Pacific Grove Police Chief search down to four with hire expected by July

The search for Pacific Grove's police chief is down to four, according to City Manager Ben Harvey, who said he hopes to name the city's new chief by July.

Harvey said the City had over 50 applicants and from that pool narrowed it down to 17 and then seven. Four of those candidates are being brought back for second interviews.

“I have been very pleased with the candidates and the process, and know that I will be able to select a highly qualified chief that is a good match for both the community, the department and the greater municipal organization,” said Harvey, noting that with the time needed for a background check and other reviews, he felt mid-summer was a good estimated hire date.

He also said that the city's interim Chief of Police Steve Belcher has been very involved in the selection process.

Recently, Salinas Chief Kelly McMillin announced his retirement and just this week, Seaside Police Chief Vicki Myers announced hers, which means that both of those city's officials will be conducting their own searches for a new police chief.  

Pacific Grove holds the line on housing and butterfly habitats

There were some different housing issues addressed in Pacific Grove this week. One involved a housing unit and the other involved housing some butterflies.

The council on Wednesday denied the appeal by resident Jacqueline Trees upholding the planning commission’s decision to not continue to allow a 4th housing unit at 210 17 Mile Drive to exist.

City Manager Ben Harvey said that city staff will work with the existing tenants of the unit to help them relocate.

Trees was represented by attorney Anthony Davi in the appeal. 

Also Wednesday, the city’s butterfly habitat bonds were addressed with the bond payment of .0035 percent on assessed value of property in Pacific Grove approved.

“Each year, we have to adopt a resolution that says the tax rate,” said Harvey. “This is the second year of essentially paying off the mortgage on the butterfly habitat. After this year, we’ll have one more year to go.”