Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Regular Meeting // July 2, 2026

The City of Monterey Museums and Cultural Arts Commission held a regular meeting on July 2, 2026, focusing primarily on updates to museum tour fees and operational matters. The commission discussed the recent implementation of a new fee schedule for private tours at sites including Pacific Biological Laboratories, Colton Hall, and Presidio Monterey Museum, with fees designed to improve cost recovery for staffing and operations. They also reviewed the process for booking tours, including the use of an online form and third-party vendors, and considered the impact of associated fees. Additionally, the commission received an update on the Ferguson trust fund, which holds approximately $9,445 and is designated for the Presidio Monterey Museum. Potential expenditures discussed included urgent roof repairs, door replacement, and new display mannequins, with an emphasis on securing bids and exploring funding options such as grants or private fundraising. The commission also addressed the rotation of chair and vice chair positions and discussed upcoming cultural events and concert series at Colton Hall. No formal votes on procurement were recorded, but several action items related to budgeting and capital improvements were identified for follow-up.