CITY OF PACIFICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Council Chambers
2212 Beach Blvd
Pacifica, CA 94044
Mayor Tygarjas Bigstyck
Mayor pro Tem Sue Vaterlaus
Councilmember Sue Beckmeyer
Councilmember Mary Bier
Councilmember Christine Boles
City Council Special Meeting 1 September 25, 2023
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
September 25, 2023 (MONDAY) – 6:00 PM
www.cityofpacifica.org
Mayor Tygarjas Bigstyck called the meeting to order on September 25, 2023 at 6:10 PM 6:00 PM - OPEN SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
Call to Order
Mayor Bigstyck called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Tygarjas Bigstyck Mayor Present
Sue Vaterlaus Mayor pro Tem Present
Sue Beckmeyer Councilmember Present
Mary Bier Councilmember Present
Christine Boles Councilmember Present
City Clerk Coffey took a verbal roll call.
Staff Present: Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager; Denise Bazzano, Asst. City Attorney; Karen Murphy, Asst. City Attorney; Lisa Petersen, PW Director; Yulia Carter, Asst. City Manager; Christian Murdock, Planning Director; Maria Sarasua, Police Chief; Bob Palacio, PB&R Director; Sean Kavanaugh, Dep. Fire Chief; Craig Wittner, Fire Battalion Chief; Stefanie Cervantes, Sr.
Planner; Brianne Harkousha, Sr. Planner; Sarah Coffey, City Clerk; Emily La, Dep. City Clerk.
Reading of Land Acknowledgment
Mayor Bigstyck read the Land Acknowledgment.
Salute to the Flag led by Councilmember Boles
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Proclamation - Gretchen "Greta" Hayes
City Council Special Meeting 2 September 25, 2023
Mayor Bigstyck read a proclamation honoring Gretchen “Greta” Hayes following her retirement.
Ms. Hayes stated that it has been a pleasure working for the children and their families and that is what she will miss most.
PB&R Director Palacio stated that the impact Ms. Hayes has had on so many lives cannot be overstated and she will be missed. He thanked her for all she did.
Councilmember Bier thanked Ms. Hayes for everything she did for all families, including her own.
Mayor pro Tem Vaterlaus thanked Ms. Hayes for everything she has done.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated that she had the opportunity to work with Ms. Hayes and she feels that she is part of her life. She thanked her for everything she did.
Councilmember Boles stated she was sure those Ms. Hayes taught have come back and she has seen their progress. She acknowledged the difference Ms. Hayes made to help our next group of citizens growing up.
Mayor Bigstyck stated Ms. Hayes has had an incredibly positive affect on generations of Pacificans. He thanked her for her service to our community. He then opened public comment.
Sue Digre, Pacifica, stated that she served on Council for 16 years and stated a child care profession is not an easy job, but a great and fun job, and Ms. Hayes makes working parents feel comfortable. Child care is an asset and she appreciated her service.
B. Proclamation - Fire Prevention Week
Mayor Bigstyck read a proclamation acknowledging Fire Prevention Week.
Dep. Fire Chief Kavanaugh thanked the city for this proclamation and shared that education and information are available.
Councilmember Bier thanked the fire department for their service and keeping us all safe.
Mayor pro Tem Vaterlaus shared that Fire Service Day is on October 14.
Dep. Fire Chief Kavanaugh stated Fire Station 72 in Pacifica will be open for Fire Service Day and mentioned all the demonstrations and fire prevention materials that will be available.
Mayor pro Tem Vaterlaus thanked him, as fire workers are important to everyone.
Councilmember Beckmeyer stated that a few of them were at the CalCities Conference and she attended a session on emergency preparedness and the aftermath such as working with FEMA, etc., and it brought to her mind what they do for our community and that they are always available no matter the problem.
Councilmember Boles stated she was grateful for our JPA and mutual aid across the county.
She appreciated how quickly they are on top of something happening to prevent it from spreading.
City Council Special Meeting 3 September 25, 2023
Mayor Bigstyck thanked them for reminding us of fire prevention and their daily service. He reminded everyone of the Zonehaven program and SMC Alert.
Dep. Fire Chief Kavanaugh explained Zonehaven, which helps with notifications of evacuation orders, places to go to, etc.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Bigstyck asked if any Councilmember wanted to pull an item, and seeing no one, opened public comments.
Suzanne Moore, Pacifica, reminded the city that many neighbors in Manor district are concerned about unintended consequences on the northbound Highway 1 entrance at Milagra, mentioning their specific concerns.
Matthew Dougherty, Pacifica, stated he was speaking on behalf of the Economic Development Committee and as a local business owner in Manor area. He referred to the overpass and Manor crossing, and shared the business owners’ concerns regarding parking.
Sue Digre, Pacifica, referred to Item 6 Manor overcrossing being a crisis if not dealt with soon, and she shared concerns she heard from business owners, such as the parking, economic issues as well as construction vehicles or equipment, etc.
Remi Tan, Pacifica, referred to Item 12, stating it was an important letter to issue to the FAA, and he shared his concerns on this issue. He then referred to Item 6, and emphasized adding the on-ramp, and shared his thoughts on this issue.
Chris Redfield, Pacifica, referred to Item 6, and expressed his full support for matching city funds for the grant application, and shared his thoughts on this issue. He also supported the northbound on-ramp at Milagra and shared his thoughts on that issue.
Anonymous (via Zoom): There was one anonymous commenter that expressed racist and antisemitic views and profanity (hate speech).
Erin Macias, Pacifica, (via Zoom) asked that the hate comment be stricken from the record as it isn’t representative of Pacifica.
Mayor Bigstyck closed public comments.
Councilmember Boles stated the Manor Overcrossing item was about a grant but not the project itself and they hope the project proceeds soon. She referred to a lot of comments on parking at the previous public hearing and the on-ramp. She was sure the consultant is considering them, and there will be other public meetings when they are ready to review the project with the revision. Regarding the FAA letter, she stated it was something she worked hard on the last few months and she wanted to give a shout out to Remi Tan and Sue Digre who helped her with that including past history with FAA in 2016 that impacted the whole city. She stated they got a lot of technical help from the SFO Airport Community Roundtable and thanked several individuals who helped her compile all the information. She wanted to make it clear that it was Pacifica sending the letter regarding what they think the FAA can do differently to address airplane noise. She encouraged everyone to describe their personal experience, as well as City Council Special Meeting 4 September 25, 2023
stating they support Pacifica’s letter.
Councilmember Beckmeyer thanked Councilmember Boles for her incredible hours she has put in working on that.
Mayor Bigstyck echoed regarding the amount of work she has been putting into that letter which he thought was an impressive letter.
City Manager Woodhouse asked that they take a brief recess before public communications.
Mayor Bigstyck agreed and called a recess before reconvening the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS #1 – 12)
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sue Vaterlaus, Mayor pro Tem
SECONDER: Sue Beckmeyer, Councilmember
AYES: Bigstyck, Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Boles
1. Approval of Minutes
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to approve the minutes of the meeting held on August 28, 2023 for the Joint Study Session of the City Council and Open Space & Parkland Advisory Committee and Regular Meeting of the City Council and the meeting held on September 11, 2023 for the Regular Meeting of the City Council.
2. Update Job Classification for the Deputy Director of Public Works – Wastewater Position PROPOSED ACTION: Move to adopt a Resolution approving revisions to the job classification for the Deputy Director of Public Works - Wastewater.
3. Approve the agreement with the County of San Mateo, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) to expand the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team (CWCRT) pilot program in the City of Pacifica and to share the costs of one full-time mental health clinician in Pacifica as part of the CWCRT pilot program.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the attached resolution approving a three-year agreement between the County of San Mateo and the City of Pacifica to share the costs of one fulltime mental health clinician in Pacifica as part of the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team (CWCRT) pilot program for an estimated annual cost of $88,369, which shall be prorated based on the clinician’s start date; and authorizing the City Manager to sign the Agreement.
4. Notice of Completion for the Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant Photovoltaic System Improvement Project – Phase 1
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to Adopt the Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica accepting completion and directing the City Manager to file Notice of Completion for the Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant Photovoltaic System Improvement Project - Phase 1.
5. Notice of Completion for the FY 2023-24 Concrete Improvement Project PROPOSED ACTION: Move to Adopt the Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica accepting completion and directing the City Manager to file Notice of Completion for the FY 2023-24 Concrete Improvement Project; and Authorize the City City Council Special Meeting 5 September 25, 2023
Manager to release the retention funds to the contractor.
6. A Resolution Supporting the Manor Drive Overcrossing Project and Authorizing Submittal of an Application for Measure A and W Highway Program Funding PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the resolution entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Supporting the Highway 1 / Manor Drive Overcrossing Improvement Project and Authorizing Submittal of an Application for Measure A and Measure W Highway Program Funding" that authorizes staff to submit the grant application for the Measure A and W Highway Program Funding of $3,600,000, authorizes the City Manager to execute any document/s required for the grant application, and commits the required $400,000 in matching funds for the project if the grant is approved.
7. Resolution to Approve Consultant Service Agreement with Telstar Instruments for CCWRP SCADA and PLC Upgrade Project.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Authorizing an Agreement for Consultant Services between the City of Pacifica and Telstar Instruments for CCWRP SCADA and PLC Upgrade Project to approve the following actions:
A. Authorize the City Manager to Award and Execute a Consultant Services Agreement with Telstar Instruments in an amount of $1,040,731.00; and B. Approve a total project budget of $1,150,000.00 which includes contingencies in an amount not to exceed $109,269.00 or ten and one-half percent (10.5%) of the Consultant Contract amount; and
C. Authorize staff to Execute Future Change Orders not to exceed the listed contingency amounts.
8. Master Agreement and Task Order No. 1 between the City of Pacifica and NCE for Design and Engineering Services related to the FY 2024-25 Pavement Resurfacing Project.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Approving the Master Agreement and Task Order No. 1 between the City of Pacifica and NCE for Design and Engineering Services in the amount of $157,000.00 in connection to the FY 2024-25 Pavement Resurfacing Project; approve budget authority in the amount of $172,700.00 which includes contingencies in an amount not to exceed 10% from the Street Construction Fund (Fund 9); and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related with the project.”
9. Resolution to Approve Purchase Agreement between the City of Pacifica and PanPacific Supply to rebuild the P20 Prime Pump and Epoxy coat Hydraflo Pump for the Linda Mar Stormwater Pump Station Rehabilitation Project and rebuild the Fairbanks Morse pump and GE Vertical motor for the Linda Mar Pump Station Rehabilitation and Replacement Project.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt Resolution Approving the Purchase Agreement between the City of Pacifica and Pan-Pacific Supply, via urgent purchase, in the amount of $93,987.40 to rebuild the P20 Prime Pump and Epoxy coat Hydraflo Pump for the Linda City Council Special Meeting 6 September 25, 2023
Mar Stormwater Pump Station Rehabilitation Project and rebuild the Fairbanks Morse pump and GE Vertical motor for the Linda Mar Pump Station Rehabilitation and Replacement Project and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to the purchase.
10. Acceptance of County of San Mateo Measure K Grant for $20,000 for support for the Coastside News Group, Inc.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution “Accepting a Measure K Grant in the amount of $20,000 from the County of San Mateo and approving the Measure K Grant Agreement to provide support for the Coastside News Group, Inc., through a one-time grant.”
11. City of Pacifica response to the Grand Jury Report: "Bike Safety in San Mateo County:
Making Bicycling Safer in the County"
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to approve the response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report titled "Bike Safety in San Mateo County: Making Bicycling Safer in the County"
12. Comment Letter on Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aviation Noise Policy PROPOSED ACTION: Authorize the Mayor to submit the comment letter provided in Attachment B to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding Civil Aviation Noise Policy.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE POSTED AGENDA
Mayor pro Tem Vaterlaus suggested to limit public comment to one minute due to the extensive meeting they are having after this, and Mayor Bigstyck agreed, as they were supposed to begin the joint study session earlier and they still have some communications to get through.
Ted Bisson, Pacifica, stated he wanted to discuss the conflict of interest that took place recently of a removal of a protected tree near his home, and shared his concerns.
Suzanne Moore, Pacifica, stated she supported housing stability and a pathway for homelessness, and shared her experiences and thoughts on support of PRC and condemning harassment, etc. regarding safe parking.
Gloria Stofan, Pacifica, stated not just Pacifica, but the county’s goal is net zero homelessness, and she shared her thoughts on many cities aiming for a pathway to end homelessness and shared her concerns on delayed education on this issue.
Sue Digre, Pacifica, referred to the impact of misinformation and fear mongering, etc., regardless homelessness and shared her concerns on this issue and asked for support of PRC on this issue.
Remi Tan, Pacifica, referred to a fire behind his house, and shared his concerns on the issue of the danger of fires.
Anonymous (via Zoom): There were nine anonymous commenters that expressed racist, antisemitic views and/or profanity (hate speech).
City Council Special Meeting 7 September 25, 2023
City Clerk Coffey stated that they have four more hands raised on Zoom, and she suggested that they end at that time as they are beyond the study session start time.
Asst. City Attorney Bazzano stated that, as the mayor mentioned, the first amendment allows speakers to express hateful speech on certain issues unless the speech disrupts the meeting and, at this point they have had multiple speakers speak on topics that are disruptive hate speech and impedes the city’s ability to proceed with city business, given that it may deter members of the public and staff from participating in meetings, and the hate speech is threatening to individual councilmembers, staff and members of the public as documented in recent attacks relating to anti-semitic behavior, shootings, etc. She stated Council has given an opportunity to various public speakers to present their public comments but it is becoming disruptive, and they can terminate the public comment period.
Mayor Bigstyck agreed.
Samuel Casillas, Pacifica, (via Zoom) referred to the current Housing Element, and shared his thoughts on the subject.
Mayor Bigstyck stated that his comment may be better served during the Housing Element portion of the meeting. He stated that they are running a little late and they look forward to hearing from him in a few minutes.
Anonymous (via Zoom): There were three anonymous commenters that expressed racist, antisemitic views and/or profanity (hate speech).
Samantha Hauser, Pacifica, stated she was speaking as an individual, and referred to Suzanne Moore’s and Sue Digre’s comments on everyone deserving to feel safe, and she commended Council and staff for providing a positive environment.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Bier reminded everyone that the Pacifica Collaborative is working on a campaign for kindness, and they are looking forward to all the sectors of our community coming together to support kindness in all the different ways. She stated that they have a plan set forth and if anyone is interested in participating in the campaign, she asked that they let her know.
She stated that the schools, libraries, law enforcement, Pacific Beach Coalition, etc. in the Pacifica Collaborative will be out there talking about kindness, bringing people together with love.
Councilmember Beckmeyer will defer her comments to a future meeting.
Councilmember Boles will also defer her comments to later. She did meet with Anita Rees and PRC and Unhoused on the Coast group, and they have seven people on the waitlist for the oversized vehicle spaces. She would love to hear from staff as they are making progress with the Coastal Commission on moving those four along.
Mayor Bigstyck visited the PRC Board of Directors and let them know of the episode of the Mayor’s Office he shot with Anita Rees. He stated that representative from Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office has been waiting online and he will give him the opportunity to speak at this point.
City Council Special Meeting 8 September 25, 2023
Nicholas Hargis, field representative of Congresswoman Eshoo, is honored to be present and present a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to the Pacifica Public Works Department for the work they did during the winter storm as they were on the front line and kept the city running. They made sandbags available to protect private residences and businesses and also maintained the city streets and sewer system and all vital services that help respond and keep the community resilient in the wake of what were some massive storms and prepared the city for future events. They look forward to continuing their partnership moving forward.
Mayor Bigstyck thanked their Public Works team and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and everyone who worked tirelessly. He then stated that he went to Santa Cruz to meet the new Coastal Commissioner Justin Cummings. While he was there, he listened to a Council on Foreign Relations seminar about Latin America and the complexities between our relationships here and abroad. He attended a fundraiser for Lisa Gauthier who is running for County Supervisor in District 4. He attended Coastal Clean-Up Day, the Rancho Day Fiesta, and the Fog Cutters Ball. He attended a dinner for National Day of the People’s Republic of China and engaged with the Dep. Counsel General of China. He attended a San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority meeting and they had a conversation around adult literacy, making sure they empower the tools of those who wish to hone their language skills. They approved the final adopted budget, and the next JPA meeting will be on November 13. He attended the Pacificans Care meeting where our former PB&R director, Mike Perez, was honored, along with past Councilmember Nihart, and Jane Northrop was posthumously honored. He attended the LAFCO meeting and highlighted a keynote speech by Brandon Fleming at the CalCities Conference who pointed out that when people are given the opportunity to rise to their best selves, it is amazing when properly watered with love what an individual can survive to become.
He went to Menlo Park where State Senator Josh Becker had his grand opening for his office, and then led to Fog Fest where he paraded with all his fellow councilmembers and County Supervisor Ray Mueller, Assemblymember Marc Berman, State Senator Josh Becker, and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. He noted how quickly fellow Councilmembers immediately expressed love to one another to remind each other of what our community stands for and how much stronger we become when we are challenged accordingly.
Councilmember Boles announced that they had the first Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency project meeting in person on September 13, and there is an opportunity for the same presentation on Zoom on September 27.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Woodhouse stated he had one main communication announcement. The sign-up for the Beach Blvd. Infrastructure Resiliency Project meeting can be found on the PW page of the city’s webpage, and the information is also in the Connect with Pacifica communications.
He also referred to the question asked about the status of the Temporary Safe Parking Permit program appeals, stating they are in the process of bringing together data to respond to questions from the Coastal Commission for the city’s LCP amendment related to the Oversized Vehicle ordinance which is a necessary step before they can get to their resolution of the appeals. He wanted to say that the International City Managers Association, the international national professional organization, brings international managers to wherever the ICMA conference is occurring, and our city is honored to be hosting a manager for this week, Libby O’Brien from the Taupo District in New Zealand. He stated that her role is general manager for people and customers and she is very focused on civic engagement in that district in New Zealand and he told her that was a very strong theme in Pacifica so there is a lot they can City Council Special Meeting 9 September 25, 2023
share.
Libby O’Brien, General Manager, stated it was wonderful to be here and thanked them for hosting her and their warm welcome. She thought it was interesting that they mention that their partnership was an important thing, and she stated that they changed their job titles, and hers is now People and Community Partnerships, and it is fantastic and resonates with what they are talking about. She looks at the community facing parts of council communications, customer service, their local tribes and local people from New Zealand and community engagement and community development, economic development, civil defense emergency management, etc.
She stated it was wonderful to be here in Pacifica. She attended the Fog Fest and referred to the pride of the people, and stated that everyone she met was helpful and the pride was infectious and how much fun everyone was having . She has only been here for two days but Ms. Carter and Mr. Woodhouse have been so welcoming as well as everyone, and she thanked them for the opportunity. She thanked them for hosting her and it was wonderful to be here.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.
CONSIDERATION - NONE.
ADJOURN
Mayor Bigstyck adjourned the special and regular meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Transcribed by Barbara Medina, Public Meeting Stenographer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Coffey, City Clerk
APPROVED: 5 - 0; 10/23/2023
__________________________
Tygarjas Bigstyck, Mayor