HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2021-04-13 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING — April 13, 2021
TELECONFERENCE — 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA NO: A-1
MEETING DATE: May 25, 2021
City Council conducted this meeting in accordance with Section 3 of California Governor
Newson's Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020 in response to the present State
of Emergency in existence due to the threat of COVID-19. This meeting was held via
teleconference for all participants.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
STAFF:
John Headding
Dawn Addis
Laurel Barton
Robert Davis
Jeff Heller
N one
S cott Collins
Chris Neumeyer
Dana Swanson
Katie Lichtig
S cot Graham
Steve Knuckles
Jody Cox
Eric Endersby
Aaron Miller
Mayor
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Interim Finance Director
Community Development Director
Fire Chief
P olice Chief
Harbor Director
P olice Officer
ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Headding called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., with all members present.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RECOGNITION — None
CLOSED SESSION REPORT — City Attorney Neumeyer stated no reportable action was taken
by the City Council in accordance with the Brown Act.
MAYOR & COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS
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CITY MANAGER REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
https://youtu.be/SquE-yQI OU7t=791
PRESENTATIONS
https://youtu.be/SquE-yQI OU?t=920
• SB 1383 Presentation by IWMA Executive Director, Brooks Stayer
PUBLIC COMMENT
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Ruth Ann Angus, Morro Bay, asked the Council to consider making a public statement and request
Congress to ban the sale of assault weapons to the public. As a member of the National Non -
Violent Cities Project, she requested Morro Bay support any legislation that would control gun
violence in this country.
Michelle Garner, San Luis Obispo County Chapter of Moms Demand Action, urged the Council
to proactively address the issue of gun violence by educating the community on safe storage
regulations and the California Red Flag Law.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, asked that the City publish information on the City website regarding
regulations that prohibit tree trimming during nesting season. She also requested an update on
the sewer work along Quintana Road.
Dan Sedley, Morro Bay, asked when the Council will go back to in -person meetings and objected
to the use of public speaking time at council meetings as a forum for political parties.
Andrea spoke on behalf of Morro Bay resident, Jen Ford, regarding Agenda Item C-2, requesting
the Council to take action to create a safer community in all ways possible within the City's control.
District Representative Caitlin Cox read a statement on behalf of Congressman Carbajal
regarding Agenda Item C-2, in support of pragmatic policies to prevent gun violence and save
lives, the California red flag law to temporarily disarm individuals in crisis, expanded background
checks and measures to prevent those with troubling histories from obtaining a firearm, legislation
that will ensure all gun transactions are safe and legal, and to promote responsible gun ownership
through safety training and education on secure storage.
Mayor Headding closed public comment.
The Council and staff responded to issues raised during public comment.
A. CONSENT AGENDA
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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.
A-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE FEBRUARY 9, 2021, CITY COUNCIL MEETING;
(ADMINISTRATION)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE FEBRUARY 23, 2021, CITY COUNCIL MEETING;
(ADMINISTRATION)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-3 RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO RE-ESTABLISH THE MORRO BAY TOURISM
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, TO HELP FUND SALES, MARKETING, AND
COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS FOR MORRO BAY LODGING BUSINESSES AND
VACATION RENTAL BUSINESSES, PURSUANT TO THE PROPERTY AND BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT LAW OF 1994; (CITY MANAGER)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16-
21 declaring its intention to form the (new) Morro Bay Tourism Business
Improvement District (MBTBID) and fixing the time and place of a public meeting on
April 27, 2021 to allow public testimony regarding the formation of the (new)
MBTBID and the levy of assessments, and of a public hearing on June 8, 2021 at
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 13, 2021
which time the Council proposes to form the (new) MBTBID and to levy the
proposed assessment.
A-4 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 17-21 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE CLOISTERS PARK AND OPEN SPACE -
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT; (PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 17-21 ordering the preparation of an
Engineer's Report detailing the expenses projected for Fiscal Year 2021/22 for the
maintenance of the Cloisters Park and Open Space under the provisions of the
"Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972."
A-5 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 18-21 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE NORTH POINT NATURAL AREA -LANDSCAPING
AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT; (PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 18-
21 ordering the preparation of an Engineer's Report detailing the expenses
projected for Fiscal Year 2021/22 for the maintenance of the North Point Natural
Area under the provisions of the "Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972."
A-6 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH GHD, INC.
FOR ADDITIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL PRE -CONSTRUCTION INVESTIGATIONS AND
MITIGATION SERVICES AND ADDITIONAL PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR THE
P ROJECT AUTHORIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION (PA&ED)
PHASE FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT STATE ROUTE (SR) 41/SR 1/MAIN
S TREET; (PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council approve, and authorize
the City Manager to sign, Amendment No. 2 to the existing amended agreement
with GHD Inc, for Additional Archeological Pre -Construction Investigations and
Mitigation Services and additional preliminary design for the Project Authorization
and Environmental Determination (PA&ED) phase for Intersection Improvements at
S R 41ISR 1/Main Street and extend the contract through June 30, 2022.
Mayor Headding opened public comment for the Consent Agenda.
https://youtu. be/SquE-yQI OU7t=3296
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, spoke to Item A-6, requested clarification as to whether the remaining
$100,000 from original study would be applied to finish this study, status of the City's application
and an update on the low-income housing project.
The public comment period was closed.
Mayor Headding pulled Item A-6.
MOTION: Council Member Addis moved approval of Items A-1 through A-5 on the Consent
Agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Davis and carried 5-0 by
roll call vote.
A-6 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH GHD, INC
FOR ADDITIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL PRE -CONSTRUCTION INVESTIGATIONS AND
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 13, 2021
MITIGATION SERVICES AND ADDITIONAL PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR THE
PROJECT AUTHORIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION (PA&ED)
PHASE FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT STATE ROUTE (SR) 41/SR 1/MAIN
STREET; (PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT)
https://youtu.be/SquE-vQI OU7t=3462
Staff responded to questions raised during public comment.
MOTION: Mayor Headding moved approval of Items A-6. The motion was seconded
by Council Member Davis and carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
B PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
C. BUSINESS ITEMS
C-1
DIRECTION REGARDING PRINCIPLES FOR USES OF LOCAL VOTER APPROVED
TRANSACTION AND USE TAXES (COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS MEASURES Q
AND E) AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO USE THE AFOREMENTIONED
PRINCIPLES IN PROPOSING USES OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
(ARP) PROCEEDS AND CONSIDER POTENTIAL CAPITAL PROJECTS TO SUBMIT
FOR FEDERAL EARMARK FUNDING; (FINANCE DEPARTMENT/CITY MANAGER)
https://youtu.be/SquE-yQ1 OlPt=3836
City Manager Collins and Interim Finance Director Lichtig provided the report and revised
proposed principles for allocation of Measure Q and E revenues, as follows:
a. Maintain public safety services by funding staff positions that are most closely
aligned with the purposes of the Measures Q and E Expenses include costs
associated with Morro Bay Fire Department, Morro Bay Police Department and
Morro Bay Harbor personnel and equipment, in addition to the Fire Headquarter
Debt service and the Fire Engine loan repayment;
b. Maintain or enhances cleanliness and safety of public space such as parks,
waterfront and the beach by funding personnel, supplies, expenses and equipment
to support City operations in departments including Public Works Consolidated
Maintenance and Harbor Department;
Invest in infrastructure and equipment such as street paving, storm drains, and
vehicle replacements that support City services. This priority may include increasing
capacity to implement the backlog of unfunded capital projects.
d. Ensure financial health of the City by maintaining appropriate reserves to protect
against economic downturns, natural/health emergencies and other unforeseen
challenges or opportunities.
Mayor Headding confirmed the proposed utilization of funds were consistent with the
language in both Measures Q and E Ms Lichtig read the Measure E ballot language into
the record, "To protect the City of Morro Bay's financial stability, local property values and
City services, such as maintaining Morro Bay's local Fire/Police Departments, 24/7
paramedics, 911 emergency response, health emergency/disaster preparedness;
keeping beaches, public areas safe/clean; retaining/attracting businesses; and other
general City services, shall the measure establishing 1 cent sales tax providing
approximately $2,000 000 annually until ended by voters be adopted, requiring
independent audits, public oversight, all funds used locally?"
The public comment period for Item C-1 was opened.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 13, 2021
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, expressed her concern the proposed use of Measure Q funds
was inconsistent with what citizens were told would be the priorities in 2006.
Erica Crawford, Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, shared the Chamber is supportive of
principles 1 and 2 in the staff report, and compensating City employees at competitive
rates to retain and attract top performers. Regarding the principles for use of Measure Q
and E funds, they suggest the City consider outsourcing projects where capacity is limited
or where it is beneficial to do so from a standpoint of expediency and time. Based on
recommended strategies to ensure a solid recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Chamber offered support for earmarks in the realm of the WRF and water
sustainability, waterfront issues, and wayfinding signage installation.
The public comment period for Item C-1 was closed.
MOTION: Mayor Headding moved the Council 1) Direct the City Manager to
implement a streamlined process for allocating Local Voter Approved
Transaction and Use Taxes (commonly referred to as Measures Q and E)
in accordance with Ordinance No. 635 and propose allocations of
Measures Q and E revenue consistent with the revised principles A thru D
that were that were presented by Ms. Lichtig; 2) Authorize the City
Manager to present proposed uses of the American Rescue Plan Act of
2021 (ARP) consistent with the revised Measures Q and E Principles and
guidance issued from the U.S. Department of Treasury; and 3) Receive
input regarding Federal earmarks and agreement with the concepts that
were presented by staff. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Addis and carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
C-2 DISCUSS LOCAL FIREARM SAFETY AND REGULATION; PROVIDE DIRECTION TO
S TAFF; (CITY ATTORNEY)
https://youtu.be/SquE-yQl OU7t=7821
City Attorney Neumeyer provided the report and, along with Police Chief Jody Cox and
P olice Officer Aaron Miller, responded to Council inquires.
The public comment period for Item C-2 was opened.
Rita Casaverde spoke in support of Council action, advocacy and education.
Dan Sedley, Morro Bay, spoke regarding constitutional rights and expressed concern
about the cost of potential lawsuits.
The public comment period for Item C-2 was closed.
Following discussion, there was consensus to develop a safe storage policy based on the
S an Francisco example or something similar, increased community education around
firearm safety, consideration of a one-time gun buy-back program based on available
resources, advocacy at the state and federal level, support for increased off -duty mass
and active shooter training, and public education regarding gun violence restraining
orders. Council Member Heller was supportive of a gun buy-back program.
MOTION: Council Member Addis moved to direct staff bring back a policy on safe
storage laws, staff do public firearm safety education program for the
public, that Morro Bay Police Department has supplemental officer mass
active shooter training, that we authorize advocacy at the state and federal
level, that staff mounts education program on Gun Violence Restraining
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 13, 2021
Order awareness. The motion was seconded by Mayor by Headding and
carried 4-1 by roll call vote with Council Member Heller opposed.
MOTION: Council Member Heller moved to direct staff to bring back additional
information on a buyback program. The motion was seconded by Mayor
Heading and carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
D COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None
E ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
Recorded by:
.fr� Ste✓
ana Swanson
City Clerk
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 13, 2021