MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 19, 2015 PFIEFFER BIG SUR LODGE CONFERENCE CENTER 47225 HIGHWAY 1, BIG SUR, 93920

I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Supervisor at 10:10 am.

II. ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS Roll call and introductions were made. Agency attendees: Congressman Sam Farr, Toby Uptain-Villa (representing Senator Bill Monning), Supervisor Dave Potter, Jeff Kwasny (USFS), Karen Grimmer ( National Marine Sanctuary), Aileen Loe (Caltrans), Matt Fuzie (State Parks), Lee Otter (California Coastal Commission), Caine Camarillo (Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District), Joe Sidor (Monterey Resource Management Agency), Mike Gilson (CPOA), Dick Ravich (Resident of Big Sur – ), Betty Withrow (Resident of Big Sur – ), and Rick Aldinger (Big Sur Chamber of Commerce).

PROCEEDINGS III. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of April 17, 2015, were approved without change.

IV. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: • Steve Beck – Provided summarized survey results regarding sort-term rentals. • Mike Linder (Big Sur Education Council) – Asked the BSMAAC to address the issue of lack of affordable housing in Big Sur. Additional comments made by Mike Caplan, Aengus Jeffers, Rick Aldinger, Sam Farr, John Handy and Lee Otter. • John O’Neill – Commented about unsafe passing by motorists on Highway 1. • Kerri Frangioso – Commented on increased bear activity.

V. Old Business: Coastal Trail Update – Toby Uptain-Villa announced that the Big Sur Coastal Trail Working Group, in coordination with the CPOA, has accepted a grant from the State Coastal Conservancy. The grant will be used for Coastal Trail planning work.

VI. New Business: Aquatic Safety – Matt Fuzie (State Parks) provided an overview and discussion of fatalities at state parks in the Monterey District since CY2000. He will also submit a budget change proposal to support an aquatic emergency response unit for the Monterey District. Questions asked and comments made by Mike Caplan, Martha Karstens, Mike Gilson, Sam Farr, Robin Hamelin, Dave Potter, and Karen Grimmer.

Bathroom Facilities along Highway 1 – Kathleen Lee commented that discussions are ongoing with USFS, State Parks, and Caltrans to address this issue. Questions asked and comments made by Matt Fuzie, Bob Eden, Mike Caplan, Mike Gilson, Brian Robertson, Betty Withrow, Rick Encarnacion, and Sam Farr. Dave Potter also commented and made additional budget comments.

VII. Reports from Member Agencies:

Dick Ravich (Resident of Big Sur – North Coast) • Commented on the success of the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade (BSVFB) Annual Muster and BBQ. BSMAAC October 31, 2014 Minutes

• Announced the continued availability of free defensible space property inspections. • Commented on continuing discussions between USFS, BSVFB, and a private landowner regarding a South Coast fire house.

Betty Withrow (Resident of Big Sur – South Coast) • Thanked the group for welcoming her to the BSMAAC.

Rick Aldinger (Big Sur Chamber of Commerce) • Commented about Caltrans projects, overnight closures of Highway 1, and impacts to Big Sur businesses. Asked that effective communication between Caltrans and the community be maintained.

Mike Gilson (CPOA) • Commented on CPOA’s involvement with the Coastal Trail Working Group. • Commented regarding affordable housing and private landowner participation.

Joe Sidor (Resource Management Agency) • Informed attendees of the availability of the current project report, with one minor correction to the scheduled appeal hearing date for PLN140729.

Dave Potter (District 5, Monterey County Board of Supervisors) • Commented on the County budget and referred to earlier comments. • Announced that the County Sheriff has designated a resident deputy for Big Sur. • Commented that Supervisor Phillips, District 2, is a good addition to the Board of Supervisors because of his knowledge and experience. • Announced that Natividad Medical Center has been designated as Monterey County’s first level two trauma center.

Caine Camarillo (Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District) • Announced that a contract has been awarded to a consultant to prepare a new management plan for Palo Corona Regional Park. • Announced that the construction of the parking lot at Palo Corona Regional Park is scheduled to begin in August.

Karen Grimmer (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary) • Announced that staff will be updating the MBNMS management plan, and scoping opportunities will be available from August 12 – October 23, 2015. • Announced that MBNMS is the federal on two desalination water projects based in Moss Landing, and the scoping period is currently open. • Announced the 15-year Snap Shot Day, during which MBNMS conducts testing at 185 sites. Testing indicated a trend of increased e coli bacteria at . • Announced cruises to Davidson Seamount and Point Sur. • Announced the “Get in to Your Sanctuary” program on June 27th and 28th. This program highlights tourism and conservation efforts. • Comment made by Mike Caplan regarding possible MBNMS funding of restroom facilities along Highway 1.

- 2 - BSMAAC October 31, 2014 Minutes

Lee Otter (California Coastal Commission) • Commented on the efforts of Ventana Inn, Coast Ridge Road neighbors, and Coastal Commission staff to resolve differences surrounding the proposed trail and signage improvements at and near Cadillac Flats. • Announced the 17th Annual Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photo Contest. • Announced the upcoming Coastal Commission public hearings in Ventura (8 – 9 July) and (August). The hotel project in Sand City is scheduled to be considered at the July hearing in Ventura.

Aileen Loe (Caltrans): • Informed attendees of the availability of the current Caltrans project report. • Commented on several projects, including the Elephant Trunk retaining wall project, Cow Cliffs, and bridge work, culvert lining, and rock stabilization along Highway 1. Questions asked and comments made by Rick Aldinger, Sam Farr, Ken Dostalek, Lance Gorman, Martha Karstens, and Robin Hamelin.

Matt Fuzie (State Parks) • Commented on increased tree hazards due to the drought, and how it is both a safety and budget issue. • Announced that the Monterey District of State Parks continues to break attendance and revenue records. • Announced the transfer of one ranger, resulting in decreased staffing. • Announced Carmel Area State General Plan public workshop on July 22, 2015. • Announced a plan to install a temporary cabin in Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park as an alternative camping test site.

Jeff Kwasny (USFS) • Commented on a small, 3 acre fire that occurred on Plaskett Ridge. • Announced that Level 2 fire restrictions are in effect, which means camp fires are not allowed in the back country or outside of designated campgrounds. • Announced a grant for installation of solar panels at the Pacific Valley fire station. • Announced that the Los Padres Forest Association would host the 1st Annual Big Sur Wilderness Celebration on Saturday, June 27th. • Comments made by Martha Karstens, Mike Caplan, Betty Withrow, Mike Gilson, Dick Ravich. • Comments made on the issue of parking along Highway 1, especially at Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park. Lee Otter, John Handy, and Sam Farr also commented.

Luis Alejo (30th District, State Assembly) • Absent

Toby Uptain-Villa (representing Bill Monning, 17th District, State Senate) • Announced that the California state budget vote would occur today. • Reported on SB593, short-term rentals; 2 year bill in continuing conversation, and SB317, safe neighborhood bond which just passed out of committee. This bill would create bonds for State Parks.

Sam Farr (Congressman, United States Congress) • Commented that Congress is currently looking at debt and infrastructure and the need to invest in our Country. • Mike Caplan asked about breaks and wilderness legislation.

- 3 - BSMAAC October 31, 2014 Minutes

• Martha Karstens (BSVFB) asked about CHP housing at the Multi-Agency Facility. Bill Pearlstein (CHP) commented that there has been little progress on the lease with State Parks.

VIII. Reports from Other Agencies: None

IX. The next meeting is scheduled for October 16th, 2015.

X. The meeting was adjourned at 1:13 pm.

- 4 -