City Council Meeting - November 04, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:05 p.m. on November 4, 2025, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall with Mayor Duncan presiding.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Duncan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. PRESENTATIONS
3.a
Presentation by California American Water for the Strand Transmission Main Replacement Project
1. Staff Report - California American Water Update.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Strand Transmission Main Exhibit.pdf
Mark Reifer, with California American (Cal-Am) Water, presented information on the project utilizing a PowerPoint.
Councilmember Downey asked whether Caltrans directed the project’s alignment without first consulting the City, and if relocating the pipe outside the Caltrans right-of-way would reduce required CEQA mitigation. Mr. Reifer stated that Caltrans required the pipe to be placed outside its right-of-way despite the City’s stated preferences and that avoiding the state highway right-of-way should lessen CEQA mitigation requirements.
Mayor Duncan asked whether coordination with the Navy was required. Mr. Reifer confirmed that Navy representatives are reviewing the plans.
City Manager Friend asked whether the replacement pipe maintains the same 16-inch capacity and when construction is anticipated. Mr. Reifer stated that the new pipe will match existing capacity, and that construction could begin late next year or in 2027, depending on permitting timelines.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by:
Councilmember Steward
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Consent Calendar approved with the addition of Item 8.d., appointing Dawn Dugas and Lisa Lombardo to the Civil Service Commission with terms to expire December 31, 2028.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
Councilmembers Downey and Purvis recused themselves from Item 4.d.
4.a
Approval of Reading by Title and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on This Agenda Approve the reading by title and waive the reading in full of all Ordinances on the agenda.
4.b
Approve Warrants Certified by Treasurer as Correct and Budget-Compliant for FY 2024-25
1. Warrant List 11.04.25.pdf
Approve the Warrants as certified by the City/Agency Treasurer.
4.c
Approval of the 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule
1. Staff Report - Approval of the 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Draft 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule for the City Council.pdf Review and approve the Regular City Council Meetings for calendar year 2026.
4.d
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 84.10 of the Coronado Municipal Code to Implement the Historic Context Statement and Historic Resources Inventory
1. Staff Report - Ordinance Adoption Historic Context Statement and Resource Inventory 1.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 2025-09.pdf
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-09, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, amending Chapter 84.10 of the Coronado Municipal Code to implement the Historic Context Statement and Historic Resources Inventory”.
Councilmembers Downey and Purvis were recused from this item.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Tina Christiansen
provided comments regarding simplifying and strengthening the local Mills Act process to incentivize preservation of older homes and support community character.
Jeanne Seager
provided comments regarding recent ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity in Coronado.
Sally Perley
provided comments regarding her interest and qualifications for the Historic Resource Commission.
Maureen Mello
provided comments regarding restoring the MTS 904 drop-off stop at Soledad and Second Street following construction, and to extend the route’s evening operating hours.
Brad Gerbel
provided comments regarding the La Mesa police officer’s funeral, the Mayor’s Corner update on the Ferry Landing, and concerns related to recent ICE activity and statements made about it.
Kathy Mathis
provided comments regarding changing the date of the Crown City Classic, noting its long-standing community tradition.
Laura Wilkinson Sinton
provided comments regarding concerns about Port governance, including a lack of transparency in closed-session reporting and the need for oversight reforms.
Johanna Hunsaker
provided comments regarding her interest and qualifications for the Historic Resource Commission.
Stephanie Kaupp
provided comments regarding Mr. Gerbel’s earlier remarks and expressed support for Councilmember Steward.
Susan Keith
provided comments regarding support for the proposed wording of the League of Wives Plaque.
Kevin Shaeffer
provided comments regarding public statements made by local officials following recent ICE arrests in Coronado.
Robbins Kelly
and
Inge Cornejo
provided comments regarding upcoming Coronado Main Street events.
6. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
8.a
Council Reports on Interagency Assignments
Mayor Duncan provided updates regarding the Police Department’s participation in the La Mesa Police Officer funeral service and reported on recent SANDAG Board activities, including progress on the General Counsel recruitment process.
8.b
City of Coronado Public Emergency Notification Systems
1. Staff Report - Public Emergency Notification Systems.pdf Fire Chief Jayson Summers presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Councilmember Downey asked whether Alert San Diego alerts are tied to a registered address, whether Genesis zones include military areas, and whether reverse-911 still works with digital landlines. Chief Summers explained that Alert San Diego only alerts the registered Coronado address, that North Island has a designated zone though military involvement in planning is unclear, and that reverse-911 remains operational.
Mayor Duncan asked whether PulsePoint is advisable for community awareness, and Chief Summers confirmed that it is.
Councilmember Purvis asked about enrollment levels and outreach for opt-in systems. Chief Summers stated that Genesis enrollment is low statewide, Alert San Diego participation is higher but still limited, and Nixle figures must be confirmed by Police.
Councilmember Purvis asked what triggers Nixle or other alerts. Chief Summers noted that Alert San Diego is used for major life-safety threats, and Chief Connelly added that Nixle is used for police emergencies and major closures, with dispatcher workload influencing timing.
Councilmember Downey asked about past enrollment efforts and inconsistent bridge-closure messaging. Chief Connelly explained that dispatcher capacity affects issuance, and that wording has been updated to give clearer information without disclosing sensitive details.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed emergency-notification enhancements, including the need for redundancy beyond cell-based systems, options for fixed pole-mounted alerting devices, potential costs, and how existing tools are currently used within the community. Council raised questions about overall system reliability, hardwired versus cellular dependence, alternative technologies such as drone-based alerts, and opportunities for improved public education on existing platforms.
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Steward
Direct staff to return with information on the costs, feasibility, and operational considerations of a fixed siren-based emergency warning system, along with additional technology options to enhance emergency communication and redundancy, and to include clarification of the City’s designated public information channels during emergencies, at a time staff is prepared to present the findings.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.c
Coronado Ferry Landing Lease with Port of San Diego
1. Staff Report - Coronado Ferry Landing.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Letter.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - PCA Press Release.pdf
Discuss the status and future of the Coronado Ferry Landing, including the lease with the Port of San Diego, the planned redevelopment project, tenant impacts and other related matters, and provide direction as appropriate.
Tina Friend, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor Duncan provided background on the City’s concerns regarding the Ferry Landing lease, recent Port actions conducted in closed session, and the lack of communication from Port leadership about future plans for the site.
Spiro Chaconas
, owner of Spiro's Mediterranean Cuisine, provided comments regarding the future of his long-standing restaurant at the Ferry Landing and requested support for securing a long-term lease.
Christian Herrera
, Vice President of Development and Operations for Port Coronado Associates (PCA), provided comments regarding the status of PCA’s lease negotiations with the Port, outlining PCA’s long-term efforts to secure a lease extension, redevelopment planning conducted with community and City input, and the Port’s recent decision to end negotiations and assume control of the leasehold. In response to council questions, Mr. Herrera stated that PCA previously received a draft term sheet but no substantive follow-up, confirmed PCA was informed last week that lease negotiations had been terminated, noted PCA has never been issued notices of default or missed payments, clarified that the Port had earlier encouraged exploration of a hotel concept for revenue generation, and explained that PCA holds a separate long-term lease for the Il Fornaio-adjacent pad approved for a new restaurant project.
Sharon Cloward
, president of the San Diego Working Waterfront, provided comments regarding transparency concerns related to the Port’s closed-session decision on the Coronado Ferry Landing lease, noting tenant uncertainty and upcoming Port Board action.
Nancy Chaconas
provided comments regarding the uncertainty of lease extensions at the Ferry Landing and requested additional time to continue operating and planning for needed investments.
Discussion ensued regarding the Port’s lack of transparency, the absence of communication with the City, and the uncertainty created for tenants and the community. Council expressed concern that the Port acted outside its own policies, emphasized the need for timely information about the lease decision and future plans for the Ferry Landing, and noted the importance of allowing adequate time for public input before any further Port action. Council supported sending a written request to the Port for clarification, pausing any immediate decisions, and ensuring a short-term extension or interim arrangement that protects existing businesses while long-term plans are developed. Consensus was reached to direct the Mayor and City Manager to prepare and transmit a letter to the Port reflecting the stated concerns.
8.d
Report on the 2025 Free Summer Shuttle Program
1. Staff Report - 2025 Free Summer Shuttle Program Review.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Ridership and Cost.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Survey Responses (final).pdf
Tricia Olsen, Senior Planner, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Councilmember Duncan asked how Cays residents are informed about Pronto pass availability. Ms. Olsen explained that shuttle marketing includes the information, the Cays HOA notifies residents and handles distribution, and the City provides additional passes when the HOA reports low supply.
Councilmember Downey asked how Liberty Housing residents receive Pronto pass information. Ms. Olsen stated that Liberty Housing residents did not appear to participate and that additional outreach methods may be needed.
Councilmember Fleming asked whether the City purchases all distributed passes and whether usage data on the passes exists, andwhether switching to smaller minibuses would increase shuttle-program costs. Ms. Olsen confirmed that the City buys and restocks all passes through the HOA and that usage cannot be tracked because they function as standard MTS day passes and that the change is an MTS efficiency measure and is not expected to increase City costs.
Discussion ensued regarding the summer shuttle program, interest in exploring alternatives to large buses and evaluating the new smaller MTS shuttles, examining overall program cost, emissions impacts, ridership patterns, and potential sponsorship or wrap opportunities. Council further noted the value of a Fourth of July shuttle and suggested considering a hybrid model of retaining larger-capacity vehicles for major events while evaluating whether smaller shuttles or on-demand service could better serve daily needs; analyzing service frequency options, including schedules that avoid triggering state mass-transit classifications; and requested additional information on ridership from the Cays and the feasibility of using smaller vehicles to improve scale, efficiency, and community compatibility.
Council directed staff to return in the spring with a range of shuttle service options, including models using the new smaller vehicles, potential Fourth of July–only service, varied service headways, and opportunities for sponsored wraps or other cost offsets, to support an informed decision on future summer shuttle operations.
8.e
Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Coronado Municipal Code Title 2, Chapter 2.62 (Parks and Recreation Commission) and Title 52, Chapter 32 (Trees in the Public Rights-of-Way), Discussion of Appointment Process for Additional Members to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Direction to Commission on Future Activities
1. Staff Report - Ordinance Introduction Street Tree Committee and Parks and Recreation Commission 11042025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 2025-10.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Redline Revisions of Exhibits A and B.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Resolution 7266.pdf
Tina Friend, City Manager, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Discussion ensued regarding options for improving efficiency in the removal and replacement of aging pepper trees, noting continued public interest in replacing these nuisance species with approved street trees, existing procedures, including the current pepper tree replacement program, inspection requirements, and box size standards for replacement trees; and Council's interest in allowing residents to remove pepper trees at their own expense and automatically replace them with an approved species, provided all City planting, spacing, and inspection requirements are met.
Council further discussed membership criteria for the consolidated commission, preference for including members with backgrounds in trees, horticulture, landscape design, or related fields, while keeping this as a preference rather than a requirement to preserve flexibility in appointments.
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Steward
Introduce Ordinance 2025-09 incorporating the duties of the Street Tree Committee into the Parks and Recreation Commission with revisions to the membership section to express a preference for appointing up to two members with background or experience in trees, horticulture, landscape design, or related fields; and direct staff to revise the pepper tree replacement program and applicable Street Tree Master Plan removal criteria to allow homeowner-initiated removal and replacement of parkway pepper trees, subject to City standards for species, size, irrigation, and placement, and return the revised language and implementation options to Council at a future meeting.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.f
Consideration of up to Two Members to Serve on the Civil Service Commission
1. Staff Report - Civil Service Commission Appointment 11042025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Letter of Interest.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Applications-2.pdf
Consider appointment of up to two members to the Civil Service Commission, including current members seeking reappointment, with terms set to expire December 31, 2028.
Dawn Dugas and Lisa Lombardo were appointed to the Civil Service Commission with terms set to expire December 31, 2028 under the Consent Calendar.
8.g
Consideration of up to Two Members to Serve on the Historic Resource Commission
1. Staff Report - Historic Resource Commission Appointment 11042025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Letters of Interest HRC.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Applications.pdf
City Clerk Holian stated that applicant Samantha Bowman-Fleurov had rescinded her application.
Mark Warner
provided comments regarding his interest and qualifications for reappointment to the Historic Resource Commission.
Following adopted City Council Policy selection process, the following action was taken:
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Appoint Sally Perley and Mark Warner to the Historic Resource Commission with terms expiring December 31, 2028.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.h
Consideration of up to Three Members to Serve on the Library Board of Trustees
1. Staff Report - Library Board of Trustees Appointment 11042025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Letters of Interest LBOT.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Application.pdf
City Clerk Holian stated that an additional application for the position, submitted by Michelle Bolton, had been received after publication of the agenda.
Robin Franck provided comments regarding her interest and qualifications for the Library Board of Trustees.
Todd Little provided comments regarding his interest and qualifications for reappointment to the Library Board of Trustees.
Following adopted City Council Policy selection process, the following action was taken:
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Downey
Appoint Todd Little and Robin Franck to the Library Board of Trustees for terms to expire December 31, 2028, and appoint Sharon Hall to complete a term scheduled to expire December 31, 2026.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.i
Consideration of up to Two Members to Serve on the Planning and Design Commission
1. Staff Report - Planning and Design Commission Appointment 11042025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Letters of Interest.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Application.pdf
Following adopted City Council Policy selection process, the following action was taken:
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
Appoint Edry Goot and Scott Metzger to the Planning and Design Commission with terms expiring December 31, 2028.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.j
Motion for Renewed Deliberation on the League of Wives Statue Signage - Policy #9 Request
1. Policy 9 Request Steward Purvis Nov 4 2025.pdf
Councilmembers Purvis and Steward introduced the item and gave background on the request.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed revision to the plaque language, including clarification of the names listed, the intent to recognize prominent local women connected to the Stockdale circle, and the desire to include broader acknowledgment of Coronadans with loved ones who were MIA or POW during the Vietnam War. Council discussed the proposed language, the rationale for including or omitting certain individuals, and formatting options.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Steward
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
Select centered plaque text that presents the six names alphabetized top-to-bottom, left-to-right, and includes the inclusive concluding phrase recognizing all Coronadans whose loved ones were MIA or POW during the Vietnam War.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
9. BOARD, COMMISSION, AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS
10. CITY ATTORNEY
11. COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Duncan adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:20 p.m.