Council forms two ad hoc committees to review city staffing/organization and options for expiring golf facilities fee

The Half Moon Bay City Council on Wednesday authorized two temporary ad hoc committees: one to work with staff on evaluating city staffing and organizational structure, and a second to explore options related to an expiring nonresident golf facilities fee.

City Manager Matthew Chidester told council that the city is facing increasing vacancies—15% at present, expected to rise to roughly 20%—and recommended a time‑limited committee to work with department heads to identify structural and classification changes and to develop options for staffing and workload. Council appointed Council Member Paul Nagengast and Mayor Deborah Penrose to that committee.

The second ad hoc committee will evaluate alternatives relating to a time‑limited nonresident golf fee established in the early 1990s as part of a participation agreement tied to golf-course redevelopment. The fee, which the staff report indicated generated roughly $650,000 of general-fund revenue, is scheduled to expire under the original agreement. Vice Mayor Ruddick and Council Member Patrick (last name not provided in transcript) were appointed to the golf‑fee ad hoc committee. City Attorney Catherine Engberg advised that a council member employed by Ocean Colony Partners should recuse from substantive discussions and votes relating to the golf fee; the transcript shows counsel advised abstention where conflicts exist.

Both committees were described as advisory; staff said committee work would return to the full council for decisions at key points. The council did not authorize structural changes or any revenue substitutions during the meeting; staff will continue analysis and report back.