City Council Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. with all members present.
The Mayor announced due to the large number of speakers, general public comment would be limited to two minutes per person and a total of 45 minutes. At that point in time, she would close general public comment until the end of the meeting.
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/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=e2Wf6FWLUbnIHwXh&t=138
City Attorney Schultz announced that with regard to property negotiations for 1287 Embarcadero, 781 Market Ave., and 695 Harbor Street, no action was taken that required preporting under the Brown Act. With regard to property negotiations with San Luis Coastal Unified School District for Morro Elementary, the Council authorized staff to continue to negotiate with the District for purchase of the property and to send a formal written notice to the District pursuant to Government Code section 54223. With regard to Public Employee Employment of a City Attorney, no action was taken that required reporting under the Brown Act.
4.b
Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=7O66gPET5m4Qi0Ig&t=184
4.c
City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=GHXnQ1luehO1yqzh&t=1151
4.d
Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=66PzUVGj-eZuWBeX&t=2008
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.
Morro Elementary School
Public Comments:
5. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=lU1G59A-Tqcx3JOd&t=2038
5.a
National Safe Boating Week Proclamation
Public Comments:
Presented to Harbor Patrol Supervisor Becka Kelly and Harbor Patrol Officer Charlie Howland.
5.b
Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation
Public Comments:
Presented to Fire Chief McCrain and Morro Bay Fire Department personnel.
5.c
Public Works Week Proclamation
Public Comments:
Presented to Public Works Director Kwolek.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=IYIRAwEaQ2wtOj39&t=2616 Mayor reminded the public two minutes were being allowed for tonight's public comment, for a total of 45 minutes. Any other speakers would be continued to the end of the meeting.
Chuck Stoll, Morro Bay resident and President of the Morro Bay Lions' Club, appreciated the City's support for Monday Night dinners, announced the May 17th Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala, and the Lost at Sea Memorial to be held on Memorial Day in Cayucos.
Tim Cowan, Morro Bay resident and business owner, respectfully requested the Council renew the Economic Development contract with the Chamber of Commerce.
Jane Heath, Morro Bay resident and business owner, urged the Council to reconsider their vote and direct staff to resume work to complete the environmental work for the proposed roundabout.
Felipe Gonzalez, Foster Care Recruiter for the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services, appreciated the Council recognizing the month of May as Foster Care Month and shared the importance of identifying more foster families in San Luis Obispo County.
Jon Nowaczyk, Lets Get Tuned Yoga Studio, provided a business update.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments.
Shoosh Crotzer, Morro Bay, was disheartened to hear the roundabout project was recently stopped and asked the Council to reconsider its vote and move forward with the project.
Ray Riordan, Morro Bay, former Chair and member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and current Board Member for the Chamber Foundation, requested the City's continued support.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, reported on Monday Night Dinners and shared her appreciation for City staff.
Carol Swain, Morro Bay, spoke in support of the roundabout project as an opportunity to modernize and beautify that entrance to the city.
Anthony Mitchell, Ecogreen Solutions, shared opportunities to help the City update infrastructure and lower its electricity costs and carbon footprint.
Colby Crotzer, Morro Bay, requested the Council reconsider its position and continue with the roundabout project.
Courtney Shepler, Morro Bay, asked the Council to reconsider its April 22nd vote and allow the environmental work on the roundabout project to proceed.
Sabin Gray, Morro Bay, opposed the City's updated flag policy.
Andrea Leuker, Board Member of REACT Alliance, urged residents to stay engaged and keep track of what's happening with offshore wind and efforts to industrialize our coastline.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, hoped the Council would vote to reconsider its April 22nd action and move forward with environmental work on the roundabout.
Ashley Goldlist, Morro Bay, urged the Council to reconsider the vote on the roundabout and complete the environmental study.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, opposed the roundabout based on safety concerns and potential project costs.
Mandy Davis, President of REACT Alliance, announced a "Save our Coast" event on July 26th at Tidelands Park.
Nick Heisdorf and Michael Hollier, Caltrans, announced an informational public open house regarding the proposed Toro Creek Southbound Bridge Replacement Project to be held Thursday, May 22nd, in the Veterans Hall from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Peggy Rogers, Morro Bay business owner, spoke in support of the proposed contract with the Chamber of Commerce.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, commented on the proposed economic development contract with the Chamber of Commerce.
Dawn Beattie, Morro Bay, added her support for the Main Street/Hwy 1/Hwy 41 roundabout project.
An unnamed person expressed her love and appreciation for all types of people, along with her desire to have only the American flag flown in the City to encompass and represent everyone.
Michael Wambolt, Visit Morro Bay Executive Director, thanked Chief Watkins, Becka Kelly, Cal Poly and Morro Bay in Bloom volunteers for their support during the Kite Festival. Regarding Item 9a, he offered his support for approval of the Chamber economic development contract.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, supported the Council decision to pause the roundabout project.
End of public comment.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Public Comments:
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/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=sOON0rU7LPgVqR-N&t=5872 Tim Crowley, Morro Bay, commented on Item 7.f., suggesting a unanimous vote be required to change policy.
Jenn Fields, San Luis Obispo, spoke against a flagpole policy that would prevent commemorative flags from being flown.
Dawn Beattie, Morro Bay, supported approval of the Item 7.i. and hoped dredging of the stormwater retention pond would be included as a capital project in future engineering reports.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, supported display of the Pride Flag at City facilities Kristen Kent, Los Osos, urged the Council to continue flying the Pride Flag as a message to residents and visitors all people are welcome in Morro Bay.
Willow Kawamoto, Morro Bay, stated concerns about policy changes being made at the Federal level and urged City support for the LBGTQ+ community.
Aimee Brantle, Morro Bay, urged the City to continue flying the Pride Flag as a symbol of safety, solidary and welcome to the LGBTQ+ community.
Piper Fedrow, Morro Bay, voiced opposition to Item 7.f.
Sky Steel, Central Coast resident, opposed item 7.f. , noting it's more vital than ever to stand with the diversity of our community.
Sam Jane, Morro Bay, requested the City allow the Pride Flag to continue to fly at City Hall during the month of June.
Imayano, Central Coast resident and member of Abolitionist Action Central Coast, supported allowing commorative flags to be flown at city facilities.
An unnamed Arroyo Grande resident urged the City to continue flying the Pride Flag as a symbol of support for those who may not have support at home.
John Nowell, Morro Bay, urged the City to be compassionate and unified community by flying the Pride Flag.
An unnamed San Luis Obispo resident requested each Council Member explain the reason they supported this item.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, recognized this was a difficult time and expressed Morro Bay is an accepting community and values its residents and visitors.
Angie Kaspazak shared she had reached out to the City to request a Pride Month proclamation and was disheartened to see the Flagpole Policy on the Consent Agenda.
An unnamed San Luis Obispo resident shared the importance of continuing to uplift and defend our queer community.
Mandy Davis, Morro Bay, supported the continued flying of the Pride Flag.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, supported the unbiased approach of the proposed flag policy.
Linnea Valdivia, GALA Program Manager, spoke in opposition to item 7.f.
End of public comment.
Council Member Eckles pulled Item 7.f. from Consent.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Approve the Consent Agenda, less Item 7.f.
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. 23-25 Reestablishing the City's Flagpole Policy Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 7f Readoption of Flagpole Policy.pdf
2. 7f1 Reso 23-25 Rescinding 103-22 and 104-22 and Approving a Flagpole Policy.pdf https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=BTsvFITuzoh4FgWd&t=8157 Council Member Eckles acknowledged community outreach on this item and reemphasized this was not about any specific commemorative flag but rather a symbol of unity to fly only the United States, California and Morro Bay flags on the City's flagpoles. He acknowledged the timing appeared suspect and proposed the revised policy take effect July 1, 2025, allowing the Pride Flag to be flown at City Hall during the month of June 2025.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Adopt Resolution No. 23-25 reestablishing the City’s Flagpole Policy to be effective July 1, 21025.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Public Comments:
None
The Council took a brief recess at 8:02 p.m. and reconvened at 8:17 p.m. with all members present.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Comments:
9.a
Review and provide direction regarding the Economic Development Contract proposal by the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year (FY) 25-26 and FY 26-27 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 9a SR Economic Development Scope of Work.pdf
2. 9a1 Chamber of Commerce proposed Scope of Work.pdf
3. 9a2 City proposed Areas of Collaboration and Suggested Scope of Work.pdf
4. 9a3 Chamber Econ Dev Services 2024-25 - signed.pdf
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=_eLleMUoMiDo-YOQ&t=8909 City Manager Kimball presented the staff report and Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce CEO, Dina Lundquist, presented the Chamber's proposed Scope of Work.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.a.
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=Lt_85l0G4ZOHECOb&t=10338 Jane Heath, Morro Bay resident and business owner, urged the City to approve the proposed contract and retain this important relationship with the Chamber.
Walter Heath, Morro Bay, supported renewal of the proposed contract.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, was supportive of having the Chamber provide a Visitors Center but, aside from that, questioned how the City benefits from the Chamber.
Mandy Davis, Morro Bay business owner and President of REACT Alliance, spoke in support of renewing a contract with the Chamber but cautioned economic develoment efforts should represent the community's interests.
Josh Cross, CEO of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, encouraged the Council to continue seeing this relationship not as a contract but as a strategic alliance.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, expressed concern about potential favoritism and suggested a narrowed scope that is project specific.
Susan Stewart, Morro Bay business owner and member of the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee, confirmed the contract was paid for by SB 1090 funds for revitalization of local communities, and noted the Chamber supports investigating anything that might affect the business community, but does not advocate for any particular project.
Cherise Hansson, Morro Bay resident, business owner and Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, commented on the benefits of City staff and the Chamber CEO work syngertically to support the entire communty.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, spoke in full support of the Chamber and all businesses in Morro Bay.
End of public comment.
Council Members Luffee and Edwards were supportive of a one year $50,000 contract contingent on a couple of scoping issues and defined success metrics. Council Member Landrum was concerned about potential conflicts of interest, questioned the proposed scope of work and wanted to see more results. Mayor Wixom was concerned about the limited SB 1090 funds remaining and expressed interest in bringing economic development back in-house.
Council Member Eckles sought consensus and received majority support for a one-year contract for a reduced scope of work including $20,000 for Start Up to Sustainability and $5,000 for the Downtown District Initiative.
Mayor sought consensus to go past 9:30 p.m. to finish the last item.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
City of Morro Bay enter into contract with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $25,000 for the function of Chamber defined services of Business Vitality Initiative: Startup to Sustainability and the Downtown District Initiative.
Ayes (4)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles Noes (1)
Council Member Edwards
CARRIED (4 to 1)
9.b
Selection of Veterans Hall Audio Visual Upgrade Design Alternative Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. 9b Vet's Hall Audio Video Upgrade Staff Report.pdf
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=SARQigfdrcnfeJzC&t=13359 City Manager Kimball introduced the item and turned to Public Works Director Kwolek to present the report and respond to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 9.b.
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=OC41q0TmUIssgyLR&t=14599 Jim Curnutt, Morro Bay, urged the City to update the A/V system and provide closed captioning.
Bob Lloyd, AGP Video, commented in support of Alternative #2, noting a modern system can be expanded to accommodate more cameras for larger joint meetings or stakeholders events.
Nic De Angelis, Morro Bay, opined the report was incomplete as it didn't address the potential return on investment.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, preferred Alternative #1 with at least one operator and dynamic cameras at all meetings. She restated her request for an overhead projector.
End of public comment.
Motion by
Council Member Luffee
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Approve Veterans Hall Semi-Automatic Audio/Visual Design Alternative 2.
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:
https://youtu.be/XsgPfx4MKw0?si=JSZ_RoEvLJkDc_2R&t=15280 Council Member Luffee was interested in forming a promotional coordination committee and will meet with City Manager Kimball to discuss further.
Council Member Landrum asked that City Council Members be issued City-owned cell phones for ease of compliance with the Public Records Act.
Council Member Eckles requested and received support to reconsider the April 22nd decision to stop the environmental work on the roundabout project. City Attorney Schultz explained that requires a formal motion for reconsideration by a member who voted in the majority, second by any member, and majority support to bring the item back at the next meeting.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Mayor Wixom
Moved to reconsider the motion on stopping funding of the environmental work that we took at the last meeting.
Ayes (4)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles Noes (1)
Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (4 to 1)
11. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m
.