Video Recording
Location: LHPUSD Boardroom and Zoom
Council Members in Attendance: Ryan Augustine, Nicholas Erridge, Cullen Rose, Dr. Patrick Horn, Dr. Kassandra Talbot
Absent: None
Quorum Achieved: Yes
Virtual Attendance: 6
People in Attendance: 9
Interpretation Services (Spanish/English): Present
6:00 PM Call to Order and Opening Business:
Council chair Augustine called the meeting to order
Pledge of allegiance administered
Roll Call: Introduction of Council members
Minutes and agenda approved unanimously via quorum
Key Takeaways
PMAC approved a resolution calling for a November 3, 2026 election for two at-large council seats, with follow-up needed on map requirements and financial authority questions.
Kathleen from Supervisor Ray Mueller's office attended her final PMAC meeting; Dave Cosgrave will take over Pescadero responsibilities starting in August.
The Pescadero Transfer Station (PTS) is operating at a significant and growing deficit (~$192,596 in FY25-26), with the solid waste fund now depleted; a subcommittee was formed to develop recommendations.
San Mateo County Planning and Building Department presented the Safety Element Update Public Review Draft, requesting community feedback by July 31, 2026.
Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District (MidPen) provided an introduction and update on preserves, conservation grazing, fire resiliency, and educational programs.
The CSA-11 Advisory Committee subcommittee reported on its first meeting and outlined a community outreach plan, including a September 1 community education meeting.
Multiple upcoming special meetings and subcommittee sessions are planned for September, covering agriculture, housing, water, and trash topics.
1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Roll Call
The meeting was formally called to order by the Chair.
Details
Roll call confirmed all councilors present: Nic Erridge, Dr. Patrick Horn, Ryan Augustine, Dr. Kassandra Talbot, Cullen Rose.
Conclusion
All councilors present; quorum established.
2. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
Details
No public comments were submitted in person or online for items not on the agenda.
Conclusion
No public comment received.
3. Consent Agenda – Adoption of Previous Meeting Minutes and Current Agenda
Details
Motion to adopt made by Rose, seconded by Talbot.
No discussion.
Conclusion
Consent agenda was adopted unanimously.
4. Resolution for November 3, 2026, Election of Two Council Seats
The council reviewed and voted on a resolution calling for the election of two at-large council members on November 3, 2026.
Details
PMAC (Ryan/Chair): Explained the resolution was moved to the top of the agenda due to its importance; a template was obtained from the county elections official and adapted for PMAC.
Patrick Horn: Raised two concerns — (1) Section 5 requires delivery of a jurisdiction boundary map to the Chief Elections Officer, but PMAC's current map is outdated and does not reflect the at-large structure; (2) Sections 6 and 7 reference an election service agreement and invoice payment, raising questions about whether PMAC has the fiscal authority to enter such agreements.
Kathleen (Supervisor Mueller's office): Suggested consulting Connie (Jerome, Finance) for clarity on fiscal authority.
Multiple councilors: Agreed the resolution should proceed as drafted, with follow-up on Patrick's concerns, noting that any legally unenforceable sections would become null and void.
The resolution was read aloud in full, covering election date, at-large structure, map delivery, service agreement, invoice payment, and candidate statement provisions.
The resolution was signed by all councilors present.
A chat message from a community member provided a link to an updated PMAC map showing at-large boundaries.
Conclusion
Motion to approve the resolution as drafted, with the Chair to follow up with the county on questions raised by Horn, was made and seconded.
Resolution passed unanimously.
Resolution to be posted alongside official public notices.
5. Reports to Council – Supervisor Ray Mueller's Office (Kathleen / Dave Cosgrave)
Kathleen provided a brief report and announced her transition out of the Pescadero liaison role.
Details
Kathleen: Noted the Board is in July recess, returning August 11. Supervisor Mueller attended Puente's Food Giveaway alongside Congressman Liccardo and Senator Josh Becker. Mueller also visited the Pescadero fire station and met project manager Rafe Navarrete, a Pescadero High School alumnus whose father was Farm Worker of the Year. Mueller and Kathleen will tour with RCD the following day to discuss flooding and El Niño concerns.
Kathleen: Announced this is her last PMAC meeting; Dave Cosgrave will take over Pescadero responsibilities starting in August.
Dave Cosgrave: Introduced himself, noting 32 years in fire service (County Fire/Coastside Fire), followed by a role at the Department of Emergency Management, and then joining Supervisor Mueller's office four months ago.
PMAC (Patrick): Thanked Kathleen for her service and contributions to PMAC over two terms, noting her behind-the-scenes work on community issues.
Kassandra Talbot: Asked for an update on when Pescadero Elementary School will receive its generator; Kathleen noted additional federal funding is being sought through Congressman Liccardo's office and committed to following up.
Conclusion
Kathleen's final PMAC meeting acknowledged with appreciation.
Dave Cosgrave welcomed as the new Pescadero liaison.
Generator update for Pescadero Elementary School to be provided by Kathleen via email to Ron.
6. Reports to Council – San Mateo County Fire Department
Details
No representative present in person or online.
Conclusion
Item skipped; no report provided.
7. Pescadero Transfer Station (PTS) Presentation – San Mateo County Sustainability Department
Jasneet Sharma and Lizzie Carrade presented an update on the PTS financial deficit and proposed forming a PMAC subcommittee to develop recommendations.
Details
Lizzie Carrade: Provided background — PTS established in 1986, serves ~400 customers/month, processes ~755 tons of waste annually (declining), owned by the county and managed through private contracts.
Lizzie Carrade: PTS has operated at a deficit since the 1990s, previously subsidized by a solid waste fund (from landfill closure fees) that is now depleted. The deficit is now funded by county general fund dollars. Projected deficit for FY25-26 is ~$192,596, growing to ~$250,827 by FY29-30.
Lizzie Carrade: Operating costs increased significantly with a new contract effective 2025. Tonnage has declined from near 1,000 tons in FY21-22 to ~500 tons in recent years, partly attributed to non-exclusive franchise agreements with four haulers introduced ~2 years ago.
Lizzie Carrade: A 2024 rate increase (~20% average) did not close the deficit. Sunday service was eliminated and replaced with Thursday–Friday–Saturday hours.
Jasneet Sharma: Acknowledged the county's lack of transparency in elevating this issue earlier and expressed commitment to partnership with PMAC.
Joanne Sandoval (Puente community organizer): Asked about alternative contractors and why the deficit-increasing contract was agreed upon; Lizzie noted only one contractor applied and leverage was very limited.
Irma Rodriguez-Mitton: Asked whether data exists on customers who switched to curbside pickup services; Lizzie confirmed that an increase in curbside subscriptions is a likely factor in declining PTS utilization.
Kassandra Talbot: Raised concerns about remote community access, fire mitigation waste disposal, potential federal funding tied to fire risk reduction, and the possibility of a modest rate increase as preferable to closure.
Cullen Rose: Asked about the primary drivers of the deficit and COVID-era utilization bump; Jasneet and Lizzie explained the combination of depleted trust fund, rising operating costs, and increased curbside adoption.
Rose: Noted that Sunday closure may have driven some customers away and asked if restoring Sunday hours was possible; Lizzie noted limited negotiating leverage with the sole contractor.
PMAC (Patrick): Expressed support for the subcommittee approach as a move toward transparency and community engagement, while noting the burden on community volunteers and the need for creative problem-solving beyond rate increases.
Nic Erridge: Questioned whether PMAC should run the subcommittee or whether a county-led subcommittee with PMAC representation would be more appropriate; Jasneet confirmed flexibility in structure.
Ryan Augustine: Asked what specific questions the subcommittee should address; Jasneet identified short-term deficit resolution and long-term sustainability as dual goals.
Community member (unnamed): Asked if a rate increase is unavoidable; Jasneet confirmed it is likely one of the strongest short-term options but emphasized openness to community ideas.
Community member (Krystlyn Giedt): Volunteered to participate on the subcommittee, noting she has Republic and Recology on her board of directors.
Ryan Augustine: Clarified Brown Act implications — subcommittees of two PMAC members do not trigger the Brown Act unless a quorum of the full council is present, allowing working meetings without public notice.
Ryan Augustine: Appointed himself as subcommittee chair, with Irma Rodriguez-Mitton and Krystlyn Giedt as community members.
Conclusion
Pescadero Transfer Station Subcommittee formed, chaired by Ryan Augustine, with Irma Rodriguez-Mitton and Krystlyn Giedt as members, in partnership with the County Sustainability Department.
Subcommittee to meet approximately 2–3 times before October, review financial data and scenarios, and present a recommendation to PMAC by October for submission to the Board of Supervisors by December.
8. San Mateo County Safety Element Update – Public Review Draft
Katie Faulkner (San Mateo County Planning and Building Department) and Bharat Singh (Planning Services Manager) presented the Safety Element Update and requested community feedback.
Details
Katie Faulkner: Explained that a safety element is a required component of a county general plan, addressing natural hazards. The current update adds climate adaptation and resiliency policies, evacuation route identification, and new state requirements. The project is part of the Peninsula Resilience Planning (PREP) collaborative involving the county and eight cities.
Katie Faulkner: Hazards assessed include seismic, geologic, severe weather, flooding, sea level rise, wildfire, and drought — all potentially affecting Pescadero.
Katie Faulkner: Community engagement included two in-person workshops in Pescadero (in partnership with Climate Resilient Communities and Arriba South Coast), virtual workshops, an in-person open house in Half Moon Bay, and stakeholder meetings. Key themes heard communication gaps during emergencies (especially for non-English speakers), need for infrastructure improvements, desire for emergency preparedness resources, concerns about flooding/sea level rise/wildfire, and need for equitable resource distribution.
Katie Faulkner: Updated policies organized into data gathering, public communication, development regulations, infrastructure improvements, and programs and plans. Feedback requested by July 31, 2026, via email or project website.
Bharat Singh: Emphasized the document covers the entire county; implementation will focus on specific communities. Offered to create community-specific summaries identifying primary hazards and relevant policies for Pescadero, available in multiple languages.
PMAC (Patrick): Noted difficulty in identifying which policies are specifically relevant to Pescadero; expressed concern that the document's complexity may deter community engagement, particularly for non-English speakers.
Kassandra Talbot: Highlighted flood isolation as a critical Pescadero-specific vulnerability, noting that both Pescadero Creek Road and Highway 1 have been simultaneously cut off; asked whether the safety element prioritizes maintaining emergency access and evacuation routes for isolated communities.
Bharat Singh: Confirmed the safety element directs an evacuation analysis (already underway with DEAM) and referenced Policy SE 4.1 (Maintenance of Evacuation Routes) and Policy SE 5.1 (All-Hazards Evacuation Plan).
Ryan Augustine: Asked about prioritization, funding strategy, and accountability for implementation; Bharat noted that responsible departments are identified in the document and that prioritization is guided by emergency management agencies and community input.
Katie Faulkner: Added that the safety element positions the county to pursue grant funding as opportunities arise.
Irma Rodriguez-Mitton (public comment): Noted her organization (OD the South Coast) co-facilitated community workshops for this plan; invited council and community to the upcoming Sustainable Pescadero meeting to discuss the Safety Element Review; encouraged community members to compare hazard data maps against their lived experience and report discrepancies.
Conclusion
Community feedback requested by July 31, 2026 (comments accepted beyond this date).
Bharat Singh committed to creating a Pescadero-specific summary of primary hazards and relevant policies, to be posted online in multiple languages.
Irma Rodriguez-Mitton to lead a Safety Element discussion at the next Sustainable Pescadero meeting.
Document will proceed to state agency review, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors for adoption.
9. Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District (MidPen) – Introduction and Update
Margaret MacNiven (MidPen Board Member, Ward 6) presented an overview of MidPen's mission, land holdings, programs, and Coastside activities.
Details
Margaret MacNiven: MidPen's mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. On the coast, the mission extends to preserving agricultural land and encouraging viable agricultural uses.
Margaret MacNiven: MidPen manages 72,000 acres across 27 preserves with 260 miles of trails, including ~15,000 acres of Coastside grazing lands. All preserves are free and open to the public.
Margaret MacNiven: MidPen annexed the coast in 2004 (effective 2014 after policy agreements with the Farm Bureau). Measure AA bond funds stewardship and public access. Coastside residents pay the Measure AA bond but not the general MidPen tax. MidPen compensates schools and fire services for land taken off tax rolls.
Margaret MacNiven: Highlighted nearby preserves — Cloverdale, La Honda Creek Open Space Reserve, and Purisima Creek Redwoods (with a planned trail from Highway 1 to Skyline).
Margaret MacNiven: Described the conservation grazing program — leasing land to cattle managers to preserve grasslands from invasive plants; $4.4 million invested in fencing, brush removal, road access, and barn repair. MidPen compensates ranchers for mountain lion predation losses.
Margaret MacNiven: Cloverdale is being purchased in three phases; the third phase (northern area including Lake Lucerne) is pending resolution of water rights. Public access is planned for 2027; Wilbur's Watch remains open.
Margaret MacNiven: Described the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program — vegetation management, emergency access improvements, monitoring and advisory support to CAL FIRE, and controlled burns. Two ranger fire crews assisted during the CZU fire. Current work includes a community shaded fuel break around La Honda in collaboration with RCD.
Margaret MacNiven: Highlighted educational partnerships, including work with Jeff Butterworth (MidPen education coordinator) who runs programs with Pescadero schools. MidPen pays for student transportation for field trips.
Kassandra Talbot: Asked whether MidPen also covers substitute teacher costs for field trip days; Margaret MacNiven offered to investigate.
Nic Erridge: Thanked MidPen for its work and noted personal use of the preserves.
PMAC (Patrick): Announced a special PMAC meeting planned for mid-to-late September coinciding with the crop report release, inviting MidPen to participate in a community roundtable with agricultural stakeholders.
Margaret MacNiven: Noted ongoing quarterly meetings with the Farm Bureau to address concerns and build trust.
Conclusion
MidPen invited to participate in the special September PMAC agricultural roundtable meeting.
Margaret MacNiven to investigate whether MidPen can cover substitute teacher costs for Pescadero school field trips.
10. CSA-11 Advisory Committee Appointments – Subcommittee Update
Cullen Rose reported on the CSA-11 subcommittee's first meeting and outlined next steps.
Details
Cullen Rose: The subcommittee held its first meeting on June 30. Key focus was clarifying the roles of the PMAC subcommittee and the county advisory committee and agreeing on a community outreach approach before recommending names. The subcommittee prioritized a transparent, inclusive process over rushing appointments.
Cullen Rose: Nic has been drafting outreach materials; Catherine is preparing a historical background presentation. A community education meeting is planned for September 1, focused on explaining CSA-11, the advisory committee's purpose, and what membership entails.
Cullen Rose: Next subcommittee meeting is July 21 to refine outreach materials and continue planning for September 1.
Ryan Augustine: Noted that subcommittees of two or three members can meet outside public meetings without Brown Act requirements, potentially accelerating work.
PMAC: Expressed concern about CSA-11's urgency (effectively bankrupt), the risk of state takeover if no action is taken, and the importance of not allowing PMAC's name to become a rubber stamp for the county advisory committee. Suggested term limits or reconfirmation mechanisms to maintain PMAC oversight.
Cullen Rose: Acknowledged the complexity, including significant community distrust stemming from past conflicts with county staff (Nicholas). Emphasized that going slow to build community confidence will produce better long-term results.
Ryan Augustine: Suggested aiming for recommendations at the September 8 PMAC meeting, while acknowledging this depends on community response to the September 1 meeting.
PMAC (Nic): Referenced CSA-7 as a model with a more formal advisory committee process that could serve as a template.
Multiple councilors: Agreed that partial recommendations (filling some seats before all are identified) are acceptable to avoid further delay.
Conclusion
CSA-11 subcommittee to meet July 21 to refine outreach materials.
Community education meeting planned for September 1.
Recommendations to the full PMAC council targeted for September 8, contingent on community response.
Subcommittee to use CSA-7 bylaws as a reference template.
11. Councilor Reports
Administrative
No items raised.
Agriculture and Commerce
Details
PMAC (Patrick): Reached out to the Ag Commissioner about the harvest report publication date; a special PMAC meeting is planned for mid-to-late September. Dates being held; confirmation is expected by the next PMAC meeting. Outreach began to Farm Worker Advisory Commission, Agriculture Advisory Commission, and MidPen.
PMAC (Patrick): Attended the Farm Worker Advisory Commission listening session; a two-and-a-half-page summary was produced and will be presented to supervisors. The session also informed the housing subcommittee. New chair (Stephanie) and vice chair appointed to the commission.
Flowers and flower tour noted as upcoming.
Conclusion
Special Ag meeting date to be confirmed by next PMAC meeting.
Education
Details
Kassandra Talbot: New district hires include Lisa Gonzalez (new CBO/Erica equivalent), Chris (new Curriculum and Instruction lead), and Dr. Deshawn Woolridge (new principal for Pescadero Middle High School, formerly of Oakland Tech). New 2nd/3rd grade teacher at elementary school is Lily Bastida. Interviews ongoing for the 1st grade position.
Kassandra Talbot: Art teacher Mrs. Vail is retiring; a combined art and music teacher position is being sought. Spanish teacher resigned due to inability to obtain intern credential hours. New principal is expected to make decisions on language instruction (online platform or new hire).
Kassandra Talbot: Construction/seismic study at the school site is ongoing; elementary school upgrades to proceed first, then return to the high school.
Conclusion
Full teaching staff expected for the upcoming school year once remaining positions are filled.
Health and Safety
Details
Nic Erridge: San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day is Saturday, August 1, at the fairgrounds, 10 AM–2 PM, featuring first responders, live demos, and free food.
Nic Erridge: Mark Berman's summer food drive is ongoing; donations can be dropped off at the Ted Adcock Community Center between 9 AM–5 PM throughout the week.
PMAC (Patrick): Puente's food distribution recently hosted county, state, and federal representatives. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley received 40,000 pounds of dry goods from the Church of Latter-day Saints. The CEO of Second Harvest noted that 67,000 people in the region may lose SNAP benefits by October, increasing reliance on food distributions.
Ryan Augustine: Reminded all participants to be mindful of jokes about harm during meetings, noting that PMAC meetings should be a safe space for all attendees.
Conclusion
Community encouraged to attend Disaster Preparedness Day and contribute to the food drive.
Housing and Development
Details
PMAC (Patrick): Housing Element Task Force appointed Rita Mancera as a fourth member; Jared from Fifth Crow is expected to join as a fifth. At the last meeting, four county staff attended but were not prepared to deliver the promised milestones update and sites report; they committed to presenting at the next meeting in September.
PMAC (Patrick): A preview of the CITES report revealed four identified sites within the CSA-11 district, one of which is the school site — the school was not consulted, and this may need to be reconsidered.
Nic Erridge: Noted the importance of working collaboratively with county staff ahead of public meetings to ensure they are prepared.
Conclusion
Full milestones update and CITES report presentation expected at the September Housing Element Task Force meeting.
Parks and Recreation
Details
Nic Erridge: Continuing to work with the Parks Director on the Pescadero Community Space permitting; a meeting in two weeks expected to provide an updated timeline.
Nic Erridge: Third Grill and Chill event scheduled for July 24; previous events were well-attended with wiffle ball, disc throwing, and donated meat from Left Coast. Two more events planned (August and September, possibly October depending on weather and budget).
Nic Erridge: Bathroom upgrades at Pescadero and San Gregorio State Parks are still in progress but moving forward.
PMAC (Patrick): Pescadero Farmer's Market (more of a maker's market) had a strong first weekend but slow second weekend; sustainability uncertain from the farmer's perspective.
Community Barn Sale noted for August 15–16; Gabe is the contact.
Conclusion
Grill and Chill events continue throughout summer.
Transportation
Details
PMAC (Patrick): DPW repaved the middle of South Stage Road and did work on North Street without prior community notice; community members expressed confusion. Nic Erridge clarified that minor road work typically does not require community notification.
PMAC (Patrick): San Mateo County is conducting a transit focus group; a session was scheduled for the following day.
New distance signs to parks were installed near the meeting location.
Conclusion
No formal action taken; communication gap noted for future reference.
Utilities
Details
CSA-11 covered under its own agenda item.
Transfer Station covered under its own agenda item.
Microgrid update noted as non-disclosed.
Conclusion
No additional utility items.
12. Adjournment
Details
Motion to adjourn made and seconded by Erridge.
All in favor.
Conclusion
Meeting adjourned.
