HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 - League of Women Voters Reportl
LEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS
vtw OF ORANGE COAST
Newport Beach City Council
February 24, 2026
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? No
Do you recommend local League action on any of these items? No
Do you have other concerns or comments? Yes
During Public Comment on non -agenda items:
Three residents raised concerns about Tideland management issues and the "unjust"
disparity between residential and mooring fees.
Jim Mosher also commented on changes in the Agenda from Friday's posting and
today's posting. Jim suggested labeling the recent copy with Revised in bold Red
letters at the top of the copy. https://voutu.be/JV8lpWEVugU?t=1620
Laura Kernan discussed the environmental reasons why Civic Center Park is not
a suitable location for the new police station. https://voutu.be/JV8lpWEVugU?t=1727
Public Comment on Consent Calendar:
#3 Ordinance No. 2026-2: Amending Various Sections of the Newport Beach Municipal
Code to Address Illegal Activity During High -Risk Periods
Six residents suggested the language be changed from "shall" to "may"
regarding the revoking of short-term rental permits if the people renting the rental
commit severe violations. They point out that even though the staff notes indicate the
intent to work with owners, the regulation's language of shall will invoke the need for
litigation. They asked the council to work with the short-term rental associations to
apply best practices.
#3 was pulled by Councilwoman Barto. Barto's reason for pulling this item was
the restriction on the size of shade structures and umbrellas on the beach.
6 residents commented on shade structures, finding the restrictions unreasonable and
difficult to enforce.
Jim Mosher pointed out that the Ordinance was poorly written and has multiple
problems, so it should not be approved. Adam Leverenz and Wade Walmack agreed that
the restrictions were too severe, and more work and public input are needed before the
Ordinance should be passed https://voutu.be/JV8lpWEVugU?t=3485
Barto suggested amending the Umbrella issue. Councilman Blom said that the
ordinance was the same as Laguna's ordinance, and they don't have problems.
The Ordinance passed 7 to 0 unchanged, and without discussion of any other issues
brought up by the public.
Current Business: #11 Approval of Proposed Revisions to Various Council Policies
Jim Mosher and Adam Leverenz commented that a 150-page document was too
large for the public to read and digest before the council meeting. Jim had multiple
issues with the changes: https://voutu.be/JV8lpWEVugU?t=4913
Ciara Kirby, commissioner of the PBR commission, voiced concerns about the
Tree section of the Policy, and requested more time for the commission to
review https://voutu.be/JV81PWEVugU?t=5113
Adam Leverenz recommended more time and public involvement, possibly
breaking it up at the Council meeting to address 1-2 policies at a time. Adam talked of
additional problems with unclear wording, and especially the rule that the council was
to work for maximal earnings. He explains that the council should be working for
maximum public benefit. https://voutu.be/JV8lpWEVugU?t=5220.
Only section G, regarding trees, was discussed.
Mayor Kleinmann, Councilman Blom, and Councilwoman Webers supported the
present ordinance, stating that the intent was to give the PBR commission more say in
making the decisions on tree issues and take away the public's appeal rights. The
public would not have the right to bring the PBR decision back to the council, as PBR
commissioners are the experts. https://youtu.be/JV8lpWEVugU?t=5358
Grant and Barto had issues with the policies. Councilwoman Barto proposed a
second reading to give PBR time to review the tree policy and for public review.
Stapleton, Grant. and Barto voting for it, but the proposal was voted down, 4 to 3
Ordinance passed 7 to 0
Was there discussion on homelessness or affordable housing? No