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HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-05-10 Approved Minutes NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Council Chambers – 100 Civic Center Drive Wednesday, May 10, 2017 6:30 PM 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Commissioners: Paul Blank, Chair Dave Girling Bill Kenney Scott Cunningham Duncan McIntosh Doug West John Drayton Staff Members: Chris Miller, Harbor Resources Manager Shannon Levin, Harbor Resources Supervisor City Council Liaison: Mayor Pro Tem Duffield (absent) 3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –Commissioner Girling 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Robert Bents suggested the Newport Marina sailing center be renamed or dedicated in honor of William P. Ficker. Jim Mosher noted the City Council accepted the Commission's recommendation for a trial anchorage in the Turning Basin. The City Manager has drastically changed the role of the Harbor Patrol. He questioned whether the change in the Harbor Patrol's role would affect patrol of the trial anchorage. Chair Blank announced Item 6.1 would be heard prior to Item 5. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 8, 2017 Commissioner West moved approval of the March 8, 2017, Minutes as submitted. Commissioner McIntosh seconded the motion. The motion carried with 4 aye, 0 no and 3 abstaining votes. 6) CURRENT BUSINESS 1. 2016 Newport Harbor Economic Impact Study – Review by Newport Beach and Company Newport Beach and Company will review the Newport Harbor Economic Impact Study that they conducted in mid-2016. Recommendation: 1) Receive and file. Gary Sherwin, President/CEO of Newport Beach and Company and Visit Newport Beach, reported Council Member Peotter and Council Member Duffield requested a study of the economic impact and value of the Harbor. He introduced Adam Sacks of Tourism Economics, the firm that conducted the study. 2 Adam Sacks, Tourism Economics, indicated the goal of the study was to understand the full economic impact of the Harbor specifically. The Harbor is the largest recreational yacht harbor on the west coast. Approximately 3,500 of 13,000 businesses in the City operate within the Harbor area. Approximately 27 percent of all residential properties are located within the Harbor area. The median sales price of residential property within the Harbor area is $2.2 million, which is 15 percent higher than the median sales price across the City, 50 percent higher than the average listing price, and nearly double the average price per square foot. In comparison to other beach communities in the region, housing prices in Newport Beach led the region. The number of businesses and the number and value of homes within the Harbor area allow the apportionment of spending to the Harbor. $46 million in revenue could be attributed to the Harbor in 2015. According to survey data, the three most visited locations in Newport Beach are Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, and Balboa Island. Balboa Island is predominantly visited by overnight guests and not as much by day visitors, which means there is a premium spending by those who visit the Harbor. Total visitor spending of $156 million is attributable to the Harbor itself. Total direct impacts attributable to the Harbor in 2015 was $202 million. The total economic impact of the Harbor is $348 million, which provides $130 million for personal income and supports 2,600 jobs. The number one beneficiary of the Harbor is government; taxes generate the most significant share of the direct output of the Harbor. The finance, insurance, and real estate industry is the next largest beneficiary of the Harbor. In terms of jobs, the restaurant industry is the number one beneficiary with the recreation industry second. The Harbor generates $14 million in state and local taxes and $30 million in federal taxes. The Newport Harbor is a massive economic engine for the City. In response to Commissioner Girling's questions, Mr. Sacks agreed there would still be some tax value to the land if the Harbor did not exist. The study did not consider values and impacts without the Harbor, but looked at the gross impact of the Harbor. Induced impact is the amount an employee spends locally from his employment income. Commissioner West felt the visitor data was low. Special events throughout the year are very important to the economy of the Harbor. In reply to Commissioner West's inquiries, Mr. Sacks advised that visitor information was obtained from survey data collected by Newport Beach and Company. By looking at where visitors go as reported in surveys, they were able to isolate the percentage of visitors that visit the Harbor and their spending patterns. The conservative element is the extent to which the Harbor creates an environment that is attractive to visitors. Even if visitors are spending money outside the Harbor, the Harbor is a driver of that spending. The study is limited to spending directly within the Harbor area. Mr. Sherwin reported a study of the economic impact of the Christmas Boat Parade had been conducted. The parade generates about $6 million in direct spending. Any credible study has to have good assumptions. He took a conservative approach in drawing the boundaries and in considering things known to be directly and economically relatable to the Harbor. Probably every home in Newport Beach has an increased value because of the nearby Harbor, but the portion of the increased value attributable to the Harbor is unknown. In response to Chair Blank's questions, Mr. Sacks suggested the study could be updated every five years. Destination marketing and the viability, attractiveness, and functionality of the Harbor is vital to maintaining and enhancing the economy of the Harbor. Jim Mosher requested the presentation and the report on which the presentation is based be made available on the City's website. Chair Blank agreed to ensure the full report or whatever portion is available for public consumption is made available to the public. 2. Proposed Dock Reconfiguration 2121 Bayside Drive Recommendation: 1) Approve the proposal for dock reconfiguration at 2121 Bayside Drive; and 2) Recommend staff prepare an Approval in Concept for 2121 Bayside Drive. Harbor Resources Supervisor Levin reported the proposal falls under Council Policy H-1. The site is in the Carnation Cove area. The replacement dock will be approximately 1,830 square feet rather than 2,901 3 square feet. The scope of work is to remove the existing U-shaped float, construct a replacement U-shaped float, replace four existing piles with new 10-inch piles, and reuse five existing 10-inch piles in the same location. The existing dock has a westerly approach; the reconfiguration will have an easterly approach. The applicant proposed and submitted a second reconfiguration with a 30-foot width. The configuration complies with design guidelines and criteria. Ingress and egress are available for both adjoining properties. The slip and the outside side-tie can accommodate a boat of 105 feet without blocking ingress/egress from 2137 Bayside Drive. Staff recommends the Harbor Commission approve the proposal and direct staff to prepare an Approval in Concept. In reply to Commissioners' questions, Harbor Resources Supervisor Levin advised that the outside side-tie will not be further from the property line than the existing structure. In this area, it is common for structures to exceed the pierhead line and sometimes the property line because of converging lot lines, shallow depths, and rocky outcroppings. The existing dock allows a side-tie on the Harbor side. The only real changes will be the approach and accommodation of a slightly larger boat. The square footage will be approximately 1,800 square feet, a decrease of approximately 150 square feet from the existing dock. Chair Blank noted the decreased square footage will result in less shading of the bottom and a smaller permit. Commissioner Kenney requested a single-line drawing showing the existing and proposed configurations with dimensions be provided to Commissioners in the future. Pete Swift, contractor, remarked that he tailored the project for Coastal Commission approval. The homeowner wants to use the dock for his boat. In response to Commissioner Drayton's inquiries, Mr. Swift indicated the homeowner's boat is 85 feet. Harbor Resources Supervisor Levin added that legally a boat of 105 feet can be berthed at the outside side-tie and in slip. Commissioner Drayton moved to approve the application. Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion. The motion carried with 7 aye, 0 no and 0 abstaining votes. 3. Proposed Dock Reconfiguration 2495 Ocean Blvd. Recommendation: 1) Approve the proposal for dock reconfiguration at 2495 Ocean Blvd.; and 2) Recommend staff prepare an Approval in Concept for 2495 Ocean Blvd. Harbor Resources Supervisor Levin reported the project is located in the Carnation Cove area off Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. The project proposes to replace the gangway measuring 24 feet by 5 feet, replace four 10-inch piles, relocate three existing 10-inch piles, and replace the floating dock with a floating dock of approximately 850 square feet. The existing configuration is oriented diagonally against the bulkhead line and against the property line. The proposed configuration moves the dock out slightly and approaches deeper water. There is nothing awry in the design, configuration, or standards. Staff recommends the Harbor Commission approve the proposal and direct staff to prepare an Approval in Concept. In reply to Commissioners' questions, Harbor Resources Supervisor Levin indicated the existing dock is similar in size. Staff determined there is not an issue with ingress/egress occurring across the property line; however, staff can include a condition requiring both property owners to acknowledge that ingress/egress will occur across the property line. Staff has not talked with the property owner of 201 Carnation. Staff did not solicit comment from nearby property owners because the project complies with standards. Commissioner Kenney remarked that there could be a problem if the owner of 201 Carnation tries to enlarge or relocate its dock. He liked the idea of a condition showing mutual agreement regarding ingress/egress. 4 Pete Swift, contractor, commented that the head walk will remain in the same attitude to the property line. The project should not affect Channel Reef. The dock at 201 Carnation is the maximum size allowed. The property owner needs to replace the gangway because waves are constantly breaking it. In response to Commissioner Girling's inquiry, Mr. Swift advised that the existing dock has the same square footage as the proposed dock. Commissioner Kenney moved to approve the application with the inclusion of a condition for mutual agreement regarding access between the contiguous property owners. Commissioner McIntosh seconded the motion. The motion carried with 7 aye, 0 no and 0 abstaining votes. 4. Mooring Administration in Newport Harbor – A Review of the City's Plan to Assume Responsibilities Staff will review the City's strategy and progress regarding the City's plan to manage the moorings in Newport Harbor this summer. Recommendation: 1) Receive and file. City Manager Dave Kiff reported the City has a long-term contract with the Sheriff's Harbor Patrol to manage moorings. The cost is approximately $313,000 for 2017 and increases to $321,000 in 2018. The City executed a notice of cancellation at the end of March with the expectation of assuming duties on July 1. Many of the duties will be handled through the Marina Park office. A contract Harbormaster and his team will be in charge of the moorings, help the City with nuisance enforcement, and provide customer service. Critical issues are a business model, hours of operation, budget and staffing, stakeholder and Harbor Commission input, and vessels for staff. Action items include towing and vessel assistance, automating the mooring permit process, updating forms, acquiring vessels, developing a new layout for visitor mooring, establishing an impound process, providing public information, and developing an organization chart. There's also a wish by the Council to improve amenities for mooring holders. There will always be a role for the Harbor Patrol in Newport Harbor, especially in regards to the ocean and crime activities. In reply to Commissioner McIntosh's question, City Manager Kiff indicated law enforcement will remain with the Harbor Patrol, and the City will handle code enforcement. Commissioner Kenney assumed code enforcement personnel will have the responsibility for administration of the temporary anchorage. In the event of a storm, there needs to be 24/7 support on the water for towing and securing vessels. In response to Commissioner Kenney's inquiry, Harbor Resources Manager Miller advised that staff will meet with Sea Tow and Vessel Assist to review options and obtain ideas. Conceptually, mooring permittees will be responsible for their vessels if the vessels break free or if moorings drift. The City will relocate vessels in a “planned event”, like sea lion abatement, or for impounds. In the storm season, perhaps the contracted companies will be out in the harbor and would respond on their own. Those are details staff will have to work out. City Manager Kiff did not believe a plan could work without a commitment and a contract with vessel towing companies to provide emergency service. Commissioner Kenney liked the idea of using coach boats for speed and wake control. However, the City will need code enforcement on the water during periods of inclement weather and will need at least one vessel with some sort of enclosure. Harbor Resources Manager Miller indicated staff has considered that if newer vessels are purchased. For the summer, non-enclosed vessels will be used. Commissioner Drayton suggested staff check the maneuverability of NAC boats because they don't turn very well. He did not find anything in the plans regarding increasing the efficiency and reducing the footprint of the mooring fields. As the City contemplates how to assume these responsibilities, the efficiency and size of mooring fields should be on the agenda. In response to Commissioner Girling's questions, City Manager Kiff expected fire suppression services to remain with the Harbor Patrol. The City should be able to take care of minor problems. Given the proposed staffing plan, staff should be on the water on a more repetitive basis to enforce ordinances more directly and effectively. 5 In reply to Commissioner West's inquiries, City Manager Kiff hoped the Harbor Patrol will not reduce any portion of its typical patrol. The City and the Harbor Patrol are working through details as they better understand the role of each. Commissioner West felt six part-time positions is too few during peak times given the size of the Harbor and the number of activities. City Manager Kiff stated the City will hire additional people if needed. Chair Blank remarked that the idea of integrating transient moorings with Marina Park seems brilliant. Given the speed limit in the Harbor, he did understand the need for a faster boat for mooring services. With respect to contracting with Tow Boat US or Vessel Assist or both, the City needs to establish a clear protocol and priority for calls they manage. Commissioner West expressed concern about responding to situations that affect public and personal safety. A dragging boat or a dragging mooring can change from an annoying situation to a dangerous situation quickly. Bob Thurmond inquired about City communications with residents and mooring owners in terms of the overall responsibility for mooring owners and how it will be partitioned among new services. Jim Mosher asked if the permanent anchorage is part of this plan or managed under some other contract. City Manager Kiff reported the City will handle both anchorages in terms of ensuring people are greeted and made aware of rules. With respect to communications with mooring holders, the City will improve its app and website to ensure people are fully informed. 5. Harbor Commission 2017 Objectives and Council Pairings: Review and Assign Committee Members to the Commission's Objectives. Reassign Council Pairings. The Harbor Commission will briefly review the Harbor Commission Objectives, and will reassign committee members. In addition, the Harbor Commission will reassign their individual pairings with City Council Members. Recommendation: 1) Review Harbor Commission 2017 Objectives and reassign committee responsibilities as needed. 2) Reassign the Harbor Commission pairings with their respective Council Members. Chair Blank reported the Commission approved its Objectives at the beginning of the fiscal year. A number of them were unassigned or were assigned to former Commissioners. Commissioners maintain relationships with Council Members to share Commission information and to obtain Council input on potential Commission topics. Council Members Diane Dixon and Will O'Neill do not have assigned Commissioner Liaisons. Commissioner Cunningham selected Council Member O'Neill, and Commissioner Drayton selected Council Member Dixon. Commissioner Drayton chose to join the subcommittees for Objectives 2, 3, and 5. Commissioner Kenney will replace Chair Blank on the subcommittee for Objective 3. Commissioner Cunningham chose to join the subcommittees for Objectives 5, 7, and 8. Commissioner Girling moved to approve the assignments of Commissioner Drayton to liaise with Council Member Dixon and Commissioner Cunningham with Council Member O'Neill; to approve the assignments of Commissioner Drayton to subcommittees for Objectives 2, 3, and 5 and Commissioner Cunningham to subcommittees for Objectives 5, 7, and 8; and to approve the substitution of Commissioner Kenney for Chair Blank on the subcommittee for Objective 3. Commissioner Kenney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 7 aye, 0 no and 0 abstaining votes. 6 7) COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS (NON-DISCUSSION ITEMS) Commissioner West announced he had submitted his resignation from the Harbor Commission to the City Council and staff as he is moving his principal residence to Massachusetts. The June meeting will be his final meeting. Commissioners thanked Commissioner West for his service and valuable input. Chair Blank explained the process for renaming the sailing center at Marina Park and the Harbor Commission's role in the process. He thanked Harbor Resources Manager Miller for designing signage identifying locations of pump-out stations and for contacting the County to repair its pump-out station. Harbor Resources Manager Miller reported the bilge pump-out will be presented to the City Council for approval in the 2017-2018 Capital Improvement Program. If approved, he can begin working on it this summer. 8) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COUNCIL LIAISON ON HARBOR RELATED ISSUES None. 9) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH HARBOR RESOURCES MANAGER ON HARBOR RELATED ISSUES Harbor Resources Manager Miller had no items to report. The Council approved the temporary anchorage. Chair Blank reported the Council also reviewed the Harbor Financial Plan in a study session. 10) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS OR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COUNCIL LIAISON OR HARBOR RESOURCES MANAGER Jim Mosher advised that the City Arts Commission is considering adding the opening of Marina Park and recognition of William Ficker and another sailor to the timeline at Newport Pier. Perhaps Commissioners have events they wish to include in the timeline. Updates to the Local Coastal Program include a proposal for a parking management program in Balboa Village. The parking program will require marine-related uses to provide off-street parking, which conflicts with the Harbor Commission's Objective to preserve land- side marine-related uses. 11) MATTERS WHICH COMMISSIONERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Chair Blank noted a future agenda item for renaming the sailing center. Commissioners requested future agenda items for standup paddle boarding, the City resuming responsibility for the Harbor users meeting, and the Mooring Management Plan. 12) DATE AND TIME FOR NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 13) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Harbor Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.