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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 - League of Women Voters ReportL LEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS' OF ORANGE COA51 Newport Beach City Council of October 28, 2025 General Meeting Information Did the meeting start on time? Yes Were all members present? Yes Did the members appear to have done their homework? Yes Were members courteous to each other and the public? Yes Brown Act Was the agenda sent/posted 72 hours before this meeting? Yes Did items clearly describe what was discussed? Yes Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was there the appearance that some action items were discussed in closed rather than open session? No Was background information available to the public? Yes LWV Action Item Were any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWVC positions or programs? Yes Councilwomen Barto asked to place the below item on a future agenda. Consider exploring an Underground Utility Assessment Loan Program to help property owners who face significant financial hardship in paying assessment and private connection costs associated with the creation of future underground utility assessment districts (Submitted by Councilmember Barto). Jim Mosher's written note on Consent Calendar Item 12. Approval of Vehicle Replacement Purchase Orders for Three Pickup Trucks, Four Sedans, and One Van: The agenda title seems a bit misleading, since the abstract and body of the item indicates the "four sedans" are actually "four Ford Explorer SUVs," which do not seem to fit the normal definition of a sedan as a passenger car with separate compartments for engine, passengers and cargo. More concerningly, why did staff accept a single bid for the three Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks? That seems anomalous compared to the large number of bids received for the other models sought. If there is variation in pricing, shouldn't more offers have been solicited? Also unexplained is why a report from the Public Works Department is being submitted to the Council by the Utilities Director. Finally, none of these seem to be particularly fuel efficient. Has the City given up on trying to improve efficiency and reduce emissions? Are these purchases consistent with state regulations? Do you recommend local League action on any of these items? No Do you have other concerns or comments? Yes Public Hearing Resolution No. 2025-70, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Denying an Appeal and Upholding the Planning Commission's Approval of Minor Changes to Coastal Development Permit No. PA2024-0140 for the Property Located at 100 East Balboa Boulevard (PA2025- 0130). Staff report: The Coastal Development Permit (CDP) No. PA2024-0140 was previously approved by the City Council on September 24, 2024, for the demolition and reconstruction of the City's Fire Station No.1 and Balboa Branch Library. The City Council also approved the removal of two diseased trees located within the property. The minor changes approved by the director modified the previously approved landscape plans with replacement tree species to further support nesting birds such as great blue herons. The changes will alter the parking layout and result in the loss of one surplus parking space. Public comment: 5 residents spoke in favor of saving the existing Blue Gum Eucalyptus tree, and 1 resident was for removal. Michelle Silver spoke of her disappointment in the Council and her feeling that the Council does not listen to the residents. https://voutu.be/LwCBmes14mq?t=3536 Resolution passed 7 to 0 Resolution Nos. 2025-71 through 2025-74: Overriding Orange County Airport Land Use Commission's Determination of Inconsistency and Approving the Snug Harbor Surf Park at 3100 Irvine Avenue (PA2024-0069) Public Comment: 1,877 emails/letters had been submitted. Jim Mosher reports in his written comments that most of the emails were against Snug Harbor Surf Park. 29 residents spoke in support of the Snug Harbor Surf Park. 18 residents spoke against the Surf Park and the loss of the Newport Beach Golf course. Heather from Newport Beach Back Bay Conservancy spoke about how the change from a golf course to a surf park would affect the Upper Newport Bay. https://youtu.be/LwCBmes14mq?t=5644 Residents speaking against Snug Harbor expressed their concern that the remaining 15-hole Golf course, without the putting green, driving range, and golf shop to support it, would eventually be abandoned. They felt the community was losing the only affordable golf course in Newport Beach. Other issues: Noise level: The area falls within the 60-65 decibels Zone for the airport, and the surf park would contribute more noise. The surf park noise level was not reported in decibels but in Leq, which is known as the time -average sound level. Leq is the equivalent continuous sound level to the sound level in decibels. The reported result was 61 Leq at 50 feet. Also Snug Harbor hours will be 6 am to 11 pm, which are outside the John Wayne Airport flight limits of 7am to 10 pm. Water use in a drought -stricken area: Councilwoman Grant & Councilman Weigand inquired into this. Assistant city manager Seimone Jurjis, Staff Jocelyn Perez, and Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic responded: https://youtu.be/LwCBmesl4mq?t=11974. Mark Vukojevic: https://youtu.be/LwCBmes14mq?t=12511 Jim Mosher voiced additional concerns and as written in his comments: "I don't think the proposal is consistent with either the property's "PR" (Parks and Recreation) designation in the Land Use Element of our General Plan or its "OSR" (Open Space and Recreation District) zoning of the Specific Plan found in NBMC Section 20.90.050. While many of its parts are consistent with "PR," the retail shops and overnight visitor accommodations are not. They make it more of a resort destination like the Pelican Hills where the golf course is on land designated "PR," while the accommodations and other amenities are on land designated "CV" (Visitor Serving Commercial)." Mayor Tom Edward had similar concerns. Assistant city manager Seimone Jurjis, response: https://youtu.be/LwCBmesl4mq?t=12304 Councilwomen Grant asked what kind of liability Newport Beach would incur if the council overrides ALAC: City attorney Aaron Harp opinion was that in overriding ALAC there was no significant liability for the city. His response: https://youtu.be/LwCBmesl4mq?t=12430 The Council explained their position: https://youtu.be/LwCBmes14mq?t=12919 Main points for voting for Snug Harbor were property owner rights and the desire to have a world class Surf Park with consistent waves and increased safety for participants, as well as a potential for the continued use of a 15-hole golf course. Resolution passed 6 to 0 with Councilman Blom recusing himself due to his business partner's interested in the proposed project. Was there discussion on homelessness or affordable housing? No