HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/13/2007 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Study Session
February 13, 2007 — 5:00 p.m.
Present: Council Member Henn, Council Member Curry, Mayor Pro Tem Selich, Mayor
Rosansky, Council Member Webb, Council Member Daigle, Council Member
Gardner
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
In response to a question by Council Member Daigle, City Manager Bludau stated
that the ordinance pertaining to Item No. 3 (animal nuisance) will allow staff
to issue citations that will be upheld in court.
Pertaining to Item No. 14 (CERT Grant), Council Member Daigle expressed concern
that the community preparedness coordinator position is not being used as
envisioned, since the intent was not to increase the CERT program. In response,
Fire Chief Lewis stated that Matt Brisbois is the CERT Team Coordinator who is
responsible for community awareness, including speaking before homeowners'
associations, Rotary Clubs, etc. In addition, Mr. Brisbois conducts two to
three CERT presentations per year, as well as any other speaking
engagements pertaining to emergency response. Jen Schultz is now their Public
Information Officer and has the responsibility for community education. Katie
Freeman is responsible for the City's disaster preparedness, including handling of
grants and Tsunami and. earthquake preparedness. Mr. Brisbois and Ms.
Freeman each have defined responsibilities, and they do assist each other.
Council Member Curry stated that he clearly supports Item Nos. 7 and 8, but will
pull them at tonight's meeting for further discussion and to focus the public's
attention on what is being done with these issues.
Pertaining to Item No. S21, Mayor Pro Tem Selich questioned whether the condition
of the ramp going down to China Cove will be able to handle the truck traffic and if
adequate provisions exist for any repairs. Council Member Gardner stated she was
assured by Tom Rossmiller that the road will be photographed beforehand, and the
agreement contains provisions for any necessary repairs.
Mayor Pro Tem. Selich stated that he will pull this item on tonight's agenda to
suggest Exhibit C (Scope of Services), No. 7, of the agreement be amended to
stipulate that trucks be required to shut their engines off rather than left to idle 2 -3
minutes.
2. INSURANCE RENEWALS - EXCESS GENERAL LIABILITY, EXCESS
WORKERS COMPENSATION AND PROPERTY INSURANCE.
Barbara Ramsey, Human Resources Director, reported on insurance renewals,
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noting the renewal date is March 1st. Mark Zahoryin will make a presentation, and
Lauren Farley, Risk Manager, is also present to respond to any questions. This item
will be brought to Council in two weeks for a vote.
Mark Zahoryin, Brown and Brown, introduced himself and provided background
information on his firm, noting they have served the City for the past 17 years. He
provided an overview of the insurance renewal process, adding their
recommendations to staff should be ready on Friday. Based on final indications
today, his recommendation will include a 41% increase in the property insurance
premium, which includes a 13% increase in overall insurable values. As far as the
other coverages, they are expecting flat to 10 %, and it's coming in at a 4-
5% decrease. He expects the total annual premium to be no greater than 2% of what
was paid on an annual basis in 2006, which is 2% greater.
In response to a Council question, Mr. Zahoryin stated that he attributes the low
increases to market conditions and the two underwriters wanting to retain the City's
business.
Mr. Zahoryin explained fidicuiary liability responsibilities to the Council noting that
it is intended to cover the City's fidicuiary responsibility to its employees on
employee benefit and retirement plans. This policy covers everyone who makes
decisions on employee benefit plans. As far as low loss histories, Mr.
Zahoryin indicated that it has been very positive and loss control by staff has also
helped. In response to questions about coverage changes, Mr. Zahoryin explained
that the only item that may change is under the liability insurance, and it is a
positive change. He explained that the City currently has a $500,000 self - insured
retention on all areas of public liability insurance, with the exception of employment
practices which is at $1 million dollars. However, he is trying to reduce that
amount,but may not be successful in accomplishing this.
In response to .a question by City Manager Bludau regarding the 13% increase in
total insured values, Mr. Zahoryin stated that not only were facilities added, but
appraisals were also done on properties not previously appraised, which accounted
for a good portion of the 13% increase.
In response to a question by Council Member Curry, Lauren Farley, Risk Manager,
indicated that a 10% increase on each insurance line item was budgeted this fiscal
year for potential premium increases, and the overall increase is about 2 %.
3. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE ROLE OF THE NEWPORT BEACH
LIBRARY LITERACY PROGRAM IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Linda Katsouleas, Library Director, reported on the literacy program and
introduced Cherall Weiss, Literacy Coordinator, and Carolyn Scheer, President of
the Literacy Board.
Ms. Weiss gave the definition for literacy as it has progressed through the
years. Forty -four million adults in the United States fall in the low or inadequate
literacy status. In Newport Beach, over 7,000 adults are considered illiterate or have
low literacy skills. The National Institute for Literacy conducted a survey, and the
Southern California literacy network came up with the local statistics based on
economics and ethnicities.
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Ms. Scheer explained their mission is to improve the literacy skills of adults to
enable them to achieve greater successes in their lives at home, work, and in the
community. She reported they have a Literacy Advisory Board and further
explained the role, membership, meeting schedule, and terms of the Board
Members. She explained the relationship between the Library and the Board.
Ms. Weiss provided information on tutor training and explained the program.
Ms. Scheer described the programs offered: core program, book clubs for learners,
conversation class, writing classes, pronunciation class, family literacy, and adult
learner and tutor support groups. She provided information on the following new
developments: joint venture with the Library to promote early literacy, celebration
of International Literacy Day, presentation of the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial
Award, publication of a quarterly newsletter, and launching of their website in
November. They want to develop relationships and visibility in the community. To
that end, Me. Weiss has been working with the Newport -Mesa Unified School
District to make them aware of the literacy program and to solicit possible referrals
to their program. Ms. Weiss has also made presentations to the OASIS Senior
Center in an effort to lure tutors into the program.
Ms. Weiss explained the services provided in their department: one -on -one tutoring
to any English- speaking individual, and small group classes and workshops to
support the learners in meeting their goals. Every year, they provide assistance
to over 120 adult learners and work with over 50 families in the Families for
Literacy program. They conduct a quarterly program to address early literacy issues
with families in the area, and those have drawn 20 people quarterly. In the first six
months of FY 2006 -2007, they have logged over 3,000 volunteer hours, and their
learners have logged over 1,700 hours with their tutors. Their ages range between
25 and 72, and their common trait is they all have a desire to progress.
Ms. Scheer reported that the learners set goals and reviewed the types of goals set.
Their desires are to have more people aware of the program and to have more
tutoring volunteers. Their needs are: 1) increased financial support from the
community, so they can advertise to attract tutors and print promotional materials;
2) new learning resources, since materials go out of date; 3) classroom space; and 4)
additional volunteer tutors, as they are the key to the program's success.
Ms. Weiss stated their current budget is $80,000 and provided a breakdown of the
funding sources. She noted that two funding sources were lost this year. As a result,
they need to raise an additional $9,000 this year.
In response to a question by City Manager Bludau, Ms. Weiss stated the students
are required to either live or work in Newport Beach.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -None
ADJOURNMENT - 5:87 p.m.
The agenda for the Adjourned Regular Meeting was posted on February 7, 2007, at 2:18 p.m.
on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration
Building.
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Study Session Minutes
February 18, 2007
City Clerk
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