HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2015-03-10_Meeting MinutesMINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 10, 2015
VETERAN’S MEMORIAL HALL – 6:00P.M.
PRESENT: Noah Smukler Councilmember / Mayor Pro Tempore
John Headding Councilmember
Christine Johnson Councilmember
Matt Makowetski Councilmember
ABSENT Jamie Irons Mayor
STAFF: Susan Slayton Administrative Services Director
Joe Pannone City Attorney
Jamie Boucher Deputy City Clerk
Rob Livick Public Works Director
Amy Christey Police Chief
Scot Graham Community Development Manager
Cindy Jacinth Associate Planner
ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS &
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Pro-Tempore Smukler asked to pull Item A-8 to present a Proclamation Commending and
Honoring Police Sergeant David Bergantzel on his Retirement. Council concurred.
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=3m7s
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
• Tourism Bureau Quarterly Presentation https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=8m34s
Executive Director Brent Haugen provided the Tourism Bureau’s activities from July 1, 2014
through January 31, 2015. Included in the presentation were year-to-date statistics; year-to-
date visitor center statistics; the 2015/16 current budget; the 2014/15 visitor center and event
funding budget trending-to-date numbers; 2015/16 event funding grantees; the 2014/15 TOT
report to-date to include a significant increase in midweek business and overall occupancy;
the 2014/15 adjusted budget; and, the 2014/15 budget trending to-date. Brent and the Bureau
are very proud of the increased marketing efforts and share these successes with all lodging,
business and community partners
AGENDA NO: A-3 MEETING DATE: March 24, 2015
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 10, 2015
• CivicSpark Presentation https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=45m49s
Anna Olsen gave a presentation on CivicSpark, an organization helping local governments
implement their climate action goals. CivicSpark is hosted by the SLOAPCD. Presented
were 9 common measures to each of the 8 jurisdictions being aided by CivicSpark. The top
3, ~small-scale, on-site photovoltaic (PV) incentive program; ~energy efficiency outreach
and incentive program; and the ~energy audit and retrofits program are all currently being
worked on by CivicSpark staff. They reviewed the City’s implementation goals; they are
helping us with our AB 2188 compliance; they reviewed how they are aiding the local
jurisdictions; and they invited the public to a a local Simple Steps workshop being held on
May 28th from 6-9pm where they will showcase successful retrofits and sustainable
technologies.
PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=56m48s
Nancy Castle, Sharon O’Leary and Linda Fidel, all with the Estero Bay Alliance for Care
(EBAC) provided the business spot. Nancy spoke on the overall successes of EBAC; they have
brought 2 projects – Monday Meals and the Community Resource Center – to fruition. Sharon
provided an update on the Community Resource Center stating they are a direct resource
community action office and made available copies of their biannual report and resource
checklist. Linda is a co-coordinator of the Monday Night Dinners which was started back on
January 6, 2014; to date 2590 persons have been fed with an average of 45-55 each evening.
There are many volunteers, organizations and donors involved that all deserve our thanks.
Nancy advertised that EBAC will be part of the City-wide Yard Sale in an effort to raise
additional funds.
Dane Senser, Arroyo Grande, spoke representing “Hands Out – “Show love and respect –
nothing else matters; “Don’t show love and respect – nothing else matters.” He hoped that
campaign would be a healing process for the recent “hands up, don’t shoot”. He went on to say
he was upset with the author of Cal Coast Fraud as he feels he was slandered on the site.
Linna Thomas, Morro Bay business owner presented additional signed petitions objecting to the
parklet on Main Street. She stressed that it wasn’t a bad idea, just not a good location. She also
presented a letter to the editor as was printed in the Bay News about the parklet for Council to
read.
Alex Bettie, Morro Bay/Modesto resident, spoke on the disruptions caused by hunting in Morro
Bay. The hunting disrupts access to the bay, disrupts human activities and it is distressful to
dogs. Past councils have taken an interest in this; he proposed we send a letter to the Fish and
Game Commission; he also proposed that we eliminate hunting during the Morro Bay Bird
Festival.
Ken Vesterfelt, Morro Bay resident, was concerned at the lack of signage for the City’s public
restrooms. He announced the upcoming Emergency Car Show on April 18th and the Morro Bay
Cruisn’ Car Show on April 30th and May 1st, 2nd, & 3rd. He is also spoke on the current business
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 10, 2015
license audit; he’s been a realtor for 17 years and has never heard about the need for a license,
why are they being punished going back for years, for not knowing?
Jeremiah O’Brien spoke representing the Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Association on
the sanctuary issue. He wanted Council to be aware that NOAA put a letter on their website (he
presented a copy to the Clerk for distribution). It stated that NOAA has concluded the
nomination wasn’t sufficient to move forward; it’s been rejected but he’s sure it will be
resubmitted. They have fought this for the 3rd time in as many years. They will continue their
education on the sanctuary process.
Bill Martoney, Morro Bay resident, heard we are considering taking down the 6 foot wall at the
triangle property parking lot. He was concerned as the wall serves a purpose, it buffers the view
of cars and the switchyard and hopes we reconsider. He also urged us to consider a portion of
that lot for a boat haul-out yard.
Reginald Corella, spoke out advocating for our local Grange; farmers are the backbone of
society, he hopes we support them; our Grange - Morro 27 has quite a history.
The public comment period was closed.
A. CONSENT AGENDA
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=1h28m55s
Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are
approved without discussion.
A-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION, HARBOR ADVISORY BOARD,
RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSION, TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, PUBLIC
WORKS ADVISORY BOARD AND WRF CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
HELD ON FEBRUARY 23, 2015; (ADMINISTRATION)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD
ON FEBRUARY 24, 2015; (ADMINISTRATION)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
FEBRUARY 24, 2015; (ADMINISTRATION)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 10, 2015
A-4 STATUS REPORT OF A MAJOR MAINTENANCE & REPAIR PLAN (MMRP) FOR
THE EXISTING WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT; (PUBLIC WORKS)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
A-5 WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY (WRF) PROJECT UPDATE; (PUBLIC
WORKS)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
A-6 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR LEASE OF A SKID STEER TO CAT FINANCIAL;
(PUBLIC WORKS)
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Public Works Director to execute Lease
Agreement.
A-7 DEDICATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY EXTENSION FOR IRONWOOD AVENUE AND
ACCEPTANCE OF IRONWOOD AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND A PUBLIC
STORM DRAIN EASEMENT; (PUBLIC WORKS)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution 11-15 making and accepting a Right-of-Way
Dedication, accepting a storm drain easement, authorizing the Mayor to sign
necessary documents and directing staff to record those documents.
A-8 APPROVAL OF PROCLAMATION COMMENDING AND HONORING POLICE
SERGEANT DAVID BERGANTZEL ON HIS RETIREMENT; (ADMINISTRATION)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve and file.
Councilmember Johnson pulled Item A-5.
MOTION: Councilmember Johnson moved the Council approve the Consent Agenda items
A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-6, A-7 and A-8. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Headding and carried 4-0-1 with Mayor Irons being absent.
A-5 WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY (WRF) PROJECT UPDATE; (PUBLIC
WORKS)
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=1h29m13s
Councilmember Johnson pulled Item A-5 to allow Public Works Director Rob Livick the
opportunity to give a verbal update on the WRF Project. Mr. Livick spoke on the letter received
from Ken Harris of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Mr. Harris congratulated the
City on our site selection. He also encouraged us to look towards ground water recharge as the
primary use for the reclaimed water. We have until December 21, 2021 to complete the project.
The public comment period was opened for Item A-5.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 10, 2015
Barry Brannin, Morro Bay resident stated the letter was a nice kudo to all the work done but
there’s a large section we’ve never talked about - we still need to discuss groundwater recharge.
Cayucos is facing this as they are running out of water, the type of plant built will greatly affect
how we do our groundwater recharge and will be a tremendous cost; we shouldn’t wait; he
hopes we can receive money to help us do that.
The public comment period was closed.
MOTION: Councilmember Johnson moved the Council approve Consent Agenda item A-5.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Headding and carried 4-0-1 with
Mayor Irons being absent.
The public comment period was opened for the remaining Consent Calendar items; seeing none,
the public comment period was closed.
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS
B-1 REVIEW AND ADOPT FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2015
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS; (COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT)
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=1h48m9s
Associate Planner Cindy Jacinth presented the staff report and responded to Council inquiries.
The public hearing was opened for Item B-1; seeing none, the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: Councilmember John Headding moved to accept staff recommendation and adopt
the final funding recommendations for the 2015 Community Development Block
Grant Funds and forward recommendations to the San Luis Obispo County Board
of Supervisors for inclusion with other funding requests from the Urban County
Consortium according to the amounts as allocated in the recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Makowetski and carried 4-0-1 with
Mayor Irons being absent.
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS / SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF
ORDINANCES
C-1 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING INCREASED FINES FOR USE OF
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS; (POLICE)
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=1h57m22s
Police Chief Amy Christey presented the staff report and responded to Council inquiries.
The public comment period for Item C-1 was opened; seeing none, the public comment period
was closed.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 10, 2015
Councilmember Headding stated this is an important safety issue and concurs that anything we
can do to deter the number of infractions that we have is important. He is in support of
increasing our fine to $500-$1000 without a first warning.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Smukler is also in support of the fines for use of illegal fireworks. He is
concerned about fire, public health and personal safety.
Councilmember Johnson agrees with moving forward on this, allowing no first warning. In
addition, we are in a drought and without this; she sees the potential for fire hazards.
City Attorney Joe Pannone asked if Council meant to allow the use of Safe and Sane fireworks
all year or just during the 4th of July holiday.
Councilmember Makowetski stated as long as they are safe and sane and on private property, he
would be inclined to allow them all year.
Councilmember Johnson stated that since we haven’t seen a lot of complaints, she is willing to
go with safe and sane on private property.
Councilmember Headding isn’t so sure he would support this on a year round basis.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Smukler requested Council move forward with staff recommendation and
then revisit it in a year from now.
MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tempore Smukler moved to adopt staff’s recommendation to increase
fines for violation of Morro Bay Municipal Code 14.08.090 regarding use of
dangerous fireworks and direct staff to bring back for a 1st reading that includes
one alternative allowing safe and sane as currently designated 365 days of the
year on private property and another more restrictive on the use of safe and sane
fireworks. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Headding and carried 4-
0-1 with Mayor Irons being absent
D. NEW BUSINESS
D-1 DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO BAN THE
POSSESSION AND SALE OF SYNTHETIC SPICES AND/OR SYNTHETIC BATH
SALTS; (POLICE)
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=2h26m2s
Police Chief Amy Christey presented the staff report and responded to Council inquiries.
The public comment period for Item D-1 was opened; seeing none, the public comment period
was closed.
Councilmember Makowetski has seen the use of these drugs and really wants to keep this out of
Morro Bay; if we can be proactive about this that would be great.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 10, 2015
Councilmember Headding stated this is pandemic throughout the country. He highly suggests
moving forward.
Both Mayor Pro-Tempore Smukler and Councilmember Johnson agree.
MOTION: Councilmember Johnson moved approval for staff to return with an ordinance to
ban the possession and sale of synthetic spices and/or synthetic bath salts within
Morro Bay. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Headding and carried
4-0-1 with Mayor Irons being absent.
E. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
https://youtu.be/MBjpBila5QU?t=2h38m3s
There were no future agenda items declared.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Recorded by:
Jamie Boucher
Deputy City Clerk