September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 12
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 17, 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 2:31 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 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 2:31 p.m.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
a. Two (2) of Potential Case(s)
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4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
a. Herron v. San Diego Unified Port District, et. al
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU005686C
b. Reuben v. City of Coronado
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CL009099C
c. Lydon, James v. City of Coronado
Case No. ADJ12780652
Claim No. 579859
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4)
a. Two (2) of Potential Case(s)
6. COMMUNICATIONS – ORAL: None.
7. ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session adjourned at 4:16 p.m. with direction provided.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:26 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 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: None.
4. CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS: None.
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5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Tina Friend, City Manager, commented that item 5f. would be removed from the agenda.
Councilmember Duncan requested that item 10b. Be added to the Consent Calendar.
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of item 5f. and addition of item 10b. was made by Councilmember Downey and seconded by Councilmember Duncan.
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.
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. UPDATE ON PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED REGARDING THE DRAFT
CORONADO HISTORIC CONTEXT STATEMENT AND CITYWIDE SURVEY,
AND TIER MATRIX ADJUSTMENTS
Recommendation: Accept the report, consider public comments on the Draft Coronado Historic Context Statement and Citywide Survey received during the November 2023 through July 2024 comment period, and accept the proposed tier matrix adjustments.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
5d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CORONADO, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING A BLUE CURB ZONE IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE AT 800 A AVENUE
Recommendation: Find the blue curb designation categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 1 of the CEQA Guidelines (Section 15301 - Existing Facilities); adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, designating a blue curb zone in front of the residence at 800 A Avenue.
Resolution 2024-54 was adopted under the Consent Calendar.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 12 5e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF TO SUBMIT
A REGIONAL APPLICATION FOR CALRECYCLE GRANTS, ACCEPT GRANT
FUNDS, AND MAKE NECESSARY BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
Recommendation: Adopt “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado Authorizing Submittal of a Regional Application as Lead Participant and on behalf of all Non-Lead Participants for all CalRecycle Grants for which the City of Coronado is Eligible”.
Resolution 2024-55 was adopted under the Consent Calendar. 5f. ACCEPT THE AQUATIC DECK REPLACEMENT AND POOL PLASTER
PROJECT AND DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO FILE A NOTICE OF
COMPLETION
Recommendation: Accept the Aquatic Deck Replacement and Pool Plaster project and direct the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
This item was removed and not considered.
5g. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO AWARD CONTRACTS FOR THE
LAWN BOWLING GREEN TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT UNDER THE
STORM24 INSURANCE CLAIM, AND EXECUTE CHANGE ORDERS WITHIN THE PROJECT BUDGET OF $800,000
Recommendation: Find the proposed replacement of the lawn bowling green surface at the John D. Spreckels Center and Lawn Bowling Green exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15302, authorize the City Manager to award a sole source contract to Northwest/Synlawn for the lawn bowling green turf replacement project under the STORM24 insurance claim, in the amount of $401,140; authorize the City Manager to award a contract to The Barrie + Company in the amount of $75,156 to provide construction management support services; and authorize the City Manager to execute change orders within the project budget of $800,000.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
5h. AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATION OF $50,000 FOR A SIX-MONTH
EXTENSION OF THE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE TRANSPORT
PILOT PROGRAM
Recommendation: Authorize appropriation of $50,000 from the Fiscal Year 2024- 25 Budget for a six-month extension of the Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance transport program.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
6. COMMUNICATIONS – ORAL:
Harold Myers provided comments regarding a lack of data on the viability of an electric fire engine.
Wayne Strickland provided comments regarding the proposed electric fire engine and the cross border water quality issue.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 12 Tony Trinidad provided comments regarding support for a single-use plastics ban.
Amy Steward provided comments regarding the Circuit shuttle program.
Carolyn Rogerson provided comments regarding Assembly Bill 1775 potentially allowing cannabis cafes in the state.
7. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: None.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8a. REQUEST FOR A MAJOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE
SHARED USE OF A SCHOOL IN AN EXISTING RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY
BUILDING, AND DETERMINATION THAT THE PROJECT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303(C) FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1123 EIGHTH STREET (PC 2023-07)
Marisa Smith, Associate Planner, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Councilmember Downey asked for clarification regarding the lack of parking, noting that while the church requires no parking for staff, there will now be weekday drop-offs and pickups. Ms. Smith replied that this is correct, and no additional parking spaces will be added, which may result in increased competition for existing street parking.
Councilmember Tanaka asked if the Special Use Permit would have to be amended if the school wished to adjust the ages of students. Ms. Smith responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak on this item.
Alexa Morgan provided comments regarding support for the Major Special Use Permit.
Crystal Stewart provided comments regarding support for the Major Special Use Permit.
Francesca Pujols provided comments regarding support for the Major Special Use Permit.
Anna provided comments regarding support for the Major Special Use Permit.
Brittany Teeter, project architect, provided comments regarding the school has mitigated concerns about parking, traffic, and noise while contributing positively to the community by utilizing a previously vacant space.
Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 12 A motion to adopt Resolution 2024-56, approving the Major Special Use Permit at 1123 Eighth Street, including the findings and conditions, and determine that the project is categorically exempt under Class 3 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15303 (c) (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). was made by Councilmember Donovan and seconded by Councilmember Downey.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey;
Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
8b. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF UPDATED
RECREATION FEES AND CHANGES TO RECREATION POLICIES RELATED
TO COST RECOVERY AND FACILITY USE
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.
Councilmembers and Mr. Farmer discussed proposed tennis court reservation fees being applicable for confirmed, guaranteed reservations, and non-resident reservations account for 34% of pickleball court usage.
Mayor Bailey asked Mr. Farmer about the cost recovery rates, specifically regarding how much of the cost for tennis and pickleball programs is covered by player fees. Mr. Farmer responded that tennis and pickleball players currently cover 15% of the costs, with the general fund subsidizing the remaining 85%.
Councilmember Duncan asked if players pay for a reservation only when it is confirmed, and Mr. Farmer confirmed that fees are charged solely for guaranteed, exclusive use.
Mayor Bailey opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak on this item.
Joel Myers, Director of Impact Activities, provided comments regarding support for the proposed per-person fee structure and the investments made to improve the community experience, including staffing, reservation systems, and free court hours for local groups, while noting the need for the fee increase to maintain high service standards.
Jim Robbins, Coronado Tennis Association President, provided comments regarding a 100% increase in tennis court fees to $5 per hour per court, rather than the 300% increase, to support cost recovery without discouraging regular players.
Mark Warner provided comments regarding support for staff's recommendation of a 3% annual increase with a five-year review.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 12 Abe Ganns provided comments regarding maximizing pickleball revenue, suggesting converting one additional tennis court into four pickleball courts to generate more revenue without increasing fees significantly for tennis players.
Bridget Stolle provided comments regarding the financial potential of pickleball, suggesting that converting idle tennis courts to pickleball courts would increase revenue and improve access.
Mark Stevens provided comments regarding the proposed changes to the tennis court fees, expressing concerns that a per-hour and per-person fee structure would significantly increase costs, making it difficult for his group to continue playing. Councilmember Duncan asked how often Mr. Stevens personally made reservations through Impact’s system. Mr. Stevens replied that he makes reservations nearly every week.
Susie Vetter provided comments regarding the significant increase in Aquafit and pool fees, and concerns about the 300% cost rise.
Ted Gilmore provided comments regarding the missed opportunity to implement a tiered pricing structure for golf in the City's recreation cost recovery strategy, and applying the same approach to tennis, with different fees for residents, county residents, and visitors.
Rebecca King provided comments regarding delaying a decision on tennis fee increases until more detailed financial information is available.
Priscilla Jones provided comments regarding the pickleball portion of the study, and whether it accounted for the significant participation during open play days, clinics, and lessons, which contribute to revenue at the Coronado courts.
Richard Catlin provided comments regarding the cost increase in tennis fees for frequent players, the new fee structure's impact on families and frequent players, and whether his calculations were accurate. Councilmember Duncan asked if Mr. Catlin's example involved singles or doubles play. Mr. Catlin replied that it involved a mix of both, reserving a court once for every four doubles sessions, and that the family was paying the resident rate.
Andrew Gade provided comments regarding the utilization rates of city facilities, and that high pricing may reduce resident and non-resident use, particularly at the Aquatic Center and boathouse.
Harold Myers provided comments regarding potential changes to facility rental rates for Coronado-based nonprofits, and concerns about the distinction between 501(c)(3) organizations and other nonprofits.
Mary Jane Clements provided comments regarding the proposed tennis fee increases, the importance of fees in maintaining quality recreation facilities and supporting the current contractor's services.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 12 Jennie Portelli provided comments regarding support for Impact Tennis and questioned the per-court fee structure compared to other recreational activities.
Mayor Bailey and Mr. Robbins discussed whether replacing a tennis court with pickleball would be a viable option for the Coronado Tennis Association. Mr. Robbins noted that the courts at the Cays, particularly where league play requires three courts, would be impacted.
Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Bailey closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued between the Council and Mr. Farmer regarding the proposal for a three-year cost review versus a five-year review, the City conducting annual assessments, and a five-year deep dive into cost recovery but could adjust to three years if necessary. Further discussion ensued regarding the Aqua Aerobics program, its changes in the fee structure, including drop-in rates and the new reservation system, the feasibility of distinguishing rates for residents and non-residents of San Diego County, and the limitations of the current software and public agency rules.
Further discussion ensued between the Council and Mr. Farmer regarding potential cost models, the current open play program for pickleball at a rate of $6 per resident, the allocation of courts, paddleboard rental fees, and whether there was consideration for utilizing an automated checkout system. Mr. Farmer overviewed the existing staffing system and ongoing exploration of more efficient options and confirmed that data for courts and participants was tracked, though not for individuals participating in reservations made by others.
Council discussion ensued regarding the summary of recommendations, general support for the proposed adjustments to tennis and pickleball fees, particularly the need for transparency, fairness, and maintaining the balance between resident and non-resident rates. Council noted the importance of monitoring usage data post-implementation to identify any unforeseen issues, such as reduced court utilization or impacts on leagues, and suggested periodic reviews to allow for adjustments if necessary. Consensus was to move forward with the recommendations, including the proposed adjustments to tennis fees, pickleball rates, and the implementation of intermittent supervision at the skate park, while remaining open to future modifications based on community feedback and usage data.
A motion adopt Resolution 2024-57, adopting a revised Recreation Fee Schedule, a cost recovery goal for the Recreation Department of 40% to 60%, and an updated Recreation Facility Use Policy, approve program classification tiers, program discounts for residents and seniors (55+), annual adjustments to the Recreation Fee Schedule based on Consumer Price Index with a re-evaluation of all fees every 5 years, pilot program to operate the skate park with intermittent supervision, and provide utilization data was made by Councilmember Downey and seconded by Councilmember Duncan.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 12 The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Donovan; Councilmember Downey;
Councilmember Duncan; Councilmember Tanaka;
Mayor Bailey
Mayor Bailey called for a recess at 6:48 p.m. Council reconvened at 7:06 p.m.
9. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
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. AMBULANCE USER FEE STUDY
Recommendation: Receive and consider the 2024 City of Coronado Ambulance User Fee Study, provide direction on the preferred Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support and associated transport cost recovery and fees, and direct staff to schedule a future public hearing for formal consideration of ambulance user fee adjustments.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
10c. CONSIDERATION OF ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINE ACQUISITION
Fire Chief Jayson Summers, Director of Fire Services, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Discussion ensued between Councilmember Tanaka and Chief Summers regarding the history and use of Rosenbauer-manufactured fire engines, use before the diesel-powered generator is needed, and the frequency of repairs needed on the current fleet of fire engines.
Councilmember Downey asked if the current fire stations would need to be remodeled to accommodate an electric engine. Chief Summers replied that all that is currently needed would be an electrical upgrade.
Councilmember Tanaka asked if the RTX Electric Engine would be more maneuverable than the current fleet. Chief Summers responded in the affirmative.
Mark Warner provided comments regarding considerations about timing, market demand, maintenance concerns, and future potential.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 12 Amy Steward provided comments regarding firefighter safety, improvement of air quality, and alignment with the City's climate action goals.
Dani Grady provided comments regarding her support for electric fire trucks, her experience with a neighbor’s chimney fire and her positive experience as an electric vehicle owner.
Discussion ensued regarding the acquisition of an electric fire engine, support for the initiative, the need to better understand the contract process, particularly when it becomes binding, ensuring flexibility to back out, if necessary, given that the fire engine's arrival may take years, and requested additional data on the manufacturer, Rosenbauer, specifically regarding their global success, product reliability, and past performance in other municipalities. The consensus was to direct staff to obtain more information on the company's track record, financial implications, long-term maintenance costs, and details about how the contract can ensure flexibility during the decision-making process, without committing to a purchase immediately.
City Manager Friend reported that the questions would be addressed in a future staff report brought to Council for consideration.
10d. REVIEW OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC REGULATIONS
Tricia Olsen, Senior Planner, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Mayor Bailey and Councilmember Donovan asked if any of the cities mentioned in the report restricted the purchase of soft drinks or other beverages at convenience stores.
Ms. Olsen responded that none of the cities had these restrictions.
Councilmember Duncan asked if the City had received any comments from local businesses concerning single-use plastics. Ms. Olsen responded in the negative.
Mark O’Connor provided comments regarding Surfrider San Diego County’s efforts to assist cities with reducing plastic use and updates on other coastal cities that have passed plastic ordinances.
Janis Jones provided comments regarding Carlsbad's ordinances on compostable materials, bans on plastic beverage bottles and balloon releases, and shared examples of the environmental impacts of plastic waste. Councilmember Downey noted that other coastal cities have adopted a single-use plastic reduction ordinance and asked if there had been any notable reduction. Ms. Jones noted that while Surfrider and other organizations like Emerald Keepers collect data from beach cleanups, local ordinances may not directly show impact, as debris often travels through watersheds.
Liza Dellach provided comments regarding the environmental and financial impacts of plastic waste, noted that Coronado is the only coastal city in the region without a singleuse plastic reduction ordinance. Mayor Bailey asked what specific items should be eliminated in Coronado. Ms. Dellach responded that single-use plastic bags, utensils and straws should be eliminated.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 12 Dani Grady provided comments regarding her personal experiences with plastic waste during the pandemic and emphasized the need for behavioral changes in reducing singleuse plastics.
Ralph Greenspan provided comments regarding previous remarks on the dangers of plastic, the limited effectiveness of recycling efforts and the unknown long-term health impacts of plastic nanoparticles.
Caylee Lindsey provided comments regarding the short-term use and long-term environmental impact of single use plastics and suggested alternatives such as compostable or reusable options.
Tim Rush provided comments regarding similar measures in coastal communities and observations from beach cleanups where most debris is food related.
Amy Steward provided comments regarding the installation of water bottle stations and supporting the creation of a comprehensive single-use plastic reduction ordinance, and its potential benefits for local businesses and public health.
Brad Gerbel provided comments regarding SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, and consideration for the state's forthcoming regulations before moving forward with additional local bans on plastic items.
Gary Franza provided comments regarding the continued need for a single-use plastic reduction ordinance, the large amount of waste seen during local beach cleanups, the City's dependence on beach tourism, and the environmental improvements noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dan’l Steward provided comments regarding his daughter's initiative to raise awareness of plastic pollution through a simple concept, and the impact small actions can have.
Mila Albertson provided comments regarding the need for more trash receptacles closer to the beach.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential implementation of a single-use plastic reduction ordinance, with a focus on the five items in the staff report and the importance of gathering input from local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce. Consensus was to explore a draft ordinance and continue efforts to lead on environmental sustainability while balancing business concerns.
A motion to direct staff to monitor pending state legislation regarding single-use plastics, conduct additional research and prepare regulatory options that could be included in an ordinance for further Council review was made by Councilmember Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Donovan.
Docusign Envelope ID: EAD3478A-4897-4C61-AADC-91EE856A4767 September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 12 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:
12a. Request to Support and Advance the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act
12b. Request to Support New Authorizations for San Diego County and Tijuana River Valley Watershed in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bailey recessed the Regular Meeting at 9:18 p.m.
Approved: October 15, 2024
__________________________
RICHARD BAILEY, Mayor of the
City of Coronado
Attest:
____________________________
KELSEA HOLIAN, City Clerk of the
City of Coronado
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