HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2025-03-25 Special Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
March 25, 2025, 3:00 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
Public Works Director Greg Kwolek
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Police Chief Amy Watkins
Fire Chief Dan McCrain
Harbor Vitality Director Chris Munson
Facilitator Michael Codron
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1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. with all members present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Public comment was received following the staff presentation.
3. SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM(S)
3.a Adoption of new City Council Goals for Fiscal Years 2025-2027
https://youtu.be/MA_3qzM9d7A?si=s9NHetC0UTPVIqNv&t=54
City Manager Yvonne Kimball introduced Facilitator, Michael Codron, who
presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items on the agenda.
https://youtu.be/MA_3qzM9d7A?si=AQpOL9jDh1AdY7O6&t=1373
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Michael Wambolt, Visit Morro Bay, shared data and benchmarks
from a recent tourism report, noting the direct and indirect
economic impact of tourism in Morro Bay.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, submitted signatures in support of a
goal to acquire the Morro Elementary campus and suggested three
goals with no more than one or two per department: 1) Focus on
the City's budget and health, 2) Streets, and 3) Quality of Life with
Morro Elementary as the priority.
Dina Lundquist, Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, urged Council
to support a unified economic development approaoch with the
Chamber and Visit Morro Bay that will increase sales tax revenue,
reduce vacancy rates, and ensure sustainable business survival
and growth.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, suggested marketing Morro Bay's
natural beauty and access to the estuary and sea life, cautioned
paid parking programs have not been successful in other cities, and
supported the pursuit of Morro Elementary, changing the zoning
from high density residential.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, urged the City to pursue changes in land
use designations for the Morro Elementary property to medium
density residential, public institutional, and open space/recreation
to preserve our small town character.
Susan Stewart, Morro Bay business owner, supported the idea of
medium to high density housing on the Morro Elementary site,
leaving space for soccer fields and playground areas to create a
place for families and seniors, adding the historic building would be
a great community center.
An unnamed resident spoke in opposition to paid parking and
offered a sample STR ordinance with more teeth to address noise
complaints.
Nancy Bast, Morro Bay, was disappointed by the small audience
and hoped future meeitngs would be held at a time when everyone
can attend.
Karen Aguilar, Morro Bay, opposed paid parking and was
supportive of new events to increase revenues.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, opposed paid parking, offshore wind
and buildings heights exceeding 25 feet; concurred with previous
comments supporting quality of life efforts and obtaining Morro
Elementary.
End of public comment.
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Mr. Codron revisited recommendations provided by the Recreation &
Parks Commission at its March 20th meeting, which occurred after the
agenda report was published.
Mr. Codron reviewed the proposed and alternative goal statements.
Council voted by straw poll, the clerk tabulated the results and Mr. Codron
read them into the record. Council Members Eckles, Landrum, Luffee and
Mayor Pro Tem Edwards allocated 5 points each to Economic Vitality/
Fiscal Health, Infrastructure and El Morro Elementary. Mayor Wixom
allocated 5 points each to Economic Vitality/Fiscal Health and
Infrastructure, 3 points to El Morro Elementary, and 2 points to Housing,
noting the connection between Housing and El Morro Elementary.
https://youtu.be/MA_3qzM9d7A?si=WyB9IYo2TDGSq3gc&t=4259
The Council reviewed Goal Statements for the selected goals and found
consensus on the following:
Economic Vitality and Fiscal Health. "A vibrant and active
business community supported by coordinated strategies for
economic vitality and fiscal health that create the conditions for
individual business success and the long-term fiscal health of the
City."
Infrastructure Resiliency. "An infrastructure program that
includes regular maintenance to prolong the life of existing
infrastructure (streets, buildings, structures, equipment) while
implementing a Capital Improvement Plan that prioritizes new
projects in alignment with available resources (funding and staff)."
El Morro Elementary School. "Work with the San Luis Coastal
Unified School District to acquire the Morro Elementary School site
or assist in the development for the purpose of preserving
community access, historic preservation, and/or housing
development consistent with the City's General Plan."
Following discussion, there was consensus on the following Objectives for
each Goal:
Economic Vitality and Fiscal Health. Using existing plans and
documents, identify opportunities for downtown revitalization and
beautification, including facade improvement rebate program; engagement
and outreach efforts to increase satisfaction with planning and building
services; analysis of the City's reserve policies; and comprehensive
strategy for revenue enhancement.
Infrastructure Resiliency. Create a 5-year CIP, Infrastructure
Maintenance & Harbor Infrastructure.
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El Morro Elementary. Acquisition (or Partnership) Plan, Community
Engagement, Grants.
4. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk