HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/08/2010 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
City Council Study Session
June 8, 2010 — 3:30 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Selich, Mayor Curry, Council Member Webb, Council Member Gardner,
Council Member Daigle
Excused: Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tem Henn
U. CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
Regarding Item 25 (Office of the City Attorney - Budget and Trend Analysis), Council
Member Daigle requested an approximate date that the workflow analysis report will be
presented. City Manager Kiff stated that he is currently working with the Office of the City
Attorney to have it presented to Council on June 22, 2010 and clarified that it
will include the contract review process.
2. AUTOMATED WATER METER READING PRESENTATION. 1100 -20101
Utilities Director Murdoch provided information on how the current water meters are read,
the reorganization of the Utilities Department, consolidation of services that his staff is
providing, the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, outdated equipment that the City
utilizes, and the cost effectiveness of outsourcing services.
Council Member Rosansky joined the meeting at 3:38 p.m.
In response to Council questions, Utilities Director Murdoch stated that there were four
vendors participating in the RFP process, but Alexander's Inc. was the only company to
respond. He noted that Alexander's Inc. is reading meters for 15 agencies in Orange
County, discussed the new Customer Service Division developed in his department, stated
that the only reduction of staff was a result of ERIP, clarified that water meters are read
every two months, noted that Alexander's Inc. uses wireless handhelds that report back to
the City, and reported that there will be future implementation of a water
meter replacement program. City Manager Kiff explained that during the ERIP process,
staff reported that meter reader services would be contracted out.
James Beck, Alexander's Inc., showed a PowerPoint presentation that included the history
of the company, their approach, reporting ability, and accuracy of the equipment. He
reported that their equipment lessens the burden on the billing staff by having one interface
and provides advanced technology. He also provided a breakdown of the price per water
meter.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Beck stated that his employees do not communicate
directly with homeowners, will report broken lids and other triggers to City staff, and noted
that the employees wear uniforms. City Manager Kiff clarified that the program went out to
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City Council Study Session
June 8, 2010
bid.
3. FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY. [100 -20101
City Manager Kiff stated that the goal of the City is to bring the 4th of July Celebration to a
family - friendly level and thanked the Police Department for their effort and diligence.
Public Information Manager Finnigan stated that the main problems the residents endure
during this holiday is large crowds and out of control parties. She provided the statistical
information for arrests and citations for 2009 and showed a PowerPoint presentation that
included information about the approach to the changes, anticipation of a multi -year
strategy, the process of monitoring the known party houses and troubled spots, the City's
vision, and enforcement concept.
Police Lieutenant McKnight talked about the safety enhancement zone, showed maps,
believed that the changes will work well, noted that the plan covers the western area of
Newport Beach, emphasized that the concentration is at Balboa Boulevard and Coast
Highway, addressed the new street closure and times, and announced that pedestrian and
bicycle access will be limited. He stated that there are large groups of people that gather
which make it difficult to manage and the plan is to spread the crowds out, limit access to
the shopping plaza on Coast Highway and Balboa Boulevard, identify party houses,
implement foot beats to make a greater presence, make changes to police shift
times, continue to be firm but fair, and provide community outreach.
Mayor Pro Tem Henn joined the meeting at 4:19 p.m.
Mayor Curry applauded the efforts of staff, believed that it will take a few years to notice
the changes, noted that effective enforcement that reduces the magnitude of the event is
important, and stated that the 4th of July Holiday has been an impact on the community in
the past which needs to be alleviated.
Mayor Pro Tem Henn thanked City staff, the City Manager, and the Police Department for
being responsive and for seeking solutions. He stated that residents should be experiencing
family- friendly fun time, not unruly visitors. He also stated that the City will take some
chances and try something new, applauded the local businesses for their support and good
attitude towards getting the situation under control, and stated that it is more important
that residents in the area will soon have the opportunity to have a quality 4th of July
Holiday.
Craig Batley stated that he witnessed unruly parties, concurred with staff that it is time to
add more enforcement, expressed support for the plan, and suggested that staff educate the
public of the changes.
George Schroeder applauded the changes and believed that the problem exists due to limited
enforcement of the party houses.
Kimberly Jamison expressed support for the plan, believed that some of the activities pose
health and safety issues, thanked staff for taking a proactive approach to the issue, thanked
Lieutenant McKnight for being responsive to residents' issues, and suggested that bright
lights and a DUI checkpoint be implemented.
Mayor Curry thanked Mayor Pro Tem Henn for his efforts and noted that he looks forward
to the results of the 4th of July Holiday safety efforts.
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City Council Study Session
June 8, 2010
4. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS AND DOROTHY PALEN AWARD.
City Manager Kiff reported that due to budget restrictions, the customary employee
recognition program was deleted this year; however, he recognized employees with 30
years or more of service. He announced that the winner of the Dorothy Palen Award is
Senior Civil Engineer Lee, thanked all employees for their hard work, and invited
everyone to attend the reception in the City Hall lobby immediately after the Study
Session.
Mayor Curry thanked all City employees for making many sacrifices due to the budget
cuts, but still continuing to provide a high quality of service.
Mayor Pro Tem Henn thanked all of the nominees, noting that they represent all staff that
are hard working and dedicated. He also thanked Senior Civil Engineer Lee for managing
the Assessment Districts and for always going the extra mile.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
IV. ADJOURNMENT - 4:51 p.m.
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on June 2, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. on the City
Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration
Building.
7
Recording Secretary
Mayor
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