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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/24/1994COMMSSIONERS CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PLACE: City Council Chambers TIME: 7:30 P.M. DATE: February 24. 1994 MINUTES 94 ROLL CALL IIVDEX Present All Commissioners were present. (Commissioner Edwards arrived at 7:50 p.m.) sss EX- OFFICIO OFFICERS PRESENT: James Hewicker, Planning Director Robin Flory, Assistant City Attorney ss: William R. Laycock, Current Planning Manager Don Webb, City Engineer Dee Edwards, Secretary sss Minutes of February 10, 1994 Minutes of 2/10/' Motion * Motion was made and voted on to approve the February 10, 1994, Ayes Planning Commission Minutes. MOTION CARRIED. Absent x x s Public Comments: Public No one appeared before the Planning Commission to speak on Comments non - agenda items. sxx Posting of the Agenda: Posting of the James Hewicker, Planning Director, stated that the Planning Agenda Commission Agenda was posted on Friday, February 18, 1994, in front of City Hall. 94 4 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH U -.._ MINUTES 1 -N V1 YYl� lyT, 1JlT ROLL CALL INDEX RrQuest for Continuances: Request for Mr. Hewicker stated that the applicant, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Continue has requested that Item No. 2, Use Permit No. 1715 (Amended), be continued to the Planning Commission meeting of March 24, 1994. The applicant, Pacific View Memorial Park, has requested that Item No. 3, Use Permit No. 3518, be continued to the Planning Commission meeting of March 24, 1994, instead of March 10, 1994, as originally requested. Motion Motion was made and voted on to continue Items No. 2 and No. Ayes * * * 3 to the March 24, 1994, Planning Commission meeting. Absent * MOTION CARRIED. ' Amendment N (Public Hearin Item No.: Request to consider an amendment of a portion of Districting A797 Map No. 18 so as to delete the 10 foot front yard setbacks (81347) adjacent to a vacated alley and adjacent to a vacated portion of Glen Drive on the subject property. Approved LOCATION: Lots 55, 69, 70 and a portion of Lot 68, Block A, Tract No. 673, located at 344 -352 Hazel Drive, on the southeasterly side of Hazel Drive, southeasterly of East Coast Highway, in Corona del Mar. INITIATED BY: The City of Newport Beach James Hewicker, Planning Director, reviewed the request to amend a portion of Districting Map No. 18. The public hearing was opened in connection with this item, and Mr. Stanley Behrens, 567 San Nicolas Drive, Suite 304, appeared before the Planning Commission to express his support of the Amendment. -2- COMMISSIONERS 4 L MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Febru 24 1994 asY ROLL CALL INDEX There being no others desiring to appear and be heard, the public hearing was closed at this time. Motion * Motion was made and voted on to adopt Resolution No. 1347, and Ayes * to recommend approval of Amendment No. 797 to the City Absent * Council. MOTION CARRIED. Use Permit No. 1715 Am nded (Public Hearing) Item No. Request to amend a previously approved use permit which UP1715A permitted the remodel of an existing restaurant, the addition of on -sale alcoholic beverages, the establishment of restaurant Cont ' d parking spaces within an adjoining Residential District, and the to e of tandem and valet parking on property located in the 'Retail 3/24/94 d Service Commercial" area of the Cannery Village /McFadden Square Specific Area Plan. The proposed amendment is a request to allow the use of an outdoor loud speaker for paging restaurant customers. LOCATION: Parcel 1 of Parcel Map 67 -27 (Resubdivision No. 446) located at 2110 Newport Boulevard, on the northwesterly corner of West Balboa Boulevard and 21st Street, in the Cannery Village /McFadden Square Specific Plan Area. NE: SP -6 APPLICANT: The Old Spaghetti Factory, Portland, Oregon WNERS: Dussin Investment Co. and The Old Spaghetti Factory International, Inc., Portland, Oregon fames Hewicker, Planning Director, stated that the applicant has ' equested that this application be continued to the Planning -3- 4 4 � \11111 _ _ • +� �\ tr��.�o CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MINUTES February 24, 1994 ROLL CALL INDEX Commission meeting of March 24, 1994, in order to provide further information to staff. Motion Motion was made and voted on to continue Use Permit No. 1715 Aye s (Amended) to the March 24, 1994, Planning Commission meeting. Absent * MOTION CARRIED. Use Permit No. 3518 (Public Hearing) Item No. Request to approve a master plan of development for the ultimate . Ur3518 build -out of the Pacific View Memorial Park, located on property in the R -3 -B and Unclassified Districts. The proposal includes: Cont I d the establishment of six additional building sites which will be 3024/94 / developed with future mausoleum facilities; the establishment of building sites for the construction of a future maintenance building, a future garage and sales facilities; and the location of future road construction as part of the interior vehicular circulation of the park. The proposal also includes a request to permit a temporary building to be used in conjunction with the continuing sales activities and a request to permit an average building height of 32 feet within the proposed Building Site "A," on property which is located in the 28/32 Foot Height Limitation District. LOCATION: Portions of Block 96 and 97, Irvine's Subdivision, located at 3500 Pacific View Drive, at the southeasterly terminus of Pacific View Drive, adjacent to the Harbor View Hills Planned Community. ZONES: R -3 -B and U APPLICANT: Pacific View Memorial Park, Glendale OWNER: Pierce Brothers, North Hollywood • 4 r COAnUSSIONERS MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 4 1 UP February.2 , 994 ROLL CALL INDEX James Hewicker, Planning Director, stated that the applicant has requested that this item be continued to the Planning Commission meeting of March 24, 1994, instead of March 10, 1994, as originally requested. The applicant requested additional time to review the proposed development with the residents of the adjoining homeowner's associations prior to the public hearing. Motion Motion was made and voted on to continue Use Permit No. 3518 Ayes to the March 24, 1994, Planning Commission meeting. MOTION Absent * CARRIED. s : s DISCUSSION ITEM: Discussi Items Amendment No. 798 A798 ' Request to initiate an amendment to Title 20 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code so as to provide more specific wording in set for ph 3/24/ the Code that restricts roof heights above the top of curb on the bluff side of Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Ames Hewicker, Planning Director, reviewed the subject request to initiate Amendment No. 798. Commissioner Pomeroy and Mr. Hewicker discussed the structure on the bluff side of Ocean Boulevard that is currently under construction. n response to questions posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. Hewicker explained that the structures on Ocean Boulevard that exist above curb are legal nonconforming buildings. The structures could be remodeled as they currently exist except no new roof structure would be allowed to exceed top of curb. The Amendment states that the top of the roof will not exceed the top of the curb and it will be measured in a horizontal plane using the op of the curb as a reference point. 1 -5- UP • 4 Ttl ►P-;9 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 1- ;e icv�ua.iy A.T, inn ROLL CALL INDEX Motion- * Motion was made and voted on to set Amendment No. 798 for %yes * * * * public hearing at the March 24, 1994, Planning Commission absent * meeting. MOTION CARRIED. PRESENTATION BY THE CITY MANAGER REGARDING Presente THE STATE OF THE BUDGET tion by City Mg] The Ci ty Manager, Kevin Murphy, appeared before the PI annin g re. star of the Commission to make the following presentation regarding the Budget 1994 -95 Budget. Mr. Murphy stated that Dennis Danner, the City's Finance Director, is also in attendance if the Commission requests specific information regarding the budget. The City is projecting that there will be a $3 Million shortfall between the anticipated ' revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year, and he addressed the 1993 -94 fiscal year. Mr. Murphy discussed the $715,000 a year expense that will be incurred when the new Central Library opens. He stated that by combining the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Department and the Library Department into the new Community Services Department, and by contracting the tree trimming service, the City will save approximately $225,000. There will be an approximate savings of $1 Million in the current fiscal year because approximately 18 people accepted an early retirement. Mr. Murphy addressed the forecasted property tax revenue; the sales tax revenue; the renegotiation of the leases at Beacon Bay and Marina Park; the reduction of the capital improvement programs in the General Fund; and the multi -year agreements with the Employee Associations. The City Council has indicated that there will be no new taxes or fees next year, and the staff has factored in no new reductions by the State of California. Taking into consideration that the State would not cut the City again, the City is short $3 Million The process to close the $3 Million gap requires the City to reduce expenses by 4 -1/2 percent and if, for instance, the State takes $2 -6- 1- ;e i COAMMSSIONERS it 'S,�0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MINUTES February 24, 1994 ROLL CALL INDEX Million from the City then expenses would need to be reduced 7- 1/2 percent. The Department Directors have submitted a 4 -1/2 percent reduction in their budgets in consideration of the shortage of $3 Million. He indicated that there would be future reductions in the support Departments before reducing the front -line services. Three guidelines that the Department Directors have been requested to consider are privatization; what kind of consolidations can be made within Departments and functions, and between Departments; and consolidation of services for the City. Mr. Murphy addressed the City's cumulative total budget reductions during the past three years, and the impact that the City experienced when the State transferred money from Cities and Counties to the School Districts. On a one -time basis, in 1993, the State provided funds for the City from vehicle license fees, and he stated that the extension of the one -half cent sales tax provided ' funds for safety services. The M & O Accounts consist of approximately $20.3 Million, and 96 percent of the accounts are virtually fixed or difficult to reduce. Major items from the $20.3 Million are water from MWD; fees to take care of the trash; utility fees; insurance operation; park maintenance; and water and sewer supplies. During the 1993 -94 fiscal year, 47 positions were reduced out of the work force, and further reductions will also be made in 1994- 95. The work force will be reduced 11.3 percent from 4 years ago in terms of full -time employee staffing. Mr. Murphy emphasized that if there would be a 7 -1/2 percent reduction in the budget, there would be a substantial lowering of City services. Mr. Murphy and Chairman Merrill discussed Chairman Merrill's suggestion that the City provide a hot -line service and newsletter to the residents. Chairman Merrill asked what the residents of the City could do to provide better communication with the Governor regarding the budget. Mr. Murphy suggested that the residents inform the Governor that it is imperative that the State does not shift funds due the Cities to State services. -7- i 4 4 MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH rcuiuuy cv, 17r" ROLL CALL INDEX response to questions posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. urphy replied that the City's total budget is approximately $90 vEllion. Mr. Murphy and Commissioner Ridgeway discussed acrifices the residents could make to help balance the budget. Murphy discussed the need for salary increases in order to ecruit and maintain quality employees. mmissioner Pomeroy suggested that the budget not be increased n the future to equal the revenue so as not to impact the mployees or the residents. Mr. Murphy concurred, and he stated at the City has to judiciously consider future new revenues or dding new services. Commissioner Pomeroy commented that . evelopment in the Newport Coast is having a significant impact n the real estate and construction market in Newport Beach, and the Banning Ranch and the West Newport Oil projects go orward with development, that they will have equally significant ' pacts. The Planning Department will be considering the ancial impact that the future annexation of Newport Coast, the &mning Ranch, and Santa Ana Heights would have on the City. ommissioner Glover and Mr. Murphy discussed the negative iffect the changes in the economy have had on Newport Beach esidents and the City's employees. Mr. Murphy emphasized that here is a certain fundamental level of service that is necessary, d falling below that level of service is risky. The City needs to a through restructuring and efficiency; however, the City is not ery far from the point of losing the efficiency and it is beginning o lose what was created over many years. ommissioner Gifford addressed the need and reasons for the hange that is occurring in the community and the employees. Mr. urphy discussed the existing assets and future opportunities from come property management. mmissioner Edwards and Mr. Murphy discussed the City's osition regarding Worker's Compensation and the retirement stem. / -8- • COMUSSIONERS MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH FPhniary 7d 100d • behalf of the Economic Development Committee (EDC). He introduced members of the Committee: Richard Luehrs, Norm Angel, Tony Christopher, Jerry King, and Norma Glover. Mr. Hill emphasized that the EDC needs the Planning Commission's support, expertise, and leadership to fulfill their mission. T'he EDC was formed in January, 1993, by Resolution of he City Council for the purpose to increase the revenue for the City. The economic development policy is to focus on successful implementation and to make recommendations to the City Council o as to raise revenue for the City. The EDC organized into three sub - committees: The Focus Committee determined what was the fastest and best suited type A revenue the City could go after for the City. The Technical mmittee was charged with the need to look at what is done ow, i.e. procedures, rules and regulations to determine if any of em are over - zealously protective or may interfere with business the community and is there anything that can be done in the 0's to facilitate the operations of the City. The Advocacy mmittee looked at the direction of the Focus Committee to see • there would be ways to market the City, and to determine if -9- ROLL CALL W WDEX In response to a question posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. Murphy explained that the employees that have been laid off will be considered for future rehire. Commissioner DiSano questioned if it is feasible to collect fees from visitors coming into the City. Mr. Murphy stated that a charter fee has been considered; and the Transient Occupancy Tax, police fees, and paramedic subscriptions bring revenue into the City from persons visiting the City. JOINT MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND J Joint E ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE [ [Meeting with Mr. Rush Hill appeared before the Planning Commission on E EDC 4 COMMISSIONERS ���r`y�o'�o�os'o �o MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Fchn»x 7d 100d ROLL CALL INDEX there would be ways to increase and support the businesses. City Councilwoman and former Planning Commissioner Debay was appointed to the Committee for the purpose of providing support to the EDC inasmuch as the proposed revisions need to come from within the City and not from an outside Organization. Staff from the Planning Department sits on the Foals Committee and the Technical Committee to help evolve the types of recommendations the EDC would want to present to the City Council. He emphasized that the recommendations that were put forth in the report that was submitted by the EDC to the Planning Commission came from City staff, and the recommendations were not made by him personally or other members of the EDC Committee. The recommendations are very important to the turning- around of the declining revenue of the City. The vision that the EDC has operated under has been a vision that starts in Sacramento recognizing that the City has to have a lessened reliance on property taxes for revenue. The property tax evaluation for the City has recently dropped from $12 Billion to $11.5 Billion and that represents a $500,000 reduction in available funds from property taxes. The City is looking to a further reduction in property taxes based upon the number of Court cases and filings that are pending now at the Assessor's Office for continuing to reassess the value of property. Mr. Hill addressed sales tax revenue and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The EDC focused on a set of priorities: the first priority is to protect the existing businesses in the City; the second priority is what can be done to fill the vacancies. that exist in the City to increase the revenue; the third priority is to support new development that is based on the desire to achieve the first two priorities; and the fourth priority is new development. He summarized the Committee's vision of how they can be of value to the business community and how they can make recommendations to the City Council to increase the sales tax revenue and to increase the TOT as rapidly as possible. -10- 4 MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 7d IOOd ROLL CALL INDEX Mr. Hill stated that recommendations have been made by the Fire Department, the City Traffic Engineer, the Revenue Division, and e Planning Department to make the system operate more efficiently for staff and the business community. He apologized at the EDC has not communicated with the Planning ommission as to how they were structured, why they have done e things they have done, and all of the beneficial items that are ginning to happen. He stated that the EDC wants to make a commitment to the Planning Commission that this is the beginning to what they want to have as an open dialogue. e EDC has been restructured into three new committees: echnical and procedural types of activities; business retention and romotion; and the advocacy of going out and looking for new usinesses that would be appropriate for the City. Mr. Hill ddressed the structure of the Agenda and the issues that are ' scussed during the meetings. airman Merrill expressed his support of the EDC. He said that ust having one or two people on the Planning Commission working with the EDC is not enough inasmuch as the entire Commission is very deliberate in their decisions. ommissioner Edwards addressed Mr. Hill's comments regarding he motivation of the EDC. He asked what is the number one eason businesses are leaving the City, and is there a greater ercentage of businesses that have left during the past 12 months? Angel appeared before the Planning Commission and he eplied that a purpose of the Business Retention Committee is to d an answer to that question by going to the businesses who ave left the City. They invited 300 restaurant owners to attend meeting on March 16, 1994, to discuss the restaurant owners' ncerns. Mr. Hill stated that the EDC has contacted the top 54 usiness producers to invite them to meet with the Committee for e purpose of providing information about their success in the •ty. -11- L MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH T_L.__�..... aA 1nnA 1'G VI LLQA�' LT, 1J7T ROLL CALL INDEX Commissioner Glover stated that she is an alternate member of the EDC for the Mariner's Mile Business Association, and she expressed her support of the EDC. Commissioner Pomeroy expressed his support of the EDC. He stated that often the business community feels that the City is out to extract things and delay them, and that attitude has to change. One problem of the Planning Commission is that problems may be commonplace but the Commission deals with one issue at a time, and the EDC is focusing on the community at large and trying to help those problems. Commissioner Pomeroy discussed his concerns regarding the restrictive Floor Area Ratio regulations in residential areas, and mini -mart businesses within automobile service station facilities would bring in additional revenue if they were not restricted in the City. Commissioner DiSano expressed his support of the EDC. He addressed his concerns regarding the businesses in the City and their concept of the City's regulations. Commissioner Ridgeway stated that the EDC has to be careful of appearing to be self - serving for themselves and to avoid a conflict of interest. The EDC does not list a restauranteur or hotel representative on the Committee's roster; however, restaurants and hotels are high revenue sources. Mr. Hill replied that EDC represents specific business areas of the City, i.e. Newport Center and the Mariner's Mile area, and they intend to have meetings with individual types of businesses such as restaurants, boat establishments, and hotels. Planning Director Hewicker referred to comments previously made regarding restaurants, and he explained that the Planning Department staff spends time regulating restaurants because of the nature of the City and that in the older residential areas of the City, i.e. the Balboa Peninsula, West Newport, Corona del Mar, strip commercial zoning exists which interfaces with the residential areas and restaurants back up or are separated by alleys adjacent to very expensive residential development. The Planning -12- 4 �b� QN °r�,�d MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Febru 24 1994 m'Y ROLL CALL INDEX Commission gets involved with the hours of operation, live entertainment, dancing, and noise of patrons entering and leaving the establishment. Chairman Merrill requested that the EDC submit minutes of their meetings to the Planning Commission for review. Commissioner Ridgeway stated that the Planning Commission's duty is to balance the interest of the overall citizens and the residents with the business community. The Commission may be at total difference with the EDC because the Commission is to balance the overall welfare of the entire community. Mr. Hill concurred; however, the EDC's role is to also play the advocate. ' ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: Add'l Business Motion Motion was made and voted on to excuse Commissioner Pomeroy All Ayes Pomeroy/ and Commissioner Ridgeway from the March 1Q 1994, Planning Commission meeting. MOTION CARRIED. Ridgeway excused s s s ADJOURNMENT: 9:20 p.m. Adjourn :.s ANNE K GIFFORD, SECRETARY CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION -13-