The View From Harbor Street
By David Buckingham
Hey, Morro Bay! How about a view from Harbor Street? Nope, it is not “THE view” of Morro Bay — since we all have a different view — but this is “one view” coming to you direct from City Hall.
What is this all about? Well, along with solid local reporting and great information about what is going on in our community, each print edition of The Bay News will feature “The View From Harbor Street,” one view of what is happening around town — from your City Government. And we thank The Bay News for this opportunity for direct communication.
The City will use this space to communicate to our community. Challenges? We’ve got ‘em. Opportunities? We’re after ‘em. Communication? We are going to do that well. So, for a taste of things to come, here are two issues with local buzz:

The Main Street Parklet
Conceived by the “Revitalize Downtown Morro Bay” task force of our Local Economic Action Plan (LEAP), the City installed a “parklet” in the 800 block of Main Street as a test, intending to increase pedestrian traffic around our downtown businesses and provide a welcoming space to read a book, have a coffee or meet friends.
Parklets have been successful across California and around the world. San Francisco has 51 parklets and is planning more. Pacific Grove, in Monterey County, is a smaller town like us and also benefitting from parklets.
Morro Bay’s Main Street Parklet consumed two parking spaces and, with a little ingenuity, produced three motorcycle parking stalls, a dedicated bicycle parking corral, and over 300 square feet of Public Park. The parklet was installed by city workers using almost 100% recycled materials.
A local business owner agreed to adopt the parklet, providing minor maintenance and upkeep. Come on down, meet a friend, buy a book, bring a coffee and enjoy our idyllic weather in SLO County’s first parklet.
What do you think of the parklet? If residents and businesses deem the pilot a success, the City will establish appropriate standards to govern the construction of future parklets. We’ll be out in the spring on Facebook and web surveys to get your input.

Water and Sewer Rates
Water and Sewer rates are a concerning issue we must address in the months ahead and we are looking forward to plenty of public input and assistance as we determine how to keep City infrastructure financially solvent while delivering clean water for decades ahead.
Our low water rates are not because we have an endless and inexpensive water supply. Despite rising costs and drought, Morro Bay has not adjusted water rates for 20 years. Sewer rates were adjusted in 2007 for the old wastewater project and must be reassessed as well.
The issue is not simply internal budget friction — the City is in violation of our agreement with the State Water Contract authority. Fully 95% of the water we consumed last year came from the State Water Project and the City is therefore beholden to their requirements.
To maintain a healthy, viable and sustainable water supply, the State Water Contract requires that communities maintain a 125% debt service ratio. Unfortunately, since Morro Bay has not taken appropriate action in years past, the City is currently at about 75% of debt requirements. We must raise rates, but wisely, or risk losing our state water supply.
So, what to do? City staff recently conducted a rate study and is readying recommendations for the City Council. Would you like to help chart the future of your Morro Bay? Participate in the Public Works Advisory Board meeting on Jan. 29 and the City Council water rates study session on Feb. 24.
If rates must but go up, be assured we will be listening to you to find every possible way to lessen the pain. Your view is crucial and we look forward to hearing from you.
So, there you have it — a The View From Harbor Street. Perhaps not the only view of what is happening, or not happening, in Morro Bay. But your City’s view and we hope you enjoy it.
Have something you’d like to hear about in this space? Send a note to the City Manager at: . In the meantime, go to Facebook for the latest City info in your Morro Bay, see: www.facebook.com/CityofMorroBay.

David Buckingham is the city manager of Morro Bay.

Editor’s note: “The View From Harbor Street” articles are planned to be a regular feature in The Bay News. The views expressed here are entirely those of the City of Morro Bay and their publication is not meant as an endorsement of the City or the viewpoints expressed here. Send Letters to the Editor to: .