City Council Regular Meeting - January 23, 2024
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m., with all members present.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=IvfpEoIyOMbzEknD&t=87
Mayor Wixom sought Council consensus to hear Business Item 9.a. before Public Hearing Item 8.a.
4.a
Closed Session Report
City Attorney Neumeyer announced no closed session meeting was held therefore no reportable action.
4.b
Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=D8CUG7xxbK3kWemW&t=125
4.c
City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
None
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
5.a
Measure Q/E Report by CFAC Chair Stephen Peck
1. Annual CFAC Presentation 2024.pdf
https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=OrY6r4mXFhSjnzY2&t=883
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=J4KbDzeLUUzpRXDe&t=1280 Jon Elliott introduced Joel Leidinger, a new barber at Northside Mike's located at 2300 Main Street, Suite 2. Visit mikesbarbershop.com
for more information.
Joel Leidinger introduced himself and was pleased to be part of the Morro Bay community.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, shared her appreciation for advisory board volunteers.
Jeanne Marie Colby, Morro Bay, urged residents to vote yes on Measure A-24 and requested a 90-day comment period for the BESS EIR.
Aaron Ochs, Morro Bay, stated his support for Measure A-24 and shared concerns regarding Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, rejected REACH's proposal for the role Morro Bay may play with regard to the battery project or wind energy. She added her support for Measure A-24 and a 90-day comment period for the BESS EIR.
Cherise Hansson, Chairperson for the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on Chamber activities and its search for a new CEO/President.
An unnamed person requested a 90-day review period for the Vistra EIR.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, disputed offshore wind and battery storage were green energy and added her support for 90-day review of the Vistra BESS EIR.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, asked why steel plates were placed in several blocks along Morro Avenue.
An unnamed person concurred with Ms. Dorfman's comments and spoke in support of Mr. Ochs' recent blog.
Margaret Carmen, Member of REACT Alliance, spoke in opposition to the BESS project and offshore wind, added her support for Measure A-24 and a 90-day review period of the BESS EIR.
An unnamed person commented on racism and classism.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are approved without discussion. The public will also be provided an opportunity to comment on consent agenda items. https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=gdpQVcl_3APpPpar&t=2965 Public Comment:
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, was pleased the Lila Keiser parking lot would be repaved and hoped the road leading to the park would also be paved.
End of Public Comment
Motion by
Council Member Ford
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Approve Consent Agenda Items 7.a through 7.d as submitted.
Ayes (5)
Council Member Ford, Mayor Wixom, Council Member Barton, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Edwards CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a
Approval of Minutes
Approve as submitted.
a.
December 12, 2023 Special Closed Session Meeting (Revised)
1. 7.a.1 CC_2023-12-12 Closed Session Meeting Minutes (Revised).pdf
b.
January 9, 2024 Special Closed Session Meeting
1. 7.a.2 CC_2024-01-09 Closed Session Meeting Minutes.pdf
7.b
Application for California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Grant
1. OTS Grant Application FY2024 2025.pdf
Authorize the Fire Department to submit applications to the California Office of Traffic Safety Grant program for hydraulic extrication equipment.
7.c
Resolution No. 06-24 for Award of Bid - Project No. MB2022-MA01, Morro Bay Parking Lots Rehabilitation and Improvements Project
1. Morro Bay Parking Lots Rehabilation.pdf
2. 1 - Reso 06-24 MB Parking Lots Rehab and Improvement Project Award.pdf
3. 2 - Bid Results Form.pdf
4. 3 - Morro Bay Parking Lots Rehab Project Contract Award Agreement.pdf
5. 4 - Improvement Plans.pdf
Adopt Resolution No. 06-24 approving an agreement with Ramsey Asphalt Construction Corp. for Project No. MB2022-MA01, Morro Bay Parking Lots Rehabilitation and Improvements Project, in an amount not to exceed $251,467.48. All agreements implementing such project work shall be processed and based on the review of the City Attorney’s Office to be in form and substance acceptable to City staff and legal counsel.
7.d
Adoption of Resolution No. 07-24 Authorizing Submission of Rural Transit Fund Grant Application and Execution of Related Documents Upon Award
1. Application Authorization to Purchase Transit Bus FY24-25.pdf
2. 1 - Reso 07-24 Application Authorization Transit Bus Purchase FY 24-25.pdf Adopt Resolution No. 07-24 authorizing submission of Rural Transit Fund (RTF) Grant Application for a new transit bus and execution of related documents upon award.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
8.a
Adoption of Resolution No. 08-24 approving Conditional Use Permit #CUP22-09 at 801 Embarcadero for redevelopment of the Libertine Brewing site (Lease site 86/86W) and public access improvements
1. 801 Embarcadero Conditional Use Permit.pdf
2. 1 - Reso 08-24 801 Embarcadero Conditional Use Permit.pdf
3. 2 - Planning Commission Reso No. 19-23 (adopted 12-19-23).pdf
4. 3 - Libertine Plans-Plan Reductions dated January 11, 2024.pdf https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=lxii0xhYW-5HAzKW&t=5307 Planning Manager Jacinth presented the report, including proposed language for Condition #25 regarding deferral of plaza improvements until a plan is prepared that addresses relocation of parking spaces.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment:
Eric Newton, Applicant, thanked staff and the Planning Commission for their hard work and guidance, described the collaborative process and efforts to maximize the property potential, and addressed parking concerns.
Jeff Heller, Morro Bay, spoke in support of the project.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, illustrated her concerns about extending the harborwalk 5 ft. beyond the required 10 ft.
An unnamed resident offered comments on the project and suggested this was an opportunity to consider closing the Embarcadero to private vehicles.
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, expressed concern about the elimination of parking spaces, particularly accessible spaces.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, offered comments on parking credits based on past uses and need to initiate an in-lieu program to fund a parking structure.
End of public comment.
The Council took a brief recess at 8:39 p.m. and reconvened at 8:46 p.m.
Mr. Graham asked Mr. Neumeyer to read language added to Condition 25 into the record (full text of Condition 25, including proposed addition (provided below).
Plaza improvements shall be deferred until a relocation plan is prepared that addresses relocation of parking spaces; or unless relocation of parking spaces for street ends is identified and included with approval of the future Waterfront Master Plan update. Deferral of the plaza improvements shall be included in the lease for the subject property. Plaza improvements shall be installed within 24 months of an approved relocation plan for the relocated parking spaces. Upon written determination by the City Manager and the Community Development Director, that parking relocation is unlikely, including but not limited to, through anticipated untimely delay of the waterfront master plan update, Applicant will within 30 calendar days deposit into the City’s general fund for use in Harbor area by City a sum equal to the total amount of plaza improvement cost as reasonably determined by the Community Development Director based upon industry standards. If within 14 months after the building permit is issued for Applicant’s project, plaza improvements have not been determined by the City to move forward then Applicant has the option of depositing said sum to the City, rather than waiting for a determination on whether or not parking relocation will or will not occur.
Mr. Newton was invited back to the podium and agreed on record to Condition #25, including language read into the record by Mr. Neumeyer.
Mr. Graham noted development without plaza would eliminate four parking spots. Given this, he suggested adding a condition to investigate the ability to place an ADA parking space along the frontage or within street end and/or a passenger drop off loading zone space with priority toward providing an ADA parking space (new Condition #26) Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Ford
Adopt Resolution No. 08-24, making the necessary findings for approval of Conditional Use Permit #CUP22-09 as Concept/Precise Plan approval, located at 801 Embarcadero with the alternative that we modify conditions of approval from the Planning Commission to include conditions 25 and 26 as articulated by staff and Council.
Ayes (5)
Council Member Barton, Council Member Ford, Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Edwards CARRIED (5 to 0)
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.a
Advisory Board Interviews and Appointments
1. Advisory Board Interviews.pdf
2. 1 - Applications_Redacted.pdf
https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=zOPuqLeWMrVond9t&t=3109 The following applicants were interviewed to the Planning Commission: Derek Dahlgren and Joe Ingraffia.
The City Council voted by written ballot and City Clerk Swanson read the results: Joe Ingraffia received unanimous support by the Mayor and City Council Members and was appointed to a 4-year term on the Planning Commission.
Given this assignment, there was Council consensus to have Mr. Ingraffia step down from consideration for appointment to the Public Works Advisory Board.
The following applicants were interviewed to the Public Works Advisory Board: Derek Dahlgren and Doug Hill.
See first motion below.
Council Member Landrum recused herself from interviews for the Recreation & Parks Commission given her relationship with one of the applicants. Ms. Merzoyan withdrew from consideration and Council Member Landrum returned to the dais.
The following applicants were interviewed to the Recreation and Parks: Megan Fazio and Betty Winholtz. Following interviews, Ms. Winholtz offered to serve the partial term.
See second motion below.
Following this item, the Council took a brief recess at 7:00 p.m. and reconvened at 7:13 p.m.
Motion by
Council Member Ford
Seconded by
Council Member Barton
Appoint Doug Hill and Derek Dahlgren to 4-year terms on the Public Works Advisory Board.
Ayes (5)
Council Member Barton, Council Member Ford, Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Edwards CARRIED (5 to 0)
Motion by
Council Member Ford
Seconded by
Council Member Barton
Appoint Megan Fazio for a 4-year term ending January 31, 2028 and appoint Betty Winholtz to fill the remainder of a term ending January 31, 2025 to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Ayes (5)
Council Member Barton, Council Member Ford, Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Edwards CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b
Update on Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 and 2024-25 City Council Goals and Action Items
1. Adopt FY 23-25 Strategic Goals.pdf
2. 1 - City Goals and Sort Term Actions - 2023-25.pdf
3. 2 - City Goals Progress Tracking_FY 2023-2025.pdf
https://youtu.be/Sula8Wp-v5M?si=cFJtyHvzTZN59L-y&t=11447 City Manager Kimball and the Department Directors presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
There was Council consensus to continue the meeting past 9:30 p.m.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment.
Jeff Heller, Morro Bay, appreciated the report and suggested the goals process be tied to what the City is able to fund and accomplish.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, agreed with the City Manager's first three options as the priorities, along with street striping and STR code enforcement.
An unnamed resident suggested the City should focus on preservation of quality of life, not continued growth.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, appreciated the City's efforts to address encampments along Quintana Road, suggesting that area is appropriate for some type of low income housing project.
End of public comment.
There was consensus to direct staff to come back a prioritized status report update.
No formal action was taken on this item.
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:19 p.m.