HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - MinutesMarch 26, 2024
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Agenda Item No. 1
City Council Meeting Minutes
Study Session and Regular Meeting
March 12, 2024
I. ROLL CALL - 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Stapleton, Councilmember Brad Avery,
Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Lauren Kleiman,
Councilmember Erik Weigand
II. CURRENT BUSINESS
SS1. Clarification of Items on the Consent Calendar
Regarding Item 5 (Indefinitely Waiving Section A.1. ofouncil Policy B-13 to Allow for Alcoholic
Beverages at the Annual Charity Polo Event Held at Peninsula Park), Mayor Pro Tem Stapleton
and Councilmember Kleiman acknowledged that they sit on the Newport Beach Foundation
Board.
SS2. Certificate of Recognition to the Blue Bin GroupN a
Mayor O'Neill presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Blue Bin Group for their recycling
education, social media efforts, and use camp4,ign. Alexandra Gomez from Sage Hill School
utilized a presentation to explain the initiative and thanked Council for their help and support.
SS3. Proclamation to Second Harvest 40
Second Harvest Food Bank Vice Chairman SalTan Alam discussed the program and introduced
CEO Claudia Keller and Government and Public Affairs Manager Malia Carey who noted that
Jill Johnson -Tucker is in attendance and was the former Board Chair and co-founder. They
utilized a presentation to review their mission, history, who they serve, Newport Beach pantry
partners, how the food banks work, and 2023 volunteers.
Councilmember Weigand asked if an invitation can be sent to the City Council for the
"No Lunch" Lunch event.
Mayor O'Neill read the proclamation that recognized Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange
County for their extraordinary help feeding Orange County's vulnerable population.
SS4. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Early Look
Council Member Kleiman announced she would be recusing herself during discussions
relative to the Shore Cliffs Water System Improvements Project due to real property
interest conflicts.
Council Member Blom announced he would be recusing himself during discussions
relative to Utility Undergrounding Assessment District Nos. 120 and 124, the Balboa
Island Main Water Project, Balboa Island Street Drainage and Pump Station
Improvement Projects, Santa Ana Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue Streets and
Drainage Project, and the Peninsula Tidegate Improvement Project due to real
property interest conflicts.
Public Works Director Webb noted having met with the Finance Committee and that he will be
presenting new projects in this year's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) prior to when the
full CIP is presented in May.
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City Council Meeting
March 12, 2024
Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan utilized a presentation to review the fiscal year 2024-
25 CIP early look, purpose of the CIP, allocations to the CIP, projects totaling $24 million
completed to date during FY 2023-24, and projects totaling $102 million that are currently under
construction.
Public Works Director Webb complimented the entire City and staff for the work currently
underway.
Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan continued with the presentation to review the FY 2024-
25 CIP projection and proposed FY 2024-25 summary of new funding by type. He noted projects
in the following sections for new proposed funding: facilities, streets and drainage,
transportation, water quality and environmental, and parks, harbors, and beaches.
Mayor O'Neill thanked staff for all the park projects.
Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan continued discussing parks, harbor, and beach projects.
Public Works Director Webb discussed why the Newftrt Pier project is behind schedule and
noted the challenges. In response to Mayor O'Neill's question, Public Works Director Webb
relayed that the Balboa Library and Fire Station concept and plan approval will be coming to
Council probably the first meeting in May befog an environmental document, design, and
bidding occur.
Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan continued the r�fitation to relay new proposed
p Y p Y P p
funding for projects in the water divisio wastewater category, miscellaneous, and oil wells
section. He provided a summary of the n g by type which total $49.1 million and a five-
year look ahead for significant projects. OF W
Jim Mosher suggested a table be provided thNincuded the starting balance per fund at the
beginning of the year and a comparison of expenditures and revenues by fund.
In response to Councilmember Weigand's question, Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan
confirmed that the Balboa Boulevard/Newport Boulevard pavement rehabilitation project will
occur during the off-season. ,
In response to Council4embe�FAvery's question, Public Works Director Webb noted that the
proposed CIP program is not the largest for the City, but it is large and ambitious.
Councilmember Avery agreed the plan was ambitious but expressed confidence in the City to
get it done.
Councilmember Grant thought the plan will take a remarkable amount of work and commended
the City's efficient spending.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS — None
IV. CLOSED SESSION — After Study Session — Council Chambers Conference Room
A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54956.8): 1 matter
Property: 301 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660 — APN: 048-082-01
City Negotiators: Seimone Jurjis, Assistant City Manager, and Lauren Wooding Whitlinger,
Real Property Administrator.
Negotiating Parties: Joseph Berkson, Marcus & Millichap, on behalf of Bobby Hanada and Linda
Hanada
Under Negotiation: Instruction to City Negotiators regarding price and terms of payment.
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City Council Meeting
March 12, 2024
1+/
VII.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)): 1 matter
Bruna Shidler v. City of Newport Beach
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2020-01164498-CU-PO-CJC
RECESSED — 4:38 p.m.
RECONVENED AT 5:01 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Stapleton, Councilmember Brad Avery,
Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Lauren Kleiman,
Councilmember Erik Weigand
VIII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
IM
X.
Lj
City Attorney Harp announced that no reportable actions were taken.
INVOCATION — Pastor Phil Eyskens, Lighthouse of Costa Mesa Cliurch of the Nazarene
I
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Kleiman
XI. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
rd-
XII. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Kleiman: Iddew 4 %F
• Extended birthday wishes to Mayor Pro Tem Stapleton
Councilmember Aver
• Attended the Ox
Weigand and the
9
tion District meeting and a meeting with Councilmember
tation District staff
Councilmember Weigand:
• Expressed interest in hav ng the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Board give
presentation at a City Council meeting and announced the idea of relocating their headquarters
Councilmember Grant:
• Extended birthday wishes to Mayor Pro Tem Stapleton
• Attended the Speak Up Newport Mayor's Dinner, the Newport Beach Police Department's Mobile
Cafe at Herst Coffee, and the Second Annual Orange County Women in Leadership Summit with
Councilmember Kleiman and City Manager Leung
Mayor Pro Tem Stapleton:
• Attended the Speak Up Newport Mayor's Dinner and commended Mayor O'Neill for giving a Key to
the City to the Ben Carlson Foundation
• Attended a tour with Councilmember Weigand of the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter and the Newport
Shores Annual Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting on March 9, 2024
Mayor O'Neill:
• Thanked Speak Up Newport for the Mayor's Dinner
• Attended the Newport Beach Police Department's Mobile Cafe
• Presented the State of the City to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and will be providing
a State of the City to the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce on March 13, 2024
• Spoke to students at Our Lady Queen of Angels and Newport Coast Elementary Schools
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City Council Meeting
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• Announced that the Corona del Mar Home Tour will be on March 14, 2024, the Mayor's Egg Roll
will be on March 23, 2024, and the Hoag Classic golf tournament will be March 20-24, 2024
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Regarding Item 3 , Ordinance No. 2024-5: Adding Chapter 10.75 (Prohibition of the Sale and
Distribution of Kratom) to the Newport Beach Municipal Code, James Carroll former Director of the
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy noted the potential for kratom to help with drug
addiction, expressed concern for Fentanyl coming across the border, and encouraged support for law
enforcement.
Matt Salmon, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona, stated FDA claims
are not true, discussed the potential for kratom to help with drug addiction, and asked Council to follow
the science.
Curtis Bramble, former Utah Senator, relayed that several authorities stated that the benefits of
kratom outweigh the negatives and thought it should be mad ore available.
Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy with ther atom Association requested that
Council not ban kratom.
Alexander Carp relayed how kratom was helping him manage chronic pain and asked Council to follow
the science to protect the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
Hannah Clark urged Council to reconsider the banning of kratom.
Bruce Kakesh asked that Council reconsider banning kratom and have more public discussion, and
shared letters from kratom users. �-
Daniel Fierro asked for more public education aboufflatom and read a quote.
Jordan Richards shad his medical history and experience with kratom, and asked Council to
reconsider banning it.
XIV. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES A DINANCES
1. Minutes for the February 27, 2024 City Council Meeting
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. 2024-5: Adding Chapter 10.75 (Prohibition of the Sale and Distribution of
Kratom) to the Newport Beach Municipal Code
a) Find 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) Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2024-5, An Ordinance of the City Council of
the City of Newport Beach, California, Adding Chapter 10.75 (Prohibition of the Sale and
Distribution of Kratom) to Title 10 (Offenses and Nuisances) of the Newport Beach Municipal
Code.
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City Council Meeting
March 12, 2024
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
4. Resolution No. 2024-13: Supporting Submission of Grant Application Under the Orange
County Transportation Authority Measure M2 Tier 2 Environmental Cleanup Program
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) Adopt amended Resolution No. 2024-13, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Authorizing and Approving the Submittal of a Grant Proposal for Funding
Under the Orange County Transportation Authority Environmental Cleanup Tier 2 Grant
Program.
5. Resolution No. 2024-14: Indefinitely Waiving Section A.1. of Council Policy B-13 to Allow
for Alcoholic Beverages at the Annual Charity Polo Event Held at Peninsula Park
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15304 under Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) because it has no potential to have a
significant effect on the environment; and
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-14, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Indefinitely Waiving Section A.1 gLCouncil Policy B-13 to Allow for Alcoholic
Beverages at the Annual Charity Polo Event Held at Peninsula Park.
6. Resolution No. 2024-15: Authorization to Establish an Other Post -Employment Benefits
Trust with Public Agency Retirement Services —
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) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-15, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Adopting the Public Agencies Post -Employment Benefits Trust (PAPEBT)
Administered by Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS), and Appointing the City Manager
as the Plan Administrator; and
c) Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the documents to implement the program.
7. Resolution No. 024-16: Appointing tTie City Manager as the Plan Administrator for the
Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS), and Delegating Authority to the City
Manager to Administer Other Employee Benefit Plans
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) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-16, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Appointing the City Manager as the Plan Administrator for the Public Agency
Retirement Services (PARS), and Delegating Authority to the City Manager to Administer Other
Employee Benefit Plans; and
c) Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the documents to implement the 401(a)
Defined Contribution Plan with Empower Trust Company, LLC.
8. Resolution No. 2024-17: Creating the Destination Marketing Services Ad Hoc Committee
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) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-17, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Creating the Destination Marketing Services Ad Hoc Committee; and
c) Confirm the appointments of Mayor Will O'Neill, Councilmember Brad Avery, and
Councilmember Erik Weigand to serve on the Destination Marketing Services Ad Hoc
Committee.
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City Council Meeting
March 12, 2024
MISCELLANEOUS
9. Planning Commission Agenda for the March 7, 2024 Meeting
Receive and file.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Stapleton, seconded by Councilmember Weigand, to approve the
Consent Calendar; and noting the amendments to Items 1 and 4.
With Councilmember Avery voting "no," the motion carried 6-1.
XV. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR — None
XVI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Adam Leverenz stated he has an offshore mooring permit and thought it was hypocritical that the City
is exercising private exclusive use of State land.
XVII. PUBLIC HEARING
10. Ordinance No. 2024-6 and Resolution Nos. 2024-18 and 2024-19: Code Enforcement
Enhancement Program Associated with the Use of Publi roperty for Commercial
Purposes (PA2024-0015)
Mayor Pro Tem Stapleton thanked staff for th 'Nfront
'ort on this matter.
Mayor O'Neill opened the public heari
Adam Leverenz asked if a private v sale iresidence is considered a commercial use.
Jim Mosher asked Council to clarif process for delivering receipts to abandoned properties and
claiming property after filing an appeal.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor O'Neill closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Harp indicated that the ordinance does not include private vehicle sales.
Motion by Mayor Pro " em Stapleton, seconded by Councilmember Kleiman, to
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 full reading, direct the City
Clerk to read by title only, introduce Ordinance No. 2024-6, An Ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Section 10.08.030 (Use of Public Property for
Commercial Purposes) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and pass to second reading on March
26, 2024; c) adopt Resolution No. 2024-18, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Setting the Amount of Impoundment Fees Related to Unauthorized Use of Public
Property for Commercial Purposes and Amending the Schedule of Rents, Fines and Fees; d) adopt
Resolution No. 2024-19, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California,
Adding a Part -Time Public Works Maintenance Aide Position to the Public Works Department, and
Upgrading a Part -Time Code Enforcement Officer Position to a Full -Time Code Enforcement Officer
Position Within the Community Development Department; and e) approve Budget Amendment
No. 24-054, for $36,748.02 in increased expenditure appropriations in FY 2023-24 for the
Unpermitted Commercial Use of Public Property Impounds.
The motion carried unanimously.
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March 12, 2024
XVIII. CURRENT BUSINESS
11. City Membership in the League of California Cities
Connor Medina, Regional Public Affairs Manager for the Orange County Division of the League of
California Cities (Cal Cities), stated that he is also joined by Marshall Goodman, Mayor of La Palma
and Orange County Division President. He utilized a presentation to review Cal Cities' core mission
to protect and enhance local control, the benefits of membership, the need to have the City at the
table on sober living, Proposition 1, and Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) issues, Cal
Cities' aligned advocacy on other priorities, Newport Beach's leadership in Cal Cities, and the rate
of return on investment.
Councilmember Weigand noted the benefit to the City of having a seat at the table, reviewed what
the City receives for the investment, and supported renewing its membership.
Mayor O'Neill discussed the pros and cons of membership, expressed disappointment that Cal Cities
called the City's efforts relative to the Taxpayer ProtectAh Act deceptive, stated the difficulty in
supporting an organization that does not support the City in a high profile way, indicated he cannot
support an organization that hurts the City this badly, and suggested taking a year off.
Councilmember Grant thought the City has suffered serious disappointment by Cal Cities' advocacy,
asked the City to consider the pros and listed reasons to continue membership, noted the importance
of being part of a strong voice to send to Sacramento, supported staying in Cal Cities and thought
pulling out for one year is not the right message to be siding, and stated she appreciated the work
and attendance of Mr. Medina and Mayor Goodman.
Councilmember Avery thought Cal Cities does a good job but not renewing the City's membership
will send a strong message, expressed an inclination to step aside for a year at the risk of the City
looking petulant by other cities, noted challenges living next to poorly managed sober living homes,
and expressed support for Mayor O'Neill's position and the need to protect the safety of the
residents.
Councilmember Kleiman thanked Mr. IT and Mayor Grant for their work, questioned whether
Cal Cities' has done any material advocacy relative to RHNA, noted Cal Cities' influence on
Proposition 1 and its i1hpact to the City, and expressed concern for the responsible use of the City's
dues to represent Newport Beach and its furtherance to reinstate local control.
Mayor Pro Tem Stapleton thanked Mr. Medina for his work and time, stated that mental health
facilities in neighborhoods in his District is one of the biggest threats to quality of life, expressed his
dissatisfaction with Cal Cities' direction, and noted that a year off or more sends the message he
would like to send.
In response to Councilmember Weigand's question, City Manager Leung thought Councilmember
Grant would have to step down from her position with Cal Cities if the City chose not to renew the
membership. Mr. Medina stated that the availability of her seat would be effective immediately in
the event of nonrenewal. Additionally, City Manager Leung indicated that the item could be
returned to Council for consideration in a year, if desired.
Motion by Mayor O'Neill, seconded by Councilmember Blom, to 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) direct staff not to renew the City of Newport Beach's
membership in the League of California Cities.
Councilmember Weigand stated for the record that his opposition to the vote has no bearing on
Proposition 1 and his feelings are regional and on a greater scope.
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City of Newport Beach
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March 12, 2024
Mayor O'Neill indicated that no one thinks Councilmember Weigand supports Proposition 1. He
asked for public comment, which there were none.
With Councilmembers Weigand and Grant voting "no," the motion carried 5-2.
XIX. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None
XX. ADJOURNMENT - 6:13 p.m.
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
March 7, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
' 11 O
or
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