HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/13/2005 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Study Session
September 13, 2005 - 4:00 p.m
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Selich, Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tern Webb, Mayor
Heffernan, Council Member Ridgeway
Excused: Council Member Daigle, Council Member Nichols
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None.
2. REGULATION OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY
DEVICES (SEGWAY).
Deputy City Attorney Ohl provided the staff report and noted that they could add a
provision to the ordinance to ban Segways on Marine Avenue and add an exemption
for disabled persons. He responded to Council questions regarding what other beach
cities are doing and insurance issues.
Council Member Ridgeway discussed also banning Segways in other areas of the
City, how Washington D.C. is regulating Segways, and Segway tours on the
Peninsula.
Council Member Nichols joined the meeting at 04:13 PM
Stewart McKenzie expressed concern with allowing Segways on the boardwalk.
Dorothy Beek expressed support of the proposed ordinance.
W.R. Dildine, Central Newport Beach Community Association, discussed the areas
listed in the ordinance, possibly adding other areas, the tours on the Peninsula, the
history of Segways, and the Vehicle Code.
Matt Dalito, Segway LLC, discussed the benefits of using Segways, California law,
the guided tours, and what Washington D.C. allows. He requested that Segways be
allowed in bike lanes.
Louise Fundenberg, President of the Central Newport Beach Community
Association, expressed their reasons for supporting the ordinance and suggested
locations where Segways and other mechanical devices should be banned.
Craig Morissette expressed his support of the ordinance and agreed with the
previous speaker.
Shauna Busey expressed her concern for safety on the boardwalk.
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
September 13, 2005
Max Liskin expressed his opposition to Segways and discussed newspaper articles,
letters submitted by the Remleys, and the different Segway models.
Tom O'Loughlin, Segway owner, expressed his support for Segways.
Chuck Remley noted that there were no Segway incidents during the summer,
asked where Segway owners will be allowed to ride, and discussed his observations
on the boardwalk.
Lieutenant Gazsi responded to questions from Council regarding where Segways are
permitted. He noted that Segways are considered pedestrians, he is not aware of an
age limit to use Segways, and no accidents or injuries have been reported.
Greg Brown, Segway owner, discussed the safety features and why he purchased a
Segway.
Ken Drellishak, Balboa Peninsula Point Association, expressed their concerns and
support for the ordinance. He requested that Segways also be banned on the
sidewalks in their neighborhood.
Jim Headley, co -owner of Segway Orange County, noted that there are only seven
Segway owners in Newport Beach. He requested that Segways be allowed on some
parts of the boardwalk, the Fun Zone, and tourist spots after Labor Day and before
Memorial Day, and that they be allowed to only use one tour guide if they're just
showing one person around.
Marilyn Hendrickson stated that she would like to see the boardwalk safe for all the
pedestrians.
Frank Piper, Segway owner, stated that there has been no problems with Segways.
Paul Evans, Segway owner, discussed the safety orientation that owners go through.
City Attorney Clauson discussed where the proposed ordinance intends to ban
Segways and how other areas can be added after the ordinance is implemented.
Council Member Ridgeway expressed support for bringing the proposed ordinance to
a future meeting for Council action and requested that the ordinance be expanded to
prohibit Segways on sidewalks. Council Member Rosansky agreed with having an
age limit for using Segways and stated that he could support prohibiting Segways in
locations that prohibit bicycles.
Following discussion, Council Member Nichols, Council Member Selich, Mayor Pro
Tem Webb, and Mayor Heffernan did not support bringing the proposed ordinance
to a future meeting for Council action.
3. EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM (contd. from 7/26/05).
City Manager Bludau requested that this item be continued to October 11 in order
to bring back an all- hazard evacuation plan. He reported that cities are expected to
be able to be on their own for 72 hours during a disaster prior to State and Federal
assistance being provided.
Discussion ensued relative to Council's role and involvement during a disaster
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
September 13, 2005
and the upcoming disasterireparedness drill on September 22.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
W.R. Dildine discussed legislation relative to Segways and the Uniform Construction Cost
Accounting Act which deals with informal bids.
Bill Callahay expressed the need for some type of emergency system, especially on the
Peninsula.
ADJOURNMENT - 5:40 p.m.
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on September 7, 2005 at 2:45 p.m. on the
City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration
Building.
9 MWO
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
yor
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