Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pacific Grove public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
IT Staffing and Software Contracts
The city added $62,844 to its contract with ClientFirst Consulting to help pick and implement a new financial/ERP system — the software that runs the city's finances.
Public Disclosure of Settlements and Cost Overruns
The council was scheduled to discuss how the city can disclose settlements, separation agreements, investigative costs, and project cost overruns as legally as possible — a government transparency matter.
City Communication Efforts
An online participant couldn't hear most speakers, including the staff report, and complained the meeting felt like it was being conducted for the board alone. She asked staff to turn up chamber microphones and remind speakers to use them; audio improved later in the meeting.
CalHOME Reuse housing fund budget amendment
The city is lending $199,000 from reserves to fix up a qualifying homeowner's house, with loan repayments recycling into future loans. Council members called it one of the city's best programs.
Labor negotiations with city employee groups
Every employee group got a chance to present on staffing gaps and retention at this required annual hearing. It's information-only, but it shines a light on how fully the city is staffed.
Museum financial health and performance
The museum's audited finances show a $530,000 boost in unrestricted funds, giving it more flexibility. Admissions dipped slightly but field trips, the store, sponsorships, and Adopt-a-Bird revenue all grew.
TUT Ballot Measure Ordinance Text
The council decided voters will see the full text of the ordinance behind the TUT ballot measure in the ballot pamphlet. A move to keep it short and off the pamphlet failed 3-4.
Recreation cost recovery and subsidies
A board member flagged that the recreation utility budget has ballooned from about $60,000 to roughly $250,000 a year, mostly water for parks, and asked for a breakdown by site and utility. Staff said the data is hard to generate and suggested the board may need to ask the City Council for direction.
Purchasing system overhaul (Municipal Code Ch. 2.16)
The council advanced a rewrite of the city's purchasing rules on first reading — how the city buys goods and services could change after the final vote.
FY 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule
City fees rise with the annual inflation adjustment plus other Council-directed changes. Residents questioned the increases during public comment.
Library Resource-Sharing Expansion to Carmel
After 30 years sharing a catalog with Monterey, the Pacific Grove library is adding Carmel, letting patrons browse and borrow across all three libraries starting this week.
Code of conduct and censure rules for council and commissions
The Council rewrote its own code of conduct, and the fight was over the censure section — one member wanted it removed, the rest kept it. It sets how elected and appointed officials can be disciplined.
Temporary IT Staffing Funding
The city is adding $55,000 to its Robert Half contract to keep temporary IT staff through August 2026, covering a gap in city tech support.
Tennis Court Repair and CIP Funding Crunch
The board wants to request tennis court resurfacing, but staff warned the city's CIP budget is basically spoken for — with a crumbling $1.5 million pier, stormwater work, and rec trail slides taking priority. There's also a question of whether the shifting soil underneath means repairs would only last a couple of years.
Citywide Infrastructure Survey and Ballot Measure Prep
The city council approved about $8,000 to start a consultant survey asking residents what street and sidewalk upgrades they want — groundwork for a possible ballot measure to fund infrastructure.
Board's two-recommendation limit
Board members voiced frustration that the advisory board can formally send only two recommendations a year to the City Council, calling it limiting for a volunteer body. The fix in progress: making recorded motions of endorsement so board positions show up in the minutes and quarterly reports without burning a recommendation form.