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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/27/2004 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes Study Session April 27, 2004 - 4:00 p.m. n%J1L1. UALL Present: Heffernan, Rosansky, Adams, Bromberg, Webb, Nichols, Mayor Ridgeway Absent: None CURRENT BUSINESS CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR. None 2. JOINT SESSION WITH THE HARBOR COMMISSION. The City Council joined the Harbor Commission members at the conference table. The members of the Harbor Commission that were present included Vice Chair Ralph Rodheim and Harbor Commissioners John Corrough, Donald Lawrenz and Seymour Beek. Harbor Commissioner Marshall Duffield arrived during the discussion and seated himself in the audience. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Vice Chair Rodheim stated that the number of issues dealing with the harbor are infinite and that the Harbor Commission appreciates the City Council's support. He stated that the Harbor Resources Division's mission statement is, "to protect and improve the resources of Newport Harbor, Upper Newport Bay, and the ocean beaches to ensure their proper use and enjoyment by all things that derive life, recreation, or commerce from our City's most important asset ". He displayed an aerial photo of Newport Harbor and stated that what differentiates it from any other harbor is its diversity. Vice Chair Rodheim displayed a list of the Harbor Commission's responsibilities, and stated that the role of the Harbor Commission is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council. He also displayed a list of the tasks that the Harbor Commission has developed, and stated that at each meeting the commissioners go over the priorities and who has been assigned to each task, and that they try to keep the items moving forward. Mayor Ridgeway asked if anyone had been assigned to the task of looking at fees for commercial harbor permits versus leases, or if a subcommittee had been formed. Vice Chair Rodheim responded in the negative, but stated that it should probably be given a higher priority. Council Member Heffernan asked if it would be too hot of a topic for the Harbor Commission to deal with, given the potential conflict when dealing with fees on permits. Commissioner Beek stated that it's not too hot of a topic, it just hasn't been taken up yet. Council Member Heffernan stated that it should be determined if the fees that are being paid now are adequate. Commissioner Beek agreed. Vice Chair Rodheim added that the commissioners do recuse themselves from issues they're not comfortable participating in. Volume 56 - Page 836 INDEX (100 -2004) City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes April 27, 2004 INDEX extension of the interpretation to broader contours. He stated that it would be helpful to find out what the professionals think when discussing the modifications. Nigil Bayley, realtor, stated that he is currently involved in a project where a property owner sold a property with approved plans and modifications. The buyer purchased the property at a figure that was predicated by a two -home development site with substantial views from the second and third levels. He stated that all parties have acted in good faith, but that there may be a potential for major design changes necessitated by the proposed resolution. Mr. Bayley stated that the outcome could result in a substantial financial loss to the builder due to the extensive limitations being put on building heights and square footage of the upper level. He suggested that the development of flat roof dwellings be discouraged and that a six -month grace period be provided if any changes are approved. Mayor Ridgeway stated that the action before the City Council at the regular meeting is only a resolution of intent. Assistant City Manager Wood added that a property owner does not have a vested right until they receive a building permit, and that the initiation will only be the beginning of the study process. Mr. Bayley stated that the builder has been told that the issue could affect his project. Council Member Nichols stated that the 29 -foot height limit does present a problem with the neighbors. Mr. Bayley stated that the property in question will not affect other property views. Council Member Bromberg agreed with the comments made by Mr. Jeannette that the proposed changes would lead to a great deal of flat - roofed buildings. He understood the problem with City staff trying to determine actual heights and that he would support doing what can be done to help the Planning Department make the determinations. He disagreed with lowering the height limit since it would affect property rights and property values. Council Member Bromberg also suggested that a committee of architects be put together to clarify the issues and make suggestions on what might be done to streamline the process. Mayor Ridgeway confirmed with the Planning Director that extending the roofline has never been made a part of the code and agreed that some clarification is needed. He asked if the plan check and inspection fees are adequate. Planning Director Temple stated that they are not, in all cases. Mayor Ridgeway suggested that this issue also be addressed. Planning Director Temple stated that staff didn't want to imply that height limits should be lowered, and that the issue is still open to discussion. She expressed her appreciation to the architects who offered to provide input. She further stated that staff has been trying to be open with the information and the possibility of the code changing. Mayor Ridgeway agreed with the suggestion to form a committee of design professionals and suggested that Planning Commissioner Ed Selich be on the committee also. Volume 56 - Page 843 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes April 27, 2004 Council Member Webb suggested that the formal appointment of a committee comprised of architects and staff members be made at the regular meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None ADJOURNMENT - at 6:00 p.m. to Closed Session. The agenda for the Study Session was posted on April 21, 2004, at 3:25 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. City Clerk Recording Secretary Mayor Volume 56 - Page 844 INDEX City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes April 27, 2004 INDEX LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Volume 56 - Page 845