HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2024-07-23 Regular Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
July 23, 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
Finance Director Emily Conrad
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Police Chief Amy Watkins
Fire Captain/Paramedic Travis Hasch
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom established a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
4.a Closed Session Report
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=AYB6rV8I_Mb09wob&t=116
City Attorney Neumeyer announced no reportable action was taken in the
July 23, 2024 closed session meeting.
Mr. Neumeyer reported the City Council met in closed session on July 10,
2024 to consider two matters. No legally reportable action was taken.
However, in the interests of transparency the Council asked that a “report
out” be made on otherwise confidential information for Item No. 4.b.
Item No. 4.b concerned Council review under Govt Code 54956.8 with
staff of a potential community benefits agreement with Vistra Energy after
they sent a proposal to City. A potential community benefits agreement
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includes potential real estate transactions, such as the deeding of Lila
Keiser park to the City and joint real estate ventures to generate City
income, as well as other related potential benefits.
No commitments were made. No final action was taken on any agreement
or contract with Vistra Energy. Rather, the Council conferred with City staff
on a non-binding, tentative response to Vistra Energy’s proposed
community benefits agreement to continue the conversation.
Vistra Energy was informed that the City may amend the response subject
to further City staff review and public input. The Council will seek
community feedback and input on the community benefits agreement
subsequent to the initial rounds of non-binding and tentative discussions.
Furthermore, no community benefits agreement will be approved without
being agendized at a public Council meeting for review and discussion.
4.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and
Presentations
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=sAhbrGqX6wklpUD3&t=232
Council Member Landrum announced she was in Texas providing child
care for her family and participating remotely pursuant to the "just cause"
provisions of Assembly Bill (AB) 2449.
4.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=SQaTW7xPLRJ98j4w&t=931
4.d Subcommittee Reports
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=7AhnqQ38NllRzi3s&t=1045
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 Townsend Public Affairs Legislative Update
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=uLUg92a6glo-emt0&t=1233
Presented by Townsend Public Affairs Director, Eric O'Donnell, and Senior
Associate, Spencer Street.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=4NDGg-c6KCr3Ixl7&t=2256
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Aaron Ochs, Morro Bay, announced the recent passing of his mother,
Pamela Ochs, who led efforts to oppose ocean acoustic testing and
ensured all voices were heard when the city proposed a water/sewer rate
increase in 2018. He urged the community to vote yes on Measure A-24.
Robert Skinner requested a resolution in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Rich Raub, resident and Morro Bay Active Adults Board Member, asked
the Council to agendize support for a fundraising effort to build four
pickleball courts.
David Yohe, Morro Bay, requested a resolution in favor of a ceasefire in
Gaza and commented on the need for an evacuation center should the
proposed BESS project move forward.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, commented on recent City events and invited
attendees to take home COVID test kits provided at no charge by SLO
Food Bank.
Rachel Wilson, Cayucos, commented on the Brattle economic impact
report for the proposed BESS Project.
Dolores Howard, Paso Robles, asked the Council to consider a resolution
in support of a ceasefire.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, commented on Item 9a, urging the Council
to authorize a second meeting to receive public comment on the findings
and conclusions of the ad hoc committee.
Steve Paige shared information about the potential impacts of the
proposed BESS project.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, appreciated City Council, Fire and Police
Departments, Caltrans and others for united effort to clean up
encampments along Quintana Road.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, asked how the public would be informed about
upcoming pavement projects.
An unnamed resident shared his thoughts regarding a society steeped in
violence.
Jeff Eckles, Morro Bay, announced his candidacy for Morro Bay City
Council.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, commented on the Townsend Public Affairs
presentation and inquired about the annual cost of services.
End of public comment.
7. 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 a lso be provided an
opportunity to comment on consent agenda items.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items on the Consent Agenda.
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=PNwwNldIrnXuoiv-&t=4306
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, thanked the City for protecting the library.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, hoped to receive a cost/benefit report for the
Ironman event and spoke in favor of appointing James Costanzo to the
Recreation & Parks Commission.
End of public comment.
Council Member Ford pulled Item 7.e.
Council Member Landrum pulled Item 7.c.
Motion by Council Member Edwards
Seconded by Council Member Ford
Approve consent agenda Items 7.a., 7.b., 7.d. and 7.f.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Barton,
Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a Approval of Minutes
Approve as submitted.
a. May 23, 2024 - Special Closed Session Meeting
b. June 11, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
c. June 25, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
7.b Approval of Proclamations
a. Proclamation recognizing Latino Outreach Council's 30 Years of
Service
Approve as submitted.
7.c Morro Bay Library Meeting/Book Room Discussion Update
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=QtH6i2EZ9cGtJGTa&t=4521
The Council Members shared their appreciation for efforts made to
support Friends of the Library.
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Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Mayor Wixom
Receive and file this report.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.d Update Regarding Ironman Event Contract Termination
Receive and file the report.
7.e Authorization to Join the League of California Cities Letter of
Opposition to Assembly Bill 2560 (Alvarez)
Council Member Ford declared a conflict on this item. (Due to a legislative
conflict.)
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=1Q-HW37_AabNrxDM&t=4656
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Barton
Join the League of California Cities ("Cal Cities") in opposition of
Assembly Bill 2560 (Alvarez).
Ayes (4): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, and Council Member Edwards
Recused (1): Council Member Ford
CARRIED (4 to 0)
7.f Appointment of James Costanzo to the Recreation and Parks
Commission
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=f_e-DeIqKgG-nH19&t=4684
Mayor Wixom invited Mr. Costanzo to the podium to say a few words.
Appoint James Costanzo to the Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC)
to fill an unscheduled vacancy through January 31, 2026.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
The Mayor and City Council took a brief recess at 6:58 p.m and reconvened at
7:07 p.m. with all members present.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
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9.a Downtown Design District Recommendations
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=FhDW1QEIe_40R_ct&t=4746
Community Development Director Singewald presented the report and
responded to Council inquiries.
Council Members Landrum and Edwards offered comments as sub-
committee members.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=Ut_wXFdfoRSNNzjj&t=6636
Bill Luffee, Morro Bay, commended the subcommittee's work and
hoped property owner input would be sought to understand their
intentions.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, agreed with importance of involving
property owners and urged the City to pursue a comprehensive
Downtown/Waterfront Master Plan.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, stated that, as a committee member,
she did not feel the work was complete and asked the Council to
allow the committee to meet again to organize a public
presentation.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, heartily agreed with Ms. Winholtz's
comments regarding the need for more community input.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, agreed a second
community input meeting should be allowed.
Jeff Eckles, Morro Bay, appreciated Mr. Codron's incremental
approach and focus on things that are achievable in the short term.
He felt it was unreasonable at this point to think the ad hoc
committee would provide all the answers for our downtown.
The public comment period was closed.
There was Council discussion and support for a final meeting of the ad
hoc group to form consensus prior to presenting information in a
community forum,
Council Member Landrum moved for the subcommittee to meet again for
a final meeting then to present final outcome to a public workshop as
originally intended. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Edwards for discussion.
Mr. Singlewald sought clarification on the areas of focus and noted the
annual General Plan Progress Report would be another opportunity to
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report back to Council and community regarding progress made on the
implementation.
There was Council consensus the areas of focus should include:
Viewshed
Downtown Design District boundaries/footprint
Historic or character defining buildings
Housing
Following discussion, the motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Council Member Edwards
That the subcommittee meet again for a final meeting then present final
outcome in a public workshop as originally intended.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b Approval of City Manager Contract Amendment
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=yxE67VUmBjOWI --B&t=8775
City Attorney Neumeyer presented the report.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.b.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, questioned the need for a retention
bonus and was concerned about automatic need for COLA
adjustments.
End of public comment.
Mayor Wixom responded to issues raised during public comment.
Mayor Wixom read the following statement into the record as presented in
the staff report, "The City Manager will receive an extra 10 hours of
maximum vacation leave bank accrual from 300 to 310 hours total;
consistent with the COLA salary increases provided to City Department
Heads the City Manager’s annual salary for FY 2024/25 will be $234,062,
for FY 2025/26 will be $245,773, and for FY 2026/27 will be $258,066,
totaling an increase of $35,155 over a three year period, with further
increases thereafter consistent with COLA salary increases provided to
City Department Heads; and, the City Manager will receive a one-time
retention bonus of $1,063.25 to be paid no later than the second regular
pay period following the effective date of the Second Amendment."
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Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Barton
Consider approval of the Second Amendment to City Manager
Employment Agreement for City Manager Yvonne Kimball and
authorization for the Mayor to sign the Second Amendment on behalf of
the City Council of the City of Morro Bay.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member
Barton, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford
CARRIED (5 to 0)
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk