September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 11
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
City Council of the City of Coronado
and the
City of Coronado Acting as the Successor Agency to the Community Development Agency of the City of Coronado
Held in the Council Chamber at:
1825 Strand Way
Coronado, California 92118
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
2:30 p.m. Closed Session Special Meeting
4:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Note: The order in which items appear in the minutes is not necessarily the order in which they were discussed in the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Closed Session Special Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall with Mayor Bailey presiding.
A quorum of members was present to conduct a meeting by the following results:
Present: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
Absent: (0) None
Also Present: (3) City Manager/Agency Executive Director Tina Friend City Attorney/Agency Counsel Johanna N. Canlas
City Clerk/Agency Secretary Kelsea Holian
2. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bailey announced closed session at 2:40 p.m.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
a. Four (4) of Potential Case(s)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 11
a. Brenda Bridgeford v. City of Coronado
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2018-00051939-CU-WT-CTL b. Esteban Carrasco, et al. v. City of Coronado, Michael Joseph Hunter De Blieck
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2020-00011973-CU-PA-CTL c. Herron v. Feast & Fareway LLC and City of Coronado
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2020-00036537-CU-OR-CTL d. Jane Doe v. Roe School, Roe Police Department, et al San Diego Superior Court Case 37-2022-00047230-CU-PO-CTL e. Steve Frye v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego County Case No 37-2023-00022500-CU-CR-CTL
f. Emily Jones v. City of Coronado; San Diego Unified Port District San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00044078-CU-PO-CTL g. Kevin Pianko v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No 37-2023-00044011-CU-PO-CTL h. Marie Christin Lee Candello v. Joselito Tanglao, City of Coronado San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00035140-CU-PA-CTL i. William Frank v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2024-00028257-CU-PO-CTL j. Leah Frank v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2024-00025830-CU-PO-CTL k. Coronado Citizens for Transparent Government v. City of Coronado 4 th Dist. Court of Appeal Case No. D082360
l. Coronado Citizens for Transparent Government v. City of Coronado San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2021-00049694-CU-TT-CTL
5. COMMUNICATIONS – ORAL: None.
6. ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session adjourned at 3:50 p.m. and direction was provided.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 11
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:09 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall with Mayor Bailey presiding.
A quorum of members was present to conduct a meeting by the following results:
Present: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
Absent: (0) None
Also Present: (3) City Manager/Agency Executive Director Tina Friend City Attorney/Agency Counsel Johanna N. Canlas
City Clerk/Agency Secretary Kelsea Holian
2. INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bailey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
A motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 20, 2024, was made by Councilmember Tanaka and seconded by Councilmember Downey.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey;
Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
4. CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS:
a. Proclamation: Arts Education Week
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar was made by Councilmember Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Tanaka.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey;
Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
5a. APPROVAL OF READING BY TITLE AND WAIVER OF READING IN FULL
OF ORDINANCES ON THIS AGENDA
Recommendation: Approve the reading by title and waive the reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 11
5b. REVIEW AND APPROVE THAT THE WARRANTS, AS CERTIFIED BY THE
CITY/AGENCY TREASURER, ARE ALL CORRECT, JUST, AND CONFORM TO THE APPROVED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Recommendation: Approve the warrants as certified by the City/Agency Treasurer.
This financial report was approved under the Consent Calendar. 5c. FILING OF THE TREASURER’S REPORTS ON INVESTMENTS FOR THE
CITY AND THE SUCCESS OR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE CITY OF CORONADO FOR THE
QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 2024.
Recommendation: Examine the quarterly Reports on Investments and order them filed.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
5d. RESOLUTION TO EXTEND A LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION DUE
TO THE DISCOVERY OF CAULERPA PROLIFERA IN THE CORONADO CAYS Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution to extend a local emergency declaration due to the discovery of Caulerpa prolifera.
Resolution 2024-52 was adopted under the Consent Calendar. 5e. AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATION
AND COMPENSATION PLAN INCORPORATING CAFETERIA BENEFIT
ALLOTMENT CHANGES
Recommendation: Adopt “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Amending its Fiscal Year 2024-25 Personnel Authorization and Compensation Plan to Reflect Calendar Year 2025 Cafeteria Benefit Allotment Changes.”
Resolution 2024-53 was adopted under the Consent Calendar. 5f. A RESPONSE TO THE 2023/24 SAN DIEGO GRAND JURY REPORTS ON “DOG BITES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY” AND “RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS (RSVP) AT SAN DIEGO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES”
Recommendation: Accept the staff report and authorize the transmittal of the proposed responses to the Presiding Judge overseeing the Grand Jury as presented or revised.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
6. COMMUNICATIONS – ORAL: None.
7. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: None
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
9. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 11
10. CITY COUNCIL:
10a. COUNCIL REPORTS ON INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE AND BOARD ASSIGNMENTS. (Questions allowed to clarify but no responses, discussion or action. Councilmembers are asked to limit their oral reports to three (3) minutes.)
None.
10b. REVIEW OF THE RECREATION FEE STUDY AND FACILITY USE POLICY Tim Farmer, Director of Recreation and Golf Services, and Neelay Bhatt, founder and CEO of Next Practice Partners, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Discussion ensued between Councilmember Tanaka, Mr. Bhatt and Mr. Farmer regarding the amortization of capital expenses for recreational tennis resurfacing, the $50,710 in City revenue, and noted that an additional $48,000 in revenue is expected to return to the City under the proposed fee structure, based on current utilization.
Councilmember Duncan asked if the revenue estimate provided would be after the threeyear phased increase, to which Mr. Farmer responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Donovan asked how the 40% cost recovery target was determined and whether other cities were benchmarked. Mr. Bhatt explained that the City currently operates at 35% cost recovery, and increasing to 40% was seen as a reasonable step without overburdening users. He noted it was a balance of revenue increases and cost efficiencies. Discussion ensued between Councilmember Donovan and Mr. Farmer whether the 40% target, that the proposed fees would increase reservation revenue by 58%, and that the City has not yet fully reached the 40% target.
Councilmember Tanaka asked for clarification on the $255,307 total program costs for recreation tennis. Sherry McGlaughlin, Senior Management Analyst of Recreation and Golf Services, explained that the costs include court maintenance, utilities, janitorial services, and contract cleaning, but do not include administrative costs for contracts.
Discussion ensued between Councilmember Tanaka and Ms. McGlaughlin regarding the consistent definition of program costs applicable across other areas like aquatics and the recreation center, the aquatics including staffing costs while tennis does not due to being run by an independent contractor, and department administration overhead covering programs, contracts, and budgeting, while total programming costs include front desk and program-running staff.
Mayor Bailey and Mr. Farmer discussed that drop-ins at the tennis center are free, compared to the policies at the aquatic center and golf course, where residents are not permitted to use open spots without a fee. It was noted that the City would reinvest the proposed fee increases into the tennis and pickleball communities, with improvements such as installing lights on unlit courts, enhancing court maintenance, increasing cleaning frequency, and maintaining infrastructure. Mayor Bailey indicated that the community could expect improved services if the new fees are approved.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 11
Councilmember Duncan asked whether the goal of achieving a higher cost recovery level was aligned with good governance and if the City's recovery rate was lower compared to other cities in San Diego County. Mr. Farmer confirmed that the City's recovery rate is indeed lower than other agencies and highlighted the challenge of balancing cost recovery with facility improvements while minimizing reliance on the general fund. A discussion between Councilmember Duncan and Mr. Farmer followed regarding nonresidents using resident status to reserve tennis courts, drawing a comparison to how fees are managed at the golf course. It was noted that the proposed tennis fees would be charged per person based on residency status. They further discussed non-resident play at off-site facilities and the fact that there have been no fee increases for court reservations since 2012, with compensation varying based on usage.
Councilmember Downey and Mr. Farmer discussed programs like Camp Coronado, which fall under the Recreation and Community Center and Clubroom category. They noted the lack of differentiation in the proposed fee recovery between programs for children and adults and that creating program classification tiers could allow for different recovery rates. Certain programs, such as swim lessons, might have a lower recovery percentage due to their life safety component. Councilmember Downey inquired whether the City Council would have the ability to adjust recovery percentages for specific programs, such as swim lessons. Mr. Farmer stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission would review program lists and classifications annually, and Council could be provided with additional examples for clarity at future meetings.
Councilmember Duncan and Mr. Farmer discussed that there are three rates: $5 for residents, $15 for non-residents, and $3 for Coronado Tennis Association (CTA) members, all for two-hour reservations, and that there would be two tiers: resident and non-resident.
Mayor Bailey asked if Aquatic Center users currently cover only 24% of the direct and indirect costs, with the rest covered by non-users. Mr. Farmer confirmed that 76% of the costs are covered by non-users, and similarly, tennis users cover 20% of the costs, with 80% covered by non-tennis users.
Roger Byrne provided comments regarding pickleball fee increases, noting pickleball is self-sustaining and raising concerns about court quality and maintenance.
Mark Warner provided comments regarding adding basis points to CPI adjustments to account for rising labor costs and recommended reviewing fees every five years to maintain fair pricing.
Carisa Hackworth provided comments regarding the financial burden on non-residents, the impact on community participation, the potential negative effects on local businesses and suggested adopting a yearly membership model similar to other tennis centers.
Mayor Bailey asked Ms. Hackworth if she used the drop in system at the tennis center or reservations. Ms. Hackworth responded that the drop in system did not meet her needs and utilized reservations. Councilmember Duncan asked if Ms. Hackworth played through the CTA and the number of times she utilized the courts. Ms. Hackworth stated that she Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 11
played outside of CTA and that the drop in time limitations did not allow for a full game to be played. Councilmember Tanaka asked Ms. Hackworth the most popular times to utilize the courts, the impact of increasing non-resident fees, and availability of reservations at peak use times. Ms. Hackworth proposed unlimited court reservations at a fixed membership fee that is the same for residents and nonresidents.
Alexander Murillo provided comments regarding the distribution of revenue between the City and Impact Activities and expressing concerns about the impact of these increases on the CTA and the community.
Robert Lancaster stated that he had the same comments and questions as a prior speaker.
Bob Thompson provided comments regarding a membership model for frequent tennis players to avoid deterring regular users.
Robert Lobe provided comments regarding the boathouse and tennis fee proposals, supporting the current boathouse fees but opposing the proposed tennis fee increases, suggesting that they need to be reconsidered to better reflect community needs.
Todd Hoyt provided comments regarding the cost recovery rationale and objecting to large fee increases.
Meryl Lobe provided comments regarding opposing the tennis fee increases, expressing concern about rising costs for public courts and the impact it may have on the community.
Gayle Barbera provided comments regarding the discrepancy in fees for pickleball and enforcement of fee collection from out-of-town players using local courts.
Mark Stevens provided comments regarding the proposed fee increases and the economic benefits and indirect costs before making drastic changes.
Jill Webster provided comments regarding a reasonable increase in tennis court fees but emphasized the need to keep the fee structure simple by charging per court rather than per person to maintain the community spirit of the activity.
Dominic Barbera provided comments regarding hiring a high-quality director for the tennis center without increasing prices.
Steve Contos provided comments regarding the tennis fee increases, requesting more transparency on the reasons for the increases and suggesting the community be involved in the decision-making process.
Rebecca King provided comments regarding the proposed tennis fee increase, noted that residents already pay taxes for facilities and requested more transparency on the financial details of the tennis concessionaire.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 11
Esther Dance provided comments regarding allowing out-of-town residents to continue participating in local pickleball activities and the potential changes affecting them.
Mary Jane Clements provided comments regarding the tennis center management, supporting reasonable fee increases and emphasizing the need to maintain the current management for smooth operations.
Heather Grimes provided comments regarding the need for price increases at the tennis center and commended the current management for its effectiveness.
Joy Catlin provided comments regarding a balanced approach between maintaining an effective reservation system and avoiding outdated methods previously utilized.
Carolina Nelson provided comments regarding the percentage of fees going to Impact Activities and calling for a reasonable balance to support the tennis community while keeping it affordable for families.
Mayor Bailey and Mr. Farmer discussed that there is a revenue share in the proposed amendment with Impact Activities, and with the proposed fee increases, the City anticipates receiving an additional $48,000 to $50,000 by the end of the three-year tiered rate increase. Mayor Bailey asked how the current model with Impact compares to an inhouse model. Mr. Farmer responded that bringing operations in-house would require hiring skilled staff, which would be challenging and may not match the current quality provided by Impact Activities. Mayor Bailey added that Impact was selected based on community feedback and the results of an RFP process aimed at improving tennis center operations.
Councilmember Duncan asked if it would be more cost-effective for the City to hire a tennis director as a City employee, compared to the current contract with Impact Activities. Mr. Farmer responded that no formal analysis has been done, but his estimation is that the City would likely be in a worse financial position initially.
Councilmember Donovan inquired whether a fee structure such as an annual cap or membership model was considered in the study. Mr. Farmer explained that while a membership model was discussed, it was determined to be problematic due to limited court availability during peak times, which could lead to frustration for members unable to secure court time. A discussion between Councilmember Donovan and Mr. Farmer followed regarding how drop-in court use operates. It was noted that players can drop in and use open courts at no cost, but if a reservation exists, they are required to vacate the court, even if they wish to pay for additional time.
Discussion ensued regarding proposed recreation fee adjustments, with clarification that residents would pay $2.50 per hour per person and non-residents $10 per hour per person, raising concerns over the 400% non-resident fee increase and limited financial transparency from Impact Activities. The phased fee increase over three years was considered acceptable, and it was confirmed that the overall recreational fee changes would generate an additional $305,000, with $50,000 from tennis. Questions were raised about facility usage and whether the proposed membership model might limit access.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 11
Nonprofit fundraising in city facilities was clarified, with staff confirming it is allowed with proper permits.
10c. RESOLUTION ON CROSS BORDER WATER QUALITY
Tina Friend, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Downey asked for clarification on the City’s decision to adopt a resolution instead of declaring a state of emergency and why the resolution was deemed a better response. City Manager Friend stated that the declaration of local emergency allows the City more flexibility in purchasing equipment and easier access to additional funding, declaring this issue a local emergency would not have a practical effect on an international issue.
Councilmember Duncan noted that the City employs a lobbyist firm and Councilmembers have repeatedly visited Washington D.C. to further advance this issue and asked if there was anything that the City could not do as it had not declared a state of emergency. City Manager Friend replied that everything the City is doing and can do would not be impacted by a declared emergency.
Amy Steward provided comments regarding the cross-border sewage crisis, citing government code requirements for declaring a local emergency and stating that a local emergency proclamation is overdue and necessary to address the environmental, health, economic, and national security threats posed by the ongoing sewage problem.
Lucas Brown provided comments regarding the health and environmental impacts of sewage on the local beach, expressing concern about the fairness of the situation for current and future residents, including health risks from airborne pathogens affecting school environments.
Roxy Langevin provided comments regarding the current condition of local beaches due to sewage contamination and asked the Council to declare an official state of emergency to protect residents and raise government attention.
Sean Wilbur provided comments regarding the cross-border water quality affecting the coastline, the health risks to students and residents and calling for the City Council to declare a state of emergency. Councilmember Duncan asked Mr. Wilbur if there was anything that the City could do differently besides declaring a state of emergency. Mr.
Wilbur suggested enlarging the contamination signs at the beach to increase awareness.
Laura Wilkinson Sinton provided comments regarding language used in the City's analysis on declaring a state of emergency and asked the Council to join other cities in declaring an emergency. Mayor Bailey asked Ms. Wilkinson Sinton what additional actions the City Council would take under a declaration of emergency. Ms. Wilkinson Sinton replied that it is a symbolic gesture but that it may increase awareness to drive a declaration of emergency at the state or federal level. Councilmember Duncan asked if there was anything that the City could do differently besides declaring a state of emergency. Ms. Wilkinson Sinton replied that there may be grant opportunities the City Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 11 may pursue.
Carolyn Rogerson provided comments regarding the ongoing sewage issue since the 1990s, expressing support for the City's efforts in Congress since 2017 and criticizing Governor Newsom and other state representatives for lack of action on pollution issues affecting Coronado and Imperial Beach.
Dan’l Steward provided comments regarding the sewage issue, and urged the Council to take stronger action, including collaboration with local stakeholders like hotels, the Navy, and realtors, to address the issue and emphasize regional unity for further action.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential declaration of a state of emergency in relation to the ongoing sewage issue affecting the region, acknowledged the community’s passion and expressed appreciation for the efforts made at local, state, and federal levels. Council discussion ensued recognizing the severity of the issue and the symbolic nature of a declaration, and noted that it would not offer tangible benefits or expedite the resolution of the problem, and that significant progress has been made through ongoing advocacy and federal action.
A motion to adopt a Resolution 2024-48 Asserting the Necessity to Resolve Cross Border Water Pollution and Restore Environmental Quality and Open Access to Coastal Waters was made by Councilmember Donovan and seconded by Councilmember Downey.
Further discussion ensued regarding the potential declaration of a state of emergency and its implications for addressing cross-border water pollution, ensuring that the public is fully informed of the City's efforts, and the symbolic versus practical effects of such a declaration. Consensus was determined that a declaration of emergency might not offer tangible results but could serve as a symbolic gesture, continued advocacy, and ensuring the resolution reflects the urgent nature of the issue without necessarily declaring a formal emergency.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey;
Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
11. CITY ATTORNEY: None.
12. COMMUNICATIONS – WRITTEN: None.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 11
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bailey recessed the Regular Meeting at 7:24 p.m.
Approved: October 1, 2024
__________________________
RICHARD BAILEY, Mayor of the
City of Coronado
Attest:
____________________________
KELSEA HOLIAN, City Clerk of the
City of Coronado
Docusign Envelope ID: 10474580-8CDB-4E58-9850-9163C3C299FE