HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/14/1999 - Study Session0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Study Session
June 14, 1999 - 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Glover, Debay, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Absent: Thomson (excused)
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
Council Member Noyes confirmed with staff that Item #3 (Revised Parking
Lot Fees for Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar Parking Lots) has no staff
report because it is staffs recommendation to continue the item to July 26,
1999.
2. REVIEW OF 1999 -2000 BUDGET.
Mayor O'Neil stated that at the prior City Council meeting, the City Council
• began review of the Budget Detail and made it through the Fire & Marine
Department.. He said they would continue with the remaining departments,
and then proceed to a review of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
City Manager Bludau confirmed that today's meeting would include a review
of the remaining departments, which included Planning & Building, General
Services, Community Services and Public Works. He said the review would
also include a look at the Internal Services and the CIP. City Manager
Bludau stated that a public hearing would be held at the regular meeting
later this same day, and that the budget was set for adoption on June 28,
1999,
City Manager Bludau stated that today, the departments would highlight
any changes in their budgets or anything that might be out of the ordinary
from previous years.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Planning Director Temple stated that the department's budget includes an
additional Senior Planner position to address the high amount of workload
and the priority projects of the City Council. She added that the budget also
reflects additional overtime costs to provide for planners to do additional
plan checks. She explained that the Building Department has gone to some
contract plan checking, so the Planning Department has become the
bottleneck in the process.
• Planning Director Temple stated that the advertising and public relations
account (8010) has been doubled. She stated that due to a change in the
zoning code, more permits are issued at the staff level. Due to this, it was
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• decided to double the notification requirements.
Planning Director Temple added that the training accounts and equipment
maintenance and replacement accounts were also increased. She stated that
a new vehicle is being added to the department's fleet. She stated that the
1999/2000 budget also reflects some of the personnel changes made during
the previous year.
Lastly, Planning Director Temple pointed out the new line item in the
Economic Development budget, Special Department Expense NOC (8250),
for $140,000. She explained that this is a placeholder for the BID
administration contractor that is expected to be hired.
Council Member Glover suggested that a line item for $90,000 be added to
the Planning Department budget to cover the expense of hiring a person to
focus totally on airport issues. She feels that in. -house expertise would help
greatly in the City's effort to have an airport operating at El Toro.
Council Member Glover asked if the City could hire someone on a three -year
contract. City Manager Bludau responded that multi -year contracts are in
place and it is possible. Council Member Glover feels that the City has been
remiss in not having someone available that understands land use issues in
the El Toro area. City Manager Bludau stated that this will be added to the
Budget Checklist.
• Mayor O'Neil asked how the budget checklist items will be handled.
Administrative Services Director Danner stated that, in the past, the items
were straw voted at the second meeting in June. He added that the Budget
Checklist currently includes a new position in the Public Works Department,
an upgrade to the 800MHz system in the Fire Department and the new item
requested by Council Member Glover.
Council Member Adams asked about the three carry -over capital
improvement projects, which were also to be on the Budget Checklist.
Administrative Services Director Danner stated that Public Works Director
Webb would cover those during the discussion of the CIP.
Council Member Debay asked about the updated housing element, the LCP
and the extra personnel that might be needed. Planning Director Temple
stated that the housing element would be prepared in- house, and the new
Senior Planner would manage the LCP.
Council Member Noyes confirmed with Planning Director Temple that the
code enforcement personnel are full-time and asked for additional
information on the positions. Planning Director Temple stated that the new
code enforcement officer would address the specific code enforcement issues
on the Balboa Peninsula and increase night and weekend code enforcement.
Council Member Noyes confirmed with Planning Director Temple that the
• citation money received goes into the General Fund. She added that 50% of
the cost of the code enforcement officer is paid from CDBG funds, although
this is not reflected in the budget.
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Council Member Noyes confirmed with Planning Director Temple that the
additional money being budgeted to overtime is just to keep up with the
normal workload. She explained that the program to expedite permit
processing is separate from the new overtime being budgeted.
Council Member Noyes asked if the $140,000 mentioned earlier is to be
spent for BID administration and matching funds. City Manager Bludau
and Administrative Services Director Danner confirmed that the money is
for more than just administration.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
City Manager Bludau stated that the total proposed budget for the Building
Department is $3,749,567.
Building Director Elbettar stated that the Building Department budget is
1% less than the prior year's. He stated that construction activity has been
on the rise for two years and they've dealt with it in a couple ways - overtime
and contract plan check. He stated that total personnel in the department
has not been increased, but that some shifting has been done to increase the
clerical help.
Building Director Elbettar stated that a line item for computer equipment
• (9010) has been added so that a computer can be placed on the public
counter, allowing customers to do their own searches for permit status, plan
review and code information.
Council Member Noyes complimented the Building Department for the
proposal to place a computer on the public counter. And, he confirmed with
Building Director Elbettar that the recruitment process is taking place for
the vacant Senior Building Inspector position.
Council Member Ridgeway asked if money had been budgeted to cover the
cost of inputting the information into the computer. Building Director
Elbettar stated that it would be handled with the proposed increase in
clerical help. He added that the information that will be available at the
public computer will include inspection results, plan check status, permit
status and property search information. They are hoping to make access to
the information very simple and user friendly.
Council Member Ridgeway asked about employee computer access. Building
Director Elbettar stated that every plan checker has a computer, and that
every building inspector has a handheld.
Council Member Noyes stated that the handhelds were very effective. He
then asked if the information could also be made available on the internet.
Building Director Elbettar stated that some key information is currently
available, but that they are hoping to add the permit system. Council
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Member Noyes agreed that it was a good idea.
Council Member Debay asked about the one -stop permitting concept and
streamlining the process, which she stated were goals when the Planning
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and Building departments were merged. Building Director Elbettar stated
that he is always interested in looking for better ways, with the goal to be as
user friendly as possible. City Manager Bludau added that flex hours, which
allow for weekend inspections, have also helped greatly towards reaching
this goal.
Council Member Debay added that the City's Building Department has a
good reputation. Building Director Elbettar stated that many other
enhancements will be coming forth in the future.
Building Director Elbettar confirmed for Council Member Ridgeway that the
Building Code is currently available on the internet.
GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
General Services Director Niederhaus introduced Mike Pisani, the Deputy
Director, and acknowledged his efforts. General Services Director
Niederhaus stated that the department achieved all of its annual goals for
the current fiscal year, and has set ten new ones for the upcoming year. He
stated that the department's budget represents 13.9% of the General Fund.
General Services Director Niederhaus stated that the department is
comprised of nine divisions. He stated that the most important change to
note is that the department is adding personnel. He stated that one position
• being added is an Equipment Operator II, which will operate a new vactor
and help in keeping the storm drains clear. The second position being added
is a Maintenance Worker II, an apprentice carpenter, to help with many of
the small projects at City Hall and throughout the various departments. He
added that funding has also been provided to allow five -day a week cleaning
at City Hall.
General Services Director Niederhaus stated that 3.8% of the department's
budget is spent on water, and that the department spends twice as much as
any other department on professional/technical assistance. He stated that
two new parks will need maintenance in the upcoming budget year also.
General Services Director Niederhaus stated that refuse service will begin
service for 400 new homes in the Ford Loral area in the upcoming year with
no additional trucks or collection personnel being added. He stated that the
City is currently recycling 43% of all trash picked up, with the recycling
surcharge covering all costs to do so. He stated that the proposed budget
includes twice a week trash pickup for parts of the City in the summer, as
well as special restroom cleaning at three locations.
General Services Director Niederhaus stated that the concerns of the
department include the small reserve set aside for replacing City vehicles, no
money being set aside for possible storm needs and that more money should
maybe be set aside for tree trimming. He concluded by stating that the
upcoming year looks like a year of stability and that all goals should be met.
• Council Member Debay asked if reimbursement from FEMA is being
received from last year's storms and what the cost of hauling away the debris
was. General Services Director Niederhaus stated that 10,000 tons of debris
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• were hauled off the beach as a result of the December 1997 and the February
1998 storms. He stated that the approximate cost was $150,000, and two
claims have been filed - one with OES for the December storm and one with
FEMA, which is being prepared by the Public Works Department. He added
that last Fall he received the final payment for a storm in 1988, indicating
how long it takes to receive reimbursement.
Council Member Debay stated that she feels that the runoff that ends up on
the beach should somehow be handled through the County and not solely by
the beach cities. General Services Director Niederhaus confirmed for
Council Member Debay that storm cleanup is budgeted under the Field
Maintenance Division, primarily in special department expense (8250). He
added that the City owes the County dump fees, but the County will let the
City wait to pay after reimbursements are received. City Manager Bludau
confirmed that the dump fees were included as a part of the reimbursement
submittal.
General Services Director Niederhaus clarified for Council Member Noyes
that the normal trash pickup on the beach, when there is no major storm
activity, is 6,000 tons. He stated that the cost to dispose of the trash is $22
per ton, but that other costs associated with the cleanup include the hauling
costs, the man -hours and overtime.
Council Member Noyes asked what the cost estimates were to maintain the
• two new parks. General Services Director Niederhaus stated that the
numbers were back at his office, but that he would provide the information
to Council Member Noyes.
Council Member Noyes asked about the savings of converting to reclaimed
water. General Services Director Niederhaus stated that he understands
that the reclaimed water actually costs more and that it is more of an
environmental issue than one of saving money. Public Works Director Webb
confirmed that reclaimed water is not a money saver but helps to conserve
water.
Council Member Glover complimented the General Services Department for
being able to service the new customers in the Ford Loral area without
having to increase personnel. She added that the refuse service workers do a
very good job and should be recognized.
Council Member Glover stated that the City must keep in mind that
although times are good or better right now, the bad times should not be
forgotten because they will return.
Council Member Glover stated that the City has been able to fund the efforts
to support an airport at El Toro without making too many sacrifices. She
believes that more money may be needed in the future and, at some point,
sacrifices will need to be made.
• Council Member Debay complimented staff for providing the department
organization information in the easy -to -read boxes in the Resource
Allocation Plan.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Director Kienitz provided the City Council with an
organizational chart of the department. She stated that the total budget of
$6,289,893 is a 1.2% decrease from the previous fiscal year, and she pointed
out that the department has a total staff of 50 full-time employees and 41.27
full -time equivalent employees.
Community Services Director Kienitz referred to the handout and stated
that the department takes direction from three boards and commissions, and
has four service units - Arts & Cultural Services, Library Services,
Recreational Services and Senior Services. She added that the Recreational
Services Division is made up of seven sub units, as listed in the Budget
Detail.
Community Services Director Kienitz stated that Recreational Services is
running one new program, the summer camps out of the Community Youth
Center (CYC). She stated that one change in personnel is seen in the Senior
Services budget where a secretary position is being added. Community
Services Director Kienitz stated that the transportation service operated out
of the Oasis Senior Center is only partially funded by the City. And, lastly,
she mentioned the new position added in Library Services, a Young Adult
Librarian.
Council Member Ridgeway confirmed with Community Services Director
Kienitz that the recruitment is underway to fill the vacant Assistant
Librarian position.
Council Member Glover asked about the $50,000 she heard was being spent
for library public relations. Community Services Director Kienitz explained
that the Library Board wanted to increase the visibility of the library in the
City to attract more City residents to use the central library. She referred to
the line item in the budget, Advertising & Public Relations (8010). Council
Member Glover stated that this provides another example of money being
spent on something that is less important than the El Toro issue.
PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Webb stated that the department's major functions
are providing water and wastewater services to the citizens and
administering the capital improvement program. He stated that this past
year was the largest capital improvement program the City has ever had.
Public Works Director Webb stated the department's operating budget is
divided into seven divisions, as listed in the Budget Detail. He stated that
the divisions funded by the General Fund are about $16,000 less in 1999-
2000 than the prior year. He added that the Water and Wastewater
divisions are funded by enterprise funds. He stated that the overall
department budget is 1.46% higher than the previous year.
Council Member Debay referred to Item #13, San Joaquin Hills Road
Rehabilitation Award of Contract, and made a general comment about the
success of the Public Works Department in obtaining grants. Public Works
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Director Webb stated that the department is proud to have the Arches
Interchange and MacArthur Boulevard projects, both multi -year projects,
completed. He continued by clarifying that the construction contract for the
San Joaquin Hills Road will cost approximately $1.3 million, with
approximately $350,000 of that being funded by the County.
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
City Manager Bludau asked if the City Council had any questions pertaining
to the internal services.
Council Member Glover asked if the City is reaching its goals in the
insurance reserve funds. Administrative Services Director Danner stated
that the City anticipates reaching the reserve level in the Insurance Reserve
Fund, as directed by Council Policy, in three years.
Administrative Services Director Danner added. for Council Member Noyes
that the total of the reserves is approximately $4.5 million.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Public Works Director Webb stated that the Capital Improvement Program
for the 1999 -2000 budget year totals $21.5 million, which includes $5 million
being paid for from the General Fund, $1.4 million from park in -lieu and off-
street parking fees and $500,000 from CDBG.
Public Works Director Webb referred to Council Member Ridgeway's
question about the Balboa Boulevard Reconstruction Main to Adams Project,
and explained that the CIP is a balanced budget and the money that is
available from the General Fund and other sources is being used. He then
provided the City Council with a handout, FY 1999 -2000 CIP Budget
Checklist Items, which he stated were items that are recommended to be
rebudgeted in 1999 -2000. He stated that the update of the General Plan in
the airport area will also be added to the checklist.
Public Works Director Webb stated that additional items could be added to
the checklist but, if done, other projects would probably need to be removed
in order to keep the CIP balanced.
Council Member Adams pointed out the Jamboree Road/Bayview Way
Landscape Project listed on the CIP Checklist and stated that Fletcher Jones
has agreed to match funds up to $30,000. He requested that the City's
amount be increased from $19,990.25 to $35,000 which, when added to
Fletcher Jones' $30,000 contribution, would provide for a $60,000 project and
a $5,000 contingency fund.
Public Works Director Webb stated that he could continue the review of the
CIP by going through each fund and explain projects, or he could answer
specific questions.
• Council Member Glover asked for more information on the City Hall 2nd
Floor Office Space Remodel Design. Public Works Director Webb stated that
staff wanted to look at the possibility of a facility that is above the Revenue
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that this would be a feasibilitv study only in the 1999-
Council Member Glover asked if 3,000 ficus trees would be removed in 1999-
2000 as a part of the Street Tree Reforestation project. General Services
Director Niederhaus stated that the 3,000 trees that are causing hardscape
damage were mentioned in the project report just to provide information, but
that only 200 would be removed during the upcoming fiscal year.
Council Member Glover asked about an instrument used by the General
Services Department to determine when a tree will die. General Services
Director Niederhaus explained that it is a boring device that measures
friction and voids in a tree. He said it has been. proven to be 100% reliable.
Council Member Glover stated that her experience has not seen the device as
being so reliable, but that it might not have been the device that the City
currently owns.
Council Member Glover asked if the Urban Forest Inventory would include
the worth of the trees. General Services Director Niederhaus explained that
the value of the tree is included in the inventory but, when asked if that
economic worth is received when a tree is cut down, he stated that it is
requested but most often not received. Council Member Glover asked how
this money could be collected more often and General Services Director
Niederhaus stated that the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission has
• recommended a larger fine for illegal removal of trees. Council Member
Glover stated that she would be in support of such a fine, since destroying
City property deserves full recovery. City Manager Bludau suggested that
the City Attorney should be involved with the drafting of such an ordinance.
Council . Member Noyes confirmed with General Services Director
Niederhaus that the Urban Forest Inventory project scheduled for 1999 -2000
would complete the City's five -year inventory.
Council Member Glover confirmed with Public Works Director Webb that the
Gas Remediation Program is citywide, and includes Coast Highway and
Hoag Hospital area, and the Fun Zone area.
Council Member Glover asked how the park in -lieu fees work for the Bonita
Canyon Park Development. Public Works Director Webb stated that the text
in the CIP for this item has not been updated, that the project will come
before the City Council to approve and that the in -lieu fees, at this point, are
only a potential source of revenue to fund the park.
Referring to the Pavement Management Program Major Maintenance
project, Public Works Director Webb defined "asphalt concrete" as the black
streets. Council Member Glover further asked if the City was planning to
asphalt all concrete streets. Public Works Direcb3r Webb confirmed this, and
explained that it costs four to five times as much to remove and replace a
concrete street as an asphalt concrete one. He stated that one exception
• would be the ocean front street ends, which are done in concrete.
Council Member Glover asked about the price comparison and the longevity
of the two. Public Works Director Webb stated that typical new asphalt
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pavement in a residential area costs between $2 and $2.50 per square foot,
while concrete pavement would cost $7 to $8 per square foot. He stated that
asphalt requires a slurry program every five to six years, an overlay every 15
to 20 years and reconstruction at 40 years. He said that concrete streets, as
long as they are not cut for utility trenches, etc., can last 60 to 100 years.
Council Member Glover stated that concrete streets make for a calmer and
cooler neighborhood, and provide for better air quality.
Public Works Director Webb confirmed for Council Member Glover that the
Jamboree Road/MacArthur Boulevard Intersection Improvements are not
related to the recently completed MacArthur Boulevard widening project.
Council Member Glover requested that the City Manager provide a report on
the per capita figures for library use, as related to the Newport Coast
Library project.
Referring to Council Member Glover's question about the Big Canyon
Reservoir Cover project, Public Works Director Webb stated that the City
owns the reservoir and that, due to various water quality regulations, it has
become a necessity to cover open reservoirs.
Council Member Debay referred to the money that is collected by the City
from ocean front encroachment permits, which Public Works Director Webb
confirmed to be slightly over $100,000 per yeah. Council Member Debay
stated that the street ends need to be better clone, and she thought they
could do fewer than the four to five that are currently being done per year
and improve the existing street ends with the remaining money. Public
Works Director Webb stated that part of the funding does include going back
and improving the appearance of the existing street ends.
Council Member Debay asked if the trigger signal at San Miguel and Yacht
Coquette would be included in the upcoming budget. Public Works Director
Webb stated that the priority signal list includes twenty locations, with the
San Miguel/Yacht Coquette location being number twelve on the list. He
added that the priority signal list will be provided to the City Council in
July, and they will be asked to set the priority of which signals should be
done with the $300,000 available in the budget. He stated that it may be
decided to construct one signal and upgrade controllers for others, or
construct two new signals.
Council Member Debay stated that she thought there was funding available
from the County for library construction and operation. City Manager
Bludau stated that it's 1.7% of the 100% of the property tax, and does not
include the Newport Coast area.
Council Member Adams asked about the schedule for rehabilitation of
Jamboree Road, north of Coast Highway. Public Works Director Webb
stated that it will be before the City Council at their next meeting for award
of the contract, with the money coming from the current year's budget.
Council Member Ridgeway referred to the Balboa Boulevard Reconstruction
- Main to Adams. He stated that he thought the project was originally
planned to cover Main to Medina. Public Works Director Webb said that he
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was correct, but that all the needed projects that are listed in the five -year
CIP projections aren't always funded. He stated that staff did not feel there
would be enough money in the upcoming budget to go all the way to Medina
Way. Council Member Ridgeway stated that he felt that it would be
economically efficient to do the entire length at the same time. Public Works
Director Webb stated that there wouldn't be that much efficiency to scale
with this particular project. Council Member Ridgeway questioned why the
full length was being estimated at a cost much higher than what was listed
in last year's CIP for the same project. Public Works Director Webb
explained that staffs ability to estimate the cost of a project is based on how
much information is available, and that not much information is available
for this area. He added that the design for the full length would be done and
possibly the estimates would show that the entire project should be done at
the same time. Council Member Ridgeway requested that the text for this
project be corrected in the CIP to indicate that the design of the project
would be for the full length.
Council Member Ridgeway referred to the Balboa Boulevard Reconstruction
and Drainage Improvements, 12th Street/Medma. Way. He asked if the
project's design phase could happen in the upcoming fiscal year, rather than
the following year's. Public Works Director Webb stated that staff did not
feel that the project could be funded in the upcoming budget year. And, he
stated that until the design phase is completed, he won't know how extensive
of a rehabilitation it will be. After a general discussion regarding concrete
• and asphalt and getting to all the projects in the City that need to be done,
Public Works Director Webb stated that he would like to come up with a
program that will not require total removal and replacement of Balboa
Boulevard.
Council Member Ridgeway referred to the Balboa Boulevard Reconstruction
and Drainage Improvements, 215t to 16th Streets. He asked how he could get
this project up to a higher level of priority, and asked about the possibility of
bonding. Public Works Director Webb stated that bonding would have to be
approved by a vote of the citizens. Council Member Ridgeway stated his
frustration with some high priority projects in his district that continue to be
pushed back.
Council Member Adams stated that the Balboa Boulevard Reconstruction -
Main to Adams project should be allocating money to finish the project in the
2000 -2001 fiscal year. City Manager Bludau stated that the project was only
being shown in the 1999 -2000 fiscal year to match the title, but that staff
could change the title to Adams to Medina stretch, and show it being
budgeted over a two -year period.
Council Member Noyes asked if the Bayside Drive Beautification (Phase II)
wasn't already in the current year's budget. Public Works Director Webb
stated that the current year's budget included the intersection and that
Phase II was to continue on up Bayside. He stated that bids were obtained
for the intersection which were much higher than staffs estimates and some
• of the money budgeted in 1999 -2000 may need to go towards that
completion.
Public Works Director Webb explained for Council Member Noyes that the
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sets aside funds that are anticipated as being
needed by the assessment districts.
Public Works Director Webb explained that the Planning Department is
preparing the final report for the Parking Management Implementation
project, and that money is being set aside in anticipation of costs in the
upcoming year.
Council Member Noyes asked if $22,000 was enough to budget towards the
Pier/Float Maintenance Program given the money that is received from the
marina. Public Works Director Webb stated that the project was for the
piers and floats around the bay, and has nothing to do with the yacht basin.
Council Member Noyes asked if the Newport Harbor Maintenance Dredging
project was dealing with one specific permit. Public Works Director Webb
stated that this project deals with the master permit that the City has to
obtain every ten years. Council Member Noyes stated that he'd like to see
money set aside for future dredging needs in specific areas. He requested
that this be added to the Budget Checklist.
Council Member Noyes asked for a brief explanation of the Oil Field
Improvement Program. Public Works Director Webb stated that the
production from the wells has been steadily declining and it has been
recommended that production can be increased by recompleting the wells, or
making sure that the slots in the casings are open.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that the issue is whether the City should
be in the oil business. He stated that he is in support of taking advantage of
the revenue that is produced.
Council Member Noyes asked for information on what work has been done
on the Fire Department Office Centralization project. Fire & Marine Chief
Riley explained that the 1999 -2000 allocation allows the completion of what
has been started. He stated that the money shown in 2000.2001 has been
listed in the CIP in error and should be removed.
Fire & Marine Chief Riley explained for Council Member Noyes that the Fire
Station Modification and Upgrades project includes much more than is listed
in the CIP. Public Works Director Webb stated that the project description
would be revised to better reflect the entire project's scope.
Council Member Noyes asked what the money being budgeted in 2000 -2001
for the Central Library Improvements project would be used for.
Community Services Director Kienitz explained that the money is being set
aside as a placeholder in case the land behind the Central Library becomes
available.
Council Member Noyes asked what the money being budgeted in 2000 -2001
for the Water Transmission Main Master Plan Improvements project would
• be used for. Public Works Director Webb stated that the master plan
includes a large project to reinforce the water systems in the Corona del Mar
area. He stated that this will improve some existing water pressure
problems.
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Council Member Noyes asked, in general, how the second -year projections in
the CIP relate to the overall budget. Administrative Services Director
Danner stated that in some cases a decision is made to fund a project over
several years and in other cases, it's a wish list with no determined funding
source.
Council Member Noyes asked if the Big Canyon Reservoir Disinfection
Modifications would happen if the reservoir was covered or if it was to be left
uncovered. He also referred to the Pump Station Improvement at Big
Canyon Reservoir project. Public Works Director Webb stated that if the
reservoir is covered, the disinfection process changes. He added that money
has been set aside in anticipation of the reservoir eventually being covered.
Council Member Glover asked about the comparison of spending $23 million
to bring groundwater from Fountain Valley and the $6 million to cover the
reservoir, change the disinfection process and upgrade the pump, and the
necessity level. Public Works Director Webb stated that the cover and
disinfection are necessary due to water quality regulations that require new
standards. He stated that the pump station work is necessary to reconstruct
a 30 -year old facility to current day standards.
Council Member Glover asked if there was any funding for either of the
projects. Public Works Director Webb stated that Council Member Debay
• and Utilities Manager Davidson traveled to Washington, D.C. to apply for
funding from several sources. He believes the City is still under
consideration. Council Member Glover stated her understanding that
meeting new regulations usually qualifies for reimbursement. City Manager
Bludau confirmed with Public Works Director Webb that it is not an EPA
mandate to. cover the reservoir. Council Member Glover requested that
funding options continue to be pursued.
Council Member Noyes asked for an explanation of the money being
budgeted for the Newport Boulevard/Balboa ]Boulevard Merger. Public
Works Director Webb stated that the study has not been completed, but will
come before the City Council for a final decision.
Council Member Adams suggested that Coast Highway not be torn up as a
part of the Water Transmission Main Master Plain Improvements project.
Council Member Glover stated that her opinion regarding the oil wells is
that although revenue is received, expenses also exist. She feels the wells
should be left dormant.
Council Member Glover requested that the City's lobbyist in Sacramento
attempt to force Southern California Edison to handle undergrounding
districts in a more timely manner.
Mayor O'Neil confirmed with Public Works Director Webb that the slope
• stabilization project on the Fernleaf ramp would be started in September.
Council Member Noyes agreed with Council Member Glover's previous
comment about how slowly approved undergrounding districts become
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City Council Minutes
June 14, 1999
• reality and that something should be done to speed up the process.
Mayor O'Neil stated that the City Council did approve money to be spent on
an undergrounding assessment district staff member.
Council Member Noyes stated that other cities are having the same
problems and maybe Newport Beach could take the lead.
Council Member Debay asked why the PMP Hospital Road Reconstruction,
Placentia Avenue /Newport Boulevard project does not have money budgeted
in it until 2001 -2002 when it was determined to be a priority in the City's
Pavement Management Program. Public Works Director Webb explained
that several projects make up the Pavement Management Program and
many will be done in the first two years. It was discussed that the patching
of a particular pothole hasn't worked.
Council Member Ridgeway asked, if the funds were available, how much it
would cost the City to do all of its current road projects. Public Works
Director Webb stated that the total cost of the Pavement Management Plan
is approximately $38 million, with about $6 to $7 million being spent in the
upcoming budget year.
Carol Boice, 2945 Catalpa, asked if the Jamboree Road/Bayview Way
Landscape project was only subject to Fletcher Jones' donation. Council
• Member Adams responded by stating that the commitment from Fletcher
Jones is a verbal commitment only and if it did not happen, the City would
still do the project but with less money. Ms. Boice asked if the project was
still to mitigate the light and glare, and what the timetable was. Council
Member Adams stated that he feels that the plan being negotiated will be
acceptable. to.all parties.
Val Skoro, 1601 Bayadere Terrace, Parks, Beaches & Recreation
Commissioner, stated that he was before the City Council to request that
$18,000 be allocated to the parking lot across the street from the Oasis
Senior Center. He said the parking lot is currently unlit and many of the
senior trips return back to the lot after dark. He stated that various options
have been discussed and the effort would be coordinated with the nearby
residents. He stated that it is a safety hazard that needs to be addressed.
Council Member Ridgeway asked for a clarification of the location of the
parking lot. Mayor O'Neil explained that the lot is on the left -hand side of
Marguerite, as one travels north.
Scott Paulsen, 1922 Port Provence Place, acknowledged the people in the
audience who were in attendance to support a budget line item for lights in
the parking lot. Mr. Paulsen stated that the Senior Services Manager has
requested this project for several years. He said there are approximately six
trips a month out of the Oasis Senior Center, and that the issue is serious.
He stated that their proposal would not be intrusive into neighbors' homes
• and would operate on a key card system so that the lights would only be used
when needed.
Mayor O'Neil requested that this item be placed on the Budget Checklist for
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City Council Minutes
June 14, 1999
• the suggested $18,000. City Manager Bludau stated that this could be
developed as a CIP project. Per Mayor O'Neil's concerns, he stated that staff
would also notice the residents.
•
Upon his suggestion, Council Member Ridgeway was told that the trips could
not return during daylight hours only.
Tom Hyans, President of the Central Newport Beach Community
Association, complimented the Police Department, their leadership and the
Citizens Police Academy. He then provided the City Council with a
summary of the CIP, as prepared by the Central Newport Beach Community
Association. He went through the list, which noted changes to cost or timing
of projects.
Council Member Adams clarified with Mr. Hyans that the black -typed
information on the handout is what is in the budget.
Mr. Hyans continued through the list, detailing out some of the association's
priorities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
ADJOURNMENT — 5:35 p.m.
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on June 9, 1999, at 3:30 p.m.
on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport
Beach Administration Building.
Recording Secre y
e,
P
So
Mayor
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