HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/23/2013 - Study SessionCity Council. Minutes
Study Session
July 23, 2013 — 4:30 p.m.
I, ROLL CALL - 4:39 p.m.
Present: Council Member Gardner, Council Member Petros, Mayor Pro Tem Hill, Mayor Curry,
Council Member Selich, Council Member Henn, Council Member Daigle
IL CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Regarding Item 3 (Resolution Declaring Intention to Enter Into an Operating Agreement for
the Management of the City's Oil, Gas and Other Hydrocarbon Resources), Council Member
Daigle indicated that she is interested in learning about the new approach and requested a
report during the Regular Meeting,
In response to Council Member Gardner's question regarding Item 7 (Acquisition of Rule
20A Credits from the City of Mission Viejo), Public Works Director Webb reported that the
City has several Rule 20A projects that could use this, such as the upcoming Balboa
Boulevard Project,
Regarding Item 10 (Approval of an Agreement for Sewer Video Inspection Services), Council
Member Gardner noted discrepancies in the prices offered by the bidders and questioned the
ability of the winning bidder to provide the required services at the bid price. Municipal
Operations Director Harmon addressed the Request For Proposals (RFP) and scope of the
project, and noted that all of the bidders confirmed that they understand the scope of work.
Council Member Petros reported that he had the same concern and expressed confidence
that the City will not be receiving change orders from the winning bidder in the future.
In response to Council Member Petros' questions regarding Item 6 (Building Inspection and
Plan Review Service), Community Development Director Brandt reported that, when budget
estimates were prepared, staff anticipated the need for two full -time Building Inspectors at
an approximate cost of $130,000 per inspector in order to meet the City's current demands
for building inspections. Additionally, staff anticipated the need for additional plan check
services at an estimated cost of $100,000.
Regarding Item 11 (Approval of an Agreement for Landscape Maintenance of Parks and
Facilities), Mayor Pro Tern Hill questioned the one -hour response time requirement for
emergencies since the provider is located in Riverside. Utilities General Manager Murdoch
indicated that the company is located in Riverside; however, their streetlight operation is
based out of Anaheim. He added that, under the on -call provisions, their employees must be
within one -hour of the City and that travel time is not paid for.
2. JULY 4TH UPDATE 1100 -20131
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Recreation. Superintendent Levin thanked the members of the Fourth of July Committee for
their efforts in coordinating the annual Fourth of July is for Families events, as well as the
Newport Beach Police Department, residents, and Council Members who attended. He also
addressed park activities, the Mariner's Independence Day Parade and Celebration, and the
Mariner's School Foundation.
Deputy Police Chief McGill provided a PowerPoint presentation, reported on the Police
Department's enforcement philosophy, and highlighted details of the operational plan. He
noted that the number of party houses has decreased, but the number of visitors continues
to increase. He presented statistics relative to the number of citations issued and arrests,
costs, participation by outside agencies, education efforts, community outreach, types of
offenses, the number and types of calls for service, and trends.
Council Member Henn commended everyone on the progress made over the years relative to
the number and types of calls for service, as well as the number of Loud and Unruly
Gathering Ordinance (LUGO) citations. He also expressed his appreciation to the
Recreation and Senior Services Department and to the Police Department for their efforts.
He indicated that the only complaints he received were about the lack of trash pick -up on
Saturday.
Deputy Police Chief McGill reported on the process for dealing with LUGO$ and the impact
of the education efforts. He addressed successes, cooperation between City departments,
trash pick -up, things that could be improved, and next year's plans.
George Schroeder expressed his appreciation to Council Member Henn for his efforts in
making the day family - friendly and commented positively on the LUGO efforts. He believed
that this was the best improvement he has seen and acknowledged the Police Department's
efforts.
Jim Mosher congratulated City staff on the successful events. Ile noted that the July 4tn
West Newport Safety Planning Committee has not met since last year and suggested that
Council give direction to staff to coordinate next year's events through the Committee.
Richard Bergstrom, President of the Newport Marina Villas Homeowners Association,
commended, the Police Department for their efforts and commented positively on the
transformation in making the event family- friendly.
Police Chief Johnson thanked Deputy Chief McGill and Police Captain Johnson for their
work and efforts on duly 4th, and noted that LUGO was brought forth as a result of Captain
Johnson's initiation.
Mayor. Curry discussed the significant and measurable improvements made, and commented
positively on the efforts of all involved in making the events safe and successful.
3. OVERVIEW OF FACILITIES FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM (FFPP) [100-
20131
Finance Director Matusiewicz utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the Facilities
Financial Planning Program (FFPP) and Planning Tool, address the purpose of the annual
review, highlight meetings with the Finance Committee, and discuss the importance of the
program, applicable governing documents and policies, and details of the process. He
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'presented a list of priority projects, noting that they are all cash- funded. He reported that
the new Police Department Headquarters is requiring some debt, but future contributions
will eliminate the need for further debt. He addressed past funding sources, key metrics and
statistics, debt service, and cash flows related to the Facilities Finance Program (FFP)
balance.
Mayor Curry stated that, due to the completion of the Civic Center, the City is now able to
build two significant parks, replace Fire Stations, and make improvements to the library
system and Lifeguard and Police Department Headquarters on a pay -as- you -go basis.
In response to Council Member Daigle's question, Finance Director Matusiewicz stated that
the City has strong property tax potential and that he only sees positive things for the
future.
Council Member Henn discussed property tax cycles in the real estate business. He
expressed the opinion that the City is one of the best planned cities in the State and noted
that all of the fundamentals of government are well - planned. He noted that the City
continues to invest in itself and expressed the need to continue this and manage the City
efficiently to maximize returns. He commended staff on its diligence. He addressed
developer fees and commended Council Member Selich and former Council Member
Rosansky for the work they did in negotiating development fees, noting that the impact will
be felt for many years. Council Member Daigle also acknowledged Council Member Selich's
efforts.
Mayor Pro Tom Hill noted that it has been a team effort and stated that Council had the
wisdom to develop a strategic financial plan which has allowed more funds to go into
reserves which will help fund the FFPP. The combination of the finance plan and the FFPP
is what gives the City its financial strength.
Council Member Petros reported receiving correspondence relative to concerns about rising
budgets'. However, he believed that, if this means that revenues are increasing, he is
supportive of the budget since the City practices proper stewardship of resources and spends
appropriately to reinvest in the community. He encouraged the public to learn how Council
stewards the City's resources and become educated in the process.
Jim Mosher referenced the list of priority projects, noting that some of the projects have
already been done and some are beyond the current budget, year. He believed that it would
be helpful to clarify the extent of the plan. He addressed debt service for the new City Hall
and questioned if those are structured in such a way that it could be paid off early, at less
cost.
4. IDENTITY THEFT DISCUSSION [100 -20131
Police Sergeant Krallman utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss identity theft,
address the negative consequences, and highlight how identity theft can happen.
Crime Prevention Specialist Querry addressed steps that can be taken in order to reduce the
risk of identity theft, including routine monitoring of credit; reports and accounts, using care
when giving out social security numbers, and keeping ones property secure. She addressed
mail theft and recommended shredding sensitive documents, discussed using care regarding
what is shared on social networks, and addressed how to create strong passwords, keeping
computer systems up -to -date, keeping data encrypted, and using secure servers when
online. Additionally, she recommended using identity theft protection services, discussed
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wire fraud, and recommended contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with
complaints.
Council Member Petros noted that a packet was provided to Council and suggested placing it
on the City's website. He inquired regarding skimming devices and steps that can be taken
to limit exposure. Sergeant Krallman explained the various types of skimming devices and
what to look for, especially at gas stations. Crime Prevention Specialist Querry
recommended using cash at gas stations.
In response to Council Member Gardner's question; Sergeant Krallman indicated that if a
resident becomes aware of identity theft, they may contact any enforcement agency and file
a report. The agency will then forward the report to the appropriate jurisdiction for
investigation. Crime Prevention Specialist Querry emphasized the importance of filing a
crime report so an investigation can occur.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS INCLUDING PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT ITEMS ON THE
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
City Attorney Aaron Harp announced items to be considered under the Closed Session Agenda.
Jim Mosher referenced Closed Session Item II.B. (Threat to Public Services and Facilities) and
suggested providing information about the general nature of the discussion.
IV. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 5:57 p.m. to Closed Session
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on July 18, 2013, at 4:07 p.m. on the City's
website; on July 19, 2013, at 8:00 a.nv on the City Hall Electronic Bulletin Board located
in the entrance of the City Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive; and on July 19,
2013, at 7:40 a.m. in the Meeting Agenda Binder located in the entrance of the City
Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive.
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
LL
Mayor
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