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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2014-05-27_Meeting Minutes MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 27, 2014 VETERAN’S MEMORIAL HALL – 6:00P.M. PRESENT: Jamie Irons Mayor Christine Johnson Councilmember Nancy Johnson Councilmember George Leage Councilmember Noah Smukler Councilmember STAFF: Edward Kreins Interim City Manager Joe Pannone City Attorney Jamie Boucher City Clerk Susan Slayton Administrative Services Director Rob Livick Public Services Director Eric Endersby Harbor Director Steve Knuckles Fire Chief Rick Sauerwein Capital Projects Manager ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER MOMENT OF SILENCE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CLOSED SESSION REPORT – Interim City Attorney Joe Pannone reported that with regards to the Closed Session Item: Conference with Labor Negotiators regarding Morro Bay Firefighters’ Association; Morro Bay Police Officers’ Association; Service Employee’s International Union, SEIU Local 620; Management Employees; and, Confidential Employees the Council did not take any reportable action pursuant to the Brown Act. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS There was a presentation made by Cal Poly student, Remy CantoAdams featuring a model concept aquarium. Tara Melzone, Executive Director of the Central Coast Aquarium, a non- profit organization offering marine science education programs for children K-12. When they considered responding to the City’s RFP process, they wanted to honor and build upon what the Tylers have accomplished over the past 46 years. Their vision for a future Morro Bay Aquarium would be to serve as a hub for marine education, outreach, research and conservation efforts. It would serve as a public aquarium and a teaching research facility with direct access to the Morro Bay Estuary and coastal ocean. It is their hope to partner with other educational organizations that share the same mission. Cal Poly Professor, Dean Wendt, spoke as a potential partner with the Central Coast Aquarium recognizing the potential educational benefit. To help realize that vision, they spoke to an Architecture class at Cal Poly; they took from the vision and built a series of models as a visual representation of this vision. Remy then presented his project model stating what could become the future of the Morro Bay Aquarium giving us a typical visit to the possible new aquarium site. AGENDA NO: A-2 MEETING DATE: 6/10/2014 2 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Davis spoke on Item D-2, Review of List of Unmet Bike Needs. He appreciates the work Mr. Livick has done in presenting the report. One item that he feels requires immediate attention is the Class 1 Multi-use trail from Main to the Cloisters; they are in fear of losing the path due to root infringement. This path has constant daily use and is also a safe route to schools for MBHS students. Bonnie Johnson also spoke on Item D-2; encouraging Council to look at the intersection of Radcliffe and Main (adjacent to the proposed bike park location) as it poses a safety hazard. She suggested looking at a variety of fixes including radar cameras, flashing lights on the cross walk, painting the bike lane green – the big issue is getting people off of Radcliffe onto Main Street. Matt Makowetski also spoke on Item D-2 stressing that the safe route to school path on Greenwood from Avalon to Sequoia contains very dilapidated asphalt. The pathway is very important to that part of town as it is used by children and adults alike. He hopes this will create another bout of momentum to go after the safe routes to schools. He hopes this puts in people’s minds to think about for the future. Dave Albrecht spoke on Item D-2 complimenting the efforts that have been done so far and hopes they will continue. He too feels the bike path at Main to the Cloisters is a liability for the City and encourages the City to seek funds to repair and maintain it. Another unmet bike need is bike parking; in order to support increased bike usage, you need increased bike parking. He suggests the use of bike corrals; placing bike parking on the street reduces bikes on the sidewalk which increases walking space. Jennifer Redman presented Chamber of Commerce news. She thanked the Bay News for their promotion of local business and Chamber events. She also stated that a new paper, Morro Bay Life is now being mailed to everybody in Morro Bay and they too are doing a great job in letting people know what is going on. The sign ordinance meetings have been completed. A new business package has been developed which hopefully will make business licensing easier on new businesses. Lisa Winn has been promoted to Acting Director and an administrative assistant has been hired. The mobile app is continuing to be worked on. Lisa Winn stated that the “doing business packet” is available and includes: general information on the business license process; a business license application; zoning map; check list for different types of permits needed; phone numbers and addresses; fee schedules and a sign permit application. Also included is information on the Chamber as well as history on Morro Bay. These packets will be available at the Chamber and the Planning Department. Trina Daugherty announced the Green Light Eco Fair being sponsored by Eco Rotary. This is the 2nd Annual event and is being held on Sunday, June 1st at St. Timothy’s Church from noon – 5pm. It is a free community event. It is their goal to send 150 lights to PACE Universal, a girl’s school in India as well as lights to support Hands in Nepal and the Maxine Lewis Homeless Shelter. Brent Haugen stated that the Chamber and the Tourism Bureau have met and created a vision team to define their roles in the community and eliminate duplication of efforts of those two organizations as well as assist the City with the overall topic of economic development. They 3 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 have created overall goals and objectives: defined economic development; and, the major pillars and roles that make up the 4 pillars of Economic Development in Morro Bay. Pillar 1 – overall philosophy, build upon Morro Bay’s economic foundation; Pillar 2 – role of the City, create a climate that supports, retains, attracts and grows business; Pillar 3 – role of the Chamber, facilitate existing businesses and support new businesses and investments; and Pillar 4 – role of Tourism Bureau, to market and promote all Morro Bay’s hospitality businesses. They hope to create synergy amongst all players to be focused on using existing resources to maximize the strengths of each entity to reach the overall goals and objectives. He is asking for support to help facilitate a dynamic economic development plan for Morro Bay. Homer Alexander spoke on the budget process. Last year the focus was on the expenditure of $134,000, approximately 4/10ths of 1% of the budget and City staff made decisions on the remaining 99.6%. He suggests talking to the City Manager and Finance Director and asking how the revenue projections were developed. He urged Council not to review each department’s expense structure unless you were willing to add or subtract an employee. He urged Council to understand the cost allocation plan, how was it developed and how often is it updated. He urged Council understand the City’s financial exposure to liabilities that are not covered by insurance. He urged Council to review and understand every Measure Q request, is the money being spent as promised. He urged that time be spent discussing the capital budget so the public knows how the money is being spent. He thought it was important to focus on the dollars not the percentages other cities have put aside for their reserve. He stated that the combined balances in the City’s 5 major reserve funds, as of June 30, 2013 was 13 million dollars; if the figures in the budget are accurate, as of June 30, 2015, that total will be less than 4 million, those numbers should scare you to death. Carla Wixom voiced her disappointment at the fact that the budget workshop isn’t put on prior to the election. She is also disappointed that there is no funding for the Economic Development, and sees other re-appropriations of funds such as Measure Q streets monies going to the pedestrian bridge – that should be done in workshops and prior to the election. It’s disappointing we don’t have all the money for the pedestrian bridge as has been stated. Barry Brannin stated that about 4 months ago, State Parks came and made a presentation about the 27 unit rv park they are developing at Morro Strand State Park. We haven’t heard anything since. He then stated that there was a contractors meeting last week for this project and bids are due on June 3rd. He’s concerned that there are no mitigation factors for surfers getting to the beach or anything else. This is like having a 27 unit RV Park being plunked down right next to the City with no impact fees for sewer, water, or anything else. The construction starts in October and should be done by March. The citizens need to be alerted this is happening and he feels that there should be mitigation funds from the State. John Headding spoke regarding the proposed budget and echoed Mr. Alexander’s concerns. There are unfunded mandates coming down that will impact the City significantly. There are a number of areas where personnel haven’t received adequate raises. He’s heard talk of another rate hike / ½ cent sales tax initiative and is concerned about that. The bridge is exciting and important but in the scheme of things, what are the priorities for spending? Do you fully understand the dire financial stress that’s impacting the City? He is concerned that 5 years down the road, this spending puts us in the category of being broke. The public comment period was closed. 4 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 A. CONSENT AGENDA Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are approved without discussion. A. CONSENT AGENDA Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are approved without discussion. A-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 22, 2014; (ADMINISTRATION) RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted. A-2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MAY 13, 2014; (ADMINISTRATION) RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted. A-3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MAY 13, 2014; (ADMINISTRATION) RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted. A-4 APPROVAL OF NEW LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH MORRO BAY HOOKERS BAITING SERVICE; (HARBOR) RECOMMENDATION: Approve a two-year License Agreement with Lonnie Carter, doing business as “Morro Bay Hookers” baiting service, that includes an option to extend for one, two-year period. A-5 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATUS REPORTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2014; (ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES) RECOMMENDATION: Accept the reports as presented. A-6 AWARD OF SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA) BID; (FIRE) RECOMMENDATION: Award of bid to Bauer Compressors for the 2013 National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) compliant MSA G1 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for $223,125.84. A-7 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING THE SITING OF A NEW WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY AND FORMATION OF A TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE; (PUBLIC SERVICES) RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution 34-14. 5 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 Mayor Irons opened up the public comment period for items on the Consent Calendar; seeing none, the public comment period was closed. MOTION: Councilmember Nancy Johnson moved the City Council approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Christine Johnson and carried unanimously, 5-0. Ayes: Irons, C. Johnson, N. Johnson, Leage, Smukler No’s: None B. PUBLIC HEARINGS B-1 RESOLUTION NO. 33-14 CONTINUING THE PROGRAM AND LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE 2014/15 FISCAL YEAR FOR THE MORRO BAY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (MBTBID); (ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES) Administrative Services Director Susan Slayton presented the staff report; she presented a redlined version of the Resolution making some changes that memorialized the history of the assessment district. Mayor Irons opened up the public hearing for Item B-1; seeing none, the public hearing was closed. MOTION: Councilmember Christine Johnson moved to approve the amended Resolution 33-14, continuing the program and levying the assessments for the 2014/15 Fiscal Year for the Morro Bay Tourism Business Improvement District. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Leage and carried unanimously, 5-0. Ayes: Irons, C. Johnson, N. Johnson, Leage, Smukler No’s: None C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS C-1 ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 586 AMENDING SECTION 2.08.120 OF THE MORRO BAY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO MAYOR PRO TEMPORE; (CITY ATTORNEY) City Attorney Joe Pannone presented the staff report. Mayor Irons opened the public comment period for Item C-1; seeing none, the public comment period was closed. Mayor Irons stated that as an ordinance becomes outdated, aren’t working or aren’t consistent; it’s up the Council to bring them forward. MOTION: Councilmember Leage moved to adopt of Ordinance 586, amending Section 2.08.120 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code relating to Mayor Pro Tempore. City Attorney Joe Pannone read the ordinance title into the record. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Christine Johnson and carried unanimously, 5-0. Ayes: Irons, C. Johnson, N. Johnson, Leage, Smukler No’s: None 6 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 C-2 ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 587 AMENDING SECTION 3.12.030 OF THE MORRO BAY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PRESENTING AND FILING CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY; (CITY ATTORNEY) City Attorney Joe Pannone presented the staff report. Mayor Irons opened the public comment period for Item C-2; seeing none, the public comment period was closed. MOTION: Councilmember Christine Johnson moved to adopt Ordinance 587, amending Section 3.12.030 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code relating to presenting and filing claims against the City. City Attorney Joe Pannone read the ordinance title into the record. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Leage and carried unanimously, 5- 0. Ayes: Irons, C. Johnson, N. Johnson, Leage, Smukler No’s: None D. NEW BUSINESS D-1 STREETS SUMMIT: A REVIEW OF THE 2013/14 ACTIVITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK; (PUBLIC SERVICES) Public Services Director Rob Livick and Capital Projects Manager Rick Sauerwein presented the staff report. Mayor Irons opened up the public comment period for Item D-1. Barry Brannin spoke on the color chart found on page 150 of the agenda packet. He was hoping that staff could provide a map so the public can find where some of these street designations are; how do you tell the difference between Sandalwood 1 and Sandalwood 2. And who can the public call for pothole problems. Mr. Livick responded that the best way to notify the City on pothole issues was through the “Let Us Know” process found on the City’s website. The public comment period for Item D-1 was closed. Mayor Irons stated that from last year’s Street Summit, there was overwhelming public input on how we do our pavement management plan. Regarding looking at the index, we don’t want to go beyond our index because the cost goes up exponentially; even with that input, and understanding we want to catch the streets before they start degrading too quickly; there was input from the community that we need to revisit how we are addressing how we pave our streets and maybe spread it out a bit, especially in north Morro Bay. We may not meet the index number exactly but we need to revisit it from a geographical standpoint. How we address that with this street summit and public input will come when we re-assess the 5 year plan. Councilmember Smukler stated this has been an involved process; there has been better communication between engineering and maintenance which seems to have translated into improved work on the streets. A nice feature of the “Let us Know” link is that you can track the progress of the complaint, allowing for two-way communication. He felt it important to look at the possible need to identify additional revenue sources; there was a discussion approximately a 7 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 year ago that came out of the Street Summit where a sub-committee made up of Councilmember Nancy Johnson and himself was formed to look into that option. He wondered if this was a good time to start that process and bring up whether it needed pursuing. Would be a good time for the sub-committee to meet with staff and bring back a report. Councilmember Christine Johnson agrees we need to put at least $262,000 into streets this year. She needs to make sure we look at the Measure Q money going into the budget for this year. She supports starting the conversation to increase revenue sources to for streets. Councilmember Smukler recalled from action on the sub-committee; we’ve taken all the action from the council side to establish the committee and ask for that information to be returned after we meet; it’s his feeling they can just meet. MOTION: Councilmember Smukler moved to receive the report and adopt the priorities of the streets via the budgeting process as proposed. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nancy Johnson and carried unanimously 5-0. Ayes: Irons, C. Johnson, N. Johnson, Leage, Smukler No’s: None D-2 REVIEW OF LIST FROM MORRO BAY CITIZENS BIKE COMMITTEE LIST OF “UNMET BICYCLE NEEDS”; (PUBLIC SERVICES) Public Services Director Rob Livick presented the staff report. Councilmember Christine Johnson stated based on feedback she has received; there has been great progress regarding bicycling barriers; specifically we have more bike lanes in the City and we have addressed gaps in the bicycling network. She feels it would be simple to add “sharrows” (shared biking lane) on the Embarcadero as this shouldn’t take away anything from the driver. Also, currently we are redeveloping several lease sites there and some plans show taking out some of the parking on the side, maybe we could incorporate bike parking/corrals. She agrees that reaching out to merchants to encourage business support for bike corrals as it should increase foot traffic. She asked what the timeline was for repairs at the path from Coral to the high school. Mr. Livick responded that repairs would likely need to wait until school was out and that he would work with Maintenance Superintendent Mike Wilcox on that. Mayor Irons agrees with getting the business community more involved. He would also like to see the bike committee more involved. He agrees with the list provided. He met with a group today at the Del Mar Park pathway from the Ironwood parking lot to Island Street (going towards the tennis courts). He would like to see staff look into this area for repair. On Radcliffe and Main, he gently reminded staff that if there is something with a planning grant thru Cal Trans, to keep that in mind. He brought up a new striping technique he heard about that can be used as a paint and rumble strip combined and would like that considered as well. Mayor Irons opened up the public comment period for Item D-2; seeing none, the public comment period was closed. Mr. Livick stated that Radcliffe and Main isn’t a City street and nothing can be done without Cal Trans approval, it is their right-of-way. 8 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL – MAY 27, 2014 Councilmember Nancy Johnson would hate to see the Class 1 bike lane deteriorate any farther. She spoke about the corner of Quintana and Main and feels that area needs help from the perspective of public and personal safety. She also stated that restriping on Main Street has really helped a lot. Councilmember Smukler stated that knowing we can do the work in-house, he’d suggest raising the priority on the Cloisters Bike Path, item #3, from medium to high. He would like to add the Del Mar pathway improvements and maintenance components as a low or medium priority. He’d like to increase bike parking from low to medium priority. He’d also like to see general safety improvements to the Embarcadero. Mr. Livick stated the improvements to the Embarcadero (sharrows) could be incorporated into the street paving/resurfacing project necessary in the upcoming sewer maintenance project that has been scheduled; it could be a medium priority. As far as the Del Mar pathway, it’s a general maintenance issue, he’d put it as the same priority as the Cloisters path; and the work could be done in conjunction with the parking lot work with Chevron. It was then suggested to move the Del Mar pathway to high priority. There was Council consensus to make those adjustments to the worksheet. MOTION: Councilmember Smukler moved to receive the Unmet Bike Needs List and add Del Mar Pathway in conjunction with the parking improvements as a high priority; add safety improvements/sharrows on the Embarcadero in conjunction with the collection system work as a high priority; upgrade the Cloisters item #3, from medium to high priority; and upgrade item #8, Bike Parking from low to medium and with those changes forward this list to SLOCOG as soon as possible. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nancy Johnson and carried unanimously. Ayes: Irons, C. Johnson, N. Johnson, Leage, Smukler No’s: None E. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Smukler requested an item to review the performance and recognition of the new solar energy system at the Teen Center (possible presentation from the project contractor); Mayor Irons and Councilmember Christine Johnson concurred with this request. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:37pm. Recorded by: Jamie Boucher City Clerk