County's Application to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Safe Streets for All Discretionary Grant Opportunity for Fiscal Year 2026 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Authorized lettter End of Consent Agenda Afternoon Session Items Public Hearing (Afternoon) 13. Adopt Citywide Fee Schedule (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-071 C.S., as amended to subsidize the fee for Appeals of Decisions of the Planning Commission to the City Council effective September 1, 2026, and directing staff to bring forward the necessary ordinance to amend the City Code to allow for this subsidy Finance Director King introduced Priti Patel of Willdan Financial Services, who gave the presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from: Tom Reeves, who suggested comparing the City's fully burdened hourly staff rates with those of public sector employees and suggested that there might be issues with the data; and Lori Mazzuca, who expressed concern about proposed increases in fees and echoed particular concern about the appeals fees. The Council discussed the proposed increase of the fee for appeals of Planning Commission decisions to the City Council. On question from the Council, City Manager Hall said that the policy question was whether the public should subsidize fees for an individual who wants to appeal a project of self-interest. Community Development Director Cole provided context on the more complex work required for processing appeals of Planning Commission decisions. She noted that in the past the Council had made a policy choice to recover 100%. Finance Manager Hanalla provided an explanation about how fully burdened rates are calculated for City staff, and provided an estimate for the amount of additional revenue that the proposed increase of fees may recover. City Attorney Davi indicated that further research would be required on the subject of income-based fee levels. Council debated the cost recovery percentage for appeals of Planning Commission decisions to the City Council. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Rasch, and seconded by Councilmember Smith, to adopt Resolution No. 26-071 C.S. as amended to keep the fee for Appeals of Decisions of the Planning Commission to the City Council at its current rate of $2,977. A friendly amendment was introduced by the seconder, and accepted by the mover, to change the fee to $3,500, which was equivalent to 83.73% of full cost recovery. City Attorney Davi explained that if it was the Council's desire to subsidize a portion of the appeal fee, the City Code would need to be modified through two hearings and adoption of an ordinance. 4  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 The mover and seconder agreed that the fee update for Appeals of Decisions of the Planning Commission to the City Council would not go into effect until September 1 provided the necessary ordinance had passed and was in effect as of that date. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 14. Receive a Report on Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code Section 3502.3 regarding Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5 Section 15061) Action: Received report and testimony from bargaining groups Human Resources Director Neal gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Mayor Williamson left the Chamber from 5:59 p.m. to 6:01 p.m. Verbal labor group presentations pursuant to Government Code sec. 3502.3(b) were made by Street Maintenance Lead Worker Balesteri, representing General Employees of Monterey (GEM), and General Services Superintendent Dwight, representing the Management Employees' Association (MEA). Public comment was solicited but not received. The Council briefly discussed the matter. It was suggested that the Human Resources Department work with housing resources in the community to assist the City in its ability to recruit. The City's budget challenges were highlighted in connection with impacts on the City's workforce. Public Appearance (Afternoon) 15. Amend and Restate Resolution 25-112 to Adopt a Refined Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Program Framework (Exempt from CEQA, Article 19, Section 15306, Class 6) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-072 C.S. Parking Superintendent Steffy gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from: Karen O'Neal, who expressed concerns about impacts on Van Buren and Madison Streets; an unidentified man, who spoke in support of the program but expressed concern about the requalification process; an unidentified woman, who said that there should have been a third choice, to keep the program as-is; Marta Kraftzeck, who expressed concerns about impacts on the 600 block of Larkin Street; Lillian Chu, who said she had opted not to register and was disappointed by the new changes that eliminate her "no"; and Lori Mazzuca, who expressed concern about fairness and consistency across neighborhoods. During public comments, Councilmember Garcia left the Chamber from 6:36 p.m. to 6:38 p.m. The Council discussed the matter. Appreciation was expressed for staff's work on the proposed changes, stating that they would fix the majority of issues that had been identified by residents. It was stated that it would be helpful for the Planning Division to work with residents and neighborhoods to provide flexibility on tricky issues. It was stated that future adjustments to the program could be made if needed. On a motion by Councilmember Rasch, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-072 C.S.: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 5  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 Adjourn to Closed Session Public comment on the closed session was solicited but not received. The Council adjourned to closed session at 6:55 p.m. Closed Session (Afternoon) 16. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1): Frank Russo, Workers Compensation Appeals Board Case No. ADJ18027057 (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: On a unanimous roll call vote, the Council gave confidential direction to legal counsel 17. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1): Stronghold Engineering, Inc. v. City of Monterey (Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 18CV329015) (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: On a unanimous roll call vote, the Council authorized filing an appeal The Council recessed at 7:09 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m. EVENING SESSION AGENDA Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Smith led the Pledge. General Public Comments, Continued Continued public comment on non-agendized matters was received from Daniel Armandariz and Nina Beety. Announcements from Closed Session City Attorney Davi reported out from the closed session as indicated in the actions recorded for closed session items 16 and 17, above. Evening Session Items Presentations (Evening) 18. Recognize May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira gave a brief verbal staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from Esther Malkin, who asked about the criteria that enabled groups to be recognized by the City Council, and provided examples of groups that had not been recognized, such as Jewish Americans during Jewish American Heritage Month. 6  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 The Council briefly stated that there was not a specific criteria but a general desire to focus on diverse communities, particularly those that had been underserved and historically discriminated against. Regarding the Asian American and Pacific Islander community it was noted that it had been in the news that Soka University of America had been investigating the potential to purchase the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS). Public Hearing (Evening) 19. Adopt the Planning Commission Recommendation to Adopt a 1st Reading of Ordinance to Prohibit Roosters (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Passed Ordinance to a second reading Planning Manager Hill gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Public comment was received from: two unidentified women, Christopher, and Esther Malkin, who all spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance, with a few asking questions about education and enforcement. On question from the Council, Planning Manager Hill said that staff had not analyzed any potential changes to setbacks. He said that the City's complaint-based code enforcement mechanism would apply. The Council briefly discussed the matter, expressing appreciation for the ordinance. On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council passed the ordinance to a second reading: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 20. Adopt the Planning Commission Recommendation to Adopt a 1st Reading of Ordinance to Clarify the City’s Reasonable Accommodation Regulations (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Passed Ordinance to a second reading Community Development Director Cole gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from: Daniel Armandariz, who asserted that consolidating reasonable accommodation authority for disabled individuals to a single person would be unfair due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and mis-handling; and Nina Beety, who said she had been denied multiple reasonable accommodation requests and asserted that the City had not demonstrated compliance with or knowledge of accessibility-related laws. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council passed the ordinance to a second reading: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 21. Adopt the Planning Commission Recommendation to Adopt a 1st Reading of Ordinance Amending the Monterey City Code to Prohibit Vehicle Storage on Properties with Both 7  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 Industrial, Administration, Research (I-R) and Multi Residential Family (MF) Zoning (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Passed Ordinance to a second reading (4-1, Councilmember Smith voting no) Planning Manager Hill gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from: Robert Reade, who requested the Council to consider his situation individually and exclude his property at 2700 Garden Road from overlay restrictions on vehicle storage; and Nina Beety, who asked for clarification about the proposed restrictions. Council discussed the matter and whether to permit vehicle storage at Mr. Reade's property in light of his request as well as in light of the City's housing priorities. Concern was expressed about prioritizing land use for vehicles versus housing, and about whether making exceptions for individual cases was equitable. On question from the Council, Planning Manager Hill clarified provisions of the proposed ordinance and answered questions about how it related to the City’s 2024 Housing Element. City Attorney Davi said that there was not a use permit for vehicle storage in place on Mr. Reade's property, and said that the law did not give deference to hoping to do something with a property but not having yet done it. The Council expressed the desire to remain consistent with past policy decisions around housing. It was stated that Mr. Reade's concerns had been heard but that the Council could not vest him with future rights to vehicle storage. A motion was introduced by Mayor Williamson, and seconded by Councilmember Barber, to pass the ordinance to a second reading. In opposition to the motion, it was stated that working with Mr. Reade to find a work-around or exception for his well-established property could be an economic development opportunity. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Williamson NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith Requests from Councilmembers to Agendize New Matters 22. Councilmember Garcia's Request to Agendize a Discussion Regarding Options to Support Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood’s Request for an Air Quality Study (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Directed staff to agendize the matter on a future meeting Councilmember Garcia gave a brief verbal presentation supporting his request, and answered Councilmembers' questions. Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 8;37 p.m. to 8:38 p.m. Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Public comment was received from: Daniel Armandariz, who spoke in appreciation of the City team working together to find answers to community issues; Richard Ruccello of the Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association, who spoke about his neighbors' concerns about safety and desire to 8  City Council Minutes May 19, 2026 get more information about air quality; Nina Beety, who spoke in support of the request, citing health concerns; and Esther Malkin, who spoke in support of the request. The Council briefly discussed the matter, agreeing that it would warrant discussion and stating that the Monterey County Health Department, Monterey Airport, and Monterey Bay Air Resources District partners would all need to be included. It was noted that there would be restrictions in what the City could financial contribute and hope was expressed that solutions could be found without spending a lot of general fund money. On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Mayor Williamson, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved Councilmember Garcia's request: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Council Comments Councilmember Rasch reported from a Chamber of Commerce meeting, sharing that hotels' occupancy rate and income were both experiencing an upward trend. Councilmember Smith thanked Councilmember Rasch (Monterey-Salinas Transit) and Councilmember Garcia (Transportation Agency for Monterey County) for attending outside agency meetings in his absence while he visited family in Florida, where he said he enjoyed himself. He reported that afterward he had traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Association of Defense Communities conference, where he said Monterey was well-represented and well-respected. He said that the Monterey Vista Neighborhood Association had appreciated and enjoyed meeting City Manager Hall at their recent meeting. City Manager Reports City Manager Hall shared that he would be meeting with more neighborhood associations as he continued to get the lay of the land in Monterey. He announced the upcoming Memorial Day concert in front of Colton Hall, and provided information about the ballot drop box in front of the Library, polling places, and conditional voting for the June 2, 2026 election. Adjournment The Council adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson City Clerk Mayor 9