HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/13/2001 - Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 13, 2001 - 7:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
INDEX
CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 p.m
CLOSED SESSION REPORT PRESENTED - None.
RECESSED AND RECONVENE AT 7:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Absent: None
Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway.
Invocation by Mrs. Marianne McDaniel.
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR
DISCUSSION. ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM):
Council Member Bromberg stated that a business owner of a men's store in
his district tried to get a permit to put up a sale sign in his window and that
this process took him 2.5 hours. He indicated that there should be an easier
way to get something like this done more expeditiously.
Council Member Glover requested that the agreement between the City and
the Newport Theater Arts Center be placed on the February 27 agenda.
Regarding Greenlight issues, Council Member Glover asked what the
timeframe was for General Plan Amendments (GPA) to go before Council,
adding that Council would now need more time to review them. She
requested that an item be placed on the February 27 agenda that gives
information on the timing and how Council would become more familiar with
the project when initiating a GPA.
Council Member O'Neil reported that two GPA initiations will be on the
February 27 agenda that deal with St. Mark Presbyterian Church and Our
Lady Queen of Angels Church. He stated that a newspaper article discussed
his active involvement with Our Lady Queen of Angels Church and read a
statement that assured that his decision on this matter will be guided by
facts.
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001 INDEX
• Council Member Heffernan stated that there may be a traffic safety issue at
the Edwards Theater since the driveway onto San Miguel has low -lying
bushes that precludes the sight path from the left side. He requested that
this be discussed with The Irvine Company.
• Council Member Heffernan announced that Council is looking for applicants
for the Telecommunications Committee and that interested individuals can
contact the City Clerk's office for an application.
• Mayor Adams asked staff to include an item after this portion of the agenda
that would allow Council Members an opportunity to report on committee
activities.
CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES /ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR AND REGULAR
MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2001, THE ADJOURNED REGULAR
MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2001 AND THE SPECIAL MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 2, 2001. 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.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
3. RECONFIRMATION OF PARS SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT
C- 3284/Res 2001 -8
PLAN. Adopt Resolution No. 2001.8 reconfirming the City's participation in
PARS Retirement
the subject plan.
Plan (38/66)
4. EXTENSION OF TERM OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE.
Res 2001 -9
Adopt Resolution No. 2001 -9 extending the term of the Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing
Task Force.
Task Force (24)
ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION
5. WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT MUNICIPAL CODE CHANGE.
Ord 2001 -2
Introduce Ordinance No. 2001 -2 amending Chapter 10.48 of Title 10 of the
Weed and
NBMC pertaining to weed and rubbish abatement and pass to second
Rubbish
reading on February 27, 2001.
Abatement (41)
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
6. BAYSIDE DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS - AMENDMENT
C -3198
NO. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DMc
Bayside Drive
ENGINEERING. 1) Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services
Storm Drain
Agreement with DMc Engineering for $9,800; and 2) authorize the Mayor
Improvements
and the City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 2 to the agreement.
(38)
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
7. Removed at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway.
8. AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
MEC ANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Approve an amendment to
Professional Services Agreement with MEC Analytical Systems, Inc. for
$23,241.
9. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN OF THE
DOVER DRIVE 36 -INCH ZONE II WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
AND STREET REHABILITATION FROM CLIFF DRIVE TO WEST
COAST HIGHWAY (C- 3394). Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to
execute a Professional Services Agreement with AKM Consulting Engineers
(AKM) for $64,278 to prepare plans and specifications for the construction of
1,500 feet of 36 -inch and 24 -inch water transmission main in Dover Drive
and the street rehabilitation from Cliff Drive to West Coast Highway.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
10. Removed at the request of a staff member.
11. Removed at the request of Council Member Bromberg.
12. ADOPTION OF DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE)
PROGRAM FOR FEDERAL FY 2001 -02. 1) Approve the DBE Program
for the City of Newport Beach for federal fiscal year beginning October 1,
2000 and ending September 3, 2001; and 2) authorize the Public Works
Director to sign the policy.
13. AMENDMENT TO CITY'S 2001 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM. Amend
the City's Legislative Platform for 2001 reflecting a change to Section Five
relating to Aviation.
14. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM NEWPORT BEACH FILM
FESTIVAL. Approve a budget amendment (BA -027) transferring $30,000
from General Fund unappropriated surplus to the Economic Development
special department expense account, and approve assistance to the Film
Festival in that amount.
15. FUNDING FOR DEFERRED LANDFILL EXPENDITURES FROM
FEBRUARY 1998 STORMS. Approve a budget amendment (BA -026) for
$75,347.69 payable to the County of Orange for deferred landfill disposal
fees.
16. TRANSFER FUNDS FROM PACIFIC LIFE FOUNDATION AND THE
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM TO
FIRE DEPARTMENT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. Approve a budget
amendment (BA -029) in the amount of $15,303, transferring grant funds
from Pack Life Foundation and the Emergency Management Assistance
Grant Program to the Fire Department for Disaster Preparedness; and
authorized the automatic carry-over into next year's budget, if the grant
funds are not completely utilized this year.
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INDEX
C -3381
Newport Harbor
Sediment
Analysis (38)
C -3394
Dover Drive
Water Main
Replacement and
Street Rehab
(38)
Disadvantaged
Business
Enterprise
Program
(74)
2001 Legislative
Platform
(48)
BA -027
Newport Beach
Film Festival
(40/68)
BA -026
Deferred
Landfill
(40/44)
BA -029
Disaster
Preparedness
(40/41)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
S24. NEWPORT DUNES STORM WATER DIVERSION SYSTEM. 1) Adopt
Resolution 2001 -10 relating to supporting the Newport Dunes Storm Water
Diversion System; 2) approve the Plans and Specifications for the Newport
Dunes Storm Water Diversion System; 3) authorize the City Manager to
direct staff to complete the following: (a) informal bidding associated with
the construction of the Diversion System; (b) communication with the
Orange County Sanitation District, the Newport Dunes Resort, the Hyatt
Newporter Resort, and other related parties regarding the Diversion System;
(c) award of a contract to the lowest responsible bidder to construct the
Diversion System; and (d) negotiations with the OCSD and the watershed
interests to prepare an operating and maintenance agreement associated
with the long -term operation of the Diversion and return to City Council for
approval of this /these agreement(s); and 4) approve Budget Amendment
(BA -030) accepting $40,000 from the Orange County Sanitation District and
$40,000 from the County of Orange for the construction of the Diversion
System.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway to approve the Consent Calendar,
except for those items removed (7, 10 and 11) and noting the addition of the
second recommendation on Item 16 that was inadvertently left off the
agenda.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE
SYSTEM.
Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway requested and received clarification from Building
Director Elbettar that the interactive voice response system allows people
who have applied for permits, requesting inspections, or have questions or
concerns about business licenses to interact with the permit system 24 hours
a day, seven days a week by phone, email, or fax. He described how a person
would be directed through the database and added that staff could also leave
a message on the system that an applicant can retrieve.
Council Member Glover stated that it would be helpful if staff puts a
message on the voicemail indicating that they are out of the office or on
vacation. Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway expressed the opinion that the City's
phone system is difficult to use and requested that staff look into updating
the phone system.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway to direct the City Manager to sign
the contractual agreement with Tele -Works Incorporated for installation of
an Interactive Voice Response System in the amount of $105,595.
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INDEX
Res 2001 -10
C -3297
BA -030
Newport Dunes
Storm Water
Diversion System
(38/40)
C -3398
Interactive Voice
Response System
(38)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
Jim Hildreth, 120 The Grand Canal, expressed the opinion that the
voicemail system is a great idea if it works and suggested that the system
also be used by the Harbor Resources Division to obtain information
regarding onshore and offshore moorings, piers, and docks.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2001.
Regarding Item 1 (Newport Riverboat Promoters), Assistant City Manager
Wood reported that the Planning Commission was not sure if installing a
Plexiglas screen would be enough, so they extended the Director's Use
Permit until August and required the applicant to install the Plexiglas
barrier. The Commission will review the matter in August to see if more
conditions need to be added prior to approving a use permit.
Regarding Item 2 (The Schuleiun Building), Ms. Wood stated that this was
continued to allow the applicant to explore parking options.
Regarding Item 3 (Sterns Architecture), Ms. Wood noted that this item was
previously before Council and was referred back to the Commission with
changes. She indicated that this was approved by the Commission.
Regarding Item 4 (Rex Brandt Trust), Ms. Wood stated that this was
continued to February 22 to allow the neighbors and applicant an
opportunity to work on privacy, landscape, and parking issues.
Regarding Item 5 (Cafe Il Farro), Ms. Wood reported that their request to
upgrade their Alcohol Beverage License was approved since the Cafe is
designed to be just a restaurant with no bar.
Regarding Item 6 (General Plan Amendment Initiations), Ms. Wood stated
that the three GPA initiations were recommended and will be on the
February 27 agenda.
Regarding Item 7, (Proposed Development Plan Review Procedures),
Ms. Wood reported that this was continued since they ran out of time.
In response to Mayor Adams' question regarding Item 6, Ms. Wood reported
that the office project at MacArthur and Bristol is subject to Greenlight.
Ms. Temple added that neither of the church requests cross the square
footage threshold, but noted that they have not conducted the traffic analysis
yet. She added that the Our Lady Queen of Angel Church project may
require additional analysis since they are proposing to install a double -lane
for the grammar school.
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1013
Planning
(68)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
In response to Council Member Proctor's question, Ms. Wood stated that the
recusal in Item 5 is an error. She explained that the recusal happened in
Item 4 since Commissioner Kiser represents one of the neighbors.
Council Member Glover requested that GPA initiations be itemized in the
future. Ms. Temple reported that GPA 2001.011 (A) is a request for an
additional 400,000 square feet in an office development, adding that their
entitlement is 180,000 square feet. Regarding the St. Mark Presbyterian
Church project, she confirmed that this is a change in zoning designation
from open -space to a church use. Regarding the Our Lady Queen of Angels
Church project, Ms. Temple reported that they are requesting additional
floor area beyond the General Plan limit.
Motion by Mayor Adams to receive and file.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11. UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD AND
VACANCY ON THE ORANGE COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL
DISTRICT BOARD.
Council Member Bromberg stated that he and Council Members O'Neil and
Heffernan interviewed candidates for the Civil Service Board. He reported
that, even though they are nominating Marilee Jackson and Bert Carson for
the position, the five candidates were very impressive. He encouraged them
to keep their applications current since another vacancy will occur next year.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway to confirm the Ad Hoc
Appointments Committee nomination of Marilee Jackson and Bert Carson to
fill the unscheduled vacancy (term expires 6/30/05) and schedule the
appointment to be made on February 27, 2001; and directed the Ad Hoc
Appointments Committee to review and conduct interviews for the vacancy
on the Orange County Vector Control District Board (City of Newport Beach
representative).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Hildreth, 120 The Grand Canal, stated that he received an invoice for a
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18013 X1:1
Civil Service
Board/
OC Vector
Control
District Board
(24)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
residential pier permit on January 29, even though the fee referral number
(RP80100011) was changed. He believed that the change is unwarranted
since its designation has not been changed. He stated that the City uses
Standard Drawing 603 for platforms and steps which he feels is the
structure that Harbor Resources Division Manager Melum removed and
concluded that Mr. Melum believes that the City - installed ladder is safer.
He asked if the City will be removing the remaining structures on the Grand
Canal and replace them with City- installed ladders. He stated that Council
has yet to ratify the City - installed ladder as a safe, approved, and
appropriate structure for boat access on the Grand Canal, and added that
the City Attorney has refused to go on record regarding the City's liability.
Bill Wren, 1118 East Balboa Boulevard, Balboa Theater, reported that they
are ready to resubmit its plans to the Building Department and anticipate
that groundbreaking will occur mid -May. He stated that they hired a
professional fundraiser, are forming a Capital Campaign Committee, have
raised $129,000, and have about $1.4 million in the bank. He discussed the
Theater's arts education program and stated that the program is held every
Tuesday at 10:30.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
17. AWARD OF NON - EXCLUSIVE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
FRANCHISE TO CST ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. (contd. from 1/9/01).
City Manager Bludau stated that this is a standard public hearing for a non-
exclusive solid waste collection franchise. He reported that the City
currently has 15 of these agreements and that CST Environmental has met
all of its requirements.
Mayor Adams opened the public hearing.
Hearing no testimony, Mayor Adams closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Rideewav to adopt Ordinance No. 2001 -1
granting a Non - exclusive Solid Waste Franchise to CST Environmental, Inc.
In response to Council Member Heffernan's concerns, Mr. Burnham stated
that there is a typographical error regarding the 10.5% cap in Section 4.a.1
(Franchise Fees), and that he will discuss possibly increasing the $1 million
commercial general liability insurance with the Risk Manager. Council
Member Heffernan also asked what the City policy is regarding roll-off
dumpsters and how long they can remain on public streets.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
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INDEX
Ord 2001 -1
CST Environmental/
Non - exclusive
Solid Waste
Collection
Franchise
(42)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
18. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S USE PERMIT NO. 69, ACCESSORY
OUTDOOR DINING PERMIT NO. 76 - EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING
FULL SERVICE SMALL SCALE EATING AND DRINKING
ESTABLISHMENT INTO A NEIGHBORING TENANT SPACE,
INCREASING THE INTERIOR SEATING FROM 12 SEATS TO 21
SEATS, INCREASING THE EXTERIOR SEATING FROM 8 TO 12
SEATS AND PROVIDING SEPARATE GENDER RESTROOMS [2801
EAST COAST HIGHWAY] (contd. from 1/9/01 & 1/23/01).
Planning Director Temple reported that this expansion came about due to
Starbucks Coffee not providing gender - separate restrooms. She noted that,
when the project was originally approved, it was very early in its business
and the City did not fully understand the nature of the operation. They were
allowed to open its business if a single employee restroom was made
available to the public; however, over time, Starbucks was unable to
accommodate patron usage due to limitations in its floor plan. She reported
that patrons began using the restroom in other businesses and the City
received many complaints about this. She stated that the Building
Department felt it was very important for Starbucks to come up to the
minimum standards of the building code and provide accessible restrooms
for its patrons.
Ms. Temple reported that staff determined that Starbucks did not have
sufficient space and encouraged them to look for other opportunities. She
indicated that the space next door to them became available, but this meant
that Starbucks would need to expand the existing restaurant even though
there are many other eating and drinking establishments in the area and
there is a heavy demand for parking. She stated that the Planning
Commission focused on the parking problem and, therefore, imposed
significant conditions beyond what staff originally proposed. She reported
that one of the conditions is to relocate the existing glass storefront on the
second tenant space in order to reduce the number of interior seats and
increase the number of exterior seats. She stated that this was proposed
with the idea that many of the patrons favored the outdoor use. Ms. Temple
stated that Starbucks is also required to provide supplemental parking
during the morning peak period. Starbucks initially accepted these
conditions; however, they chose to appeal the Planning Commission's
decision in order to preserve their administrative remedy in the event they
cannot accomplish the two conditions. Ms. Temple indicated that staff is still
recommending the action of the Planning Commission, even though the
building/landowner is unwilling to allow modifications to the building
frontage. She noted that staff does not feel this is an important condition
since the number of overall seats will not change.
Regarding parking, Ms. Temple reported that Starbucks was not able to sign
agreements with any of the adjoining property owners; however, they have
come up with two unconventional arrangements with Francis -Orr Fine
Stationery and the Republic Bank for an additional 18 parking spaces, which
exceeds the highest code requirement for this restaurant. In the event
Council accepts this arrangement, she pointed out that alternate conditions
of approval have been generated which require that Starbucks submit an
annual status report on its off -site parking agreements; provide a detailed
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INDEX
Planning Director's
Use Permit 69/
Accessory Outdoor
Dining Permit 76/
Starbucks Coffee/
2801 E. Coast Hwy
(68)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
INDEX
parking management plan; and allow the Planning Commission to review
the permit in six months to see whether the parking arrangements are
providing the needed solution during the morning hours. Ms. Temple added
that the Republic Bank has 9.5 years remaining on its lease and the
stationery store owns its own land.
Mayor Adams stated that he is not sure there is enough information to make
a decision on this, especially since there is nothing that indicates what the
parking demand is on a Starbucks. Ms. Temple confirmed that there is no
on -site parking survey and noted that the "full service small-scale eating and
drinking establishment" category is a special category that arose as an effort
to facilitate small restaurant developments. She stated that the Council at
that time chose to give significant parking requirement relief and allow them
to use retail parking rates. She reported that, when the codes were changed,
the requirements were increased but were still substantially less than what
most conventional restaurants would demand. She indicated that Council
may want to revisit this because some locations require more parking than
what the code requires.
Mayor Adams reported that the applicant wants the increased seating to
help justify the increased financial burden. He noted that Council is making
a decision that is going to impact the parking demand in the area based on
the applicant's belief of what an "unreasonable financial burden" is, but does
not see any evidence to justify this. He also asked if there is data from other
Starbucks to show the ratio of square footage of public space relative to the
number of seats. Ms. Temple stated that this Starbucks and the one across
from City Hall are early prototypes and have very little seating area, where
newer Starbucks tend to have an area for retail and a separate area for
casual seating.
In response to Mayor Adams' questions regarding the creative parking
solutions, Ms. Temple stated that Starbucks would cease to be in substantial
compliance if any of the leases were terminated and would need to return to
the Planning Commission for further consideration, imposition of conditions,
or revocation of the permit. She reported that this is why staff wanted to
include the condition that requires them to submit a yearly report relative to
the parking agreements. Mayor Adams noted that this would be an added
burden on staff over a long term. Mr. Burnham noted that Council has the
ability to impose additional parking requirements if a finding is made that
the use would not have any adverse impacts on the neighborhood.
Council Member Glover stated that the City has basically precluded outdoor
dining at most of the restaurants. Further, the City has become very
stringent about the ability to enjoy the City and have fun. She pointed out
that snow in Chicago does not stop people from bringing tables and chairs
outside if a glimpse of sun is showing. She reported that there are parking
arrangements like this throughout the City and that it is nice to have coffee
shops in the City since they close at night and do not cause problems for the
residents. She believed they have adequate parking and hoped that Council
will allow them to make their improvements.
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
INDEX
In response to Council Member Proctor's question, Ms. Temple reported that
the Planning Commission based their additional parking conditions on their
observation. Additionally, Starbucks is in an area where there are a number
of small eating establishments that tend to be a magnet since there is
signalized access.
Mayor Adams opened the public hearing.
A.J. Cool, 17700 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, Starbucks Coffee
Company, stated that this process began because the City wanted them to
provide restrooms; however, they resisted allowing customers to use the
existing restroom for safety reasons. He stated that, against their better
business instinct, they pursued the facility next door because it was the right
thing to do. They also worked with Planning staff for about six months to
come up with a design that met code standards, provides restrooms, and
upgrades the facility with plush seating and a fireplace. However,
Commissioner Kranzley appealed the plan because of parking concerns. He
indicated that most of the conditions were reasonable except for the
requirement to move the storefront (Condition 34) since the landlord opposes
it and the requirement to supply five off -site parking spaces. Mr. Cool
assured Council that Starbucks is not expanding the store to expand
business since sales reached their peak in 1996 when competition moved in.
He indicated that they are just hoping to retain customers.
Mr. Cool believed that the expansion will not make the situation worse since
they will be basically keeping everything the same. If Starbucks does not
expand, however, someone else will move into the tenant space next door
who will have more employees and customers to try to find parking for. He
relayed his efforts to find alternate parking solutions and indicated that he
is talking with Francis -Orr Fine Stationery and the Republic Bank relative
to cooperative agreements, but indicated that it may not be possible to get a
long term agreement with either entity. Mr. Cool stated that the solution
may not make a significant difference since the problem primarily comes
from people making a "mad dash" in and out of the business, even though
there is almost always parking underneath the building. He indicated that
they could possibly provide better signs to encourage parking underground.
Mr. Cool also pointed out that Goldenrod has street sweeping twice a week,
which eliminates half the parking from 8:30 to 12:30, and suggested that the
schedule be adjusted to the afternoon hours or condensed (9:30 to 11:30). He
believed that the first step is for everyone to figure out ways to cooperate.
In response to Mayor Adams' questions, Ms. Temple confirmed Mr. Cool's
statement that there was a verbal agreement that Starbucks would allow
customers to use their restroom. However, due to the type of business, the
building code now requires that handicap accessible, gender - separate
restrooms be available. She noted that Starbucks was essentially allowed in
the beginning to start business in a format similar to a dress shop or retail
store. Mr. Cool indicated that sales from 1996 to 2000 have decreased 5 to
10 %, and have decreased 15% in the last month since Coffee Bean & Tea
opened. Regarding having a hiring freeze on employees, he stated that he
could explore this with the City if this was to be a condition in the permit.
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
INDEX
In response to Council questions, Mr. Cool stated that parking in the area
during the morning hours is tough and that a lot of the problem is due to
people trying to make a left turn onto Goldenrod. He confirmed that they
will be open until midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, but
noted that this is their current operating hours. Regarding Council Member
Heffernan's suggestion to move storage to the underground level and
conduct the expansion with restroom facilities on the upper level, Mr. Cool
stated that storage is not the issue. He explained that customers using the
current restroom pose a problem since they would be able to walk directly
through the kitchen area, which does not provide employees a controlled
environment.
Noting that the Starbucks is located in his district, Council Member O'Neil
stated that Starbucks is a successful business where a lot of locals
congregate, that they are doing what they can to resolve the situation, and
that he likes a lot about what is being done. However, he feels that people
will probably not use the underground or interim off -site parking. He
expressed concern that the Planning Commission looked at this but may not
have heard the testimony regarding the possible cooperative parking
agreements, the opportunity to work with the City on the street sweeping
schedule, or the fact that the landlord will not allow modifications to the
building. He indicated that he is not sure if he has enough information to
make a decision. He noted that, if this is approved tonight with the
additional conditions, the Planning Commission will become the enforcement
and Starbucks will need to go back to them if there is noncompliance. He
stated that it may be worthwhile to have this go back to the Planning
Commission anyway. He indicated that, if he were to vote on this tonight, he
would probably support the Planning Commission and not approve it.
Chris Bennett stated that he is excited about Starbucks' expansion and its
change from a coffee bar to a coffee house. Further, he sees it as a huge
asset for the neighborhood. He requested that Council be flexible since
Corona del Mar (CdM) does have a lot of parking problems. He believed
that, if a parking study were to be done and all businesses were required to
have the right number of parking spaces, CdM would look like what Irvine
was planned to look like and it would lose some of its charm. He indicated
that people will eventually stop going to Starbucks if parking becomes
inconvenient, but this should be something that is worked out in the market.
Don Glasgow, Chairman of the Corona del Mar Business Improvement
District, stated that he remembers that this corner 10 years ago had nothing
but dilapidated buildings and there was no parking problem. However,
everyone has helped this situation come about by granting use permits to
Seattle's Best, Brueger's, and Starbucks without thinking about what the
total impact would be on the corner. He stated that everyone needs to find a
way to keep these great businesses in the area and noted that Mr. Cool has
come up with some innovative ideas. He added that it may be a good idea
that this go back to the Planning Commission since they may not have heard
all of Mr. Cool's rationale. He emphasized that this corner needs to be
figured out because the City may be faced with more of these requests and
added that outdoor dining is essential to the success of these types of
charming villages. He stated that parking will always be a problem.
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
IILIII1�1:�
Jim Hildreth, 120 The Grand Canal, suggested that the employees park in
the underground parking lot if the general public does not use it and that
Starbucks provide a place to lock up bicycles. Regarding outdoor dining, he
noted that the code prohibits noise after 10:00 p.m., but Council could allow
this if Starbucks does not create noise and there are no complaints. He
stated that, if the business is kept clean, he does not have a problem with
them, but recommended that they provide restrooms.
Mr. Cool emphasized the difficulty in connecting their permit to their
parking problem, especially if the permit is to be on a year -to -year basis and
since they are going to invest a substantial amount of money to expand this
facility. Regarding Mr. Hildreth's comment, he indicated that their six
tandem parking spaces could be allocated to employees of businesses in the
area and that, if employee parking is not managed, this could also be a step
in the right direction. Regarding possibly having this go back to the
Planning Commission, he reported that they have been leasing the second
space for a year and that the landlord has been waiting for them to resolve
this so he could get a long term tenant for that space. He indicated that the
landlord will start marketing the space soon.
Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway noted that the empty theater that is a block away
from Starbucks is grandfathered with 200 parking stalls, but does not have
one parking stall on its property. This automatically makes CdM deficient
by 200 parking spaces. He clarified that the Planning Commission approved
the project but imposed additional conditions. He stated that he agrees with
everything Mr. Cool has said and knows that they have lost business. He
added that he also spoke with two Goldenrod residents who do not oppose
the project and believes that it is an asset to the community. He agreed that
the corners need to be dealt with and that the cumulative affect may not
have been looked at when these businesses were approved. He expressed
the opinion that the Planning Commission and Council are overstepping its
bounds when it talks about Starbucks' operations, particularly with the
Planning Commission requiring Condition 34. He noted that Mr. Cool has
sought and obtained parking agreements, has agreed to creating a parking
management plan, and has agreed to a yearly review. He believed that
Council has more than adequate information to make a decision.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway to approve the appeal and the
project, with amendments to Conditions 9 and 35, deletion of Condition 34,
and addition of Conditions 36 and 37, as follows:
9. A minimum of nine parking spaces shall be provided for the
exclusive use of the subject facility and shall be designated by
appropriate signage or pavement marking to the satisfaction of the
City Traffic Engineer and the Planning Director. Prior to
implementation of the increase in the number of seats, a parking
management plan shall be approved by the Planning Director that
depicts the method of compliance with the conditions of approval
related to the parking issues. The parking management plan shall
include the following items:
a. On -site posting of all available parking.
b. Posting of off -site parking areas in conjunction with all off-
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City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
INDEX
site parking agreements.
C. Methods of educating customers on the availability of
parking.
d. Mandatory employee use of the on -site tandem spaces.
e. Use of on -site parking by other businesses.
35. Supplemental off- street parking shall be provided during the
morning peak hours (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.) through an off -site parking
agreement with nearby commercial property owners or businesses.
The agreement shall be approved by the Office of the City Attorney.
The location of the off -site parking shall by approved by the Planning
Director.
36. The applicant shall submit a status report regarding all off -site
parking agreements to the Planning Department on an annual basis
from the effective date of this permit.
37. The Use Permit shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission for
compliance with the conditions of approval six months from its
effective date.
Council Member Glover stated that she was once a small business owner and
that the City needs to be proud of its businesses and treat them with respect.
She noted that there are vacant businesses throughout the City that she
would love to have a Starbucks in her district. She agreed that the Planning
Commission has overstepped its responsibilities and that she does not want
to tell Starbucks how to run its business. Noting that she normally follows
the lead of the Council Member whose district the project is in, she stated
that she cannot do that in this case.
Council Member Heffernan stated that he has struggled with this project for
weeks because he loves the promotion of the village concept and how people
walk or ride bicycles to Starbucks; however, there is a lot of congestion which
creates hazards and tension during the peak use hours. He indicated that he
cannot understand how all these uses ended up on the same corner and
believed that this expansion conflicts with the village concept the City is
trying to promote in CdM. He added that approving this would make
parking worse since not everyone will be walking there and since Starbucks
will be providing more seats for more patrons. He indicated that he will be
opposing the motion.
Council Member Proctor stated that he completely supports the motion and
cannot see how insisting on an additional restroom has led to outdoor
seating and all the other discussions. He believed that the Planning
Commission and Council is trying to micromanage Starbucks. Council
Member Bromberg added that Starbucks is also going to be part of the 2004
Project and that he will also be supporting the motion.
Mayor Adams stated that Starbucks' proposal is for a good use, but to ignore
parking problems is not the right thing to do. He indicated that he cannot
support this without knowing that the conditions are going to be effective.
He expressed the opinion that he does not feel this is micromanaging and
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February 13, 2001
that this is what was done when he sat on the Planning Commission.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor
Noes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Mayor Adams
Abstain: None
Absent: None
19. USE PERMIT 3626 (BUZZ) REVOCATION APPEAL (ERIC RAMESON
AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT GROUP, APPLICANT/
APPELLANT) - 3450 VIA OPORTO - AN APPEAL BY THE
APPLICANT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S REVOCATION OF
USE PERMIT 3626 (contd. from 12/12/00 & 1/23101).
City Attorney Burnham reported that staff met with Buzz representatives
last week. He stated that they submitted an application that will be
considered by the Planning Commission for an amendment to the existing
use permit to modify the business concept. He suggested either referring the
revocation back to the Planning Commission so they could take action on the
application and possibly factor in the revocation proceedings into that
process, or deferring the revocation hearing for 60 or 90 days pending final
action by the Planning Commission on the application.
Motion by Council Member O'Neil to refer this item back to the Planning
Commission.
Mayor Adams opened the public hearing.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
20. APPOINTMENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CITIZENS
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway to appoint the following members
from each City Council District, and confirm the appointments recommended
by EQAC:
(District 1) Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway's appointment of Louis Van Dyl.
(District 2) Council Member Proctor's appointment of Jim Miller.
(District 3) Council Member Glover's appointment of Gale Demmer.
(District 4) Mayor Adams' appointment of Richard Rivett.
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INDEX
Use Permit 3626/
Buzz Revocation Appeal/
3450 Via Oporto
(88)
EQAC
Appointments
(24)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
(District 5) Council Member Bromberg's appointment of Jack Callahan.
(District 6) Council Member O'Neil's appointment of Laura Dietz.
(District 7) Council Member Heffernan's appointment of To Be
Determined.
EDC Representative Carol Hoffman (appointed by EDC)
At Large (7) Marge Pantzar
Phillip Lugar
Nancy Raney
Christopher Welsh
Three members still needed
Community Association
Environmental Expertise
Elaine Linhoff
Tom Hyans
Barry Allen
One member still needed
Jennifer Winn
Barry Eaton
One member still needed
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Mayor Adams suggested that staff bring back a report that clarifies the
EQfAC appointment process.
21. MARGUERITE AVENUE AT SANDCASTLE DRIVE SIGHT
DISTANCE.
Transportation and Development Services Manager Edmonston reviewed
the staff report and recommendations. Regarding the suggestion to remove
a portion of the monument wall and construct a retaining wall to hold back
the landscaping of the slope, he reported that this would not provide as
much sight distance as providing a safe area for the motorist on the side
street to pull forward and view up the hill. He indicated that staff is
recommending that Council approve Option A and work with the Association
and property owners to relocate the large plants that are the main
impediment and to stripe in a right turn lane for northbound traffic. He
clarified that this would provide an area for the people turning right onto
Sandcastle to slow down without worrying about being tailgated by through
traffic and would also allow drivers on Sandcastle to nose their cars further
out into the intersection to see up the hill before committing to the left turn.
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0T-I SR
Marguerite Avenue/
Sandcastle Drive
Intersection
(85)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
Council Member Heffernan noted that Robert Curci presented a letter which
requested Options A and B. He requested and received clarification from
Mr. Edmonston that the City currently does not have the Association's
consent but a representative who has attended the Traffic Affairs Committee
meetings indicated that they are interested in improving the sight distance
for its resident members. He noted that the City will be covering the costs
associated with this change.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Edmonston reported that bike lanes
are typically striped so that they are dropped prior to the beginning of the
turn pocket and then picked up to the left side of the turn pocket. He noted
that there are a lot cyclists on this street who sometimes take up the whole
roadway. He stated that they may not be able to address all the cyclists, but
Option A provides an area for them to get past the intersection and be out of
the way of the cars that are nosing forward. Mr. Edmonston reported that
moving the stop bar further into the street is not being proposed since paint
does not stick well to or contrast with concrete and since motorists generally
stop at the stop bar and then creep out.
Motion by Mayor Adams to 1) select Option A [remove plants (other than
groundcover) from the existing viewshed looking from Sandcastle Drive to
the north and stripe a right -turn -only lane on northbound Marguerite
Avenue] to increase sight distance at the intersection of Marguerite Avenue
and Sandcastle Drive and monitor the results; and 2) direct staff to pursue
the selected option with all affected property owners and the Harbor View
Hills South Homeowners Association.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
CURRENT BUSINESS
22. CONSIDERATION OF CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION TO
AUTHORIZE, RECRUIT AND FILL PUBLIC INFORMATION
OFFICER POSITION.
City Manager Bludau reviewed the staff report and stated that this allows
the City to have someone on staff to conduct public outreach programs. He
stated that the Public Information Officer's (PIO) first priority would be to
deal with the General Plan Update process and come up with ways to engage
the community. He indicated that the Human Resources Director conducted
a salary survey which concluded that the proposed salary falls in the middle
of salary ranges.
Motion by Council Member Glover to authorize a Public Information
Officer position with a salary range of $54,996 - $77,388, and that
recruitment for the position be initiated in order to participate in planning
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Public Information
Officer
(66)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
and community outreach for the General Plan update process.
Laura Dietz, 325 Cameo Shores, stated that she serves on the
Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee and that they
have been struggling with its own outreach program. She expressed her
support for a PIO and hoped that the various committees will also be able to
utilize the PIO to help get their messages out to the community.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Bludau reported that Brea has a five
person staff, Irvine has a division, and other cities and water districts have
PIO positions. He indicated that the PIO will be able to deal with airport
issues and any other outreach program as directed by Council. Council
Member Bromberg added that any successful corporation has many PIOs
and stated that he hopes that this becomes a division in the future with more
than one person staffing it.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
23. BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FUND THE OPERATION OF A
TEMPORARY FIRE STATION IN NORTH NEWPORT BEACH.
City Manager Bludau reviewed the staff report which deals with fire service
in the John Wayne Airport area. He reported that response times were
tracked for 30 days and it was concluded that only a 10% response time of
five minutes or less was being met in that area. Based on that, he decided to
place an interim fire station at the Radisson Hotel, which would cost
$608,860 using overtime until the end of the year. If this is approved, he
stated that Council will also want staff to execute a right -of -entry agreement
for an interim station until a permanent station could be built. He indicated
that it has always been the City's intent not to build a fire station until after
the annexations occurred since the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
was already providing fire service; however, the City does not have this
luxury anymore since a portion of the community is not being provided
adequate fire service.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Bludau indicated that the City would
need to meet with Supervisor Tom Wilson to discuss reimbursement costs
associated with the temporary fire station. He noted that the City did not
reimburse OCFA for the services it provided to the City in this area. He
added that the tax allocation from the Santa Ana Heights annexation will
not offset the cost of the fire station, but the City can try to negotiate a
different tax split on other annexed areas.
Fire Chief Riley stated that they contacted the property owner of 2101 Dove
Street regarding the right -of -entry agreement and they indicated that they
are interested in providing a portion of their parking lot, rent free, for as
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INDEX
BA -028
Temporary
Fire Station
(40/41)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
long as it is available. He reported that they are looking at possibly
expanding or selling the business. He indicated that the cost for this
temporary facility would basically include utilities and a structure that
meets housing requirements. He also discussed staffing utilizing either
overtime personnel or hiring nine new permanent employees, which would
initially save the City about $140,000 annually. Chief Riley stated that, if
the City annexes the Santa Ana Heights area, OCFA will have no reason to
relocate another fire station in that area since the County no longer needs to
protect it. He confirmed that the City will be servicing Santa Ana Heights
with the new facility and taking on the County's job in that area. He
reported that, if there were no fire station at the Radisson Hotel, the areas
near Campus, Birch, and Dove would be serviced by the Newport Center fire
station.
Motion by Council Member O'Neil to 1) ratify the decision of the City
Manager to establish a temporary fire station to serve the airport area of
Newport Beach; 2) approve a budget amendment (BA -028) in the amount of
up to $608,860 to fund the development and operation of a temporary fire
station to serve the airport area of Newport Beach and the unincorporated
area known as Santa Ana Heights for the remainder of the 2000 -2001 fiscal
year; 3) authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a right -of -entry
agreement with the owner and/or tenant/lessee for the use of the parking
area at 2101 Dove Street for an interim station location; 4) direct staff to
work with the County of Orange and other property owners in the Santa Ana
Heights /Airport Area to investigate locations for a permanent station
location; and 5) direct staff to work with the County of Orange and the
Orange County Fire Authority to examine ways to compensate the City for
the provision of services to the Santa Ana Heights region to assure partial
cost recovery of the budget amendment.
At Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway's request, the motion was amended so that the
second recommendation includes the hiring of nine permanent employees.
Barry Eaton, 727 Bellis, reported that his wife suffered full cardiac arrest in
a building on Dove Street. He stated that the paramedics took 10 minutes to
get there and that his wife only survived because two men performed CPR
on her until they arrived. He expressed his support of the motion and
indicated that his wife has fully recovered.
The amended motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Heffernan, O'Neil, Ridgeway, Glover, Bromberg, Proctor, Mayor
Adams
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None.
ADJOURNMENT - 9:30 p.m.
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11�117�/:/
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
February 13, 2001
The agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on February 7, 2001, at
1:00 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of
Newport Beach Administration Building.
/' ,,
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
Mayor
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