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14 - Central Library Lecture Hall Building Project — Award of Contract No. 7444-3 (19F11) - Correspondence
Received After Agenda Printed January 9, 2024 Agenda Item No. 14 From: Mickie Hezlep <mickiehez@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:27 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I implore you to stop wasting our taxpayer money on something so lavish. Instead, get rid of city trees in view communities that block awe inspiring views that residents have had for over forty years. This is where money should be spent. I have spoken with many residents who are extremely upset and angry over the city council's refusal to protect our property values. From: Debra Harker <ocdebster@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:29 PM To: Dept - City Council EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please do not spend money on library! They can raise money and not deplete city reserves! From: jmazzotta <jmazzotta@cox.net> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:31 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: proposed lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, I needed to voice my concerns about the proposed lecture hall that will cost us over 23 million. This is a staggering amount of money for a facility that is not greatly needed and will never pay for itself. I am greatly against this project, the amount of money proposed to build this structure, and the burden that it will place on our city's finances, that could be better allocated elsewhere. Sincerely, Debi Mazzotta 12 Scenic Bluff, Newport Coast 92657 Sent from Mail for Windows From: Linda Bosserman <linda.bossermanl@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:33 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please do not approve the library auditorium project. LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members Please do not approve the library auditorium project. We need fiscal solvency and to prioritize police/ fire, homeless and mental illness services as well as parks and beaches to keep our vibrant community engaged and feeling safe. Thank you for all you do to represent us who live here. Warm regards, Linda Linda Bosserman, MD, FASCO, FACP Seashore Drive - Full Time Resident. Professor, Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research City of Hope Medical Oncologist, Breast Cancer Specialist Medical Director, Value Based -Care Medical Director, Center for International Medicine Work Cell: 626-409-9197 Personal Cell: 909-921-7492 Work: lbosserman@coh.org Personal: linda.bossermanl@gmail.com From: Sherry Etoch <aIlaboutsher@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: $23M Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello - Am writing to ask that City Council reject the $23M Lecture Hall. This is not a prudent use of our city dollars in this economic environment. These funds should be used for infrastructure and roads which many are in need of repair. Thank you, Sherry Etoch Resident This message was sent from my mobile. Please excuse any typos. Warm Regards- Sherry From: Taylor Grant <taylorbgrant@me.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Library Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content ,All-. My only question is this the most important amenity or safety improvement the city needs? If you can say yes without any doubt, so be it. You would be saying we are ready for higher tides, our parks are in great shape, our police and fire and lifeguard facilities are top notch. We have adequate reserves for all of our infrastructure repair and or replacement? Thanks for your all your hard work. Taylor B. Grant taylorbgrant(dme.com 949 294 9777 From: Kelli Angevine <kellia@mac.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: I'm against this excessive spending [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do not commit my hard earned dollars for this particular project, is it really a lecture hall at 2388 per sq foot? We can meet in a park or at a fire station or police hall. OR ON THE BEACH! We already have the most amazing public facilities. Please be more responsible in your position. Kelli Angevine 519 Larkspur ave Corona del Mar From: len.white@activejava.com Sent: January 05, 2024 1:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I received an email arguing against a proposed lecture hall based on cost/seat. Off hand it sounds pretty wasteful: $23M for 299 seats. Can you tell me whether this is accurate, and can you make a compelling argument why I as a resident should support this? Thanks Len White From: Ali Khamsi <ali.khamsi@kpff.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:38 PM To: Dept - City Council; Stapleton, Joe Subject: 299-Seat Library Lecture Hall EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Joe, We do not support using City of Newport Beach taxpayer money for the new lecture hall. The City can spend the money more wisely on other City's needs. 1Tff Ali Khamsi, PE, DBIA Managing Principal I Civil D 949.478.8801 C 310.892.2177 140 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92660 kpff.com From: Mary Ker <marycker@me.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:38 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Regarding the lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. It's totally a waste of money. At times like this we don't need a lecture hall like that. There's plenty infrastructure needs that need constant attention all the time. Undergrounding the utilities was underhanded I believe, and yet we are stuck with it. The last thing we need is a lecture hall. Please don't even consider this. It's against the grain here we don't need it. I just don't understand how you could spend this kind of money on such a project. Please stop it now! Sent from Mary C Ker Balboa Island From: Teddy Ellerman <teddye47@icloud.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:40 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. We don't need it, especially at this overinflated price. I don't want it. I'm not in favor of it. Use the money to make the board walk in West Newport safe.Make it a pedestrian only walkway. Build a separate e bike path on the sand toward the ocean. Any fool can see that is a better use of MY TAX DOLLARS. Teddy Ellerman From: mczisny@gmail.com Sent: January 05, 2024 1:41 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. After researching the details, as a Newport Beach Resident for almost 50 FIFTY years, I am against this Library Lecture Hall. It is not really necessary, as there is room other places for small gatherings of 300 people or so. Let's save your NB residents money for other, more urgent needs, as they will come up in the future. And with Zoom, and all the Video means to get information to the public, spending 23 Million Dollars isn't really necessary. A few miles away are other Halls where you can have speakers, etc.. Just go to some of the many schools and private Clubs around here, MANY have "halls" and auditoriums, and banquet rooms, etc. etc. that would be VERY conducive to a Lecture Hall Speaker situation. Thank you for listening to the people you represent, Edward Czisny 949-737-5533 Newport Beach From: june326vs@yahoo.com Sent: January 05, 2024 1:41 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall- NO! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If I am to understand this correctly, our Library needs an excessively expensive lecture hall? Seriously, 1. how often is there existing lecture area used each year, 2. how many people attend with each use, 3.can the existing space be enhanced or enlarged in a creative, functional way, and 4. is there an alternative location in the Civic Center area that could accommodate these library lectures? My guess is that you all have champagne tastes using your constituents' tax dollars that could be better spent elsewhere in this city!! Please spend much more conservatively in 2024 for truly NEEDED structures and remedies. Best, June Marchigiani 326 Vista Suerte Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Cindy Powell <palboa@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:42 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 23 million for a lecture hall? When you all say we can't afford a policeman on the boardwalk to stop the ebikes going 15-20 mph... Seem very wrong to me. Cindy Powell From: Pete Bassi <petebassi@aol.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:44 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am strongly against approving funds for the new lecture hall. A wasteful amount of money! Pete Bassi 18 Channel Vista Newport Coast, CA 92657 Sent from my Wad From: Lindsay dawson <lindsaydawson@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:46 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Do Not Build the Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good afternoon, Please do not approve this lecture hall, it is wasteful spending and will not be used. Will probably just be another building where our i houses can legally Camp Out. Do not spend the money!!! Best, Lindsay Dawson Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Pj de Marigny <pjsdemar@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:43 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Library Lecture Hall Cost [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, Speaking for my wife, Shoshana Lipson, and myself, I'm sure there are reasonable men and women who wish to avoid any moral hazard or agency problem of conflicts or fiduciary irresponsibility in the committee's funding decisions to reject the Library Lecture Hall in its entirety as a lower priority project. Peter J. de Marigny 286 Baywood Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 httD://WWW.Iinkedin.com/in/Didemarianv c 949.763.8435 From: bob hall <bobjhall@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:48 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. What the heck are u thinking we don't need it Sent from my iPhone From: Teddy Ellerman <teddye47@icloud.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:50 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. A lecture hall would sit idle a large majority of the time. An e bike path in West Newport would be used EVERY DAY and PART OF EVERY NIGHT. I live on the Iceanfront at 26th St. I know as a FACT this is true. Teddy Ellerman From: Marcus Crahan <mcrahan@powerengineering.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:50 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please vote "NO" to budget $23,438,935 for construction of a Library Lecture Hall. Best Regards, Power Engineering Corp. 16632 Millikan Avenue Irvine, CA 92606 (949) 260-9716 voice (949) 260-9720 fax (949) 278-7984 cell http://www.powerengineering.com/ "You won't learn anything if you think you know everything already. Humility is necessary for growth" (Richard Feynman, 1958) This e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail by mistake please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your system. Any unauthorized copying/disclosure of the material in this e-mail is strictly forbidden. This message has been transmitted over a public network. If you suspect that it may have been intercepted or amended, please contact the sender. From: Chas W Leeper <cwleeper@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:52 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Don't want the lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Please vote no regarding building the lecture hall. Thanks, Chas W Leeper, SRA 7003 Seashore Dr Newport Beach CA From: Dennis Fratt <dfratt@road runner.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:55 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: DO NOT build Library Theater! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. DO NOT build Library Theater! Dennis Fratt 1005 Bayside Cove Newport Beach CA 92660 dfrattP roadrunner.com Sent from my Whone From: Mike Estey <mestey@tsirepfirm.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:55 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: City Council Vote on Tuesday RE: 299-Seat Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Newport City Council, I am writing to you to express my discern on this wasteful spending. Please vote NO on Tuesday on this extremely wasteful use of our City funds $23,438,935 for the proposed 299-Seat Lecture Hall. Regards, Mike Estey Technology Solutions, Inc. Whone: 949-500-1720 email: mestev(@tsireofirm.com www.tsireDfirm.com From: Christian Spoor <christianspoorll@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:57 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Fwd: *Urgent* City Council To Vote Tuesday On Wasteful $23,438,935 299- Seat Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links 7 attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please do not let this vote pass. This is way too much to spend on something so non -essential. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Bob McCaffrey <bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com> Date: Fri, Jan 5, 2024 at 1:20 PM Subject: *Urgent* City Council To Vote Tuesday On Wasteful $23,438,935 299-Seat Lecture Hall To: MICHAEL SPOOR <christianspoorll@gmail.com> View this email in your browser t,. yHE41+PORT 6EACN in this project before Next Tuesday. or iNewport Bearn ***IMPORTANT NEWPORT BEACH TAXPAYER ALERT*** Our Newport Beach City Council is about to approve a 299-seat library lecture hall at the stunning, staggering, unbelievable price of $23,438,935. Yes, that's $78,300 a seat! According to the staff report, the gold-plated lecture hall will cost $2,388 per square foot. That is 3x the nicest fire station ever built in this city. It would be cheaper to buy a place in Manhattan in New York City! Staff testified at a recent city council meeting that paying for the building will cause the city's capital reserves to be completely depleted. These are the same capital reserves that pay for the new Balboa Island drainage system and the fire station/library replacement on Balboa Peninsula. How could our City Council deplete these reserves for a lecture hall seating 299 people? The point of our city government is to use limited resources to maximize the number of people who benefit from the spending. We want our money spent on police officers, firefighters, and parks, which we all benefit from. We want to make sure that we keep our streets in good condition, and that we do not let our city infrastructure deteriorate. We've all been to other cities that are not well kept. Not money spent on an exclusive lecture hall. As for who it benefits, how many of you want to listen to the elite tell us how to run our city and our lives better? Last year the lecture series was filled with political charged speakers with extreme views. Regardless of your political persuasion, do you really want vast taxpayer dollars going to support this kind of programming? We get enough of that on MSNBC and Fox News. The Newport Beach Library Foundation promised years ago to pay for half of the costs before construction started. They are millions of dollars short. Will that stop the City Council from moving forward? Or will we all be on the be on hook to pay what couldn't be privately raised? Look, we are in financially uncertain times. And we should all feel good knowing that we have reserves in our city to make sure that our city remains exceptional, safe, and clean. But spending our reserves on a boondoggle like this — it just is imprudent. When the City Council was polled in a public meeting, only four of seven supported this project moving forward. Those four are Erik Weigand, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, and Brad Avery. The three against the excessive spending were Lauren Kleiman, Joe Stapleton, and Will O'Neill. Sincerely, Bob McCaffrey Concerned Newport Beach Resident P.S. Email your City Council NOW and encourage them not to waste your money. You don't have much time. They are meeting this coming Tuesday! Copyright © 2024 Bob McCaffrey, Concerned Newport Beach Resident, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Bob McCaffrey, Concerned Newport Beach Resident Post Office Box 7331, Newport Beach, CA 92658 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From: Jeff Stevens <jstevens767@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: A $25M "Lecture Hall"?! LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council members, Please spare us, the public, from blatantly irresponsible spending on a 25 million dollar lecture hall. Please get real. Respectfully, Jeff Stevens From: Nancy Colenbaugh <ncolenbaugh@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:56 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: proposed library lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please do not spend so much money on this lecture hall that would deplete the city funds. This isn't wise in these economic stressful times and it doesn't seem as though we need such an elaborate lecture hall. Use the funds to use on police, fire dept., library and other ways that could be useful and benefit to the community. Nancy Colenbaugh From: Dan Borland <dan.borland@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall NO! LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Hello to the 4 council members evidently tentatively in favor of spending an outlandish $ amount for a lecture hall, when doing so will deplete our reserves. Please reconsider this, and defer or eliminate doing this, when so many other priorities including conserving/reserving cash for unknowns, but also for better uses. Here's one more citizen of CDM against this. Believe me we're watching! From: Terry Becker <hiccuptoo@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:06 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. My husband and myself are very much opposed to spending massive funds on Library Lecture Hall. There are much more important things to be concerned with in our city. Please vote against this massive priced lecture hall. Teresa and Lewis Becker Sent from my Whone From: cherie batcheller <cheriebatcheller3@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:08 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Stop excess spending [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do not use the city fund for new lecture hall. Thank you! From: Edward Gibson <edwardrgibson@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:12 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach City Council: I am against the expenditure for the Library Lecture Hall. It would be much more cost effective to Issue an RFP to all the local hotels in Newport Beach indicating the number of events throughout the year and ask them for bids to host all the events through the year. That approach would not only be more cost effective for the city but would generate additional revenue for local businesses. Best, Ed Gibson 71 Ocean Vista Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Roselesser <roselesser@aol.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:12 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Not the Time [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a senior resident of Newport Beach, I request that you not pass the motion to build the Lecture Hall at NB Library. This is an outrageous amount of money to be spent at this time. This is fluff at a time when the City of Newport Beach should be looking at beach erosion and high tide levels. Rose Lesser 230 Lille Lane Newport Beach CA From: Charles Spence <cspence0369@icloud.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:15 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Received an interesting email from Bob McCaffery. Why would we need such a venue? Below is a little bit from the email. Thanks, Charles "Our Newport Beach City Council is about to approve a 299-seat library lecture hall at the stunning, staggering, unbelievable price of $23,438,935." Sent from my iPhone From: Byers Diane <dianebyers@mac.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. We don't need a 229 seat lecture hall. We need more police to monitor our streets. With the out of control electric bikes we need more police to monitor this increasing problem. Please listen to our citizens that want to use our money wisely. Diane Byers Homeowner and Resident of Newport Beach for the past 45 years From: Jim Glover <jim.t.glover@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 seat Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members I have lived and raised my Family here in Newport Beach since 1977. As a City we have gotten by without a 299 seat lecture Hall just fine for the last 37 years. We should be enforcement to combat the increased reckless driving by cars and electric bikes through most Newport neighborhoods including the Cliff Haven neighborhood where I have lived for 37 years. The four way Stop Sign intersection of Cliff and Signal Road is especially bad. Since Covid and the lack of enforcement of traffic laws during that period most drivers became increasingly brazen. A Stop sign now In Newport Beach is just a mere suggestion. I respectful request you rethink this unnecessary capital expenditure and increase law enforcement to combat an increasing public safety issue. Respectfully Yours, James Glover 318 Signal Road Newport Beach, CA Sent from my iPhone From: Milvi Vanderslice <vanderslicemilvi@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Quit wasting [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. money on lecture halls. Sent from my Whone From: Pam McCullough <pam.mccullough437@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 seat Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please don't waste city money to create this Lecture Hall. It's a waste of our tax dollars. I could think of many other things to use this money for such as additional police or homelessness resources. Thank you. Pam McCullough 32 year Newport Beach resident Sent from my Whone. From: Connie Adnoff <connie@beachviewrealty.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Newport Beach Council Members: Like many other local residents, I am opposed to the expenditure of City funds for the Library Lecture Hall project. There are other services that need more financial support, which serve the whole community. Please reconsider this project. Sincerely, Connie Adnoff District 1 resident Co-owner of Beachview Realty 949.466.7542 Sent from my Whone From: Carol Lee <civlee@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:21 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Do not proceed with lecture hall plan LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content It's too expensive and not needed... Carol Lee 949.395.3994 (Newport Coast homeowner) From: Janice Whitman <jla.whitman@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:22 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I oppose expenditures on this! Janice Kreidman 2770 Hillview Drive, Newport Beach 92660 Sent from my iPhone From: dbgaul <dbgaul@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:30 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 seat lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I think this is a bad idea. Please do not spend money on this project. Regards, DBGaul Broker/REALTOR° P.S. We can help your friends increase their real estate, selling, buying, property management and relocation success for over 30 years ... referrals happily accepted. www.QuestReaIEstateServices.net 23 Corporate Plaza Dr. #150 Newport Beach CA 92660 (949)378-1625 Mobile (866)531-5606 Fax dbgaul@gmail.com DRE 1488301 From: Jay A. Richardson, CFA, CFP®, CKA® <jayarichardson@outlook.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:32 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Mrs. Miyuki Mei Smith -Richardson Subject: Please Oppose Expensive Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links 7 attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please oppose spending our limited city reserves on a new $23 million lecture hall. Jay & Miyuki Richardson 294 Ambroise, Newport Coast, CA 92657 From: mary anne behrens <behrensmaryanne@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:25 PM To: Dept - City Council [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I& A Do not vote to fund 299seat new lecture hall. We can't afford it and don't need it. Thank you, Mary Anne Behrens Newport Beach CA. From: Michael Adamson <mkadamsonl@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: REQUEST: Vote against approving the 299-seat library lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content City Council Members, I am requesting that you all vote against approving the 299-seat library lecture hall. We have many more important ways to invest in our city that will improve the safety of our community and our quality of life. More importantly, now is not the time to be depleting our capital reserves. We need your strong fiscal responsibility. We have four voting adults at our residence that are in agreement with this email message. Thank you. Michael Michael Adamson cell: 949-413-2757 From: David Carlisle <dlcusc@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:44 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Don't spend the money! LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content This is an outrageous cost per square foot for a library auditorium. Do do it! David Carlisle 2423 Vista Nobleza Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Jeff Wulff <jwulff88@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:48 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do NOT go forward with the 299 seat lecture hall- WAY WAY too much money in these uncertain times. Jeff Wulff 2415 Novia Newport Beach CA 92660 562-577-1662 From: Mark Cherry <mark@cherryemail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:51 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council and Mr. Eric Weigand, Please reconsider your support for the $23m lecture hall. While I'm generally pleased with the way the city is run and the condition of the city's infrastructure there are other projects that will benefit more of the city's residents. If there are no other projects more pressing, may i suggest that we save the money for a rainy day? If the city has everything fully funded we could always (wait for it) lower taxes. don't think that the city charter requires that every dollar gets spent. Thank you for your time and service. Mark Cherry From: cneeld <cneeld@cox.net> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:47 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Re: The library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I just received an email from BobMc Caffery informing me about the proposal to build an expensive lecture hall in the NB Library. I've heard his side. Could one of the four City Council members in favor of the project please email me to explain why and justify the dollar amount. Best regards Carla Neeld, Newport Beach citizen Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone From: Curt Mitchell <squirtis2@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:57 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 seat lecture hall proposal [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a lifelong resident of Newport Beach I am deeply disappointed in the proposal for a 299 seat lecture hall. Especially at the price quoted. That is completely ridiculous!!! Those funds should be used to keep the homeless away from our public areas. They are also needed to fund projects such as video cameras on the Newport Pier. That area is a crime magnet. I've seen brutal fights, people selling stolen fishing equipment, drunks peeing on the deck of the pier... The police should have more control of that area. And video cameras would help tremendously. You might even be able to generate funds from YouTube. Many piers have live cameras on Youtube.... Please get your priorities straight over there in City Hall. Do not spend that money in the reserves to build that financial disaster. Many residents of Newport Beach do not approve of it. Curt Mitchell Newport Shores Sent from my Whone From: Cathy Mesenbrink <cathy.mesenbrink@icloud.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:58 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Is this true? [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. $23,438,935.00 for a Library lecture hall? It can't be true! Concerned resident of the city. Cathy Mesenbrink 2006 Santiago Dr NB 92660 From: Darrell Metzger <darrellmetzger@ymail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Expensive Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Do not spend a ridiculous amount of money on a 299 seat lecture hall. Most school auditoriums are empty most the day and almost always vacant by late afternoon. Please get creative and find another solution. I'm happy to help if I can. Thank you, Darrell Metzger P.O. Box 2118 Newport Beach California, 92659 U.S.A. Mobile: (+1)949 945-8089 From: Kurt English <ke@keenglish.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:09 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Kurt English Subject: Please vote against the expense 299 seat lecture hall. We don't want to spend $23.4 million on that. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content s safe. Dear City Council Members: Please vote against the expense 299 seat lecture hall. We don't want to spend $23.4 million on that. The City of Newport Beach was already irresponsible in building the "Taj Mahal" city hall. A lot of money was wasted on that project. Government at all levels is spending too much money, and spending on unimportant things. Protecting citizens against increasing crime, the flood of illegal aliens and the increase in homeless people in Newport Beach are much higher priorities than a lecture hall. Also, Newport Beach needs more baseball fields than it has. Another higher priority than a lecture hall. Kurt English P. O. Box 2817 Newport Beach, CA 92659 From: Mark Abram <marksabram@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:15 PM To: Dept - City Council; Kleiman, Lauren Subject: Urge a NO vote on the Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council member Kleiman, Carol and I urge you and the City Council to vote NO on the wasteful $24 million Library Lecture Hall. Most of those funds could be raised privately saving taxpayers million of dollars on this new facility, funds which could be better spent on safety projects like a traffic control signal at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Harbor View Drive in Corona Del Mar. Very truly yours, Mark and Carol Abram 2538 Bungalow PI Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 Virus-free.www. avast. com From: Dean Armstrong <deancarmstrong@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:17 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Way too much!!! LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I can not support this project and its expense. Dean C. Armstrong 425 1/2 Orchid Ave. Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 714.423.2824 From: Melissa Chyba <melissa.chyba@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Better idea to use money on than a lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Hello, The fact that we cannot safely bicycle on the streets in Newport Beach because traffic is at such a fast pace, and multiple people die every year as a result of being hit by cars on bicycles is ludicrous. There are very inexpensive solutions to this, such as some simple, rubber barriers along bike paths where there is traffic. Parents can't even let their kids bicycle to school out of fear of them being hit by a car. No one wants to ride their bicycle for transportation since it is horrible to try and ride one around here, so we continue to use cars and pollute the environment. Before creating a lecture hall, that only seats 300 people don't you think we should address this issue first? Melissa Chyba Newport Beach Resident From: jack@freytagllc.com Sent: January 05, 2024 3:29 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Council Members, Please reconsider the proposed library lecture hall proposal. The $23M cost is clearly excessive and funds would be much better spent on the Balboa Island drainage system and the fire station/library replacement on Balboa Peninsula which would serve far more residents than the lecture hall. Thank you for your consideration. Jack Freytag 2169 Loggia, NB 92660 From: Steve Byers <csbyers@mac.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:29 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. It would be a foolish and wasteful use of tax payers money to spend money on this. I believe the money would be better spent hiring more police officers, specifically targeting the e-bike problem in this city. Respectfully, a resident since 1978 Steve Byers 535 Tustin Ave Newport Beach From: Alyson <alyson.rowden@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:35 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I am a 58 year resident of Newport Beach. Our City has many needs. The millions proposed to be spent on a Lecture Hall that seats less than 300 of our residents does not seem to me to be the best use of funds. Surely there are more pressing issues and needs that would benefit a greater number of residents or services. Please do not approve this project. Use the funds for a greater good. Thank you. Aly Rowden +1-949-231-0229 Sent from my Whone From: Ralph Deppisch <rdeppisch@citivestinc.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lector hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I safe. To confirm that both my wife, Mary, and I do NOT support the cost of spending so much on a library lector hall and , candidly, very surprised and disappointed that the CC would even consider and support spending such an amount on such a specialized use - maybe I do not have all the facts and hoping so because what I do know "does not add up" Ralph and Mary Deppisch request this email be submitted as a public record Note —New address RdA W, VoAuad Citivest, Inc. 4350 Von Karman Ave.--#200 Newport Beach, CA. 92660 direct -949-705-0426 cell -949-466-2875 rdeppisch(a)citivestinc.com From: Laurence Lerner <Ilerner43@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:38 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New library lecture hall. I feel this is not the place to spend over 25 million dollars for an updated lecture hall. Please vote against it. Larry Lerner 1961 Vista Caudal [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Sent from my Wad From: Judy perry <judypperry@me.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:48 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do some further investigation as to the costs for this proposed lecture hall. $23 million is way out of whack. Judy Perry 1071 Granville Dr. Newport Beach, 92660 Sent from my Wad From: Dkerrgn007 <dkerrgn007@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:52 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Too Expensive Unneeded Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do not spend any taxpayer money on a lecture hall. Very few NB citizens would use/ benefit from it. Those who want a bigger space can easily rent it from UCI or other venues on the few days a year they would use it. If that larger venue cannot draw enough attendees to pay for the location then the program should not be held. Taxpayers should not be funding presentations of interest only to a small number, particularly on polarizing topics. We already are getting more than enough Leftist agenda coming out of UCI and NB should not be enabling it. David Kerrigan Sent from my iPhone From: Jack Hayden <jackh57@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 3:52 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Stop [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Council members, Seriously, 24 million. You just can't think of anything that might be a better use of 24 million for the citizens of Newport Beach. This city needs more in the way psychotherapy for addiction and mental illness. Also I'm sure the pensions are fully funded based on UNREALISTIC returns in the future. Just to name two items. I'm sure you have driven by the city hall on Avocado and noticed NO ONE in the windows. Another waste of money. Have services improved with the new city hall? One more crazy idea increase the number of cops. Slowly we are seeing an increase in minor crimes, vandalism etc. You are Very sad group of people. Jack Hayden Sent from my Wad From: 1973res@gmail.com Sent: January 05, 2024 3:52 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a resident of Corona Del Mar, I am opposed to the $23M proposed lecture hall project. This seems to be a wasteful spending measure that will deplete the city's capital funds! The city should be more fiscally sound and better stewards! Respectfully submitted, Ryan Smith 428 Marigold Ave Corona Del Mar CA 92625 (949) 433-8810 From: gary belt <garywbelt@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is Gary Belt of Newport Shores and I would not be in favor of spending money for the library. Lecture Hall. Thank you. Sent from my Whone From: Yolanda Mendiveles <mendivelesyl@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:10 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Councilmen and Councilwomen, I believe that the amount of money to build this hall is too expensive and I would prefer that you figure something more affordable. Thank you, Yolanda Mendiveles Resident From: Greg Morrison <greg34216@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:11 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No on the spending money on the lecture hall period. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Greg From: Pamela Brennan <pambrennan531@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:15 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Save Money for things we need. LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, Please save NB city money for projects that we will need in the coming climate emergency future.Don't waste it on things we already have like library lecture seating.There will be plenty of opportunities to please your constituents when the weather starts getting dangerous. We are a coastal town and therefore will need coastal flooding mitigation money to augment what FEMA will give us. You don't want to look like cheapskates when the time comes. Better to keep it in the coffers than not have it when you need it to look like heros. Sincerely, Pam Brennan From: Kilpatrick David <david.b.kilpatrick@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:27 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299-seat library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Please do not approve the construction of this lecture hall Dave Kilpatrick david.b.kilpatrick(cb-gmail.com From: wbrucevoss@gmail.com Sent: January 05, 2024 4:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com Subject: *Urgent* City Council To Vote Tuesday On Wasteful $23,438,935 299-Seat Lecture Hall TE K links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content citycouncil(cD_newportbeachca.gov I vote against the proposed Seat Lecture Hall. Very truly yours, Bruce W. Bruce Voss Lawyer (AV Rated) 3907 Marcus Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92663 wbrucevossa outlook.com 190TUZy4:r f'1[:7 C-949 300 1819 From: Bob McCaffrey <bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 1:18 PM To: WILLIAM VOSS <wbrucevoss@gmail.com> Subject: *Urgent* City Council To Vote Tuesday On Wasteful $23,438,935 299-Seat Lecture Hall View this email in your browser .,; t1. k E4V#� RT BEACH iy Unoe YUU r VUILC LU [ell] in this project before Next Tuesday. of Newport Beach ***IMPORTANT NEWPORT BEACH TAXPAYER ALERT*** Our Newport Beach City Council is about to approve a 299-seat library lecture hall at the stunning, staggering, unbelievable price of $23,438,935. Yes, that's $78,300 a seat! According to the staff report, the gold-plated lecture hall will cost $2,388 per square foot. That is 3x the nicest fire station ever built in this city. It would be cheaper to buy a place in Manhattan in New York City! Staff testified at a recent city council meeting that paying for the building will cause the city's capital reserves to be completely depleted. These are the same capital reserves that pay for the new Balboa Island drainage system and the fire station/library replacement on Balboa Peninsula. How could our City Council deplete these reserves for a lecture hall seating 299 people? The point of our city government is to use limited resources to maximize the number of people who benefit from the spending. We want our money spent on police officers, firefighters, and parks, which we all benefit from. We want to make sure that we keep our streets in good condition, and that we do not let our city infrastructure deteriorate. We've all been to other cities that are not well kept. Not money spent on an exclusive lecture hall. As for who it benefits, how many of you want to listen to the elite tell us how to run our city and our lives better? Last year the lecture series was filled with political charged speakers with extreme views. Regardless of your political persuasion, do you really want vast taxpayer dollars going to support this kind of programming? We get enough of that on MSNBC and Fox News. The Newport Beach Library Foundation promised years ago to pay for half of the costs before construction started. They are millions of dollars short. Will that stop the City Council from moving forward? Or will we all be on the be on hook to pay what couldn't be privately raised? Look, we are in financially uncertain times. And we should all feel good knowing that we have reserves in our city to make sure that our city remains exceptional, safe, and clean. But spending our reserves on a boondoggle like this — it just is imprudent. When the City Council was polled in a public meeting, only four of seven supported this project moving forward. Those four are Erik Weigand, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, and Brad Avery. The three against the excessive spending were Lauren Kleiman, Joe Stapleton, and Will O'Neill. Sincerely, Bob McCaffrey Concerned Newport Beach Resident P.S. Email your City Council NOW and encourage them not to waste your money. You don't have much time. They are meeting this coming Tuesday! Copyright © 2024 Bob McCaffrey, Concerned Newport Beach Resident, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Bob McCaffrey, Concerned Newport Beach Resident Post Office Box 7331, Newport Beach, CA 92658 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From: Gregory Kay <gregorykay@mac.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:48 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Use proposed library lecture hall money for projects that benefit the public at large! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. There are many, many theaters and lecture halls already available in Newport Beach and Irvine. The 23 million dollars would be much better either saved or spent on public safety projects such as a (physically) protected bike lane across the PCH back bay bridge or reinstating the police helicopter. Sincerely, Gregory Kay 1515 Warwick Lane 92660 Via iPhone From: Debbie Neighbors <neighbors4@road run ner.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 4:53 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote No on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City Council Members, I encourage you to vote no on the new lecture hall. The costs is astounding! It's a poor use of tax payer funds. You can do better than this... please find another option. Best, Deborah Neighbors Via Debbie Neighbors Whone From: Heath Barker <serph33@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 5:15 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 seat lecture hall proposal [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach City Council, Please vote NO on the Library Lecture Hall Proposal. We have lovely auditoriums at Newport Harbor High School and CDM High School which could be used for various events. Our city has many projects they could undertake that would support the community and improve the lives of people who live in Newport Beach, this is not worth the cost. Please vote NO on Tuesday! Kind regards, Robin Barker Newport Beach Resident Sent from my iPhone From: Chuck Allen <callencdm@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 5:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: XVIII. 14 Lecture Hall Building [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I do not support moving ahead with the construction of this project. The programs planned for the venue can be held in other private facilities in the City of Newport Beach. This will provide an economical benefit of the business and allow the residence that want to attend that lectures to pay their own way Our city funds should be used to support police officers, firefighters, lifeguards, parks & recreation that benefit ALL residence. Spending money on this non essential facility is not prudent. Chuck Allen 211 Orchid Ave callencdm@gmail.com 714-287-6962 From: Jeffrey Wood <wspc_jgw@yahoo.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 5:44 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I don't know Mr. McCaffrey, but he raises an issue I've been thinking about. What is the purpose of the Lecture Hall? The price seems excessive. The real estate tax and sales tax income our city enjoys is largely the result of our phenomenal location, not economics wizardry of our city administration. Jeffrey Wood 253 Morning Canyon Road CDM From: ALLAN MAGUIRE <atmaguire@aol.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 6:08 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Extravagant spending [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please don't use taxpayer money on a lavish lecture hall that few local citizens will ever use. From: Linda Yardumian <lindayardo@aol.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 6:09 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No Library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please vote no for the library. That is a total waste of money. Linda Yardumian 221 via Mentone Newport Bch 92663 From: Cathy Mesenbrink <cathy.mesenbrink@icloud.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 6:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I am sure whatever the mayor and council decide will be the best for the city. Thank you for your service. Sincerely, Cathy Mesenbrink From: BRIAN FOXCROFT <bfoxcroft@icloud.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 7:09 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Crazy spending [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I like the addition to the library, as my company, Mariners Escrow donated to the original construction, but the amount to build the addition is crazy. Please hold off until you can negotiate better pricing. Brian Foxcroft From: Deborah Gubernick <dgubernicks@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 7:13 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Stop excessive spending for library lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content City Council, Please stop all efforts to spend exorbitant amounts on the lecture hall at the library. The 23+Million can be put to better use, particularly as many people have moved to remote lecture options, podcasts and the like. Stop the significant spending on this effort and repurpose the funds for true city improvements and needs. Ric Gubernick Deborah Gubernick Audrey Gubernick From: Brett <yae@aol.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 8:04 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do not spend my tax dollars on a $23 million dollar lecture hall. Use some of that money for the homeless crisis at the park next door to me. My wife and family are scared to walk through them after sunset! Such a shame. Thanks, Brett Mattson 211 43 rd St B From: Christine Lacy <christine.11acy@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 8:38 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: I vote no [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. On the Newport Beach city lecturing hall. I am an owner and resident of Newport Beach Ca Sent from my iPhone From: Sam Halstead <samhalstead95@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 10:26 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Library auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I like the idea in concept but don't like the idea of draining council coffers for a room that does not provide much more than the existing facility at an exorbitant cost per attendee. Love the library and attend many functions in the existing room. The new proposal seems way overpriced and needs to be reassessed to be made possible inside current funding possibilities. Sam Halstead 74 Sea Island Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 USA (949) 400-1975 https.Ilsam-halstead. com Sam USA (949) 400-1975 https.Ilsom-halstead. com From: DeAnn Carroll <deann.carroll@compass.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 9:17 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Oppose the New Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Esteemed Council Members, I have been a Newport Beach resident for over 30 years. I respect each of your commitment to serve our great city and applaud the vast majority of decisions this council has made. I strongly oppose the Library lecture hall project at the current cost and implore you to VETO this project. Spending over $2300/square foot on a lecture hall (that only holds 300 people!) is an egregious and irresponsible use of your citizen's hard earned tax dollars. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, DeAnn Carroll, Dover Shores From: natalie fogarty <nataliefogarty5@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 2:11 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: the project for lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This seems like an over the top cost for the city. I would think the money could be used for a more cost effective project. I am opposed to this expenditure for the project. Natalie Fogarty Newport Beach From: drbelove@aol.com Sent: January 06, 2024 5:13 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I am astounded at the enormous amount of money you are contemplating spending on a new lecture hall. I am not in favor of using all of our resources on this kind of project. In addition to spending an excessive amount of money, where does that leave our beautiful city for other projects that need to be completed, or upkeep of our streets, or our city's safety? Please reconsider your thinking and vote NO on the lavish lecture hall! Thank you, Rochelle Belove From: Carol Allison <cjoyallison@yahoo.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 6:22 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 seat library lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content say no to this bill. Waste of our taxpayers money, Carol Allison Newport Beach residence since 1966 From: David Fults <DFults@voitco.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 6:53 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Don't support new lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I do not support the new lecture hall. David Fults 519 Fullerton Ave Newport Beach From: Karen Clark <karen.h.clark@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 7:48 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote Yes on Witte Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I have worked on making this Hall a reality for years and am disturbed particularly by the "hit piece" recently sent out. I hope you all understand that the allegations by McCaffrey are untrue and/or distorted and simply represent his unique political views. I urge you to approve the Hall, following the on -going support the Council has given to this project over the years, a project that will add to the pride that citizens of Newport Beach feel about their city. From: riverdude42 <riverdude42@aol.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 8:09 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a citizen in Corona del Mar. I have followed the discussion over the proposed lecture hall for several years. The large expenditure for such a frivolous unnecessary facility makes no sense in this environment where municipalities face so many economic challenges. I urge you to vote no and end this debate once and for all. George Ponce 220 Heliotrope Ave Sent from Samsung tablet From: Karen McSunas <tkmcsunas@cox.net> Sent: January 06, 2024 8:50 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO to the Overpriced Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, Please, please, please, Vote No to the funding of the NB Lecture Hall. This is a waste of our resources and taxpayer money! We have plenty of other auditoriums in our city that can be used or rented for these kind of events. We do not need such an expensive lecture hall especially when it depletes or significantly reduces our reserves in a season of high inflation and economic uncertainty. We need these funds for the critical services our City depends on. Thank you for reading and considering my request! Please vote against this. Resident, Karen McSunas 18Atoll Dr Corona Del Mar Sent from my iPhone From: MARY BACON <mbacon0227@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 9:14 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members: I understand that the City Council will consider approving a contract to build a $23AM library lecture hall. It's an excessive expenditure even with the anticipated 50% contribution from the library foundation. I am opposed to this expenditure. I don't believe this high level of service and expenditure will benefit the majority of our community. Mary Bacon 11 Rue St Cloud Newport Beach, CA From: Teresa Hernandez <twinsok@mac.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 9:28 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I think spending 23 million on a lecture hall is un necessary at this time From what I have read it would deplete our City reserves. We are living in uncertain times , I think it's prudent you keep our reserves flush. I hope you will reconsider this unnecessary expenditure. thank you Teresa Hernandez 25 year resident Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Richard Specter <rspecter@corbsteel.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 9:46 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO on the Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do NOT approve this waste of our money at your upcoming meeting. Thank you. From: meesh pierce <snacki88@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 9:51 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO on new library hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As we head into a recession and uncertain capital markets, I vote NO on this seemingly unnecessary expense. There are plenty of available facilities within the county and city for groups to meet and host events, such as schools (Harbor Day, Coastline Community College, Mariners Christian School, country clubs, etc). The NB finance committee has done a fantastic job keeping a balanced budget and upholding its fiduciary duty to maintain reserves for emergencies and necessary projects. Let's keep our sights focused on protecting the mission and vision of this beautiful city; not become an LA County and be caught with no $ for such projects, leading to an increase in taxes. Respectfully, Meesh Pierce NB citizen From: Jill Specter <specter5@cox.net> Sent: January 06, 2024 9:53 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Theater Expenditure Vote [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Writing to urge the city council to vote no on building a new theater at the library. Money could be spent elsewhere to more equitably benefit more than the few that would benefit from this theatre. Hard earned tax dollars should be spent more responsibly. Respectfully, Jill Specter From: Harry Myers <harry@mvproptax.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 10:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members As 47-year residents of Newport Beach, both my wife and I are very concerned that the City Council is contemplating spending over $23,000,000 on a 299-seat library lecture hall. To make an expenditure of this magnitude for such a small benefit to a very limited segment of our community seems very unwise and poorly thought through. At the very least, such an expenditure should be submitted to all of the City's voters in an open, well debated, referendum. Sincerely yours, Harry and Susan Myers From: turvtrekker@yahoo.com Sent: January 06, 2024 12:15 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO on $23M Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a longtime resident, please note my comprehensive objection to a ridiculously priced new lecture hall. If you'd like input on where to spend 'excess' monies, I'm all in. Brian Wall Corona Del Mar 949-244-5814 From: donjervis (null) <donjervis@aol.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 12:29 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall .. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council , I'm writing as a Newport Beach resident and taxpayer for 23 years to communicate that I'm not in favor of spending $23,000,000 to build a new lecture hall ..seems like an excessive amount of money when compared to actual use it will get and many other options available to have lectures in already developed facilities. $23,000,000 in treasuries today at 5% will generate over $1,000,000 in city revenue that can be used to rent a lecture hall when needed Vs the loss of this revenue plus additional city responsibilities to maintain total cost of building responsibilities. I hope you will consider not approving this major expenditure as well as ongoing building expenses forever as the number of lectures in our city does not justify this major expenditure. Sincerely Don Jervis Sent from my Whone From: ig <spgl505@aol.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 12:51 PM To: Dept - City Council EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please don't give the OK to this lecture hall. Maybe the plan could be scaled down. Maybe there are other ways to finance the project. From: Marilyn Elmer <marelmer@cox.net> Sent: January 06, 2024 1:35 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. It is my understanding that you are voting to build a new lecture hall in the library at a cost that is not only exorbitant, but would deplete city reserves. I am strongly against this and would like to have my voice heard. Marilyn Elmer 2 Overlook Dr. Newport Coast Sent from my Whone From: Keith Curry <keithcurryl@yahoo.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 1:57 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council. On Tuesday you will consider the MOU and other related documents related to the Witte Library Lecture Hall. I strongly urge you to support this item. As you know, former Mayor Blom and Council Member Kleiman have negotiated this agreement on behalf of the council and while I personally believe it contains some unfair conditions on the Library Foundation, I nonetheless recommend that you proceed with the agreement negotiated by Council Members Blom and Kleiman and move forward in acknowledgement of the work they have devoted to this matter. As you know, Bob McCaffrey has undertaken a social media campaign. McCaffrey has consistently opposed public infrastructure investments over the years and is a person who has contributed nothing to the betterment of our community. As all of you also know, McCaffrey's social posts are completely false and misleading. The city is not being asked to fund a $23 million facility, it is being asked to match private donations for half of this amount to build a $23 million facility at half its cost to the public. By turning down the project you would not be saving $23 million, you would be forfeiting $11.7 million in private donations. This would be an unconscionable failure of your fiduciary duty to the taxpayers. There are reasons why someone could be for or against this project, but affordability is not one of them. The city has more than sufficient cash reserves to fund this project. Furthermore, the city has for decades now generated a healthy budget surplus at the end of each year. City projections are for significant annual increases in property taxes, sales taxes and hotel taxes as our new and refurbished hotels hit full stride in the market. Given recent changes in the interest rate environment, it is very likely that should the council not wish to pay cash for its portion of the project, you could finance in the 3.5% range over ten years which would result in a debt service payment of approximately $1.2-$1.5 million annually. This would have no meaningful impact on the city budget or operations given the levels of city revenues. It is likely that the borrowing rate would be less than an available investment rate on the city cash. Perhaps more troubling, the city has a long history of public private partnerships. OASIS, the Jr. Guards facility, our new animal shelter and the library itself have been underwritten by private parties over the years to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. It is precisely this level of philanthropic involvement by our residents that has allowed us to enjoy the high quality of facilities that have characterized our community. By turning your back on the $11.7 million raised over several years by the Library Foundation, you will be demonstrating bad faith that will cripple these efforts in the future. Simply put, the city will no longer be trusted to keep up its end of the deal. There has also been some continuing discussion of making this a duel purpose facility as a performing arts theater. While I am confident multiple uses can be accommodated in the lecture hall, this idea is not practicable at this time and to delay the project to pursue it, is a red hearing that would just result in higher costs due to extensive delays and scope creep. The council got it right when it approved this project in November and I encourage all of you to join in moving this important project forward. I am confident that you will look back on this decision as one of your proudest moments of public service and it will stand as a legacy to your vision and contribution to making Newport Beach a better city in the future. Thank you for your consideration Keith Curry Former Mayor Member, City Finance Committee From: Linda's Gmail <linda.simos@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 2:20 PM To: Dept - City Council; Avery, Brad Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I would like to relay how strongly I, as well as my community, favor the development of the proposed lecture at our wonderful library. I have been a resident of Newport Beach since 1971 and have always been proud of the ongoing development of our civic buildings and services. It seems to me that the city should welcome another asset with the building of the Witte Hall especially as it comes with a 50% discount! The caliber of the events and speakers that have visited our city should be hosted in a setting with appropriate sound, lighting and staging, not the current (embarrassing) folding chairs and dodgy video. Please consider voting in support of the new library lecture, it will be very much appreciated by many of your constituents. Linda Simos 864 Halyard From: Catharine Giles <catharinegiles@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 2:39 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I don't support spending $23M for a lecture hall. Depleting our city reserves in uncertain economic times with high inflation is irresponsible and imprudent. We expect the council to make better decisions than this by spending money on necessary infrastructure, police, fire, and emergency preparedness. A lecture hall is not necessary and benefits a small percentage of residents compared infrastructure, police, fire, and preparedness. Erik Weigand, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, and Brad Avery we are watching how you will spend our tax dollars. We don't support frivolous and unnecessary spending. Sincerely, Catharine Giles Concerned NB resident Sent from my iPhone Please excuse typos! From: Leslie Ray <teddieipad@me.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 4:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall project [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Council members, I'd like to add my name to community members' support of the proposed Lecture Hall. Our community is in great need of this facility and there is obvious private funding for a large portion of its cost so the City should take advantage of the opportunity now. Sincerely, Leslie Ray 2270 Channel Rd, NB Sent from my Whone From: Art Wardwell <artwardwell@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 4:54 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Stadium seating [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I do not support the stadium seating for the library for $28M. From: Cari Zylstra <clzylstral@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 5:13 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: $28M spending for a tiered lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content We strongly OPPOSE spending any money let alone $28M on seating for a lecture hall. We have plenty of city locations to house lectures. We have far better things to do with the money, especially when we don't know what the next year will bring us in terms of continued inflation, out of control government spending, open borders bringing wages down. We need to be fiscally responsible and maintain our reserves, or better yet remove some of the city taxes if we have that kind of money to waste. Regards, Cari and John Zylstra 1951 Port Edward PI Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Shawn Mastos <smastos@icloud.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 5:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Omg [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. You must be out of your minds. To want to do that building. What will it be used for. You are a bunch of thieves. Wasting money when we have so much more the money could go to. Please be sensible. Shawn Mastos Sent from my iPhone From: D L Forsyth <dlamar4syth@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 7:00 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Upcoming vote on the Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• As a local resident, I urge you to reject this Lecture Hall project and vote "no". Spending is out of control at all levels of government; please do not add to the insanity. Exercise some fiscal common sense and reject this project. Thank you. Regards, D. Lamar Forsyth Phone: 630-777-7899 Email: dlamar4syth@gmail.com From: RAY KOSI <rjkosi@cox.net> Sent: January 06, 2024 7:48 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: LECTURE HALL [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. IF WANTED GO AHEAD BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR THE RESOURCES BELONG TO NPB RESIDENTS IN OUR SURPLUS ACCOUNT. GREAT TO HAVE THE FOUR STAND OUT AND HAVE THEM SIGN THEIR CHECKS FROM THEIR TRUST ACCOUNTS. THANKS FOR INFORMING US. From: Yuliy Lieb <yuliylieb@gmail.com> Sent: January 06, 2024 6:24 PM To: Dept - City Council; Bob McCaffrey Subject: Lecture Hall for $23.4 million [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the Honorable Members of the Newport Beach City Council, I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed 299-seat library lecture hall at the exorbitant cost of $23,438,935. This price tag, amounting to a staggering $78,300 per seat, far exceeds any reasonable justification for such a project. My primary concern lies in the misallocation of precious city resources. At a time when our capital reserves are vital for crucial projects like the Balboa Island drainage system and the Balboa Peninsula fire station/library replacement, diverting these funds to an exclusive lecture hall seems not only imprudent but also detrimental to the well-being of our entire community. Our city government operates on the fundamental principle of maximizing benefits for the greatest number of citizens. We rely on our resources to ensure the safety and well- being of our community through police officers, firefighters, and well -maintained parks. These investments directly impact and improve the lives of every resident, unlike a limited -access lecture hall. Furthermore, the lecture series' history of hosting speakers with extreme political viewpoints raises concerns about the public utility of this project. Should vast taxpayer dollars be used to support programs that may not align with the diverse perspectives of our residents? We already have ample access to such viewpoints through other media outlets. Adding to the fiscal concerns, the Newport Beach Library Foundation's significant shortfall in their promised contribution casts further doubt on the project's financial viability. Are we, the taxpayers, ultimately left to fill the gap for a project shrouded in financial uncertainty? With economic instability looming, it is imperative that we act with fiscal responsibility. Depleting our reserves for a project of such limited benefit is not only unwise but also a betrayal of the public trust. It is crucial to remember that these reserves play a vital role in maintaining the exceptional, safe, and clean city we all cherish. Therefore, I urge you to reconsider the proposed lecture hall project. Instead of pursuing this extravagant venture, I implore you to prioritize investments that benefit all residents and safeguard our essential city services. A thorough, in-depth review with public input is necessary to ensure that our limited resources are directed toward projects that genuinely serve the greatest good of our community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Yuliy Lieb, 48 Vienna St., Newport Beach CA92660 From: eric richman <erk1950@msn.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This city does not need a new lecture hall. I am a homeowner in CDM. My name is Eric Richman and my address is 617 Orchid Avenue. Sent from my iPad From: Dave Lindahl <dlindahl101@gmail.com> Sent: January 05, 2024 1:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: unbelievable price of $23,438,935 [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Is it true what I read from Bob McCaffrey? "Our Newport Beach City Council is about to approve a 299-seat library lecture hall at the stunning, staggering, unbelievable price of $23,438,935." This sounds very excessive to me. What is the value to the community of this lecture hall and what other options have been explored? I look forward to hearing from you. Dave Lindahl 714-345-6823 From: Bob Ehrlich <rdehrlich@icloud.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 9:40 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: White Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. While it sounds like a beautiful building and without any doubt could be used to good purpose, I think it more important for the City Council to act its a fiscally responsible organization responsible to the members of Newport Beach who have elected them. The cost is just too high and will take up too much of the City reserves at a time when the economy is in turmoil. The State is already close to being bankrupt because of irresponsible spending. Let's not follow them down that road to self destruct this beautiful City. Bob Ehrlich, Newport Beach From: John Gunnin <johngunnin@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 10:24 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote for lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Hello Council members, I urge you to vote for the construction of the new library hall. I've been involved with the library for many years and this will be an important step forward. I've followed the progress at 2 of your meetings so far. Sincerely, John Gunnin iohngunnin@gmail.com From: Lizanne Witte <lizannewitte@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:04 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote Yes .... support the Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach City Council... I urge you to consider the future of Newport Beach and vote yes to finally approve the plan to build the auditorium/lecture hall on the civic center campus. Please be on the right side of history as a leader of this visionary project supported by millions in private funding. Besides the Library itself, no cultural building has been built in generations to serve local citizens hungry for more arts, education, popular culture, literature and current affairs. This is one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country. It is perplexing why NB civic leaders have not considered investing in facilities to serve our engaged community. This state-of-the-art building is not a luxury, but rather, a long overdue necessity with its crucial technology built into the design. There will be much to celebrate once this lecture hall opens its doors and offers multi -cultural events from many groups thoughout the community in addition to Library programming. Other cities do this. We can too. With appreciation, Lizanne Witte Library Foundation volunteer since 1994 From: Paula Fell <paulafell28@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:08 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote Yes for the Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I hope the City Council will vote yes for the development of the proposed lecture at our wonderful library. It will be an excellent and much needed addition and with half of the cost already provided! The library consistently hosts high caliber of the events and speakers which should be met with a facility with appropriate sound, lighting and staging, and seating. Please consider voting in support of the new library lecture, it will be very much appreciated by many of your constituents. Paula Fell From: Tim Rhone <timrhone26@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:09 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote yes for lecture facility at library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I hope the City Council will vote yes for the development of the proposed lecture at our wonderful library. It will be an excellent and much needed addition and with half of the cost already provided! Tim Rhone From: Jennifer Van Bergh <jvanbergh@hotmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:14 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content ,All-. January 7, 2024 Dear Council Members, I do not typically feel the need to share my views with Council but when I saw an incredibly deceptive email slamming our wonderful lecture hall I felt I could not be silent. When you hear that the people of Newport Beach have raised $8 MILLION dollars in the QUIET phase for a project that has not even been approved by council and that the same very effective fundraisers have agreed to raise another $4 MILLION, that should send a pretty clear sign from this community that we want and SUPPORT a first-class lecture hall at our main library site. For the City to refuse this incredible real estate asset for HALF THE PRICE is fiscal idiocy. As has been pointed out before, WE the people of Newport Beach have the funds to build this fabulous legacy lecture hall for us, our children and our children's children from our property taxes and other funding sources. When some old blowhard contrarian who has literally never heard an idea he likes and doesn't believe in nice things because as a child he walked 5 miles to school in the snow with holes in his shoes, can rile up his minions and jeopardize his project is lunacy Let me tell you that he is not representative of your constituents. If I look at his letter and recalculate his financial metrics using the price paid by the city, the project is an astonishing once in a lifetime investment. I would like to end there but must also point out that the library lectures are on topics that resonate with all segments of our community, from Medicine in our Backyard to Financial Workshops, Spotlight on Science to the Witte Literary Lectures. So when I hear someone say it is just a forum for political extremists I understand we are not dealing with someone at all interested in the truth. I am respectfully asking you to vote to approve this project! Jennifer Vanbergh 1501 Highland Drive From: Mia Van Bergh <miavanbergh@yahoo.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:24 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear council members, I am writing to add my voice to the supporters of the lecture hall at the main library site. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote in favor. Mia Van Bergh From: Barbara Braverman <bbbraverman@me.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:43 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• I support construction of the new lecture hall and hope you will too. It will be a tremendous asset to the culture of our community. Thankyou Barbara Braverman Newport Coast Sent by % From: Candi Sary <candisaryll@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 1:04 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I am writing to add my voice to the supporters of the lecture hall at the main library site. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote in favor. Candi Sary www.candisarv.com From: Courtney Cheek <ccheek1994@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 1:09 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear members of the City Council, I am writing to ask for your support in approving the Lecture Hall at the Newport Beach Library. I am very excited by this aspirational project and know that we will enjoy it in so many ways as we raise our family here in Newport Beach. Sincerely, Courtney Cheek From: ryan box <ryan@newportsashanddoor.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 1:11 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear members of the Council, We live in Corona Del Mar and would like to voice our support for the new lecture hall. We would appreciate your vote to approve this terrific project. Ryan Box Sent from my iPhone From: Cathy Voreyer <cvoreyer@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 1:32 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the City Council Members As a long-time resident of Corona del Mar and therefore a resident paying taxes, I completely support the building of the Witte Lecture Hall. I encourage the City to spend resources to continue to improve our community and enhance the lives of residents like myself. Vote to APPROVE the lecture hall. Cathy Voreyer From: bob hall <bobjhall@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 1:47 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. With the foundation paying half the cost it tells it is not a Boon Doggel please vote yes Sent from my iPhone From: Mary Yeager <maryyeag@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 1:50 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear council members, I am writing to add my voice to the supporters of the lecture hall at the main library site. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote in favor. Thankyou! Mary Yeager marvveag@gmail.com (949) 705-8830 From: Mary Allen <marychaus@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 2:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for the Library Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Asking you all to please support the new (to be) Library Hall. What a wonderful addition to our already beautiful library campus. I know it is expensive but it will be well worth it in the long run. I can't attend the meeting this Tues but know I care and my vote is for it to be passed. Thank you, Mary Allen (resident of NB for 46 years now) P.S. I care about our library and use it often! From: bruce r. clark <brucerclark@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 2:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Your Upcoming Vote on the Witte Hall on Tuesday [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Councilors, I am writing to ask your support of the new Witte Hall on Tuesday. This building, and the resulting impact on the cultural growth of our City is obvious and quite tangible. I, for one, am tired of having our neighboring cities like Costa Mesa (Segerstrom theaters), Laguna Beach (Art Museum/Playhouse) and Irvine (UCl/Barclay Theater) dictate how we here in Newport Beach spend our cultural quality time and money. The Witte Hall fills a huge gap in the City's very limited list of venues for us to gather and grow, and all of Southern California is well aware that we don't measure up to the less wealthy towns around us in terms of local culture. You have a unique opportunity to make the right decision for our City, and in the process create a legacy for this generation of City Council members like no other that will be available to you for years to come. A new fire station, or a corner park just do not compare to the positive impact that the Witte Hall would do for the memory and legacy of your generation of City Council members. People won't remember that you voted to save a few million dollars in the city's 400M+ annual budget on Tuesday. True leadership is identified and valued by your constituents when you make wise use of our tax money to help build our City's capability to grow and improve. Finally, there's no reason that Witte Hall can't also be a money-maker for the City if managed properly. The Library Foundation's programs will occupy the Hall for up to 50 days per year, leaving the vast majority of the dates available for use by the rest of our Community. Most potential users are fully capable of paying for the times they use it. And rest assured, "if you build it, they will come" Sincerely, Bruce Clark Corona del Mar From: Elizabeth Huyck <libonpv@icloud.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 2:14 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Libby Huyck Subject: Please wait on $23 M lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. When you have private funds for half ood cost, I'm all for it. Until then, can it. Libby Huyck Sent from my iPhone From: Tom Box <markthomasbox@yahoo.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 2:14 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear city council, I am finding it difficult to understand the hesitancy to move forward with a financially attractive project with tremendous support from the community. While I love our beach and bay, it seems like spending on a lecture hall to bring a wide array of helpful and interesting content to our residents would deeply enrich our community. I implore you to vote in favor of this wonderful project!! Sent from my iPhone From: Roberta Dauderman <bobbi@dauderman.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:07 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Witte Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To: City Council Members Three generations of our family have enjoyed many of the programs the Newport Beach Library has provided to our community. As avid readers both my husband and I have appreciated the Witte Lecture Series and other interesting presenters with the support of the Library Foundation -bringing nationally, recognized figures presenting on timely issues. In recent years attendance has grown and the present library facility cannot accommodate the numbers. The planned Witte Hall will serve this widening interest and add to the cultural life for all ages in our community. I urge you to support this effort. Thank you for your attention. Bobbi Dauderman 3 Hillsborough Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Coralie Witter <ctwitter@yahoo.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:12 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Taxpayer feedback [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing to express strong opposition to the proposal to spend over $23m on a lecture hall. The fact that it is even being proposed shows an appalling lack of judgement. Your constituents worked very hard to contribute these taxes - don't be frivolous with it. Coralie Witter From: Bihm, Paul <paul.bihm@optum.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:26 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: DO NOT APPROVE THE RIDICULOUS NEW 299 SEAT LECTURE HALL!!!! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Please, please spend our hard earned tax dollars on more meaningful projects or even better, use the money to help more needy people. This kind of expenditure is ridiculous. Folks should be ashamed for spending this kind of money on such a project. Paul Bihm I Senior Vice President Optum I Phone: 714-269-55971 paul.blhm@optum.com This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or intended recipient's authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately. From: Sydni Webb <sydniwebb@icloud.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:28 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote NO on the library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Council members, We live in Newport Beach, are supporters and frequent patrons of the library but urge you to vote NO to the proposed library lecture hall. Not only is the $23M price tag outrageous, it is not aligned with the priorities and needs of the city. This was a foundation idea and needs to be funded by the foundation, not the taxpayers. Not to mention, there is already meeting space at the Oasis center if needed. Please vote NO! Thank you!! Sydni Webb Newport Beach resident Sydni Webb Mobile: 858.735.3207 From: bbetcher betcheraccounting.com <bbetcher@betcheraccounting.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote NO on the library lecture hall EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council members, I live in Newport Beach, am a supporter and frequent patron of the library. I however, urge you to vote NO to the proposed library lecture hall. The $23M price tag outrageous and is not in alignment with the priorities and needs of the city. This was a foundation idea and needs to be funded by the foundation, not the taxpayers. Additionally, the meeting space at the Oasis center is available for events and gatherings, as needed. Please vote NO! Thank you!! 7 MRBET H E . ACCOUNT[ I G Bev Betcher Betcher Accounting p: 858.735.3209 e: info(a)BetcherAccounting.com w: http://www.BetcherAccounting.com From: John Strahl <strahl@johnstrahl.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:38 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall Project [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Gentle people, Depleting reserve funds on nice, but extravagant structures is not fiscally responsible. Please act accordingly. Thank you. John John Strahl 949.233.4566 73 Montecito Drive Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 strahl@�johnstrahl.com From: Paul Fliegelman <paul.fliegelman@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:40 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To City Council Members: I am writing to support the construction of the lecture hall. Our community will be wonderfully enhanced educationally, culturally and socially. What better contribution can we make to our future. I spent my professional life in construction so I do encourage you to keep a strong eye on budget, progress and safety. I hope it is approved, and I wish you success. Cheers, Paul From: Patricia Adelman Dreyfus <padreyfus@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 3:56 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: new=hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please=support=our=new=hall.=Newport= Beach =deserves=to=have=a state=of=the=art=gathering=place.=Thank=you=for= making =this=posssible.= Blessings, Patricia A.Dreyfus "With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?" Oscar Wilde From: stevek@aol.com Sent: January 07, 2024 4:03 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good evening, I am a Newport Beach resident and I am opposed to the new library lecture hall. The cost of this project is extremely excessive and I encurage you not to approve this proposal. Thankyou Steven Kruse 221 E Bay Front Newport Beach, CA. 92662 From: Latika Sethi <latika_sethi@yahoo.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 4:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please please support the Library Hall project. Thank you, Latika Sethi From: Katelyn Baker <katelynbaker@mac.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 4:23 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Site LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear council members, I am writing to add my voice to the supporters of the lecture hall at the main library site. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote in favor. Best, Katelyn Baker From: Lineback Inc. <linebackinc@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 4:34 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Fwd: New lecture hall for Newport Beach City library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I have been a strong supporter of the Newport Beach Library foundation and all of the wonderful things it has accomplished to foster literacy, education and community for our local citizens (and beyond) since its inception. As a former professor of education and a long-time resident of Newport Beach, I can't stress enough how important the programs and moral and financial support provided by the foundation and its committed board members and volunteers means to me and my family. We have all benefited beyond measure to have such a world -class library available to us and are now in our third generation with my granddaughters able to enjoy the many programs offered to young people. I especially have enjoyed (and look forward to) the Witte Lectures and Meet the Author programs that the foundation has sponsored, but the interest level and size of attendees has FAR outgrown the small facility that has been utilized for so many years. It is essential to have a larger space with the necessary technology required as we near the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, so I urge you all to vote YES for this critically important project, - for the sake of our community, our future citizens, and yes, for the sake of a better understanding of the people and world around us to perhaps, I would fervently hope, contribute to a legacy of humanity at its finest. Respectfully yours, Linda Lineback From: Elizabeth Edwards <Iwe61@icloud.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 4:26 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Needs the new Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. The proposed lecture hall will be a terrific asset to our community. It will be available for library lectures and other speaker driven or solo performer events. With its state of the art AV system, it will easily be used by the well attended Newport Beach Film Festival. It could also be used as a speaking venue for local events. It has potential to be come an income source for the city. Presently, there is no where in the city of Newport facilities that accommodates an audience comfortably: appropriate lighting, adequate AV system, tiered seating, sight lines, ADA accommodations, reception area. The Foundation has millions of dollars pledged to the construction of this building. The funding of the building will be 50% community pledges and 50% City of Newport Beach. The City will maintain control of the building. The Foundation will not be in control of the building. It is time for the City of Newport Beach to have a state of the art facility to accommodate community gatherings for intellectual pursuit, performance opportunities, business meetings and arts endeavors. Elizabeth Edwards Newport Beach From: Kelly Heyler <kellysgarden@cox.net> Sent: January 07, 2024 4:40 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach City Council Members, I am writing to voice my support in the building of the proposed Library Lecture Hall. I am so proud as a citizen and resident of Newport Beach of our Library. One that is recognized nationally as one of the best. We have so many programs available to our community at the library, but often the space is too small to accommodate all participants. The proposed Lecture Hall would provide an avenue for the community to come together for lectures, special events, entertainment and other activities. The Library has raised funds privately to cover 50% of the costs and is committed to meeting that goal. I implore you all to really consider the benefits this Hall will provide not only to the community, but also to the City in bringing additional revenues. Schools, companies and others will be able to utilize a state of the art facility for further education our community. This is NOT a Lecture Hall for the elite which is the messaging that is being used inaccurately to depict the Library's Foundation. This will be a Lecture Hall open to ANYONE who wants to learn new things, engage with other community members and enjoy our beautiful City. Thank you for your time, this is a center we can be proud of having in our community. Best, Kelly Heyler Resident of NB Sent from my iPhone From: Virginia Moller Partridge <virginiampartridge@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 4:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote NO on the 299-seat library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi - As a resident of Dover Shores, I am extremely opposed to the 299-seat library lecture hall that you will be voting on this week. I do not support my tax dollars going to this!!! Sincerely, Virginia Partridge Sent from my iPhone From: Jerry Dauderman <jauderman@icloud.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 5:03 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I strongly support the project to add a lecture hall. Please vote YES. From: Greg Partridge <gpartridge@smithemery.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 5:11 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO to Lecture Hall Expenditure [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Greetings, As a resident of Newport Beach I write this message to express my opposition to the use of city funds to build a lecture hall that is not of commensurate benefit when considering the expense. Please do not fund this wasteful and unnecessary lecture hall. Thank you. Greg Partridge From: ddewitt366@aol.com Sent: January 07, 2024 5:17 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Cit Council, What are you thinking spending $23,438,279 on a building that will serve a minority amount of people in our city. As usual, out legislatures spend money like it's not their own, which it isn't. I urge you to reconsider since you barely have a majority vote in this Council. Something of this magnitude should be supported by all city council to move forward. Thank you for your consideration, Dan DeWitt Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS From: Randy Heyler <rheyler@mac.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 5:37 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for the Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To all members of the City Council, I am writing to voice my strong support of the proposed Lecture Hall, to be built adjacent to the Newport Beach Public Library Central Branch. I am a long-time resident of Newport Beach (since 1990), was a donor to the original library 30 years ago, and am again donating to the new Hall through the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. (I have also recently joined the Library Foundation Board of Trustees, as a reflection of my ongoing support of our city and community). I am a firm believer that these public -private partnerships are excellent ways to greatly enhance the community, and ultimately result in great benefits to both the lifestyle and financial health of our wonderful city. I am also distressed that recent email campaigns circulating withing the public sphere unfairly target the Hall with misleading or incomplete information about this proposal. While these negative messages typically cite as "lavish" the cost of the building, and only "elites" as the beneficiaries of the hall, they ignore many important facts: 1. Fully 50% of the costs of the building will be funded privately. This represents a financial windfall for the city, not a liability, as the city assets will be improved by over $11M on the balance sheet. 2. Additionally, a significant portion of the building costs are allocated purely to redirect essential power/utilities, not to the building itself, so any representation of per -seat costs are inherently misleading. Plus, the city will benefit from these infrastructure improvements and updates. 3. This is PUBLIC building — it is not "exclusive" by any means, and will benefit an extremely broad cross-section of the community well beyond the Library — including artistic performances and other public and private uses. 4. This facility will fill a void in our city, where we currently have no public facility that accommodates a large audience in a comfortable setting. The new hall will give us ALL a 21s' century auditorium with state-of-the-art lighting, AV, tiered seating, ADA accommodations and a reception area commensurate with our first-rate city. It will truly complement, not compete with, other hotel and public facilities within the city. 5. The new hall will be able to house civic events, artistic performances, and private/business functions, which will bring additional tourism and revenues to the city. Increases to local businesses along with direct revenues should more than offset any costs of maintaining the hall. 6. A negative vote will not only ieopardize the over $81VI of collected and pledged donations already committed, but would bode poorly for any future potential private/public endeavors within the city. These funds have been raised over the life of the project covering more than 10 years, and have been pledged based on the excellent collaborative work between the Library Foundation and the city, with ongoing support across multiple city administrations and groups of Foundation trustees. Projects such as this require long-term vision on the behalf of all parties, and should the council vote against the current proposal, after many years of ongoing support, the Foundation most likely will be required to offer refunds to all current donors and miss the opportunity to create new engagement with many other members of our community. My understanding is that the city is currently in a strong financial position, and it would be a grave oversight to say "no" to over $11M in private donations to build an important part of our community infrastructure that will both directly and indirectly benefit every resident, as well as the city's financial foundation. Please vote YES on the proposal and say YES to the ongoing success of public/private partnerships within our city! Sincerely, Randy Heyler 18 Seabluff Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-322-8933 From: Michelle Jordan <jordanllc@cox.net> Sent: January 07, 2024 5:47 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Jordan LLC Subject: Vote YES on Tuesday on Community Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Members of the Newport Beach City Couyncil: I have followed the potential addition of a "Community Lecture Hall" to our NPB community quite closely and am sorry not to be there in person to add my support for this initiative on Tuesday. Be glad it is one less fist to shake, but instead permit me to urge you to come together, with individual agendas set aside, and do what is is the best interests of our NPB Community as a whole and for which you are currently our elected representation. In short, I urge you to vote "yes" on construction of a state-of-the-art Community Lecture Hall. Respectfully Michelle Jordan 64 Chandon Newport Coast, CA 92657 Michelle Jordan Jordan LLC, Strategic Communications 220 Newport Center Drive # 11-344 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949 640 1684 - off. 949 632 7848 - cell www.wordanllc.net From: peter grace <pjgrace@yahoo.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 6:13 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the Newport Beach City Council, I am writing to lend my support to the lecture hall project at the main library site. As a long time Newport Beach resident, I greatly appreciate the amenities that add so much to our community. This is certainly one of those... and with so much financial support from our residents! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Peter Grace 828 Via Lido Soud Newport Beach pigrace@vahoo.com Cell (562) 233-9094 From: Erin Grody Kingsley <eringkingsley@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 6:38 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Statement of support for NB lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Erin Grody Kingsley From: cinnamon sary <cinnamonjsary@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 6:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Supporting lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I am writing to add my voice to the supporters of the lecture hall at the main library site. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote in favor. From: Fataneh Aliandust <faliandust@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 6:46 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! Best regards, Fera Aliandust From: Katie Quicksilver <ksquicksilver@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 6:59 PM To: Dept - City Council [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Katie Heaney Sent from my iPhone From: Mary Westbrook <WestbrookM@southcoastplaza.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 7:03 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: please approve the community lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Our community needs this facility. Thank you. Mary Westbrook From: Taryn Ryder <taryn.ryder@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 7:09 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I want to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Taryn Slemons From: Tracie Henson Rotter <tracie.henson@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 7:10 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall at Library LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Tracie Rotter Tracie Rotter +1.949.478.1860 From: RUBEN FLORES <r126657@aol.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 7:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall at library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, We here in laguna beach salivate at the opportunity to even conceptualize the building of such a dream Please move forward with this exemplary, worthwhile and necessary element for the enrichment of the minds of Newport Beach and Orange County We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Ruben Flores Visionscape And Laguna Nursery From: Justine Jones <JustineLJones@outlook.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 7:33 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Justine Jones Sent from my iPhone From: Lindsay Rosen <lindsayannrosen@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 8:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall by Newport Beach Public Library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Lindsay Rosen Sent from my iPhone From: Ann Smyth <annsmythl@mac.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 8:03 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please support the Lecture Hall !! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, As a long time resident of Newport Beach, I want to thank you for your continued support and for voting in favor of building the Lecture Hall! I believe it will be an asset for Newport Beach. Thank you for all you do for this wonderful city. Kind Regards, Ann Smyth 1393 Galaxy Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 Sent from my iPhone From: Elissa Green <elissagreen@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 7:25 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for lecture hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Elissa Green From: Camille Krahe Hardy <camillekrahehardy@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 8:35 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my strong support for the Library Lecture Hall project. As a mother of a young son, I have personally experienced the positive impact our local library has on our community. The Library Lecture Hall project, in my opinion, will greatly benefit our community by providing an enriching and educational space for residents of all ages. Having fond memories of attending the Witte lecture series and other library events while growing up, I look forward to the prospect of sharing similar experiences with my son in the future. Investing in projects like the Library Lecture Hall is crucial for fostering a sense of community, encouraging lifelong learning, and creating lasting memories for families. I believe this initiative aligns with the values that make our city a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Thank you for your time and consideration. I urge you to support the Library Lecture Hall project for the betterment of our community. Sincerely, Camille Krahe Hardy From: Laney Tucker <laureletucker@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 8:42 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, I am a long time Newport Beach resident who left for 12 years for school and work, and have recently returned. I grew up as a library user, and have enjoyed returning to the Central Library, especially for some of the programming. However, I would love to see additional programming and events in Newport Beach. I find that I frequently head up to Los Angeles for entertainment, along with other young professionals, when I think there could be more offered here at home. The proposed lecture hall would provide a venue for more music, films and programming for young and old people alike. Please support the lecture hall by voting yes on Tuesday. Sincerely, Laney Tucker From: Suzy Pendon <shumpsvi@yahoo.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 6:56 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please Vote to Approve LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. We love Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Suzana L. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone From: alanaIefkowitz@gmai1.com Sent: January 07, 2024 8:50 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Sent from my iPhone. Please pardon any typos. From: Emily Heymann <emilyaheymann@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 8:51 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Lecture Hall Project Vote [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members, I wanted to encourage you to support this project that is important for our community. I grew up here in Newport Beach and I have the privilege to raise my 3 young children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the countless enrichment opportunities that encourage community members to be the best versions of themselves. I support the building of the lecture hall at the library and would look forward to a venue that could house programming on a variety of topics from writers and scholars. Lectures would absolutely have a profoundly positive impact on members of our community. It is incredible to know that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Emily and Sean Heymann From: Peter Zeughauser <zeughauser@CONSULTZG.COM> Sent: January 07, 2024 8:55 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Witte Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members — I support the Witte Hall project. Please vote in favor on Tuesday night. Regrettably, I will be out of town and thus cannot attend the meeting. Witte Hall is a project befitting of our community and one we can afford. We need a good meeting hall in Newport Beach. Let's make it happen! Best, Peter Zeughauser Newport Coast 949-878-7444 From: Maddie McKinley <maddie.mckinley@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 9:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall project - vote yes [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council members, I am writing in support of the. My husband and I are residents of Newport Beach, and we would love to see the additional programming and events that would come about by having a new civic center. We frequently go up to Los Angeles for entertainment, and we think the Lecture Hall would provide a venue for us to enjoy music, films and programming here in our hometown. Please support the lecture hall by voting yes on Tuesday. Best, Maddie McKinley Aschieris From: Wendy Franked <weafrank@roadrunner.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 9:30 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please support and pass required issues to build the lecture hall. It will be excellent for the library, the citizens of Newport Beach and one more reason that makes our city great. Let's do it!! Wendy Frankel 131 39th Street Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Dore Rhyme <dorerhyme@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 9:32 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Councilman, I'm the daughter of former City Councilman Paul Hummel of district 6 CdM. I'm also a life long citizen of Newport Beach, my husband and I raised our children here and my Husband and I still live here ! I urge all of you to vote NO ( as my father would ) on the lecture hall for lots of reasons. The money should be spent where we truly need it in our beautiful city. Thank you, Dore and Mark Rhyme Sea View Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Marilyn Krahe <Krahe_Home@fkaild.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 10:07 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: PLEASE VOTE YES ON THE LIBRARY LECTURE HALL [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Mayor O'Neill and Members of the City Council of Newport Beach, First and foremost, thank you for all hard work you do on behalf of our city. I am writing you today to ask for your votes to approve the construction of the proposed Library Lecture hall. So many people in our community will benefit from the new library lecture hall. Whether they attend events at the library lecture hall to hear authors and speakers from our foundation programs, participate in cultural educational programs, attend Medicine in our Backyard, view films, or recitals; clearly the list of possible utilization of this beautiful building is endless. The public private nonprofit partnership speaks volumes about the spirit of 'community' in our city. How lucky are we to live in a city that has so many people who care so deeply? So many volunteers' hours spent, so many that have contributed funds, and so many hours of hard work and study by the city council. Thank you for your consideration of this Important project to enhance our educational and cultural community. I urge you all to vote yes! Respectfully, Marilyn Krahe Vice President/Secretary of the Newport Beach Library Foundation From: Nicole Rossi <nicole.a.rossi@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 10:12 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Nicole Townes Sent from my iPhone From: Andrew Berkhausen <berkhausen@icloud.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 10:16 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Don't build the lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Iwom,"11:7 Sent from my Whone From: Dr. Dweck <drdweck@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:09 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: The Prpposed Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the City Cousel, I entreat you to reject the proposal to build the Proposed Lecture Hall. S. Stevan Dweck, Ph.D. 949-760-2525 drdweck(c�aol.com From: robert weiner <starboxinc@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please DO NOT support the funding of this project. Thank you, Robert Weiner 410 Kings Road NB 92663 From: S. Miller <sandim5819@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:51 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: TAXPAYER'S VOTE WHERE THEIR MONEY IS SPENT [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. We NEED NEWPORT to stay as quaint with quality as always. The Citizens don't need nor want a huge building of any sort EATING UP more PROPERTY that is spoiling our WORLD. S. From: Nancy Simonian <nancysimonian@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:04 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: *Urgent* City Council vote [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Newport Beach City Council: Please vote NO for 299-Seat Lecture Hall. This is not the time to be spending money on something that is not in extreme need. Let's wait until the economy is better and will be at a more sensible time. Nancy Simonian Newport Beach, CA 92663 From: Glenda Crosby <glenda949@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:51 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am opposed to the building of a Lecture Hall for a number of reasons. I will not elaborate! Please vote no. Thanks Glenda Crosby Sent from my Whone From: JULIE WILSON <wilsonbay@mac.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:59 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Our Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, We are writing to express our support for the proposed Lecture Hall. It is our belief that this Lecture Hall will be a benefit to the entire city of Newport Beach. Thank you for voting in favor of our Lecture Hall. Sincerely, Julie and Justin Wilson 2571 Bayshore Dr Newport Beach, CA 92663 Sent from Julie's iPhone From: ginny.olson vmoepost.com <ginny.olson@vmoepost.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:47 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. It is my understanding that on Tuesday there will be a vote to move forward or kill the construction of a lecture hall co -funded by the Newport Beach Library Foundation. I support the construction of this lecture hall assuming it is a financially responsible use of tax payer dollars. I believe it to be financially responsible if it can be self sustaining based on lecture or event revenues. An example of programs I would like to see at the new facility is the Distinguished Speaker series, currently offered in Long Beach. I attended this when it was at Segerstrom but now am unwilling to drive to Long Beach for the series for a number of reasons, one of those being personal safety. I do not know why it was moved but from attending, Segerstrom was too large for the Series. This single example is only one where the facility could be used for more intellectual entertainment than current venues provide. For Newport residents this would be a community enhancement. Sincerely, Virginia Olson Newport Coast Resident From: Maria Boyse <mariaboyse@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 5:17 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library project [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! Get Outlook for iOS From: Catou Greenberg <dreatou@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 5:24 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council: Please do not waste taxpayer money on the proposed expensive lecture hall. Please do not deplete our reserves. Sincerely, Catou Greenberg Sent from my Whone From: Nanette Vodra <nanettevodra@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:14 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a resident, and taxpayer, in the City of Newport Beach I believe I have a right to be heard when it comes to the spending of our (tax paying residents) tax dollars. Especially when that proposed spending is reckless, does not fairly represent the tax payers in our community, and appears to be nothing more than an ego project for an extremely small representation of our community. For our City Council to even consider spending over $23,000,000 tax payers dollars (not your money) on a 299 seat library lecture hall is unbelievably irresponsible. According to a staff report "the gold-plated lecture hall will cost $78,300 per seat, and $2,388 per square foot, which is 3x the nicest fire station ever built in this city." "Staff testified at a recent City Council meeting that paying for the building will cause the city's capital reserve to be completely depleted." As City Council members you have a fiscal responsibility to our city and tax paying resident. You are not entitled to spend our tax dollars frivolously and irresponsibly. The point of our city government is to use limited resources to maximize the number of people who benefit from the spending. We want our money spent on police officers, firefighters, and parks and recreation facilities. Those things the entire community benefits from. We want our streets and infrastructure maintained. Newport Beach is a unique community in that we actually care about maintaining our safety, taking care of our resources and maintaining and improving our infrastructure. Again, these are the things we ALL benefit from. If you vote to proceed with this project, which as a resident of Newport Beach I vehemently oppose, you need to explain to us why the Newport Beach Library Foundation, which agreed to pay for half of the costs, is millions of dollars short and why you, an extraordinarily small group of individuals (4 people) believe you have the right to place such an extraordinary burden on our community. Do not waste my tax dollars on your ego project. Any person with business sense would understand the negative ramifications of such reckless spending. Thank you for listening. Nanette Vodra Sent from my iPad From: nancy gardner <ngardner636@gmail.com> Sent: January 07, 2024 12:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Mayor and Council Members: Having been in your shoes, I can say that any regrets I have from my time on council stemmed from things that weren't done, not things that were. Nancy Gardner From: Jon Remy <jtremy@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council, I am opposed to using the funds for a Lecture Hall, there are many more issues in the City of Newport Beach that need the attention and that funding. Please do not continue with this extravagant, unnecessary expense. 0 :ON REMY AN klm s"a7 From: DANIEL LORTI <djlorti@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:57 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: The Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. We don't need another wasteful expensive project in the midst of the economic crisis. I vote no! Sent from my iPhone From: Kendra Coffey <kendracoffey@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:02 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall spending - vote NO [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Please do not vote to approve a lecture hall, there are so many other spaces available from high schools to universities in the vicinity that can be used for this type of gathering on an as needed basis. The need and desire for that many people to gather is dwindling from availability of video conferencing tools to concerns about meeting in large groups due to Covid and random violence... this isn't a good use of money. Just wait until you see what happens to the value of commercial real estate when properties have to refi, at tremendously higher than 2% rates .... cap rates are going to force lower values, this is the worst possible time to attempt to buy a building in this market. Don't even consider it, whatever the personal appeal for this proposal may be. Someone is planning to make a lot of money off of the city - whose pockets are being lined ? Vote NO Newport Beach resident and homeowner -Kendra Coffey Sent from Yahoo Mail for Whone From: M. Mortensen <michelle225@hotmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:08 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I just heard about plans for a new, very expensive, lecture hall to be built in Newport Beach. As a long- time citizen of Newport Beach (since 1978), 1 am very disappointed with the direction our city is headed. We should be using TAXPAYER dollars to benefit taxpayers. Taxpayers do not appreciate having our money confiscated, only to be allocated for elitist projects such as this. Small government (the best kind) should focus on using its limited resources for the greatest good. I am disgusted that some think this sort of project is actually the greatest good. Our money is not yours to spend frivolously. Be prudent stewards of the money you take from us, your constituents. Michelle Mortensen Newport Beach Resident From: Shannon Tarnutzer <smtarnutzer@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:35 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NB LIBRARY -Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach Council Members, Please acknowledge this email as my support for the proposed lecture hall. The city of Newport Beach has grown culturally and the need for lectures, concerts, Speaker Series should not be underestimated. I attend speaker series in Long Beach, Cerritos -why those cities and not ours. It raises the level of education and culture. Please vote to approve this lecture hall. Shannon Tarnutzer 2671 Bayshore Drive, NB Sent from my Whone From: Lesly Davenport <lesly@leslydavenport.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:39 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall for NB [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have our own lecture hall for events right here in Newport Beach? I can't imagine turning down this venue when it would be such a fabulous addition to our community. With gratitude to live in Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Joy ward <joyk@wardfamily5.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:42 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello City Council Members, Please consider following through with a new city lecture hall. With more and more technology leading in the news, it is refreshing that a city will build a place for people to have live discussions and a meeting place. We need this human interaction! Thank you, Joy Ward Sent from my iPhone From: slkinton@aol.com Sent: January 08, 2024 7:48 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Upcoming vote on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please consider carefully your vote this Tuesday for the very large expenditure for the Lecture Hall. Considering the state of our economy and the uncertainty , funding a very expensive Lesture hall is not responsible spending. We count on you to protect our citizens Sandra Kinton. From: Robert Young <rryoung@uci.edu> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:55 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I am a 30+ year resident of Newport Beach and would like you to finally fund the new Lecture Hall. Thank you. Robert Young 4601. Surrey Drive Corona del Mar Get Outlook for iOS From: Pallie Jones <pallie@palliejones.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:56 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Oppose The Building Of a Small Theater Near The Library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content kli,safe. To Whom It May Concern, I am opposed to the construction of a small theater near the library. A 200 seat theater is not an expense that would benefit the City, it is basically a book signing venue and a complete waste of tax payer dollars. Please make my position known at the City Council meeting tomorrow evening. Thank you. Pallie Jones 30 Year Newport Beach Resident Pallie Jones 425 30th Street Newport Beach Ca. 92663 arborrealestate.com DIRE No. 01918002 From: Bill Winton <wowinton@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:55 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If any part of the information about the proposed lecture hall is true, I would strongly object. It seems ludicrous for such spending to occur right now. Register me as a strong NO unless there is further information that would change minds. Teri Winton Corona del Mar From: Chris Brigandi <cbrigandi@arborrealestate.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:56 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Theatre [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Good morning. I send this email to let you Know I am very much opposed to the spending over 15 million of city tax dollars on a small Theater. I own multiple business's here in Newport and understand the importance of fiscal responsibility. And what we prioritize our spending on There is a wonderful small theater on Cliff drives that is rarely used. Not sure we'd need another one My recommendation is, if we have discretionary funds we focus them on combating the ever increasing issue with homelessness that is becoming an issue for our city The majority of people I know, are concerned with that problem, rather than a small theater that no one would attend. Thank you for listening. Chris Brigandi A.P-B,(PP Chris Brigandi Founder 949.910.6005 cbrigandi (@arborreaIestate.com arborrea I estate. com DIRE No. 00982965 u in CM From: karen Linden <karenlinden @sbcgloba1.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall /auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members, PLEASE vote to approve the Auditorium/lecture hall tomorrow evening . It is a highly needed asset for the Newport Beach community, and as I understand , is half paid for by Friend's of the Library . Please Support this vote ! Most sincerely, Karen Linden Sent from my Whone From: DAVID HENIGES <dhenigesl@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a long standing citizen of Newport Beach, I do NOT support the pursuit of a new lecture hall in this economically challenging environment. David F. Heniges 5 Vienna Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Rick Sittig <rick@secretweapon.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library funding [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I strongly oppose the proposed construction of the Newport Library/lecture Hall. Besides the absurdly high cost, which should be used for more vital city services, the people do not need brick and mortar buildings to access information. Its 2024, all of the worlds literature is available on the screen in your home or pocket. All of the world's lectures and debates can be accessed the same way. Wake up, it is not 1954. This is a waste of money. Rick Sittig Newport Beach homeowner. Sent from my iPhone From: Danielle Goodman <dgoodman26@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:16 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members, I am asking for your support for this incredibly important project. I was born and raised in Newport Beach and haved worked here since graduating residency. We love it here because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Danielle Goodman, DDS Board -Certified Pediatric Dentist From: Maryann Kroh <mskrohpt@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:29 AM To: Dept - City Council; Kleiman, Lauren; O'Neill, William Cc: Maryann Kroh Subject: NO on lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links 7 attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Hello, I'm a concerned newport beach resident and I urge a NO vote on the new library lecture hall. I don't think this is necessary, let's use other rooms and existing facilities for lectures if needed. We need to remain fiscally responsible and fund more important and urgent city needs. Let's put more police on the street, let's repair our roads, or how about paying down long-term debt? NO NO NOH The cost is too high, it is a pork barrel project that will be used by few and expensed off the backs of the local taxpayers. Shame on the city council to approve this up to this point and waste almost a million dollars on exploring this unnecessary project. Citizens are watching and recording how our elected officials vote on projects like this and how well they represent the desires of the community -this is a NO vote. These funds are not yours to use for personal legacy projects -your job is to represent the taxpayer and survey the community -was this done?? Do the citizens of this community want this project at this exorbitant cost?? When will our voices be heard?? Way to keep this hush-hush until the final vote. I look forward to hearing that our elected officials have come to their senses and put this ridiculous and unnecessary project to bed. Maryann Kroh Ocean Blvd, Com resident From: Tony Petros <Tony.Petros@lsa.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:33 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: jilljtucker@gmail.com; Kristen Petros (kcpetros2020@gmail.com) Subject: Yes for the Lecture Hall. EXTERNAL EMAIL DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content For over 10 years, the City and public have been planning a Lecture Hall for the Central Library. The expectation is this project will move forward as a joint public private partnership. The community has pledged to pay for %, which is enumerated in agreements and memoranda of understanding. At every discretionary step along the way the City Council has continued to support this community asset. And the public has grown in anticipation of the day when we can enjoy the facility. And at every step along the way, a single community agitator has come forward with exaggerations and false assertions about the project, most recently about the cost to the City. The City Council should see through the falsities and move forward with the Lecture Hall. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation has agreed to pay half the costs of the building, which means the City would be getting a civic auditorium for under $12 million dollars, less than the price of many homes in Newport Beach. The Foundation has already raised over $8 million dollars towards its half and is confident it can raise the remainder. Please follow through on your commitments. The public is anticipating your approval a project that has already been reviewed and approved numerous times. Say "Yes" to the Central Library Lecture Hall. Anthony Petros Former City Councilperson, District 2 From: Pamela A Conner <pamconner@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:37 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please vote NO on the Library Lecture Hall! We have a lovely room where the City Council meets — why can't that be used to house speakers? $23 million dollars is way TOO MUCH! Thank you! Pam Conner From: Suzanne Searles <searlesfamily@roadrunner.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:38 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Civic Auditorium LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council, As long time residents of Newport Beach, we are in favor of building a lecture hall/civic auditorium next to the center library in Newport Center. We think this would benefit the community and serve as a place where citizens of all ages can come. Thank you, Suzanne and Bob Searles Sent from my iPhone From: Whitney Mace <whitneymace@outlook.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:43 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall/Civic Auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City Council, I am very much in favor for the project that will bring a lecture hall/ civic auditorium to the civic center campus, next to the Central Library in Newport Center. Thank you, Whitney 0. Mace From: steve k <stevenkroh@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:48 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: lecture hall waste of money [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content kli,safe. MANY of us are just now becoming aware of the Council's intent to spend tens of millions of dollars for a new "lecture hall" for the library. I understand that the project started with a cost estimate of under $12M, and has now (unsurprisingly) ballooned to over $23M. And this current cost estimate will now serve as the very lowest cost that we should expect to spend. Just look at recent history. Have we all forgotten the "Taj Mahal" City Hall project which was initially estimated to cost around $49M, but (unsurprisingly) ballooned to around $150M or so in only a few years? It's shocking and disappointing to learn that the Council has already spent approximately One Million Dollars for architectural plans without most of your constituents knowing anything about this project. MOST of your constituents already feel that the existing City Hall development should have been built within a MUCH more conservative budget- much more in line with an industrial tilt -up concrete development instead of a museum of modern art type of development. However, the prevailing opinion of many of your constituents is that our City Council seems to believe that they deserve these lavish, ocean -view facilities for effective City governance- and now seem intent on spending even more of our City's budget for an unneeded lecture hall, instead of simply repurposing some of the existing facilities. As we began to hear of this colossal waste of money, many of your constituents immediately wanted to know which council members were for it and which ones were against it. We now understand that Erik Weigand, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, and Brad Avery are our elected representatives supporting this unneeded development at the expense of many other (less glamorous) infrastructure projects. We are very disappointed in the business -as -usual spending attitude, and will not soon forget the names of those who supported it. Steve Kroh 3116 Ocean Blvd Corona del Mar, CA From: Katie Ogden <katego@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:59 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a longtime resident here in Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable. I vote NO. Katie Ogden 2015 Yacht Resolute Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Rob Montgomery <rmontgomery@arborrealestate.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:01 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New theater LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I oppose the spending of 15 to 25 million dollars on a small theater by the library. Rob Montgomery c. 949.280.6362 www.MontgomeryNewport.com Ca1BRE# 01110479 From: crolfes313@gmail.com Sent: January 08, 2024 9:05 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: 'Thomas Rolfes' Subject: Support for the Library Lecture Hall mr- EXTERNAL EMAIL DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To all members of the City Council, We are writing to voice our strong support of the proposed Lecture Hall to be built adjacent to the Newport Beach Public Library Central Branch. We are longtime residents of Corona del Mar (since 1985) and have been annual donors to the NBPLF since its inception in 1989, as well as donors to the Lecture Hall. My husband, a lifelong Newport resident got his first library card for the Mariners Branch in 1965 when he was 7 years old. We've raised 3 sons who are also avid library users, starting with the CdM branch when they were small. I still remember their excitement going to the newly built Central Library for the first time. As a family, and individually, we have utilized all of the library programs at one time or another for decades and look forward to leaving this legacy to our grandchildren and our community. What makes the Newport Beach Library system so exceptional is the recognition by each new city council that the library system is an extremely important part of the fabric of a vibrant city, and their willingness to invest in and support the continued growth and expansion of library infrastructure and programs over the years. This city council has the opportunity to continue that important support of our library system. We understand there is a campaign underway to unfairly paint the Lecture Hall as "lavish" and for "elites" only, although the facts do not support that claim. You have the facts, including that the city has ample funds to support the Lecture Hall, and in fact received millions of dollars of COVID-related support that was originally allocated to the Hall, but was redirected to other projects due to delays — so the city has already offset budget needs in other areas. We have watched, benefited from, and continually supported the growth and expansion of library system in Newport Beach for over 30 years. It has been a marvelous example of the strength of public private partnerships to enrich our community, and we urge the current city council to continue that support by voting for the current proposal. Most sincerely, Tom and Carrie Rolfes 456 Cabrillo Terrace Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949-244-2065 From: Eric Smyth <eric@ciprealestate.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:07 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• To the Council, I wanted to provide my strong support for the proposed Lecture Hall. As a lifelong OC and NB resident, I can't think of a better resource for the City to compliment the City Hall and Library Complex. Additionally, as a Board Member of Crystal Cove Conservancy, we have for many years wished for a lecture hall to accommodate larger requirements that we can utilize — our City is now of a scale that demands this type, quality, and scope of facility to attract the talent to our area. The Lecture Hall would be legacy asset of profound importance and I hope that the Council will proceed with an approval. Sincerely, Eric C. Smyth Chief Executive Officer EREALESIAUE 19762 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 300 Irvine, CA 92612 949.474.7030 ext. 301 Main 949.202.4540 Direct 949.474.2101 Fax 949.283.4992 Cell eric(LDci prea I estate. com Bruce R. D'Eliscu 1011 Kings Road Newport Beach, California 92663 January 8, 2024 Dear Council Members our family is in full support of the proposed Library Lecture Hall auditorium. Given, the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation has raised a considerable amount of funds and pledged the matching funds, we believe this a fiscally responsible for the City of Newport Beach to approve this valued proposed expansion. All the best Bruce and Allyson D'Eliscu From: Susan Gaunt <smgauntl@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:09 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No in Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, Please vote NO on the proposed Lecture Hall. This is a waste of taxpayer funds and seems to be an unnecessary building. Thank you, Susan Gaunt Sent from my Whone From: HANAN BUTLER <hananbutler@yahoo.co.uk> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Don't support lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi, As a Newport Beach resident for over 10 years I don't agree with or support the lecture hall. I think the money should be spent wisely to make our community more safe and keep it elite, prestigious and as exclusive as possible. There are multiple venues that can be used as lecture halls ( not that we need any one to lecture us). This is an old fashion project and people have so many accessible ways of education today. It sounds like a complete waste of money. Thanks for listening to the city residents and home owners. Hanan Butler Sent from my Whone From: Lynn Swain <lynn@lynnswain.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:20 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Witte Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Although the proposed building is aesthetically pleasing and undoubtedly has potential uses, prioritizing fiscal responsibility should take precedence for the City Council. Allocating such high costs from the City reserves, especially during economic turmoil, could jeopardize Newport Beach's financial stability. With the State facing financial challenges due to irresponsible spending, it's crucial not to replicate their path and risk the beautiful City's well-being. Lynn Swain Big Canyon From: Casey Hill <casey@caseyhillstudio.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:25 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Casey Hill Sent from my iPhone From: Lauren Phan <Iphan@rhospice.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:27 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please oppose the lecture hall The point of our city government is to use limited resources to maximize the number of people who benefit from the spending. We want our money spent on police officers, firefighters, and parks, which we all benefit from. We want to make sure that we keep our streets in good condition, and that we do not let our city infrastructure deteriorate. We've all been to other cities that are not well kept. Not money spent on an exclusive lecture hall. Thank you. Lauren Phan President 18000 Studebaker Rd, Ste 110 Cerritos, CA 90703 t: (877) 659-5998 f: (877) 659-3453 m: (714) 315-0682 Cell e: Iphan(abrhospice.com CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail, and any attachment to it may contain confidential information intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity named on the e-mail. This transmission may also contain information that is protected and governed by the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately return it to the sender and delete it from your system. From: Mackenzie Cruz <mackenziej.weber@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:28 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please support the library lecture hall project! As a Newport Beach resident and new mom I think our community would benefit from this project. Thank you, Mackenzie Weber Cruz Founder, Downpause Media From: Alex Hardy <alster9@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:29 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please Support Library Lecture Hall Project [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I'm writing to implore you to please support the Library Lecture Hall Project. With this addition to the Library, there would be so many benefits to the community, including my own family. Raising a young son, I think it is vital to instill a love of learning and passion for reading. By providing more consideration to the library, it would be a step in the right direction for parents like myself and especially for the next generation to bring us all closer together. Please support this project, thank you for your time and consideration. Alex Hardy From: Laura Ruben <rubencpa@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:31 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am urging a "NO" vote on the proposed lecture hall for the city. While I support the library speakers series, I feel that the cost for a new lecture hall is too great. I believe that with the financial constraints the city is faced with we should spend the money on areas that will benefit the most residents. Thank you, Laura Ruben From: Karen Hurst <khurst2@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:33 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Auditorium proposal [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members: As a 27 year resident of Newport Beach, I have recently been made aware of the vote tomorrow regarding the construction of a new auditorium in Newport Beach. While I'm sure it would be lovely, I am concerned about the cost and the depletion of our reserve funds. There seem to be more pressing needs in our city --road maintenance, urban forestation needs, park development, homelessness, security, etc. Also, having a reserve fund is important to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Please vote NO on this proposal. Karen Hurst 1912 Port Bristol Circle Newport Beach NOTICE TO RECIPIENT: If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are prohibited from sharing, copying, or otherwise using or disclosing its contents. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments without reading, forwarding or saving them. Thank you. From: Liz Barman <barman.liz@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:35 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: VOTE NO on 23.4 Million dollar lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a longtime resident here in Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable. I vote NO. Liz Barman 6 Rue Saint Cloud Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Ann Ramser <annramser@hotmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a longtime resident here in Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable and irresponsible. I vote NO. Ann Ramser 6 Cape Danbury Newport Bch, CA 92660 Sent from my Whone From: Sarah Wied <sarahwied@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:58 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning, I am writing in support of the Library Lecture Hall project that I'm asking for your support on. I believe the project will greatly benefit the community to have a larger lecture hall since the current room is quite small. If you haven't been to a Witte lecture or any of the library events, I highly recommend them! It would be highly beneficial to have a larger area for these lectures or future events. Again, please support the Library Lecture Hall project. Thank you! Dr. Sarah Wied & Family 232 E 21st Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 From: City of NB Questions Sent: January 08, 2024 8:22 AM To: City Clerk's Office Subject: FW: Feedback for City of Newport Beach Feedback regarding the City Council item. From: City of Newport Beach <NoReply@newportbeachca.gov> Sent: January 06, 2024 5:55 PM To: City of NB Questions <questions@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Feedback for City of Newport Beach You have received this feedback from Samantha Tullett < sam iane2l@outlook.com > for the following page: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/trending/projects/library-lecture-hall As a resident of Newport Beach I would like it known that I do not feel we should be spending City funds on a lecture hall. We live in an age of digital meeting possibilities. It seems obsolete to build such a structure with such an outdated function and especially as we already have those at UCI if needed. There are so many projects that would better spend City funds. For example, more policing of the dangerous and horrendously noisy "drag racing" on the peninsula that could be so easily eliminated with speed bumps, more allotted policing time and digital flash cameras to exact heavy and disincentivizing fines. We should be protecting residents from fatal accidents that would cost a fraction of the spending on the lecture hall. From: jhlivingston@cox.net Sent: January 05, 2024 4:45 PM To: City Clerk's Office Subject: CANCEL the Library Lecture Hall project - unnecessary and expensive! Categories: Lei la n i EXTE links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council, I do not believe that the Library Lecture Hall is a necessary, desirable, or wise project on which to spend taxpayer money, and urge you to cancel this project immediately. Initial estimates for this project were, as I recall, $8 million. The latest figure is approximately 3 times that at $24 million. Really? Roughly $80,000 per seat? And how do we know it won't grow even more. The Lecture Hall is a financial boondoggle —Stop It! Yours truly, John Livingston 31 Augusta Lane Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Taylor Anderson <taylor.n.anderson@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:00 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NB library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Taylor Anderson Taylor Anderson 949-887-2447 From: Alberta Muller <albertapm@icloud.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:03 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Opposed to the building. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom it may concern, As a Newport Beach resident I am asking you to vote NO on the library lecture hall. This would be a gross mismanagement of funds. Alberta Houck Sent from my iPhone From: Jeff Aschieris <jeffaschieris@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:04 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. WD This email is to express my support for the proposed lecture hall project that will be voted on at the January 9th meeting. Additional programming at a venue like this will benefit the city. Best, Jeff Aschieris Sent from my Whone From: Liz McKinley<Imckinley@pin naclepetroleum.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content ALe• All) This email is to express my support for the proposed lecture hall project that will be voted on at the January 9th meeting. Additional programming at a venue like this will benefit the city. Liz McKinley 1048 white sails way CDM Get Outlook for iOS From: cindygates @cindy7.com <cindygates@cindy7.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:10 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO ON LECTURE HALL [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a longtime resident of Newport Beach and I love our city. I am outraged at the very thought of a lecture hall, and for that amount of money, insane. We have new hotels and multiple clubs that could easily handle a lecture for 299 guests. Protecting Newport Beach and its citizens is your job. Your egos must be involved to even contemplate such an idea! Cindy Gates Sent from my iPhone From: SUSAN CROUL <susanc4me@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:11 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I am in complete support of the Library Lecture Hall Project. It would be extremely disappointing if the current city council stopped this project from being brought to fruition. It is a venue that will be used for a multitude of events and we have nothing like it in our city. I have been to a number of lectures in the library's Friends Room and know that the current accommodations for the wonderful programming is not at all adequate for Newport Beach and the quality of the programming. I think the cost of 12 million dollars or about, for the city to own a state of the art lecture hall, is a bargain for our city. Especially when you compare that to the cost of a home in Newport Beach today. The city has the money and I think this new building will add greatly to the specialness that is our city. I urge you to follow through and vote yes at the upcoming final vote. Thank you, Susan Croul 812 Via Lido Nord Lido Isle Sent from my Whone From: Donald Morrow <dlmorrow@mac.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:13 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Judy Johnson Subject: Central Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Newport Beach City Council My wife and I are very much in favor of the City Council approving the funding for the new lecture hall at the Central Library. The campaign against the hall seems to us to be based on half-truths and over politicizes an issue that should be looked at based on its merits. Our City needs a state of the art auditorium to hold lectures, artistic performances, and the myriad of other events that could be held at the new hall. The community has done an excellent job of raising private funds to pay for a material portion of the cost to build the lecture hall, which shows the broad -based support for the hall. We strongly encourage all of you to vote in favor of the hall. Donald Morrow and Judy Johnson 28 Royal Saint George Road, Newport Beach, CA From: MICHAEL REAGAN <mreaganl@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:14 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Money waste [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please stop this project!!! We do not need it. Projects should benefit lots of people not a few elites. We are against wasteful spending! Thank you Sent from my iPhone From: Pete McKinley <PMcKinley@ahcusa.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:15 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: : Lecture Hall support [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council members, This email is to express my support for the proposed lecture hall project that will be voted on at the January 9th meeting. Additional programming at a venue like this will benefit the city. Best, Peyer McKinley 1038 white sails way CDM Sent from my Whone Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast, a leader in email security and cyber resilience. Mimecast integrates email defenses with brand protection, security awareness training, web security, compliance and other essential capabilities. Mimecast helps protect large and small organizations from malicious activity, human error and technology failure; and to lead the movement toward building a more resilient world. To find out more, visit our website. From: Nancy Otis <nrotis20@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:18 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council members. I am a longtime resident and I strongly oppose spending a million dollars on a new lecture hall. I find it to be unnecessary and outlandish!! Please listen. Thank you Nancy Otis Sent from my Whone From: Keiko Sakamoto <keikosakamoto949@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:17 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please Support Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, We have been avid financial supporters of the Newport Beach Public Library since its inception. Why? It is not only because we believe in free and equal access to information and educational resources. It is also because the mere existence of such a beautiful and state-of-the-art facility shows that the City also believes that libraries matter. This County boasts luxury shopping centers, a performing arts center, private golf and yacht clubs, and Michelin -rated dining establishments. By dedicating public funds to build the Library, the City of Newport Beach proved that it values more than just material goods, leisure and the arts, but also book learning and the exchange of intellectual thought. Simply put, the Library makes us proud to live in this community. The proposed lecture hall is yet another opportunity for the City to boldly stand for the community's interest. The lecture hall will be a community hub that brings all facets of the county together. Despite the fact that library supporters are donating half the funding, the hall will provide a much needed gathering space for all. I cannot speak to the revenue -generating aspect of the hall, but I surmise that the economy can only improve by the boost in hotel and restaurant demand because of events held there. Our Confession: We don't even reside in the City (we live in Laguna Beach). We are the naming rights donor of the proposed Witte Hall because we steadfastly believe that this City -Library partnership will further enhance the reputation and esteem of the City, and enrich the quality of life for this community. We therefore respectfully request that you support the lecture hall at tomorrow's meeting. Keiko Sakamoto and Bill Witte 949-887-8400 Sent from my iPhone From: Artyn Gardner <artyn@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:19 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. PLEASE VOTE NO ON THE PROPOSED LECTURE HALL - NEWPORT BEACH DOES NOT NEED TO SPEND MONEY ON SOMETHING LIKE THISM ARTYN GARDNER 201 EMERALD AVE NEWPORT BEACH CA 92662 From: Maxine Zylstra <kidcrazymom@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:29 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I am opposed to the City's plan to spend over $23 Million on the lecture hall. Please reconsider. Sincerely, Maxine Zylstra 223 Via Nice Newport Beach From: Shelly Petrilli <shelly.petrilli84@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:31 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a longtime resident here in Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable. I vote NO! Shelly Petrilli 2501 Bamboo St, Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Kristin Panehal <kpanehal@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:33 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall DXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content 0 Dear Newport Beach City Council, It has been brought to my attention that the City Council is voting on building a very expensive 299 seat lecture hall. The cost to build this lecture hall seems quite expensive at $78k per seat that does not in turn generate income to offset that cost. It seems there are ample facilities in the City that could accommodate 299 people that may be available at no cost or even if there was a cost it would be far less than the costs to build what is planned. To me as a taxpayer in Newport Beach for 22 years it seems like a better use of tax payer dollars to pay a local Newport beach business (hotel, school etc) to use their facility than spend nearly $23.5 million on this proposed lecture hall. I can't imagine how often this facility would be used and would it really draw 299 people to attend events. CDM has a beautiful theater we have plenty of hotel that can accommodate that size event. Allocating that money to support improving fire stations or other more critical facilities within our community should be prioritized. We have a population of—85,000 people — how many of them will really benefit from and utilize a 299 seat lecture hall. Please don't be reckless with our tax dollars. If you really think about it, this idea is somewhat reckless. Best, Kristin Panehal From: Patty McNally <patty.mcnally@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:37 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, As a home owner and voting resident of Newport Beach, I am strongly in favor of the completion/construction and implementation of the Witte Lecture Hall. Yes, I am BULLISH on Newport Beach and know that a first class city needs a first class lecture/performance hall. It is very short sighted to vote against this. Explain to performers/lecturers that are drawn to our city, that you must go to COSTA MESA or IRVINE for the venue. I am a tax payer and feel that my tax dollars are put to good use and will enhance our city for years to come! Sincerely, Patricia McNally The Bluffs 1958 Vista Caudal 92660 Sent from my iPhone From: Jill Johnson -Tucker <jilljtucker@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:41 AM To: Keiko Sakamoto; Dept - City Council Subject: Re: Please Support Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Perfect, as always! Jill Johnson -Tucker Sent from my iPhone From: Keiko Sakamoto <keikosakamoto949@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 10:17:00 AM To: citvcouncil@newportbeachca.gov <citvcouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Please Support Lecture Hall Dear City Council Members, We have been avid financial supporters of the Newport Beach Public Library since its inception. Why? It is not only because we believe in free and equal access to information and educational resources. It is also because the mere existence of such a beautiful and state-of-the-art facility shows that the City also believes that libraries matter. This County boasts luxury shopping centers, a performing arts center, private golf and yacht clubs, and Michelin -rated dining establishments. By dedicating public funds to build the Library, the City of Newport Beach proved that it values more than just material goods, leisure and the arts, but also book learning and the exchange of intellectual thought. Simply put, the Library makes us proud to live in this community. The proposed lecture hall is yet another opportunity for the City to boldly stand for the community's interest. The lecture hall will be a community hub that brings all facets of the county together. Despite the fact that library supporters are donating half the funding, the hall will provide a much needed gathering space for all. I cannot speak to the revenue -generating aspect of the hall, but I surmise that the economy can only improve by the boost in hotel and restaurant demand because of events held there. Our Confession: We don't even reside in the City (we live in Laguna Beach). We are the naming rights donor of the proposed Witte Hall because we steadfastly believe that this City -Library partnership will further enhance the reputation and esteem of the City, and enrich the quality of life for this community. We therefore respectfully request that you support the lecture hall at tomorrow's meeting. Keiko Sakamoto and Bill Witte 949-887-8400 Sent from my iPhone From: Shelley Belling <sgbelling@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am adamantly in support of welcoming a worthy lecture hall and venue. Reading and sharing the written word are essential, to preservation, education and sharing stories of all kinds. This addition will open up great avenues of the arts and education to our city, which surely needs it. Shelley Belling Sent from my Whone From: Charles Caldwell <chipster98@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:42 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote NO NO NO NO on library lecture hall ... stop wasting our $$$ when we need other things urgently! I I I I I [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Sent from my Whone From: Jennifer Frazier <jfrazier@arborrealestate.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:42 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Theater Build - Opposition [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• To Whom it May Concern; I'm wring to voice my disappointment in and opposition to the city of Newport Beach proposing a $24M theatre build by the public library. The fundraising efforts by your partnership group failed by only raising $7M. This would be a gross misuse of our tax dollars. Please focus on ending the homeless situation in our areas, which greatly and negatively affects our property values. This is a waste of our hard earned money and will do very little, if anything, to improve our city. Thank you. Jennifer Frazier - personal address 10 Winthrop Newport Beach, CA 92660 J Frazier(cbArborReal Estate. com 949-400-9984 425 30th Street Newport Beach Ca. 92663 From: Shirley Celtik <shirley.celtik@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:48 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NBPL Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please support the NBPL Lecture Hall project. Shirley Celtik 1026 White Sails Way Corona del Mar From: Robert McCaffrey <rtmccaffrey@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:03 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: TO ALL CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. AS I SEE IT, YOUR JOB IS TO RUN THE CITY AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE AND PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE. IN MY OPINION, IT IS NOT YOUR DUTY TO SPEND THE CITY TAX PAYERS MONEY ON THE UN -NECESSARY LECTURE HALL. SINCERELY, BOB MC CAFFREY From: Bill Mais <bmais@maisco.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:05 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NEWPORT COUNCIL POISED TO SPEND HUGE ON A LECTURE HALL [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Put me down as another citizen that is skeptical about the city not using my money wisely. There are plenty of existing facilities in the city that can host events. From the Seagerstrom, to the theater at Harbor High, to the Harbor High football stadium, to any of the grass fields or sandy beaches there are plenty of choices for almost any audience. Respectfully, Bill Mais From: Cyd Swerdlow <cydswerd@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:25 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Witte Lecture Hall / Civic Auditorium LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Members of the City Council, I am confounded that there is even a question regarding the approval of the Witte Lecture Hall and Civic Auditorium. If this project is quashed, it would appear as if Newport Beach cut its nose off to spite its face. This is purely a gift that would provide incredible benefits to the City. The opportunity for intellectually stimulating presentations, artistic expression and creativity abound. I would not want to question the wisdom of those who run our beautiful city should this project not move forward with your full support. I respectfully ask that you vote to accept this gift. Sincerely, Cyd Swerdlow 27 Moonshell Newport Beach, CA 92657 Please excuse typos and brevity. Sent from my iPhone. From: Anne Goodwin <annegl20@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:33 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning I am writing in support of the proposed new Witte lecture hall. I am a Newport Beach resident. I have attended many events at the library over the years and have found the experiences to be very educational and enriching. I think the new lecture hall will provide wonderful opportunities for our community. Thank you for your attention to this matter Anne Goodwin Sent from my iPhone From: Stephanie Masaki-Schatz <masakischatz@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:37 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: O'Neill, William Subject: 01/08/24 COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS #13 & 14-- Proposed NBPL With Lecture Hall EXTERNAL EMAIL] DZMOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content 0111111. I understand Council will be evaluating requests to use City monies to supplement funding for the construction of a proposed $23.4 million NBPL Witte Lecture Hall. While the Library's efforts to provide access to its collection and apply innovative technology - based services to meet the informational needs of a 21 st century society has been exemplary, this proposal to construct a library lecture facility is not a wise investment. Spending $23,438,935 to construct a new 299 seating capacity library lecture hall that will increase the existing NBPL Friends Meeting Room seating capacity by only 99 seats demonstrates a lack of fiscal responsibility. Over the years, I have attended numerous events in the Friends Meeting Room— Witt, Library Live, Medicine in the Backyard Lectures (which are video -recorded and archived for public viewing), Concerts, Book Sales and NBFD CERT Meetings/Classes. The Friends Meeting Room is fully functional in terms of meeting requirements for audiovisual, seating, displays/handouts, event registration, and even first aid practice stations. City as well as any NBPL Foundation monies would be more effectively and efficiently spent for the purchase of any requisite software/hardware to live stream broadcasts offered to spillover attendees in the Council Chamber, the Newport Coast Community Center or for viewing in private residences. And, again the recorded sessions could be posted on the NBPL website for subsequent public viewing. " A Library Lecture Hall that will transform the quality, and character of programs and events of the Newport Bech Public Library and Library Foundation as well as the extended Newport Beach community." Newport Beach Library Foundation website post The major function of a public library is to promote literacy to general public through its reading materials and resources and encourage lifelong learning. This proposal does not serve the public interest to expend this exorbitant amount of funds and will not result in a positive ROI in terms of promoting the Library's major mission and serving the general public and its patrons. Maximize use of NBPL dollars to benefit the most people. Moreover, any public funds using our local tax dollars to fund this proposed project does not serve the the City's public interest and should not be viewed as a needed "neighborhood enhancement" benefiting the most people. I strongly believe our City's funding priorities should focus on delivering basic public services to maintain and enhance Public Safety, Public Infrastructure and Water Quality while preserving healthy reserves and reducing any long-term debt like the unfunded pension liability due to the poor investment performance by CaIPERS. I trust the Council will do the needed fiscal due diligence and VOTE NO on any financial support to this ill-conceived Project. Sincerely, Stephanie H. Masaki-Schatz Council District 7 , Longtime Resident From: lucy.sun argosypartners.co.uk <lucy.sun@argosypartners.co.uk> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:39 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: In support of the Witte Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Members of our City Council: I am writing to argue strenuously in favor of the building of the new Witte Lecture Hall at the Newport Beach Library. I understand there has been some misinformation regarding this project, which is a pity, because it is a much needed resource in our community. It would not only serve an important need for library lectures, but for also for presentations, music and dance performances and educational seminars by groups and businesses from throughout the area. All of this is being offered for half the cost, since the Library has offered the rest of he money. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO TURN THIS DOWN. Please greenlight this essential projects for our community. Thank you. Sincerely, Lucy Sun 12 Via Coralle Newport Coast, CA 92657 From: Joelle Hamontree <Joelle@hamontree.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for the Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Dear City Council Members, We are in full support of this wonderful opportunity to have a lecture hall / civic auditorium next to the Central Library. Please move forward with the Lecture Hall! Joelle and Michael Hamontree From: Dave New <davel@basinmarine.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:41 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Nicole Dishon Subject: 200 seat theatre [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Ladies and gentleman Please vote no on the above captioned subject Thank you Dave New Resident of Newport Beach for 75 years and proud of it! Sent from my Whone From: Debbie Margolis <debbiehmargolis@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:58 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I hope the city will proceed with the Library Lecture Hall. Our community will benefit from the addition of space for lectures and concerts. Thank you, Debbie Margolis 227 Evening Canyon Road Corona del Mar, CA 92625 --------------------------------------- Debbie Margolis debbiehmargolis gmail.com 714-322-6898 From: Jil Wexler <jamwex@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:01 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support the Library Lecture Hall Project LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Newport Beach City Council, Please support the library lecture hall project. It is a much needed asset for the City of Newport Beach and for the library. It is especially important in this era of digital technology where seeing lectures in real life is critical to creating a sense of community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Dr. Jil Markman Wexler Sent from my iPhone From: David Manser <dmanser@blclending.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: 299 Seat Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• As a citizen and taxpayer in the city of Newport Beach I find this proposal to be offensive. The idea of the hall may be warranted, but the cost to complete it certainly is not. Has this been put out to competitive bid? I would strongly support a vote AGAINST this waste of taxpayer dollars until such time that the cost to build has been publicly vetted. All the best, David J. Manser President — Chief Lending Officer BLC FAMILY OF COMPANIES: BUSINESS LOAN CAPITAL, INC. BLC FUND ADVISORS, LLC BLC PRIME LENDING FUND, LLC BLC PRIME LENDING FUND II, LLC 15375 Barranca Parkway, Suite B-202 Irvine, CA 92618 Direct: 877.774.4240 Ext. 103 Cell: 760.828.2622 *WIRE FRAUD TREND ALERT* We have seen an increase in fraudulent wire instructions received via email. We are diligent in verifying information we have been furnished, and urge you to protect yourself by always verbally confirming wire instructions with your beneficiary directly on a substantiated phone number before wiring. This email is not intended to constitute a commitment or offer, but rather to summarize, for discussion purposes, estimated loan programs that may be available to you. Rates and terms quoted arc subject to change pending full credit review and approval. The information in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information. It is intended only for the use of persons) named above. If you are not the intended recipient you arc hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. From: steveswerdlowl@gmail.com Sent: January 08, 2024 12:07 PM To: 'Cyd Swerdlow'; Dept - City Council Subject: RE: Witte Lecture Hall / Civic Auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• I agree completely. What a wonderful addition to the intellectual and artistic opportunities for our great city. Steve Swerdlow 27 Moonshell Newport Beach, CA. 92657 From: Cyd Swerdlow <cydswerd@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 11:25 AM To: citycouncil@newportbeachca.gov Subject: Witte Lecture Hall / Civic Auditorium Dear Members of the City Council, I am confounded that there is even a question regarding the approval of the Witte Lecture Hall and Civic Auditorium. If this project is quashed, it would appear as if Newport Beach cut its nose off to spite its face. This is purely a gift that would provide incredible benefits to the City. The opportunity for intellectually stimulating presentations, artistic expression and creativity abound. I would not want to question the wisdom of those who run our beautiful city should this project not move forward with your full support. I respectfully ask that you vote to accept this gift. Sincerely, Cyd Swerdlow 27 Moonshell Newport Beach, CA 92657 Please excuse typos and brevity. Sent from my iPhone. Rieff, Kim From: Lee Lowrey <Imlowrey@atlaspac.org> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:52 AM To: City Clerk's Office Subject: Letter In Opposition to the Proposed Lecture Hall Attachments: Letter to NBCC 1-8-24.pdf Hello Leilani, I hope all is well with you. I sent this letter to each City Council Member, but I would like for it to be added to tomorrow night's packet if possible. Hope your New Year has started our well! Thanks, Lee Lee Lowrey Cell: 949-466-3361 January 8, 2024 Lee M. Lowrey Resident Since 1998 Newport Beach, CA Honorable Mayor Will O'Neill and Members of the City Council City of Newport Beach 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 Dear Mayor O'Neill and Members of the City Council, I am submitting this letter to express sincere concern for the proposed Newport Beach Lecture Hall that is scheduled to be voted on Tuesday night. In reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding, a price tag of $23 million for a building with such a limited use beckons a rethought of where public funds could better be utilized. While I applaud the concept of public private partnerships, Newport Beach's current projected contribution of $11.7 million for a building that seats only 299 people is a solution in search of a problem, Lecture/speaker presentations for small to medium audiences can easily find adequate facilitates at the Newport Beach Civic Center and/or Library such as the Friends Meeting Room. Larger audiences can easily be accommodated at nearby facilitates such as the OCC's Robert B. Moore Theater, UCI Barclay Theatre, etc. for a minimal cost. I believe the average Newport Beach residence would be willing to drive a few miles to better allocate $11.7 million to much more meaningful public projects. Upon review of the November 14, 2023, PowerPoint presented to the City Council Study Session for the potential lecture hall, it is stated that the City has $29 million in its Capital Reserve Fund. With the costs of projects in the pipeline projected at $20 million, this leaves only $9 million left for capital improvements. As the PowerPoint outlines, improvements needed for the Newport and Balboa Piers, the Balboa Island Seawall, etc. are needed soon. These types of projects are what Newport Beach residents expect of the City to build and maintain, not projects that would be used only by the few. Considering potential and probable cost overruns, the construction of the proposed Lecture Hall would eventually require the City to use General Fund dollars which will take away from our police and fire services, limit or eliminate accelerated pension obligation pay downs, as well as limit other potential accelerated pay downs of City liabilities. Adding to uncertain financial times, the California State Budget is expected to have a massive deficit for 2024 leaving the potential for curtailed state dollars for local funding. Newport Beach must use its dollars wisely and maintain adequate reserves. I appreciate all the work that each of you as members of the Newport Beach City Council have done over the years. Our City is a much better place because of your stewardship. I ask that you reconsider the development of the proposed lecture hall and continue down the path of conservative and responsible municipal financial policy. Sincere From: Catharina Gerken <catharinagerken5@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City council, Please support the library lecture hall project! Its very important to our community Thank You,Catharina Gerken From: Joyce Nyberg <nybergl@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:21 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Library Addition - Please vote to approve LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council members: As long-term residents of Newport Beach and frequent users of the library we are requesting that the council approve the new lecture hall. The addition of the hall will bring Newport Beach to a top tier with amenities and options for many community gatherings. With shared funding the financial burden would be lessened and decades of meetings and events will certainly improve the lives of our wonderful community. Please vote yes and make Newport Beach Library a destination of distinction. Joyce Nyberg— From: EV PARRELLA <evssf@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:25 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. NO NO NO on a new lecture hall! Sent from my Wad From: farahs aetnatrading.com <farahs@aetnatrading.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:29 PM To: Dept - City Council; Stapleton, Joe; Avery, Brad; Weigand, Erik; Grant, Robyn; Blom, Noah; Kleiman, Lauren; O'Neill, William; PWlnfo Subject: Lecture hall needed in our community XTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To the Newport Beach City Council: I am writing to you regarding tomorrow's meeting to decide on the proposed Lecture Hall at the Newport Beach Library, which I wholeheartedly support. I believe this is a much -needed facility in our community. It would greatly expand our capabilities in hosting lectures, educational, civic and business events. I understand that half of the cost is already underwritten by the Library Foundation, which is a huge savings to the project. I hope you have the wisdom and vision to permit this development to make our community even greater than ever. Sincerely, Farah and Reza Mahini 15 Adriana Newport Coast, CA 92657 Tel: (949)689-9000 From: Andra Broekelschen <andrab5@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:32 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear city council members, Before the upcoming vote on the new civic center lecture hall we would like to express our strong support for this project. We regularly attend lectures at the library and would very much welcome a better venue for the existing programming and the expansion of said programs. This project is long overdue for a city of this size and wealth. Respectfully Andra Broekelschen Peter Broekelschen M.D From: JODY BURNHAM <burnhams@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:40 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support of lecture hall! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach City Council - This is a note to confirm that I am in support of the new lecture hall! It is a much needed facility and it already has a lot of support and funding! Thank you for your consideration! Jody Burnham Sent from my Whone From: Charles Klobe <cklobe@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:39 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Item 13 & 14: Library Lecture Hall Project Support [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good day Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council, I support the approval of Item 13, the MOU negotiated between the Library Foundation; and Council members Noah Blom and Lauren Kleiman. I also support the award of the contract pursuant to the staff report as Item 14. Once complete, this project will be another jewel in the crown that Newport Beach proudly wears. Thank you for your service, Charles Klobe Cell: 949-500-3969 Virus-free.www.avq.com From: Teri Kennady <kennady@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:43 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: I'm all in favor of the Library expansion [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. its good for the community -brings people together -and functions as a multi -purpose hall which is needed in the community. Please vote in favor of this project and moving forward on it Teri Kennady 11 Rue Valbonne Newport Beach CA 92660 From: Max Gardner <maxgardner2@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I encourage you to vote against this project for several reasons: - I have not seen any compelling argument for the need of such a facility - Costs are significantly higher than the original estimate - Funding by the Library for the increased costs is uncertain - There are many more critical areas for investment of our limited reserve funds Thank you for your diligence in reviewing this issue. Max Gardner Sent from Max Gardner's Wad Please excuse typos From: Sheila Sonenshine <sheila@sonenshineenterprises.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: please support the library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Newport Beach City Council, I request you support the library lecture hall project at tomorrow's City Council meeting. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, Justice Sheila Prell Sonenshine (Ret.) Sonenshine Enterprises 2437 Monaco Drive Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1006 T: (949) 497-9040 C: (714) 330-4935 F: (949) 497-4440 sheila(ab_sonenshineenterprises.com Diana Santmyer Personal Assistant: T (949) 497-9040 F (949) 497-4440 ea(c�sonenshineenterprises.com From: Dianne Felton <ladydiofnb@road run ner.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:57 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please vote no on upcoming measure to build a $23 million dollar lecture hall. This is a waste of tax payers money and only a few benefit!! From: Keiko Sakamoto <keikosakamoto949@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:57 PM To: Sheila Sonenshine Cc: Dept - City Council Subject: Re: please support the library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links 7 attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content ft Thank you Sheila! Keiko 949-887-8400 Sent from my Whone On Jan 8, 2024, at 12:45 PM, Sheila Sonenshine <sheila@sonenshineenterprises.com> wrote: Newport Beach City Council, I request you support the library lecture hall project at tomorrow's City Council meeting. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, Justice Sheila Prell Sonenshine (Ret.) Sonenshine Enterprises 2437 Monaco Drive Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1006 T: (949) 497-9040 C: (714) 330-4935 F: (949) 497-4440 sheila(ab_sonenshineenterprises.com Diana Santmyer Personal Assistant: T (949) 497-9040 F (949) 497-4440 ea(@sonenshineenterprises.com From: Patricia Houston <seycpc@icloud.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I was truly shocked when I read about how much this is going to cost.. I would respectfully request that you vote against this proposal especially as the economic situation is but no means certain at this time. Patricia Houston Newport Beach Sent from my Wad From: Gail Haft <gahaft@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:08 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall: In Favor [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello Newport Beach City Council, My family and I have been living here since 2005, moving from Chicago. I think once of the first places we frequented was the main branch of the library. My children, who are college students now, loved to spend time there. I heard that the new lecture hall is up for vote this week, Tuesday evening. I'm in favor of it. I've been in the current space for presentations and gatherings. I believe the new facility will serve our beloved community so well. Thank you for you consideration. All the best, Gail Haft From: NANCY E FAY <neefay@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:10 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is a ridiculous waste of money. Vote no. Sent from my Whone From: Rachel Ruth Clemmer <rachelrclemmer@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:13 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Re: Library Lecture Hall Project LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To whom it may concern, Please support the Library Lecture Hall project that is being voted on today. Kindly, Rachel R. Clemmer From: Sylvia Burnett <sylviaburnett@sbcgloba1.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:14 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Vote no [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• TO ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS.. I am NOT IN FAVOR of the city council approving the 299 seat library lecture hall, at a possible cost of 23 million . This should not be a priority of the Newport Beach city Council! Please do not approve this. Sylvia Burnett 1932 Altura Drive, CDM Sent from my Whone From: Melinda Seely <nbseely@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:16 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please vote yes! Melinda Seely 2833 Carob St. NB Sent from my Whone From: jjordon10@cox.net Sent: January 08, 2024 1:26 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please vote NO on the building of a lecture hall. This building project is too expensive. This project should be a very low priority for a City expenditure at this time. From: Patricia Schuler <patricia@pschulerfinancial.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:28 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Our new Lecture Hall - vote yes on January 9 [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members — I am 100% in favor of the new Lecture Hall at our beautiful Newport Beach Library. I have lived in Newport Beach for 49 years and am a frequent visitor to our libraries. I have also attended a number of events in the Friends Room. Please vote to approve the new Lecture Hall. It is time to add this wonderful new asset to our community. Thank you for your service. Patricia Schuler 280 Cagney Lane #316 Newport Beach CA 92663 From: Elisabeth Hau <jetski1458@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:43 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO VOTE [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• As a long time NB resident, I'm emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $. 23.4 Mil. lecture hall. Depleeting our needed reserves for an unnecessary project such as this , is unconscionable. I VOTE NO. Which developer get's the kickback? Elisabeth Hau 949.642.0665 Change your Water, Change your Life! www.HauWaterHelps.com Order your free 14 page EBOOK watch a video: www.kangendemo.com From: Lynn Lorenz <lynnierlo@icloud.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:47 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To all members of the City Council: I wholeheartedly support Nancy Scarbrough's position on the Library Lecture Hall. Respectfully submitted: Lynn Lorenz 434 Redlands Ave. Newport Beach, CA. Sent from my Whone From: Gail York <gybberry@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 1:52 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, Please do not waste 23 Million of our tax payer money on a Lecture Hall!! That is a very unwise use of the money!!!! Thank you, Gail York City Resident From: Greg Clemmer <grclemmer@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• Council, Please support the Library Lecture Hall Project. Thank you for your support Greg C From: debbie uponrequestevents.com <debbie@uponrequestevents.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Lecture Facility [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City Council, I am in favor of the new proposed lecture facility/civic auditorium. Please vote favorably tomorrow to make this happen for our community. Debbie Springer Newport Beach resident From: Alyssa Joyce <ajoyce916@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:15 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Public Library LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, I grew up in Newport Beach but have been a resident for the past 8 years, after I moved back for work. I grew up as a library user, and have enjoyed returning as an adult. However, I would love to see additional programming and events in Newport Beach. As a professional in the real estate industry, a lecture hall like the one proposed would be able to accommodate some of the real estate industry groups that I am part of, including ICSC, NAIOP, ULI and CREW, which often struggle to find adequate facilities for conferences in Newport Beach. Please support the lecture hall by voting yes on Tuesday. Thank you, Alyssa Joyce From: Nancy Scarbrough <nancy@nancyfornewport.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support Lecture Hall - Agenda Items 13 and 14 [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content A110• Mayor O'Neill and Members of the Council, I am writing to support the approval of Items 13, approval of the 3rd Amendment to the MOU with the Library Foundation and Item 14, approval to award the construction contract. I believe the Lecture Hall will be a extraordinary addition to our City and a worthwhile benefit to our residents. Thank you for your service. Best regards, Nmvlc4 Scmrl romol NancyCaD-NancyforNewport.com Cell: 949-887-6974 From: Tad Springer <tad@westreef.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:30 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Members, This email is to convey my support for this much -needed facility. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation has agreed to pay half the costs of the building, which means the City would be getting a civic auditorium for under 12 million dollars, Saving the residences 50% of replacement costs. The Foundation has already raised over 8 million dollars towards its half and is confident it can raise the remainder. The lecture hall/ civic auditorium to the civic center campus, next to the Central Library in Newport Center. It will be a 299-seat auditorium that can be used not only for library lectures but for a multitude of presentations, music and dance performances, and educational seminars by groups and businesses from throughout the area. Please take special consideration before you vote to kill this wonderful opportunity. Tad Springer 1224 Essex Lane Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Michelle Dean <mtdean2000@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:31 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Alir• Dear City Council Members, I am writing this email to let you know I am in favor of the Library Lecture Hall project for the City of Newport Beach. With all that has been invested to provide top level facilities for our city it makes sense to have a lecture hall that matches our City's needs. Thank you for considering my position in your vote. Michelle Dean 16 Bay Island Newport Beach, CA 92661 From: Portia <portiaweiss@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:35 PM To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office Subject: Please Support the Proposed Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Honorable Members of City Council, I support building the new Lecture Hall near the Newport Beach Public Library. The Library Foundation has raised $11.7 million, and our city has the money to help. This hall will be a great place for people to come together and share ideas, as well as provide additional revenue to our community. Appreciatively, Portia Weiss From: Linda Oeth <linda.oeth@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:39 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am in favor of lecture hall for our city, it is needed and will be beneficial for the community. Linda Oeth From: Cindy Tuch <cindytuch@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:39 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: LECTURE HALL [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I AM IN FAVOR OF THIS PROJECT FOR THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH - a lecture hall/ civic auditorium to the civic center campus, next to the Central Library in Newport Center. It will be a 299 seat auditorium that can be used not only for library lectures, but for a multitude of presentations, music and dance performances and educational seminars by groups and businesses from throughout the area. From: Judy StSure <judystsure@road run ner.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:39 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. No is my vote for an overpriced lecture hall!!! Judy St. Sure From: Cathy Auther <cathyauther@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:40 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Concert hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content safe. Please approve this much needed project for our city. It would be a waste to lose this opportunity. From: Janice Carsten <janice@jcarsten.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:41 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO to $23.4M Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Newport Beach has already over spent on the large city hall, as well as 5 part Rose parade float, national TV and God only knows what else. Instead we feel that our tax money needs to be spent to keep our citizens safe with crime prevention, homeless enforcement, traffic control & saving funds for uncertain times. Please vote "no" on the $23.4M lecture hall. Thank you, Jan Carsten Sent from my iPhone From: Mireya Llaurado <mllaurado@calljensen.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:51 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for the Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Good afternoon Honorable Mayor Blom & City Council Members: I'm in support of the Lecture Hall for the City of Newport Beach. I believe our City is in need of a proper hall for its citizens and the many organizations throughout our town. The Library Foundation readily raised over $7 million for this project and has committed to raising more. It will be a tremendous asset (at half the cost) for the City. Thank you for your consideration. MIREYA LLAURADO, ESQ. CALL & JENSEN, APC 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 700 Newport Beach, CA 92660 CdWesident 20+ years From: Mimi <wentzmimi@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:56 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Proposed Witte Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear members, Please support the building of our new Lecture and events hall. I am the biggest fan of the library, not only for the books it provides us but also for the music, lectures, and concerts it provides. Thank you for supporting education, Marilyn Wentz From: Robin Tippett <robinwtip@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 2:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: No on lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I vote NO on the lecture hall Robin Tippett 321 Piazza Lido Newport Beach 92663 Sent from my Whone From: Alison McCormick <amccormick@arborrealestate.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:01 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Public Library Theater [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom it May Concern: At this time I am opposed to the City of Newport Beach spending $24,000,000 to build a small theater adjacent to the City of Newport Beach Public Library. I think this is a waste of money. Thank you, Alison McCormick From: carolyn mangano <cgmangano@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:03 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I have been a resident of Newport Beach for over 35 years and I emphatically oppose the wasteful proposal for a $23.4 million lecture hall. Our city hall absolutely has ample space to hold lectures or other city events. I vote NO on the new Lecture Hall proposal. Carolyn Mangano 1206 Highland Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Julie McAlpine <julie.k.mcalpine@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:15 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please support the much needed lecture hall - it will only enhance our community. Sent from my Whone From: Jim Casey <jim.casey@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:19 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please Vote NO on Lecture Hall! LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To all City Council, The potential to build a "lecture hall" in addition to the public meeting spaces that we have is completely unnecessary. The proposal to build one for over $23M is outrageous. Please vote NO on any motion to build any such thing! Jim Casey 9 Canyon Crest Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Jim.Casey @ CON. net From: We W <wendywilliams1221@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:16 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Voting NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Our Newport Beach City Council is about to approve a 299-seat library lecture hall at the stunning, staggering, unbelievable price of $23,438,935??? Please don't do it. The Newport Beach Library Foundation promised years ago to pay for half of the costs before construction started. They are millions of dollars short. Will that stop the City Council from moving forward? Or will we all be on the be on hook to pay what couldn't be privately raised? Look, we are in financially uncertain times. And we should all feel good knowing that we have reserves in our city to make sure that our city remains exceptional, safe, and clean. But spending our reserves on a boondoggle like this — it just is imprudent. When the City Council was polled in a public meeting, only four of seven supported this project moving forward. Those four are Erik Weigand, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, and Brad Awe. Lauren Kleiman, Joe Stapleton, and Will O'Neill please do not let this go through!! The point of our city government is to use limited resources to maximize the number of people who benefit from the spending. We want our money spent on police officers, firefighters, and parks, which we all benefit from. We want to make sure that we keep our streets in good condition, and that we do not let our city infrastructure deteriorate. We've all been to other cities that are not well kept. Not money spent on an exclusive lecture hall. Sincerely, Wendy Williams and Dr Lino DeGuzman 2520 Cliff Drive Newport Beach CA 92663 Concerned Newport Beach Resident Wendy Williams BSN RN CNOR From: Jim Casey <jim.casey@cox.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:25 PM To: Michael Clayton; Gloria Hickman; Michael Richardson; amaneffa@cox.net; Karen Stevenson Cc: Dept - City Council Subject: *Urgent* Please Vote NO on Lecture Hall EXTE links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Please spread the word that Newport Beach doesn't need a gold-plated lecture hall. City council will be voting on this Tuesday 1/9 PM, with 4 of 7 so far approving. *Urgent* City Council To Vote Tuesday On Wasteful $23,438,935 299-Seat Lecture Hall Details Here: https://mailchi.mp1bl8be6cl6d82/oc-register-endorses-yes-on-measure-b-13964126?e=lclf29e9e8 Email the city council at citycouncil@newportbeachca.eov Jim,Casey @ CQ'4.net From: Marjaneh Afkhami <megtarc@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:29 PM To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office Subject: Support of the New Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Honorable Members of City Council, I support building the new Lecture Hall near the Newport Beach Public Library. The Library Foundation has raised $11.7 million, and our city has the money to help. This hall will be a great place for people to come together and share ideas, as well as provide additional revenue to our community. Appreciatively, Marjaneh and Kaycon Goodarzy Marjaneh Afkhami -Principal MEGT ARCHITERRA Planning I Urban Design I Landscape Architecture Cell: 714.813.8134 1 Fax: 213.348.2258 445 Santa Ana Avenue I Newport Beach, CA 92663 CA3953 From: carol@ueccorp.com Sent: January 08, 2024 3:34 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, We have been working on this project and looking forward to celebrating the opening and ground breaking of the Lecture Hall that is so needed in our community with diverse populations and it would be able to accommodate all different cultural experiences as well. Please vote YES to support the Lecture Hall tomorrow since your vote is the voice of our residence in Newport Beach. Thank You Carol Choi Newport Resident. From: Deborah O'Connor <deborah.oconnor93@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:35 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Yes on Witte Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council, I am a 30 resident of Newport Beach. I previously lived in the Bay Area. One of the things I missed from Northern California was more a culture around the arts. However, in the 30 years I have lived here, I happily seen the expansion of the NB Library and OCMA. The Witte Lecture Hall will be an amazing benefit to the library for lectures, author presentations, and the community. Please consider voting "yes" on this project that will benefit us, our children and future generations. Sincerely, Debbie O'Connor 8 Tesoro Newport Coast, CA 92657 From: Ashley Hancock <ashleywagnerhancock@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:38 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NB Lecture Hall Vote of Approval [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Ashley Hancock STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0072 (916) 319-2072 FAX (916) 319-2172 DISTRICT OFFICE 17011 BEACH BOULEVARD. SUITE 1120 HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647 (714) 843-4966 January 8, 2024 (4snuh1v (fttfifarmtt Zrgislttfurr fr yT hTp' DIANE B. DIXON ASSEMBLYMEMBFR. SEVENTY-SECOND DISTRICT Re: Agenda Item #13 January 9, 2024 Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: COMMITTEES VICE CHAIR: ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW VICE CHAIR: LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BANKING AND FINANCE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS JUDICIARY JOINT FAIRS ALLOCATION AND CLASSIFICATION I write in strong support of the proposed Witte Library Lecture Hall on your Agenda Tuesday evening. I served as the City Council representative on the Library Lecture Hall Design Committee from its inception in 2019 until I resigned my council position December 1, 2022 upon election to the State Assembly. For over 30 years as an executive in private industry responsible for philanthropic investments in our communities, as well as a member of the Newport Beach City Council, I have been a fierce advocate of public/private partnerships. These partnerships are fiscally smart and allow for community members to have "skin in the game" for public infrastructure projects that benefit the community at large. Among the projects recently funded under public/private partnerships have been The OASIS Senior Center, the Jr. Lifeguards facility and the new Animal Shelter. The Witte Library Lecture Hall is a bargain for the city. A project estimated to cost $23 million will be funded 50% by the Community and library donors and 50% by the City of Newport Beach. As a former Chair of the Finance Committee, I am well versed in the available funds for this project and I am confident that the city's 50% share can be fully funded without sacrificing any other projects or city operations. For example, the City Facility Financing Plan (FFP), provides a model for assuring capital project funding without reducing operations of the city. Non -tax revenues from development fees are available through the FFP for projects like this one that enhance community amenities. These funds are reserved specifically for this type of capital project. In addition, the city has substantial cash reserves of nearly $400 million. Finally, if the council chooses to do so, it can finance its $11.7 million portion of the project at an interest rate of approximately 3.5% In terms of return on investment, there is no other pending project where the city's funds are leveraged for a 100% dollar -for -dollar match with private funds. In my opinion, it would indeed be a poor policy choice, and poor financial stewardship, to allow the $11.7 million from private donors to be lost. It would also be an unfortunate choice if the city, with the ability to provide an outstanding community and educational resource at half its actual cost, should fail to take advantage of this unique opportunity. The Witte Lecture Hall will be a facility that will serve future generations of Newport Beach residents, and you can be justly proud of providing the leadership to make this project a reality. I strongly and respectfully urge your support of the Witte Lecture Hall. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Diane Brooks Dixon California's 72ndAssembly District City of Newport Beach Mayor 2016 and 2019 From: Sierra Achin-Cryns <sierra.achin101@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please Support Library Lecture Hall Project LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, I'm writing to implore you to please support the Library Lecture Hall Project. With this addition to the Library, there would be so many benefits to the community, including my own family who resides in Newport Beach. Raising a young daughter, I think it is vital to instill a love of learning and passion for reading. By providing more consideration to the library, it would be a step in the right direction for parents like myself and especially for the next generation to bring us all closer together. Please support this project, thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you, Sierra Achin Newport Beach Resident From: Robin <rlabonge@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:51 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Witte Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I strongly am in favor of moving forward with the construction of Witte Hall. Please vote yes. Robin LaBonge From: Diane Steffy <nwprtdiane@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:53 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Newport Beach City Council Members, My husband and I have made a significant contribution to the Library Foundation for the building of the new lecture hall. We feel it will be a wonderful and much needed addition to our community providing a space for lectures, meetings, presentations etc. that are currently being held in facilities outside our city or in local movie theaters. Please approve moving forward with this project. Diane Steffy 6 Cypress Point Lane Newport Beach From: Beth <bethhallett@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Community Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To the Newport Beach City Council: Please vote in favor of the new community lecture hall. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Hallett From: Nicole Popel <nicolepopel@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:55 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: WE NEED THE LECTURE HALL! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. It's important to be a literate city, and we must endorse all forms of literacy. Having a lecture hall will keep our city literate and moving forward. Nicole Popel Friends of the Newport Beach Library and Newport Coast Resident From: Ann Stephens <annzin@sbcglobal.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 3:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I have lived in Newport Beach since January of 1975. My late husband and I enjoyed being in walking distance of the Mariners Branch Library. When funds were being raised to build the Central Library we were happy to contribute. I hope you will all support the proposed Library Lecture Hall. I strongly believe it will be a valuable addition to our wonderful city. Best regards, Ann D. Stephens From: rheston@hestonlaw.com Sent: January 08, 2024 4:00 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Weigand, Erik Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. As a longtime resident of Newport Beach, having moved here with my family as a five -year -old in 1959, 1 wish to register my vehement opposition to approval of the proposal to commit $23.4 million to the construction/completion of a lecture hall that would seat 299 attendees. believe this matter is on tomorrow evening's agenda. As someone acutely aware of the monumental cost overrun boondoggle that left taxpayers digging out from under the cost of the current City Hall facilities, I am appalled at the prospect that the City Council would approve a facility that would effectively commit taxpayer funds at the rate of $78,260 per seat in a lecture hall that is unnecessary. There are alternative facilities available in the community, such as high school auditoriums, not to mention the auditorium at City Hall. With the Census Bureau reporting a 2021 population of 84,792 in Newport Beach, the cost works out to $275 for every resident, ranging from infants to retirees. For the average family of four that's $1,100. Certainly, there are far better ways to spend the money, or perhaps not spend it at all and return the funds to where they originate, the pocketbooks of the taxpayers. While I won't be able to attend the meeting of the City Council, I will be watching for news of the outcome of the vote. Since I am in Erik Weigand's district, I make certain that should this boondoggle get his vote, Erik will not ever again get my vote, nor the vote of any family, friends, colleagues, clients or others whom I am able to persuade to vote against him. Richard G. Heston, Esq. Heston & Heston, Attorneys at Law Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Law Specialist Certified Family Law Specialist (1992-2017) Phone: 949-222-1041 Email: rhestonna.hestonlaw.com 19700 Fairchild Rd., Ste. 280 Irvine, CA 92612-2528 www.hestonlaw.com Dictated with Dragon Naturally SpeakingTM software, due to a hand disability. As a result this email may contain phonetic misspellings and other errors. From: Malin Fletcher <malinfletcher@mac.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:00 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall support [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear members of Newport Beach City Council, My husband Chris Fletcher and I have been patrons of the Newport Beach library for many years, especially enjoying its excellent lecture series. However the oftentimes cramped room where these interesting talks are held is in need of an upgrade. We believe that the city would benefit greatly from a larger, amphitheater style lecture auditorium which could accommodate larger audiences in better comfort. We have donated money to this important cause and hope that the city will keep its promise and add city funds to match so that this building, long promised, can finally become a reality. Sincerely, Chris and Malin Fletcher Corona Del Mar Sent from my Phone From: Susan Brakovich <suebraks@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:06 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture hall/civic center [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I'm writing this in SUPPORT to bring a lecture hall/civic center next to the library! A city like Newport Beach should have a large, inviting space to host the different events offered. The existing structure is uncomfortable and too small. With a new hall we could attract many more programs. Please vote to support this project. Thankyou Sue Brakovich Newport resident Sent from my iPad From: ktaylorOl@roadrunner.com Sent: January 08, 2024 4:10 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: proposed lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content MLe• I am a longtime resident of Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable and irresponsible. I vote NO. Karen Taylor 1100 Devon Lane Newport Bch, CA 92660 From: Pam Munro <munro.pam@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:12 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote NO on the $24 million 299-seat lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members Blom, Weigand, Avery, and Grant, The primary concerns for me, my family and other Newport Beach residents I've spoken with are public safety, crime, and the homeless in our city. Not surprisingly, one that has never come up is the desire or need for an exceedingly expensive $24,000,000.00, 299-person auditorium, the building of which will dangerously deplete city coffers and offer no real benefit to Newport Beach residents. Here are some reasons why all city council members should vote "NO" on funding this auditorium. 1. There is no public need or public benefit for such a facility since NB already has many alternative venues available. Corona Del Mar and Harbor High Schools both have very large, beautiful auditoriums/theaters which the city or any library foundation could lease for any lecture or presentation, if needed. Also, the city or NBPFL can easily rent other public venues, as needed. Edwards Big Newport theater its one that immediately comes to mind. 2. City funds should not be used to fund WITTE Hall which primarily benefits NBPLF for its WITTE lecture series which overtly promotes a politically biased agenda. There is no public benefit here. If NBPLF wants Witte Hall, they can fund it entirely on their own. If there is such a great community desire for this, they will be able to raise these funds through donations to their foundation. To date, they have not come close to reaching their promise to fund half of this auditorium. This indicates that the community at large is indifferent and does not see a need for the auditorium. The name sake "Witte Lectures" this year will bring four more polarizing, very left -of -center speakers to our city. One need only follow The Brookings Institute, watch MSNBC, and read Atlantic, Slate and Politico to get this content in the comfort of his/her own home. The speaker list for 2024 includes Brookings fellow and congressional witness Fiona Hill, who supported President Trump's impeachment, (https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021 /10/08/fiona-hill-book- donald-trump-51566C ), an Atlantic magazine columnist Ed Yong, who called for mask mandates to remain in place well into 2022,(https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2022/06/pandemic- protections/661378/), another Brookings fellow and Atlantic magazine columnist Richard Reeves, whose message after a recent election was "Cheer up, liberals (https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/11 /progressives-lost- the-election-but-their-ideas-are-winning/382559/), and another Slate columnist, Dahlia Lithwick, who regularly criticizes the Supreme Court from as far left as possible through her "Amicus" podcast and other writings. (https:Hslate.com/author/dahlia-Iithwick). 3. It is fiscally irresponsible to exhaust city coffers with this superfluous $24 million expenditure. I recall the @$170 million cost for the new city hall building and the total cost of this to the city over the 30 year bond to pay for it. My understanding is that the total cost to the city is @$250 million and that even if this debt is paid off early, the city is on the hook for all of the 30 years of interest. Financing the debt this way was fiscally irresponsible. Likewise, voting for this auditorium is fiscally irresponsible. It would dangerously deplete city coffers of funds needed to benefit the public at large for such necessities like public safety, roads, parks, police, and fire as well as holding funds in reserve for emergencies or potential budget shortfalls. 4. Most importantly, some of these funds should be put where NB voters see the need: Law Enforcement. NB Police Department needs to attract and retain the best and brightest to ensure NB continues to be a safe and desirable place to live. Police departments nationwide are facing a recruiting crisis, ours included. Our police department needs to be able to offer top compensation to attract the best officers to NB with salaries and benefits at the top of the scale. In speaking with officers, I understand some have left NB to go to Irvine which pays more. Criminals know which cities have the best police force. Newport Beach should be at the top in this regard. Please do not approve any city funding for this totally unnecessary auditorium. Respectfully submitted, Pam Munro Corona del Mar From: Maria Huang <mariahuangmd@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi... I am a resident at Newport coast for over 20 years. I am emailing to voice my strong support for the library lecture hall. I have enjoyed numerous lectures in the old smaller hall. This would be a much needed addition and will benefit generations of Newport residents. Thank you, Maria Huang From: Lourdes Bottger <Iourdesbottger0l@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 12:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture ETERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, We respectfully request that you approve the library lecture hall project" Thank you Lourdes Bottger Sent from Gmail Mobile From: Dave House <ddhousemd@icloud.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:22 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Witte Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear members of the City Council, I write to you in order to express my strong support of the proposed lecture hall. It will be a benefit to current and future generations of Newport residents. Please vote in favor. Respectfully, David House 26 Baffin Bay Newport Beach, 92657 From: Lynn Swain <lynn@lynnswain.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:23 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Retraction of my prior letter LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council, I was under the impression that the total cost of the Lecture Hall would be $23 million to our City. I did not realize that the Library Foundation had raised money and has commitments for half of that $11.7 million. Since the Library Foundation is donating half of the total project cost ($11.7 million). I think if the Council votes to turn down this project , they would not be saving $23 million, they would be forfeiting $11.7 million in private donations. It is my understanding that the City is in a very good financial position. We have sufficient cash reserves to fund this project. If we were to decide not to pay the City's portion ($11.5million) for the project out of our cash reserves, we could likely finance the $11 million in the 3.5% range over ten years which would result in a debt service payment of approximately $1.2-$1.5 million annually. This would have no meaningful impact on the city budget or operations given the levels of city revenues. We have also had annual budget surplus of over $10 million per year for the past several years. I now feel that by ignoring the hard work and commitment of the Library Foundation to raise $11.7 million over several years, the City Council would be demonstrating bad faith that would cripple these efforts in the future. Lynn Swain Big Canyon From: Molly Davin <mollydavin@icloud.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:24 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for the NP Library Auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I am out of town, but would like to express my continued support for the NB Library lecture hall. I was present for the initial meeting, and continue to support the project. I have seem quite a bit of misleading/errant information on Nextdoor. I fear there are too many who have not taken the time to understand the scope of the initiative and the benefits to our city, as well as the source of funding. I ask you all to continue to pledge your support for the lecture hall. Thank you! Molly Davin Lido Isle From: Eric Hohl <ericrhohl@gmail.com> Sent: January 04, 2024 5:21 PM To: Blom, Noah Subject: Witte Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Councilman Blom, My family and I have lived in the Port Streets for 25 years. I am an active user of our wonderful library and all its facilities and services. I understand there is a vote coming up on whether to move forward with Witte Hall. I am unable to attend the meeting on the 9th, but want to express my support for moving forward with this project, as I have no doubt the residents of Newport Beach will benefit from it for generations to come. Best, Eric Hohl From: edie tonkon <edietonkon@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:25 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall -yes [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members, Please vote YES on the much needed lecture hall for the library and the whole city Much needed for a city the size of Newport Thankyou Edie Tonkon Sent from my Whone From: Vicki Ronaldson <v.ronaldson@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:48 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: new library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. greetings! i support proceeding with the Library Lecture Hall. thx. vicki ronaldson 506 San Bernardino Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663 vicki 949-933-2332c From: Jeffrey Cole/USA <Jeff.Cole@cushwake.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:50 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: paulascole@gmail.com Subject: Newport Beach Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links 7 attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content ow Esteemed Council Members, My wife and I are writing this letter of support for the proposed Newport Beach Lecture Hall as both 32+ year residents and homeowners of Newport Beach and myself as a former City Planning Commission member (and Chair) and a current Aviation Committee member representing District 6. The proposed Lecture Hall is exactly the asset, vison and use City funds that we believe the Council should enthusiastically support. The facility can be used not only for library lectures, but for a multitude of presentations, music and dance performances and educational seminars by groups and businesses from throughout the area. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation has agreed to pay half the costs of the building, which means the City would be getting a civic auditorium for under $12 million dollars, less than the price of many homes in Newport Beach. The Foundation has already raised over $8 million dollars towards its half, and is confident it can raise the remainder. This opportunity is simply one that cannot be missed. It is the right idea, the right location and the right time for this investment and a legacy that the City will be proud of for years to come and will also be a legacy that will be attributed to the current council who had the courage to support and initiate. Thank you for your consideration. Jeff and Paula Cole Jeffrey W. Cole Executive Vice Chairman Capital Markets CA License 00833681 Direct: +1 (949) 955-7652 Mobile: +1 (949) 633-8950 ieff.cole(cDcushwake.com I11I11h WAKEFIELD 18111 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000 Irvine, CA 92612 1 USA cushmanwakefield.com Linkedln I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube I Google+ I Instagram The information contained in this email (including any attachments) is confidential, may be subject to legal or other professional privilege and contain copyright material, and is intended for use by the named recipient(s) only. Access to or use of this email or its attachments by anyone else is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you may not use, disclose, copy or distribute this email or its attachments (or any part thereof), nor take or omit to take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or email and delete it, and all copies thereof, including all attachments, from your system. Any confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you by mistake. Although we have taken reasonable precautions to reduce the risk of transmitting software viruses, we accept no liability for any loss or damage caused by this email or its attachments due to viruses, interference, interception, corruption or unapproved access. For information on how your personal information is processed, including information on how to exercise state or country specific Privacy Rights please view our privacy notice here: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/privacy-and-cookies From: Kristen Petros <petrosfam@roadrunner.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:51 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall vote January 9 [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Honorable Mayor O'Neill and Council Members, I see that the proposed Lecture Hall is on the City Council agenda tomorrow. There has been a decade of hard work that has gone into the planning of this wonderful project and I hope this item is an easy yes for all of you. Many of my friends and neighbors are excited to have a space that is larger and much improved from the existing space next to the Central Library. More than once I attempted to attend a lecture but was turned away due to capacity. Having the 299-seat Lecture Hall would provide an amazing space for educational seminars and entertainment for the citizens who live here. What it won't do is create impacts to traffic, noise, housing, air quality, water quality, etc. like so many other projects proposed in Newport Beach. What is astounding is that half of this city project will be paid for by the public through efforts of the Newport Beach Library Foundation. This is the kind of public/ private partnership that past councils have wanted for years. Please vote to move this project forward rapidly. We are all excited to see it completed. Sincerely, Kristen Petros From: William Roth <whroth@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 4:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall LXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content I urge you to vote NO on funding the proposed Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall. It's not necessary and there are better alternatives for our tax revenues. Bill Roth 216 Narcissus Ave. Corona del Mar, CA 92625 From: City Clerk"s Office To: Mulvey. Jennifer; Rieff. Kim Subject: FW: Support for lecture hall project for the public record Date: January 08, 2024 7:00:57 PM From: Denys Oberman <dho@obermanassociates.com> Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 6:52:29 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support for lecture hall project for the public record [EXTERNAL, EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Mayor and members of the council, I understand that the council will be voting on the proposed project to build a lecture hall at the civic center campus. A lecture hall would provide a valuable new venue to introduce cultural and educational programs ,and events.at a level we have not in had before in Newport This would be attractive to both residents and quality visitors. Our community is fortunate to have the level of private donation to facilitate this investment. $23 mil Represents a substantial but reasonable budget to complete the project. Please vote in favor of this project so it can move forward without further delay. Thank you, Denys oberman Resident and community stakeholdet From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:12 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Newport Beach Library Foundation- lecture hall needed! From: Maria Forino <mariaforino@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:07 AM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Newport Beach Library Foundation- lecture hall needed! LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. Maria Forino From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:12 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: 299 Seat Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Julie Krupoff <jkrupoff@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:16 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: 299 Seat Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Vote no! Too much money for a small venue! The Krupoff Family Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:11 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: library lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: Susan Hillgren <shillgren@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:09 PM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am hopeful you will vote in favor of the library lecture hall. Newport needs this. Thankyou Mark & Susan Hillgren Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:10 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Auditorium From: Ann Moorhead <torreypines2000@hotmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:55 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Auditorium LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council, We support the building of a new auditorium in Newport Beach. Thank you Ann Moorhead From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:10 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture hall at NB Library From: Jill Schriber <jschriber3028@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:36 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture hall at NB Library LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M AM Just wanted to express my support for the Lecture hall which is being proposed for Newport Beach Thank you! jill Schriber From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:10 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall Vote -----Original Message ----- From: Dennis Baker <dennis.baker@diandden.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:30 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library Lecture Hall Vote [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. At the study session 4 of you supported moving forward with an agreement. Please don't waffle. Please maintain your support and vote to move forward with the agreement. Dennis Baker Errors due to fat fingers and auto correct. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:10 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: NO on Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Robyn Randle <rhigrandle@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:25 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. >> I am a longtime resident here in Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable and irresponsible. I vote NO. >> Robyn Randle >> 1320 Antigua Way >> Newport Bch, CA 92660 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:09 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: Barbara <bdickey1514@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 7:00 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am in favor of building this new lecture hall. It would be an asset culturally and educationally. Barbara Dickey From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:09 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Witte Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Sheldon Harte <sheldonharte@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:52 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Witte Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. > We request that you support the library lecture hall project at tomorrow's City Council meeting" Thanks, Sheldon Sheldon Harte Sent from iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:09 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: Ronald Willut <willutr@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:34 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Vote no for the 299 seat lecture Hall Ron Willut Resident, Newport Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:09 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: new lecture hall From: Tina Rogers <tinakrogers@yahoo.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:24 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: new lecture hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. Dear City Council members, The idea of a new $24million lecture hall seems ridiculous to me. I can't imagine why this necessary, while other more important projects are put on the back burner. Please put that money into safety upgrades at the Newport and Balboa piers. The Newport pier area needs a safe bike path that goes all the way through without having to bike through a busy parking lot! Please reconsider and vote NO. Best Regards, Tina Rogers From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:09 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: NO on lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: ERIN MEYER <tehknw@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:10 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: NO on lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I see no need for the Lecture Hall. There are NUMEROUS options for a group of 300. If you need assistance in securing those, please don't hesitate to contact me. I encourage a NO vote and will be watching as it will affect my future votes for City Council. Erin Meyer 2 Torrey Pines Lane Newport Beach 92660 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:08 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall Letter - Council Meeting From: Sarah Choi <sarahych@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:05 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall Letter - Council Meeting LICijwr attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, I am writing in support of the Library Lecture Hall project. I grew up in Irvine, and now live in Newport Coast with my husband and 2-year-old. I used the Central Library facility often while studying for the Bar exam, and have taken advantage of some of the programming there. A venue like the lecture hall would be able to provide programming that my husband and I, as young professionals, as well as our daughter, would be able to enjoy. We frequently go to Los Angeles for music and other entertainment, which we would love to see offered in Newport Beach at a venue like the lecture hall. Please support the lecture hall by voting yes on Tuesday. Sincerely, Sarah Choi Park Sarah Choi Park // email: sarahych(a�gmail.com // phone: 949-838-6094 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:08 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Proposed lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: Dee Curry <deecurry@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 5:55 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Proposed lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To all city council members: As a Newport Beach resident, I am strongly opposed to building a new lecture hall. I find it completely unnecessary in these uncertain times. Please vote against this project!!! Thank you, Dee Curry 325 Via Lido Nord Newport Beach Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:08 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: No on Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Gina Davis <ginadavis123@me.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 5:48 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: No on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Many other priorities to spend excess dollars on. Thanks, Gina Davis 5 Cape Danbury From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:08 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Response to Bob McCaffrey's anti -Lecture Hall Email Attachments: 20240107161509.pdf From: Larry Tucker <tucker@gtpcenters.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 5:38 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Response to Bob McCaffrey's anti -Lecture Hall Email [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links ori Illanize the sender and know the content is safe. 14 Honorable Mayor O'Neill and Members of the City Council, Bob McCaffrey was kind enough to send me his email about the Lecture Hall, twice. While I find his email misleading and unserious in parts, it does raise issues that merit a comprehensive response. So, my apologies for the length of this email. Without directly saying the City will be paying $23.4M+ for the Lecture Hall, Mr. McCaffrey's artfully worded email very clearly leaves that impression. The Library Foundation's agreement to pay half the cost of a building that will be owned and controlled solely by the City was not mentioned in dollar terms. If Mr. McCaffrey had been more forthright and noted that the City was getting a $23.4M+ building for $11.7M, it is not hard to imagine that the Council would be receiving far fewer emails opposing the Lecture Hall had those who received Mr. McCaffrey's email directly from him, or through its republication, had not been misled. The main point of the McCaffrey email is that the City can't afford its share of the cost of the Lecture Hall. Former long-time Chair and current Finance Committee member Keith Curry has informed the Council that it can well afford to pay half the cost of the Lecture Hall. His view is supported by the just released update to the City's 20 year Long Range Fiscal Forecast (Fiscal Year 2025 — Fiscal Year 2044) prepared by the City's Finance Department. The City remains in a structural surplus, as it has for many years. The updated Forecast projects yearly surpluses that start off ample, then soon become somewhat impressive and finally become, well, gigantic. FY 2025 and FY 2026 projected surpluses are over $5M each year, then in FY 2027 and FY 2028 they become over $8M each year. For fiscal years 2029-2032, they are projected to be over $12M each year except one of those years is a little less than $11 M. Then from FY 33 through FY 44, the projected surpluses are at least $55M each year. In my 6+ years on the Finance Committee the surpluses always ended up being quite a bit more than budgeted because that is how wise City Managers/Treasurers budget, if they can. The FY25-FY44 Forecast is attached. The City Finance Department has informed me that the City has cash and liquid reserves of over $381.5M as of December 31, 2023. And its general fund budget is well over $300M. Further, the City Hall current debt service of $8.5M per year will be fully amortized down to zero in mid-2041. But Mr. McCaffrey would have you and his followers believe the City would be in financial peril if it spent $11.7M to buy a $23.4M asset. If the City is that close to the brink, the City Council sure should not have spent nearly $30M for the site of a future police headquarters. I am a retired certified public accountant and Keith Curry had a distinguished career in municipal finance at his day job. Both of us have years of experience on the City's Finance Committee. Neither of us remotely believes that the City can't afford to spend $11.7M to build a $23AM public auditorium for the enjoyment of our residents. Having to move money from one City pocket to another (which Staff knows how to do), or financing a long term asset with a medium term loan which can easily be debt serviced, is not the same thing as not having the resources to pay for City's share of the Lecture Hall cost. Mr. McCaffrey worries the City won't have enough money to pay for police officers, fire fighters and to maintain our parks and streets and rebuild our infrastructure. The latest Long Range Fiscal Forecast includes these costs - - so the surpluses projected in the Forecast of course include the costs Mr. McCaffrey is worried about. And remember that Mr. McCaffrey wanted all of us to believe that the cost of the new City Hall/park facility had created a grave financial risk to the City too. In my years on the Finance Committee, no one ever mentioned that there was something the City could not afford because of the City Hall Debt. The City generates a huge amount of property taxes because our corner of the world is paradise and successful people want to live, work and play here. And it also gets significant sales taxes, as well as transit occupancy tax revenues which are increasing due to the VEA and the Pendry. So, no, the City will not run out of money to pay for the things Mr. McCaffrey (and I too) believe are high priorities. With this revenue windfall, the City has spent vast sums updating old and building new public infrastructure assets, such as the Central Library and branch libraries next to Mariner's School and in Corona del Mar, Marina Park, Oasis Senior Center, fire stations by the airport, near Lido House and soon a new "Fibrary" on the Peninsula. The City has also seen significant private infrastructure investments (e.g., educational facilities at Harbor Day and Sage Hill Schools, and recreational assets at Newport Harbor Yacht Club, Big Canyon Country Club and Newport Beach Country Club), our Newport -Mesa public schools are excellent and well supported by parents. And we have non-stop rebuilding in our residential neighborhoods and the aforementioned two new first class (of course) large hotels in Newport Center coming out of a Pandemic, no less. Continual Irvine Company reinvestment is a given (Restoration Hardware in Fashion Island is its latest major project). So our spectacular setting and the very visible constant upgrading of public and private facilities in the City has accelerated demand for Newport Beach real estate - - escalating property tax revenue even more. Home values have risen so much that $11.7M, the amount the City is being asked to pay for its share of the Lecture Hall, will no longer buy the best home in many of our neighborhoods. Implicit in Mr. McCaffrey's email is that if the City spent less money, our taxes would go down. Property taxes come to the City through a County formula and sales taxes come to the City through a State formula, like it or not. There is no practical way to turn down the money from our two largest revenue sources to be able to lower taxes. So, the City isn't imposing those taxes on our residents - - the City has no control over property or sales taxes that it receives. And why would the City lower transit occupancy taxes which are paid by hotel guests as their contribution towards the City's cost of providing public safety personnel/facilities and operating and maintaining infrastructure which our visitors also use? Or reducing business license fees that our businesses pay to help offset City costs of public safety and facilities that businesses in our town use. Like the prior Long Range Fiscal Forecast, the FY25-FY44 Forecast projects that the City will have more money coming in than it needs to provide for public safety and operate, maintain and upgrade its facilities. So, what would be the best use of the City's excess revenues? Past City Councils have used budget surpluses to pay down pension liabilities and invest in infrastructure and quality of life assets. The wisdom of their choices is manifest by the strong demand for Newport Beach real estate. People and businesses want to be in Newport Beach because it is safe and the facilities are the best of the best. And per testimony given at the November 14 Study Session, some by long time City volunteers associated with City business and community groups (former Council members/mayors Nancy Gardner and Steve Rosansky, and former Planning Commissioners Kory Kramer and Jeff Cole), there will be demand well beyond the Library Foundation, the Library and the City itself for the use of a state of the art public auditorium, as surprising as that might be to Mr. McCaffrey. But Mr. McCaffrey doesn't want money spent on a cultural facility that will be enjoyed by thousands of people yearly because he doesn't use those types of facilities, and apparently neither do his friends. He is most comfortable hanging out around, and enjoying the safety and majesty of, Newport Harbor. Good for him. But the City is spending a lot of money maintaining the harbor he loves even though much of that money comes from taxes paid by our residents who do not live near the harbor and infrequently or never use it. If Mr. McCaffrey truly believes that City's "limited resources" should only be spent on things "which we all benefit from," then that arguably would not include Newport Harbor since that costly to maintain resource is used predominately by boat owners/renters and harbor fronting homeowners, which constitute a small segment of our residents. Fortunately, the City does not have to make those types of choices and can afford to and does maintain a first class harbor for the enjoyment of those of our residents (and visitors) who frequent and/or live on the harbor, while it can still pay for half the cost of what would become the City's lone cultural asset east of the bay. On a lesser point, Mr. McCaffrey notes that it cost way more per square foot to build a lecture hall than a fire station, although he forgot to mention that the cost of the Lecture Hall to the City would be half of the amount per seat he highlights. But it should come as no surprise that a one-off cultural building which accommodates 299 people (plus the presenters and staffing) in a relatively small space would cost more per square foot than a typical open bay fire station with a bit of exterior design/articulation (and maybe a fireman's pole?). An auditorium accommodates a lot of people in a limited amount of space, so the HVAC system has to be upsized to heat and cool a lot of bodies in a small space, there has to be more bathroom stalls and plumbing fixtures to meet the needs of a lot of people in a short timeframe, they have raked floors which means retaining walls, they have specialized lighting, they have clear spans for visibility which means more expensive structural design, they have hundreds of cushy seats rather than no seats, they need special acoustical treatments so the audience can hear, they have modern Audio -Visual technology and they have pre and post event gathering spaces. And in this case the building and landscape plans also have to be approved by Irvine Company which means the building and landscaping have to be of more costly to build high - quality design and materials. But just think how much more the project would cost if the City did not already own land for the Lecture Hall that comes with a parking lot! Finally, Mr. McCaffrey reveals what really bothers him about the Lecture Hall. He doesn't like the Foundation programming! Well, as luck would have it, he can actually do something about that. The Library Foundation is paying for half the cost of the Lecture Hall, but they only get 50 days a year of use priority (only 8 days over 4 weekends of which would be used by the Foundation for the Witte Lectures). That means that there will be 315 days each year that the Lecture Hall can be leased out by its owner, the City, however the City sees fit. Time for Mr. McCaffrey to leave a legacy by forming and funding a charitable Foundation to work with the City to sponsor a lecture series named after him. I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Witte would be pleased to show Mr. McCaffrey around the Central Library and assist Mr. McCaffrey in setting up his Foundation so he can take advantage of what the Witte's have learned about educational/entertainment public programming over the last 25+ years. That would be a win -win - - the City would get money from leasing out the Lecture Hall to the McCaffrey Foundation and Mr. McCaffrey would leave a legacy of programming which meets his tastes and standards. Respectfully submitted, Larry Tucker CITY OF NEW PORT BEACH GENERAL FUND LONG-RANGE FISCAL FORECAST ALTERNATE SCENARIO -ADDITIONAL $2.SM TOWARD UAL PAYMENT FY 2025 - FY 2044 Property Tax $ 145,570,300 S 149,937,409 $ 155,934,906 $ 162,172,302 $ 168,659,194 5 173,718,970 $ 178,930,539 $ 186,087,761 $ 193,531,271 $ 201,272,522 $ 209,323,423 $ 215,603,125 $ 222,071,219 $ 228,733,356 $ 237,882,690 $ 247,397,998 $ 257,293,917 $ 267,595,67 Growth Rate 2-0% 3.0% 4.0% 4.0% 4,0% 3.0% 3.0% 4 0% 4 0% 4,0% 4 096 3-0% 3-0% 3 0% 4.0% 4.0% 4.0% 4,C Sales Tax $ 46,449,997 $ 47,796,394 $ 49,230,286 $ 50,214,892 5 51,219,199 S 52,755,765 $ 54,338,438 $ 55,968,591 5 57,647,649 5 59,377,078 $ 60,564,620 $ 61,775,912 5 63,629,190 5 65,53B4O65 5 67,504,207 S 69,529,334 S 71,615,214 S 73,047,51 Growth Rate 2.6% 23% 3-0% 20% 10% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 2.0% 2.0% 3-0% 3-0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 2.0 Transient Occupancy Tax $ 32,625,873 S 33,278,390 $ 33,943,958 S 34,962,277 S 35,661,523 $ 36,018,138 S 36,738,501 $ 37,940,656 $ 39,354,282 $ 40,928,453 $ 42,156,307 S 42,999,433 S 43,429,427 $ 44,298,016 $ 45,626,956 $ 47,452,034 $ 49,350,116 $ 51,324,12 Growth Rate 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 3 D% 2-0% 1.0% 20% 3-0% 4-0% 4-0% 10% 2.0% 1-0% 2.0% 3-0% 4-0% 4.0% 4-C Other Revenues $ 68,097,537 S 69,936,733 $ 73,630,808 5 75,440,087 $' 81,398,758 $ 83,501,835 S 85,667,020 $ 88,024,520 $ 90,323,814 $ 92,691,519 $ 95,053,745 5 97,485,071 S 100,215,532 S 102,879,386 S 105,623,477 5 108,450,421 5 111,362,922 5 114,208,01 Growth Rate 2.6% 2.7% 5.3% 2-5% 7-.9% 2.6% 2.6% 2.8% 2.6% 2-6% 2.5% 2.6% 2.9% 2.7% 2.7% 2.7% 2.7% 2.E Transfers In $ 20,841,596 S 21,429,344 $ 22,034,724 5 22,334,925 $ 22,550,514 $ 23,212,029 $ 23,393,390 $ 24,095,192 5 24,818,048 $ 25,562,589 $ 26,329,467 S' 27,119,351 S 27,932,931 $ 28,770,919 6 29,634,047 S 30,523,068 S 31,438,760 S 32,381,92 Growth Rate -7.4% 2.8% 2.8% 1.4% 1.0% 2.9% 0.8% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3 0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3 C Total Gem-d Fund R� $ 313,584,304 $ 322,378,271 $ 334,774,682 $ 345,124,482 $ 359,499,178 $ 369,206,737 $ 379,067,987 $ 392,016,719 $ 405,675,063 $ 419,832,161 $ 433,427,561 $ 444,982,992 $ 457,278,299 $ 470,219,742 $ 486,271,377 $ 503,352,854 $ 521,060,929 $ 538,547,24 Growth Rate 1.5% 2-e% 3.8% 3.1% 42% 2.7% 27% 3.4% 3-5% 35% 3.2% 2.7% 2-8% 28% 3,4% 3.5% 3.5% 3.4 Regular Salaries $ 88,642,279 S 911415,12S 5 42.223,427 5 94,067,896 $ 95,949,254 5 97,868,239 $ 99,825,604 S 101,822,116 $ 103,858,558 5 105,935,729 S 108,054,444 S 110,215,533 5 112,419,943 $ 114,668,240 $ 116,961,605 $ 119,300,837 ; 121,686,854 $ 124,120,59 Growth Rate 2.0% 2-0% 2.0% 2.0% 20% 2-0% 2.D% 2.0% 20% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2,0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0 Special and Other Pays $ 16,538,375 5 17,D02,134 5 17,512,198 $ 18,037,564 $ 18,578,691 $ 19,136,052 $ 19,710,133 $ 20,301,437 $ 20,910,481 $ 21,537,795 $ 22,183,929 $ 22,849,447 $ 23,534,930 $ 24,240,978 $ 24,966,207 $ 25,717,253 $ 26,488,771 $ 27,283,43 Growth Rate 2.7% 2.8% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 30% 3.0% 3.0% 3-D% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3,0% 3.0% 3.0 Benefits' $ 75,986,540 5 79,310,353 5 80,661,421 5 82,080,496 S 83,571,397 $ 85,138,167 S 86,785,086 $ 87,825,775 $ 45,144,513 $ 47,060,153 $ 49,075,734 $ 51,196,950 $ 53,429,834 $ 55,780,775 $ 58,256,537 $ 60,WA,284 $ 63,611,605 $ 66,506,53 Growth Rate 0-4% 4.4% 17% 19% 1-8% 1.9% 1.9% 1.2% -48.6% 4.2% 4.3% 4.3% 4-4% 4.4% 4.4% 45% 45% 4E Non -Personnel Costs $ 89,877,439 $ 93,070,383 $ 97,839,444 5 102,906,249 5 108,250,613 S 113,987,955 S 119,834,557 $ 125,788,023 $ 139,999,534 $ 139,706,748 $ 147,072,262 $ 154,843,217 $ 163,042,209 $ 171,693,102 $ 180,821,105 $ 190,452,840 $ 200,616,433 $ 211,341,59 Growth Rate 3.2% 3.6% 5 1% 5 2% 5.2% 5.2% 5.2% 5.0% 113% -0.2% 5.3% 5.3% 5.3% 5.3% 5.3% 5,3% 5.3% 5,3 Transfers Out' S 36,351,048 ".$ 37,328,339 5 38,287,727 5 39,178,539 5 40,211,440 $ 41,111,337 $' 42,050,438 $, 43,407,373 $ 36,893,524 $ 43,749,266 $44,721,560 $' 45,652,667 S' 46,626,772 47,641,872 5 48,772,742 '$ 49,957,861 $ 51,186,060 S 52,432,85 Growth Rate -11-7% 2.7% 2 6% 2 3% 2 6% 2.2% 2 3% 3.2% -15.0% 18.6% 2.2% 2.1% 2.1% 2.2% 2.4% 2.4% 2 5% 24 Total General Fund Expenditures Growth Rate $ 311,311,611 $ 0.1% 117,121,134 1 3 2% 321,524,211 S 111,270,141 1 346,561,395 1 357,141,149 $ 368,205117 1 37%144,724 $ 346,806,609 $ 3 0% 3 0% 3 1% 3 1% 3 1% 3.0% -8 5% 357,989,691 $ 371,107,928 $ 384,757,812 $ 399,053,598 $ 3.2% 3.7% 3 7% 3.7% 414,024,967 $ 429,780,195 $ 446,293,076 $ 463,589,723 $ 3 8% 3.8% 3 8% 3 9% 481,685,00 39 'Assumes CalPERS unfunded liability payment of $47.5 million citywide (General Fund portion is $44 5 million) per year through 2033 ' Assumes transfer out to CIP remains flat and transfer out to HEMP and FFP is indexed per policy - GENERAL FUND REVENUES, EXPENDITURES & NET OPERATING RESULT (SURPLUS/DEFICIT) FY 25-FY 44 $700.0 $600.0 $500.0 i $400.0 O h $300.0 $200.0 $100.0 r FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 FY 32 FY 33 FY 34 FY 35 FY 36 FY 37 FY 38 FY39 FY 40 FY 41 FY 42 FY 43 FYI NET OPERATING RESULT $62 $5.3 $83 $8.9 $12.9 $12.1 $10.9 $12.9 $58.9 $61.8 $62.3 $60.2 $58.2 $56.2 $56.5 $57.1 $57.5 $56.9 $57.8 $58 -TOTAL REVENUES $313.6 $322.4 $334.8 $345.1 5359.5 $369.2 $379.1 $392.0 $405.7 $419.8 $433.4 $445.0 $457.3 $470.2 $4863 $503.4 $521.1 $538.5 $556.7 $57! -TOTAL EXPENDITURES $307.4 $317.1 $326-5 $336.3 $346.6 $3S7.1 $368.2 $379.1 $346.8 $358.0 $371.1 $3849 $399.1 $414.0 $4299 $446.3 $463.6 $491.7 $498.9 $511 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:18 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support the new Lecture Hall From: Ellen Shockro <eshockro@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 7:12 AM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support the new Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im The City of Newport Beach needs a state-of-the-art Lecture Hall. Businesses from all over the world who stay in our beautiful hotels have consistently asked for an updated meeting space. The library and its foundation run wonderful programs, but the Chamber of Commerce, the Hotels and Business leaders have strongly urged the City to build this since there is no place for businesses and organizations to hold meetings using advanced technology. We do not have a Civic Auditorium. This Lecture Hall, will serve many needs and serve well the City of Newport Beach. Managed well, it should be an income source for the city and easily pay for itself. This lecture hall is a much needed enhancement for Newport Beach. Ellen K. Shockro, Ph.D. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:18 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Vote Yes on Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Diane Cotton <dianecottonjewelry@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 7:05 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Vote Yes on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members, Having been to many of the Lecture Series events and been disappointed by the current venue (crowded, level seating, etc), I wholeheartedly endorse the funding needed to build out what looks to be an amazing Lecture Hall . Acclaimed authors and professionals would be well- hosted! What a wonderful legacy to leave to our residents and future generations. Sincerely, Diane Cotton 2424 Santiago Dr Newport Beach 92660 Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:18 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall From: TOMLU BAKER <tomlubaker@hotmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:23 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: TOMLU BAKER <tomlubaker@hotmail.com> Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Council Members, Please approve the Library Lecture Hall which is supported by many residents, hotels and businesses. It is a bargain at half the price. Private donations are paying half of the cost. Please do not forfeit the $11.7 million in private donations. Sincerely, Lu Anne and Tom Baker Newport Heights Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:17 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: No, on lecture hall! -----Original Message ----- From: Debra Frederickson <debbiefred@sbcglobal.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 11:19 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: No, on lecture hall! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please, please vote no! There are so many more important issues for our city... Please vote NOM! Debra Frederickson 1433 Santiago Dr. Newport Beach, CA 92660 949 266-7645 Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:17 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: I vote NO on Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: CindyDeth <cindydeth@comcast.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 5:08 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: I vote NO on Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Cindy Dethlefsen 215 Diamond Ave Newport Beach Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:17 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: lecture hall - please do not spend the money! From: Adam Miller <amiller@cornerc.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 10:42 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: lecture hall - please do not spend the money! LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im Please do not spend money on a new lecture hall. I would much rather see the money spent somewhere else. Adam Miller 610 Tustin Ave Newport Beach, CA 92663 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:17 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Please don't waste taxpayer funds on a lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: GARY JOHNSTONE <gljohn@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:55 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Please don't waste taxpayer funds on a lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the Newport Beach City Council, Don't deplete our funds for necessary services to build a lecture hall that might be nice, but is in no way essential. We certainly don't need it at the expense of citizens who will rarely if ever be able to make use of it. If it can't be covered by private funds, we don't need it. Sincerely, Lori Johnstone 1450 Sea Ridge Drive Newport Beach, CA Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:17 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support for lecture hall project for the public record From: Denys Oberman <dho@obermanassociates.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 6:52 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support for lecture hall project for the public record Mayor and members of the council, I understand that the council will be voting on the proposed project to build a lecture hall at the civic center campus. A lecture hall would provide a valuable new venue to introduce cultural and educational programs ,and events.at a level we have not in had before in Newport This would be attractive to both residents and quality visitors. Our community is fortunate to have the level of private donation to facilitate this investment. $23 mil Represents a substantial but reasonable budget to complete the project. Please vote in favor of this project so it can move forward without further delay. Thank you, Denys oberman Resident and community stakeholdet From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:16 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Please support he Library Lecture Hall From: Elizabeth Ward <jrwecw@sbcgloba1.net> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:29 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: ciityclerk@newportbeach.gov Subject: Please support he Library Lecture Hall I gladly support The Library Lecture Hall next to the historic library on the Ballboa Peninsula. Newport Beach is home to so many citizens who value the education of the mind;, the kinds of lectures, and meetings on science, literature, history, the arts, architecture, and a place where such lectures/studies are respected and new (or old ) ideas can be examined and exchanged. The Lecture Hall would be a valuable gift to our community Sincerely, Elizabeth C Ward From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:16 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: Fw: Support for the Central Library Lecture Hall Building project From: L. David Kingsley <Idkingsley@hotmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:18 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Re: Support for the Central Library Lecture Hall Building project LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. Hi Council Members - I got the below delivery failure message for the email I sent last evening (below). I do hope my message made it in time as you all considered the very important matter before you! Thanks, David Delivery incomplete There was a temporary problem delivering your message to citycouncil@newportbeachca.gov. Gmail will retry for 46 more hours. You'll be notified if the delivery fails permanently. The response was: DNS Error: DNS type 'mx' lookup of newportbeachca.gov failed with status: CANCELLED: [type.googleapis.com/util.ErrorSpacePayload='RPC::CANCELLED' ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "L. David Kingsley" <Idkingsley@hotmail.com> To: citycouncil@newportbeachca.gov Cc: Bcc: Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2024 19:09:15 -0800 Subject: Support for the Central Library Lecture Hall Building project ----- Message truncated ----- From: L. David Kingsley <Idkingsley@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, January 7, 2024 7:09 PM To: citycouncil@newportbeachca.gov Subject: Support for the Central Library Lecture Hall Building project City Council Members - First - and very importantly - I write to thank you all for your service to our Newport Beach community. As a Navy Reserve veteran, public service is a pillar of our family's core values that my wife Erin and I are teaching our children Jack (4), Kate (3) and Maddie (1). Erin was born and raised here in Newport, and we moved back here from San Francisco four years ago given our strong feelings about Newport Beach being the community for us to raise our children. Second, I write in strong support for the matter before you regarding the Newport Beach Library Foundation and the construction contract award for the Central Library Lecture Hall Building project. While the investment is one of significance, I can think of no more worthy civic development project than that which continues to create fora for learning, discussion, exploration and growth, all of which will be greatly advantaged by Lecture Hall in our community. One of the things we all know we lost in Covid was the ability to gather and foster community. We know that when diverse groups gather and share common experience, growth and understanding flourish. We owe it to ourselves and our children to continue to be a community which values collective experience and a common commitment to shared vision and goals for the future. Thanks again for your service, and for your support for this worthy project. Very respectfully, David L. David Kingsley 3607 Park Green Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:16 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: No -----Original Message ----- From: KATHY THIEDE <ksthiede@aol.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:05 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: No [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Vote NO on 299 seat Library Lecture Hall. Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:15 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! From: Laura Gonzalez <laura.gonzalez@processdesignsolutions.org> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:47 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Please support the Library Lecture Hall project! LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. in I am writing to show my support in favor of proceeding with the Library Lecture Hall project. Thank you, Laura Gonzalez Krahe Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:15 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: NBPL PROPOSED LECTURE HALL From: Denise Carcel <denise@alpharisingadvisors.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:40 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: NBPL PROPOSED LECTURE HALL LICijwr attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. City Council Members, It never ceases to amaze me how Federal,State and Local governments indiscriminately spend tax payer dollars. Not only do they imprudently spend, they always seem to overpay for the products or services rendered. An example of frivolous spending and overpaying is the 2013 new City Hall. The 2005 original proposed project had a price tag of approximately $46,000,000. After multiple change orders, including a bridge to nowhere, the cost of the project was $139,000,000. By the time the city pays for its new home and the cost of the 30 year financing, it will cost taxpayers approximately $237,000,000. Please don't make the same imprudent mistake again. The money should be spent on improving our infrastructure, the quality of our air and water supply, as well as lowering crime in our beautiful city. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Respectfully, Denise Carcel NB resident since 1978 Denise Carcel Principal Alpha Rising Advisors Tel: 949-633-9646 Fax: 949-376-8311 denise@alpharisingadvisors.com California Insurance License #0823692. Alpha Rising Advisors LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. This communication may contain confidential information. It is intended solely for the use of the person or entity in which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing or using any of this information. If you received this communication in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. Email messages sent to or from this email address may be stored on the Alpha Rising email system. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:15 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support for the Library Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Heather Anne Chalmers <chalmers.ha@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:34 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support for the Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I am a resident of Orange County and have attended several informative and inspirational lectures in the past year at the Newport Beach Public Library. There is no higher purpose for a public library than to be a center for offering resources for education and personal development. Our community is fortunate to have the benefit of an extraordinary philanthropical foundation of support for the Library Lecture Hall. I request that you support the Library Lecture Hall project at tomorrow's City Council meeting. Nothing could be of greater value than to have an inclusive venue, providing access to information, and offering the highest level of resources for people of all backgrounds to learn, explore, and connect with others, Kindly, Heather Anne Chalmers chalmers.ha@gmail.com (949) 233-6627 mobile From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:12 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Amy Sipiora <hood107@icloud.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 8:21 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. My husband and I oppose this ridiculous waste of money. We have a homeless problem and many other concerns in this city that need attention. The City Council should not waste the good taxpayers money on a structure to only serve a minority of the people Sincerely Donna & Greg Hood Newport Beach Sent from my Phone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 9:11 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Unneeded lecture hall From: fordhotrod1950 <fordhotrod1950@vahoo.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 9:10 AM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Unneeded lecture hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im We dont need to waste public funds on another sweetheart contractor giveaway project of city funds. It will just sit empty like the crazy performing arts shell that was better used as a pussycat theater. The gold plated avocado city hall was supposed to address the need for a lecture hall along with a move up on the hill for "our safety from a tsunami" and to assuage the private contractors that couldn't grab the bayfront land that now has a city park for all of us and give them the old city hall land for their private hotel business. Shame on you who want to waste public money which will eventually result in higher property taxes. Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 9:09 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: No on Lecture Hall From: Susan Friend <susanfriend6@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 9:07 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: No on Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. I am a longtime resident here in Newport Beach and wish to protect our City. I am emphatically opposed to this wasteful and outlandish proposal for a $23.4 million dollar lecture hall. Depleting our reserves for an unnecessary project such as this is unconscionable and irresponsible. I vote NO. Susan Friend 305 Evening Star Lane Newport Bch, CA 92660 0 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 9:02 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library -----Original Message ----- From: Steve Barlow <stevebarlowl@comcast.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:59 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. After reading the article in the OC Register last night I want to express my support for the Newport Beach Public Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 8:57 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: New Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall From: thenozz@cox.net <thenozz@cox.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:56 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: New Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. Hello Newport Beach City Council Members, I would like to express my support for the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall. I saw the OC Register article and believe the vote is this evening. I think it's a no-brainer when you can build a world -class lecture hall with a significant amount of financing from donations and the foundation. I live on Iris Ave. in Corona Del Mar and have enjoyed some of the lectures at the Library over the years, and the new hall would elevate the community via programs and lectures that such a world -class venue attracts. Thank you for your time. Mike N. CDM From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 8:55 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support for new NB auditorium -----Original Message ----- From: Bbehrstock <bbehrstock@cox.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:54 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support for new NB auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing in community support of a new larger capacity improved community meeting hall. The education and opportunity for unity of mind and spirit in our cipommunity has never been of more importance. A place to meet discuss learn and meet one another is greatly needed. Sincerely, Barry Behrstock MD From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 8:53 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Please vote YES on the Witte Lecture Hall at the NB Library From: Susie Crider <suzcrider@yahoo.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:52 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Please vote YES on the Witte Lecture Hall at the NB Library LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content We are a highly educated community who would benefit and deserves another space for community engagement. Sue Ellen Crider 405 Fernleaf Ave From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 8:27 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support for the Library Lecture Hall From: Patricia Merz <MerzP@sagehillschool.org> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:26 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support for the Library Lecture Hall LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M To all members of the City Council, I am writing to voice my strong support of the proposed Lecture Hall, to be built adjacent to the Newport Beach Public Library Central Branch. I am a firm believer that these public -private partnerships are excellent ways to greatly enhance the community, and ultimately result in great benefits to both the lifestyle and financial health of our wonderful city. 1. Fully 50% of the costs of the building will be funded privately. This represents a financial windfall for the city, not a liability, as the city assets will be improved by over $11M on the balance sheet. 2. Additionally, a significant portion of the building costs are allocated purely to redirect essential power/utilities, not to the building itself. Plus, the city will benefit from these infrastructure improvements and updates. 3. This is PUBLIC building — it is not "exclusive" by any means, and will benefit an extremely broad cross-section of the community well beyond the Library — including artistic performances and other public and private uses. 4. This facility will fill a void in our city, where we currently have no public facility that accommodates a large audience in a comfortable setting. The new hall will give us ALL a 21s' century auditorium with state-of-the-art lighting, AV, tiered seating, ADA accommodations and a reception area commensurate with our first-rate city. It will truly complement, not compete with, other hotel and public facilities within the city. 5. The new hall will be able to house civic events, artistic performances, and private/business functions, which will bring additional tourism and revenues to the city. Increases to local businesses along with direct revenues should more than offset any costs of maintaining the hall. 6. A neeative vote will not only ieoaardize the over 58M of collected and pledged donations alreadv committed. but would bode Doorly for anv future Dotential Drivate/Dublic endeavors within the city. These funds have been raised over the life of the project covering more than 10 years, and have been pledged based on the excellent collaborative work between the Library Foundation and the city, with ongoing support across multiple city administrations and groups of Foundation trustees. Projects such as this require long-term vision on the behalf of all parties, and should the council vote against the current proposal, after many years of ongoing support, the Foundation most likely will be required to offer refunds to all current donors and miss the opportunity to create new engagement with many other members of our community. My understanding is that the city is currently in a strong financial position, and it would be a grave oversight to say "no" to over $11M in private donations to build an important part of our community infrastructure that will both directly and indirectly benefit every resident, as well as the city's financial foundation. Please vote YES on the proposal and say YES to the ongoing success of public/private partnerships within our city! Sincerely, Patricia Merz Pa,t rU i, A. M erz Head of School Sage Hill School 20402 Newport Coast Drive I Newport Coast, CA 92657 Phone: 949.219.1370 1 Fax: 949.219.1397 merzp ccDsagehillschool.org I www.sagehillschool.org SAGE HILL Mission Statement We inspire in our students a love of knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge creatively, compassionately, and courageously throughout their lives. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 8:08 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library -----Original Message ----- From: Barbara Shelton <delwaid@cox.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:07 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Our city has grown and cannot accommodate all the new residents. It is imperative that the council fund the new addition so all new citizens can enjoy its benefits. Sincerely, Barbara Shelton 3719 Park Green Dr. Corona Del Mar grown Sent from my Wad From: City Clerk's Office Sent: January 09, 2024 8:06 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim Subject: FW: Lecture Hall on the agenda for final approval at tonight's NB City Council meeting From: Stu News Newport <lana@stunewsnewport.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 8:05:04 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall on the agenda for final approval at tonight's NB City Council meeting [EXTEKNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK in s or attac ments un ess you recognize the sender and know the content i Y ���bdf�,���G6' Onke News and Community Forum Lecture Hall on the agenda for final approval at tonight's NB City Council meeting Newport Beach -A Look Back: Island Boat House from the top of the dredger Visit Newport Beach's new campaign invites winter travelers to trade in skis for the world of "Apres Sea" ono We encourage you to forward us to your friends and colleagues! Stu News Newport, LLC 1 1048 Irvine Ave., Ste. 383, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Unsubscribe cityclerk@newportbeachca.gov Update Profile I Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by lana@stunewsnewport.com powered by Try email marketing for free today! From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 8:00 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall From: Tom Rodd <trrodd@yahoo.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 7:59 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M I urge a no vote on he lecture hall. Tom Rodd 305 Vista Madera NB, CA 92660 Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:58 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library lecture hall From: thewestrups@cox.net <thewestrups@cox.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 7:55 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library lecture hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im We have lived in the Newport Beach area for over 20 years and have seen extravagant spending attempts in the past. The funds being proposed for building a library lecture hall seem excessive and perhaps not the best use of funds in this era of high inflation, financial struggle and more importantly at the expense of other more impactful and necessary projects . We do not support spending these funds on a lecture hall. Respectfully, John & Anita Westrup Corona del Mar From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 7:47 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Spending -----Original Message ----- From: Annette L Gibson <algibsonrn@cox.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 7:42 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Spending [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, We are having a terrible time financially and we must stop the spending. We need to understand that unnecessary spending is not good for our city we need to prepare for the future. This building is not needed and we should focus on being fiscally responsible. Do not do a replay on the horrendous spending like the weird building and weird park with the useless art and bridge to no where. Why do so many people who we put into office become less concerned about responsible spending? We need to focus on our cities necessary improvements. Stop spending on things that are not going to make our community more stable. We need to planning for what is going to happen when we have a huge fiscal crisis. Our country is a mess. Please don't spend our money unwisely. Sincerely, Annette Gibson 12 Whalers Bluff Newport Coast, Ca. 92657 Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:05 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Vote on new Witte Hall From: Randy Sue Morrison <rsmb32@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 11:04 AM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Vote on new Witte Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M Dear City Council Members: I urge the City Council to vote to approve the contract for the new Witte Hall. Our City would benefit many many times over by having this proposed impressive and much needed venue. I was a member of the inaugural committee serving the Distinguished Speakers Program for the library nearly thirty years ago. We all worked very hard to get speakers with reasonable honorariums and frankly some brilliant minds to present fascinating lectures to our community. The public response was huge. Our attendees loved the programs and they, if my memory serves me correctly, were sold out. But we were actually too successful. The ticket demand far exceeded our seating capacity. We could have sold tickets for seats many times over. Public interest in the speakers and topics never waned. We had sponsors and underwriters. But as time progressed we simply did not have the capacity within the Library's venue to attract the caliber of speakers that our community wanted and deserved. As a committee member it was frustrating to know that we had the resources to bring fascinating and well respected speakers on topics across the spectrum to the City of Newport Beach - but we did not have a venue to support those talks and thus had to scale down the entire series. The people of our City are eager to learn and have a place where they can do that and connect with residents eager to learn. The addition of this new building, the costs of which are to be shared equally with the Foundation, would be an extremely positive addition to our City. I have every confidence that there will be a very large demand for the tickets to all the speaker programs in this new venue and that the programs will be successful. I look forward to again working on the Witte Lecture series with an exciting - and profitable - new venue. Thank you for your consideration, Randy Morrison Baird From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:01 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: NO on lecture hall From: Maryann Kroh <mskrohpt@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 11:00 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>; Kleiman, Lauren <Ikleiman@newportbeachca.gov>; O'Neill, William <woneill@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: Maryann Kroh <mskrohpt@gmail.com> Subject: Re: NO on lecture hall Hello, As we prepare for a lively discussion and ultimate decision re: the Library Lecture Hall, how about considering these points: 1) Redesign the project in order to stay within the original budget 2) Hold a town hall meeting for residents so they feel involved in the process of making decisions for their community and with their taxpayer funds. The 3 minute voice that residents are given at city council meetings is really not enough. Where is the back and forth discussion? How about the development of the thoughts and needs that truly only citizens living in our city will be able to propagate? We can and should work together! This topic is important to the community and with 130+ comments on the NextDoor app, there are valuable ideas from people on both sides of the issue. I think citizens would be more apt to support an "extra" expense like this if basic health and safety issues are addressed. What are those you ask??? Ask the people that you represent!! Thank you for your service, we expect you all to do the right thing and speak for us out of knowledge of what we need and want. Maryann Kroh Ocean Blvd, CdM resident On Mon, Jan 8, 2024 at 8:29 AM Maryann Kroh <mskrohpt@gmail.com> wrote: Hello, I'm a concerned newport beach resident and I urge a NO vote on the new library lecture hall. I don't think this is necessary, let's use other rooms and existing facilities for lectures if needed. We need to remain fiscally responsible and fund more important and urgent city needs. Let's put more police on the street, let's repair our roads, or how about paying down long- term debt? NO NO NO! I The cost is too high, it is a pork barrel project that will be used by few and expensed off the backs of the local taxpayers. Shame on the city council to approve this up to this point and waste almost a million dollars on exploring this unnecessary project. Citizens are watching and recording how our elected officials vote on projects like this and how well they represent the desires of the community -this is a NO vote. These funds are not yours to use for personal legacy projects -your job is to represent the taxpayer and survey the community -was this done?? Do the citizens of this community want this project at this exorbitant cost?? When will our voices be heard?? Way to keep this hush-hush until the final vote. I look forward to hearing that our elected officials have come to their senses and put this ridiculous and unnecessary project to bed. Maryann Kroh Ocean Blvd, Com resident From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 10:59 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Proposed Lecture Hall/Civic Auditorium -----Original Message ----- From: Cindy Beck <cindybeckl@earthlink.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:58 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall/Civic Auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I support the proposed Lecture Hall/Civic Auditorium which will be located next to the Central Library in Newport Beach. As a resident of Newport Beach for 40 years, I feel that the Lecture Hall/Civic Auditorium would be a wonderful addition to our Central Library. The residents of our community will benefit from the library lectures programs and multitude of presentations, music and dance performances and educational seminars by groups and businesses that can be held in the proposed Lecture Hall/Civic Auditorium. Thank you for your vote on this very important project. Sincerely, Cindy Beck From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 10:54 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Pls. Vote Yes on NB Library Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Rodney Madsen <rkmadsen@me.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:53 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Pls. Vote Yes on NB Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Member: After reading the article in the OC Register last night, I would like to express my support for the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. Please vote in favor of this project. Thank you! R. K. Madsen From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 10:53 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: IN SUPPORT of the PROPOSED LECTURE HALL From: Joanna Ross <jross@rosscommtv.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:52 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: IN SUPPORT of the PROPOSED LECTURE HALL LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im Dear City Council Members, I am writing in support of the proposed Lecture Hall/Witte Hall that is coming up for an immediate vote. This would be a tremendous addition for the area not only because it is a financially sound investment, but also because Newport Beach needs more outlets to create cultural opportunities. "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and souls of its people'. There has been no greater time than now for people to understand one another better and to come together to be informed or delighted. I stand in support of moving ahead with Witte Hall. Sincerely, Joanna Ross 310.487.4661 she/her From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 10:32 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: I support the new Library Lecture Hall From: John McHugh <northpk@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:32 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: I support the new Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach City Council, Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our community. I purchased in the Flower Streets in 2009 and have greatly enjoyed our community. I appreciate the hard work you do to be good stewards of our taxes. I see the development in partnership with the library foundation to develop an educational and cultural hall to be an outstanding opportunity for our community. I fully support this use of my taxes and hope this will be approved at tonights meeting. John McHugh John McHugh, MD, FACOG, FACLM Eat Plants I !ep moving I Sleep Well I ae Present Stay Calm I Love People @ACLifeMed I LifestyleMedicine.org I Membership ' Education Certification From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 10:24 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Please approve the Witte Lecture Hall From: Anne Parzick <anneparzick@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:21 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Please approve the Witte Lecture Hall LIC r attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im Dear City Council members, Since moving to Newport Beach 17 years ago, my family and I have been using the Central Public Library - in the early years, on a daily basis! I remember being floored by how modern, beautiful, and vast it was - even before the huge renovation/expansion. I've lived many places - from Evanston, IL to Atlanta to Washington, DC to Idaho, etc. - and I've never been part of a such a spectacular library community as Newport Beach's. I have attended several Witte lectures, college counseling presentations, musical concerts, etc. in the Friends Room, and though I'm grateful for the programming and the space, we need something bigger and better suited for such first-class programming. My family and I attended a talk by the impressive Anne Applebaum last year, and the place was packed - it was hard to see and hear her. We look forward to hearing from the equally renowned Fiona Hill later this month, though I'm afraid I may not be able to see/hear her well. We're lucky to have convinced the likes of these scholars to come here; in order to continue doing so or even amp up this unique and very special speaker series, we really need a better space. It is worth the time, money, and effort. I therefore urge you to approve the Witte Lecture Hall. Thanks, Anne Parzick Corona del Mar From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 10:11 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support for Witte Hall Lecture Hall/Civic Center Newport Beach From: Tyler Smyth <tyler.j.smyth@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:05 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support for Witte Hall Lecture Hall/Civic Center Newport Beach LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im Hi Newport Beach City Council, I want to give my support for the campaign to build a new Lecture hall/Civic Auditorium. I believe it can bring many opportunities and be a source of pride to the City of Newport Beach. It can be a place for private businesses to share new ideas. Most Importantly, the Witte Hall would be a central source to share experiences, engage in dialogue about current and historical events, a place to exemplify the arts, and bring local citizens together to share unique experiences. The City Council should vote for building the new lecture hall/Civic Auditorium. Sincerely, Tyler J. Smyth From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 9:48 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Tonight From: Danielle Bronner <dbronner@Oceanha.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 9:47 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Tonight LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content After reading the article in the OC Register last night, I wanted to express my support of the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. Thanks, Danielle Danielle Bronner, CFP® Partner, Advanced Planning OCIFAN HEICINTTS 660 Newport Center Dr., 4220 Newport Beach, CA 92660 224.392.9610 mobile 949.715.2126 office www.oceanheightsadvisors.com Securely Upload Documents From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 9:14 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Pls. Vote Yes on NB Library Lecture Hall From: Kara <kldevar@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 9:05 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Pls. Vote Yes on NB Library Lecture Hall LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear Council Member: After reading the article in the OC Register last night, I want to express my support of the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. Please vote in favor of this project. Thank you! Kara Devar From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 9:13 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: NPB Lecture Hall From: Curt Calomeni <oceanheightsadvisors@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 9:11 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: NPB Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Dear City Council Members, After reading the article in the OC Register, I wanted to express my support for the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. Sincerely, Curt Calomeni From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 1:01 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall Vote of Support From: TJ Kinion <tlkinion@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:01 PM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall Vote of Support LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Hi there, After reading the article in the Register last night, I wanted to express my support of the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. Creating spaces to support the pursuit of knowledge and the arts is more important than ever in this age of technology and Al. I cannot think of a better use of funds than this Lecture Hall. TJ Kinion From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 12:57 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support of Lecture Hall From: Alice Hayes <alice@hayes1225.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:56 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support of Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M To our city council of Newport Beach, I would like to formally let the Newport Beach City Council know of my support of the lecture Hall. A 299 seat auditorium will be enjoyed by all in the area not just Newport Beach. It is a much -needed community outreach opportunity for education, culture and sharing of information. The foundation has already raised $8m and is confident on raising the remainder. Such a commitment from the community for the benefit of so many is testimony to the benefits to our area. Please don't let negative fake information taint this very worthwhile facility to the benefit of so many,. Alice Herren Hayes 1105 E Balboa Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92662 Cell: 949-683-7600 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 12:33 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: New Port Beach Library Lecture Hall From: ebaker5281@aol.com <ebaker5281@aol.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:30 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: New Port Beach Library Lecture Hall LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im Dear City Council Members: My wife Marsha and I frequently attend the lectures at your Library. We find them to be very informative, and presented with very engaging speakers whose professional experiences are always interesting. Lots of dialogue after! Please support the motion to expand the hall, as it has always been in our experience Standing Room Only! Thank You, Edward Baker From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 12:31 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: What in the world? -----Original Message ----- From: Kim Litt <kimlittl@yahoo.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:30 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: What in the world? [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Newport Beach Council, If this story is true about the NB Council spending 23 million+ on a 299 seat lecture hall, all I can express is how disappointed I am in your choice. 299 divided into 23 million = $78K a seat!! $78K a seat! I am hoping the NB council can come to a better balance for the use of city government funds. Like funding the Balboa Ferry to electric and other public works that better benefit our wonderful city. Please let me know why and how this use of funds is being used. Happy New Year! Kimberly Litt Newport Beach Resident since 2011 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 12:18 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: Janet Ray <janetmarieray@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:18 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library lecture hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. The proposed library lecture hall would elevate the cultural opportunities in Newport Beach with an impact beyond our borders for our generation and future generations. I look to our entire City Council for your enthusiastic support of this transformative project for our community. Janet M. Ray From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 12:16 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Use of funds for lecture hall at the library From: Gale Friedman <galefriedman0@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:15 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Use of funds for lecture hall at the library LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im I am a resident of Newport Beach. I am very much opposed to any city funds being used for a multi- million dollar lecture hall at the central library. Gale Friedman 2001 Port Provence PI. NB 92660 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 12:06 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: New Library Lecture Hall From: Laura Tarbox <laura@tarbox.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 12:06 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: New Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Hello, As a local Newport Beach business owner of 28 years, I wanted to add my vote in favor of the new center. It would be a worthy addition to our community and provide the opportunity for expanded programming for everyone. Thank you for the work you do on behalf of the City and for your consideration on this issue. Sincerely, Laura Tarbox, CFP° Founder & CEO 500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 500 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone 1949 721 2330 Fax 1949 721 0734 www.tarbox.com Notice to recipient: This e-mail is meant for only the intended recipient of the transmission, and may be a confidential communication or a communication privileged by law. If you received this e-mail in error, any review, use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. Please notify us immediately of the error by return e-mail and please delete this message from your system. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:49 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: In support of building the library lecture hall From: Diane Baker <diane.baker@diandden.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 11:48 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: In support of building the library lecture hall LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content M Dear members of the City Council: Newport Beach "sails" successfully as a city of seascapes, water sports, beach volley ball, golf, glamour and culture. Picture yourselves welcoming distinguished expert authors, artists, news analysts, poets and trendsetters on the stage of Newport's library lecture hall. The faux lighthouse is a symbol. The lecture hall is a genuine place to meet, listen and question. Please support the community (including me!) in funding the construction of the Witte Lecture Hall. Diane Baker Corona del Mar Diane.baker@diandden.net Diane Typos compliments Of my Wod. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:49 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Please vote NO -----Original Message ----- From: Christy La Barthe <clabarthe@cox.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 11:47 AM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Please vote NO [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. There are better ways of using these funds. This seems like e3xcessive spending. Christy La Barthe From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:46 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: The NB Library Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: 4callas <4callas@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 11:45 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: The NB Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the NB Library Lecture Hall and have so since it was an $8 million proposal! Now that is basically tripled in price, my opposition has tripled also! There is no end to the costs of this vanity project and didn't the City of NB learn its lesson when the city hall complex went out of control price wise from its initial proposal to final completion? The price of the city hall complex couldn't be reined in but now we have a real chance to say 'no more' to another runaway cost project. I don't care how much it is said that the fundraising will be a shared cost between private fundraising and tax dollars as it just isn't prudent to spend any tax dollars when there are probably un-funded pension funds that need to be addressed and reserved. From the very beginning of this proposed Library Lecture Hall project I have had the belief that the City Council meeting auditorium could be effectively shared with a wonderful location for a library speaker's space. The argument I have heard is that the City Council auditorium is exclusively for City Council meetings... really??? Every single time I walk by that space it is dark and empty! City Council meetings and Library Speaker engagements are planned a year in advance as far as I know. Why can't there be an efficient scheduling of both uses for cost effective use of that existing and already tax -supported space? It then would be a shared space between the two to cost effectively share that vastly under -used City Council auditorium space. Please turn down this entire Library Lecture Hall completely and utilize existing space for the lecture series. Stop the insanity. Regards, Susan Callas 519 Vista Flora, NB From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:23 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall contract award From: Ronald Rubino <erecords. ron@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:18 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall contract award L] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To: Newport Beach City Council Members, I support the Library Lecture Hall project and the hard work of the Library Foundation to raise 50% of the cost. This is a good public -private project and desires to move forward. Further I would encourage the city council to finance the City's share of the costs and not utilize our current reserve funds. The debt service over 10 years is very affordable and a solid investment for our community. In the future the Lecture hall can be used for programs presented by the city, nonprofit organizations and business groups that our residents will benefit from. request that all city council members vote in support of the award of contract for the Library lecture hall. Sincerely, Ron Rubino President Eastbluff Homeowners' Community Association NB Resident for 36 years 2845 Alta Vista Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 11:06 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall From: jocarol@ix.netcom.com <jocarol@ix.netcom.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 11:06 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: Ron Rubino <ron.rubino@spon-newportbeach.org>; Nancy Scarbrough-SPON <nancy@nancyfornewport.com> Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL is safe. I SUPPORT proceeding with the Library Lecture Hall. This is a win/win/win for Newport Beach residents/the Newport Beach Library/and the City of Newport Beach. Jo Carol Hunter 53+ year Newport Beach resident 949-640-9600 Sent using myEarthLink From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 1:42 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall - Urging You All to Vote YES! -----Original Message ----- From: Janet Hadley <lanethadley@mac.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:41 PM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library Lecture Hall - Urging You All to Vote YES! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I urge you all to vote for the construction of our well researched, community supported, Library Lecture Hall. Our current facility is sorely lacking in capacity to function as a proper vehicle for the caliber of events that the Foundation makes available to the community. Let's have our sold out events in a hall where everyone can see, where hearing and ADA needs can be accommodated, where we can proudly utilize state of the art AV equipment and where we can offer the community at large a facility for their own organizational events. VOTE YES on the Lecture Hall today! Janet S. Hadley Chair (volunteer ) THE WITTE LECTURE SERIES Newport Beach Public Library Foundation 949.533.7105 Sent from my iPad From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 1:38 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall. -----Original Message ----- From: NANCY ALTOBELLO <naltobello@aol.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:32 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library Lecture Hall. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I would like to express my strong support for the proposed Library Lecture Hall. As a long time Newport (CDM) resident this addition to the city will enable us to expand the events and speakers we can host. Since the Foundation has raised so much money to support this project and its construction, I think it makes sense to vote in favor. thank you Nancy Altobello 3514 Catamaran CDM From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 1:38 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecturue Hall From: Bill Manclark <billanddarby0l@gmail.com> Sent: January 08, 2024 9:08 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecturue Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. WE vote N O---------------- (Outrageous) Dr. William and Darleen Manclark 313 E. Bay Front Balboa Island, 92662 1/s/24 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 1:38 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: New Library Lecture Hall From: Missy Ann Schweiger <missy@maschweiger.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:22 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: New Library Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im id As I residential neighbor of Corona Del Mar I urge all of you members to vote NO on this project. This project is way too expensive and not needed at this time in oru community. The Regal Cinemas in Fashion Island would be most happy to rent you space if you required a lecture hall. Missy Ann Schweiger & Associates Missy Ann Schweiger 2915 Redhill Ave. #B-201 E Costa Mesa, CA 92626 missv(c)maschweiaer.com maschweiger.com c 949.923.0542 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 1:37 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Witte Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Walkie Ray <walkie712@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:10 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: Honey <janetmarieray@gmail.com>; Tucker, Larry <tucker@gtpcenters.com>; Jill Johnson -Tucker <jilljtucker@gmail.com>; Jerold Kappel <jkappel@nbplf.foundation>; Karen Clark <karenhclark@gmail.com> Subject: Witte Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing this email to show my support for the Witte Lecture Hall. The Foundation, donors and citizens of Newport Beach have all done their part, committing to pay fully half of the $23 million cost, or about $11.5, million and in accordance with the original MOU. This project is a boon for the City and cannot go unanswered. Thank you for your consideration. James "WALKIE" Ray 15 Bay Island Newport Beach CA 92661 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 5:02 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Wasteful spending, please do not proceed with project From: Kristen Nguyen <krnguyen88@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 4:58 PM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Wasteful spending, please do not proceed with project LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. To Whom It May Concern, Please do NOT move forward with the funding the lecture hall project! It is so expensive and so wasteful. As a concerned citizen of Newport Beach with an already rising cost of living, I find this project wasteful and the money can be diverted instead towards city safety and maintenance (especially the homeless problem plaguing our beautiful city) and saved for emergencies. Please do NOT proceed with this project. Newport Beach is one of the last sane cities left in California. Best, Kristen Kristen Nguyen, MD David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism - University of California, San Diego krnguyen88()gmail.com 1909.992.9851 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:34 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: 23M Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Juli hayden <juliannecatherine@hotmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 4:33 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: 23M Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Sadly, I could not attend the city council meeting to express my complete disgust in what appears to be someone's pet project! If we have $23M in excess tax dollars, I would think, those who supposedly represent us, could come up with a better way to spend our money! Disappointment doesn't begin to describe how many of us feel about this project! And, to those of you who want this 'lecture hall ' project to pass, let your names be known so we can work hard to ensure you are not re-elected! We expect more from our representatives, we have enough wasteful spending on the state level! Please reconsider! Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:29 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall From: Kevin Thompson <kthompson@conveyorsolutions.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 4:29 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: Bob McCaffrey <bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com> Subject: Library Lecture Hall Dear NB City Council, I am not able to be at the meeting tonight. I have a few questions about the new lecture hall to be answered or I do not support it. I honestly don't see how it is cost neutral at this price point. $24,000,000/ $10,000 per rental + maintenance, set up, insurance, = minimum of 2,400 times to rent without the interest or cost of cash impact. 52 weeks a year — maybe 100 dates of rental = 24 years to break even. It would have to be remodeled a few times in the next 24 years. Questions: 1) Will the lecture hall be cost neutral with rental? 2) Will the rental income be from other Newport Beach funded (governmental) resources, or will they be from third party? Is this a transfer of tax dollars from one department to another or new income to the city? 3) If this is based on cost neutral, how many times a year does it need to be rented to cover the funding? 4) Is this amount of rental times realistic? 5) Is the cost of maintenance and upgrade in the long-term calculations? If this is truly something that is beneficial, why hasn't any other company built one of these yet? I am against this large spend when we have many other areas to address. Kevin Thompson Email: Kthompson@conveyorsolutions.com Cell: (949) 933-9061 Conveyor Solutions, Inc. A Systems in Motion Company Corporate HQ: 1450 N. McLean Blvd Elgin, IL 60123 Office (800) 678-9091 Fax (847) 923-9601 www.conveyorsolutions.com From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:26 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: New City Town Hall Center From: Kathleen McNamee <kath8875555@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 4:06 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: FW: New City Town Hall Center LICIijwr attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content To Will O'Neill and city council members; I object to the proposed $23,000,000+ construction of a town hall center. This is an unnecessary expenditure when there are many inexpensive alternatives. Example would be the Big Newport Theater 1 block from City Hall that can be rented for a special event well under $23,000. Another would be to hire a party rental company to put tents & chairs on the center lawn at City Hall for well under $23,000. There are NB school gyms. The council members need to work at keeping the city safe, clean, in good repair, and make sure there are reserves for the unforeseen. I contacted the City this summer to ask that they send a trash removal worker to empty 5 overflowing trash cans at CDM main beach during the summer (a chronic problem). The city manager said they did not have the budget to do this, but she would send someone this time. ONE PERSON, at a low wage, 2 extra days during the summer. I looked online at the city budget, and could not decipher exactly what the 2022 or 2023 income was, nor the exact amount that beach trash removal cost. The budget buries the numbers and category names, they are not transparent to a lay person. The city council is asking for twenty three million (to start)...... I urge the council members to vote this NO. Sincerely, Kathleen McNamee 309 Marigold Ave. Corona del Mar, CA 92625 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:04 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Vote no on the $23.5million lecture hall From: Tracy <thoc444@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:57 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Vote no on the $23.5million lecture hall LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im The OC register reported that there is a proposal to build a $23.5 million lecture hall. Please vote no this boondoggle. The city was originally going to spend $6.5 million total on this unneeded and unnecessary building, and now you want to agree to spend $11.7 million on it? Please vote no! Thank you. "In 2021, the city first agreed to contribute $4 million toward the construction, with a cap of $6.5 million, while the foundation began fundraising for a $6.5 million contribution — making for a $13 million budget. When the lowest bid came in, it was $17.8 million, and the city rejected that and put it out for rebid. Costs have continued to rise and now the project is estimated at $23.5 million. The citv and foundation are Droaosina to each contribute $11.7 million in this newest agreement being considered by the council." W.. -1 13-P P'"1-k �; �- Newport Beach's $23.5 million library lecture hall project to be reviewed Tuesday ocregister.com From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:03 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: MIKE GROFF <groffmanl@aol.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:56 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council, thank you as always for serving our city. I was quite surprised to find out that the Library Lecture Hall project that was first proposed around 2019 at a cost of "$7-8 million" (per the City of NB website) was now being reviewed at a new cost of apx $23 million. When capital expenditures were being proposed in 2019, replacing two fire stations and building a permanent Jr Lifeguard station and other thing seemed like suitable projects. At $7-8 million, it was hard for me to think that it was a high priority for a 299 seat meeting room. But at $23 million, it makes no sense to me at all. The percentage of unique Newport residents (vs repeat users) that will ever use it will be very small to justify this level of expenditure. Is this more important than spending the millions that are needed to widen the beach boardwalk to deal with heavy summer traffic and the worsening e-bike/scooter/skateboard problem which impacts literally hundreds of thousands of people? Maybe mistakenly, I understand tonight's meeting is about budget limits, cost sharing, etc but shouldn't the real debate be about whether or not this is still justified? I only knew about this because I read it in Stu News but would guess that the majority of Newport tax payers have no idea that this project has tripled in price. Please step back and reconsider. Thank you, Mike Groff 319 Alvarado Place, NB 21+ year homeowner From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:03 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture hall From: Joyce <just.jhs@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:07 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content AM I am mot opposed to a lecture hall but the current estimate of almost $24 million seems excessive. Has the request been carefully reviewed to eliminate unneeded excess? Have you considered rental fees for 3rd party use to offset the cost? It seems to me this is a nice to have rather than a true "need" of the community and needs better scrutiny From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:03 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: From: Virginia Clark <vimclark@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:27 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. NO on expansion. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:02 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall From: Barry/Ginny Baldwin <baginyl@yahoo.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:20 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content This seems to be very rushed project in exchange for seemingly very expensive project How about taking a look PB Baldwin From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:02 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Witte Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Dede Brink <dedebrink23@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:17 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Witte Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please proceed with the original plans to establish Witte Hall as part of our civic center. Newport Beach needs such spaces for public discourse, education and even entertainment! Thank you! Dede Brink Newport Coast From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:02 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: ICYMI: Wasteful $24M 299-Seat Lecture Hall Vote Tuesday night! From: Hugh Cornyn <hjcornyn@icloud.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:14 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: Hugh Joseph Cornyn <hjcornyn@icloud.com>; bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com Subject: Fwd: ICYMI: Wasteful $24M 299-Seat Lecture Hall Vote Tuesday night! Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Hugh Cornyn <HJCORNYN@icloud.com> Date: January 9, 2024 at 12:21:15 AM PST To: Arthur ---Sheila Perrone <art.perrone@icloud.com> Cc: Jean Rose Cornyn <jpcornyn@cox.net>, bob mcharris <buzzdds@gmail.com>, bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com Subject: Fwd: ICYMI: Wasteful $24M 299-Seat Lecture Hall Vote Tuesday night! Dear Arthur, Blessed & Joyous 2024! This expenditure is a "Boon -Doggie" -waste Warmest regards toYou-Sheila-FAMILY Joe -Jean Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Bob McCaffrey <bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com> Date: January 7, 2024 at 10:04:14 PM PST To: HUGH CORNYN <hjcornyn@icloud.com> Subject: ICYMI: Wasteful $24M 299-Seat Lecture Hall Vote Tuesday night! Reply -To: bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com View this email in your browser ***IMPORTANT NEWPORT BEACH TAXPAYER ALERT*** *ALERT: TUESDAY NIGHT NEWPORT COUNCIL POISED TO SPEND HUGE CHUNK OF CITY FUNDS ON EXPENSIVE LECTURE HALL. LET YOUR VOICE Yes, that's $78,300 a seat! According to the staff report, the gold-plated lecture hall will cost $2,388 per square foot. That is 3x the nicest fire station ever built in this city. It would be cheaper to buy a place in Manhattan in New York City! Staff testified at a recent city council meeting that paying for the building will cause the city's capital reserves to be completely depleted. These are the same capital reserves that pay for the new Balboa Island drainage system and the fire station/library replacement on Balboa Peninsula. How could our City Council deplete these reserves for a lecture hall seating 299 people? The point of our city government is to use limited resources to maximize the number of people who benefit from the spending. We want our money spent on police officers, firefighters, and parks, which we all benefit from. We want to make sure that we keep our streets in good condition, and that we do not let our city infrastructure deteriorate. We've all been to other cities that are not well kept. Not money spent on an exclusive lecture hall. As for who it benefits, how many of you want to listen to the elite tell us how to run our city and our lives better? Last year the lecture series was filled with political charged speakers with extreme views. Regardless of your political persuasion, do you really want vast taxpayer dollars going to support this kind of programming? We get enough of that on MSNBC and Fox News. The Newport Beach Library Foundation promised years ago to pay for half of the costs before construction started. They are millions of dollars short. Will that stop the City Council from moving forward? Or will we all be on the be on hook to pay what couldn't be privately raised? Look, we are in financially uncertain times. And we should all feel good knowing that we have reserves in our city to make sure that our city remains exceptional, safe, and clean. But spending our reserves on a boondoggle like this — it just is imprudent. When the City Council was polled in a public meeting, only four of seven supported this project moving forward. Those four are Erik Weigand, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, and Brad Avery. The three against the excessive spending were Lauren Kleiman, Joe Stapleton, and Will O'Neill. Sincerely, Bob McCaffrey Concerned Newport Beach Resident P.S. Email your City Council NOW and encourage them not to waste your money. You don't have much time. They are meeting this coming Tuesday! Copyright © 2024 Bob McCaffrey, Concerned Newport Beach Resident, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Bob McCaffrey, Concerned Newport Beach Resident Post Office Box 7331, Newport Beach, CA 92658 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:01 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Opposition -----Original Message ----- From: Kim's Phone <kbeaudette5@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:09 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Opposition [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a 37 year resident of Cliffhaven! I am vehemently opposed to such an overreach on our coveted tax dollars!! I see no reason why the city council and the library couldn't work together to make the scheduling of this room available to both entities! This money could surely be allocated for other purposes eg. education or housing! This is just another project for the developers! PLEASE don't let this be passed! Thank you, Kim Beaudette Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:01 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Proposed Library speakers' hall -----Original Message ----- From: Lynn Stranberg <Istranberg810@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:06 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Proposed Library speakers' hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am extremely opposed to this project!!! It is unnecessary and certainly over the top! We have the council meeting room which could be coordinated with the Library. PLEASE do not pass this! I am a 37 year resident of Corona del Mar and use the Library and its resources quite often ! Again, PLEASE don't move forward with this! Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:01 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Scandalous Investment -----Original Message ----- From: Hugh Cornyn <hjcornyn@icloud.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 3:05 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: bobmccaffreynb@gmail.com Subject: Scandalous Investment [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Council Members, specifically; Weigand,Grant, Blom& Avery. Your support for this expenditure is beyond belief. As the attachment notes, this massive investment goes far & away from other specific priorities we need & should be focusing on for our/your people here. Please reconsider your positions and optimize the use of our precious funds to help our citizens in need, school upgrades & projects that are directed to the majority of our fellow residents. All the very best in this Year 2024. Good health/Many BLESSINGS. H J Cornyn & FI Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 4:00 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Approval of Witte Lecture Hall From: Laudie Freed <odette.laudie@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 2:55 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Approval of Witte Lecture Hall LICIijwr attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im After reading the article in the OC Register today, I wanted to express my support of the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall that you will be voting on tonight. Odette L. Ashley Freed From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 3:59 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: lecture hall/civic auditorium From: Mark E. Danner <MDanner@sdcoc.net> Sent: January 09, 2024 2:08 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>; Stapleton, Joe <jstapleton@newportbeachca.gov>; Avery, Brad <bavery@newportbeachca.gov>; Weigand, Erik <eweigand@newportbeachca.gov>; Blom, Noah <NBlom@newportbeachca.gov>; Kleiman, Lauren <Ikleiman@newportbeachca.gov>; O'Neill, William <woneill@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: chezdanner@gmail.com Subject: lecture hall/civic auditorium [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content J� Dear Council members, I am a 24-year resident of Newport Beach and I wholeheartedly support adding a lecture hall and civic auditorium adjacent to the civic center. I feel that it could be used by many community groups for a wide range of presentations, performances, meetings, seminars and so much more. I am sure that it would be much appreciated and utilized by our community. Please vote yes. Best regards, Mark and Ann Danner From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 3:59 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: mark hybskmann <mhybskmann@yahoo.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 2:07 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please stop this nonsense! Respectfully, Mark hybskmann Sent from my Whone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 3:59 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: New N.B. Lecture Hall From: Robert A. Baird, M.D. <rb@rbairdmd.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 2:04 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: New N.B. Lecture Hall LICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Rafe. Council Members — I know that others have advocated for the new lecture hall more eloquently than I can the strong justification for funding the proposed lecture hall which, I firmly believe will be a well attended and appreciated asset to the community as a whole. The point I would like to make is that those opposed to the funding are doing (at least) three disingenuous things. 1. Claiming that the needed funds are basically paying over $70,000 per seat ignores the structure and facility as a whole. It is as if the 299 seats were simply set up in a vacant lot. 2. Complaining that the speakers chosen are radical or leftist, or at least not of the group's political persuasion, and thus funding for the facility itself should be denied. Certainly, if a group feels itself ignored in the choice of speakers, Not funding the facility is not the answer. The answer would be dialog regarding choice of speakers. 3. The figures in the group's email ignores the NBPL Foundation and private donors' contributions.. I believe in reasonable dialog and forthrightness without the hyperbole that has been dividing us. Thank you, Robert A. Baird, MD From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 3:58 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall Support -----Original Message ----- From: Samantha Grody <sam.grody@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:59 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library Lecture Hall Support [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear council members, I wanted to ask for your support for this incredibly important project. I grew up here and am delighted to raise my children here. We live in Newport Beach because of the amazing lifestyle and myriad of amenities that enrich our lives. We wholeheartedly support the building of a wonderful lecture hall at the library to house programming on a variety of topics from health care to financial literacy to lectures from the most important writers of our time. I understand that this facility will come to the city with private fundraising covering half the cost. What a wonderful opportunity! Please vote to approve! Sincerely, Samantha Grody Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 09, 2024 3:58 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Kathy Horton <kchaneyhorton@icloud.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 1:53 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is a terrible waste of our cities money!!! Vote No Sent from my iPhone From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 10, 2024 7:05 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: No to New Lecture Hall -Newport Beach From: Stephanie Miller <steph@cornerc.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:21 PM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: No to New Lecture Hall -Newport Beach LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Stephanie Miller 610 Tustin Ave Newport Beach, CA 92663 Thank you, Stephanie From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 10, 2024 7:04 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library Lecture Hall Proposal Support From: Julio Zunzunegui <jzunzunegui@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 10:20 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Re: Library Lecture Hall Proposal Support LIC tachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content im Hello City Council Members, My family lives in Newport Heights and we support a YES vote on item 13. Thank you, Julio Zunzunegui 949 689 9122 On Mon, Jan 8, 2024 at 3:07 PM Portia <portiaweiss@gmail.com> wrote: Good Afternoon, The City Council has an item on the Tuesday agenda regarding whether or not the City should proceed with building a new Lecture Hall near the Newport Beach Public Library at the Civic Center. For those of you who haven't been following this issue, the attached Staff Report give a summary of the events leading to the current agenda item. Here are some facts and some of the reasons I think the Lecture Hall would be an asset to the City. 1. The total cost of the Lecture Hall is $23 million. The Library Foundation has raised money and has commitments for half of that $11.7 million. The Library Foundation is donating half of the total project cost ($11.7 million). If the Council votes to turn down this project , they would not be saving $23 million, they would be forfeiting $11.7 million in private donations. 2. As a member of the Finance Committee, I am aware that the City's is in a very good financial position. We have sufficient cash reserves to fund this project. If we were to decide not to pay the City's portion ($11.5million) for the project out of our cash reserves, we could likely finance the $11 million in the 3.5% range over ten years which would result in a debt service payment of approximately $1.2-$1.5 million annually. This would have no meaningful impact on the city budget or operations given the levels of city revenues. We have also had annual budget surplus of over $10 million per year for the past several years. 3. This type of venue would compliment our existing world class amenities and serve residents with a new type of recreational activity on an intellectual level. It could be used by other organizations for business meetings, larger group presentations, and other types of entertainment not currently served in our existing meeting rooms at City Hall and the Library. 4. The Lecture Hall would be an attraction for Newport Beach residents as well as other Orange County residents who would be coming to our City, patronizing our restaurants, and sometimes staying in our hotels. It would therefore contribute to our revenue beyond the revenue from ticket sales. 5. The City has been negotiating with the Library Foundation for several years. This type of public private partnership requires a degree of trust and good faith. There have been several successful public private partnerships over the past years. OASIS, the Jr. Guards facility, our new animal shelter, and the library itself have been underwritten by private parties to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. By ignoring the hard work and commitment of the Library Foundation to raise $11.7 million over several years, the City Council would be demonstrating bad faith that would cripple these efforts in the future. The City Council members who support moving forward with the Lecture Hall need our support. Here is what you can do to help: 1. Write a email to the City Council at citycouncil@newportbeachca.gov. By using this email address, all 7 Council members will receive your email. Ideally this would be received by 5pm today, to be published with the Staff report. However, any email received by noon tomorrow will get to the Council before the meeting. You do not need to write a long email. A simple sentence saying you support proceeding with the Library Lecture Hall will suffice. The City Council counts support and don't support emails, regardless of length. 2. Attend the City Council meeting tomorrow beginning at 4:30pm. The social media campaign has been encouraging people to show up in opposition to this project. Here is a link to the Agenda. This is Item 13 and 14, but they will likely come up sometime around 5:00 because items 3 through 12 are all Consent Items and will be addresses without much discussion with a single vote. We need to get 50 people or more to attend the CC meeting to show support. You do not have to speak, one of the speakers will ask for those in attendance that support a "yes" vote on item 13, please stand. We just need for the City Council members to see that there is strong support for this project. 3. Please forward this email to 3 friends! Thank you for your help with this. I support this project and the hard work of the Library Foundation, and I hope that you will too. If you have further questions, please feel free to email me or call me on my cell. wivlc4 Sccirbromoh Nancy(ED-NancyforNewport.com Cell: 949-887-6974 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 10, 2024 7:03 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Support of the proposed Community Lecture Hall -----Original Message ----- From: Susan Seely <smseelyl@mac.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 8:24 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Support of the proposed Community Lecture Hall [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I'm sorry I wasn't able to be present at the City Council meeting this evening, but I would like to register my support of a Community Lecture/Arts Hall in service of the residents of Newport Beach. A first class city like NB needs and deserves such a space for first-class arts and educational opportunities. Thank you for your time, Susan Seely Balboa Island From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 10, 2024 7:02 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Newport Beach lecture hall - opposition -----Original Message ----- From: Jennifer lebovitz <jennifer.k.lebovitz@gmail.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 7:01 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Newport Beach lecture hall - opposition [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom It May Concern: I recently learned of the lecture hall Newport Beach will be investing in with taxpayer dollars. As a resident and city taxpayer I want to express my strong opposition to this expensive and unnecessary investment/burden. Please reconsider using these funds to help the city in more beneficial ways. Thank you for your time. Jennifer Lebovitz From: Rieff, Kim Sent: January 10, 2024 7:01 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: 28 million proposed stadium seating at the library. -----Original Message ----- From: Corinne Morgenstern <cori448@icloud.com> Sent: January 09, 2024 5:38 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: 28 million proposed stadium seating at the library. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To all council members: I vehemently oppose the proposed $28 million for stadium seating at the library. This is a ridiculous spending of our tax payer dollars. It is not necessary and totally out of line. I have lived in Corona Del Mar for 36 years and do not want this to pass. Thank you. Corinne Morgenstern Sent from my iPhone