Coronado City Council Meeting Highlights Housing and Budget Updates

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Members of the Coronado City Council discussing important community updates

News Summary

The Coronado City Council meeting covered significant updates including housing initiatives, budget approvals, and proclamations for National Bike Month and Older Americans Month. Key highlights included a report on healthcare advancements at Sharp Coronado, new playground equipment for local parks, and ongoing discussions on affordable housing policies. The Council also addressed the financial outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, with proposed staffing changes to improve city services. Future meetings are scheduled to continue these important discussions.

Coronado City Council Meeting Highlights: Housing Updates, Budget Approvals, and Proclamations for National Bike Month and Older Americans Month

The Coronado City Council convened on May 20, 2025, where key updates on housing initiatives, budget approvals, and significant proclamations were addressed. Notably, May was recognized as both National Bike Month and Older Americans Month during the meeting.

Hospital Operations Update

Mike Woiwode, the Citizen Representative of Sharp Coronado, reported several advancements in local healthcare. Sharp Coronado received its Primary Stroke Center certification, confirming its commitment to critical care. Further enhancements include the remodel of the Intensive Care Unit and ongoing expansion efforts for the Emergency Department. Additionally, the hospital introduced the robotic da Vinci Surgical System, which aims to improve surgical precision and recovery times for patients.

City Projects Report

City Manager Tina Friend elaborated on various city projects and initiatives. The delivery of playground equipment for Cays Park is pending installation, while the Parker Pump Station project is anticipated to be completed by fall. The highway median renovations near the Shores are set to move to construction bidding in the fall, with a completion projected by the end of 2026. The Council is currently evaluating the roof and HVAC replacement project for the Coronado Public Library and seeking architectural services for a renovation of the Winn Room. Construction estimates for the First Street Undergrounding project are expected by mid-summer.

Public Hearings on Housing Developments

During the meeting, the Council held public hearings on several housing developments. The unanimous approval was granted for four residential units at 1054 Isabella Avenue, with a focus on addressing affordable housing needs. Additionally, a proposal for 12 residential units at 737-753 Orange Avenue was approved; however, no units were designated as affordable due to previous in-lieu fee agreements. Also approved was the condominium ownership for two residential units at 505 Orange Avenue.

Budget and Staffing Updates

The Council reviewed the financial outlook for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, highlighting an estimated budget balance of $190.2 million. The General Fund is projected to see nearly a 10% revenue increase due to higher property and transitory occupancy taxes, with total revenues estimated at $82.9 million and expenditures at $66.7 million. A request was made for two new full-time positions in the IT and Public Services departments to combat understaffing.

Discussion on Affordable Housing Policy

Councilmember Mark Fleming prompted a renewed deliberation on the city’s affordable housing in-lieu fee policy, currently set at $59 per market-rate square foot. The Council discussed updating in-lieu fees given that the previous fee of $7,000 is considered insufficient. A motion was passed to revisit the in-lieu fee discussion in July or August.

Policy Amendments and Future Meetings

The Council also discussed potential amendments to the beach fire policy, allowing propane fires exclusively on South Beach. This amended ordinance is set for a second reading on June 3. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, where further discussions on these pressing matters will continue.