HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Minutes - AmendedApril 29, 2025
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Agenda Item No. 1
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
April 15, 2025
I. ROLL CALL - 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, Councilmember Michelle Barto,
Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Sara J. Weber,
Councilmember Erik Weigand
II. INVOCATION — Dave Manne, Pastor Emeritus, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman
IV. PRESENTATIONS
V.
• History of the Development of Lido Isle and Other Islands of Newport Beach by
Bill Lobdell
Bill Lobdell utilized slides to present the history of o Is -her islands in Newport Beach.
I�A41
• Proclamation Recognizing Working Wardrobes
Mayor Stapleton read the proclamation and presented it to CEO Bonni Pomush, who displayed
slides to highlight the services provided by Working Wardrobes and encouraged the community to
learn more about becoming involved wf the organization.
Board Member Steven Fusswinkle shared his story, announced a client sponsorship opportunity,
and thanked Council for their support.
Nancy Skinner invited �ouncil, staff, and members of the public to SPON's annual meeting on Saturday,
April 26, 2025.
Katie Smith spoke ab he Environmental Nature Center (ENC) and requested the removal of
1501 East 16th Street fro the Housing Element of the City's General Plan.
Deanna Reposa shared her family's positive experiences at the ENC and urged Council to protect the
center.
Kristen Mana and Christina Shea, representatives of Arts and Learning Conservatory, shared
information about the organization and invited Council to attend upcoming VIP Tours to be held on
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 and on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Parker Reposa expressed support for removing 1501 East 16th Street from the City's rer ,F ' D'ffir
Housing Element.
Meredith McMan advocated for the preservation of the ENC.
Bo Glover provided a brief history of the ENC and asked Council to preserve and protect the center.
Lori Whalen discussed the ecological importance of the center and its educational value.
Volume 66 - Page 291
City of Newport Beach
April 15, 2025
Don Abrams urged Council to remove 1501 East 16th Street from the City's General Plan Housing
Element.
Jacqueline Franchetti expressed her love of the ENC and advocated for its preservation.
Shana Buxser asked Council to consider removing the ENC from the hHousing eElement.
Taylor Johnson voiced his support for the ENC.
In response to Mayor Stapleton's request, Assistant City Manager Jurjis clarified that the property is
in the housing element and allows for residential use. He also indicated that staff met once with a
housing developer who discussed potential for a single-family, detached, for -sale product type, not high
density or an apartment complex. He further stated that no application has been submitted and noted
that the City recently received correspondence from the property owner's legal counsel.
Assistant City Attorney Summerhill explained that the City hadFreceived correspondence from the
property owner's attorney indicating that they are in a purchase and sale agreement for the property,
and they have reached out to the ENC for input on the project. She also advised that discussion amongst
Council should be limited regarding the Al item. '
Kayleigh and Ellie Horn expressed opposition to housi near the ENC.
Chelsea Kovacevich asked Council to protect the ENC.
Kevin Wallis voiced support for the ENC.
Mindy Himmel thought the ENC is a unique space that should be preserved.
A
Jessica likened the ENC to a national park and 4sked that it be protected.
Caitlin Cary voiced concerns regarding potential health risks that may be caused by development near
the ENC. or
An unidentified child orted the RITC.
Desiree Romero urged Council to remove 1501 East 16th Street from the City's Ge-neral pI^^ Housing
Element.
Sergio Tellez presented i1 formation about the Coastal Corridor Alliance and asked for community
feedback on upcoming projects.
Rick John requested preservation of the ENC.
Emma voiced the significance and importance of the ENC.
Ben Abrams expressed support for preserving the ENC and spoke of his experiences there.
Jessie Vallejo thanked Council for considering everyone's comments and spoke in favor of the ENC.
Milo Stewart thanked the Newport Beach Police Department for their service to the community.
Jody Geoffroy voiced concerns about over development and increased traffic.
Angela and Sage Samuels supported the ENC.
Volume 66 - Page 292
City of Newport Beach
April 15, 2025
Councilmember Blom acknowledged the long history of the farmers' market and the community's
vested interest in it. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that public land and resources are
utilized in a manner offering transparency and fairness. He urged the community to give the new
operator a chance to potentially bring positive change and emphasized Council's ability to address
any issues through the revocable license terms.
Councilmember Grant expressed appreciation for the public's engagement and emphasized that a
more comprehensive outreach program would have been helpful. She noted that perhaps a fresh
start would be beneficial.
Councilmember Weber discussed her connection to the area, noted that some revitalization could be
expand engagement. She recognized the concerns regarding parking and advocated for solutions
that minimize impacts on the surrounding residential areas.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman acknowledged the importance of communication and engagement with the
community
ee munity eone and entertainment, s - . eeomme—d the removal of live musie from
the agreement., emphasized the time and fairness of City staffs RFP process, noted support received
recommendation.
Councilmember Weigand raised concerns regarding provisions in the agreement describing
entertainment. He advocated against consistent amplified music and questioned logistics
concerning vendor parking. He emphasized the need for staff to respond to any issues that may arise
and evaluate the impacts of parking.
r
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman ^'^Nifie' +'i-Atamended her motion to included the removal of amplified
referenees to live music within the agreement. Councilmember Blom concurred and seconded the
motion.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman, seconded by Councilmember Blom, to a) determine this
action is exempt from the #alifornia 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) authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to
execute the amended Revocable License Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and
Heritage Wellness Collective, for Temporary Use of the City Property for the Corona del Mar
Community Market, in a form substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report;
and c) approve a waive of City Council Policy F-7 -Income and Other Property based on the findings
contained in the staff sport and the Agreement, that charging less than fair market rent promotes
the City's goals to provide essential or unique services to the community, that cannot otherwise be
provided if full market rates were charged.
The vote count was misstated during the meeting.
With Councilmembers Grant and Weigand voting "no," the motion carried 5-2.
XIII. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None
Assistant City Attorney Summerhill announced that the City Council would adjourn to Closed
Session to discuss the items listed on the Closed Session agenda and read the titles.
Assistant City Attorney Summerhill announced that Mayor Stapleton would recuse himself
from Closed Session Item A2. due to receipt of campaign contributions.
Volume 66 - Page 299