PACIFIC GROVE >> The Pacific Grove City Council will meet Wednesday, hosting the third public hearing on moving to a by-district election system and returning to the topic of outdoor dining.

The third public hearing to discuss the city’s intent to move to a by-district election system will consider the draft maps prepared by different Pacific Grove residents. The council will get input from the community, make suggestions on maps and discuss district boundaries and election sequencing.

The community was encouraged to submit proposed maps by Jan. 24 for consideration and can be viewed on the city’s website (https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/).

Of the 20 submitted options, 17 meet the requirements to be accepted.

This meeting will be for the top selected maps draftees to take advice from the council and city staff on how to make their maps better or more-line with the cities needs.

The next steps will be to establish the timing and sequence of district elections for the city. The maps will be brought back to look over changes, and one will be selected during the next meeting.

The change to district boundaries will not affect the terms of any incumbents, according to Wednesday’s agenda.

The first district-based election would take place in November 2026, when about half of the council members terms will expire. The other half will finish out their terms until November 2028. Redistricting would occur after the 2030 Census in 2031.

The next public hearing is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. March 5.

The council will also update the city code to allow for the issuing of sidewalk dining permits. The sidewalk expansion project on Lighthouse Avenue and Fountain Avenue was completed on Jan. 10. The new permits will allow restaurant owners to use the sidewalk in front of their business for outdoor dining, and will be required to apply for a permit.

The renewal of the permits will be contingent on the restaurant’s meeting all of the building and environmental requirements needed.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Pacific Grove City Hall, 300 Forest Ave. The meeting will be streamed online and can be watched via Zoom at https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_CC. Directions to dial into the meeting audio are posted on the agenda.