February 4, 2025 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
February 4, 2025
2:00 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 2:02 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall with Mayor Duncan presiding.
A quorum of members was present to conduct a meeting by the following results:
Present: (4) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming; Councilmember Steward; Mayor Duncan
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 Duncan announced closed session at 2:02 p.m.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
a. Labor Negotiations
Agency Designated Representative: Tina Friend, City Manager Employee Organization(s): Self-Represented and Executive Management Employees; The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 127; Coronado Firefighters Association (CFA); and Coronado Police Officers Association (CPOA)
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 12
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
a. 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 b. Jane Doe v. Roe School, Roe Police Department, et al San Diego Superior Court Case 37-2022-00047230-CU-PO-CTL c. Steve Frye v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego County Case No 37-2023-00022500-CU-CR-CTL
d. Emily Jones v. City of Coronado; San Diego Unified Port District San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2023-00044078-CU-PO-CTL e. Kevin Pianko v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No 37-2023-00044011-CU-PO-CTL f. Leah Frank v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2024-00025830-CU-PO-CTL g. William Frank v. City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2024-00028257-CU-PO-CTL h. Coronado Citizens for Transparent Government v. City of Coronado 4th Dist. Court of Appeal Case No. D082360
i. Coronado Citizens for Transparent Government v. City of Coronado San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2021-00049694-CU-TT-CTL j. Charles and Barbara Adolphe v. City of Coronado
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU008969C
k. Brenda Arnold, et al. v City of Coronado, et al.
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU018563C
l. Timothy Reuben v. City of Coronado
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CL009099C
5. COMMUNICATIONS – ORAL: None.
6. ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Duncan announced that Closed Session adjourned at 3:45 p.m. with direction provided.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:02 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall with Mayor Duncan presiding.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 12
A quorum of members was present to conduct a meeting with the following results:
Present: (4) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming; Councilmember Steward; Mayor Duncan
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 Duncan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
3a. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 17, 2024 This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
4. PRESENTATIONS:
a. Swearing in of Councilmember-Appointee Kelly Purvis
Kelsea Holian, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember-Appointee Kelly Purvis.
Councilmember Purvis thanked everyone for their support and provided comments regarding her coming term as Councilmember.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Fleming requested that items 3a. and 10f. be added to the Consent Calendar.
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the addition of items 3a. and 10f. was made by Councilmember Downey and seconded by Councilmember Steward.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming;
Councilmember Purvis; Councilmember Steward;
Mayor Duncan
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: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 12
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. QUARTERLY CITY PROJECTS PROGRESS REPORT
Recommendation: Receive report and provide direction, as needed.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
6. COMMUNICATIONS – ORAL:
Laura Wilkinson Sinton provided comments regarding campaign practices.
Jamie Hartnett, President of Coronado Fourth of July, provided updates on the upcoming event and invited the community to participate.
Danny Vinegrad provided comments regarding support for declaring a local state of emergency for the Tijuana River sewage crisis and a single-use plastics and polystyrene ordinance.
Helen Kupka, Board President of the Coronado Community Foundation, provided comments regarding community grant process and alternative considerations to offload burden on staff and non-profit organizations.
Gale Bardin provided comments regarding concern for community members’ ability to voice their opinions.
Tina Christensen provided comments regarding community’s involvement in the council vacancy appointment process.
Carolyn Rogerson provided comments regarding concern for community members’ ability to voice their opinions.
Tim Rohan provided comments regarding the last election cycle and encouraged positivity and unity within the community.
Christine Mott provided comments regarding council policies for elected officials and suggested revisions to the City Code.
Doug St. Denis provided comments regarding the council vacancy appointment process and congratulated Councilmember Purvis on being appointed.
Wayne Strickland provided comments regarding the construction of a suicide barrier in partnership with Caltrans and encouraged the council to request project expedition.
Terry Zack provided comments regarding the council vacancy appointment process and congratulated Councilmember Purvis on being appointed.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 12
Judy Bambace provided comments regarding the council vacancy appointment process.
John Pottridge provided comments regarding the last election cycle and encouraged positivity and unity within the community.
Karla Robles, Executive Director for Coronado Main Street, provided comments regarding Motor Cars on Main Street event and requested it be recognized as a major event in the community.
Mary Sikes provided comments regarding the last election cycle and encouraged positivity and unity within the community.
Rebecca King provided comments regarding the council vacancy appointment process.
Brad Gerbel provided comments regarding the current City Council and invocations.
Sarah Davidson, Surfrider Foundation, provided comments regarding support of a declaration of local emergency for the Tijuana River sewage crisis.
Council discussion ensued regarding community’s participation, policies and procedures revisions for public comment, City’s vision and strategic plan; and consideration of code of conduct development.
7. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Tina Friend, City Manager, provided updates regarding the policies and procedures for public comment.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8a. DETERMINATION THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER CLASS 31 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15331, HISTORICAL RESOURCE
RESTORATION/REHABILITATION, AND CONSIDERATION OF A HISTORIC ALTERATION PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1026 FLORA
AVENUE INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR EXCEPTIONS TO ZONING
REGULATIONS (HAP 2024-05)
Emily Pena, Associate Planner, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Council provided disclosures.
Councilmember Downey asked for clarification regarding the additional square footage.
Ms. Pena confirmed the additional footage would match the existing setback.
Kevin Rugee, project architect, provided comments regarding the proposed alteration site plan.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 12
Councilmember Downey asked for clarification regarding the zone and lot alteration requirements. Mr. Rugee confirmed proposed plan would not exceed any requirements.
Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak on this item. Having received no requests to speak, Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing.
A motion to determine that the project is categorically exempt under class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15331 (historical resource restoration/rehabilitation) and adopt Resolution 2025-03 was made by Councilmember Downey and seconded by Councilmember Purvis.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember
Fleming; Councilmember Purvis;
Councilmember Steward; Mayor Duncan
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.)
Councilmember Purvis commented on her attendance at the CalCities conference.
Councilmember Fleming commented on the upcoming National League of Cities (NLC) conference and activities related to his appointment to the Cross-Border Water Pollution Subcommittee.
Councilmember Downey commented on the upcoming NLC conference and activities relating to her assignment on the NLC Energy Environmental Natural Resources Committee.
Councilmember Steward commented on her attendance at the Councilmembers Academy and activities relating to her assignment to the Naval Complexes Coordinating Group.
Mayor Duncan provided an update relating to his assignment on San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
10b. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO SERVE AS THE CITY’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO ARTS,
CULTURE & DESIGN COMMITTEE
Tina Friend, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 12
Jeanmarie Bond provided comments regarding her qualifications and interest in being appointed.
Shawnee Barton Merriman provided comments regarding her qualifications and interest in being appointed.
Mayor Duncan reviewed the voting methodology that the City Council would use.
The City Clerk called the names and recorded the votes as follows:
Shawnee Barton Merriman 5 Votes
Jeanmarie Bond 5 Votes
The City Clerk called the names and recorded the votes for the second round as follows:
Shawnee Barton Merriman 2 Votes
Jeanmarie Bond 3 Votes
A motion to recommend appointment of Jeanmarie Bond to serve a term set to expire December 31, 2027, as the City’s Representative to the Port of San Diego Arts, Culture & Design Committee was made by Councilmember Fleming and seconded by Mayor Duncan.
The motion carried by the following results:
Yes: (5) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming;
Councilmember Purvis; Councilmember Steward; Mayor
Duncan
10c. CROSS-BORDER WATER QUALITY UPDATE
Tina Friend, City Manager, presented the staff report and introduced representatives from Best, Best & Krieger, the City’s Federal advocates, to explain cross-border water quality advocacy efforts.
Andre Monette, Anna Schwab, and Chris Keosian and provided a brief timeline of advocacy milestones over the past decade utilizing a PowerPoint.
Discussion ensued regarding the impact of cross-border trade on government accountability and the management of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) treatment plant.
Linda Charles provided comments regarding the scope and impact of cross-border water quality advocacy.
10d. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORONADO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 36 OF THE
CORONADO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 36.28 RELATED TO
POLYSTYRENE AND SINGLE-USE PLASTICS REGULATIONS
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 12
Tricia Olsen, Senior Planner, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Eileen Hauser, Vice President of Emerald Keepers, provided comments regarding the impact of regulating polystyrene and single-use plastics and spoke in support of the ordinance.
Mitch Silverstein, San Diego County Policy Manager for Surfrider Foundation, provided comments regarding the positive impact of regulating polystyrene and single-use plastics, support of the ordinance, and suggestions for revisions.
Janis Jones, Surfrider Foundation, provided comments regarding the positive impact of regulating polystyrene and single-use plastics, support of the ordinance, and suggestions for revisions.
Lisa Gilfillan, California Field Representative with Oceana, provided comments regarding the positive impact of regulating polystyrene and single-use plastics and support of the ordinance.
Dawn Richards provided comments regarding the positive impact of regulating polystyrene and single-use plastics and support of the ordinance.
Mayor Duncan asked City Attorney Canlas regarding the procedures of revising a draft ordinance. City Attorney Canlas clarified the ordinance could be revised and brought back at the next meeting for adoption.
Discussion ensued regarding revisions to the ordinance, including recycling limitations, clarifying the definition of compostable, potential impacts on local businesses, and the ordinance's limited effect on overall trash reduction. Additional amendments proposed restrictions on the distribution of reusable polystyrene and single-use plastic carryout bags, as well as the retail sale of foam food ware including coolers, with clarifications sought on polystyrene ice chests.
A motion to introduce Ordinance 2025-01 with revisions to include the clarification of compostable, to prohibit the distribution of reusable carryout bags, prohibit the retail sale of foam food ware was made by Councilmember Steward and seconded by Councilmember Fleming.
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (5) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming;
Councilmember Purvis; Councilmember Steward; Mayor
Duncan
A motion to introduce Ordinance 2025-01 with revisions to prohibit the retail sale of foam coolers was made by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Purvis.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 12
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (4) Councilmember Fleming; Councilmember Purvis;
Councilmember Steward; Mayor Duncan
No: (1) Councilmember Downey
Mayor Duncan called for a recess at 7:38 p.m. Council reconvened at 7:48 p.m. 10e. EXPEDITED COMMUNITY GRANT PROCESS AND RELEASE OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS
Kelli Maples, Senior Management Analyst, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Discussion ensued regarding the application process of the proposed expedited community grant process, the flexibility to adjust funding based on organizational needs, impact to staff time, and the usage of surplus funds.
Brad Gerbel provided comments regarding determination of funds for each grant applicant.
Merridee Book provided comments regarding support of the expedited community grant process.
Dawn Richards provided comments regarding support of the expedited community grant process.
Councilmember Downey clarified the expedited community grant process acts as a temporary alleviation to staffing restrictions and should not encourage organizations to be dependent on City grants to be their major funding source.
Councilmember Purvis asked if reoccurring organizations under the proposed framework could apply for additional funding. Mayor Duncan clarified funding amounts could be adjusted by City Council.
Councilmember Fleming provided comments noting organizations should be assessed in its entirety when reviewed for funding.
A motion to approve the proposed Expedited Community Grant Process and authorize the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Grant Applications was made by Councilmember Downey and seconded by Councilmember Fleming.
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (5) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming;
Councilmember Purvis; Councilmember Steward;
Mayor Duncan
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 12
10f. FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET MID-YEAR REVIEW AND
ADJUSTMENTS
Recommendation: Receive the report and approve the recommended Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget adjustments.
This item was approved under the Consent Calendar.
10g. APPOINTMENT OF CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON
BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor Duncan introduced item 10g. and provided background on the appointment of City Council representatives to serve on boards, commissions, and other assignments following the December 17, 2024 City Council meeting.
A motion to nominate Councilmember Steward as primary and Councilmember Fleming to serve as alternate on the SANDAG Shoreline Preservation Working Group was made by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Downey.
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (5) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming;
Councilmember Purvis; Councilmember Steward;
Mayor Duncan
Councilmember Purvis recused herself and left the dais.
A motion to nominate Councilmember Purvis as primary on Metro Wastewater JPA was made by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Steward.
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (4) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming;
Councilmember Steward; Mayor Duncan
Recused: (1) Councilmember Purvis
Councilmember Purvis returned to the dais following the announcement of the vote.
Councilmember Fleming recused himself and left the dais.
A motion to nominate Councilmember Fleming as first alternate on Metro Wastewater JPA was made by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Purvis.
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (4) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Purvis;
Councilmember Steward; Mayor Duncan
Recused: (1) Councilmember Fleming
Councilmember Fleming returned to the dais following the announcement of the vote.
Mayor Duncan recused himself and left the dais.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 12
A motion to nominate Mayor Duncan as second alternate on Metro Wastewater JPA was made by Mayor Pro Tem Downey and seconded by Councilmember Fleming.
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (4) Councilmember Fleming; Councilmember Purvis;
Councilmember Steward; Mayor Pro Tem Downey
Recused: (1) Mayor Duncan
Mayor Duncan returned to the dais following the announcement of the vote.
11. CITY ATTORNEY: None.
12. COMMUNICATIONS – WRITTEN:
12a. CONTINUED: CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY MAYOR DUNCAN AND COUNCILMEMBER STEWARD UNDER POLICY #9 FOR RECONSIDERATION OF A
CITY COUNCIL DECISION REGARDING A DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
FOR CROSS-BORDER WATER POLLUTION, AND DIRECTION TO STAFF ON NEXT
STEPS IF APPROVED
Mayor Duncan provided background from regarding the continued reconsideration of a declaration of local emergency.
Council discussion ensued regarding funding, that a local emergency was not unique to Coronado, possibility of declaration of Federal State of Emergency, advocacy for the City, economic impact to local businesses, regional activity and partnerships, goals and reasons for ending an emergency.
Linda Charles provided comments regarding support of the Declaration of Local Emergency.
Brad Gerbel provided comments regarding the potential impact for local businesses from declaring a state of emergency.
Sean Wilbur provided comments regarding support of the Declaration of Local Emergency.
Karen Rodgers provided comments regarding support of the Declaration of Local Emergency.
Council discussion ensued regarding the health implications from sewage, possible end to the declaration of local emergency, staff impact, and Punta Banderas treatment plant operational timeline.
A motion to direct staff to draft a Declaration of Local Emergency was made by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Councilmember Purvis.
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848 February 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 12
The motion carried by the following results.
Yes: (3) Councilmember Purvis; Councilmember Steward;
Mayor Duncan
No: (2) Councilmember Downey; Councilmember Fleming
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Duncan adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Approved: March 4, 2025
__________________________
JOHN D. DUNCAN, Mayor of the
City of Coronado
Attest:
____________________________
KELSEA HOLIAN, City Clerk of the
City of Coronado
Docusign Envelope ID: 15AF7555-7E02-4BB6-ACA6-5B9597BB4848