CITY OF PACIFICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Council Chambers
2212 Beach Blvd
Pacifica, CA 94044
Mayor Sue Vaterlaus
Mayor pro Tem Sue Beckmeyer
Councilmember Mary Bier
Councilmember Tygarjas Bigstyck
Councilmember Christine Boles
City Council Regular Meeting 1 October 14, 2024
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
October 14, 2024 (MONDAY)
www.cityofpacifica.org
Mayor Sue Vaterlaus called the meeting to order on October 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM 6:00 PM - CLOSED SESSION
00a.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION. Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)- Coalition of Pacificans for an Updated Plan, et al. v. City of Pacifica, et al.
California Court of Appeal Case No. A17074.
7:00 PM OPEN SESSION
Call to Order
Mayor Vaterlaus reconvened the regular meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Sue Vaterlaus Mayor Present
Sue Beckmeyer Mayor pro Tem Present
Mary Bier Councilmember Present
Tygarjas Bigstyck Councilmember Present
Christine Boles Councilmember Present
City Clerk Coffey took a verbal roll call.
Staff Present: Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager; Michelle Kenyon, City Attorney; Yulia Carter, Asst. City Manager; Maria Sarasua, Police Chief; Stephanie Cervantes, Interim Community Development Dep. Director; John Mullins, PW Interim Director; Louis Sun, PW Dep. DirectorWastewater Div.; Scott Leslie, PB&R Director; Bill Glasgo, Police Captain; Vicente Romero, Police Sergeant; Joe Gomez, Police Sergeant; Sarah Coffey, City Clerk; Emily La, Dep. City Clerk.
City Council Regular Meeting 2 October 14, 2024
Reading of Land Acknowledgment
Mayor Vaterlaus read the Land Acknowledgment.
Salute to the Flag led by Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer
Closed Session Report
City Attorney Kenyon stated that there was no reportable action.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Special Presentation - CoastPride Services & Programs Cameron Zeller, Interim Executive Director from CoastPride, stated CoastPride was the culmination of a study by the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission looking at the needs of LGBTQ community members in San Mateo County. One outcome was that LGBTQ coastsiders were feeling isolated and not supported in their identities and parents of trans children could not find the resources they needed in Half Moon Bay. The LGBTQ Commission held a listening session and started the nonprofit CoastPride in 2019 to serve from Pescadero to Pacifica. Dir.
Zeller highlighted the health and wellness support groups, education and visibility, and social justice, and CoastPride works with schools to develop sexual orientation, gender identity and expression policies to protect LGBTQ students. They then highlighted Pacificans who made it possible for CoastPride to work in the City and shared the process in Pacifica. They appreciated the Councilmembers’ support of CoastPride.
Councilmember Bier stated that CoastPride is lucky to have Dir. Zeller and she is lucky to know them and call them a friend. She thanked the Economic Development Committee who were entrenched in Pride, etc. She thinks the training CoastPride provides for teachers and caregivers is important and she wants to see if we can get that training for our City staff and elected, as well as committees and commissions. She stated that the CoastPride Board has amazing people and the work they do from Pescadero through Pacifica brings the coastside together. She thanked Dir. Zeller for being who they are and what CoastPride needs.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer echoed Councilmember Bier’s sentiments and shared that she felt a sense of confidence and comfort in the schools in Pacifica that did not always exist. She stated she is proud of our community for accepting, understanding, and learning about the nonprofit and programs; she also understands there have been some challenges, but she believes we are United in Love and will continue to be. She is grateful to Dir. Zeller, to the CoastPride Board, the County, and everyone who supports it, and looks forward to their continuing work and it meant a lot to her that Pacifica was included.
Councilmember Bigstyck thanked Dir. Zeller for allowing the community within our community to be safe and seen. He appreciated everything they are doing to normalize human experiences.
He asked them about their perspective, what does they/them mean to them, how does it feel when we try to figure it out, and how can we be better allies as we engage with our journey.
Dir. Zeller thought what matters the most is seeing someone is trying to use the pronouns correctly and recognizing when a mistake is made. They think the important part is to show you are trying and thinking about it. If you make a mistake, the best practice is to recognize that you made a mistake, say sorry, correct yourself, and move on. They gave recommendations from City Council Regular Meeting 3 October 14, 2024
their training on learning how to use they/them or other pronouns.
Councilmember Boles stated she would love to have some training and she considers herself an ally; as much as we can learn to be human and respect and love each other for who we are is so important. She stated at the Sunset Ridge event there was an acknowledgment of what happened but also a celebration and the kids that were there know that this is who they are and believe in and it is right. She asked where their money comes from and what do they need in terms of money and other resources and how can our community help.
Dir. Zeller stated the money comes partly from individual donors on the coastside, partly from San Mateo County, and partly from grants. CoastPride could use help mostly in staffing, and being able to pay people to do the work that they do is a big need for them. With Pacifica, they specifically would love to have space here.
Mayor Vaterlaus also attended the Sunset Ridge event and thanked Dir. Zeller for everything they do and making people feel comfortable in the changes they are going through. She was talking to Assemblyman Marc Berman and he was happy that we had Pride Parade here as most cities did not.
Police Chief Sarasua stated it was a pleasure to speak on behalf of CoastPride. They met a few months ago and introduced their new LGBTQ liaison officer program which is a highly trained member of the police department that will serve as a point of contact to the LGBTQ+ community so they have a place and contact of a familiar person that can make them feel safe to come forward. They are looking forward to growing opportunities together for special events and provide training for our city staff and members of the police department.
There were no public comments.
B. Proclamation - Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2024 Mayor Vaterlaus read the proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2024.
She welcomed Director of Quality and Strategic Initiatives Lynn Schuette from Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) for joining them and accepting the proclamation.
Dir. Schuette thanked Council for acknowledging Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expressed how important it was to recognize this month. She shared the CORA number (800- 300-1080) and stated CORA provides everything through that hotline to help when people have nowhere else to go. She then mentioned prevention and education. She thanked Pacifica for stepping into the Speak Up Program. They also have a small program in schools called YEA! (Youth Engagement & Advocacy) that was able to respond to schools, counselors, etc. following major incidents. She is proud to be able to bring that to our town and they are providing education for students to understand what a healthy relationship is. She stated that it is intervention and prevention to make Pacifica a safe place.
Councilmember Bigstyck thanked Dir. Schuette.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer thanked Councilmember Bigstyck for getting CORA and the Speak Up Program here. She was so proud when the Lion’s Club donated to support that program.
She is proud of our community and would love to hear how we are moving forward with it.
Councilmember Boles remembers touring their facility last year with the Council of Cities and City Council Regular Meeting 4 October 14, 2024
was amazed at all the work they do and resources they have and how well their space is designed. She mentioned the importance of the CORA stickers in public bathrooms and wanted them for the city’s facilities as well.
Councilmember Bier appreciated Dir. Schuette and feels the work that CORA does is so important. She feels so grateful that there are agencies like CORA that are here to help people who are experiencing things like what she experienced long ago. She wants to participate in any way we can moving forward to keep the ball rolling as it is continuous education such as with CoastPride.
Mayor Vaterlaus stated she set up two presentations, Realtors in Pacifica and Realtors in San Mateo, and they also donate to CORA. She also recorded an episode of The Mayor’s Office at PCT with Chief Executive Officer Karen Ferguson. She thanked Dir. Schuette.
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vaterlaus asked if Councilmembers wanted to talk about any items or pull any items from the consent agenda.
Councilmember Boles would like to request that to continue Item #12 and Item #13.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer asked if we need to make a motion for that.
City Attorney Kenyon stated that we would pull them from the agenda and bring it back at a later date and it will not be discussed tonight.
City Manager Woodhouse stated he has one correction on Item #11. He stated Item #11 on packet page 136, the second paragraph, should say that all groups completed the necessary hours as required in the Pacifica Municipal Code and the total hours worked this year was 549 hours. The sentence about two groups failing to meet the hours following that would then be removed. He stated that it was an inadvertent error in leaving that language in from the last year’s report, and in considering the consent, to accept the report as modified, according to his statements.
Councilmember Boles had a question about Item #11. She stated that the report is saying that we are not recovering enough from the sales of fireworks to cover the additional waste and fires and her question is how we charge for citations.
Police Captain Glasgo stated, as in years past, our goal has always strategically been cost recovery. $1,000 is the maximum amount for the various violations as indicated in the staff report, and AB 1403 caps the City’s ability to generate revenues beyond the 8%. They have collected 8% in years past but in January of this year, the state capped that and lowered it down to 7% which resulted in a net loss of about $5,500 to what they would have collected in prior years. Also, in the report, we issued 10 citations less than last year. Staff had calls for service that hindered their ability during peak hours to maximally enforce various areas of our community which was another factor. He stated the Finance Department works hard in recouping those costs, and the Police Department submits the citations the next day. Staff immediately starts reaching out to those violators and there is an appeal process that those violators are afforded. The violators have the option to file hardship waivers. There are several City Council Regular Meeting 5 October 14, 2024
people who filed hardship waivers and the City is actively trying to recollect some of those monies that have come in.
Councilmember Boles asked how the math worked if the total was $13,400.
Police Captain Glasgo stated that there are penalties for those individuals who do not pay on time so that is where we see some of the increased numbers.
Mayor Vaterlaus opened public comments on the consent calendar, not including the items pulled from the agenda, Items #12 and #13.
Dan Stegink, Pacifica, commented on Item #4. He stated that over a year ago, the City Manager was in their neighborhood with Councilmembers Bigstyck and Beckmeyer when they discussed the Anza Pump Station, and he shared his concerns on it still not being fixed.
Mayor Vaterlaus closed public comments and brought it back to Council.
Councilmember Boles had a correction on the minutes. She stated, on page 38 of the minutes, the very last paragraph about the short-term rental ordinance says Half Moon Bay’s TOT was $218 and is now $505, and it should read $218,000 and $505,000.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated packet page 61 says staff plans to bring a final project closeout change order regarding the Anza Pump Station, and he thought an update would be pertinent.
PW Dep. Director Sun stated that staff had intentions of bringing that change order to the October 14 City Council meeting but are still running into some issues with our general contractor. When we have the final change order, staff will bring it back to City Council. They are anticipating terminating the local emergency in December.
Councilmember Bigstyck concluded it is on its way.
PW Dep. Director Sun responded affirmatively.
Mayor Vaterlaus thought it was nice to hear good news.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer moved to approve consent calendar with #2 & #11 as amended by Councilmember Boles and the City Manager, respectively, and Items #12 & #13 excluded; seconded by Councilmember Bier.
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS #2 AND #11 AS AMENDED AND EXCLUDING ITEMS #12 AND 13)
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sue Beckmeyer, Mayor pro Tem
SECONDER: Mary Bier, Councilmember
AYES: Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, Boles
1. Approval of Disbursements for 09/01/24 through 09/30/24.
PROPOSED ACTION: Receive and file the Monthly Check Register Report for the month of September 2024.
City Council Regular Meeting 6 October 14, 2024
2. Approval of Minutes
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to approve the minutes for the August 26, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting.
3. Continuation of Proclamation of Local Emergency of the Pacifica Coastline from Westline Drive to the End of Beach Boulevard.
PROPOSED ACTION: Accept report and make a determination that conditions of local emergency continue to exist within the Pacifica Coastline from Westline Drive to the end of Beach Boulevard.
4. Continuation of Proclamation of Local Emergency at the Anza Pump Station.
PROPOSED ACTION: Accept Report and Make a Determination that Conditions of Local Emergency Continue to Exist at the Anza Pump Station at the Pacifica State Beach.
5. Quarterly Treasurer’s Reports for the quarter ending June 30, 2024 PROPOSED ACTION: Review and accept the Quarterly Treasurer’s Reports for the quarter ending June 30, 2024.
6. Adopt a Resolution to Authorize Continued Funding Applications for FY 2024-25 with State of California Dept of Education and California Dept of Social Services for Child Care and Development Services
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Approving Agreement to This Transaction with the California Department of Education and the California Department of Social Services for the Purpose of Providing Child Care and Development Services and to authorize the Designated Personnel to Sign Contract Documents for Fiscal Years 2024-25.”
7. Adopt a Resolution to Authorize Continued Funding Applications for FY 2024-25 with San Mateo County Office of Education for Child Care programs PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Approving Agreement to This Transaction with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools for the Purpose of Providing Child Care and Development Services and to Authorize the Designated Personnel to Sign Contract Documents for Fiscal Year 2024/25” and authorize staff to pursue future one-time only funds, State funds, QRIS Quality Rating and Improvement Grants, and any amendments, or County support if they become available during fiscal year 2024-2025.
8. Adopt Resolution Authorizing Application and Administration of the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program Grant
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Authorizing a submittal of an Individual Grant application for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program”
9. Approval of Construction Services Agreement for Traffic Signal and Street Light Services between the City of Pacifica and St. Francis Electric, LLC.
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Construction Services Agreement for Traffic Signal and Street Light Services between the City of Pacifica and St. Francis Electric, LLC in the amount of $52,355.00 annually ($209,420.00 for four (4) years) from Gas Tax Maintenance Fund, Fund 10; Establish a budget authority of City Council Regular Meeting 7 October 14, 2024
$57,590.50, which includes a 10% contingency; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
10. Resolution Approving Task Order No. 2 with Woodard & Curran for Rockaway Pump Station Hydraulic Modeling Project
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution that:
A. Authorizes the City Manager to execute Task Order No. 2 with Woodard & Curran, Inc. for an amount of $38,530 for providing engineering services for the Rockaway Pump Station Hydraulic Modeling Project; and
B. Authorizes a 15% contingency in the amount of $5,780 and approves a total of $44,310 for this project; and
C. Authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents related to the project and future task orders not to exceed the project budget amount.
11. 2024 July 4th Activities Report
PROPOSED ACTION: Accept the staff report on the July 4th 2024 activities.
12. Consideration of a Resolution: 1) Denying Appeals of Baylands Soil Pacifica LLC and Dan Stegink, of the Planning Commission’s Effective Denial of Various Actions to Approve the Rockaway Quarry Reclamation Plan; and 2) Denying the Rezoning RZ-210- 22, Development Plan DP-86-22, Specific Plan SP-179-22, Quarry Use Permit UP-71- 16, Variance PV-531-22, and Tree Permit TP-1-22 (File No. 2016-001) (APN 018-150- 120 and 018-150-150) CEQA: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15270 (Denial of a project)
PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution: 1) Denying the Appeals by Baylands Soil Pacifica LLC and Dan Stegink, of the Planning Commission’s Effective Denial of Various Actions to Approve the Rockaway Quarry Reclamation Plan; and 2) Denying Rezoning RZ-210-22, Development Plan DP-86-22, Specific Plan SP‐179‐22, Quarry Use Permit UP‐71‐16, Variance PV‐531‐22, and Tree Permit TP‐1‐22 (File No. 2016‐001)
13. FY 2024-25 Budget Amendment to increase the legal budget by allocating additional funds from the unassigned General Fund
PROPOSED ACTION: Approve the FY 2024-25 Budget Amendment, allocating additional funds of $150,000 and appropriating an existing assigned legal reserve of $100,000 to cover legal expenses related to the potential appeal of the denial of the Rockaway Quarry Reclamation Plan project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE POSTED AGENDA
Dan Stegink, Pacifica, stated he is speaking about the quarry appeal and provided to the City Council a supplement from the 2010 DEIR on the Pacifica Village.
Bob O’Donnell, Pacifica, stated he wanted to speak about the short-term rental ordinance, and thanked Council for listening to the residents and making recommendations to improve it. He then shared a personal life lesson in his job as a firefighter in Daly City and his thoughts on the need to expedite this issue.
Lyla Reinero, Pacifica, thanked Council on the short-term rental work done so far and we need to keep up the momentum to get it done. She added that the road improvements on Grand Avenue are appreciated.
City Council Regular Meeting 8 October 14, 2024
Clif Lawrence, Pacifica, made comments on some observations, i.e., out-of-date planning applications, budget information, staff turnover, and election voting.
Peter Garenani, Pacifica, shared his concerns and thoughts on the STR project and need for immediate action on the ordinance to make residents safe.
Cata Gomes, Pacifica, stated she is a descendent of the village of Timigtag along Calera Creek, now known as Pacifica, and spoke on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. She referred to the Land Acknowledgment and added her thoughts on what happened to this land and the need for change.
Cindy Abbott, Pacifica, stated she is asking to receive an ongoing update on the timing for a new draft ordinance on STR to keep the community informed, sharing her concern about STRs.
Caitlin Quinn, Pacifica, thanked Council for the work on the STRs, and she expressed her concern on the delay on the STRs and request for an update on all aspects of STRs.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Vaterlaus stated that the next item is Council Communications and she asked, with all the police officers present, if Council agreed to having it at the end of the meeting.
Councilmember Bigstyck wanted to highlight something brief. He attended the Board of Supervisors meeting in Redwood City; he was there because he had requested a trailhead sign at the top of Fassler, a kiosk sign where you can put information, and they budgeted $10,000 of Measure K funding to construct that kiosk sign.
(Council Communications resumed after Agenda Item #15.) Councilmember Bier thanked the FogFest group for all their work. She was able to collaborate with HOPE (Healing, Overdose Prevention and Education) which is a new non-profit in Pacifica to do some opioid prevention work and gave out at least 300 doses of Narcan alongside many trainings. She attended CCAG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, HEART, and the Age-Friendly Coalition town hall meeting. She thanked Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer for taking the remaining Economic Development Committee meetings while she is in school. She will not be going to the League of California Cities conference due to midterms and will miss spending time with them but she has the San Mateo County Leadership CORPS.
Councilmember Boles attended the Airport Roundtable. She also mentioned we are continuing to have conversations with NOAA about bringing adaptation training through the town. She shared that Cindy Abbott through Pacifica Environmental Family along with the Pacifica Climate Committee are organizing this training. She met with the Pacific Beach Coalition and President Lynn Adams is officially retiring in January 2026 and shared information on how to help the group with next steps. She gave a special shout-out to Public Works and thanking them for all the work with Coastal Clean Up Day and it was a great collaboration. The Emergency Preparedness and Safety Commission received a presentation from Ana Miscolta, Director of Community Resilience from THRIVE ALLIANCE, and she leads the Thrive Rise COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster). She stated that any non-profit can reach out to them and they will help prepare an emergency plan. She stated, regarding Unhoused on the Coast, the county has approved more money through Measure K for services for seniors and they are the fastest growing unhoused population. She believes PRC is going to be making a City Council Regular Meeting 9 October 14, 2024
presentation soon on the Temporary Safe Parking Program and a report on how it has been operating.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer stated she is preparing for the upcoming Coastal Cities group presentation at the League of California Cities. She stated that the idea is how do we look at adaptation and what role does armoring factor into that. She asked what we do in terms of nature-based adaptation, how do we implement that, where will it be within the bounds of a city, and where might it be in that jurisdiction but also in collaboration with neighboring cities or even county. As far as Resource Management and Climate Protection, one of the recent meetings was how to involve going over RICAPS.
City Manager Woodhouse stated that we use RICAPs and there will be a CAAP Task Force update to Council in early 2025.
Mayor Vaterlaus stated that all of Council went to Palm-a-Palooza! which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Pacifica Resource Center. She stated that Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer gave a presentation at Skyline on for Peninsula CalCities on sea level rise. She went to Fire Service Day and an art show at the Red Café, a Chinese Communication Service group. She attended Emergency Services Council, and it was her last meeting. She stated that she and Councilmember Bigstyck went to a County meeting on homelessness. They have a new county app that we are all supposed to use if we locate anyone whom we think is homeless or needs help.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated that the app is designed for electeds and other forms of officials, not an at large app.
Mayor Vaterlaus attended the Children’s Economic Development Fair, the City Employee Health Fair, and the People Who Care Awards from Pacificans Care. Last, but not least, Fog Fest was the greatest and it was probably the biggest Fog Fest ever. In her current state of having a broken arm, she would like to thank mainly Councilmember Boles because she takes her home after each City Council meeting, Councilmember Bigstyck who drove her to Redwood City, Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer who took her to the People Who Care Awards, and everyone who drives her around.
Councilmember Bier asked PB&R Director Leslie to talk about the upcoming Halloween events.
PB&R Director Leslie stated that the events include an exciting aquatic pumpkin patch event at Jeanne E. Brink pool, the Boo Bash at the Community Center with a carnival, the Haunted House, and the homecoming dance. Staff are excited and it was the largest we ever had last year and we believe this year is going to be bigger and better. He invited the community to attend.
Councilmember Boles stated that today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and she has been reading this beautiful book entitled Braiding Sweetgrass, written by a female scientist who is embedded in a native community and learning from them and restoring the environment around her. She referred to Chapter 11, called the Thanksgiving Address, and it is something the native Onondaga people do every day at school, which showcases what is missing in the Pledge of Allegiance is our connection to the earth, the creatures in our place and responsibility in it, not just to the nation but the place. She stated that, at the heart of the Thanksgiving address, is an invocation of gratitude. She shared that “leadership is not rooted in power and authority but in service and wisdom” and there are multiple sections and each grade would recite one, and at City Council Regular Meeting 10 October 14, 2024
the end of each piece, the whole community says “now our minds are one”. She then read part of two sections. She stated that it was beautiful and she recommends it.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Woodhouse wanted to make it clear that all of the City’s budgets are posted on the city’s website on the Finance page, as well as all the other related documentations are posted there. He wanted to also acknowledge that City Council in this year’s budget allocated a grant of $5,000 for CoastPride. He then referred to questions on the update of STR ordinance work. With Council direction on September 9, he explicitly asked for Council to be clear about next steps, and the next step was to prepare the summary materials and pursue consultation with the Coastal Commission. He stated that staff requested that consultation, but Coastal Commission staff were not available until early November to talk with staff. In the meantime, staff know one of the questions Coastal Commission staff will have is going to be a lot of data requests to back up the policies and, in previous iterations, such as when we went through the short-term rental cap ordinance, they asked a lot of data questions that are time-consuming.
He stated that, in the meantime, staff are being diligent and efficient about bringing together all the data we think they might ask in the consultation about the policies. As he stated on September 9, Coastal Commission staff’s feedback will determine whether we need to come back to another study session with Council for further policy direction or whether we can proceed to start drafting the ordinance to bring forward for Council consideration. He stated that the timeline is undetermined until we get feedback from Coastal Commission staff.
Councilmember Bigstyck referenced some Planning staff in his communications. He wanted to thank Interim Community Development Dep. Director Stefanie Cervantes for stepping in on short notice when we lost our previous Planning Director. He understands another planning staff member will be going out for family leave. He stated that, as we are looking at these big picture items, some of which were very timing specific like the quarry reclamation plan and the Housing Element, these will presumably be made more difficult because of our staffing challenges. He stated that is not to mention that the Local Coastal Land Use Plan we they have been working on for a year now. He would love an update the next time around enforcement issues around STRs.
Mayor Vaterlaus wanted to thank Interim Community Development Dep. Director Stefanie Cervantes as well, as these were heavy loads that she carried. She stated that these are difficult and sometimes people think we are putting them aside, but we have massive things to do that are all important.
Councilmember Boles thanked Interim Community Development Dep. Director Stephanie Cervantes, stating she has been an amazing professional and they will miss her. She thanked her for her service.
Councilmember Bier echoed that as well. She stated that she was so graceful on how she came in. She wishes her the best.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer thanked her for all the service she gave to our community. She has been an amazing professional and brought with her the knowledge that she had from working in Oceanside and carried us forward through our difficult and ongoing projects with the LCLUP update. She wishes her well.
City Council Regular Meeting 11 October 14, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE.
CONSIDERATION
14. Pacifica Police Department Militarized Equipment Ordinance and Policy, and 2023 Annual Military Equipment Use Report.
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to 1) Waive the First Reading of and Introduce by Title an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Repealing and Replacing Chapter 19, “Acquisition and Use of Military Equipment” of Title 4 “Public Safety” of the Pacifica Municipal Code Renewing the Military Equipment Policy; and 2) Approve the Pacifica Police Department 2023 Annual Military Equipment Use Report.
Police Chief Sarasua began the staff report.
Police Sergeant Vicente Romero continued the staff report.
Councilmember Bigstyck asked how long did it take from Daly City and San Bruno to have their equipment reach us as we were trying to save lives along our coast.
Police Chief Sarasua stated that we do not have the response times readily available, but we can research that for him.
Councilmember Bigstyck appreciated that.
Police Sergeants Vicente Romero and Joe Gomez continued the staff report. Police Chief Sarasua completed the staff report.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer asked if technology grant program, the funding source for purchasing the unmanned arial devices system, would cover the entire cost.
Police Chief Sarasua stated it would cover the entire cost.
Councilmember Boles appreciated that staff presented this to the Emergency Preparedness and Safety Commission recently. This technology could save police staff time also and she thought staff might want to talk to that about helping with efficiency.
Police Chief Sarasua stated that public safety technology can serve as a force multiplier. She thinks it will increase operational efficiency and effectiveness and enhance investigations. Staff are very excited about the opportunity to be able to have crime scene mapping and exit investigation mapping and the usefulness in the search and rescue operations.
Mayor Vaterlaus thought, if we had our own, it would take way less time than trying to get something coming from another jurisdiction.
Mayor Vaterlaus opened public comments. Seeing no one, she closed public comments.
Councilmember Bier thanked staff for the presentation and she thanked all the officers for being present and for all the service they provide for our city. She stated that one thing she has come to appreciate and expect from our new chief is a thorough professional presentation. She stated that the transparency is refreshing and thanked her for being professional and bringing all the information that we need and applying for grants to fund programs.
City Council Regular Meeting 12 October 14, 2024
Councilmember Bigstyck remembers when Council first passed this several years ago, and then the Police Department gave him a tour of everything going on and seeing the equipment. After observing the equipment, he took exception to that terminology “military equipment”. He feels that, when that legislation was passed, it was specifically to bring scrutiny to what kind of equipment is being utilized in any given community. He stated that it does not quite seem to fit, at least with the equipment we regularly use in our community, and that follows through to today where they have unmanned aerial systems, drones. He questioned how long we had to take if we have to call from over the hill and what are the odds of losing a life in between. He thanked staff for the community outreach. He remembers when Council first heard this and there was a lot of community concern. Staff have done due diligence to ensure that it has been explained to the satisfaction of the community. He thanks staff for the work and for putting their lives on the line so our community can be safe and doing so in such a fashion that they can regard them all as members of our community. He thanked staff for being those members and taking a heightened interest in keeping us all safe.
Councilmember Boles thanked Chief Sarasua and the officers on all their work on this.
Councilmember Boles moved to 1) Waive the First Reading of and Introduce by Title an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Repealing and Replacing Chapter 19, “Acquisition and Use of Military Equipment” of Title 4 “Public Safety” of the Pacifica Municipal Code Renewing the Military Equipment Policy; and 2) Approve the Pacifica Police Department 2023 Annual Military Equipment Use Report; seconded by Councilmember Bigstyck.
Mayor Vaterlaus called a break and then reconvened the meeting.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Christine Boles, Councilmember
SECONDER: Tygarjas Bigstyck, Councilmember
AYES: Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, Boles
15. Appointments to the Economic Development Committee, Emergency Preparedness and Safety Commission, Library Advisory Committee, and Open Space and Parkland Advisory Committee
PROPOSED ACTION: Move to appoint
a) three (3) applicants to the Economic Development Committee each for a full 4-year term to expire October 2028;
b) two (2) applicants to the Emergency Preparedness and Safety Commission each for a full 4-year term to expire October 2028;
c) up to two (2) applicants to at-large positions on the Library Advisory Committee, specifying the term for each; and
d) one (1) applicant to the Open Space and Parkland Advisory Committee for a partial term to expire May 2028.
City Clerk Coffey presented the staff report.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated he had a two-part question. He went into the interview process expecting to interview for more youth spots on the Library Advisory Committee. He had thought that the committee seats were specific to youth and asked why it was more at-large and if this is a proper venue to solidify those two spots as youth now or if Council needs to do it later, or how City Council Regular Meeting 13 October 14, 2024
it works. He then has a part two of the question.
City Clerk Coffey stated that Council adopted a resolution to update the charter of the Library Advisory Committee on June 26, 2023. At that time, Council determined that the Library Advisory Committee would be comprised of 7-9 at-large community members from a broad section of the community which could include youth members. After that update to the Library Advisory Committee Charter, the City initiated recruitments for the at-large members. Council then took action to appoint seven members from the at-large community. Council then directed to do a subsequent recruitment targeted for youth members for the additional up to two at-large positions on the committee. She stated that the first round of recruitments was completed in September 2023 and then the targeted youth recruitment resulted in two youth appointed to the at-large seats, each for a one-year term to expire in October 2024. She stated that there are not designated youth positions on the committee, although two youth were appointed to at-large positions. When it came time for the recruitment this time, although we did some outreach for recruitment to schools which generated youth interest, we did not limit the recruitment only to youth because they are at-large community member positions. That is why there were a mix of applicants that were youth and over the age of 18. She stated that this agenda item does not encompass making changes to that resolution or charter for the composition of the type of positions on the Library Advisory Committee. Council could direct staff to bring that back if they wish to revisit the composition of the types of positions on the Library Advisory Committee. At this time, Council action would be to select, at their discretion, who they choose to appoint up to two applicants.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated, during deliberation, he would favor a discussion around giving that direction to bring the item back to solidify those positions. He stated that part 2 to his question is that five applicants were youth and some indicated that they would be interested in other committee and commissions. He asked, given we have varying youth candidates who are interested in spots that are not just LAC, is it within Council’s purview to appoint youth members to other committees and commissions.
City Clerk Coffey stated that it is her understanding of the other committees and commissions is that no committee or commission currently designates specifically a youth member, but Pacifica Municipal Code Section 2-2.103(b) states that members who are under the age of 18 years at the time of their appointment, provided they are residents of the city, may be appointed to any committee or commission.
Councilmember Bigstyck asked if they would be a fully voting member upon appointment.
City Clerk Coffey stated that was correct.
Mayor Vaterlaus opened public comments and, seeing none, closed public comments.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated he would recommend appointing committee by committee.
Councilmember Boles had a question about the youth, i.e., when we talked about the two positions on the library, it was helpful to have two youth. There are not two youth applicants for other committees and some of those are smaller and that would be too impactful. She asked if Council sees a problem with appointing one youth who is the only voice.
Councilmember Bier stated she does. She would rather have them be in pairs, adding it is more beneficial for them to have another young person with them.
City Council Regular Meeting 14 October 14, 2024
Councilmember Bigstyck added that even though the various committees/commissions are presumably smaller than LAC.
Councilmember Bier did not think it mattered the size. She asked what Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer thought about that.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer stated thought it did not seem there was a lot of specific interaction between the two youth members, any more than interaction with other members of the committee or the consultants we were working with.
Councilmember Bier thought that was good.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer asked for City Clerk Coffey’s thoughts.
City Clerk Coffey agrees with her interpretation that the youth members on LAC do not interact with each other any more than they would with other members and consultants. She thinks, for the youth members, they may need some more support from staff and/or other members to invite their opinions at first until they become more comfortable voicing their important perspectives.
Councilmember Bigstyck moved to appoint Debra Johnson and Bonnie Miller to the Emergency Preparedness and Safety Commission, both for a full 4-year term to expire October 2028; seconded by Councilmember Boles.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY COMMISSION:
Debra Johnson (full term to expire October 2028)
Bonnie Miller (full term to expire October 2028)
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tygarjas Bigstyck, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christine Boles, Councilmember
AYES: Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, Boles
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer suggested Council move to the Library Advisory Committee next.
She had some confusion in the process as she thought we had different questions for youth applicants. She also saw the number of youth applicants and recalled that we had assigned a one-year term to these positions when we appointed a year ago and why they became available at this time. She considered them as youth positions. She appreciated the technical explanation that they are at-large positions and wanted to bring the item back. She stated it was an experiment based on recognition that youth voices and input is something that we missed in our endeavors with our library bond in 2016. She stated, after hearing the input and seeing the interaction between the youth members and the rest of the members of LAC, she sees the value of having the youth positions. She agrees, on deliberation and future direction, Council needs to address that before they leave this meeting with regard to the charter for the LAC. She personally favors focusing on youth at this juncture.
Mayor Vaterlaus asked if she was suggesting a full term or a year’s term again.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer was thinking another year, but she would like to hear what everyone City Council Regular Meeting 15 October 14, 2024
else thinks. She stated that there were applicants as young as freshman in high school, poised and prepared to serve. She stated that we thought a year because they have too many activities, but she is open to the discussion.
Councilmember Bier also felt that they needed to be the youth seats. She was okay with either one or two years.
Councilmember Bigstyck asked her if she would be in agreement that staff might bring back that minor charter amendment and then solidify that these two seats are youth seats.
Councilmembers Bier and Boles agreed with that.
City Manager Woodhouse recalls from that conversation was that this was a newly formed LAC.
He remembers part of the conversation about whether it should definitely be youth designated or not was we do not know yet until we do the recruitment how many youth are going to be interested, and if specifically designated as youth and we did not get applicants, then we risk the quorum issue, etc. He thought we see now that there is a lot of interest so there might be some creative way in revising the resolution to give priority to youth in case there were no youth applicants in one phase. He stated it is a discussion for when we bring it back.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated that his specific concern was that he wanted to see the one pool of applicants. That is why he is advocating for bringing it back as a slight change so that we have clarity when we have the next recruitment process.
Councilmember Boles asked if the one-year term is something Council could discuss changing.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated that we can discuss how long we are going to appoint the ones at this meeting. Given that one youth reapplied and one who did not, he thinks that it speaks to one year being the right amount.
Councilmember Boles stated that all that interview experience is good for them too.
Councilmember Bigstyck asked if we are in agreement that it should be youth.
There was Council consensus.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer moved to appoint Maya Sinapuelas and Kathleen Renfroe Johnson to the Library Advisory Committee, each for a 1-year term to expire October 2025; seconded by Councilmember Bigstyck.
Councilmember Bigstyck asked the mayor what process she favors.
Mayor Vaterlaus asked that Council go down the line.
Councilmember Boles stated she was going to say Kathleen Johnson and Kairi Chen. She thought Maya Sinapuelas was amazing but she is now no longer in Pacifica’s schools. She is questioning whether that connection is important in these positions.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer did not think she was in Pacifica’s schools last year.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated that there were 3 for Kathleen.
City Council Regular Meeting 16 October 14, 2024
Councilmember Bier stated amazing adults and young people applied, and she thanked everyone who applied. She would want Maya Sinapuelas to come back as that continuity is important for the committee and for her.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer agreed.
Councilmember Bier originally thought of Selene Manalac but she can go with Kathleen Johnson.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer agreed with Maya Sinapuelas but she can also go with Kathleen Johnson.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Maya Sinapuelas (1-year term to expire October 2025)
Kathleen Renfroe Johnson (1-year term to expire October 2025) RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sue Beckmeyer, Mayor pro Tem
SECONDER: Tygarjas Bigstyck, Councilmember
AYES: Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, Boles
Mayor Vaterlaus stated it was an amazing group of people and she was so happy that Council got to interview everyone. She encouraged them to apply again.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated that, adult or youth, Council had to choose two out of ten. He asked them to apply again.
Mayor Vaterlaus stated to move on to EDC.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated he will ultimately defer to Councilmember Bier’s and Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer’s experience, and he thought they have opportunities to experiment with youth in other committees and commissions in light of their applications.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer was thinking the same thing. She wanted to double check about the terms.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated four-year terms for EDC.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer stated one is a partial term on OSPAC. She asked the City Clerk if she stated it was to expire May 2028.
City Clerk Coffey agreed it is a May 2028 expiration for OSPAC.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer asked if Council can change that.
City Manager Woodhouse believes we cannot change that as that is a charter, but Council could appoint someone into a four-year term and if they are not interested then they have the option to resign.
City Council Regular Meeting 17 October 14, 2024
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer thanked him for mentioning that.
Councilmember Bier stated that we were not going to give them a longer term on LAC and now we are going to throw them in the EDC.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated it did not occur to him that we have prescribed terms for all the other ones. He feels like it would be wise to include the youth vote and try it. He stated, depending on how it goes, this could be another opportunity to amend the charter to allow for a flexible seat if we find that having youth members works in the committees and commissions.
Councilmember Boles stated that she attended her first EDC meeting not too long ago, and she sees how much each of those numbers are working. She is hesitant to say that a youth member could sustain that kind of involvement. To give them a three-year term and go through alternatives if it is not working out seems awkward.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer stated, in the charter, there is usually for cause for if you do not show up.
City Attorney Kenyon clarified that all appointments are at the discretion of the Council and there are no findings needed but it would have to be an agendized item to remove them from that committee or commission.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer would like to share some perspective with regard to EDC. First, there was a candidate in recent time that Council appointed who brought a fresh perspective with regard to measurement and asking hard questions about whether you know you are doing it without measuring it, and continually bringing the group back to the motion of how do you know if you are accomplishing that or not. She would like to see that continue and she had an interest in including a youth person in this committee. The City just had a business event for youth who are running businesses of their own; the fact that they have businesses is an indicator of an opportunity. One thing that has lingered and brought up for many years has been how much of our environment is our economy and where are there overlaps between environmental and outdoor and recreational interests and economy in Pacifica. She thought, from that point of view, Lawrence Niemeyer could be part of EDC. She was thinking about Edward Ochi, Lawrence Niemeyer, and Kairi Chen.
Councilmember Boles thought Kairi Chen took her name off.
Councilmember Bigstyck thought that was Luke Sun.
Councilmember Bier stated Luke Sun made it clear that he was not interested in it.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer stated she crossed out Luke Sun and she thought Kairi Chen was still interested.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated, when they interviewed him, he specifically seemed to be interested in Economic Development.
City Clerk Coffey stated that the only candidate that she is aware of that specifically marked EDC mistakenly was Luke Sun. He was removed from this applicant list.
Councilmember Bier stated in her notes Kairi Chen is interested in EDC.
City Council Regular Meeting 18 October 14, 2024
Councilmember Bigstyck stated, regarding Councilmember Boles’ earlier points, the best way to do it is not to have to agendize it to remove somebody. Anecdotally he has been in at least once instance as a liaison to a committee or commission where a member was encouraged to utilize their talents in a different fashion in a successful manner and it never made its way to the Council dais.
Councilmember Bier stated that we have not had this conversation with EDC about youth members and she thinks it would be important for City Manager to talk the staff member who is overseeing EDC to prepare the youth member to come and what it could look like and how to care for a youth member in an environment like economic development.
Mayor Vaterlaus asked if we could appoint one person tonight and not appoint the youth members now until we have done a little bit more searching with the committee.
Councilmember Bigstyck asked if that would automatically trigger a new recruitment phase.
City Attorney Kenyon stated she would say no if we are continuing the item. She asked Council how long they are continuing it, i.e., to start a new recruitment or continuing to have more discussion on the candidates.
Mayor Vaterlaus stated to continue it for additional discussion on the candidates to discuss with the committee to see if this would be a proper fit for this committee.
Councilmember Boles stated that it is not something they brought up in the EDC charter review that they wanted either.
Councilmember Bier stated it is not up to them if they want it or not.
Councilmember Boles understood it’s up to Council to make the choice and how it would work and mentioned they had not had the conversation with EDC.
Councilmember Bier thought it would be a good opportunity.
Councilmember Bigstyck agreed, and he would be inclined to vote on it tonight.
City Manager Woodhouse stated that he and City Clerk Coffey were recalling when we had the EDC joint study session and the charter discussion and they did talk about youth membership.
He thought it was individual comments that were not supportive of that but he did not know if that was the whole perspective; in the end, they did not specify youth positions.
City Clerk Coffey recalls from the study session that it was discussed and because it was pointed out that the Municipal Code would allow for youth to be appointed without it being a designated youth position, they chose not to go forward with designating a specific youth position.
Councilmember Bigstyck certainly favors trying it on and seeing how it fits. He has interest in youth being involved in all aspects of the city and we have an opportunity and an interested party who seemed optimistic about it.
Mayor Vaterlaus asked how many members are on the EDC.
City Council Regular Meeting 19 October 14, 2024
City Clerk Coffey stated EDC is a nine at-large member committee and one position that is designated as the Chamber of Commerce appointed member.
Councilmember Boles stated she is not opposed to appointing a youth to the committee, but she worries about the three-year terms.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated if Council should find that it is working that would be a great trigger to re-invite the charter in to make that minor change to their charter, as Council is giving direction tonight for LAC to come back so they can solidify the youth seat on LAC.
Councilmember Boles wanted to ask about Paige Miller because she does not think we have anyone who represents small storefront businesses now and that seems like something that could be useful on this committee, but she defers to the rest of Council. She stated that, at the meeting that she attended, Paige Miller was there as a member of the audience and she gets the feeling he has been coming for awhile.
Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer stated that he has come to a couple of meetings. She stated that we have Matt Dougherty from Mazzetti’s and L.J., a financial analyst who was engaged with the youth at the Youth Business Fair. She understands that is a good point.
Councilmember Bigstyck stated youth is an opportunity he does not want to miss. It sounds like Edward Ochi has recently joined on and Council would like to see which direction that goes.
The point was well-taken around ecology informing economy and where that could go. It sounds like the description leads him to suspect that it is now starting to help the group figure out how to take into account data and metrics. He thinks that, while he has been hearing ecology in terms of economy for a while, that would be an interesting nut to crack in terms of metrics. He thinks it would be helpful to have a strongly economic-minded person on the board accordingly. He made the motion to appoint Ed Ochi, Kairi Chen, and Lawrence Niemeyer to the Economic Development Committee, all three for 4-year terms to expire in October 2028; seconded by Mayor pro Tem Beckmeyer.
Councilmember Bier appreciates bringing up Lawrence Niemeyer because he applied over and over again. It is hard when we have so many good people coming up. She encourages people to reapply.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Ed Ochi (full term to expire October 2028)
Kairi Chen (full term to expire October 2028)
Lawrence Niemeyer (full term to expire October 2028)
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tygarjas Bigstyck, Councilmember
SECONDER: Sue Beckmeyer, Mayor pro Tem
AYES: Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, Boles
Councilmember Bigstyck stated he has a theme tonight and he would like to continue with appointing a youth voice to OSPAC. He cannot think of a more important time for youth to be involved in the work of protecting our open space. He moved to appoint Jaime Wong to the Open Space & Parkland Advisory Committee for a partial term to expire May 2028; seconded by City Council Regular Meeting 20 October 14, 2024
Councilmember Boles.
Councilmember Bier thought this was wonderful and she thanked them.
APPOINTMENT TO THE OPEN SPACE AND PARKLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Jaime Wong (partial term to expire May 2028)
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tygarjas Bigstyck, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christine Boles, Councilmember
AYES: Vaterlaus, Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, Boles
ADJOURN
Mayor Vaterlaus adjourned the meeting at 10:26 p.m.
Transcribed by Barbara Medina, Public Meeting Stenographer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Coffey, City Clerk
APPROVED: 5 - 0; 12/9/2024
__________________________
Sue Vaterlaus, Mayor