PISMO BEACH COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item #12.A
SUBJECT/TITLE:
PROGRESS REPORT ON FISCAL YEAR 2022–2023 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a progress report on the City Council’s Fiscal Year 2022–2023 Goals.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY/BACKGROUND:
The City of Pismo Beach utilizes a thorough and thoughtful planning process to establish the City’s focus and priorities. This process manifests itself every two years, when the City Council meets to determine goals for the following two-year period and beyond. The goals established by the City Council then drive the priorities outlined in the City budget and provide direction to staff for work plans for the corresponding time period. During the goal-setting process, four goals were established. Staff has made progress in each of the areas and status reports describing this progress have been given during Capital Improvement Program updates.
The City Council is being asked to receive this comprehensive report regarding the progress made toward accomplishing the City’s goals during the first year of this two-year budget period. This also provides an opportunity for the public to learn of the City’s progress and share input with the City Council on any of the goals prior to new goals being established/reestablished. The City Council will review its current goals at a special workshop on January 28, 2022.
Major City Goals and Other Important Objectives
The City Council has approved four goals for the City for the time period of Fiscal Years 2022–2023. The goals are broken into Major City Goals and Other Important Objectives:
Goal #1: Water Supply, Conservation, and Central Coast Blue (Sustainability) Goal statement: Sustain the City's water supply by completing Central Coast Blue and pursuing access to new, high-quality and reliable water sources; promoting conservation; and conducting public outreach and education.
Priorities for the next two years:
Implement Central Coast Blue, working with partner agencies Promote water conservation
Pursue additional water supplies and options for storage Conduct public outreach and education
Goal #2: Public Safety
Goal statement: Create a public safety center that enables exceptional public safety services and honors the history of the site.
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Priorities for the next two years:
Build a state-of-the-art fire facility
Modernize and expand the police station
Preserve the facade of the historic city hall
Goal #3: Traffic, Circulation, and Parking
Goal statement: Improve traffic flow and parking assets to meet the needs of current and future residents and visitors.
Priorities for the next two years:
Continue work on downtown parking solutions, including acquiring additional parking assets
Improve bike and pedestrian options
Determine whether or not to acquire Dolliver Street from the state and make circulation improvements per the Circulation Element
Determine future of outdoor dining and related parking considerations
Goal #4: Community Character and Quality of Life for Residents Goal statement: Build on the strength of our local community to preserve the City’s “Classic California” charm and ensure an exceptional quality of life for residents.
Priorities for the next two years:
Invest in neighborhoods, including road, sidewalk, and park improvements Relocate tennis courts located at the site of the future public safety center and add basketball courts/pickleball courts to offer improved recreational opportunities for residents at the new site
Complete updates to the Local Coastal Plan, General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, emphasizing issues important to the community, such as managed growth, appropriate design, and neighborhood preservation
Engage the community and communicate the benefits of a visitor economy to quality of life for residents (e.g., tourism, hospitality) Evaluate the locations and potential expansion of recreation programs to meet community needs (i.e., mobile home community centers)
Implement community beautification strategies (e.g., James Way Beautification Plan), and establishing City policy about tree planting programs Evaluate the option of assessment districts to address major infrastructure improvements (e.g., Shell Beach drainage; undergrounding utilities) Deliver exceptional services to the public
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While each of the goals are large and complex, staff is pleased to report that substantial progress has been made in many areas. This report will break down each goal in detail, outlining the major accomplishments as well as other administrative accomplishments.
Review of Major City Goals
GOAL #1: Water Supply, Conservation, and Central Coast Blue (Sustainability) Implement Central Coast Blue, working with partner agencies o The City’s partner agencies, the cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach, have agreed in concept to a cost and benefits sharing structure for Central Coast Blue. The City of Arroyo Grande is taking the lead in developing a form cost/benefit sharing agreement that should be ready for Council action in February of this year.
o All three cities and the proposed Central Coast Blue Joint Powers Authority submitted applications for low-interest financing for the construction of Central Coast Blue in December 2021.
o The City’s water and wastewater rate consultant did a preliminary analysis to determine the fiscal impact of increasing the City’s water allocation under the project from 21.7% to 39.0%. Based on the limited impact to the fund, the Council gave direction to staff to move forward with the 39.0% allocation assumption. This is reflected in the draft cost-sharing agreement. o Staff continues to work on the design of the advanced treatment facility and associated piping for the project and will be submitting for the Prop 1 implementation grant, Title XVI grant, and any other grant opportunities that the project might qualify for.
o On March 16, 2021, the City Council certified the Environmental Impact Report for the Central Coast Blue project. The EIR earned the Merit Award for Environmental Analysis Document based on the EIR’s completeness, organization, clarity, conciseness, summary, methodology, and public involvement from the California Association of Environmental Professionals. o Staff has been working with permitting agencies to identify appropriate processing pathways for the advanced treatment facility, injection and monitoring wells, and associated pipelines.
o The City received additional funding from the Title XVI program of the federal government.
o Progress continues on design and engineering.
Promote water conservation
o The City Council implemented water conservation rebates and funded the program with $15,000 in FY 2021 and $30,000 in FY 2022. Under the current program, 26 rebates have been issued at a cost of $12,365 which is estimated to save 5.15 of acre-feet of water per year.
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Pursue additional water supplies and options for storage o Staff has been working with the County of San Luis Obispo Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 3 and the City’s Zone 3 partners to establish storage rights in Lopez Lake. The current timeline is to have the revisions to each agency for consideration by the fall of 2022. Once each Zone 3 agency approves the contract revisions, it will be taken the County Board of Supervisors for consideration.
o Staff is in discussions with the county to evaluate options to purchase additional State Water and/or State Water Drought Buffer.
Conduct public outreach and education
o The first week of January 2022, the City provided water conservation promotional materials to all of the hotels in the city. This material includes tent cards for hotel rooms to remind visitors to hang their towels if they can be reused without washing, take shorter showers, and other water conservation tips.
o Staff developed social media messaging, including the production of videos to educate the public on water conversation measures and rebate opportunity.
Additionally, messaging was provided in the Clam Chronicle.
GOAL #2: Public Safety
Build a state-of-the-art fire facility
o The Council approved the FY 2022 and FY 2023 Adopted Budgets that include financing the proposed Public Safety Facility, including a mix of pay-as-you-go funding and bond financing.
o The Council approved a contract with Vanir Construction Management to serve as the City’s Owner’s Representative for the Design-Build procurement method. This process aligns the architectural design and the construction to provide a better value to the City in terms of ingenuity, time, and cost. o Staff toured several fire station facilities in southern California and attended a design conference to ensure what was being designed was appropriate and necessary.
o The Council approved an agreement with Mary McGrath Architects to develop the bridging documents that would be provided to the Design-Build teams to provide the City Council with proposals for consideration. Staff has been working diligently to refine the scope from the original 2018 concept drawings.
This work effort has provided the scope necessary to ensure that the project meets the needs of the community.
o On October 15, 2021, the City released a Request for Qualification for Design- Build Entity teams. On January 4, 2022, the City Council moved forward with the selection of the top three teams to complete proposals. Estimated release of the closed Request for Proposals is late February.
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Modernize and expand the police station
o Police Department staff, along with City administration, has begun working with Mary McGrath and Manns-Woodward Studios on the police programming reconciliation for the new Public Safety Facility. Both Police and Fire are confident the current direction of a unified Public Safety Facility will meet the long-term needs for the City of Pismo Beach. The establishment of a designated Emergency Operations Center and Community/Training room will be a great asset for the city and public safety personnel. o The City purchased 940 Bello Street, the property next to the existing fire station on Bello Street. This property provides additional circulation options which allows for the development of a joint public safety facility. This acquisition would also allow for other alternative design options as deemed appropriate by the Council.
o $500,000 in funds were set aside to create a more responsive police presence at the site of the existing downtown parking office to create a space for the downtown resource officers and their related support vehicles. Design is in progress.
Preserve the facade of the historic city hall
o The Council has provided direction regarding several options to appropriately preserve the façade of the historic city hall following review of massing simulations. On January 4, 2022, the City Council provided direction to staff that allows for a concept that would shift the façade from its current location to the south, using the existing brick from the facility to honor the sites history, while creating a singular entry point for the public.
GOAL #3: Traffic, Circulation, and Parking
Bello Bridge
o The Bello Bridge Project is expected to be completed by late February. This project is 100% federally funded and will provide improved circulation to the southern part of the city and decrease response times for police, fire, and public works. It also includes a separated bicycle and pedestrian path. o Staff has developed a traffic safety plan to ensure safer two-way access on Frady Lane from Dolliver Street to Bello Street.
Continue work on downtown parking solutions, including acquiring additional parking assets
o On June 15, 2021, the City Council approved the implementation of paid parking on Price Street, between Pomeroy and San Luis Avenues.
Approximately 146 meters will be installed as part of the paving project in early 2022. Additionally, the City Council approved the installation of ten additional 15-minute parking spaces on Price Street.
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o With the addition of paid parking on Price Street, consultants are currently being sought to update the Parking Management Plan for approval by the Council and certification by the Coastal Commission.
Improve bike and pedestrian options
o The Shell Beach Streetscape Project added approximately ¾ of a mile of a separated bike/pedestrian path and the upcoming paving project will install a sidewalk under the freeway at Spyglass Drive.
o The Ocean Boulevard access project now underway, will provide a safe walking path from Vista del Mar Avenue to the Chapman Estate. This project has been awarded by the City Council and includes bluff stabilization on Ocean Boulevard between Morro and Cuyama Avenues, reconstruction of the Morro Stairs and Morro storm drain outfall and construction of an ADA-compliant bluff top path between Vista Del Mar and Capistrano Avenues and the installation of new amenities including benches, picnic tables and a telescope lookout.
Determine whether or not to acquire Dolliver Street from the state and make circulation improvements per the Circulation Element
o Staff has been working with Caltrans on the relinquishment process. The City Council has adopted a Resolution allowing the City Manager to negotiate the relinquishment of Dolliver Street and the Traffic Safety Committee has discussed options for restriping Dolliver Street to improve circulation. o Caltrans is preparing to resurface Dolliver Street and the current plan is for the City to acquire the roadway at the completion of the project, which is expected to go to bid in October of this year and be completed late spring of 2023.
Determine future of outdoor dining and related parking considerations o On December 7, 2021 the City Council approved staff’s recommendation to extend the outdoor parklet program with some revisions until April 30, 2022.On January 4, 2022, the City Council approved a fee per parking space, or equivalent area of right-of-way, to be collected for each outdoor dining area. o Staff has been coordinating with the Coastal Commission and monitoring other coastal communities to determine appropriate regulations for the potential of a permanent parklet program.
GOAL #4: Community Character and Quality of Life for Residents Invest in neighborhoods, including road, sidewalk, and park improvements o Staff held a public workshop on James Way beautification options on October 21, 2021. The findings of the workshop were presented to the City Council on November 16, 2021. Staff will be installing additional trash cans, benches and mutt mitts along the James Way corridor and is bringing a list of options for improvements on James Way to the Council as part of this meeting agenda.
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o Staff is finalizing the plans and specifications for the 2022 Paving Project, which will be the largest paving project undertaken by the Cty. In addition to paving 12 centerline miles of the approximately 38 total center line miles in the City’s inventory (25% of City streets). The project will also reconstruct or install more than 100 curb ramps to improve accessibility, and construct a sidewalk at Spyglass Drive under US 101. Bid alternates for the project include paving City Hall Parking Lot and the Bluffs Trail, and Solar Way reconstruction.
Chumash and Palisades Parks are playgrounds currently being designed for construction. The sites will include new designs and playground structures and will comply with ADA standards. The RFP for design will conclude on January 21, 2022, then the PRBC ad-hoc committee will select the final design. PRBC will review the selection on February 3, 2022 and make its recommendation to the City Council at its March 1, 2022 meeting. Estimated time for equipment delivery is four months, with an installation date beginning in July 2022.
Relocate tennis courts located at the site of the future public safety center and add basketball courts/pickleball courts to offer improved recreational opportunities for residents at the new site.
o Staff has been working with representatives from Lucia Mar Unified School District to relocate the two tennis courts and basketball court from the corner of Bello Street and Wadsworth Avenue to the vacant field adjacent to the track at Judkins Middle School to allow for the construction of a new Public Safety Facility.
Complete updates to the Local Coastal Plan, General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, emphasizing issues important to the community, such as managed growth, appropriate design, and neighborhood preservation
o The City was awarded a Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grant for $78,643.00 to assist with the GP/LCP and zoning code updates. o On January 28, 2021, staff held a public workshop to review the General Plan/Local Coastal Program Draft Elements and provided a summary of the EIR process.
o On February 25, 2021, staff held a public workshop to review current zoning codes and goals for the update.
o On April 22, 2021, staff held a Local Coastal Program Advisory Committee (LCPAC) meeting to discuss documents associated with upcoming study sessions.
o On April 27, 2021, the City Council and Planning Commission held a study session to review draft General Plan / Local Coastal Program Elements. o On May 20, 2021, the City Council and Planning Commission held a study session on the Zoning Code / Implementation Plan.
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o In July 2021, staff entered into contract to update the Circulation Element in response to Senate Bill 743.
o The City has applied for Round 7 Grant funds from the California Coastal Commission for continued work on the General Plan / Local Coastal Program. o The Coastal Zone Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance was unanimously certified by the California Coastal Commission and was considered a model ordinance for other coastal cities to utilize.
o The Council has directed the development of appropriate ordinances to implement Senate Bill 9 within the City.
Engage the community and communicate the benefits of a visitor economy to quality of life for residents (e.g., tourism, hospitality) o Efforts are in progress to produce a quarterly newsletter that will go to the residents of Pismo Beach with updates and news about the positive aspects of tourism and the benefit to them as a resident. Additionally, a local passport, only available to residents, will be created that encourages residents through special offers provided by the Pismo Beach hospitality industry to experience Pismo Beach.
Evaluate the locations and potential expansion of recreation programs to meet community needs (i.e., mobile home community centers)
o Staff has worked with two mobile home parks to plan senior dances on site.
Implement community beautification strategies (e.g., James Way Beautification Plan), and establishing City policy about tree planting programs o New holiday decorations were purchased and installed downtown and new banners were put up in Shell Beach.
o Staff will be installing the James Way Beautification upgrades once final input is received from the City Council on January 18, 2022.
Evaluate the option of assessment districts to address major infrastructure improvements (e.g., Shell Beach drainage; undergrounding utilities) o Staff held a public workshop to educate residents on the types of improvements and services that can be funded by assessment districts, how to set up an assessment district and the potential fiscal impact to property owners and the City.
Deliver exceptional services to the public
o The Public Works Department has launched the My Maintenance Program to deliver a concierge level of service to the public, improving neighborhoods and being more accessible for input with the [email protected] email address.
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o Staff have met with seven different software providers to evaluate opportunities for online permit submission and tracking, as well as electronic plan review. o Additional funds were budgeted to cover additional services needed to provide “Next Level” service.
Other Administrative Accomplishments
In addition to making substantial progress on the City Council’s goals, staff has made noteworthy progress in other administrative areas including:
Recruitment and onboarding of 25 new employees.
The City received eight awards by professional associations, including awards for financial reporting, risk management, project design, completion, and ingenuity. The City has been working with representatives of PG&E to better understand proposed activities to occur within the city as part of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plan Decommissioning project and advocate for Pismo Beach with representatives and at meetings associated with the project and the environmental impact report.
The City Hall Safety Enhancements and Customer Service Improvements Project and the Corporation Yard Administration project are underway. City Hall construction is expected to be completed in February 2022 and the Corp Yard project is expected to be completed in May 2022. This project will provide for a safer and more customer service-oriented City Hall and improved ADA-accessible offices, storage space and locker rooms for the Facilities Division at the Corporation Yard.
The Chapman Estate roof replacement project is under construction and expected to be completed in March of this year.
Despite some of the recruitment challenges experienced this past year, with the help the Management Services Department, the Police Department is close to having the required staffing to takeover dispatching responsibilities for the City of Grover Beach. Both Chiefs of Police have been in close communication during this time and are committed to the success of this joint venture. The Police Department is fully staffed within parking services and moving forward with the Community Service Technician positions (CST). This will allow for increased enforcement within the areas of municipal code violations and the addition of a CST for dog-off-leash violations throughout the city. In early December, the Police Department received delivery of the new mobile command center. During the month of the December police department staff had the opportunity to include the vehicle in a couple of holiday events. The Police Department launched two new online resources for the public this past year, the first one being the online crime mapping resource. This program allows residents to search designated dates and locations to see what types of crimes are being committed in the area. The second program was a camera registration program. This allows residents and business owners to register their security
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camera systems with the police department. This program is intended to assist officers when investigating crimes committed throughout the city. The Police Department has ordered its new weapons systems and red dot sights, with training to begin in early 2022 on the new systems. The Police Department has ordered a new parking vehicle which will include the addition of a License Plate Reader (LPR) that will help parking staff be more efficient in their patrol duties.
With the number of changes to laws this year, police command staff have completed a number of updates to current Lexipol Policies to ensure the City is in compliance with state and federal laws.
In November, the Police Department completed its annual audit with CALEA. The department was in compliance with all the standards reviewed with only minor suggestions for updates to policy. The CALEA auditor was very complimentary of the department and efforts made during the past year.
FY 2022 and FY 2023 Adopted Budgets: The Council adopted the FY 2022 and FY 2023 Adopted Budgets, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. The budget is structurally balance and fully funds its reserves. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: The City issued its FY 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR) and submitted the report to the Government Finance Officers Association for the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award. The City received this award for the FY 2020 ACFR, making it the 19th consecutive year the City has received this prestigious award. 10-Year CIP: The City Council approved the 10-Year Capital Improvement Program for FY 2022 through FY 2031. This document identifies the immediate needs and seeks to capture the long-term capital needs of the City. The document is an important planning document that is updated biennially and subject to change as the needs of the City become more defined and individual projects move along in their respective planning, budgeting, and construction processes. COVID-19 funding: The City is expected to receive $1,953,959 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and has received $100 thousand from the State CARES Act for recovery of Public Safety employee efforts. The majority of these funds will support lost revenues due to the pandemic, fund a portion of the Shell Beach Reservoir project, SCADA cybersecurity, childcare grants, unhoused camp clean ups, COVID-19 PPE supplies, and technology costs. SCADA Cybersecurity: IT and Utilities staff are working on improvements to the City’s SCADA system to ensure more security in the event of a cyber hack. The City Manager worked quickly after Council direction to work with the developer to rename S. Silver Shoals to Peyton Court.
Preliminary recommendations regarding the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation were made to the County Board of Supervisors.
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The Council held a Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) hearing for the 50-unit affordable rental housing project at 855 4th Street.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this report as information only.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Request additional information from staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Submitted by: Meeting Date: January 18, 2022
Jorge Garcia, Assistant City Manager
City Manager Approval:
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