HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2025-05-13 Regular Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
May 13, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
209 Surf St., Morro Bay, CA
Members Present: Mayor Carla Wixom
Council Member Cyndee Edwards
Council Member Jeff Eckles
Council Member Zara Landrum
Council Member Bill Luffee
Staff Present: City Manager Yvonne Kimball
Interim City Attorney Robert Schultz
City Clerk Dana Swanson
Finance Director Emily Conrad
Public Works Director Greg Kwolek
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Police Chief Amy Watkins
Fire Chief Dan McCrain
Harbor Vitality Director Chris Munson
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. with all members present.
The Mayor announced due to the large number of speakers, general public
comment would be limited to two minutes per person and a total of 45 minutes.
At that point in time, she would close general public comment until the end of the
meeting.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
4.a Closed Session Report
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=e2Wf6FWLUbnIHwXh&t=138
City Attorney Schultz announced that with regard to property negotiations
for 1287 Embarcadero, 781 Market Ave., and 695 Harbor Street, no action
was taken that required preporting under the Brown Act. With regard to
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property negotiations with San Luis Coastal Unified School District for
Morro Elementary, the Council authorized staff to continue to negotiate
with the District for purchase of the property and to send a formal written
notice to the District pursuant to Government Code section 54223. With
regard to Public Employee Employment of a City Attorney, no action was
taken that required reporting under the Brown Act.
4.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and
Presentations
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=7O66gPET5m4Qi0Ig&t=184
4.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=GHXnQ1luehO1yqzh&t=1151
4.d Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee
Activities
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=66PzUVGj-eZuWBeX&t=2008
a. Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District
JPA
b. Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
c. Offshore Wind Energy
d. Morro Elementary School
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=lU1G59A-Tqcx3JOd&t=2038
5.a National Safe Boating Week Proclamation
Presented to Harbor Patrol Supervisor Becka Kelly and Harbor Patrol
Officer Charlie Howland.
5.b Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation
Presented to Fire Chief McCrain and Morro Bay Fire Department
personnel.
5.c Public Works Week Proclamation
Presented to Public Works Director Kwolek.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=IYIRAwEaQ2wtOj39&t=2616
Mayor reminded the public two minutes were being allowed for tonight's public
comment, for a total of 45 minutes. Any other speakers would be continued to
the end of the meeting.
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Chuck Stoll, Morro Bay resident and President of the Morro Bay Lions'
Club, appreciated the City's support for Monday Night dinners, announced
the May 17th Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala, and the Lost
at Sea Memorial to be held on Memorial Day in Cayucos.
Tim Cowan, Morro Bay resident and business owner, respectfully
requested the Council renew the Economic Development contract with the
Chamber of Commerce.
Jane Heath, Morro Bay resident and business owner, urged the Council to
reconsider their vote and direct staff to resume work to complete the
environmental work for the proposed roundabout.
Felipe Gonzalez, Foster Care Recruiter for the San Luis Obispo County
Department of Social Services, appreciated the Council recognizing the
month of May as Foster Care Month and shared the importance of
identifying more foster families in San Luis Obispo County.
Jon Nowaczyk, Lets Get Tuned Yoga Studio, provided a business update.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments.
Shoosh Crotzer, Morro Bay, was disheartened to hear the roundabout
project was recently stopped and asked the Council to reconsider its vote
and move forward with the project.
Ray Riordan, Morro Bay, former Chair and member of the Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors and current Board Member for the
Chamber Foundation, requested the City's continued support.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, reported on Monday Night Dinners and shared
her appreciation for City staff.
Carol Swain, Morro Bay, spoke in support of the roundabout project as an
opportunity to modernize and beautify that entrance to the city.
Anthony Mitchell, Ecogreen Solutions, shared opportunities to help the
City update infrastructure and lower its electricity costs and carbon
footprint.
Colby Crotzer, Morro Bay, requested the Council reconsider its position
and continue with the roundabout project.
Courtney Shepler, Morro Bay, asked the Council to reconsider its April
22nd vote and allow the environmental work on the roundabout project to
proceed.
Sabin Gray, Morro Bay, opposed the City's updated flag policy.
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Andrea Leuker, Board Member of REACT Alliance, urged residents to
stay engaged and keep track of what's happening with offshore wind and
efforts to industrialize our coastline.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, hoped the Council would vote to reconsider its
April 22nd action and move forward with environmental work on the
roundabout.
Ashley Goldlist, Morro Bay, urged the Council to reconsider the vote on
the roundabout and complete the environmental study.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout based on safety
concerns and potential project costs.
Mandy Davis, President of REACT Alliance, announced a "Save our
Coast" event on July 26th at Tidelands Park.
Nick Heisdorf and Michael Hollier, Caltrans, announced an informational
public open house regarding the proposed Toro Creek Southbound Bridge
Replacement Project to be held Thursday, May 22nd, in the Veterans Hall
from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Peggy Rogers, Morro Bay business owner, spoke in support of the
proposed contract with the Chamber of Commerce.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, commented on the proposed economic
development contract with the Chamber of Commerce.
Dawn Beattie, Morro Bay, added her support for the Main Street/Hwy
1/Hwy 41 roundabout project.
An unnamed person expressed her love and appreciation for all types of
people, along with her desire to have only the American flag flown in the
City to encompass and represent everyone.
Michael Wambolt, Visit Morro Bay Executive Director, thanked Chief
Watkins, Becka Kelly, Cal Poly and Morro Bay in Bloom volunteers for
their support during the Kite Festival. Regarding Item 9a, he offered his
support for approval of the Chamber economic development contract.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, supported the Council decision to pause the
roundabout project.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following
actions are approved without discussion. The public will also be provided an
opportunity to comment on consent agenda items.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items on the Consent Agenda.
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https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=sOON0rU7LPgVqR-N&t=5872
Tim Crowley, Morro Bay, commented on Item 7.f., suggesting a
unanimous vote be required to change policy.
Jenn Fields, San Luis Obispo, spoke against a flagpole policy that would
prevent commemorative flags from being flown.
Dawn Beattie, Morro Bay, supported approval of the Item 7.i. and hoped
dredging of the stormwater retention pond would be included as a capital
project in future engineering reports.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, supported display of the Pride Flag at City
facilities
Kristen Kent, Los Osos, urged the Council to continue flying the Pride Flag
as a message to residents and visitors all people are welcome in Morro
Bay.
Willow Kawamoto, Morro Bay, stated concerns about policy changes
being made at the Federal level and urged City su pport for the LBGTQ+
community.
Aimee Brantle, Morro Bay, urged the City to continue flying the Pride Flag
as a symbol of safety, solidary and welcome to the LGBTQ+ community.
Piper Fedrow, Morro Bay, voiced opposition to Item 7.f.
Sky Steel, Central Coast resident, opposed item 7.f. , noting it's more vital
than ever to stand with the diversity of our community.
Sam Jane, Morro Bay, requested the City allow the Pride Flag to continue
to fly at City Hall during the month of June.
Imayano, Central Coast resident and member of Abolitionist Action
Central Coast, supported allowing commorative flags to be flown at city
facilities.
An unnamed Arroyo Grande resident urged the City to continue flying the
Pride Flag as a symbol of support for those who may not have support at
home.
John Nowell, Morro Bay, urged the City to be compassionate and unified
community by flying the Pride Flag.
An unnamed San Luis Obispo resident requested each Council Member
explain the reason they supported this item.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, recognized this was a difficult time and
expressed Morro Bay is an accepting community and values its residents
and visitors.
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Angie Kaspazak shared she had reached out to the City to request a Pride
Month proclamation and was disheartened to see the Flagpole Policy on
the Consent Agenda.
An unnamed San Luis Obispo resident shared the importance of
continuing to uplift and defend our queer community.
Mandy Davis, Morro Bay, supported the continued flying of the Pride Flag.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, supported the unbiased approach of the
proposed flag policy.
Linnea Valdivia, GALA Program Manager, spoke in opposition to item 7.f.
End of public comment.
Council Member Eckles pulled Item 7.f. from Consent.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Approve the Consent Agenda, less Item 7.f.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles,
Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a Approval of Minutes
Approve as submitted.
a. April 22, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting
b. April 22, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting
c. April 25, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting
7.b Approval of Proclamations
a. Proclamation declaring the week of May 18 - 24, 2025 as "Emergency
Medical Services Week"
b. Proclamation declaring National Public Works Week as May 18 - 24,
2025 as "People, Purpose, Presence"
c. Proclamation declaring May 17 - 23, 2025 as National Safe Boating
Week
d. Proclamation acknowledging "National Police Week" and declaring
May 15, 2025 as "National Peace Officers Memorial Day"
e. Proclamation proclaiming May as "National Foster Care Month"
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7.c Adoption of Ordinance No. 669 Repealing and Replacing Title 7
(Animals) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code
Adopt Ordinance No. 669 entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Morro Bay, California, repealing and replacing Title 7 (Animals) of
the Morro Bay Municipal Code to adopt and incorporate by reference San
Luis Obispo County Code Title 9 (Animals) and to retain certain city
requirements regarding animals, and finding the action not subject to
CEQA.”
7.d Third Quarter Investment Report (period ending March 31, 2025) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25
Receive the attached Third Quarter Investment Report (period ending
March 31, 2025) for FY 2024-25.
7.e Adopt Resolution No. 22-25 and Limited Duration Interim City
Attorney Employment Agreement for Retired Annuitant
Adopt Resolution No. 22-25 appointing Robert Schultz to the position of
Interim City Attorney and authorize the Mayor to execute the Limited
Duration Interim City Attorney Employment Agreement for Retired
Annuitant.
7.f Adoption of Resolution No. 23-25 Reestablishing the City's Flagpole
Policy
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=BTsvFITuzoh4FgWd&t=8157
Council Member Eckles acknowledged community outreach on this item
and reemphasized this was not about any specific commemorative flag
but rather a symbol of unity to fly only the United States, California and
Morro Bay flags on the City's flagpoles. He acknowledged the timing
appeared suspect and proposed the revised policy take effect July 1,
2025, allowing the Pride Flag to be flown at City Hall during the month of
June 2025.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Adopt Resolution No. 23-25 reestablishing the City’s Flagpole Policy to be
effective July 1, 21025.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
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7.g Adopt Resolution No. 24-25 Authorizing a Blanket Waiver of Slip
Qualifications during Fishery Closures
Adopt Resolution No. 24-25, authorizing a blanket waiver of slip
qualifications for fishery closures.
7.h Approve Lease Amendment for Morro Bay Marina Moorings
Adopt Resolution No. 25-25 approving Amendment #1 to the lease
agreement for Mooring Zone A1-4 located at 699 Embarcadero.
7.i Adoption of Resolution No. 26-25 Approving the Engineer's Report
and Declaring the Intent to Levy the Annual Assessment for the
Cloisters Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment
District (LLMAD)
Adopt Resolution No. 26-25 declaring the intent to levy the annual
assessment for the maintenance of the Cloisters Park and Open Space for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 and approving the Engineer’s Report.
7.j Adoption of Resolution No. 27-25 Approving the Engineer's Report
and Declaring the Intent to Levy the Annual Assessment for the
North Point Natural Area Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance
Assessment District
Adopt Resolution No. 27-25 approving the Engineer’s Report and
declaring the intent to levy the annual assessment for maintenance of the
North Point Natural Area for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/2026.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
None
The Council took a brief recess at 8:02 p.m. and reconvened at 8:17 p.m. with all
members present.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.a Review and provide direction regarding the Economic Development
Contract proposal by the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce for
Fiscal Year (FY) 25-26 and FY 26-27
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=_eLleMUoMiDo-YOQ&t=8909
City Manager Kimball presented the staff report and Morro Bay Chamber
of Commerce CEO, Dina Lundquist, presented the Chamber's proposed
Scope of Work.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=Lt_85l0G4ZOHECOb&t=10338
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Jane Heath, Morro Bay resident and business owner, urged the
City to approve the proposed contract and retain this important
relationship with the Chamber.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, supported renewal of the proposed
contract.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, was supportive of having the Chamber
provide a Visitors Center but, aside from that, questioned how the
City benefits from the Chamber.
Mandy Davis, Morro Bay business owner and President of REACT
Alliance, spoke in support of renewing a contract with the Chamber
but cautioned economic develoment efforts should represent the
community's interests.
Josh Cross, CEO of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce,
encouraged the Council to continue seeing this relationship not as
a contract but as a strategic alliance.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, expressed concern about potential
favoritism and suggested a narrowed scope that is project specific.
Susan Stewart, Morro Bay business owner and member of the
Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee, confirmed the
contract was paid for by SB 1090 funds for revitalization of local
communities, and noted the Chamber supports investigating
anything that might affect the business community, but does not
advocate for any particular project.
Cherise Hansson, Morro Bay resident, business owner and Chair of
the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, commented on the
benefits of City staff and the Chamber CEO work syngertically to
support the entire communty.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, spoke in full support of the Chamber and
all businesses in Morro Bay.
End of public comment.
Council Members Luffee and Edwards were supportive of a one year
$50,000 contract contingent on a couple of scoping issues and defined
success metrics. Council Member Landrum was concerned about
potential conflicts of interest, questioned the proposed scope of work and
wanted to see more results. Mayor Wixom was concerned about the
limited SB 1090 funds remaining and expressed interest in bringing
economic development back in-house.
Council Member Eckles sought consensus and received majority support
for a one-year contract for a reduced scope of work including $20,000 for
Start Up to Sustainability and $5,000 for the Downtown District Initiative.
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Mayor sought consensus to go past 9:30 p.m. to finish the last item.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Council Member Landrum
City of Morro Bay enter into contract with the Morro Bay Chamber of
Commerce in the amount of $25,000 for the function of Chamber defined
services of Business Vitality Initiative: Startup to Sustainability and the
Downtown District Initiative.
Ayes (4): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Eckles, Council Member
Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
Noes (1): Council Member Edwards
CARRIED (4 to 1)
9.b Selection of Veterans Hall Audio Visual Upgrade Design Alternative
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=SARQigfdrcnfeJzC&t=13359
City Manager Kimball introduced the item and turned to Public Works
Director Kwolek to present the report and respond to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.b.
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=OC41q0TmUIssgyLR&t=14599
Jim Curnutt, Morro Bay, urged the City to update the A/V system
and provide closed captioning.
Bob Lloyd, AGP Video, commented in support of Alternative #2,
noting a modern system can be expanded to accommodate more
cameras for larger joint meetings or stakeholders events.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, opined the report was incomplete as it
didn't address the potential return on investment.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, preferred Alternative #1 with at least
one operator and dynamic cameras at all meetings. She restated
her request for an overhead projector.
End of public comment.
Motion by Council Member Luffee
Seconded by Council Member Landrum
Approve Veterans Hall Semi-Automatic Audio/Visual Design Alternative 2.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
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CARRIED (5 to 0)
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=JSZ_RoEvLJkDc_2R&t=15280
Council Member Luffee was interested in forming a promotional coordination
committee and will meet with City Manager Kimball to discuss further.
Council Member Landrum asked that City Council Members be issued City-
owned cell phones for ease of compliance with the Public Records Act.
Council Member Eckles requested and received support to reconsider the April
22nd decision to stop the environmental work on the roundabout project. City
Attorney Schultz explained that requires a formal motion for reconsideration by a
member who voted in the majority, second by any member, and majority support
to bring the item back at the next meeting.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Mayor Wixom
Moved to reconsider the motion on stopping funding of the environmental work
that we took at the last meeting.
Ayes (4): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, and
Council Member Luffee
Noes (1): Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (4 to 1)
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
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/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk