8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 28, 2023-january 3, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com news Over the past few months, Jennifer Robinson has fielded many questions regarding the anticipated opening date of the Tipsy Putt location on Cannery Row in Monterey. Some even wondered if the unique miniature golf pub would open at all. “It’s been a journey, we just need a little more time,” says the Tipsy Putt public relations director. “But we’ll definitely be opening.” The new concept originally hoped to welcome guests to its Monterey venue in the fall of 2023. Now, Robinson says February of 2024 is the likely target date. Beyond the time consumed by a complete renovation of the former Cannery Row Brewing Company’s 18,800-squarefoot space, there was an unexpected hangup. “It was a real challenge getting signage,” Robinson explains. The root cause was an exception to city signage guidelines that had been granted to CRBC. Working with United Sign Systems, Tipsy Putt proposed eight signs on the building, including replacing the lettering along the building’s roofline. At a Sept. 20 meeting, the city’s Architectural Review Committee determined that the proposal exceeded the allowed square footage of signage and recommended a reduction in both size and number of signs. Tipsy Putt appealed the decision and on Oct. 24, the Monterey Planning Commission struck a compromise, reducing the allowed square footage, but giving USS and Tipsy Putt the option of how it would be distributed. On Nov. 14, the companies returned to the Planning Commission with a proposal of four signs. Commissioners approved the plan unanimously. Sign Time Tipsy Putt targets a February opening for Cannery Row location after signage-related delays. By Dave Faries The cost of rent, groceries and mortgage payments have steadily increased over the past four decades, but there is one figure that has remained stagnant: city council compensation. Since a 1984 rule that last established base compensation levels, many city councils across California have not received increases, with monthly compensation ranging from $300 to $1,000. But that is about the change. In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 329, which allows cities to adjust city council members’ compensation for inflation. As a result, the possibility of increases is being brought before area city councils, including Soledad and Salinas. Currently, Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig earns $9,600 annually ($800 per month), while council members earn $7,200 (or $600 per month). With the adjusted amounts, the mayor and council members would earn $30,600 annually ($2,550 per month is the maximum amount allowed for a city the size of Salinas). This is about a 400-percent increase. “It’s kind of like sticker shock, but imagine if someone didn’t get a raise for 40 years,” Salinas City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval says. When compared with other cities of a similar size, Salinas’ monthly compensation is low. In Sunnyvale the mayor receives $3,884/month while councilmembers earn $2,913. In Hayward, the mayor is paid $3,474, while a councilmember gets $2,081. In Oxnard, the mayor and council each earn $1,701 monthly. In addition to keeping up with inflation, the law is intended to increase the diversity of those willing to run for public office. Councilmembers must attend community meetings, events, follow up on constituent inquiries and more, without staff aiding them in their responsibilities. Craig and Sandoval say fair compensation will remove barriers to running for office, including for parents, part-time workers and low-income workers. Craig notes could mean the ability to pay for a babysitter while attending a meeting. Salinas has had two female mayors to date, Anna Caballero and Craig, while Soledad has had only one, Anna Velazquez. Salinas City Councilmember Anthony Rocha said during a Nov. 14 discussion that it would allow hourly workers like himself to participate in regional boards without losing money for requesting time off from work. Councilmember Steve McShane opposed the increase, saying public service shouldn’t be motivated by money. Residents, meanwhile, spoke for and against the raise. Opponents cited matters they deemed more important, including attracting and retaining police officers and fixing infrastructure. According to the plan before the council, the new compensation package will be the same across the board, although some residents contend the mayor’s compensation should be higher. Craig agreed, suggesting an increase to take effect for the next mayor. The council decided on equal compensation across the board. The vote on the compensation increase will take place on Jan. 9. If approved, the new levels will go into effect 30 days after the vote. Funding for the salary bump will come from the city’s general fund. Mayor Kimbley Craig and Councilmember Andrew Sandoval are in favor of increasing their monthly compensation, aligning with state law that will take effect on Jan. 1. Pay Scale Salinas City Council will address a proposed increase in compensation for council members. By Celia Jiménez After finding a compromise on signage at the Cannery Row location, Tipsy Putt is completing construction of the indoor mini golf layout. “We’re not too far off,” says Tipsy Putt’s Jennifer Robinson. “Imagine if someone didn’t get a raise for 40 years.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
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