HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/13/2007 - Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 13, 2007 — 7:00 p.nL
STUDY SESSION - 5:00 p.m
CLOSED SESSION - 5:45 p.m
A. RECESSED AND RECONVENE AT 7:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich, Mayor
Rosansky, Coned Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council Member
Gardner
C. CLOSED SESSION REPORT - None
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Henn
E. INVOCATION - Reverend Peter D. Haynes, Saint Michael and All Angels
Episcopal Church
F. PRESENTATIONS
Balboa Theater Arts Project Progress Report - Mary Lonich, Executive Director,
Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation, displayed renderings of the building and
indicated that the organization was working with the Coastal Commission on the
changes. She thanked Carol Hoffman McDermott, Government Solutions, for her pro
bono contribution to the project. Ms. Lonich reported on the status of the project's
review with the Coastal Commission and stated that the Coastal Commission staff
indicated they would meet with the theater group in March. Because the project is non-
profit, the organization will rely on donations for their financing. She also reported on
the performances during the Season Without Walls.
LAPD Presentation to Business Members Who Helped with Funeral
Arrangements - Captain Morris Smith on behalf of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa and Chief of Police William Bratton, thanked the community for assistance
in coordinating the reception for Officer Landon Dorris killed in the line of duty on
October 20, 2006; he presented Certificates of Appreciation to Andy Theodorou, General
Manager, Newport Dunes Resort; Terry Lelano; Pete Ortega, Elegant Affairs Catering;
and Terry Wilson, Coastline Yacht Charters. Captain Smith acknowledged the
assistance of Police Chief McDonell and Fire Chief Lewis.
Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America — Ralph Linzmeier, Board of
Directors and members of Troop 90 recognized Orange County Council 2007 Man of
Character, Mayor Steve Rosansky.
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AQMD Presentation on the Draft AQMP - Debra Reed, Public Affairs Officer
reported on the AQMD's plan to update its air quality mitigation plan manual to comply
with the federal government mandates.
G. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
H. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR
DISCUSSION. ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM):
Council Member Henn encouraged residents to participate in the second bi- annual Pogue
Regatta from June 8 -10, a major racing event.
Mayor Pro Tem Selich invited residents to participate in the February 21st Economic
Development meeting presentation by Dr. Donald Shupe, Professor, UCLA, who will
speak on parking issues. He reiterated his December 12, 2006 request that staff bring
four actions before the Council regarding the Newport Center Park and asked that the
items be brought forward on the February 27h agenda: 1) approval of constructing the
park per the approved City Council concept plan with the addition of the upper parking
lot in phases with the middle phase first. The construction of the arbor and trellis
structure in the middle phase would be part of a future phase with a separate donation
estimated to cost about a million dollars; 2) accepting $600,000 toward construction of
the middle phase in exchange for naming rights for the entire park with the provision
that other naming opportunities will be available, and authorize staff to finalize the
donation agreement with the donor; 3) conceptual approval to amend the 2006/2007 FY
budget to increase the funding for the park from $200,000 .to $400,000 subject to final
construction bids; and 4) direct staff to complete the construction documents for the
middle section phase as soon as possible and place them out to bid.
Council Member Webb said that he was aware Mayor Pro Tem Selich had received
pressure from a certain segment of the community to push the park project forward.
However, he and other Council Members have received input about selecting a site for a
future City Hall. In fact, the Council was served a petition requesting the Council
postpone the decision on the park until a City Hall site has been selected. In light of
Mayor Pro Tem Selich's proposal, Council Member Webb asked that two more items be
included to wit: that no further action be taken to implement the park construction
project at the central library site until the City Hall site selection project was completed;
2) if the first action item is not approved he would like to add the following to the four
items requested by Mayor Pro Tem Selich to wit: "that the park site include an active
park element of at least one soccer field."
Council Member Daigle announced that the Corona del Mar Swimming Group would
continue its fundraising efforts at the Pacific Club on May 12.
Mayor Rosansky invited the public to participate in a town hall meeting on February
22nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Library with presentations by Senator Harman and
Assembly Member Walters regarding sober living group homes. He attended the Relay
for Life kickoff on February 12th at the Islands Hotel. The Relay will be held on May
19th and 20th. If individuals are interested in forming teams to raise money for cancer
research contact the City Manager's Office at 644 -3000.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
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READING OF MINUTES/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AND REGULAR
MEETING OF JANUARY 28, 2007. 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.
ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7.20.010 OF TITLE 7 PERTAINING
TO ANIMAL NUISANCE. [100 -20071 Adopt Ordinance No. 2007 -1.
4. CODE AMENDMENT 2006 -008 - APPEAL PROCEDURES (PA 2006 -257) -
AMENDMENT TO REVISE APPEAL PROCEDURES TO ALLOW A
SINGLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO APPEAL DECISIONS OF THE
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR, PLANNING DIRECTOR AND PLANNING
COMMISSION. 1100 -20071 Adopt Ordinance No. 2007 -2 approving Code
Amendment No. 2006 -008.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
5. DESIGNATION OF LIAISON AGENT FOR THE DIVISION OF OIL, GAS,
AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES. 1100 -20071 1) Adopt Resolution No.
2007 -6 appointing a City agent for the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal
Resources; and 2) authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a
"Designation of Agent" form, naming the Utilities Manager, Ed Burt, to serve as
the City of Newport Beach's Liaison Agent regarding matters pertaining to the
operation and maintenance of the City's oil and gas facilities, as regulated by the
Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources.
6. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COMPOSITION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL/CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MARINA PARK
DESIGN TO ADD A THIRD COUNCIL MEMBER AND TO CONFIRM
THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER HENN TO
THAT POSITION. 1100 -20071 Adopt Resolution No. 2007 -7 amending
Resolution No. 2006 -98 to revise the composition on the City Council/Citizens
Committee on Marina Park Design, and confirm the Mayor's appointment of
Council Member Henn to the new position.
& OLD FORD ROAD - ADOPT A RESOLUTION LIMITING THE PARKING
OF VEHICLES TO TWO HOURS. [100 -20071 Adopt Resolution No. 2007 -9
limiting the parking of vehicles to two hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
daily on the south side of Old Ford Road, from Mesa View Drive to a point 300
feet easterly.
CONTRACTS
10. OPERATING AGREEMENT FOR NEWPORT RIDGE PARK (contd. from
V23/07).1100-20071 Continue indefinitely.
11. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
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GABLE ENGINEERING FOR CIP PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
(C- 3915). [381100 -2007] 1) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with
Gable Engineering at a not to exceed price of $50,000 and authorize the Mayor
and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement; and 2) approve a budget
amendment (07BA -045) transferring $50,000 from salary savings in the
Engineering Division (5100 -7000) and transfer the funds to Engineering Division
Services Professional and Technical Account 5100 -8080.
MISCELLANEOUS
12. SUPPORT OF ORANGE COUNTY'S POSITION ON MEMBERSHIP IN
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL AIRPORT
AUTHORITY. 1100 -20071 Authorize the Mayor to execute the letter attached as
Exhibit A to the staff report.
13. APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AFFAIRS
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EQAC). 1100 -20071 Confirm Council
Member Daigle's appointment of Michael "Mike" Smith as the District 4
representative to EQAC.
14. ACCEPT ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE
TEAMS (CERT) GRANT. [100 -2007] 1) Accept the `04 Homeland Security
Supplemental Grant for CERT for $6,935.67 in funding for the CERT Program;
and 2) approve a budget amendment (07BA -042) increasing revenue estimates
by $6,935.67 in 2356 -4848 and increasing expenditure appropriations in 2356-
82004 by $6,935.67.
15. COAST HIGHWAY CHANNELIZATION - CORONA DEL MAR (C -3558) -
APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR PHASE 1B. [100 -2007]
Approve a budget amendment (07BA -039) in the amount of $150,000 from the
unappropriated General Fund Reserves to Account No. 7013- C5200932.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Selich to approve the Consent Calendar, except for those
items removed (7, 9 and S21).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich, Mayor
Rosansky, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council Member
Gardner
J. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE AIRPORT WORKING GROUP (AWG)
AND AIRFAIR. [100 -2007]
Council Member Daigle strongly supported the resolution and thanked AirFair,
AWG Members and Citizens' Aviation Members who contributed to the support
of JWA. Council Member Curry thanked participants for their efforts toward
protecting citizens from further danger from the airport.
Motion by Council Member Curry to adopt Resolution No. 2007 -8 supporting
AWG and Airfair and committing to immediately commence discussions with
both groups in the ongoing effort to protect Newport Beach residents from the
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impact of John Wayne Airport Operations.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich,
Mayor Rosansky, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council
Member Gardner
9. RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY CODE AMENDMENT. [100 -2007]
Patrick Alford, Senior Planner clarified the purpose of the amendment and
stated that any legally existing facility would be allowed to continue operating.
However, if there were an expansion, increase in size or intensification, it would
require a Federal Exception Permit (FEP).
City Attorney Clauson said this amendment was a straightforward ordinance to
get the process started which is intended to mirror the state law provisions so
that the City can begin to enforce against operators that are creating a single
facility in multiple buildings, units or premises. If the ordinance is approved,
there will be two or three additional opportunities for public input and changes
to the wording.
Ron Winship said he was quite concerned that homeowners associations could
dispense medications. He thanked Council for addressing this issue.
Mike Tidus, Jackson DeMarcO Tidus and Peckenpaugh, said his firm represents
a number of homeowners on the peninsula and because his firm had previously
been involved in this issue offered assistance to the City and City Council.
John Overdevest felt it was an injustice that sober living facilities were exempt
from business license fees and taxes. It is disruptive to have commercial
facilities within residential neighborhoods and wanted to know if, in the event
he were to sell his home, he would have to disclose the proximity of his residence
to the facility and suffer a depreciated sales value on his property as a result.
Cynthia Kohler said she was opposed to voting on the ordinance this evening
and preferred waiting until the Council had all of the necessary information
before acting. She wished the city would put a moratorium on new group homes
until this issue was resolved.
Dick Nichols said the specific nature of the proposal would tend to form policy
rather than open dialogue. He wondered how the City could modify the Federal
Exception Permit because it would likely originate at the federal level because
the use permit does the same thing and felt it was a better tool.
Lori Morris objected to the proposed resolution because it appeared to change
the definition of the land use permits and appears to be giving total authority to
the Planning Director. Lacking understanding of the resolution and how it
would function, the request for a moratorium seems to be an appropriate
compromise.
Denys Oberman commended the City for taking steps to address this situation.
She asked that there be diligence and objectivity on the part of the City and that
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the Council obtain outside input before making its decision.
Council Member Curry asked legal counsel to comment on speaker's statements
and in particular the recommendation to institute a moratorium. City Attorney
Clauson said she was concerned about imposing a moratorium because the state
does the licensing and to a certain extent the City has no control over the six and
under facilities. The City is working with the ADP to that end.
Council Member Henn asked for confirmation that there was nothing in the
proposed ordinance that could not be changed and City Attorney Clauson
responded affirmatively.
Mayor Rosansky reviewed the process and assured residents that there would be
ample opportunity to provide public input before the Planning Commission and
Council.
Motion by Mayor Rosanskv to adopt Resolution No. 2007 -10 initiating an
amendment to Title 20 of the NBMC to revise land use classifications and
definitions relating to Residential Care facilities.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich,
Mayor Rosansky, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council
Member Gardner
521. BUDGET AMENDMENT AND APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH
COUSYN GRADING AND DEMOLITION (C -8917) FOR $195,000 TO
TRANSPORT SAND FROM CHINA COVE BEACH TO CORONA DEL
MAR STATE BEACH AND NORTH BAY FRONT, RUBY BEACH ON
BALBOA ISLAND. [881100 -2007)
Mayor Pro Tem Selich suggested that Item 7 of the Scope of Services should be
modified to require that during staging, truck engines should be turned off.
Commissioner Daigle commended the Harbor Resources staff and citizens for
taking the initiative in recognizing the need to partner with the City to transport
good quality sand to local beach areas. The good news is that staff member Tom
Rossmiller was able to get the Coastal Commission offset funding for the
community.
Council Member Henn questioned why the City did not use all of the impact fees
and Assistant City Manager Kiff responded that the funding could be used for
any similar project from the jetty southward. The City's need was to bring some
of the sand to Balboa Island, a project that did not qualify for the funds.
Ron Winship said that sand replacement was the City's most important duty.
Property values in Newport Beach require decent sandy beaches and it should be
a focus of the City.
Dick Nichols thanked Tom Rossmiller for all of his work and was pleased that
Corona del Mar got some of the sand.
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Motion by Coun it Member Curry_ to 1) authorize the City Manager to
execute an agreement substantially similar to the one attached to the staff
report with Cousyn Grading and Demolition for $195,000 as amended to include
the language modification to Item 7 of the Scope of Services to require that
engines be shut off when trucks are staged on Ocean Boulevard; and 2) approve
a budget amendment (07BA -046) increasing revenue estimates in Account #255-
4842 by $155,000 and increasing expenditure appropriations by $155,000 in CIP
Item 7255- C2371972, CDM Beach Replenishment.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich,
Mayor Rosansky, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council
Member Gardner
H. PUBLIC HEARING
16. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SINGLE AND
TWO UNIT DEVELOPMENT. [100 -2007]
Senior Planner Ramirez reported on the draft temporary ordinance establishing
design criteria for single and two -unit development. He said that the proposed
ordinance would not change any of the current provisions of the ordinance and
advised Council that the proposed design criteria were somewhat subjective.
Senior Planner Ramirez responded to Council Member Webb that staff expected
to have the ordinance ready for adoption in January 2008 and confirmed that
this was staffs first attempt to comply with Council's direction to have
something ready for implementation by April 1.
Mayor Pro Tem. Selich stated that the General Plan Implementation Committee
reviewed the ordinance, recommended its adoption and felt that the City needed
to move forward to meet the April 1 deadline. This proposed ordinance is a
temporary ordinance and if adopted would be an un- codified ordinance that
would give Council flexibility should it find that some aspects of the ordinance
were not working as intended. He also pointed out that there are appeal
processes built into the ordinance.
Council Member Gardner said she received an email offering the opinion that if
this process took place during residential plan check, it would be too late and the
author questioned whether the process should be applied earlier in the process.
Senior Planner Ramirez responded that staff felt it would extend rather than
shorten the process.
Council Member Webb hoped that architects would offer valuable comments
about the process so that it would not create additional work for them when they
presented plans that did not meet the design criteria. Council Member Henn
concurred and suggested that staff reach out to architects so that they are aware
of the criteria in advance of submitting plans.
Brion Jeannette, architect, said it was important for architects to know in
advance what criteria they are dealing with in advance of presenting a concept
for approval. There are inherent problems with this kind of approach. He
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suggested the following opportunities for solution: 1) let the homeowner
associations police their own building since their guidelines are more restrictive
than the cities; 2) develop an architectural design review committee; 3) appoint
an appeal committee to include architects and planners or engage a professional
design review board. He offered that if this interim solution were temporary it
could take longer than a year for a permanent ordinance to be written and
wondered if the permanent criteria would be even more stringent.
Mayor Pro Tem Selich felt it would be more expedient for the City to move
forward to develop permanent criteria and adopt an ordinance rather than spend
a lot of time pursuing a temporary ordinance.
Tod Schooler, architect, said for the most part most of the architects would like
to see better building design and to implement a temporary solution was, in his
opinion, probably the wrong way to proceed. He said he agreed with Brion
Jeannette and believed that architects were most concerned about single staff
members making arbitrary decisions. However, this ordinance is asking
architects to further limit themselves with respect to design decisions. He
agreed that a committee was preferable to having staff members make the
decisions during this period so that the process could move forward in a more
timely fashion. While the goals and ideas in the document are good the
implementation will be difficult.
Ron Winship felt this was a bad ordinance and should not be put in place. He
encouraged the Council to move forward to adopt a permanent ordinance and
preserve the integrity of the community.
Mark Cross, developer, believed that a temporary fix would create havoc and he
could not figure out an advantage to the community of a temporary ordinance.
Staff is backed up now and this ordinance would extend the process even
further. If he were to submit a project to plan check it would take a year for the
process to unfold until he was able to get approval. He said he was most
concerned about sizes of lots.
Ian Harrison, architect, felt the temporary ordinance was a misstep. Planners
have varying degrees of design knowledge and the result of their review would
therefore be very subjective. He agreed that lot sizes were a problem and are
creating difficulty with design criteria. He said he would have a problem with
the 50 percent planting requirement on Balboa Island and about the massing of
garage doors.
Dennis Wood, architect, agreed with other architects and felt this ordinance was
a very poor idea that had not been adequately thought through. The design
review board in Laguna Beach was started by a group of architects and has
deteriorated into a group of lay people without proper credentials who were
passing judgment on people's homes. He believed staff was not qualified to pass .
judgment and that architects should be the ones to pass judgment. In his
opinion, an interim ordinance is a slippery slope and will lead to disaster.
Dick Nichols said he thought this would happen. He tried to protect the zoning
in the areas that were already well zoned. The City developed its zoning for the
past 40 years and needs to take a close look at what it wants to change and keep
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in place what is working.
George Schroeder felt the ordinance adequately addressed the impervious
surface issue. He felt that the City should not require a second story step back if
the lot was only 30 to 35 feet.
Mayor Pro Tem Selich said this matter was before the Council because of a self -
imposed deadline. Comments about the difficulty in implementing policies go to
the heart of this matter. The Council has two choices tonight -- adopt the
ordinance with minor changes or extend the deadline until the new zoning code
is completed and ready for adoption and implementation; and until that time,
projects would be exempted.
Council Member Gardner felt the language could be softened to track with
GPAC's intention of providing guidelines and not mandates.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Selich to extend the implementation until
January 31, 2008.
Council Member Henn said he would be happy to modify the ordinance to
exclude homeowners associations with active review boards. Secondly, it seems
that it would be rather easy to have a mid -stop between the Planning
Department and Planning Commission to provide a quick resolution. The City is
mandated to implement what is in the General Plan and what is in the General
Plan is in this ordinance. He would prefer to move forward with the resolution
with the two modifications and recommendations to soften the language.
Mayor Pro Tem Selich reiterated Mr. Jeannette's recommendations. He would
be amenable to excluding HOA's that had architectural review committees and,
staff could be instructed to reach out to the architects.
Amended motion by Mayor Pro Tem Selich to introduce Ordinance No.
2007 -3 as amended to exclude any homeowners associations that have
architectural review committees; and instructed staff to do outreach and
encourage the designers and architects to come in for an early consultation.
The amended motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Mayor Pro Tem Selich, Mayor Rosansky, Couch
Member Webb, Council Member Gardner
Noes: Council Member Curry, Council Member Daigle
L. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ron Winship said he was shocked that the City and County do not require permits for
fumigators because of the toxic chemicals being used. He asked the City to request of
the state that this process be monitored at a local level.
Beverly Bernstein was also concerned about the fumigation materials and related health
concerns because of the number of people living in her complex who have severe
ailments. She asked the Council to be caring and compassionate about this issue and
help the residents.
Bill Ficker was disappointed that the City was rushing to stop thinking about a City
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Hall at the library site. He had encouraged public exchange of information and tried to
do that in his proposal to bring opportunities to the City Council. Many people could
enjoy the site for City Hall and its employees. Newport Center has in excess of 8 acres
that offers an opportunity for park areas and covered parking. He asked Council to
afford him an opportunity to present his plan to the community.
Lori Morris entered a public record Notice of Addendum that was originally requested on
December 12, 2006. Her inquiry sought disclosures for City departments and staff
members for the years 2004 through 2007 to determine any possible conflict of interest.
Debra Allen, Chair, Park Development Committee, said it was very important for the
City Council to move forward with plans to implement the Newport Center Park. The
PB &R Commission voted unanimously to not include a soccer field at the site. The
Committee raised $1.2 million and the City's delay has cost the project $600,000 and
further delays are likely to result in additional costs. This is money that was raised
through private donation at the behest of the City Council. She urged the Council to
move forward and build the park.
Barry Allen took exception to Mr. Ficker being allowed to make a presentation at the
next Council meeting because in his opinion, Mr. Ficker should not be allowed to do so
until there is a scheduled public hearing on the matter.
Bernie Svalstad said he agreed with Debra Allen and felt it would be redundant to have
the issue brought up again and that it should be approved at the next meeting. The
McFadden Square Centennial Legacy program continues and is accepting donations. He
hoped the project would be built by the end of the year.
M. ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES - None
N. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA AND ORAL STATUS REPORT
17. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 8,2007.1100-20071
Planning Director Lepo reported on the following Planning Commission items:
Santa Ana River Vision Plan Advisory Committee formation; Planning
Commission email policy; Planning Department website; standard project
conditions of approval, update on Planning Department organization; and, Isla
Vista Homes (PA2004 -123) — 1499 and 1515 Monrovia Avenue.
O. CONTINUED BUSINES
18. POLICE DEPARTMENT PLAN TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY CONCERNS
IN THE OCEAN BLVD. AREA OF CORONA DEL MAR AND PENINSULA
POINT. (100 -20071
Chief McDonell recapped the recommendations he made during a previous study
session. He felt it was important to discuss crime statistics for the 10:00 p.m. to
6:00 a.m. timeframe because it was intimated that enforcement overstated its
presence in the Corona del Mar beach and Ocean Boulevard areas. Although
this is not the situation, the department intends to address all possibilities and
in the short term intends to improve communications with the public through
scheduling Neighborhood Watch meetings; providing increased patrol in the
beach area of Corona del May and the Peninsula; re- deploying bike patrols in the
beach areas; establishing adequate lighting, and documenting encounters and
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document graffiti. On a long -term basis the department proposes to install a
metal security gate at the Corona del Mar parking lot; seek the Council's input
and direction on securing a low light five camera system for the Corona del Mar
beach and Peninsula Point and other pertinent areas at an estimated cost of
$75,000 including a storage system. Chief McDonell said that he would not
recommend adding overtime usage of officers in the Peninsula Point area at this
time.
Council Member Daigle asked for more information on the Neighborhood Watch
program and Chief McDonell elaborated with emphasis on attempting to get
more public participation. Anyone interested in becoming a block captain should
contact the department.
The City Council spoke in support of the Chiefs recommendations and and
commended him and the department for their responsiveness to this issue.
City Manager Badum responded to Mayor Pro Tem Selich that the gate would be
installed at the entrance. Chief McDonell said the gate would be electronically
controlled.
Dick Nichols said he supported use of cameras and suggested a later
enforcement time of 12:00 midnight or 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Motion by Council Member Gardner to 1) approve funding in the amount of
$10,000 for a metal security gate to be installed at the entrance of the City
municipal parking lot at Corona del Mar State Beach; and 2) directed staff to
return with more information on the use of remote low -light cameras in public
areas for law enforcement purposes. Council Member Curry spoke in support of
the motion.
Substitute motion by Council Member Henn to 1) approve funding in the
amount of $10,000 for a metal security gate to be installed at the entrance of the
City municipal parking lot at Corona del Mar State Beach; 2) directed staff to
bring back info on the use of remote low -light cameras in public areas for law
enforcement purposes; 3) approve the use of overtime on a trial basis for two
officers to be assigned exclusively to the Ocean Blvd. and surrounding area on
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. until
the cameras are implemented; and 4) approve a budget amendment (07BA -044)
appropriating $10,000 from the unappropriated General Fund balance to 3140-
8040 for the installation of the security gate.
The substitute motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle,
Council Member Gardner
Noes: Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich, Mayor Rosansky
S22. APPOINTMENTS TO THE CITY COUNCILICITIZENS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON INTENSE RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY. 1100 -20071
Motion by Coucil Member Webb to confirm the Mayor's appointments as
follows: Mayor Rosansky, Chair; Planning Commissioner Michael Toerge; Board
of Realtors representative Craig Batley; West Newport Beach Association
representative Jim Miller; Central Balboa Association representative Louise
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Fundenberg, and at -large members Robert Rush and Jeffrey Myers.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich,
Mayor Rosansky, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council
Member Gardner
P. CURRENT BUSINESS
19. PROPOSALS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS CURRY AND GARDNER TO
ADDRESS TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUES AT NEWPORT COAST
DRIVE/PELICAN HILL ROAD NORTH INTERSECTION. [100 -20071
Council Member Curry spoke about the February 2nd accident that shook the
community. As a result, he, Council Member Gardner, staff and law
enforcement undertook the challenge to address the issues specific to the
interchange with the goal to prevent further accidents. He elaborated on the
recommendations offered for consideration and recommended that Council direct
staff to move forward with the design to incorporate the matter in the City's CIP
program.
Steve Shulman, Traffic Services Division, responded to Council Member Webb
that as represented by The Irvine Company the map clearly indicates signage
that specifies, "do not enter on Pelican Hills North" and there should be
supervisors present to direct traffic accordingly. Council Member Webb said
some individuals have said this exit should be closed and the City does not have
the authority to enforce such a closure. The vehicle code gives trucks the right to
proceed over the most direct route.
Lilly Cooper, Vice President, Pelican Heights HOA, said the intersection has
been a concern for many years and that numerous accidents have occurred at the
poorly designed intersection. Mrs. Cooper said that she believes the
homeowners association has no jurisdiction outside of the gate for purposes of
granting easements. City Manager Badum stated that according to assessor
records the intersection is owned by the HOA.
Steve Craig, President, Pelican Heights HOA, presented Council with several
letters. He said he witnessed the accident and was stuck inside the gate for
more than an hour. The Irvine Company employees were unable to get The
Irvine Company to respond and no enforcement was provided for traffic control.
He appreciated Council Members Curry and Gardner's speedy response to this
problem and felt it was time for the City to act to properly redesign and mitigate
this interchange.
Steve Cay said he uses the intersection daily and is very concerned about safety.
He thanked the Council for addressing this overdue issue. Not only is there a
problem with construction vehicles, passenger vehicle drivers also contribute to
the same safety concerns.
Honeybee Hyatt thanked Council Members Curry and Gardner for their swift
response to this issue. She serves on the HOA Board of Directors and receives a
lot of input from residents. She supports the proposal but asked that it be
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expanded to include a short -term rerouting of trucks via Pelican Hills South and
open the short term reroute for residents until the area is permanently fixed.
Charles Bollis thanked Council Members Curry and Gardner for their swift
response. The intersection is poorly designed and extremely dangerous. At the
time of the accident, the gate attendant had no idea there had been an accident
and refused to let him through. He suggested installing speed humps to slow
both the truck and passenger vehicle traffic.
Gary Wright said cement trucks weigh 66,000 pounds and are a serious hazard.
The Irvine Company is concerned about who has responsibility and that they
wanted to participate in re- engineering this intersection. He urged Council to
work with them to come up with alternative designs for the interchange.
Council Member Webb suggested the City consider a maximum truck speed of
30 -35 mph all the way down the hill to Coast Highway.
Motion by Council Member Curry_ to 1) approve and direct staff to
implement a specific list of Safety Improvement Measures recommended by
Council Members Curry and Gardner; and 2) direct staff to report back to the
Council and the community every three months with information about the
effectiveness of these measures and to evaluate truck speed limit as suggested
by Council Member Webb.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich,
Mayor Rosansky, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council
Member Gardner
20. TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) INCENTIVE PROGRAM -
CRYSTAL COVE HISTORIC DISTRICT. [100 -8007]
Assistant City Manager Kiff stated that this agreement proposes to return 100%
of the Transient Occupancy Tax charged to the Crystal Cove cottages back to the
Crystal Cove Alliance to assist them with cottage restoration efforts and allow
them to acquire matching funds in order to bring more of the cottages back on
line faster.
Council Member Gardner said she supported the program that allows people to
stay on the beach for a reasonable amount, as well as other benefits.
Mayor Pro Tem Selich felt it was bad policy to use TOT revenue and pour it into
one project. There are other historic properties within the City that may request
similar programs. If the City wants to support Crystal Cove the project should
compete on its own merits with other projects on an annual basis.
Council Member Daigle said she too would prefer to have this included as a CIP
project that should be evaluated and funded just like all other projects.
Mayor Rosansky also toured the facility and was skeptical about the approval of
a five -year agreement for a significant amount of money. Certainly this project
would need to compete on an annual basis and would like Council concurrence to
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have staff prepare a revised agreement. He was also concerned about a Master
Plan being developed and could not support the plan as proposed.
Laura Davick, President and Founder of the Crystal Cove Alliance explained the
project and asked for Council's consideration for approving support of the
program.
Laura Davick responded to Council Member Webb that if the City approved the
$90,000 annual allocation the Alliance would move to immediately put those
funds to use.
Dan Gee, Chairman, Crystal Cove Alliance, stated that the Alliance was close to
entering into a design -phase contract with the architects and engineers for a $20
million build -out. The effort is to move forward immediately and to use the TOT
funds toward that end with money being spent within 60 days. Mayor Rosansky
said he understood the TOT funds would be used to restore cottages to be placed
in the rental pool.
Rich Rozelle, Superintendent, Orange Coast District, California State Parks,
said this project is in the top ten of the department's priority list.
Council Member Curry supported the project while sharing Mayor Rosansky's
concerns. The five years gives the Alliance long -range planning opportunities
while giving the City the right on an annual basis to review the merits of the
project and cancel upon 60 -days notice should it deem appropriate.
Mayor Rosansky said he understood the agreement but felt that if the Council
approved the agreement the 60 -day cancellation clause would never be
exercised.
Mayor Pro Tem Selich said he would prefer to have this agreement considered
on an annual basis. Council Member Daigle reiterated her desire to have the
agreement included for consideration as part of the annual CIP budget.
Motion by Coucil Member Webb to authorize the City Manager to execute an
Agreement (based on the Term Sheet attached to staff report) between the City
and the Crystal Cove Alliance to assist the Alliance with cottage restoration
efforts by returning 100% of the City's share of the TOT to the Alliance.
The motion failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Curry, Coucil Member Webb, Council Member Gardner
Noes: Council Member Henn, Mayor Pro Tem Selich, Mayor Rosansky, Council
Member Daigle
Q. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None
R. ADJOURNMENT - 11:36 p.m. - In memory of Sid Soffer
The agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on February 7, at 2:18 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
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City Council Minutes
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was posted on February 9, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board
located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
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