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Home My WebLink About01/12/2010 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes City Council Study Session January 12, 2010 — 3:30 p.m. I. ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Selich, Mayor Pro Tem Henn, Mayor Curry, Council Member Webb, Council Member Gardner, Council Member Daigle Absent: Council Member Rosansky H. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR. Regarding Item S21 (Early Retirement Incentive Program), Council Member Daigle appreciated the budget amendment and the fact that the City will be doing business with a Newport Beach based company. Regarding Item 15 (City -Wide Street Sweeping), Council Member Gardner requested and received clarification that a proposal for bi- weekly street sweeping will be brought to Council. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Henn's question regarding Item 15, General Services Director Harmon clarified that the contract will include CPI adjustments for the first five years and that the equipment will either be CNG or LNG. Regarding Item 8 (Outdoor Furniture for OASIS), Deputy Public Works Director Webb explained the reasons for sole sourcing the outdoor furniture purchase. Mayor Pro Tem Henn expressed the opinion that a sole source contract for the indoor furniture might not be appropriate. Mayor Curry indicated that he will be pulling Item 18 (Charter Update Commission) to request modifications to the resolution. City Manager Kiff introduced the new Administrative Services Director, Tracy McCraner, who discussed her background and thanked Council and staff for the opportunity. 2. AMENDMENTS TO NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.42, REGULATING SOLICITATION WITHIN THE CITY. Deputy City Attorney Wolcott discussed the current solicitation ordinance, enforceable restrictions, possible hours of restriction for solicitation, First Amendment rights, possible solutions, commercial solicitation on behalf of non- commercial entities, procedures for a "no evening soliciting" registry, and other possible actions residents can take. Council Member Gardner noted that the Corona del Mar Resident's Association had recently discussed the aggressive nature of some solicitors, recommended amending Volume 59 - Page 861 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session January 12, 2010 the ordinance to increase City control, and suggested conveying options to residents in the next City Manager Newsletter. Council Member Selich also commented on aggressive solicitors and supported the idea of a resident registry to limit solicitation during evening hours. Council Member Webb requested clarification on commercial versus non - commercial solicitors and suggested that residents request that solicitors show their City registration card when being solicited. City Attorney Hunt suggested that staff consult with the Police Department on how to handle aggressive solicitors since aggressive conduct could be considered a penal cede violation. He recommended moving forward with a reasonable and assertive ordinance to manage solicitation. Mayor Curry requested and received clarification that these restrictions would not apply to political speech. He also asked whether leaflets on vehicles can be restricted and expressed support for amending the ordinance. 8. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RE: POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGULATIONS REGARDING THE "RENTER CONFLICT ISSUE.- Council Member Gardner suggested making Board Members and Commissioners aware to contact the City Attorney's Office regarding possible conflicts of interests. In response to Council Member Daigle's question. City Attorney Hunt discussed leaseholds and month -to -month tenancies. He believed problems should be addressed on a case -by -case basis. 4. CONTRACT WATER METER READING AND MONTHLY UTILITY BILLING. Deputy Utilities Director Justice discussed the background, goals for the organizational restructuring, contract meter reading and labor costs, other services provided by the meter division, continued customer service and support, meter replacements, benefits to the meter reading program, and the implementation schedule. In response to Council questions, he noted that meters are read on a route, that routes will be looked at in order to be more efficient and economical, discussed costs associated with upgrading meters, and noted advantages and disadvantages with different types of meters and devices. Council Member Rosansky entered the meeting at 4:18 p.m Council Member Daigle agreed that a cost/benefit analysis is needed and asked about hiring turn-key vendors. Mayor Pro Tem Henn recommended looking into options for wireless meter reading technology. Mayor Curry requested a detailed analysis of costs, benefits, and budget impacts, along with more detailed technology recommendations. City Manager Kiff noted that he will authorize a Request for Proposal (R.FP) before Volume 59 - Page 362 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session January 12, 2010 the issue is brought back to Council. 5. PROPOSED OCEAN WATER DESALINATION PROJECT IN HUNTINGTON BEACH. Deputy Utilities Director Justice discussed documents submitted to the City Attorney's Office for review, two sources of water in the City, imported water costs, sequencing, and potential water purchase agreements. In response to Council questions, Utilities Director Murdoch noted that 17,000 acre feet of water is used by the City per year. He also noted that there is no short -term fix and asked Council for approval to move forward with the project. 3n response to Council questions, Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Principal Engineer Richard Bell discussed designated local water supplies and the water allocation process. Council Member Gardner clarified that the Coastal/Bay Water Quality Committee did not take a position on the merits of the Poseidon Project. Mayor Pro Tem Henn received clarification regarding the City's control over its water sources and expressed the opinion that pursuing water independence would be a tremendous strategic asset to the City. Council Member Daigle recommended that staff monitor the Metropolitan Water District process. Council Member Webb noted that this unique opportunity allows the City to become more self - sufficient and commended staff for planning ahead. Mayor Curry discussed the project in Huntington Beach and noted the economic potential for moving forward with the project. 6. AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 14.17 (WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING) OF THE NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE. Senior Planner Ramirez utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the State Assembly Bill, implementation provisions, definitions, calculated landscape areas, options for compliance, the Orange County Model, the proposed ordinance, and permits required. In response to Council questions, Water Conservation Coordinator Burckle discussed who is authorized to certify calculations and documents for the residents, exemptions to the ordinance, enforcement factors, renovation requirements, and applicability. Mayor Curry noted that Orange County League of California Cities Executive Director Lacy Kelly is in attendance tonight. Council Member Gardner expressed support for adopting the amendment. Council Member Selich discussed irrigation systems and the importance Volume 59 - Page 868 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session January 12, 2010 of conserving water. III. PUBLIC CQMMFNTS -None IV. ADJOURNMENT - 5:14 p.m. The agenda for the Study Session was posted on January 6, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. aAA� Q 0 City Clerk q�'d I LjA V Recording Secretary .�" Mayor Volume 59 - Page 364