HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/08/2025 - Regular MeetingCity Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
July 8, 2025
I. ROLL CALL — 4:07 p.m.
Present: Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayo
II. CURRENT BUSINESS
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III. INVOCATION — Pastor Adam Feichtmann, Redeemer Presbyterian Church
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Stapleton
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Interim City Clerk Perry read the announcement concerning public comments for public participation
and time limits.
VI. PRESENTATIONS
• Proclamation Recognizing Amelia Jenkins, Mayor for the Day
Mayor Stapleton read a proclamation recognizing Amelia Jenkins as Mayor for the Day that
highlighted Amelia's exceptional qualities as a student at Our Lady Queen of Angels School.
Mayor Stapleton noted Amelia's participation in various City tours and activities throughout
the day, presented the proclamation to Amelia, and invited her for a photo with the City Council.
• Proclamation Recognizing Rick Stein, President and CEO of Arts Orange County (ArtsOC)
Mayor Stapleton read a proclamation recognizing Rick Stein, President and CEO of Arts Orange
County (ArtsOC), for his significant contributions to the arts in California and Newport Beach.
The proclamation highlighted Mr. Stein's leadership in transforming ArtsOC, his role in
curating the sculpture exhibition in Civic Center Park, and his recent appointment to the
California Arts Council.
Mr. Stein expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised Newport Beach's commitment to
arts and culture through its arts commission and programs.
Councilmember Grant expressed her appreciation to Mr. Stein for his service to the arts
community.
• History of McFadden Square: Newport's First Downtown by Bill Lobdell
Bill Lobdell presented a PowerPoint presentation and brief history of McFadden Square,
Newport Beach's first downtown. He explained the origins of Newport Landing, the relocation
of buildings to the peninsula, and the development of the area into a small downtown with
various businesses and amenities. Mr. Lobdell highlighted key developments, including the
construction of significant buildings and attempts to revitalize the area over the years.
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Mayor Stapleton mentioned that he and Councilmember Blom are participating in ongoing
efforts to reimagine McFadden Square, with plans for public input and potential
improvements in the future.
VII. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand:
• Complimented Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic, whose staff fixed a disruption of a major
transmission line that had been broken on July 2 and was repaired by July 4.
• Thanked the City's lifeguards who had 351 rescues on July 4 with a total of 654 rescues through
Sunday.
• Noted his attendance at the 11-year memorial of Ben Carlson and spoke of the long-lasting impact of
his service to the City.
• Thanked Emergency Services which had a 20% increase in incidents from 2024, managing 77
incidents on July 4 and 183 incidents over the holiday weekend.
• Thanked all public safety personnel for the outstanding work during the Fourth of July weekend,
supporting residents and visitors.
• Thanked staff and public safety personnel for their assistance with the Fourth of July Parade in Dover
Shores.
Councilmember Barto:
• Attended with Councilmember Weigand, the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency (SARFPA)
meeting; and went on the Randall Preserve Advisory Committee field trip, an area that has had an
increase in homelessness.
• Attended the Mr. Irrelevant 50th Anniversary Lowsman Banquet.
• Attended the 58th Annual Newport Beach Arts Exhibition.
• Attended the Relish Event, a relaunch of the Newport Food and Wine Festival, where she presented.
a proclamation to Chef Jamie Gwen.
• Enjoyed the Fourth of July festivities.
Councilmember Grant:
Thanked public safety staff for their work during the holiday weekend.
Attended the 23td annual Women in Government Lunch where women who have served on Boards,
Commissions, and Committees as well as electeds and staff gather; and especially thanked Deborah
Moore, Ashley Johnson, Kay Walker, and Kathy Harrison for their service.
Attended the 58th Annual Newport Beach Arts Exhibition and thanked library staff, the City Arts
Commission and the Arts Foundation volunteers for their work.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman:
• Thanked the Fire Department for their annual parade in her neighborhood.
• Attended annual Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) budget meeting
• Attended the Sober Living Task Force meeting where testimonies were given and insight gleaned on
the complications related to sober living efforts.
• Attended Ben Carlson Day at the Junior Lifeguards Building.
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Mayor Stapleton
• Attended the Employee Service Awards luncheon and thanked Chief Boyles and John Pope for their
efforts.
• Attended the Junior Guards Week Picnic.
• Attended the Mr. Irrelevant 50th Anniversary Lowsman Banquet.
• Attended 58th Annual Newport Beach Arts Exhibition.
• Attended Ben Carlson Day and enjoyed the Fly Over in memoriam of Ben Carlson.
• Joined a Sea Watch shift where there are typically numerous rescues.
• Attended the 14th Annual 4th of July is for Families Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Festival.
• Attended the American Legion Old Glory Boat Parade.
• Expressed appreciation to all of the first responders over the Fourth of July weekend.
• Noted the 5-acre small fire in Laguna Beach was quickly extinguished with the assistance of local
fire departments.
• Announced that he will be attending the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and
Aquatic Center Site Options meeting on Thursday at 3:00 pm.
VIII. MATTERS WHICH COUNCILMEMBERS HAVE ASKED TO BE PLACED ON A FUTURE
AGENDA (NON DISCUSSION ITEM)
None.
IX. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Stapleton asked if the City Council had any requests to remove items from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman requested Agenda Item 12 be removed.
Mayor Stapleton asked for a motion for the Consent Calendar. A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Kleiman
with a second by Councilmember Barto was offered.
Mayor Stapleton noted that Agenda Item No. 5, Resolution No. 2025 42: Adopting a, Memorandum of
Understanding with the Newport Beach Police Management Association and the Associated Salary
Schedule, required a report to be provided.
Tara Finnigan, Assistant City Manager, provided a brief report on Agenda Item 5 that provided the
proposed amendments included in the MOU related to the Police Chief and Assistant Police Chiefs
salary and benefit increases.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Eplanet Thunderstrike spoke on infractions in the cities of Irvine and Newport Beach; and noted
concerns related to famous entertainers.
Adam Leverenz spoke on Item 6, Resolution No. 2025 43: Requesting a CalPERS Contract Amendment
to Eliminate Section 20516(a) Cost Sharing for Citywide Miscellaneous Tier I Employees, noting low
pension contributions by employees; stated that employees should be participating in their pension
costs; and the City of Newport Beach is a great place to work.
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the June 24, 2025 City Council Meeting
Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as written, and order filed.
2. Reading of Ordinances
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Waive reading in full of all ordinances under consideration and direct the City Clerk to read by title
only.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
Resolution No. 2025-40: Medi Cal Managed Care Rate Range Intergovernmental Transfer
(IGT) Program for Cost Recovery of Emergency Medical Services for Calendar Year 2024
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 40, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Authorizing Execution Of The Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Transfer Of
Public Funds With The Department Of Health Care Services (DHCS), And The Health Plan
Provider Agreement With CalOptima, To Participate In The Medi Cal Rate Range
Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) Program;
c) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding.
Transfer of Public Funds with the California Department of Health Care Services;
d) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Health Plan Provider Agreement
Intergovernmental Transfer Rate Range Program Agreement with CalOptima; and
e) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26 003 appropriating $164,746 in increased expenditures in
account 01040404 821008 (IGT) from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance and
increasing revenue estimates related to the Medi Cal IGT program by $390,507 in Account No.
01040404 431246.
4. Resolution No. 2025 41: Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newport
Beach Professional and Technical Employees Association and Associated Salary
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;
b) Adopt Resolution 2025 41, 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 Professional and Technical Employees Association and Amending the Salary
Schedule; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26 004 appropriating $1,036,295 in increased expenditures in
various City division salary and benefit accounts from unappropriated fund balances for Fiscal
Year 2025/26.
5. Resolution No. 2025 42: Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newport
Beach Police Management Association and the Associated Salary 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;
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2025 42, 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 City of Newport Beach Police Management Association and Amending the Salary Schedule
for the Association Unit members, Police Chief, and Assistant Police Chief; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26 005 appropriating $1,693,275 in increased expenditures in
various City division salary and benefit accounts from unappropriated General Fund balance.
6. Resolution No. 2025 43: Requesting a CalPERS Contract Amendment to Eliminate Section
20516(a) Cost Sharing for Citywide Miscellaneous Tier I Employees
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 43, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Requesting the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Amend
the Contract Between the City of Newport Beach and the Board of Administration of CalPERS to
Reduce or Eliminate Cost Sharing Pursuant to Government Code Section 20516(A) for City
Miscellaneous Tier I Employees Citywide.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
7. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Arts Orange County to Manage
Phase X of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park
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 Professional Services Agreement with Arts Orange County for project management
of Phase X of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park for a total amount not to exceed
$135,080 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement.
8. Irrigation Controller Replacement Phase 2 Notice of Completion for Contract No. 9735
1 (25P02)
a) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the
project.
9. Tentative Memorandum of Understanding with Newport Beach Lifeguard Management
Association (NBLMA)
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 Lifeguard Management Association.
10. Tentative Memorandum of Understanding with Newport Beach Fire Management
Association (NBFMA)
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 Management Association.
11. Draft Revisions to the Newport Beach Key and Management Compensationf Plan (K&M)
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 revised Key and Management Compensation Plan.
12. Removed from Consent Calendar
13. Professional Services Agreements for Building Safety Related Services with VCA Code,
Jlee Engineering, Inc., CSG Consultants, and Bureau Veritas North American Inc.
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 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a three year professional services
agreement with The Code Group, dba VCA Code, with a not to exceed the amount of $500,000,
in a form substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report;
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c) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a three year professional services
agreement with JLee Engineering, Inc. with a not to exceed the amount of $620,000, in a form
substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report.
d) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a three year professional services
agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. with a not to exceed the amount of $500,000, in a form
substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report; and
e) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a three year professional services
agreement with Bureau Veritas North America Inc. with a not to exceed amount of $500,000, in
a form substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report.
14. General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC) Bi Monthly Update to the City
Council
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 the report.
MISCELLANEOUS
15. Planning Commission Agenda for the July 3, 2025 Meeting
a) Receive and file
Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Kleiman seconded by Councilmember Barto to approve the
Consent Calendar, including the Minutes as amended (Agenda Item No. 1), and excluding
Agenda Item 12, School Resource Officer Program Agreement.
The motion carried 7-0.
XI. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
12. School Resource Officer Program Agreement
a) Determine that the 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 it will not
result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Approve the agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Newport Mesa Unified School
District to participate in the School Resource Officer Program and authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Newport Beach.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman had requested that Agenda Item No. 12, School Resource Officer Program
Agreement, be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman expressed support for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program agreement,
including the financial support, but raised concerns about the lack of provisions for a robust modern
camera system on school campuses that would allow for real-time access for the Police Department in
the event of an emergency. Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman invited the school district to continue good faith
negotiations on this issue.
Police Chief Miner, accompanied by Police Sergeant Jenny Kresge, confirmed the department's
support for having access to school cameras, noting it would be consistent with the City's efforts to
expand its technology footprint for improved incident response times.
Councilmember Barto mentioned ongoing work by the school district to implement a camera system,
with expectations for it to be online by late August or early September.
Councilmember Weber expressed support for the SRO program, emphasizing the importance of
providing officers with all necessary resources, including cameras, to keep students safe.
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Councilmember Grant noted that discussions were ongoing between the Police Department and the
school district regarding camera integration; that concerns appeared to be a timing issue; and she
anticipated further discussions with the school district.
Assistant City Manager Finnigan announced that there was a recent development with the school
district that included a draft MOU that was focused on security cameras.
Councilmember Blom noted that he was in support of the SRO Program; that the City needs to ensure
that the Police Department is provided the very best resources in order to protect children's safety;
and that the City needs to determine that an MOU is moving forward.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Eplanet Thunderstriker questioned the need for cameras.
Ruth Kobayashi expressed gratitude for the City's continued support of school safety through the SRO
program and praised the quality of the officers involved.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Kleiman, seconded by Councilmember Barto, to a)
Determine that the 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 it
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and b)
Approve the agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Newport Mesa Unified
School District to participate in the School Resource Officer Program and authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Newport Beach.
The motion carried 7-0.
XII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NON AGENDA ITEMS
Eplanet Thunderstriker spoke on his submittal of documents to the City related to infractions and
issues.
Jim Mosher raised concerns about a scheduling conflict between two committee meetings including
the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and Aquatic Center Site Options meeting
and the Water Quality/ Coastal Tidelands Committee set for the same time on Thursday. He
suggested rescheduling one of the meetings to allow for public and councilmember participation at
both.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARING
16. Ordinance 2025 11: Amending Section 9.04.470 (Local Agency Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone) To Adopt the 2025 Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones, As Designated By The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 51178
a) Conduct a public hearing;
b) 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
c) Waive full reading, direct the City Clerk to read by title only, introduce Ordinance No. 2025 11,
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Section
9.04.470 (Local Agency Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone) To Adopt the 2025 Moderate, High,
and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, As Designated By The California Department of
Forestry And Fire Protection And Pursuant to California Government Code Section 51178; and
pass to a second reading on July 22, 2025.
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Mayor Stapleton asked whether there were any conflicts of interests to be announced by his
colleagues. Citing conflict of interests, Councilmembers Grant, Weber and Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman
recused themselves from the dais.
Fire Chief Jeff Boyles and Fire Marshal James Gillespie presented information on the new fire
hazard severity zone maps created by the state. He explained the history of the mapping process, the
limitations on local input, and the implications for properties in different zones. Fire Marshall
Gillespie noted that the number of parcels in fire hazard zones would increase from 2,825 to 6,238.
Councilmember Weigand noted the need for policy makers to remain cognizant of fire danger, and
noted the City has been outstanding in its use of technology related to fire management.
Mayor Stapleton opened the public hearing at 5:15 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Adam Leverenz questioned how the maps reflect parcels and the definition of said parcels.
Hearing no further requests to speak, Mayor Stapleton closed the public hearing at 5:16 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Weigand seconded by Councilmember Barto, 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) Waive full reading, direct the City Clerk to
read by title only, introduce Ordinance No. 2025 11, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Newport Beach, California, Amending Section 9.04.470 (Local Agency Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone) To Adopt the 2025 Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, As
Designated By The California Department of Forestry And Fire Protection And Pursuant to
California Government Code Section 51178; and pass to a second reading on July 22, 2025.
The motion carried 4-0-3, Councilmembers Barto, Blom, Weigand, and Mayor Stapleton in
favor; Councilmembers Grant, Weber, and Mayor Pro Tern Kleiman recused.
XIV. CURRENT BUSINESS
17. Fourth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for City Manager
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 and authorize the Mayor to execute a Fourth Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Manager Grace K. Leung, subject to
the terms and conditions approved by the City Council; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26 006 appropriating $455,371.65 from unappropriated
General Fund balance to various salary and benefit accounts to implement the terms of the
Agreement for FY 2025 2026.
Mayor Stapleton noted that City Manager Grace Leung was at jury duty and was not able to attend the
meeting.
Aaron Harp, City Attorney, presented the staff report and summarized the contract provisions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jim Mosher expressed concerns related to Section 7A, the Separation and Release Agreement, that
was dated July 8 and noted that he would like to see documentation; spoke to Section 6, regarding "at
will" employment; stated that the City could be paying two city managers at one time; noted that the
City Manager compensation was irresponsible; and questioned why the City was paying out The City
Manager's contract.
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Adam Leverenz spoke on public employee compensation; mentioned the ability to see full salary and
benefit amounts on transparentcalifornia.com, and questioned the additional benefits in Ms. Leung's
agreement.
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; b) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Fourth Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Manager Grace K.
Leung, subject to the terms and conditions approved by the City Council; and c) Approve Budget
Amendment No. 26 006 appropriating $455,371.65 from unappropriated General Fund balance to
various salary and benefit accounts to implement the terms of the Agreement for FY 2025 2026.
Motion passed 7-0.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Stapleton provided the Closed Session report including an expression of gratitude to City
Manager Grace Leung who announced her retirement after over 30 years of dedicated public service
and whose contributions to the City were innumerable and would leave a lasting impact. Mayor
Stapleton thanked City Manager Leung for agreeing to extend her retirement to December 26, 2025 in
order to ensure a smooth transition.
Mayor Stapleton further announced the City Council's intent to consider on July 22, 2025, the
appointment of Seimone Jurjis, Assistant City Manager, who has served the City of Newport Beach
since 2011 in several key leadership roles. Mr. Jurjis would assume his duties as City Manager on
December 27, 2025.
Councilmember Grant noted that a smooth succession plan was in place and looked forward to working
with new leadership.
18. Eighth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for City Attorney
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 and authorize the Mayor to execute the Eighth Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Attorney Aaron C. Harp, subject to the
terms and conditions approved by the City Council;
c) Adopt Resolution No. 2025 44, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Amending the Salary Schedule and Adopting a New Salary Range for the City
Attorney; and
d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26 007, appropriating $30,512 from unappropriated General
Fund balance to various salary and benefit accounts to implement the terms of the Agreement
for FY 2025 2026.
City Attorney Harp recused himself citing financial interests related to the proposed agreement.
Assistant City Manager Finnigan presented the staff report and summarized the contract
provisions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher noted that when contracts are negotiated during Closed Session, the public cannot
participate; expressed concerns related to the length of paid severance in this agreement; and noted the
automatic performance bonus reflected in the agreement was not tied to performance.
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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; b) Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Eighth Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and City Attorney Aaron C.
Harp, subject to the terms and conditions approved by the City Council; c) Adopt Resolution No. 2025 44,
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending the Salary Schedule
and Adopting a New Salary Range for the City Attorney; and d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26 007,
appropriating $30,512 from unappropriated General Fund balance to various salary and benefit accounts
to implement the terms of the Agreement for FY 2025 2026.
XV. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None
XVI. ADJOURNMENT AT 5:35 P.M. IN MEMORIAM - RAE COHEN
Mayor Stapleton asked Councilmember Grant to provide commemorative comments in memory of the
Celebrate Newport legacy, Ms. Rae Cohen, that will live on.
Councilmember Grant provided reflections of Ms. Cohen's many contributions and accolades as a
Newport Beach resident of 60 years; thanked the family in attendance for joining them in memorializing
Ms. Cohen; and noted that services will be held on Friday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Pacific View Memorial
Park in Corona del Mar.
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 July 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
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