HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/09/2010 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
City Council Study Session
February 9, 2010 — 5:00 p.m.
L ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Selich, Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tem Henn, Mayor
Curry, Council Member Webb, Council Member Gardner, Council Member Daigle
II. CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Henn's questions regarding Item 5 (Junior Lifeguard
Program Uniforms) and Item 6 (West Newport Park), Fire Chief Lewis noted that
Hurley agreed to the 2009 contract price for 2010 and that next year the contract
will be put out to bid. Public Works Director Badum indicated that he will research
why funding was coming from the General Fund rather than the Oceanfront
Encroachment Fund.
2. RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE REGARDING REGULATION OF LEAF BLOWERS IN
RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
Assistant City Manager Wood discussed the outreach efforts, EQAC
recommendations, and whether there should be a complete or limited ban on leaf
blowers.. She also noted that a consultant would need to be retained to conduct a
study because of the reduction in City staff. This would cost approximately $10,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Henn questioned what the cost to homeowners would be if a ban was
enacted, noted the large amount of emails he has received on the subject, and
suggested the possibility of resident associations assisting financially in moving the
study forward.
Council Member Daigle noted that economic impacts need to be considered and
suggested that Council consider a limitation on leaf blowers.
Council Member Gardner noted that a ban would be the easiest way to monitor and
enforce the requirement, discussed EQAC's suggestion to keep the ban residential,
suggested researching labor costs, and felt that continued public outreach by staff
was not necessary. She also noted that the City of Laguna Beach has not had issues
with their ban.
Council Member Rosansky felt that this issue is a want rather than a need, that
money should not be spent on a consultant, and that the City needs to focus on the
budget first.
Council Member Webb suggested speaking with gardeners to find out how much
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Study Session
February 9, 2010
more they would charge for not using leaf blowers.
Council Member Selich agreed with Council Member Rosansky, requested more
information on the cost and enforcement of a ban, and noted that enforcement might
put additional burdens on City staff.
Ken Drellishak discussed programs and reports done by the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD), and expressed support for some form of a restriction on leaf blowers.
Karen Tringali, Corona del Mar Residents Association President, discussed results
from three polls conducted by the Association and expressed support for an outright
ban.
Nancy Muran- Sanchez suggested the use of garden vacuums instead of leaf blowers.
Dr. Gail Reisman noted health and economic issues for gardeners due to leaf
blowers.
W.R. Dildine discussed gas powered leaf blowers and expressed support for leaf
blower use within certain hours of operation.
Hunter Cook expressed support for an ordinance to ban leaf blowers on a test basis.
Jennifer Rogers discussed health problems and allergies related to leaf blowers and
expressed support for a ban.
Mayor Curry suggested surveying residents, noted that banning leaf blowers might
- encourage residents to water down their properties, and noted the importance of
providing adequate options for landscaping.
Mayor Pro Tem Henn suggested limiting the ban to residential areas, having an
outright ban rather than limitations, and confirming that there is public support of a
ban. He supported sending a letter to homeowner associations asking them to
.provide feedback on the subject and asked staff to also contact representatives from
maintenance organizations for their feedback.
Council Member Daigle mentioned next generation technology and a leaf blower
swap program.
Council Member Gardner encouraged enacting a leaf blower exchange program if a
ban is not passed.
a. PRESENTATION BY ASSOCIATION OF ORANGE COAST YACHT CLUBS
(AOCYC).
Jon Reynolds, Association of Orange Coast Yacht Clubs (AOCYC) Commodore,
utilized a. PowerPoint presentation to discuss the organization, the racing schedule,
racing marks and map, and primary activities.
Mayor Curry noted that Newport Beach is home to over 9,000 pleasure boats, which
helps to define the community.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS -.None '
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Study Session
February 9, 2010
IV. ADJOURNMENT - 5:40 p.m.
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on February 8, 2010 at 2:45 p.m. on
the City Ball Bulletin Board- located outside of the City of Newport Beach
Administration Building.
Recording Secretary
Mayor
J�/�4'wVW � �►Urt Y v
City Clerk
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