Michael Alegria

The City Council meeting included reports from various departments, updates on capital projects such as the Five Corners project and the relocation of a pressure reducing valve, and a visitor-driven revenue update. Discussions covered topics such as harbor maintenance, weather conditions, crime statistics, community events like the community dinner and Shop Catalina, and initiatives like the Hungry app to address food waste and food insecurity. The council also discussed the Santa Claus flyover, youth soccer sign-ups, and efforts to support the unhoused population in Avalon.

The Planning Commission meeting included discussions and decisions on several agenda items. The commission addressed the approval of minutes and the findings to hold remote teleconferencing and virtual meetings. A key item involved an application for a site plan approval for a remodel and addition to an existing duplex, including considerations for coastal zone exemptions and compliance with the annual growth policy. Additionally, there was a continued public hearing regarding another property, with discussions on zoning densities and setbacks.

The meeting included discussions and a public hearing regarding a request for a transient rental license and Coastal development permit. The owners of the property addressed the commission, explaining their need for rental income to cover costs and their intention to use a reputable rental company. A commissioner raised concerns about pool usage during potential water rationing, to which the owners responded that the pool could be drained if necessary. Additionally, there were discussions regarding the end of a moratorium and potential recommendations to the council, as well as the verification of short-term rentals.

The City Council meeting included announcements about the Avalon General municipal election, reminders for City Council Members, planning Commissioners, City contractors, department heads to complete form 700, and department head reports. The Harbor Master reported on dewatering skips, watching over boats, and a grounded sailboat off Hamilton Cove Beach. The fire chief discussed life fire burs training and a Cal State class on rules and regulation of fire prevention. The Planning and Building Department is working on general plan and housing element annual reports. A code of conduct is being created to address bullying. Other discussion items included vehicle registration, household hazardous waste event, the landfill Expansion Project, transient rental moratorium, and the Catalina marathon.

The Avalon City Council meeting included a proclamation of April 2019 as DMV Donate Life California Month, emphasizing the importance of organ, tissue, and blood donations. A presentation was given by Jay Fowler from Avalon Environmental, addressing a service issue from March 25th where some streets were missed during trash collection, and outlining the history and current state of recycling programs, including state laws and the impact of the China ban on importation of mixed paper. The council also discussed waste management, potential expansion of the landfill, and the possibility of implementing organic processing and solid waste processing technologies.