HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/14/2020 - Regular MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
July 14, 2020
I. ROLL CALL - 5:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Tem Brad Avery, Council Member Joy Brenner, Council
Member Diane Dixon, Council Member Jeff Herdman, Council Member Kevin Muldoon
Absent: Council Member Duffy Duffield (excused)
II. INVOCATION - Council Member Herdman
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Pro Tem Avery
IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
V. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Council Member Brenner:
• Attended the Corona del Mar Residents Association Historical Subcommittee, along with Library
Services Director Hetherton and City Arts Commission Chair Greer; and a meeting with Corona del
Mar residents and Public Works staff regarding the sidewalk above China Cove
Council Member Herdman:
• Attended a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control
District, where the Director reported about mosquitos that can carry the West Nile Virus and ankle
biters, and listed the areas being treated and services offered to the public
• Reported he and Council Members Muldoon and Dixon met with ACI Jet to review its proposal for the
General Aviation Improvement Plan (GAIP)
• Announced that the short-term lodging ad hoc committee has held meetings
Council Member Dixon:
• Reported the subcommittee to review the GAIP for John Wayne Airport (JWA) will review proposals
over the next two weeks
• Requested a future item to consider adopting a resolution supporting the Newport Beach Police
Department
Mayor O'Neill:
• Reported the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee met and will meet again on July 15, 2020
• Noted that Ben Carlson Day was observed on July 6, 2020
• Announced that the Finance Director and City Manager appeared on Speak Up Newport's virtual web
event
• Wished Council Member Herdman a Happy Birthday
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
At Mayor O'Neill's request, City Attorney Harp explained the purpose of a second reading of an ordinance
and requirements contained in the short-term lodging ordinance (Item 3).
Jim Mosher, addressing Items 3 and 4, stated he was surprised that the new definition of short-term
lodging was being enacted without discussion, indicated City Council Policy A-1 sets the Council's meeting
time at 7:00 p.m. while Item 4 will set the meeting time at 4:00 p.m., shared a history of the Council
meeting time, and believed Item 4 ignores history, precedent, and the public.
Regarding Item 4, Susan Skinner suggested 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. for the Council regular meeting start
time in order for individuals who work to be able to attend or call into the meetings.
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Craig Batley, addressing Item 3, thanked Council for their work on short-term lodging, noted confusion
regarding provisions of the ordinance, inquired whether all violations are equal, believed the good neighbor
policy could be defined better, requested the meaning of a nuisance response plan, and suggested the City
prepare a manual or handbook for property owners and management companies.
Nancy Alston, representing Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON) and addressing Item 3, noted Newport
Beach has the highest ratio of short-term rentals along the coast, hoped the City has a method to enforce
the ordinance, shared practices in other cities that have effective ordinances, suggested that renters be at
least 21 years of age, believed too many short-term rentals destroy the cohesiveness of a neighborhood,
and advised that cities have recovered tax revenues from Airbnb through lawsuits.
Regarding Item 3, Connie Adnoff inquired as to why the minimum age for renters is 21 and believed it
should be 25 years of age.
Patricia Darquea, addressing Item 3, stated she has purchased rental buildings as a retirement investment
and relies on rentals to pay expenses, noted that she did not receive notice of the ordinance, stated that
short-term renters love Newport Beach and provide more City revenue than hotels, and suggested that
more discussion occur before the ordinance is adopted in order to further educate residents.
Relative to Item 3, Colleen Howes expressed concerns about the parking requirement and suggested an
owner -occupied unit should be exempt.
Don Abrams, addressing Item 3, believed vacation rentals have been a part of the fabric of Newport Beach
for over 100 years and the ordinance is not needed, urged Council to remove the rule limiting new vacation
rentals, stated using the pandemic as an excuse not to grant licenses is an abuse of the City's emergency
powers and is illegal, noted thousands of vacation rentals bring in $4 million in City revenue each year,
believed by not including other short-term rentals, Council would be taking potential illegal actions, and
believed Council's action shows no concern for 1,500 property owners and thousands of people employed in
the short -'term rental business.
Regarding Item 3, Lori Hamel indicated that she spoke with Council Member Herdman the prior day about
her concerns, believed many areas of the ordinance are unclear and need to be rewritten, stated that
Council Member Herdman told her she was reading the ordinance too literally, and felt that requiring a
person respond within 30 minutes of a complaint is unreasonable.
An unidentified speaker/attorney, addressing Item 3, noted that the minimum age requirement could be
an issue, added that discrimination could occur on the basis of renters not being as upscale as residents,
believed the pragmatic solution is to work with rental platforms to withhold deposits, and felt the
requirement for owners to be within 25 miles of the unit is unreasonable.
Relative to Item 3, Randy Beck believed owners of short-term rentals are being punished, noted that he
moved into his property in order to rent out one of the units, appreciated the license going with the property
in the future, and indicated he has not been cited for any violations in eight years.
Chris Nielson, addressing Item 3, appreciated Council's and committee's work, believed the section stating
that the City Manager may impose additional standards is too broad, requested more notice for meetings,
believed rental platforms should not be required to collect the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and
volunteered to work with staff to prepare a handbook for owners of short-term rentals.
Regarding to Item 3, Jim Maloney commented that areas of Newport Beach have historically been short-
term rental areas, indicated that complying with requirements can be challenging when the property is
old, and believed one -size -fits -all rules may not be appropriate.
Relative to Item 3, Shannon, Abrams Coastal Properties, requested clarification regarding maximum
occupancy as either two persons per bedroom plus two or the maximum permitted by the building and fire
codes, which limits occupancy based on square footage.
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Jodi Bole, addressing Item 3, shared demographic data for renters of her short-term rental property,
indicated owners use short-term rentals to pay their property taxes, believed the parking regulation is
onerous, encouraged owners of short-term rentals to use rental agreements and to charge security deposits,
and stated a member of the subcommittee should own a short-term rental to ensure the committee is well-
rounded.
At Mayor O'Neill's request, City Attorney Harp reported that the maximum occupancy for short-term
lodging is based on the maximum occupancy allowed in the building and fire codes, which are based on
square footage. He indicated that, currently, a property owner does not need a parking space in order to
obtain a short-term lodging permit; however, if a property owner has an available parking space that is
associated with a short-term lodging unit, it needs to be made available for short-term renters.
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the June 23, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting and June 25, 2020 Special
Meeting [100-2020]
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.
ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION
3. Ordinance No. 2020-15: Amending the Newport Beach Municipal Code Restrictions for Short
Term Lodging [100-2020]
a) Find this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in
a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2020-15, An Ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Section 3.16.060 and Chapter 5.95 of the Newport
Beach Municipal Code Relating to Short Term Lodging.
Council Member Muldoon voted "no" on Item 3.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
4. Resolution Nos. 2020-67 and 2020-68: Modifying the Start Time for the Holding of Regular
City Council Meetings [100-2020]
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2020-67, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Adopting a Revised City Council Policy A-1 "City Council",- and
c) Adopt Resolution No. 2020-68, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Repealing Resolution Nos. 2019-104 and 2020-15 and Setting the Time and Dates of City
Council Regular Meetings for Calendar Year 2020.
Council Member Muldoon voted "no" on Item 4.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. East Coast Highway Pavement Rehabilitation (21R12) - Approval of Professional Services
Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc., Contract No. 7807-1 [381100-2020]
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a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc., of Irvine, CA,
for the East Coast Highway Pavement Rehabilitation project at a not -to -exceed price of $398,185
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
6. Grant Howald Park Rehabilitation - Award of Contract No. 7476-2 (19P11) [38/100-2020]
a) Approve the project drawings and specifications;
b) Declare the bid packages submitted by RAL Investment Corporation of San Diego as non-
responsive;
c) Award Contract No. 7476-2 to Environmental Construction, Inc. (ECI) for the total bid price of
$4,543,686, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract;
d) Establish a contingency of $475,000 (approximately 10 percent) to cover the cost of unforeseen work
not included in the original contract;
e) Authorize the City Manager to approve payments to Southern California Edison (SCE) and AT&T
in the amount of approximately $750,000 for project design services, equipment and installation
necessary to underground the existing above -ground facilities related to the project; and
f) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the current Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design
Group, Inc. (C-7476-1) to add $73,160 to the contract for a total not -to -exceed fee of $354,950, for
additional design services and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
Council Member Brenner recused herself on Item 6 due to real property interest conflicts; and
Council Member Muldoon recused himself on Item 6 due to business interest conflicts.
7. Amendment No. One to Lease Agreement Between the City of Newport Beach and Harbor
Day School (C -5888(A)) [381100-2020]
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. One To Lease Agreement
Between the City of Newport Beach and Harbor Day School, in a form substantially similar to the
agreement attached to the staff report.
8. Approval of COVID-19 Economic Relief Funding Support for the Corona del Mar Business
Improvement District (C-8078-4) [381100-2020]
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Approve the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (CdM) COVID-19 economic relief
plan and budget; and
c) Authorize the City Manager to allocate $40,000 in COVID-19 Economic Relief Funding Support to
the CdM BID in Fiscal Year 2020-21.
Mayor O'Neill voted "no" on Item 8.
9. Approval of COVID-19 Economic Relief Funding Support for the Newport Beach Restaurant
Association Business Improvement District (C-8079-3) [381100-2020]
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Approve the Newport Beach Restaurant Association Business Improvement District (NBRA)
COVID-19 economic relief plan and budget; and
c) Authorize the City Manager to allocate $40,000 in COVID-19 Economic Relief Funding Support to
the NBRA BID in Fiscal Year 2020-21.
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Mayor O'Neill voted "no" on Item 9; and Council Member Muldoon recused himself on Item 9 due
to potential business interest conflicts.
MISCELLANEOUS
10. Planning Commission Agenda for the July 9, 2020 Meeting [100-2020]
Receive and file.
11. Confirmation of Annual Appointments to the Finance Committee [241100-2020]
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Confirm Mayor Will O'Neill's and individual Council Members' appointments to the Finance
Committee: (1) Mayor Will O'Neill, who will serve as Chair, (2) Mayor Pro Tem Brad Avery, (3)
Council Member Joy Brenner, (4) Joe Stapleton based upon Council Member Diane Dixon's
recommendation, (5) William Collopy based upon Council Member Duffy Duffield's
recommendation, (6) Larry Tucker based upon Council Member Jeff Herdman's recommendation,
and (7) John Reed based upon Council Member Kevin Muldoon's recommendation.
12. Pulled from the Consent Calendar
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Avery, seconded by Council Member Herdman, to approve the Consent
Calendar, except for the item removed (Item 12); and noting Mayor O'Neill's "no" votes on Items 8 and 9;
Council Member Muldoon's "no" votes on Items 3 and 4; and the amendments to Item 1.
With Council Member Duffield absent, the motion carried 6-0.
VIII. ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
12. Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Annual Report and Fiscal Year 2020-21
Budget [100-2020]
Council Member Dixon viewed the agenda item as an opportunity to update Council on the status of
hotels in the community given the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Gary Sherwin, CEO Newport Beach & Company, reported COVID-19 has cost the City tens of millions
of dollars and inflicted a lot of damage on hotels, restaurants and attractions, noted that the TBID was
created in the wake of the 2009 recession in order to pursue meeting and convention markets, which
make up about 60 percent of their business, added that the TBID continues to work with hotels and
hopes a vaccine will be developed before the end of the year so that operations may continue, stated
that two hotels are currently closed, and one likely will not open until 2021, added that hotels are
experiencing occupancy in the low 40 percent range, and believed the hospitality industry in Newport
Beach cannot fully recover until the meeting and convention industry recovers.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question, Mr. Sherwin indicated that the Finance Department
has informed him that one major hotel did not remit its Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and
subsequently closed. He added that the hotel is working with the City to pay its past -due TOT and
TBID costs and to waive penalties.
Jim Mosher noted the staff report for Item 9 indicates the occupancy rates for July and August are 85
percent and 81 percent, respectively, which conflicts with Mr. Sherwin's statement. He added that the
staff report also supports the idea of holding a Restaurant Month in August.
Motion by Council Member Dixon, seconded by Mayor O'Neill, to a) determine this action is
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and
15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the
environment, directly or indirectly; b) authorize a waiver of the timeline provided in Section 3.5 of the
Tourism Business Improvement District Management Agreement; c) review and approve the NB
TBID'S FY 2020-21 Annual Report; and d) review and approve the NB TBID's FY 2020-21 Budget.
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With Council Member Duffield absent, the motion carried 6-0.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Craig Sheets showed photos of missiles pointed at oil derricks, believed there is a meth lab on Spyglass
Hill, and talked about machine guns, which use depleted uranium rounds. He suggested prohibiting the
inbreeding, projectile weapons. and poisons.
Susan Skinner recalled Council Member Muldoon's comments about COVID-19 at the July 1. 2020 meeting,
shared statistics regarding COVID-19, compared the pandemic to flu death statistics, discussed the health
effects of the Coronavirus, and indicated the best tools to fight COVID-19 are social distancing and wearing
face coverings.
Council Member Muldoon believed that Ms. Skinner is not a physician while he obtained information from
a medical doctor from Hoag Hospital and indicated people are not meant to be controlled by governments
nor should they be told how to live their lives.
Chad Kroeger stated influencers were omitted from the last stimulus bill, while having lost 30 percent of
their income, petitioned for a stimulus bill that brings relief to influencers, and suggested levels and forms
of compensation.
An unidentified speaker believed government gifts should not be called bailouts but instead they should be
called "dude, I won't bail on you," felt that influencers should be included in a stimulus bill, and performed
a song.
X. PUBLIC HEARING
14. Resolution No. 2020-69: Community Development Block Grant — Economic Development Job
Retention Program (C-8586) [38/100-20201
Council Member Muldoon recused himself due to potential business interest conflicts.
Council Member Dixon indicated that the Citv is fortunate that tax dollars are coming in to support
businesses, noted that $219,000 will be used for grants with some income restrictions, stated that as
with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, these funds will be used
as grants for small business relief, and added that a total of more than $2.5 million has been made
available.
Mayor O'Neill noted that Council Member Dixon pushed the business ad hoc committee hard for this
and stated that this will be a good way to help businesses as many have had to shut down again.
Mayor O'Neill opened the public hearing.
Jim Mosher inquired whether someone operating short-term rentals from an office building would be
eligible for the lottery, while someone operating short-term rentals from their home would not, noted
the application period for the previous grants was only six days with three days' advance notice, and
inquired whether all business license owners are being informed of the program.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor O'Neill closed the public hearing.
Mayor O'Neill reported the number of applications for the previous program was three times the
highest reported number the outside administrator saw in other programs, and indicated that local
businesses will learn of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program just as they did
the CARES Act program. In response to his question, Real Property Administrator Whitlinger indicated
that the outside administrator will likely spend the next two weeks advertising the program and
notifying Newport Beach businesses of the upcoming application period, which staff anticipates
opening in early August.
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Motion by Council Member Dixon, seconded by Council Member Herdman, to a) find the
approval of the Substantial Amendment to the 2020-21 Annual Action Plan exempt from the National
Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") pursuant to 24 CFR Part 58, Section 58.34; b) find the approval of
the Substantial Amendment to the 2020-21 Annual Action Plan is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a
direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the
activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the
environment, directly or indirectly; c) adopt Resolution No. 2020-69, A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving a Substantial Amendment to the 2020-21 Annual
Action Plan for the Federal Community Deuelopment Block Grant Program; and d) authorize the City
Manager to: (1) Submit the Substantial Amendment to the 2020-21 Annual Action Plan to HUD; (2)
Execute the CDBG-CV Program Grant Agreement and all related documents on behalf of the City; (3)
Execute the sub -recipient agreements with the nonprofit organizations receiving allocations of CDBG
funds in the Substantial Amendment to the 2020-21 Annual Action Plan; and (4) Authorize the
Community Development Director, or his/her designee, to be the official representative of the City of
Newport Beach, and to submit required environmental documentation for CDBG projects.
With Council Member Duffield absent and Council Member Muldoon recusing himself, the
motion carried M.
XI. CURRENT BUSINESS
13. Approval of COVID-19 Economic Relief Funding Support for the Balboa Island Merchants
Association [100-2020]
Mayor O'Neill understood the Council subcommittee's recommendations at the last Council meeting,
recalled Council's agreement to reduce funding by half in 2020 and eliminate funding in 2021, and
believed Council has done a good job of supporting local businesses through CARES Act and CDBG
funding. He stated that, given Council did not approve allocating funding to the Balboa Island
Merchants Association, Inc. (BIMAI) at the last meeting, he did not believe Council should support a
second one and advised that he would vote "no" for the same reasons he stated during the prior meeting.
Council Member Herdman noted that, at the last Council meeting, four of seven Council Members
voted against allocating economic recovery funding to BIMAI based on a comment that BIMAI was not
doing good work, and despite the Balboa Village Merchants Association (BVMA) partnering with
BIMAI to develop an economic recovery program with Newport Beach & Company, the approval of this
item was defeated. He stated that this item is identical to the prior agenda item, which proposed an
allocation of $20,000 to a newly organized merchants association that did not meet the deadline for.
application submission, did not provide all required information, and proposed to refinish City -owned
benches with the funding. He believed it is not equitable to deny funding for one organization that
submitted a well thought out application for economic recovery and approve funding for an
organization that did not provide any plan for economic recovery.
Jim Mosher recalled that the Community Event Grants required the amount of money provided by the
City to be a small fraction of the amount of money raised by the organization, added that the applicant
is a new group that is requesting more funding than it has raised, and believed that, if BIMA is eligible
for funding, many other organizations might like to utilize public funding.
Don Abrams agreed with Council Member Herdman's comments and hoped Council would reconsider
denying the grant for BIMA1, which proposed assisting merchants on Marine Avenue.
Motion by Mayor O'Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Avery, to deny the allocation of $20,000
in COVID-19 Economic Relief Funding Support to BIMA in Fiscal Year 2020-21.
With Council Member Duffield absent and Council Member Brenner abstaining, the motion
carried 5-0-1.
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15. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update [100-2020]
City Manager Leung utilized a presentation to discuss recent State actions, the status of Orange County,
Statewide closures as of July 13, 2020, and additional indoor operations that have closed throughout the
County.
Mayor O'Neill suggested the public pay attention to the guidance that does not allow outside hair salons
and barber shops.
In response to Council Member Herdman's question, City Manager Leung reported that
50 encroachment permits have been issued to restaurants. Mayor O'Neill indicated restaurant owners are
very thankful to staff for their fast processing of permit applications. Council Member Herdman noted
restaurants on Balboa Island have expanded into the sidewalk because they do not have parking lots.
Mayor O'Neill remarked that even after COVID-19, Council will probably want to consider continuing
outdoor dining because residents are enjoying it, and added his appreciation for keeping businesses viable.
City Manager Leung continued her presentation with information regarding City Hall operations and day
camps.
Fire Chief Boyles continued the update with statistics regarding COVID-19 cases, testing and
hospitalization/ICU trends.
In response to Council Member Muldoon's question, Fire Chief Boyles indicated he was unaware if
fatalities were decreasing because treatment has improved or because of the ages most affected.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question, Fire Chief Boyles indicated the hospitalization rate
reported is for Orange County. Council Member Dixon reported a 33% decrease of COVID-19 patients at
Hoag Hospital and a 7% decrease in the number of available beds since yesterday. She believed the number
of deaths is stabilizing or decreasing in Orange County.
Fire Chief Boyles advised that the Fire Department has responded to 432 enhanced precaution calls, 29
patients transported in ambulances have tested positive, noted that some Lifeguards and Fire personnel
have tested positive and personnel deemed highly exposed through contact tracing have been quarantined,
and added that the Department has implemented an aggressive plan for disinfecting stations and
equipment. In response to Council Member Muldoon's questions, Fire Chief Boyles explained community
spread as contact and transmission while Fire personnel are off duty.
Council Member Brenner thanked Fire Chief Boyles and Lifeguard staff for their efforts on the 4th of July,
noted the amazing rescue on July 3, 2020, and requested the Lifeguard attend a Council meeting to receive
a recognition. Fire Chief Boyles shared the story of his visit with the Lifeguard at Hoag Hospital, that he
showed him the Mayor's supportive text message, and the Lifeguard saying he is just glad the kid he
rescued was alive. In response to Council Member Brenner's questions, Fire Chief Boyles explained that
surfing is not allowed when the blackball flag is up and that the green, yellow and red flags advise the
public of dangerous conditions but do not prohibit people from going into the water. Council Member
Brenner remarked that Lifeguards have to go into dangerous conditions to save swimmers and surfers.
Mayor O'Neill added that the public should remember going into dangerous conditions puts not only
themselves but also the Lifeguards at risk.
Fire Chief Boyles noted even with the beaches closed, the July 4th weekend was very busy due to flooding,
a sailboat coming ashore, and a power boat missing the entrance to the harbor and landing at Corona del
Mar Beach.
Council Member Dixon stated the July 41h weekend was tumultuous due to natural conditions, appreciated
Public Works' staff for constructing berms and installing barricades for the flooding on Saturday, and
commended the City Manager and all City departments for working long hours. Fire Chief Boyles
commended the Public Works staff, as well.
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Mayor Pro Tem Avery was impressed by staffs work over the July 4th weekend, believed the Police and
Fire Departments did a great job on an extraordinary night, commended the response of public safety
units, and stated that he was impressed with the reserve of safety personnel.
Fire Chief Boyles announced he visited the facilities that are holding the Junior Lifeguard Program, noted
that participant temperatures are taken in the morning and flags mark the spots for social distancing, and
concluded that the first day went smoothly with perfect weather.
Council Member Brenner asked Fire Chief Boyles to inform the children about safe social distancing
guidelines and encourage them to wear face coverings both to and from the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Mayor O'Neill thanked Fire Chief Boyles for the Department's hard work on the July 4th weekend and
asked staff to ensure that the Lifeguard who conducted the rescue is present at the next meeting.
Susan Skinner related additional facts about COVID-19 cases and her medical credentials.
Mayor O'Neill noted a substantial rise in cases over the last 30 days with the two largest increases in Santa
Ana and Anaheim, encouraged people to be careful and cautious and to treat COVID-19 seriously, and
stated that he looked forward to Newport -Mesa Unified School District's (NMUSD) decision regarding
school resuming in the fall, and noted that Recreation and Senior Services Director Detweiler is assisting
NMUSD on the City's behalf.
Mayor O'Neill recalled his plan to celebrate volunteers in 2020, and noted that while times are currently
unconventional, he encouraged Council to contact him regarding any volunteer they would like to recognize
with a proclamation, in which he would deliver to the volunteer personally and take socially distanced
photos with them.
XII. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION —None
XIII. ADJOURNMENT - 7:15 p.m.
The agenda, amended agenda, and second amended agenda were 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 July 9, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., July 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., and
July 13, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., respectively.
Leilani I. Brown ��
City Clerk �Vo;
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Will O' ei 1
Mayor
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