Council approves budget amendment to complete RV‑park upgrades, amid debate over priorities

The council approved a budget amendment and directed staff to advertise bids for construction at Lighthouse Cove RV Park, expanding a Coastal Conservancy grant‑funded project that includes bathroom remodels, asbestos abatement and an apartment renovation necessary to make an existing three‑bedroom unit rentable.

City staff said the original limited scope grew after code and safety reviews identified required egress improvements, additional abatement and structural repairs. Director Agger said converting a second‑story window to a compliant doorway, adding a permanent deck and providing a safe second egress required expanding the scope and budget. The project is funded primarily by an $835,000 Coastal Conservancy grant; staff requested roughly $200,000 in additional local RV‑park enterprise funds to cover the larger scope and staging cash flow until grant reimbursement.

Supporters noted the project’s projected returns and added overnight lodging capacity for visitors; staff provided a conservative payback estimate of about 6.7 years for the apartment alone and said the two new cabins would shorten that timeline. Opponents in public comment urged the council to prioritize local homelessness, RV encampment solutions and infrastructure over visitor‑oriented overnight units, calling for more direct assistance for people living in RVs and tent encampments.

Councilors approved the resolution and the notice to solicit bids. Staff said the work will be staged to manage cash flow against grant reimbursements and that restroom work would proceed first, with cabins ordered to arrive later in the season.

What’s next: Staff will publish the bid notice and manage phased construction; councilors asked a 2x2 subcommittee to review cabin pricing and finalize rental rates that balance affordability and revenue.