City Council Regular Meeting - February 24, 2026
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:30 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 two real property negotiations matters and one potential litigation matter. Property negotiations involved Morro Elementary and the former wastewater treatment plant site. No reportable action was taken in closed session pursuant to the Brown Act.
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:
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:
None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
Renn Strong, Morro Bay, shared his thoughts on climate geoengineering.
Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, spoke on behalf of Friends of Morro Elementary, offering their support to ensure the property benefits our town and enriches our community for years to come.
Michelle Leicester-Cadaret, Morro Bay, questioned impacts the proposed injection wells may have on the commercial fishermen's storage area and requested safety improvements between Main Street and Highway 1.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, agreed with the previous speaker's concerns along Highway 1 in north Morro Bay and urged the City to contact Caltrans regarding safety improvements.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, encouraged the Council and staff to work with Caltrans to improve safety, prevent crossovers, and beautify Highway 1.
End of public comment.
Staff responded to issues raised during public comment and committed to contact Caltrans regarding safety concerns.
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.
Renn Strong, Morro Bay, offered his thoughts on water safety and supply.
Barry Branin, Morro Bay, spoke to Item 6h, questioning the sequence of the Morro Creek stabilization project as it relates to injection well drilling. Regarding Item 6f, he requested an overall summary on the recycled water project.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, spoke to Item 6f, requesting a performance review of the injection well portion of the WRF project, and stated her continued opposition to Item 6h.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, commented on Item 6f, expressing concern the proposed injection wells would negatively affect the commercial fishermen.
End of public comment.
Council Member Eckles pulled Item 6.g, Council Member Luffee pulled Item 6.f, Council Member Landrum pulled Item 6.h, and Mayor Wixom pulled Item 6.e.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Approve Consent Agenda Items 6.a through 6.d as submitted.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Edwards CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.a
Approval of Minutes
Public Comments:
Approve as submitted.
1. January 13, 2026 - Special Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Jan13_2026 - English.pdf
2. February 10, 2026 - Regular Council Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Feb10_2026 - English.pdf
3. February 10, 2026 - Special Closed Session Meeting
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Feb10_2026 - English.pdf
6.b
Approval of Proclamations
Public Comments:
None.
6.c
Adoption of Resolution No. 06-26 Declaring Pursuant to Government Code Section 54221 that Real Property Owned by the City of Morro Bay, Located at 231 Atascadero Road (APN: 065-182-005) is Non-Exempt Surplus Land and not Necessary for the City's Use; Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6c CC Staff Report on 231 Atascadero Rd SLA.pdf
2. 6c1 Reso 06-26 for 231 Atascadero Road SLA.pdf
3. 6c2 DRAFT Notice of Availability for 231 Atascadero Road.pdf Adopt Resolution No. 06-26, declaring pursuant to Government Code Section 54221 that real property owned by the City of Morro Bay, located at 231 Atascadero Road (APN: 065-182-005) is non-exempt surplus land and is not necessary for the City’s use; taking related actions; and authorizing Staff to proceed with the disposal of the property pursuant to the requirements of the Surplus Land Act.
6.d
Request to approve Resolution No. 07-26 appointing two new Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee (WMPAC) members Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6d SR WMPAC Formation 2026.pdf
2. 6d1 Reso 07-26 Forming the WMPAC.pdf
Adopt Resolution No. 07-26 appointing two new Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee (WMPAC) members.
6.e
Report on Attendance at the 2026 C-MANC Washington Week Meetings Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6e SR - Post-CMANC Trip Report.pdf
2. 6e1 Post Meeting Report.pdf
3. 6e2 CMANC Agenda 02.11.26.pdf
4. 6e3 Leave Behinds for the Harbor Projects.pdf
5. 6e3.1 Fire Station 2 Donation Flyer.pdf
6. 6e3.2 2026 DC Overview Map - Morro Bay.pdf
Mayor Wixom asked Harbor Vitality Director Munson to provide a verbal update on the C-MANC Washington Week visit.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Receive and file.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, Council Member Eckles, and Council Member Landrum CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.f
Water Reclamation Facility Quarterly Report and Contract Amendments Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6f Staff Report_WRF Quarterly Report_Updated.pdf
2. 6f1 Attach 1_WRF Q2 Report FY25-26 Oct-Dec.pdf
3. 6f2 Attach 2_Rincon Amend 2_No Cost Schedule Extension.pdf
4. 6f3 Attach 3_KMA Amend 5_RW Implementation.pdf
5. 6f4 Attach 4_GSI Amend 6_WRF Project.pdf
Public Works Director Kwolek and IPR Project Engineer Dan Heimel responded to Council questions.
Motion by
Council Member Luffee
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Quarterly Report for October – December for the Water Reclamation Facility Program (WRF Program); and Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute:
A no cost amendment to the professional services agreement with Rincon Consultants Inc. (Rincon) for professional environmental permitting consulting services for the Recycled Water Facilities component of the WRF Project to extend the agreement term to December 31, 2026; and An amendment to the professional services agreement with Kevin Merk Associates (KMA) for biological resources technical support in support of the implementation of the Recycled Water Project in the amount of $43,450 resulting in a not to exceed amount of $154,490, and to extend the agreement term to December 31, 2026; and An amendment to the professional services agreement with GSI Water Solutions, Inc. (GSI) to provide hydrogeological support services in the amount of $48,400 resulting in a not to exceed amount of $1,796,863, and to extend the agreement term to December 31, 2026.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.g
Approval of Resolution No. 08-26 Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for and Receive Award for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) - Small and Mid-Size Law Enforcement Agency, and authorize the City Manager Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6g CA Highway Patrol Cannabis Grant Staff Report.pdf
2. 6g1 Reso 08-26 authorizing CA Highway Patrol Cannabis Grant Application.pdf
3. 6g2 Draft - Morro Bay Police Department - Application.pdf Council Member Eckles and Police Chief Watkins commented on an error in the staff report and resolution, confirming the correct dollar amount for this grant application is $208,396.
Motion by
Council Member Luffee
Seconded by
Council Member Landrum
Adopt Resolution No. 08-26 to authorize staff to apply for and accept award of grant funds for the purpose of enhancing the Morro Bay Police Department’s impaired-driving enforcement, training, and public-education efforts, with the corrected dollar amount to read $208,396.
Ayes (5)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.h
Status Update and Reconfirm Emergency for the Morro Creek Bank Stabilization Project Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6h SR Reconfirm Emergency for Morro Creek Bank Stabilization.pdf Public Works Director Kwolek and City Engineer Stong responded to Council questions.
Motion by
Council Member Landrum
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Receive and file status update and reconfirm the declaration of emergency for the Morro Creek Bank Stabilization Project by four fifths vote.
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:
7.a
Hearing to Adopt Ordinance No. 677 and 678: Amendments to Zoning Code / Coastal Implementation Plan (IP) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 7a FINAL CC Staff Report for 2025 Zoning Code Amendments.pdf
2. 7a1 FINAL Ordinance No. 677 for 2026 Zoning Code Amendments.pdf
3. 7a1.1 Ord 677_Exhibit A - 17.29.120 Performance Standards for Signs Redlines.pdf
4. 7a1.2 Ord 677_Exhibit B - 17.30.040 Accessory Dwelling Units Redlines.pdf
5. 7a1.3 Ord 677_Exhibit C - 17.46 Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Code, and Zoning Map Redlines.pdf
6. 7a2 FINAL Ordinance No. 678 for 2026 IP Amendments.pdf
7. 7a2.1 Ord 678_Exhibit A - 17.07.030 Development Standards IP and 17.23.140 Sloping Lots IP Redlines.pdf
8. 7a2.2 Ord 678_Exhibit B - 17.08.030 Development Standards IP Redlines.pdf
9. 7a3 Reso 01-26 Zoning Amendments.pdf
10. 7a4 Post-Meeting Minutes - Planning Commission_Jan20_2026 - English.pdf Community Development Director Singewald presented the report and, along with Senior Planner Toner, responded to Council questions.
Mayor Wixom opened the public hearing and public comment period.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, expressed frustration that the state allows ADUs without required parking and asked that the bluff top restrictions be extended to include all of Surf Street and two houses.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, requested the bluff top restrictions be inclusive of Surf Street and clarify it includes two additional addresses on Surf Street, adding this would allow for orderly and consistent development.
Shirley Fraser, Morro Bay, asked that bluff top restrictions be inclusive of Surf Street.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, agreed the Surf Street view corridor should be protected.
End of public comment.
The public hearing was closed.
Following discussion, a majority of Council supported moving forward with ordinance adoption, as presented, with the understanding consideration of extending the bluff top restrictions would be considered as part of the Waterfront Master Plan update.
Motion by
Council Member Eckles
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Adopt Ordinance No. 677, “An Ordinance of the City Council of Morro Bay, California, Amending Chapters 17.29, 17.30, and 17.46 of the Zoning Code, Title 17 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code,” with a finding that no further environmental review is required pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and Statutory Exemption Section 15282(h); and Adopt Ordinance No. 678, “An Ordinance of the City Council of Morro Bay, California, Amending Chapters 17.07, 17.08, and 17.23 of the Zoning Code / Coastal Implementation Plan (IP), Title 17 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code,” with a finding that no further environmental review is required pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and Statutory Exemption Section 15282(h); and Waive further reading of Ordinance No. 677 and Ordinance No. 678; and Forward comments on the issue of expanding the bluff height limit to be inclusive of Surf Street to the Waterfront Master Plan Advisory Committee.
Ayes (4)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member Eckles Noes (1)
Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (4 to 1)
8. BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Comments:
The Council took a brief recess at 7:16 p.m. and reconvened at 7:26 p.m. with all but Council Member Landrum present. Mayor Wixom announced Council Member Landrum left to attend to a family matter.
8.a
Presentation and Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 8a SR FY 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.pdf Finance Director Conrad introduced the item and turned to Lindsay Zimmerman, Brown Armstrong, to present the report.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.a; seeing none, the public comment period was closed.
As a receive and file report, no formal action was taken on this item.
8.b
Public Meeting to Renew the Morro Bay Tourism Business Improvement District Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 8b SR Public Meeting to Renew MBTBID.pdf
2. 8b1 Attach 1 - MDP MBTBID 11-18-25.pdf
City Manager Craig presented the report.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.b
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, asked if clean restrooms is considered beautification.
Michael Wambolt, Visit Morro Bay, provided an update on the Executive Director position and offered to answer questions.
End of public comment.
No formal action was taken on this item.
8.c
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid Year Report
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 8c Staff Report FY 2025-26 Mid Year Report.pdf
2. 8c1 FY 2025-26 Mid Year Report.pdf
3. 8c2 Reso 09-26 FY 2025-26 Midyear Budget Amendments.pdf
4. 8c3 Budget Performance Reports.pdf
Finance Director Conrad presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.c.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, reminded Council the intent of Measure Q was intended to cover costs beyond normal budget items and should not be spent on salaries.
End of public comment.
Motion by
Mayor Wixom
Seconded by
Council Member Luffee
Receive the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Midyear Budget Report; and Adopt Resolution No. 09-26 authorizing the attached Budget Amendments.
Ayes (4)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Luffee Absent (1)
Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (4 to 0)
8.d
Award of Contract with J Bruce Kies - Contractor/Consultant for the Coleman Park Improvements Phase 1 Project Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 8d SR Coleman Park Contract Award.pdf
2. 8d1 2026-02-24 Coleman Park Ph1 Agreement.pdf
3. 8d2 Reso 10-26 Coleman Park Phase 1 Budget Amendment.pdf Public Works Director Kwolek and City Engineer Stong presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.d.
Garrett Loughran, JJ Fisher Construction, responded to the City's determination his bid was unresponsive.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, spoke to estimated restroom costs and asked that an adult swing set be included in the project.
End of public comment.
City Attorney Stack, Director Kwolek and City Engineer Stong responded to questions raised during public comment.
Motion by
Council Member Luffee
Seconded by
Council Member Eckles
Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with J Bruce Kies – Contractor, for the Coleman Park Improvements Phase 1 Project (Project) in the amount of $724,874.00 and sign any documents or amendments necessary for the ongoing administration of the contract subject to review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office as to form / legal effect; and Adopt Resolution No. 10-26 to reallocate $194,167 in available capital project funding as defined in the report.
Ayes (4)
Mayor Wixom, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Edwards, and Council Member Luffee Absent (1)
Council Member Landrum
CARRIED (4 to 0)
9. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments:
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk