Paul Blaha

The meeting commenced with a roll call and review of the agenda, noting no new items were added. The public comment section yielded no attendees present in person or via Zoom. Key discussions focused on input requests from the Neighborhood Improvement Commission for fiscal year 2026-2027 project ideas, with specific attention given to property upgrades for the elderly and disabled veterans, involving block grants allocated to Seaside. Commissioners also discussed park maintenance issues, specifically the accumulation of leaves and dangerous, uneven sidewalks in Mascal Neil Park, suggesting liaison with the Neighborhood Improvement Commission for these issues. Furthermore, there was discussion regarding residents' desire for speed bumps on Wanda street, referencing the prior installation on Hillby street, and the general need for better community communication regarding public works projects like ongoing street repairs.

The regular meeting commenced with roll call, noting the absence of a quorum initially, though proceedings continued as there were no actionable items. Technical difficulties prevented online participants from speaking. Key discussion points included public comments acknowledging the commission's support for organizations like CPY and BNBC Hoover Ministries, which focus on youth and family support. The commission proceeded with awarding challenge coins to various community and county partners to recognize their efforts in addressing homelessness, including individuals/groups from IHELP, World Outreach, Casad Noa, and organizations providing mobile shower units. A formal introduction and discussion occurred between the City Manager, Greg McDaniel, and the Commission to align future development plans with the commission's mission, emphasizing partnership and support, particularly regarding food insecurity grants.

The meeting commenced with roll call, establishing a quorum, followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions during public comment included concerns regarding the condition of the Home Depot parking lot and adjacent property, specifically noting unfulfilled promises for improvement, improper truck parking, and the presence of construction equipment. Another commenter announced an upcoming health conference in 2026, requesting council co-sponsorship and requesting a resolution to pay tribute to a community partner. A third commenter raised serious concerns about law enforcement response protocols during a mental health crisis, alleging police overstepped authority by not deferring to the designated mental health response team (Derek Elder's team). A fourth commenter expressed concerns about financial reporting inequities, advocating for increased investment in parks, recreation, and community programs over administrative expenditures, and calling for a phased funding approach for an indoor recreation facility. A representative from the Ford Youth Hostel Society requested the city cease demolition activities on their leased property and retract an invalid lease termination notice. Finally, a trustee from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District extended an invitation to the council for their first annual HBCU College Expo scheduled for February 4th. The City Manager committed to investigating the parking lot concerns and following up regarding the law enforcement interaction.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments that the session was being recorded for public record. A quorum was not reached initially as several commissioners were absent. A key discussion topic involved the ongoing issue of fireworks usage, specifically inquiring about the capability of the ShotSpotter technology (part of the Flock system) to distinguish between actual gunshots and loud firework explosions. The Chief explained that the system is generally effective at distinguishing fireworks due to rapid explosions and sizzles, but single, loud explosions might cause confusion. The discussion also touched upon police recruiting efforts.

The Special Meeting was called to order in the City Hall chambers. Following roll call, which confirmed a quorum, public comment was held, during which a representative from the Blue Zones Project congratulated city staff on receiving a grant for Laguna Grande Park, noting the collaborative progress. The main item of business involved a review of the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which serves as a 10-year strategic guide. Discussion covered community engagement themes, including prioritizing maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities (ADA compliance, safety) and expanding recreation opportunities (e.g., all-inclusive playgrounds, splash pads, pickleball courts). An analysis comparing Seaside's park system against national data for similarly sized cities was presented, highlighting deficits in soccer fields. The plan structure, goals (covering engagement, diversity, maintenance, resiliency, recreation, trails, and administration), and a capital project list costing approximately $44 million were reviewed. The plan aims to guide future council discussions and is scheduled for City Council adoption the following month.