Pacific Grove swears in new mayor, three council members

Pacific Grove completed its transition of power during Wednesday’s city council meeting, announcing the city’s election results, congratulating the new members of the city council and taking time to honor the council members that have served in their final meeting.

Nick Smith was sworn in as mayor of Pacific Grove, his first time taking the mantle after two years on the council. Chaps Poduri was re-sworn in as a council member, and Tina Rau and Paul Walkingstick were sworn in for the first time as council members.

Before the updated council took their seats, city staff took time to thank Luke Coletti and Bill Peake for their service.

“In all of Luke’s years of service he’s been very busy, he’s someone who comes to work everyday and puts a lot into this position,” said City Manager Matt Mogensen.

Debby Beck, who stepped down from the council at the end of November, attended the meeting virtually and shouted out Coletti.

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thank Councilman Coletti for his dedicated service to the residents of Pacific Grove over the last four years. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to supporting our community,” Beck said.

Smith took the podium to speak on Peake, congratulating him on his years of service to the city and speaking to his character and values.

“He’s a tireless campaigner, he’s very bright and made it a point to visit every door in the community and that really drove his leadership in Pacific Grove,” Smith said. “The city benefitted from his keen judgement on difficult issues that we faced and Bill we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your contributions to our fair city and wish you the best in your retirement.”

Peake also congratulated Smith, and said the feeling is bittersweet.

“It’s been an honor to serve Pacific Grove and its residents,” Peake said. “I know you all put your trust in me to do the right thing, and though we didn’t always agree there was the trust that we’d try to do what’s right for everyone.”

When speaking on why he chose not to run again, Peake said he was ready to retire and spend more time with family.

“It was just my time to pass the baton, city government is never-ending and we’ve got a crew with a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm and I wish them so much success,” Peake said.

After a short reception break, the new council took their seats.

Rau’s first order of business was to suggest the council add a time for a land acknowledgment, possibly sometime after the pledge of allegiance.

Smith nominated Councilman Joe Amelio as Mayor Pro Tempore, who won with an unanimous vote 6-0.

“Joe Amelio has been on the council since 2018, he’s the senior council member at this time. He’s always been reliable, he’s always at the meetings and he’s willing to do the work,” Smith said.

The council also discussed filling the vacant seat, following Beck’s resignation. The council is required to appoint the next council member with city staff suggesting an open application process.

The applications for the seat will open on Dec. 6 and be available until Jan. 3. Then all the applications will be posted to the council agenda and a report will be provided at the Jan. 15 meeting. Each of the applicants will also have a few minutes to speak directly to the council and make an argument for why they should be chosen.