City Council Regular Meeting - July 23, 2024
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom established a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORTS
4.a
Closed Session Report
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=AYB6rV8I_Mb09wob&t=116
City Attorney Neumeyer announced no reportable action was taken in the July 23, 2024 closed session meeting.
Mr. Neumeyer reported the City Council met in closed session on July 10, 2024 to consider two matters. No legally reportable action was taken.
However, in the interests of transparency the Council asked that a “report out” be made on otherwise confidential information for Item No. 4.b.
Item No. 4.b concerned Council review under Govt Code 54956.8 with staff of a potential community benefits agreement with Vistra Energy after they sent a proposal to City. A potential community benefits agreement includes potential real estate transactions, such as the deeding of Lila Keiser park to the City and joint real estate ventures to generate City income, as well as other related potential benefits.
No commitments were made. No final action was taken on any agreement or contract with Vistra Energy. Rather, the Council conferred with City staff on a non-binding, tentative response to Vistra Energy’s proposed community benefits agreement to continue the conversation.
Vistra Energy was informed that the City may amend the response subject to further City staff review and public input. The Council will seek community feedback and input on the community benefits agreement subsequent to the initial rounds of non-binding and tentative discussions. Furthermore, no community benefits agreement will be approved without being agendized at a public Council meeting for review and discussion.
4.b
Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=sAhbrGqX6wklpUD3&t=232
Council Member Landrum announced she was in Texas providing child care for her family and participating remotely pursuant to the "just cause" provisions of Assembly Bill (AB) 2449.
4.c
City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=SQaTW7xPLRJ98j4w&t=931
4.d
Subcommittee Reports
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=7AhnqQ38NllRzi3s&t=1045
a.
Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District JPA
b.
Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
c.
Offshore Wind Energy
d.
Downtown Design District
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
5.a
Townsend Public Affairs Legislative Update
1. 5a Morro Bay State Legislative Presentation.pdf
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=uLUg92a6glo-emt0&t=1233 Presented by Townsend Public Affairs Director, Eric O'Donnell, and Senior Associate, Spencer Street.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=4NDGg-c6KCr3Ixl7&t=2256 Aaron Ochs, Morro Bay, announced the recent passing of his mother, Pamela Ochs, who led efforts to oppose ocean acoustic testing and ensured all voices were heard when the city proposed a water/sewer rate increase in 2018. He urged the community to vote yes on Measure A-24.
Robert Skinner requested a resolution in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Rich Raub, resident and Morro Bay Active Adults Board Member, asked the Council to agendize support for a fundraising effort to build four pickleball courts.
David Yohe, Morro Bay, requested a resolution in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza and commented on the need for an evacuation center should the proposed BESS project move forward.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, commented on recent City events and invited attendees to take home COVID test kits provided at no charge by SLO Food Bank.
Rachel Wilson, Cayucos, commented on the Brattle economic impact report for the proposed BESS Project.
Dolores Howard, Paso Robles, asked the Council to consider a resolution in support of a ceasefire.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, commented on Item 9a, urging the Council to authorize a second meeting to receive public comment on the findings and conclusions of the ad hoc committee.
Steve Paige shared information about the potential impacts of the proposed BESS project.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, appreciated City Council, Fire and Police Departments, Caltrans and others for united effort to clean up encampments along Quintana Road.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, asked how the public would be informed about upcoming pavement projects.
An unnamed resident shared his thoughts regarding a society steeped in violence.
Jeff Eckles, Morro Bay, announced his candidacy for Morro Bay City Council.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, commented on the Townsend Public Affairs presentation and inquired about the annual cost of services.
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.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items on the Consent Agenda. https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=PNwwNldIrnXuoiv-&t=4306 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, thanked the City for protecting the library.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, hoped to receive a cost/benefit report for the Ironman event and spoke in favor of appointing James Costanzo to the Recreation & Parks Commission.
End of public comment.
Council Member Ford pulled Item 7.e.
Council Member Landrum pulled Item 7.c.
Motion by
Council Member Edwards
Seconded by
Council Member Ford
Approve consent agenda Items 7.a., 7.b., 7.d. and 7.f.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Barton, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a
Approval of Minutes
Approve as submitted.
a.
May 23, 2024 - Special Closed Session Meeting
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_May23_2024 - English.pdf
b.
June 11, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Jun11_2024 - English.pdf
c.
June 25, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Jun25_2024 - English.pdf
7.b
Approval of Proclamations
a.
Proclamation recognizing Latino Outreach Council's 30 Years of Service
1. 7b Proclamation honoring Latino Outreach Council 30 year anniversary.pdf Approve as submitted.
7.c
Morro Bay Library Meeting/Book Room Discussion Update
1. 7c Morro Bay Library Room Update.pdf
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=QtH6i2EZ9cGtJGTa&t=4521 The Council Members shared their appreciation for efforts made to support Friends of the Library.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Mayor Wixom
Receive and file this report.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Barton, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.d
Update Regarding Ironman Event Contract Termination
1. 7d Ironman Event Update.pdf
2. 7d1 Letter - Termination for Discontinuation of Event.pdf Receive and file the report.
7.e
Authorization to Join the League of California Cities Letter of Opposition to Assembly Bill 2560 (Alvarez)
1. 7e AB 2560.pdf
2. 7e1 ACTION ALERT!! AB 2560 Coastal Cities.pdf
3. 7e2 AB 2560_SAMPLE Sign-On Oppose Letter.pdf
4. 7e3 AB 2560 (Alvarez) Density Bonus Law Amendments- Townsend email.pdf
5. 7e4 AB2560_Senate Natural Resources And Water.pdf
Council Member Ford declared a conflict on this item. (Due to a legislative conflict.) https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=1Q-HW37_AabNrxDM&t=4656 Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Barton
Join the League of California Cities ("Cal Cities") in opposition of Assembly Bill 2560 (Alvarez).
Ayes (4)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Barton, and Council Member Edwards Recused (1)
Council Member Ford
CARRIED (4 to 0)
7.f
Appointment of James Costanzo to the Recreation and Parks Commission
1. 7f Appointment of James Costanzo to RPC.pdf
2. 7f1 RPC - Costanzo_Redacted.pdf
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=f_e-DeIqKgG-nH19&t=4684 Mayor Wixom invited Mr. Costanzo to the podium to say a few words.
Appoint James Costanzo to the Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC) to fill an unscheduled vacancy through January 31, 2026.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
The Mayor and City Council took a brief recess at 6:58 p.m and reconvened at 7:07 p.m. with all members present.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.a
Downtown Design District Recommendations
1. 9a SR Downtown Design District Recommendations.pdf
2. 9a1 DDD Summary Memo (June 2024).pdf
3. 9a2 City Map - Downtown Design District.pdf
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=FhDW1QEIe_40R_ct&t=4746 Community Development Director Singewald presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Council Members Landrum and Edwards offered comments as sub-committee members.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=Ut_wXFdfoRSNNzjj&t=6636 Bill Luffee, Morro Bay, commended the subcommittee's work and hoped property owner input would be sought to understand their intentions.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, agreed with importance of involving property owners and urged the City to pursue a comprehensive Downtown/Waterfront Master Plan.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, stated that, as a committee member, she did not feel the work was complete and asked the Council to allow the committee to meet again to organize a public presentation.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, heartily agreed with Ms. Winholtz's comments regarding the need for more community input.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, agreed a second community input meeting should be allowed.
Jeff Eckles, Morro Bay, appreciated Mr. Codron's incremental approach and focus on things that are achievable in the short term. He felt it was unreasonable at this point to think the ad hoc committee would provide all the answers for our downtown.
The public comment period was closed.
There was Council discussion and support for a final meeting of the ad hoc group to form consensus prior to presenting information in a community forum, Council Member Landrum moved for the subcommittee to meet again for a final meeting then to present final outcome to a public workshop as originally intended. The motion was seconded by Council Member Edwards for discussion.
Mr. Singlewald sought clarification on the areas of focus and noted the annual General Plan Progress Report would be another opportunity to report back to Council and community regarding progress made on the implementation.
There was Council consensus the areas of focus should include:
Viewshed
Downtown Design District boundaries/footprint
Historic or character defining buildings
Housing
Following discussion, the motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Edwards
That the subcommittee meet again for a final meeting then present final outcome in a public workshop as originally intended.
Ayes (5)
Council Member Barton, Council Member Ford, Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Edwards CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b
Approval of City Manager Contract Amendment
1. 9b Staff Report - City Manager Contract Amendment No 2.pdf
2. 9b1 Second Amendment to City Manager Kimball Employment Agreement.pdf
3. 9b2 First Amendment to City Manager Kimball Employment Agr (signed).pdf https://youtu.be/HBvQhTcCD5w?si=yxE67VUmBjOWI--B&t=8775 City Attorney Neumeyer presented the report.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.b.
Terry Simons, Morro Bay, questioned the need for a retention bonus and was concerned about automatic need for COLA adjustments.
End of public comment.
Mayor Wixom responded to issues raised during public comment.
Mayor Wixom read the following statement into the record as presented in the staff report, "The City Manager will receive an extra 10 hours of maximum vacation leave bank accrual from 300 to 310 hours total; consistent with the COLA salary increases provided to City Department Heads the City Manager’s annual salary for FY 2024/25 will be $234,062, for FY 2025/26 will be $245,773, and for FY 2026/27 will be $258,066, totaling an increase of $35,155 over a three year period, with further increases thereafter consistent with COLA salary increases provided to City Department Heads; and, the City Manager will receive a one-time retention bonus of $1,063.25 to be paid no later than the second regular pay period following the effective date of the Second Amendment." Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Barton
Consider approval of the Second Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement for City Manager Yvonne Kimball and authorization for the Mayor to sign the Second Amendment on behalf of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Barton, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Ford CARRIED (5 to 0)
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.