HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/2025 - Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
November 4, 2025
I. ROLL CALL — 4:04 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. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Stapleton presented a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as National Nurse
Practitioner Week to Carol Cunningham, California Association for Nurse Practitioners.
Newport History Hiding in Plain Sight by Bill Lobdell
Historian Laureate Bill Lobdell referenced a PowerPoint presentation highlighting lesser -
known historical features throughout Newport Beach.
III. STUDY SESSION
2. Presentation on the Results of the Corona del Mar Commercial Corridor Study
Principal Planner Liz Westmoreland and Senior Planner Joselyn Perez referenced a PowerPoint
presentation and presented the study's results. The study was initiated due to community
concerns about outdated planning and zoning frameworks, substantial barriers resulting in
limited private investment, and parking concerns for residents and businesses. Goals discussed
included: updating land uses, parking solutions, safety and mobility improvements, and corridor
identity. Staff performed extensive community outreach including multiple meetings with
businesses, residents, and two public open houses with over 70 attendees. Feedback indicated
the business community strongly supports streamlining approvals and prioritizing parking
solutions, while residents expressed support for existing businesses and don't support
introducing housing within the corridor.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jim Walker expressed safety concerns regarding past traffic incidents in the area and provided
the Council with photos.
Jeff Brown advocated for mixed -use residential, citing successful examples in the Cities of
Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
Ryan Wilson strongly supported staffs recommendations.
John Palmer thanked staff and Council for providing thoughtful solutions.
Councilmember Blom spoke regarding his years -long connection with improving the corridor,
emphasized the need to modernize the area, and fully supported staffs recommendations.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman provided extensive context about the study's origins from prior
discussions, noted ongoing code restrictions despite interest from prospective tenants,
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acknowledged decades of unsuccessful attempts to address these issues, emphasized the need
for balance, noted the removal of the residential component, and advocated for returning with
more detailed recommendations. She highlighted the necessity of incorporating the following
factors: additional parking solutions, such as constructing a parking garage or leasing out
private spaces, increased enforcement to ensure compliance with any new regulations, safe
crosswalk solutions to enhance pedestrian safety, and options for accommodating cyclists, such
as a potential center median protected lane.
Councilmember Grant appreciated the comprehensive proposal, particularly technology -based
parking solutions that could pilot in CdM before expanding citywide and questioned live
entertainment regulations.
Staff clarified existing conditional use permits allow for live entertainment which are subject to
noise studies, those permits would convert to minor use permits which would be reviewed by the
Zoning Administrator rather than Planning Commission.
Councilmember Weber expressed full support for staffs recommendations.
Councilmember Weigand supported all recommendations including residential uses, suggested
exploring other parking solutions, noted voucher programs with Uber/Lyft as an option, and
acknowledged the complexity of balancing residential and business needs.
Councilmember Barto complimented staff on community outreach efforts, thanked staff for the
comprehensive study, and appreciated the inclusion of e-bike infrastructure.
Mayor Stapleton supported staffs recommendations, acknowledged parking constraints, and
recognized the necessity for a balance between quality of life and business needs.
IV. INVOCATION — Councilmember Grant
V. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Blom
Vl. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS
James Owen spoke regarding his victim assistance services company that helps families during
disasters.
Jim Mains described his recent involvement in a hit and run, sought clarification on the process for
obtaining City traffic camera footage, and voiced his concerns about the unresponsiveness of staff.
Mayor Stapleton acknowledged Mr. Mains concerns and suggested he communicate with officers
present at the meeting.
VII. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Barto
• Attended the Newport Harbor Dredging Project Ribbon Cutting at Marina Park.
• Announced a Water Quality/ Coastal Tidelands Committee (WQTC) meeting taking place
Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Councilmember Grant
• Attended the Association of California Cities — Orange County (ACC-OC) tour of the Frank R.
Bowerman Landfill and Bee Canyon Greenery.
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Councilmember Weber and Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman
• Wished Councilmember Blom a happy birthday.
Mayor Stapleton
• Congratulated Public Works staff on the Newport Harbor Dredging Project.
• Announced receipt of a $13,000 check for unclaimed property from the Orange County Auditor -
Controller's Office.
• Announced the Newport Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Event on Thursday,
November 6, 2025.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Jim Mosher questioned Item 4, Water Well Permit and Encroachment Agreement with the City of
Fountain Valley; and Resolution No. 2025-76: Declaration of Intent to Issue Tax -Exempt Obligations
(Bonds), regarding the $20 million tax-exempt obligations resolution, noting the staff report notes that
bonds may not be issued yet asks for approval of intent to issue. He requested clarification on why this
approval is needed now and what type of bonds are contemplated.
Councilmember Weigand expressed pride and thanked staff for their efforts related to Item 4, Water
Well Permit and Encroachment Agreement with the City of Fountain Valley; and Resolution No. 2025-
76: Declaration of Intent to Issue Tax -Exempt Obligations (Bonds).
XIV. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
3. 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
4. Water Well Permit and Encroachment Agreement with the City of Fountain Valley; and
Resolution No. 2025-76: Declaration of Intent to Issue Tax -Exempt Obligations (Bonds)
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15332 (Class 32, In -Fill Exemption) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (14
CCR § 15332) (Class 32 exemptions are for projects of certain criteria on a development site of
five acres or less) of the CEQA Guidelines, because this project has no potential to have a
significant effect on the environment;
b) Approve a Water Well Permit and Encroachment Agreement with the City of Fountain Valley
and Laguna Beach County Water District for the construction, operation and maintenance of a
new municipal water well facility at 17902 Bushard Street; and
c) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-76, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Regarding Its Intention to Issue Tax -Exempt Obligations, if needed.
5. Resolution No. 2025-77: Initiating an Amendment to Newport Place Planned Community
Development Plan Related to the Minimum Percentage of Inclusionary For -Sale Housing
within the Residential Overlay (PA2025-0196)
a) Determine this action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3; and
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-77, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Initiating an Amendment to Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan
(PC-11) Related to the Minimum Percentage of Inclusionary For -Sale Housing Within the
Residential Overlay (PA2025-0196).
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Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman recused based on her spouse's business interests.
Mayor Stapleton recused based on property interests at 4100 and 4110 MacArthur Blvd.
CONTRACTSS AND AGREEMENTS
6. Approval of Amendment No. Two to Maintenance & Repair Services Agreement with
Merchants Landscape Services, Inc. (Contract No. 8772-1) for Athletic Field Re -Sodding
at Buffalo Hills 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;
b) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-038 appropriating $189,000 in increased expenditures in
Account No. 0108031-851030 from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance; and
c) Approve Amendment No. Two to Maintenance and Repair Services Agreement with Merchants
Landscape Services, Inc. for Landscape Services for Parks & Facilities to increase the on -call
not to exceed amount by $189,000 for a total on -call not to exceed amount of $4,489,000 and a
total overall contract NTE of $14,639,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the
amendment.
7. Irrigation Controller Replacement Phase 3 - Award of Contract No. 9924-1
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) Award Contract No. 9924-1 to Superb for the total bid price of $670,004 for the Irrigation
Controller Replacement Phase 3 project, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
the agreement; and
c) Establish a contingency of $33,500 (approximately 5% of the total bid) to cover the cost of
unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
8. Approval of Amended and Restated Property Maintenance Agreement with Newport
Coast Community Association
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 Amended and Restated Property Maintenance Agreement between the City of
Newport Beach and the Newport Coast Community Association.
MISCELLANEOUS
Year -End Budget Results and Surplus Allocation
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 the one-time waiver of policy elements C and D of City Council Policy F5 - General
Fund Surplus Utilization;
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 25-088, authorizing the transfer of $2,789,008.85 from the
Water Fund reserves to the General Liability Internal Service Fund (ISF); and
d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-037, allocating the unrestricted operating surplus for
Fiscal Year 2024-25.
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Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman, seconded by Councilmember Blom, to approve the
Consent Calendar, including amendments to Agenda Item No. 1, the Minutes; and noting the recusal
of Mayor Stapleton and Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman to Agenda Item No. 5.
The motion carried 7-0.
X. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no items removed from the Consent Calendar.
XI. CURRENT BUSINESS
10. Ordinance No. 2025-35 and Resolution No. 2025-78: Adding Provisions Related to Bicycle
and Electric Bicycle Activity in the Public Right -of -Way
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) Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-35, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles - Registration and
Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and pass to second reading on November
18, 2025; and
c) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-78, A Resolution of the City Council of the. City of Newport Beach,
California, Designating Sidewalks for Riding Bicycles and Electric Bicycles Pursuant to Section
12.56.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code and Rescinding Resolution No. 82-148.
Public Works Director Dave Webb and Assistant City Attorney Yolanda Summerhill referenced a
PowerPoint presentation and presented municipal code updates addressing e-bike safety.
Assistant City Attorney Summerhill noted key provisions including updated definitions for various
e-bike types, regulations for unsafe riding behaviors, enhanced penalties including bike
impoundment for minors (requiring parent pickup), diversion program, and referenced an updated
sidewalk cycling map.
Jim Mosher questioned the public notification process and recommended a more thorough
examination of the proposed modifications, especially in relation to e-bikes on sidewalks and
permitting bicycles on all residential sidewalks.
Councilmember Barto thanked staff and the working group, emphasized the importance of
enforceability in addressing e-bike safety concerns, highlighted how the ordinance was crafted with
insights drawn from other cities, and appreciated the inclusion of a diversion program.
Councilmember Grant shared the significance of the ordinance as it addresses a top constituent
issue, expressed strong support for the enhanced penalties, and emphasized that pedestrians would
maintain the right-of-way on sidewalks
Councilmember Weigand expressed hope that these new regulations would positively influence
behavior.
Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman extended her thanks to Councilmember Barto and staff and acknowledged
the collaborative efforts in crafting the ordinance.
Mayor Stapleton appreciated the comprehensive team effort and announced a future town hall
meeting on November 19th to discuss e-bike and boardwalk safety on the peninsula.
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Motion by Councilmember Barto seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kleiman, 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) Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-35, An Ordinance
of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56
(Bicycles - Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and pass to second
reading on November 18, 2025; and c) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-78, Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach, California, Designating Sidewalks for Riding Bicycles and Electric
Bicycles Pursuant to Section 12.56.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code and Rescinding
Resolution No. 82-148.
The motion carried 7-0
11. Confirmation of Appointments to the Newport Beach Police Headquarters Assessment
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; and
b) Confirm Mayor Joe Stapleton's appointments of Councilmembers Michelle Barto, Noah Blom,
and Sara J. Weber to the Newport Beach Police Headquarters Assessment Committee.
Motion by Councilmember Weber, 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) Confirm Mayor Joe Stapleton's
appointments of Councilmembers Michelle Barto, Noah Blom, and Sara J. Weber to the Newport
Beach Police Headquarters Assessment Committee.
The motion carried 7-0
XII. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION — None
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no public comments on closed session items.
XIV. CLOSED SESSION - Council Chambers Conference Room
12 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54956.8): 2 matters.
A. Property 12 Corporate Plaza, Newport Beach, CA 92660, APN 442-271-12.
City Negotiators: Seimone Jurjis, Assistant City Manager, and Lauren Wooding
Whitlinger, Real Property Administrator.
Negotiating Parties: Junkins 12 Corporate Plaza, LLC.
Under Negotiation: Instruction to City Negotiators regarding price and terms of
payment.
B. Property: 1201 Dove Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660, APN 427-221-06.
City Negotiators: Seimone Jurjis, Assistant City Manager, and Lauren Wooding Whitlinger, Real
Property Administrator.
Negotiating Parties: Junkins 12 Corporate Plaza, LLC.
Under Negotiation: Instruction to City Negotiators regarding price and terms of payment.
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13 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54957.6): 1 matter.
Agency Designated Representative: Grace Leung, City Manager and Jonathan Holtzman, Esq.,
Negotiators.
Employee Organization: Newport Beach City Employees Association.
XV. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session report.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY OF TOM LEGAULT
Meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
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 October 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Lena Shurnway
City Clerk
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