HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2024-06-25 Regular Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
June 25, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall, 209 Surf St., Morro Bay, CA
Members Present: Mayor Carla Wixom
Council Member Zara Landrum
Council Member Laurel Barton
Council Member Cyndee Edwards
Council Member Jennifer Ford
Staff Present: City Manager Yvonne Kimball
City Attorney Chris Neumeyer
City Clerk Dana Swanson
Public Works Director Greg Kwolek
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Police Chief Amy Watkins
Fire Chief Dan McCrain
Administrative Programs Manager Melissa Green
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m., with all members present.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
4.a Closed Session Report
City Attorney Neumeyer announced no reportable action was taken in
closed session.
4.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and
Presentations
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=tboTfVbastoGp1S-&t=119
4.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=omX__fKgttrAWh1s&t=427
4.d Subcommittee Reports
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https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=EdXF2LcaRENr9-rk&t=831
a. Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District
JPA
b. Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
c. Offshore Wind Energy
d. Downtown Design District
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
5.a Presentation of "Parks Make Life Better Month" Proclamation
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=4BMoq4w6kNXFLNYj&t=1394
Presented to Recreation Supervisor, Angelica Jepsen.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=oRXTIDRKnod-m-oE&t=1701
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items not on the agenda.
BMC Eric Ceallaigh, Officer in Charge Morro Bay, USCG, introduced
himself and looked forward to being involved in the community.
Tom Harrington, Morro Bay, spoke regarding Measure A -24.
Michael Oliveira, Morro Bay, expressed concern regarding the new skiff
storage program.
Laurie Allen, Morro Bay, commented on the County's plan to restrict
access to the Morro Bay library book room.
Garry Johnson, Morro Bay, spoke regarding potential for lithium battery
failures and urged residents to vote yes on Measure A.
Nancy Cooper, Morro Bay, asked the City to enforce the current skiff
program before implementing a new policy.
Lynda Merrill, Morro Bay, read letter from husband, Frank Merrill,
regarding ballot measures.
Jim Gross, Morro Bay, urged residents to vote against Measure A-24 and
allow the City the ability to negotiate directly with the developer.
Joe Silano, Morro Bay, urged the City to enforce the skiff storage program
established by Resolution 9.81 and stop the new skiff policy.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, expressed gratitude to those who offered
assistance following back surgery.
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Adam Battenburg, Morro Bay, asked the City to pause the new skiff
storage program and work with mooring owners toward a better solution.
Denise Jacobson, Cambria, expressed concern about the skiff storage
contract.
Pirate Steve Yarling, Morro Bay, spoke regarding new skiff storage
program.
Aaron Ochs, Morro Bay, spoke in favor of Measure A -24.
Andrea Lueker, spoke on behalf of REACT Alliance, working to ensure the
community understands impacts of offshore wind.
Mandy Davis, President of REACT Alliance, shared that since making
presentation to City Council, they have made presentations all over the
County about the impacts and consequences of offshore wind.
Bill Bowes, Morro Bay, commented on the City's need for additional
revenues and was concerned Measure A-24 would take that away.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, urged residents to support Measure A -24 as an
opportunity to clean up the power plant brown zone.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, commented on the County's plan to restrict
use of the Library book room and urged the Council to meet with County
to try to negotiate something different. If that were not successful, she
suggested the City consider leaving the library system.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, commented on the Otay Mesa
battery storage facility fire and asked the City to take proactive measures
to prevent use of illegal fireworks.
An unnamed resident offered comments.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, urged the City to address the County's plan
to restrict access to the Library book room.
Laurie Gillespie, Morro Bay, raised concern regarding parking issues and
dying vegetation along San Jacinto, and noted Easter Street is in need of
resurfacing.
Jean Johnson, Morro Bay, called for the City to assert its right to speak
with County Library director and Supervisor Gibson to reconsider the
decision to close the Library book room.
Carol Parchet, Morro Bay, commented on need for street paving.
Don Maruska spoke regarding the community's need to better understand
the potential impacts of Measure A-24 and urged the City to explore the
issue and AB 205 through the relevant agencies.
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Judy Setting, Morro Bay, commented on Measure A-24.
End of public comment.
The City Council took a brief recess at 6:57 p.m. The meeting reconvened at
7:11 p.m. with all members present.
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.
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=QV4b-dpQ9kvm9NPK&t=6050
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items on the Consent Agenda.
Rita Johnson, Morro Bay, commented on the need for more information
from both sides on Measure A-24.
Jim Gross, Morro Bay, endorsed the inclusion of rebuttal arguments in the
ballot pamphlet.
Glenn Silloway, Morro Bay, spoke in support of adding rebuttal arguments
for the ballot measure and urged residents to vote No on Measure A-24.
Marlys McPherson, Morro Bay, spoke in opposition to Measure A-24.
Jeff Eckles, Morro Bay, spoke in support of allowing rebuttal arguments
for Measure A-24 and asked how the accuracy of the arguments would be
judged and whether claims that aren't true would be printed in the voters
guide.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, expressed concern about potential
misinformation presented in arguments. She also requested a line item
expenditure report for the Cloisters Assessment District.
End of public comment.
Council Member Landrum pulled Item 7.c.
Motion by Council Member Ford
Seconded by Mayor Wixom
Approve consent agenda items 7.a through 7.e, minus item 7.c.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Barton,
Council Member Edwards, Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a Approval of Minutes
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Approve as submitted.
a. May 28, 2024 - Special City Council Meeting
b. May 28, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
c. June 11, 2024 - Special Closed Session Meeting
7.b Approval of Proclamations
Approve as submitted.
a. Proclamation declaring July 2024 as "Parks Make Life Better Month"
7.c General Municipal Election Resolutions for November 5, 2024
Election
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=zArs6sDZi3h1kdPi&t=6768
Council Member Edwards commented on the importance of allowing for
rebuttal arguments to be filed for and against the measure and posed
questions that she had hoped would be addressed in a report on the
potential impacts of the measure. She suggested staff prepare a brief
summary of what Measure A-24, the potential impacts and how it may
relate to AB 205.
Motion by Council Member Edwards
Seconded by Council Member Landrum
1. Adopt Resolution No. 35-24 calling a general municipal election for
November 5, 2024, and requesting consolidation of the election
with the County, and Resolution No. 36-24 adopting regulations for
candidate statements; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 37-24 allowing for the filing of rebuttal
arguments to the primary written arguments in support of and
opposing Measure A-24.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.d Resolutions approving Tentative Agreements and Successor MOUs
for Morro Bay Peace Officers Assoc., SEIU Local No. 620, and Morro
Bay Firefighters Assoc., and approving salaries and benefits for
Unrepresented Confidential, Management, and Department Heads
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 38-24 approving the Tentative Agreement for
and Successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as agreed
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to by the Morro Bay Police Officers Association (“MBPOA”) with an
effective date of July 1, 2024.
2. Adopt Resolution No 39-24 approving the Tentative Agreement for
and Successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as agreed
to by the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local No.
620 with an effective date of July 1, 2024.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 40-24 approving the Tentative Agreement for,
and Successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as agreed
to by the Morro Bay Firefighters Association (MBFFA) with an
effective date of July 1, 2024.
4. Adopt Resolution No. 41-24 approving the unrepresented
Confidential employees' salary and benefits resolution effective
July 1, 2024.
5. Adopt Resolution No. 42-24 approving the unrepresented
Management employees' salary and benefits resolution with an
effective date of July 1, 2024.
6. Adopt Resolution No. 43-24 approving the unrepresented
Department Head employees' salary and benefits resolution with
an effective date of July 1, 2024.
The terms of the proposed MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and
Resolutions are within the authority parameters approved by the Council
in closed session. Each union's membership has voted on and approved
the proposals.
7.e Adopt Resolution No. 44-24 Revising the Terms of the City's
Reimbursement Agreement with the California Governor's Office of
Emergency Services to add the Deputy Chief and Seasonal
Firefighter Job Classifications
Adopt Resolution No. 44-24 rescinding and replacing Resolution No. 62-
21 and revising the terms of the City’s reimbursement agreement to
include the classifications of Deputy Chief and Seasonal Firefighter.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
8.a Adoption of Resolution No. 45.24 Directing the Levy of the Annual
Assessment for the Cloisters Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance
Assessment District
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=6nXsAWyPcGCQtngo&t=7454
Public Works Director Kwolek presented the report and responded to
Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 8.a.
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https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=ggHiNjXVI9Fcf2a5&t=7825
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, requested a detailed financial report of
general fund contribution toward maintenance of the Cloisters
Assessment District.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, felt some level of general fund support for
Cloisters Park was appropriate.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, questioned utility costs for the
Assessment District.
Dawn Beattie, Morro Bay, commented on the need to dredge the
Cloisters pond for stormwater management and to remove
contaminants.
End of public comment.
Motion by Council Member Ford
Seconded by Council Member Edwards
Adopt Resolution No. 45-24 approving the levy of the annual assessment
for the Cloisters Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment
District.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
8.b Adoption of Resolution No. 46-24 Directing the Levy of the Annual
Assessment for the North Point Natural Area Landscaping and
Lighting Maintenance Assessment District
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=G1ytEYoryS7GbuVp&t=8362
Public Works Director Kwolek presented the report and responded to
Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.b.
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=-2hmrCUF5dKKfGCe&t=8543
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, requested a more detailed reporting of
maintenance costs.
End of public comment.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Mayor Wixom
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Adopt Resolution No. 46-24 approving the levy of the annual assessment
for the North Point Natural Area Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance
District.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.a Resolutions Approving Fiscal Year (FY) 24-25 Operating and Capital
Budgets; FY 24-25, FY 25-26 and FY 26-27 Salary Schedules; New
Job Classifications; Investment Policy; and FY 24-25 GANN
Appropriations Limit
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=aj88jVWNyLqR0n15&t=8699
Administrative Programs Manager Green presented the report and
responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=u13OftG6ekLzyfqc&t=10335
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, objected to $25K for a professional
goals facilitator, increased funding for Information Technology, and
excessive reserves. She urged the Council to prioritize and
increase funding for street improvements.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, took issue with hiring more people when
revenues are projected to decline.
End of public comment.
Staff responded to questions raised during public comment and Council
inquiries.
Motion by Council Member Ford
Seconded by Council Member Barton
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 47-24 adopting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25
Operating and Capital Budgets; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 48-24 approving the FY 2024-25, FY 2025-
26, and FY 2026-27 Salary Schedules; and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 49-24 approving Recreation Specialist and
Assistant to the City Manager/Public Relations Manager Job
Classifications and Job Descriptions; and
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4. Adopt Resolution No. 50-24 readopting the City’s Investment
Policy; and
5. Adopt Resolution No. 51-24 setting the FY 2024-25 GANN
Appropriations Limit at $35,461,193.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b Council Consideration to Affirm Staff Authority to Execute
Amendment to State Revolving Fund (SRF) Construction Loan
Agreement
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=yDteRP2zJQzcU8e7&t=12227
Public Works Director Kwolek presented the report and responded to
Council inquiries.
There was Council consensus to go past 9:30 p.m. to finish this item.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.b.
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=QVyA7xBabPhI0Vwj&t=14016
Homer Alexander, Morro Bay, urged the Council to approve the
amendment and hoped staff would pursue grant funding for
decommissioning of the old wastewater treatment plant.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, agreed with previous speaker and
questioned the continued need for Carollo's services.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, spoke in support of staff's
recommendation.
End of public comment.
Motion by Council Member Barton
Seconded by Mayor Wixom
Affirm Staff Authorization to execute an amendment to the SRF
Construction Loan Agreement (Loan Amendment) with the State Water
Resources Control Board for a needed extension of the Construction
Completion Date and SRF loan repayment dates, as well as providing for
additional budget for WTTP decommissioning and demolition. This
Amendment is required to be executed by June 30, 2024, by the State
Water Board.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Ford
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CARRIED (5 to 0)
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
https://youtu.be/QM6GbliQEQY?si=lEsij7Qc64Tpt8QE&t=14615
Council Member Landrum asked that an emergency item be brought to the July
meeting to support Friends of the Morro Bay Library's request for continued use
of the book room. There was full Council support and comments regarding
individual outreach out to County representatives.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk