HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-1999 - Special MeetingCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Special Meeting
September 18, 1999 - 8:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Glover, Thomson, Debay, Ridgeway, Noyes, Mayor O'Neil
Absent: None
Welcome and Introductory Remarks (Overview and Purpose of Session)
Mayor O'Neil welcomed the Council and staff and briefly described the purpose of
the meeting.
Observations and Impressions (Community, City Charter, City Council, Staff,
Overall Organizatioa, Vision)
City Manager Bludau provided his observations and impressions of the community,
City Charter, City Council, staff, overall organization and his visions. He also
provided information to the Council on the list of organizational issues identified by
the management team. Mayor O'Neil identified security as a major organizational
• issue. Council Member Glover identified the following areas that she would like to
see staff pursue: 1) enforcement of current laws in Mariner's Mile, and 2) new
measures to be used for traffic mitigation, land planning, etc. She also voiced
concern about the residents being opposed to everything with no thought about
where new revenues will come from.
Areas for Imorovement (Human Resources, Property Management, Tidelands
Administration /Back Bay Permitting & Enforcement, Public Information/
Communication, Part -time and Temporary Employees)
Mr. Bludau reported that the management team identified Human Resources as a
weak area in the organization. He announced his plans to separate the Human
Resources /Risk Management function from the Administrative Services Department
and make them their own department. The new department will report directly to
Assistant City Manager Sharon Wood and Sharon will relocate to the vacant office
next to the City Manager's office. Jay Elbettar, Building Director, will report
directly to the City Manager. He also reported that a consultant will be hired to
audit the human resources function.
Mr. Bludau also announced his plans to consolidate the property management
function in the City Manager's office. He reported that Assistant to the City
Manager Dave Kiff will be responsible for that area and will be promoted to Deputy
City Manager. He stated that in the future he may fill the Assistant to the City
Manager position.
• Mr. Bludau reported on the need for a regular communication vehicle with the
residents and the need for the City to dedicate the time and resources for that
function. He also voiced concerns about part -time and temporary employees and
noted that because of constant turnover in these positions, it creates a weakness in
the organization. At this time he said he does not have any recommendations,
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City Council Minutes
September IS, 1999
INDEX
however stated that this area does need to be addressed. Mr. Bludau also addressed
concerns with the environmental impact review process and the way it is managed.
Recess and Reconvene - The Council took a brief recess at 9:50 a.m. and
reconvened at 10:05 a.m. with all members present.
How Council Does Business
The following determinations were reached by Council regarding each of the
particular discussion items:
Placing Items on the Agenda
a. Only a Council Member or the City Manager has the authority to place items
on agendas.
b. Future agendas will have a "Council Announcements" section.
c. Weekly City Manager reports will include future agenda items assigned to
meeting dates.
Staff Report Backup InfOrmationlSupplementol
a. Staff needs to coordinate agenda and staff report titles.
b. Council likes supplemental information in red envelopes,
c. Council does not want new items on the agenda as Friday supplemental
• information.
d. Council prefers full range of background information with staff reports.
e. EIR's should contain executive summaries.
Meeting Dates and Times
a. Council is agreeable to moving Council meetings to Tuesday if
Council Member Adams does not have conflicts.
b. With meetings on Tuesdays, mail would be distributed on Thursdays.
Study Sessions — How are They Working: Difference Between Study Sessions and
Agenda Items? Enough Tune to Reuiew Packets
a. Council will not vote on any Study Session item.
b. Study Sessions are for detailed overviews on issues.
c. Study Session items will not appear on a regular agenda earlier than two
weeks after the Study Session.
How are Complaints Responded to?
a. Staff should respond to all written requests and copy Council Members or
e -mail Council Members about responses (along with copy of original letter).
Staff Report Recommendations
• a. Staff should make a recommendation and when appropriate can add section
called "alternate considerations ".
b. Order for public hearing process: 1) staff reports, 2) Council questions of
staff and 3) open the hearing.
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Communication (Between Council and City Manager, Between Council and Staff,
Ammag Council Members, Between City and Community)
The Council discussed communication issues and noted that Council can contact
staff, however cannot provide direction to them.
Status of Primary Goals (El Toro Airport, Next Meeting Issues, Major Projects,
EIR's, General Plan Amendments)
Staff provided Council with a brief update on these various issues.
Public Comments — None
ADJOURNMENT - 1:15 p.m.
The agenda for the Special Meeting was posted on September 14, 1999, at
3:50 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of
Newport Beach Administration Building.
Citv Clerk
M, d&(
Recording Secretary
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Mayor
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