HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2023-02-14 Regular Meeting Minutes - signedMINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING – FEBRUARY 14, 2023
VETERAN’S MEMORIAL HALL – 5:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Carla Wixom Mayor
Laurel Barton Council Member
Cyndee Edwards Council Member
Jennifer Ford Council Member
Zara Landrum Council Member
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Scott Collins City Manager
Chris Neumeyer City Attorney
Dana Swanson City Clerk
Sarah Johnson-Rios Assistant City Manager/Admin Services Dir.
Greg Kwolek Public Works Director
Scot Graham Community Development Director
Daniel McCrain Fire Chief
Amy Watkins Interim Police Chief
Ted Schiafone Harbor Director
ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m., with all members present.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RECOGNITION – None
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=319
City Attorney Neumeyer reported that the City Council did not take any reportable action in
accordance with the Brown Act other than the Council directed the City Manager to enter into a
contract with Mosaic Public Partners pursuant to item CS-6 related to recruitment of a new City
Manager.
MAYOR & COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=347
CITY MANAGER REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=714
PRESENTATIONS
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=1036
• U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
Presentation by George Kostyrko
PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=1576
Margaret Carmen, Morro Bay, raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Ted Blockley, Los Osos, spoke in opposition to the proposed Vistra battery storage project.
AGENDA NO: A-2 MEETING DATE: February 28, 2023
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 14, 2023
George Schoemaker, Morro Bay, spoke regarding Item C-1 and recommended the transit stop
be moved to the south side for public safety reasons.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, shared her appreciation for FEMA assistance following the 1995 and
January 2023 floods.
John Solu, Morro Bay, President of Rotary Club of Morro Bay, announced a fundraising effort to
provide support for victims of recent earthquakes in Turkey & Syria. Donations are being
accepted at www.morrobayrotary.org.
Cindy Muir, Morro Bay, raised conflict of interest concerns and asked that the Council not change
the General Plan or zoning for the Vistra site.
Anne Johnson, Morro Bay, shared information she had gathered regarding debris removal to
prevent flooding along Morro Creek.
Aaron Ochs, Morro Bay, raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest.
An unnamed person expressed concerns about toxins emitted from battery storage facilities and
lithium ion battery fires.
Rachel Wilson, Cayucos, shared a presentation “Morro Bay is Already Green.”
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, commented on parking needs.
Riggs Hohmann spoke against the proposed battery storage project.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, commented on the Water Resource Center grand opening and the
cost/benefit of water reclamation vs. treatment.
Karen Aguilar, Morro Bay, spoke in opposition to a battery plant at the proposed location.
Paul Donnelly, Morro Bay, provided historical context related to Morro Bay’s participation in State
Water and commended on a potential inter-tie by Los Osos CSD.
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, questioned the selection of engineers for the water reclamation
project and commented on signage and paving issues.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, commented on the City’s position related to the proposed windfarm.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, offered suggestions for improved transparency.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, spoke in opposition to the proposed battery storage project and
bus stop improvements.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, commented on perceived conflict of interest issues.
Tim Mahoney, So Cal Gas, provided an update on market prices for natural gas and encouraged
residents to visit www.socalgas.com/assistance for more information.
Mayor Wixom closed public comment.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 14, 2023
Council Member Ford and City Attorney Neumeyer responded to concerns raised during public
comment.
A. CONSENT AGENDA
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=6112
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.
A-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 10, 2023, CITY COUNCIL MEETING;
(CITY CLERK)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 24, 2023, CITY COUNCIL MEETING;
(CITY CLERK)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 25, 2023, CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL
CLOSED SESSION MEETING; (CITY CLERK)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 27, 2023, CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL
MEETING; (CITY CLERK)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-5 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 30, 2023, CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL
CLOSED SESSION MEETING; (CITY CLERK)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted.
A-6 RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS RELATED TO THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF A
STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19 AND RE-AUTHORIZING FOR PUBLIC
HEALTH AND SAFETY THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE
BODIES OF THE CITY VIA REMOTE TELECONFERENCING (INCLUDING PARTIALLY
REMOTE) FOR UP TO A 30-DAY PERIOD PURSUANT TO THE RALPH M. BROWN
ACT AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 361; UPDATE ON REMOTE MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO NEW ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 2449; (CITY ATTORNEY)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Council consider adoption of attached
Resolution No. 08-23 reauthorizing for public health and safety the conduct of
public meetings of the legislative bodies of the City via remote teleconferencing
(including partially remote) for up to (depending on whether the Governor ends, as
he has indicated he will, the COVID-19 statewide State of Emergency on February
28, 2023) 30 days, thereby allowing the City Council and the City’s advisory bodies
to meet remotely (including partially remote) through March 16, 2023 (or earlier,
being if/when the Governor ends the current statewide COVID-19 State of
Emergency).
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 14, 2023
With approval of this motion and until such further notice, City Council and advisory
bodies will continue to hold their meetings in public at the Veterans Hall, with the
option for individual Councilmembers and advisory body members to
teleconference consistent with AB 361 (which may no longer be an option after
February 28, 2023) or otherwise as provided by law.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for the Consent Agenda.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, opposed the approval of Item A-6.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, spoke regarding Item A-6, adding he was not opposed to Council
Members participating via Zoom when needed.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, concurred with Ms. Dorfman.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, opposed extending the State of Emergency but was in favor of allowing
the Council and public to participate via Zoom.
The public comment period was closed.
Council Member Barton requested clarification from the City Attorney regarding Item A-6.
Mayor Wixom pulled Item A-6
MOTION: Council Member Landrum moved approval of all items on Consent except Item A-
6. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ford and carried 5-0 by roll call
vote.
A-6 RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS RELATED TO THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF A
STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19 AND RE-AUTHORIZING FOR PUBLIC
HEALTH AND SAFETY THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE
BODIES OF THE CITY VIA REMOTE TELECONFERENCING (INCLUDING PARTIALLY
REMOTE) FOR UP TO A 30-DAY PERIOD PURSUANT TO THE RALPH M. BROWN
ACT AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 361; UPDATE ON REMOTE MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO NEW ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 2449; (CITY ATTORNEY)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=6876
MOTION: Mayor Wixom moved to deny Item A-6. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Edwards and carried 4-1 by roll call vote with Council
Member Barton opposed.
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
C. BUSINESS ITEMS
C-1 RESOLUTION NO. 09-23 FOR AWARD OF BID – PROJECT NO. MB2020-ST02, CITY
PARK TRANSIT HUB IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; (PUBLIC WORKS)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=6944
Public Works Director Kwolek provided the report and responded to Council inquiries.
The public comment period for Item C-1 was opened.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 14, 2023
Steve Powers, Director of Morro Bay Art in the Park, expressed concern the construction
project would not be complete before the May 2023 event and requested the project be
delayed until after the Art in the Park season concludes in September.
Kathleen Heil, President of Morro Bay Art Association, concurred with Mr. Powers and
requested the City delay the project.
Derek Dahlgren, Morro Bay, summarized points raised in his agenda correspondence
noting the proposed project does not address safety challenges in that area.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, questioned the public process and asked the City find ways to
get the public involved earlier in the project.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, opined project costs were excessive.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, raised issues regarding the project and suggested the City
reject the bids and allow time for public input on the project.
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, suggested the plans and specifications should have been
included with the agenda packet.
The public comment period for Item C-1 was closed.
Staff responded to questions raised during public comment.
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-23 for award of the
bid for this project. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ford and
carried 4-1 by roll call vote with Council Member Landrum opposed.
C-2 CONSIDERATION OF THE FORMATION OF A DOWNTOWN DESIGN DISTRICT;
(COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=10341
Community Development Director Graham provided the report and responded to Council
inquires.
The public comment period for Item C-2 was opened.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, recommended the City form a design review commission with
additional authority to act as historical preservation committee to provide an early input
by residents on projects.
Joe Ingraffia, Morro Bay, supported the design district concept and urged the Council to
not go back to a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to raise maximum height of 37’.
Glenn Silloway, Morro Bay, urged Council to accept staff recommendation and form an
ad hoc committee that would consider the need to balance preservation of single-story
historical buildings with need for workforce housing.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, supported an ad hoc committee with Planning Commissioners,
downtown business owners and residents from downtown.
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MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 14, 2023
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, spoke in support of a design district ad hoc committee that
included business owners and residents.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, asked that the City not increase building height and
density.
The public comment period for Item C-2 was closed.
MOTION: Council Member Edwards moved to form a downtown design district ad hoc
group to address the design or details of the downtown to include height,
historic preservation, design, community benefits and other related matters, to
include two business owners, couple members of the Chamber, couple
members of the Planning Commission, City staff, and Council Members and
incorporate the effort into the city goals process. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Barton.
Council Member Landrum requested the ad hoc committee include residents.
Mayor Wixom agreed. Following those comments, the motion carried 5-0 by
roll call vote.
D. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
https://youtube.com/watch?v=il1Uu29oxwU&feature=shares&t=13008
Mayor Wixom requested and received full support for a study session on waterfront issues,
centered on or near the Vistra power plant site, including offshore wind, potential for
connectivity of wind energy to PG&E switchyard, injection wells on Vistra site for WRF
project, potential battery storage facility on Vistra property, and master plan process for
other portions of the Vistra site with the goal to provide background on these issues,
process, outline how community members can engage.
E. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Recorded by:
Dana Swanson, City Clerk Dana Swanson (Mar 8, 2023 14:10 PST)
Dana Swanson
A2 CC_2023-02-14 Regular Meeting
Minutes_v2_Clean
Final Audit Report 2023-03-08
Created:2023-03-08
By:Heather Goodwin (hgoodwin@morrobayca.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAq9aMM8DW_-h9W2pyHSnCxDAPyWth7ujb
"A2 CC_2023-02-14 Regular Meeting Minutes_v2_Clean" Histor
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Document created by Heather Goodwin (hgoodwin@morrobayca.gov)
2023-03-08 - 6:33:12 PM GMT
Document emailed to Dana Swanson (dswanson@morrobayca.gov) for signature
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Agreement completed.
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