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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/24/2009 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes City Council Study Session February 24, 2009 — 4:30 p.nL ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Henn, Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tem Curry, Mayor Selich, Council Member Webb, Council Member Gardner, Council Member Daigle H. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None 2. GREEN TASK FORCE OUTREACH PLANS. [100 -2009] Council Member Gardner indicated that residents would like more information about becoming greener. She stated that new laws will be implemented by the State and discussed ways the City can exceed the State's standards. She stated that the City's proposed outreach plans go beyond the State's requirements since it provides a description, application, and benefit. She also stated that some of the State's regulations are optional, but believed that the City should stress the benefits of conserving. She indicated that the Task Force would like to provide a brochure or handouts that refers people to the website. Brion Jeannette stated that the guidelines being proposed deal with green materials, water conservation, watering lawns, and cleaning the water before it enters the Bay. He expressed hope that Council will agree that the guideline makes sense and that the website is an important way of providing information to the public. In response to Council Member Rosansky's question, Mr. Jeannette stated that the State codes will go into effect in June, but will be voluntary. Council Member Gardner added that the Task Force will come back to Council to discuss what is required by the State and will make additional suggestions, with most of the suggestions being optional. Council Member Curry commended Council Member Gardner and the Green Task Force for their work on positioning residents to be able to comply with the new laws. He discussed the importance of having choices available. Council Member Henn expressed support for the outreach plans and commended Council Member Gardner for taking the lead on the issue. Council Member Gardner commended staff and stated that they incorporated what they learned from other cities. Council Member Rosansky expressed support for going green, but will reserve his final judgment as to what is mandatory and what is voluntary. In response to City Manager Bludau's questions, Council Member Gardner stated that staff is researching the relationship between SB375 and the Green Building Standards. Building Director Elbettar reported that the Green Building Standards adopted by the State are the first green building codes in the nation and goes into effect on August 1. He indicated that the standards are voluntary until January 2011 and apply to residences, schools, and Volume 59 — Page 86 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session February 24, 2009 hospitals. He talked about energy standards and the City's ability to modify, amend, or add to them. He reported that the adoption process will begin in April or May and that the Task Force will have an opportunity to provide input relative to the standards. Building Director Elbettar reported that buildings that are older than 30 years old might not be able to handle the extra weight from solar panels. He noted that the Energy Commission is proposing new energy standards in late 2009 that will involve existing buildings and homes at the point of sale. In response to Council Member Daigle's question, Building Director Elbettar stated that stakeholders have not been notified yet because the guidelines have not been developed and the Building Standards Commission is still seeking input. City Attorney Hunt recommended that Council vote to add an item to the Closed Session Agenda relative to a letter received from the City of Irvine regarding the Hyatt Regency Project (Item 14). He believed that the information may lead to possible litigation; and advised Council that it must be dealt with prior to the next meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (c). Motion by Mayor_Pro_Tem_QAMKy to add an item to the Closed Session Agenda relative to a letter received from the City of Irvine regarding the Hyatt Regency Project (Item 14), pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (c). The motion carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Council Member Henn, Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tem Curry, Mayor Selich, Council Member Webb, Council Member Gardner, Council Member Daigle III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. ADJOURNMENT - 4:57 p.m. The agenda for the Study Session was posted on February 18, 2009, at 2:50 p.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. v \4a "V y �. City Clerk Volume 54 - ngv �.