City Council Regular Meeting - April 22, 2025
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:32 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/UKe6NKfvljc?si=4ozY6kMvthMcG5qs&t=74
Interim City Attorney Schultz announced the Council held a Closed Session Meeting prior to the Regular Session with evaluation of the City Manager, (3) Property Negotiations, and Public Employment of the City Attorney. The only item discussed was evaluation of the City Manager and no reportable action was taken under the Brown Act. The remaining items will be continued to a future meeting.
4.b
Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=Vp71di9TdWEPYnF8&t=116
4.c
City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=ttbqrD-3PkYHNTlN&t=795
4.d
Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=ZEMdvEvawMM5pW4O&t=1136
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:
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
5.a
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Update
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=tpaXZ7x7h2xOOwb9&t=1204 Presented by Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce CEO, Dina Lundquist.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=nJ8C5J2nd4ExPviA&t=1702 Scott Schalde, Principal at Morro Bay High School, shared they previously polled students about the potential for a roundabout and found they were not concerned about pedestrian safety and would be supportive of a roundabout if it would improve traffic patterns. He offered seek further student input, if desired.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments.
Sugar Cliff, owner of Grandma's Mercantile on Main, expressed frustration about the impacts road construction was having on her business.
Joel Silano, Morro Bay, commented on Item 9b, urging the Council to cease work on the roundabout and redirect funds to revetment repairs and other waterfront needs.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, provided an activity update and announced Fitness Works will be accepting Men's Clothing Donations May 12 - 31.
Morro Bay High School students, John Holguin and Sands Dougherty, announced an upcoming Casino Night fundraiser to support Morro Bay Football on Saturday, April 26th, at the Morro Bay Community Center.
Morro Bay High School student, Ion Patel, requested signage limiting access to the Cloisters playground equpment to 2 - 5 year-olds be removed.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, requested consideration of pedestrian safety improvements at Yerba Buena and Main Streets.
Heide Bea, Morro Bay, registered opposition to the Highway 1 / 41 roundabout, expressing concern about pedestrian safety.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, shared her appreciation for the students who attended tonight's meeting.
Robert Dougherty, Morro Bay High School Football Coach and P.E. teacher, added the April 26th Casino Night fundraiser is to raise money for the football team's first out of state trip to Maui.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, was concerned the proposed roundabout might displace the trailer park.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=MY-ywhr1qdlQ_8P-&t=3298 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 sought Council consensus to pull Item 7.b. from the agenda and continue it to a future meeting.
The Mayor opened public comment for items on the agenda; seeing none, the public comment period was closed.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Approve consent agenda item 7.a, as submitted.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
7.a
Approval of Minutes
Public Comments:
Approve as submitted.
a.
April 8, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Apr08_2025 - English.pdf
b.
April 8, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Apr08_2025 - English.pdf
7.b
Adoption Resolution No. 22-25 and Limited Duration Interim City Attorney Employment Agreement for Retired Annuitant Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 7b SR Approval of Interim City Attorney Employment Contract.pdf
2. 7b1 Reso 22-25 Retired Annuitant RWS.pdf
3. 7b1a Interim City Attorney Employment Agreement.pdf
4. 7b2 Robert Shchultz Resume.pdf
This item was pulled from the agenda and continued to a future meeting.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Public Comments:
8.a
Introduce An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Title 7 (Animals) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 8a Staff Report - Animal Services.pdf
2. 8a1 - Ord 669 Amending Title 7 Animal Control Regulations (Repeal and Replace).pdf https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=Y6NA4JasFjApDxF8&t=3354 Police Chief Watkins presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened the public hearing and public comment for Item 8.a. https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=kQGyIo5kQTcGGPDU&t=4288 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, commented in support of sending a letter to the Board of Supervisors urging the County to increase the holding period to seven days.
End of public comment.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Introduce by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 669 entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, repealing and replacing Title 7 (Animals) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to adopt and incorporate by reference San Luis Obispo County Code Title 9 (Animals) and to retain certain city requirements regarding animals, and finding the action not subject to CEQA.” Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to the San Lus Obispo County Board of Supervisors expressing the City's desire for the review and changing of Title 9, Sections 9.04.002 and 9.04.006, requiring Animal Services to adopt a seven-day holding period of all impounded household pets.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Comments:
9.a
City Attorney Recruitment
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 9a SR Approval of Job Description, Salary Range for City Attorney.pdf
2. 9a1 Reso 20-25 Approving New Job Classification and New Job Description (1).pdf
3. 9a2 City Attorney Job Description DRAFT 2025.pdf
4. 9a3 Reso 21-25 Adopting Updated FY 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 Pay Schedules.pdf
5. 9a3a FY 2024-25 Pay Schedule (Exhibit A).pdf
6. 9a3b FY 2025-26 Pay Schedule (Exhibit B).pdf
7. 9a3c FY 2026-27 Pay Schedule (Exhibit C).pdf
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=3ppMKjsyavgCLG1U&t=4773 Interim City Attorney Schultz presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=m9Z4oJy3dQN2NV0j&t=5613 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, urged the Council to give as much respect to the City Attorney pursuit as a City Manager recruitment, using a hybrid approach that starts with professionals to get the broadest reach.
End of public comment.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Direct staff to conduct the City Attorney search in-house, and concurrently seek proposals for professional recruitment firm and bring back proposals to Council to determine how to move forward.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
Motion by
Council Member Luffee
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Adopt Resolution No. 20-25 approving the new City Attorney Job Classification and Job Description; and Adopt Resolution No. 21-25 approving updated FY 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 Pay Schedules establishing the salary range for the City Attorney Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.b
Receive Status Update and Funding Summary of Roundabout Project and Provide Direction on Environmental Phase of Project Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 9b SR-1-41 Main Roundabout Status.pdf
2. 9b1 Attch 1_SR1-41-Main_Roundabout prelim plan.pdf
3. 9b2 Attach 2_CalTrans CAPM Vicinity Map.pdf
The City Council took a brief recess at 7:21 p.m.; the meeting reconvened at 7:29 p.m. with all members present. https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=BiFAtgrUvq9Kq91w&t=7046 Public Works Director Kwolek and Caltrans Project Manager, Paul Valadao, provided the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.b
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=WsYmDUBZ8L0o_NNE&t=9103 Jane Heath, Morro Bay, encouraged the City to move forward with the roundabout.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, commented in support of the roundabout, noting it meets two of the three adopted City Goals.
Cindi Cagle, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, opposed the project, suggesting a wider intersection was needed, similar to the Hwy 41 / 101 interchange in Atascadero.
Courtney Shepler, Morro Bay, voiced her support for finishing the work that's underway on the environmental study.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, opposed the project, expressing concern for pedestrian safety.
Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent for San Luis Coastal Unified School District, offered student comments were less about pedestrian safety and more about opportunities for improved pathways and access. He restated the District's offer to get more student input and encouraged the City to move forward with the environmental work.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout project, suggesting a pedestrian bridge or lights and calming strips at the intersection to improve pedestrian safety would be sufficient.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, on the topic of appearance, observed one thing that makes things look better is plant life.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, opposed the project, voicing concerns about pedestrian safety and ability for large trucks and RV's to navigate the roundabout.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, urged the Council to take this project off the plate for staff and begin discussions about other potential intersection improvements.
Brian O'Farrell, Morro Bay, opposed a roundabout at this location.
Betsy Gaudette-Cross, Morro Bay, did not feel a roundabout was appropriate at this location.
Onan Champi offered no opinion on whether to continue the environmental work but suggested it may be an opportunity to extend the project to include flood mitigation.
End of public comment.
Following the motion and prior to Council vote, City Attorney Schultz explained, based on the motion, staff would discontinue the environmental work and replace $1.2 million of Measure Q/E funds, effectively stopping the project from moving forward, but the item will need to come back to Council to take steps necessary to reject the project and also take a formal position should SLOCOG choose to take up the project. Mayor Wixom clarified that discussion could include consideration and funding for alternative intersection improvements.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Eckles
Direct staff to discontinue work on the project and retain $1.2 million of the Measure Q/E funds in the project fund.
Ayes (3)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Eckles Noes (2)
Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (3 to 2)
9.c
Review and Discussion of the City of Morro Bay's Flagpole Policy as established by Resolution No. 103-22 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 9c Consideration of Flagpole Policy.pdf
2. 9c1 Reso 103-22 Approving a Flagpole Policy.pdf
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=NAzqyIy109ml23Ba&t=12614 City Manager Kimball presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.c
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=O2xCnOIOWPp4RtYv&t=12764 Barry Branin, Morro Bay, urged the City to change the policy to fly only the United States and State flags.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, quipped the City could fly the Canadian flag on occasion.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, supported an ordinance allowing only the national and state flags.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, supported honoring the national and state flags.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, agreed with previous speakers.
End of public comment.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Mayor Wixom
Direct staff to bring back a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 103-22 and come back with the flagpole policy that reflects language that allows for three flags to be flown officially over the city, which is the United States of America, State of California and City of Morro Bay.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
9.d
Consideration of forming Council Sub-committee regarding El Morro Elementary School Property Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 9d Consideration of Forming Morro Elem Council Subcommittee.pdf
2. 9d1 Goal Setting Workshop Results.pdf
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=_m1qfYSyxBDHJcc3&t=13592 City Manager Kimball presented the report. Council Members Landrum and Luffee expressed interest in serving on the subcommittee.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 9.d.
https://youtu.be/UKe6NKfvljc?si=fvbggM4h-kPt9Aw2&t=13947 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, noted the citizens group has a lot of information to offer the City and believes a coordinated effort would be more efficient.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, shared he met with Council Members Landrum and Luffee and restated his financial commitment to the purchase of this property.
End of public comment.
Pursuant to City Council Policies Section 3.13, Council Member landrum presented the proposed purpose, parameters and anticipated duration of the subcommittee:
"The purpose of the Morro Elementary School Subcommittee is to unite the community and City efforts for the accomplishment of the City Council goal to acquire the Morro Elementary School site and/or work with a developer on this project. To this end, two council members are appointed to facilitate communication and cooperation between the citizen's group, Friends of Morro Elementary, and the Community Development Department Director, regarding applicable State law, potential financial resources, and the San Luis Coastal Unified School District communications. The City Council as a whole will be kept up to date weekly, if not more frequently, as events unfold. This subcommittee's work is complete when an agreement is signed between the School District and the City, or it is determined that acquisition is beyond the City's reach. At either conclusion, the City Council will revisit whether the subcommittee has a related purpose or should be terminated." Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Mayor Wixom
Establish a Council sub-committee regarding the City’s goal of acquiring the Morro Elementary School site and/or assisting in the development of the property.
Discontinuing the Downtown Design District subcommittee as their task is complete.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Mayor Wixom
Appoint Council Member Luffee and Council Member Landrum to the Council Sub-committee regarding Morro Elementary School.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
10. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments:
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.