Business Roundtable – 10/5/2021 – 10:00 am
MISSION: success in two stages of the Coronavirus threat:
1.) response to the immediate threat
2.) economic recovery when the threat diminishes.
Recap
Response to immediate threat:
1. City of Monterey. City Council held a study session on 9/29 to listen to public comment and discuss policy proposals which included the creation of a rental registry and a rent review board. City staff is collecting additional data. City received a “Water Supply and Drought Update” on September 21 from Cal Am. In two weeks, City Council will discuss Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s). New state laws are supposed to increase the supply of ADU’s. MPCC is encouraged by City to provide input into the City’s “Move Monterey” update to its citywide multi-modal transportation plan.
2. General Conversation. Brad Watson, Director of Community Affairs from Vistra Corp talked about the company’s natural gas-fired power plant at Moss Landing and the company’s involvement with utility scale battery storage facilities. Battery storage is an important part of California’s plan for a 100% renewable energy future. The company had a “bit of an issue” at its Moss Landing 300MW battery storage facility but they are doing a root cause analysis and the safety systems worked. Hoping to get storage facility back online soon.
3. Healthcare. Montage Health: 97.5 % of Montage Health workforce is fully vaccinated as of the state mandate deadline on October 1. Patients can find comfort in knowing 100% of in-person workforce is fully vaccinated. Some remote workers who filed for approved exemptions remain on staff. Montage Health does not have current plans to offer public vaccination clinics as vaccine is readily available for regular shots and booster shots are area pharmacies, doctor offices, and county clinics.
4. Real Estate. March was peak month in refinancing but demand still high. New construction sales have slowed down. Average home sale price in Marina is 792k, Seaside, 842k, KB Homes in Salinas are selling for 700k, and even Nino Homes in Greenfield is experiencing significant demand.
5. Hospitality & Tourism. Area hotels have had large scale successful events and some smaller events continue. Many groups have higher level of COVID protocols above what venues are requiring. Opening of outlets and services restricted due to limited staffing. Monterey County perceived as safe location for tourism, however large groups not expected to see full recovery before 2024.
6. Transportation. In partnership with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), ongoing blight removal on former Fort Ord along Highway 1. Ribbon Cutting for new maintenance facility in King City next week. MPCC will have representation.
7. Non-Profit. Supervisors voted for another appropriation to VIDA. VIDA has helped the County to achieve relatively high vaccination rates. Now working on rapid testing and training for rapid testing at school sites.
Next teleconference will be held October 19th at 10:00am.
