City Council Regular Meeting - January 14, 2025
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. with all members present.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
Public Comments:
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
4. REPORTS
Public Comments:
4.a
Closed Session Report
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=Hn_ftlpP8oyMnWfu&t=128
Interim City Attorney Schultz announced the Council met in closed session to discuss property negotiations related to 231 Atascadero Road and Lease Sites 53-56/53W-56W; no reportable action was taken pursuant to the Brown Act. A third item, Public Employment of the City Attorney, was discussed with no reportable action taken.
4.b
Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=GYpeg_SpMYERZiq6&t=191
4.c
City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=WqzNTwtGbNI8ETbV&t=611
4.d
Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=3gmArpw20U_GvRSH&t=1301
a.
Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District JPA Public Comments:
b.
Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
Public Comments:
c.
Offshore Wind Energy
Public Comments:
d.
Downtown Design District
Public Comments:
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
5.a
City of Morro Bay Years of Service Awards
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 5a Years of Service 2024.pdf
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=E4q6So1INLMO--_S&t=1501
5.b
Proclamation Recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters during National Mentoring Month Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=rIJ8QDTZT_Dpr50w&t=1842
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=XGtZftY0a4nj5oR8&t=2154 John DiNunzio, SLOCOG, announced a new planning process, Morro Bay Estuary Climate Resiliency Transportation Study, is underway. The Study focuses on sea level rise and opportunities to improve mobility options along South Bay Blvd., State Park Road, and Turri Road. Resources and materials are available at www.sbbclimateplan.org
.
Lucy Conklin, Los Osos, commented on the potential sale of Morro Elementary, emphasizing the importance of programs currently offered there.
David Smith, Morro Bay, spoke in support of Family Partnership Charter School operating at Morro Elementary.
Nicole Dorfman, REACT Alliance, announced National Day of Action "End It!" on Saturday, January 18th, at 12 noon at Morro Rock Parking Lot.
Shy Gardner, Los Osos, urged the City to consider the importance of education as it relates to the potential sale of Morro Elementary.
David Yohe, Morro Bay, commented on the need for a cease fire agreement.
Joan Solu, Morro Bay, shared historical information regarding Morro Elementary and urged the City to explore ways to preserve that property.
Jodi Petersen, Morro Bay, shared her understanding the land where Morro Elementary was built had been donated by the Quintana family was required to remain a school or returned to the family.
Semu Torres, Los Osos, requested the City work with School District to explore alternatives that would preserve the programs currently offered there.
Garry Johnson, Morro Bay, announced the annual Morro Bay Bird Festival January 16 - 20.
True Moore enjoys attending Family Parthership Charter School and hopes it will remain at Morro Elementary.
Debbie Highfill, Morro Bay, spoke regarding Morro Elementary, hoping the community would be allowed time to explore grants and fundraising opportunities.
James Moore spoke in support of retaining the Morro Elementary School site.
Monte Moore shared how much he enjoys attending Family Partnership Charter School.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, commented on wildfires burning in Los Angelees and expressed safety concerns about wood burning firepits, particularly in north Morro Bay.
Eloise Crow commented in support of Family Partnership Charter School.
Madison Treiber, Morro Bay, spoke in support of the Montessori school at Morro Elementary.
Nico Torres hoped the Charter School would be allowed to stay at Morro Elementary.
Caleb Crow shared he has attended the Charter School for 3 years and would love it to stay.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments.
Kellie Reamer hoped there would be a way to preserve Morro Elementary.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, appealed to the School Board to preserve Morro Elementary, commented on offshore wind, and encouraged families to attend the REACT Alliance event at the Rock Saturday, January 18.
Linda Donnelly, Morro Bay, asked that the community be given time to develop a plan to preserve Morro Elementary.
Vita Miller, Los Osos, urged the City to request an extension that would allow time to develop a fundraising plan to preserve Morro Elementary.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, encouraged the City and community members to appeal to the School District in an effort to save Morro Elementary.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, hoped the community would be allowed time to explore ways to retain Morro Elementary.
An unnamed resident shared her appreciation for the Montessori School operating at Morro Elementary and hoped it could remain at that location.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=CIWb9y3FVS0RaoK-&t=5560 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.
Betty Winholtz, Morro By, raised a question regarding Item 7.d. and, regarding Item 7.e., opined the CMC work crews did not have the experience necessary for tree pruning.
End of public comment.
Staff responded to questions raised during public comment.
Council Member Eckles pulled Item 7.e. Council Member Landrum pulled Item 7.d.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Approve consent agenda items 7.a, 7.b., 7.c. and 7.f as submitted.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a
Approval of Minutes
Public Comments:
Approve as submitted.
a.
December 10, 2024 - Special Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Dec10_2024 - English.pdf
b.
December 10, 2024 - Regular Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Dec10_2024 - English.pdf
c.
December 16, 2024 - Special Closed Session Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Dec16_2024 - English.pdf
d.
December 19, 2024 - Special Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Dec19_2024 - English.pdf
7.b
Approval of Proclamations
Public Comments:
a.
Proclamation recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County during the month of January as National Mentoring Month Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7b Big Brothers Big Sisters National Mentoring Month 30th Anniversary.pdf
7.c
Adoption of Resolution No. 01-25 Establishing the 2025 City Council Meeting Calendar and Budget Development Schedule Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7c Approval of 2025 Meeting Calendar.pdf
2. 7c1 Reso 01-25 Establishing 2025 Meeting Calendar.pdf
3. 7c1.a Exhibit A Meeting Calendar.pdf
4. 7c1.b Exhibit B Budget Schedule.pdf
5. 7c2 Reso 83-18 Establishing Strategic Framework Policy.pdf
6. 7c3 FY 23-25 City Goals and Short Term Action Items.pdf Adopt Resolution No. 01-25 approving the 2025 City Council Meeting Calendar and Budget Development Schedule.
7.d
Approval of Agreement for Consolidation of Morro Bay Transit Services into San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7d SR Approve MBT and RTA Consolidation Agreement.pdf
2. 7d1 RTA_MBT Final Draft Agreement Revised New Attorney 23-Dec-24.pdf
3. 7d2 Request to amend RTF funds awarded to MBT.pdf
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=fN3aO5ksMk4j417a&t=5858 Management Analyst Burlingame and Jeff Straw, RTA Executive Director, responded to Council inquiries.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Edwards
Approve the Agreement for Consolidation of Morro Bay Transit Services (the Agreement) into San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA), after Interim City Attorney final review and any non-substantive revisions, and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. If following Council’s approval of the Agreement at this meeting there are any substantive changes negotiated, such revisions will be re-presented to the Council for approval.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.e
Adopt Resolution No. 02-25 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for Inmate Work Crews Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7e Staff Report Approving CDCR Inmate Work Crews Agreement.pdf
2. 7e1 Reso 02-25 approving Agreement with CDCR.pdf
3. 7e2 Proposed Agreement CDCR-City Morro Bay.pdf
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=obSOEAe_Duw2N6Zl&t=6285 Maintenance Division Manager Mendoza responded to Council inquiries.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Adopt Resolution No. 02-25 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for inmate work crews.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.f
Adoption of Resolution No. 03-25 Approving the Assignment of Assumption and Conditionally Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Documents Necessary for the Assignment and Assumption at Lease Site 53-56/53W-56W and Accepting Deeds of Trust Related Thereto Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7f SR Estero Inn Assignment Deed of Trust.pdf
2. 7f1 Reso 03-25 approving Lease Site 53-56 assignment and DOT.pdf Adopt Resolution No. 03-25 allowing the Mayor to authorize the assignment and assumption, and authorizing the Mayor to execute necessary documents, and accepting deeds of trust related thereto regarding sale of the leasehold interest at Lease Site 53-56/53W-56W (Estero Inn, 501 Embarcadero) to Russel Curtis, Don Nelson, Daniel McCall, and Justin Laribee (LLC Pending), with documents subject to approval of the City Attorney.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Public Comments:
The Council took a brief recess at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:31 p.m. with all members present.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Comments:
9.a
Advisory Board Interviews and Appointments
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 9a SR Advisory Board Interviews.pdf
2. 1. HAB - Marshall Witkowski_Redacted.pdf
3. 2. HAB - Jeremiah OBrien_Redacted.pdf
4. 3. PC - Jim Duffy_Redacted.pdf
5. 4. PC - Tony de Fazio_Redacted.pdf
6. 5. PC - Sean Hanlon_Redacted.pdf
7. 6. PC - Stephen McConnell_Redacted.pdf
8. 7. PC - Mary Witkowski_Redacted.pdf
9. 8. PWAB - Laurie Beale_Redacted.pdf
10. 9. PWAB - Paul Donnelly_Redacted.pdf
11. 10. PWAB - Betsy Gaudette-Cross_Redacted.pdf
12. 11. RPC - Rachael Grace Leonti_Redacted.pdf
13. 12. RPC - Drew Sidaris_Redacted.pdf
14. 13. RPC - Betty Winholtz_Redacted.pdf
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=x3LDrtG0UEXD9gmc&t=6433 Harbor Advisory Board applicants Jeremiah O'Brien and Marshall Witkowski briefly introduced themselves.
See first motion below.
Recreation & Parks Commission
The following applicants were intereviewed for consideration of appointment to the Recreation & Parks Commission: Rachael Grace Leonti, Drew Sidaris and Betty Winholtz.
The Council voted by written ballot and Clerk Swanson read the results: Betty Winholtz received five votes, Drew Sidaris received three votes (Luffee, Edwards and Wixom), and Rachael Grace Leonti received two votes (Eckles and Landrum). Ms. Winholtz and Mr. Sidaris were reappointed to the Recreation & Parks Commission for a 4-year term.
Planning Commission
The following applicants were interviewed for consideration of appointment to the Planning Commission: Tony deFazio, Jim Duffy, Stephen McConnell and Mary Witkowski (Sean Hanlon was not present).
The Council voted by written ballot and Clerk Swanson read the results. Tony deFazio received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Luffee and Wixom); Mary Witkowski received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Edwards and Wixom); Jim Duffy received one vote (Edwards) and Stephen McConnell received one vote (Luffee). Mr. deFazio and Ms. Witkowski were appointed to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term.
Public Works Advisory Board
Clerk Swanson announced John Erwin was unable to participate in interviews due to a scheduled medical procedure but would like to be considered for reappointment to the Board. City Policy allows the Council to consider his application upon a finding of the City Council by motion the absence arose from excusable neglect or personal difficulties.
See second motion below.
The following applicants were interviewed for consideration of appointment to the Public Works Advisory Board: Laurie Beale, Paul Donnelly and Betsy Gaudette-Cross.
The Council voted by written ballot and Clerk Swanson read the results: Paul Donnelly received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Edwards and Wixom), Betsy Gaudette-Cross received four votes (Eckles, Landrum, Luffee and Wixom), Laurie Beale received one vote (Edwards) and John Erwin received one vote (Luffee). Mr. Donnelly and Ms. Gaudette-Cross were appointed to the Public Works Advisory Board for a 4-year term.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Eckles
Appoint Jeremiah O'Brien and Marshall Witkowski to fill upcoming vacancies on the Harbor Advisory Board.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Edwards
Consider Mr. Erwin's application based on a finding his absence arose from excusable personal difficulties.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b
Request to form the Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee (WMPAC) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 9b SR WMPAC formation.pdf
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=7o8W981EnvjRvnu4&t=10738 Community Development Director Singewald presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.b.
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=0dAHxlJk6NSW2jim&t=11823 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, opined a 9-member committee may be a bit unruly and representatives from each of the advisory bodies would suffice.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, liked the idea of having nine members as it provides more opportunities for community outreach.
End of public comment.
Following discussion, there was Council consensus to establish a 7-member committee with one member appointed by each of the City's standing advisory bodies (Planning Commission, Citizens Finance Advisory Committee, Public Works Advisory Board, Harbor Advisory Board and Recreation & Parks Commission), one representative from the Embarcadero Master Leaseholders group, and one member from an environmental group, such as the Morro Bay National Estuary Program (NEP). Additionally, the Council directed the Harbor Advisory Board appointee not be the master leaseholder representative as that would duplicate their representation on the committee.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Establish a 7-member Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee (WMPAC) with the direction given to the Community Development Director.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.c
Update on Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 and 2024-25 City Council Goals and Action Items Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 9c Jan 2025_FY 23-25 Strategic Goals.pdf
2. 9c1 2-Year City Goals - FY 2023-25.pdf
3. 9c2 City Goals Progress Tracking_FY 2023-2025 (Dec 2024 Update).pdf https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=UQVOl9a4TiO5UaQR&t=12850 There was consensus to continue this item to a future meeting, date uncertain.
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/WKs8Vfb2uhI?si=ohpJ_LVT9IDD1m1F&t=12928 Council Member Landrum requested and received support to agendize for the January 28th meeting, consideration of contacting the school district to express the City's interest in the Morro Elementary School property and ask for 90-180 day window to support the community's desire to explore options, with the understanding no city budget is involved. Additionally, direct the City Manager to immediately communicate with the school district this item has been agendized.
Council Member Eckles requested and received support for analysis and discussion of the use of portapotties in the city. It was agreed the Public Works Advisory Board review this item first.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.