HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - MinutesJune 9, 2020
Agenda Item No. 1
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee
May 26, 2020
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER - 4:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Tem Brad Avery, Council Member Diane Dixon, Council
Member Duffy Duffield, Council Member Jeff Herdman, Council Member Kevin Muldoon
(arrived at 4:28 p.m.), Council Member Joy Brenner, Finance Committee Member William
Collopy, Finance Committee Member John Reed (via Zoom), Finance Committee Member
Joseph Stapleton, Finance Committee Member Larry Tucker (via Zoom)
III. CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Review of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget [100-20201
Finance Director Matusiewicz utilized a presentatio to detailvarious components of the proposed
budget, including measures for maintaining servic els aishort-term budgetary solutions.
Regarding General Fund sources and uses, Mayor O'Neill discussed a $30 million decrease in revenue,
transfers in, total sources and total uses, and how the City b idged the $33 million gap. In response
to his question, Finance Director Matusiewicz explained ise of a contingency reserve for pension
payments. Mayor O'Neill noted the City is fortunate to be able to make additional pension payments.
In response to Council Member Dixon' question, Finance Director Matusiewicz reported reserves are
currently at about 24% of the rget p�icy.
r
Finance Director Matusiewi z ontinued with the presentation by discussing revenues and the top
three revenue categories "I _
In response to Council Member Dixon's questions, Finance Director Matusiewicz stated that staff
makes no assumptions based of the split roll and will know if the assessed value increased at the
anticipated rate at V end of June or early July.
Finance Director Matusiewicz reviewed expenditures and increases in actuals. Mayor O'Neill clarified
that the reason FY 2018MM appears low is because the City budgets for 100% staffing, despite vacant
positions.
In response to Council Member Herdman's questions, Finance Director Matusiewicz indicated the
utilities savings is mostly due to streetlights and building.
Council Member Muldoon arrived at 4:28 p.m.
Finance Director Matusiewicz continued the presentation with a review of the COVID-19 impacts to
other funds.
City Manager Leung and Finance Director Matusiewicz reviewed proposed program enhancements,
project adjustments, and staffing levels in the Harbor Department, Public Works Department, and
Utilities Department.
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City of Newport Beach
Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee
May 26, 2020
Mayor O'Neill noted a smaller percentage of funding for the Capital Improvement Program budget
comes from the General Fund, and much of it comes out of designated restricted funds.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question, City Manager Leung advised that the maintenance
service level for Balboa Village beaches will continue at its current level.
Finance Director Matusiewicz completed the presentation by reporting on the next budget milestones.
Mayor O'Neill thanked Finance Committee members and staff for continuing the same services the
public expects at the levels they expect.
Jim Mosher believed adding a transmittal letter in the budget book would be helpful, questioned
whether the City has a $29 million deficit, and inquired whether the proposal relates to the budget
book or the budget book and the proposed budget revisions.
Mayor O'Neill indicated that Mr. Mosher referred to the total of all City funds net of internal
premiums and the total of all City operations net of internal c es. Finance Director Matusiewicz
clarified that, outside the General Fund, there are a lot of 1 resources that the City is saving
over time and will spend down for capital projects.
2. Discussion of the Fee Schedule Update for Fis ar 2020-21 [100-2020]
Senior Accountant Schweitzer used a presentation o review Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter
3.36, the timeline, and fee study changes. AM -
Mayor O'Neill related that the City seeks to recover only tf mount of cost directly attributable to a
specific service, and the cost study is showilg what the City would have to increase in order to offset
that in the budget minus any subsidies.
Council Member Dixon noted that the Municipal Code mandates 100% cost recovery and that a third -
party consultant identifies eery step of the cost to perform a discretionary service. Senior Accountant
Schweitzer added that the fee Atudy is based on budgeted expenditures.
In response to Council Member Herdman's question, Senior Accountant Schweitzer explained that
volume statisticelp staff calculate how much money the City will recover.
In response to ou it Mem Duffield's question, Senior Accountant Schweitzer advised that the
Harbor Department ' died next year.
In response to Council ember Muldoon's questions, Senior Accountant Schweitzer reported the
City's consultant, MGT America, conducts a fee study every year, and the study costs about $30,000
for the Community Development Department, Police Department, and Fire Department. Council
Member Muldoon referred to Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 3.36, indicated the City does
a study every year instead of every five years at an extra expense of about $120,000 to ensure the
City gets every penny and believed this item should be continued for maybe two years because the
economy is currently in a decline. Senior Accountant Schweitzer clarified that fee studies are
staggered over a three to five-year rotation.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Avery's question, Senior Accountant Schweitzer indicated the
Community Development Department's fees reflect building and finance fees. Mayor Pro Tem Avery
commended the Community Development Department for contributing to an incredible community.
Senior Accountant Schweitzer continued with the presentation by reviewing three options for Council
consideration and the pros and cons of each.
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City of Newport Beach
Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee
May 26, 2020
Mayor O'Neill suggested that the Council bring back the fee schedule for further review.
Council Member Muldoon indicated he will be voting against the item as he believed now is the time
for Council to be wise with spending and limit the burden on residents and taxpayers. Mayor O'Neill
advised that those referenced funds were restricted funds, not General Fund.
Council Member Dixon stated that she has reviewed these fees and remains convinced that they are
discretionary services, noted her support for bringing the item back for further consideration.
Jim Mosher asked, if the item comes back at the June 9, 2020 City Council meeting, will the fee
schedule be different than what was presented at the March 24, 2020 City Council meeting.
City Manager Leung and Senior Accountant Schweitzer noted that the fee schedule will be the same
as presented in March but with the implementation dates pushed out.
JT Clark advised that we are in a pandemic which has really scared him and suggested renaming a
space station after Tom Cruise.
Mayor O'Neill conducted a straw polls for (1) bringing the item back at the June 9, 2020 City Council
meeting, which Council Members supported 6-1, with Council Member Muldoon voting "no;"
(2) postponing fee study updates but allowing Consumer Price Indy (CPI) adjustments, which no
Council Members supported; and (3) not approving the fee study update, which no Council Members
supported, except for Council Member Muldoon. if
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chad Kroeger described the effects of the pan emic on his lifee,, noted Tom Cruise's next movie will be
made in space, and suggested he be honored by having the International Space Station named after him,
as the Tom Cruise Space Station. Air --k
An unidentified speaker requested the City's assisAWce in pushing the Newport Beach Police Department
to issue citations and tow illegally parked vehicles.
V. ADJOURNMENT — 5.
ft.
The special meeting agenda was posted on the City's website and on the City Hall Electronic
Bulletin Board located in the Wtrance of the City Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive
on May 21, 2020, at 4:00 p.m.
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Will O'Neill
Mayor
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
ROLL CALL — 5:17 p.m.
Present: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Tem Brad Avery, Council Member Joy Brenner, Council
Member Diane Dixon, Council Member Duffy Duffield, Council Member Jeff Herdman,
Council Member Kevin Muldoon
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
Jim Mosher shared his interpretation of the Closed Session item and believed the ability to admit errors
is a virtue, not a vice.
CLOSED SESSION — Council Chambers Conference Room
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1)): 1 matt
RECESS — 5:20 p.m.
RECONVENED AFTER CLOSED SESSION — 6:1
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Brad -Aver ouncil Member Joy Brenner, Council
Member Diane Dixon, Council47mber Duffy Duffield, Council Member Jeff Herdman,
Council Member Kevin Muldoon
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp an that no reportable) actions were taken.
INVOCATION — Council Member Muldoon
IX. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ayor O'Neill
X. PRESENTATION
• Public Works Week Proclamation
Mayor O'Neill read the proclamation and presented it to Public Works Director Webb, who thanked
Council, commended his staff for all their work, and discussed their efforts during the current
pandemic.
Council Member Brenner believed the Public Works Department deserves the recognition,
especially over the last few months, and expressed appreciation to the entire department for their
responsiveness under difficult circumstances.
Council Member Dixon commended the Public Works Department and expressed appreciation from
residents of District 1.
Council Member Herdman thanked Public Works Director Webb and his staff for their problem -
solving capabilities.
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Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
XI. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
XII. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Council Member Dixon:
• Requested that Council consider a resolution similar to the County Board of Supervisors' resolution
to declare that all houses of faith be deemed essential
Council Member Muldoon:
• Agreed with houses of faith being deemed essential
• Announced that the Knights of Columbus from Our Lady Queen of Angels Church have organized
drive -up food drives with blessings for May 31, June 7, and June 14, 2020
• Requested Council consider an item to reevaluate this summer's Junior Lifeguard Program
Council Member Brenner:
• Attended a Zoom meeting with a group of Sage High School students to form a youth leadership
council
• Attended an Ad Hoc Committee for Local Business Advancvnent and Short -Term Lodging meeting
• Attended a meeting with Hoag Hospital's consultant regarding changes at Hoag Hospital and noted
a meeting with Karen Ames who has started a shopping for senior's service
• Announced that a $25,000 contribution for Friend OASIS waslented to Mike Zimmerman
Mayor O'Neill. 0
• Attended Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) subcommittee and Finance Committee meetings
• Signed a letter with many Orange Cou4ry—mayors asking that Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security (CARES) funding be disbursed through the cities instead of the County, and
reported that the Board of Supervisors Jill split funding five ways and Supervisor Steel will
disburse the funds to the cities in her district AMP,
• Referenced a PowerPoint to announce the May 27, 2020 application deadline for the City's
Community Programs & Special Events Grant ogram and a new Emergency Preparedness Guide,
which is available at newportbeachea.gov/reaghb
• Requested Council consider a vesolution supporting and commending Hoag Hospital for its efforts
during the Coronavirus pandemic
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
In response to Council"Member Muldoon's question regarding Item No. 7 (Newport Pier Restaurant
Demolition and Platform Rehabilitation Design), Public Works Director Webb advised that the age and
stability of some of the pier piles during winter storms are concerning.
W,
In response to Council Member Brenner's question regarding Item No. 5 (Cameo Highlands Street
Reconstruction), Public Works Director Webb indicated the reconstruction will use a deeper structural
section.
Regarding Item No. 10 (Board and Commission Nominations), Mayor O'Neill recalled that, contrary to
policy, Council appointed a City Arts Commissioner to a third term in 2019 because of special
circumstances and understood that the term would be for one year; however, he noted that the
commissioner did not resign as expected and indicated there are three quality candidates for the City
Arts Commission.
Jim Mosher, addressing Item No. 1 (Minutes) and Agenda Item No. 10, believed page 394 should be
amended to reflect the Ocean Boardwalk parking lot project, not the Ocean Boulevard concrete
pavement project, the list of Civil Service Board nominees should be returned to the Classified
Employees of Newport Beach to receive a fifth nominee, and wondered about the standard the selection
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City of Newport Beach
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
committee used when reviewing applicants for the Planning Commission, noting he submitted an
application for the seat.
Mayor O'Neill reported only four applications were submitted for the Civil Service Board, and they
cannot conscript a volunteer to add a fifth nominee.
XII. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the April 30, 2020 Special Emergency Meeting, May 2, 2020 Special Meeting,
and May 12, 2020 City Council Meeting [100-20201
Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as amended, and order filed.
2. Reading of Ordinances
Waive reading in full of all ordinances under consideration, and direct the City Clerk to read by title
only.
ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION
3. Ordinance No. 2020-14: Terminating Non -Exclusive Commercial Solid Waste Franchises
[100-20201 qL
Determine this action to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Conduct a second reading to consider termination of 2017 Non -Exclusive Franchise Agreements
for Commercial Solid Waste and Divertible Materials Handling Services with Nine firms as
listed in this staff report due to not obtaining insurant!'e of the types and amounts in the 2017
Franchise and providing evidence of coverage by February 10, 2020, and/or not providing
evidence of a collision avoidanceystem on all equipment that operates in Newport Beach by
January 1, 2020; and
c) Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinan)e No. 2020-14, An Ordinance of the City Council of
Agreements for ommercial Solid Waste and Divertible Materials Handling Services Within the
City of Newl o 4each. 4
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
4. Arches Diversion Project Award of Contract No. 8279-2 [38/100-20201
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15301 (mir1W alteration of existing facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines, because it has
negligible potential to have a significant effect on the environment;
b) Approve the project drawings and specifications;
c) Award Contract No. 8279-2 to GCI Construction, Inc. for the total bid amount of $462,448.45,
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract;
d) Establish a contingency of $47,000.00 (approximately 10% of total bid) to cover the cost of
unforeseen work not included in the original contract; and
e) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Temporary Right of Entry Agreement
with Hoag Hospital on an agreement approved as to form by the City Attorney.
5. Cameo Highlands Street Reconstruction — Award of Contract No. 7067-2 (20R21) [38/100-
20201
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15301(b)(c), Class 1 (maintenance of existing public facilities involving negligible or no
expansion of use) of the CEQA Guidelines, because this project has no potential to have a
significant effect on the environment;
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City of Newport Beach
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
b) Approve the project plans and specifications;
c) Award Contract No. 7067-2 to All American Asphalt for the total bid price of $2,425,694, and
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract;
d) Establish a contingency of $242,000 (approximately 10 percent of total bid) to cover the cost of
unforeseen work not included in the original contract; and
e) Approve Budget Amendment No. 20-048 appropriating $46,525 in increased expenditures from
the Water Enterprise unappropriated fund balance to Account No. 70101-980000-20R09 for the
Cameo Highlands Street Reconstruction project (20R21).
Council Member Muldoon voted "no" on Item No. 5.
6. Approval of On -Call Professional Services Agreement with Moffatt & Nichol Engineering
for Environmental Consulting Support (C-8640-1) [38/100-20201
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Approve On -Call Professional Services Agreement with Moffatt & Nichol for environmental
consulting support for a term of two years and a total not -to -exceed amount of $200,000, and
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreeA&.
7. Approval and Award of Professional Services AgrelprclWith Moffatt & Nichol for the
Newport Pier Restaurant Demolition and Platform ilitation Design (C-7520-1)
[38/100-20201
a) Determine this action is exempt from the Qlifornia (Env e
n
t
a
l Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA uidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) vVith Moffatt & Nichol for the Newport Pier
Restaurant Demolition and Platform Rehabilitation Devign for a not -to -exceed price of $359,237,
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execujj�,he Agreement.
8. Professional Services Agreement with Rodell R. Fick for Hearing Adjudication Services
(C-8642-1) [38/100-20201
a) Determine this action is exempt from We California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 1,5060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result *h a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Authorize the Mayo xecute a three-year agreement with Rodell R. Fick for hearing
adjudication services, a not -to -exceed compensation amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000).
MISCELLANEOUS
9. Set Public Hearing Date to Adopt Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget [100-20201
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Schedule a public hearing of the City's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 on June 9,
2020, and direct the City Clerk to publish a notice of said hearing in accordance with Section
1102 of the Newport Beach Charter.
10. Board and Commission Scheduled Vacancies — Confirmation of Nominees [24/100-20201
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Waive the portion of City Council Policy A-2 (Boards, Commissions & Committees) that
recommends nominating two or more candidates for each vacancy, if a sufficient number of
candidates are available; and
c) Confirm the nominations made by the City Council Ad Hoc Appointments Committee:
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City of Newport Beach
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
XV.
XVI.
Board of Library Trustees [1 vacancy]
Ash Kumra
Paul Watkins (incumbent)
Building and Fire Board of Appeals [2 vacancies]
Khosrow (Saum) Nourmohammadi (Nour) (incumbent)
Rolly Pulaski (incumbent)
City Arts Commission [2 vacancies]
Patricia Dreyfus
Marie Little (incumbent)
Leonard Simon
Civil Service Board (Police and Fire nominees) [2 vacancies]
Robyn Grant (incumbent)
Howard Herzog (incumbent)
Brian Moore
Richard Tilley
Harbor Commission [1 vacancy]
Kevin Kramer
Jordan Wachter
Gary Williams
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission [1 vac
David Granoff (incumbent)
Kent Martin
Cynthia Sender
Planning Commission [2 vacancies]
Curtis Ellmore (incumbent)
Debbie Stevens
Erik Weigand (incumbent)
Consent Calendar; and
amendments to Item No.
The motion carried unanim&usly.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
,n, to approve the
Muldoon, and the
Jim Mosher advised that it was "John Wayne Day" in Newport Beach and took issue that the last two
City Council meetings have not started at 7:00 p.m.
XVII. CURRENT BUSINESS
11. Emergency Ordinance No. 2020-005: Fast Track Back to Business — Emergency Temporary
Use Permit Program (PA2020-069) [100-2019]
Mayor O'Neill indicated that this ordinance gives discretion to the Community Development
Director to work with other departments to issue temporary use permits.
In response to Council Member Dixon's questions, Community Development Director Jurjis
described the application process, including a site or seating plan and review by the Police
Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department; stated that an applicant should have
a response within 24 hours; noted the process will be virtual; and encouraged restaurant owners to
communicate with staff to apply for proper permitting when expanding restaurant access to mitigate
issues such as fire and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. Public Works Director
Webb added that there may be opportunities to vacate public streets if circulation and safety are
maintained, and staff will consider public parking lots and the pier plazas.
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City of Newport Beach
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
Council Member Muldoon thanked City staff for their efforts in making this program possible and
noted temporary waivers for retail, restaurants, and churches. Council Member Dixon expressed an
idea to have this become more than just for indoor dining and thanked the Mayor for putting the
group together.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Avery's question, Mayor O'Neill reported any approval will end
14 days after the emergency declaration has ended.
Jim Mosher expressed concern that the ordinance gives the Community Development Director
unbridled authority to issue a permit to suspend any provision of the Newport Beach Municipal
Code, does not limit the authority to the adjacent property, and does not state that the Community
Development Director has to follow other departments' advice.
Mayor O'Neill believed this is a time when you need to have trust in an individual and trust that
the individual will take the advice of people he trusts and works with. He pointed out that the reason
for giving discretion to the Community Development Director is timeliness so businesses can stay
open. He stated that Council is balancing the opening of businesses with the public health crisis,
and emphasized that this will not go on forever.
Motion by Council Member Dixon, seconded by Council Member Muldoon, to a) find this
project exempt from the California Environmental QualiLy Act (CEQA) pursuant to 15269 (c) (the
activity is necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergoncy), 1500 (cA2) (the activity will not result in
a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change i the environment), and 15060 (c)(3) (the
activity is not a project as defined in Section 153A) of th�CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because this project has no potential for resulting in
physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and b) pursuant to City of Newport Beach
Charter Section 412, waive full reading, direct the Ch Jerk to read by title only, and adopt
Emergency Ordinance No. 2020-005, An Emergency Ordtflance of the City Council of the City of
Newport Beach, California, Authorizing the Community Development Director to Grant Emergency
Temporary Use Permits to Commercial Businesses and Religious Institutions for the Utilization of
Private Property, Parking Lo , Sidewalks, and lublic Property.
The motion carried unani ou
�40
12. Ad Hoc Committee on Loal Bus' ess Advancement Recommendations [100-20191
Council Member Brenner re ortec>"th
p at the Ad Hoc Committee on Local Business Advancement
Committee has wofked diligently with the Business Improvement Districts (BID) and merchant
associations. The ad hoc committee believed this is not the time to penalize business organizations
and recommended funding them for one more year and continuing the ad hoc committee to draft a
separate resolution in MEi year.
Council Member Dixon indicated that the ad hoc committee was ready to have the business
organizations be independent from the City, but then the Coronavirus hit. She discussed financial
resources to support businesses, stated that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security,
(CARES) Act and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used to establish a
separate program, noted that the $160,000 that was formerly in the budget is still in the budget and
would provide immediate funding for business reopening activities without any incremental cost to
the FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 budgets, and stated her support of this recommendation.
Council Member Herdman advised that the ad hoc committee worked well together, thanked Deputy
City Manager Finnigan and Administrative Analyst Franceschini, and believed it is important for
the community to understand that Council is committed to assisting, helping, and supporting small
businesses.
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Council Member Muldoon added that the intent is for these groups to be self-sustaining in the
following years.
Mayor O'Neill indicated that he does not support assisting the 1989 Law BIDs and stated that if
Council is going to keep them in place, he would support giving them the additional money this year
because they have shown themselves to be good at what they do. Council Member Dixon believed that
all Council Members agree, but this is not the year to force the transition.
Mayor O'Neill indicated that he did not agree with the merchant association's recommendation for
funding because they should not have been receiving money these last three years, pointed out that
there are two competing merchant associations on Balboa Island, and believed that funding should
be made available to all areas in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Avery expressed the opinion that this subject is difficult, believed Council should be
working from the 1994 Law, and stated that Council wants to do everything it can to support
businesses.
Council Member Herdman agreed with some of the things Mayor O'Neill said, encouraged Council to
take this allocation into consideration, if approved, when looking at the distribution of any other
funds from the County, State or Federal Governments, expressed concerns about the second
organization on Balboa Island, shared Deputy City Manager Finnigan's research on both
organizations, and believed there is merit to leavingAhem out a th allocation.
Council Member Brenner indicated some of the members 4 th and association are long-time
Balboa Island residents and merchants, and that each organization is required to submit a report
regarding the efforts it has undertaken and completed in the past year, a plan and budget outline, a
profit and loss statement, and a balance sheet of current assets.
Council Member Muldoon spoke about the Balboa Isorganizations and noted that he would like
to see further research fromCity Manager Finnigan and hear more about the Mayor's
thoughts. ift
Council Member Dixon bete*d there is a s se of urgency and expediency about disbursing the
funds.
Mayor O'Neill clarified that Council is being asked 1) to make a recommendation to bring back a
renewal as the Council normally does; 2) as part of the budget for next year, does Council agree with
Recommendation No. 2; 3) whether to budget $40,000 for the Balboa Village Merchants Association;
4) whether to budget $20,000 for the Balboa Island Merchants Association Inc.; and 5) whether to
budget $20,000 for the Balboa Island Merchants Association.
In response to Council Member Brenner's question, Mayor O'Neill expressed concern that a
substantial amount of money has been devoted to the Balboa Village area.
Council Member Dixon indicated Balboa Village is the oldest part of the City, funds for the Balboa
Village Merchant Association would help with business reopenings, noted the Balboa Village
Advisory Committee (BVAC) funds are designated to be used for public signage, wayfinding, and
landscaping, and added that Balboa Village is enduring significant economic decline and receives the
greatest wear and tear from visitors.
With Mayor O'Neill voting "no," there was a 6-1 straw vote for the renewal of the Newport Beach
Restaurant BID and Corona del Mar BID.
There was a unanimous straw poll vote to provide $40,000 to the Newport Beach Restaurant BID
and $40,000 to the Corona del Mar BID.
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With Mayor O'Neill voting "no," there was a 6-1 straw vote to budget $40,000 for the Balboa Village
Merchants Association.
With Mayor O'Neill and Council Member Muldoon voting no, there was a 5-2 straw vote to budget
$20,000 to Balboa Island Merchants Association Inc.
With Mayor O'Neill voting no, there was a 6-1 straw vote to budget $20,000 to the Balboa Island
Merchants Association.
Council Member Brenner requested information regarding how much money the Balboa Island
Merchants Association Inc. and Balboa Island Merchants Association have accumulated. Mayor
O'Neill advised that information will be part of their budget outline and expressed interest in seeing
the BIDS budget. Council Member Herdman added that Council needs to see the reasons for the cash
reserves.
City Manager Leung requested and received confirmation that the direction is to provide money in
the budget pending the BIDS and merchant associations coming back with the full set of requirements
before funds are issued.
13. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update [100-20191
Fire Chief Boyles detailed various statistics and changes ?o dispatch, policy and equipment
procurement procedures, reported on the transport of 12 kno n COVID-19 patients, while informing
Council that all fire personnel have remained safeiond heap.
Lifeguard Chief Halphide and Lifeguard Captain Ure referenced a presentation, detailed various
components of the Junior Lifeguard Program frolast year and noted the differences with this
year's program.
Council Member Muldoon expressed his reasons for wanting to bring this item back for further
review and suggested alternative cla4sizes and hours to keep the program available to more junior
lifeguards.
In response to Council Member Brenne%rs question, Chief Halphide related that Lifeguards
participating in the Junior Lifeguard Program are taken off beach duties and, of the 145 Lifeguards
committed to working the season, 120 to 125 are needed to staff ocean beaches, while 88 are needed
to work as instructors. Council Member Brenner noted beaches have been so crowded lately and
expressed concern Vouthe alance of safety and the program.
Council Member Dixon exp ssed her support for an abridged program. At Council Member Dixon's
request, Fire Chief Boyles indicated that an estimated 60,000 people were on the beach each day of
the Memorial Day weekend and about 50,000 on Monday.
Mayor Pro Tem Avery commended staff on the plan and being able to offer the program to the older
children for their last year.
Police Chief Lewis reported that, during the Memorial Day weekend, the beach saw large crowds,
but everyone was well behaved, and no significant incidents occurred.
Council Member Dixon thanked both Chiefs for listening to the concerns of residents and focusing
on enforcement of the Municipal Code, and detailed various e-mails received from the public
pertaining to alcohol, illegal fireworks, and bonfires.
Council Member Brenner thanked all City staff because they have been dealing with extraordinary
circumstances, noted laws are being enforced, shared her experiences while driving through the City
Sunday afternoon, and expressed hope that word would spread that Newport Beach enforces its
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City of Newport Beach
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2020
laws. Police Chief Lewis reported that the Police Department has a longstanding commitment to
being fair, firm and highly visible and values community policing.
Mayor O'Neill stated that residents should take into consideration that the City has a resource
allocation issue as crime is still occurring in the City, and although beach safety is important, police
are actively monitoring all reported criminal activities.
City Manager Leung noted that, over the Memorial Day weekend, Public Works and Utilities
employees worked hard and utilized a presentation to review Stage 2 (business reopening),
requirements to follow before businesses reopening, timeline for reopening City facilities and
services, street sweeping services, and adjusted and cancelled programs, classes, and events.
In response to Mayor O'Neill's questions, City Manager Leung advised that staff wants to see
guidance regarding summer camps, but there has yet to be an opinion on gatherings, and added
that the Recreation and Senior Services Director has been looking at programs to possibly
implement during the second half of summer.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question, City Manage eung indicated parks are open for
passive use, but not playground equipment. Council Member Dikon commended the City Manager
and staff for their efforts to keep the community functioning and for being adaptive.
In response to Council Member Brenner's questionf City ManVge?, Leung stated that August 24,
2020, is the date set to open schools. Council Member Bremer suggested parking control precede
the street sweeper and allow people to park once tl w,, weeper has gone by.
Jim Mosher commended the City for providing the COVID-19 update in public and believed Orange
County has been very fortunate not to be hit like l_ew Fork or Los Angeles but cautioned that the
City should not discount the possibility thahthe virus could4orsen with the reopening of businesses.
XVIII. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION — Non
XIX. ADJOURNMENT — Adjourned at 8:40 p.m. i emory of General William Lyon
The agenda was posted on the City's website and on the City Hall electronic bulletin board
located in the entrance of the City Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive on May 21,
2020, at 4:00 p.m.
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Will O'Neill
Mayor
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