City Council Meeting - December 02, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:08 p.m. on December 2, 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
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Port Commissioner Frank Urtasun
thanked the Council for their support.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Downey
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Approve the recommended actions on the consent calendar.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
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 2025-26
1. Warrant List 12.02.25.pdf
Approve the Warrants as certified by the City/Agency Treasurer.
4.c
Approval of the October 21, November 4 and November 18, 2025 Regular and Closed Session Meetings
1. Closed Meeting Minutes - October 21, 2025.pdf
2. Regular Meeting Minutes - October 21, 2025.pdf
3. Closed Meeting Minutes - November 4, 2025.pdf
4. Regular Meeting Minutes - November 4, 2025.pdf
5. Closed Meeting Minutes - November 18, 2025.pdf
6. Regular Meeting Minutes - November 18, 2025.pdf
Approve the Minutes of the October 21, November 4, and November 18 2025 Regular and Closed Session Meetings.
4.d
Accept a Donation of $1,000 for the League of Wives Memorial Plaque
1. Staff Report - League of Wives Plaque Donation Acceptance SR.pdf Accept a donation of $1,000 from Susan Keith to support the League of Wives Memorial plaque and bench project.
4.e
Received and File the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Year Ending June 30, 2025
1. Staff Report - Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year Ending June 30, 2025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Coronado ACFR 2025.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Auditors' Letter to the Govering Body.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Auditors' Agreed Upon Procedures.pdf
5. Attachment 4 - Auditors' Report of Compliance.pdf
Receive and file the City of Coronado Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2025 .
4.f
Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map Number PC2025-01, Located at 737-753 Orange Avenue, Coronado, California
1. Staff Report - Final Map Adoption 737-753 Orange Avenue.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2025-58.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Map.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Resolution 2025-24 Approving Tentative Map at 737-753 Orange Avenue.pdf
5. Attachment 4 - Final Map Signed Application - Orange.pdf Adopt Resolution 2025-58,
“A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Approving Final Map Number PC2025-01, Located at 737-753 Orange Avenue, Coronado, California.”
4.g
Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with ComSonics for a License Plate Recognition Parking Enforcement System for a Five-Year Agreement, and Amend the FY 2025/26 Budget and Appropriate Funds in the Amount of $198,000
1. Staff Report - License Plate Recognition Parking Enforcement System Agreement.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Parking LPR Agreement.pdf
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with ComSonics Incorporated for a License Plate Recognition Parking Enforcement System (LPR), and amend the FY 2025/26 Budget and appropriate Funds in the amount of $198,000.
4.h
Appointment of One Member to the San Diego Unified Port District Board of Port Commissioners
1. Staff Report - Port Commissioner Appointment 12022025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Letter of Interest.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Port Commissioner Position Specifications.pdf Reappoint Frank Urtasun as commissioner to represent the City of Coronado on the San Diego Unified Port District Board of Port Commissioners for a four-year term to expire on January 1, 2030.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Brad Gerbel
provided comments regarding Brown Act concerns related to prior City Council discussions.
Councilmember Downey
provided clarification regarding a Port of San Diego lease associated with a new restaurant project, distinguishing it from separate ongoing negotiations involving the Ferry Landing, and noted efforts to preserve view corridors and short-term parking.
Councilmember Purvis
noted the recent passing of former Port Commissioner Admiral Robert "Rocky" Spane expressed gratitude for Spane’s service to the community.
6. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tina Friend, City Manager, provided an update regarding the recent rupture of a 16-inch water main that caused significant roadway damage and service disruption. Although the pipeline and roadway are under the jurisdiction of Caltrans and the water provider, the City coordinated an immediate response, and the City Manager expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Services staff, as well as for the community’s patience. City Manager Friend noted that emergency repairs may require additional work, with staff evaluating both temporary and permanent repair options and committing to provide public updates as information becomes available. The update referenced the Council’s recent presentation on planned replacement of aging pipeline infrastructure, underscoring the importance of ongoing maintenance and infrastructure investment.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Revised Recreation Fees and Recreation Facility Use Policy
1. Staff Report Updated Recreation Fees and Policies.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2025-59.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Revised Recreation Fee Schedule 2025.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Revised Facilty Use Policy.pdf
Tim Farmer,
Director of Recreation & Golf Services
, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Councilmember Fleming and Mr. Farmer discussion ensued regarding late fees charged per event, and pickle ball and tennis court permit fees charged per court.
Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak on this item.
Jim Robbins
provided comments regarding opposing recommendation 7 requiring reservations for all tennis center usage.
Having received no further requests to speak, Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued regarding the rationale for the proposed fees, including coverage of facility maintenance and management costs, small number of residents currently utilizing facilities without charge, and the administrative benefits of requiring all users, including youth, to check in in order to maintain waivers and emergency contact information; and the phased allocation of new reservation revenue to the City beginning in January 2026 and increasing in 2027.
Further discussion ensued regarding whether the approach appropriately balanced resident and non-resident access, youth participation, and ongoing City costs. Consensus was reached to support the staff recommendations, with acknowledgment that the structure maintains a significant community subsidy and may be refined in the future if warranted.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Downey
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
Adopt Resolution 2025-59, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, adopting a revised Recreation Fee Schedule and a revised Recreation Facility Use Policy, effective January 1, 2026.” Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
7.b
Introduction of an Ordinance Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and Repealing and Reenacting Specified Chapters of Title 70 of the Coronado Municipal Code
1. Staff Report - Building Code Update.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 2025-11 .pdf
Damion Nowak, Building Official, introduced the item.
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.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Purvis
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Introduce Ordinance 2025-11, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Repealing Chapters 70.01, 70.05 70.06 70.10, 70.20, 70.25, 70.30, 70.40, 70.50, 70.60, 70.80, 70.90, 70.100, 70.110, and 70.120 of the Coronado Municipal Code which incorporate by reference the Uniform Administrative Code, Uniform Housing Code and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and adopting new Chapters 70.10, 70.20, 70.25, 70.30, 70.40, 70.50, 70.60, 70.70, 70.80, 70.90, 70.100, 70.110, and 70.120 of the Coronado Municipal Code which adopt by reference the 2025 California Administrative Code, Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Historic Building Code, Fire Code, Existing Building Code, Green Building Standards, Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and Referenced Standards.” Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
8.a
Council Reports on Interagency Assignments
Councilmember Purvis provided updates regarding
the Wastewater JPA succession committee's new executive director and website update; and Caltrans scoping meeting of the retrofit project of the bridge.
Councilmember Fleming provided updates regarding participation in the National League of Cities City Summit, Audit sub-committee meeting, and the Port of San Diego ground breaking ceremony.
Mayor Duncan provided updates regarding SANDAG's operations.
Councilmember Downey provided updates regarding the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) addressing community needs for bus stops and Caltrans scoping meeting of the retrofit project of the bridge.
Councilmember Steward provided updates regarding participation in Caltrans scoping meeting on retrofit project of the bridge and its protection.
8.b
Consideration of up to Three New Members to Serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission
1. Staff Report - Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment 12022025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Applications and Letters of Interest.pdf David Reis
provided comments regarding his interest and qualifications for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Following adopted City Council Policy selection process, the following action was taken:
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Downey
Appoint David Reis and Flavio Velez to the Parks and Recreation Commission for terms to expire December 31, 2028, and appoint Brad Morris to complete a term scheduled to expire December 31, 2027.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.c
Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement to Acquire the Real Property located at 349-63 D Avenue and Authorize a Budget Amendment and Appropriation
1. Staff Report - 349-63 D Avenue.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Photos.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Signed CAR and Addendum.pdf
Councilmember Downey recused herself from the item, citing that she resided within 500 feet of the property, and left the dais at 4:58 p.m.
Tricia Olsen, Senior Planner, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Mayor Duncan asked to clarify the definition of affordable housing, the current status of the units, and the financial structure of the proposed acquisition. Ms. Olsen stated that affordable housing refers to units restricted to households earning a defined percentage of Area Median Income, that the units are currently market-rate with one vacancy, and that any transition to affordable housing would occur in the future. City Attorney Canlas confirmed that the purchase could be structured using the Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fund and other existing funding mechanisms, including interfund arrangements, and that the City would retain ownership of the property as a long-term asset.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed purchase and sale agreement, including the City’s acquisition of real property as a long-term asset, financial risk considerations, compliance with state housing mandates, the current market-rate status of the units, and the potential future transition of the units into the City’s affordable housing inventory.
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Steward
Authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement to acquire 349-63 D Avenue for $5,998,000; authorize a budget amendment and appropriation from the Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fund and the General Fund for the purchase price of $5,998,000; and direct staff to return with options regarding affordable housing opportunities. with interfund loan for funding Yes (4):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Recusal (1):
Councilmember Downey
Motion Carried
Councilmember Downey returned to the dais at 5:14 p.m.
8.d
Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Agreements for the Deferral of Payment of Wastewater Capacity Fees for 1315 Orange Avenue ($85,894) and 1355 First Street ($402,953)
1. Staff Report- Deferral of Payment of Wastewater Capacity Fee for 1315 Orange Avenue.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Wastewater Capacity Fees for Commercial Food Service Establishments .pdf Jim Newton, Assistant Director of Public Services and Engineering, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint.
Councilmember Downey asked whether the deferrals affected the total amount owed or only the timing of payment. Staff responded that the agreements defer payment timing only and do not reduce or waive the underlying fees.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of fee deferrals as a tool to encourage development while maintaining full cost recovery for infrastructure.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Fleming
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements for the Deferral of Payment of Wastewater Capacity Fees, in a format acceptable to the City Attorney, for development projects at 1315 Orange Avenue ($85,894) and 1355 First Street ($402,953).
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.e
Quarterly Cross-Border Water Pollution Update
1. Staff Report - Cross Border Water Quality Update.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - MOU between United Mexican States and USA.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - City of Coronado, CA Response to USTR.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - NLC EENR 2025-16 Resolution Revised.pdf
5. Attachment 4 - EPA First Quarterly Public Update.pdf
6. Attachment 5 - Resolution 2025-60.pdf
City Manager Friend provided additional information regarding cross-border water pollution efforts, including advocacy related to infrastructure accountability, federal funding timelines, and coordination with international partners.
Discussion ensued regarding federal and international coordination, infrastructure maintenance funding, and the role of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement in addressing cross-border environmental impacts.
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Adopt Resolution 2025-60, “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado Prioritizing Actions to Resolve the Cross Border Water Pollution Crisis.” Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.f
Motion for Renewed Deliberation on the Adoption of the Historic Resources Inventory - Policy #9 Request
1. Policy 9 Request Steward Dec 2 2025 (005).pdf
Councilmember Purvis recused herself from the item and left the dais at 6:02 p.m.
Councilmember Downey recused herself from the item and left the dais at 6:02 p.m.
Councilmember Steward requested renewed deliberation pursuant to Council Policy No. 9 regarding the previously adopted Historic Resources Inventory. The request was intended to allow further discussion of specific properties and policy considerations identified following adoption.
Rome Ventura
provided comments regarding the request for renewed deliberation, including perspectives on preservation considerations and the importance of transparency in the Historic Resources Inventory process.
Mila Albertson
provided comments regarding the request for renewed deliberation, including concerns about potential impacts on property owners and the scope of future review.
Discussion ensued regarding clarification that the proposed action would not designate the properties as historic, but would require review by the Historic Resource Commission for certain changes. Discussion focused on ensuring that affected property owners receive adequate notification and a reasonable opportunity to object or address the City Council prior to any final action.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Steward
Seconded by:
Mayor Duncan
Approve a request for renewed deliberation under Council Policy No. 9 to move the following properties to the Tier Two Historic Resources Inventory: 408 Fifth Street, 620 Fifth Street, 544 A Avenue, 560 B Avenue, 827 B Avenue, 941 B Avenue, 900 D Avenue, and 966 F Avenue; direct staff to notify the affected property owners of the proposed change; provide property owners an opportunity and a reasonable period, through early March 2026, to object or address the City Council; and direct staff to return to the City Council with a report and recommendation prior to finalizing any changes.
Yes (3):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Fleming, and Councilmember Steward Recusal (2):
Councilmember Downey, and Councilmember Purvis
Motion Carried
9. BOARD, COMMISSION, AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS
10. CITY ATTORNEY
11. COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Duncan adjourned the Regular Meeting at 6:24 p.m.