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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBalboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC)Committee Members: CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BALBOA VILLAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA ExplorOcean 600 East Bay Avenue Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 4:00 PM Michael Henn, Council Member (Chair) Tony Petros, Council Member Gloria Oakes, Balboa Peninsula Point Association Ralph Rodheim, Balboa Village Merchant Association Member Grace Dove, Central Newport Beach Community Association Tom Pollack, ExplorOcean Representative Jim Stratton, At -Large Representative Staff Members: Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director Tony Brine, City Traffic Engineer Fern Nueno. Associate Planner CALL MEETING TO ORDER II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON -AGENDIZED ITEMS (comments limited to 3 minutes) III. ITEMS FOR REVIEW 1. MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2014 (ATTACHMENT 1) Recommended Action: Approve April 9, 2014 Minutes 2. UPDATE ON VILLAGE MAINTENANCE Recommended Action: Receive and file 3. UPDATE ON SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS FOR INTEGRATED IMPROVEMENTS Recommended Action: Receive and file 4. FACvADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (ATTACHMENT 2) Recommended Action: Refine program components. Provide direction for next steps. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT V. ADJOURNMENT (Meeting End Time: 5:30 p.m.) Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please refer to the City Website, http:// www .newportbeachca.gov /index.aspx ?page =2196, for additional information regarding the Balboa Village Advisory Committee. AN AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTED AT LEAST 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING AND THE PUBLIC IS ALLOWED TO COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS. IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) IN ALL RESPECTS. IF, AS AN ATTENDEE OR A PARTICIPANT AT THIS MEETING, YOU WILL NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE BEYOND WHAT IS NORMALLY PROVIDED, THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH WILL ATTEMPT TO ACCOMMODATE YOU IN EVERY REASONABLE MANNER. PLEASE CONTACT LEILANI BROWN, CITY CLERK, AT LEAST 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TO INFORM US OF YOUR PARTICULAR NEEDS AND TO DETERMINE IF ACCOMMODATION IS FEASIBLE (949- 644 -3005 OR cityclerk @newportbeachca.gov ) 2 INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE 9 c��W PORT NEWPORT BEACH �C /FORN`P ITEM TITLE: MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2014 (ATTACHMENT 1) ITEM SUMMARY: Recommended Action: Approve April 9, 2014 Minutes RECOMMENDED ACTION: ATTACHMENTS: Description DRAFT MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2014 3 INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BALBOA VILLAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Location: ExplorOcean 600 East Bay Avenue Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call Meeting to Order Chair Henn called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The following persons were in attendance: Balboa Village Advisory Committee Members: Michael Henn, Council Member (Chair) Gloria Oakes, Balboa Peninsula Point Association Ralph Rodheim, Balboa Village Merchant Association Member Grace Dove, Central Newport Beach Community Association Tom Pollack, ExplorOcean Representative Jim Stratton, At -Large Representative Absent: Tony Petros, Council Member Staff Members: Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director Fern Nueno, Associate Planner II. Public Comment on Non - Agendized Items Interested parties were invited to address the Committee on Non - Agendized Items. Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director, commented on the status of the Local Coastal Program. The General Plan /Local Coastal Program Implementation Committee has been working on the item, meeting monthly for almost a year, and is focusing on issues related to coastal bluffs and canyons. The meetings are open to the public and a public draft will be available toward the end of this year. Chair Henn clarified that this is the Implementation Plan and that the City has an approved Coastal Land Use Plan. Ms. Wisneski confirmed that in order to be a certified jurisdiction able to issue Coastal Development Permits, there is a two -step process and this is the second step. The next 5 steps include release of the public draft this year, public hearings in 2015, and certification by the Coastal Commission, which could take over a year. There being no one further wishing to address the Committee, Chair Henn closed the Public Comment on Non - Agenda Items portion of the meeting. III. Items for Review 1. Approval of Minutes Recommended Action: Approve March 12, 2014 Minutes Chair Henn advised that Brenda Wisneski's line should be deleted on page seven. Ms. Wisneski noted comments submitted by Jim Mosher that included typographical errors and grammatical changes. Janis Dinwiddie clarified that she discussed the Centennial Celebration as it related to the bicycle path. Howard Hall noted that extending the bicycle and pedestrian trail down to the wedge would continue the bicycle and pedestrian traffic toward the wedge without funneling them into the street and causing more congestion. He also noted that this is controversial item. Chair Henn asked that Howard Hall work with staff to amend the wording of his statement. Action: Committee Member Rodheim moved to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2014 meeting as amended, Committee Member Pollack seconded the motion; which carried with Council Member Henn abstaining, as he was absent at the March 12`h meeting (5 ayes, 1 abstain, 0 noes). 2. Update on Village Maintenance Recommended Action: Receive and file Chair Henn introduced the item and deferred to Brenda Wisneski for a presentation. Committee Member Stratton displayed photographs and discussed the status of the Village maintenance. Areas that need improvement, as included in the discussion, were planters around the Harbor Side Restaurant, the area around the Boardwalk, and Jane's Corndogs. Photographs displayed areas around the planters along Main Street that always have trash, as well as full trash cans and filthy sidewalks. Not only do these areas need to be maintained, a cleaner fun zone needs to be a goal as well. Committee Member Rodheim noted his support, adding that everyone needs to help in the clean -up effort. The Balboa Village Merchant Association (BVMA) has their biggest event coming up this weekend and met with City representatives at the Palm Street 0 parking lot. He noted that the City was appalled at the status of the sidewalks and offered to pay for steam cleaning prior to the event because of the current condition. He noted that the new silk plants help improve the appearance of the Village. Chair Henn mentioned a discussion with City Manager Dave Kiff regarding the budget, and the inadequacy in the previously accepted enhanced maintenance program. Mr. Kiff will build a budget to the extent possible that goes beyond what was already approved, examining what needs above routine maintenance and what the costs would be. This is not just a City issue but also a merchant issue, and there needs to be a companion effort to clean up the Village. Kim Brandt noted that Code Enforcement can be sent out to review exteriors and water quality issues. Chair Henn stated that he wants to discuss the specifics of what will be adequate for a standard of care, noting the need for increased maintenance and the importance of walking the area. Janis Dinwiddie noted that the most immediate goal is the upcoming weekend event and that the general maintenance surrounding the parking lot is very unkempt. She will be cleaning up before the event, but would like to get maintenance to spend some time before it begins. Committee Member Pollack stated that the ExplorOcean property has a budget for trashcans, and they are waiting for the City to decide on a uniform design before new ones are purchased. They have an interest in keeping their boardwalk clean and have included a new paint job in the budget. Committee Member Stratton provided specific suggestions of washing the boardwalk, Main Street, and Balboa Blvd once a week. Chair Henn stated that if this is an appropriate standard, it needs to be taken back for funding. It is important to agree upon a standard that needs to be achieved. Committee Member Dove discussed the different types of visitors that Balboa Island and the Fun Zone get, thus each standard is varied. Howard Hall added a historical element, noting that all sidewalks used to be swept three times a day. Bill Dildine discussed the City code, noting that it is the tenant's responsibility to maintain the sidewalks in front of their property. The 300 and 400 blocks are filthy, with people littering, and Code Enforcement needs to help. Chair Henn suggested this item be revisited and agendized. Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director, stated that a walkthrough could be 7 arranged with Jim Stratton and Ralph Rodheim. Estimates could then be generated concerning trash can prices, steam cleaning rates, and overall trash management. Committee Member Jim Stratton noted that the Crab Cooker tenants are working hard to keep their property clean. Chair Henn introduced Diane Dixon, a candidate for the 1 st District City Council. Chair Henn noted that this item will be agendized to the May meeting and Ralph Rodheim will provide an update on the BVMA. 3. Fagade Improvement Program Options Recommended Action: Review program options, provide directions for future consideration Fern Nueno, Associate Planner, summarized the memo and provided examples of facade improvements, from minor to major ideas, and funding options. Committee Member Rodheim discussed the archway that says, "Welcome to Balboa." A letter has been written by the BVMA because the Village would also like an archway similar to what Balboa Island is requesting. Chair Henn raised the issue with Council last night and there was consensus to add money to the budget that would make an additional archway possible. Kimberly Brandt noted that the signs would have to be complementary and the RFP will go out shortly, with a return date in June. Chair Henn noted that the architectural consultant would provide additional input on signage and the archway. Ms. Nueno provided an example of a program that San Diego is implementing. She also displayed photographs of fagades and minor improvements within the Village, noting that there are a lot of good buildings in the area, but minor improvements could make a big difference. In response to a question from Committee Member Rodheim, Ms. Nueno noted that the facade program would be tied to the design guidelines and street improvement plans. Ms. Wisneski posed a question for the Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) to consider when recommending the specifics of the program whether they are trying to achieve substantial change in the design of buildings or provide incentive for improved maintenance such as signs and painting. Committee Member Dove discussed the Balboa sign program from about ten years ago �2 saying that a grant program was available, yet not widely utilized Ms. Nueno continued to review photographs of the area and discussion carried on about the necessary improvements in the neighborhood. Chair Henn stated his opinion, saying that they want to achieve a little of both goals and raise the level of execution as well as move in the direction of facade improvements in line with the design guidelines. Committee Member Stratton suggested adding a second -story facade that would wrap around, which would tie in with the rest of the buildings. Committee Member Dove noted that it would be a huge undertaking with design guidelines and multiple property owners. Chair Henn concurred with the two- pronged approach of smaller maintenance projects and more aggressive architectural changes. Ms. Wisneski noted the option of the two- tiered program with grants for the smaller maintenance and matching grants for the major structural projects. Committee Member Rodheim agreed and added that the Village is eclectic and it should authentically remain that way. Discussion continued on the connection with the facade program, ULI TAP Report, design guidelines, and street improvement program. Ms. Nueno discussed the options for prioritizing the improvements and targeting a model block to start the program. She continued stating the steps for implementation. Mr. Rodheim noted the fire hydrants and the vile smell coming from the sewers. Kimberly Brandt responded that there is methane in the area and that the area smell should have improved. Chair Henn discussed the checklist of program elements, including who the approving body is for awarding grants, the City fee waivers or reductions, awards given to merchants who are in good standing with the City, and making sure that the improvements are not just routine maintenance going above and beyond. It is important to define and prioritize what the program should cover. Committee Member Pollack posed the question of how blighted we think Balboa Village is because that will help determine the type and level of program offered. Committee Member Dove noted that she has seen the Village look a lot worse and it is better than she initially thought. Some places need upgrades and incentives would help 0 motivate change. Also, the historic building code needs to be considered as it could be an incentive as it is not as strict as current code. Committee Member Stratton stated that there is good progress in the Village and that a great deal can be accomplished with paint and a seed -type program. Committee Member Rodheim supports the parallel track that includes minor and major improvements. Ms. Nueno discussed a two - tiered seed program approach, outlining how the tiers can be designed. Committee Member Rodheim continued that we need to encourage cleanliness and coordinate with the other programs that will be in place. He continued that the Village is not blighted but that good is not good enough for Balboa Village. Committee Member Stratton mentioned that owner and tenant cooperation is vital and has not been high in the past. Committee Member Pollack suggested evaluating how many people take advantage of the program within a certain time period and ramping up the program if not enough improvement has occurred. The Committee continued to discuss program options. Ms. Brandt discussed how the improvements to the streetscape will improve the area. Howard Hall noted page 22 of the written report, highlighting the vintage sign in the Fun Zone. He clarified that this sign is part of another block and it is not related to the Fun Zone. Committee Member Rodheim stated that the sign does not get maintained by the property owner, but he will look into getting it repainted. Action: The committee provided direction on the elements of the program. IV. Public Comment There being no one wishing to address the Committee, Chair Henn closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting. 10 V. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Balboa Village Advisory Committee, Chair Henn adjourned the meeting at 5:22 p.m. Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The agenda for the Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) Meeting was posted on April 4, 2014, at 2:10 p.m. in the Chambers binder and on the digital display board located inside the vestibule of the Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive and on the City's website on April 4, 2014, at 2:25 p.m. 11 INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE 12 c��W PORT NEWPORT BEACH �C /FORN`P ITEM TITLE: FAgADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (ATTACHMENT 2) ITEM SUMMARY: Recommended Action: Refine program components. Provide direction for next steps. RECOMMENDED ACTION: ATTACHMENTS: Description FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 13 INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE 14 Memorandum CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 (949) 644 -3227 To: Balboa Village Advisory Committee From: Fern Nueno, Associate Planner Date: May 9, 2014 Re: Commercial Fagade Improvement Program At the April 9th BVAC meeting staff presented information on the Commercial Fagade Improvement Program (Program) and the Committee provided feedback on the elements to be included in the Program. The memo and presentation are available in the April 9, 2014 agenda packet online: http:// www .newportbeachca.gov /index.aspx ?page =2194 The attached Commercial Fagade Improvement Program includes information on the two - tiered program, eligibility and criteria, costs and funding, and next steps. The Program will help further the City's goals for Balboa Village to increase the economic vitality of the area, improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood, and create a stronger identity and connectivity in the community. Revitalization efforts should embrace the Village's personality and improve the experience for the local community. The village character is appreciated, and simply offering seed money can be the incentive needed to replace some of the fading signs, chipped paint, or weathered window treatments in the Village. For buildings that require a more substantial improvement, the Program offers funds for major improvements and architectural services. At the May 14th meeting, the Committee should review and discuss the program, refine program components, and provide direction for the next steps. 15 INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE 20 Balboa Village Commercial Facade Improvement Program May 2014 Draft Program Options Tier 1 • Minor improvements such as painting, murals, lighting, anti - graffiti film coating, awnings, landscaping, window treatments, signs, exterior repair, architectural treatments, and other improvements to architectural features • Allowed fagade upgrades must be exterior improvements visible from primary streets • Grants offered up to $5,000 per tenant suite* • 50 percent of grant money provided at project approval, with the remaining money reimbursed at completion of project after receipts have been submitted* • Projects must be completed within 12 months of approval or Building permit issuance • City permit fees waived Tier 1 - Priority Block* • Grants offered up to $10,000 per tenant suite • 100 percent of grant money provided at project approval, with any remaining balance reimbursed to the City at completion of project after receipts have been submitted Expedited plan check review where feasible Tier 2 • Major improvements such as structural upgrades to the fagade, which may include related minor improvements • Allowed fagade upgrades must be exterior improvements visible from primary streets • Grants could be used for architectural or design service • Grants offered for up to 50 percent of the project costs up to a maximum amount of $50,000* • 50 percent of grant money provided at project approval, with the remaining money reimbursed at completion of project after receipts have been submitted* • Projects must be completed within 18 months of Building permit issuance • City permit fees waived Tier 2 - Priority Block* • Grants offered for up to 75 percent of the project costs up to a maximum amount of $50,000 • 100 percent of grant money provided at project approval, with any remaining balance reimbursed to the City at completion of project after receipts have been submitted • Expedited plan check review where feasible *See priority block information below. 17 Priority block Balboa Boulevard is the priority block to be targeted for initial funding as a model block that will have the most impact upon completion. Improvements to this street will help spur other property owners to participate in the program after seeing the results from the model block. This is a priority block for the fagade program, and will not preclude concurrent improvements to other areas recommended in the Master Plan and /or Urban Land Institute TAP Report. For the first six months of Program implementation, all applications received for projects located on Balboa Boulevard will include the priority block elements in addition to or in lieu of the basic Tier 1 and Tier 2 components. Costs and Funding The costs of the program will be determined by the level of participation and types of projects awarded grants. Approximate figures are listed below. When the Program is reviewed by City Council, they will have the opportunity to set a maximum amount of funds to be allocated for the Program. Costs Balboa Village contains approximately 55 commercial buildings. Several of the buildings in the Village are in good condition and not all property owners /tenants will want to participate in the Program; therefore, this analysis uses an initial participation rate of 25 percent, which would provide substantial improvements to the area. Based on that percentage, it is anticipated that 14 buildings will participate in the program within the first few years. For the purposes of a cost estimate, the assumptions below indicate that nine buildings will be included in Tier 1 and five buildings will be included in Tier 2. The amount awarded will be based on project scope and building size. The figures below will be used as a guideline when determining the grant award amount for Tier 2. Linear Feet of Fagade Maximum Grant Up to 25' $ 15,000 25' to 50' $ 25,000 50' to 75' $ 37,000 75' or more $ 50,000 The cost estimate for Tier 1 is $5,000 per tenant suite. With nine participants, the Tier 1 cost estimate is $45,000. The cost estimate for Tier 2 is $15,000 - $50,000 per building ($1,000 to $1,800 per linear foot). With five participants, the Tier 2 cost estimate is $175,000. The Tier 1 and Tier 2 estimate total is $220,000. Additional costs will be incurred for implementation of the program, including outreach, technical assistance, and evaluation of the Program. Funding The amount of funds dedicated to the Program will be considered by the City Council. There is no guarantee of the amount of funds that will be appropriated during any given year. The Program could be funded through a combination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the City's General Fund. CDBG funds are awarded to the City by the federal IN government. The availability of CDBG funds is contingent on Program conformance to the CDBG National Objectives. The General Fund includes sales taxes, transient occupancy taxes, property taxes, motor vehicle license fees, etc., and can be used to fund economic development and capital programs. Application Criteria and Additional Program Components a) All nonresidential properties within Balboa Village are eligible for the Program. b) Tenants may apply with property owner consent. c) Project applications will be reviewed by the Community Development Director. d) Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. e) All project cost estimates will be reviewed by the Building Official. f) Receipts are required to be submitted at project completion. g) Properties are eligible for Tier 1 and Tier 2 grants once every ten years. h) Program funds are to be used for exterior building improvements rather than simple routine maintenance. i) Funds will not be awarded for removal of illegal improvements. j) Additional improvements that are deemed to be consistent with the intent of the Program will be reviewed and approved /disapproved on a case -by -case basis by the Community Development Director. k) Applications will not be accepted for improvements underway or already completed. 1) All improvements shall conform to the City Building Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable Design Guidelines. m) Any applicant must have a current business license, be in compliance with all municipal codes, and be free of any outstanding violations. n) In accordance with the California Labor Code (Sections 1770 et seq.), prevailing wages are required for all improvements completed through the Program. Participants in the Program are responsible for ensuring that the improvements are in compliance with the Public Works /Prevailing Wage Law. o) Property owners are responsible for upkeep and property maintenance. By accepting grant funds, the applicant commits to properly maintain all improvements and to keep storefronts, as well as sides and back of buildings, clean and free of graffiti for a minimum of five years at the applicant's own cost and expense. p) Continuation of the Program is subject to sufficient funding as appropriated by the City Council. q) The City reserves the right to cancel or modify this Program at any time prior to grant approval, without notice. Next Steps 1) BVAC approval of Program 2) Obtain City Council approval 3) Create application and guidelines 4) Provide enhanced outreach to property owners and tenants 5) Provide technical assistance for application 6) Administer Program 7) Evaluate Program annually 19