Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20170215_BVAC_Minutes_Approved CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BALBOA VILLAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Location: Marina Park, Little Balboa Island Room 1600 West Balboa Boulevard, Newport Beach Wednesday, February 15, 2017—4:00 p.m. I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Dixon called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm. The following persons were in attendance: Balboa Village Advisory Committee Members: Diane Dixon, Council Member (Chair) Gloria Oakes, Balboa Peninsula Point Association Marcel Ford, Balboa Village Merchants Association Grace Dove, Central Newport Beach Community Association Mike Wheeler, OceanQuest Representative Jim Stratton, At-Large Representative Staff Members: Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director Benjamin Zdeba, Associate Planner Caryl Bryant, Fiscal Specialist II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS None. III. ITEMS FOR REVIEW 1. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19, 2016 Recommended Action. Approve October 19, 2016 Minutes MOTION: A motion was made by Committee Member Ford, seconded by Committee Member Stratton, to approve the minutes of the October 19, 2016 meeting as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Dixon, Oakes, Ford, Dove, Wheeler, Stratton NOES: None ABSENT: Avery ABSTAIN: None 2. SHUTTLE BRANDING PROGRAM a. Approved Shuttle Concept b. Branding Program C. Feedback and Conversation for Developing the Brand i. Review Google Survey Results ii. Interactive Exercise Recommended Action: Participate in exercise facilitated by consultant Balboa Village Advisory Committee February 15, 2017 Draft Minutes Page 2 Deputy Director Wisneski reported staff met with a prospective shuttle operator the prior day. Marketing the shuttle would be important to ensure its success. She introduced Christy Montgomery, Suzanne Schwartz, and Will Heinze of RSM Design. Ms. Schwartz advised that 187 people responded to the Google survey. The City's ultimate goal was to make the shuttle fun and easy to use. In 2017, the shuttle would operate ten weekends during the summer, including July 4, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:26 p.m. There would not be service between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Deputy Director Wisneski clarified that service would begin at 7:30 a.m. to pick up passengers for the Catalina Flyer. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., there probably would be little demand for shuttle service. If there was demand between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., then service would be scheduled. Ms. Schwartz added that shuttle headways would be 15 minutes with parking at Hoag Hospital. Deputy Director Wisneski added that a total of four shuttles would be operating with one backup shuttle for peak times or in case of breakdowns. Shuttles would be on a GPS system so that a mobile application (app) could show their real-time locations. Ms. Schwartz continued that shuttle stops would be the same as OCTA stops. They would need to figure out a way for OCTA and shuttle signage to coexist at stops. Ms. Montgomery indicated the intent was to obtain information from stakeholders and the community and then develop the design and provide guidelines. The Google survey was released on January 30, 2017. In response to Chair Dixon's inquiry, Deputy Director Wisneski stated the City Council would not hold a study session rather public input would be obtained through BVAC meetings. Chair Dixon would mention it at a Town Hall meeting scheduled for April. Ms. Montgomery reported 187 survey responses were received. Responses to the question regarding likely users included returning visitors who know traffic is bad; locals who do not want to lose their parking spaces; and neighboring city residents. Responses to describe the Peninsula included crowded with active people enjoying the beach. The most popular response to question 3 regarding personality was surf, boogie board, sport with beach neighborhood or village coming in second. Question 4 about where people go received responses of the Newport Pier, the bike trail, the Wedge, the Balboa Island Ferry, and the Flyer. The second tier of responses included Marina Park, Balboa Pier, Balboa Village, Balboa Fun Zone, Peninsula Park. Destinations and names would be an important part of ensuring wayfinding is clear. Having a map on shuttle stop signage would encourage exploration of the full Peninsula. Responses to question 6 about best practices referenced Laguna Beach, Marina Park, and Lido Village. Responses to the question of what do you want people to say and remember about the Peninsula included a truly unique village that serves residents and visitors; visitors felt welcome; fun for families; visit again and the area retains its sense of history and identity. The top six preferred names for the shuttle included Balboa and Peninsula. Ms. Schwartz explained that the look and brand of the shuttle would be used for the app as well as the shuttles, signage, and the app should have a cohesive appearance. In response to questions, Ms. Schwartz reported the app was included in the shuttle package. The app was not fancy, and she hoped they could make it better. Deputy Director Wisneski added that staff would explore adding graphics to the app. The shuttle operator would integrate the app into its program and would use an outside vendor for the app. The app would not be expensive. The City retained RSM to facilitate the design and branding graphics at a contract cost of approximately$30,000. Ms. Schwartz felt the fact that the shuttle was free needed to be prominent in branding. In reply to questions, Deputy Director Wisneski advised that shuttle buses would be utilized the first year because they were less expensive. The success of the program would justify investing in a trolley-type operation for years two and beyond. Shuttles would have space for more passengers, passengers' gear, ADA access, and bike racks. Shuttles would operate only on weekends with parking at Hoag Hospital. Balboa Village Advisory Committee February 15, 2017 Draft Minutes Page 3 With four shuttles running, headways of 15 minutes would be possible even during peak traffic congestion. Ms. Schwartz added that use of the Downtowner by a large number of people demonstrated the need for a shuttle service. In response to an inquiry about studies that demonstrated shuttles reduced the number of cars, Ms. Schwartz explained that the first year of shuttle service would provide that type of information. The program could be refined or discontinued based on that information. Ms. Montgomery clarified that RSM Design would design graphics for the shuttle rather than design or manage the shuttle program. Deputy Director Wisneski added that OCTA provided approximately 90 percent of funding for the program. She did not know if shuttle service would increase the number of visitors to the Peninsula. The purpose of offering shuttle service was to increase amenities for the community, improve circulation on the Peninsula, and improve parking and traffic. In reply to questions, Deputy Director Wisneski felt shuttle service would complement private services rather than compete with them. The concept was to provide shuttle service and offsite parking, so that visitors could park and take the shuttle to the Peninsula, thereby alleviating parking and traffic congestion. The Downtowner did not offer offsite parking. Ms. Schwartz explained that an outreach campaign would be undertaken to inform the public of the shuttle's existence, hours of operation, and route. Chair Dixon noted BVAC was comprised of residents and businesses who could spread the word about the shuttle. Ms. Montgomery reported the survey received the most robust response of recent surveys conducted by RSM Design. Deputy Director Wisneski indicated the survey was mentioned in the City Manager's newsletter and in email blasts. If community members did not participate in the survey, they could participate in meetings. Ms. Montgomery reported shuttles would act as advertisement for shuttle service and include the name of the shuttle, the City name, and popular destinations. Signage at stops could include a map, frequency of service, hours of operation, and dates of operation. There could be a sign at the parking lot to promote shuttle use and a sign on the Peninsula when parking lots were full to use the Hoag lot and take the shuttle. Ms. Schwartz shared three conceptual schemes for buses. Scheme 1 was casual and inviting with a nod to nostalgia. Scheme 2 was related to action and sports. Scheme 3 was related to the original Balboa trolley. Committee members and members of the public suggested wrapping shuttles to look like trolleys for consistency between year 1 and year 2; identifying Balboa Peninsula on shuttles; including "free" on shuttles; using red as the main color; coordinating shuttle appearance with signs in the community including the Balboa Village welcome sign; and having open sides. [Meeting participants voted on shuttle schemes.] Deputy Director Wisneski advised that next steps were to continue outreach and to display ideas. 3. 2017 PRIORITIES Recommended Action: Receive and file Deputy Director Wisneski reported Attachment 4 contained a list of accomplishments. Current efforts were focused on the shuttle. The Coastal Commission indicated it would deny the Residential Permit Parking Program and requested the City submit a comprehensive parking management program. The fagade program continued. Staff had received 12-15 applications with funds remaining for additional applications. Staff had not received any new applications for the outdoor dining program. Staff would suggest the City Council amend its policies to allow twinkle lights over Main Street. Depending on how the language was drafted, the amendment could include the Boardwalk. Funds were allocated for the wayfinding signage plan; however, Public Works Department had not implemented the plan. Chair Dixon Balboa Village Advisory Committee February 15, 2017 Draft Minutes Page 4 requested staff prioritize signage. Wayfinding signage would match gateway signage. Additional funding was needed for the streetscape improvement plan. Chair Dixon suggested the Committee review the original plan and consider phasing and funding at the next BVAC meeting. Chair Dixon announced a walking tour of Balboa Village on March 23 at 2:00 p.m. to determine upcoming projects. The public was invited on the walking tour. Escrow had closed on the Balboa Theatre. She would look into the owner placing a banner on the building indicating it was being remodeled. 4. BALBOA PARKING BENEFIT FUNDS Recommended Action: Information only—no action required Deputy Director Wisneski reported funds were generated by parking fees collected in Balboa Village. She anticipated the same amount of revenues each year but would learn more for the next meeting. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT Janis Dinwiddie requested staff provide financial information prior to the walking tour on March 23. Chair Dixon concurred with learning the financial situation before holding the walking tour. At the April meeting, the Committee would discuss improvements. V. ADJOURNMENT (Meeting End Time: 5:24 p.m.) The meeting ended at 5:24 p.m. Next meeting Date: March 15, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. —Location: Bay Island Room, Marina Park.