Robert Cullen

The regular City Council meeting included public communications concerning ongoing nuisance and safety issues at an apartment complex related to a tenant participating in the Monarch program, including noise, alleged illegal activity, and concerns regarding safety for residents with children. Council communications covered appointments to the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, discussions regarding school district unification, and positive feedback on the Homekey Project. The City Manager, Steve Adams, received a proclamation recognizing his leadership before his departure. The consent agenda included approval of minutes from previous meetings, the check register, the 2026 Fireworks Permit Process, amendments to the Monarch Inn Lease Agreement, and grant applications related to the Homekey Project, as well as the appointment of an Acting City Manager. Under regular business, the Council adopted a resolution approving amendments to the 2026 King City Community Power rates, which involved dynamic rate setting due to pending litigation regarding the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), cancellation of customer rebates, and allocation of 2025 headroom funds to pay for a replacement emergency generator and electric vehicle charging station at the Police Station. A second amendment to the Pilot Power Group, LLC agreement was also approved to clarify termination rights related to PCIA issues. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss real property negotiations concerning 225 Broadway.

The Special Closed Session Meeting focused on one agenda item: consultation with the City Manager regarding a threat to public services or facilities, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(e). No reportable action was announced following the closed session.

The regular meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The consent calendar included the approval of the January 20, 2026 minutes. The primary public hearing concerned an Ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapters 17.01 and 17.14 (R-2 - Medium Density Residential District) to allow Victim Service Provider Transitional Housing, intended to support the 2023--2031 Housing Element goal regarding emergency shelters. Discussions during the hearing focused heavily on occupancy limits, particularly concerning the potential number of individuals, including children, and compliance with State Law versus local zoning regarding housing density. Following extensive questioning, the Commission voted to continue this item to the next regular meeting and directed staff to bring back an ordinance incorporating the Commission's feedback. The Director's Report noted correspondence regarding special meeting dates and a forwarded email from the City Attorney.

The meeting addressed public comments on topics within the commission's jurisdiction, although no action could be taken on items not on the agenda. Under the Consent Calendar, the minutes for the February 3, 2026, Planning Commission meeting were up for approval. The primary discussion involved a public hearing regarding an Ordinance to amend Municipal Code Chapters 17.01 and 17.14 (R-2 - Medium Density Residential District) to allow Victim Service Provider Transitional Housing citywide. Commissioners raised concerns regarding potential overcrowding, the number of residents allowed, and the applicability of State Law versus local parameters. Following discussion, the Commission voted to continue the hearing and direct staff to return with an ordinance incorporating the commission's comments.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission included several items. Under the Consent Agenda, approval was sought for the Minutes of the February 3, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting. The main Public Hearing item was a continued discussion regarding an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 17.01 and 17.14 concerning the R-2 Medium Density Residential District to allow Victim Service Provider Transitional Housing. This discussion involved detailed consideration of state law preemption, occupancy limits, and concerns about overcrowding. The Commission ultimately moved to continue the hearing and directed staff to bring back an ordinance incorporating the commission's comments. The Director's Report included updates on special meeting dates and correspondence from the City Attorney.