HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2025-05-27 Regular Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
May 27, 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: 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
City Engineer Cindy Cecil
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. with all members present.
The Mayor announced, due to the large number of speakers, general public
comment would be two minutes per person and a total of 30 minutes. Public
comment for other items on the agenda would also be limited to two minutes
each.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
4.a Closed Session Report
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=OcdWy7yodEjKcQlO&t=113
Interim City Attorney Schultz announced no reportable action was taken in
closed session.
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4.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and
Presentations
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=EdZK7trRpMECsHDS&t=136
4.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
None
4.d Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee
Activities
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=GWRkAPhO05J840E_&t=1079
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
5.a Hunger Awareness Day Proclamation
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=FEK_JRwTdfWQ0yyY&t=1157
Presented to SLO Food Bank Chief Operating Officer, Andrea Keisler.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=-28AfhikqsvWk-6o&t=1452
Asa Selverston, Morro Bay High School student, commented in favor of a
roundabout at Hwy 41/Hwy 1/Main Street.
Doug Rogers, Morro Bay, spoke in support of the proposed roundabout.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments regarding flying the Pride
Flag.
Jeff Heller, Morro Bay, commented in support of staff recommendation for
Item 9.a.
Courtney Shepler, Morro Bay, encouraged those in attendance to create
an inviting and welcoming place for all speakers.
Lynda Merrill, Morro Bay, spoke in support of completing the
environmental report discussed in Item 9.a., and expressed concern about
reduced funding for food insecure residents.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, reported over 100 people attended this week's
Monday night dinner.
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Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, apologized to those high school students who
had taken offense to her comments regarding high school students.
Bev Shaw, Morro Bay, supported continued discussion of the roundabout.
Carol Swain, Morro Bay, shared the San Luis Coastal Unified School
District President and Superintendent sent a letter strongly urging the City
to go forward with the roundabout.
Jamison Winstead, Morro Bay High School student, spoke to his
experience as a pedestrian at the Hwy 41/Main Street intersection and
supported a roundabout.
Nancy Teeter, Morro Bay, expressed concern about fire danger in our city
and suggested the weed abatement ordinance be amended to require
vacant lots be cleared more than once a year.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=x-DFS8nkw2glF3MM&t=2627
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.
Jenn Fields, San Luis Obispo, spoke in support of the Pride Month
proclamation, expressing concern the word 'transgender' was omitted in
the 2nd Whereas statement.
Willow Kawamoto, Morro Bay, was disappointed the Council voted to not
raise the Pride Flag during the month of June and transgender was
overlooked in the proclamation.
Shell Voorhees, Morro Bay, was in favor of raising the Pride Flag, noting
the need for equality.
Aimee Brantley, Morro Bay, requested the Council reconsider its decision
to not fly the Pride Flag during the month of June.
Linnea Valdivia, GALA Program Manager, appreciated the Pride Month
Proclamation but was disappointed by the Council's 5-0 vote to
discontinue flying the Pride Flag.
Danielle Capodieci, Los Osos, was sad to hear Morro Bay chose to no
longer fly the Pride Flag.
Mary Norman, Morro Bay, was disappointed by the City's decision to not
fly the Pride Flag.
End of public comment.
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Mayor Pro Tem Edwards pulled Item 7.b, read the Pride Month Proclamation
aloud, and invited the community to attend a ceremonial raisin g of the Pride Flag
Monday, June 2nd, at 9:00 a.m. in front of City Hall.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Approve Consent Agenda items 7.a and 7.c as submitted.
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. May 13, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting
7.b Proclamations
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
a. Proclamation declaring June 2025 as Pride Month
b. Proclamation declaring June 6, 2025 to be "Hunger Awareness Day"
7.c Presentation of Allocation of Water Equivalency Units (WEU) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26
Adopt Resolution No. 29-25 to allocate 50 WEUs for residential
development (30 single-family residential (SFR) and 20 multi-family
residential (MFR)) and 65 for commercial development for a total of 115
WEUs for FY2025/26.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
8.a Approving the Incurring of a Tax Exempt Obligation by the Housing
Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo (HASLO) for the Purpose of
Providing Financing for the Development of Morro Bay Apartments
(405 Atascadero Road)
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=hdcieMN4RkRjiThY&t=4078
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Introduced by Community Development Director Singewald, who turned to
Jim Rendler from HASLO to present the report.
Mayor Wixom opened the public hearing and public comment for Item 8.a.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, raised questions about maintenance
issues and other potential impacts.
Mr. Rendler responded to questions raised during public comment.
End of public comment. The public hearing was closed.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Adopt Resolution No. 28-25 allowing the reissuance of a tax-exempt
obligation by the Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo
(HASLO), for the purpose of providing financing for the construction of
multifamily affordable rental housing located in the City (the "Project") ;
provide consent to the operation by HASLO within the boundaries of the
City in connection with the financing, development, and operation of the
affordable rental housing, such adoption of the resolution is solely for the
purposes of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the
California Government Code Section 6500 et seq.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
8.b Ordinance No. 671, amending the Morro Bay Municipal Code Chapter
14.08.080 to adopt the California State Fire Marshal Fire Hazard Zone
Map for Morro Bay
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=FdZDRO1soRrdXBb5&t=4625
Fire Chief McCrain presented the report and responded to Council
inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened the public hearing and public comment for Item 8.b.
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=rj6dW28sYo7_GGmn&t=5609
Tina Metzger, Morro Bay, requested further information regarding
fuel hazard removal at Cerrito Peak.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, hoped brush along Quintana would be
cleaned up.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, inquired about the proposed Cerrito
Peak fuel hazard removal and suggested the City issue a side letter
to the State Fire Marshal.
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Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, supported a letter to the State Fire
Marshal requesting some flexibility.
End of public comment. The public hearing was closed.
Staff responded to issues raised during public comment.
Mayor Wixom was interested in opportunities to communicate the City's
concerns to the state.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Introduce for first reading by title only, with further reading waived,
Ordinance No.671, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro
Bay, California, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 14.08.080 of Title 14
(“Buildings and Construction”) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code relating to
Fire Hazard Severity Zones” with adoption of the California State Fire
Marshal Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for the City of Morro Bay as
required by Senate Bill 63 and Government Code 51178.5; and send a
letter on behalf of the City to the State expressing the City's concerns.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
The Council took a brief recess at 7:14 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m. with all
members present.
9.a Reconsideration of Vote on Roundabout Environmental Work and
Consideration of Project Next Steps
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=DmJCUnmjS71xBvY_&t=6275
Public Works Director Kwolek and City Engineer Cecil presented the
report and, along with Joe Erwin from Caltrans, responded to Council
inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=z4dIsrDS6-gQ6Ucf&t=9115
Wyatt Bath, Morro Bay, expressed safety concerns regarding the
proposed roundabout.
Antonella Salemi, Morro Bay, believed the roundabout would be a
positive thing for our community.
Shea Dawson, Morro Bay, spoke in support of a roundabout.
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Eli Waldman, Los Osos, suggested a roundabout is a safer
alternative for new drivers.
Hayden Harester, Morro Bay, believed a roundabout would improve
traffic flow.
Sofia Steen, Los Osos, expressed safety and environmental
concerns about the existing 4-way stop and supported the
roundabout alternative.
Peggy Mandeville, Morro Bay, urged the Council to make move
forward with the roundabout.
John Mandeville, Morro Bay, understood different kinds of
information were being presented and urged the Council to apply
the right kind of information to this decision.
Jane Van Koehe, Morro Bay, supported the idea of a roundabout
and believed the concerns being expressed could be resolved.
Bill Woodson, Morro Bay, commented in favor of roundabout.
Jane Heath, Morro Bay, spoke in favor of building a roundabout,
adding the public comment period after the draft environmental
study was complete would be the opportunity to weigh in and
ensure the best project.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, expressed safety and capacity
concerns.
Jamie Irons, Morro Bay, urged Council to move forward as quickly
as possible with the environmental study.
Tina Metzger, Morro Bay, stated a roundabout is the wrong project
for Hwy 41/Main Street intersection.
Courtney Shepler, Morro Bay, commented in favor of roundabout.
Jeanne Marie Colby, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout, adding
her concerns about pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Colby Crotzer, Morro Bay, spoke in favor of transfe rring the project
to SLOCOG to complete the environmental work.
Susan Flewelling, Morro Bay, spoke in support of contributing
$60,000 to complete the environmental work and urged the City to
participate with SLOCOG and Caltrans as the project moves
forward.
Tim Crowley, Morro Bay, encouraged the Council to finish the
project, preferring to keep it in house rather than transfer to
SLOCOG.
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Chris Robles, Morro Bay, strongly urged the Council to reconsider
its previous vote and move forward with the project.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout,
expressing concerns about pedestrian safety and the location being
in a tsunami and flood area. She suggested shutting the
northbound offramp would ease traffic concerns.
Shoosh Crotzer, Morro Bay, offered her support in favor of a
roundabout.
David Betonte, Morro Bay, preferred the Council rescind its
previous vote and direct staff to continue the environmental work to
keep some level of control of the project.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, opposed moving forward with a
roundabout.
Cindy Betonte, Morro Bay, respectfully requested the Council direct
staff to complete the environmental study or transfer the project to
SLOCOG.
Josh Waldman, Morro Bay High School Teacher, echoed
comments in favor of a roundabout and encouraged the Council to
move forward with the project.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, urged the Council to stop the project
and seek safer and cheaper alternatives.
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout and
advocated for the safety of students and pedestrians.
Cal Myers, Morro Bay, urged the Council to keep its commitment to
complete the Environmental Impact Study.
Owen Schappe recommended moving forward with the
environmental work and complete plans to see if it's a feasible
project.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, noted his opinion of the project had
changed listing to testimony provided and urged the Council to take
advantage of funding being offered by SLOCOG and Caltrans.
Shirley Frasier, Morro Bay, preferred controlled access points and
expressed concern a roundabout would increase traffic speed.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, urged the City to upgrade the current 4 -
way stop with crosswalks built to ADA standards.
End of public comment.
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Mayor Wixom sought and received Council consensus to go past 9:30
p.m. to complete this item.
Council Member Landrum remained opposed to a roundabout at this
intersection and believed a pedestrian bridge and flood miti gation should
be included with the project.
Council Member Edwards was supportive of moving forward with the
environmental impact study.
Council Member Eckles shared he had done a lot of research and
watched previous meetings on this subject. After listening to constituents
and staff analysis, he supported moving the process forward so the City
can properly evaluate project design at the appropriate time.
Mayor Wixom agreed with some of the comments made, noting the
importance of addressing safety concerns and traffic flow on the west side
of Highway 1.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Reaffirm the April 22, 2025, vote to discontinue environmental work on the
roundabout, and:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 30-25 to request the San Luis Obispo Council
of Governments to complete the roundabout project environmental
documents; and
2. Transfer development impact fee funding to the SLOCOG for
finalization of the roundabout project environmental phase at a not -
to-exceed amount of $60,000 and authorize the City Manager to
develop and execute an agreement to effectuate such transfer.
Ayes (4): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, and Council Member Luffee
Noes (1): Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (4 to 1)
9.b Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover for the Morro
Bay Fire Department
https://youtu.be/0Q3Cn5KGwVc?si=bu17d-ZoN3zxLjeA&t=14668
This item was continued to the June 10, 2025 Regular Meeting.
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Wixom requested and received full support to revisit Council Policies &
Procedures to address cell phones and other items.
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Council Member Eckles asked if this was the appropriate tim e to address interim
pedestrian safety enhancements at the Hwy 41/Hwy 1/Main Street intersection.
Staff suggested this question be raised during the Budget Study Session.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk