HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/09/2011 - Study SessionCity Council Minutes
City Council Study Session
August 9, 2011 — 4:00 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Hill, Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tern Gardner, Mayor Henn, Council
Member Selich, Council Member Curry, Council Member Daigle
II. CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
In response to Mayor Henn's question regarding Item 8 (Planning Commission Agenda),
Community Development Director Brandt stated that they received two applications for the same
property, which would overlap if both were approved and built as submitted. Both submissions
were reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 4 and subsequently continued to the
Planning Commission meeting of October 20. The Planning Commission and staff made several
recommendations after reviewing the projects, including the potential for an alternative Planned
Community Text, to which both applicants were amenable. She noted that in the interim, staff
will work with both applicants to assist with modifying their proposals in order to resolve the
differences between them, and potentially come to a resolution where both applications could
proceed with allowances for the other respective proposal.
2. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA) UPDATE ON SR-
55 /NEWPORT BOULEVARD TRAFFIC STUDY. 1100 -20111
City Traffic Engineer Brine provided a staff report and reported that he has attended all the
meetings, including open houses and other public gatherings related to the project.
Tony Petros, LSA Associates, consultant to OCTA for the SR -55 /Newport Boulevard Traffic Study,
introduced project colleagues from OCTA and presented a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the
history, the current status of the project, outreach goals, and next steps. He reported that the
project team is utilizing various methods to inform residents and the public regarding the
upcoming study and project. Mayor Henn suggested that the project team also conduct outreach
to the various homeowner associations.
Mr. Petros stated the that the four alternatives that would be evaluated in the study were to 1)
keep the existing system without any change; 2) implement transportation system management
techniques; 3) do more aggressive techniques, including fixes at the two ends through the use of
flyovers and grading; and 4) separate the two primary purposes through the corridor utilizing cut
and cover systems. He discussed the Caltrans broad -based environmental review [Project
Development Support (PDS)] and stated that the project is not at the point where CEQA
environmental evaluations are required.
Jim Mosher inquired as to whether one of the alternatives will be the final solution or if there are
temporary solutions until Caltrans finds the funding to extend the freeway. He also discussed
Charter Section 422. City Traffic Engineer Brine noted that the goal of the original study was to
look at alternatives to the freeway extension.
Volume 60 - Page 220
City of Newport Beach
City Council Study Session
August 9, 2011
3. CIVIC CENTER UPDATE (C- 4527). [381100 -2011]
Public Works Director Badum utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss where the project is,
the library extension, contingencies, project phasing and fund balances, potential unanticipated
contingency items, change orders, value engineering, the project schedule, and construction to
date.
Council Member Hill expressed his support for the contractor, CW Driver, and noted their
diligence in managing funding for the project.
William Hahn, CW Driver, explained that they have received about 300 Requests for Information
(RFI), which is not an excessive amount given the complexity of the project. He clarified that a
change order would be issued if a significant change in the project design occurs that would result
in additional costs. He further indicated that CW Driver has instituted construction management
methodologies, such as frequent meetings with internal staff and subcontractors, and creativity in
terms of resequencing construction in order to retain the schedule as originally approved.
In response to Jim Mosher's question, City Manager Kiff indicated that the Council Building
Committee consists of Council Members Selich, Rosansky, and Hill.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Attorney Hunt clarified that the case number for Closed Session Item AA (MORN v. City of
Newport Beach) should be OCSC Case No. 30- 0211- 00447004.
Regarding the Closed Session agenda, Jim Mosher suggested terminating the litigation with Morningside
Recovery, announcing the final parcel price for the Marina Park property, making the recruitment for the
new City Attorney more transparent, and requiring the new City Attorney to live in Newport Beach. City
Attorney Hunt reiterated his statement from previous meetings that the Marina Park property is under
negotiations so it is appropriate to discuss the item during Closed Session. He also noted that the City
cannot require the City Attorney to live in Newport Beach.
IV. ADJOURNMENT - 4:47 p.m.
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on August 4, 2011, at 3:25 p.m. on the City Hall
Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.
'1 , 'f/ 1
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
Mayor
Volume 60 - Page 221