City Council

City Scrambles to Meet July 1 Deadline for Mandatory Remote Meeting Access

SB 707 requires the city to offer Zoom or phone public participation, translate agendas into Spanish, and upgrade its meeting technology by July 1.

Why it matters: The law fundamentally changes how Half Moon Bay runs council meetings, requiring technology upgrades in a multi-use room that doubles as a pickleball court.

City Eyes County Encampment Ordinance with Fencing, Regional Approach

Staff presented the county's Hopeful Horizons ordinance framework and council expressed support for adopting a local version with environmental protections and private-property provisions.

Why it matters: The ordinance would give the city its first enforcement tool to cite individuals who refuse shelter, addressing encampments in sensitive creek habitats that cost over $100K to clean up.

Council Restores Full Funding to Seven Safety-Net Nonprofits with $63K Top-Up

Council directed staff to allocate $63,000 to restore seven partially funded nonprofits to their previous grant levels, with a resolution returning March 17.

Why it matters: The nine-agency cohort providing childcare, dental, mental health, and homelessness services will return to full funding, and the mayor proposed leveraging county mental health dollars to stretch local resources further.

Half Moon Bay Restores 50% Reserves as Deficit Shrinks to $1.8M

Council unanimously adopted a budget amendment replenishing economic reserves to 50% after hotel tax and Measure R sales tax revenue exceeded projections.

Why it matters: The projected deficit shrank from $4.5 million to $1.8 million in under two years, signaling the city's financial recovery from pandemic-era losses and setting the stage for next year's budget.

Resident Urges Review of Flock ALPR System Amid Growing City Cancellations

A resident cited Mountain View and Santa Clara County terminating Flock contracts and a class-action lawsuit, asking council to agendize a review of the city's surveillance system.

Why it matters: With the California Attorney General suing a Flock-using city for sharing data with out-of-state agencies, Half Moon Bay's contract may expose the city to similar legal liability.

Resident Asks for Council Endorsement of Second Pool at New Aquatic Complex

A community member asked council to endorse a second swimming pool at the high school aquatic center, saying County Supervisor Mueller may help fund it.

Why it matters: The school district has committed $13-14 million for one pool; a council endorsement could unlock county support for a community-use second pool.

Residents Urge Council to Preserve Rent Stabilization Ahead of March 17 Vote

Multiple public commenters passionately defended rent control, warning that elimination would displace the working-class population and that diverting renters to nonprofits risks federal targeting.

Why it matters: With rents averaging over $4,000 and a formal policy decision expected March 17, the rent stabilization debate is shaping up as the most contentious issue of the council term.

Closed Session: City of Half Moon Bay v. Granada CSD Litigation

The sole substantive item of this special meeting was a closed session for a conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation between the City of Half Moon Bay and the Granada Community Services District (Granada CSD) and Montara Water and Sewer District (MWSD). The case is pending in Santa Clara Superior Court (Case No. 17-CIV-316927) and the Court of Appeal (Case No. H049896). No public comment was received. The council proceeded directly into closed session after roll call.