HomeMy WebLinkAbout - Joint City Council - Harbor Commission MeetingSeptember 9, 2008
Agenda Item: SS #3
JOINT CITY COUNCIL — HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
September 9, 2008 — 4:10 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd.
AGENDA
ROLL CALL
2. INTRODUCTIONS
REVIEW OF HARBOR COMMISSION DUTIES [As per attached]
4. STAFF PRESENTATION ON HARBOR DREDGING AND PERMIT OPTIONS
[See Item 427 on 9/9/08 Regular Meeting Agenda]
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. ADJOURNMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 2001- 25
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ESTABLISHING THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Section 700 of the Charter of the City ofNewport Beach authorizes the
City Council to create by ordinance advisory commissions as in its judgment are required,
and may grant to them such powers and duties as are consistent with the provisions of the
Charter of the City of Newport Beach; and
and
WHEREAS, Newport Harbor is one of the largest small craft harbors in the world;
WHEREAS, the waters and shoreline of Newport Harbor support a wide variety of
commercial, recreational, and residential uses and scenic and biological resources; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach desires to establish a
commission to provide the City of Newport Beach with an advisory body representing these
diverse uses of Newport Harbor and its waterfront.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH DOES HEREBY ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the CityofNewport Beach hereby establishes the Harbor
Commission with the purpose, powers and duties described in Attachment A.
SECTION 2: The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this
Ordinance. This Ordinance shall be published once in the official newspaper of the City, and
the same shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of its adoption.
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach held on December 11, 2001, and adopted on the 8th day of January, 2002, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES, COUNCIL MEMBERS Heffernan, Bromberg,
Glover, Adams, Proctor, Mayor Ridgeway
NOES, COUNCIL MEMBERS
ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBERS O'Neil
MAYOR
ATTEST:
dwpl7w-o,
CITY CLERK
ATTACHMENT A
HARBOR COMMISSION
AUTHORIZATION: Established by Ordinance 2001- 25
OFFICIAL TITLE: Harbor Commission of the City of Newport Beach, California.
PURPOSE: Newport Harbor supports numerous recreational and commercial
activities, waterfront residential communities and scenic and
biological resources. The purpose of the Harbor Commission is to
provide the City of Newport Beach with an advisory body
representing these diverse uses of Newport Harbor and its
waterfront.
RESPONSIBILITES:
1. Advise the City Council in all matters pertaining to the use,
control, operation, promotion and regulation of all vessels and
watercraft within the Newport Harbor.
2. Approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove applications on
all harbor permits where the City of Newport Beach Municipal
Code assigns the authority for the decision to the Harbor
Commission.
3. Serve as an appellate and reviewing body for decisions of the
City Manager on harbor permits, leases, and other harbor -
related administrative matters where the City of Newport
Beach Municipal Code assigns such authority to the Harbor
Commission.
4. Advise the City Council on proposed harbor - related
improvements.
5. Advise the Planning Commission and City Council on land use
and property development applications referred to the Harbor
Commission by the City Council, Planning Commission, or the
City Manager.
6. Make recommendations to the City Council for the adoption of
regulations and programs necessary for the ongoing
implementation of the goals, objectives, and policies of the
Harbor and Bay Element of the General Plan.
MEMBERSHIP: Seven (7) members appointed by the City Council pursuant to
Section 702 of the City Charter. In no event will individual
appointments to the Harbor Commission exceed two (2)
consecutive full terms, exclusive of appointments to fill unexpired
terms.
TERM: Each member shall serve a term of four (4) years and such terms
shall be on a staggered basis, pursuant to Section 702 of the City
Charter.
STAFF: City Manager or designee.
2
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE } as.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH }
I, LAVONNE M. HARKLESS, City Clerk of the City of Newport Beach, California, do
hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council is seven; that the foregoing
ordinance, being Ordinance No. 2001 -25 was duly and regularly introduced before and adopted by
the City Council of said City at a regular meeting of said Council, duly and regularly held on the 8th
day of January 2002, and that the same was so passed and adopted by the following vote, to wit:
Ayes: Heffernan, Bromberg, Glover, Adams, Proctor, Mayor Ridgeway
Noes: None
Absent: O'Neil
Abstain: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the
official seal of said City this 9th day of January 2002.
(Seal)
_0 0, /✓��
City Clerk
City of Newport Beach, California
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH }
I, LAVONNE M. HAR.KLESS, City Clerk of the City of Newport Beach, California, do hereby
certify that Ordinance No. 2001 -25 has been duly and regularly published according to law and the
order of the City Council of said City and that same was so published in The Daily Pilot, a daily
newspaper of general circulation on the following date, to wit: January 12, 2002.
P 0IN
In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this day of
City Clerk
City of Newport Beach, California
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
r
PLANNING DEPARTMENT Hearing Date: December 11, 2001
_ 3ooNEWPORTIB011iEVARD Agenda Item No-, 4
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658 Staff Person- Patrick J. Alford
(%+s)644-sROa FAX (4tv)ars'sl2v (949) 644.3235
REPORT TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCI
SUBJECT: Proposed Harbor Commission b
I -B -oZ
SUMMARY: The establishment of a Harbor Commission intended to advise the
City Council on matters pertaining to the use, control, operation,
promotion and regulation of activities within and around Newport
Harbor.
ACTION: 1) Introduce Ordinance No. 2001-__ establishing the Harbor
Commission and pass to second reading on January 8, 2002;
and
2) Adopt Resolution 2001 -_ -- directing the Harbor
Committee to provide.advice and orientation to the newly
appointed Harbor Commission and extending the term of
the Harbor Committee to 2003.
Background
On "October 9, 2001, the City Council held a study session on the proposed Harbor
Commission. Discussion at the study session focused on the membership and the
powers and duties of the proposed Harbor Commission. The consensus of the City
Council was that the membership should be drawn from a pool of candidates citywide.
Furthermore, while Harbor expertise Is desirable, the Harbor Commission should not
be a purely technical body. The City Council also concluded that the Harbor
Commission should have a limited role in the review of land use and property
development applications.
The City Council directed staff to forward their comments to the Harbor Committee and
to bring the issue back for consideration at the earliest opportunity.
On November 27, 2001, the Harbor Committee voted to revise their proposed rules of
procedures, pursuant to the City Council's direction.
Analysis
The Need for a Harbor Commission
At the October 9, 2001 study session, staff was directed to provide a discussion on
why the current system should be changed by establishing a Harbor Commission.
The primary need for a Harbor Commission is to provide a standing appointive body
to address the numerous issues related to the use of the Harbor. Currently, the staff
of the Harbor Resources Division makes most of the decisions relating to the Harbor.
These decisions are made without any legislative oversight other than the ability to
appeal to the City Council. The Harbor Commission is intended to establish a body of
resident members that can provide ongoing direction to the Harbor Resources
Division concerning the Issuance of harbor permits and the administration of harbor
regulations. The Harbor Commission's other primary role would be to advise the City
Council on matters relating to the use of the harbor, and proposed harbor
Improvements. The Harbor Commission may also be asked by the City Council,
Planning Commission or City Manager to review land use and development projects that
may affect harbor activities.
Membership
The Harbor Commission would consist of seven (7) members appointed by the City
Council. Each member shall serve a term of four (4) years and would be eligible for
reappointment by the City Council. However, no appointments could exceed two (2)
consecutive full terms (exclusive of appointments to fill unexpired terms). Terms will be
on a staggered basis, pursuant to Section 702 of the City Charter.
Per the City Council's direction, the Harbor Committee has removed any
recommendations concerning the composition of the membership of the Harbor
Commission. A Harbor Commission member would only have to be able to meet the
qualifications for a registered voter (i.e., over 18 years of age, U.S. Citizen, resident,
etc.) and not hold any paid office (Section 702 of the City. Charter). Some members of
the Harbor Committee were concerned that this could lead to political appointments.
However, the consensus of the Harbor Committee was that the appointment procedure
required by City Council Policy A -2 provides an adequate screening process.
Responsibilities
The Harbor Commission's primary role would be to advise the City Council on matters
relating to the use of the harbor, proposed harbor improvements, and land use and
development that may affect harbor activities. The Harbor Commission would also be
asked to make recommendations to the City Council regarding the implementation of
the Harbor and Bay Element of the General Plan.
Per the City Council's direction, the Harbor Committee is recommending that the
Harbor Commission have a limited role in the review of land use and property
development applications. The Harbor Commission could only review those projects
referred to the Harbor Commission by the Planning Commission, City Council, or City
Manager.
The Harbor Commission could also have the authority to approve, conditionally
approve, or disapprove certain harbor permits, should the City Council assign this
authority to the Harbor Commission through the provisions of Title 17 (Anchorage and
Mooring Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Currently, the authority to
approve harbor permits and harbor - related permits are assigned to either the City
Manager or the Harbor Resources Director or, in some cases, the Revenue Manager or
the City Council. The establishment of a Harbor Commission would not change these
procedures. Such a change would require amendments to Title 17 of the Municipal
Harbor commission
December 11. 2001
Page 2
Code through the code amendment process.- The Harbor Commission would also serve
as an appellate and reviewing body for decisions on harbor permits.
The extent to which the Harbor Commission would review and make recommendations
on land use and property development applications is not required by the Municipal
Code and is therefore not defined. Such review would have to be conducted within the
time limits established by State Law for the Planning Commission /City Council public
hearing process. Staff would attempt to anticipate the need for Harbor Commission
review early in the application process and seek referral authorization from the City
Council, Planning Commission, or City Manager prior to public hearings. This has
worked reasonably well in avoiding delays for projects that required input from the
Economic Development Committee (EDO. Nevertheless, a review by the Harbor
Commission has the potential to lengthen the public review process on some projects.
Procedures
The Harbor Committee has drafted a set of rules of procedures for the Harbor
Commission. Under these rules of procedures, the Harbor Commission would follow a
traditional structure, with the officers consisting of a chairman, vice chairman, and a
secretary. The conduct of meetings would also follow standard parliamentary
procedures. The Harbor Commission would set the dates, time, and location of
meetings.
Administrative Costs
The Harbor Resources Division has provided staff services to the Harbor Committee
since January 1999. Similar staff services would be provided to the Harbor Commission,
so it provides a good estimate of the administrative costs. The Harbor Resources
Director estimates that he spends an average of six (6) hours a month assisting the
Harbor Committee. In addition, an administrative assistant spends approximately eight
(8) hours a month providing clerical and other services to the Harbor Committee. The
annual cost for these staff services is approximately $5800. Since the Harbor
Commission meetings would be subject to the Brown Act, there would be a minor
increase in administrative costs associated with the posting of agendas and other
mandates. However, the City can be reimbursed for these costs by the State.
Harbor Commission review of land use and development applications would result In
additional use of Planning Department staff resources for the preparation of reports
and attendance at meetings. Because the Harbor Commission would only review
projects referred to them by the City Council, Planning Commission, or City Manager,
staff estimates that there would be no more than five (5) such projects each year. Staff
estimates that a project planner would spend an average of eight (8) hours on each
project. This translates to annual cost of approximately $3435 for providing Planning
Department services to the Harbor Commission.
Extension of the Harbor Committee
On June 12, 2001, the City Council extended the term of the Harbor Committee until
such time as the City Council takes final action on the proposed Harbor Commission.
Harbor Commission
December 11, 2001
Page 3
This means that the term of the Harbor Committee will end once the vote is taken on
the proposed Harbor Commission.
Council Member Ridgeway requested that staff Include a provision that would extend
the term of the Harbor Committee for an additional year. The charge of the Harbor
Committee would change from advising the City Council on harbor - related manners to
providing technical assistance to the Harbor Commission. This Is intended to retain the
knowledge and experience of the Harbor Committee to help orient the new members of
the Harbor Commission.
Staff recommends that the City Council Introduce the attached ordinance establishing
the Harbor Commission and pass to second reading on January 8, 2002 and adopt the
attached resolution extending the term of the Harbor Committee for one (1) year.
Submitted by:
DAVID KIFF
Assistant City Manager
Attachments:
Prepared by:
PATRICK J. ALFORD
Senior Pianner
1. Draft ordinance establishing the Harbor Commission.
2. Draft resolution extending the term of the Harbor Committee.
Harbor Commission
December 11, 2001
Page 4
��ppr CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
A PLANNINGDEPAIMIENP Hearing Date: October 9,'2001
33 o NEWPORT BOULEVARD Agenda Item No.:
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 9260 Staff Person: Patrick J. Alford
(%q)644-SZQOI FAX ("9)6s4-" (949) 644-3235
STUDY SESSION
REPORT TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Proposed Harbor Commission
SUMMARY: Discussion on the formation of a Harbor Commission Intended to advise
the City Council on matters pertaining to the use, control, operation,
promotion and regulation of activities within and around Newport Harbor.
ACTION: Provide direction to the Ad Hoc Harbor Committee and staff on the
proposed Harbor Commission and rules of procedure.
Backaround
On January 11, 1999, the City Council established the Ad Hoc Harbor Committee to make
recommendations on any matter pertaining to the Harbor.
On May 9, 2000, the City Council held a study session on a proposed Harbor Commission and
a Harbor Element of the General Plan.
On July 11, 2000, the City Council held a hearing on the formation of a Harbor Commission.
The City Council voted to defer action on the formation of the Harbor Commission until
consideration and adoption of the Harbor Element is complete.
On June 12, 2001, the City Council adopted the Harbor and Bay Element and extended the
term of the Ad Hoc Harbor Committee until such time as the City Council takes final action on
the proposed establishment of a Harbor Commission or one (1) year, whichever occurs first.
On September 18, 2001, the Ad Hoc Harbor Committee voted to reiterate their support for the
formation of a Harbor Commission.
The Ad Hoc Harbor Committee has prepared a set of rules of procedures to be effective upon
the establishment of Fhe Harbor Commission. The proposed rules of procedures for the
Harbor Commission are modeled after that of the Planning Commission. The rules of
procedures establish the membership and term of the commissioners, powers and duties,
officers, and procedures for the conduct of meetings.
Should the City Council act to establish the Harbor Commission, the proposed rules of
procedures should be adopted in two parts. Membership, terms, powers and duties should be
adopted by a resolution of the City Council and the Harbor Commission should adopt the
remaining parliamentary procedures. This would allow the City Council to maintain
composition and duties of the Harbor Commission, while allowing the Commission to control
the conduct of their meetings.
I1
Membership
The proposed Harbor Commission would consist of seven (7) members appointed by the City
Council. Each member shall serve a term of four (4) years and would be eligible for
reappointment by the City Council. However, no appointments could exceed two (2)
consecutive full terms (exclusive of appointments to fill unexpired terms).
The recommended composition of the Harbor Commission would be as follows:
■ At least two (2) members who reside on or near the harbor.
At least one (1) member involved in a water- dependent' commercial
activity In or on the harbor.
At least one (1) member involved in a water - related /water - enhanced'
commercial activity in or near the harbor.
■ At least two (2) members with expertise and experience In recreational
boating, including boating experience in Newport Harbor.
At least one (1) member with education and /or experience in
Oceanography, Marine Science, Marine Engineering or a related field.
It would be desirable for individual members to be qualified in more than one of the above
categories. This membership balance is considered optimal, but is not required.
The Ad Hoc Harbor Committee is exploring the possibility of a technical advisory committee
that would assist the Harbor Commission. This is Intended to retain some of the knowledge
and experience of the 13- member Ad Hoc Harbor Committee while avoiding attendance
problems associated with a large commission.
Powers and Duties
The Harbor Commission's primary role would be to advise the City Council on matters relating
to the use of the harbor, proposed harbor improvements, and land use and development that
may affect harbor activities. The Harbor Commission would also be asked to make
recommendations to the City Council regarding the implementation of the Harbor and Bay
Element of the General Plan.
I water Deoendent use Those uses that are tied to and require water, including fishing and other vessel rental and
charter, water transportation, water public safety and enforcement, marinas, boatyards,
yacht/salling /boating /fishing clubs, watersports instructional and educational facilities,, public and guest docking
facilities and landslde support uses, dredging, marine construction and harbor service and maintenance uses and
related equipment (Harbor & Bay Element).
2 Water- Enhanced Use Those waterfront or waterfront - adjacent land uses and activities, Including restaurants and
residential uses that derive economic, aesthetic and other amenity benefits from proximity to and views of water
and water -based activities, but which do not need direct access and proximity to the water In order to accomplish
their basic functional and economic operation.
Water- Related Use Those uses that relate to but do not require water, including nautical museums, bait and tackle
shops, boat charter, rental, sales, storage, construction and /or repair, marine - related retail sales, and marine -
related Industry (Harbor & Bay Element). Harbor Commission
October 9, 2001 1
Page 2
The extent to which the Harbor Commission would review and make recommendations on land
use and property development applications Is not required by the Municipal Code and is
therefore not defined. Such review would have to be conducted within the time limits
established by State Law for the Planning Commission /City Council public hearing process.
Nevertheless, a review by the Harbor Commission has the potential to lengthen the public
review process on some projects. The City Council may wish to consider limiting review to only
those projects referred to the Harbor Commission by the Planning Commission, City Council,
or City Manager, or by establishing criteria for projects subject to Harbor Commission review.
The Harbor Commission could also have the authority to approve, conditionally approve, or
disapprove certain harbor permits, should the City Council assign this authority to the Harbor
Commission through the provisions of Title 17 (Anchorage and Mooring Regulations) of the
Newport Beach Municipal Code. The Harbor Commission would also serve as an appellant and
reviewing body for decisions on harbor permits.
Currently, authority to approve harbor permits and harbor - related permits are assigned to
either the City Manager, the Harbor Resources Director or, in some cases, the Revenue
Manager or the City Council (see table below). The establishment of a Harbor Commission
would not change these procedures. Such a change would require amendments to Title 17 of
the Municipal Code through the code amendment process.
Permit
Marine charter permit
Place, erect, construct or maintain moorings or buoys
Live aboard permit
Build, maintain. extend or make structural alterations
Pumpout facilities
Pier fees
Live bait receiver
Houseboat marina permit
Commercial activities
Revenue Manager
City Manager
Harbor Resources Director
City Manager
Harbor Resources Director
Harbor Resources Director
City Council
City Council
Harbor Resources Director
Title 17 needs to be updated to reflect the new Harbor Resources Division. This presents an
opportunity to define what role, if any, a Harbor Commission would serve in the administration
of harbor permits, should this commission be established by the City Council.
Procedures
The Harbor Commission would follow a traditional structure, with the officers consisting of a
chairman, vice chairman, and a secretary. The conduct of meetings would also follow standard
parliamentary procedures. The Harbor Commission would establish the dates, time, and
location of meetings..'
Submitted by:
PATRICIA L. TEMPLE
Planning Director
Prepared by:
PATRICK J. ALFORD
Senior Planner
Attachment: Proposed Rules of Procedure of the Harbor Commission.
Harbor Commisslon
October 9, 2001
Page 3
Newport Beach City Council and
Harbor Commission
Joint Study Session
September 9, 2008
What we will cover
Quick background on the Harbor Commission
Lower Newport Bay Dredging (main focus)
Where are our problem areas?
Shoaling
Toxicity
Cutting to the Quick — what are our options?
1 — Dredge something, anything now.
2 — Wait for the Corps to take the lead.
3 — Dredge comprehensively on our own.
4 — Combination of the above.
Harbor Commission - Establishment
Established January 8, 2002
Ordinance 2001 -25
Seven members
Four -year terms, staggered
Two -term maximum, not counting
appointments to fill unexpired terms.
Harbor Commission - Duties
Advise the Council in matters pertaining to the use, control, operation,
promotion and regulation of all vessels and watercraft within the
Newport Harbor.
Approve or disapprove applications on all harbor permits where the
Municipal Code assigns the authority for the decision to the
Commission.
Hear appeals for decisions of the City Manager on harbor permits,
leases, and other harbor - related administrative matters where the
Municipal Code assigns such authority to the Commission.
Advise the Council on proposed harbor - related improvements.
Advise the Planning Commission and Council on land use and property
development applications referred to the Harbor Commission by the
Council, Planning Commission, or the City Manager.
Make recommendations to the City Council for the adoption of
regulations and programs necessary for the ongoing implementation of
the goals, objectives, and policies of the Harbor and Bay Element of the
General Plan.
Lower Newport Bay Dredging
Where are our problem areas?
Shoaling
Toxicity
Cutting to the Quick — what are our options?
1 — Dredge something, anything now.
2 — Wait for the Corps to take the lead.
3 — Dredge comprehensively on our own.
4 — Combination of the above.
— Project Line
Depth in Feet
0 -3
3 -6
6 -9
_ 9 -12
12-15
15-18
- 18 -21
-21 -24
-24 -27
_ 27-30
_ 30-40
� I
r
�a
w t-yl �e
s
GJS CS
M les
Newport Harbor Dredging Areas
Passed in RGP -54 passed during Federal Obannel Tier IV. where tested.
Ukely to pass for ocean disposal but may require bicaccumulailm testing.
- Passed lot todaty In RGP -54, but Ng ooncentragons in surface sediment ltop
3 ft l likely to preventbcean disposal option Currently studying vertical and
bonzontal extent May be able to manage upper -aft dIIererdly than
underlying sand
Passed In RGP -54 but moderate ampbipod mortality in Federal Channel
samples. Llkely W be addressed in amphlpad study Would require
bbeccumulabon testing If amphipod test passes
_ Passed In RGP -54. but amptapod mortagty m Federal Channel samples May
be addressed m amphipod study or TIE Would require bioaccumulation
testng d ampbipod test passes
a MIS was a targeted protect area new cn"ctenzatbn would be required.
E
— Project Line
Depth in Feet
0 -10
w -zo
_ 20- 30
- 30- 40
Newport Harbor Dredging Areas
OPassed in RGP.54. passed during Federal Channel Tier IV, where tested.
Likely to paw for Ocean disposer but may require btwcmmulatim tesbng.
Passed for brlclty In RGP -54. but Hg concentratl ons in surface sadlmem. top
31t.1 likely to prevent ocean disposal option. Currently studying vertical and
horizontal extent May be able to manage upper -311 differently than
underlying sand
0 Passed In RGP -54 but moderate amphipod mortality in Federal Channel
samples. Likely b be addressed In amphipod study KWldrequlre
bmamumulaaon testing If amphlpod test passes.
®Passed in RGP -54, but amphipod modify, In Federal Channel samples. May
be addressed In amphipod sNdy or TIE. Kbuld require bloaccumuralim
testing it amphipm test passes
Off mis ww a targeted prgect area new bnarmterizabm would be required
w {�,•s
s
0 o:s os
Dredging Decision (death) Spiral
We need to
dredge now.
Corps usually
does it.
Corps can't \
do it and What about
we're tired of doing it
waiting. ourselves?
!� )just More testing
Why s
moneneeds to be
testi done
Can't wdred
drives cost \
and CEQA
How big a
Because
Don'tkno project?
the testing
costs t" w
Where first?
drives the
test
!� )just More testing
Why s
moneneeds to be
testi done
Can't wdred
Disposal Options
Dredging project's cost is a factor of disposal
method and location. Disposal method and
location is a factor of sediment toxicity.
Cleanest Material
LA -3 ($12 -15 million)
Some clean, some toxicity (key = depth of toxicity)
LA -3 and Upland Disposal/ Confined Aquatic Disposal
(CAD) site
Extensive Toxicity
Upland Disposal or
CAD Site
LAJ
Isea�m..n+ oisno :,I sae)
Option 2 — Wait for Corps to Take the Lead
Much of the Harbor is the Corps' responsibility, but:
Corps and OMB keeps "zeroing" the budget.
The "metrics" the Corps uses to value the costs and benefits
of projects aren't great for recreational harbors.
There are ways to improve those metrics, like:
Cost -share from City - $2 mn? $4 mn?
The "done" part of "One and Done."
City front -loads testing and CEQA /NEPA.
Nice part of having Corps involved is that they take care of
testing, permitting, and CEQA /NEPA.
We're hearing that things might be different in FY 09 and
FY 10 — more federal dollars for inland waterways projects.
Would we bank on that? No.
Option 3: Dredge Comprehensively on
Our Own
Advantages:
We'd get to pick areas to address first.
We'd
be in
control
of the timing.
We
know it
would
get done.
Challenges:
Cost ($12 mn on the low end, $50 mn on the high
end — disposal method drives the cost) — could
always phase, though.
Testing all on our dime.
Permitting, CEQA /NEPA, all on our own.
Option 4: Some Combination
Keep the Corps engaged, both in funding requests
and permitting /testing /CEQA -NEPA.
Keep Members of Congress engaged re: FY 09, FY
10, and /or One and Done.
Start testing now:
Test comprehensively (the DMMP, SAP).
Do it ourselves, but work closely with US EPA and Corps.
Need to ensure & protect timeliness of data.
Approach this in phases:
Clear certain areas quickly, determine disposal options,
permit, and dredge if we can.
Look at each area individually, but consider it in the context
of a larger plan (the DMMP).
Prioritization — Post - Testing
Council, with Commission's assistance, will
prioritize areas as follows:
Cost of disposal of sediment from each specific
area; and
Extent of shoaling; and
Progress in permitting area by area.
To Re -Cap
First you test;
Test results tell you your alternatives — especially
disposal options;
IP Disposal options (including permitting and
environmental) drive the cost;
Cost drives the quantity of material and the
locations to dredge (the actual prioritization); then
With resources allocated according to priorities, we
dredge.
Toxicity and Shoaling
Discussion Point:
What areas of the LNB
are Commissioners,
Council, and the public
most concerned about?
Are these areas easy to
get permits to dredge,
or difficult?
Recommendations
This Afternoon:
Q &A, offer thoughts on where greatest need to dredge is.
Discuss and advise on approaches (Staff recommends
Option #4).
This Evening:
Approve the DMMP Proposal, including the SAP.
Authorize the execution of the Professional Services
Agreement ( "PSA ") with New Fields.
Budget amendment to cover the PSA.
Going Forward:
Ask for regular staff updates on progress. Timeliness is
critical here — we don't want wasted testing.
For More Information
www.city.newport- beach.ca.us then
"Departments" then "Harbor Resources."
Call or e -mail Chris Miller
cmiller (d)-city.newport- beach.ca.
949 - 644 -3034