HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2025-01-14 Regular Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
January 14, 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: City Manager Yvonne Kimball
Interim City Attorney Robert Schultz
City Clerk Dana Swanson
Finance Director Emily Conrad
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Police Chief Amy Watkins
Fire Chief Dan McCrain
Harbor Vitality Director Chris Munson
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. with all members present.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
4.a Closed Session Report
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=Hn_ftlpP8oyMnWfu&t=128
Interim City Attorney Schultz announced the Council met in closed session
to discuss property negotiations related to 231 Atascadero Road and
Lease Sites 53-56/53W -56W; no reportable action was taken pursuant to
the Brown Act. A third item, Public Employment of the City Attorney, was
discussed with no reportable action taken.
4.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and
Presentations
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=GYpeg_SpMYERZiq6&t=191
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4.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=WqzNTwtGbNI8ETbV&t=611
4.d Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee
Activities
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=3gmArpw20U_GvRSH&t=1301
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 City of Morro Bay Years of Service Awards
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=E4q6So1INLMO--_S&t=1501
5.b Proclamation Recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters during National
Mentoring Month
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=rIJ8QDTZT_Dpr50w&t=1842
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=XGtZftY0a4nj5oR8&t=2154
John DiNunzio, SLOCOG, announced a new planning process, Morro Bay
Estuary Climate Resiliency Transportation Study, is underway. The Study
focuses on sea level rise and opportunities to improve mobility options
along South Bay Blvd., State Park Road, and Turri Road. Resources and
materials are available at www.sbbclimateplan.org.
Lucy Conklin, Los Osos, commented on the potential sale of Morro
Elementary, emphasizing the importance of programs currently offered
there.
David Smith, Morro Bay, spoke in support of Family Partnership Charter
School operating at Morro Elementary.
Nicole Dorfman, REACT Alliance, announced National Day of Action "End
It!" on Saturday, January 18th, at 12 noon at Morro Rock Parking Lot.
Shy Gardner, Los Osos, urged the City to consider the importance of
education as it relates to the potential sale of Morro Elementary.
David Yohe, Morro Bay, commented on the need for a cease fire
agreement.
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Joan Solu, Morro Bay, shared historical information regarding Morro
Elementary and urged the City to explore ways to preserve that property.
Jodi Petersen, Morro Bay, shared her understanding the land where
Morro Elementary was built had been donated by the Quintana family was
required to remain a school or returned to the family.
Semu Torres, Los Osos, requested the City work with School District to
explore alternatives that would preserve the programs currently offered
there.
Garry Johnson, Morro Bay, announced the annual Morro Bay Bird Festival
January 16 - 20.
True Moore enjoys attending Family Parthership Charter School and
hopes it will remain at Morro Elementary.
Debbie Highfill, Morro Bay, spoke regarding Morro Elementary, hoping the
community would be allowed time to explore grants and fundraising
opportunities.
James Moore spoke in support of retaining the Morro Elementary School
site.
Monte Moore shared how much he enjoys attending Family Partnership
Charter School.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, commented on wildfires burning in
Los Angelees and expressed safety concerns about wood burning firepits,
particularly in north Morro Bay.
Eloise Crow commented in support of Family Partnership Charter School.
Madison Treiber, Morro Bay, spoke in support of the Montessori school a t
Morro Elementary.
Nico Torres hoped the Charter School would be allowed to stay at Morro
Elementary.
Caleb Crow shared he has attended the Charter School for 3 years and
would love it to stay.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments.
Kellie Reamer hoped there would be a way to preserve Morro Elementary.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, appealed to the School Board to preserve
Morro Elementary, commented on offshore wind, and encouraged families
to attend the REACT Alliance event at the Rock Saturday, January 18.
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, asked that the community be given time to
develop a plan to preserve Morro Elementary.
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Vita Miller, Los Osos, urged the City to request an extension that would
allow time to develop a fundraising plan to preserve Morro Elementary.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, encouraged the City and community members to
appeal to the School District in an effort to save Morro Elementary.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, hoped the community would be allowed
time to explore ways to retain Morro Elementary.
An unnamed resident shared her appreciation for the Montessori School
operating at Morro Elementary and hoped it could remain at that location.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=CIWb9y3FVS0RaoK-&t=5560
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.
Betty Winholtz, Morro By, raised a question regarding Item 7.d. and,
regarding Item 7.e., opined the CMC work crews did not have the
experience necessary for tree pruning.
End of public comment.
Staff responded to questions raised during public comment.
Council Member Eckles pulled Item 7.e. Council Member Landrum pulled Item
7.d.
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Approve consent agenda items 7.a, 7.b., 7.c. and 7.f 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. December 10, 2024 - Special Council Meeting
b. December 10, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
c. December 16, 2024 - Special Closed Session Meeting
d. December 19, 2024 - Special Council Meeting
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7.b Approval of Proclamations
a. Proclamation recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo
County during the month of January as National Mentoring Month
7.c Adoption of Resolution No. 01-25 Establishing the 2025 City Council
Meeting Calendar and Budget Development Schedule
Adopt Resolution No. 01-25 approving the 2025 City Council Meeting
Calendar and Budget Development Schedule.
7.d Approval of Agreement for Consolidation of Morro Bay Transit
Services into San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=fN3aO5ksMk4j417a&t=5858
Management Analyst Burlingame and Jeff Straw, RTA Executive Director,
responded to Council inquiries.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Council Member Edwards
Approve the Agreement for Consolidation of Morro Bay Transit Services
(the Agreement) into San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA),
after Interim City Attorney final review and any non-substantive revisions,
and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. If following Council’s
approval of the Agreement at this meeting there are any substantive
changes negotiated, such revisions will be re-presented to the Council for
approval.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.e Adopt Resolution No. 02-25 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute
an Agreement with the California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation for Inmate Work Crews
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=obSOEAe_Duw2N6Zl&t=6285
Maintenance Division Manager Mendoza responded to Council inquiries.
Motion by Council Member Eckles
Seconded by Council Member Landrum
Adopt Resolution No. 02-25 authorizing the City Manager to execute an
agreement with the California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation for inmate work crews.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
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CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.f Adoption of Resolution No. 03-25 Approving the Assignment of
Assumption and Conditionally Authorizing the Mayor to Execute
Documents Necessary for the Assignment and Assumption at Lease
Site 53-56/53W-56W and Accepting Deeds of Trust Related Thereto
Adopt Resolution No. 03-25 allowing the Mayor to authorize the
assignment and assumption, and authorizing the Mayor to execute
necessary documents, and accepting deeds of trust related thereto
regarding sale of the leasehold interest at Lease Site 53-56/53W -56W
(Estero Inn, 501 Embarcadero) to Russel Curtis, Don Nelson, Daniel
McCall, and Justin Laribee (LLC Pending), with documents subject to
approval of the City Attorney.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
The Council took a brief recess at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:31 p.m. with all
members present.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.a Advisory Board Interviews and Appointments
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=x3LDrtG0UEXD9gmc&t=6433
Harbor Advisory Board applicants Jeremiah O'Brien and Marshall
Witkowski briefly introduced themselves.
See first motion below.
Recreation & Parks Commission
The following applicants were intereviewed for consideration of
appointment to the Recreation & Parks Commission: Rachael Grace
Leonti, Drew Sidaris and Betty Winholtz.
The Council voted by written ballot and Clerk Swanson read the results:
Betty Winholtz received five votes, Drew Sidaris received three votes
(Luffee, Edwards and Wixom), and Rachael Grace Leonti received two
votes (Eckles and Landrum). Ms. Winholtz and Mr. Sidaris were
reappointed to the Recreation & Parks Commission for a 4 -year term.
Planning Commission
The following applicants were interviewed for consideration of
appointment to the Planning Commission: Tony deFazio, Jim Duffy,
Stephen McConnell and Mary Witkowski (Sean Hanlon was not present).
The Council voted by written ballot and Clerk Swanson read the results.
Tony deFazio received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Luffee and Wixom);
Mary Witkowski received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Edwards and
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Wixom); Jim Duffy received one vote (Edwards) and Stephen McConnell
received one vote (Luffee). Mr. deFazio and Ms. Witkowski were
appointed to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term.
Public Works Advisory Board
Clerk Swanson announced John Erwin was unable to participate in
interviews due to a scheduled medical procedure but would like to be
considered for reappointment to the Board. City Policy allows the Council
to consider his application upon a finding of the City Council by motion the
absence arose from excusable neglect or personal difficulties.
See second motion below.
The following applicants were interviewed for consideration of
appointment to the Public Works Advisory Board: Laurie Beale, Paul
Donnelly and Betsy Gaudette-Cross.
The Council voted by written ballot and Clerk Swanson read the results:
Paul Donnelly received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Edwards and
Wixom), Betsy Gaudette-Cross received four votes (Eckles, Landrum,
Luffee and Wixom), Laurie Beale received one vote (Edwards) and John
Erwin received one vote (Luffee). Mr. Donnelly and Ms. Gaudette-Cross
were appointed to the Public Works Advisory Board for a 4 -year term.
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Eckles
Appoint Jeremiah O'Brien and Marshall Witkowski to fill upcoming
vacancies on the Harbor Advisory Board.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Edwards
Consider Mr. Erwin's application based on a finding his absence arose
from excusable personal difficulties.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b Request to form the Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee
(WMPAC)
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=7o8W981EnvjRvnu4&t=10738
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Community Development Director Singewald presented the report and
responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.b.
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=0dAHxlJk6NSW2jim&t=11823
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, opined a 9-member committee may be
a bit unruly and representatives from each of the advisory bodies
would suffice.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, liked the idea of having nine members as
it provides more opportunities for community outreach.
End of public comment.
Following discussion, there was Council consensus to establish a 7-
member committee with one member appointed by each of the City's
standing advisory bodies (Planning Commission, Citizens Finance
Advisory Committee, Public Works Advisory Board, Harbor Advisory
Board and Recreation & Parks Commission), one representative from the
Embarcadero Master Leaseholders group, and one member from an
environmental group, such as the Morro Bay National Estua ry Program
(NEP). Additionally, the Council directed the Harbor Advisory Board
appointee not be the master leaseholder representative as that would
duplicate their representation on the committee.
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Landrum
Establish a 7-member Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee
(WMPAC) with the direction given to the Community Development
Director.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member
Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.c Update on Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 and 2024-25 City Council Goals
and Action Items
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=UQVOl9a4TiO5UaQR&t=12850
There was consensus to continue this item to a future meeting, date
uncertain.
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=ohpJ_LVT9IDD1m1F&t=12928
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Council Member Landrum requested and received support to agendize for the
January 28th meeting, consideration of contacting the school district to express
the City's interest in the Morro Elementary School property and ask for 90 -180
day window to support the community's desire to explore options, with the
understanding no city budget is involved. Additionally, direct the City Manager to
immediately communicate with the school district this item has been agendized.
Council Member Eckles requested and received support for analysis and
discussion of the use of portapotties in the city. It was agreed the Public Works
Advisory Board review this item first.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk