Council Special Meeting
Special MeetingMonterey, CA · May 23, 2025
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.