HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Minutes - Amended PagesCity of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
May 14, 2019
• Jessica Susolik, Chair of Port Street Surveillance Committee
• Polly Hackathorn
• Denise Sehre Schoenberg
• Timothy Owen
• mel Karol Hatch (displayed photos)
• Janice Grace
• Jaime Faggella, AYSO Region 57
• Catherine Bartz
May 28, 2019
Item No. 1
Amended Pages
Nathan Searcy, Field Representative for Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie -Norris' office, provided an
update regarding Assembly Bill 65 (AB65). He also announced a "Coffee with Cottie" event on June 8,
2019, at Laguna Beach Fire Station 1.
Jim Mosher clarified his concerns regarding the process for appointing Homeless Task Force members.
He questioned why the recent Aviation Committee meeting was canceled so close to the Orange County
Board of Supervisors meeting regarding JWA and believed Newport Beach is not communicating a
united, coherent message to the Board of Supervisors.
Council Member Herdman and Mayor Dixon emphasized the community is more united than ever and
the message has always been that it does not want to see an increase in general aviation at JWA.
Susan Skinner voiced concerns of a possible Brown Act violation made by Council Member Duffield
during the February 12, 2019 Closed Session item regarding the Newport Aquatic Center (NAC), and
submitted a cure and correct letter to City Attorney Harp.
Russell Niewiarowski provided a letter to discuss damages to his home from the neighboring Newport
Beach Golf Course and requested the City support the area residents and keep the golf course liable for
damages caused by their customers.
Scott Richter requested an update regarding the NAC and voiced his concerns about Council Member
Duffield's potential conflict of interest. City Attorney Harp indicated the City has sent a default of
ground lease notice to the NAC and will continue to monitor the situation. He also confirmed that, to
his knowledge, Council Member Duffield has no conflict of interest related to the NAC.
Randall English, representing the Newport Bay Conservancy, provided an update on the Big Canyon
Project.
In response to Council Member Brenner's questions regarding the NAC, Council Member Muldoon noted
that Council Member Duffield was not at the February 12, 2019 City Council meeting. City Attorney
Harp indicated he reviewed the letter from Ms. Skinner and affirmed that the City has fully complied
with the Brown Act in all its dealings with Closed Session matters.
XVII. CURRENT BUSINESS
15. Proposed Revisions to City Council Policy B-17 — Parks, Facilities and Recreation
Program Donations [100-2019]
Public Works Director Webb, Deputy Public Works Director Martin, and Park Maintenance
Supervisor Petrarca utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss issues of concern, review the
process, and highlight the proposed revisions, donation period, maintenance fee, types of benches
available, tree donations, donation plaques, items available for donation, donation inventory and
costs, and the donation map.
Discussion ensued between Council and staff relative to the proposed costs for current bench donors
and how newly -donated items would be handled.
Volume 64 - Page 103
City of Newport Beach
Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee
May 14, 2019
Council Member Herdman requested a one-time $10,000 payment for the Orange County River Park
Project.
Regarding the request for two additional motorcycle traffic officers, discussion ensued relative to the
need and justification for the officers, other duties they may perform, requests for more enforcement,
the number of graduates from the police academy, and how all the vacancies will be filled within the
next year in the Police Department. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill and Council Member Muldoon indicated
they would need to see more data prior to making a decision. Council Member Avery stated his district
repeatedly requests more police presence for traffic and crime prevention. Mayor Dixon noted her
district receives most of the visitors, has concerns about public safety, requires a lot of police attention,
and could use more officers; however, agreed staff should come back with data related to traffic issues.
Council Member Brenner expressed support for the request, believing police presence is a deterrent
to bad behavior and this is a cost the City should bear to keep -maintain its property taxes.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill suggested removing the motorcycle officer request from the budget revision
list, but bringing it back as a separate item after the budget is adopted since more analysis is needed.
Finance Committee Member Stapleton stated he is proud that the City can focus on major issues like
services, capital improvements, maintenance and improvements, and paying down unfunded pension
liability. He noted that, while other cities may need to use reserves, Newport Beach will have fully
funded reserves and can continue to discuss surpluses and paying down unfunded pension liabilities.
Finance Committee Member Tucker reviewed the increase in unfunded pension liability over the
years, suggested the City plan for beyond the 15 year payment period, and noted the City is doing a
good job with its unfunded pension liability payments but this might be something it cannot handle
on its own in the future.
Jim Mosher discussed the Costa Mesa Sanitary District's budget and requested the City also
breakdown each line item and include it on the online version. He also questioned Council's wages
listed in the budget. Revenue Manager Giangrande explained the salary discrepancy, reported on
Council's salaries, and confirmed it conforms with the City Charter. City Manager Leung indicated
staff can look at providing more detail in the next budget for significant dollar expenditures.
Mayor Dixon and Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill thanked current and past Finance Committee members,
and staff, and assured everyone the City continues to take its fiduciary duties very seriously.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
V. ADJOURNMENT - 5:27 p.m.
The special meeting agenda was posted on the City's website and on the City Hall Electronic
Bulletin Board located in the entrance of the City Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive
on May 9, 2019, at 4:00 p.m
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Diane Brooks Dixon
Mayor
Volume 64 - Page 96