Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · February 11, 2026
Minutes
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Ono, Buaya, Bence, Crampton, Nazal Garib, Reed, Schmidt
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Recreation Manager, Park
Operations Manager, Sports Center Manager, Recreation
Supervisor, NCIP Coordinator, Administrative Assistant
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Ono called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENTATIONS
1. Introduction of Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Banks (Not a project under CEQA
Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Presentation given
Public Comments: Lorna Moffett welcomed the new Parks and Recreation Director Nicole
Banks and looks forward to working with her.
2. Review of the Status of Parks and Recreation-Related Neighborhood and Community
Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Presentation given
Public Comments: Lorna Moffett made a public comment urging our Parks Department to
switch from using wood lumber to plastic.
3. Presentation on the Status of the Parks and Recreation Department Operations for
December 2025 through January 2026 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Presentation given
Public Comments: Lorna Moffett made a public comment regarding clearing out invasive
species in the parks.
CONSENT ITEMS
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 02/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
Approval of Minutes
4. Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Action: Approved as submitted (7-0-0 Absent). Commissioner Crampton motioned
Commissioner Nazal Garib Second
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lorna Moffet made a public comment regarding fire mitigation and fuel reduction.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
5. Recommend to the City Council that the Parks and Recreation Related Proposed
Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects for Fiscal Year
2025-2026 are Consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Provide
Direction to Staff to Advise City Council (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Sections 15301,
15303, 15306, Classes 1, 3, and 6, and Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission gave direction to staff to advise City
Council that the Parks and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood and Community
Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 are consistent with the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan (7-0-0).
Public Comments: Shelly Schmidt, NCIP representative for Casanova Oak Knoll
Neighborhood, made a public comment on the COK neighborhood projects and the ranking
process.
On a motion by Commissioner Crampton, seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried by
the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission gave direction to staff to advise City
Council that the Parks and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood and Community
Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 are consistent with the Parks
and Recreation Master Plan.
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Ono, Buaya, Bence, Crampton, Nazal Garib,
Reed, Schmidt
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 02/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
Parks and Recreation Director Banks thanked the Department for their presentations and for
providing insight into the Department’s activities in December and January. She also introduced
Mark Ackerman, the City’s Management Analyst, who will be supporting the Parks and
Recreation Department on a part-time basis.
Recreation Manager Leon welcomed Nicole Banks to the City and invited everyone to visit the
new playground at El Estero once it is complete. She also gave a shoutout to Mike Lewis,
Management Analyst in Public Works, and Reginald Paulding, NCIP Coordinator, for their
tremendous support with permitting and contracts for the NCIP projects. She concluded by
thanking the Recreation team and highlighting how busy the Department has been preparing to
launch summer programs.
Sports Center Manager Rothschild thanked the Commission for their continued support and for
recognizing the team’s success and the work being done within the community.
Parks Operations Manager Norton welcomed Nicole Banks as the new Parks and Recreation
Director. He also spoke about the new intern assisting at the cemetery and provided an update
on fire safety efforts at the Old Capitol Site. Lastly, he invited everyone to attend the Cutting Day
and Horticulture Faire on March 21, 2026.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 02/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Bence thanked the Department for the work that they do and all the exciting
projects coming to the community.
Commissioner Nazal Garib welcomed Nicole Banks and looks forward to working with the
Department.
Commissioner Crampton echoed her fellow commissioners in welcoming Nicole Banks to the
City and expressed that she looks forward to working with her and the team. She also
mentioned how impressed she is with the creative ideas the Department consistently
develops.
Commissioner Schmidt welcomed the new Parks and Recreation Director and encouraged
the team to be collaborative, bringing any concerns to the Commission as they arise. He also
mentioned Monterey County Works and noted that he is ecstatic to learn more about what
the organization does.
Commissioner Reed welcomed Nicole Banks and shared how fortunate she feels to have
lived in the City of Monterey her entire life, boasting to her non-resident friends about what a
wonderful place it is.
Vice Chair Buaya welcomed Nicole Banks, noting what a beautiful place she has joined, and
thanked Park Operations Manager Norton and his team for their outstanding work at Laguna
Grande Park.
Chair Ono looks forward to working with Nicole Banks and the team. He highlighted Cutting
Day, describing it as a holiday for him and his colleagues. He also reminded the Commission
of the upcoming Lower Presidio Park meeting for those who wish to attend.
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ono adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 02/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Nicole Banks Justin Ono, Chair
Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
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Agenda
Parks and Recreation
Commission Commissioners
Agenda Justin Ono, Chair
Kathie Buaya, Vice Chair
Parks and Recreation Ben Bence
Commission Meeting Cyd Crampton
Julieta Nazal Garib
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Amy Reed
Christian Schmidt
Council Chambers
580 Pacific Street 5:30 PM
Monterey, California
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING:
• Written comment: Members of the public may submit comment(s) to
parksrecreationcommission@monterey.org until ½ hour before the start of the
meeting. These messages are not read aloud during the meeting but are made available
to the meeting body and public at https://monterey.org/submitted-comments. All
comments received become part of the record.
• In-Person: Please see the meeting location listed above. Wearing a mask is
recommended and encouraged.
• Remote via ZoomGov Webinar:
o Join on a computer or smartphone: https://monterey-
org.zoomgov.com/j/1609222935 An up-to-date version of the Zoom
software must be used.
o Or join by telephone: Dial 833-568-8864 (Toll Free), 669-254-5252 (Campbell,
CA) or 646-828-7666 (NY). If one number doesn’t work, please try another.
▪ Enter Webinar ID: 160 922 2935 #
▪ If prompted to enter a participant ID, press #
▪ To “raise your hand,” dial *9. Once called upon, dial *6 to unmute
o Need help using or updating Zoom? Read our Zoom Meeting Instructions (PDF)
• 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).
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 Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, there is one 15-minute public
comment period for items not on the agenda.
3. The total time allocated for public comment:
a. Items pulled from the consent agenda – 15 minutes each item
b. Public Appearance items – 30 minutes each item
c. Public Hearing items – 30 minutes each item
At the time an item is considered, the Chair 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 Parks and Recreation
Commission. 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 Chair may,
with the Committee’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time
allotted for each speaker.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PRESENTATIONS
1. Introduction of Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Banks (Not a project
under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section
15061)
2. Review of the Status of Parks and Recreation-Related Neighborhood and
Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects (Not a project under CEQA
Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
3. Presentation on the Status of the Parks and Recreation Department
Operations for December 2025 through January 2026 (Not a project under
CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under Consent Agenda are routine and will be adopted by one motion
unless a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission or the public requests discussion
or a separate vote.
Approval of Minutes
4. December 10, 2025
***End of Consent Agenda***
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public may speak to any item that is not on the agenda and that is in the City of
Monterey’s subject matter jurisdiction.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Public Appearance items are on non-routine issues that might stimulate public interest and
comments.
5. Recommend to the City Council that the Parks and Recreation Related
Proposed Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP)
Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 are Consistent with the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and Provide Direction to Staff to Advise City Council
(Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Sections 15301, 15303, 15306, Classes 1, 3,
and 6, and Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General
Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the
scheduling of meetings and study sessions.
Parks & Recreation Commission
2/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
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COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioners may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a
brief report on their activities. In addition, a Commissioner or the Parks and Recreation
Commission may provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information.
(Government Code section 54954.2(a)(3).)
NEXT MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting is March 11, 2026.
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, 580 Pacific St., Rm. 1, Monterey, CA 93940 during regular business hours.
Information distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission at the meeting becomes part of the
public record.
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
Voicemail: (831) 646-3799 Fax: (831) 646-3793
Email: suggest@monterey.gov WebPage: http://www.monterey.gov
INTERPRETATION: The Monterey Parks and Recreation Commission 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 Parks and Recreation Commission. 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 people with disabilities 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, including to coordinate the use of a
hearing device, 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.
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) 646-3866
Parks & Recreation Commission
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