HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/27/2025 - Study Session / Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Meeting Minutes
Study Session and Regular Meeting
May 27, 2025
I. ROLL CALL - 4:24 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. Proclamation Recognizing Sadie Susolik as Mayor for the Day
Mayor Stapleton read the proclamation which recognized Sadie Susolik, a second grader from
Anderson Elementary School, for being Mayor for the Day. He highlighted her participation in
various City activities during the day, including attending a Newport Beach Fire Department
badge pinning ceremony, touring City Hall, the Police Department, a fire station, the Big
Canyon Reservoir, the lecture hall, and the Harbor where she touched a jellyfish.
SS3. Review of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget
Mayor Stapleton announced he would be recusing himself from discussions regarding
the street, drainage, concrete, and pavement work in the Airport Area due to real
property interest conflicts, the oil well work in the unincorporated area of the County
along West Coast Highway due to real property interest conflicts; and the Balboa Yacht
Basin dock replacement and dredging work based on the interest of one of his clients
who lives near the site and is a source of income.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman announced she would be recusing herself from discussions
regarding the Shore Cliffs water system improvements project and landscape
enhancements in the Cameo Shores and Highlands neighborhoods due to real property
interest conflicts.
Councilmember Blom announced he would be recusing himself due to real property
interest conflicts from discussions regarding the Balboa Boulevard/Newport
Boulevard pavement rehabilitation project, Via Lido and Via Oporto intersection
improvements project; Balboa Island water main replacement, street and drainage
improvements, pump stations, and seawall projects, and the Assessment District 124
project.
Public Works Director Webb and Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan utilized a presentation
to discuss the purpose of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), recap the completed projects
for 2024-2025, review the budget summary, and highlight the 2025-2026 projects by category
and fund.
Councilmember Weigand inquired about funding for the Pacific Coast Highway pedestrian
bridge and Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan responded that staff is exploring various
grant options, including M2 funds. Councilmember Weigand also asked about the Orange
County Water District's loan program for water projects. Deputy Public Works Director
Houlihan confirmed that the City is considering this program for the new well in Fountain
Valley.
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Councilmember Weigand expressed his appreciation for adding the Mesa Trail to the list of
CIP projects.
In response to Councilmember Barto's question, Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan
confirmed that the entire pump system upgrade on Bayside Avenue is an Orange County
Sanitation District project.
Jim Mosher expressed concern about potential delays to the Balboa Library and Fire Station
replacement project due to possible appeals to the California Coastal Commission and
temporary facility issues.
Mayor Stapleton commended the Public Works Department for completing 39 projects valued
at $82 million in one year.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
IV. RECESSED - 4:48 p.m.
V. RECONVENED AT 4:48 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
VI. 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
VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Barto
VIII PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Stapleton
IX. PRESENTATION
• History of the Boy Scout National Jamboree by Don Webb
To share his experience at the 1953 National Boy Scout Jamboree where 52,000 boy scouts gathered
and occupied 3,000 acres of what is now Newport Beach, Don Webb shared anecdotes and utilized a
presentation to highlight his trip from Arizona to the Jamboree, the opening ceremony themed "The
Story of America," the Avenue of Flags, the gateways from each boy scout area, the various activities
offered during the Jamboree, how Hollywood acknowledged the Jamboree, and the Cavalcade of
Scouting closing event.
X. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand:
• Provided statistics on lifeguard activities over the Memorial Day weekend and commended the
lifeguards for managing large crowds effectively, despite not being fully staffed
Councilmember Barto:
• Attended Memorial Day events at Newport Harbor High School and the Field of Honor hosted by
the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor, the Newport Beach Fire Department badge pinning
ceremony, and the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Association meeting
• Announced she will be participating in Fire Ops 101 on May 31, 2025
Councilmember Grant:
• Displayed slides of the first Teen CERT program and its graduates from Corona del Mar High School
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• Attended the Citizens Police Academy graduation, the California Sober Living and Recovery Task
Force press conference, an event to celebrate the Orange County Sheriffs Department Harbor
Patrol's 50th anniversary, the Good Sea Scout event to honor John and Anne Wortmann, the OASIS
Senior Center Community Resource Expo, the Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club open house, the
Exchange Club of Newport Harbor's Field of Honor Memorial Day event, the Airport Working
Group's annual meeting, and the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce's Commodores Club
Athletic Awards Dinner
Mayor Stapleton stated:
• Attended the State of the Bay, the Citizens Police Academy graduation, Leadership Tomorrow's
Government Day, a Rotary Club of Newport Beach meeting, Orange County Sheriffs Department
Harbor Patrol's 501h Anniversary event, the Good Sea Scout event to honor John and Anne
Wortmann, Touch A Truck, the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor's Field of Honor Memorial Day
event, the Balboa Island Art Walk, a project literacy event, the American Legion Auxiliary Salute
to Service event, a panel with Alpha Real Estate, the Teen CERT graduation, and the Newport
Beach Fire Department badge pinning ceremony
• Thanked Administrative Assistant Garrett for organizing and City staff for assisting with Mayor
for the Day events for Sadie Susolik
• Announced he will be participating in the El Morro Classic on May 31, 2025, in hopes to qualify for
the Ben Did Go 10.0 in September
XI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Adam Leverenz suggested the City consider alternative locking mechanisms for the restroom gates
(Item 7), suggested placing one plaque of The Great Rescue of 1925 near the water and an identical
plaque higher in the area for better visibility (Item 9), and recognized City Clerk Brown on her upcoming
retirement (Item 12).
XII. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the May 13, 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.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
3. Resolution No. 2025-24: Establishing the Position of Historian Laureate
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. 2025-24, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Establishing the Position of Historian Laureate.
4. Resolution No. 2025-25: Approving Amendments to the Records Retention Schedule
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. 2025-25, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Amending Certain Sections of the Records Retention Schedule and Authorizing
Destruction of Certain Records.
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CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. San Miguel Park Accessibility Playground Improvements - Notice of Completion for
Contract No. 9371-1 (24P01)
a) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the
project.
6. Utilities Department Locker Room Maintenance - Notice of Completion for Contract
No.9501-1 (25F03)
a) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the
project.
7. Public Bathroom Gate Fabrication and Installation - Reject All Bids for Contract
No. 9761-1
a) Find this project 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) Reject all bids received for Contract No. 9761-1; and .
c) Direct staff to re -advertise the Public Bathroom Gate Fabrication and Installation project.
8. Approval to Increase the Purchase Order Amount with Vulcan Materials Co. for
As -Needed Procurement of Asphalt Materials for the Public Works Department
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 change order to Purchase Order No. 22500313 with Vulcan Materials Co., increasing
the amount from $120,000 to $150,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
9. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Recommendations for Ocean Boulevard Vision
Plan and The Great Rescue of 1925 Plaque (C-9894-1)
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) Receive and file the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission's revised Ocean Boulevard
Concept Master Plan, dated March 4, 2025;
c) Approve the Donation Agreement with Paul Burnett for the fabrication, installation and
maintenance of The Great Rescue of 1925 plaque, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the agreement; and
d) Waive the requirements of City Council Policy L-6 to allow the placement of The Great Rescue
of 1925 plaque within the public right-of-way at the Dahlia Avenue vista point.
10. Amendment to On -Call Maintenance Agreement with Duke's Root Control, Inc., for Sewer
Root Control Services (C-8555-1)
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. One to the On -Call Maintenance/Repair Services Agreement with
Duke's Root Control, Inc., for Sewer Root Services, which extends the contract for two additional
years to June 30, 2027, and increases the contract amount by $290,000, and authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
11. Tentative Agreement with Newport Beach Police Association (NBPA) (C-2056)
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 Police Association.
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12. Temporary Employment Agreement for City Clerk Services (C-9895-1)
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) Pursuant to Charter Section 600, appoint Molly McLaughlin Perry as the Interim City Clerk for
the City of Newport Beach; and
c) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Temporary Employment Agreement with
Molly McLaughlin Perry for city clerk services.
MISCELLANEOUS
13. Set Public Hearing Date to Adopt Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
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 on the City of Newport Beach's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-
2026 for June 10, 2025, and direct the City Clerk to publish a notice of said hearing in accordance
with Section 1102 of the Newport Beach Charter.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Kleiman seconded by Councilmember Blom, to approve the Consent
Calendar; and noting the amendments to Item 1.
The motion carried unanimously.
XIII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None
XIV. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None
XV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION - None
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 5.21 p.m.
XVI. 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.
Unrepresented Employees: Key and Management Group.
2. Agency Designated Representatives: Grace K. Leung, City Manager, and Jonathan
Holtzman, Esq., Negotiators.
Employee Organizations: Newport Beach Fire Management Association (NBFMA); Newport
Beach Lifeguard Management Association (NBLMA); Newport Beach Police Management
Association (NBPMA); and Newport Beach Professional and Technical Employees Association
(NBPTEA).
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(1)): 1 matter
Kristalea Houseman u. City of Newport Beach
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01359736
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Mayor Stapleton reconvened the meeting at 5.59 p.m.
XVII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp announced that no reportable actions were taken.
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 5:59 p.m. in memory of Robert Smith
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 May 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
l
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
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