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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/2012 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes City Council Study Session July 24, 2012 — 4:30 p.m. I. ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Hill, Mayor Pro Tem Curry, Mayor Gardner, Council Member Selich, Council Member Henn, Council Member Daigle Excused: Council Member Rosansky Council Member Rosansky arrived at 5:30 p.m. II. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR. In response to Council Member Daigle's question regarding Item 4 (Municipal Code Amendment to Exempt Complimentary Hotel Rooms from Transient Occupancy Tax and Visitor's Service Fee), Finance Director McCraner reported that about $100,000 per year of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) was earned from comped rooms and it was the consensus of Council at the July 10, 2012, Study Session to not assess taxes on any complimentary rooms. Regarding Item 8 (Amendment One to Bayfront Lettered Lot Lease with Lido Isle Community Association), Council Member Hill noted that there is generally provisions at the end of the term that the buildings are to be left in a state of normal wear and tear, and that it is more advantageous to the landlord to have a clause indicating that the landlord has the option of having the buildings removed or left. He also stated that usually at the end of long -term leases, it is found that buildings have no value and that the landlord has to pay to have them removed, so he suggested including this type of clause in other leases. Regarding Item 10 (Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan - Approval of Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement with Disability Access Consultant for Transition Plan Update), Council Member Hill questioned the need to go to Nevada to find an ADA Consultant and recommended that a local Consultant be found. 2. PRESENTATION BY EXPLOROCEAN. Tom Pollack, Capital Campaign Chairman for ExplorOcean, introduced his team and presented a video describing the various exhibits and attractions planned for the site. He addressed their mission statement and purchase of the property; provided a brief history of the area; discussed the results of the economic benefits studies, quality of life and community benefits, community revitalization, the possibility of creating a cultural funding mechanism, and typical municipal funding solutions. He also addressed the one -time impacts of the project, recurring impacts, key findings, demand for parking, requirements and solutions, the current project status, project schedule, goals, need for coordination with the City, the organization's commitment, community outreach, feedback, and the Citizen's Advisory Panel's recommendations. Volume 60 - Page 547 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session July 24, 2012 In response to Council Member Henn's question, Mr. Pollack reported that the organization is one of the best - endowed Nautical Museums in the country and have approximately $8 million in an unrestricted investment portfolio committed to the project. He addressed the focus and phases of the capital campaign. In response to Council Member Selich's question, Mr. Pollack addressed the parking structure and the schedule for processing applications through the City and the Coastal Commission. Tim Collins reported that the proposed schedule for processing through the City's Planning steps is approximately six months and twelve months through Coastal Commission. He addressed the types of environmental studies necessary and their hope for a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Community Development Director Brandt believed that a realistic schedule would be nine months to one year, and pointed out the need to understand the scope of the impacts before processing a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Council Member Henn expressed support for the project moving forward. Mr. Pollack thanked Council and stated that he look forward to working with staff 3. LOCAL IMPACTS OF AB 109 (PRISONER REALIGNMENT). City Manager Kiff introduced the item, noting that it is being brought to Council at the request of Council Member Daigle. He addressed the State's realignment process and deferred to Police Chief Johnson for a report. Police Chief Johnson reported that he is very concerned about the impacts of AB 109, discussed the number of prisoners being released and the associated recidivism rate, and reported that of those that will be arrested, very few will go to prison which will result in a lot of criminals out on the streets. Police Captain Johnson provided a PowerPoint presentation to address the background of the legislature, effective dates for program implementation, release of offenders, guidelines for sentencing and prosecuting crimes, number of prisoners due to be released, allocation of funds by the State, transfer of responsibility for housing and supervision of prisoners, impacts to the City, the recidivism rate, flash incarcerations and revocations, and types of crimes committed. Discussion ensued regarding financial impacts, reimbursements per release, municipal law enforcement, and partnering with the Probation Department. Police Captain Johnson addressed the crime rates and types of crimes in Orange County, reported that the Police Department will continue to monitor the issue, discussed economic trends, and noted the commitment of the Police Department in keeping residents safe. He presented details of the Police Department's strategies, including directed enforcement, a crime analysis program, the Gang Suppression Unit, and the Detective Division. Members of Council commended the Police Department for their efforts. Police Captain Johnson added that of the property crimes committed, a large number are due to unsecure vehicles, garages, and homes, and stressed the importance of educating the public. Volume 60 - Page 548 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session July 24, 2012 Mayor Pro Tern Curry commented on the problems caused by State cutbacks, noting the need for change. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS -None IV. ADJOURNMENT - 5:40 p.m. The agenda for the Study Session was posted on July 19, 2012, at 4:45 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. Recording Secretary Mayor A W- hk-, City Clerk Volume 60 - Page 549