Paso Robles City Council discusses COVID-19 status, state’s plans for re-opening
–Paso Robles City Council held a virtual meeting Tuesday night which citizens could view by clicking on a link on the city’s website. The meeting is also available on YouTube at www.prcity.com/youtube. The council discussed the current status of COVID-19 infections in North County and San Luis Obispo County, as well as the state’s plan for re-opening the economy at full capacity, among other items.
Paso Fire Battalion Chief Randy Harris gave a COVID-19 community update. He said the State of California may terminate the governor’s color tier system and reopen the state for business on June 15, 2021 if hospitalization rates remain low and vaccinations proceed as scheduled.
Fire Chief Jonathon Stornetta gave an annual report on the Emergency Services Department. Using graphs and extensive data, Stornetta talked about the projected growth of the department if all current development in the pipeline is built in Paso Robles. He also talked about the challenges and the improvements in the capabilities of the fire department.
Mayor Steve Martin gave proclamations for the CAPSLO Month of the Child, and the National Telecommunicators Week. Martin also presented a proclamation to City Librarian Angelica Fortin. Fortin accepted the award and told the council April 6th is National Library Workers’ Day.
The mayor also presented a proclamation to Thomas Frutchey, the outgoing city manager. Each council member thanked the retiring city manager and complimented his work ethic.
The PR City Council received a report from Tribune reporter Lindsay Holden about substandard rental housing in the city. Holden shared what she learned about housing issues in Paso Robles, particularly related to Hispanic families and workers. Holden said the city would benefit from better code enforcement, and encouraged the city to hire a bilingual code enforcement officer.
After her report, Community Development Director Warren Frace talked about steps the city is taking to address the issues related to housing. He said developers will soon break ground on a 200-unit apartment on Creston Road.
The City Council approved a Cal PERS Retirement Contract Amendment for Tier 1 Miscellaneous POA Employees and Tier 1 and Tier 2 Police and Fire Safety Members. They approved “option 2,” which provided for the first reading title only and waived further reading of an ordinance to amend the contract.
The council also approved a planned development by Justin Winery on Wisteria Lane, which includes the removal of an oak tree. The tree will be replaced with more than ten new trees. The city staff recommended the council sustain the decision of the Planning Commission approving the plan. The council approved the development unanimously in two separate motions.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 Tuesday night.
Watch the meeting in its entirety below:
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