HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 - Insiders GuideJanuary 28, 2020
Insider's Guide
Insider's Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on January 28, 2020
Our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, January 28. Items that may be of interest are
highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here.
Study session begins at 4 p.m. for a discussion on pedestrian and bicycle access within the
Newport Heights area. This area has been the focus of safety and access for pedestrians and
bicyclists, particularly for the students traveling to and from schools. Staff will discuss current
conditions and additional improvements that may be considered for the neighborhood.
The regular session begins at 7 p.m. and the following are items of note:
On the consent calendar is the introduction of an ordinance establishing lobbyist registration,
reporting and disclosure requirements. This item was heard by City Council in November
2019 and it was determined to seek additional public input. Following the additional input, the
proposed ordinance now includes revisions, such as registration with the City Clerk rather
than the Orange County Campaign Finance and Ethics Commission and increased penalties
for violations.
Also on the consent calendar is acceptance of a $175,000 grant from the State for the
Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel (SAVE) Program. The City has received grant funds for
the last several years and with an increase in dollar amount this year, we will be able to
continue our efforts to clean up the harbor.
As directed by Council, a resolution opposing the modified RHNA allocation methodology,
which allocates 4,832 housing units that Newport Beach must plan for, is on the consent
calendar. As noted earlier, the methodology has been approved by the state, and per our
housing action plan, we will be appealing our number.
For public hearing is the introduction of a Cottage Preservation Ordinance. This amendment
was initiated by City Council in May 2019, in response to the growing community concerns
related to the loss of small residential cottages and the mass associated with new single and
two -unit dwelling developments in the City. Following community outreach and Planning
Commission review, the proposed ordinance is now before Council. The amendments would
allow larger additions without providing the minimum code -required parking when the project
would result in the preservation of the cottage character and building envelope that is
representative of traditional development patterns in the City.
On current business is the update of Title 17 — Harbor Code. The City Council requested the
Harbor Commission review Title 17 in February 2018. This significant and comprehensive
effort, led by a subcommittee of the Harbor Commission, included extensive public outreach
and a detailed review of the code. The proposed changes reflect all chapters of the Harbor
Code with the exception of the section on Marine Activity Permits, which will be provided to
City Council at a future date. The update of Title 17 is a important and noteworthy milestone
in the development of the City's Harbor Department and ensuring the safe and effective
operation of activities in the harbor.
The second item on current business is award of contract for the maintenance and
refurbishment of the wooden benches and trash cans on Balboa Island. After two
unsuccessful bidding advertisements, we have received one proposal. Due to the high cost
to maintain these items, staff is seeking direction on the long-term maintenance level and
refurbishment plan for the wooden benches and trash cans.