HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Minutes October 13, 2015
Agenda Item No. 1
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Study Session and Regular Meeting
September 22, 2015
I. ROLL CALL-4:00 p.m.
Present: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Council
Member Muldoon, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
Excused: Council Member Duffield
II. CURRENT BUSINESS
SSl. Clarification of Items on the Consent Calendar-None
SS2. Orange County Community Paramedicine Pilot Project
City Manager Kiff reported that he discussed only one aspect of Community Paramedicine
in the agenda description, but noted that today's presentation will address a pilot program
that focuses on alternative destinations.
Fire Department EMS Division Chief Ord provided a PowerPoint presentation to discuss
Community Paramedicine, increased health expenditures per capita, the Affordable Care
Act, changing EMS and Healthcare environments in California, increases in demand and
calls for service, Community Paramedicine in California, the pilot studies in California, and
details of the Orange County Alternate Destination Pilot Project. She addressed
requirements for the pilot project, triage and transport criteria for urgent care centers,
project partners, challenges, operating costs, grant funds, and alternate destination
paramedics. Chief Ord reported on what happens after the pilot study is completed and
discussed who has graduated from the inaugural Community Paramedicine Course in the
local area.
Council Member Curry commented positively on the concept and asked whether there is
indemnification to the City. Chief Ord stated that there is always a risk, but explained
that patients taken to urgent care facilities usually have minor conditions. Council
Member Curry suggested incorporating a consent form.
Council Member Muldoon stated that additional liability may result and agreed with
Council Member Curry's suggestion regarding having the patient sign a waiver.
In response to Council questions, Chief Ord listed the urgent care centers participating in
the pilot program and added that being transported to an alternate destination is based on
patient choice. She reported that approximately 23% of EMS interactions are minor
conditions and addressed ways of communicating the program to the public. She indicated
that the pilot program began September 14, 2015, and will end in 24 months. Further, if
the required number of patients is achieved, the project could be completed in less than a
year.
Council Member Peotter pointed out that the cost to the City will not change, but what the
project hopes to change is the cost to patients and hospitals. Chief Ord commented on
reimbursement for transportation to an emergency room versus an urgent care center,
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noting it is generally due to how insurances are set up. She added that outsourcing
transport is part of a Statewide study and will be considered when doing a cost comparison.
Council Member Petros commented on recovering fees through grants and asked about the
possibility of having to include costs in the City's budget if grants are not received. Chief
Ord explained that there are too many variables at this time to make a determination and
that many things could change. She answered additional questions regarding costs for
emergency and non-emergency transport.
Mayor Selich commented positively on the project, noting it is just one more example of
how progressive the City is.
Jim Mosher referenced an item regarding there being no paramedic enrollment fee and
expressed hope that people enrolled in that program will not have to pay transportation
fees. He addressed the concept of the pilot program, commented on a new Fire Department
initiative in which it is negotiating to enroll in the Orange County Automatic Vehicle
Location (AVL) Program, and wondered about different pilot programs in Orange County
and offering different services.
Regarding the AVL Program, Fire Chief Poster noted that it is a Countywide program that
is currently being developed. He provided a brief explanation of the program and offered to
provide a presentation during an upcoming Study Session. He referenced the Community
Paramedicine, the pilot program and pointed out its strict parameters. He stressed that
this is a pilot program where parts of Newport Beach may not be included since only a
handful of EMS are certified to participate. He also addressed fees for being taken to an
alternate destination.
SS3. Water Issues
• Sage High School Environmental Program
• Overview of Citywide Storm Water Quality Program
• Median Turf Conversion Update (incl. Irvine Avenue Median Concepts)
Andrew Vorrath, Sage High School, presented details of a service project in which he has
been involved with during the past year to provide stewardship to the Bay. He addressed
the importance of the health of the Bay, Newport Aquatic Center (NAC) support, goals,
methods used, areas of focus, findings, and suggestions for North Star Beach/NAC,
Castaways Beach, and the channel behind Linda Island. He addressed the need to upgrade
signs, discussed action items, acknowledged members of his team, and thanked those who
have helped him with the project.
Mayor Selich and Public Works Director Webb acknowledged the good work done by Mr.
Vorrath and commented positively on involving citizens in such programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Dixon thanked Mr. Vorrath for his work and for bringing awareness to the
issue. She noted that there are similar problems in District 1, expressed concerns about
water quality in the City, and noted opportunities to involve the community to address the
concerns.
Council Member Petros thanked Mr. Vorrath and reported that the quality of the Bay,
directly affects recreation, real estate, the local economy, and tourism. He hoped that the
City will take into account some of his considerations and look at this issue. In response to
his question regarding the County's major trash interceptor at the Delhi Channel, Public
Works Director Webb reported that the City is in the process of developing a project for the
Delhi Channel. He added that funding is in place and that staff is currently working on the
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design. He explained that the project will catch the first-flush trash in a high-industrial
and dense area that generates a lot of trash.
Public Works Director Webb presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Urban
Runoff Water Quality Program. He addressed key components of the program, provided a
brief NPDES permit history, and discussed requirements, inspections, watershed program
development, program and policy oversight, committees and their goals, current projects in
the area, sediment TMDL and sediment TMDL numeric targets compliance. He also
commented on the City's sediment loading, nutrient TMDL, natural treatment systems,
and the reduction in nitrogen loads.
In response to Council Member Petros' question, Public Works Director Webb addressed
impacts of the drought on runoff.
Public Works Director Webb addressed reduced algal growth in the Upper Bay,
Organochlorine Compounds, reduction in pesticide use, Fecal Coliform Indicator Bacteria
(FIB) TMDL, the current status of FIB TMDL, other constituents of concern, selenium hot
spots, selenium impacts, and flow diversion projects. He discussed the projected selenium
impacts, future projects, copper, trash and use of continuous deflective separators, the
Santa Ana Delhi Channel Project, trash collection and low-flow diversion, the Little Corona
del Mar Infiltration Project, the Bayview Heights Restoration Project, annual drainage
system maintenance, the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Program, and the benefits of street
sweeping and household hazardous waste collection.
Regarding street sweeping, Council Member Petros stated that he would be interested in
knowing the speed in which the trucks drive to ensure they are catching all areas that need
sweeping. Additionally, he would like to consider coordinating trash pickup and street
sweeping.
Public Works Director Webb addre�ed the Irrigation Runoff Reduction Program, turf
removal, public education and community outreach, contributions to the City's water
quality, dredging and habitat restoration programs, annual water quality related program
costs, and significant water quality accomplishments. He commented on the City's
standing with Heal the Bay and discussed future efforts.
In response to Council Member Peotter, Public Works Director Webb estimated that 30% to
40% of storm drains in the City drain into the Back Bay. Additionally, he commented on
grates placed on storm drains and opportunities in other areas of the City to install grates.
Mayor Pro Tem Dixon thanked Public Works Director Webb and staff, and asked about
challenges related to storm drains and street sweeping in gated communities. Public
Works Director Webb addressed possible ways to address those challenges. He noted that
there is still more work to be done in this regard.
In response to Mayor Selich's question, Public Works Director Webb addressed cases
regarding algae in the Grand Canal. He added that it is a matter that should be looked at
in the future. Mayor Selich commented on bottom paint and the Water Quality Control
Board's rigid positions. He believed that, if they accept their staffs recommendations, it
will have a negative economic impact on the Harbor. Public Works Director Webb reported
that staff has aggressively been trying to educate the Board so that they might take a more
reasonable position on the matter. Mayor Selich noted the need for a backup plan.
Mayor Selich reported noticing trash in the Promontory Bay Channel. Public Works
Director Webb reported that the City does not have a CDS unit there and discussed the
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process for testing for leaks in the system.
Mayor Selich stated that the Median Turf Conversion Update will be presented during a
Study Session at the October 13, 2015, City Council meeting.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mike Glenn referenced an email he sent regarding the bids for the Balboa Theater (Closed Session
Item B) and requested and received clarification that the Closed Session conference with real
property negotiators was for the City side of the issue and not for anyone bidding on the property.
He offered to answer questions from Council.
City Attorney Harp announced that the City Council will adjourn to Closed Session to
discuss the items as listed in the Closed Session agenda and read the titles.
IV. CLOSED SESSION- 5:50 p.m.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54957.6)
Agency Designated Representatives: Dave Kiff, City Manager, Carol Jacobs, Interim
Assistant City Manager.
Employee Organizations: All Labor Associations: Association of Newport Beach Ocean
Lifeguards (ANBOL); Newport Beach City Employees Association (NBCEA); Newport Beach
Employees League (NBEL); Newport Beach Firefighters Association (NBFA); Newport Beach
Fire Management Association (NBFMA); Newport Beach Lifeguard Management Association
(NBLMA); Newport Beach Police Association (NBPA); Newport Beach Police Management
Association (NBPMA); Newport Beach Professional and Technical Employee Association
(NBPTEA); and Part-Time Employee Association of Newport Beach (PTEANB).
B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54956.8): 1 matter
Property Address: Balboa Theater, 707-709 East Balboa Boulevard, Newport Beach,
CA 92661
Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager, Seimone Jurjis, Building Official and Lauren
Wooding, Real Property Administrator
Negotiating Parties: (1) The Cortland Company
Brian Hopkins, President
3500 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA
(2) Teles Properties
Dino and Hope Clarizio
12 Corporate Plaza, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA
(3) 801 Balboa LLC
Camille Rizko, Manager
224 Via Eboli
Newport Beach, CA
(4) SaveNewport
Mike Glenn
Michael.Glenn@devion.com
(5) Lab Holding, LLC
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Chris Bennett
709 Randolph Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
V. RECESS
VI. RECONVENED AT 7:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
VII. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Council
Member Muldoon, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon,Mayor Selich
Excused: Council Member Duffield
VIII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT-None
IX. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -Council Member Mul o
X. INVOCATION- Pastor John Thomas, Mariner ch
M. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
XII. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS (NON-DISCUSSION ITEMS)
Council Member Petros thanked Mayor Selich for allowing him to represent him and the City
Council at the Peer-2-Pier event. He acknowledged the participation by the Police and Fire
Departments and thanked BJ's Restaurant for hosting the Pancake Breakfast. Additionally, he
invited everyone to the Movie in the Park showing of Frankenweenie at Cliff Drive Park on October
2, 2015.
Council Member Curry reported attending the Fire Department Promotion Ceremony and the Fire
and Lifeguard Appreciation Dinner. Additionally, he reported attending the Coastkeeper dinner,
the Green Expo at the Civic Center, the Civic Center Art Expo Kick-off, and the Vanguard Global
Center for Women and Justice Annual Luncheon.
Mayor Selich reported participating in International Literacy Day on September 10, 2015, the
dedication of the second phase of sculptures in the Sculpture Garden on September 12, 2015, and
the christening of the ExplorOcean boat on September 16, 2015. He announced that preparations
for El Nino will be discussed at the October 13, 2015 Study Session.
XIII. MATTERS WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE ASKED TO BE PLACED ON A FUTURE
AGENDA
• Issues surrounding off-leash dogs at the mouth of the Santa Ana River (Dixon)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Council Member Muldoon, to direct
staff to bring the item back for Council consideration at the October 13, 2015 City Council
meeting.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Council
Member Muldoon, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
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Absent: Council Member Duffield
XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR -None
XV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the September 8, 2015 Study Session and Regular Meeting[100-20151
Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as amended, and order filed.
2. Reading of Ordinances
Waive reading in full of all ordinances under consideration, and direct the City Clerk to
read by title only.
B. ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION
3. Ordinance Restricting Trucks on Ridge Park Road [100-20151
Introduce Ordinance 2015-28, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Extending Section 12.32.022 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code
Prohibiting Commercial Vehicles over Eight Thousand (8,000) Pounds on Ridge Park Road
between Newport Coast Drive and Vista Ridge Road, and pass to second reading on
October 13, 2015.
C. RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION ti
4. Proposed Assessment District No. 117 - Area Bounded by Bayside Drive,
Avocado Avenue, Coast Hwy & Carnation) [100-2015]
a) Adopt Resolution No. 2015-78, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Approving the Assessment Engineer's Report and Fixing the Time
and Place of the Public Hearing for Assessment District No. 117;
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2015-79, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Declaring its Intention to take Proceedings Pursuant to the Municipal
Improvement Act of 1913 and to Issue Bonds Pursuant to the Improvement Bond Act of
1915, and Make Certain Findings and Determinations in Connection therewith, all
Relating to the Formation of Assessment District No. 117; and
c) Per City Council Policy L-28 (Assessment Ballot Guidelines), determine that the City
will not participate in the voting process for the City Old School and Begonia Park
properties by neither voting for nor against the assessment.
Council Member Curry recused himself from this item due to stockholdings and
Council Member Muldoon recused himself from this item due to financial reasons.
D. CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. Bonita Creek Park Synthetic Field Turf Replacement - Notice of Completion and
Acceptance of Contract No. 5856(A) (ISP12/CAP09-0066) [38/100-2015]
a) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion
for the project;
b) Authorize the City Clerk to release the Labor and Materials Bond 65 days after the
Notice of Completion has been recorded in accordance with applicable portions of the
Civil Code; and
c) Release the Faithful Performance Bond one year after acceptance by the City Council.
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6. Bonita Creek Park Synthetic Turf Replacement Project - Notice of Completion
and Acceptance of Contract No. 6066 (CAP09-0066) [381100-20151
a) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion
for the project;
b) Authorize the City Clerk to release the Labor and Materials Bond 65 days after the
Notice of Completion has been recorded in accordance with applicable portions of the
Civil Code; and
c) Release the Faithful Performance Bond one year after acceptance by the City Council.
7. Grand Canal Emergency Sand Maintenance Work - Award of Contract No. 6274
[38/100-20151
a) Approve the project specifications and drawings;
b) Award Contract No. 6274 to Metro Builders & Engineers Group, Ltd for the total bid
price of $246,500.00, and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the
Contract;and
c) Establish an amount of $24,500.00 (10%) to cover the cost of unforeseen work not
included in the original contract scope of work.
8. Request to Install Private Improvements (Alley Extension) within the Existing
Alley Right-of-Way Adjacent to 404 Heliotrope Avenue (N2015-0439) (C-6300)
[38/100-20151
a) Waive City Council Policy L-6, Private Encroachments in Public Rights-of-Way, to allow
the Owner to extend the alley 15 feet in length using caissons and appurtenances,
contingent upon all conditions of the Encroachment Permit process being met; and
b) Direct staff to enter into an Encroachment Agreement with the Owners, and authorize
the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Encroachment Agreement within one
(1) calendar year upon receipt of approval.
9. Lease Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Credit Union of
Southern California,Authorizing the Lease of Retail Space in the Central Library
at the Civic Center Located at 1000 Avocado Avenue (C-6301) [38/100-20151
a) Find that the execution of the Lease Agreement is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of
the CEQA Guidelines; and
b) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a five-year lease agreement
with Credit Union of Southern California, in substantially the same form as the
attachment to the staff report.
10. Temporary Employment Agreement- Planner (C-5788)[38/100-20151
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Temporary Employment Agreement with
retired employee Kay Sims to temporarily fill the position of a planner.
11. Agreement with County of Orange for Collection of Special Taxes, Fees, Charges
and Assessments ("Agreement") (C-6302) [381100-20151
a) City Council approve the Agreement with the County of Orange; and
b) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
12. Printing and Release of Tentative Agreement with the Newport Beach Police
Management Association (C-2932) [38/100-20151
Receive and file.
E. MISCELLANEOUS
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13. Planning Commission Agenda and/or Action Report for the August 20, 2015 and
September 17, 2014 Meetings [100-20151
Receive and file.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Council Member Peotter, to approve the
Consent Calendar; and noting the recusals by Council Members Curry and Muldoon on Item 4.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Council
Member Muldoon, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
Absent: Council Member Duffield
XVI. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR-None
XVIL PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS 'a'
Wayne Harropson expressed the opinion that Council should apologize to Council Member Peotter
for expressing his objection to the Supreme Court decision regarding gay marriage. After further
comments, Mayor Selich requested that Mr. Harropson stay with the issue regarding Council's
action in terms of Council Member Peotter.
Debra Allen requested Council's help regarding the coyote problem in her area, that Council direct
staff to look into what other cities have done, and that the City take a more proactive role on the
issue. She announced that Speak Up Newport will be addressing this issue on November 4, 2015,
in the Civic Center Community Room at 5:30 p.m.
Mary Ann Soden stated that her pet was attacked in her yard on August 4, 2015. She reported
that coyotes are jumping high fences and that pets are being attacked while people walk them on
the streets. She asked that Council consider what other cities are doing in this regard.
Kay Walker spoke regarding the coyote problem in the City, referenced the upcoming Speak Up
Newport meeting, and requested suggestions as to how pets can be saved from the danger of coyote
attacks.
Phil Milner, Newport Citi"for Responsible Growth, addressed the group's goals and working
with various School Boar embers and staff, so that they are aware of their concerns regarding
the effects of the athletic field modifications at Corona del Mar High School. He commented on the
possibility of establishing a contract with the community and the need to involve stakeholders,
including the City, to work out everyone's concerns. He asked that a Council Member participate
in the meetings to identify other stakeholders and facilitate the development of a usage agreement
and to define the City's use of the center. Additionally, he noted that they would like to have an
agreement in place before the draft EIR is issued.
Council Member Muldoon stated that he will be joining the meeting referenced by Mr. Milner and
that he will stay in touch with him regarding the matter.
Christine Daily reported living approximately one mile from Corona del Mar High School and that
her children attend Our Lady Queen of Angels School. She expressed concern that it takes
approximately 40 minutes to drive from her home to the school and took issue with traffic and
congestion. She asked that Council direct staff to work on a traffic study with regards to schools
and the community, and consider the possibility of dispatching traffic officers to help control same.
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Lauri Preedge reported that her children attend Corona del Mar High School and expressed
concerns regarding traffic and congestion in the area. She invited Council to experience it and
indicated she would be interested in knowing the accident history in the area. Additionally, she
asked that the City conduct a traffic study in the area to develop a plausible solution.
Council Member Petros discussed his background, indicated that he wrote the traffic management
plan for Our Lady Queen of Angels, and acknowledged that the previous speakers' concerns are
real, occur yearly, and that the City already manipulates signal timings to favor inbound traffic in
the morning and outbound traffic in the afternoon. He added that there is Police presence to
facilitate traffic movements. Although that may not be enough, it is what is available as a City.
He agreed that discussion is needed with the School District about restricting student parking and,
thereby, encourage students to walk, bike or institute bussing. He stressed that the City has
followed this matter for many years and indicated that it may be outside of the City's jurisdiction.
Jim Daily commented on the dangers of the current traffic situation at Ford Road, across
Jamboree, and referenced bicycle-related deaths in the City. He believed that what has been done
before is not adequate and suggested installing a foot bridge.
Annie Lindt, Newport Citizens for Responsible Growth, commented on the strides made by the City
to make school-related traffic, drop-offs and pick-ups safer. She suggested the possibility of off-site
parking with a shuttle service and offered to work with staff to consider other options.
Jim Mosher referenced the Newport Independent noted that Council Districts are residency
requirements, imposed by the City Charter, for the purpose of ensuring all areas of the City are
represented; however, Council Members are representatives from a district and not representatives
for that particular district.
Ann Parker reported that there is a sober living school opening up at 11 Bayside Drive, and
believed that Council should consider the matter carefully. She noted that tenants and nearby
residents and businesses have complained about noise, loitering, and smoking. She alleged that
the school is already operating, which goes against their CUP, that they have a kitchen and are
serving lunch, and have not been inspected by the Health Department. She asked that Council
reexamine the issue.
City Manager Kiff noted that Senior Animal Control Officer Schomberg and Police Lt. Fischbacher
are both in the audience, and suggested residents in attendance speak with them with the
possibility of scheduling a community meeting to address the coyote problem. He added that staff
has been following what is going on in other cities and stated that euthanizing them is not the right
practice.
Mayor Selich agreed with the idea of scheduling a community meeting and that hazing is a better
method than euthanizing coyotes.
XVIII. ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Council Member Petros acknowledged the attendance of a Scout Troop and thanked them for their
patience and attendance.
Council Member Curry reported on a recent meeting of the Finance Committee where it considered
next year's budget preparation and discussed increased pension costs.
XIX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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14. Woody's Wharf Use Permit Amendment located at 2318 Newport Boulevard (PA2015-
158) [100-20151
Motion by Council Member Peotter, seconded by Council Member Petros, to continue
the item to the October 13, 2015 City Council meeting.
Mayor Selich opened the public hearing.
Jim Mosher expressed the opinion that continuing the matter is not the proper action. He
suggested deferring this matter to the Planning Commission since there is no provision
allowing Council to modify a Conditional Use Permit.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Selich closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Harp stated that, under the City's Code, it would be appropriate for City Council
to consider an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit. He pointed out that the City Council
can defer it to the Planning Commission, if desired, but Council's consideration would be
appropriate as well.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Council
Member Muldoon, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
Absent: Council Member Duffield
15. Approval of Master Fee Schedule and Change in Subsidies [100-2015]
Deputy Finance Director Montano utilized a PowerPoint presentation to address the
background, methodology, and proposed fee changes by Department. He reported on the
establishment of authority, discussed taxes versus fees, fee for service methodology, fee change
summary for all Departments, reasons for the changes, stakeholder review, Police Department
fees, Public Works fees, Fire Department EMS fees, EMS fee changes, Community
Development fees and Marina Park facility use fees. He reported when the fees will take place.
Mayor Selich opened the public hearing.
Steven LaMotte, Building Industry Association (BIA), provided information on the organization
and addressed staff hourly rates and overhead indirect costs presented in the report. He
thanked staff for its proactive approach in reaching out to stakeholders and asked that Council
work towards the most efficient process, as well as lower overhead indirect costs. He spoke in
support of staffs proposed phased-in option.
In response to Mayor Selich's question, Mr. LaMotte indicated that there are cities that charge
a flat fee for certain types of planning applications, as well as an hourly fee.
Jim Mosher took issue with adopting a Resolution on something that has not yet happened
since the Ordinance is not in effect yet and the spreadsheet being hard to read. He suggested
that the numbers referencing the fees be permanently associated to the fees and commented on
the difference between the plan check fees for outsourced providers versus City staff.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Selich closed the public hearing.
In response to Council Member Peotter's questions, Deputy Finance Director Montano
indicated that comparing the City's fees with other jurisdictions' fees was not part of the
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provider's scope of work;however, after the conclusion of the study, staff conducted spot checks.
He indicated that the consultant looked at the spectrum of activities that staff undertakes.
Council Member Peotter stated that he would like to see a breakdown of construction types and
to have it based on the actual time it takes staff to perform the work. He commented on hourly
rates and asked who determines the construction costs. Deputy Finance Director Montano
indicated that using building valuation tables is a standard practice. In terms of increased
costs for plan checks, he stated that staff is looking closely at the City's operations,
incorporating costs of service delivery, and building valuation tables are also taken into
consideration for those types of fees. Council Member Peotter expressed concerns regarding
percentage increases for the same type of service. He believed that there is nothing holding the
City's costs in check.
Deputy Community Development Director Jurjis explained that plan check fees have increased
because the City is using more contract staff due to an influx in development activity. He noted
that plan checks are being conducted using a mixture of in-house staff and contract consulting
services.
Council Member Peotter asserted that contract staff is cheaper than using in-house employees
and asked why fees are not being reduced. Deputy Community Development Director Jurjis
noted fluctuating costs in using contract staff and reported that contract staff costs have
increased. He added that outside contractors for plan reviews receive a percentage of the fees
collected by the City and do not always charge by the hour.
Discussion followed regarding extra costs to provide plan-review services, additional costs in
using outside consultants, and the experience of contract in-house staff.
Council Member Peotter stated that he does not understand why there is a proposed
percentage increase when the fee is already being increased based on construction valuation.
Deputy Community Development Director Jurjis explained the valuation study, noting that
valuation tables have not been increased. He stated that staff looked at expenses and made
projections, and reported that the valuation tables will be updated next year.
In response to Council Member Peotter's question regarding the City having a flat, hourly rate,
depending on the experience of who performs the work, City Attorney Harp stated that the City
uses blended rates.
Regarding the amount of fees being increased, Deputy Finance Director Montano stated that
40% of the total increases are attributed to Community Development fees.
Council Member Petros stated that he was pleased that the balance of fees were increased and
decreased and that 67% of building fees were reduced. He expressed concerns with plan check
hourly rates and valuation. However, he indicated that he did not feel he has enough
information to act today and preferred pulling the $228 line item out relative to plan rechecks
and carry it over for more detailed information and review before setting a rate.
Council Member Curry reported that the Finance Committee considered this issue carefully
and recommended this action to Council. He addressed the policy of reviewing fees on a
periodic basis. He pointed out that the largest fee adjustment goes back to 2003 and noted the
importance to keep pace. He added that the City is experiencing a record volume of building-
related permits and plan checks. He noted that construction costs do not always increase and
believed that this is a well-thought out, methodical structure that reflects critical public
services and infrastructure improvements. He thanked the BIA for their input.
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Motion by Council Member Curry, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, to a) adopt
Resolution No. 2015-76, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Amending the City's Master Fee Schedule; b) introduce Ordinance No. 2015-29, An
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Exhibit A to
Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 3.36.030 Related to Cost Recovery, and pass to second
reading on October 13, 2015; c) adopt Resolution No. 2015-77, AResolution of the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving Paramedic Service Charges Pursuant to
Chapter 5.60 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code; and d) introduce Ordinance No. 2015-30,
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Chapter
5.60 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code (Paramedic Service User Fees)to allow City
Manager discretion to waive EMS fees and charges, and pass to second reading on October 13,
2015.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Dixon's question, Deputy Finance Director Montano explained
that the $228 fee for plan review rechecks only occur after several rechecks. Mayor Pro Tem
Dixon stated that delayed implementation in terms of phasing in seems fair to her.
Fire Chief Poster explained Paramedic Subscription Fee Comparisons and addressed ways of
making the community aware of the program, as well as services covered. Administrative
Manager Crispi addressed membership, revenues, transport services, billing, and average
write-offs.
Mayor Pro Tem Dixon commented positively on the program and requested an evaluation in a
year.
Council Member Petros stated his earlier concerns about the $228 fee have been resolved and
indicated support for the motion.
Council Member Muldoon commented on the summary of services and specifically those related
to crime. Deputy Finance Director Montano explained that the City does not want to charge
fees that have been deemed to have a community interest.
Council Member Muldoon noted there is not always a correlation between certain activities and
the fees being charged.
Substitute motion by Council Member Muldoon, and seconded by Council Member
Peotter, to approve all reduced fees and fees that remain the same, and bifurcate those from
all fee increases.
Council Member Curry expressed the opinion that the motion reflects fiscal irresponsibility and
commented on the need to make modifications, including increases and decreases, and
adjusting revenues to meet the City's additional expenses.
Council Member Muldoon commented on the importance of living within your means, believed
that he is not being unreasonable, and noted that the City is not in need of money.
The substitute motion failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Muldoon
Noes: Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
Absent: Council Member Duffield
Amended motion by Council Member Peotter, seconded by Council Member
Muldoon, to a) require the Community Development Department to track time and costs by
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
September 22, 2015
project starting this fiscal year; b) update the fee study based on this information next year;
and c) require the Community Development Department to use outsourcing for additional
workload.
Council Member Curry noted that Recommendation C is not currently agendized. City
Attorney Harp agreed and Council Member Peotter agreed to remove it from the amended
motion, adding that outsourcing could be a goal.
Amendment to the amended motion by Council Member Peotter, seconded by
Council Member Muldoon, to a) require the Community Development Department to track
time and costs by project starting this fiscal year; and b) update the fee study based on this
information next year.
Council Member Curry suggested voting on the fee schedule and those who do not approve of it
can vote against it next year.
The amendment to the amended motion failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Muldoon, Mayor Selich
Noes: Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon
Absent: Council Member Duffield W17 `W
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
Noes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Muldoon
Absent: Council Member Duffield
XX. CURRENT BUSINESS
16. Approval of Agreement with Spectrum Facility Maintenance for Sidewalk Steam
Cleaning Services (C-6303) [381100-20151
Jim Mosher commented on the current vendor not bidding on the contract and questioned the
way services are dispersed throughout the City.
Motion by Council Member Curry, seconded by Council Member Muldoon, to approve
the agreement with Quality Commercial Cleaning, Inc., dba Spectrum Facility Maintenance for
a term of five years for a not to exceed amount of$1,150,000, and authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the agreement.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Peotter, Council Member Petros, Council Member Curry, Council
Member Muldoon, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Mayor Selich
Absent: Council Member Duffield
XXI. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION-None
XXII. ADJOURNMENT- 5:45 p.m.
The agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the City's website and on the City
Hall Electronic Bulletin Board located in the entrance of the City Council Chambers at
100 Civic Center Drive on September 17, 2015, at 4:00 p.m.
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
September 22, 2015
Recording Secretary
Mayor
City Clerk
Volume 62 - Page 462