City Council Meeting - 2021-05-17

Detailed briefing

City Council Meeting — May 17, 2021 ATTENDEES: Al Daika, Matt Gugliera, Nancy Rondell, John Leo, and John Copps were recorded present at roll call. • Council approved the consent agenda. It also approved an administrative ordinance for the Harbor East area of Marina Park. The ordinance allows up to three food carts or other non-motorized, non-permanent structures to operate at one time. Staff is to equitably allocate space and time, with input from the Marina Park Committee. The proposal was described as lasting until November 1, after which council can consider whether to make a permanent code change. • Council approved July Fourth fireworks but postponed a decision on the July Fourth parade until its next meeting. Members distinguished the fireworks, which can be viewed from many locations, from a parade that concentrates people along a fixed route. The discussion noted that state guidance and COVID-19 rules were changing and that any event remains subject to state requirements. • Ron Marshall of Citizens’ Climate Lobby presented support for the federal Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, H.R. 2007. He described a rising carbon fee with dividends returned to households and provided a template resolution encouraging congressional action. A public email comment said the proposal has pros and cons and suggested hearing an opposing viewpoint. Council members said they needed more research before supporting a resolution; no action was taken. • Staff said grant prospects for the boardwalk replacement appear weak and that estimated full-project costs had risen to at least $750,000, largely because of lumber costs. Staff warned that paying for the full project could lower the general fund balance below the recommended six-month reserve. Council discussed phasing the work, potential alternative materials, fundraising, and waiting for cost conditions to change. Members agreed to revisit the issue in fall or during budget planning rather than proceed now. • Staff reported a new state requirement to inspect and physically verify water service lines. The work is expected to add at least $40,000 per year to the water fund for the next several years. Other updates included the Ford Park solar installation beginning, pickleball-court fencing being installed, Marina Park benches/tables/umbrellas being ordered, and a June 1 application deadline for the Parks and Recreation Director position. Worth watching: • Whether council authorizes a July Fourth parade after reviewing updated health and state guidance at its next meeting. • Whether boardwalk costs, funding options, and a phased scope are brought back during fall/budget discussions. • How the city will fund and implement required water-service-line inspections. Upcoming: The senior parade is scheduled for May 27 at 6 p.m.; Parks and Recreation Director applications are due June 1. Why it matters: Council advanced seasonal park and fireworks plans while deferring major financial and public-health decisions pending more information.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.