HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 - EQAC Appointments and DirectiveAgenda Item No. 9
August 9—,2011
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Community Development Department
Kimberly Brandt, AICP, Director
949 - 644 -3226, kbrandt @newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Patrick J. Alford, Planning Manager
APPROVED: \ E
TITLE: EQAC Appointments and Directive to Review the Newport Banning
Ranch Draft Environmental Impact Report
ABSTRACT:
1. The appointment of two current Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory
Committee (EQAC) members and the reappointment of the Chairperson of
EQAC.
2. A directive to EQAC to review and submit comments on the draft Environmental
Impact Report for the Newport Banning Ranch Project.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Confirm Council Member Hill's appointment of Debbie Stevens as an at -large
member of the Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee;
2. Confirm Council Member Hill's appointment of Barbara Thibault as the District 3
member of the Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee;
3. Receive and file the Mayor's appointment of Debbie Stevens as the Chairperson
of the Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee;
4. Direct the Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee to review
and submit comments on the draft Environmental Impact Report for the Newport
Banning Ranch project.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
EQAC Appointments and Directive to Review the Newport Banning Ranch Draft
Environmental Impact Report
August 09, 2011
Page 2
DISCUSSION:
Background
Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee (EQAC) membership
consists of a chairperson, who is to be a citizen at -large member and appointed by the
Mayor; seven (7) district members who reside in each City Council district (if a Council
Member chooses, he /she may appoint a person who does not reside in his /her District);
seven (7) at -large members who need not reside in a particular district; four (4)
members who are active in homeowners /community associations or other civic groups;
and three (3) members who have knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) administration or environmental issues of concern to Newport Beach.
District and at -large members have terms that coincide with the terms of the Council
Members nominating them. Association and special expertise members shall have
terms of four (4) years, and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms. All
members shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council.
Appointments
The Chair of EQAC is currently vacant due to the appointment of former Chairperson
Arlene Greer to the City Arts Commission.
Council Member Hill would like to nominate Debbie Stevens as his at -large appointment
to the District 3 seat that was held by Barbara Thibault. Ms. Thibault's term ended when
former Council Member Webb left office in December 2010. Council Member Hill would
like to appoint Barbara Thibault to the District 3 seat, which is also currently vacant.
Although Ms. Thibault does not reside in District 3, Resolution No. 2011 -26, provides
that should a Council Member so choose, he /she may appoint a person who does not
reside in his /her District.
Subject to City Council confirmation of Debbie Stevens as a citizen at- large, Mayor
Henn would like to appoint Debbie Stevens as the Chairperson.
Newport Banning Ranch DEIR
Resolution No. 2011 -26 provides that EQAC shall meet as directed by the City Council
to review and submit comments on an environmental impact report (EIR) prepared by
the City.
A draft EIR for the proposed Newport Banning Ranch project is expected to be released
for public comments in September 2011.The proposed Newport Banning Ranch project
is a 402.3 -acre planned community development consisting of a maximum of 1,375
EQAC Appointments and Directive to Review the Newport Banning Ranch Draft
Environmental Impact Report
August 09, 2011
Page 3
dwelling units, 75,000 square feet of commercial retail, 75 -room boutique hotel, 'bed
and breakfast," or other overnight accommodations, parks and open space. Given the
scope of the proposed project, it is appropriate that EQAC review and provide
comments on this document. Pursuant to Resolution No. 2011 -26, this would be
conducted during the 60 -day public review period.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act ( "CEQA ") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will
not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378)
of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it
has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or
indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
by:
Kimberly Brandt, AIC'm
Community Develo nt Director