HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - 05-09-2000City Council Meeting
May 23, 2000
Agenda Item ill
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes ��
Study Session
May 9, 2000 - 4:00 p.m. INDEX
ROLL CALL
Present: Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, Thomson, Mayor Noyes
Absent: O'Neil (excused)
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
In reference to Item #13, Annexation of Bay Knolls Area, Council Member
Glover confirmed with City Manager Bludau that each annexation area
would be handled separately. City Manager Bludau stated that the
application would include all three areas together, however. He stated that
the information is going through the Planning Commission separately and
that it's also the way the consultant has been providing it. Council Member
Glover suggested that the possibility of annexing Santa Ana Country Club
might also be discussed by the City Council, since there is a group that is
seeking to have it annexed. City Manager Bludau stated that this would
only be included if West Santa Ana Heights were to be considered for
annexation. City Manager Bludau stated that the City would be meeting
with the City of Costa Mesa in the near future to discuss this possibility.
Council Member Glover encouraged the meetings to be held publicly.
Council Member Debay referred to the staff report for Item #13 and the
indication that the Bay Knolls area would be severed from the Newport
Coast/Ridge annexation process. City Manager Bludau confirmed that the
application with the Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO) would
include all three areas. He added that the decision to include West Santa
Ana Heights would have to be determined prior to LAFCO taking any action.
Mayor Pro Tern Adams referred to Item #11, Bonita Canyon Sports Park,
and asked if the amount of $42,000 for unforeseen work was a sufficient
amount or if a contingency would come from somewhere else. Public Works
Director Webb stated that if there were significant change orders, next year's
budgeted funds would have to be used. He added that there are funds being
budgeted for several park fund elements in the 2000 -2001 budget, which
could be looked at if the need arises but nothing has been specifically
budgeted for the Bonita Canyon Sports Park.
Council Member Debay asked if money is being earmarked for the CalTrans
'Vest parcel. Director Webb confirmed that enough money is being budgeted
to put down a 10% deposit.
Council Member Debay requested that the missing information for Item #19,
Economic Analysis of Proposals for Future Use/Development of Marinapark,
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be provided at the evening meeting, referring to the first page of the staff
report.
Council Member Ridgeway asked if O Hill Partnership had signed the
agreement in Item #10, Approval of Subdivision Agreement for Corporate
Plaza West. Director Webb stated that he would find out and make sure
that the agreement is properly signed before being finished. Council
Member Ridgeway additionally asked if 36 months was the normal period to
allow for the completion of such improvements. Director Webb responded
that the period is usually between 24 and 48 months, depending upon the
length of the project. Council Member Ridgeway pointed out that, in this
case, the project is already complete and asked if 24 months could be
considered. Director Webb stated that some improvements between the two
buildings have not been done. Council Member Ridgeway stated that the
obligation for Resubdivision 1006 is The Irvine Company's only. Director
Webb said he would get more information, but believes that it is a joint
responsibility of both parties.
Council Member Debay asked for clarification on the boundaries of the
resubdivision as indicated in the parcel map in the staff report. Director
Webb stated that Parcel 3 is under the control of The Irvine Company and
Parcel 1 is under the control of O Hill Partnership. He said that the
uncompleted work is the street between the two parcels. He added that the
requirements are to improve the circulation in the area and that the street is
private.
Council Member Ridgeway added that O Hill Partnership is giving up one
acre of property to Parcel 3 for The Irvine Company.
PARKING METER FEE INCREASE.
Transportation & Development Manager Edmonton stated that the staff
report was a follow -up to items that had been before the City Council at
previous meetings. He stated that the Promote Revitalization of the
Peninsula Committee (PROP) made recommendations to the City Council at
its meeting of February 8, 2000, with the parking meter fee increase being
recommended for immediate implementation. Manager Edmonston referred
to the map in the staff report showing the current fees in three zones on the
Peninsula and in the Mariners' Mile area. He outlined the recommended
increases to these fees. He stated that if the City Council chooses to move
forward with the fee increases, staff would prepare the necessary resolution
and ordinance to implement the changes.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams asked if any changes were being proposed, or if any
were expected, for master parking permits. Manager Edmonston stated that
the fee for master parking permits would not change. He added that,
although the committees previously available for off- street parking
discussions have been disbanded, staff receives only about one call per
month and that they're primarily for more permit -type parking in the
Cannery Village area and around City Hall.
Manager Edmonston explained that the two permits that are the most used
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are the annual permit, which costs $100, and the master permit, which costs
$450. He stated that the annual permit allows the user to park at blue
meters or in the Corona del Mar beach and Balboa Pier lots. He stated that
the master permit allows the user to park anywhere in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams stated that since the recommended parking meter fee
increase is 100 %, he was trying to determine if staff expected a change in the
demand for the master permit. City Manager Bludau suggested that a
review of the total permits sold could be performed in a year to determine if
the demand did change as a result of the fee increase. Manager Edmonston
confirmed for Mayor Pro Tem Adams that the recommended fee increase did
not include a proposal to change the time restrictions at any of the meters.
Council Member Ridgeway noted that since PROP supports the
recommended action, he would be in support of it also. He additionally noted
that the Cannery Village area would be experiencing many changes within
the next six months, and he suggested that the parking issue be addressed in
conjunction with those changes.
Council Member Debay agreed with the recommendation to increase the
meter fees, since out -of -town visitors primarily pay them. She added,
however, that since local residents generally purchase the permits, she
would not support a rate increase for them. She requested that staff
determine if there might be a need to increase the number of blue meters.
Manager Edmonston confirmed that the blue meters were originally
installed to accommodate the local businesses and residents. He stated that
the master permit was later created by the Off - Street Parking Committee.
He added that the sale of the annual permit was monitored one year and it
was found that approximately two - thirds were purchased by residents and
about one -third by business employees who lived out -of -town.
Council Member Thomson asked about the earlier reference to the Corona
del Mar beach lot. Manager Edmonston explained that the annual permit is
good at the beach lots and most of the City's off - street lots.
Council Member Debay asked about the beach lots in the West Newport
area. Manager Edmonston explained that the West Newport meters are
already $1.00 per hour since they are primarily for beach use, and that about
half of them are blue meters.
Council Member Thomson stated that the City had previously looked at the
concept of having a kiosk for payment of parking rather than the use of
individual meters. Manager Edmonston confirmed that the City had met
with a couple of vendors and contacted cities that were using the system. He
stated that the reports were not extremely positive, but that the system has
continued to improve. He stated that the City will again consider the use of
the kiosk system when looking at the lot that will be expanded as a part of
the redevelopment of downtown Balboa.
Manager Edmonston stated that the fee increases, if approved, would leave
only a few meters in the City at the $0.25 per hour rate. He said these
include the meters along Coast Highway from Tustin Avenue to West
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Newport, and the meters in the Mariners' Mile lot. He added that these
meters are not used frequently, so were not included in the proposal.
Council Member Ridgeway noted that the City Council would be looking at
an agreement during the evening meeting to convert 50 meters to electronic
meters for a trial period of ninety days. He stated his eagerness in receiving
the report that will follow the trial period. Manager Edmonston added that
the meters will be enhanced electronic meters, and that the City already has
some electronic meters.
Manager Edmonston confirmed with the Mayor that staff is being directed to
prepare a report with a resolution and ordinance for consideration at the
City Council meeting of May 23, 2000.
FISCAL YEAR 2000 -2001 BUDGET OVERVIEW.
City Manager Bludau stated that he planned for the overview at the current
meeting to take approximately one hour. He added that the two Study
Sessions in June would be entirely dedicated to discussing the budget. He
stated that the overview at the current meeting would give a broad look at
the framework for the budget and some of the background information.
City Manager Bludau began his slide presentation with a graph illustrating
total City revenues by source. He said that it is anticipated that the total
City revenues for the 2000 -2001 fiscal year will be $124.3 million. He
pointed out that the major revenues are property tax, and sales and other
taxes. City Manager Bludau then presented a slide that illustrated general
fund revenues by source. He stated that the information clearly shows how
dependent the City is on sales and property taxes. He outlined the unique
features to the City as being no trash collection fee and no utility user tax.
He added, however, that the City does have high property tax values and a
high property tax base. He confirmed with Administrative Services Director
Danner that approximately 20% of the properties in the City are being
assessed at pre- Proposition 13 values. Council Member Ridgeway stated
that it is closer to 25% and the second highest in the State.
City Manager Bludau presented a slide showing how the locally generated
sales tax is allocated in the City, with approximately 78% of it going to the
State General Fund. He stated that the City receives approximately 13% of
the total, which is estimated to be $18.65 million.
Council Member Glover confirmed with Director Danner that the total sales
tax generated in the City has increased approximately $3 million over the
prior two years. Director Danner stated that he would provide information
later in the overview on where the increase is coming from.
City Manager Bludau stated that copies of the slides could be provided upon
request.
City Manager Bludau then showed a slide on the sales tax contribution of
selected geographic areas, which included Fashion Island, the airport area
and the Balboa area.
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In response to Council Member Glover's question, City Manager Bludau
stated that there is not a statistical breakdown available for the Mariners'
Mile area. Director Danner stated that the information is received from
Municipal Resource Consultants (MRC) and that the company is going out of
business, making the information difficult to obtain.
City Manager Bludau next presented a slide on the local sales tax by
economic segment. He stated that it shows that the 400 restaurants in the
City provide 19% of the total sales tax generated, the five car dealers provide
12% and the large department stores provide 11 %. Director Danner added
that the top 8% of the companies that pay sales tax contribute 43% of the
total dollar value. City Manager Bludau listed the top ten sales tax
producers in the third quarter of 1999. The list included David L.
Cunningham, Inc., a wholesaler of trees and plants, and DVI Financial
Services, a medical equipment lessor.
Council Member Thomson pointed out that this provides a good example of
how office buildings can generate sales tax.
City Manager Bludau presented a slide showing the distribution of property
tax, with the City getting 17 %. He pointed out that the City received an
additional 3% before the creation of the Education Revenue Augmentation
Fund (ERAF). He stated that approximately $3.5 million is diverted per
year, with a total of $27 million diverted over the period. City Manager
Bludau stated that cities haven't been able to put a cap on the total or to
receive any of the funds back.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question about possible
legislation, City Manager Bludau stated that it is frustrating to attempt to
put a cap on the total when the funds should really be returned, given the
State's budget surplus of $8 to $12 billion.
Council Member Debay confirmed with Director Danner that the property
tax distribution to other local ER .F represents the money that was taken
away from the County and special districts as part of the property tax shift.
City Manager Bludau stated that the City is expecting to receive $25.8
million in property tax in the 2000 -2001 fiscal year.
City Manager Bludau next presented various property tax numbers. He said
that the gross property value of which the property tax is levied is nearly $14
billion. He said that approximately 81% of the parcels in the City are
residential and that the single - family home value increased by 12.58% in
1998 -99. Director Danner explained that the 84.40% decrease for industrial
value in 1998 -99 represents unsecured property taxes that various industrial
companies pay.
Council Member Thomson confirmed with City Manager Bludau that the
single - family home value is determined by the County Tax Assessor and
includes resells and any overall tax increases. It is the value on the books,
and not necessarily the market value. Council Member Thomson stated that
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there is a phenomenal revenue opportunity when one considers that 20 to
25% of the homes are being assessed at pre - Proposition 13 values.
Mayor Noyes asked for additional information on the unsecured property
taxes paid by the industrial companies. Director Danner explained that
these taxes are paid by companies and based upon such things as inventory
and equipment. City Manager Bludau added that four of the City's largest
commercial property owners are requesting value reductions and if
approved, could result in an annual property tax revenue loss of
approximately $1.2 million.
Director Danner referred to the Proposed Revenue Estimates - All Funds
chart in the 2000 -2001 Budget Detail. He summarized the information by
noting that $25,810,000 is expected in property taxes.
Council Member Glover confirmed with Director Danner that the secured
property tax of $22 million includes both residential and commercial. City
Manager Bludau added that approximately 77% of the total comes from
residential.
Director Danner continued by noting the sales and use tax, and the uniform
transient occupancy tax (UTOT) totals and increases estimated for 2000-
2001.
Director Danner confirmed for Council Member Thomson that the UTOT
total is the total the City receives, the net total after the Newport Beach
Convention & Visitors Bureau receives their share.
Director Danner pointed out that the general fund revenue total of $85
million is an increase of 3.28% over the current fiscal year. He added,
however, that $4.3 million is expected from the oil spill recovery and,
without that, the general fund revenue total would actually be down from
the current year. He stated that this decrease is attributed to a decline in
building activity and a one -time COPS (Community Oriented Policing
Services) More Grant that was received in 1999 -2000.
Director Danner noted that the oil spill recovery revenue is listed under
Private Refunds & Rebates, 010 -5864, under other revenue in the general
fund.
Council Member Ridgeway suggested that the oil spill recovery revenue
should not be in the general fund, but possibly set up as enterprise fund or
another separate fund. Director Danner explained that the money has to be
accounted for separately. A separate division in the Capital Improvement
Program is being set up to keep it separated, but a separate fund is not being
set up. In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question, Public Works
Director Webb stated that the money will be used for very specific projects
that were put together in competition with the other agencies that were
requesting funding. He stated that they City is limited to the projects that
were approved by the joint committee. He added that a report is also
required and will be submitted to the Attorney General's Office on how the
money was spent. City Attorney Burnham stated the Recreational
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Resources Subcommittee meets every six months, and a progress report is
required at each of these meetings also. Director Webb listed the top
projects as including a refurbishment of both piers, improving the
streetlights and sidewalks along the oceanfront, upgrading the lifeguard
facility, starting the marine education center project and improving some of
the restrooms along the oceanfront. Council Member Ridgeway confirmed
that that they are all capital improvements being paid for out of the general
fund.
Council Member Thomson confirmed with Director Webb that the Balboa
Island Ferry restroom project is being budgeted, but is not a part of the oil
spill recovery expenditures.
Council Member Debay stated that there is a strict requirement that the oil
spill recovery money be spent in the area that was impacted by the oil spill.
Director Danner confirmed for Council Member Ridgeway that the
accounting of the oil spill recovery funds would be kept separate. Director
Webb stated that the projects being paid for by the oil spill money were not
previously budgeted. Council Member Ridgeway additionally confirmed that
the pier projects would take care of 95% of the maintenance currently
needed.
Per Council Member Thomson's question, Director Danner stated that the
City has various contingency reserves in not only the general fund, but
primarily in the enterprise funds. He said that Council Policy F -3 outlines
the requirements for how much money must be set aside each year for
maintaining the reserves. Director Danner stated that the City Manager's
Transmittal Letter in the Resource Allocation Plan discusses the reserves.
He added that most of the reserves are fully funded.
In reference to Council Member Thomson's question about the annual
replacement of the pier pilings and future pier repairs, Director Webb stated
that oil spill money could not be used for long -term future maintenance. He
added that the money must be spent in the next eighteen months to two
years.
Council Member Debay reported that things were going well towards the
City receiving its share of the oil spill money, but she has learned that a new
attorney in the State Lands Department is looking at the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) and has some concerns and questions. City Attorney
Burnham added, however, that the State Lands Commission has determined
that it doesn't want to participate in the assignment of settlement proceeds
and may not be a part of the supplemental MOU.
Director Danner concluded the discussion on revenues by stating that the
total revenue estimated for all City funds for the 2000 -2001 fiscal year is
$125,381,711, a slight decrease over the prior year.
City Manager Bludau referred back to the slides and began the discussion on
City expenditures. He stated that expenditures for the 2000 -2001 fiscal
year, including capital projects, are estimated to total $134.5 million. He
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stated that general fund expenditures are estimated to total $79.5 million,
with the slight increase from the prior year attributed to negotiated
employee salary adjustments. He added that most department maintenance
and operation, and capital budgets are remaining flat. City Manager Bludau
listed the six new positions that are being recommended in the proposed
budget.
Referring to a slide illustrating total City expenditures by class, Director
Danner stated that salaries and benefits account for nearly half of the City's
total budget in the 2000 -2001 fiscal year. He said this is followed by capital
improvements, and maintenance and operation, both at 24 %. He stated that
other charges primarily include debt service payments, and that capital
outlay at only 1% of the total City budget is spent on such things as
computers and office machines.
City Manager Bludau noted that 24% being spent on capital improvements is
a much larger percent than is found in most cities.
Council Member Ridgeway asked if a pie chart was created to show what
percent salaries and benefits are of the operating budget, as was done with
the total budget. Director Danner said that a pie chart has not been created,
but he knows that salaries and benefits are approximately 70% of the
operating budget compared to 49% of the total budget.
Director Danner reviewed a slide that used a graph to compare the
governmental revenues and expenditures over the last ten fiscal years, and
pointed out that expenditures exceeded revenues in the early 1990'x. He
explained that the current budget year is again looking at expenditures
exceeding revenues, because revenues received in prior years are expected to
be spent in the upcoming fiscal year.
Council Member Glover confirmed that this was an accounting issue and
asked what the following fiscal year would look like. City Manager Bludau
explained that the major change from year to year will be with capital
improvements and when projects are being done.
Council Member Glover asked if 25% is generally representative of the
amount of the total budget that is spent on capital improvements. Director
Danner stated that he did not know what the percentages used to be, but he
knows that the spending went down in the mid- 1990's due to a downturn in
the economy. Council Member Glover asked how the determination was
made on what percent of the budget should be spent on capital
improvements. City Manager Bludau stated that staff submits their
requests for projects, and Director Webb reviews them and makes
recommendations. City Manager Bludau stated that fewer projects are
recommended for funding than are submitted, and that a balance is sought
between operations and making sure the community sees the benefit of the
projects. Council Member Glover stated that she has been questioned by
many people about where the money is going, and she said that it looks like
if capital improvements were decreased, expenditures would not exceed
revenues. City Manager Bludau stated that there is a maintenance of effort
requirement, in terms of the amount of general fund money that is put into
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capital improvements. He stated that this requirement totals approximately
$8 million. City Manager Bludau noted that maintenance of effort does not
necessarily mean maintenance, but is for capital improvements. Council
Member Glover referred to a previous slide that separated maintenance and
capital improvements.
Council Member Ridgeway clarified that the City has an operating budget of
approximately $85 million and a total budget of approximately $125 million.
He stated that the money that makes up the difference between the two
includes enterprise funds and other funds, with only $9 million from the
general fund.
Director Danner referred to a slide that showed what happened to assessed
valuations and property tax collections when ERAF started in 1992 -1993.
He stated that property tax collections and assessed valuations were nearly
equal that year. He said that in recent years, the property tax collections
have increased and exceed assessed valuations, because of the robust
economy. City Manager Bludau added that the chart illustrates that it has
taken nine years for the City to get back to where it was in 1991 in regards
to property tax collections.
Director Danner showed a slide that presented public safety expenditures
compared to tax revenues. He pointed out that in recent years, the revenue
from property tax and sales tax has been able to completely fund the public
safety expenditures for police, fire and marine.
Council Member Glover confirmed with Director Danner that the public
safety budget is over $40 million. She stated that property tax revenue used
to cover police services, but that the chart combines property and sales taxes,
and all public safety expenditures.
Director Danner went on to look at a slide showing selected comparisons
with other Orange County cities. He said that the report was presented at a
previous City Council meeting.
Council Member Thomson requested that the City Council receive a copy of
the slides being shown as well as the notations being made.
Director Danner continued to look at the County comparison chart and noted
that Newport Beach ranked third among the cities in the County for revenue
per capita and sixth in sales tax. City Manager Bludau stated that the
comparison shows both per capita and rank among the 33 cities.
Council Member Glover stated that Newport Beach should have a higher per
capita rank than fourth for UTOT. Director Danner agreed and noted the
overall rank of second for UTOT. He added that the City is proud of its
ranking of first in per capita spending on public safety. City Manager
Bludau said that the figure is misleading because so much of the public
safety efforts are to accommodate visitors to the area.
Council Member Debay asked if the other coastal cities use County and State
resources to provide lifeguard and beach services. City Manager Bludau
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stated that it varies and is really a mixture.
City Manager Bludau next showed a graph that illustrated the number of
full time employees over the past ten years and in the proposed 2000 -2001
budget. He stated that the City had its most full time employees in 1990-
1991, its least in 1995 -1996 and is proposing a total of 706 for 2000 -2001.
Director Danner stated that he would have to look up the numbers to answer
Council Member Ridgeway's question regarding the percentage of new full
time employees since 1995 -1996 who were public safety employees. City
Manager Bludau added, however, that three of the six new positions being
proposed for 2000 -2001 are public safety positions.
Director Danner referred back to the Budget Detail and Operating
Expenditures - All Funds. He stated that the chart provides a three -year
history of expenditures. He also referred to Operating Expenditures by
Department. He noted some of the expenditure totals that were illustrated
in a previous pie chart. He stated that operating expenditures in the
proposed 2000 -2001 budget for all funds are just over $95 million, which is a
0% increase over the previous year. He stated that this is due to several
retro pays and a large sum of money for airport growth control spent in the
current fiscal year.
Council Member Ridgeway confirmed with Director Danner that the $95
million was exclusive of the $9 million for capital improvements.
Director Danner invited any of the City Council members or the public to see
Administrative Services Deputy Director Kurth or himself to go over the
budget in any detail desired.
City Manager Bludau moved on to the next slide, which showed airport
growth control spending from 1980 -1981 through the current proposed
budget. He noted that the proposed budget includes $250,000 for airport
growth control spending and is down substantially from the year prior. He
said the City Council might want to make the decision to increase this
spending.
Council Member Glover asked for details regarding the contract with Peggy
Ducey. City Manager Bludau explained that when the 12 -month contract
expires in August of 2000, the City has the option to either rehire her as a
staff member or pay her one - year's severance.
City Manager Bludau referred to a new slide and listed some of the key
capital improvement projects for 2000 -2001. He summarized that 147
projects make up the capital improvement program and they total $25.9
million.
City Manager Bludau concluded by stating that the proposed budget is really
a status quo budget and at the next budget meeting, he would cover the
changes in each department and then go through the budget page by page,
and answer any questions.
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Council Member Glover asked about the fixed income budget she requested
at a previous meeting. City Manager Bludau stated that staff could provide
a proposal on where it would reduce expenditures if the estimated increase
of $1 million in general fund revenues did not occur.
Council Member Ridgeway clarified with Council Member Glover that she
wanted to look at a fixed income budget with no new revenues, rather than a
balanced budget.
4. PROPOSED HARBOR ELEMENT AND HARBOR COMMISSION
Deputy City Manager Kiff presented a report on the City's request for a
dredging permit before the California Coastal Commission, at a meeting held
earlier in the day in Santa Rosa. He stated that he and Fire & Marine
Deputy Chief Melum attended the meeting and had two items on the
agenda. Deputy City Manager Kiff provided an overhead projection which
listed various issues such as beach nourishment and ocean disposal, and
compared what was proposed by the Coastal Commission with what the City
asked for and what was agreed upon.
Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that his biggest disappointment of the day
was not coming to agreement on the beach disposal sand threshold. He
stated that the Federal Consistency Supervisor was insistent that the
Coastal Commission not approve a blanket permit to allow anything other
than dredge material with 80% sand or more, or within 10% of the sand
content on the receiving beach. Deputy City Manager Kiffs overhead
projection specified that the City was asking for dredge material with 80 %,
sand or more, or within 40% of the sand content on the receiving beach if
dredged with a hydraulic dredge. Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that the
Federal Consistency Supervisor was willing to approve individual permits at
the lower sand content, but not a blanket permit. Deputy City Manager Kiff
stated that the Coastal Commission did agree to revisit the issue if the City
performed more testing on bay water quality.
Council Member Ridgeway confirmed with Deputy City Manager Kiff that
the Coastal Commission voted at the meeting held earlier in the day and did
not approve the City's request for the lower sand content level. Deputy City
Manager Kiff stated that the Coastal Commission's concern is with the
toxicity of the sediment, and requested that the City run additional tests to
prove that the sediment is not toxic.
Deputy City Manager Kiff continued through the list of issues and where
agreement was reached. He stated that the City did not contest two of the
three eelgrass issues, but did contest the issue about where to mitigate. He
stated that the proposed condition by the Coastal Commission was that if
eelgrass is impacted, it must be mitigated on site. He stated that this makes
mitigation the most expensive part of the dredging project. He stated that
the City was able to convince the Coastal Commission that if eelgrass is
impacted, the mitigation can occur offsite. He stated that this was approved
for a location yet to be determined, but will most likely be a part of the City's
eelgrass restoration plan.
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Council Member Glover asked how often residents need to dredge. Deputy
City Manager Kiff, with the help of the audience, stated that it's probably
once every five to six years but depends upon the location of the dredging.
Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that the City did not contest the permit
term. He continued to the next issue on the list, areas off limits, which the
City contested on the point of the method to be used to get off limit areas
back in. He stated that the City asked for areas to be automatically allowed
back in if proven clean through additional testing. He stated that the
Coastal Commission approved the areas to be rapidly allowed back in, but
not automatically.
Deputy City Manager Kiff concluded with the issue on jurisdictional review.
He stated that the proposal was for the Executive Director of the Coastal
Commission to approve individual dredging applications under the blanket
permit. He stated that the City asked to approve the individual applications
within the City, with the Coastal Commission reviewing what the City was
doing and revisiting the issue if they felt the City was not doing a good job.
Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that the Coastal Commission stated that
they do not have the legal authority to delegate the responsibility to the City,
but that they did encourage the Coastal Commission staff to expedite the
processing of all applications.
In response to Mayor Noyes' question, Deputy City Manager Kiff stated that
it will take two to three months to do the additional testing. He added that
the City might be receiving some money to help pay for the testing from the
TMDL grants being applied for by the Regional Board, but it will not hold up
the testing process.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that the bio -assay tests are complicated
because they're trying to prove that the water and bay floor will allow plant
and small life forms to live, and it takes time to prove this.
Ralph Rodheim, member of the Ad Hoc Harbor Committee, stated that it has
been a pleasure to serve on the Harbor Committee and that the Committee
has spent a year looking at every aspect of the bay, the harbor, and upper
and lower bay. He stated that the harbor is unique with residential,
commercial and recreation uses. He stated that the Committee wanted to
look at each of the elements, with emphasis being placed on the residents.
Mr. Rodheim stated that the proposed Harbor Element of the General Plan,
prepared by the Committee, addresses these issues and he'd like to see the
process move forward in adopting it. He stated that the document was
prepared with the help of input from citizens, the charter industry, the
fishing industry, recreational boating and the environmental industry. He
stated that it has resulted in a balanced document and includes every
constituent that has an interest in the harbor. He thanked City staff,
particularly Assistant City Manager Wood and Senior Planner Alford, and
Council Members Glover and Ridgeway and Mayor Noyes. Mr. Rodheim
stated that other Committee members were also present in the audience to
answer any questions.
Referring to the statistics presented earlier in the meeting that 81% of the
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
parcels in the City are residential, Council Member Ridgeway commented
about the appropriateness of the proposed Harbor Element being residential
friendly. He also stated that he felt that the document was one of the best
policy documents presented to the City Council in quite some time. He
stated that it doesn't state regulations, but provides for a balance.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams asked about the environmental documentation
needed to establish the Harbor Element in the General Plan. Planning
Director Temple stated that it could be done through a negative declaration,
and would require public hearings at both the Planning Commission and the
City Council if it is to become a part of the General Plan.
Council Member Debay referred to the staff report and the statement that
the proposed Harbor Commission could make recommendations concerning
land use and property development applications affecting harbor activities.
She asked if this meant that a restaurant applying for a permit on a bay
front location would be required to go before the Harbor Commission prior to
going before the Planning Commission. Mr. Rodheim stated that it is
recommended to form a Harbor Commission and bring a higher level of
expertise to focus on the water and all of the related elements.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that the answer to Council Member
Debay's question is that a bay front restaurant would not have to go before
the Harbor Commission. However, he also referred to goal HB -1 in the
proposed Harbor Element, which includes maintaining a balance of
compatible uses while allowing water - enhanced commercial activities such
as dining. He said that the proposed Harbor Commission's intent is not to
add another level of regulation.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams stated that the powers and duties of the proposed
Harbor Commission need to be more clearly defined, and he asked if the
Harbor Commission would replace the Harbor Committee and the Harbor
Quality Committee. Mr. Rodheim stated that it would replace the Harbor
Committee, but that there would still be a need for the Harbor Quality
Committee.
Council Member Ridgeway agreed that the Harbor Quality Committee would
have to remain, since it is more back bay focused while the Harbor
Commission would be lower bay focused. He added that the upper bay
issues are very complex since they involve many jurisdictions. Additionally,
he referred to the recent reorganization of the Marine Environmental
Division and the many issues it will be involved with in the lower bay area
and how that would tie in with the new Harbor Commission. Council
Member Ridgeway stated that the Deputy City Manager is the common
thread between the upper and lower bay issues.
Council Member Glover stated that she did not anticipate that the Harbor
Commission would handle any grievances and she would not agree with
them doing so. She added, however, that the City does need a group that is
committed to the water and activities on the water, but she doesn't think
they should operate like a Planning Commission for the water.
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
Mr. Rodheim stated that the Harbor Commission would bring the
stakeholders into the process.
Council Member Debay referred to the proposed powers and duties of the
Harbor Commission as presented in the staff report, and said she could not
support the Harbor Commission making recommendations to the Planning
Commission and the City Council on applications concerning land use and
property development that may affect harbor activities.
Mr. Rodheim cited an example of what would happen if the Cannery
Restaurant and the Schock Boats property became residential parcels. He
stated that a Harbor Commission should be able to make a recommendation
about the consequences of losing the commercial element for the boating
industry, but he is not asking for the Harbor Commission to have any power
to make the final decision.
Council Member Thomson suggested that the powers and duties of the
Harbor Commission be more on the level of the Parks, Beaches & Recreation
Commission rather than that of the Planning Commission, with any
decisions recallable by the City Council. Council Member Thomson referred
to the proposed powers and duties as presented in the staff report, and
stated that serving as an appellant and reviewing body for decisions of the
Deputy City Manager is stated in terms that are too broad. Council Member
Thomson suggested that the specific matters that the Harbor Commission
would review should be given. He added that the selection process for the
members should also be more clearly defined.
Mr. Rodheim agreed that these types of issues need to be discussed. He
stated that the Harbor Commission only wants to help the Planning
Commission and the City Council, and not replace any of their decision -
making authority.
Council Member Thomson stated his support for the concept of a Harbor
Commission, but is wary of it being too commercially oriented. He stated
that stakeholders should be considered as everyone who lives or owns
property in the City. Mr. Rodheim agreed.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that the intent is not to create a dynasty,
but to provide a group that is not more regulatory or controlling.
Mayor Noyes agreed that there are issues to clear up and asked how the
process to form a Harbor Commission should proceed.
Mayor Pro Tern Adams stated that he would support the existing Harbor
Committee better defining the powers and duties of the proposed Harbor
Commission, but that the policies contained in the proposed Harbor Element
seem to need no additional work. Mr. Rodheim agreed and thanked the City
Council for their support.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams stated his concern that the Planning Commission
might not focus on the harbor as much if there was the existence of the
Harbor Commission, since they would know that there is another body who
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
May 9, 2000
is handling those issues.
INDEX
Council Member Ridgeway stated that the Planning Commission has never
reviewed anything on the bay, to his knowledge. He said they have reviewed
water - enhanced restaurants and walkways, but he doesn't see the overlap
between the two commissions.
Planning Director Temple stated that the Planning Commission can only
approve a project if there is the finding that the project is consistent with the
General Plan. She stated that if the Harbor Element were a part of the
General Plan, the Planning Commission would have to consider the policies
in the Harbor Element when deciding whether to approve a project and
include them in their findings. She stated that the water and land wouldn't
cross, but the policies of both would be involved in the decision- making
process.
Council Member Ridgeway agreed and stated that there is some language in
the proposed Harbor Element that needs to be changed so that it does not
appear that property rights are being taken away. He stated that he would
also like to see language added that makes it clear that commercial requests
can not be inconsistent with the residential community.
Planning Director Temple clarified for Council Member Debay that any
change in use, if subject to a discretionary permit or action by the Planning
Commission or City Council, would need to be evaluated in light of the
policies in the Harbor Element. She stated that there are many permitted
land uses in the waterfront commercial districts, but a change in land use
would require findings consistent with the General Plan.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that "is no longer economically viable or is
obsolete or replaced elsewhere" needs to be deleted from the third
implementation strategy listed in the staff report for Objective 1113-1.5. He
stated that the standard, as written, is putting a restriction on the change of
use by landowners. He said the deletion will increase the ability for the
decision makers to decide on a change of use.
Council Member Thomson stated that there are many new disciplines
involved with the issues being addressed by the proposed Harbor
Commission, and the formation of the Commission should be carefully
thought out to work in concept with all of the policies of the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams suggested that the Harbor Element document
include realistic expectations for the residential character on the bay. He
cited the example of a bay front homeowner not being able to expect the
same peace and quiet that someone living in Cameo Highlands might have.
Council Member Ridgeway stated his understanding of Mayor Pro Tern
Adams' concern.
Council Member Glover stated that there is no promise anywhere in the City
that a resident will have peace and quiet, referring to the weddings that take
place in some of the parks in the City. She stated her concern that
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Study Session Minutes
May 9, 2000
waterfront property issues will have one more layer to go through, when
there are already the Coastal Commission, the Planning Commission, the
City Council and the many individuals who watch these issues closely. She
stated that she'd like to have many of the waterfront parcels in the Mariners'
Mile area kept for marine uses.
John Corrough stated that he is a waterfront property owner who does not
have unrealistic expectations. He stated that he has been honored to be a
part of the process as a member of the Harbor Committee. He stated that
the members of the Committee really walked in each other's shoes and tried
very hard to understand the position of the other person. He added that he
also played the role of consultant on the Committee. Mr. Corrough
concluded by stating that, as a consultant, he was impressed with the quality
of the effort from such a broad -based group of people.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -None.
ADJOURNMENT - 6:15 p.m.
xxxxxxx * * * * * * * * * * * * * *txxxxxxxxx
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on May 4, 2000, at
11:30 a.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 341
INDEX
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting DRAFT
May 9, 2000 - 7:00 p.m INDEX
- 4:UU p.m. ltteter to separate minutes]
CLOSED SESSION - 6:15 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT PRESENTED - None.
RECESSED AND RECONVENED AT 7:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Absent: None
Pledge of Allegiance - Council Member Ridgeway.
Invocation by Senior Executive Pastor Jim Russell, Mariners Church.
Presentation of National Public Works Week Proclamation. Public Works
Director Webb read the proclamation and noted that some of the accolades also
belongs to the General Services Department since this honors all employees in the
City that work so hard to make the public facilities usable and safe.
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR
DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM):
Mayor Pro Tem Adams reported that he received junk email selling devices
that trigger the emergency preemption devices for traffic signals. He
requested a report relative to whether the City has a law that prohibits the
use of those types of devices.
Mayor Noyes apologized to the Comcast crew, especially to Jeff (last
meeting's director), for stating that they were late starting the April 25
Council meeting because of Comcast. He indicated that Council was late
getting out of Closed Session deliberations and that Comcast was set up for
the meeting. He added that Comcast videotapes the meetings at no charge
to the City as a public service and expressed his appreciation to them.
Mayor Noyes announced that Balboa Island will be holding its Annual Art
Walk on May 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams provided a report on the Newport - Ensenada Yacht
Race. He indicated that he and his wife were treated very well while they
were in Ensenada and that he brought back a number of plaques from
various organizations and the Ensenada Mayor to thank the City for its
Volume 53 - Page 342 '
National Public Works
Week/Commendation
(35)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
contribution to the race.
CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR AND REGULAR
MEETING OF APRIL 25, 2000. Waive reading of subject minutes,
approve as written and order filed.
2. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS. Waive reading in
full of all ordinances and resolutions under consideration, and direct City
Clerk to read by title only.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
S. RESOLUTION ADJUSTING THE COMPENSATION OF THE CITY
CLERK. Adopt Resolution No. 2000 -33 adjusting the compensation of the
City Clerk.
4. DESIGNATION OF LIAISON AGENT FOR THE DIVISION OF OIL,
GAS, AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES. 1) Adopt Resolution
No. 2000 -34 appointing a City agent for the Division of Oil, Gas, and
Geothermal Resources; and 2) authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to
execute a "Designation of Agent" form, naming the Utilities Manager, Eldon
Davidson, to serve as the City of Newport Beach's Liaison Agent regarding
matters pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the City's oil and gas
facilities, as regulated by the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal
Resources.
5. FUNDING REQUEST SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION. Adopt Resolution No. 2000 -35 authorizing the
submittal of a Funding Request Form in the amount of $21,630 to the
Department of Conservation's Recycling Division.
6. ADOPTION OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED PARS (PUBLIC
AGENCY RETIREMENT SYSTEM) TRUST AGREEMENT. Adopt
Resolution No. 2000 -36 to: 1) adopt the Amended and Restated PARS Trust
Agreement; 2) appoint the Human Resources Manager, or the successor or
designee, as the City's Plan Administrator for the Public Agency Retirement
System; 3) authorize the Plan Administrator to execute the documents as the
Plan Administrator of the PARS Trust Agreement; and
4) authorize the Plan Administrator to take whatever additional
administrative actions are necessary to maintain participation in PARS.
ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION
7. Removed at the request of Council Member Ridgeway.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
8. BALBOA VILLAGE PHASE I - ADDITIONAL SERVICES. Approve and
Volume 53 - Page 343
Res 2000 -33/C -3080
City Clerk
Compensation (38)
Res 2000 -34
Division of Oil,
Gas and
Geothermal
Resources
(28)
Res 2000 -35
Department of
Conservation
Funding (44)
Res 2000 -36
PARS Trust
Agreement
(66)
C -3339
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Ron Baers of
Planning and Urban Design Resources to provide additional design services
as they relate to public infrastructure improvements in the Balboa Village
commercial area.
9. Removed at the request of Council Member Ridgeway.
10. Removed at the request of an audience member.
11. BONITA CANYON SPORTS PARK - AWARD OF CONTRACT
(C- 3270). 1) Award contract to Contractor No. 6 (Castello, Inc.) for the total
contract price of $6,276,000, which is the Base Bid plus Alternate Bid Items
No. 2 and No. 5, and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the
contract; 2) establish an amount of $42,000 to cover the cost of unforeseen
work; and 3) authorize a budget amendment (BA -058) appropriating
$394,000 from the Bonita Canyon bond proceed improvement fund to Bonita
Canyon Sports Park Account No. 7441- C4120434 and transfer $100,000 from
Sewer Pump Station Master Plan Improvements Account No. 7532 -
05600100 to a new Bonita Canyon Sports Park Account No. 7532- C4120434
and transfer $48,000 from Freeway Reservation Park Account No. 7021 -
C4120375 to a new Bonita Canyon Sports Park Account No. 7021- C4120434.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
12. TRANSFER OF FUNDS IN THE PARKS DIVISION. Approve a budget
amendment (13A -059) to transfer $50,000 from Account No. 3170 -7000 (Parks
Maintenance - Regular Salaries) to Account No. 3170 -8080 (Parks
Maintenance - Services Prof/Tech) to fund contract labor and contracted
maintenance services for the reminder of Fiscal Year 1999 -2000.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Adams to approve the Consent Calendar,
except for those items removed (7, 9 and 10).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Regarding Agenda Item No. 11, City Clerk Harkless announced that
Contractor No. 6 was Castello, Inc.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 1.12 OF THE NBMC.
Council Member Ridgeway reported that the amendment allows the Police
Department to designate Police Volunteers, under certain circumstances, to
issue citations on private property for handicap parking violations, and that
Subsection A of the proposed ordinance gives Police Department staff the
power to issue citations for any violation of this code.
Volume 53 - Page 344
Balboa Village
Design Guidelines
(38)
C -3270
BA -058
Bonita Canyon
Sports Park
(38/40)
BA -059
Park
Maintenance
(62)
Chapter 1.12/
Citations and
Warrants (70)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
Police Chief McDonell clarified that the ordinance has language that permits
the Police Chief to designate which staff has the authority to enforce the
various codes. He reported that it was found that the previous ordinance
was so specific that it became out of date as it changed. It was the City
Attorney's recommendation to broaden the language. He indicated that this
language is similar to the Fire and Marine Cheifs authority to designate
employees. Council Member Ridgeway stated that he does not mind if a
deputized employee of the Police Department is given authority to issue
limited parking violations, but indicated that as written the Police Chief can
instruct his secretary to give citations for parking violations around the City.
He indicated that he would rather have a limitation rather than a
broadening of the ordinance. Chief McDonell indicated that they currently
have a vast amount of enforcement discretion and that they would hear if
they are not using that discretion wisely. He assured that they use their
discretionary authority judiciously and that this practice is not new to law
enforcement.
In response to City Manager Bludau's question, Council Member Ridgeway
explained that parking violations are a daily part of his constituents' life and
is a sensitive subject on the peninsula. He indicated that, in his experience
with parking enforcement on the peninsula, the Police Department is not
tolerant and sometimes rude. He stated that he is supportive of good
enforcement but has concerns with expanding the power to issue parking
citations. Reporting that the Police Department enforces handicap violations
on a complaint basis right now, Chief McDonell stated that from personal
experience, there is a huge problem with people in the community fragrantly
using handicap spaces when they are not entitled to them.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question, Chief McDonell stated
that he does not mind changing the language to limit the deputization of a
volunteer to only issue citations for handicap violations on private or public
parking spaces. He explained that the language was not only meant for the
volunteers and reiterated that the language is similar to what is in existence
for the Fire and Marine Chief to designate members of his staff to enforce
certain codes. He added that the ordinance also provides flexibility since the
Police Department constantly changes titles, classifications, and sometimes
responsibilities.
Motion by Council Member Ridaewav to continue this item to the
May 23, 2000 Council meeting.
Mayor Noyes asked about the statement that the Police Department
currently enforces handicap violations on a complaint basis. Chief McDonell
explained that they do not have the staffing to address this. He stated that
an officer may issue a citation if he drives by a violator, but their primary
focus is not to be looking for those types of violations. He added that some
work needs to be done with property owners to survey the handicap spaces
since they are sometimes not marked properly for enforcement.
Council Member Ridgeway clarified a previous statement, emphasizing that
he is not casting aspersions on the Police Department and apologized if it
appears that way. He explained that he has a greater concern in his
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
community relative to parking issues.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
9. CONTRACT WITH INNOVAPARK FOR THE SMART METER TRIAL
PROGRAM.
Council Member Ridgeway reported that there has been two changes to the
contract which adds an insurance clause and a Council review at the end of
the 90 -day period to determine if the electronic meter program should
continue. City Attorney Burnham added that the agreement has been given
to InnovaPark representatives and that they are in agreement with the
changes. He stated that copies of the modified agreement have also been
placed on the table with the staff reports.
Motion by Council Member Ridgeway to authorize the Mayor and the
City Clerk to execute a contract with InnovaPark LLC, as amended.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. APPROVAL OF SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT FOR CORPORATE
PLAZA WEST (RESUBDIVISION NO. 1006).
Public Works Director Webb reported that The Irvine Company (TIC) was
conditioned by the Planning Commission to complete certain improvements
prior to recording the parcel map. TIC has completed development but has
not completed the roadway from Farallon Drive to Clubhouse Drive. He
stated that TIC and O Hill Partners are willing to post bonds totaling
$78,000 that guarantees the roadway completion. He indicated that $62,000
is from TIC and $16,000 is from TIC, in the name of O Hill Partners,
although all of the bonds are signed by TIC. The bonds would be released
once the improvements are completed.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question, Mr. Webb stated that
O Hill Partners is part of the subdivision agreement but the bonds are in the
name of The Irvine Company for O Hill Partners portion of the requirement.
Council Member Ridgeway asked if a signature block should be included for
Mr. O Hill. Mr. Webb recommended that this item be continued to resolve
this issue and to get all parties together. Council Member Ridgeway
indicated that he is satisfied that the documentation is complete, but
indicated that he faxed the agreement to Mr. O Hill.
Volume 53 - Page 346
C -3344
Smart Meter
Program (38)
Resub 1006
Corporate
Plaza
West
(84)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
Robert O Hill, 1 Upper Newport Plaza, O Hill Partners, stated that O Hill
Partners is the owner of Parcels 1 and 2, and that O Hill Partners and TIC
are owners of Parcel 3. He provided Council with correspondence that
explains his request. He noted that the roadway from Farallon Drive to
Clubhouse Drive would be built on their property and a portion of property
that they are deeding to TIC after the parcel map is recorded. He indicated
that an extremely hazardous condition exists and that the road is intended
to alleviate that condition. He stated that they believe that the road should
have been built at the time Corporate Plaza West was built, but now they
feel that the road should be built before the parcel map is recorded. He
indicated that they do not mind the roadway being built in a timely manner,
but took issue that the subdivision agreement allows three years. He added
that they have never seen the plans for the roadway and reported that TIC
has refused to let them see the plans on numerous occasions. Mr. O Hill
stated that O Hill Partners would like the plans completed before the
subdivision agreement is entered into and would like the plans made part of
the subdivision agreement.
Motion by Council Member Ridgeway to continue this item to the
May 23, 2000 Council meeting.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dr. Alison Stanley requested that Council place a proclamation or resolution
on a future agenda that states that the City will continue to not display or
exploit wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement. She
provided Council with a copy of the proclamation/resolution.
Allan Beek, 2007 Highland, provided Council with correspondence regarding
the "Newport Beach Traffic Planning and Improvements: Traffic Phasing
Ordinance" petition (commonly known as Redlight). He believed that it is
unclear what affects this would have if adopted, no one knows how it works,
and it gives special status to three details of the Traffic Phasing Ordinance
(TPO). He expressed concern that people can vote to change the law so it
disagrees with the Charter. However, if the law and the Charter must
agree, then people cannot just vote to amend the TPO but must also amend
the Charter. This means using a different section of the Elections Code,
writing the petitions in a different format, and acquiring more signatures on
the petitions. He stated that the City Attorney's summary does not say
anything about amending the Charter if the people want the TPO amended,
presuming that the law and the Charter can disagree. He urged Council to
request a ruling on this from the City Attorney as soon as possible so that
voters can make an informed decision on whether or not to sign the petition.
Volume 53 - Page 347
Proclamation/
Animal Control
(70)
TPO
Petition
(39)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
PUBLIC HEARING
13. ANNEXATION OF BAY KNOLLS AREA.
Res 2000 -37
Ord 2000 -8
Planning Director Temple reported that entitlement actions need Council
GPA 99 -3(A)
approval in order to submit the completed application for the annexation of
Annexation of
Bay Knolls to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). She also
Bay Knolls Area
pointed out that a new zoning district was designed, which merged County
(21/45)
and Costa Mesa zoning documents, in order to support the annexation and to
minimize the creation of legal non - conformances which require extra
processing if residents wish to make changes to their house.
Mayor Noyes opened the public hearing.
Hearing no testimony, Mayor Noyes closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council Member Rideewav to adopt Resolution No. 2000 -37
approving General Plan Amendment 99 -3(A); and introduce Ordinance
No. 2000 -8 approving Amendment 901 and passed to second reading on
May 23, 2000.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
14. UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Planning
Commission
Council voted for the unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission, as
Vacancy
follows:
(24)
Barry Eaton - Adams
Earl McDaniel - Debay, O'Neil, and Mayor Noyes
Christi Bettingen - Thomson, Glover, and Ridgeway
City Clerk Harkless announced that Council may vote for either Earl
McDaniel or Christi Bettingen next since they each received three votes.
By the following vote, Earl McDaniel was appointed to fill the vacancy on the
Planning Commission which was created as a result of the resignation of
Richard Fuller (term expires 6/30/03):
Earl McDaniel - Adams, Debay, O'Neil, and Mayor Noyes
Christi Bettingen - Thomson, Glover, and Ridgeway
15. STATUS REPORT ON SANTIAGO DRIVE SPEED REDUCTION
Santiago Drive
PROGRAM (contd. from 3/28/00, 4/11/00 & 4/25/00).
Speed Reduction
(85)
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City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
INDEX
Transportation/Development Services Manager Edmonston reported that
Council approved a program in October 1999 that raised the speed limit on
Santiago Drive, between Irvine and Tustin Avenues, from 25 to 30 mph to
enable the Police Department to introduce an enforcement program. The
program also involved collecting extensive data on Santiago Drive,
Windward Lane, Francisco Drive, and Holiday Road, and on 23rd Street so
that it can be determined if traffic shifted. He indicated that the City
contracted with an outside firm to collect the data. Data was collected prior
to making any changes, one month after the program was implemented, and
after three months. He reviewed the analysis and indicated that the data
was collected by using equipment that has two rubber hoses that were placed
a fixed distance apart across the street and that counted the amount of
traffic. This assisted the Police Department in knowing when their
enforcement activity would be most productive. He stated that the
equipment is not as accurate as radar but is a good indicator and explained
that the street was chosen because there was less of a chance that the counts
would be sabotaged. He reported that speed data was gathered with the use
of a handheld radar device, that each sample on the chart represents over
100 vehicles, and the radar count reflects the vehicle's top speed /end of
acceleration.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Adams' questions, Mr. Edmonton showed
where the tubes were placed and stated that the firm of TSI (Traffic Studies
Inc.) collected the data. He noted that they have used other companies in
the past but found their data to be consistently reliable.
Mr. Edmonston reported that the traffic volume and speeds decreased on
Santiago Drive. Prior to the program, the 85 percentile speed (speed that
traffic engineers use as the upper speed limit that a reasonable motorist
might drive) was measured at 39 mph; after the one month period in which
the Police Department only gave warnings, it was about 38 or 39 mph; and
after the three month period in which citations had been issued, it dropped
to 35 to 37 mph. He indicated that the Police Department scaled back their
enforcement since the results satisfied one of the criteria in which speeds
decreased due to enforcement by at least 2 mph.
Mr. Edmonton reported that another component of the speed reduction
program is to develop a neighborhood traffic program which creates a menu
of techniques that have been tried and found useful in other places, along
with a criteria of where the methods might be used; and to develop
preliminary proposals for Santiago Drive, Windward Lane, Francisco Drive,
and Holiday Road. This should be completed within two to three weeks.
After that, he envisions that they would sit down with the community, have
the consultant explain why he feels his recommendation is the most
appropriate method, and receive feedback.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams asked about the average speed statistic and the need
for sidewalks on this stretch of Santiago Drive. Mr. Edmonton reported
that the highest speeds that were recorded with the radar gun were up to
60 mph before the program and between 41 to 44 mph in the most recent
readings. Regarding sidewalks, he indicated that the Public Works
Department addressed this early on in discussions but there has not been
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INDEX
any support from the residents since the lack of sidewalks creates a different
feel in the neighborhood.
Regarding the monitoring machine, Mr. Edmonton reported that the Police
Department deploys this equipment periodically but that there was concern
that the data received from it was skewed because of its visibility.
Council Member Debay asked if cameras have been used for speed control.
Mr. Edmonton reported that, a number of years ago, Pasadena had an
extensive camera program for photo enforcement of red light violations;
however, the courts ultimately dismissed citations by the thousand because
they have not bought into that process even though it is provided for in the
Vehicle Code. He added that the San Jose Department of Transportation
still uses cameras but only in residential neighborhoods, and that the
program costs about $200,000 a year.
In response to Council Member Glover's questions, Mr. Edmonston
confirmed that the City has a consultant who is working on a solution for all
four streets and that he has been working for about six weeks. He indicated
that the consultant has not met with the neighborhood yet because the City
only asked him to measure the streets, work with aerial photos, and mark
driveways. The consultant has prepared a rough proposal which was
reviewed earlier this week and that he is fine tuning it in preparation for
discussions with the residents. He stated that the consultant has looked at a
number of solutions, including speed bumps, and has reviewed traffic
volume, speeds, and intersection and driveway locations. Council Member
Glover believed that speed bumps are a viable solution, but that they could
not be installed due to its previous designation. Further, that this is the
reason the City met with the Orange County Transportation Authority
(OCTA) and Costa Mesa to get the street redesignated. She stated that she
would strongly like to see speed bumps included in the proposal.
Mr. Edmonston stated that he made it clear to the consultant that he needs
to include more than one type of traffic calming method and explain his
position. Regarding the redesignation, he clarified that the City had to go
before OCTA for approval of any form of traffic calming on Santiago Drive
and that they required the downgrade to a two -lane street (collector street)
as long as sufficient capacity is maintained to handle the existing and
forecasted volumes. He indicated that this is easily doable with most of the
techniques they are reviewing. He believed that a public hearing will
probably be held on this issue once the proposal is completed and the
consultant has met with the community.
Referencing the minutes from the September 27, 1999 Council meeting,
Council Member Debay indicated that she confirmed with Mr. Edmonston
that nothing could be done to calm the traffic on the street if the downgrade
of Santiago Drive had not been accomplished. She stated that she was
present at the meeting with OCTA and that the only thing the City could
have done at that point was to conduct enforcement and not perform any
traffic calming measures. She added that OCTA allowed the traffic calming
as long as the calming did not reduce the capacity below the street demand
and indicated that placing speed bumps on a collector street tends to force
cars out to abutting streets. This drew them to look at other traffic calming
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measures, i.e. ballooning out the curbs, different street striping.
INDEX
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Adams' question, Mr. Edmonston reported
that Lew Gluesing and Ed Cline are from Willdan Associates and that the
firm was selected because of their experience in this area. Mayor Pro Tem
Adams stated that the City could not have picked anyone better than
Mr. Cline.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's questions regarding the right -of-
way, Mr. Edmonston reported that there is a minimum of 10 feet of right -of-
way beyond the curb face; however, he pointed out that there is some
irregularities with the property lines. Public Works Director Webb reported
that the street was originally constructed with a 60 foot right -of -way, but it
required an 80 foot right -of -way as redevelopment occurred since the street
was on the Master Plan as a secondary arterial highway. Now that Santiago
Drive is downgraded, he stated that the City does have the option of
vacating some of the parcels to have a straight right -of -way. Mr. Edmonston
indicated that the consultant will probably include a sidewalk
recommendation because it is a way of addressing the traffic issue.
Mr. Edmonston clarified that the six month trial period ends one month from
today. Following that time, they would conduct another round of seven-day
traffic counts, radar studies, etc. to determine if speeds have gone back up
with the reduced level of enforcement. The consultant would then be in a
position to start meeting with the community in that timeframe. He
reported that the consultant's full report will not be back to Council in a
month, but would like the overall guidelines back to Council for review at a
study session as soon as possible. Mayor Noyes emphasized that a deadline
needs to be set because the community has been waiting for this for years.
City Manager Bludau stated that staff can commit to coming back on July 11
with the results of the traffic study and the consultant's report.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams stated that a resident contacted him expressing
concern that the speed data was only taken for one period in the late
morning and early afternoon, believing that speeds in the early evening and
weekends will differ significantly. He indicated that he reviewed the speed
data and recommends that the City obtain additional radar data during
those times.
Regarding Recommendation 1, Mr. Bludau reported that the Police
Department has reduced the amount of enforcement for the last two months.
Steve Berger, 2001 Centella, indicated that he had questions for Police Chief
McDonell today but was only able to talk with Captain Henisey. He
provided Council with a list of questions for Chief McDonell, Mayor Pro Tem
Adams, and the City Manager and proceeded to read some of them. He
stated that the six month period is over and that the residents expect a vote
on this issue tonight. Noting that it took some time to get the signs up,
equipment in place, and conduct a warning period, Mr. Bludau clarified that
the City is five months into the six month period.
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Mayor Pro Tem Adams expressed the opinion that enforcement has resulted
in a fairly dramatic drop in speeds during the times that the data was
collected (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). He reported that the average speeds are just
over 30 mph (30 to 32 mph) where the average speeds used to be 35 to
36 mph. Further, he believed that there has been a dramatic drop in the
number of high speed drivers which pose a safety threat.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Adams' question, Mr. Berger indicated that
he has only seen improvement during the hours of enforcement. Mr. Berger
utilized photos to show that construction also brought the speeds down and
took issue with the placement of the testing car, explaining that drivers will
hit their brakes before their vehicle can be tested. He agreed that a 24 -hour
test or a week -long test should be conducted and assured Council that the
tubes would not be sabotaged. He expressed the opinion that the data
provided to Council is erroneous and not reflective of week -long speeds
during the enforcement period. Mayor Pro Tem Adams clarified that speed
data is not collected by the road tubes but was gathered by using radar. He
also explained how the radar tracks cars to its maximum speed and not just
the speed at point of contact.
Chris Schwartz, 2401 Santiago Drive, thanked Council and staff for pushing
the program through, and the Police Department for their enforcement. He
stated that he spent time with the Police Department and found it
interesting to see how testing was conducted. He also expressed
appreciation toward Mayor Noyes for being insistent on setting a date for
when this will be brought back and Mayor Pro Tem Adams for recognizing
that the times that the surveys were taken were not a good representation.
He indicated that the road tubes can be placed in front of his house, if they
need to be deployed again, and that he would protect it from being
sabotaged. He expressed the opinion that the 3 mph decrease is not an
overwhelming success and that he hopes for better. Mr. Schwartz added
that he believes that speed bumps do not reduce road capacity but forces
traffic to travel slower. He concluded by stating that he encourages a
discussion about sidewalks as it would be a great addition to their street.
Bryan Bond, 2431 Santiago Drive, stated that their desire is to return the
speed limit to 25 mph, noting that the surrounding streets have 25 mph
speed limits. He added that the reduced speed limit will give their
neighborhood a residential feel. He believed that the 85 percentile rate
needs to be reduced to whatever is enforceable for 25 mph if Police
enforcement is the way they have to go. Further, that they only acquiesced
to the City to raise the speed limit to 30 mph in order to conduct the traffic
study. He indicated that he reviewed a seven day study from 1996 and
believed that it is a more concise estimate of the traffic flow and counts.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question, Mr. Bond stated that
they had previously sketched out sidewalks, but he does not believe in
cutting back into the yards in order to install the sidewalks since the streets
are wide enough to encroach into the street.
Mayor Noyes reported that Mayor Pro Tem Adams will be out of town on
July 11. Following discussion, it was the consensus of Council to bring this
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iN17o/:1
issue back at the next meeting for a status report.
In response to Council Member Debay's question about returning the speed
limit back to 25 mph, Mr. Bludau reminded Council that the reason the
speed limit was increased to 30 mph was not to conduct speed tests, but to
conduct enforcement. Further, that the speed limit cannot be reduced if the
85 percentile is at 32 or 33 mph. Council Member Debay asked that the
Costa Mesa streets be reviewed to determine how many of the streets are
posted 25 mph. Mayor Pro Tem Adams pointed out that the difference
between this section and other parts of Santiago Drive is that it is a
designated collector street and the others are designated residential streets.
He stated that he feels pretty confident that the City was able to get the
speeds lower on this section than any of the other streets in the area.
Mr. Bludau added that the Police Department has told him that speeding is
not any worse on this street than anywhere else in town.
Mayor Noyes clarified that this item will be brought back at the next
meeting so that a status report can be provided on when a consultant's
report and recommendation will be brought before Council, hoping that it
will be brought back at the June 27 Council meeting.
16. APPOINTMENT BY MAYOR OF AD -HOC APPOINTMENTS
Boards and
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW APPLICATIONS AND MAKE
Commissions
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FULL COUNCIL FOR THE BOARD
Scheduled
AND COMMISSION VACANCIES SCHEDULED TO OCCUR ON
Vacancies
JUNE 30, 2000 (contd. from 4/25/00).
(24)
Motion by Council Member Glover to confirm the Mayor's appointment
of Council Member Thomson, Council Member Ridgeway, and Mayor Pro
Tem Adams to serve on the Ad Hoc Appointments Committee.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
17. ORAL UPDATE ON THE GENERAL DREDGING PERMIT.
Oral Report
Deputy City Manager Kiff reported that he and Deputy Fire and Marine
Chief Melum attended the Coastal Commission meeting in Santa Rosa
earlier today. Regarding the City's general dredging permit that allows
property owners along the bay to dredge their piers, he stated that they were
able to get the Coastal Commission to reduce the number of corings for beach
nourishment and ocean disposal, and they agreed to allow disposal of
anything below 80 percent sand into the sea. Regarding eelgrass, he
indicated that the Commission's regulation was unreasonable and noted that
the City will be embarking on an expensive comprehensive eelgrass
restoration plan throughout the bay to find places where eelgrass can grow
that will not be impacted by dredging or impact the piers. Because of this,
he reported that the Commission agreed to allow the City to mitigate offsite
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INDEX
at those mitigation banks. He indicated that the City received a five year
general dredging permit, but that South Balboa Island, South Lido Isle,
Linda Isle, Rhine Channel, and Upper Newport Bay are not included in the
general dredging permit. Those residents can still obtain individual permits
from the Commission but cannot follow the City's permit until additional
testing is conducted. He added that the Commission agreed to work with the
City in developing the tests. He indicated that the City requested that
individuals not be required to submit separate dredging applications to the
Commission for the Executive Director's review and approval, but the
Commission was not willing to negotiate that item. He reported that
Commission staff promised to expedite the applications so this process does
not delay dredging jobs and that the City intends to keep them to that
promise.
In response to Mayor Noyes' question regarding additional tests in order to
place more material on the beach, Mr. Kiff believed that the testing can be
done in a two to three month time period. He indicated that bids are out to
companies that could conduct the testing for about $40,000 to $60,000.
Council Member Debay expressed her appreciation to Mr. Kiff because he
and Mr. Melum went to Santa Rosa today and was still able to attend the
Council meeting to provide a report. Noting that the Commission did not
provide him with the opportunity to rebut Commission staffs comments
after he spoke, Council Member Debay asked if it would be beneficial to have
an elected official with him if he needs to go before the Commission again.
Mr. Kiff believed that the Commission would still be as dogmatic with an
elected official as they were with him, but indicated that it may help.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question, Mr. Kiff indicated that
the dredging jobs that were on hold until this matter was settled can move
forward at this time, as long as the conditions set in the general permit are
followed. He reported that the dredgers that normally work in the City are
aware of the conditions and are ready to proceed.
18. ORAL REPORT ON THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE COMMITTEE.
Mayor Noyes explained that Council is trying to form a General Plan Update
Committee that will be chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Adams and also include
Council Member Glover and Council Member Ridgeway. City Manager
Bludau added that the thought behind the committee was to form a Council
Ad Hoc Committee to assist Council in determining an approach for the
General Plan revision. He indicated that it is suggested that the committee
be composed of three Council members, three Planning Commissioners, one
Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee member, one
Economic Development Committee member, and one Aviation Committee
member, all appointed by the Mayor. The committee would be responsible
for the first phase of developing a work program for the General Plan
update. He indicated that Phase I would be to design and conduct a
preliminary community outreach program that would have broad
participation geographically throughout the community in order to get input;
solicit the cross- section of community interests and special issues through
various meetings; and recommend the scale and scope of the General Plan
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INDEX
update based on the feedback. The committee could use the information to
refine their recommendation and develop a draft work program for Council
to consider and identify necessary resources to accomplish the work. He
stated that, if Council then determines to commence with the General Plan
update, the committee can form the basis for a steering committee, bring in
more stakeholders on an "as needed" basis, and provide guidance to staff and
consultants on what areas of the General Plan need to be looked at for
changes.
Mayor Noyes requested that this item be brought back at the next meeting
so that Council can form the General Plan Update Committee and he can
appoint members to the committee.
CURRENT BUSINESS
19. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE
C -3316
USE/DEVELOPMENT OF MARINAPARK.
Marinapark Use
and Development
Assistant City Manager Wood stated that, in addition to the economic
(38/73)
analysis, a traffic impact analysis and the types of planning entitlements
that would be required for the proposals are included in the staff report. She
reported that the maximum average daily trips that any of the proposals
would generate are a little over 7,000 and that there would not be significant
traffic impacts since a majority of the trips would not occur during the
morning and evening peak hours. With the exception of proposals from the
American Legion and the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission
(PB &R), she reported that the other proposals would require amendments to
the General Plan and the Local Coastal Program, as well as a Planned
Community Development Plan. Additionally, the projects requiring
redevelopment would also require compliance with the Traffic Phasing
Ordinance. Ms. Wood stated that, if Council follows the recommendation to
narrow the proponent list, staff feels it would be helpful if Council also
provide direction relative to the retention of public and quasi - public uses,
goals for a public marina, determine the minimum ground lease if one is set,
and the entitlement issue with the State Lands Commission. She clarified
that the relocation impact report has been started and is expected to be
completed by August.
Stephen Copenhaver, GRC Associates, Inc., utilized a Power Point
presentation throughout his report. He stated that the property is about
8.8 acres and that the request for proposals (RFP) included goals to seek
high quality development, a secure revenue stream, development that is
sensitive to the adjacent properties and government regulations, a feasible
project, and a catalyst for the peninsula. He added that the RFP asked
detailed questions relative to experience and financing capabilities, project
description, development proforma, schedule, and consultant team; however,
he believed that none of the proposals met all the requirements of the RFP.
Mr. Copenhaver highlighted the eight proposals as outlined in the staff
report, adding that Ficker and Stevens did not put together a real proposal;
RHC Communities did not provide a proforma and an explanation of how the
buildings would be funded; PB &R would probably require more than the
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INDEX
proposed 2.5 acres; Terra Vista Management suggested that the City would
receive five percent of the resale value of any mobile home and they would
receive about six to eight percent; the American Legion can afford a much
higher lease rate since it has an increasing membership, strong revenue
stream, and the marina can create substantial revenue; Ayres Hotel Group
values the lots on Balboa Boulevard at a much lower rate than those that
have harbor views; Bendetti Company may be trying to do too much on the
property and there is a concern about having retail business that is not
visible from Balboa Boulevard; and Sutherland Talla Hospitality provided no
real market feasibility information in the proposal. He indicated that the
proposed revenues range from $1 million to more than $3 million; however,
he believed that the City could not make any type of decision based on the
information in the RFPs.
Mr. Copenhaver reported that residential uses lend the highest land value to
the area. The City would receive about $19,500 in land lease proceeds for
each residential unit that is constructed on the site and $16,500 for mobile
homes. However, a hotel would be the greatest revenue generator for the
City because the City nets nine percent from the Transient Occupancy Tax
(TOT). Assuming a room rate of $175 a night with 72 percent occupancy, he
stated that each hotel room would generate about $4,100 a year in TOT. He
added that GRC suggests that not much emphasis be placed on retail uses or
office development.
Mr. Copenhaver stated that GRC recommends that the City short list, but
not discard proposals that restructure the leases as suggested by the
American Legion and Terra Vista Management. However, the City should
short list at least to the two developers that are suggesting redevelopment
and provide them time to respond with a more detailed proposal. He added
that narrowing the list will also give the City better proposals. He reported
that many of the proposals did not discuss the topics involved with leasing
property. Regarding public uses, he pointed out that many of the proposals
assumed that the American Legion had to be included in either the same
building or a new building, rent free. Further, the concept of a visitor
marina was included in many of the plans since past studies discussed it. He
believed that the City should clarify the American Legion issue and whether
the City desires a visitor marina. Regarding the tidelands boundary, he
reported that the City hired an engineer to study this and emphasized that
the boundaries could have an immense impact on the proposals. He strongly
suggested getting the results of that effort from the engineer before
requesting the proponents to produce more detailed plans. He recommended
that the minimum rent be $1.25 million a year, based on the range of land
uses, prior studies, and developer concepts.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams asked how much flexibility the short listees will have
to change their proposals. Mr. Copenhaver believed that the proposals
should be substantially in compliance with the original proposal. He
indicated that it would be difficult to keep the revenue stream calculation in
substantial compliance since real proformas were not included.
Noting that the State and the City have about $20 million worth of property
in this site, Council Member Thomson reported that the return is only a
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INDEX
little more than six percent if the minimum rent is $1.25 million a year and
asked if this could be increased to ten percent. Mr. Copenhaver pointed out
that the amount of developable land is reduced when public uses are
included.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that he lives a block from Marinapark and
that the property is in his district. He indicated that he cannot agree with
GRC's recommendations, reporting that the RFP was not responded to well
and that he does not want to cut anyone out at this point by short listing. He
noted that this will start to become very expensive for the proponents since
they need to prepare a specific site plan, detailed proforma of cost and rent,
and take the political environment into consideration. He indicated that he
met with each of the proponents and believed that a strong direction needs
to go back to them. He reported that he believes PB &R will not compete and
that the American Legion probably will not compete either. He expressed
the opinion that the City should have a long term income stream. Regarding
the State Lands Commission, Council Member Ridgeway believed that the
tidelands issue will be resolved in hopefully six months and noted that the
City Attorney has been given clear direction on clarifying that matter
through a court process. He concluded by stating that he believes that any
proposal should include open space since many of the amenities are shared
with the peninsula and that everyone is on notice that they will have to
spend time, money, and effort to bring back a bankable proposal.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams stated that he agreed with short listing after reading
the report. However, if a short list does not happen, he expressed concern
about the investment that all the proponents would have to make. He
indicated that he would not be willing to short list the Bendetti Company
since their proposal is too dense for the peninsula.
Council Member O'Neil stated that everyone has their opinions about this
property and how to use it. He emphasized that the City has to deal with
the problem of the two existing uses on the property (American Legion and
mobile home park) and noted that the American Legion remained a
permitted use on all the proposals but the mobile home park was only
included in some of the proposals. He believed that Council does not have a
problem with giving the proponents direction on the American Legion, but
the mobile home park residents will probably not voluntarily agree to
abandon the site. He emphasized that appropriate uses and the
tidelands/uplands issue should be resolved prior to requiring any of the
proponents to conduct studies and invest the money and effort that is
required to zero-in on something that Council can better evaluate. He
questioned how they would be able to make a proposal without this
information. He indicated that he is not in favor of eliminating anyone
because it is still undecided on what can be placed on the site. Council
Member O'Neil pointed out that the report indicated that none of the
proposals provided a sufficient level of information to fully evaluate the
project. He agreed that Council needs to provide direction and guidance to
the proponents, but they are not in a position to do that now because of the
tidelands issue. He reiterated that he favors not short listing the proposals
or getting further information while the City is involved in developing a
relocation plan in the event the mobile home park is closed and involved in
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INDEX
the legal effort to define tidelands and uplands boundaries. He believed that
it would not be fair or right to eliminate anybody in the interim.
Council Member Ridgeway stated that he reminded all the proponents that
the area is a residential neighborhood and that the project should be
compatible with the neighborhood. He reported that a hotel is compatible,
but a highly dense commercial project is not since the peninsula is overzoned
for retail, commercial, and office. He believed that Council should look at
rezoning other areas in the peninsula for more residential zoning and that a
timeframe should be set to get further financial statements and more
specificity to the programs so that the proponents can be eliminated as the
process moves forward.
Council Member Thomson believed that no possible uses should be
eliminated since the City may be six months away from receiving a decision
from the State Lands Commission and that another developer may come
forward. He added that Council should not just narrow the list down to the
individuals who responded to the RFP.
In response to Council Member Debay's question, Mr. Copenhaver believed
that it would be premature to have the proponents bring back a more
detailed proposal when the City has not received a decision about the
tidelands issue which determines what can be placed on the site. Regarding
Council Member Debay's request that a traffic study be included in a future
study, he noted that there are no dimension drawings. She expressed the
opinion that the site is underutilized and indicated that the best use for the
residential nature and for the benefit of the City would figure into any
decision she makes.
Motion by Council Member Ridgeway to continue to consider all
proposals (no short listing) and request financial statements, a specific
proposal plan, and preliminary proformas on revenue to the City.
Dr. Patricia Frostholm, 1805 W. Bay Avenue, provided Council with
correspondence which indicates that she and her husband stand to be most
affected by a change from the quiet residential area to a hotel since they live
very near to the site. She reported that they currently suffer from the noise
from the Best Western Hotel located at the back of them. She believes that
it was a big mistake for Council to permit Best Western to add two units
since they actually built five units and only created two parking spaces. She
expressed the opinion that the site should be used to build a community
center and public park. Noting that most people cannot afford to stay at an
expensive hotel, she expressed hope that Council will utilize the site so that
everyone can enjoy it and stated that their decision will affect the soul of the
community forever. Regarding the American Legion, Dr. Frosthohn stated
that the City let them use the land because they were grateful for the
sacrifices made by these people in World War II and that the City would be
very ignorant and mean to take that away from them.
Val Skoro stated that he agreed with Council Member Debay's statement
that the site is a jewel and believed that it should be a benefit to the entire
City. He indicated that, as years have passed, views have eroded throughout
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May 9, 2000
20.
INDEX
the City, but that it would be beautiful if there was still an open window to
view the bay and boats while driving down Balboa Boulevard. He added
that he understands the need for a revenue stream, but believed that no
rational decision can be made until the tidelands issue is resolved.
In response to Ms. Wood's question regarding a timeframe, Council Member
Ridgeway amended his motion to also direct staff to bring this back at the
July 25 Council meeting.
In response to Council Member Ridgeway's question, Public Works Director
Webb stated that the City does not have boundary surveys but has a GIS
system that includes the tract boundaries and shows a fairly good record of
the dimensions of the property. City Attorney Burnham added that he does
not believe that a tract map has even been filed.
In response to concerns relative to the proponents spending additional funds,
Council Member Ridgeway indicated that he has been involved in these
types of processes and that it would be easy to spend $25,000 even though
they are still in a competition. He asked if it would be appropriate to do a
boundary survey, but Mr. Webb indicated that it would not do the City any
good until the tideland boundaries are determined. Mr. Burnham added
that the City has a report which assists them to place a line on the map that
is consistent with what is believed to represent the line of mean high tide.
Regarding planning purposes, Mr. Webb reiterated that the GIS mapping
system will give the dimensions, plus or minus five to ten feet. Ms. Wood
stated that she did not think that Council was requesting dimension
drawings at this point, but just requesting financial information. Council
Member Ridgeway concurred, but noted that dimension site plans are
needed to do an accurate proforma so that all costs can be calculated.
The amended motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: Adams
Abstain: None
Absent: None
RENEWAL OF McFADDEN PLACE FARMERS MARKET
AGREEMENT.
Motion by Council Member Ridgeway to approve the First Amendment
to the Encroachment Agreement, which allows for annual renewal by the
City Manager for up to three one -year terms and to reduce the monthly lease
payment to $130 year round.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Thomson, Glover, Adams, Debay, Ridgeway, O'Neil, Mayor Noyes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Volume 53 - Page 359
C -3098
Farmers
Market
Agreement
(38)
City of Newport Beach
City Council Minutes
May 9, 2000
- None.
INDEX
ADJOURNMENT - at 10:00 p.m. in memory of Debbie Gray.
The agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on May 4, 2000, at
11:30 a.m, on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of
Newport Beach Administration Building.
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
Mayor
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