[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6564820,"mediaKeyId","3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422","parentId",3247733,"title","Council approves two‑year CIP and SB1 project list; staff highlights $28M in five‑year investments","audioSeconds",2996,"startMs",14894000,"endMs",17890000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422&start=14894&end=17890","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422/thumbnail_14894000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564820/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Council-approves-twoyear-CIP-and-SB1-project-list-staff-highlights-28M-in-fiveyear-investments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564820-e27067a3ab97ec057efe52c4fb1a4afe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181467&Signature=AqGL6CHFHyp3ODF-2zuJWsuH7-3ZwiBKsuS4tie0eyMSlMv2jnwEbgbCO37gebypGvoWoyd3vKsr94GwTCAmc8~yCDbI2y-~yUPIHJKmb0eZPgAK8kfHPeDcOSP~zsND~azH3EbOhKYLnyFCQjE2cmGZjo81rT~zT7z-jqq8ziVEfK1i~jG~tpdJvKNurhqz-gFDXrWkbQMuunZlUam9k7-5wJa92oncfP7omdLrvGeR2lwY-MV92dwLjMhYnxplLYgKu2tWZ6dpGGURQ5Qui2o5X7X1VrnjL5fhT3S3bj9B4vxGL8ZdBipb3Ye6PTGSC76M3-19StfMCjw4dYXHDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-08T05:20:22Z","article","The Pacific Grove City Council on May 7 approved a two‑year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) covering fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27 and adopted the Senate Bill 1 project list required for state transportation funding.

Public Works and administrative staff presented a five‑year retrospective showing 80 completed projects between FY2019–20 and FY2023–24, including transportation, stormwater and sewer improvements, major facility repairs, and the Point Pinos Coastal Trail. Staff reported nearly $28 million invested across the five‑year span and more than $10 million in grant and donation support leveraged to complete projects.

Highlights presented to council included: installation of capture and diversion infrastructure for stormwater protection near the shoreline; more than 11,500 linear feet (about 2.2 miles) of sewer pipe rehabilitation funded with sewer‑enterprise funds; replacement of multiple HVAC systems and roofing across city facilities; a $2.7 million interior renovation of the library; and the Point Pinos Coastal Trail completion, a multiyear $2.8 million project largely grant‑funded.

For the coming two‑year CIP, staff proposed a compact list of 16 projects totaling about $13.3 million, funded predominantly from non‑general funds (enterprise and special revenue) and community donations. The city’s allocation from SB1 for FY2025–26 is approximately $390,000 and staff proposed applying it to the street‑rehabilitation project that addresses severely deteriorated roadway segments.

Councilmember comments emphasized prioritizing public‑safety measures and reducing deferred maintenance: members noted sewer repairs and the Esplanade parking/sidewalk safety improvements as priorities. Several members asked staff to return with multiyear programming that sequences unfunded projects and shows options for grant targeting and potential funding strategies.

The council adopted the two‑year CIP and the SB1 project list in a 7–0 vote.

Why it matters: The CIP directs capital spending on roads, stormwater and sewer systems, parks, and city facilities, and it is the basis for applying for and matching outside grant funds. The two‑year plan aligns with the city’s new two‑year budget cycle and aims to present a longer view of priorities and funding needs.

Implementation: The adopted list includes maintenance of effort commitments that keep Pacific Grove eligible for Measure X and SB1 funds. Staff said they will return before fiscal year 2026–27 with updates and to present a five‑year funding plan for currently unfunded high‑priority projects.

Ending

Councilmembers praised staff for a data‑driven presentation and for leveraging grants and donations; the council’s unanimous vote sends the two‑year CIP into the budget adoption process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pacific Grove City Council Meeting // May 7th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s two‑year Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal 2025–26 and 2026–27 and approved the SB1 project listing required to receive state transportation funds; staff summarized nearly $28 million invested in infrastructure over the past five years.","taxTitle","Pacific Grove City, Monterey County, California","taxId",71941,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6564825,"Council authorizes interim fuel‑management work at George Washington Park; CEQA memo cites limited exemptions",1855,12235000,14090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422&start=12235&end=14090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422/thumbnail_12235000.jpg","/articles/6564825/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Council-authorizes-interim-fuelmanagement-work-at-George-Washington-Park-CEQA-memo-cites-limited-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564825-92b92b8a8b50554a8d94ae252aea703f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181467&Signature=e2W0e7xAFBHVHMzOtU8RCtdV06fhRURuZfSPj5hHm3YtHC9PjK1hkKNLGtjYi23uftEyw3DxfDWG8HOiUk1ZuZeFS~rx~dEneGZ-CJsDm5SIc8AmBTBdZdBZ40sCrrWM3wOPmZrFwMYAKQ0uPsIgGmErOqAyJk3vAcDvv-RnWPHUGx~i4ekAJiUT1e5sB72ccIhH9bfiHla-cMyZ-4UWHqteBGq7FeBb0-hWQgaeD9feKjHj4AgNcnEj2X7DrjJyWTVjyUL69tYvev~NHQXqKg~JViDGVUjXr1ugrasZ-kV5lHJL0XrzsSKSh8Eb4Epjfx~O0sVJD57PRyLNTjvcdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pacific Grove City Council on May 7 authorized interim fuel‑management activities in George Washington Park to reduce wildfire risk, unanimously approving a staff‑recommended approach that limits work to specified zones, requires pre‑activity biological surveys and stipulates techniques to minimize ecological harm.

Public Works staff described four target areas in the park where heavy accumulations of downed wood and tree debris pose a fire hazard. The city retained Denise Duffy & Associates to prepare a pre‑activity biological resources survey and a CEQA memorandum that recommends statutory and categorical exemptions for the limited interim work. City attorneys and staff advised council the work as described could proceed under CEQA exemptions but that biological protections must be observed.

The council’s authorization directs staff to: conduct a biological (nesting bird) survey no more than 10 days before field work; limit access to established trails where possible; use small rubber‑track loaders and portable chippers to remove and process downed wood; and follow the consultant’s mitigation measures. Councilmembers added a narrow amendment instructing that chips created from a specific small pile (site 1) be blown back into the park rather than spread on the public trail surface.

Public comment included support for immediate fuel reduction steps but urged staff to consider a larger‑scale fuel‑reduction effort using emergency provisions in state guidance. Speakers also raised practical concerns about chipping poison‑oak‑entwined debris and the potential for spreading urushiol; several residents recommended chips from poison‑oak material not be placed on trails and suggested off‑trail disposal or alternate handling.

Staff said the plan anticipates minimizing handling of poison oak and will retain significant portions of poison oak where feasible. For piles that cannot be chipped safely on‑site, Public Works said crews will remove large elements for off‑site disposal. The council approved the interim plan 7–0 and directed staff to host a public walk‑through of the work areas on May 13.

Why it matters: George Washington Park is a city‑owned 20‑acre site that includes both recreation areas and natural habitat. The interim work is intended to reduce near‑term wildfire risk while protecting habitat; the action also establishes a process and timeline for follow‑up planning and public engagement.

Implementation details: The city will perform a pre‑activity biological survey and only proceed if no active nesting or other protected resources are found within work zones. Public Works will primarily use trail‑based access, small rubber‑track loaders, and a portable chipper. For material contaminated by poison oak or too large for the chipper, crews will remove and haul it away.

Quotes

“We do have the consultants who are the experts and we will do that pre‑work,” Deputy City Manager Daniel Goh said, describing the survey and equipment the city will use.

Resident Kevin Hanley, who spoke during public comment, encouraged the council to consider broader fuel‑reduction options available under the governor’s emergency proclamation but said the interim steps were a reasonable start.

Ending

The council approved the interim fuel‑management authorization unanimously. Staff will proceed with the consultant‑recommended pre‑activity surveys, a May 13 public walk‑through, and limited trail‑based removal and chipping under the mitigation measures in the CEQA memorandum.","The council unanimously approved interim wildfire fuel‑management activities at George Washington Park, authorizing limited removal and chipping of downed wood and other targeted work after a pre‑activity biological survey and with conditions to protect nesting birds and sensitive habitat.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6564831,"Pacific Grove council introduces ordinance to raise mayor and council pay; health benefits tabled",5352,5368000,10720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422&start=5368&end=10720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247733-6d0b83e62093d25e622d70f691838422/thumbnail_5368000.jpg","/articles/6564831/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Pacific-Grove-council-introduces-ordinance-to-raise-mayor-and-council-pay-health-benefits-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564831-d38675daab37ef8c78add85bc45ad61c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181467&Signature=GeugQyEgQaseNlvasAUdjFKVXTRXSJr5FryPvCxAoSs8VYV7SLJWfOCrs8EwMGKBmXsEorUPmWZITjNKwiSvEDk7b211TMaF0aecAP1LRG-N5SD7dEBDrqB4sWRUHMIbqjDF-YGIV2PHzcLqIr2qdksWjJjPtNicDobZAoC2E1O1hliG0yo4IUlBL3W8JMBp3vBtdBQ8jMKhHASe13Tzc-O2Pdxa0zDdcU9aFlzRDPr4Jk9j0DX189sKYTvqvQNnL8rvzM0gOWk1S5mJ9Q-N~sk15hTqVV5pzhT04yIu~rQ5t53oYf0-0dHE5flOj3u-k5YI-dx-Q3j86-4Jker6uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pacific Grove City Council voted on May 7 to introduce an ordinance increasing compensation for the mayor and council members and to remove a separate proposal to provide city-paid medical benefits for council members for later consideration.

The action came after more than an hour of public comment during which dozens of residents urged the council either to reject the pay increase or to send the matter to a public ballot. Opponents cited the city’s constrained budget and competing capital needs; supporters said modest pay helps broaden who can serve in local office.

City Attorney presented the legal background and the limits set by state law, including recent changes enacted by Senate Bill 329 and related Government Code provisions. The ordinance the council considered applied the state‑authorized formula — roughly a 5% per year adjustment measured since the last local raise — resulting in new monthly pay levels the city attorney said would be close to $966 for council members and $1,610 for the mayor if the council applied the state model.

Mayor Nick Smith moved the council adopt a version of the ordinance that excluded the section creating medical benefits for council members; the motion to remove the medical-benefit section passed 6–1. The council then voted 5–2 to introduce and hold the first reading of the amended ordinance (compensation only) and to publish the ordinance title as required by city rules.

The city attorney told the council any adopted ordinance would take effect 30 days after the second reading unless the council specified a different effective date; because the council chose to introduce and hold the first reading on May 7, the technical steps for adoption will continue to the next meeting for the required second reading and final adoption process.

During the debate, several council members said the increase was intended to “catch up” after more than two decades without an adjustment and to reduce financial barriers for would‑be candidates, especially after the city’s impending switch to district elections. Others said compensation should not include medical coverage for a part‑time, elected role and argued that such a change either be delayed until after the city’s budget process or placed on the ballot for voter approval.

The council did not adopt the medical‑benefits proposal and separately voted to defer further consideration of any health‑benefit change until after completion of the city’s upcoming budget process. That later decision passed 6–1.

What changed: The ordinance that the council introduced on May 7 modifies local pay to align with the state formula authorized in SB 329, but it does not include the proposed medical‑benefits provision. The medical‑benefits question will return to the council for further study after the budget cycle; council members also discussed but did not adopt a referral to place the measure on a public ballot.

Why it matters: The change reverses a 26‑year period during which local elected pay went unchanged, potentially lowering the financial barrier for residents who otherwise could not afford to serve. At the same time, many residents and some council members warned the city should address immediate infrastructure and service needs before adding recurring compensation costs and questioned whether taxpayer‑funded health benefits are appropriate for part‑time elected officials.

Quotes

“I am supportive of the proposed ordinance as written in the errata,” Mayor Nick Smith said during deliberations, citing the long period since the last pay change and the city’s cost‑of‑living pressures.

Councilmember WalkingStick urged a public vote instead, saying, “If the contract is to be changed, it must be done by the public,” and recommended referring the proposal to the next general election.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to remove medical benefits from the proposed ordinance: passed 6–1 (council vote summary recorded by roll call).
- Motion to introduce and hold first reading of the amended ordinance (compensation only): passed 5–2 (council vote summary recorded by roll call).
- Motion to defer further consideration of medical benefits until after the budget process: passed 6–1.

Next steps: The council introduced the ordinance and waived further reading at the meeting; the ordinance requires a second reading and a formal adoption vote (and the 30‑day effective period after adoption) before changes take effect. The medical‑benefits proposal will return for additional analysis and budgetary review following the city’s two‑year budget process.

Ending

The compensation ordinance will return for a formal second reading at a later meeting. The council’s split vote and the robust public response make clear this topic remains politically charged in Pacific Grove: compensation increases moved forward, while medical benefits will be reconsidered only after further fiscal review.","After weeks of public comment and debate, the Pacific Grove City Council voted to introduce an ordinance that raises monthly pay for the mayor and council members while removing a proposed health-benefit provision for later consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves two‑year CIP and SB1 project list; staff highlights $28M in five‑year investments

Council authorizes interim fuel‑management work at George Washington Park; CEQA memo cites limited exemptions

Pacific Grove council introduces ordinance to raise mayor and council pay; health benefits tabled