Questions and Answers
Over the course of the campaign for Council in District 1, I’ve heard claims and been asked questions. Here is a collection of questions and my answers to them. Any additional questions? Email me at CynthiaGarfield93950@gmail.com
Q: What are you doing about financial stability for the city’s future?
A: This council has taken concrete steps that address several long-standing issues. I supported the establishment of an irrevocable Section 115 Trust that sets aside funds to only be used for future pension obligations. Further, I supported the ordinance that commits 1/3 of any surplus to pension obligations, 1/3 to capital improvements and 1/3 returned to the General Fund. No other council has made these commitments – a measure of how seriously we take our obligations for financial stewardship.
We also use a five-year forecasting model to assess the implications of financial actions today on our reserves and financial assets down the road. In every budget process we review a list of capital needs that did not get funded. I consider this a “waitlist” to reference whenever a grant opportunity surfaces, surplus funding becomes available or a budgeted project is deferred for some reason. I advocate for frequent reviews of budget status, including mid-year reviews that provide meaningful assessment of financial status.
No question, financial stability is a huge challenge for Pacific Grove. I have always looked for practical, workable solutions that make the most of our available resources.
Q: Did I vote to increase council pay for the first time in 28 years?
A: Yes. I supported a catch-up for decades of inflation to recognize the hours of work councilmembers contribute by their preparation for meetings, working with Boards and Commissions, working with residents to solve big and small problems, attending community events and working with staff to understand an ever-changing set of issues that come before council. In addition I hoped an updated stipend would attract a wider variety of candidates. Instead, every new candidate this election is a retired homeowner. None have kids in our schools, and none know first-hand how hard renting here is. The city benefits when the Council reflects the entire community.
Q: Why did the city attorney bring the stipend increase to Council?
A: Because a change in state law finally allowed all California cities to update council compensation. The ordinance re-setting Council stipend was just that – a clean update to decades of stagnant compensation. The original ordinance and subsequent ballot measure included no benefits, no insurance, no extras.
Q: Why did the city hire experts to survey residents?
A: The scientific survey, based on extensive outreach, asked whether voters were satisfied with the city’s direction. The great majority (92.8%) said their quality of life was Good or Excellent. Further, respondents were asked what was most important to them and whether they would pay a bit more in taxes. The results showed residents want the city to better maintain streets and sidewalks and would be willing to consider a tax to support their expectations. Did we spend $141,000? No – that figure was the total amount that could be spent to engage Props and Measures for every service they offered. We did not agree to the full package. The survey that we did authorize cost around $28,000. I think it was a very worthwhile investment to learn more about what residents want rather than reacting to the loud voices of a few.
Q: Did I vote for a two-year budget that began with a deficit?
A: Yes. Like recent budgets, it properly forecast revenue low and expenses high. Experience told me unfilled staff positions would again exceed 4% and projects would extend beyond the budget cycle, so actual expenses would come in under budget. The forecast budget also properly excluded taxes from the newly completed Kimpton, which was expected to add significant revenue and other sources of revenue (property and sales taxes) were also forecast very conservatively.
In virtually every budget cycle expenses come in below forecast and revenue often exceeds forecast. The result? An actual accounting of the year comes in close to neutral and the projections for our reserves are then adjusted as well. The Council keeps a close eye on the evolving financial picture with frequent updates, shared with the public at regular council meetings. Will we end the fiscal year with a significant deficit? Likely not.
Q: Is there a plan for coastal erosion like the recent wash-out near Sea Palm?
A: I’ve heard the claim that the City Manager (referring to Mr. Mogenson) said we have no plan to address a recent erosion of the coastal trail near Sea Palm. Mr. Mogenson has absolutely no recollection of such a comment and the actual answer is Yes, there are documented plans and approaches the city uses.
The Coastal Commission approved our Local Coastal Plan, including a Shoreline Management Plan that guides our coastal work and allows emergency repairs when vital infrastructure is threatened. Preserving the existing path is not an emergency; we’ve relocated trail sections three times in recent years and will continue to do so. We’ll address what we can control: run-off, erosion-resistant plantings, and damage from use. As a founder of Friends of Perkins Park, I’ve worked on this for years and will keep at it. Climate driven changes in our coastline are inevitable. For each instance, like the wash-out near Sea Palm, the first step is geotechnical assessment of the slide’s stability, cause, current conditions of the area and possible solutions. All this takes time to do right. Based on understanding the actual problem, options are evaluated and well-developed plans are used to support mandated Coastal Development Permits.
Q: Is there a plan for George Washington Park?
A: After years of discussion, studies and planning we are close to finalizing a management plan for Washinton Park that balances habitat protection, fire prevention, and access to the park. This plan was developed by the City’s forester blending previous plans, biological assessments and input from the community, consulting with the Beautification and Natural Resources Commission and using direction from Council. Council approved a section of the proposed plan to address the most urgent piece, fire prevention near homes, and that work is complete. Next, we’ll review and finalize the rest of the draft. Getting to this point has been a long road and it will be worth it when we reach agreement on how Washington Park should be managed going forward.
Q: Is there a plan for roads and sidewalks?
A: Yes, and not specifically. Every road is regularly scored for condition, and those scores drive an annual improvement plan funded as far as the budget allows. I voted to approve millions for street rehabilitation, ADA improvements and street maintenance. Our budget doesn’t allow for wide-spread road work, but consistent work over the years has improved our scoring across the city.
Sidewalks are the property owner’s responsibility although the city works with property owners to reduce hazards. Although there is no current city-wide sidewalk plan, we focus on walkability. My greatest concern on sidewalks is creating safe walking corridors to/from schools and I support Safe Routes to Schools initiatives. I voted for the 4 way stop at Congress and Lighthouse and will continue to look for ways to improve pedestrian walkways throughout the city.
Q: What is being done about speeding?
A: Speeding is very frequently mentioned as a concern. We are almost up to full staffing in the Police Department (four new fully qualified police officers will begin October 19) which will help with enforcement, just as the increase in Community Service Officers has resulted in increased enforcement of infractions along the Coastal Trail and parking violations.
Council authorized the purchase of portable “Your speed is” signs for problem areas, a four-way stop at Congress and Lighthouse, and adjusted speed limits to create consistent corridors, often with reduced limits, and with better signage. I’ve also asked the police department to explore renting or leasing movable speed cameras, especially for Car Week (an idea suggested by a resident).
So the claim that nothing is being done on these issues reflects either a lack of information or a choice to ignore it.
Q: What are you doing about e-bikes, and all bikes?
A: The increased availability of e-bikes presents both an opportunity and a problem. As an opportunity, e-bikes provide a great transportation option, thus reducing our crowded parking so I want to encourage biking. I proposed removing a center parking place closest to crosswalks in order to improve the line of sight for drivers approaching the crosswalk and making a space for installing bike racks to encourage the safe use of all types of bikes. That proposal is currently under review by the Traffic and Safety Commission.
I have worked with the Police Chief to address e-bike safety by young riders. PD has increased their presence at school dismissal times and the Chief is working with schools to regulate e-bike use by students, including involving parents in safety education. Whilre we can work for local improvements, the most effective solutions will come from regional and state-wide regulation, and the council as a whole has issued support for state regulation.