City Council Meeting - March 17, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:14 p.m. on March 17, 2026 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
Rosie the Riveter Day
1. PROC2026-08 Rosie the Riveter Day 03212026.pdf
Mayor Duncan presented the Proclamation to Sally Perley, Vice President of the Coronado Historical Association Board.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Tina Friend reported a clerical correction to Item 4.e, the 2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report. She explained that an inadvertent double count occurred in the initial data regarding a home redevelopment project that included an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The corrected figures state that 36 units were completed during the year, comprising 23 single-family detached units, four structure units (in structure types of two to four units), and nine accessory dwelling units. This correction was noted for the formal submittal to the State Office of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Councilmember Purvis requested clarification on Item 8.f regarding the confirmed membership of the ad hoc Border Water Quality Advocacy Subcommittee. Mayor Duncan confirmed that he and Councilmember Mark Fleming currently serve as the two members of the subcommittee.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Steward
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
To approve the Consent Calendar as amended to include Items 4.a through 4.g and Items 8.f, 8.g, and 8.h, incorporating the clerical correction to the housing data in Item 4.e.
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 03.17.26.pdf
Approve the Warrants as certified by the City/Agency Treasurer.
4.c
Approval of the Minutes of February 17, 2026 Regular and Closed Session Meetings
1. Closed Meeting Minutes - February 17, 2026.pdf
2. Regular Meeting Minutes - February 17, 2026.pdf
Approve the Minutes of February 17, 2026 Regular and Closed Session Meetings.
4.d
Resolution Extending a Local Emergency Due to the Discovery of Caulerpa prolifera in the Coronado Cays
1. Staff Report - Caulerpa Emergency Declaration 03172025.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2026-07.pdf
Adopt Resolution 2026-07 to extend the declaration of local emergency due to the discovery of Caulerpa
prolifera
.
4.e
Authorization to Transmit the 2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report to the State Office of Housing and Community Development
1. AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSMIT THE 2025 ANNUAL HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT TO THE STATE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.pdf Authorize transmission of the 2025 Annual Housing Progress Report to the State Office of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
4.f
Adoption of “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Accepting the 2025 Calendar Year State Mandated Fire Inspection Compliance Report from the Coronado Fire Department”
1. Staff Report - Fire Inspection Compliance Report 03172026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2026-10.pdf
Adopt Resolution 2026-10 acknowledging receipt of the 2025 calendar year state mandated fire inspections report.
4.g
Authorize the City Manager to Award Contracts and Change Orders for the Construction of the Coronado Cays Park Dog Park Fencing Project in the Amount of $142,999
1. Staff Report - Contract Award Dog Park Fence 03172026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Dog Park Fencing Plans.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Contract.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Bid Protest.pdf
Find that the project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Class 1 of the state CEQA Guidelines section 15301, Existing Facilities and Class 3 section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures; Reject bid and bid protest by Sitka Construction Group; Authorize City Manager to Award a Contract to A.B. Hashmi, Inc., as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for $142,999 for the Construction of the Cays Dog Park Fencing Project (Contract No. 26-CO-EN-1111); and Authorize the City Manager to execute Change Orders within the project budget.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mila Albertson
provided comments regarding the recent closures of several long-standing local businesses Jim Besikof
provided comments regarding underground water infrastructure on Spinnaker Way.
6. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
City Manager Tina Friend responded to public comments regarding Spinnaker Way by clarifying that while a slurry seal is scheduled for this summer, full resurfacing will occur following a separate sewer project to avoid repetitive roadwork. She also announced the award of the Coronado Cays Park dog fence contract, noting that construction is expected to take approximately one month and will be segmented to maintain partial park access.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
8.a
Council Reports on Interagency Assignments
Councilmember Fleming reported on his tour of the USS Greenville nuclear submarine and his attendance at the SANDAG Board meeting on March 13.
Councilmember Purvis discussed her participation in the USS Greenville tour, the 100-year Rotary Club exhibition at the Coronado Historical Association, and her role on a JPA search committee for a new executive director.
Councilmember Steward provided updates on the USS Greenville tour, regional offshore drilling concerns, updated naval complex gate access procedures, and a beach cleanup.
Councilmember Downey detailed the history of the SANDAG Environmental Mitigation Program and current funding challenges for the long-term management of preserved habitats.
Mayor Duncan reported on his advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. to address transborder sewage issues through the USMCA and to request federal funding for local stormwater and sewer infrastructure.
8.b
Classification of 8 Properties in Tier 2 of the Coronado Historic Resource Inventory
1. Staff Report - Classification of Tier 2 Properties.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - DPR Forms.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Tier 2 Matrix.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Tier Maps.pdf
Councilmember Downey recused herself for consistency, as her property was previously considered during the inventory development process.
Councilmember Purvis recused herself as she owns a property currently classified in Tier 2.
Mayor Duncan noted that he conducted an analysis and did not have a conflict for owning his properties that have been reviewed and designated.
Tricia Olsen, Senior Planner, presented the staff report utilizing PowerPoint.
Karen Voegl
provided comments regarding opposition to the Tier 2 classification, citing concerns over property rights and the surrounding neighborhood context.
Mila Albertson
provided comments regarding concerns with the survey methodology and the difference between state and local age thresholds for historic homes.
Craig Voegl
asked for clarification on the voting process. Mayor Duncan noted that the properties can be voted on collectively or individually, or any combination thereof.
Discussion ensued regarding the balance between property rights and historical preservation, noting that Tier 2 serves as a review requirement rather than a final designation. The Council noted the heritage value of the eight identified homes but reached a consensus to exclude 408 Fifth Street from the reclassification due to the owners' formal objection and demonstrated commitment to preservation.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Steward
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Approve the classification of the following seven properties in Tier 2 of the Coronado Historic Resource Inventory: 620 Fifth Street, 544 A Avenue, 560 B Avenue, 827 B Avenue, 941 B Avenue, 900 D Avenue, and 966 F Avenue; and to maintain 408 Fifth Street in Tier 3.
Yes (3):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Fleming, and Councilmember Steward Recusal (2):
Councilmember Downey, and Councilmember Purvis
Motion Carried
8.c
FY 2027 - 2031 Wastewater Rates: Direction to Mail Notices of Public Hearing to be held May 5, 2026 to Consider Approval of Updated Rates for Wastewater Services
1. Staff Report - Update Rates for Wastewater Services.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Wastewater Rate Study.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Proposed Rates FY 2027-2031.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Draft Public Hearing Legal Notice - Prop 218 Hearing.pdf Tina Friend, City Manager, John Wright, consultant with Raftelis, and Denise Johnson, Public Services and Engineering Administrative Manager, presented the staff report jointly utilizing PowerPoint.
Mila Albertson
provided comments regarding whether Proposition 218 notices would be sent to residents or property owners.
Robins Kelly
provided comments regarding the perceived inconsistency of the billing system for properties containing multiple addresses on a single lot.
Jim Besikof
provided comments regarding the inclusion of depreciation in reserves and the maintenance status of the Cays pump station.
Discussion ensued regarding the necessity of the proposed rate increases to address aging infrastructure and maintain responsible cash reserves. The Council discussed the city's unique geographical challenges as a coastal community and noted that the proposed rates would remain among the lowest in the region. Support was expressed for exploring more specific volumetric billing data in the future through coordination with California American Water.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Purvis
Seconded by:
Councilmember Steward
To direct staff to mail the 45-day public hearing notice required by Proposition 218; To set the public hearing for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.; To direct staff to include proposed rates as recommended by the Raftelis 2027 wastewater rate study resulting in an 8.5% increase in total fund revenues for FY 2027 through FY 2031.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
Mayor Duncan called for a recess at 5:47 p.m. Council reconvened at 5:53 p.m.
8.d
Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Coronado Tourism Improvement District (CTID) Advisory Board Annual Report/Management Plan and Resolution of Intent to Continue to Levy Assessments on Four Hotel Businesses
1. Staff Report - CTID Annual Report and Intent to Continue Levy.pdf
2. Attachment 1- Resolution No. 2026-09.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Discover Coronado Annual Report.pdf
Review and approve the FY 2026-27 Annual Report and Management Plan from the CTID Advisory Board; consider adoption of “A Resolution of The City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Declaring its Intention to Continue to Levy Two One-Half Percent (0.5%) Assessments During Fiscal Year 2026-27 on Certain Hotel Businesses Within the Coronado Tourism Improvement District I and Coronado Tourism Improvement District II;” and set a public hearing date of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for consideration of the continued levy assessment.
Kelli Maples, Senior Management Analyst, presented the staff report utilizing PowerPoint.
Todd Little, Executive Director of Discover Coronado, presented the Annual Report and Management Plan utilizing PowerPoint.
Mark Espinoza
provided comments regarding excitement for the upcoming NASCAR event.
Discussion ensued regarding the CTID's budget transparency, specifically requesting a breakout of funds between CTID I and CTID II. Concerns were raised regarding the size of the reserve fund and whether a larger percentage should be directed toward city-wide benefits such as shoreline preservation, downtown beautification, or transit solutions. The Council discussed the impact of visitor traffic during the holiday season and directed staff to continue the item to a future meeting to allow for a more detailed budget breakout and further discussion on reserve policies.
No action was taken on this item.
8.e
Consideration of Amendment No. 1 to Encroachment Permit E2507-004 and Associated Encroachment Maintenance and Removal Agreement for Private Improvements at 417 B Avenue
1. Staff Report - 417 B Ave Encroachment Permit 3-17-26.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Staff Report Package from 10-21-25-2.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Applicant Preferred Design.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Applicant Alternative Design.pdf
Jim Newton, Assistant Director of Public Services and Engineering, presented the staff report utilizing PowerPoint.
Mark Mazzarella
, representative of the property owner, provided comments regarding the fairness of city rules and the existence of similar encroachments throughout Coronado.
Eve Mazzarella
, representative of the property owner, provided comments regarding a map highlighting 50 other properties with similar encroachments as evidence of established precedent.
Robert Allen
, property owner, provided comments regarding his good faith efforts to follow city inspection procedures for footings and electrical work during construction.
Dani Allen
, property owner, provided comments regarding how the planters contribute to neighborhood beautification and safety by providing additional lighting.
Discussion ensued regarding the established 48-inch right-of-way rule intended to protect public access and safety. It was noted that while the improvements are aesthetically pleasing, allowing individual exceptions to setbacks could lead to inconsistent governance and inequity toward residents who adhere to standard regulations. Further comments addressed the ability for homeowners to maintain ground-level landscaping or fences at the property line as alternatives. Councilmember Downey expressed support for a two-foot buffer option, citing a lack of clear definition for the four-foot requirement and the need for future policy research.
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Deny Amendment No. 1 to Encroachment Permit E2507-004 and associated Encroachment Maintenance and Removal Agreement for private improvements at 417 B Avenue.
Yes (4):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward No (1):
Councilmember Downey
Motion Carried
8.f
Authorization of City Council ad hoc Border Water Quality Advocacy Subcommittee
1. Staff Report - Ad Hoc Border Water Quality Advocacy Subcommittee.pdf Authorize the City Council ad hoc Border Water Quality Advocacy Subcommittee and confirm Council membership, not to exceed two members.
The Subcommittee was reauthorized under the consent calendar, with Mayor Duncan and Councilmember Fleming reappointed to the Subcommittee.
8.g
Resolution to Extend a Local Emergency Declaration in the City of Coronado Due to Impacts from Cross-Border Water Pollution
1. Staff Report - Emergency Declaration - Cross-Border Water Quality 03172026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2026-08.pdf
Consider the Resolution to Extend the Local Emergency Declaration due to cross-border water pollution.
Resolution 2026-08 was adopted under the consent calendar.
8.h
Consideration of a Policy #2 Request Regarding Prohibition of the Substance Known as "Kratom" or "7-OH"
1. Policy 9 Request John Duncan - March 17 2026.pdf
The Policy #2 request was approved under the consent calendar.
9. BOARD, COMMISSION, AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS
10. CITY ATTORNEY
11. COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Duncan adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:34 p.m.