HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Minutes 10-25-99 Study Session & Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes DRAFT
Study Session
October 25, 1999 - 4:00 p.m. INDEX
Present: Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Absent: Debay & Thomson (excused)
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
Council Member Glover asked for clarification on Item 3, Santiago Drive
Speed Limit. She noted the list of key actions in the Expanded Santiago
Drive Implementation Plan, which included the development of a
comprehensive traffic calming program to be used throughout the City.
Council Member Glover stated that such a program would take four to five
years to develop and she did not remember it being a part of the Council's
action at the previous meeting. Public Works Director Webb stated that the
• concept of the program was to put together a list of the items that could be
used for traffic calming, including the criteria that would be used to evaluate
various neighborhoods, if the need arose. He clarified that this would
provide Citywide criteria and would not include actual studies of individual
neighborhoods. City Manager Bludau read from Volume 53, Page 19 of the
September 27, 1999, minutes, and stated that the motion does include
direction to proceed with the Santiago Drive Implementation Plan. Council
Member Glover confirmed with City Manager Bludau that the Citywide
program would not interfere with the Santiago process. Council Member
Adams stated his intent in making the motion was to develop a
comprehensive list of traffic calming measures, including when and where
they are appropriate. He stated that this would provide criteria for when
other parts of the City are looking for traffic calming measures. He added
that the most important part of the motion was to enact measures in the
Santiago Drive area that would be appropriate for other similar streets in
the City, and not give the area special treatment.
Referring to Item 10, Agreement for Construction of Improvements at 3619
Ocean Boulevard, Council Member Ridgeway asked why only 50% of the
estimated cost of the improvements is being set -aside in sureties. Public
Works Director Webb stated that the improvements are not entirely offeite,
and that the retaining wall is being built in order to allow the structure to be
occupied.
City Clerk Harkless clarified for the City Council that for Item 15,
Appointments to the Harbor Quality Citizens Advisory Committee, the
• District 1 appointment is Nancy Gardner, not Susan Gardner as indicated on
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October 25, 1999 INDEX
the agenda.
2. MARINAPARK HOTEL PROPOSAL.
Marinapark
Hotel Proposal
City Manager Bludau stated that the item is before the City Council because
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the City received a development proposal from Sutherland Talla Hospitality,
and he felt that a Study Session would be the appropriate way to introduce
it. City Manager Bludau stated that his intent is for the City Council to
focus on the policy issues and the process for looking at the proposal, rather
than the details of the proposal itself. He stated that, for this reason, the
staff report includes information on the background and use of the property,
as well as the status of the current leases. City Manager Bludau referred to
the information in the staff report about the mobile home park, the
American Legion, City Council Policy F -7 (Income Property), the Marinapark
Revenue Study, and the history of the prior Council authorizations and
action by the City regarding the property site. He also noted the six possible
alternatives listed in the staff report that the Council might want to
consider.
Stephen Sutherland, Principal Partner, Sutherland Talla Hospitality, stated
that he has spent ten months looking at options for resort development on
the Marinapark site. He stated that the proposal submitted to the City
describes a redevelopment of the property into a 156 -room five star resort to
be operated by Regent International Hotels. Mr. Sutherland stated that he
was available to answer any questions.
Tom Hyans, Central Newport Beach Community Association ( CNBCA),
stated that he spoke with Mr. Sutherland regarding the proposal in July. He
stated that the CNBCA has, for years, supported the long -term renewal of
the American Legion and mobile home park leases. He stated that the
CNBCA has reviewed and discussed the conversion of the property to public
use for recreation, such as described in the Marinapark Planning Study
dated June 20, 1972, but has never adopted a policy to support the
conversion of the property to full recreational use. The CNBCA also opposes
the increase of hotel capacities and new hotel construction within its
boundaries or near the beach or other recreational areas of the Peninsula.
Mr. Hyans added that the CNBCA also opposes any change in use in the
City -owned area between 15th and 191h Streets, on the bayside of Balboa
Boulevard. He stated that he personally remembers that Sections D and E
in the mobile home park leases, as mentioned in the staff report, were
included only to circumvent liability for compensation to the lessees. He
concluded by stating that he feels that the proposed project location would
upset the fragile balance of the residential and public neighborhoods in a
negative way.
Paul Curtis, Commander, American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, stated
that many years ago, the American Legion traded a piece of property with
the City for the lease they currently have. He stated that, although he
recognizes that the current City Council may not be legally bound by the
terms and conditions of the original transaction, he wanted to present the
American Legion's position. Mr. Curtis stated that Post 291 has 2,000
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members, a ladies auxiliary with 503 members, the Sons of the American
Legion with 350 members, and the American Legion Yacht Club with 766
members. He stated that the Post attracts quality members and is the
second largest post in the State of California. He stated that the Post was
recently honored as being the most generous Post in giving to the needs of
disabled veterans, and that they strive to be a good neighbor in a number of
ways. Mr. Curtis mentioned the fundraisers held at the facility, the sharing
of the use of the facility, the hosting of disabled veterans who are otherwise
bedridden, the Old Glory Character Boat Parade, the law and order
program, and the sailing program for the visually impaired. Mr. Curtis
asked that the City Council commence negotiations for the long -term
renewal of the American Legion lease at the current location. He concluded
by stating that Post 291 is ready to work with the City in creating a more
desirable community.
Val Skoro, 1601 Bayadere Terrace, Vice Chairman, Parks, Beaches &
Recreation Commission (PB &R Commission), stated that in October of 1997,
the PB &R Commission voted to recommend to the City Council that the
area, including Marinapark but excluding the American Legion, be used for
recreational purposes at the expiration of the leases on the site. He said he
understands that the City needs to generate revenue, but he wanted to point
out that the PB &R Commission has provided its recommendation on the
matter.
• Peter Tarr, P. O. Box 2231, Newport Beach, stated that the Peninsula and
the West Newport areas are already crowded areas and difficult to access.
He stated that the upcoming lease expirations provide the City with the
opportunity to provide additional public access to the bay and the
recreational facilities. He stated that he believes that the Girl Scout House
and the American Legion should be left at the site. He added that he does
not feel that a hotel is an appropriate use of the site due to the present
traffic situation, and could be placed elsewhere on the Peninsula. Mr. Tarr
concluded by stating that eliminating public access to the area would be a
poor decision.
Cary Lowe, Attorney, Jenkens & Gilchrist, 12100 Wilshire Blvd.,
representing the Marinapark Homeowners Association, stated that the
Association recognizes that the City will consider other uses for the site. He
stated, however, that he's surprised with the process that is taking place.
Mr. Lowe stated that until there is a resolution of the possible tidelands
status, its questionable about what uses will be permitted. He said that the
policies of the State Lands Commission and the Coastal Commission would
disallow an exclusive luxury hotel on the site with beach access limited to
guests of the hotel, if any of the site is determined to be tidelands. Mr. Lowe
stated that, in the meantime, it does not justify consideration of the current
proposal, which is only showing pretty pictures and no backup regarding
financial commitment. He added that the City's own policy provides for a
competitive open bid process when looking at a proposal for leasing City
property. He stated that he also foresees strong environmental opposition to
the hotel proposal. He said that it is critical to decide what to do with the
current tenants, regardless of what use of the site is decided upon. He
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INDEX
suggested extending the leases for the current users of the property.
Mr. Lowe concluded by stating that the City can certainly continue looking
at alternatives for the site, but it should table any particular focus on the
hotel proposal.
Council Member Ridgeway confirmed that the City cannot take any definite
action for the site until the determination is made by the State Lands
Commission, but he asked Mr. Lowe why the City wouldn't want to request
proposals from all of the current lessees. Mr. Lowe responded that a broader
evaluation of future uses for the site is not a waste of time, but it must be
recognized that it all depends upon what the State Lands Commission
decides. He additionally disagreed with the staff report's reference to
residential use not being allowed at the site if it is determined to be
tidelands, and said there are other locations in the state that have mobile
home parks on similar trust properties. He said the issue is how the public
access is maximized on these lease trust lands.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that he had hoped the current meeting
would only consist of a presentation on the historical and current status of
the property. He confirmed with Mr. Lowe that he feels the City should look
at proposals from the current lessees. Council Member Ridgeway said that
considering proposals while the State Lands Commission is making its
determination helps to reduce the uncertainty of what will happen to the
property in the future. Mr. Lowe agreed and suggested that the current
leases be extended for that reason. He said that the Association will want to
participate in the broader look at uses for the site.
Joanne Walker, 307 Balboa Island, stated her concern for any project that
would bring more people from outside the City onto the Peninsula when it is
already so overcrowded. She stated that Newport Beach is a beautiful place
and should be more residential - friendly. She said that she would be willing
to pay higher taxes to save her privacy and to keep the streets and beaches
from being overcrowded. Ms. Walker stated that the current uses at the site
should remain and increased revenues should be looked for elsewhere.
John McDaniel, 1770 W. Balboa Blvd., stated his opposition to a hotel being
built on the American Legion site. He said there is a lot of history at the
American Legion and it honors the people who served our country in war.
He said the location includes a memorial listing all the members who have
been given the Congressional Medal of Honor. He said the site also includes
the American Legion Yacht Club, which is the only one in the world and has
been recognized by the Southern California Yachting Association as the
Yacht Club of the Year, four of the last five years. He said the American
Legion has been a good neighbor and prior City Councils have recognized its
importance. He said it is unacceptable to move the American Legion from its
current site.
Martha Durkee, Balboa, stated that if the proposed hotel is constructed, it
will be at a cost to the Newport Beach taxpayers and residents. She stated
that the playground, the tennis courts and the bay beach would become
unavailable to the public. She said that the mobile home park tenants have
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offered to pay higher rent, while keeping the area clean, welcoming the
public's use of the beach, having a low crime rate and adding few car trips to
the area's roadways. She said that the American Legion has offered their
site for public meetings and has been a good member of the community.
Ms. Durkee expressed her frustration with the traffic complaints in the City
and the need to welcome the visitor to the City, while forgetting the
residents. She concluded by saying that facilities that serve the citizens
should be considered as being the best use of the site. She said that a hotel
won't honor our veterans or provide any service to the residents.
Stewart Berkshire, 1770 W. Balboa Blvd., stated that he has been involved
with the issue since 1992 or 1993, when the renewal of the mobile home park
lease was discussed. He said that the lease negotiated in 1985 was at fair
market value, with provisions for increases each year in connection with the
cost of living. He stated that, two years ago, the residents offered to enter
into a new lease with the City. And, the residents, at their own expense,
conducted an analysis of rental properties of mobile home parks around the
bay and determined fair market value. He said that nothing has been done
since, pending the decision of the State Lands Commission. He said that the
Keyser Marston study concluded that a hotel would produce the most
revenue to the City for the site, per square foot. Mr. Berkshire stated that
using square feet is misleading and a statistical lie. He concluded by stating
that the income to the City from the mobile home park lease is guaranteed,
and not dependent on the economic success of an individual enterprise.
Council Member Noyes asked about the rate increase offered by the mobile
home park residents. Mr. Berkshire explained that he personally offered the
City $5,000 in August or September of 1997, if the City would start
negotiations. He said that the fair market study done by the residents
concluded that $5,000 was the additional rent the City would realize per
year if the mobile home park rents were brought up to fair market value. He
further confirmed that the rent offered by the residents at the time would've
brought the City $1 million per year.
Mildred Litke, Harbor Island Drive, stated that she sees several problems
with a hotel being built at the site. She said that the number one issue is
traffic and parking, which would be made worse by a hotel. She said that a
hotel is not a viable economic option, and cited the four properties that she'd
contacted earlier in the day and their high rate of vacancies, including some
which were half empty. She said that the mobile home park revenue is
guaranteed. Ms. Litke stated that there is also the philosophical issue in
deciding if the City wants to cater to its residents or become a commercial
entity. She said that she would like to continue enjoying the bay beach.
Mr. Sutherland responded to several of the statements made by the
speakers. He stated that he also contacted several hotels in the area, and
said that the Four Seasons, with room rates beginning at $390 per night,
was 100% occupied for the upcoming weekend. He stated that the Ritz
Carlton, which he considers would be the proposed hotel's main competition
and charges $650 per night for a standard room with ocean view, is also
. 100% occupied for the upcoming weekend. He said that the Hyatt Regency
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was also nearly full the weekend prior.
Mr. Sutherland stated that he has met with representatives of the American
Legion and is very understanding of their situation. He has offered to
negotiate with them in moving them to a different location, which would
provide a structure, either existing or new, of at least the same size as the
current structure and would also be located on the waterfront.
Mr. Sutherland stated that the mobile home park has only fifteen Newport
Beach residents that live there fulltime. He said that the property has the
ability to generate at least $2.8 million, annually. He said a hotel could
provide funds that could be used to enhance the services offered by the City.
Mr. Sutherland also clarified that the proposed project would rebuild the
tennis courts, double their number and that they would remain available for
free use to all residents of Newport Beach. He said that the existing
playground would be moved to a site adjacent to the Girl Scout House, and it
also would be improved, enlarged and remain open to the public. He
concluded that the proposal does benefit the residents of Newport Beach, it
maintains access to the property and provides revenue to the City. He asked
that the City Council approve Option #2 in the staff report, analyzing and
considering the Sutherland Tells proposal.
Virginia Herberts, Balboa Peninsula Point Association, stated that the
Association's board supports the continuation of the current leases and uses .
of the property. She stated that they are opposed to the use of the property
for a hotel.
Council Member Ridgeway clarified with City Manager Bludau that the City
Council is only being asked to provide direction at the current meeting, and
not take formal action. City Manager Bludau stated that the City Council
could decide to take more definite action, if it desired. Council Member
Ridgeway expressed his concern regarding prior City Council discussions
and the decision to not take action at study sessions.
Council Member Adams stated that he did not see any problem with the City
Council providing staff with guidance, but that he would be concerned with
making policy decisions at study sessions. He added that he was
uncomfortable considering the current proposal on its own, and that the
State Lands Commission ruling needs to comes first. Council Member
Adams said that the issue is one of land use, not just of revenue. He stated
that he thinks the City should first decide what land use would be
appropriate for the site and then solicit proposals for that type of use. He
said the process should include the Planning Commission, and hearing its
recommendation for the land use, or uses, on the site.
Council Member Noyes stated that everything will still be held up until the
State Lands Commission makes its ruling. He suggested that maybe the
City should focus on receiving that ruling first.
Council Member Ridgeway disagreed with Council Member Adams that the 1 •
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INDEX
issue is one of land use. He stated that he sees it as a policy decision issue,
and disagrees that the Planning Commission should make the land use
recommendation. Council Member Ridgeway stated that he has been
attempting to clean up the Peninsula while, at the same time, rejuvenating
it. He said that he doesn't feel that a hotel in that location would generate
the kind of income suggested in the proposal. Council Member Ridgeway
thinks that proposals from all lessees should be requested and more than
revenue should be considered, although he also understands that the City
needs to look at ways to create income. He said the City Council will
eventually have to make the tough decision of what to do with the property,
and he has had several people ask that the City Council do what's best for
the Peninsula. He added that since there is resistance to two -story mobile
home parks, the residents of Marinapark should make their proposal on the
basis of a single story mobile home park. He said that all of the various land
use options need to be looked at, and the people who will be affected by the
decision need to be considered. He concluded by stating that it is a very
complicated issue.
Council Member Glover agreed with Council Member Ridgeway's comments
about putting the issue into local context and how it affects the residents on
the Peninsula. She stated that the Coast Highway/Newport Boulevard
intersection is the heaviest traveled intersection in the County and in her
district. She stated that for this reason, her interest in the Peninsula and
the type of traffic that it attracts has increased. Council Member Glover said
• that everyone always complains about too much traffic and not enough
parking, but that she won't know what impact a hotel would have until all of
the facts are presented. She said that the City Council must consider
revenue when making these types of decisions. She suggested that the City
Council direct staff to proceed with Options 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the staff report.
She said this will give everyone the right to bring forward a proposal, and
give the City an opportunity to see what the effects of the various options
would be. She said that she's not certain that the decision by the State
Lands Commission will greatly affect what is decided for the property and
that the Coastal Commission is concerned about public access to the beaches,
which a hotel property could provide.
Mayor O'Neil stated his support for Options 2, 3, 4 and 5; which would direct
staff to analyze and consider the Sutherland Talla proposal, request
proposals from other lessees, request proposals from other potential
developers, and consider them all together. Mayor O'Neil also agreed that
the State Lands Commission issue should possibly be agendized, but pointed
out that the City has already gone on record to support the uplands
interpretation. He agreed further that residential uses have been allowed on
tidelands and could be done. Mayor O'Neil concluded by stating that there is
a lot of flexibility in what can be done and the City should look at all the
various options, and then make the decision based on what is best for the
community and what is beat for the City in the future. He said it may be
determined that what is currently at the site may remain, but the City won't
know if that's the best choice until all of the possible uses have been looked
at. He said that if the State Lands Commission determines that the site is
. tidelands, it may end up in court. He said the issue is very confusing and he
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October 25, 1999 INDEX
is totally open minded about what happens at the site, whether it is public
open space or providing more revenue to the City. Mayor O'Neil stated that
while the various proposals are being looked at, he feels that the mobile
home park lease should be extended for one year as is being proposed for the
American Legion at the evening meeting (Item 13). He knows the final
decision on the property will be a tough one, as it always is when trying to
balance economic interests with quality of life.
City Manager Bludau confirmed with Mayor O'Neil that the Sutherland
Tells proposal would be analyzed and considered with all of the other
proposals, after they come in. He continued by stating that staff will request
proposals from other lessees, as well as other potential developers.
S. BALBOA PIER PARKING LOT REDESIGN.
C- 3209(A)
Balboa Pier Parking
Public Works Director Webb introduced Tony Brine, Senior Civil Engineer,
Lot Redesign
to give the presentation on the process that the City has gone through in
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looking at the Balboa Pier parking lot area.
Mr. Brine stated that he would provide a summary of the report that was
prepared by Austin -Foust Associates. He stated that the goals of the study
were to look at the existing parking lot and determine if a redesign could be
done to improve vehicle circulation and pedestrian access. He stated that
the goals also included determining if the number of parking spaces could be
increased, if a bus layover area could be provided, and if the landscaping
could be improved.
•
Mr. Brine stated that the process incorporated three public workshops to
solicit input from residents and business owners in the Balboa area. He
stated that seven alternative plane were developed and reviewed, and that
he would go through each of the alternatives.
Mr. Brine provided an overhead illustration of the existing parking lot plan,
and pointed out the inefficient use of space. He then showed Alternative 1,
which was recommended as a result of a study done in 1991. He said there
is a net gain of 84 parking spaces with Alternative 1.
Council Member Glover confirmed with Mr. Brine that one of the goals of the
study was to look at potential ways to increase the number of parking spaces
in the lot. It was further confirmed that the parking spaces, both inside and
outside the lot, would be available to visitors of both the beach and the
village area.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that he has read the staff report, that the
matter has been reviewed by PROP (Ad Hoc Committee to Promote the
Revitalization of the Balboa Peninsula) and that he favors looking more
closely at Alternatives 1 and 6A. He stated that unless any of the council
members disagree, he did not need to hear the history of Alternatives 2, 3, 4
or 5 at the current meeting.
Council Member Noyes agreed and stated that it has been a thorough two- 1 •
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year process in
INDEX
Assistant City Manager Wood stated that the BPPAC (Balboa Peninsula
Planning Advisory Committee) study resulted in recommendations to
increase the parking spaces in the Balboa lot to offset the spaces that may be
lost in other nearby locations to accommodate landscaping improvements.
She said this would assist the City in its presentations to the Coastal
Commission.
Council Member Glover stated that nothing is accomplished by merely
increasing parking spaces on the Peninsula, but can understand the Coastal
Commission reason.
Council Member Noyes confirmed that PROP has been sensitive to just
increasing parking on the Peninsula.
Mr. Brine stated that an issue that did come out of the public workshops was
if landscaping opportunities in the Balboa lot should be replaced with
additional parking spaces. He said that the Parking Summary information
in the Alternative 1 diagram shows a net gain of 49 parking spaces but an
additional 35 could be obtained, for a total of 84 as mentioned earlier, if the
landscaping opportunities were not chosen. Mr. Brine said that the
consensus in the public workshops was to include the landscaping
opportunities. He said that Alternative 1 was one of the alternatives favored
• in the workshops. He said it provides for bus layover, which would include
space for tour buses as well as OCTA (Orange County Transportation
Authority) buses. He said the space would be outside of the pay lot and large
enough for four to six buses.
Mr. Brine then displayed Alternative 6A and stated that it was another
alternative favored in the public workshops. He said it was developed as
part of a concept submitted by the Theatre Arts Center and increases the
metered parking lot area to provide for more parking outside of the pay lot,
which would service the village more. He said the alternative also provides a
bus layover area. Mr. Brine stated that the cost of Alternative 6A would be
$663,000. He said that existing funding in the budget for the project is
$430,000, and that additional funds may be available in the offstreet parking
fund. He added that the net gain in parking spaces with the alternative is
40 spaces, if the landscaping opportunities were not chosen.
Council Member Noyes asked what the timeframe would be for completing
the project if Alternative 6A is chosen. Public Works Director Webb stated
that the design process and Coastal permit process would have to be done
first. He said that construction could begin in the Fall of 2000, with
completion prior to the following summer.
Council Member Noyes stated his concurrence with Council Member
Ridgeway's choice of Alternative 6A.
Council Member Adams confirmed with Mr. Brine the location of the pay
booth in the lot. Mr. Brine stated that Alternative 6A currently provides for
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a single exit lane, but that a traffic queuing study was not done. He said
that there is room to add a second exit lane, if desired. Council Member
Adams suggested that two exit lanes be provided.
Council Member Adams inquired about the absence of a stop light at
Washington Street and the reason for having a stop light at Palm Street.
Transportation/Development Services Manager Rich Edmonston explained
that the signal at Palm Street was put in because of the high rate of
pedestrian accidents in the area. He added that the stop light at Main Street
was put in due to the high pedestrian traffic, which had previously limited
vehicle movement.
Council Member Adams asked if the buses in the bus layover area would be
allowed to idle. Mr. Brine stated that the intent would be to disallow idling,
and is one of the reasons for adding the bus layover area. Council Member
Adams asked if the City could prohibit the idling. He cited examples of how
obnoxious the noise and smell can be, and said he could not support the plan
if it allowed the buses to idle. City Manager Bludau said that he knows of
other cities that do cite for idling buses. Mr. Brine stated that the residents
favored adding the bus layover area because it may stop the buses from
parking in front of their homes.
Council Member Noyes added that the idling is currently done because the
buses are parked illegally. Mr. Brine said the buses also idle to keep the air
conditioning going.
Mayor O'Neil summarized by stating that the direction from the City
Council is for staff to proceed with Alternative 6A. City Manager Bludau
confirmed that the City Council was recommending that the alternative be
with the additional 40 spaces option.
Council Member Ridgeway pointed out for Council Member Adams that all of
the alternatives include a bus layover area.
Virginia Herberts, Balboa Peninsula Point Association, stated that the
Association favored Alternative 6A because it provided more parking closer
to the village and it moved the buses away from the condominiums and
storefronts.
Council Member Noyes requested that staff also include some type of action
in the plan to deter the buses from idling.
Mayor O'Neil confirmed with the members of the City Council that there was
concurrence in directing staff to proceed with the preparation of plans,
specifications and engineers final estimate for redesigning the Balboa Pier
parking lot in general conformance with Alternative 6A.
]PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
— 6:00 p.m.
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E
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on October 20, 1999, at
3:10 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of
Newport Beach Administration Building.
City Clerk
L
Recording Secretary
Mayor
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 0
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
DRAFT
CLOSED SESSION- 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT PRESENTED - None.
RECESSED AND RECONVENED AT 7:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, and Mayor O'Neil
Absent: Thomson and Debay (excused)
Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor O'Neil.
Invocation by Pastor Warren Olson, Mariners Church.
Recognition of Edward Karagozian as the recipient of the 1999 Jeffrey
Stern Community Preparedness Award.
Presentation of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting for the City's 1997 -98 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to
the City of Newport Beach and an Award of Financial Reporting
Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of
the United States and Canada to Dick Kurth, Deputy Administrative
Services Director.
Council Member Ridgeway presented Mayor O'Neil with a T -shirt and an
award from the Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation for his
assistance during the 6K run that was held last Saturday.
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR
DISCUSSION. ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM):
• Council Member Ridgeway requested that the Master Plan for Balboa Village be
discussed at a future study session.
• Mayor O'Neil announced that the Friends of the Library needs used books to
resell. The books can be deposited at any library branch and donations are tax
deductible.
CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES /ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1. Removed at the request of Council Member Noyes.
2. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS. Waive reading in
•
full of all ordinances and resolutions under consideration, and direct City
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to read by title only.
3. SANTIAGO DRIVE SPEED LIMIT (contd. from 9/13/99). Adopt
Ordinance No. 99 -25 amending Chapter 12.24 (Special Speed Zones) of the
NBMC to establish a speed limit of 30 mph on Santiago Drive between Irvine
Avenue and Tustin Avenue; and direct staff to proceed with the expanded
Santiago Drive implementation plan.
4. AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE (AMENDMENT 892) THAT
RELATE TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS, TERMS AND CROSS -
REFERENCES IN THE LAND USE REGULATIONS SCHEDULES,
ESTABLISHING WATERFRONT REAR YARD SETBACKS,
REGULATIONS ON BAY AND GREENHOUSE WINDOWS, THE
PARKING OF VEHICLES IN REQUIRED YARDS, SIGNS IN
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE
PLANNING DIRECTOR TO APPROVE OFF -SALE ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGE OUTLETS AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS. Adopt
Ordinance No. 99 -26.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. Removed at the request of Council Member Ridgeway.
6. AIRBORNE LAW ENFORCEMENT (ABLE) JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT REVISION (C- 3011). Approve the revised Joint Powers
Agreement (JPA) between the Cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa
continuing the existing ABLE program.
7. Removed at the request of Council Member Glover.
8. GRANT HOWALD AND LINCOLN ATHLETIC CENTER BALLFIELD
LIGHTING (C -3283) — COMPLETION AND ACCEPTANCE. 1) Accept
the work; 2) authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion;
3) authorize the City Clerk to release the bonds 35 days after the Notice of
Completion has been recorded in accordance with applicable portions of the
Code; 4) authorize staff to retain the contractor to change additional lights
for Lincoln Athletic Center Field No. 1; and 5) authorize a budget
amendment (BA -021) to transfer Park -In -Lieu funds in the amount of
$30,000 from Account No. 7021- C5100372 to Account No. 7021- C4120431.
9. JAMBOREE ROAD/EASTBLUFF DRIVE INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS — PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH DIAZ- YOURMAN AND ASSOCIATES (GEOTECHNICAL) AND
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH TETRA TECH, INC. (C- 8202). 1) Approve Professional Services
Agreement with Diaz- Yourman and Associates Geotechnical Services for
geotechnical testing; 2) approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services
Agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. for additional design services; and
3) approve a budget amendment (BA -020) appropriating $9,100 to Account
No. 7181- C5200421, Jamboree/Eastbluff Improvements from Account
No. 7181- C5100070, EIR/Preliminary Plans.
Volume 58 - Page 45
N
Ord 99 -25
Santiago Drive
Speed Limit
(85)
Ord 99 -26
Amendment 892
Zoning Code
(94)
C -3011
Airborne Law
Enforcement (ABLE)
(38)
C -3283
BA -021
Grant Howald and
Lincoln Athletic
Center Bal field
Lighting
(38/40)
C -3202
BA -020
Jamboree Road/
Eastbluff Drive
Intersection
Improvements
(38/40)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
INDEX
10. AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS AT 3619
EP 99 -257
OCEAN BOULEVARD (ENCROACHMENT PERMIT NO. 99 -257).
Encroachment
Approve an agreement guaranteeing completion of the public improvements
Agreement
required with Variance No. 1223 and authorize the Mayor and the City
3619 Ocean Blvd.
Clerk to execute the agreement.
(65)
11. APPROVAL OF CONSULTANT AGREEMENTS FOR TRAFFIC
C -3314
ENGINEERING SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
Newport Center
NEWPORT CENTER PROJECT. 1) Approve a Professional Services
Project
Agreement with Austin -Foust Associates, Inc. for updating the traffic model
(38)
and preparing the traffic study for inclusion in the Newport Center General
Plan Update EIR; and 2) approve a Professional Services Agreement with
RKJK & Associates, Inc. for project management and traffic engineering
services.
12. BALBOA PIER CONCESSION AGREEMENT — RUBY'S
C -2326
RESTAURANT GROUP (C- 2326). Continue to the November 8, 1999, City
Balboa Pier
Council meeting.
Concession (38)
13. EXTENSION OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN LEGION
C -1772
POST 291 (C- 1772). Authorize the Mayor to enter into a lat Lease
Lease Agreement
Amendment that extends the current operating lease with the American
American Legion
Legion Post 291 for the marina and clubhouse at 215 15th Street for one year
Post 291
beginning in March 2000.
(38)
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
•
14. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 21, 1999.
Planning
Receive and file.
(68)
15. APPOINTMENTS TO THE HARBOR QUALITY CITIZENS ADVISORY
Harbor Quality
COMMITTEE. Confirm Council Member Ridgeway s appointment of Nancy
Citizens Advisory
Gardner (District 1) and Council Member Debay's appointment of
Committee
Rob Thomas (District 2).
(24)
16. APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CITIZENS
Environmental Quality
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Confirm Council Member Adams' appointment
Citizens Advisory
of Richard Rivett as the at -large member (District 4).
Committee (24)
17. REPEAL OF CITY COUNCIL POLICY L-18. Repeal City Council Policy
Policy 1-18
L-18, Administrative Procedures for Implementing the Traffic Phasing
(69)
Ordinance.
18. BUDGET AMENDMENT (BA -018) — LIBRARY SERVICES &
BA -018
TECHNOLOGY GRANT AWARD OF $84,666. Approve BA -018 to
Library Services &
appropriate the library grant to various accounts to support the TeenR.ead
Technology Grant
outreach program.
(40/50)
19. BUDGET AMENDMENT (BA -019) FOR CORONA DEL MAR
BA -019
REFORESTATION (PHASE III). Approve BA -019 in the amount of
CdM Reforestation
$57,000 to fund the City portion of Phase III of the reforestation of 40 City
(40/44)
parkway trees located on the north side of East Coast Highway in Corona del
Mar.
Volume 53 - Page 46
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
0 20.
Receive and file.
lyl��1�71�1ti.7
21. HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS FOR 1999 -2000. Authorize the
distribution of grants totaling $25,000 from fund #010 -20- 0100 -8254 to
various Human Services organizations that serve the Newport Beach
community.
22. STAFFING ISSUES. Approve conversion of four part -time positions in
Administrative Services to full-time status.
Motion by Mayor O'Neil to approve the Consent Calendar, except for those
items removed (1, 5, and 7), and noting the correction to Item No. 15 and
continuation of Item No. 12.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson, Debay
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
• 1. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 1999,
ADJOURNED REGULAR AND REGULAR MEETING OF
SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 AND THE SPECIAL MEETING OF
OCTOBER 4,1999.
Council Member Noyes announced that he will be abstaining on the approval
of the September 27 minutes because he was absent during those meetings.
Motion by Council Member Noves to waive reading of subject minutes,
approve as written, and order filed.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes (abstained from the approval of
the September 27, 1999, minutes), Mayor O'Neil
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson, Debay
5. MULTI -YEAR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH
THE NEWPORT BEACH FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(FMA).
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question regarding the
compensation adjustments (Item 1), City Manager Bludau clarified that the
12.5 percent is based on the Fire Battalion Chief being the base position and
• that this classification would receive a 2.5 percent pay increase pursuant to
the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Volume 58 - Page 47
III N'.
C- 3098/McFadden Farmer
Market (38)
Human
Services
Grants
(40)
Personnel
(66)
C -2946
Fire Management
MOU (38)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999 INDEX
Motion by Council Member Rideewav to approve the Memorandum of
Understanding with the Newport Beach Fire Management Association.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson, Debay
7. NEWPORT BOULEVARD (SR55)/PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY (SRI)
C -2886
"ARCHES" INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS (C -2886) —
Arches Interchange
COMPLETION AND ACCEPTANCE.
Improvements
(38)
Council Member Glover commended Public Works Director Webb and staff
for their work on this project. Council Member Ridgeway added that the
Arches Interchange project was the largest public works project the City has
undertaken and that it was done very smoothly.
Motion by Council Member Glover to 1) accept the work and approve the
As -Built plans and specifications; 2) authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice
of Completion; and 3) authorize the City Clerk to release the bonds 35 days
after the Notice of Completion has been recorded in accordance with
applicable sections of the Civil Code.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
•
Ayes: Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Thomson, Debay
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Charles E. Griffin, 732 Bison Avenue, showed a video of a flight over the open space
areas surrounding El Toro. He indicated that he is promoting the realignment of the
runways because they are situated too close together and slope excessively. He
suggested realigning the runways along the broad expanse of open space.
Russ Niewiarowski, 20102 Kline Drive, stated that he is Mr. Griffin's partner. He
indicated that the video is a climax of their efforts to demonstrate the feasibility of
an alternative El Toro airport. He noted that no houses in the corridor would be
disturbed by this alternative and that this makes a safer and quieter plan.
Dolores Otting noted that October has become Breast Cancer Awareness Month in
America and passed out an excerpt from a book about breast cancer. She expressed
disappointment that only Council Members Thomson and Glover voted against
adding recycled wastewater to the water basin. She stated that, even though people
do not drink the tap water, people are still bathing in it. She read from the handout
that chlorinated shower water releases chloroform, a toxic gas created when chlorine
from the chlorination process interacts with the natural organic matter in tap water.
Further, that 50 percent of the pollution from water is absorbed through the skin
•
and that the body absorbs more chlorine from a 15 minute shower in chlorinated
water than it does from drinking eight glasses of the same water. Ms. Otting
Volume 53 - Page 48
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
reported that many women wit
found in shower water.
cancer cannot have estrogen, but it is also
Ms. Otting noted that Council Member Debay may have a conflict of interest because
of her association with the Sanitation District, noting that she receives money for
attending meetings and that she voted for the addition of more reclaimed sewage
water into the drinking basin. She also expressed concern about term limits and
whether council members have the City's best interests at heart since they cannot
run for office again.
Tom Wall, Orange County Airport Alliance, 2900 Park Newport, Suite 229, reported
that the County will release the second of the two environmental impact reports on
November 19; they will have 60 days to comment on the document; and then it will
go back to the Board of Supervisors for a final vote in May. He emphasized the
importance of coordinating the activities of the various airport groups, and
expressed his thanks to Council and the public for their support. He stated that the
Airport Alliance (along with the Airport Working Group, the Orange County
Regional Airport Authority, and County staff and planning agency) have put
together a comprehensive and aggressive program for moving the project forward so
that the conversion of the El Toro Marine Corp Air Station to a commercial air
facility will be completed by 2005.
Mr. Wall stated that their plan for the next few months is to continue with the
public presentations (10 to 15 a month); seek the membership of businesses,
community groups, minority groups, and others who want to build a community-
friendly airport at El Toro; maintain a database of supporters; maintain a web site;
distribute a monthly newsletter and brochures which provide factual information;
and begin the production and distribution of a series of 30- minute cable shows.
Mr. Wall indicated that he just came from an El Toro Reuse Planning Authority
( ETRPA) meeting in which Capistrano, Saddleback Valley, and Irvine Unified
School Districts are now members. He stated that he found it disheartening that the
reason the school districts joined ETRPA was because they perceived there would be
a detriment to the learning ability and hearing of the students. However, he pointed
out that the Irvine Unified School District operated the marine base's elementary
school for 27 years without one concern that there would be a detriment to the
learning ability or hearing of any of those students. Mr. Wall stated that the
community - friendly airport will produce 70 percent less noise than the marine base
produced, and found it hypocritical that a school district would try to convince people
that there is a detriment when there is no evidence.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
23. 22 CORPORATE PLAZA — A REQUEST FOR PC TEXT
AMENDMENTS TO INCREASE THE PERMITTED SQUARE
FOOTAGE ENTITLEMENT IN THE CORPORATE PLAZA PLANNED
COMMUNITY BY TRANSFERRING APPROXIMATELY 45,000
SQUARE FEET OF EXISTING ENTITLEMENT FROM FASHION
ISLAND AND BLOCK 600 OF NEWPORT CENTER IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW OFFICE
• BUILDING.
Mayor O'Neil opened the public hearing.
Volume 53 - Page 49
INDEX
Ord 99 -27
Res 99 -70
22 Corporate Plaza/
Amendment 889
(94)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 26, 1999
INDEX
Planning Director Temple reported that this application would allow for the
construction of one additional office building in Corporate Plaza in the
Newport Center. Because there is currently insufficient entitlement in
Corporate Plaza to sustain the development, she indicated that The Irvine
Company requested the ability to transfer square footage from other parts of
Newport Center in order to allow for the construction of the office building.
She stated that the transferred square footage is a combination of over 6,000
square feet which currently is assigned to Block 600 of Newport Center, with
the balance coming from Fashion Island. She pointed out that the Land Use
Element allows for these types of transfers within Newport Center. She
indicated that, following a review of the traffic study by the City's
Transportation and Development Services Manager, it was determined that
the transfer would not create a net detriment to the traffic and circulation
system (Primary Finding). The Planning Commission subsequently
recommended approval of the transfer and the associated planned
community amendments.
In response to Council Member Glover's questions, Ms. Temple explained
that the square footage being transferred comes from the 6,000 square feet
that occupied the Twin Palms restaurant, noting that they transferred retail
entitlement from Fashion Island into Block 600 to enable that restaurant to
be constructed. Further, about 44,637 square feet will be utilized from
Fashion Island so that the same traffic count exists for the office building,
based on peak hour traffic generation. Council Member Glover stated that
the transfer will create an office building with traffic; however, if it stayed
within Fashion Island, there will be retail sales with traffic. This would
create a financial offset for the traffic.
Council Member Ridgeway asked what unused base in Fashion Island the
44,637 square feet came from. Ms. Temple clarified that it came from
approximately 286,000 square feet of unused property from an entitlement
that occurred about four years ago. She added that a traffic study, pursuant
to the traffic phasing ordinance, and a General Plan traffic analysis were
prepared when the entitlement was conducted.
Carol Hoffman, Vice President of The Irvine Company, expressed
appreciation for the work staff put into the analysis and noted the
unanimous recommendation for approval by the Planning Commission. She
stated that the request is indicative of the kind of provisions that have been
built into the Newport Center zoning regulations and one that they would
like to utilize in response to increasing demands for office space.
Ms. Hoffman noted that the office building is in close proximity to the retail
center and provides employees the opportunity to make purchases at
Fashion Island. She stated that their traffic engineer and a representative
from the architectural firm are present to answer any questions. She also
expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Harbor View
Hills Community Association to ensure that there were no lighting impacts.
She added that they will continue to work with them during the
implementation stage.
Council Member Glover emphasized that the new traffic phasing ordinance
•
gives Council the ability to study each project and make better decisions. In
response to Council Member Glover's question, Ms. Temple confirmed that
all of the entitlements have been vested through the traffic phasing
Volume 53 - Page 50
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 26, 1999
• ordinance. Council Member Glover stated that she is reticent to take square
footage from Fashion Island, emphasizing the City's need to provide a
continuous revenue stream. She indicated that her inclination is to protect
the retail space.
There being no further testimony, Mayor O'Neil closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council Member Glover to overturn the action of the Planning
Commission by denying the request to transfer 44,637 square feet of regional
retail square footage from Fashion Island to Corporate Plaza, but approving
the request to transfer 6,520 square feet from Block 600 to Corporate Plaza
with the supporting documentation related to the Amendment, subject to the
Findings and Mitigation Measures as modified by the Planning Commission.
Council Member Glover added that the motion is made with the finding that
the amendment to transfer development rights from Fashion Island to the
Corporate Plaza Planned Community is not consistent with the standards
for transfer contained in the General Plan since the potential commercial tax
base would be reduced, thereby limiting the City's ability to implement
traffic mitigation. She believed this is not in the best interest of the City.
The motion died for lack of a second.
Motion by Council Member Noves to adopt Resolution No. 99 -70 finding
• the transfer of development rights is consistent with the standards for
transfer contained in the General Plan; introduce Ordinance No. 99 -27, an
amendment to the Corporate Plaza Planned Community, approving a
transfer of development rights in Newport Center from Fashion Island and
Block 600 (Amendment No. 889), and pass to second reading on November 8,
1999; and sustain the action of the Planning Commission and approve the
supporting documentation related to the Amendment, subject to the
Findings and Mitigation Measures as modified by the Planning Commission:
a) the acceptance of a Negative Declaration; b) a traffic analysis; and c) a
parking demand study.
Council Member Noyes agreed with Council Member Glover, but indicated
that this should be considered an exception and should be looked at much
harder in the future. He believed that this General Plan Amendment stems
from General Plan Amendment 94 -2(B) (Fashion Island expansion) which
was adopted on November 14, 1994, by Council Members Hedges, Sansone,
Watt, Hart, Cox, Debay, and Mayor Turner. Council Member Glover stated
that one could say that she did not agree with what that Council allowed.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Adams, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Noes:
Glover
Abstain:
None
Absent:
Thomson, Debay
24. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE RESOLUTION OF INTENT
TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR THE REORGANIZATION OF
TERRITORY.
Volume 58 - Page 51
INDEX
Res 99 -71
LAFCO Application/
Reorganization of
Territory/
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999 INDEX
•
Mayor O'Neil opened the public hearing.
Bay Knolls/
Santa Ana Heights/
Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that the adoption of the resolution starts a
Newport Coast and
long process that includes notices, mailings, public hearings, a protest
Ridge
measurement, and more. He reported that, if concluded by July 2000, this
(21)
would be the City's largest annexation and one of its last. He utilized
overheads to review the three proposed annexation areas (Bay Knolls, Santa
Ana Heights, and Newport Coast and Ridge).
Mr. Kiff announced that the City Clerk created a page within the City's
internet site consisting of annexation information/staff reports. He reported
that Council Policy D -2 requires the City to review several items when
considering potential annexations (Attachment A) and that Exhibit C of
Attachment A (Fiscal Impact Analysis) shows the anticipated revenues and
expenditures for the three areas. He emphasized that the Fiscal Impact
Analysis utilized extensive assumptions and that, from a staff perspective,
the annexation is in the City's best interest.
Mr. Kiff reported that there are no Terms of Agreements (Attachment B) as
yet because the Santa Ana Heights group and the Newport Coast group have
asked for specific things. The terms still need addressing and will come
before Council prior to the first hearing with LAFCO since they will not hear
an incomplete application. He indicated that Rich Miller, the gentleman
who will be helping the City process the annexation application, and
someone from LAFCO are present to answer any questions.
•
In response to Mayor O'Neil's question, Mr. Kiff confirmed that a plan to
take over the current Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) service area is
included in the application. However, the application is flexible in the event
the City decided not to serve water or provide sewer service and if an
arrangement is worked out with IRWD.
Russ Niewiarowski, 20102 Kline Drive, stated that 200 residents attended
an annexation forum and indicated that he lives in west Santa Ana Heights.
He requested Council permission to launch a campaign for the west side to
detach from Costa Mesa and submit that request to LAFCO. He indicated
that he understands that the annexation is only for east Santa Ana Heights,
but that the west side would like to follow his neighbors to remain one
united community. He stated that they formed the Santa Ana Heights
Advisory Committee to pursue the detachment and believed that they could
help to become a stronger voice in the stoppage of the John Wayne Airport
(JWA) expansion.
Mayor O'Neil stated that he is not sure if Council could indicate support for
the detachment because west Santa Ana Heights is not in the City's sphere
of influence. However, the City has the discretion to amend the boundaries
to include additional areas.
Council Member Glover noted that east Santa Ana Heights is surrounded on
three sides by Newport Beach and the Bay, and is in the City's sphere of
influence. She stated that Costa Mesa is a friendly city and does not want to
entertain going into their sphere of influence. She reported that the City is
considering annexing Bay Knolls only because the County said the City had
to in order to annex the other areas.
Volume 53 - Page 52
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
Council Member Ridgeway reported that he owns property in west Santa
Ana Heights and that he would need to remove himself from any discussion
on west Santa Ana Heights in the future. He requested that the attention be
confined to the matter before Council.
Robert W. Ashin, 390 Seawind Drive, stated that there are a lot of people in
this area that do not wish to be a part of Costa Mesa. He expressed the
opinion that Costa Mesa may be a friendly city to Newport Beach, but is not
being a friendly city to them now. Further, that many people believe they
will be disenfranchised from their ability to oppose the airport expansion if
they are included with Costa Mesa. He presented Mr. Kiff with letters
indicating the residents' desire to be a part of Newport Beach and their
concern that they will not have a voice in opposition to a JWA expansion.
Derek Leason, 20342 Cypress Street, believed that Santa Ana Heights brings
many assets to Newport Beach and that including them to fight the strong
opposition to the El Toro Airport and support of the JWA expansion could
only help them as a group. He expressed his support in the airport issues
and thanked Council for their support.
Robert B. Hanley, 1601 Indus Street, stated that he lives in west Santa Ana
Heights. City Attorney Burnham emphasized that discussion to include
west Santa Ana Heights within the annexation application is inappropriate
since the area is not agendized.
• James Blaylock, 20192 Bayview Avenue, stated that he strongly supports the
annexation and believed that Santa Ana Heights will be a great addition to
Newport Beach. He indicated that many people will do whatever they can to
help further this process.
David Wooders, 20442 Bayview Avenue, stated that he fully supports the
annexation and appreciates Council's efforts.
Jeff Hamilton, 20102 Cypress Street, stated that he supports the annexation
of Santa Ana Heights into Newport Beach. He indicated that he wrote the
letter regarding Santa Ana Heights' redevelopment fund and hoped that
Council can offer a voice and guidance to ensure that the Santa Ana Heights
community receives its maximum allocation. He reported that the
redevelopment funds are in excess of $8 million for capital improvements.
Charles E. Griffin, 732 Bison Avenue, stated that he helped develop the
DC -8 and DC -9 in the late 50'slearly 60's, and that the Orange County
Airport was specified to be a regional airport at that time. Shortly after the
airport expanded, he became active in airport issues because he was
awakened by a DC -9. He stated that he has worked with many Santa Ana
Heights residents since 1963 to develop a take -off procedure that gives them
some relief. He emphasized that it is very important that the City provide
them with some representation so that they do not have a conflict of interest
with an airport operator.
Kelly Crean, 2211 Mesa Drive, expressed her thanks to Mayor Pro Tem
Thomson for attending their neighborhood meeting and indicated that Santa
Ana Heights is united in making both sides Newport Beach. She believed
that about 98 percent of the 200 at the meeting expressed their desire to be
Volume 53 - Page 53
INDEX
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
part of Newport Beach and that the City should be proud of this showing.
She supports the annexation because the County has been buying property
in the neighborhood and building vacant businesses. She stated that the
residents have been led to believe that Newport Beach would stand behind
them so they would have a voice, believing they have not had a voice with
the County. Expressing her concern with JWA expanding and airplanes
flying over many homes, Ms. Crean indicated that the El Toro issue is also
an important issue to the Santa Ana Heights residents.
Mr. Riff clarified that the only assurance the City can give Santa Ana
Heights residents that life will remain the same is that the City adopted
their Specific Plan as its own plan for the area. Council Member Glover
stated that she likes the rural feel of Santa Ana Heights and would like to
preserve that as much as possible; however, she wants to make sure that the
residents understand what the City can and cannot do for them. Regarding
Ms. Crean possibly wanting to stop a potential development that is in the
redevelopment plan and appropriately zoned, Mr. Kiff indicated that he is
unsure of the City's ability to stop development because it is something the
County adopted and will continue to pursue until 2026.
Barbara Venezia, 20301 SW Cypress Street, stated that she is one of the
organizers of the Santa Ana Heights Advisory Committee. She indicated
that her neighborhood is very united on this issue, wants to see the
annexation happen, and is willing to do whatever it takes to do that.
There being no further testimony, Mayor O'Neil closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayor O'Neil to adopt Resolution No. 99 -71 entitled
"Resolution of Application by the City Council of the City of Newport Beach
Requesting the Local Agency Formation Commission to Initiate Proceedings
for the Reorganization of Territory".
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Noes:
None
Abstain:
None
Absent:
Thomson, Debay
CURRENT BUSINESS
25. FIVE YEAR PROJECTION OF GENERAL FUND REVENUES,
EXPENDITURES AND INCREASES /(DECREASES) TO FUND
BALANCE.
City Manager Bludau stated that Council Member Glover previously
requested that a revenue and expenditure projection be brought to Council
for review. He recommended that this become an annual report so that the
City is always updated and has a five -year projection.
Administrative Services DirectoriTreasurer Danner reported that the
forecast is a management tool designed to promote discussions on economic
trends, service levels, and revenue and expenditure alternatives. He
emphasized that the model has limitations and is only as accurate as the
Volume 53 - Page 54
INDEX
5 -Year Projection/
Revenues/
Expenditures/
Fund Balance
(40)
0
is
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
INDEX
assumptions used to build it. He explained that assumptions were made
relative to capital expenditures and airport expenditures. Further,
assumption included that growth would decline as the City moves into a
period of less economic growth and that operating expenditures would
increase as inflation pressures increase. He stated that the projections did
not include revenues or expenditures for any potential annexation.
Mr. Danner reported that the forecast concluded that the City's fiscal
posture will remain adequate to fund operations at the anticipated level over
the five -year period; however, unless something is done, the City will begin
to see a decline in the City s fund balance beginning in the fifth year. He
stated that the forecast includes an executive summary, assumptions,
forecasts, potential revenue enhancements, detailed revenue/expenditure
projections, and pro -forma fund balance statements through the 2004 -2005
fiscal year. Additionally, 14 new or expanded revenue sources have been
identified for Council to consider at future meetings. He reviewed the
recommendations outlined in the staff report and added that Deputy
Director Kurth and Revenue Manager Everroad also assisted in generating
the staff report.
Council Member Glover stated that she asked for this to be placed on the
agenda because she has concerns about future revenue, provided the level of
service the community is accustomed to. She indicated that figures can be
generated to compare the City's level of service to other cities, and reported
• that residents identified being a full- service city as very important to them.
Council Member Glover noted that the City has 700 employees where cities
with similar population have about 30 employees.
Council Member Glover stated that paying the City's bills is one of Council's
responsibilities and that it is up to Council to ensure that there is revenue.
She pointed out that Council does not approve a project because it generates
revenue, but that the City is going to have to deliberately approve some of
these projects because of the revenue they can bring. She noted that
50 percent of the City is in the ocean and will not produce revenue; the City
is not connected to a major freeway and will rarely be participating in
activities that are contingent on revenue; and the City is not the destination
city it used to be for restaurants, shopping, and theaters. She emphasized
that every citizen should be concerned about this. She thanked staff for the
report and invited the public to review the projections.
Council Member Noyes thanked Council Member Glover for requesting this
report. He expressed his amazement that there are only two members of the
public in attendance for this discussion when there was previously a room
full of people in attendance for their own issues. He also noted that the
people who are criticizing Council on traffic issues are also not in
attendance. He emphasized that the responsibility of having a positive fiscal
budget rests heavily on Council's shoulders. Mayor O'Neil noted that two
members of the media are also present and stated that they could possibly
get the word out to the public.
® Mayor O'Neil also thanked Council Member Glover for requesting this
report, stating that the City is going to be faced with some big decisions in
the near future and that balancing the budget sometimes becomes a difficult
decision to make if the high level of service is expected to continue.
Volume 58 - Page 55
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
Keith Garrison, 311 Island Avenue, requested and received a copy
staff report.
Mr. Bludau stated that, as City Manager who also bears the responsibility
with Council to make sure the City has a government that functions well and
provides services that the community wants, it gives him small comfort to
see the numbers produced over the next five years.
Council Member Noyes stated that the figures do not include any liability
claims made against the City and pointed out that Council has been very
courageous about fighting them. He estimated the savings in the last three
years to be about $6 million.
Regarding points of sales, Council Member Glover requested that the City
pursue utilizing local banks or have a bank relocate to the City to process
vehicle leases, noting that the City is not deriving any revenue from the
leases that are handled outside the City. She also requested that
Mr. Everroad look into boat sales that are being conducted in international
waters because the City does not receive any revenue from these sales.
Mr. Danner stated that there is recent legislation to help cities capture sales
tax revenues from vehicle leases, but this is still very difficult to do. Council
Member Glover stated that the City needs to pursue this and suggested
using the City's lobbyist for this.
Council Member Noyes stated that a big issue for all governments is the loss
of sales tax revenue through internet sales and mail orders. He emphasized
that it helps to shop in Newport Beach because the City derives one percent
of every dollar that is spent. Additionally, he believed that the City should
look into having a "City of Newport Beach" credit card because the
organization gets a portion of every dollar that is spent no matter where the
card is used.
MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None.
ADJOURNMENT - 8:40 p.m.
+ + + + + + + + +++ +++ +++ + + + + + + + + + + + + ++
The agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on October 20, 1999, at
3:10 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of
Newport Beach Administration Building.
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
Mayor
Volume 53 - Page 56
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