Andrew Thomas

The agenda for the hybrid meeting, held in Closed Session at 5:00 P.M. and Open Session at 6:30 P.M., includes several key items. The Closed Session addresses anticipated litigation, existing litigation (Knopf, et al. v. Chaparral Country Corporation, Inc.), a Public Employment Appointment for the City Manager position, and Real Property Negotiation concerning Locke-Paddon Park with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. The Open Session features special presentations, including a Red Cross Month Proclamation and an update on a Community Workshop. The Consent Agendas cover routine matters for the Successor Agency and the City Council, including the approval of Accounts Payable (totaling $592,756.85), the minutes from the February 18, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting, rejection of a claim, and the adoption of resolutions regarding prohibiting the use of City-owned facilities for civil immigration enforcement activities and approving the purchase of a restroom facility for Sea Haven Park. Other action items include receiving reports on the Locke-Paddon Wetland, facility funding options for city buildings, accepting the Conceptual Design Plan for the Fort Ord Dunes State Park Improvement Project, receiving direction on the Local Coastal Program update, and authorizing an RFP for equestrian programs at MEC Park. A Public Hearing is scheduled to hold a Special Election for City of Marina Community Facilities District No. 2026-1.

This Design Development Report outlines the initial design and development plan for Locke-Paddon Wetland Park. Its purpose is to establish a concept plan depicting recommended development, outline a realistic phasing program consistent with financial resources, and detail concepts of use, functional design aspects, and implementation methods. The report also addresses potential environmental impacts and seeks to foster community understanding and support for the park's development.

The Tree Committee meeting covered several agenda items related to tree management for the Dunes City Park project. Key discussions included a public hearing regarding a request to adopt Resolution 2026-01, recommending the approval for the removal of three trees from APN 031-221-008 for park construction, subject to a 2:1 replacement ratio and a CEQA exemption. Informational items included an update on the Tree Compensation Plan and Earth Day replanting efforts funded by in-lieu fees. Discussion items focused on input for updating the tree preservation ordinance, scheduling a special meeting to discuss the workplan and recommended tree list, and scheduling an onsite field trip for the Sea Haven Phase 5b development.

The meeting commenced with a closed session that included discussions on anticipated litigation, existing litigation involving Museum of Handcar Technology v. City of Marina, public employee performance evaluation (City Manager), real property negotiations concerning Locke-Paddon Park and the Marina Equestrian Center, and a consultation regarding a threat to public services related to cybersecurity. In open session, special proclamations were presented. Council members provided announcements, including the introduction of the new city engineer and comments regarding community grief and the investigation into a recent incident, emphasizing the need for transparency. Public comments focused heavily on demanding transparency, immediate release of body-worn camera footage, and accountability related to the shooting of Ronald Tinsley, as well as suggestions for future community events and safety measures. The Consent Agenda covered accounts payable, rejection of a specific claim, adoption of resolutions for purchasing a new Ford Lighting and filling a Community Services Officer position, and approval of agreements for subdivision improvements and engineering services for Imjin Parkway widening. Other action items included adopting resolutions of intention to establish Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Marina Station) and receiving a report from the City Facilities Citizens Advisory Committee concerning strategies for funding and constructing city facilities, particularly City Hall and Council Chambers, with direction given to staff regarding site analysis. An agreement with Oona Johnson Landscape Architecture for tree planting site research was also authorized.

This report presents a science-based vulnerability assessment for the City of Marina, analyzing potential impacts from coastal hazards and various sea level rise elevations on five key sectors: Land Use and Parklands, Trails and Access, Water Supply and Wastewater, Roads, Parking, and Bike Routes, and Dune Habitat. It outlines adaptation strategies to reduce risks and exposure to these sectors, prioritizing natural protection measures and advocating for the avoidance of shoreline armoring. The plan focuses on preserving the city's unique natural coastline, coastal resources, and public safety in the face of long-term coastal dune erosion and potential coastal wave flooding.