City Council Special Meeting - August 19, 2026
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm, with all members present.
Council Member Edwards announced she was participating remotely under SB 707 "just cause" provisions due to a medical condition and that no other adults were present in the remote location.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Public Comments:
Linda Winters, Morro Bay, spoke in support of holding an election and stated that registered voters should have the opportunity to choose their representatives.
Mike Gerson, Morro Bay, a candidate for City Council, expressed appreciation for being considered for appointment and stated his support for protecting the political process and holding the November 3 election.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, expressed support for holding the November election, stating that it would give residents an opportunity to review the candidates’ positions on the issues. She stated that the cost of holding an election was worthwhile and expressed a preference for paper ballots.
Betsy Gaudette-Cross, Morro Bay, expressed support for holding an election and stated that residents' voices should be heard. She noted that an election would provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the candidates and their positions.
Michelle Howard-Leicester, Morro Bay, stated that, as an immigrant to the United States, she understood the importance of elections and the right to vote. She expressed support for holding the November election.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, emphasized the importance of ensuring that young and new voters understand that this is an election and that City Council Members are elected rather than self-appointed. She noted that this sets an important example for future and new voters.
June Swall, Morro Bay, expressed support for holding the November election and stated that circumstances could change between an appointment and the election, making it important to keep the election process open and allow citizens to vote.
End of public comment.
3. SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM(S)
Public Comments:
4. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 5:25 pm
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Heather Goodwin, Deputy City Clerk