HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - MinutesMay 27, 2025
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Agenda Item No. 1
City Council Meeting Minutes
Study Session and Regular Meeting
May 13, 2025
I. ROLL CALL - 4:02 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. CURRENT BUSINESS
SS1. Clarification of Items on the Consent Calendar - None
SS2. Presentation from the Lion's Heart Boys Group - Corona del Mar Chapter
Presidents Farris Kassab and Nick Klichan stated that Lion's Heart is a nonprofit organization
that provides teens with opportunities to serv9wir community, earn service hours, and gain
leadership skills, noted their Chapter has completed over k,300 hours of public service, and
discussed the types of organizations and events they participat ith.
SS3. Proclamation RecognizingNational Public Works Week
Mayor Stapleton read the proclamation which recognized May 18-24, 2025, as National Public
Works Week and presented it to Public Works Director Webb and Utilities Director Vukojevic.
The directors thanked the City, encouraged the community to pay tribute to Public Works
professionals, and announced the Touch A Truck event on May 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to noon
at Peninsula Park near the Balboa Pier.
Mayor Stapleton thanked the directors and staff for their service, and congratulated Public
Works Director Webb on his upcoming retirement.
SS4. Expansion of City lley oncept
Public Works Director Webb and Transportation Manager Sommers utilized a presentation to
summarize the ongoing efforts since the last study session in September 2024, discuss the
collaboration with the Ad Hoc Transit, Transportation, Parking and Mobility City Council
Committee and engagement with the public, highlight the proposed trolley routes and schedule,
discuss the trolley vehicles, review estimated costs, and review grant opportunities and next
steps.
Councilmember Blom acknowledged the challenge of developing a full transit system in Newport
Beach and expressed gratitude towards staff for tackling this task.
Councilmember Grant expressed gratitude toward the committee and staff for their work on the
trolley expansion project. She noted the significant opportunity the expansion presents,
particularly in addressing parking issues in the City.
Councilmember Weigand thanked everyone involved for their efforts and inquired about road
furniture, advertising on the trolleys, and the potential for adding bike racks at locations with
high ridership. Public Works Director Webb stated that road furniture was discussed but it was
determined that benches were not needed; however, bike racks may be an option. Mayor
Stapleton and Councilmember Blom expressed their desire to not allow advertisements on the
trolleys.
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Mayor Stapleton emphasized the potential for increasing ridership, highlighted Laguna Beach's
trolley ridership, and expressed excitement about the historical connection to Newport Beach's
red car trolleys from 1906.
Jim Mosher questioned Council's approach in the planning process for the trolley expansion,
suggesting that procedural issues might have limited public participation.
Adam Leverenz emphasized the importance of transparent decision -making to ensure
community involvement and fairness in the planning stages.
A straw vote was unanimously agreed upon to move forward with the expansion of the City
trolley program.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dael Wilcox, a goatscaper, shared his experience with a contract dispute involving a condominium
association in the City and requested assistance in obtaining a variance to continue his goat -based
landscaping business in Newport Beach. Ak
Chad Tillner expressed concerns about the decision-m ing process at the April 29, 2025 City Council
meeting regarding the temporary patio at Five Crown d urged Council to reconsider its decision.
IV. RECESSED — 4:45 p.m.
V. RECONVENED AT 4:45 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
VI. ROLL CALL 16
Present: Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayor Pro Tem LaurenWeiman, Councilmember Michelle Barto,
Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Sara J. Weber,
Councilmember Erik Weigand
VII. INVOCATION — Pastor W. Dan Erlenbusch, Newport Harbor Lutheran Church
VIII PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Blom
IX. PRESENTATION
• History of the Completidff of Newport Harbor by Bill Lobdell
Bill Lobdell utilized a presentation to discuss how Newport Harbor has changed from 1870 to 1936.
He reviewed the harbor's original geography before the formation of the peninsula and islands, the
discovery of "New Port" by Captain Samuel Dunnells, challenges due to the dangerous harbor
entrance and shallow depths, failed attempts to build jetties in the 1920s, the Federal funding that
was obtained during the Great Depression for harbor improvements, the completion of renovations
and official opening of the newly -dredged Newport Harbor with rebuilt jetties on May 26, 1936.
Mr. Lobdell pointed out that the harbor's difficulty in accommodating large commercial ships
inadvertently led to its development as a pleasure harbor even to this day.
X. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand:
• Announced he will be attending an Orange County Sanitation District meeting for administration
and finance, as well as an Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District meeting
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Councilmember Barto:
• Attended the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and Lido Isle Yacht Club opening day ceremonies, the
Balboa Bay Resort scholarship night, and the Corona del Mar Residents Association Town Hall
• Announced she will be completing the Citizens' Police Academy
Councilmember Grant:
• Attended the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council breakfast, the Newport Theater Arts Center
open house, the Balboa Island mural unveiling, several yacht club opening day ceremonies, and the
Daughters of the American Revolution scholastic awards event
• Displayed a slide to discuss the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) environmental initiatives,
its commitment to environmental restoration, and highlighted the spring tour event
Councilmember Blom:
• Recognized the significance of Mother's Day, the importance of mothers, and acknowledged his wife,
Marin
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman:
• Announced that she attended the Southern California As 'ation of Governments (SCAG) General
Assembly meeting
Mayor Stapleton: Ohl
• Attended the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council breakfa , Newport Beach International Boat
Show, the OrangewoodFest, several yacht club opening day ceremonies, the Corona del Mar
Residents Association Town Hall, scholarship events at the Balboa Bay Resort and Elks Lodge, and
the Keck Medicine of USC — Newport Beach R diation Oncology and Imaging grand opening
• Announced that the Newport Beach Founda)Wn has started its 12th Distinguished Citizen Program
class 1
• Participated in the filming of the "Wear Your Lifejacket to Wdrk Day" video with Harbormaster
Blank for National Safe Boating Wyk
• Displayed slides to highlight the Orange County Marathon and beach maintenance
XI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Regarding Items 3 (Use of Devices on the -Beach), 7 (Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower
Castaways and Aquatic Center Site Options), and 10 (Short -Term Lodging Compliance and Hotline),
Adam Leverenz noted improvements in bicycle enforcement, expressed hope for open-mindedness
related to the use of Lower Castaways, and encouraged the City to gather short-term lodging rental rate
data as suggested by the California Coastal Commission.
XII. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the April 29, 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 ADOPTION
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
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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) Conduct second reading and adopt 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.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
4. Resolution No. 2025-20: Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newport
Beach Firefighters Association and Associated Salary Schedule (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;
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-20, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Newport Beach and
the Newport Beach Firefighters Association and Assoc�jjed Salary Schedule; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 25-063 appropriating $422,413.15 in increased expenditures
in various City division salary and benefits accous from unappropriated General Fund
balance.
5. Resolution No. 2025-21: Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association
of Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards and Associated Salary Schedule (C-2058A)
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. 2025-21, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Newport Beach and
the Association of Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards and Associated Salary Schedule; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 25-061 appropriating $127,947.97 in increased expenditures
in various City division salary and benefits accounts from unappropriated General Fund
balance.
6. Resolution No. 2025-22: Accept State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation,
Division of Boating *nd Waterways 2025 Grant for the Marina Park Boating 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;
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-22, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Authorizing Acceptance of Grant Agreement C8969330 Between the State of
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways and the City
of Newport Beach for Reimbursement of the Cost for Replacement Equipment, Refurbishment
Items, Safety Equipment and Scholarships for the Marina Park Boating Program;
c) Authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the Grant Agreement and subsequent related
documents as may be related to the reimbursement of the cost for the adaptive sailing equipment
and replacement items for the Marina Park Boating Program; and
d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 25-064 to record and appropriate $46,000 in grant revenue
from the State of California Division of Boating and Waterways to Marina Park — Marina Park
Sailing account 0107023-561086-G2502 and in expenditure appropriations to Marina Park —
Equipment NOC account 0107023-911024-G2502.
7. Resolution No. 2025-23: Creating the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower
Castaways and Aquatic Center Site Options
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. 2025-23, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Creating the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and Aquatic
Center Site Options.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
8. Superior Avenue and Hospital Road Pavement Rehabilitation (Project No. 231114) —
Notice of Completion for Contract No. 8894-2
a) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the
project.
9. Central Library, OASIS Senior Center and VJ Community Center Carpet Replacement —
Award of Contract No. 9750-1 (25F02)
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations,
Title 14, Chapter 3, because this project has no potential to have a significant effect on the
environment;
b) Approve the project plans and specifications;
c) Find the bid submitted by Rod -West Floor Covering LLC to be non -responsive;
d) Award Contract No. 9750-1 to Commercial Interior Resources for the total bid price of $151,070
for the Central Library, OASIS Senior Center and VJ Community Center Carpet Replacement,
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract; and
e) Establish a contingency of $15,000 (approximately 10% of total bid) to cover the cost of
unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
10. Professional Services Agreement withODeckard Technologies, Inc. for Short -Term
Lodging Compliance & Hotline (C-9875-1)
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;
b) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Deckard Technologies, Inc. for Short -Term
Lodging Compliance and Hotline for five years for a not -to -exceed amount of $243,750
piggybacking off the procurement of the City of Oxnard's formal solicitation; and
c) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
11. Approval of On -Call Health Screening Services Agreements
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 an On -Call Professional Services Agreement with Hoag Clinic, dba Hoag Executive
Health (C-8654-1A), on a form approved by the City Attorney, with a not -to -exceed amount of
$925,000 and a five-year term; and
c) Approve an On -Call Professional Services Agreement with The Regents of the University of
California on behalf of the University of California at Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population
and Public Health (C-8654-5), on a form approved by the City Attorney, with a not -to -exceed
amount of $500,000 and a five-year term.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman, seconded by Councilmember Barto, to approve the Consent
Calendar; and noting the amendments to Item 1.
The motion carried unanimously.
XIII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR — None
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XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
George Lesley announced the 16th Annual Field of Honor at Castaways Park starting May 17, 2025,
invited the public to attend the free events which honors military personnel and first responders, and
indicated that the field will also feature artwork by local fifth grade students.
Jim Mosher requested that Council reconsider its decision relative to the Five Crowns temporary patio
that was considered at the April 29, 2025 City Council meeting since the public hearing was closed prior
to Council modifying the Conditions of Approval. He believed doing this might have impacted public
participation.
Adam Leverenz echoed Mr. Mosher's procedural concerns regarding the Five Crowns temporary patio,
emphasizing that changes to significant mitigating factors such as sound walls and time limits, might
have discouraged some residents from participating in the discussions. He advocated for reconsideration
of the decision on the basis of transparency and fairness.
City Attorney Harp explained that the
changes to the Conditions of Approval
municipal code regarding noise limits.
XV. CURRENT BUSINESS
City Council's de novo review allowed for Council to make
and that the applic&t is still required to comply with the
12. Status of City of Newport Beach V
Government Code Section 3502.3
Efforts Pursuant to
Human Resources Director Salvini and Human Resources Manager Rodriguez utilized a
presentation to discuss the City's employee vacancy rates and recruitment and retention efforts.
No bargaining unit group or member of the public spoke on the item after Mayor Stapleton opened
the floor for comments, sot e item was received and filed.
XVI. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION — None
XVII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION — None
City Attorney Harp announced that tfe City Council would adjourn to Closed Session to discuss the
items listed on the Closed Session agenda and read the titles.
Mayor Stapleton recessed thrmeeting at 5.26 p.m.
XVIII. CLOSED SESSION — Council Chambers Conference Room
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54957.6): 2 matters
1. Agency Designated Representatives: Mayor Joe Stapleton and Mayor Pro Tem Lauren
Kleiman, Negotiators.
Unrepresented Employees: Unrepresented Employees in the Key and Management Group.
2. Agency Designated Representatives: Grace K. Leung, City Manager, Barbara Salvini,
Director of Human Resources, and Jonathan Holtzman, Esq., Negotiators.
Unrepresented Employees: Newport Beach Employees League.
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B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(1)): 1 matter
Joseph Cartwright v. City of Newport Beach
Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Case No. ADJ15869339
Mayor Stapleton reconvened the meeting at 6.16 p.m.
XIX. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp announced that no reportable actions were taken.
XX. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 6:16 p.m. in memory of Elizabeth Stahr
The agenda and amended agenda were 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 May 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., and May 9, 2025, at 11:15 a.m.
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Joe Stapleton
Mayor
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