City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2026
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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
3. REPORTS
Public Comments:
3.a
Closed Session Report
Public Comments:
City Attorney Stack announced the Council met in closed session to discuss four items: (3) real property negotiation matters involving Lease Sites 129W-131W located at 1231 Embarcadero, the former Morro Elementary site, and former wastewater treatment plant site; and (1) potential litigation matter. No reportable action pursuant to the Brown Act was taken in closed session.
3.b
Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations Public Comments:
3.c
City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Public Comments:
3.d
Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities Public Comments:
There were no verbal updates from staff.
1. Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District JPA Public Comments:
2. Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
Public Comments:
3. Offshore Wind Energy
Public Comments:
4. Morro Elementary School
Public Comments:
5. Shared Fire Services
Public Comments:
4. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
4.a
SLO County Tobacco Control Coalition Presentation on Tobacco Waste in Morro Bay Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 4a Tobacco Waste Solutions Presentation.pdf
San Luis Obispo County Tobacco Coalition presentation by Julia Alber, Chair of the Tobacco Control Coalition, and Amy Gilman, Tobacco Control Program Manager, regarding tobacco use, waste, and strategies to reduce tobacco waste.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
Brenda Mack, San Luis Obispo County branch of NAACP, expressed deep gratitude for the Black History Month proclamation.
Doug Paslay, Morro Bay, sought the City's assistance regarding smoke impacts from his neighbor's fireplace.
Greg Clark, Cayucos, commented on the value of skateparks and offered to help the City build ramps for a new skate park.
Maggie Juran, Beach-N-Bay Getaways, offered comments on the STR permitting process and misstatements regarding STRs being banned in Monterey, adding permitted STRs have signage with 24-hour contact information to report any problems.
Renny Strong offered comments about world issues, encouraged people to grow food locally and bring a warming center to the area.
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, provided a Monday night dinner update and requested the plaque celebrating Morro Bay Lions Club's 80th anniversary be displayed in the Vets Hall display case.
Carey Lynch, Los Osos, spoke regarding the value and importance of skate parks.
Paige Kelley, San Luis Obispo, commented on removal of the skate park and hoped the City would consider a new location.
Adam Ottenberg, San Luis Obispo, hoped to reestablish a skate park in Morro Bay.
Angie Kasprzak, San Luis Obispo, thanked the City for its acknowledgment and support for Black History Month.
Garry Johnson, Morro Bay, opposed paid parking at Tidelands Park.
Joan Solu, Morro Bay, expressed support for the skateboard community and urged the City to consider the model used for the development and maintenance of the Bike Park.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, offered comments on the Coleman Park project.
Helena, Morro Bay Massage Therapy, commented on the proposed massage ordinance and requested a town hall to bring forth concerns and get clarity on the proposed regulations.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, offered comments in support of an alternative skate park, swings at Coleman Park, and a parking ramp usage fee at Tidelands Park. She urged the City to protect our small-town character and do all it can to purchase Morro Elementary.
End of public comment.
Staff responded to issues raised during public comment.
6. 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 opened public comment.
Jeff Heller, Morro Bay, commented in support of Item 6.c.
Eric Daniels, Pacific Gas & Electric, shared its commitment to working with leaders in Sacramento and locally regarding Item 6.g and thanked City staff working with PG&E on the continued use of the bike park.
Michael Wambolt, Visit Morro Bay, commented on Item 6.e.
Joan Solu, Morro Bay, commented in favor of Item 6.e. as presented.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, was not in favor of imposing tax on campers, offered alternatives to the Morro Creek stabilization project, and commented on Item 6.g.
End of public comment.
Mayor Wixom pulled Item 6.e. Council Member Landrum pulled Item 6.j.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Approve consent agenda items 6.a - 6.d, 6.f - 6.h, and 6.i, as submitted.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Luffee, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.a
Approval of Minutes
Public Comments:
Approve as submitted.
1. December 9, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Dec09_2025 - English.pdf
2. January 13, 2026 - Special Closed Session Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Jan13_2026 - English.pdf
3. January 13, 2026 - Regular Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Jan13_2026 - English.pdf
4. January 14, 2026 - Special City Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Jan14_2026 - English.pdf
6.b
Approval of Proclamations
Public Comments:
Approve as submitted
1. Proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6b Black History Proclamation_2026.pdf
6.c
Ordinance No. 674, amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to Increase the Dollar Amounts of Administrative Citations Imposed on Short-Term Rentals (STRs) that Pose a Threat to Health and Safety, in Accordance with State Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6c SR STR Fines Ord Adoption.pdf
2. 6c1 Ordinance No. 674 - SB 60 Fines for STR_RedLined.pdf
3. 6c2 Ordinance No. 674 - SB 60 Fines for STR_CLEAN.pdf Adopt Ordinance No. 674: “Ordinance No. 674, amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to Increase the Dollar Amounts of Administrative Citations Imposed on Short-Term Rentals (STRs) that Pose a Threat to Health and Safety, In Accordance with State Senate Bill 60, and Finding the Action Not Subject to CEQA.”
6.d
Adoption of Ordinance No. 675 Establishing Local Campaign Finance Contribution Limits Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6d SR Adopt Campaign Contribution Limits Ordinance.pdf
2. 6d1 Ord 675 Establishing Campaign Contribution Limits.pdf Adopt Ordinance No. 675, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, adding Chapter 2.50 to the Morro Bay Municipal Code Relating to Campaign Contribution Limits.”
6.e
Resolution of Intention to Renew the Morro Bay Tourism Business Improvement District (MBTBID) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6e SR Resolution of Intention to Renew MBTBID.pdf
2. 6e1 Attach 1 - MDP MBTBID 11-18-25.pdf
3. 6e2 Attach 2 - Reso 03-26 of Intention to renew MBTBID.pdf Michael Wambolt, Visit Morro Bay, and Kelly Rankin, Senior Project Mgr with Civitas responded to Council questions.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Eckles
Adopt Resolution No. 03-26 declaring the City’s intent to renew the MBTBID for a 10-year term.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Eckles, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.f
Status Update and Reconfirm Emergency for Morro Creek Bank Stabilization Project Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6f SR Reconfirm Emergency for Morro Creek Bank Stabilization.pdf Receive and file status update and reconfirm the declaration of emergency for the Morro Creek Bank Stabilization Project by four fifths vote.
6.g
Request from County of San Luis Obispo for Support of Legislation Supporting Extended Operations of Diablo Canyon Power Plant and Restoration of Unitary Tax Treatment Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6g SR Letter of Support DCPP Extension_Unitary Tax.pdf
2. 6g1 Draft Letter.pdf
Consider authorizing the County of San Luis Obispo to include the City of Morro Bay as a supporter of the County’s request for legislation to authorize operations of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) for an additional 20 years, restore pre-decommissioning unitary tax treatment for the DCPP, and support the California Coastal Commission’s land conservation and public access plan for lands surrounding the DCPP.
6.h
Notice of Completion for the 2024 Paving Project (Project No. 2024-ST04) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6h SR 2024 Paving Project Notice of Completion.pdf
2. 6h2 Notice of Completion.pdf
3. 6h1 Final Report.pdf
Accept the work as performed by Souza Construction Inc.; and Authorize the City Engineer to execute and record a Notice of Completion for the project.
6.i
Approval of License Agreement between the City of Morro Bay and PG&E for Continued Access and Use of PG&E Property for the Morro Bay Bike Park Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6i SR Bike Park Agreement.pdf
2. 6i1 License Agreement.pdf
6.j
Adopt Resolution No. 04-26 accepting the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025-2030 and approving Morro Bay Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6j SR LHMP Adoption.pdf
2. 6j1 FEMA Approval Letter 12-29-2025.pdf
3. 6j2 Reso 04-26 Adopting Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025.pdf
4. 6j3 Attach 1 to Reso 04-26 - Annex D City of Morro Bay.pdf Fire Chief McCrain and City Attorney Stack responded to Council questions and agreed to make administrative corrections to Annex D, as needed.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Adopt Resolution No. 04-26 approving the 2025 San Luis Obispo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and City of Morro Bay Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
7. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Public Comments:
The Council took a brief recess at 7:10 p.m. and resumed at 7:18 p.m. with all members present.
7.a
Introduce and First Reading of Municipal Ordinance for Establishing Local Business Regulations for Massage Establishments and Technicians Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7a SR - Massage Ordinance.pdf
2. 7a1 Ord 676 Massage Ordinance_Draft.pdf
Police Chief Watkins presented the staff report, highlighting the following proposed changes to the draft ordinance:
5.65.090 – Limited exception from CAMTC certification requirement (b) change 30 days from effective date to 90 days.
(c)(1) change to read business tax certificate or W2.
(c)(3) change wording to: Evidence that he or she attempted to obtain certification from CAMTC and was provided a letter advising of additional requirements of schooling, hours, etc. despite existing training and experience, he or she could not qualify for certification from CAMTC; and (f) change date to February 1, 2028.
5.65.110 – License application background check – owner (k) add
certificate
to three sentences that include, license or permit or
certificate
in lines one, three, and four to section (k).
5.65.140 – Massage establishment license grounds for denial. (j) add
certificate
to line two, has had a permit or license or
certificate
to practice.
5.65.185 – Massage Therapist – certificated name (new section) No certificated massage therapist shall operate under another name or alias that is not listed on their CAMTC certification or local license.
5.65.240 – Massage establishment – Revocation or suspension of license. (a) add
or state massage therapy act business and professional code 4621
5.65.260 – Appeals – Hearing
Remove “to the council” from line two and line four.
Mayor Wixom opened the public hearing and public comment.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, offered support for the proposed regulations, questioned hours of operation, and suggested hotels have a specific room for massage for the safety of customers and the practitioner.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, expressed support for health and wellness opportunities, was concerned about limiting the number to ten, and noted a sunset on some provisions might root out the bad businesses.
End of public comment.
Mayor Wixom closed the public hearing.
Staff responded to additional questions.
During Council deliberations, there was majority support for the revisions presented by staff and consensus to make the following additional changes:
5.65.130 Additional restrictions and requirements.
(c)(1) – change maximum allowable massage establishments from ten to twenty (20). (d) – remove this section from the ordinance.
5.65.170 Record keeping requirements.
Remove “the name and address of the patron” from line two.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Introduce for first reading by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 676, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California Adding Chapter 5.65 to Title 5 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code Regulating Massage Establishments and Professionals” with modifications presented by staff and additional changes by City Council.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
8. BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Comments:
8.a
Review Harbor Advisory Board Recommendations for Launch Ramp Paid Parking Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 8a SR Automobile Paid Parking at Launch Ramp.pdf
Harbor Vitality Director Munson presented staff report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, opposed paid parking at Tidelands launch ramp, noting the County park near Cuesta College charges for parking during specific times of day. She supported the idea of not charging a parking fee during holiday events.
End of public comment.
Staff responded to additional questions.
Council Members Eckles and Landrum opposed a single stall parking fee at the launch ramp but were interested in analysis of paid parking at the Rock and other areas of town.
Motion by
Council Member Luffee
Seconded by
Council Member Edwards
Receive staff report and recommendations from the Harbor Advisory Board (HAB) and approve issuance of one annual single stall pass per Commercial Fishing boat launch slip and permitted liveaboard vessel at no cost for the first year, and Authorize staff to reduce the single stall annual pass fee from $175 to $83 for FY 2026/27 with approval of the FY 2026/27 Master Fee Schedule to be reviewed by Council in April 2026.
Ayes (3)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Luffee Noes (2)
Council Member Eckles, and Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (3 to 2)
9. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments:
Council Member Eckles requested and received support for reconsideration of the Harbor Director's job title.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Janeen Burlingame, Management Analyst