Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · March 11, 2026
Minutes
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Buaya, Bence, Crampton, Nazal Garib, Reed, Schmidt
Commissioners Absent: Ono
Staff Members Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Recreation Manager, Sports
Center Manager, Recreation Supervisor, Administrative
Assistant
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Buaya called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
CONSENT ITEMS
Approval of Minutes
1. Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Action: Approved as submitted (6-0-1 Absent). Commissioner Crampton motioned
Commissioner Bence Second
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
2. Recommend the City Council Adjust the Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
for FY2027, Adjust the Contribution of Parks and Recreation Fees to 6% for the Purpose
of Parks and Recreation Facility Maintenance and Improvement, and Increase
Designation by 1% Each Fiscal Year Until Contribution Reaches 10% in FY2031 (Not a
project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section
15061)
Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the City Council
approve the proposed revisions to the Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule,
to include fee increases effective on July 1, 2026. (6-0-1).
Public Comments: None.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 03/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
On a motion by Commissioner Crampton, seconded by Commissioner Nazal Garib and carried
by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council
approve the proposed revisions to the Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule, to include
fee increases effective on July 1, 2026 and adjust the contribution of Parks and Recreation Fees
to 6% for the Purpose of Parks and Recreation Facility Maintenance and Improvement, and
increase designation by 1% each Fiscal Year until contribution reaches 10% in FY2031.
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Buaya, Bence, Crampton, Nazal Garib, Reed,
Schmidt
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Ono
3. Recommend City Council Deny a Request for a License Agreement for the Pecos League
of Baseball, LLC at Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark for Dates in May, June and July 2026
(Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section
15061)
Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission review the request from the Pecos
League of Baseball, LLC (Pecos League) for use of the Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark
(Sollecito Ballpark) in May, June and July 2026, and recommend denial of a License
Agreement by City Council. (6-0-1).
Public Comments: None.
On a motion by Commissioner Crampton, seconded by Commissioner Nazal Garib and carried
by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission gave direction to staff to make a
recommendation to deny the Pecos League request for a new license agreement for Summer
2026 to the City Council.
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Buaya, Bence, Crampton, Nazal Garib, Reed,
Schmidt
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Ono
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Parks and Recreation Director Banks shared that she was happy to be joining via Zoom while
attending the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) Conference. She noted the many
great ideas that she and Park Operations Manager Norton will be able to bring back to the
Department. She also gave a shoutout to the Recreation Division for tabling at San Carlos
Beach in support of the Fire Department at the Kids Hero Run event. Lastly, she shared that
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
03/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 03/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
she looks forward to meeting individually with each Commissioner to better get to know them
and their passion for serving the Monterey community.
Recreation Manager Leon thanked the Commission for their attendance at the meeting, noting
the significant items included on the agenda. She emphasized that the Department’s efforts and
items brought to the Commission are intended to benefit the Monterey community as broadly as
possible. She recognized Recreation Supervisor Nate Cota and Field Sports Coordinator Brent
Almario for their professionalism in managing the Pecos League last summer. She also shared
that the Department is currently in full swing with hiring seasonal staff for the summer and noted
that most summer camps are already posted online, with several sessions already full.
Recreation Manager Leon also provided updates on other projects the team has been working
on while continuing the summer hiring process. She concluded by thanking Recreation staff for
their responsiveness during the recent fire in the Casanova neighborhood and for being
prepared to assist the Fire Department, the Red Cross, and residents who were displaced from
their homes.
Sports Center Manager Rothschild shared the cover of Monterey Bay Parent with the
Commission, noting that the Sports Center was featured on the front cover. He highlighted the
many recreational options available to parents throughout the county and expressed
appreciation that families continue to choose the City’s programs and facilities. Rothschild
emphasized the importance of the article in telling their story and demonstrating why these
services are so valuable to the community.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Vice Chair Buaya expressed gratitude to the City for coordinating volunteers during the
emergency at the 800 Casanova Avenue fire.
Commissioner Bence thanked the Department for its hard work and thoughtful presentations
addressing difficult decisions that ultimately prioritize the community. He also announced that
this would be his final meeting on the Commission due to his relocation. He expressed his
gratitude for the opportunity to serve and his deep love for his hometown.
Commissioner Crampton took a moment to thank staff for consistently putting Monterey first in
every decision brought before the Commission.
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Buaya adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
03/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 03/11/2026 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
03/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
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, March 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
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
1. February 11, 2026
***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.
2. Recommend the City Council Adjust the Parks and Recreation Department
Fee Schedule for FY2027, Adjust the Contribution of Parks and Recreation
Fees to 6% for the Purpose of Parks and Recreation Facility Maintenance and
Improvement, and Increase Designation by 1% Each Fiscal Year Until
Contribution Reaches 10% in FY2031 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20,
Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
3. Recommend City Council Deny a Request for a License Agreement for the
Pecos League of Baseball, LLC at Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark for Dates in
May, June and July 2026 (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.
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 April 8, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT
Parks & Recreation Commission
3/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
2
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
3/11/2026 5:30:00 PM
3
Get email alerts for Monterey
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.