Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-3
Attachment 1
TOWNSEND
TPA
O B�QC
j
2025 State Legislative Agenda
CITY OF PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Governance, Administrative and Finance
Central to many of the City's functions is its ability to effectively govern, administer and financially sustain its municipal operations and assets on behalf and for the benefit of its residents. Among the priorities for the City are following:
• Preserve local control by the City for its various permitting, land use, contracting and other discretionary actions;
• Ensure transparency in government and the ability of residents to participate, comment and access information on local decision -making and budgetary actions; • Maintain the ability to provide sustainable retirement and medical programs for City employees and their families; and
• Protect the City and its residents from State legislative or administrative directives without full cost -recovery or mitigation.
• Support the implementation of additional flexibilities governing open government initiatives including provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act. • Support policy and regulatory reforms to tort law and liability insurance to protect the function of local governments from unforeseen risk circumstances.
The City should oppose legislative efforts to eliminate or restrict local control of permitting and cost -recovery efforts. The City should support measures increasing local autonomy, protecting privacy, and maintaining local authority over public records. The City should oppose mandates from the State that don't include funding or other mitigation. The City should oppose any effort to restrict its ability to contract for goods or services in a way that increases costs to the City or 2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.134
Attachment 1
TY OF
TOWNSEND
A� r TPA
sy�0 BEP`
results in the reduction of services. The City should support efforts to provide additional flexibility to the City in the provision and administration of retirement and medical benefit programs, while ensuring those programs are sustainable for past, current, and future employees.
General Infrastructure
City facilities are heavily utilized by residents and are often lower in priority compared to transportation, water, and other facilities impacted by usage, accidents, and weather. The following needs are generally high on the list of necessary improvements:
• Replacing or rehabilitating outdated public building facilities, including city hall and administrative functions, public safety facilities for law enforcement and fire departments, as well as specialized departments;
• Shore and coastal protection and erosion measures; and • Energy and water efficiency improvements to facilities that provide cost savings to the City, as well as benefits for the environment and health.
Recommendations include supporting State legislation and administrative actions to direct funding into grant programs for energy and water efficiency improvements. The City should support the capitalization of revolving loan fund programs to assist local agencies with financing of capital costs. The City should also support the re -authorization of the Cap and Trade program which is set to expire in 2030, as well as support the re -alignment of funding expenditures from the program to better support the City's infrastructure and environmental goals.
Currently, funding for capital costs of building replacement and rehabilitation are severely constrained, but there are opportunities in a couple of areas:
• The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO -Biz) and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) offer the State Infrastructure 2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-5
Attachment 1
�I Y OF
TOWNSEND
TPA
/SMO B�PC
j
Revolving Fund Program with low -interest -rate loans, that could benefit efforts with the City's old city hall, public safety facility improvements, and capital projects.
Transportation Infrastructure
Transportation facilities that provide safe and efficient movement of people and goods are critical to the City. Priority will be placed on efforts to secure funding for the following areas of need:
• Safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, including students, who share the transportation corridors and facilities;
• Efficient circulation in the City, particularly in the downtown core, including parking availability;
• Bridge and related infrastructure funding to ensure usage of existing facilities; • Coordination with State highways and infrastructure;
• Improvements to transportation corridors for aesthetics, environmental, and water benefits; and
• Maintenance and preservation of existing facilities to ensure life cycle usage and reduced costs of rehabilitation and replacement.
Recommendations include supporting State legislation to increase the amount of funding available through the Highway Users Tax Account and Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account, as well as specific grant programs. Similarly, support for efforts to expedite project delivery processes that reduce procurement or permitting lead times to enable projects to move forward. The City should support legislation and administrative actions to make grant funding more competitive for City projects, through revisions of screening and scoring criteria that create an equitable distribution of funding for all communities. The City should oppose any attempts by the Legislature or Administration to withhold transportation funding from jurisdictions related to their progress toward or status of their Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) or Housing Element compliance.
2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-6
Attachment 1
�I Y OF
TOWNSEND
TPA
/SMO B�PC
j
Funding and collaborative work with State agencies will help the City advance priority projects and efforts, including:
• Circulation and parking improvements with potential funding from programs such as the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants and congestion management funds. • Aesthetic and other improvements to corridors such as Shell Beach, that provide a visual and quality -of -life incentive to increased pedestrian and bicyclist use. The Active Transportation Program provides funding to encourage this type of usage. Similarly, Cap and Trade auction proceeds fund programs for greening improvements to public facilities (Urban and Community Forestry Program and Urban Greening Grant Program). • Regional congestion management proposals that benefit the City, including improvements to U.S. Highway 101, county and city roadways, and other modes of transportation (Solutions for Congested Corridors Program).
Support legislation efforts that allow for a future, voter -approved, SLOCOG transportation - specific measure to be waived from the 2% local sales tax limit. If SLOCOG is able to pass a regional sales tax measure, it can unlock additional funding that could support Pismo Beach projects. Sales tax levels in California vary from 7.25% to 10.75%. With 7.25% as the base, local agencies are allowed to increase this base level by, up to, 2%, with voter approval. Special legislation is necessary to exceed the 2% cap. Currently, five jurisdictions in the San Luis Obispo region have a sales tax (approved by voters) at 8.75%. With only .5% remaining, a proposed SLOCOG measure could be impeded due to competing measures from: a city, the county, another regional measure, or a citizens' initiative. Each is allowable under current law. However, if one jurisdiction reaches
9.25%, then no other regionwide sales tax can be pursued unless special legislation is sought and approved.
2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-7
Attachment 1
TOWNSEND
TPA
Water Infrastructure and Resources
The State's ongoing drought cycles have highlighted the need for continued conservation practices, as well as a focus on ways to maximize the use of water resources, including recharging the area's groundwater for future use and examining the potential of innovative reuse. These short-term and long-term strategies are high priorities for the Governor and Administration.
Policies related to these priorities include:
• Continuation of the City's history of water conservation at public facilities and by residents;
• Improvements to storm water and drainage infrastructure; • Treatment and recycling of wastewater for recharging groundwater resources; • Reuse of treated wastewater for potable and other innovative purposes; and • Pursuit of regional partnerships to effectively and efficiently leverage the infrastructure and collaboration benefits of recycled water.
Recommendations include supporting policies at the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) that allow local agencies to set and achieve realistic and meaningful water conservation targets and encourage the Water Board to consider the impacts to staff resources of the many reporting requirements. The City should support further efforts by the Governor and Legislature to appropriate additional funding to key water grant and loan programs. Similarly, the City should support and encourage State funding for planning, outreach, design, construction, and ongoing operation efforts to local and regional projects for water recycling and basin recharge.
The City already has a strong history of working collaboratively with the Water Board on water projects. Listed below are funding opportunities available and being pursued for specific projects:
2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-8
Attachment 1
Y OF
TOWNSEND
j TPA
'sM0 BEP`
• The Water Board administers the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) which provides low -interest -rate loans and grants for water projects, particularly those involving recycled water. Supporting additional funds for the SRF program may help the City's various water and wastewater projects advance faster toward funding.
• As part of Central Coast Blue (regional recycled water project) , the City has also pursued funding from the Water Board's Groundwater Grant Program, funded from Proposition 1. • Also as part of Central Coast Blue, the City is pursuing a grant from the SRF's Recycled Water Funding program.
Energy Infrastructure and Resources
The Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant was planned to close in 2025 under a 2016 agreement between Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), then -Governor Jerry Brown, labor unions representing plant workers, and environmentalists who objected to the plant's location near an earthquake fault line, the potential for dangerous accidents and the problem of what to do with radioactive waste. More recently, Governor Newsom and the California legislature extended the plant's life span to 2030 to stave off blackouts while the state pursues its goal of a carbon -free grid by 2045.
In November 2023, PG&E officially requested federal permission from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to keep the Diablo Canyon plant open for 20 more years. The NRC's evaluation of the request will likely take years to complete and will include opportunities for public comment.
The City of Pismo Beach is supportive of keeping Diablo Canyon open to continue to provide safe, affordable, and clean energy for the region. Recommendations include supporting any legislation or budget appropriations at the State that ensures safe operation of Diablo Canyon.
Park, Recreation and Open Space
Providing residents with a high quality of life, and visitors with an incredible experience to encourage additional visits, continues to be a significant priority for the City. Tourism is one of 2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-9
Attachment 1
TY OF
TOWNSEND
j TPA
A O geP`
the economic drivers for the City that provides the opportunity for increased services and infrastructure improvements that keep residents satisfied.
As part of this quality of life and visitor experience, recreational and open space opportunities are key. Important needs and policies include:
• Identifying and taking action to acquire and retain open space areas; • Maintaining park space in the City to ensure opportunities for activity, cleanliness, and visual benefit;
• Developing improvements to park and open space facilities to ensure access; and • Leveraging partnerships to ensure all park, open space, and recreational facilities are acquired, developed, and utilized.
Recommendations include supporting State legislative efforts to increase funding for programs that support these spaces, including legislative bond measures for consideration by voters. The City should support the repurposing of previous grant funds that have not been utilized so additional cycles can be solicited. Legislative efforts to revise existing grant programs to allow for additional uses that more closely align with City needs should be supported.
The City's priority on parks and open space is evident in its work to identify opportunities and collaborate with regional partners. Several of the specific projects and funding opportunities for the City include:
• The City has a long history of working collaboratively with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County (LCSLO) at the Pismo Preserve and remains committed to the ongoing operation and potential future additional development of the project. 2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-10
Attachment 1
Y OF
TOWNSEND
j TPA
'sM0 BEP`
• The facilities and open space in Price Canyon provide an opportunity to access additional funds toward the purpose of tourism and resident quality of life. • The City will also seek to apply for funding from the programs funded by Proposition 68 or other statewide bonds to provide recreational and open space opportunities for residents and visitors as appropriate. These opportunities will contribute significantly to the City's quality of life and economic vitality.
Public Safety and Health
As noted above in General Infrastructure, facilities for the City's public safety services remains a very high priority, and needs and opportunities are outlined in that section. Similarly, ensuring the City has the financial resources to provide services remains key. Several areas of policy should also be considered, including:
• Ensure appropriate funding levels for identified needs of law enforcement and fire departments;
• Support policies related to data management that provide cities maximum flexibility in meeting State standards with regards to collection, accessibility, and preservation; • Ensure the ability of local law enforcement to comply and address changes to issues such criminal sentencing policies;
• Ensure the City and its officials are prepared and able to respond appropriately to disasters and emergencies, including fire prevention and suppression; and • Ensure the City is prepared to prevent, respond, and recover from public health emergencies, including but not limited to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Recommendations include supporting State legislative efforts or Governor's actions to provide additional budgetary and grant funding for programs that address a need identified by the City's police and fire departments. Similarly, the City should support efforts to prevent disasters, as 2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-11
Attachment 1
TY OF
TOWNSEND
j TPA
A O geP`
well as to plan for appropriate emergency response, including training for officials and funding for equipment and other response and recovery efforts.
In particular, the City should continue to support State efforts providing funding and other coordination resources for the prevention and suppression of wildfires. These efforts should include funding and support for updated mapping resources to serve in mutual aid and other suppression activities. The City should oppose any State efforts to complicate via permitting or increasing the cost of routine fuel modification work for wildfire prevention. These include increasing labor costs related to reclassification of public works or other unnecessary changes that increase the overall cost of effective wildfire prevention. In addition, the City should support funding for technology resources for mobile emergency operation center needs and evacuation preparedness efforts, including cellular and internet connectivity infrastructure.
The City should also support legislative efforts to improve fire safety, emergency notification, and more effective policing without compromising officer or resident safety. Finally, the City should support legislative, administrative, and ballot efforts to maintain appropriate sentencing and parole standards and ensure the safety of our residents and community.
Recommendations also include preparing the City and its residents for future health emergencies similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City should continue to support efforts by the Governor and State Legislature to provide funding to local jurisdictions with flexibility for the use of that funding to support a variety of needs unique to each jurisdiction, including the continuation of public services and personnel, backfill for lost tax revenue, and to support State and county public health outreach and efforts. The City should also support efforts to assist communities such as Pismo Beach with a significant reliance on tourism to ensure public services are not severely impacted by the loss of transient occupancy and sales tax revenues. The City should support direct funding and resource allocations to municipal governments, instead of at county or 2025 State Legislative Agenda Page 10
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-12
Attachment 1
TY OF
TOWNSEND
A� r TPA
sy�0 BEP`
statewide levels, allowing for the rapid deployment of such items as personal protective equipment and other critical materials and funding.
Housing and Homelessness
The State Legislature and Governor continue to work on solutions to the State's crisis regarding the availability and affordability of housing. In many areas of the State, local communities are either struggling with a lack of available housing, or with prices so high as to make homeownership prohibitive, or both. Reports by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and other housing stakeholders have noted concerns with "local barriers" to effectively addressing this housing situation and concerns about methodologies for the establishment of impact fees among other local policy authorities.
Every community is different, and for the City, there are several policies to consider:
• Ensure local permitting and regulatory processes do not serve as barriers to an appropriate amount of available housing;
• Examine housing affordability so families and individuals can own or rent as they choose; • Ensure there is available workforce housing to ensure a quality of life is available for all residents and individuals contributing to the City's economy.
Recommendations include supporting State legislative efforts to streamline the development of housing, while protecting the City's permitting, impact fee, and regulatory processes. The City should support efforts to provide funding mechanisms for developing housing and other related infrastructure, as well as funding for effective housing development and ownership programs.
The City should support efforts to provide funding for grant programs that connect housing with employment, recreation, schools, and public services. Furthermore, the City should support retooling the RHNA process to ensure that local impacts are being considered and housing production and zoning is conducted in a mindful, impactful, and regional way. The City should 2025 State Legislative Agenda Page 1 1
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-13
Attachment 1
�I Y OF
TOWNSEND
TPA
/SMO B�PC
j
also support funding and policy modifications that require additional staffing resources be deployed by HCD to ensure uniformity within the housing element compliance and review process.
The future of housing funding remains very much uncertain. While the Legislature and Governor have approved a significant amount of housing -related legislation over the last few years, the voter -approved housing bond and other mechanisms in these efforts are untested and their effectiveness to address the housing crisis remains to be seen. For the City, options to consider may include:
• Creation of funding mechanisms such as financing districts and tax increment proposals that have the benefits and potential for guaranteed revenue streams; • Cap and Trade funding through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, which emphasizes higher density housing developments with a high degree of connectivity to jobs and transit; and
• Potential funding from the State through budgetary agreements between the Governor and Legislature.
The City should support efforts to harmonize and seek legislation mandating changes in land use to promote housing with the Coastal Act. The Coastal Act must be followed, but often conflicts with State law without much clarity on navigating between the two sets of regulations. Efforts should be made to ensure that moving forward, this conflict is addressed by future legislation.
Economic Vitality and Quality of Life
Many of the subject areas described in this platform, if not all, play key roles in the economic vitality of the City: parks and open space provide recreational opportunities, well -maintained infrastructure provides clean water and easily -navigated streets, and public safety provides peace of mind. Priorities areas to consider include:
2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-14
Attachment 1
TY OF
TOWNSEND
j TPA
A O geP`
• Ensuring the business climate is positive and able to attract and retain businesses that provide quality employment opportunities and good products and services; • Ensuring public infrastructure is adequate for business development needs; • Supporting tourism and visitors while maintaining the quality of life for residents; and • All opportunities for economic investment and sustainability activities are pursued.
Recommendations include supporting State legislative efforts to create and foster community incentives for financing of public improvements. The City should support legislative and administrative efforts to improve the activities at GO -Biz which could benefit the City. Similarly, the City should support funding programs to support local transportation planning efforts to help circulation, parking, and other specific plan elements. The City should support legislative efforts to provide a framework for short-term vacation rentals that protects local control and accessibility to data, while ensuring the City captures all transient occupancy taxes.
Given the City's status as a destination for visitors and tourism, enhancing the visitor experience is key to helping drive the City's economic vitality. Several efforts and opportunities are below:
• The City continues to maximize the potential for places such as Pismo Preserve and Price Canyon by pursuing funding opportunities in collaboration with regional partners. These efforts will result in increased accessibility to recreational and educational opportunities. • The City continues to pursue and support the reintroduction of the Pismo Clam and potential funding from sources such as the Natural Resources Agency and Ocean Protection Council that may help with those efforts. Reintroduction of the clam will provide yet another opportunity for the City to showcase one of its best resources to visitors.
2025 State Legislative Agenda
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.13-15
G\T Y OF
PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
.o�s'yo Bt Agenda Item #12.0
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
TITLE:
Progress Report on Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 City Council Goals RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a progress report on the City Council's Fiscal Year 2024 &2025 Goals.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Pismo Beach utilizes a thorough and thoughtful planning process to establish the City's focus and priorities. This process manifests 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 for the current budget cycle (Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025), five 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 and available budget and set its new goals for the Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027 at a special workshop on January 24, 2025.
Major City Goals
The City Council has set five goals for the City for the time period of Fiscal Years 2024 & 2025.
Goal #1: Maintain a Focus on Public Safety
Goal statement:
Focus on providing resources toward ensuring the safety of the community.
Priorities for the next two years:
Build a state-of-the-art Public Safety Facility and enhance the Police presence in the downtown area
• Prioritize the recruitment and retention of Police personnel • Support technology investments that enhance public safety Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-1
Goal #2: 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 #3: 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 • Continue investments in sports courts and other amenities, including facilitating evening use
• Complete updates to the Local Coastal Plan, General Plan, and Zoning Code • Implement community beautification strategies
• Deliver exceptional services to the public
• Invest in coastal access and bluff repair
Goal #4: 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 to work on downtown parking solutions, including acquiring additional parking assets, and adopt strategies outlined in the Parking Management Plan • Complete and implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and maintain existing infrastructure
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-2
• Complete the acquisition of Dolliver Street from the state and make circulation improvements in accordance with the General Plan Circulation Element Goal #5: Housing and Homelessness
Goal statement:
Support regional efforts to address housing needs and homelessness.
Priorities for the next two years:
• Complete affordable housing projects
• Support and participate in regional efforts in a collaborative manner • Invest in housing and homelessness assistance projects where feasible While each of the goals is 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: Maintain a Focus on Public Safety
Priority: Build a state-of-the-art Public Safety Facility and enhance the Police presence in the downtown area
• City Council awarded a contract to F&H Construction/LDA Partners for the design - build construction of new police and fire stations.
• The Council approved an agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc. for plan review and inspection services in support of the construction of the Public Safety Facility.
• Following Council direction on the Public Safety Facility, staff processed necessary permits for the entitlement of the facility, which were approved by the Planning Commission on November 28, 2023.
• The property located at 320 Main Street was acquired by the City and is currently being utilized to help support police operations during construction. • The relocation plan has been successfully completed, with police and fire operations now fully relocated to temporary facilities. This ensures uninterrupted service during the demolition of the old facilities and the construction of the new Public Safety Facility.
• The Emergency Operations Center's telephone lines, communication circuits, and technology functions were relocated to the Council Chamber. These telephone lines and communication circuits ensure the City maintains communication with Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-3
the County of San Luis Obispo's Emergency Operations Center and other agencies in the event of an emergency.
• The remodel of the building at 585 Dolliver Street to create a Police Annex has been successfully completed, enhancing the presence of both police and parking services in the downtown area. This project has not only met its operational goals but also restored the historic character of the building, contributing to the charm and vitality of the downtown community.
• Issuance of Public Financing Agency Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2024 for the Public Safety Facility, closing on July 23, 2024, providing $41,000,000 of funds for the project, with the remaining cost of the project to be supported by pay-as-you- go (cash) funds from the General Fund and the Parking Enterprise Fund.
Priority: Prioritize the recruitment and retention of Police personnel • With the Council -approved over -hire program, the Police Department successfully initiated the recruitment process to fill long-term vacancies within the department. • Over the past year, the Police Department successfully filled all dispatcher position vacancies, ensuring full staffing and enhanced support for emergency operations. • The Police Department formed a team to help focus additional efforts on police officer recruitment. During this time, the Police Department has had one recruit graduate from the police academy, hired a new lateral officer, and a second recruit started the academy this month.
• The Police Department has established a new peer support program, which is overseen by one of the Commanders and led by a Sergeant. This program has continued to grow, adding both internal and external support to better serve the police department. Additionally, the City has sent team members to specialized training to enhance their skills and effectiveness. The goal of this program is to ensure officers receive the necessary support when needed.
Priority: Support technology investments that enhance public safety • The City continues to invest in the community camera program, enhancing safety and security throughout the area. As part of the police and parking annex project, six new cameras were installed, providing increased security for the facility and improved surveillance of nearby intersections.
• New cameras have been ordered for the Pier Promenade to provide better coverage and enhance camera capabilities.
• The Police Department's body -worn cameras and in -car video storage systems were updated. These updates allow for the secure sharing of videos with the district attorney's office. Patrol operations have replaced 15 body -worn cameras, which are now actively being utilized in the field. Additionally, as four new patrol vehicles are being outfitted, they will be equipped with next -generation cameras Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-4
fully compatible with the body -worn cameras, further enhancing our video recording capabilities and operational efficiency.
• The City's License Plate Reader (LPR) program continues to be a highly effective investigative tool for both patrol and detectives. In the mid -year budget, the City Council approved the addition of 12 cameras to expand coverage across the city.
Four of these cameras have already been installed and are fully operational, with the remaining cameras scheduled for installation in early 2025.
Goal #2: Water Supply, Conservation and Central Coast Blue Priority: Implement Central Coast Blue
• The City recognizes the continued need for enhanced water supply diversity and reliability and has commissioned this analysis to evaluate the feasibility of an initial phase of the program with a reduced Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) treatment capacity and a single injection well, with the potential for future expansion to a regional project. The analysis and modeling reflect that the City may have a viable project that provides a sustainable water source and reduces sea -water intrusion into the groundwater basin. The cost of the project would need continued support by the federal and state grants.
• Continuing to work with the State Water Board to secure a $3.0 million Water Recycling Funding Program grant.
• Staff implemented the 2nd year of the new five-year rate change to support City of Pismo Beach water and wastewater operation and capital improvements a portion of Central Coast Blue construction, debt service, and operating costs. Staff will be returning to the City Council in January 2026 to provide an update and discuss methodology options.
• Central Coast Blue staffing is supported by Pismo Beach staff, including the CCB JPA's technology assets and internet presence, clerk, legal, financial, and administrative duties.
Priority: Promote water conservation
• Staff continues to promote and process applications for water conservation rebates.
Priority: Pursue additional water supplies and options for storage • Storage rights have been established at Lopez Lake and staff has been working with the County of San Luis Obispo to purchase additional drought buffer until Central Coast Blue is operational.
• Assess existing wells longevity and treatment options.
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-5
• Search for and assess new well locations.
Priority: Conduct public outreach and education
• Coordination with Central Coast Blue partners to develop information materials Development of an RFP for enhanced outreach for the project to gain awareness and support during the construction phase.
• Renewed outreach for rebates and incentive programs following the City Council increasing the budget and expanding options for ratepayers.
Goal #3: Community Character. Beautification and Qualitv of Life for Residents Priority: Invest in neighborhoods including road, sidewalk, and park improvements • Construction of the FY 2022-24 Paving Project is well underway. All of the streets in the base bid have been completed.
• Price Street — Constructed a parking median, installed parking meter poles and crack seal and slurry seal the street.
• City Hall Parking Lot — Completed in Fall 2024.
• Wadsworth — Construction crews returned and completed the upper portion of Wadsworth.
• Vista del Mar Avenue — Vista Del Mar Avenue paving was completed. • Chumash and Palisades Parks — Playground equipment has been installed at both parks. The contractor made parking lot improvements at both parks. Purchase and installed new light pole banners to beautify and reinforce the stewardship program to our residents and visitors fostering a greater sensitivity and awareness towards the preservation and conservation of the Pismo Beach Community and its cherished natural coastal environment.
• Continue investments in sports courts and other amenities, including facilitating evening use.
• The Ventana Sports Courts project is bid -ready and $2.6 million was appropriated for this project.
Priority: Complete updates to the Local Coastal Plan, General Plan, and Zoning Code • On August 22, 2023, the Planning Commission recommended the Council adopt the General Plan/Local Coastal Program (GP/LCP) with minor modifications. The GP/LCP is anticipated for Council adoption in 2025.
• The City Council directed staff in May 2024 to proceed with the General Plan update by extracting the Safety Element portion. Separating out the Safety Element allows the City to work with concerned community members on revisions Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-6
to draft hazard policies. In addition, staff has been regularly meeting with Coastal Commission staff to seek grant funding to pursue a comprehensive approach to hazards planning. Otherwise known as neighborhood -based adaptation planning, this approach includes evaluation of conditions of existing seawall and allows a comparative analysis of coastal erosion issues along the City's coastline. The Planning Division is currently in process of developing a grant application which would fund the technical studies necessary to inform the neighborhood -based planning approach.
The City has been awarded $1,058,643 in grant funding from the Coastal Commission and State Department of Housing and Community Development to fund the GP/LCP and Zoning Code updates.
Priority. Implement community beautification strategies • James Way Beautification Project — Project completed, included the City Council - requested additional of trees on the Canyon side of the street to enhance overall beautification of the corridor.
2023-2027 LBID2 five-year tourism beautification investment generating over seven million dollars to be used for capital improvement and community enhancing projects, including: replacements of the beach swings at Main and Addie Streets, purchasing the Pier Plaza/Downtown Street sweeper; and citywide holiday decorations along business corridors.
Priority. Deliver exceptional services to the public
• Additional funds were budgeted to cover additional services needed to provide "Next -Level" service, for example tools in Public Work trucks for operations, a new Recreation transit van to support operations, and additional cost and expansion of sidewalk cleanings, restrooms, and other facilities
• Continue to enhance the Car Show, Fourth of July, Clam Festival, and Band Review by incorporating sustainability and stewardship in every City event. • The 100t" anniversary of the Pier was celebrated with coordinated support between the City, local non -profits and the downtown business community. • Provide access April through October to the Chapman Estate through Open Gates and local resident discounts for family gatherings, reunions, and special occasions. • Offer camps, classes, programs, and facility rentals through the Recreation Department that local residents and their families can enjoy year-round. • Provide residents enhanced Neighborhood Gathering events throughout the community during the spring, summer, and fall.
• Staff continues to beautify neighborhoods and provide a concierge level of service with the creation and implementation of the Community Enhancement Team.
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-7
Priority. Invest in coastal access and bluff repair
• Staff worked with the City's state lobbyist to discuss need for grant funding to address loss and replacement of coastal access points due to increased erosion from winter storms.
• Submitted FEMA claims for damage to bluffs as a result of 2023 storm damage. • Purchased four new beach wheelchairs.
Goal #4: Traffic, Circulation and Parking
Priority. Continue to work on downtown parking solutions, including acquiring additional parking assets, and adopt strategies outlined in the Parking Management Plan • Acquired 330 and 320 Main Street for short-term use as part of the Public Safety Facility Project and to increase parking supply long-term. • Staff explored different properties for potential acquisition for development of parking supply.
• The Council adopted the updated Parking Management Plan on October 17, 2023. • A pilot "double loaded diagonal" parking program was initiated on Price Street in an effort to provide more parking. After community outreach, including meetings with business owners on Price Street and the Chamber of Commerce, a modification was made to install a "hybrid" parking arrangement on Price Street, which will include diagonal parking along a center median and parallel parking on the other side of the median alternating on each block, with no curbside parking to make the business fronts more visible and for a safer experience for pedestrians. • The consultant team is continuing to work on the plans to signalize the Bello Street/Price Canyon Road intersection. Simultaneously, staff is seeking outside funding to help offset the cost of the required improvements. • The Police Department staffed a second motor officer position to focus on traffic issues.
• In October of 2024 City Council provided direction to reduce parking in -lieu fees from $36,000 to $9,000 per space. Council also directed the following changes be incorporated into the Zoning Code update:
o Reduce overall parking requirements for allowed uses in the downtown o Create parking maximums to go along with the existing minimum parking requirements.
o Allow uses in existing buildings in the downtown to change out without triggering a requirement for additional parking.
o Increase the number of in -lieu parking spaces that can be purchased from 30% to 100% with Planning Commission approval.
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-8
Priority: Complete and implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and maintain existing infrastructure
• Staff will be seeking grant funding to support this initiative.
Priority: Complete the acquisition of Dolliver Street from the state and make circulation improvements in accordance with the General Plan Circulation Element • Staff continues to work with Caltrans on the final relinquishment agreement, this agreement and a final action by the California Transportation Commission are the last two outstanding items to complete relinquishment. The relinquishment of Highway 1 within the city could be completed by May 2026, pending approval from the City Council to accept the roadway.
• The Council authorized consolidation of the Coastal Development Permit for the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project. Concept drawings will come back to the City Council in February 2024. • The Council adopted an environmental exemption for the Shell Beach Road Multi - Use Path to be designed and constructed on the ocean side of Shell Beach Road utilizing funds received as part of the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project.
Goal #5: Housing and Homelessness
Priority: Complete affordable housing projects
• The People's Self -Help Housing (PSHH) 50-unit affordable housing project on 4th Street and the HASLO 25-unit affordable housing project on Shell Beach Road were completed, including providing construction inspections, processing reimbursements for City -provided funding, and similar actions.
Priority: Support and participate in regional efforts in a collaborative manner • The Community Development Director sits on the San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund Commission.
• Staff represented the City at a stakeholder meeting for a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) evaluation of the Coastal Commission's statewide work related to sea level rise and coastal hazards. The Planning Manager gave a presentation discussing an overview of the City's experience with the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Grant Program and need for continued grant availability to support and complete the LCP and Zoning Code updates. At the annual Statewide Planning (APA) conference, the Community Development Director gave a presentation on impacts related to climate change and sea level rise as it relates to LCP updates.
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-9
Priority. Invest in housing and homelessness assistance projects where feasible • The City continues to provide both General Fund and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding support to support nonprofit partners. • The City submitted an application to the state on behalf of PSHH for funding to rehabilitate the Sea Haven Apartments on Addie Street which provides affordable rental housing to low-income families.
• Staff continue to work with Caltrans and the California Coastal Conservancy regarding possible development of an affordable housing project on the City owned parcel on 4t" Street, south of the People's Self Help Housing project. Property currently is encumbered with deed restrictions associated with grant funding the City received to purchase the property for development of public access improvements for the Pismo Lakes area.
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:
• Successful passage at the November 5, 2024 election of Measure F-24, the City's new 1 % Transaction and Use Tax measure to support future infrastructure projects.
• The Council adopted new regulations regarding short-term rentals to phase out the current licenses over time while not issuing new licenses after adoption of the regulations. Implementation of the new regulations included updating the application process, providing updated information on the Planning Division website, and developing a new online application portal. The online portal allows for a streamlined application process, reduces paper waste, and includes online payment options.
• Implemented a new software and administration of the City's business licenses, including implementing business licenses for all property owners for all short-term vacation rentals.
• Authorized a proposal by Deckard/Rentalscape to update the City's Vacation Rental/Short Term Rental compliance software which would provide ability for City to create a public -facing portal identifying locations citywide as well as a 24/7 complaint hotline feature. Ongoing work currently to implement the contract with updates being posted on the City's website.
• Staff also completed website updates to include information on a Pre -approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plans consistent with new State legislation (AB 1332). The legislation is intended to streamline the permitting of ADUs and increase housing production.
• Staff has begun implementation of a fully online planning permit portal with the goal to streamline the application intake process. The first planning permit types Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-10
now available online include short term rental renewals and vacation rentals. The intent is to add all planning permit application types as an option. In addition, the permit portal will include a permit flowchart and guide to enhance transparency on the permit process to applicants. The goal is to reduce processing times, improve accessibility for applicants, and increase city responsiveness. • Ongoing work to digitize property development records in the Community Development Department.
• As part of the ongoing GIS system upgrades, the City's GIS Contractor has identified and completed over 600 parcel and ownership updates as well as mapping of City planning overlay areas. The updated information serves to provide accurate permitting and mapping information.
• Completed and submitted the 2023 General Plan Annual Report. • Participated in the Local Government Working Group.
• Preliminary recommendations regarding the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation were made to the County Board of Supervisors. • Maintained a strong financial position during FY 2024, including surplus funding of the City's Other Post -Employment Benefits (OPEB) account. • FY 2024 interest earnings more than doubled compared to FY 2023, marking a change in investment strategy to take advantage of short-term higher yielding securities, including investing in a new higher yielding asset pool. Effective November 2024, the City Treasurer is now working with an investment advisor to support FY 2025 investments.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: The City issued its FY 2024 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 2023 ACFR, making it the 21 st consecutive year the City has received this prestigious award. • Implemented Government Accounting Standards Board pronouncements no. 87 and 96 in FY 2024 ACFR.
• Finance staff cross -training completed: Finance division staff successfully cross - trained major functions for sustainability and staff effectiveness. This effort will help provide stability in the event an employee leaves unexpectedly and tasks still need to be completed for payroll, utility billing, business licenses, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• City staff and an IT consultant developed a Technology Master Plan that Council approved for the next 5 years. Council appropriated funds for the first 2.5 years of the various IT initiatives and projects.
o Cybersecurity: Staff completed improvements to the City's SCADA system to ensure more security in the event of a cyber-attack; implemented quarterly phishing tests on all City email users; hardened and protected City systems from Russian cyberattacks.
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-11
o Infrastructure: Replaced fiber internet and cabling at the City's corporation yard; installed new fiber circuits to connect temporary police facilities and upgraded internet capability at City Hall; Relocated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to the Council Chamber, including successful funding from the County for all the new equipment in the Chamber. o Communication: Implemented Police to the Microsoft Teams Phone System; City staff created and implemented the City's intranet on the SharePoint platform for all employees to access frequently asked questions and consolidate all files to be viewed anywhere via internet. o Technology efficiency for staff effectiveness: City staff created and deployed a new electronic travel authorization and expense process to automate compliance with the City's travel policies and increase staff efficiency; City staff updated and deployed a new purchase order and agreements form to consolidate two separate process and provide more efficiency and effectiveness in enforcing the purchasing policy, guiding users through all necessary steps and information for setting up new vendors.
• Implementation of the Pismo Beach Stewardship and Educational Outreach Program. This program offers residents and visitors education on the importance of good stewardship.
• Staff successfully implemented a new online building permit portal, streamlining the application intake process for building permits. This innovation has improved accessibility for applicants, reduced processing times, and enhanced transparency in permitting operations.
• Staff implemented the SolarAPP+ system to expedite the building permitting process for residential solar installations in compliance with state mandates. This adoption has improved efficiency and ensured regulatory compliance. • Building Division and Code Enforcement staff have been provided with iPads, enabling real-time access to critical information and tools in the field. This enhancement has improved communication, increased productivity, and supported the department's transition to more efficient, tech -driven operations. • Added a part time Permit Technician to assist with the intake and processing of building permit applications to improve responsiveness and review times. • Purchase City's first street sweeper to proactively clean sidewalks, parking lots and the Promenade area downtown.
• Passage of Assembly Bill 2302, co -written by staff and co -sponsored by Assembly Member Addis and Senator John Laird, which, effective January 1, 2025, amends the Brown Act to clarify the requirements for teleconference participation in legislative meetings by the City Council and Advisory Body members. This legislation simplifies compliance for local agencies like Pismo Beach who conduct Closed Session and Special Meetings as separate, legally noticed meetings.
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-12
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this report as information only. Any fiscal impacts associated with the implementation of City Goals will be analyzed at the time actionable items are brought to the Council for consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Submitted by:
Executive Team
City Manager Approval:
S
�t
Council Agenda 1-21-2025 12.C-13