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Minutes: January 5,2012 Meeting
Call to Order: Gary Cursio called the meeting to order at 8:31 at
The Clement on Cannery Row
Present: Sam Teel, John Turner, Rene Boskoff, Debbie Hale, Noelle
White, Rick Aldinger, Carol Chorbajian, Gary Cursio, Steve McNally,
Lawson Little, Rick Heuer, Hank Armstrong, John Narigi, Hans
Poschman, Tom Rowley, Barbara Meister, Bonnie Adams, Dale Ellis
Minutes of December 1, 2011: Approved as submitted.
Executive Committee Referral: None
Member Issues: None
Additions to the Agenda: None
Presentation by Mark Stone: Mark Stone is a member of the Santa Cruz
County Board of Supervisors and represents the central coast on the
California Coastal Commission. He has served on the Santa Cruz
County Board for 7 years and has one year remaining on his current
term. Mr. Stone has one year left to serve on the Commission. He is
also a candidate for the Assembly seat being vacated by Mr. Monning.
His primary focus will be education and the environment and
concerned about continuing state mandates without funding.
The meeting was opened for questions. Rene Boskoff led off by
stating the key issue for the Peninsula and the hospitality industry
is water. He asked Mr. Stone to give his view of the issues. Stone
responded that as the Coastal Commission considers permits that it
is important to have direct contact with Commissioners before the
hearings. He felt that the CCC did not have a real issue with the
slant well but was “skittish” about approving a permit given the
controversy and that it was probably premature in August given the
status of the water rights issues. He did not believe anything was
filed for a February hearing. Stone did recommend that when a permit
does come before the CCC that the emphasis be on the timeline and
the need to act so as to stay ahead of the CDO deadline. He did say
that the CCC does have a tendency to “wait and see “when they can.
Narigi explained about the role of MCHA and the Coalition. He asked
of the CCC had seen anything resembling a critical path or timeline
for approval and construction of the RWP to meet the CDO deadline.
Stone said they had not.
Narigi asked if Judge Villareal’s intended ruling on the EIR would
affect the CCC action. Srtone said he did not know. The CCC does not
do a CEQA review. They conduct a separate review.
Narigi asked if Stone about the CCC’s current position regarding
deep water desal and direct ocean intake. Stone said he did not know
of a change in thinking,. He did comment that 100’ was “not very
deep.” Narigi said he was planning to meet with CCC staff in the
near future to discuss those issues. Stone asked Narigi to contact
him after the meeting.
Narigi summed up the hospitality industry’s concern. If there is not
a solution to the water supply problem in and the CDO takes effect,
hospitality cannot survive. There will be a drastic economic impact
including jobs and tax revenue. Stone said that was a “great
message” to continue to present to the CCC. He also advised that
when the test well application comes back to the CCC that the focus
be on that issue and try to keep the other issues out of discussion.
Hale discussed the ongoing meetings between the CCC staff and TAMC
regarding 156 and that she felt the meetings were positive,
productive and moving in the right direction.
Mr. Stone left the meeting.
Action Items: None
Task Force Updates:
Coalition of Peninsula Businesses: Narigi reported on the report of
the intended decision by Judge Villareal on the RWP EIR and its
potential impact on the timing of the RWP. Until the decision is
released and reviewed by the multiple agency attorneys it remains an
unknown as to the next steps. Coalition members have met with both
Carmelita Garcia and Dave Potter on the water issues. More meetings
are planned.
Boskoff discussed the need for the Coalition to be a primary source
for public information on the water issues.
Highway 156: Hale reported there will be meetings in February
regarding the toll road concept. There will need to be a significant
public education/outreach effort on the toll road issues. Boskoff
asked if the existing 156 would remain for use by local residents.
Hale indicated it would.
Downtown/Conference Center: Narigi said the GAC should invite
Bob Cowdry to a future meeting for an update on all of the
Conference Center issues. Chicourrat reported that the funding study
is complete and the city is looking at options. Narigi asked if it
would be possible that the City’s NIP would support/contribute to
the improvements. Heuer said no based on the current number of NIP
projects and proposals.
Regional Taxi Authority: Narigi reported that all of the cab
companies serving the member agencies were to under permit by
12/31/2011. It was his understanding that all but Yellow Cab were
permitted or had applied for permits.
The RTA Board will consider a administrative enforcement ordinance
January 23.
Regional Water Project: Covered in the Coalition report.
Bryl Smith Campaign Update: Hospitality plans to hold a $99
fundraiser at the Hyatt on January 19th.
MCCVB: Chorbajian reported that the MCCVB has hired Tammy
Blount as the new President/ CEO. She will begin work February 1,
2012. Director of Sales interviews were ongoing with two face to
face interviews scheduled for later today.
Stormwater Permit: No report.
Monterey County General Plan Implementation: Ellis reported the
County approved the EMC contract to work on the implementation
program. The Refinement Group is continuing to meet on a monthly
basis to monitor the implementation program. Ellis is attending RG
meetings on behalf of MCHA.
Announcements: Guest speakers for February will be Carmelita
Garcia and Byrl Smith. Poschman announced Senator Blakeslee will not
be running for reelection in the realigned district. Boskoff
announced there had been a court decision regarding the payment of
TOTs by On Line Travel Agencies. The OLTAs may be required to pay
depending on the taxing authorities regualtions.
ADJOURNED at 9:57 am to February 9, 2012.
Prepared by Dale Ellis, Government Affairs Director
Monterey County Hospitality Association
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