2020 Monterey Mayor Candidate LandWatch Questionnaire Responses

All candidates are in alphabetical order

Land Use Policy - Affordable Housing

Timothy Barrett Clyde Roberson
What is your position on affordable housing? Please be specific with regards to policies you support or oppose. I'm advocating an Adopt a Downtown program that promotes public/private partnerships for construction of new housing in Downtown areas.

I will work to ease height restrictions allowing construction of more housing units than would otherwise be possible.

Our City's Housing Element should be more than a formality. I support putting teeth into the Housing Element by passing an amendment to allow rezoning for repurposing of underperforming buildings for use as housing.

I support lowering fees and removing unnecessary regulatory burdens for construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and working with the County to formalize an ADU grant program.

Defend and continue the City requirement that new housing construction include a percentage of deed restricted affordable units in order to qualify for water credits.

Past Achievements: I consistently allocated funding to alleviate the suffering of homelessness, and adapt an aging population's homes so they can age in place rather than becoming homeless.

I have participated in the work of the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers.

I defended Monterey's requirement that developers build deed restricted affordable units in order to receive water for construction.

I successfully resisted a commercial entity's effort to usurp water from affordable housing for commercial interests.

I successfully [response ended here because it exceeded the 200 word count limit]
I have supported affordable housing since 1981 when I was first elected to the City Council and voted for the first inclusionary housing ordinance in the city . Recently, the city oversaw the completion of 2 affordable, city owned projects in the city, rezoned two areas of our city for housing overlays, has 550 permanent affordable housing units under its control, and just released 4 RFP's for 100% affordable housing on city property.
Do you support modifying city policies or regulations to make it easier and cheaper to build housing? If so, what specific policy changes do you support? Yes. In addition to those measures listed in the response to the question above, I support:

Providing Density Bonuses for construction of workforce housing

Aligning impact fees on a County-Wide basis to incentivize construction of workforce housing

Building smaller, more compact housing with more emphasis on non-automotive forms of transportation such as walking and cycling and public transport.

Allowing rezoning and repurposing of underperforming buildings for use as housing.

Lowering fees and removing unnecessary regulatory burdens for construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and working with the County to formalize an ADU grant or low interest loan program.

Initiating an Adopt a Downtown program that promotes public/private partnerships for construction of new housing in Downtown areas

Easing height restrictions allowing construction of more housing units than would otherwise be possible.
Yes. Our caring city council team just did an overlay in East Downtown, creating increased density and relaxed parking regulations. We are looking at our fee schedule to encourage cheaper housing. The housing overlay on Garden Road allows for affordable units there where housing was not previously permitted.
Do you support requiring developers to actually build inclusionary units instead of paying an "in lieu" fee? Yes, I have a long history in support of actually building inclusionary units and in opposition to "in lieu" fees in place of housing. In addition, I'm supportive of building the inclusionary units on the same developments as market rate housing rather than allowing the inclusionary housing to be sited in other tracts. Having an integrated community that welcomes people and families of all socioeconomic backgrounds creates a stronger healthier community. Yes. The City of Monterey has never allowed an "in lieu" fee. We need the housing.
Do you support requiring that "inclusionary housing" units be made permanently affordable, even upon resale? If not, please explain. Yes. Homes should be for people to live in first as opposed to being strictly an investment for profit. When individuals and families can afford to live in and stay in a community, they tend to be more civically involved and participate in the fabric of the community. One of the most gratifying task I get to do as Mayor is to sign escrow papers for the 550 city controlled units. I just signed one where the new occupants purchased a condo in Monterey for $180,000! You can imagine their delight and gratitude.
Do you support requiring developers of hospitality, commercial and industrial projects that significantly increase demand for already scarce housing resources to also build workforce housing? Yes, I do. I'm advocating an Adopt a Downtown program that promotes public/private partnerships for construction of new housing. There are a number of good successful examples of employer sponsored housing scattered around the County. These examples can be adapted and built upon to meet the needs of the City of Monterey.

Our community will benefit greatly from housing that collocates workforce to jobs. Doing so will help provide stability in people's lives, potentially greatly reduce the need for commuting and thereby reduce carbon fuel emissions and wear and tear and the related expense to maintain transportation infrastructure, and provide greater stability within the workforce as well.
Yes, that would be an excellent policy. There is a limited amount of building areas in Monterey so public/private partnerships would work well here.
What other housing policies do you support or oppose? I oppose urban sprawl. I support expanding the use of all forms of non-automotive ground transport. I support the use of green technologies and materials potentially even going beyond LEED certification. I embrace Passive House construction to greatly reduce the energy consumption required of traditionally constructed homes. I would like construction to include consideration of bio-diversity in building design in a way that sustains natural habitats as well as inclusion of edible plants and trees in landscaping. The council recently and unanimously extended the moratorium on rental evictions and increases due to Covid-19. We also passed a rental assistance program for qualified renters. In addition, as a 35 year Monterey teacher, I support the district's efforts to create workforce housing for teachers.

Water Supplies

Timothy Barrett Clyde Roberson
What specific proposals do you support to ensure your community can meet its water demands without increasing the overdraft of the County's groundwater aquifers or violating the SWRCB's Cease and Desist Order regarding taking water from the Carmel River? I served on the Board of Monterey One Water when decisions about the Pure Water Monterey Recycling Plant capacity were being made. I pushed for the highest recycled water output possible with available waste water flows

I'm supportive of municipal water catchment projects such as the Franklin Street Water Catchment Project which I approved as a Council Member. This water catchment project will eventually deliver water to Pure Water Monterey for treatment and injection into the drinking water aqueduct. I also support collaboration between the City of Monterey and the City of Pacific Grove for refurbishing of the David Avenue Water Reservoir. The reservoir would catch water runoff and create a walking park between Monterey and Pacific Grove.

I support continuation of incentive programs that help homes convert to low water consuming and low energy consuming appliances and fixtures.
I have supported two efforts on this regard: public ownership of our water supply, and the expansion of Pure Water Monterey which will meet the water needs of our community for years to come.The Pure Water Monterey will not take water from the overdrafted Salinas Water Basin and eliminate the Cease and Desist Order.
Do you support expansion of Pure Water Monterey as an alternative to building a desalination plant? I pushed for the Pure Water Monterey Water Recycling Plant to produce the highest recycled water output possible. Desal water is expensive, and I believe the slant well system that is being proposed damages the water basin by drawing in salt water thereby needlessly requiring injection of purified water at great expense.

I'm a public water advocate. I volunteered and went door to door for Public Water Initiatives in two election cycles including the most recent successful initiative. "
The Pure Water Monterey alternative is environmentally superior, much less expensive, and favors ratepayers over Cal Am stockholders. I have spoken to and written the State Water Board and Coastal Commission, encouraging them to deny the expensive Cal Am project and supporting the Pure Water Expansion.

Sprawl Reduction

Timothy Barrett Clyde Roberson
Do you support the creation of "urban growth boundaries" or expansion of the existing boundary as a way to prevent urban sprawl, and to insure that future growth is compact, efficient, and protective of the environment? If not, what measures would you support to prevent urban sprawl? If yes, will you sponsor an urban growth boundary in the upcoming year, and make it one of your top three priorities? I feel that Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) are very interesting. When I moved to the Monterey area 37 years ago, I did so because of the clean environment, the amazing accessibility of nature and the fact that full time employment could be found and housing was affordable. UGBs may be an effective way to maintain the accessibility of nature by limiting urban sprawl, and UGB's may incentivize more efficient use of parcels and encourage remodeling and reuse of existing structures within the boundaries. These are outcomes that I full heartedly support. Before committing to sponsor a UGB though, I will want to better understand what the implications might be for people within the City of Monterey to be gainfully employed and what the effect will be on gentrification of the area. I'm cautious of adding pressure that might displace residents who may be struggling to remain in the community and to raise families here. I will commit to learning more about UGBs and to finding out if they are the right policy to implement, and I'm committed to infill development as opposed to sprawl. Thanks for the question. It makes sense to build within current urban boundaries where there is infrastructure such as utilities, roads, transportation, and services. This helps reduce climate warming and preserves the beautiful environment around us.

Transportation

Timothy Barrett Clyde Roberson
Poorly planned, non-infill commercial developments and hotels create more trips and additional vehicle miles traveled on already overcrowded roads and highways. Both residents and visitors pay the price of delay and increased pollution. What specific traffic congestion relief solutions do you support? To begin, automotive fuel emissions are the City of Monterey's number 1 source of greenhouse gasses, and it's a bizarre thing to sit along Del Monte Blvd. and watch car after car stream by with just one occupant per 3,000 to 5,000 pound vehicle.

Our community will benefit greatly from housing that collocates workforce to jobs. Doing so will help provide stability in people's lives, potentially greatly reduce the need for commuting and thereby reduce carbon fuel emissions and wear and tear and the related expense to maintain transportation infrastructure.

I support expanding the use of all forms of non-automotive ground transport including walking, cycling, skates and scooters, electric buses and trains. These non-automotive forms of transport require investment in design elements and infrastructure to support them.

Synchronizing traffic signals along Monterey thoroughfares is reducing traffic flows and minimizing the increased gas emissions due to stop and go traffic.

I would like to find ways of funding and increasing regular bus service within Monterey and between cities. I'm a long time supporter of rapid transit to alleviate traffic along highway one.
I have voted for and supported our Monterey trolley which operates on weekends and all summer to get people out of their cars. I look forward to a year around "Monterey Trolley Service." The City has also implemented traffic signal coordination to improve traffic flow. Going forward, the art form is to enable people to see the region without driving their own vehicle once they are here. More housing for workers in the city cuts down on commuting time.
Do you support roundabouts on Highway 68 and other roads? What other transportation policies or practices have you seen that local governments should incorporate? The roundabout on Highway 68 at Highway 1 between Pacific Grove and Carmel has been effective at smoothing out traffic and reducing back up , I don't know of a reason why roundabouts wouldn't be effective elsewhere on Highway 68.

Highway 68 would benefit from better cycling infrastructure along that transportation corridor. It is an accessible ride, and cycling and other non-automotive modes of transport could be practical between downtown Monterey and Ryan Ranch for example except for the fact that the high speed traffic is just a few feet away.
Yes, roundabouts work. I was honored to be at the groundbreaking for the Pebble Beach/Community Hospital/Highways 1 and 68 roundabout. The city of Monterey was the project leader. Again, the Monterey Trolley is a hug success, funded in cooperation with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I will advocate for more participation by hotels and motels for the trolley.

Leadership

Timothy Barrett Clyde Roberson
If you are elected, what will be your top three priorities? First is the health of people in our community, and then Covid Pandemic recovery.

• I have a five point plan on Housing.

• I have a six point plan for Economic Equity!

• I have a three point plan on Environmental Health and Sustainability
I look forward to continuing to work with you as we face the challenges of these major issues: staying safe and healthy with the Covid-19 pandemic; the economic and budget crisis; and working toward fairness for all so everyone has economic, legal, housing, educational, health, and environmental equality; and the existntial threat of climate warming.
What land use policies would you champion for the community? I will champion land use policies that protect and enhance the natural environment, minimize energy consumption, revitalize existing developed areas and discourage urban sprawl. Monterey is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, with a quality of life which we all cherish. We must protect the environment while providing housing within current urban zones. I am a member of Mayors for Solar Energy, Mayors for Peaces, and the Citizens's Climate Lobby.
What accomplishments in your career or public service are you most proud of? Passed a Responsible Banking Ordinance against banking maleficence on Council and on Monterey One Water Board.

Passionately argued for Monterey to join the Community Power JPA

As Monterey One Water Boardmember, argued for Pure Water Monterey to recycle the highest quantity of water possible.

Brought Monterey to take a stand urging closure of the Cemex Sand Plant, and gave public input to the Coastal Commission as to same.

Brought the City on board as a signatory to the Citizen's Climate Lobby Carbon Tax Initiative

Brought the Healthy Eating Active Living Campaign raising standards for community parks

Defended requirements that new housing developments include deed restricted affordable housing

Repelled a commercial interest from usurping water from housing for commercial purposes

Promoted amendment to City's Housing Element to allow repurposing of underperforming buildings and accessory dwelling Units.

Helped create Slow Money Monterey to strengthen local sustainable food systems.

Prompted City to create ongoing program to educate and eliminate sexual discrimination in the workplace.

Prompted City to deliver nonviolent communication techniques and cultural sensitivity training to all employees Prompted creation of the One Starfish Safe Parking Program.

Directed two symposiums on Eldercare and Elder Justice
I am the Founder of Monterey Sports Center, the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program, and stopped hotel building on our waterfront resulting in the Monterey Bay Park. I have worked with the Aquarium and Middlebury Institute on environmental issues and polices. I helped form 16 Neighborhood Associations comprised of citizens who care about Monterey, insuring transparency in governance and public participation at all levels. Monterey has an outstanding list of affordable housing initiatives which we will build on. I have been so pleased to work with residents, small businesses, non-profits, and other government agencies. I am so proud that Monterey is a caring city.

Background

Timothy Barrett Clyde Roberson
Occupation

Educator / Nonprofit Director

Mayor, retired Teacher
Years Lived in Area 37 52
Education Monterey Institute of International Studies - International Policy & Certificate of TESOL
Field Of Study Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Specialization in Computer Assisted Language Learning

California State University Monterey Bay - Instructional Science and Technology

School of Life: Being a single dad - The best!
Bachelor's Degree with two California Teaching Credentials
Experience Educator
California State University Monterey Bay
Academic Coordinator

Chairperson
California Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Hartnell College
Adjunct Instructor: English / English as a Second Language

Barrett's Appliance Installation and Service Owned / operated kitchen remodeling business specializing in custom installation of built-ins and service.

Burdick's Appliances Managed 15 employees as Service Department Manager

Lodge in Pebble Beach Banquet Server / Bartender
I am a 35 year Monterey teacher, 4 term council member, 4 year Library board member, and 5 term Mayor of Monterey.