HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-15 Approved MinutesMINUTES 4-15-09
Minutes of the Economic Development Committee held at the City Council Chambers, City of
Newport Beach, on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.
Members Present:
E
Mike Henn, Chairman
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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Jennifer Gonzalez
MINUTES 4-15-09
Minutes of the Economic Development Committee held at the City Council Chambers, City of
Newport Beach, on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.
Members Present:
E
Mike Henn, Chairman
X
Sheri Drewry
X
Keith Curry, Council Member
X
Jennifer Gonzalez
X
Steve Rosansky, Council Member
X
John Hyatt
X
Robert Hawkins, Planning Commissioner
X
Lloyd Ikerd
X
Mike McNamara, Vice Chairman
X
Brion Jeannette
A
Fred Ameri
X
Debra Legan
X
Craig Batley
X
Richard Luehrs
X
Seymour Beek
X
Scott Palmer
X
Jeffrey Cole
X
John Robinson
X
Steven Coyne
X
Gregg Schwenk
X
Gary DiSano
X
Gary Sherwin
X
Jim Donnell
X
Gay Wassail -Kelly
X
Kenneth Drellishak
Staff Representatives:
x
Sharon Wood, Assistant City Manager
x
Leigh De Santis, Economic Development
Administrator
x
Katie Bowden, Economic Development
Coordinator
Guests Present:
Bill Kelly Roy Freeman
Peggy Forte
Roll Call and Introductions:
Vice Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 8:06 am and began self
introductions of the assembled members, staff and guests.
EDC MINUTES 4-15-09.doc
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
■ Gregg Schwenk announced the 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival would occur
April 23-30, 2009.
■ Gay Wassall-Kelly reported that this year the Newport to Ensenada Race sets sail
from the Balboa Pier on April 24, 2009. Also sailing from the Balboa Pier that day will
be the new(er) and shorter route, Race to the Border.
■ Gary Sherwin announced that thanks to Gary DiSano, in addition to one of the BCS
playoff teams and the media, both universities' alumni associations will be staying in
Newport Beach hotels; one at the Island and one at the Balboa Bay Club.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Minutes of March 18, 2009.
Motion: Gregg Schwenk
Second: Seymour Beek
Vote: Unanimous
2. Presentation by Gary Sherwin, on the EDC designed Special Events Advisory
Committee
Some members of the City Council thought that having a group of marketing
professionals evaluate special event assistance requests could be useful in helping
the City Council make funding decisions. An early draft of such an idea was presented
to the EDC Executive Committee. The EDC Executive Committee was asked to refine
and develop the idea, take it to the full EDC for review and move it forward to the City
Council for action if supported by the EDC. Following Gary's and Sharon's
explanation there was a discussion of various aspects of the proposal, including
whether the Committee should be a subgroup of the EDC or a stand alone Committee.
As discussion was concluding, Jim Donnell moved that the proposal be forwarded to
the City Council. Robert Hawkins seconded. Gay Wassail -Kelly proposed that the
Purpose be amended to include the production of a master calendar of events for the
City. Robert Hawkins seconded the amendment. The question as amended was
unanimously approved.
3. Presentation by Mike McNamara, regarding the creation of a Committee of
Interested Individuals to Explore a Summer Water Taxi Service.
The Strategic Plan for Fiscal and Economic Sustainability includes direction to form a
committee of concerned individuals to research and recommend to the City Council
the feasibility of a summer water taxi service. The issue of better utilization of the
harbor/bay has also arisen at the Harbor Commission andat the Chamber of
Commerce in discussions about the creation of a tourism map of the harbor.. Mr.
McNamara presented to the group an EDC Executive Committee proposal for a
committee that could address all those aspects of the issue on behalf of the three
groups and the City Council. After the presentation Robert Hawkins moved approval
EDC MINUTES 4-15-09.doc
and Jim Donnell seconded. Discussion followed, including the need for a study to
determine the scope and feasibility of such a service. Craig Batley moved the
question and Greg Schwenk seconded. The Committee proposal was unanimously
approved to be forwarded to City Council.
The EDC then nominated Mike McNamara and Richard Luehrs to be their
recommendations for appointment to the Committee. Jim Mahoney and Casey Jones
were suggested as possible appointments to the Committee to represent maritime
businesses; staff will ask them if they care to apply. John Robinson expressed interest
in representing the Restaurant Association; he will bring it with them.
4. Presentation by Greg Schwenk on the Newport Beach Film Festival
This is the 10th Anniversary of the Newport Beach Film Festival. They received over
2000 submissions and will be showing 400 films. For the first time they will also offer a
seminar series on film making. They will continue the tradition of honoring John
Wayne; this year's screening will be "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon". As part of the
Festival there will be a special look a Sponge Bob Square Pants (who is also turning
10), Bloomingdales will have a fashion show, there will be a live performance of
Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil and 22 local restaurants are offering specials. They
have received and forwarded more hotel requests than in the past. Esquire Magazine
and Entertainment Weekly have become sponsors.
5. Sheri Drewry requested that her report on Restaurant Week January 2009 be
postponed until May so that she might have more time for her presentation.
6. EQAC Representative's Report
• EQAC is in the process of reviewing two EIR's - Marina Park and Aerie.
• EQAC is in the process of responding to two Notices of Preparation - Banning
Ranch and City Hall.
ITEMS FOR A FUTURE AGENDA
• A summary report on Restaurant Week January 2009
• A progress report on the Strategic Plan for Fiscal and Economic Sustainability
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairman McNamara called for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:00 am.
EDC MINUTES 4-15-09.doc