Muyni
← Back to Monterey

Council Special Meeting

Special Meeting

Monterey, CA · May 23, 2025

AgendaMinutesPacket

Minutes

MINUTES COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AND SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION CITY OF MONTEREY Friday, May 23, 2025 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson Present: Absent: Barber City Staff Present: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Public Works Director, City Engineer, Engineering Assistant, Management Analyst, Recording Secretary Call to Order Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. Recording Secretary Barrera called the roll with the Council present as indicated above. Public Appearance 1. Receive a Presentation on the Draft Local Road Safety Plan (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received Presentation Engineering Assistant Garcia gave a presentation and answered Councilmembers’ questions. Public comment was received from an unidentified speaker, who asked the City to work with the State on safety concerns at the Highway 1 exit to Munras Avenue; Dr. Ri Chang, who emphasized the need for bicycle infrastructure improvements; and MaryAnn Vultaggio, who expressed concerns about traffic safety on Jefferson Street and Franklin Street. The Council emphasized the importance of public input, data-driven decision-making, and continuous updates to the plan to improve road safety for all users. Suggestions were made to staff on topics including education and enforcement efforts on speeding and turning violations; collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions; and collection of driver data. 2. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing and Approving One or More Locations for Rainbow Crosswalks (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Continued to June 3, 2025 (3-1-1, with Councilmember Smith voting no and Councilmember Barber absent) Management Analyst Ackermann gave a presentation and answered Councilmembers’ questions. Public comment in opposition was received from: Alan Beanfield, Charlene Carter, Rina Tringali, Peter Kaiser, Luis Osorio, Rick Heuer, Kathy Anderson, Rick Aldinger, Carol Sassel, Nelson Vega, Tom Casas, Robert McKay, Gary Cursio, Tom Reeves, Lori Mazzuca, Eloise Shim, and Andrea Olsen. Reasons cited by commenters in opposition included concerns about fiscal responsibility and the need to prioritize infrastructure issues; perceived divisiveness and lack of community involvement and support; the need for recognition of and fairness for other City Council Minutes May 23, 2025 groups; and safety concerns such as the sidewalk causing potential distractions for drivers and pedestrians. It was stated that funding for any such crosswalk should be through private contributions. Public comment in favor was received from: Nadine Anderson, Tina Rau, Meganne Yeoman, Sarah Epperson, Kate Daniels, two (2) unidentified speakers, Melissa, P.K. Diffenbaugh, Taylor Merritt, Gabe Sanders, Andy Owen, Esther Malkin, Luca Oake, Chinyere Ogbonna, Jan Shriner, and Brian McCarthy. Reasons cited by commenters in favor included the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for marginalized groups; the visibility and sense of belonging and safety that such a crosswalk would provide for the LGBTQ+ community and young people. It was suggested that the intersection of Alvarado and Pearl Streets be the location for a rainbow crosswalk, and that the community could fundraise for its installation. The Council discussed the matter. In favor of approving a rainbow crosswalk, personal experiences were shared and it was emphasized how important visibility was for marginalized voices, including the LGBTQ+ community and in particular its youth. It was stressed that the crosswalk would be consistent with the City’s values of inclusivity and would send a welcoming message to residents and visitors alike. The potential life-saving impact of the crosswalk was highlighted and it was stated that preventing one suicide would make the crosswalk worth the investment. It was suggested that the Council consider approving the project contingent on private contributions, and that outreach to business districts be conducted. In opposition to approving a rainbow crosswalk, concerns about the process were expressed, stating that the item had been rushed and lacked sufficient community outreach and input, and that it could create a precedent for other groups to request crosswalks. It was stated that there were safety concerns and the potential for distractions for drivers and pedestrians, and further research was requested, including about potential impacts for visually challenged individuals. It was suggested that the City explore alternative ways to celebrate diversity, such as art installations in public spaces. It was proposed to continue the item to the next regular meeting, allowing time for further outreach to business districts, additional research, and more community input. On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council continued the matter to the June 3, 2025 regular Council meeting: AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Williamson NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber Closed Session Due to the late hour, and because City staff indicated that one of the individuals involved in the closed session items had already been informed that the discussion might be postponed, the Council proposed tabling the two closed session matters until they could be heard at a later date. Public comment was not received. On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council tabled closed session items 3 and 4: 2 City Council Minutes May 23, 2025 AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Williamson NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Smith ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber 3. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 1 Old Golf Course Road (Hyatt Regency Monterey) Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete Negotiating Parties: Tony Lombardo (Representing FWREF Monterey, LLC) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for New Lease Agreement (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- continued from May 6, 2025 and May 20, 2025 Action: Tabled (4-0-1, with Councilmember Barber absent) 4. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8; Property: Crematorium at El Encinal Cemetery, Fremont Street and Camino Aguajito; Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete; Negotiating Parties: Michelle Price (Keystone America, Inc., dba The Paul Mortuary, a subsidiary of Service Corporation International); Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for Lease Amendment (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- continued from May 20, 2025 Action: Tabled (4-0-1, with Councilmember Barber absent) Adjournment The Council adjourned at 5:43 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Erica Barrera Tyller Williamson Recording Secretary Mayor 3

Agenda

Mayor Tyller Williamson CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Councilmembers Kim Barber, District 1 Council Special Meeting and Ed Smith, District 2 Special Closed Session Jean Rasch, District 3 Gino Garcia, District 4 Friday, May 23, 2025 City Manager Council Chamber AMENDED Hans Uslar 580 Pacific St. City Attorney Monterey, California 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM M. Christine Davi HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING:  In-Person: At the meeting location listed above.  Remotely via ZoomGov webinar: o On a computer or smartphone: : https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j/1616037682 Zoom software must be up-to-date. For help, please use our Zoom Meeting Instructions. o By telephone dial 833-568-8864 (Toll Free), 669-254-5252 (CA) or 646-828-7666 (NY). If one number doesn’t work, please try another. Enter Webinar ID: 161 603 7682 # If asked for participant ID, press #. To raise your hand: dial *9. Once called upon, dial *6 to unmute.  This meeting will also stream live for viewing only on youtube.com/cityofmonterey (~10 second delay) and on Comcast Channel 25 (up to 90 second delay).  Written comment: Emailed comments to cityclerk@monterey.gov sent no later than ½ hour before the start of the meeting (sooner preferred) are not read aloud but are made available to the Council and public at monterey.gov/submitted-comments. PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES AND TIME LIMITS: The total amount of time allocated for public comment on a particular issue and for each individual speaker is generally as follows: 1. Up to three minutes per speaker. 2. For regular City Council meetings, there are two 15-minute public comment periods, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Speakers may only comment during one session. 3. The total time allocated for public comment: a. 30 minutes per item – Public Appearance and Public Hearing items b. 15 minutes per item – All other items (including, but not limited to, Consent, Closed Session, Presentations, and Requests to Agendize) At the time an item is considered, the Mayor will ask those attending the meeting in person to line up at the podium or raise their hands, and for remote participants to use *9 on the telephone or the “raise hand” function in Zoom, if they wish to address the City Council. The maximum amount of time for each person to speak and the total amount of time allotted for each item will be determined based on the number of people indicating an interest in speaking and the amount of business to be conducted on the agenda. In exceptional circumstances and when necessary to ensure a full opportunity for public input, the Mayor may, with the legislative body’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time allotted for each speaker. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE: Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt. Code §84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made. 5/23/2025 2:00:00 PM AFTERNOON SESSION: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Afternoon Session Items Public Appearance (Afternoon) Public Appearance items are on non-routine issues that might stimulate public interest and comments. 1. Receive a Presentation on the Draft Local Road Safety Plan (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) 2. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing and Approving One or More Locations for Rainbow Crosswalks (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Adjourn to Closed Session The City Council will take public comments on closed session items before convening to closed session. Closed Session (Afternoon) The City Council will take public comments on closed session items before convening to closed session. 3. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 1 Old Golf Course Road (Hyatt Regency Monterey) Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete Negotiating Parties: Tony Lombardo (Representing FWREF Monterey, LLC) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for New Lease Agreement (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- continued from May 6, 2025 and May 20, 2025 4. Closed Session Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8; Property: Crematorium at El Encinal Cemetery, Fremont Street and Camino Aguajito; Agency Negotiators: Kimberly Cole and Janna Aldrete; Negotiating Parties: Michelle Price (Keystone America, Inc., dba The Paul Mortuary, a subsidiary of Service Corporation International); Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment for Lease Amendment (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) -- continued from May 20, 2025 Adjournment Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on these matters within 72 hours prior to the meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, are available at: monterey.gov/submitted-comments and in the City Manager’s Office at 580 Pacific St., Room 1, Monterey, CA 93940 during regular business hours. All comments and materials provided to the Council become part of the public record. Members of the public who comment in any fashion on an agenda item may be subject to the Levine Act which requires disclosure of campaign contributions of more than $500 to an officer of the City within the preceding 12 months. 2 5/23/2025 2:00:00 PM INTERPRETATION: The Monterey City Council invites and encourages public participation at its meetings. Requests for language interpretation may be made by contacting the City Clerk at cityclerk@monterey.gov or 831-646-3935. The City Clerk will make every effort to accommodate requests for interpreter assistance. Requests should be made as soon as possible in advance of any meeting of the City Council. The City is committed to addressing language interpretation requests swiftly in order to maximize public participation. ACCESSIBILITY: The City of Monterey is committed to including disabled people in all of its services, programs and activities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact cityclerk@monterey.gov or (831) 646-3935. Notification 30+ hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible. For communication-related assistance, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS) to speak to City offices. CRS offers free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you require a hearing amplification device to attend a meeting, dial 711 to use CRS to talk to the City Clerk's Office at (831) 646-3935 to coordinate use of a device. CITY OF MONTEREY 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES: (831) 646-3799 or suggest@monterey.gov Upcoming city meetings are listed at monterey.gov/agendas For more information, call (831) 646-3935 3

Get email alerts for Monterey

A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.

Report an issue with this meeting