Carmel-by-the-Sea council hosts preview January meetings; agenda to include budget review, letter on water-meter moratorium, ambulance authorization and pickle‑

Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 (identified only as such in the transcript) opened with informal remarks before outlining a packed January schedule for the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council. The hosts said the council will meet Monday, Jan. 12, and Tuesday, Jan. 13, and that the agenda includes appointments, a tri-annual budget review with an actuary presentation, a proposed letter asking the State Water Resources Control Board to lift a moratorium on new water meters, consideration of a backup ambulance purchase, and a second reading of an ordinance related to Forest Hill Park and pickleball.

Speaker 1 said the council will consider appointments including the mayor pro tem for 2026 and new members of the library board of trustees and that the meeting will include a “tri annual budget review” paired with an update on the city’s capital improvement projects. “Ken has prepared an amazing dynamic spreadsheet to share with the council and the community,” Speaker 1 said, adding the agenda will include an actuary talking about the city’s unfunded pension liability.

On water policy, Speaker 1 said the council would consider sending a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board asking it to lift its moratorium on setting new water meters, an action the hosts said has generated interest across the Peninsula and in Cal Am service areas. “It doesn’t impact us hugely because we don’t have that many vacant lots,” Speaker 1 said. Speaker 2 added a clarification for homeowners concerned about accessory dwelling units: an ADU typically does not require a new meter and can often be served off a single existing meter.

Public‑safety and fleet needs are also on the agenda. Speaker 1 described an item authorizing the purchase of a backup ambulance, noting the city’s ambulances “have hard miles on them” and run frequent service. The transcript includes a dollar figure of “$150” when that authorization was described; the amount is unclear in the minutes and may be misstated in the recording. The agenda also includes review of ad hoc committees and what Speaker 1 called a “chock full” start to the year.

The hosts noted a second reading will be held for an ordinance described as a prohibition related to Forest Hill Park and pickleball, and for an amendment to the city code on street addresses. Speaker 2 and Speaker 1 also recognized Fire Chief Miller, who received a send-off in Monterey; the hosts said Chief Miller has retired from his post but will remain in the area and available for future collaboration.

Practical details: City Hall will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 5, though police and fire services remain available and some public works staff will be on duty intermittently. The hosts encouraged residents to call the non‑emergency line for routine needs and 911 for true emergencies. They also reminded the community about a priorities workshop in January at the Women’s Club (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and a holiday singing event hosted by artist Joe Todd at the post office (5th and Dolores) on Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The council is scheduled to consider the items at the January meetings; the recording does not record any votes or final outcomes.