MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETINGTuesday, August 12, 2025 at 5:30 P.m. - 6:30 P.m.Veterans Memorial Hall 209 Surf St., Morro Bay, CAMembers Present:Mayor Carla WixomCouncil Member Cyndee EdwardsCouncil Member Jeff EcklesCouncil Member Zara LandrumCouncil Member Bill LuffeeStaff Present:Interim City Manager Andrea LuekerInterim City Attorney Robert SchultzCity Clerk Dana SwansonFinance Director Emily ConradPublic Works Director Greg KwolekCommunity Development Director Airlin SingewaldPolice Chief Amy WatkinsFire Chief Dan McCrainHarbor Vitality Director Chris Munson1.ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER Public Comments: Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. with all members present. 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Public Comments: 3.REPORTS Public Comments: 3.aClosed Session Report Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=TPceDEKp_8_Q86WF&t=1577 Interim City Attorney Schultz announced the Council met in closed session prior to this meeting and discussed Real Property Negotiations. The two properties discussed were the lease for Morro Dunes RV Park and the potential purchase of the Morro Elementary School site As for the Morro Dunes RV Park lease, no action was taken that required reporting under the Brown Act. As for the potential purchase of the Morro Elementary School site, the Council unanimously gave direction to make an offer for purchase of 30% of the property under the Naylor Act and to continue negotiations with the School District for purchase of the entire property. It is important for the public to understand that any purchase of the property, whether partially or in its entirety, would have to be approved by Council at a public hearing in open session.3.bMayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=hYxSU9Bx_JszInd6&t=1243.cCity Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=KLSos4Ih9Hsl5Zh5&t=5683.dSubcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=e7polt1BJ_7AuUKd&t=1518a.Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District JPA Public Comments: b.Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra) Public Comments: c.Offshore Wind Energy Public Comments: d.Morro Elementary School Public Comments: 4.RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS Public Comments: None5.PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=c9Lodhyn1xd97ryF&t=1638 Joe Silano, Morro Bay, commented on the need for Harbor maintenance and dredging and questioned the proposed fee increases. Linda Winters, Morro Bay, shared her appreciation for staff efforts and events and provided a Monday Night Dinner update. Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments. Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, brought attention to an item on an upcoming Board of Supervisors' agenda, approving a contract amendment with Mott MacDonald related to offshore wind studies, and encouraged residents to join REACT Alliance in its efforts to educate the public regarding effects of offshore wind. Nicole Dorfman, Morro Bay, asked for any information the City could share regarding the Mott MacDonald study, scope expansion, or work completed to date. She appreciated the Council's vote to pursue Morro Elementary and commented on SLOCOG's contract with GHD related to the roundabout project. End of public comment. Mayor Wixom and staff responded to questions raised during public comment.6.CONSENT AGENDA Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=XaG0G1hPz8V9Jk0x&t=2520 Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are approved without discussion. The public will also be provided an opportunity to comment on consent agenda items. Mayor Wixom opened public comment for the Consent Agenda; seeing none, the public comment period was closed. Mayor Wixom pulled Item 6.b.Motion byCouncil Member LuffeeSeconded byCouncil Member LandrumApprove Consent Agenda Items 6a through 6e, as submitted, less Item 6b.Ayes (5)Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member LuffeeCARRIED (5 to 0)6.aApproval of Minutes Public Comments: Approve as submitted.a.June 17, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting Attachments | Public Comments1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Jun17_2025 - English.pdfb.July 22, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting Attachments | Public Comments1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Jul22_2025 - English.pdfc.July 22, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting Attachments | Public Comments1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Jul22_2025 - English.pdf6.bAcceptance of Equipment Donation from SYTIS Attachments | Public Comments1.6b SR Approve Equipment Donation from SYTIS.pdf2.6b1 Donation acceptance Sytis Thermal Imaging Cameras.pdfhttps://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=II4T9B126pO3ixfW&t=2576 Fire Chief McCrain responded to Council inquiries.Motion byMayor WixomSeconded byCouncil Member LuffeeAccept the donated equipment from SYTIS and authorize the City Manager to execute the Donation Agreement.Ayes (5)Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member EcklesCARRIED (5 to 0)6.cReceive and File the Required Annual Military Equipment Use Report per CA Assembly Bill No. 481 Attachments | Public Comments1.6c SR AB481 MBPD Military Equipment Use Policy rev. 3.22.2022.pdf2.6c1 Ordinance 649 AB 481 Military Equipment Use Policy_v2.pdf3.6c2 AB 481 Annual Use Report 2024.pdfReceive and file of the required Annual Military Equipment Use Report per Assembly Bill No. 481.6.dApproval of Revised Compensation Range for the City Manager Attachments | Public Comments1.6d SR City Manager Compensation Range Amendment.pdf2.6d1 Reso 45-25 Approving Updated Compensation Range.pdf3.6d2 Reso 46-25 Adopting Updated FY26 and FY27 Salary Schedules.pdf4.6d3 2025-26 Pay Schedule (Exhibit A).pdf5.6d4 FY 2026-27 Pay Schedule (Exhibit B).pdfAmend the compensation range for the City Manager by adopting: Resolution No. 45-25 Approving Updated Compensation Range, and Resolution No. 46-25 Approving Updated FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 Pay Schedules. 6.eDetermination of Public Convenience or Necessity for ABC License - 1215 Embarcadero Road, Suite D, Grassy Bar Oyster Company Attachments | Public Comments1.6e SR Grassy Bar Oyster Company PCN.pdf2.6e1 Attach 1 - Draft Public Convenience or Necessity Support Letter.pdf3.6e2 Attach 2 - Letter from Grassy Bar Oyster Company.pdfMake the Determination of Public Convenience or Necessity to approve the request to allow sales of alcohol with use of a Type 20 – Off-Sale Beer and Wine license for Grassy Bar Oyster Company at 1215 Embarcadero Road, Suite D; and direct staff to provide the applicant with a letter of support. 7.PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS Public Comments: 7.aPublic Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 47-25 Updating and Establishing Various User and Regulatory Fees Attachments | Public Comments1.7a SR Master Fee Schedule FY 2025-26.pdf2.7a.1 Reso 47-25 User Fee Study Results FY 25-26.pdf3.7a.2 Illustration of Current and Proposed Fees.pdf4.7a.3 Reso 47-25 Exhibit A ClearSource User and Regulatory Fee Study.pdfhttps://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=4UcIuVJgYDFf2ydx&t=2881 Finance Director Conrad introduced Terry Madsen from Clearsource Financial Consulting, who presented the report and responded to Council inquiries. Mayor Wixom opened the public hearing and public comment for Item 7.a. https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=NZ8jkNLAXiz8dlAr&t=6191 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, urged the Council to establish a low appeal fee that is consistent for all types of appeals and not feel obligated to reach 100% cost recovery all at once. She suggested a small percentage-based increase across the board and avoid any large increases, particularly in Planning and Building. She also questioned whether it was necessary to charge a fee for certain permit types. Onan Champi, Morro Bay, agreed the state should not encumber people to require permits and asked when the new fee increases would take effect. Judy Setting, Morro Bay, urged the Council to keep fees low for residents. End of public comment. Mayor Wixom closed the public hearing. Mr. Madsen and staff responded to Council inquiries. Following comments and discussion, to allow time to fully evaluate the report, along with changes requested by Council, a motion was made to continue the item to a date certain, September 23, 2025. Motion byCouncil Member LandrumSeconded byCouncil Member LuffeeCouncil directed that the item be continued to the September 23, 2025 Regular City Council meeting to allow staff sufficient time to review the modifications submitted by Council and return the item for further discussion.Ayes (5)Mayor Wixom, Council Member Landrum, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member EcklesCARRIED (5 to 0)8.BUSINESS ITEMS Public Comments: 8.aAdoption of Resolution No. 48-25 Appointing Brian Stack as City Attorney and Approving a City Attorney Employment Agreement Between the City of Morro Bay and Brian Stack Attachments | Public Comments1.8a SR Stack City Attorney Appointment.pdf2.8a1 Reso 48-25 approving City Attorney Appointment.pdf3.8a2 City Attorney Employment Agreement(Packet).pdf4.8a3 Resume for Brian Stack_Redacted.pdfhttps://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=9Nyqnf3e58Bl74ya&t=7896 Interim City Manager Lueker presented the report and welcomed Mr. Stack to introduce himself. Mayor Wixom opened public comment on Item 8.a; seeing none, the public comment period was closed.Motion byMayor WixomSeconded byCouncil Member LuffeeAdopt Resolution No. 48-25 appointing Brian Stack as the City Attorney of the City of Morro Bay and approve an employment agreement between the City of Morro Bay and Brian Stack.Ayes (5)Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Luffee, and Council Member LandrumCARRIED (5 to 0)8.bChorro Creek Floodplain Resilience Project Coordination with Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Attachments | Public Comments1.8b SR Chorro Levee Project.pdf2.8b1 Attach 1_Final Approved_SC-5 Agriculture Mitigation Program_Morro Bay_v1.pdf3.8b2 Attach 2_CC correspondence.pdf4.8b3 Attach 2_Floodplain Resilience Project TM.pdfThe Council took a brief recess at 7:54 p.m. and reconvened at 8:04 p.m. with all members present. https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=uBitfZ9Y42nku5oG&t=8319 Public Works Director Kwolek presented the report. Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.b. https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=iJwCHqM1mmjK_AuT&t=9648 Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, believed this property was put under the RCD in order to capture run off and silt to protect the bay, and questioned whether that was correct. End of public comment. Scott Smith, Stillwater Sciences, and Hallie Richard, Executive Director of CSLRCD, responded to Council inquiries.Motion byMayor WixomSeconded byCouncil Member LuffeeDirect Staff to coordinate with Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District on the potential Chorro Creek Floodplain Resilience Project. Any formal agreements regarding the City’s commitment to participation in this project would be brought to City Council for their approval consideration before any decisions were made impacting the City’s property.Ayes (5)Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member LuffeeCARRIED (5 to 0)9.COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Public Comments: https://youtu.be/zm5TDozeRuY?si=DzK_FZtzato_hkzN&t=10215 Council Member Edwards requested and received support for review of the City's Event Policy. Ms. Lueker explained it is currently in draft form and, once finalized, will go to the Recreation & Parks Commission then City Council. 10.ADJOURNMENT Public Comments: The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Dana Swanson, City ClerkNo Item Selected Attachments (0) | Public Comments (0)This item has no attachments.1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Jun17_2025 - English.pdf1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CCCM_Jul22_2025 - English.pdf1.6b SR Approve Equipment Donation from SYTIS.pdf2.6b1 Donation acceptance Sytis Thermal Imaging Cameras.pdf1.6c SR AB481 MBPD Military Equipment Use Policy rev. 3.22.2022.pdf2.6c1 Ordinance 649 AB 481 Military Equipment Use Policy_v2.pdf3.6c2 AB 481 Annual Use Report 2024.pdf1.6e SR Grassy Bar Oyster Company PCN.pdf2.6e1 Attach 1 - Draft Public Convenience or Necessity Support Letter.pdf3.6e2 Attach 2 - Letter from Grassy Bar Oyster Company.pdf1.7a SR Master Fee Schedule FY 2025-26.pdf2.7a.1 Reso 47-25 User Fee Study Results FY 25-26.pdf3.7a.2 Illustration of Current and Proposed Fees.pdf4.7a.3 Reso 47-25 Exhibit A ClearSource User and Regulatory Fee Study.pdf1.8a SR Stack City Attorney Appointment.pdf2.8a1 Reso 48-25 approving City Attorney Appointment.pdf3.8a2 City Attorney Employment Agreement(Packet).pdf4.8a3 Resume for Brian Stack_Redacted.pdf1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CCRM_Jul22_2025 - English.pdf1.6d SR City Manager Compensation Range Amendment.pdf2.6d1 Reso 45-25 Approving Updated Compensation Range.pdf3.6d2 Reso 46-25 Adopting Updated FY26 and FY27 Salary Schedules.pdf4.6d3 2025-26 Pay Schedule (Exhibit A).pdf5.6d4 FY 2026-27 Pay Schedule (Exhibit B).pdf1.8b SR Chorro Levee Project.pdf2.8b1 Attach 1_Final Approved_SC-5 Agriculture Mitigation Program_Morro Bay_v1.pdf3.8b2 Attach 2_CC correspondence.pdf4.8b3 Attach 2_Floodplain Resilience Project TM.pdfThis item has no public comment