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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/22/2011 - Study SessionINS City Council Minutes City Council Study Session February 22, 2011 — 4:00 p.m. I. ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Hill, Council Member Rosansky, Mayor Pro Tem 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 Council Member Daigle's question regarding Item 8 (Planning Commission Agenda for February 17, 2011), Acting Planning Director Campbell stated that the Planning Commission is requesting that Council take an active roll in lobbying for change of legislation regarding solar energy installations and stated that the item will be brought to Council for a final decision. In response to Mayor Henn's question regarding Item 4 {City Insurance Renewals), Risk Manager Farley provided the changes to the City's insurance liability coverages, noted that there were no losses in major insurance coverages, reported that builders risk insurance coverage will be purchased for the Civic Center project, and stated that there is an annual premium savings $332,000. 2. FEE SCHEDULE. [100 -20111 Administrative Services Director McCraner discussed the changes to the fee schedule and provided a PowerPoint presentation that included the background of cost of services fees, cost allocation components and process, Police Department cost -of- services, and other fee changes for Fiscal Year 2011. In response to Council questions, Administrative Services Director McCraner highlighted the fee changes for various departments, provided the subsidies that were removed, and briefly discussed performance based budgeting. Police Captain Gazsi further explained how the Police Department fees are charged. City Manager Kiff explained that it is staffs obligation to inform Council of the process of charging fees; however, Council will make the final decision. Acting Planning Director Campbell stated that there are no current citywide standard procedures for research billing and reported that research fees are left up to the discretion of staff. In response to Mayor Henn's question, Administrative Services Director McCraner explained that City fees are reviewed by each department yearly to ensure efficiency; however, each departments' detailed fee by fee analysis is conducted every three years. She also explained that interim fee increases are generated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or by State law. Volume 60 - Page 54 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session February 22, 2011 In response to Council Member Hill's question, Community Services Director Fick stated that there have been significant changes to improve services in the Community Services department and assured Council that the changes will bring about better efficiency. In response to Council questions, City Manager Kiff confirmed that regional board adoptions for water quality requirements are implemented by the City and assured Council that the City does not require additional charges. 3. MOORING SUPPORT SERVICE CENTER AT THE BALBOA YACHT BASIN. [100 -20111 Harbor Resources Manager Miller utilized a PowerPoint presentation that included a map of the area, photos, access options, a proposed floating dinghy tie -up, and alternative storage ideas. Council Member Selich expressed support for the project and stated that it is a good start. Council Member Curry stated that the improvements will add value to the basin. Mayor Henn stated that he is willing to consider additional funds for the center to provide better services for permit holders. 4. WEST NEWPORT FACILITIES. 1100 -20111 City Manager Kiff presented a map, video tour, and a PowerPoint presentation of the concept for West Newport facilities that included size alternatives, possible impacts to the Facilities Financing Plan, revenue sources, storm photos, and floorplans. He also discussed conceptual changes to the Marina Park Community Center. In response to Council questions, City Manager Kiff explained the difference in services offered at the Theater Arts Center and Balboa Theater and also discussed combining the current community centers into one. Recreation and Senior Services Director Detweiler discussed the Balboa Theater's funding, responsibility of construction updates, and upkeep of the property. She noted that staff can provide a more detailed analysis of facility needs for the area. Council Member Selich and Council Member Hill provided their input and ideas for the Marina Park Community Center. Council Member Curry believed that the concept represents good creative thinking about how the City will coordinate the facilities and suggested that the community be involved. Council Member Selich expressed concern about the need for a parking solution if a mid -sized facility is placed on the existing City Hall site. Council Member Rosansky suggested that a new community center in conjunction with a new Police Department facility, be placed on the existing General Services site to create Volume 60 - Page 55 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session February 22, 2011 a significant civic presence In response to Mayor Pro Tem Gardner's question, Library Services Director Cowell confirmed that there are lower attendance levels for library programs at off -site locations. Mayor Henn expressed support for the concept, suggested that the existing City Hall site be used for open areas, directed staff to make sure that programming solutions are not overlapping, and emphasized the importance of not altering the schedule for the existing City Hall site. Council Member Hill expressed support for the plan and believed that City facilities should not be sold, but placed in long term leases to generate capital funds. Mayor Henn suggested that the concept plan include affordable housing and other services for seniors on the West side of the City. Council Member Curry emphasized the importance of properly managing revenue services. Council Member Selich urged staff to keep the Marina Park project on schedule. City Manager Kiff stated that staff will bring back to Council a further review of the concept that will include a proposed schedule with costs. In response to Council Member Selich's question, City Manager Kiff explained that library uses are changing and assured Council that staff is responsive to the needs of the community. In response to Council Member Daigle's question, City Manager Kiff stated that a robust development project can take approximately 3 -5 years. George Schroeder expressed support for the concept and believed that a library is needed in the West Newport area. III. In response to Mr. Mosher's concerns, City Attorney Hunt stated that new procedures were implemented to ensure that the City is in compliance with the requirements of State law, assured him that the City has reported all reportable closed session actions, and explained that comments on closed session reports are invited during public comments of Council meetings. IV. ADJOURNMENT - 5:53 p.m The agenda for the Study Session was posted on February 16, 2011, at 4:50 p.m on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. Volume 60 - Page 56 City of Newport Beach City Council Study Session February 22,2011 City Clerk Mayor •la; 9 Volume 60 - Page 67 Secretary