Monterey · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Sanitary Sewer System Spot Repairs
Two contracts with Duke's Root Control — manhole inspections and annual root foaming — keep the sewer system healthy.
Olivier Street stormwater-to-sewer diversion
The council was scheduled to adopt the environmental review for a project diverting stormwater flows to the sewer system on Olivier Street. It's aimed at reducing wet-weather flows that can strain the system.
T-Mobile cell facility renewal at Community Hospital
T-Mobile's rooftop antennas at the hospital needed a new 10-year permit before the old one expired in January 2027. A resident disabled by electromagnetic sensitivity asked for denial, saying the tower keeps her from safely using the hospital; staff confirmed RF levels meet FCC limits and the commission renewed it unanimously.
Storm drain and flooding concerns at 1430 Augusta Place
The neighborhood association president warned that the Augusta Place addition sits beside a major storm drain carrying runoff from Jacks Peak toward the bay — a drain that has flooded badly enough to require sandbagging. Building there is, in his words, at the owner's own risk.
Cal-Am Easement North of 731 Dry Creek Road
The city is negotiating an easement with Cal-Am for critical water infrastructure serving 900 homes and hospital backup. Residents want it locked to water uses only — no cell antennas.
Failed stormwater fee and flood protection funding gap
The city wants to reinstate a stormwater fee — about $4.81 a month for a typical home — to fund two-thirds of storm drain cleaning and maintenance. Protesters fell far short of the majority needed to kill it, so property owners now vote by mailed ballot by July 6. Critics say the city should fix its $12 million budget problem first and argue parcels are charged the same regardless of how permeable they are.
Cal-Am cease-and-desist order modification
The city will formally support the water district's state hearing to loosen the 2009 order blocking new water meters — the biggest barrier to housing and business growth on the Peninsula. Briefs are due July 20.
Sewer service charges on the property tax roll
The council kept next year's sewer charges on property tax bills after only four protests — the plan was locked in by a 2024 resolution with five years of increases. One resident criticized the use of the Monterey Herald for notice and said direct billing would be clearer.