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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 - Public Lands Trust Management Ad Hoc Committee to Review and Develop Recommendations Regarding the California State Lands Commission - HandoutFrom: Admin <mail @newportmoori ngassoci ati on. org> Date: February 9, 2026 at 3:05:20 PM PST To: City Clerk's Office <cityclerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Public Comment- Resolution No. 2026-12 Mayor Kleiman, and Members of Council, Thank you for an opportunity to provide public comment on proposed Resolution No. 2026-12, to establish a Public Lands Trust Management Ad Hoc Committee to review and develop recommendations in response to the California State Lands Commission's report on the City's management of the tidelands. We understand that the Ad -Hoc Committee would determine how and when stakeholders are engaged in this process. However, given the number and diversity of stakeholder groups to be impacted —and the concerns raised in the State Lands Commission staff report regarding equitable treatment and transparency —the Board of the Newport Mooring Association respectfully urges the Council to expand the committee's composition. We suggest inclusion of stakeholder representatives from each category of tidelands users that could potentially be impacted, including a resident mooring permit holder, a non-resident mooring permit holder, a yacht club — affiliated mooring permit holder, and at least one residential pier permit holder. Consistent with the State Lands Commission's emphasis on transparency, equity across user groups, and clearly documented decision - making in the administration of Public Trust lands, we further recommend that these representatives be selected through an open and transparent process, or nominated by their respective user groups, rather than appointed solely at the discretion of the City. Including these regular, everyday perspectives would help ensure that the Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations are well -documented, balanced across user groups, and aligned with the City's obligations as trustee of the State's tidelands. Such representation would also help address and avoid the perception of "politically motivated" decision -making referenced in the State Lands Commission staff report, and would strengthen public confidence in the committee's work and outcomes. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Newport Mooring Association