Receive a presentation on street addresses public vote options; presentation will include a brief overview of the street addresses work group and election costs and timeline requirements for a ballot measure in a 2025 Special Election and a 2026 Election. Staff recommends City Council action and direction on (1) whether to proceed in preparation for a ballot measure and election, and (2) which, if any, election year. (Estimated time - 90 min)

On September 10, 2024, staff submitted a staff report with eight attachments to the City Council (Attachment 1) regarding street addresses systems research, implementation, community engagement, a legal analysis of street address identification requirements, and the City’s options for a public vote. The City Council approved a Motion to hold a public vote on street addresses in November 2025, with the type of vote to be determined, and hold more special council meetings for additional public input.

On February 27, 2025, at the City Council Strategic Priorities Workshop (Special Meeting), the City Council requested that staff return at a future date with a presentation on street addresses. The request to staff included a presentation consisting of a proposed street address system implementation plan, proposed community engagement plan, vote options, and estimated timeline and costs of a standalone election and consolidated (county/statewide) election.

On April 1, 2025, a staff report was submitted to City Council (Attachment 2). Administrative Analyst, Emily Garay, presented staff research, including historical context, Council directives, processes and guidelines for street addresses systems development, and remaining questions. City Attorney Pierik provided a legal analysis of street address identification requirements, City options for a public vote, and timelines and costs for a Special Election in November 2025 and a regular Election in November 2026. The topic of street addresses was identified as a discussion item only, with no City Council direction proposed.

During the April 1, 2025 meeting, City Council discussed and proposed that a community work group be formed to further research remaining questions and exploration of street address systems. City Council’s guidance for the formation of a street address work group included that it comprises community members, Mayor Pro Tem Delves, and staff.

Street Addresses Work Group

At the April 1, 2025 City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Delves mentioned that a small group of citizens had approached him, volunteering to do more work to fully explore the address topic, and that he intended to join and sponsor that group.  He sought a reaction (unofficial since this was not an agendized topic), from each City Council member and the majority of responses were positive.  Since then, the Address Work Group has formed and meets weekly; the Group includes Kevin Ruess, Nancy Twomey, Paula Hazdavac, Administrative Analyst Emily Garay, and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Delves. Mayor Pro Tem Delves will be prepared to provide a brief verbal update on the progress and plans of the Group and the Group Members will be in attendance and available for questions or specific suggestions from City Council.

Elections Timelines and Costs

City Council asked staff for more information on elections timelines and costs based on the proposed election dates considered by City Council on September 10, 2024. The information below was acquired by the City Clerk and explains the timing requirements of the County of Monterey Elections Department. Staff developed estimated timelines and costs based on communication with the County of Monterey Elections Department to enable City Council and staff to work within the appropriate deadlines (Attachment 3).

Table 1 shows the timing requirements for a November 2025 Special Election and Table 2 shows the timing requirements for a November 2026 General Election.

Table 1 – November 2025 Special Election

Table 2 – November 2026 General Election

November 2025 Special Election Cost

The County of Monterey Elections office estimated the cost of a standalone election in an odd numbered year would be $16.00-$24.00 per registered voter. Carmel-by-the-Sea has approximately 2,500 registered voters, bringing the estimated cost to hold an election in 2025 to the range of $40,000 - $60,000.

November 2026 General Election Cost

When the City holds a general election consolidated with a county/statewide election, during an even numbered year without a ballot measure (Mayor and City Council election only), the estimated cost is $4.00-$6.00 per registered voter with a total cost in the range of $10,000 - $15,000. Adding a ballot measure to the 2026 election is estimated to be an additional $8,000 - $10,000.

Staff’s Recommendation

Staff recommends City Council action on an election date and guidance on continued exploration, development, and research on the topic of street addresses.

Options presented to City Council regarding a public vote:

1. Direct staff to draft necessary language to meet timeline requirements for a ballot measure in a November 2025 Special Election. 
2. Direct staff to prepare necessary language and develop an appropriate timeline for a ballot measure in the November 2026 General Election.
3. Change direction to staff – staff will notify County of Monterey Elections that the City will not hold a Special Election in 2025 for a ballot measure on street addresses and will not add a ballot measure to the General Election in 2026.

Fiscal impact depends on City Council’s direction. Election costs for a 2025 Special Election could range between $40,00-$60,000. For a ballot measure on the 2026 General Election, the additional costs could range between $8,000-$10,000 (the additional cost would be added to the standard estimated cost of $10,000-$15,000 to hold the election).

September 10, 2024: The City Council approved a Motion to hold a public vote on street addresses in November 2025, with the type of vote to be determined, and hold more special council meeting for additional public input.

February 27, 2025: At the City Council Strategic Priorities Workshop (Special Meeting), the City Council requested that staff return at a future date with a presentation on street addresses.