Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting

NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, April 16, 2025 6:00 PM MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY - COMMUNITY ROOM, 625 PACIFIC ST. AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA NCIP Aguajito Oaks AJ Purdy, Rep.* Representatives Alta Mesa Amy Stocker, Rep. & Alternates Casanova Oak Knoll Shelly Schmidt, Rep. Present: Deer Flats Dave Overton, Alt. Del Monte Beach Jayme Fields, Rep. Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande Scott Hanson, Rep. Downtown Curt Tipton, Rep., Bella Lofaso, Alt. Fisherman’s Flats Gary Paul Baker, Rep. Glenwood Lee Whitney, Rep., Amanda Preece, Alt.* Monterey Vista Hans Jannasch, Rep., Gina Sessions, Alt. New Monterey Chinyere Ogbonna, Rep.*, Natalia Tjandra, Alt.** Oak Grove Luz Adam, Rep. Old Town Sue Ricketson, Rep., Rosemary Robert, Alt.* Skyline Dennis Duke, Rep. Villa Del Monte Jil Johnson, Rep. * attended remotely via teleconference ** Attended remotely by teleconference pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54953(f)(2)(A) for just cause. NCIP Aguajito Oaks Dean Bobrowski, Alt. Representatives Alta Mesa Holly Ochoa, Alt. & Alternates Casanova Oak Knoll Chelsea Lenowska, Alt. Absent: Deer Flats Scott Cohick, Rep. Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande Joseph Hill, Alt. Skyline John Mera, Alt. Villa Del Monte Tammy Jennings, Alt. City Staff Andrea Renny, Public Works Director Present: Reginald Paulding, Senior Engineer/NCIP Staff Coordinator Parker Lovett, Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary This meeting was held with a combination of in-person and teleconference attendance, pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act, Calif. Government Code section 54953(e)(1)(C) and the City Council's resolution authorizing teleconferencing. CALL TO ORDER Action: Committee Vice Chair Duke called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Recording secretary Lovett explained how to participate in the meeting virtually via Zoom. ROLL CALL  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes Action: Recording secretary Lovett called roll with 14 neighborhoods represented and 1 neighborhood absent (Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande) at this time, but arrived and participated later in the meeting. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Robin Domiter provided comment requesting that existing street signs in Skyline Forest be painted and the Skyline Forest neighborhood signs be illuminated again like the ones at Skyline Forest Drive and Highway 68. Carla Bitter O’Sullivan provided comment regarding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) being defunded, and she encouraged funding of Monterey Public Library (Library) infrastructure projects. Diane de Lorimier provided comment on the Library’s budget cuts and advocated for funding ADA-compliant projects, archival rooms, and additional features of the Library. Ri Chang provided comment on the lack of bike infrastructure, specifically for protection for bike commuters and designated parking for bikes including protected bike parking. Rosemary Robert provided comment on the Library, specifically for the Community Room, being small and the need for technology upgrades to support additional rentals and additional library funding. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. February 19, 2025 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved. Committee Vice Chair Duke introduced a motion to approve the February 5, 2025 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Schmidt. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 12 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Purdy, Stocker, Schmidt, Overton, Fields, Baker, Whitney, Jannasch, Tjandra, Adam, Ricketson, Duke NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSENT: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hanson ABSTAIN: 2 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Tipton, Johnson RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 2. Project Status Update Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a brief presentation on updates for the Hilltop Park Center Renovation, and the Fire Stations 12 and 13 Rehabilitation. NCIP INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 3. NCIP Spokesperson Reports None. Committee Member Hanson arrived at 6:11PM. PUBLIC APPEARANCE Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 2  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes 4. Recommend Location for One Recreation Trail Bike Repair Station and Recommend Revised Project to City Council for Approval of Funding (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved with amendment. Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a brief presentation for one proposed location either near Fisherman’s Shoreline Park or Window on the Bay Park. Committee Member Schmidt asked if the bike pump will be included since that was included with the original project nomination, but the submitter had no preference on the location. Staff Coordinator Paulding responded the bike pump is included and explained the potential configurations of the bike repair station with the bike pump. Public comment was received by Jean Rasch who commented to provide a check out system for bike repair tools at the front desk of the Monterey Sports Center (Sports Center) as an optional service during regular business hours. Also, Ri Chang commented opposing the comment for the bike repair tools at the Sports Center due to lack of accessibility for users on the Recreation Trail, limited hours of availability of the Sports Center, and other groups who may not have access to the Sports Center, while advocating for the Fisherman’s Shoreline Park location. Committee Member Schmidt clarified that the project nomination specifies for the project to be on the Recreation Trail and acknowledged the Sports Center option may be another project at a later time. Committee Member Fields advocated for the Window on the Bay location with more space available to avoid congesting the path, while acknowledging the heavy traffic of Fisherman’s Shoreline Park, so the location should provide a balanced approach for meeting the publics’ needs. Committee Member Jannasch asked about the price and availability of replacement tools, which Staff Coordinator Paulding identified that the agenda item attachments contained details on the tools. Committee Member Johnson acknowledged the other bike-related developments for more connections in the area of N. Fremont Street and Canyon Del Rey Boulevard so the Window on the Bay Park would be helpful in supporting bike riders on that side of the City. Committee Member Fields introduced a motion to approve the item with the amendment for installing one repair station equipped with tools near the Window on the Bay location. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Duke. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 15 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Purdy, Stocker, Schmidt, Overton, Fields, Hanson, Tipton, Baker, Whitney, Jannasch, Tjandra, Adam, Ricketson, Duke, Johnson NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSENT: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 3  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes 5. Recommend Locations for Two Radar Speed Signs in the Villa Del Monte Neighborhood to City Council for Approval of Funding (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Item to be removed from agenda for further discussion until a later time. Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a brief presentation with an overview of the project since 2007, then closed out in April 2020 along with other projects, and then NCIP Committee recommended to City Council for approval, which City Council returned to the NCIP Committee for further considerations of locations in November 2024. Staff Coordinator Paulding recommended for the NCIP Committee either to identify locations within the Villa Del Monte neighborhood or close-out the project due to inability to identify a location. Committee Member Tipton asked if a portable radar speed sign was recommended, Staff Coordinator Paulding responded that it needs to be fixed equipment in order to be funded by the NCIP Committee. Vice Chair Duke asked about the location at Garden Road, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded to clarify that Garden Road is not within the Villa Del Monte neighborhood and not a part of this project. Committee Member Johnson introduced a motion to remove the item for further discussion until a later time. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Stocker. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 15 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Purdy, Stocker, Schmidt, Overton, Fields, Hanson, Tipton, Baker, Whitney, Jannasch, Tjandra, Adam, Ricketson, Duke, Johnson NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSENT: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: 6. Recommend NCIP Opportunity Property Purchasing Project to City Council for Approval of Funding (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved with amendment. Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a brief presentation with past example. Committee Member Tipton asked if NCIP Committee approves, then the $250,000 would be assigned to this project, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded that it would go to the City Council as a recommendation for approval. Committee Member Fields asked if this project as a cut-off project would be worked on after the other projects that have already been passed based on the ranking from voting night, which Staff Coordinator Paulding acknowledged the debate on how cut-off projects be completed, but there is no policy. Instead funding of cut-off projects is dependent on what’s available as other projects are completed and City Council decides which projects to fund. Committee Member Purdy asked if this project was passed back from City Council, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded yes it was. City Council returned the four cut-off projects together to the NCIP Committee for further consideration. Public comment was received by Tom Reeves asking if this funding would be added to prior opportunity property Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 4  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes purchasing funds? Mr. Reeves also stated in the past that this land purchase funding was for a specific location. Committee Member Overton commented reminding the NCIP Committee that the earlier discussion included neighborhood feedback wanting land available for public use, so the funding can be approved before hand in order to not wait for the following NCIP cycle, and given the backlog, it can help relieve pressure to fund more projects based on the funding available for that cycle. Committee Member Fields commented that the funding for similar projects in the past has been very successful for instance in Del Monte Beach and acknowledging that any projects identified as cut-off projects need to be limited and has already been decided on by the NCIP committee from voting night. Committee Member Tipton acknowledged the need for the fund when the opportunities arrive. Committee Member Duke commented that the motion can include that the location is not planned currently. Committee Member Jannasch commented that making more space for public-use available like for parks should be a priority. Committee Member Johnson commented on how the funding amount was determined, which other committee members responded that it was decided during the review process of the previous NCIP fiscal cycle as a starting amount for the fund, and not necessarily expected to purchase land solely with these funds. Committee Member Tipton introduced a motion to approve the item with amendment for a location to be determined at a later time when available. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Jannasch. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 15 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Purdy, Stocker, Schmidt, Overton, Fields, Hanson, Tipton, Baker, Whitney, Jannasch, Tjandra, Adam, Ricketson, Duke, Johnson NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSENT: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: 7. Recommend City Council Appropriate $16,000 from the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Contingency Balance (31ncont) to the Virgin Avenue Decomposed Granite (DG) Path Widening Project (ncp2415) (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved as submitted Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a brief presentation identifying the current phase of work and explaining how the additional funds would be needed for construction of sidewalk. Committee Member Schmidt asked how the project exceeded the original funding amount, which Staff Coordinator Paulding clarified that the work for designing the project went to a consultant, and the funding amount did not include the cost for outside design and construction. Committee Member Johnson asked if City staff could have designed it, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded that the City engineering division is short on staff with 50% vacancy. So given consideration of current workloads of staff, it was determined to contract this type of work to a design consultant. Committee Member Hanson commented that this project was bundled with similar projects, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded affirming that was the case. Vice Chair Duke asked if there will be other projects with similar requests, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded none at this time. Committee Member Fields commented it seemed like a significant amount of money for a sidewalk design. Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 5  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes Committee Member Fields introduced a motion to approve the item as submitted. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Jannasch. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 15 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Purdy, Stocker, Schmidt, Overton, Fields, Hanson, Tipton, Baker, Whitney, Jannasch, Tjandra, Adam, Ricketson, Duke, Johnson NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSENT: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Receive Presentation on NCIP Projects Approved by City Council in Previous Fiscal Years and Make Motions for Recommending Action to City Council (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, 8. Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved with amendments Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a presentation reviewing details from the previous NCIP meeting on February 19th with status updates of the prior NCIP projects. Committee Member Stocker asked what is a log drop? Staff Coordinator Paulding responded that the log drop is a control device like a dam intended to slow the flow of stormwater and to reduce erosion. Staff Coordinator Paulding also explained a hydraulic analysis of the area is needed to design a better stormwater control system. Committee Member Johnson asked if this is the property owner’s responsibility for stormwater flow, which Staff Coordinator Paulding responded yes, but this is stormwater flow on City property. Public comment was received by Debby Majors- Degnan stating that she is a resident of the area and that the flooding issue has worsened for the homes along Dry Creek. Mayor Tyller Williamson commented regarding projects with Caltrans as he recently met with Caltrans and asked to be reached out for issues with Caltrans contact. Committee Member Jannasch commented with intentions to submit a new project submission for Mar Vista. Committee Member Stocker asked if the future of the Presidio Park will be affected by the project in this item, which Public Works Director Renny responded that recent presentations from City staff to City Council made clear that the lease for the land of the Presidio will still allow it to be enjoyed by the public. Committee Member Tipton introduced a motion to close out projects 35n1616, nip2315, and nip2331, and combine ncp2422 with ncp2502. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Whitney. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 15 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Purdy, Stocker, Schmidt, Overton, Fields, Hanson, Tipton, Baker, Whitney, Jannasch, Tjandra, Adam, Ricketson, Duke, Johnson NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSENT: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 6  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes 9. Discuss NCIP Committee Members Roles for Nominations Received for the FY 2025-26 Cycle (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) No Action from Discussion Staff Coordinator Paulding provided a presentation for discussing ideas on how to interact with project proponents, gather information on nominated projects, vetting project nominations for consistency with NCIP requirements, gauging neighbor support for nominated projects, etc. Specifically, highlighting the NCIP Policies and Procedures Manual to require written proof of support from the owners of affected properties before Voting Night. Committee Member Fields asked if there is a specific distance considered to be adjacent to the project, and commented engaging the neighborhood via surveys in order to follow the neighborhood’s priorities for Voting Night. Public comment was received by Tom Reeves that the neighborhood associations should be engaged for support of NCIP project. Public comment was received by Ri Chang to get neighborhood support from both property owners and renters, which Public Works Director Renny clarified that owners or residents can both be reached out for neighborhood support. Mayor Tyller Williamson commented on how projects for safety can be prioritized despite opposition from one neighbor. Esther Malkin commented advocating to get neighborhood support early in the process given the amount of time spent by City staff effort, NCIP Committee, and the involved public, while also noting how safety projects can be completed when there has been resistance from one neighbor. Committee Member Schmidt commented thanking Committee Member Fields for sharing ways to engage with neighborhood, and also asked for more information on the distance of the project, which Public Works Director Renny responded that it used to be 300 feet; however, it was not always relevant, so the guidance for distance is not one size fits all. Committee Member Tipton asked for Recording Secretary Lovett to distribute the currently submitted project nominations to NCIP Committee Members, which Recording Secretary Lovett affirmed that he would and informed the NCIP Committee of resources available on the City of Monterey NCIP webpage. Committee Member Overton commented on the safety project for Deer Flats to engage those most impacted by the project, but was able to move forward with a positive outcome despite the lack of support from those that were not directly impacted. Committee Member Jannasch also recommended using Google Forms for surveying neighborhood engagement. Committee Member Fields commented on the level of support versus the level of dissent for a project. Public Works Director Renny commented with that the neighborhood support does often give priority to those in closest vicinity of project, and ultimately leaving to City Council to decide to approve project for funding. Committee Member Hanson commented how recent projects have been affected as well in the neighborhood due to one opposing neighbor causing the project to be adjusted. Committee Member Purdy commented asking for existing policy on scenarios when one neighbor can stop a project, or if there is a different class of projects that can allow a project to move forward. Vice Chair Duke commented how projects may need to be considered on a case-by-case basis of each project since each may have different needs and requirements. Public Works Director Renny responded that it is project dependent, and not one size fits all for a policy, which creates situations for City staff working on the projects. The NCIP process is designed to be collaborative with the City, NCIP Committee and the public. If we are going to start handling issues with projects in a different way, then City Council needs to be aware of what is happening. Committee Member Tipton commented on how the neighborhood support from business owners are considered if opposed to a project, which Public Works Director Renny responded that the business owners’ feedback is equal to any property owner, given it depends on the location and expected level of impact. Committee Members Fields commented how Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 7 Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes important it is to have the written support and dissent clearly in order to still move the project forward on Voting Night to City Council with an understanding of potential support and conflict. Committee Member Johnson asked a question on a traffic study by engineers if NCIP can make a project, which Public Works Director Renny responded that the citywide traffic calming plans allowed looking at the neighborhoods as a whole rather than on a street-by-street basis, so NCIP Committee could have a list of projects that have been vetted by City Council and neighborhood before the projects were implemented. Committee Member Johnson asked for feedback from NCIP Committee Members on how to engage with neighborhood. Committee Member Overton responded working with the neighborhood association to leverage their communication in order to hold meetings and walking around the neighborhood for better information and participation. Additionally, Vice Chair Duke mentioned using online systems like Google surveys for polling as another available form of neighborhood participation. Vice Chair Duke stated that we need to make the best effort as NCIP Committee members to represent the public and move projects forward. Vice Chair Duke recommended ending the discussion, and no action was taken. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Committee Member Fields commented how there is a possible issue of the neighborhoods being dissolved in favor of districts being formed, which she opposes since smaller neighborhoods would lose representation, so she advocated for public members to write the City in favor of keeping the neighborhood structure of the NCIP Committee. Committee Member Stocker provided an update on the Don Dahvee Trail project for the next phase and will be holding the next neighborhood meeting on May 10th. Committee Member Schmidt provided an update on the speed radar signs were replaced on April 14th on Airport Road and the project was received well by the neighborhood. Committee Member Adam requested for City staff to provide information to the NCIP Committee about what needs to be done to make a project successful. Committee Member Whitney congratulated City Staff and committee members on learning and doing a lot. Committee Member Tipton commented emphasizing for the NCIP Committee members to engage with the neighborhood. Committee Member Jannasch commented on asking City staff for a job description outlining the responsibilities of NCIP Committee Member, while also mentioning that the NCIP Committee should continue on a neighborhood basis and opposed moving to a district basis. Committee Member Hanson commented on the sucess of the Casanova Avenue radar speed signs indicates potentially more similar project nominations to come. Public Works Director Renny commented that the City held a meeting on details of the City infrastructure on April 15th and will hold another update on May 6th. Recording Secretary Lovett commented reminding all that the NCIP Project Nomination deadline for this fiscal cycle is July 31st. Vice Chair Duke commented that the structure of the neighborhoods allows for more diverse opinions and more opportunities for collaboration with each other. Vice Chair Duke reminded everyone that the NCIP Committee is a team working together with the City staff and the public. NEXT MEETING July 2, 2025 Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 8  Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM Committee Minutes ADJOURNMENT Committee Vice Chair Duke Adjourned at 8:04 PM Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Parker Lovett Reginald Paulding Recording Secretary NCIP Staff Coordinator Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 6:00:00 PM 9