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We are grateful to be able to make the effort to lend our voices to this big decision.
Thank you for taking the time to read in full our letter to the city.
I send this on behalf of a number of people who want to express their opinions.
Respectfully,
Shelley Sorvig Malcolm
June 5, 2022
Dear Mayor Waage and City Council,
Re Item #9L City Council Meeting June 7, 2022 5:30pm
!We hope that you will seriously consider our urgent cries regarding the council’s recent vote on the Public Safety Building Plan, which set aside Plan B to focus on what many have called the “Newton” Plan, now Plan C.
!There are a number of citizens who dedicated time and effort to join forces to let you know how we feel. Now that the public has studied this project, please include us, listen to us...
!We, the public, feel “blindsided” by how Mr. Newton presented his plan in the last minute during what seemed like a “stealth” meeting.
After listening to the May 17, 2022 3:00pm Special Meeting, and reviewing documents and diagrams, we strongly urge the council to take a time out and look at how that decision so quickly came about. Next we implore you to readdress the options. !From what we understand, the meeting was called by Mr. Newton and Ms.
Guthrie to be added to the already scheduled evening meeting at 5:30. Because of time constraint, the 3pm meeting was scheduled to accommodate the issue. !During the first 70 minutes or so of the meeting, all of the information, documents, and discussion made sense. Finally, when the Fire Chief approved of Plan B and its diagonal egress, with the support of former Fire Chief/volunteer Henry Myers***, Plan B made even more sense in terms of safety and saving most of the historic building.
! Until, in the final minutes, Newton announced his plan. Then almost within the blink of an eye, Guthrie and Reiss and Newton joined forces to outnumber Mayor Waage and Sheila Blake to override the already favored Plan B. Before the vote, Guthrie, Reiss and Newton multiple times said “safety is most important”.
That implies that the Fire Chief, Mayor and Sheila Blake were not making Safety the number one concern... We do NOT believe that for a second! If anyone is dedicated to safety it is the Fire Department. For decades, the PBFD has handled all emergencies with extreme attention to the safety of all. !It is disturbing that a determination had to be made at last minute and the issue could not have been tabled for another meeting, so as to make the wisest choice and allow time to inform the public to make comment. This vote happened so fast and appeared to be orchestrated with no opportunity for public comment. This episode resulted in numerous citizens losing trust in our leaders.
OUR RESPONSE:
1. We believe the diagonal egress is the safer plan, in terms of safety AND saving lives... we have heard from meeting notes that the diagonal egress could save 1 1/2 minutes of time getting to a rescue! This can mean the difference between life and death!
2. Moreover, to demolish this iconic building, or use remnants as tokens in a new build, would be a crime. It should be restored the best possible way to be used as Public Safety and Fire Department. The restoration, including ADA compliance is not insurmountable.
3.Which brings us to today, June 5, 2022. We are newly aware of a NEW PLAN, the Myers Plan. We have seen Mr. Myers’ drawing. We welcome Mr. Myers’ concept which includes saving the city hall building. He has the experience and expertise to have created a safe plan that we can trust, except for his departure from the diagonal exit/entry (see *** above end of paragraph 5).
Our Message is “Make History- Save History While Saving Lives”
-We say an adamant NO to the Newton plan/Plan C. Do NOT demolish the historic building. We do not believe his horseshoe design of Fire vehicle flow is the safest. -Vote YES to the Myer Plan. We support this plan, with reservations about the Bello traffic flow design. We heard that Mr. Myers met with Scott Newton prior to submitting this plan, and wonder if he was swayed by Mr. Newton. What changed his mind from the May 17 meeting?
However, if the Fire Chief and engineers agree that Mr. Myers’ plan, as is, is safe.
We are in support.
NOW- If it is too late to consider the option of The Myer plan, then we compel you:
-No on the Newton Plan/Plan C
- Keep/modify Plan B, or at least the diagonal egress plan while Preserving the old city hall. Repurpose it for use as public safety, fire department.
Make it ADA compliant with ramps, keeping the steps in front. It is worth the cost to do this right.
! You, We, as the city of Pismo Beach have a chance to do something amazing here.
Kind Regards,
!! ! ! !
Shelley Sorvig Malcolm Jean Luis ! Gordon Luis! Charles Gruen! Lois Barber Chelsea Breschia! Fran Natale Dan Manuele David Hitchen! Jill Hitchen Virginia Butcher! Eva Castro ! Mike Smith! Lynn Lamoine Susan Geach Tony Breschia Lori Hollister Frank Scott MD Michelle Scott Esq Caesar Opaque Dr Jim Birrell
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