September 14th Meeting
One of the first items at the meeting was probably one of the most important. Bill Woodson, who recently resigned as a Planning Commissioner, was recognized. Those who know Bill, know how tirelessly he has worked for this community for over a decade. He is truly one of the most altruistic members of the Morro Bay community, and it is important we recognize those like Bill who give so much to make Morro Bay the wonderful place that it is.
During the announcement period Mr. Woods mentioned the progress of the Adopt a Park program. The Rotary Club has taken on the responsibility of the new round-a-bout and Diane Moore has adopted North Point. She has been cleaning up the doggy doo there for some time. All of those groups and individuals who have adopted a park to maintain both the beauty and cleanliness of our city deserve big hugs and thanks from all of us.
Two of the residents who spoke during the public comment period brought information that everyone needs to be aware of.
Senior Health Screening
First, the nurse from Senior Health Screening reminded us that every fourth Monday she is at the Recreation Center from 9:00am – noon. These screenings are sponsored by the non-profit Partners in Community Action. The nurse emphasized how many more clients are coming to her clinic. It was distressing to hear her stories of those who go without medicine or doctor's appointments because of the state of our economy and the lack of health care for all. For those who want more information or are interested in giving a donation can call (805) 788-0827.
Adopt a Pet
Jane Wilzbach brought two of Morro Bay's feline residents to the meeting. Jane is involved with Animal Services and pointed out the need in Morro Bay for adoptions, fostering, and donations. She and other volunteers come to the Thursday Farmers Market at Spencer's with potential adoptees.
Embarcadero Businesses
The first issue on the agenda that the Council addressed was presented by Rick Algert, Harbor Director. He reported on strategies to help reduce vacancies on the Embarcadero and to stimulate business there. Many businesses are hurting financially and have asked for a reduction in their rent. Revisions were made and in two weeks the report will be brought back to the Council.
For the first time I read an entire staff report and my head is still swimming from what I learned about how rents on the Embarcadero are formulated. It made me admire the hard work that the Council members must go through for each meeting to prepare for all the issues on the docket. If I had to point out one member of the Council who seems to have read every word of the complex reports week after week it would be Council Member Winholtz.
Trolley Retirement
Staff asked that the beloved 1985 trolley be sold before it becomes a financial burden to the community. The city currently owns three other newer ones that are ADA compliant. However this one has been allowed to function in non-official events (for instance, as the Christmas trolley). Its departure would pose a problem when such a request happens. The Council voted 3 - 2 to sell this one but asked, if at all possible, that it remain locally owned.
Changes in Election Procedures
Finally, the Council addressed the elephant in the room – changes in election procedures. It is my impression that during public comment the Council was subtlety threatened with consequences if they voted to place the primary election process on the ballot. I frankly feel that may be why it failed by a vote of 3 - 2. Why else would it be wrong to have the public decide, without intimidation, if they, after going through the rigors of a primary, wanted to continue this drawn out and expensive procedure? It certainly did not result in the most qualified being elected to council for some who made it past the primary were just the most popular or had the best name recognition.
Thoughts on the Subject
I hate sneaky politics. (Is that an oxymoron?) I remember when the few who wanted a primary were trying to force the issue onto the ballot. It was a long, drawn-out procedure; they had a great deal of difficulty getting the required number of signatures on the petition. I observed fast-talking going on outside of Albertson's to get people to sign. I saw what I thought was confusion by those signing the petition. On two occasions I ran into someone inside Albertson's that I had just witnessed signing. I introduced myself and asked why they felt a primary was necessary. It was clear that both times that the people had very little understanding of what they had signed. That, to me, is not the will of the majority being served but the will of a few with an underlying agenda.
That's my opinion of the primary discussion from here on my couch. Maybe the fog is clouding my judgment; maybe not.
September 29th Meeting
Water Regulation
There was a presentation by staff to decide if the city was going to continue to provide water to some of those outside of the city limits. Currently the water obtained from the Chorro groundwater basin has been impacted by pollution and does not meet state and federal regulations. City staff feels that it would not be cost effective to change these conditions. One solution is to no longer provide city water to the twelve residents in that area. A long and emotional discussion was held and staff will have conversations with these twelve households about alternative and less expensive ways of purifying their well water.
Because of a water crisis and the shut down of state water for several weeks, the City Council, under the direction of the staff, has declared a water emergency from October 19 to the end of the crisis. (Which will, hopefully, be alleviated by an expected rainy season that is predicted for this year.)
Therefore, all residents must follow the following rules for water conservation:
1. Outdoor Water Use (Except Irrigation).
a. Use of water which results in excessive gutter runoff is prohibited.
b. No water shall be used for cleaning driveways, patios, parking lots, sidewalks, streets, or other such uses except where necessary to protect the public health or safety.
c. Washing cars by use of a hose is prohibited. Use of a bucket is permitted subject to nonwasteful applications.
2. Outdoor Irrigation
a. Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between the hours of ten a.m. and four p.m.
b. Irrigation of private and public landscaping, turf areas, and gardens is permitted at even- numbered addresses only on Wednesdays and Sundays, and at odd-numbered addresses only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. All consumers are directed to use no more water than necessary to maintain landscaping.
c. Newly planted landscaping or newly seeded lawns installed prior to the date these mandatory conservation requirements are imposed may be temporarily exempted from the provisions of subsection (C)(2)(b) of this section; provided, the owner/tenant establishes documentation satisfactory to the city conclusively proving the planting date. Any temporary exemption shall expire when the planting is sufficiently established to survive with twice per week watering. All other conservation measures remain applicable during the temporary exemption.
3. Marinas and Waterfront Installations
a. Use of fresh water to wash down boats, docks, or other incidental activities is prohibited.
b. All hoses shall have spring-loaded shutoff nozzles or similar controlling devices.
4. Restaurants shall serve water only in response to a specific request by a customer.
5. Emptying and refilling of swimming pools and commercial spas is prohibited except to prevent structural damage and/or to comply with public health regulations.
6. Use of potable water for compaction or dust control purposes in construction activities is prohibited.
7. Any dysfunctional water fixtures in public or commercial facilities shall be repaired within three days of receipt of notification by the city.
8. All visitor-serving facilities in the city shall prominently display these mandatory water conservation requirements for the benefit and education of visitors to the community. Such display shall be done in a permanent vandal-resistant manner. Visitor-serving facilities shall include, but not be limited to, all motels, restaurants, campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks, mobilehome parks, service stations, public restrooms, etc. The owners or managers of such facilities shall distribute to all customers a printed handout or flyer describing these mandatory water conservation requirements. Such handouts or flyers shall be provided to the owners or managers of such facilities by the city free of charge.
Water is predicted to be, in the future, the major cause of conflicts among nations and neighbors. To begin to conserve water now is the prudent thing to do and I applaud our City Council's foresight. I do hope all the residents of Morro Bay will understand that each person impacts this current water shortage and our supply in the future depends on if they will follow these reasonable guidelines. It's the right thing to do.
Since the year 2000, Sandra & Curt Beebe have installed 36 Mutt Mitt dispensers in and around Morro Bay. The Mitts are funded by donations from individuals, organizations, and grants. Make the checks out to "The Bay Foundation" for a tax deduction. Be sure to note "Mutt Mitts" on the front of the check. The Bay Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and is administered by the National Estuary Program. For more information about this "Mutt Mitt" Program, contact Sandra at email SandraBeebe@slocoastjournal.com.
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