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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 - League of Women Voters ReportL LEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS' OF ORANGE COA51 Newport Beach City Council of November 18, 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 STUDY SESSION: Underground Utility Assessment Loan Program City Council agreed to go forward with development of an Underground Utility Assessment Loan Program to assist property owners who experience significant financial hardship in paying assessment and private connection costs associated with the formation of future underground utility assessment districts. https://Voutu.be/802FXXrdgsM?t=1309 Do you recommend local League action on any of these items? No Do you have other concerns or comments? Yes MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE ASKED TO BE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA (NON -DISCUSSION ITEM). Passed 7 to 0 As part of the City's update of the Municipal Code related to wireless communications (Cell Towers), direct City staff to prepare amendments to the Municipal Code as well as associated policies and procedures to streamline the permitting and deployment of wireless communication facilities.... Public comment: Jim Mosher reminded the Council that a "Former City Council took some pains to revise the current code ... to give greater public transparency to the choice and location where the facilities (Cell Towers) would go." The amendments may reverse this. He suggested more public discussion. https://Voutu.be/802FXXrdgsM?t=2592 Consent Calendar #3 Ordinance No. 2025-35: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles - Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code - Second Reading. It was pulled for more public discussion, Rob Rubino and Jim Mosher suggested some improvements. https://voutu.be/802FXXrdgsM?t=4046 2 resident mothers supported the Ordinance and encouraged quick passage. The ordinance passed 7 to 0, after dropping section 4, which was felt to be confusing and unnecessary. Was there discussion on homelessness or affordable housing? Yes Public Comment: Mike Smith requested that the Council remove the Housing Overlay request from the southern section of the Golf Course, as the Council is moving forward with the Surf Park. The Attorney responded that because of the Brown Act, they would not be able to respond tonight. PUBLIC HEARINGS 16. Ordinance No. 2025-36 and Resolution No. 2025-80 Approving the MacArthur Court Development Agreement and Affordable Housing Implementation Plan. https://youtu.be/802FXXrdgsM?t=4935 Public Comment: Jim Mosher, Adam Leverenz, and Ron Rubino all commented on the allowance given to the developers to avoid placing low income housing in the 700 unit, 5 story residential project, by promising to build 49 units somewhere else or paying a fee. Passed 7 to 0 CURRENT BUSINESS 17. Certification of Responsible Housing Initiative Petition and Consideration of Council Action Options (adoption or placing it on the ballot in a special election or at the general election). Public Comments: Former Mayor Marshall "Duffy" Duffield, Kirk Fleming, and Former Councilman Jeff Herdmann spoke in support of the initiative, https://Voutu.be/802FXXrdgsM?t=6083 Councilman Blom supported the councils past actions, claiming that they tried this plan before and it was not accepted by the HTD (Housing department). He questioned the initiative's motives as the initiative was sponsored by a developer. https://Voutu.be/802FXXrdgsM?t=6635. Councilman Blom proposed to have the council write an opposition statement for the Ballot Information Booklet. Blom, Weber, and Barto volunteered to write the statement.