The Avalon city council on Tuesday created three ad-hoc committees to allow various members to provide city input on three critical issues, including a new hospital, Edison’s proposed rate hikes and the regulation of medical cannabis on the island.
The city council on Tuesday voted unanimously to create three ad-hoc committees to collaborate with other agencies and stakeholders, with each of the commissions having different members and time limits.
The council approved a motion by Pam Albers to appoint members Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy and Oley Olsen to serve on a six-month ad-hoc study committee to facilitate the development of a revised proposal to build a new medical facility on the island (see related story).
Edison has indicated that it plans to seek a rate increase sometimes within the near term and Mayor Anni Marshall nominated Oley Olsen to serve on the one-year ad-hoc study committee and the council voted unanimously to appoint them.
“The island’s water resources are vital to the island,” said a staff recommendation. The council members “should act as advocates on the city’s behalf to determine what is in the best interest of Santa Catalina Island.”
Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy said he would go along with the action but wanted to be kept in the know with all public information available to the council.
Also, the council appoint Mayor Marshall and Robert Hernandez to a three-month ad-hoc commission to “facilitate the evaluation and review of the Medical Cannabis Delivery Business Permits under review.”
In other action Tuesday, the council;
• Heard Public Works Director Bob Greenlaw report that the repairs to the damaged Pebbly Beach lift station are now in Phase III (permanent repair). He said bid docs should be ready by mid-August.
• Heard Capt. John Hocking say he was expanding the Citizens Advisory Group to include more neighborhoods and streets. Also, he declined a request to be involved in the medical cannabis review saying they wanted to stay away from any conflicts of interest.
• Directed staff to reinstall ‘doggie bag” dispensers near the Von’s Construction site that had inadvertently been removed when scaffolding was installed.
Mayor Marshall said they are critical with so many people visiting the island during the summer.
• Understood from the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau President & CEO Jim Luttjohann that sponsorships for this year’s July 4th fireworks display was significantly higher than last year.
• Listened to a report from Harbormaster J.J. Poindexter saying the Avalon harbor was quite full for the 4th of July and that precautions are being taken for a reported south swell affecting the tides.
