MONTEREY >> The council will hold the first reading of a proposed ordinance to increase compensation for the mayor and council members, with changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.

If approved, the mayor’s monthly pay would increase to $1,562.79 and council members’ to $1,064.20. The adjustment is based on a state-authorized formula allowing for a 5 percent annual increase from the last raise, which took effect in January 2024. The total fiscal impact of the proposed increase is $6,492.60 per year.

City staff and supporters of the ordinance cite the demanding nature of public service, rising cost of living and the need to attract diverse and qualified candidates as key reasons for the adjustment. According to state law SB 329 and commentary from supporters like the League of California Cities, the low compensation historically offered to local elected officials often excludes low-income residents, single parents, young people and people of color from holding office.

The proposed increase would not take effect until after the next election to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. While the city charter technically allows for mid-term adjustments, the council members expressed a preference to delay the implementation in a prior discussion on April 15.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda, the council will hold a second reading of a new ordinance establishing regulations for sidewalk vending across the city. If approved, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days later.

Under the new rules, sidewalk vendors will be required to obtain a city-issued vending permit. Food vendors must also comply with Monterey County Health Department requirements. The ordinance outlines strict limitations on where and when vendors can operate, effectively narrowing the public space available for vending activity.

Vendors would be prohibited from setting up within 300 feet of permitted special events, farmers’ markets and parades and within 100 feet of a school during school hours. They also cannot operate on sidewalks narrower than six feet or within 15 feet of intersections, crosswalks, fire hydrants and bus stops. Vending in city parks will be prohibited unless a specific parks vending permit is issued.

The ordinance also sets time restrictions — vendors cannot operate before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. — and includes requirements for cleanliness, unobstructed pedestrian access and waste disposal.

Vending equipment must be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion and fit within the designated vending area without obstructing public rights-of-way or ADA access.

Violations of the ordinance may lead to citations, permit suspension or revocation, and, in some cases, misdemeanor charges.

City officials describe the ordinance as a measure to ensure health and safety, equitable use of public space and compliance with state law, which limits local governments from outright banning sidewalk vending but allows for “reasonable” regulations.

However, critics argue the rules may disproportionately impact low-income and immigrant vendors who rely on informal vending to make a living.

The Monterey City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Monterey City Hall, 580 Pacific St. The meeting will be streamed online and can be participated in remotely via Zoom at https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j/1607729333.