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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/2019 - Special MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes Planning Session (Special Meeting) February 2, 2019 I. Roll Call - 9:00 a.m. Present: Council Member Brad Avery, Council Member Joy Brenner, Council Member Jeff Herdman, Council Member Kevin Muldoon (arrived at 9:06 a.m.), Mayor Pro Tem Will O'Neill, Mayor Diane Dixon Excused: Council Member Duffy Duffield Pledge of Allegiance - Council Member Avery II. Public Comments on Non -Agenda Items Dr. Anne Marie Fine (slides), Kathleen Hallal (slides), Vanessa Armstrong (slide), Jennifer Iralani, Katherine Young, Amanda Plunkett, and Nancy Gardner discussed research and issues surrounding the use of pesticides, expressed concerns with pesticides being used at parks and schools, encouraged the City to discontinue the use of pesticides and use organic herbicides instead, encouraged people to review the Dewayne Johnson vs. Monsanto Company lawsuit, and indicated a study was provided to former City Manager Kiff that could be provided to staff. Jim Mosher highlighted last year's strategies, expressed concern that Council's goals are not part of today's presentations, and believed one of those goals was to look at election reform during a non -election year. Bernie Svalstad, Chairman of the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District, discussed plans for the dolphin topiaries at Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue. Hoiyin Ip discussed Santa Cruz's general plan update outreach process and suggested using polling technology to assist with gathering data. Council Member Muldoon indicated he received the emails concerning pesticides and will be asking staff to start using organic alternatives. Council Member Brenner stated that polling technology was used during the League of California Cities meetings she attended and encouraged the City to use the technology during the General Plan process. III. Update on Fiscal Issues City Manager Leung and Finance Director Matusiewicz provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the FY 2017-18 General Fund (GF) results related to property tax, sales tax, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and discussed funding challenges associated with unfunded pension obligations, workers' compensation, and City infrastructure needs. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill invited everyone to attend future Finance Committee meetings and discussed the City's contingency reserves, surplus funds, and additional pension payments. Mayor Dixon pointed out that only about 17% of property tax money comes back to the City, received confirmation that the Board of Equalization is still determining how sales tax will be distributed, noted the strain on staff relative to short term rental issues, and commended staff for paying its employee contribution, but noted shortfalls are paid by the GF. Volume 63 - Page 22 City of Newport Beach Planning Session (Special Meeting) February 2, 2018 Jim Mosher mentioned the discussion at the Planning Commission meeting relative to property value filtration, noted employees' salaries are increased to pay for their share of the contributions to retirement, which in turn means the City is still paying, and believed the open expenditure portal to view City checks has not been implemented. Dennis Baker complimented staff for its aggressiveness in receiving grants and hoped this continues. In response to Allan Beek's questions, Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill and Finance Director Matusiewicz explained the differences between the GF, restricted funds, enterprise funds, revenues from property taxes, sales taxes and TOTS, and the different types of revenues (non -spendable, restricted, committed, assigned, contingency, and surplus). Mayor Dixon added that these are cash flows into the City and there are rules and regulations to how they are kept in reserve. IV. Managing Service Levels City Manager Leung reviewed service level considerations relative to enforcement, increased maintenance of public facilities, and maintaining service levels with rising demands. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Police Chief Lewis discussed a proposal and reasons to increase the current eight motorcycle officers to ten. Community Development Director Jurjis reviewed the results of the residential parking enforcement pilot program, the option to augment parking enforcement services with the existing vendor during peak times of the year, and proposed code enforcement changes. Assistant City Manager Jacobs reported on the success of having Code Enforcement Supervisor Cosylion in the Harbor Department, the concerns if he is removed from the Harbor due to his expertise, and noted Newport Beach Municipal Code Title 17 (Harbor Code) will be amended this year, which may require additional enforcement. Mayor Dixon suggested having the Finance Committee review the proposed code enforcement changes, but agreed that the City's annual visitors rate impacts City services. In response to Council questions regarding traffic enforcement, Police Chief Lewis reported that traffic safety is measured differently than crime statistics, provided information on how traffic safety funding occurs, clarified how traffic enforcement is distributed throughout the City, noted they also have an educational component to their service, and they have minimal code enforcement duties, depending on the type of enforcement needed. Council Member Avery pointed out the Newport Heights area is requesting additional traffic enforcement. Council Member Herdman expressed support for the hiring of additional traffic officers. Council Member Muldoon indicated that, unless the crime rate increases, he will not be supporting adding more traffic officers at this time. Regarding residential parking and code enforcement, Council Member Brenner expressed concern with increased enforcement since it appears that construction is forcing the residents to park illegally. Discussion ensued relative to whether the City wants to change the code enforcement model from reactive to proactive due to resident requests for more enforcement and the need for increased enforcement and education in the Harbor. Public Works Director Webb introduced Deputy Public Works Director Martin and utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss sidewalk public pressure washing and costs, the increase in need and demand for the service, what property owners are responsible for, and confirmed the budget level has remained constant for ten years. Council Member Muldoon expressed support for holding the line, but making adjustments for inflation. Council Member Herdman thanked staff for making the City look nice and requested no cutback in efforts. Volume 64 - Page 23 City of Newport Beach Planning Session (Special Meeting) February 2, 2018 Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill recused himself from cleaning service discussions since his law firm represents ABM. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Webb highlighted the cleaning service and locations serviced, ongoing service issues, the use of staff resources to backfill service needs, staffing options, the need for increased services, and effects of wear and tear on facilities due to the transient population. Council Member Muldoon expressed support for combining or increasing the frequency of cleaning, but not adding in-house staff. Mayor Dixon indicated she would like to see a comparison of whether to conduct the service in-house or contract out the service. Council Member Avery noted the City needs to find a way to maintain its restrooms and sidewalks in a way that is welcoming. Dennis Baker discussed code enforcement issues associated with businesses hiring outside businesses to conduct pressure washing and suggested amending code enforcement hours to cover current off hours. Allan Beek explained why a restroom is needed at the end of the Peninsula, near the Wedge. Sandie Haskell believed Code Enforcement Supervisor Cosylion needs to return to his duties at City Hall and someone else should be trained to handle issues in the Harbor. Dorothy Kraus believed Code Enforcement Supervisor Cosylion should remain on the Harbor and the City should promote within or train someone to fill the supervisor role. Regarding power washing, she pointed out the State is still in a drought and the City should continue to conserve water. Max Johnson suggested slightly increasing power washing in congested areas. Mel Beale expressed concern that the City does not have a regulation that limits the number of vehicles allowed to park at a residence at one time. Cheryl Laidlaw requested the City increase traffic and pedestrian safety at Superior Avenue and Coast Highway. Public Works Director Webb indicated the City is trying to have a pedestrian bridge built. Carol Lind requested power washing occur at least once a year at West Newport Park and improved cleaning service at the restroom located at Orange Street and Seashore Drive. Bernie Svalstad requested sidewalks in Corona del Mar be cleaned once a year. Public Works Director Webb noted the City currently conducts spot cleaning in Corona del Mar. Jim Mosher noted the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) removed trash receptacles at bus stops, encouraged Council to receive public input before changing code enforcement to be proactive, expressed support for in -sourcing services due to the combination of Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and prevailing wage requirements of City contracts, and asked how many traffic violations are being conducted by motorcycle officers compared to patrol car officers. V. Break Mayor Dixon recessed the meeting at 11:06 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:14 a.m. Without objection, Item VII was taken out of order. VII. Current and Proposed Capital Projects Public Works Director Webb utilized a PowerPoint presentation for the entire portion of this discussion and displayed a booklet and a slide of current projects of interest. Volume 64 - Page 24 City of Newport Beach Planning Session (Special Meeting) February 2, 2018 City Attorney Harp announced that City Clerk Brown recused herself from discussions relative to the boardwalk due to real property interest conflicts. Regarding the Newport Pier/McFadden Square/Oceanfront Parking Lot/Boardwalk Upgrade, Public Works Director Webb discussed the last improvement in 1990, the general consensus to have a dual trail system on the boardwalk from 15th Street to 36th Street, possible improvements that can occur at McFadden Square with the restrooms, kiosk, surface, vehicle traffic, and boardwalk widening, and at the 15th Street restroom area. Mayor Dixon expressed support for looking into the improvements, but believed all of it does not need to be done at the same time. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill requested staff look at moving the centennial sphere from McFadden Square to the Civic Center Park sculpture garden since it tends to cause a congestion issue. Council Member Brenner believed art should be placed throughout the City and not just at the Civic Center Park, but this larger discussion can be done at a later date. Regarding the Newport Boulevard entry landscape, Public Works Director Webb noted the medians do not have irrigation, believed it may need beautification enhancements, and reported the view of the corporate yard can also be improved. Council Members Avery and Brenner expressed support for upgrading the entries into the City. Public Works Director Webb noted the Old Newport Boulevard Business District is requesting improvements to Old Newport Boulevard, indicated this could be discussed during the General Plan Update process, stated the area is not in the Street Paving Master Plan, and suggested considering moving parking into the center of the street. Mayor Dixon and Council Member Muldoon expressed support for including this in the General Plan Update process. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neill suggested looking into using any surplus funds from the median project as a one-time expense to upgrade the City's entryway and using gas tax money to assist with paving Old Newport Boulevard. Council Member Herdman cautioned against completely changing the ambiance of the beach town. Council Member Avery noted businesses are investing in the Old Newport Boulevard area, so the City can encourage more growth by cleaning it up and making it more inviting to invest. Council Member Muldoon recused himself due to business interests related to undergrounding matters. Discussion ensued relative to possibly using undergrounding funds Regarding the Santa Ana Avenue and Avon Street area, Council Member Avery believed improvements are needed due to safety reasons for pedestrians and bicyclists. Council Member Brenner requested to see what the public benefits are for all of the proposed projects discussed today. Regarding the Caltrans lot behind the A Restaurant, Public Works Director Webb reported the City is looking to purchasing it to offset parking. Regarding the Ocean Boulevard concrete street replacement at Carnation Avenue to Goldenrod Avenue, Council Member Brenner noted the construction on private property is impacting the area and emphasized the City should not lose its property or have it encroached on. Public Works Director Webb noted the City is working with the community and reported there may be a way to allow parking in the area. Council Member Herdman recused himself on Balboa Island drainage system discussions due to real property interests. Volume 64 - Page 25 City of Newport Beach Planning Session (Special Meeting) February 2, 2018 Public Works Director Webb discussed the Balboa Island drainage system issues, noted it needs an upgraded pump system, described the sub -terrain storm water pump station, and highlighted the proposed benefits and possible funding sources. Regarding the Newport Pier and restaurant at the end of the pier, Public Works Director Webb discussed the benefits and cost savings with moving the restaurant closer to shore or somewhere else near the pier. Mayor Dixon expressed support, noting the pier needs retrofitting. Council Member Muldoon suggested, if the restaurant is removed, to remove the center of the area so fisherman can use it for fishing. Council Member Brenner recused herself on the Orange Coast River Park discussions due to real property interest conflicts. City Manager Leung and Public Works Director Webb reported the Orange Coast River Park is requesting that each adjacent agency make a $20,000 contribution toward the development of the plan since their facilities tie into City facilities, and noted grants should be aligned with the budget process. Bob Wilson and Kristen Petros, Orange Coast River Park, provided a handout, indicated Newport Beach is the first city they have approached, noted the City provided some funding to hire a consultant for the vision plan, and this is the next step for the regional plan. Mayor Dixon indicated support for moving forward through the General Plan Update process and paying it back through grants, if received. Council Member Muldoon recused himself from discussions regarding the Boys & Girls Club due to potential property interest conflicts and left the meeting at 11:58 a.m. Public Works Director Webb and Recreation and Senior Services Director Detweiler discussed the Boys & Girls Club fundraising efforts, the improvements at the Newport Beach facility and their lease, the potential to use this facility for City recreation uses, how the Newport -Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) will be partnering with the Club, and other programs the City has assisted with financially, and estimated 95% of the children served at the facility are from Newport Beach. Mayor Dixon and Council Members Brenner, Avery and Herdman commended the Club and expressed support for providing assistance at a level to be determined at a later date. Regarding the Old Newport Boulevard Business District, Rick Haskell discussed his investments in the area and the current state of the area, requested the City upgrade the area, and believed improvements would bring others in to the district. Dorothy Kraus indicated that Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON) requests the City implement the 2016 Streetscape Master Plan this year and highlighted the SPON letter. Council Member Avery agreed that this needs to be looked at again. Mayor Dixon suggested doing something small and putting the rest in the General Plan process. Travis Whitten, Boys & Girls Club, described the larger project, noted $1.5 million will be invested into the Newport Beach facility, and reported they are already discussing recreation programs with City staff and leveraging the building during the day when the children are not there. He thanked the NMUSD for providing space to continue programming while the Club will be under construction. Tom Callister, Boys & Girls Club, discussed other benefits, the expansion of the sports activities, and the development of a teen program with the partnership of the NMUSD. Jim Mosher believed the Boys & Girls Club does not need City funding since they are raising private funds and also benefit from their lease agreement with the City. Volume 64 - Page 26 City of Newport Beach Planning Session (Special Meeting) February 2, 2018 Regarding the Santa Ana Avenue and Avon Street area, Max Johnson suggested enlarging or widening the crosswalk lines and installing flashing lights, improving bicycle access from Coast Highway, and providing lights, signage and a crosswalk at the Arches Bridge loop. VI. Update on Continuing Initiatives City Manager Leung reported that contracts will be coming to the City Council to provide enhanced social/work services to assist the homeless and look at ensuring ways to provide the safest, less polluting departures at John Wayne Airport (JWA). Mayor Dixon reported on her visit to Washington DC to discuss airport -related issues and discussions with Congressman Rouda and other Congressional delegates, the support of the Federal Aviation Administration's Reauthorization Bill, and Congressman Rouda and Congresswoman Napolitano's support of Newport Beach's efforts. She stated she is encouraged and will continue working with Congressman Rouda. Hoiyin Ip displayed a slide of the UNICEF Hunger Banquet she attended, described the outreach program, and suggested the City use UNICEF's outreach toolkit. Mayor Dixon thanked staff and the residents for attending the Planning Session and noted the budget process will be going before the Finance Committee and will ultimately come before the City Council for discussion and approval. VIII. Adjournment - 12:29 p.m. The special meeting agenda 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 January 31, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. r , j -c Leilani I. Brown City Clerk IjIdne B. Dixon Mayor Volume 64 - Page 27