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HomeMy WebLinkAbout15-03-11 Meeting Minutes NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES City Council Chambers Wednesday, March 11, 2015 7:00 PM 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM 2) ROLL CALL Commissioners: Brad Avery, Chair Paul Blank David Girling William Kenney, Jr. Duncan McIntosh Joe Stapleton Doug West Staff Members: Chris Miller, Harbor Resources Manager Shannon Levin, Harbor Analyst 3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—Commissioner Blank 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher noted the regular meetings of the Harbor Commission and reported that when it meets on a different date and time in a different place, it is considered a special meeting. He commented on the advice of the City Attorney relative to the Brown Act and on the purpose of the special meetings held at Oasis. He commented on public parking places and on the sale of public parking spaces by private individuals. Chair Avery closed public comments. It was noted that the meetings referenced by Mr. Mosher, at Oasis, were regular Harbor Commission meetings. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES—February 11, 2015, Minutes Chair Avery opened public comments. Chair Avery closed public comments. Commissioner Blank offered a minor correction to the minutes. Motion: Commissioner Blank made a motion to approve the minutes of the Harbor Commission meeting of February 11, 2015, as corrected. Vice Chair Girling seconded the motion, which carried with 7 ayes, 0 noes. Approved. 6) CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Cheyenne Mid-Term Update(March) Per the Harbor Commission's action at the November 2014 meeting, the Commission will conduct a mid-term review of the vessel Cheyenne as submitted by Mr. Chris Welsh. Recommendation: 1) Receive and file. Chair Avery recused himself from hearing this item as he and Mr. Welsh are members of the same yacht club. He departed the Chambers, and Vice Chair Girling lead the meeting. Chris Welsh, Deep Sub LLC, referenced pictures of the dome and addressed steps to be taken including quality testing. He reported that the submarine would be moving to San Rafael. Discussion followed regarding the cloudiness on the dome, polishing, and pictures of what the dome looks like now. It was noted that reassembly of the parts will occur in May and June. Testing will be conducted in Newport Beach in August. Mr. Welsh explained how the original dome cracked. Commissioner West noted that the Commission's larger focus is the use of the mooring and establishing a realistic timeline. Mr. Welsh reported that the original plan involves five dives but there will be smaller ones along the way. Once the vessel is on the move, it will be gone for months at a time, or longer. He added that the first "real" dive will be in Monterey in late summer, early fall. Vice Chair Girling summarized that over the next four or five months the dome will be polished and pressure tested. Test dives will be initiated in Newport Beach in August. Mr. Welsh explained the pressure testing process and the rationale behind doing the first dive in Monterey. In response to Commissioner Stapleton's inquiry, Mr. Welsh reported that he desires for Newport Beach to be the home port of the vessel noting that there is no agreement as of yet, but that the goal is not to have the vessel sedentary. Vice Chair Girling opened public comments. Vice Chair Girling closed public comments. Members of the Commission expressed an interest in learning more about the project and asked Mr. Welsh to forward any appropriate information regarding same. Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller stated it will be included in the agenda for the Commission's April meeting. Commissioner Kenney stated that having the City be the home port for the Cheyenne would be good for the City. The report was received and filed. Chair Avery returned to the Chambers and took his place on the dais. 7) SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Blank reported attending the Tidelands Management Meeting in February and that there is still money in the Tidelands Funds budget for public piers at Central Avenue as well as the Balboa Marina. He reported that the Balboa seawall matter will move forward with a Council Study Session in March. He addressed businesses on the water and reported meeting with Council Member Peotter and reported that the Council Member is up to speed on Harbor-related matters, and that they had a good discussion regarding Lower Castaways. Additionally, he reported that he will attend the Water Quality and Coastal Tidelands Committee meeting on March 12th. Commissioner Girling reported meeting with the four new City Council Members, and he briefed them on general Harbor Commission issues, specifically Lower Castaways. He added that the new Council Members are supportive of the work the Harbor Commission is doing. Additionally, he spoke with Mayor Selich about 2 a Harbor Commission Council liaison, and that Mayor Selich and he are scheduled to meet within the next few weeks. Commissioner Kenney reported meeting with Council Member Curry, and that on February 24th, he presented recommendations to Council regarding water-propelled vessels. He added that Council Member Curry reminded him of his direction to try to make it work rather that outright banning them. Council instructed staff to draft an ordinance that would allow a single commercial operator through an RFP process. Commissioner Stapleton reported meeting with members of the Marine Committee, through the Chamber of Commerce. That Committee is working diligently to determine what businesses are necessary in the Harbor. Additionally, he met with Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon who expressed interest in maintaining good public access and a well-operated harbor. In response to Commissioner West's inquiry, Commissioner Kenney reported that Council Member Curry led the discussion and stated he was interested in making the water-propelled vessel business work in the Harbor. He stated that Council Member Curry understands that it could be catastrophic to have more than one operator. Commissioner West stated he was surprised that other Council Members agreed and that having one operator, operating in specific locations, would be acceptable. Chair Avery commented on marine-related businesses and noted the most critical thing is to track every shipyard to ensure the City does not lose any further boat yards. Commissioner McIntosh commented on the importance of the marine community and what it does for the character of the Harbor. Chair Avery commented on the Anchorage Sub- Committee and the Invictus. In reply to his inquiry, Harbor Resources Manager Miller stated that he has not received any comments from residents in this regard, and he provided an update on their mooring and fees. Commissioner Girling asked regarding fees, and Harbor Manager Miller reported that no action has been taken, yet. He added that it was assigned to the Anchorage ad hoc Committee. Commissioner Stapleton reported that the captain of the Invictus is very knowledgeable and professional and that it should be kept in mind. 8) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COUNCIL LIAISON ON HARBOR RELATED ISSUES — None at this time. 9) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH HARBOR RESOURCES MANAGER ON HARBOR RELATED ISSUES Harbor Manager Miller reporting that the matter of moorings is at the forefront, and that Harbor Analyst Shannon Levin is working on a number of contracts for the every-day maintenance of the Harbor including the Harbor Patrol contract. Additionally, he provided a brief update on the RGP-54 and Eelgrass issue. The matter should be heard by the Coastal Commission within the next few months. It was noted that the Coastal Commission will meet in Newport Beach in June. Commissioner Kenney asked that Mr. Miller provide notice of the June Coastal Commission meeting to Members of the Harbor Commission so that they may attend. 10) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS OR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COUNCIL LIAISON OR HARBOR RESOURCES MANAGER 3 Carter Ford asked whether the RGP-54 is still in effect and Harbor Manager Miller responded affirmatively He offered his and the public's help with the Coastal Commission proceedings, and asked that the City prioritize the piling structure project. Jim Mosher commented on the Coastal Commission's open meeting law relative to posting their meeting agendas ten days before a scheduled meeting. He spoke about Lower Castaways and a proposal presented to the PBBR Commission to use an area of same as an off-leash dog park. He added that will not be the option they will recommend to Council. 11) COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT(NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Commissioner West commented on an appeal by Ross McElfresh who is concerned about the condition in Mooring Field J97 and a sunken Shellmaker barge. He requested placing the matter on the Harbor Commission's agenda in April. Commissioner Stapleton commented on derelict vessels and requested a status update on the issue. Staff was asked to distribute a list of Harbor Commission Members on the various Ad Hoc Sub-committees. 12) DATE AND TIME FOR NEXT MEETING: April 8, 2015, Note: the June Harbor Commission meeting will be on June 8, 2015 at 6:30 PM due to a conflicting meeting of the California Coastal Commission. 13) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Harbor Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting of the Harbor Commission will be held on Wednes y, April 8, 7015, at 6:30 PM. 4