HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/22/2000 - Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 22, 2000 - 7:00 p.m. INDEX
STUDY SESSION - 4:00 p.m. [Refer to separate minutes]
CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT PRESENTED - None.
RECESSED AND RECONVENED AT 7:15 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Absent: Thomson (excused)
Pledge of Allegiance - Council Member Debay.
Invocation by Reverend Dr. Dennis Short, Harbor Christian Church of
Newport Beach,
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR
DISCUSSION. ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM):
Council Member O'Neil, as a member of the committee that evaluated
the performance of the City Manager, requested that a report from the
committee be placed on the next agenda. He added that the
recommendations will probably require a change in the City Manager's
employment agreement.
Council Member Glover requested that a report be brought to the City
Council for approval of a requirement to place chain link fencing and
green screening around the borders of any lot undergoing construction
for a new private residence. She stated that the fencing and screening
make a big difference on the impact of the construction to neighbors.
• Mayor Noyes thanked the Speak Up Newport association for putting on
a fantastic Mayor's Dinner on February 10, 2000, and also for creating
an ongoing public forum. He announced that the next meeting would
be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at 5:30 p.m. at the Nautical
Museum and the topic would be Measure F, the Safe & Healthy
Communities Initiative. Mayor Noyes stated that additional
information could be received by contacting George Schroeder at
219 -2406.
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
• CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES /ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR AND REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2000. Waive reading of subject minutes,
approve as written and order filed.
2. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS. Waive reading in
full of all ordinances and resolutions under consideration, and direct City
Clerk to read by title only.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
3. RESOLUTION ENDORSING CENSUS 2000. Adopt Resolution
No. 2000 -16 endorsing Census 2000.
4. ARTERIAL HIGHWAY REHABILITATION PROGRAM. Adopt
Resolution No. 2000 -17 approving the submittal of funding applications to
the Orange County Transportation Authority for funding under the Arterial
Highway Rehabilitation Program.
5. REVISED PARKING LOT FEES FOR BALBOA PIER AND CORONA
DEL MAR PARKING LOTS. Rescind Resolution No. 92 -105 and adopt
Resolution No. 2000 -18 amending the City Fee Schedule for parking lot fees
at the Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar Parking Lots.
6. SKATEBOARDING RESTRICTIONS AT THE ARCHES
INTERCHANGE. 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2000 -19 prohibiting
skateboarding on certain streets and sidewalks and rescinding Resolution
No. 97 -34; and 2) direct staff to contact Caltrans to obtain authorization to
install the appropriate signs on State property.
7. RESOLUTION TO THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS REGARDING THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF
SANTA ANA HEIGHTS. Adopt Resolution No. 2000 -20 requesting the
Orange County Board of Supervisors' support for the annexation of Santa
Ana Heights.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
8. JOINT USE AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
HARBOR VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AND THE CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH FOR MAINTENANCE OF A PORTION OF
BUFFALO HILLS PARK ADJACENT TO 1854 PORT WESTBOURNE
(PARCELS 1 AND 2 OF LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT NO. 98 -02, AND
RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. 19990759637 IN THE OFFICE OF
THE ORANGE COUNTY RECORDER). 1) Approve an Agreement for
Joint Use and Maintenance of a portion of Buffalo Hills Park adjacent to
1854 Port Westbourne for maintenance of improvements around the Harbor
View Community Association's recreation facility; 2) authorize the Mayor
and the City Clerk to execute the agreement; and 3) authorize the direct the
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INDEX
Res 2000 -16
Census(68)
Res 2000 -17
Arterial Highway
Rehabilitation
Program (74)
Res 2000 -18
Parking Lot
Fees
(40/85)
Res 2000 -19
Skateboarding
Restrictions/
Arches Interchange
(85)
Res 2000 -20
Santa Ana
Heights
Annexation
(21)
C -3329
Buffalo Hills
Park/
1854 Port
Westbourne
(38)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000 INDEX
• City Clerk to have the agreement recorded with the Orange County
Recorder.
9. APPROVAL OF SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT FOR RESUBDIVISION
Resub 1071
NO. 1071, BROAD STREET AND WESTMINSTER AVENUE.
Broad Street/
1) Approve a subdivision agreement guaranteeing completion of all public
Westminster
improvements required with Resubdivision No. 1071; and 2) authorize the
Avenue
Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
(84)
10. JAMBOREE ROAD REHABILITATION - EAST COAST HIGHWAY TO
C -3242A
SAN JOAQUIN HILLS ROAD (C- 3242A) - COMPLETION AND
Jamboree Road
ACCEPTANCE. 1) Accept the work; 2) authorize the City Clerk to file a
Rehabilitation
Notice of Completion; 3) authorize the City Clerk to release the Labor and
(38)
Materials bond 35 days after the Notice of Completion has been recorded in
accordance with applicable portions of the Civil Code; 4) release the Faithful
Performance Bond 6 months after Council acceptance; and 5) authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement for a guarantee against
defective workmanship and materials.
11. MACARTHUR BOULEVARD WIDENING PROJECT
C -2825
RECONCILIATION, SEGMENT I AND II (C- 2825). 1) Approve a budget
BA -039
amendment (BA -039) to transfer $22,423.08 from the CIOSA Loan
MacArthur Blvd
Expenditures Fund Account No. 7432- C5100066 to the Measure M
Widening Project
Competitive Fund Account No. 7284- C5100066; and 2) approve a budget
Reconciliation
• amendment (BA -039) to transfer $157,700.53 from the Transportation &
Circulation Fund Account No. 7261- C5100066 to the Measure M Competitive
(38/40)
Fund Account No. 7284- C5100066.
12. AMENDMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
C -3229
PLANNING CONSULTANTS RESEARCH, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL
Conexant Systems
SERVICES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
Expansion Project
IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC.
EIR
EXPANSION PROJECT. Approve the proposed amendment to the
(38)
professional services agreement with Planning Consultants Research, Inc.
(PCR).
13. ANNEXATION UPDATE AND AGREEMENT WITH THE IRVINE
C -3330
RANCH WATER DISTRICT OVER WATER AND SEWER SERVICE IN
Water and
THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION AREAS. Receive and file the
Sewer Service/
agreement between the Irvine Ranch Water District and the City of Newport
Annexation
Beach relative to annexation.
(21/38)
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
14. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2000.
Planning
Receive and file.
(68)
15. DONATION OF PROPERTY. Approve the donation of a child's play unit
Donation of
to Orange Coast College.
Property (73)
• 16. BUDGET AMENDMENT (BA -040) TO REPLACE THE BUILDING
BA -040
DEPARTMENT COPIER. Approve BA -040 to transfer $7,678.26 from the
Building
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
. 2900 -4310 "Building Permits Revenue Account" to Building Department
INDEX
Department
"Office Equipment Account" (2900 -9000) for the purchase of a replacement
Copier
copier.
(26/40)
17. BUDGET AMENDMENT (BA -041) TO TRANSFER MONEY FROM
BA -041
RESERVES PER COUNCIL POLICY FOR REFURBISHMENT OR
Tennis Courts/
DEVELOPMENT OF TENNIS COURTS OR NEW RECREATIONAL
Recreational
PROGRAMS ($13,000). Approve BA -041.
Programs (40/62)
18. BUDGET AMENDMENT (BA -042) TO TRANSFER $10,000 FROM THE
BA -042
LIBRARY LIABILITY ACCOUNT 800 -2248, DONATIONS GIVEN TO
Library
THE LIBRARY TO SUPPORT LITERACY SERVICES, TO REVENUE
Donations
ACCOUNT 4010 -5901. Approve BA -042.
(40/50)
19. TRANSFER FUNDS FROM PACIFIC LIFE FOUNDATION AND THE
BA -043
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM TO
Disaster
FIRE AND MARINE DEPARTMENT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.
Preparedness
Approve BA -043.
(40/41)
20. Item removed from the Consent Calendar by Council Member
Ridgeway.
21. SPECIAL REFUSE COLLECTION. Approve a special refuse collection
BA -044
for the Harbor View and Newport Hills Associations and a budget
Refuse Collection
• amendment (BA -044) in the amount of $3,559.18.
(40/44)
22. SIGNAGE ON COAST HIGHWAY AT SUPERIOR AVENUE AND
Signage on
BALBOA BOULEVARD. Receive and file.
Coast Hwy (85)
23. REVIEW MARINA PARK REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP). Direct
Marina Park
the City Manager to have staff review the eight (8) proposals to the City's
RFP
Marina Park Request for Proposals (RFP) and identify the proposals'
(73)
features.
528. Item removed from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Noyes.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Adams to approve the Consent Calendar,
except for those items removed (20 and S28).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
20. PUBLIC INFORMATION FUNCTION.
Public
Information
Council Member Ridgeway commented on the request to fund the public
•
Function
information officer at a cost of $55,000 for the remainder of the 1999 -2000
(66)
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City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
INDEX
• fiscal year. He stated that the remainder of the fiscal year is only a period of
four months and that the City could more effectively communicate with its
citizens through the City's WebPage or a proactive letter or in another way
that adequately uses the City's current resources. He stated that he
understood the need for a public information officer (PIO).
City Manager Bludau stated that the $55,000 includes the mailing,
preparation and printing of one newsletter. He added that he's trying to find
a gentle way to move into a contracted PIO -type position. He stated that
current resources are already committed and that producing a newsletter is
a major undertaking. City Manager Bludau stated that he'd like the new
function to deal with the press, produce press releases and newsletters, and
also handle customer complaints that may involve several departments. He
stated that he wants to test the function over the next four months and see if
it is useful to the City. He added that the first thing he would have the
person do is put together a public relations effort in regards to the new trash
container requirement.
Council Member Ridgeway asked about the cost of the newsletter, how it
would be distributed and what it would look like. City Manager Bludau
explained that the newsletter is budgeted as a mailing and he'd like to see
what type of effectiveness it can have. He added that the PIO would also
make sure the City's WebPage and other numerous communication
mechanisms are kept updated.
• Council Member Ridgeway again asked about the cost to print and mail a
newsletter, and what quantity would be distributed.
Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that the budget amendment would allocate
$20,000 to the City Manager's Professional Services Account, which would be
for the contract services mentioned earlier. He stated that $36,000 was
already budgeted in the current fiscal year to produce four quarterly
newsletters. He stated that it costs just over $8,000 to design, produce, print
and mail a single newsletter to every resident in the City, and that the two
newsletters that were accomplished prior to the current fiscal year were
fairly monumental efforts. He concluded by stating that much of the effort of
the newsletter prepared by the new PIO would be in setting up the design
and putting together a consistent visual effort for the City.
Council Member Debay referred to the staff report and the desire to
consolidate several of the City's disparate publications into a single
publication, and stated that she recently received an outdated piece of
material from the library. She stated her support for the recommended
action.
Mayor Pro Tern Adams confirmed with Deputy City Manager Kiff that the
cost of the contract services would be less than $5,000 per month. City
Manager Bludau added that it is an estimate.
• Council Member Ridgeway stated that of the $36,000 that was previously
budgeted for four newsletters, probably only $8,000 will be used for a single
publication in the current fiscal year. Deputy City Manager Kiff agreed and
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City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
explained that the budget amendment is to place money into the
Professional Services Account. He said the unspent money budgeted for the
newsletters will roll into the next fiscal year in the Fund Balance Reserves
Account.
Council Member Ridgeway asked if the intent in hiring a PIO was for the
position to be in -house or contracted. City Manager Bludau explained that
the intent is by contract services and to get some experience with the
function. He said if the function proves itself and the need for a full -time
employee develops, a change can me made later.
Council Member O'Neil stated his support for the concept, but added that he
didn't understand the need for a budget amendment when only $28,000 of a
previously budgeted $36,000 will be spent. Additionally, he stated that he
thought the City Manager had authority to hire consultants in situations
such as this.
City Manager Bludau stated that he does have the authority to hire
consultants, but that the City Council had previously asked for him to return
with a proposal for a public information function.
Council Member O'Neil stated that a budget amendment does not have to be
approved by the City Council. City Manager Bludau agreed and said that
just the concept could be approved.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Adams to approve a Public Information
Function staffed by a part -time contractor reporting to the City Manager's
office.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson
S28. STATUS REPORT FROM THE AVIATION COMMITTEE ON EL
TORO AIRPORT ISSUES BY TOM NAUGHTON.
Tom Naughton, President of the Airport Working Group of Orange County
(AWG), began by providing some background information. He stated that he
began his career with Douglas Aircraft, which later became McDonnell
Douglas and then Boeing, from which he retired. He's lived in Newport
Beach for 31 years, has been married for 54 years and has two children, plus
grandchildren. Mr. Naughton stated that he became involved with the
airport issue in 1994 because he had technical comments for ETRPA (El Toro
Re -Use Planning Authority).
Mr. Naughton stated that he had three items he wanted to discuss at the
• current meeting, and began by providing a handout addressing the demand
analysis for the region from Ventura to San Diego. The handout included
plots for both passenger and air cargo demand. He said the information was
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INDEX
El Toro
Airport
Issues
(54)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
is being looked at by various agencies and has been agreed upon by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA). In response to the demand analysis,
Mr. Naughton stated that Supervisor Tom Wilson had previously stated that
high speed trains would be built throughout Orange County to run to the
existing airports in the region, and then later said they would look at Camp
Pendleton again. He stated that Supervisor Wilson has now decided that
there is no demand for additional airport services, and that Newport Beach
doesn't need to worry about John Wayne Airport being expanded.
Mr. Naughton again stressed that the FAA has already agreed with the
demand analysis.
Mr. Naughton stated that he, secondly, wanted to discuss flight safety and
the safety of operations out of the proposed El Toro Airport. He said he had
analyses going back to 1989 to the most recent demonstrations on June 4t''
and 5th, 1999. He stated that eight carriers participated in the flight
demonstrations. Mr. Naughton provided samples of letters written by two of
the airlines in response to his letter regarding the demonstrations. He read
from his letter to the airlines and the response from Alaska Airlines, which
stated that they used criteria from the FAA to determine that the departure
on runway 34 was safe for commercial operation and that the airplane
performed well.
Thirdly, Mr. Naughton stated that he wanted to discuss Alternatives F & G
in the EIR (Environmental Impact Report). He emphasized that the County
• considers Alternatives F & G to be reasonable alternatives. Mr. Naughton
stated that he didn't feel that expanding John Wayne Airport was a
reasonable alternative to the proposed El Toro Airport. He provided
handouts, prepared by Rick Taylor of AWG, which gave an overview of
Alternatives F & G. He announced that the entire EIR is available at 63
libraries throughout the County.
Mr. Naughton discussed the expansion of John Wayne Airport if Alternative
F were chosen, which plans for 14 million annual passengers (MAP). He
stated that Alternative G plans for 25 MAP and condemns 700 acres of land
surrounding the existing John Wayne Airport to accommodate projected
aviation activities. Mr. Naughton stated that the only thing keeping John
Wayne Airport from expanding today is an 8.4 MAP cap in a settlement
agreement that expires in 2005. He said that some are counting on the other
airports in the region to expand their operations, but Mr. Naughton stated
that if those expansions don't happen, all eyes will be directed at John
Wayne Airport.
Council Member Glover, as Chair of the Aviation Committee, stated that
there are sixteen citizens on the Aviation Committee, one member and one
alternate from each Council district. She stated that there is also a seat for
the AWG president, which Mr. Naughton fills. Council Member Glover
stated that the Committee decided to have a member or alternate speak at
each City Council meeting to provide a five- minute presentation of a current
topic regarding the airport issue. She stated that the speakers are also being
• asked to provide a little background information on themselves, such as
Mr. Naughton did, so that the citizens can understand who's serving on the
Committee and what their commitment is. She acknowledged
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Mr. Naughton's efforts regarding his involvement with AWG.
Mr. Naughton thanked the City Council for their support. He said that
AWG and the other pro -El Toro Airport organizations are all working
together and compliment each other. He stated that the organizations are
supportive of Cynthia Coad's plan, which goes to 2010 and recommends that
the proposed El Toro Airport handle 18 MAP while John Wayne Airport
would handle 9 MAP. Mr. Naughton concluded by stating that AWG
members are speaking at other locations throughout the City tonight and in
the coming weeks to enlighten the public and hopefully get them to support
AWG's cause.
Council Member O'Neil complimented, acknowledged and thanked AWG for
working longer than any other organization in dealing with the expansion of
John Wayne Airport. He stated that it is important for people to understand
that AWG and the City are not supportive of closing John Wayne Airport but
are, instead, supportive of the Cynthia Coad two - airport system which
spreads and shares the burden reasonably and fairly. Council Member
O'Neil added that Measure F on the March 7, 2000 ballot would require a
two - thirds vote to build new jails, new landfills and new airports. He said
it's important for people to understand that the two- airport system cannot go
through if Measure F passes.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams expressed his gratefulness to AWG and the other
• groups for the countless hours spent by volunteers. He stated that he is the
Council liaison to AWG and tries to attend most of the meetings. He said he
is always very impressed with their efforts.
Council Member Glover announced that some speakers may appear during
Public Comments section of the agenda to urge voters to vote no on Measure
F.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Noyes clarified the announcement he made earlier during City
Council Announcements regarding the next meeting of Speak Up Newport.
Russell Niewiarowski, 20102 Mine Drive, Santa Ana Heights, stated that he
and Charles Griffin have put together the Wildlands Ranch Plan (Irvine
International). He provided a handout illustrating the plan and said it's a
four- runway plan for El Toro Airport, accommodating all items of interest in
the AOSP plus more. He stated that the purpose of the plan is not to
complicate the process, but to insure that an airport is built at the El Toro
site. Mr. Niewiarowski explained that the Wildlands Ranch Plan provides
for a quieter and safer airport than is currently being proposed at the site.
He added that his handouts also include information on a suggested land
trade negotiation with The Irvine Company. He said the land trade is
crucial for the dual- runway system and that it is up to The Irvine Company
to make this happen.
• Charles Griffin stated that the Wildlands Ranch Plan layout was put
together in response to comments in EIR 573, which stated that the V -plan
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
was not as efficient as the County's parallel runway plan. He stated that
widely spaced runways are possible at the site, because of the existence of a
three -mile wide corridor, and would provide for future growth. Mr. Griffin
emphasized that Planning Area 17 needs to be obtained and left as open
space because it would be the gateway to the three -mile wide corridor.
Dan Stringer stated that many people do not understand Measure F, which
is on the March 7, 2000 ballot. He stated that a no vote means yes to El Toro
Airport, and a yes vote means no to El Toro Airport.
PUBLIC HEARING
24. VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF A 10 -FOOT
WIDE SEWER EASEMENT LOCATED ACROSS THE PARCEL AT 112
KINGS ROAD (LOT 3, BLOCK E, TRACT 1219), LOCATED IN THE
CLIFFHAVEN AREA.
Public Works Director Webb stated that an old sewer line in the area was
abandoned which means that an easement is no longer needed.
Mayor Noyes opened the public hearing.
There being no testimony, Mayor Noyes closed the public hearing.
• Motion by Council Member Glover to adopt Resolution No. 2000 -21
ordering the vacation and abandonment of the 10 -foot wide sewer easement;
and to direct the City Clerk to have the resolution recorded by the Orange
County Recorder.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson
25. UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND
APPOINTMENT BY MAYOR OF AN AD -HOC APPOINTMENTS
COMMITTEE.
Motion by Council Member Glover to accept the resignation of Richard
Fuller from the Planning Commission effective March 31, 2000 or at the time
the City Council appoints a replacement, whichever comes first (term expires
June 30, 2003); direct the City Clerk to advertise the vacancy pursuant to
Council Policy A -2; and confirm the appointment of Mayor Noyes, Mayor Pro
Tem Adams and Council Member O'Neil to serve on the Ad Hoc
Appointments Committee.
• The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
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INDEX
Res 2000 -21
Vacation and
Abandonment/
112 Kings Road
(90)
Planning
Commission
Vacancy
(24)
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
Ayes: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson
Mayor Pro Tern Adams thanked Mr. Fuller for serving on the Planning
Commission and agreeing to stay on until a replacement appointment is
made.
26. PHASING AND ESTIMATES FOR THE BALBOA VILLAGE
PEDESTRIAN AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PLAN
(VILLAGE PLAN) AND THE BALBOA PIER PARKING LOT
IMPROVEMENTS.
Public Works Director Webb stated that staff was directed to review the plan
and cost estimates prepared by Ron Baers of Planning and Urban Design
Resources, and evaluate the overall program and how the project might be
put together and funded. He said the revised cost estimates are up from $3.6
million to $7.5 million, which incorporates engineering costs as well as a
contingency. He explained that the contingency is needed because numerous
unknowns are often uncovered during the design process in large projects
such as this.
Public Works Director Webb stated that staff has looked at how the $7.5
• million might be phased over a period of time and that a recommended
course of action is shown on Page 4 of the staff report. He went through the
elements of the initial design phase, Phase 1 and Phase 2. He also referred
to Page 6 of the staff report and the Funding Sources of the three phases,
with funding to be incorporated over five fiscal years through 2003/2004.
Public Works Director Webb stated that two options are available to the
upgrade in Peninsula Park, as mentioned in Recommendation D and
illustrated in drawings in the staff report. He said that Alternative A
reconstructs a few of the sidewalks, works on the gazebo and is estimated at
approximately $80,000. He stated that Alternative B would include a
regrading of the park area and is estimated to be approximately $200,000 to
$300,000.
Public Works Director Webb went through the other recommendations made
by staff. He stated that the environmental clearances and permits in
Recommendation B would be worked on concurrently during the design
phase. He stated that the area to be included in the property owner - funded
Underground Utility Assessment District, Recommendation C, is mapped on
the last page of the staff report, that 87 parcels are involved and that the
assessment district would cost approximately $1 million. He said that staff
will probably recommend that the owners of the smaller lots pay
approximately $8,000 to $9,000. He stated that the concept in establishing
the district is that many power poles will have to be relocated anyway during
the significant improvements being made to the roadways. He said this also
• gives the property owners a chance to put something into the area.
Pubic Works Director Webb stated that the City would pay for the
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Balboa Village
Pedestrian and
Streetscape
Improvement
Plan/
(Village Plan)/
Balboa Pier
Parking Lot
Improvements
(68)
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 22, 2000
INDEX
undergrounding on the parcels owned by the City only. He added this would
be a small share of the total.
Council Member Glover stated her concern that a lot of money has already
been spent on the peninsula and that in order to be fair to the entire City,
the other older parts of the City should be considered at the same time. She
said these areas would include Corona del Mar, Mariners' Mile and Balboa
Island. Council Member Glover agreed that money should be spent, but that
it is only fair to consider the needs of the other areas when looking at the
peninsula.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that the City is going to have to make an
investment to save the peninsula area. He disagreed with Council Member
Glover's suggestion to include the other areas at the same time that the
peninsula is looked. He also disagreed that a lot of money has already been
spent on the peninsula. He feels that the property owners are ready to
invest in the undergrounding and added that the peninsula is the only area
in the City that has the demographics to qualify for CDBG funding. He said
there is a great opportunity to upgrade this deteriorated area with both
public and private investments.
Council Member Debay stated that the improvements on the peninsula have
been in the planning stages for a long time. She stated her support for the
phasing through a four -year plan, getting the buses off the street and
• making improvements to the infrastructure. Council Member Debay added
that a renewal project in West Newport to underground the power poles will
allow for ADA improvements to the sidewalks and she asked that some of
the CDBG funds be directed to this project also.
Council Member Ridgeway stated his support for the use of the CDBG funds
in West Newport as well.
Council Member Glover agreed that the peninsula has been discussed for
several years, but she said that the pavers and some of the other work being
discussed for Balboa Village are new. She clarified that she's not opposed to
the improvements being discussed for the peninsula but that the
beautification decisions should not be made until the other older parts of the
City are also looked at. She stated that, in the past, the City Council has
been conservative and relied on the businesses to make such improvements
but if changes are now going to be made on the peninsula, the proposal from
Mariners' Mile and the requests from Corona del May should also be
considered. Council Member Glover added that Coast Highway leaves one of
the biggest impressions on visitors to the City.
Tom Ahern, 1310 E. Balboa Blvd., President of the Balboa Peninsula Point
Association, stated that the Association's only concern with the plan is that
Balboa Boulevard isn't wide enough to accommodate the changes being
recommended. He suggested that money, instead, be spent to really
revitalize Balboa Village, as has been done in Old Towne Pasadena and
• Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. He said the merchants in the area
need help and that widening the streets won't be enough. He added that the
residents want to see more businesses in the area.
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February 22, 2000
INDEX
• Council Member Ridgeway clarified for Mr. Ahern that the streets aren't
being widened, they are instead being narrowed so as to allow for the
widening of the sidewalks. Additionally, he added that cars will not be
allowed to park on Balboa Boulevard except in a couple of pocket stalls. He
said the intent is to make the area a pedestrian friendly village.
Council Member Debay added that the City Manager of Pasadena at the
time that Old Towne was created is now an employee in Orange County and
has offered to share his expertise with Newport Beach. Mr. Ahern stated
that Old Towne Pasadena is a special conditional use permit district, and
that the Third Street Promenade has an independent contractor who
manages the area. He added that Laguna Beach is facing the same issues of
revitalization.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that Seal Beach, Belmont Shores,
Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Old Towne Pasadena and other areas
were visited during the planning process. He pointed out that every district
was revitalized through sidewalk treatment and revenue from parking.
Curt Herberts stated that the sidewalks are cracked, the curbs are broken,
and they should have been fixed block by block over the years. He said that
the money should have been spent over the last twenty to thirty years. He
stated that he owns the building that houses the Balboa Saloon, and that the
• sidewalk around it is a disaster. He is concerned that someone is going to
get hurt.
Tom Hyans, President of the Central Newport Beach Community
Association, disagreed with Council Member Glover's previous comments
and said the peninsula is the reason the City has CDBG funds. He said he
and the Association have participated in the process of putting the plan
together, and he has been concerned that the commercial interests between
Adams and A Street weren't getting as involved as they should be. He said
the business owners have been involved, but the property owners have not.
He additionally stated his concern that many of the improvements to Balboa
Boulevard still need to be completed, and he thought they should be a part of
the plan but has learned that the funding is different. He stated that he
hoped the schedule for the completion of Balboa Boulevard is adhered to.
Mr. Hyans stated his support for the plan.
Bill Wren, 1118 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa Performing Theater Arts
Foundation, thanked the City Council for finally doing something on the
peninsula. He expressed the theater's support for the plan and the hopes
that the process gets underway as quickly as possible. Mr. Wren asked that
the Balboa Boulevard work be phased in with the theater work, if possible.
Britta Pulliam, Britta's Cafe, President of the Balboa Merchants /Owners
Association (BMOA), has seen many businesses leave over the years. She
stated that the peninsula is vital and the improvements to it cannot wait any
• longer. She stated her support for the plan and said it finally connects
everything together and will bring quality businesses to the area. She said
that it has been difficult to have a business in a declining area. Ms. Pulliam
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expressed the importance of widening the sidewalks, making the parking
safer and more adequate and undergrounding the utilities, and agreed that
it is important for the landowners to participate in the redevelopment. She
concluded by stating that the sooner, the better, in beginning the
improvements.
Bob Black, Balboa Pavilion, Board Member of the BMOA, related his
involvement with the process over the years and said that pavers have been
mentioned before. He complimented those who have contributed in the
process, and is happy with the new aspect of undergrounding the utilities
and involving the property owners. He said the merchants and owners will
continue to assist in the process and plan to work on the building facades.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that a major renovation of the Balboa
Pavilion is being planned in conjunction with the proposed project.
Mr. Black added that the owners want to make changes and it's a bonus that
the other improvements are being planned.
Mayor Noyes commented that the Balboa Pavilion is probably the symbol of
Newport Beach.
Joseph Saloman, owner of a business on Main Street, Board Member of the
BMOA, stated that he's seen a lot of work done and money spent in the last
nine years. He stated that the proposed plan is the first sensible and
workable plan he's seen. He said the business community on the peninsula
is teetering on collapse. He said the merchants and owners have bought
flowerpots and trashcans, and are willing to make the effort. He requested
that the decision to move forward with the plan begin as soon as possible.
Mr. Salomon concluded by stating that the streets of Balboa Boulevard are a
disgrace and should be repaired.
Rod Harter, General Manager of the Balboa Inn, stated that he is fairly new
to the area so does not know the history of what's happened on the
peninsula. He did, however, state that he knows people come to the
peninsula for the sandy beaches and that they access the beaches via the
Newport and Balboa pier areas. Mr. Harter stated his concern that once the
people come for the water and beach activities, they don't stop and stay and
enjoy the other amenities of the peninsula. He said this is because the
peninsula is not very attractive. He suggested that something must get
them to stay, and that a better impression must be left. He stated his
support of the proposed plan.
Council Member Ridgeway confirmed with Mr. Harter that he also supports
the proposed assessment district.
Virginia Herberts stated that she had an earlier concern that there weren't
enough parks between Main Street and Washington, but she understands
that these have now been incorporated into the plan. She stated her support
for the proposed plan and said that, as a property owner, she would also
contribute to an assessment district.
Council Member Glover stated that she has observed that the villages that
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• work do so because the people in the area make as many purchases in their
village as possible. She referred to a specific community in the Oakland area
that has thrived despite bad sidewalk and few trees. She stated that the
Balboa Village area residents need to do the same thing. She said a village
is made when the people around it consciously make their purchases within
it. Ms. Herberts agreed and said that they do try to frequent the
establishments in their area. She cited the new Shore House restaurant and
Britta's Caf6 as examples. Council Member Ridgeway also cited Claude's
Bakery as another example of a good place to make purchases.
Mayor Noyes agreed with the Shop Newport concept. He stressed how
important it is to keep tax dollars within the City, and pointed to the fact
that the restaurants in the City generate twice as much sales tax as the car
dealerships. He further agreed with Council Member Glover that all of the
districts in the City need to be treated fairly, but he feels that the City
Council also needs to prioritize. Mayor Noyes stated his opinion that the
peninsula has been in trouble for a long time and the other older parts of the
City are doing much better. He stated that it feels like a lot of money has
been spent on the peninsula, but that there have really only been discussions
and studies. Mayor Noyes feels that staff and the contractors should be
challenged to do this project right. He added that the assessment district
might help to get the property owners more involved. Mayor Noyes
concluded that he supports the plan and knows that adaptations to the plan
will be made where necessary.
• Council Member Ridgeway stated that it is time to invest in the project.
Motion by Council Member Ridgeway to A) direct staff to solicit
proposals for professional services to: 1) proceed with the design of the
Balboa Pier Parking Lot per the Village Plan and the Austin -Foust
Associates concept plan; 2) proceed with the design of Balboa Boulevard from
A Street to Adams Street per the Village Plan and Public Works Design
Criteria for streets and drainage; and 3) proceed with the design for the
Village Plan pedestrian and streetscape improvement; B) direct staff to
proceed with environmental clearances and permits; C) direct staff to pursue
forming a property owner - funded Underground Utility Assessment District;
and D) direct staff to proceed with the more extensive refurbishment option
for the upgrade of Peninsula Park.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson
27. REVISION OF COUNCIL G -1 TREE POLICY.
Jan Vandersloot stated that Council Policy G -1 used to be a tree
• preservation policy, but was changed because of two individuals. He pointed
out that from March 3, 1998, through June 1, 1999, there were seventeen
appeals involving twenty -five trees considered for removal by the Parks,
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• Beaches & Recreation Commission. He stated that since the new revision
has been discussed, 72 individuals are talking about replacing their trees.
He stated that the current policy is not broken, and the new revision only
opens the door for tree reforestations and has language that easily lets
people manipulate the policy to be able to remove trees. He said the G -1
Policy should value the trees in the City and reflect common sense. Lastly,
Mr. Vandersloot commented on a grant received by SPON (Stop Polluting
Our Newport) from a State organization for 76 hours of a certified arborist's
time to help the City write and evaluate a comprehensive tree policy for the
City.
City Manager Bludau confirmed with Mr. Vandersloot that the grant could
be used for recommendations on tree removals, to rewrite the tree policy or
whatever use the City might have with regards to this matter.
Mr. Vandersloot added that the old G -1 policy listed the criteria that had to
be met in order to remove a tree, but the new policy allows for reforestations
for vague reasons.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that many people worked to bring about
the proposed comprehensive policy. He added that the new policy airs on the
side of safety and is very protective of trees and provides for reforestations,
not removals.
Motion by Council Member Ridgewav to adopt the amendments to the
• G -1 Policy as recommended by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Commission.
Kent Moore thanked the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission and
General Services Director Niederhaus for their efforts. He stated that the
process has been difficult with valid arguments on both sides. He stated his
support for the proposed policy. He suggested that the new policy be given a
chance to work.
Irene Black, resident of Baycrest, stated that opening up reforestation to any
individual property owner without goals, limitations and definitions will be a
problem. She stated that the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission will
have difficulty without clear goals and definitions. She suggested that a
dispute resolution procedure also be put in place.
Council Member O'Neil stated that his district has many terraced
communities and understands that other areas in the City may not have
view issues. He said that safety and emotions also play a factor. He agreed
with Council Member Ridgeway that the proposed policy allows for
replacement or reforestation of trees. He feels the policy is comprehensive,
has been thoroughly reviewed and he suggested that it be given a chance.
Council Member Glover stated that she would not be supporting the motion.
She stated her understanding of the problems in the terraced communities
but, for her, the key word is "preservation ". She stated that she would have
• difficulty supporting reforestation for non - terraced areas.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams additionally stated that he would not be supporting
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is the motion. He expressed his respect for the work that has gone into the
proposed policy, but he feels that the removal policies have become too
liberal.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes:
Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes:
Glover, Adams
Abstain:
None
Absent:
Thomson
MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None.
ADJOURNMENT - 9:20 p.m.
The agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on February 16, 2000, at
3:15 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of
Newport Beach Administration Building. The supplemental agenda for the
Regular Meeting was posted on February 18, 2000, at 3:00 p.m. on the City
Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach
Administration Building.
•
Recording Secretary
City Clerk
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