Agenda Item No. 11
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: July 24, 2023 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Kristin Eriksson, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: FY 2022-23 Year-End Council Goals Implementation Report
RECOMMENDATION
Receive information on the year-end implementation status of the Council Goals in FY 2022-23.
BACKGROUND
On March 8, 2021 the Council adopted a set of Council Goals for FY 2021-23 following a goalsetting workshop conducted by the Council on February 26, 2021. Those goals were updated by the Council at a Midyear Council Goals Workshop on March 7, 2022 for FY 2022-23 (see Attachment 1 – FY 2022-23 Council Goals). The City implemented Council’s policy direction including Council Goals with the resources established in the two-year FY 2021-23 budget.
As we begin the new fiscal year with updated FY 2023-25 Council Goals adopted in March 2023, it is worthwhile to report the implementation and progress over the past FY 2022-23 in addressing community needs. There was substantial progress made in implementing Council Goals as shown in Attachment 2. Overall, approximately 90% of the tasks for last fiscal year for the Major City Goals were completed or are currently in progress as shown in the chart below listed by goal:
Goal Completed In Progress Deferred* Total
Economic Development 6 6 1 13
Housing & Homelessness 6 2 - 8
Public Safety 3 - 1 4
Street Improvements 3 1 1 5
TOTAL 18 9 3 30
*Tasks shown as deferred will be implemented in the future.
Below are highlights of this progress categorized by each of the Major City Goals:
Economic Development
• Worked with SLO Partners on digital marketing workforce training. • Worked with the South County Chambers of Commerce to conduct regular Business Retention interviews with businesses and to increase the social media presence and website for the Visit Grover Beach tourism brand.
• Continued work with regional partners on regional economic development strategies. • Continued to work with Digital West/Astound to promote citywide high speed broadband services.
• Continued to work with developers on permits for hotels at 950 and 1598 El Camino Real, and on State Parks property (Grover Beach Lodge project) Staff Report: FY 2022-23 Council Goals Implementation Report Page 2 July 24, 2023
• Permitted four additional cannabis businesses and adopted an ordinance allowing onsite cannabis consumption at the permitted retailers.
• Continued to process development applications for mixed-use projects on West Grand Avenue and provided $75,000 in Small Business Façade Improvement grants to assist businesses with improvements to their buildings, signage and outdoor seating areas. • Advanced design of the West Grand Avenue streetscape project between 4th and 8th streets.
Housing and Homelessness
• Approved a four-story mixed-use building at 402 West Grand Avenue with 37 residential units and 4,700 square feet of commercial/retail space with construction anticipated to begin Summer 2023.
• Worked with developers on an application for a 60-unit mixed-use project at 401 West Grand Avenue and reviewed other mixed-use housing opportunities. • Worked with Peoples’ Self-Help Housing and HASLO on an application for a building permit for a housing project on South 13th Street (Cleaver property) • Supported development and opening of Cabins for Change homeless housing facility on 16th Street and Long Branch Avenue which became operational in January 2023 • Worked with 5CHC on site plans for a second homeless housing facility on the property on 4th Street and Barca with a goal of opening by the end of 2023. • Approved updated camping ordinance to restrict the scope of camping on public and private property.
• Implemented Development Code and Land Use Element updates to accelerate housing production and completed checklists, applications and website updates. • Initiated effort to assess eligibility for the “Pro-Housing Designation” from the State Department of Housing and Development.
Public Safety
• Continued to work with regional agencies to coordinate a unified approach by law enforcement agencies and others to address mental health issues in the unhoused community.
• Restructured Police Department staffing to operate with 2.5 Community Service Technicians to enhance non-sworn personnel.
• Worked with the Five Cities Fire Authority and the City of Arroyo Grande on service levels and governance changes for fire and emergency medical services including outside consultant review and adoption of new Joint Powers Authority agreement.
Street and Other Capital Improvements
• Completed Measure K-14 Street Improvement projects on portions of S. 7th Street, S. 10th Street, Manhattan Avenue, Seabright Avenue, Charles Street, N. 2nd Street and N. 6th Street.
• Completed 13 sidewalk infill projects associated with the Measure K-14 projects. • Design for the West Grand Avenue Streetscape project between 4th and 8th Streets is scheduled for completion in July 2023 with construction to begin in fall 2023.
In addition to these results tied to Major City Goals, staff would highlight various other achievements over the past year shown in Attachment 2 including:
• Continued to prepare construction documents for Phases 1 (playground and restrooms) and 2 (bandstand and amphitheater) of the Ramona Park improvements • Initiated a facility condition assessment of City facilities to determine long-term needs.
Staff Report: FY 2022-23 Council Goals Implementation Report Page 3 July 24, 2023
• Continued installation of wayfinding signs and added an “I(Heart)GB” sign at the Highway 1/West Grand Avenue entrance to the City.
• Resumed “Coffee with a Cop” community engagement events and initiated a community survey and community forum to provide opportunities for public input into the Council’s FY 2023-25 goal setting process.
• Continued work toward the Central Coast Blue recycled water project, including holding a joint meeting of the City Councils, approval of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agreement and convening of the initial JPA Board meeting.
• Rescinded the Stage 3 Water Shortage Declaration, given improved water levels after winter rainfall.
On behalf of the City staff team, we are proud of these accomplishments over the past year. The investments made by the public over many years reflect this “can do” spirit of the community. Our team looks forward to continuing to meet the opportunities and challenges over this next year in continuing to serve our community and create an even better Grover Beach.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to this item.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Receive information on the year-end implementation status of the Council Goals in FY 2022-23; or
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. FY 2022-23 Council Goals
2. FY 2022-23 Major City Goals Work Program Year-End Results
3. FY 2022-23 Other Important Goals Year-End Results
City of Grover Beach
FY 2021-23 City Council Goals
MAJOR CITY GOALS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Develop and implement economic development initiatives that include COVID-related economic recovery strategies, business retention and attraction, effective and timely permit processing, and tourism promotion including marketing, attracting hotels along Grand Avenue, and ensuring compatible beach uses.
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS. Update City codes and standards to encourage housing construction to meet diverse needs; collaborate with developers and non-profits in efforts to increase overall housing stock with a priority on affordable housing availability; and partner with regional agencies and organizations to address homelessness and sheltering issues in the city and region.
PUBLIC SAFETY. Champion contemporary public safety services (police, fire, emergency medical services) by providing leadership and adequate resources, including training, to meet service demands and growing challenges in such areas as homelessness, mental health, vagrancy, and social justice.
STREET IMPROVEMENTS. Continue improvements to major arterials and local streets, incorporating where feasible related improvements, such as utility upgrades and “complete streets” - medians, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bulb-outs, street trees and other related improvements.
OTHER IMPORTANT GOALS
BUILDING AND FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS. Provide for improvements and enhancements to City buildings, parks, and other facilities through a condition assessment, including disability access needs, followed by a funding and implementation plan to ensure that these public assets meet current and future needs; identify and plan for added facilities where our existing inventory falls short.
CITY BEAUTIFICATION AND PUBLIC ART. Enhance the appearance of the city by improving major entryways, ensuring high signage standards, preserving “legacy trees,” and partnering with the community to pursue new public art projects, such as murals.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Continue a strong commitment to transparency and public participation in City government through programs, initiatives and events to encourage citizen engagement in key community decisions; and formalize our practices by adopting a public participation plan and policy.
PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE AND TRAFFIC SAFETY. Continue efforts to make Grover Beach more pedestrian and bicycle friendly by adding and/or enhancing bicycle lanes, sidewalks, street lights, street and crosswalk striping, and other traffic calming and safety measures.
ADDRESS AS RESOURCES PERMIT
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. Integrate environmentally sustainable principles, practices and projects into City operations and new development plans and standards; increase resource conservation and reduce carbon emissions through initiatives such as Central Coast Blue, Central Coast Community Energy and other technology opportunities to address and off-set climate impacts.
CODE COMPLIANCE. Continue to strengthen the code compliance program and related code sections to be more proactive in inspecting and addressing such issues as, short term rental violations, illegal advertising/business signage, overgrown landscaping and conflicting right-of-way encroachments; continue monitoring the cannabis industry.
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. Provide viable recreation, youth, childcare and special event programs designed to meet current and emerging needs, both directly and in partnership with other providers.
Attachment 1
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOAL STATEMENT
Develop and implement economic development initiatives that include COVID-related economic recovery strategies, business retention and attraction, effective and timely permit processing, and tourism promotion including marketing, attracting hotels along Grand Avenue, and ensuring compatible beach uses.
STAFF LEAD: Matthew Bronson, City Manager; Kristin Eriksson, Deputy City Manager; Megan Martin, Community Development Director
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
Business Retention and Attraction
1. Work with Chamber to enable businesses to improve
their marketing through digital marketing bootcamps in
partnership with SLO Partners
2. Work with Chamber to conduct outreach with local
businesses on key issues facing Grover Beach businesses including periodic meetings and surveys
3. Continue to collaborate with regional partner agencies to identify economic development strategies to support the regional economy.
4. Work with Digital West to promote citywide fiber
broadband expansion as part of the Digital West
implementation
June 2023
July 2023
July 2022
September 2022
Completed
In Progress
Completed
Deferred
The City worked with SLO Partners on digital marketing
workforce training including two digital marketing
scholarships, two precision manufacturing scholarships, and one software development scholarship.
Business attraction work resumed after the hiring of a new Chamber CEO in the fall of 2022. The Chamber convened
periodic meetings with Grover Beach businesses along with a targeted outreach meeting with cannabis businesses.
The City has continued to work with REACH, Visit SLO Cal, the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and other groups on regional economic development strategies.
Digital West/Astound is installing its citywide high-speed fiber optic broadband network. The City will work with
Astound and the Chamber to promote broadband use from an economic development standpoint upon completion of the
installation by the end of 2023.
Attachment 2
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
Tourism Development
1. Begin oversight and construction management for hotel site at 950 El Camino Real
2. Process building permits for 1598 El Camino Real hotel project upon submittal by developer
3. Continue involvement in Grover Beach Lodge project in partnership with lead agency State Parks and issue City permits for initial offsite construction upon plan submittal and approval
4. Work with Chamber to enhance Visit Grover Beach
tourism marketing efforts to promote Grover Beach as a
desirable coastal destination for a variety of beach uses Commercial Cannabis Activities
1. Process development and building applications for
commercial cannabis businesses upon submittal
January 2023
January 2023
July 2023
July 2023
July 2023
In Progress
In Progress
In Progress
Completed
Completed
Review of construction plans were approved in Summer 2022.
Developer was issued a building permit in June 2023 with site mobilization and construction to begin in July 2023.
Staff approved a substantial conformance request in March 2023. Developer anticipates financing will be secured for an Summer 2023 building permit submittal on the first phase.
Developer submitted building plans to State Parks for review in December 2022. State Parks facilitated review of the plans between State Parks and the City with minor corrections to be submitted to the developer in July 2023.
The City worked with the Chamber to redefine their economic development services with a post-pandemic focus on tourism marketing. The City is working with the Chamber to increase the social media presence and website of the Visit Grover Beach tourism brand and to update the Visit Grover Beach website. The Chamber also worked with Visit SLO CAL to
increase the number of Grover Beach businesses featured in the SLO Crafted campaign.
City staff issued two new building permits for development of 35,000 square feet of anticipated commercial cannabis
processing along Huston Street. City staff anticipates
continuing to work with commercial cannabis businesses
looking to expand either through relocation from other
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
2. Process onsite consumption area applications upon
submittal by retailers pending adoption of ordinance
allowing use
West Grand Avenue Improvements
1. Process development applications for West Grand
Avenue housing and mixed-use projects upon submittal
by property owners
2. Pursue streetscape and other infrastructure improvements to improve the appearance and functionality of the
commercial corridor
3. Work with Chamber and businesses along West Grand
Avenue on outreach and marketing to enhance economic
vitality of the corridor
July 2023
July 2023
July 2023
July 2023
In Progress
Completed
Completed
In Progress
jurisdictions, or expanding existing businesses located in the City.
Council adopted an Ordinance to allow on-site cannabis
consumption areas and special events, and to revise the regulatory permit renewal process in May 2022. At this time, no cannabis retailers have submitted an application for an onsite consumption area, however, City staff will work with the commercial cannabis industry to bring consumption areas and special events to Grover Beach.
Several West Grand Avenue housing and mixed-use project applications were submitted for City review with staff
working with developers on other potential sites. Additionally, the City provided $75,000 in façade improvement grants to local businesses to improve their aesthetics.
West Grand Avenue Streetscape final project design was
presented to Council in June 2023 with construction expected to begin in Fall 2023.
The City held a community meeting in October of 2022 for businesses along West Grand Avenue between 3rd and 9th
Streets to provide information about the upcoming West
Grand Avenue streetscape project between 4th and 8th Streets.
The City will continue to work with the Chamber to
coordinate marketing efforts with the businesses along West Grand Avenue.
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
KEY POLICY/OPERATIONAL ISSUES
• Need for review into scope of services with the South County Chambers of Commerce as part of the City’s business retention, recruitment and marketing efforts
• Continue City’s involvement in regional economic development strategies to ensure community economic vitality in the future • Continue working with Astound/Digital West to maximize the potential of citywide fiber broadband expansion for attraction of businesses and residents • Continued focus on commercial cannabis industry and hotel development projects given economic activity and development opportunities along with additional tax revenues
• Provide greater focus on West Grand Avenue improvements given the level of development interest in housing and mixed-use projects MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
GOAL STATEMENT
Update City codes and standards to encourage housing construction to meet diverse needs; collaborate with developers and non-profits in efforts to increase overall housing stock with a priority on affordable housing availability; and partner with regional agencies and organizations to address homelessness and sheltering issues in the city and region.
STAFF LEAD: Megan Martin, Community Development Director; Matthew Bronson, City Manager
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
1. Process development applications for West Grand
Avenue housing and mixed-use projects upon submittal
by property owners
2. Oversee the start of the building permit process for the development of affordable housing project on South 13th Street (Cleaver property)
3. Work with 5Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) on the
development of a homeless housing facility on Cityowned property on South 4th Street
4. Continue to work with 5CHC and surrounding cities to increase the supply of supportive and transitional housing and programs to assist the homeless
5. Continue periodic homeless encampment outreach and
cleaning activities at affected locations
July 2022
July 2022
July 2022
July 2022
July 2022
Completed
In Progress
Completed
Completed
Completed
City approved a four-story mixed-use building at 402 West Grand Avenue with 37 residential units and 4,700 square feet of commercial/retail space with construction anticipated to begin Summer 2023. Staff is working with developers on an application for a 60-unit project at 401 West Grand Avenue.
Other mixed-use housing opportunities are in concept review.
PSHH/HASLO submitted an application for a building permit in December 2022. Staff returned corrections in January 2023 and continues to work with the applicant’s design team. 5CHC is working on site plans and grant funding to establish a homeless housing facility on City-owned property on South 4th Street with goal of opening by end of 2023.
Supported 5CHC in opening of Cabins for Change homeless housing facility in Grover Beach and supported efforts by County and other agencies to develop additional facilities.
City conducted several encampment cleanings in the El
Camino Real open space area. Council adopted an updated camping ordinance in March 2023 to restrict extent and scope of camping on public property.
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
6. Receive Coastal Commission approval of the Local
Coastal Program amendments related to the Land Use
Element and Development Code updates
7. Implement Land Use Element and Development Code
updates including development of checklists, website
update, staff training and developer outreach
8. Apply for “Pro-Housing Designation” from State
Department of Housing and Development to assist with
securing State grant assistance
October 2022
October 2022
June 2023
Completed
Completed
In Progress
Commission approval was received in December 2022 which allows use of updated Development Code within Coastal Zone.
Development Code and Land Use Element updates were
adopted by Council in June 2022 with Coastal Commission approved for Coastal Zone areas in December 2022.
Checklists, applications, and other website updates have been completed. A developer outreach session is planned for 2024, to coincide with the roll-out of the new Enterprise Permitting and Licensing Software.
Staff has begun review of the pro-housing designation criteria to assess eligibility. Subject to meeting the minimum score requirement, staff will proceed with an application to secure the designation to assist with securing State grant assistance.
KEY POLICY/OPERATIONAL ISSUES
• Implementation of the updated Development Code and Land Use Element will be a major area of focus for FY 2022-23 particularly in encouraging multifamily, infill development along West Grand Avenue corridor. • Housing availability is a significant challenge throughout the region and the City has limitations in responding to this need given staffing and funding, as well as the extent to which local government can address the housing market. Changes in housing will take time given the work involved in the private sector housing production along with development of the People’s Self-Help Housing/HASLO affordable housing project on South 13th Street. • Homelessness is one of the most difficult issues facing local government and is an issue that extends beyond the role of cities in addressing it. The City continues to take a balanced approach of “compassion with order” by supporting creation of additional housing units and services along with taking actions to better secure and maintain public spaces. The opening of the Cabins for Change facility, development of a future facility on South 4th Street, and drafting of a camping ordinance are examples of the City’s proactive work.
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
PUBLIC SAFETY
GOAL STATEMENT
Champion contemporary public safety services (police, fire, emergency medical services) by providing leadership and adequate resources, including training, to meet service demands and growing challenges in such areas as homelessness, mental health, vagrancy, and social justice.
STAFF LEAD: John Peters, Chief of Police; Stephen Lieberman, Five Cities Fire Chief
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
1. Continue exploration of more unified approach between public safety departments, County agencies, and
homeless service providers on outreach for homeless
individuals with mental health issues
2. Work with Five Cities Fire Authority member agencies on future service delivery and governance structure for fire and emergency medical services to implement
beginning July 1, 2023
3. Expand Police Department Community Services
Technician program through vacant position
reclassification to enhance the use of non-sworn
personnel on certain tasks
4. Enhance the City’s emergency management efforts
through updating the City’s Emergency Operations
Plans, implementing staff and Council training and
collaborating with other agencies on emergency
preparedness and response
July 2022
July 2022
October 2022
December 2022
Completed
Completed
Completed
Deferred
Police Department worked with the 5Cities Homeless
Coalition (5CHC) and local agencies to coordinate a unified approach to address mental health issues within the unhoused community. Chief Peters was on the countywide committee that recently completed the update to the countywide
homelessness strategic plan.
Staff worked with FCFA and Arroyo Grande staff on service level and governance changes for fire services including an outside consultant review. New Joint Powers Authority
Agreement approved by Council along with increased service levels and temporary service delivery to Oceano.
Police Department is operating with 2.5 Community Service Technicians through restructuring. Program has been
successful in alleviating some calls that officers were handling so they can concentrate on crime prevention and response.
Due to budgetary constraints, this project was not funded and a request for proposal was not completed.
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY POLICY/OPERATIONAL ISSUES
• Implementation of new service level and governance changes related to the Five Cities Fire Authority and future service delivery options with the County for Oceano.
• Need for coordination with other agencies on outreach services to those individuals with mental health issues and homelessness. • Need to bolster citywide emergency management and preparedness work. • Finding opportunities to expand Police Department services within existing budget allocation.
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
GOAL STATEMENT
Continue improvements to major arterials and local streets, incorporating where feasible related improvements, such as utility upgrades and “complete streets” - medians, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, bulb-outs, street trees and other related improvements.
STAFF LEAD: Greg Ray, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Erin Wiggin, Capital Improvement Projects Manager; Gabriel Munoz-Morris, Senior Engineer
TASK PLANNED STATUS YEAR-END COMMENTS
1. Complete application package to PG&E for the Street
Lighting Project (CIP 2003). The first phase is for North Oak Park Boulevard.
2. Complete construction of the sidewalk infill with the cost sharing program with the two Measure K-14 projects
(CIP 2295-14 and 2295-15) listed below (CIP 2274).
3. Complete design and begin construction of the West
Grand Avenue Streetscape project from 4th to 8th Streets (CIP 2287)
4. Complete design and begin construction of CIP 2295-14 (portions of Trouville, S. 7th Street, Ocean View Avenue, Nacimiento Avenue, Mono Court, Owens Court,
Margarita Avenue and Angello Terrace)
5. Complete design and begin construction of CIP 2295-15 (portions of S. 7th Street, S. 10th Street, Manhattan
Avenue, Seabright Avenue, Charles Street, N. 2nd Street and N. 6th Street)
July 2022
June 2023
January 2023
August 2023
February 2023
Deferred
Complete
In Progress
Completed
Completed
Project funding removed from FY 2022-23 and delayed to FY 2023-24.
A total of 13 residents participated in the sidewalk cost sharing program.
Design effort increased as a result of Council input on design elements. Design will be completed July 2023 and construction will start in fall 2023.
Construction completed in December 2022.
Design was completed in December 2022 and construction was completed in June 2023.
MAJOR CITY GOAL FY 2022-23 YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
KEY POLICY/OPERATIONAL ISSUES
• Continuing to achieve accelerated pace of projects within the city’s relatively small footprint of approximately two square miles without significant inconvenience to residents and with limited field staff available to provide project utility support. • Improved funding availability for improving arterials and major streets given higher General Fund contribution for capital projects and an increase in Local Transportation Funds derived from Gas Taxes though additional funding is still needed given the extent of arterials and major streets that need repair. • Incorporating sidewalk infill, traffic calming, and other safety enhancements desired with street improvement work. • Need to plan for street maintenance work in future Capital Improvement Programs to maintain the City’s streets rehabilitated in recent years.
FY 2022-23 OTHER IMPORTANT COUNCIL GOALS
YEAR-END IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
BUILDING AND FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS. Provide for improvements and enhancements to City buildings, parks, and other facilities through a condition assessment, including disability access needs, followed by a funding and implementation plan to ensure that these public assets meet current and future needs; identify and plan for added facilities where our existing inventory falls short.
Key Actions:
• Completed the fire station upgrade project which included a complete kitchen remodel, new flooring and other improvements.
• Continued to prepare the construction documents for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Ramona Park improvements.
• Initiated facility condition needs assessment to review the condition of City facilities and identify long-term needs and capital improvements.
• Moved into temporary storage facility for extended size Police vehicles to free up space at the Police Station
CITY BEAUTIFICATION AND PUBLIC ART. Enhance the appearance of the City by improving major entryways, ensuring high signage standards, preserving “legacy trees”, and partnering with the community to pursue new public art projects, such as murals.
Key Actions:
• Continued to install visitor wayfinding signs at major intersections throughout the City. • Converted #GB60 sign at Highway 1 and West Grand Avenue to “I(Heart)GB” sign.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Continue a strong commitment to transparency and public participation in City government through programs, initiatives and events to encourage citizen engagement in key community decisions; and formalize our practices by adopting a public participation plan and policy.
Key Actions:
• Resumed quarterly “Coffee with a Cop” community engagement events at various locations in the City.
• Issued a community survey related to the Council goal-setting process in December 2022 and hosted a community forum in January 2023 to provide opportunities for the public to provide input into the Council’s goal setting process for FY 2023-25. • Developed a “GB101” video series highlighting City services and officials.
WATER RESILIENCY. Partner with communities throughout the South County to achieve sustainable water resources through initiatives such as the Central Coast Blue recycled water project as well as through water conservation efforts.
Key Actions:
• Held an inaugural joint meeting of the City Councils of Grover Beach, Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande in September 2022 to update the Councils on the progress of the Central Coast Blue recycled water project with a subsequent joint meeting held in June 2023 on local hiring options. • Approved a Joint Powers Authority Agreement to create the Central Coast Blue Regional Recycled Water Authority and convened the initial Authority Board meeting in December 2022. • Declared a Stage 3 Water Shortage Declaration in September 2022 given drought conditions which led to a 20% reduction requirement in water usage with associated penalties but subsequently lifted this declaration in March 2023 and returned to voluntary conservation given winter rainfall.
Attachment 3