HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/29/2025 - Study Session / Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Meeting Minutes
Study Session and Regular Meeting
April 29, 2025
I. ROLL CALL — 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman (arrived at 4:02 p.m.), Councilmember
Michelle Barto, Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember
Sara J. Weber, Councilmember Erik Weigand
II. CURRENT BUSINESS
SS1. Clarification of Items on the Consent Calendar — None
SS2. Lower Castaways Redevelopment and City Pool Options
Assistant City Manager Jurjis reported that the Lower Castaways Park Ad Hoc Committee was
formed in February 2024 to explore redevelopment options, focusing on an aquatic facility, and
by October 2024, Council directed staff to proceed with environmental studies, construction
document proposals, entitlements, and community outreach. He noted that staff received
proposals for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and architectural and structural designs,
and that staff is seeking further Council direction.
Mayor Stapleton suggested reforming the ad hoc committee with a two -pronged approach to
1) examine the best use for Lower Castaways and 2) if it is not to be used for a pool, explore
potential locations for an aquatic center. He proposed including community members on the ad
hoc committee, along with Councilmembers.
Councilmember Blom agreed with the Mayor's approach and emphasized the importance of
addressing community concerns related to traffic.
Councilmember Weigand asked for clarification on the committee composition and application
process for public members. City Attorney Harp confirmed that, typically, an application process
would be used for members of the public who are not already serving on a board or commission.
Recreation and Senior Services Director Levin indicated that the City could use a community
pool, citing high demand for more full-time aquatic facilities. He also reported that about 70%
of current pool users for swim lessons and lap swimming use reside in the Newport -Mesa area.
Adam Leverenz expressed that, while people generally favor having a community pool, they do
not support the Lower Castaways site largely due to traffic concerns. Additionally, he observed
that there may also be resistance due to the construction cost for the pool/aquatic center.
Jim Mosher stated that he could support developing an aquatic center depending on the cost,
but doubted the assessment that the public felt positively about the Lower Castaways site due
to traffic concerns.
Brad Rollins advocated for constructing a pool somewhere in the City and took the opportunity
to express concerns over maintenance standards at the existing Corona del Mar High School
pool facility.
Robin Sinclair expressed support for having a community pool due to issues with relying on local
high school pools, indicated that Lower Castaways has potential to transform into an improved
community area, and noted that she does not have a location preference for a community pool.
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Earl Craig expressed the need for the City to have aquatic facilities and supported constructing
a community pool somewhere in the City.
David Granoff recounted past advocacy efforts by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Commission to construct a swimming pool in the City, and supported locating it at Lower
Castaways due to the views that it presents and the multi -venue capabilities the facility could
provide.
The City Council discussed various aspects of pool design, usage, community benefits, and
touched on the potential for the aquatic center to support water safety education and the Junior
Lifeguard Program.
Mayor Stapleton requested a straw vote relative to recreating a seven -member ad hoc committee
that would be comprised of three Councilmembers and four members of the public (one member
from the Harbor Commission, one member from the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Commission, one member from the Planning Commission, and one at -large public member).
Following discussion, the straw vote was unanimous.
III. RECESSED — 4:23 p.m.
IV. RECONVENED AT 4:30 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
V. ROLL CALL
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
VI. INVOCATION — Councilmember Barto
VII. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Weber
VIII. PRESENTATION
• History of Newport Beach Lifeguards
Fire Chief Boyles introduced Assistant Chief O'Rourke who utilized a presentation to discuss the
history of the Newport Beach Lifeguards which was established in 1923. He highlighted significant
milestones and key developments like the introduction of rescue boats and beach patrol jeeps,
acknowledged the Newport Beach Lifeguard Headquarters and the Junior Lifeguard Program's
success, and honored Lifeguard Ben Carlson's story and legacy.
IX. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Grant:
• Attended the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the renovated parks at Newport Elementary School and
San Miguel Park, the OASIS Senior Center volunteer lunch and OASIS Sailing Club opening day,
SPON's (Stop Polluting Our Newport) annual meeting, the Newport Beach Police Department's
promotion and swearing -in ceremony, and the grand opening of JSX (JetSuiteX)
• Displayed slides of the April 26, 2025 compost giveaway, e-waste and document shredding event
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman:
• Reported on the success of the inaugural Corona del Mar Third Thursdays event, thanked the
community for attending, and promoted the next Third Thursday event
• Announced that the Corona del Mar Residents Association's annual meeting will be held May 6,
2025, at Sherman Gardens
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Mayor Stapleton:
• Highlighted the ribbon cutting of the City's first universally accessible playground at San Miguel
Park and recognized Alexis Portillo who advocated for accessible parks in the City many years ago
• Attended the OASIS Sailing Club opening day, the Newport to Ensenada sailing event where he
also exchanged gifts with the mayor of Ensenada, the Lighthouse Cafe's loth anniversary event,
El Ranchito's 50th anniversary event, the Eastbluff Elementary School Gala, the Newport Beach
Police Department's promotion and swearing -in ceremony, and the Orange County Crime Victims'
Rights Ceremony with District Attorney Todd Spitzer
X. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Regarding Item 3 (Ordinance Related to the Use of Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, and Other Such Devices
on the Beach), Jim Mosher stated the matter should have been brought to the Parks, Beaches, and
Recreation Commission for their input and to allow the public the opportunity to provide input regarding
bicycles on the paved walkways.
Adam Leverenz expressed appreciation for the installation of a sign enforcing the 8 mph speed limit on
the boardwalk but shared difficulties in capturing adolescent speeding violators. He also noted that,
despite the sign's presence, speeding issues persist.
Peter Anderson, representing the Central Newport Beach Community Association, expressed gratitude
for the ordinance in Item 3, and added that he has also noticed and appreciated the increased police
presence and enforcement of boardwalk regulations.
XI. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the April 15, 2025 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 INTRODUCTION
3. Ordinance No. 2025-6: Amending Chapter 11.04 (Parks, Park Facilities, and Beaches) of
the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to the Use of Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, and
Other Such Devices on the Beach
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) Waive full reading, direct the City Clerk to read by title only, introduce Ordinance No. 2025-6,
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Chapter
11.04 (Parks, Park Facilities, and Beaches) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to the
Use of Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, and Other Such Devices on the Beach, and pass to a second
reading on May 13, 2025.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
4. Resolution No. 2025-14: Supporting Submission of Grant Application Under the Orange
County Transportation Authority Measure M2 Tier 1 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
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b) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-14, 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 I Grant Program.
5. Resolution No. 2025-15: Creating the Ad Hoc Oil Advisory 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. 2025-15, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Creating the Ad Hoc Oil Advisory Committee: and
c) Confirm the appointments of Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Noah Blom and
Councilmember Sara J. Weber to serve on the Ad Hoc Oil Advisory Committee.
Mayor Stapleton recused himself from Item 5 due to real property interest conflicts.
6. Resolution No. 2025-16: Creating the Integrated Pest Management Ad Hoc Advisory
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. 2025-16, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Creating an Ad Hoc Committee to Review the City's Integrated Pest Management
Program and Make Recommendations to the City Council Regarding Revisions Thereto; and
c) Confirm the appointments of Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, Councilmember Noah Blom and
Councilmember Sara J. Weber to serve on the Ad Hoc Council Integrated Pest Management
Program Review Committee.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
7. Approval of Amendment No. Two to Maintenance/Repair Services Agreement with
Nature's Image, Inc. (C-8537-1)
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 Amendment No. Two to the Maintenance/Repair Services Agreement with
Nature's Image, Inc. to extend the term through April 22, 2029, increase the not -to -exceed
amount by $2,334,049.71, for a new not -to -exceed amount of $4,868,982.95, and incorporate
green -waste reporting requirements, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
amendment.
8. Approval of On -Call Maintenance and Repair Services Agreement for Facilities
Maintenance Support with Ramco General Engineering Contractors, Inc. (C-8560-2)
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 a Maintenance and Repair Services Agreement with Ramco General Engineering
Contractors Inc., for On -Call Facilities Maintenance Support Services for a three-year term and
not -to -exceed amount of $500,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
agreement.
9. Approve the Service Agreement for Water Laboratory Services with Sierra Analytical
Labs, Inc. (C-8639-2)
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
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b) Approve Professional Services Agreement for Potable Water Laboratory Services with
Sierra Analytical Labs, Inc., for a five-year term with a total not -to -exceed amount of $325,000,
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
10. Approval of Amendment No. Two to Professional Services Agreement with Bumper to
Bumper, Inc. for Vehicle Washing and Detailing Services (C-8877-1)
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 Amendment No. Two to Professional Services Agreement with Bumper to Bumper, Inc.
to extend the term through May 30, 2027, and increase the not -to -exceed amount by $260,000
for a new not -to -exceed amount of $580,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
the amendment.
11. Approve the Second Amendment to the 2009 Waste Disposal Agreement with the County
of Orange (C-4194)
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 the Second Amendment to the 2009 Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of
Orange (Contract No. 4194), to extend the term of the Agreement for 12 months and allow for a
2.6% disposal fee increase, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
12. Reassignment and Amendment of the Services Agreement for Sewer Manhole Lining
Services(C-8934)
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) Approve assignment agreement from Sancon Technologies, Inc. to Vortex Services, LLC for
on -call maintenance/repair services agreement C-8934-1 for sewer manhole lining services; and
c) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the On -Call Maintenance/Repair Services Agreement with Vortex
Services, LLC for Sewer Manhole Lining Services, extending the term to July 28, 2027, and
increasing the agreement amount by $200,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the Agreement.
13. Tentative Agreement with the Newport Beach Fire Association (C-2060)
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) Receive and consider the Tentative Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and the
Newport Beach Fire Association.
14. Tentative Agreement with the Association of Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards (ANBOL)
(C-2058A)
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 1560(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will
not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Receive and consider the Tentative Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and the
Association of Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards.
15. Amendment No. One to the Professional Services Agreement with Infosend, Inc. for
Printing, Mailing and Online Presentment and Authorization to Execute Documents for
Credit -Card Pass -Through Fees (C-8614-1)
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;
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b) Approve Amendment No. One to the Professional Services Agreement with Infosend, Inc. for
Document Printing, Mailing Services and Online Presentment; and
c) Authorize the City Manager and/or her designee to execute documents with the merchant
service providers to implement pass -through credit card fees for utility payments.
16. Amendment No. 2 to Official Police Tow Truck Service Agreements with G&W Towing (C-
3203) and Southside Towing (C-7008-1)
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 Amendment No. 2 to the Official Police Tow Truck Service Agreements with G&W
Towing of Costa Mesa and PD Transport, Inc., DBA Southside Towing, of Costa Mesa increasing
towing rates, amending insurance requirements, and allowing insurance cost offsets in an
amount not -to -exceed $75,000 per towing operator, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the amendments.
MISCELLANEOUS
17. Grants and Donations Report for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2025
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) Receive and file.
18. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Second Quarter Financial Report
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 Budget Amendment No. 25-057, adjusting revenue estimates and expenditure
appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget as further outlined in the report.
19. Approve the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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 the City's 2025 Sewer System Management Plan as required by the State Water
Resources Control Board Order 2022-103-DWQ.
20. Planning Commission Cancellation Notice for the April 17, 2025 Meeting
Receive and file.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Kleiman, seconded by Councilmember Blom, to approve the Consent
Calendar; and noting the amendments to Item 1 and the recusal by Mayor Stapleton to Item 5.
The motion carried unanimously.
XII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS - None
XIV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Prior to conducting the public hearings, the following ex parte communications were announced:
• Councilmember Weigand met with the owner of and consultant for Five Crowns (Item 22)
• Councilmember Barto spoke with the owner of Five Crowns (Item 22)
• Councilmembers Blom met with the owner of Five Crowns (Item 22)
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• Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman spoke with Item 22's applicant and appellant
• Mayor Stapleton met with The Irvine Company (Item 23) and noted that their conversation was
fully reflected in the written record
21. Resolution No. 2025-17: Revising Certain Fees Within the Schedule of Rents, Fines and
Fees
Mayor Stapleton opened the public hearing.
Jim Mosher commented on the library fees and suggested that the resolution reference that the
Board of Library Trustees has authority to set library fees.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Stapleton closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayor Stapleton, 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) adopt Resolution No. 2025-17, AResolution of the City
of Newport Beach, California, Revising and Adopting Fees Within the Schedule of Rents, Fines, and
Fees.
The motion carried unanimously.
22. Resolution No. 2025-18: Appeal of a Limited Term Permit and Coastal Development
Permit for the Five Crowns Temporary Patio (PA2023-0202) (C-4014)
Councilmember Weber recused herself due to Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry's Restaurants
Inc., being a client of her business and a source of income.
Deputy Community Development Director Murillo introduced Assistant Planner Whelan who
utilized a presentation to discuss the zoning map, project location and description, background and
proposal, Emergency Temporary Use Permit (ETUP) history, Zoning Administrator and Planning
Commission actions, appeal concerns, and the basis for staffs recommendations.
Mayor Stapleton opened the public hearing.
Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry's Restaurant, stated that he is representing Five Crowns and utilized
a presentation to highlight their 60-year history in Corona del Mar and the actions taken at the
Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission meetings. He detailed the additional Conditions of
Approval they were willing to accept in order to be a better neighbor and requested that Council
uphold the Planning Commission's decision.
Ken Catanzarite, appellant, discussed the 1977 Use Permit, expressed concerns about noise impacts
on nearby residences due to the use of the outdoor patio, and questioned the legality of the
application process. He also disputed the effectiveness of the proposed sound mitigation measures
and asked Council to reconsider Planning Commission's decision and approve the appeal.
Jim Mosher discussed the purpose of disclosing ex parte communications, questioned the logic in
requiring the applicant to provide its own noise study, suggested the City hire an on -call acoustics
expert, doubted that the soundwall would be tall enough to block all lines of sight to the patio, and
noted that Condition of Approvals 2 and 20 are the same.
Dwight Manley discussed his background, urged Council to support long-standing establishments
like Five Crowns, and expressed support for the project.
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Chad Tillner stated that the use of amplified music over recent years has increased which could be
bothersome to neighbors. However, he indicated he remains neutral about the project but hoped
that Council would take the nearby neighbors' concerns about noise into consideration.
Following Mayor Stapleton's inquiry, no Councilmember amended their ex parte communication
information.
Mr. Catanzarite asked Council to not ignore Five Crowns' sound impacts on the residents and
indicated that his sound consultant believes that, no matter what is done by the restaurant, it will
not mitigate the sound.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Stapleton closed the public hearing.
In response to Councilmember Grant's questions, Deputy Community Development Director Murillo
stated that the most up-to-date sound study from the applicant is included with the staff report but
the appellant also conducted a sound study. Further, the only location in the City with onsite sound
monitoring is at Newport Dunes.
In response to the appellant's previous question, City Attorney Harp clarified the intention of the
section related to the application process.
In response to Councilmember Weigand's questions, Deputy Community Development Director
Murillo and Assistant Planner Whelan discussed what initiated the project, explained the purpose
of proposing the limited term permit for this matter, and reviewed the restaurant's complaint
history over two years.
Councilmember Blom expressed support for maintaining the Five Crowns legacy, emphasizing its
historical significance and community role, and highlighted key community -centered imperatives
surpassing specific resentments linked to residential concerns regarding amplified noise.
In response to Councilmember Barto's question, Assistant Planner Whelan indicated that the police
department noted that the complaints against Five Crowns were not out of the ordinary compared
to other restaurants.
Following discussion, Councilmember Weigand suggested that Conditions of Approval 6, 8, 9, 10,
11, 16, 19 and 20 be either removed or amended, emphasizing that the operating hours should be
amended and the sound attenuation wall requirement should be removed. City Attorney Harp
pointed out that the appellant would normally be given the opportunity at this time to comment on
the proposed amendments; however, he noted that Mr. Catanzarite was no longer in the Council
Chambers.
Motion by Councilmember Weigand seconded by Councilmember Blom, to a) find this
project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301
under Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14,
Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment;
and b) adopt amended Resolution No. 2025-18, AResolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Denying an Appeal and Upholding the Decision of the Planning Commission's
and Zoning Administrator to Approve a Limited Term Permit for a Temporary Outdoor Dining Area
with Live Entertainment Located at 3801 East Coast Highway (PA2023-0202), including the removal
or amendments to Conditions of Approval 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 19 and 20.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman concurred with Councilmember Weigand's recommended amendments,
notably agreeing to eliminate the requirement for the sound mitigation wall after reviewing the
extensive attempts made by Five Crowns to address noise concerns.
With Councilmember Weber recusing herself, the motion carried 6-0.
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With Councilmember Weber recusing herself, the motion carried 6-0.
23. Ordinance Nos. 2025-7 and 2025-8, and Resolution No. 2025-19: Approving an Amendment
to the North Newport Center Planned Community (PC-56)
Assistant City Manager Jurjis explained the background regarding the amendment and Principal
Planner Westmoreland utilized a presentation to provide a staff report, reported that the
amendment would allocate 1,500 dwelling units from the Housing Opportunity Overlay to the
planned community, allow for increased building heights, make other changes to development
standards, and highlighted the recommendations.
Councilmember Weigand requested and received confirmation from Principal Planner
Westmoreland that the residential community in Block 100 would not impact the view ordinance
already established in the area.
Mayor Stapleton opened the public hearing.
Shawna Schaffner, representing The Irvine Company, stated that they agree with the
recommendations.
Adam Leverenz raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing in the City given the trend for
luxury development. He believed the City has a history of removing affordable units without
replacing them and warned about the negative consequences of failing to provide affordable housing.
Jim Mosher noted that The Irvine Company's 1,500-unit proposal relies on units added to the
General Plan without a Greenlight vote (Charter Section 423). He also questioned the justification
for building all the units in one location, as it may significantly affect the views of the surrounding
areas, including a publicly funded view platform.
Todd Larner expressed support for The Irvine Company's proposal since it is a step toward resolving
housing supply issues, aligns with smart planning principles that would ensure that the City
remains an employment destination, and creates quality housing without significantly impacting
local traffic.
Georgina Jacobson expressed support for The Irvine Company's proposal since it addresses the
housing mandate while maintaining the City's quality of life.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Stapleton closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Blom thanked The Irvine Company for being a part of the community and making
an investment in the City, and commended Principal Planner Westmoreland for her presentation.
Councilmember Grant reviewed the City's efforts and milestones for achieving affordable housing,
and assured everyone that the City is working tirelessly on the matter.
Motion by Councilmember Blom, seconded by Councilmember Grant, to a) find this matter
is not subject to further environmental review pursuant to Section 21083.3 of the California Public
Resources Code (PRC) and Section 15183 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines because it is consistent with the previously certified Program Environmental Impact
Report (SCH No. 2023060699); b) waive full reading, direct the City Clerk to read by title only,
introduce Ordinance No. 2025-7, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Approving an Amendment to the North Newport Center Planned Community
Development Plan (PC-56) to Allocate 1,500 Base Dwelling Units from the HO-4 (Newport Center
Area) Subarea Development Limits Set Forth in Section 20.28.050 (Housing Opportunity (HO)
Overlay Zoning Districts) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to the North Newport Center
Planned Community (PC-56) Development Plan for 100 and 190 Newport Center Drive and Various
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Addresses Within the North Newport Center Planned Community (PA2024-0173), and pass to a
second reading on June 10, 2025; c) waive full reading, direct the City Clerk to read by title only,
introduce amended Ordinance No. 2025-8, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Approving a Development Agreement for the Project Located at 100 and 190
Newport Center Drive and Various Addresses Within the North Newport Center Planned Community
(PA2024-0173), and pass to a second reading on June 10, 2025; and d) approve Resolution No. 2025-
19, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving an
Affordable Housing Implementation Plan (AHIP) and Water Supply Assessment for Properties
Located at 100 and 190 Newport Center Drive and Various Addresses Within the North Newport
Center Planned Community (PA2024-0173).
The motion carried unanimously.
Regarding Item 22 and prior to Motion for Reconsideration, City Attorney Harp received confirmation
from the City Council that the changes to the Conditions of Approval and adoption of Resolution
No. 2025-18 also authorizes the City to amend the Findings of Fact that are attached to the resolution
in order to conform with the motion.
XV. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION — None
XVI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
Jim Mosher expressed concern over the lack of detail provided in Closed Session Item A, noting that the
Brown Act does not prohibit revealing the subject matter and that this was done by a previous City
Attorney in 2011.
City Attorney Harp announced that the City Council would adjourn to Closed Session to discuss the
items listed on the Closed Session agenda and read the titles.
Mayor Stapleton recessed the meeting at 6.43 p.m.
XVII. CLOSED SESSION — Council Chambers Conference Room
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION — INITIATION OF LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(4)): 1 matter
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54957.6): 1 matter
Agency Designated Representatives: Grace K. Leung, City Manager, Barbara Salvini, Director
of Human Resources, and Jonathan Holtzman, Esq., Negotiators.
Employee Organizations: Newport Beach City Employees Association (NBCEA); Newport Beach
Employees League (NBEL); Newport Beach Fire Management Association (NBFMA); Newport
Beach Lifeguard Management Association (NBLMA); Newport Beach Police Association (NBPA);
Newport Beach Police Management Association (NBPMA); Newport Beach Professional and
Technical Employees Association (NBPTEA); and Part Time Employees Association of Newport
Beach (PTEANB).
Mayor Stapleton reconvened the meeting at 7.05 p.m.
XVIII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp announced that no reportable actions were taken.
Volume 66 - Page 311
City of Newport Beach
April 29, 2025
Councilmember Grant announced that Elizabeth Stahr passed away today and that. the City Council
will be adjourning a future meeting in her honor.
XIX. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 7:05 p.m. in memory of Andrea Donahue
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, Newport
Beach, on April 24, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
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Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
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Joe Sta let n
Mayor
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