City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 4:06 p.m. on May 19, 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
Historic Preservation Month Proclamation
1. Historic Preservation Month May 2026.pdf
Mayor Duncan presented a proclamation designating May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month to Jenna McIntosh, Coronado Historical Association Board President, Mark Warner, Historic Resource Commission Chair, and Inge Cornejo and Robbins Kelly from Coronado Main Street.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Downey
provided comments regarding Item 9a., the Library Board of Trustees' Fiscal Year 2026-2027 work plan, encouraging the spend-down of small legacy donations under $2,000 wherever legally permissible to reduce the ongoing administrative burden of carrying, reporting, and auditing these nominal balances across successive fiscal years.
Sharon Hall
, President of the Library Board of Trustees, provided comments regarding the board's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 work plan and the library's ongoing role as a community hub for literacy and cultural enrichment.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Downey
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
Approve the recommended actions on the Consent Calendar with the addition of items 9a., 9b., and 9c.
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 05.19.26.pdf
Approve the Warrants as certified by the City/Agency Treasurer.
4.c
Approval of the Minutes of April 21 and May 5, 2026, Regular and Closed Session Meetings
1. Closed Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2026.pdf
2. Regular Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2026.pdf
3. Closed Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2026.pdf
4. Regular Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2026.pdf
Approve the Minutes of April 21 and May 5, 2026 Regular and Closed Session Meetings.
4.d
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 60.08 of the Coronado Municipal Code Revising Procedures for Setting Rates for Sanitary Sewer Services
1. Staff Report - Second Reading WW Rate Adoption by Resolution.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 2026-02.pdf
Waive second reading of and adopt Ordinance 2026-02 amending Chapter 60.08 of the Coronado Municipal Code (CMC).
Ordinance 2026-02 was adopted under the Consent Calendar.
4.e
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Coronado Adding Coronado Municipal Code Chapter 40.74 to Prohibit the Sale and Distribution of Kratom
1. Staff Report - Ordinance Adoption to Prohibit the Sale and Distribution of Kratom .pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 2026-03.pdf
Waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-03 of the City Council of the City of Coronado Adding Chapter 40.74 to the Coronado Municipal Code to Prohibit the Sale and Distribution of Kratom.
Ordinance 2026-02 was adopted under the Consent Calendar.
4.f
Modification of Applicable Time and Days of the Spreckels Park Permit Parking Zone
1. Spreckels Park Permit Parking Zone—Modification of Applicable Time and Days.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2026-27.pdf
Adopt a “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Modifying Regulations for the Permit Parking Zone Along Spreckels Park on C Avenue Between Sixth and Seventh Streets”.
Resolution 2026-27 was adopted under the Consent Calendar.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Grant Affleck
, crisis team volunteer with Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) of San Diego, provided comments regarding the organization's critical incident partnership with the City and expressed gratitude for continued municipal support.
Susan Keith
provided comments regarding concerns that the ballot measure proposed increase for allowable building heights in the downtown village would ruin the character of the community.
Jeri McCarty
provided comments regarding opposition to raising building height limits, expressing concern about losing the unique architectural scale of the main street.
Patrick Murphy
provided comments regarding parking and congestion issues resulting from recent commercial modifications on Orange Avenue, noting that increasing building heights would exacerbate these problems.
Brian Beretto
, External Affairs Manager for California American Water, provided comments regarding the utility provider's updated Emergency Response Plans.
Jamie Hartnett
, President of the Board of Directors for Coronado Fourth of July, provided comments regarding a severe shortage of volunteers for the upcoming celebrations and requested community sign-ups.
Mr. Brady
provided comments regarding the City's progress on the regional sewage crisis and suggested deploying a proactive communications strategy to counter negative national press coverage.
Inge Cornejo
provided comments regarding an invitation to an upcoming philanthropic gala for FOCUS.
Councilmember Steward
provided comments regarding National Public Works Week, Gold Star Awareness Month, and commendations for staff for coordinating a recent library event.
Councilmember Downey
provided comments regarding staff participation in the Safe Harbor philanthropic event and the City's new Kratom ordinance.
Councilmember Purvis
provided comments regarding the Avenue of Heroes ceremony and local civic art exhibitions.
Councilmember Fleming
provided comments regarding his participation in the Junior Achievement interview program at Village Elementary School.
Mayor Duncan
provided comments regarding an official visit to the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier alongside Councilmember Fleming and presented challenge coins to Ella Mathis.
Mayor Duncan
and
Councilmember Downey
provided comments regarding the clarification of campaign contribution limits under Coronado Municipal Code section 1.84.040.
6. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a
Public Hearing on Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561
1. Staff Report - Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts 05192026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Vacancy Status Report.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - CPOA Recruitment Report.pdf
Molly Brennan, Human Resources and Risk Manager, presented the staff report utilizing PowerPoint.
Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak on this item.
Mila Albertson
provided comments regarding concerns over police vacancies and suggested exploring workforce housing assistance or commuting incentives for officers.
Keith James
provided comments regarding concerns about low police patrol staffing and a lack of traffic enforcement, urging the city to improve aggressive recruitment efforts to ensure public safety.
Having received no further requests to speak, Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued regarding the presented labor metrics. The Council noted concerns regarding the police department vacancy rate, acknowledged macroeconomic challenges related to workforce housing, commended the Public Works department for successfully reducing its vacancy rate to 6%, and affirmed that resolving the law enforcement shortage remains a priority.
Motion made by:
Mayor Duncan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Fleming
Receive a presentation on the status of the City’s employee vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts. Receive and file the report in compliance with State Assembly Bill 2561.
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
1. 8a. Councilmember Downey 05192026.pdf
2. 8a. Councilmember Purvis 05192026.pdf
Councilmember Purvis reported on her attendance at the League of California Cities summit in Sacramento.
Councilmember Fleming reported on a Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority meeting and tour of the Pure Water facility, as well as a SANDAG Transportation Committee meeting regarding grants for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Councilmember Steward reported on a Naval Complex meeting regarding the expansion of biometric scanning at entrance gates, discussions on shoreline preservation and dune restoration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and meetings with regional officials regarding infrastructure and e-bikes.
Mayor Duncan reported on a recent Air Pollution Control District board meeting.
8.b
Consideration of Appointment of One Student Representative to Serve a One-Year Term on the Parks and Recreation Commission
1. Staff Report - Parks and Recreation Student Representative 2026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Applications.pdf
Motion made by:
Councilmember Fleming
Seconded by:
Councilmember Purvis
Appoint Griffin H. to serve a one-year term set to begin June 1, 2026, and expire May 31, 2027, on the Parks and Recreation Commission as the student representative.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
8.c
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan Presentation
1. Staff Report - Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Proposed FY27 Budget.pdf
Receive the presentation and report on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 proposed Budget and Financial Plan and provide direction as needed.
City Manager Tina Friend and Administrative Services Director John Kim presented the staff report utilizing PowerPoint regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget. Director of Public Services and Engineering Leon Firsht presented a review of recent capital accomplishments. City Manager Friend and Councilmembers Downey and Fleming reported on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) subcommittee's structural evaluation, presenting a reorganized CIP tracking list and five policy recommendations to expedite project delivery, which included adding two full-time equivalent positions dedicated to procurement and CIP management.
Mayor Duncan called for a recess at 6:08 p.m. Council reconvened at 6:18 p.m.
Discussion ensued regarding the budget and capital improvement plans. Direction was provided to staff to incorporate the subcommittee's recommendations and proceed with the formulation of the final budget document for formal adoption at the subsequent meeting.
8.d
Adoption of Resolutions Calling for and Giving Notice of the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election for the Election of Municipal Officers and Submitting a Ballot Measure, if approved, Increasing the Permissible Height of “Multiple-Family Developments” in the City’s R-4 Multiple Family Residential Zone; Setting forth Primary and Rebuttal Argument Regulations; Requesting Consolidation of the General Municipal Election with the San Diego County Statewide Election; Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of Ordinance No. 2026-04 Amending the Zoning Code and Orange Avenue Corridor Specific Plan to Increase Allowable Building Heights in the R-4 Multiple-Family Residential Zone; and Other Related Election Matters
1. Staff Report - Calling and Giving Notice of Election 2026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution 2026-28 Calling the Election.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Resolution 2026-29 Priorities of Written Arguments and City Attorney Impartial Analysis.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Resolution 2026-30 Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments.pdf
5. Attachment 4 - Resolution 2026-31 Requesting Consolidation.pdf
6. Attachment 5 - Ordinance No. 2026-04.pdf
7. Attachment 6 - Arguments Form.pdf
8. Attachment 7 - Zoning Map.pdf
City Clerk Kelsea Holian and City Attorney Johanna Canlas presented the staff report utilizing PowerPoint.
Councilmember Downey asked for clarification regarding the Council's obligations to support the measure, and City Attorney Canlas confirmed the Council is strictly obligated only to place it on the ballot and the City Attorney to provide an impartial analysis.
Mila Albertson
provided comments regarding the practical necessity of the measure and recommended adding an explanatory note to the ballot materials indicating it is a strict state mandate.
Motion made by:
Councilmember Fleming
Seconded by:
Mayor Duncan
Adopt Resolution 2026-28 calling and giving notice of the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election for the election of two Members of the City Council and submitting a ballot measure, if approved, increasing the permissible height of “multiple-family development” in the City’s R-4 Multiple Family Residential Zone; adopt Resolutions 2026-29 and 2026-30 setting forth primary and rebuttal argument regulations; and adopt Resolution 2026-31 requesting consolidation of the City’s election with the Statewide General Election to be conducted by the County of San Diego.
Yes (5):
Mayor Duncan, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Fleming, Councilmember Purvis, and Councilmember Steward Motion Carried
9. BOARD, COMMISSION, AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.a
Consideration of the Library Board of Trustees Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Work Plan
1. Staff Report - Library Board of Trustees Work Plan 2026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Proposed Library Board of Trustees Work Plan.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Library Board of Trustees Approved Work Plan FY2526.pdf Consider the proposed work plan for the Library Board of Trustees for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027.
This work plan was approved under the Consent Calendar.
9.b
Consideration of the Historic Resource Commission Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan
1. Staff Report - Historic Resource Commission Work Plan 2026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Historic Resource Commission Proposed Work Plan FY2627.pdf
3. Attachment 2 -Historic Resource Commission Approved Work Plan FY2526.pdf Consider the proposed work plan for the Historic Resource Commission for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
This work plan was approved under the Consent Calendar.
9.c
Consideration of the Planning and Design Commission Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan
1. Staff Report - Planning and Design Commission Work Plan 2026.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Planning and Design Commission Proposed Work Plan FY2627.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Planning and Design Commission Approved Work Plan FY2526.pdf Consider the proposed work plan for the Planning and Design Commission for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
This work plan was approved under the Consent Calendar.
10. CITY ATTORNEY
11. COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Duncan adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:01 p.m.