HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Draft Minutes for November 18, 2025December 9, 2025
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Agenda Item No. 1
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
November 18, 2025
I. ROLL CALL — 4:01 p.m.
Present: Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, Councilmember Michelle Barto,
Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Sara J. Weber,
Councilmember Erik Weigand
II. PRESENTATIONS
• Proclamation Declaring November as Pancreatic Cancer Month
Mayor Stapleton presented the proclamation to Dr. ee Reitler and his wife who thanked
Council for the recognition and highlighted services r d by the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network.
Proclamation Honoring Jeff Schulein r%, -4
Mayor Stapleton presented the proclamation to eff Schulein, Owner of Crown Ace Hardware,
and recognized his outstanding contributions to the
community and exemplary leadership.
History of Christmas Boat Parade by Chris Delfs, Ghairman of the Christmas Boat Parade
Chris Delfs, Co -Chair of the Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights, referenced a PowerPoint
presentation while discussing the history of the Newport Beach Boat Parade, which dates back
to the early 1900s and hag evolved into its current form. He noted that the event showcases
approximately 100 decorated boats and is considered one of the top 10 holiday events in the
country. Lastly, he announced that the parade is scheduled to commence at Marina Park on
December 17, 2025.
III. STUDY SESSION
SS1. Underground UtilityWent Loan Program
Finance Director Jason Al -Imam referenced a PowerPoint presentation and provided a
comprehensive overview of a potential Underground Utility Assessment Loan Program designed
to assist property owners experiencing financial hardship in paying underground utility
assessments. He explained that new assessment districts were being proposed in the Newport
Heights area representing roughly 600 properties and highlighted models used in Manhattan
Beach and Laguna Beach.
Councilmember Barto clarified that the program could eventually be available citywide for
future undergrounding districts.
Councilmember Weigand raised concerns about ensuring proper protections when properties
transfer to heirs and suggested a 20-year sunset with 5-year renewal options to prevent
situations where transfers go unnoticed. He also supported requiring interest payments on
deferred loans, which Finance Director Al -Imam confirmed would be set at 1% above the bond
rate.
Councilmember Grant emphasized the importance of supporting aging residents.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Adam Leverenz asked if the program would be imposed upon residents or voluntary and if there
is cost sharing involved.
Michael Henn, former Mayor, strongly supported the program and considered it an investment
in the City's future.
Council unanimously supported the program concept via a Straw Vote, 7-0, and directed staff to
return in early 2026 with detailed program guidelines for further review.
RECESS
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING — 4:39 p.m.
IV. ROLL CALL
INVOCATION — Pastor Phil Eyskens, Lighthouse of Costa M%a Church of the Nazarene
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Weig�
Jim Mosher commented on Agenda Item 6 regarding wireless communication facilities, expressing
concern that the request seemed to revert to a less public, less visible process than what currently
exists. He suggested the Council should discuss current problems with the wireless facility location
process and instruct staff on solutions. He also raised concerns about the bicycle sidewalk map
associated with Agenda Item 3 (Ordinance No. 2025-35: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56
(Bicycles - Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code - Second Reading)
stating it was difficult to decipher where bikeklegal sidewalks begin and end.
Mike Smith requested that Council withdraw the housing overlay request made to the California
Coastal Commission for the southern section (holes 3-8) of the Newport Beach Golf Course.
An unidentified speaker r ised safety concerns about poor lighting and lack of security cameras at the
pedestrian overpass parkifg lot at Superior Avenue and Highway 101, describing it as secluded with
limited visibility. `
Mayor Stapleton suggested the aker reach out to him via email to further discuss their concerns.
Ron Rubino expressed Eastbluff HOA's concerns about e-bike regulations, stating he would provide
additional comments if the consent calendar item was pulled.
V. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand
• Congratulated Ross Sinclair and Newport Harbor High School boys water polo team on winning
the 2025 CIF -SS Open Division Championship.
Councilmember Barto
Attended a Water Quality/Coastal Tidelands Committee (WQTC) meeting and the Randall
Preserve Advisory Committee meeting.
Attended the Newport Beach Citizens' Police Academy graduation.
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Councilmember Grant
• Congratulated former three -time Mayor Ed Selich who was recognized as Citizen of the Year
and restaurateur Ron Salisbury as Businessman of the Year.
• Attended the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation's Inaugural Fundraising Reception.
• Reported a Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) targeted study of State Route 73.
Councilmember Blom
• Congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman on being elected to the Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA) Board.
Councilmember Weber
• Echoed congratulations to Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman noting she was the first Newport Beach
representative on the OCTA Board.
Mayor Stapleton
• Echoed congratulations to former Mayor Ed Selich as Citizen of the Year and restaurateur Ron
Salisbury as Businessman of the Year.
• Attended the signing of a regional water well coopera agreement.
• Attended the Irvine Terrace HOA annual meeting.
• Participated in the 2nd Annual "Mayors' Happ our'
City Attorney Aaron Harp responded to a public commen made i11 the meeting concerning a
request to alter the land use designation associated with the surf park and golf course. He clarified
that it would be inappropriate for the Council to take any action on this matter, as it is not included in
the agenda and considering it would lead to a violation Qf the Brown Act.
VI. MATTERS WHICH COUNCILMEMBERS HAVE ASKED TO► BE PLACED ON A FUTURE
AGENDA (NON -DISCUSSION ITEM),
EI
• As part of the City's update of the Municipal Code related to wireless communications, direct
City staff to prepare amendments to the Municipal Code as well as associated policies and
procedures to streamline the permitting and deployment of wireless communication facilities.
Staffs updates and recommendations should include, but not be limited to, simplifying the
permitting process for wireless facilities on both public and private property, establishing clear,
predictable, and expedited review timelines, implementing standardized application
requirements and processes, and reducing carrier costs associated with deploying wireless
facilities. (Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman)
WF
Approved by a Straw Vote, 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Jim Mosher recommended a no vote on Agenda Item No. 6. (Amendment No. Two to the Professional
Services Agreement with Schmitz & Associates), questioned cost increases associated with Agenda Item
No. 7 (Approval of Purchase Agreement with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, Inc. for Six New Trolley
Vehicles for the Balboa Island/Corona del Mar Local Area Transit Service), asked about viewership data
related to Agenda Item No. 8 (Approval of Master Agreement for Kanopy, Inc. to Procure Digital Video
Content), spoke on Agenda Item No. 10 (Concrete Replacement Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 - Award of
Contract No. 9945-1 (26R06)), and questioned the lease rate calculation relative to Agenda Item No. 11
(Lease Agreement with Harbor Island Community Association for Use of Tidelands Property for the
Harbor Island Bridge).
Adam Leverenz also encouraged a no vote on Agenda Item No. 6. (Amendment No. Two to the
Professional Services Agreement with Schmitz & Associates) and urged avoiding the appearance of
impropriety.
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VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Minutes for the October 28, 2025, and November 4, 2025, City Council Meetings
Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as written, and order filed.
2. Reading of Ordinances
Waive reading in full of all ordinances under consideration and direct the City Clerk
to read by title only.
ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION
3. Item pulled from the consent calendar.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
4. Resolution No. 2025-79: Approval of Measure M2 ExAnditure Report
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Adopt Resolution 2025-79, A Resolution of the City Council � the City of Newport Beach,
California, Concerning the Measure M2 Expenditure Report fo he City of Newport Beach for
Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Councilmember Blom recused based o terest in properties at 417 and 501 30th
Street.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. Acceptance of Cooperative Agreement C-5-4013 With Orange County Transportation
Authority Enhanced Mobility for Iniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant
Program for the OASIS Transportati Program
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Authorize the City Council to accept a $217,800 Orange County Transportation Authority
Enhanced Mobility fob, Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant and sign and execute
the Cooperative Agreement No. C-5-4013 and subsequent related documents as may be related
to the reimbursement of the cost for vehicles for the OASIS Transportation Program; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-026 to record and appropriate $217,800 in grant revenue
from the Orange County Transportation Authority to OASIS Transportation Grants account
0107033-431455-G2601, and in expenditure appropriations to OASIS Transportation -
Equipment NOC account 0107033- 911024-G2601.
6. Amendment No. Two to the Professional Services Agreement with Schmitz & Associates
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an Amendment No. Two to On -Call
Professional Services Agreement with Schmitz & Associates for Advisor and Advocate Services
for City Applications Before the California Coastal Commission with an amount not -to-exceed
$240,000; and
c) Waive the standard bidding requirements provided by City Council Policy F-14 and approve a
single source award of the agreement to Schmitz & Associates.
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7. Approval of Purchase Agreement with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, Inc. for Six New
Trolley Vehicles for the Balboa Island/Corona del Mar Local Area Transit Service
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-039 to appropriate $2,624,060 in new revenue and
expenditures from OCTA to Account Nos. 1230053-431150-26T14 and 1230053-980000-26T14,
respectively, and to appropriate $1,012,521.14 in additional expenditures to Account No.
01201938-980000-26T14, funded by the General Fund Capital Improvement Program reserves
and the Equipment Maintenance Internal Service Fund reserves; and
c) Approve a Purchase Agreement with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, Inc. DBA Creative Bus
Sales, Inc. for a total not -to -exceed amount of $2,321,340.24, for six new trolley vehicles and
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
8. Approval of Master Agreement for Kanopy, Inc. to Procure Digital Video Content
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environmentdirectly or indirectly; and
b) Approve a Master Agreement with Kanopy, Inc. for a not exceed $75,000 annually through
June 30, 2030, and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
9. Concrete Replacement Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 - Award of Contract No. 9945-1
(261106)
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15301(c), Class 1 (maintenance of existing6public facilities involving negligible or no
expansion of use) of the CEQA Guidelines, because this project has no potential to have a
significant effect on the environment;
b) Approve the project plans and specifications; so
c) Award Contract No. 9945-1 to CJ Concrete Construction, Inc. for the total bid price of
$815,010 for the Concrete Replacemekt Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 project, and authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract; and
d) Establish a contingency of $160,000 (approximately 20% of the total bid) to cover the cost of
unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
Mayor Stapleton recused based on his interest in properties at 4100 and 4110 Macarthur
Blvd.
10. Fire Station No.2 HVA ofit - Award of Contract No. 9959-1 (25R02)
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15301(c), Class 1 (maintenance of existing public facilities involving negligible or no
expansion of use) of the CEQA Guidelines, because this project has no potential to have a
significant effect on the environment;
b) Approve the project plans and specifications;
c) Award Contract No. 9959-1 to MEP Fusion, Inc. for the total bid price of $126,000 for the Fire
Station No. 2 HVAC Retrofit project, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
contract; and
d) Establish a contingency of $19,000 (approximately 15% of total bid) to cover the cost of
unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
11. Lease Agreement with Harbor Island Community Association for Use of Tidelands
Property for the Harbor Island Bridge
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines because it has no
potential to have a significant effect on the environment;
b) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Lease Agreement By and Between
the City of Newport Beach and Harbor Island Community Association for the Harbor Island
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Bridge, in a form substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report; and
c) Approve a waiver of City Council Policy F-7 - Income and Other Property based on the findings
contained in the staff report and the Agreement, that conducting an open bid process or
converting the property to another use would result in vacancy and other expenses that would
outweigh other financial benefits to the City, and that the use promotes the City's goals to
provide essential or unique services to the community.
Mayor Stapleton recused based on his business interests.
12. Cooperative Agreement with Orange County Transportation Authority
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Cooperative Agreement between the Orange
County Transportation Authority and the City of Newport Beach in a form substantially similar
to the agreement attached to the staff report; and
c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-042 appropriating $250,000 in increased expenditures from
the General Fund unappropriated fund balance.
13. Tentative Agreement with the Newport Beach City Employees Association
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California En ironmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CE(TA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Receive and consider the Tentative Agreement between the'City of Newport Beach and the
Newport Beach City Employees Associatio .
MISCELLANEOUS NO
14. Annual Reports on Development Impact Fees and Development Agreements
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Receive, review and file the annual reports on development impact fees and development
agreements.
15. Confirmation of N*160(c)(2)
to Fill an Unscheduled Vacancy on the City Arts
Commission
a) Determine this apt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sectioand 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Confirm the nominations of Bobby Barzi and Cory Glass to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the
City Arts Commission for the term ending June 30, 2029.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kleiman, seconded by Councilmember Blom, to approve the
Consent Calendar, including amendments to Agenda Item No. 1, the Minutes; removal of Agenda Item
No. 3 for further discussion, and noting the recusals on Agenda Item No. 4 by Councilmember Blom,
and Mayor Stapleton on Agenda Item Nos. 9 and 11.
The Motion carried by the unanimous vote: 7-0-0
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Ordinance No. 2025-35: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles - Registration
and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code - Second Reading
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a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action
will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-35, An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach, California, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles -
Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
Councilmember Barto requested Agenda Item No. 3 be pulled from the consent calendar for further
discussion and proposed an amendment to Ordinance No. 2025-35, deleting subsection (13)(4) -
exception for operating bicycles on sidewalks in residential neighborhoods. She further proposed
reintroducing Ordinance No. 2025-35, as amended, and conducting a second reading on December
9, 2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ron Rubino expressed strong opposition to e-bikes on residential sidewalks.
Jim Mosher suggested Council receive additional publi^put on the matter, noted that if the
ordinance was revised at the dais, safe operation rules should apply to both motorized and
conventional bicycles, and opposed the requiremen at sidewalk riders must go with traffic flow.
Annie Sulentic voiced strong support for the ordina nd emphasized the need for relevant speed
limit signage and enforcement.
Kimberly Ward fully supported the ordinance�as presented.
In response to Councilmember Grant's question, Public Works Director Dave Webb clarified that a
listing of specific streets is not required and confirmed accuracy of the exhibit attached to the
ordinance.
Motion by Councilmember Barto se 1 nd Mayor Stapleton, to a) Determine this action
is exempt from the California Environme al Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2)
and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to
the environment, directly or indirectly; and b) strike out Exception No. (13)(4) in Section 12.56.030,
reintroduce Ordinance No. 2025-35 as amended, and pass on to second reading at the December 9,
2025, City Council meeting.
The Motion carried by the unanimous vote: 7-0-0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
16. Ordinance No. 2025-36 and Resolution No. 2025-80 Approving the MacArthur Court
Development Agreement and Affordable Housing Implementation Plan (PA2025-0090)
a) Conduct a public hearing;
b) Find this project is not subject to further environmental review pursuant to Section 21083.3 of
the California Public Resources Code (PRC) and Section 15183 of the CEQA Guidelines because
the project is consistent with the previously certified Program Environmental Impact Report
(SCH No. 2023060699);
c) Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-36, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach, California, Approving a Development Agreement for the MacArthur Court Project located
at 4665, 4675, 4680, 4685 and 4695 MacArthur Court, and 4770 Campus Drive (PA2025-0090),
and pass to second reading on December 9, 2025; and
d) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-80, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Approving an Affordable Housing Implementation Plan for the MacArthur Court
Project Located at 4665, 4675, 4680, 4685 and 4695 MacArthur Court, and 4770 Campus Drive
(PA2025- 0090).
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An amended page 19 of Resolution No. 2025-80 was provided to Council and the public.
Principal Planner Liz Westmorland referenced a PowerPoint presentation and presented a report
including key provisions of the development agreement.
Mayor Stapleton opened the public hearing at 5:26 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Shawna Schaffner, Chief Executive Officer of CAA Planning, Inc., supported staff
recommendations.
Adam Leverenz raised concerns about the availability of affordable housing.
Ron Rubino advocated for mandatory inclusionary housing.
Jim Mosher expressed discomfort with vesting rights in a d use element that seemed in flux.
Mayor Stapleton closed the public hearing at 5:35 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Blom, seconded by CouncilnTember Weber, to a) Find this project
is not subject to further environmental review pursuant to Section 21083.3 of the California Public
Resources Code (PRC) and Section 15183 of the CEQA Guidelines because the project is consistent
with the previously certified Program Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2023060699); b)
Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-36, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach,
California, Approving a Development Agreement for the MacArthur Court Project located at 4665,
4675, 4680, 4685 and 4695 MacArthur Court, and 4770 Campus Drive (PA2025-0090), and pass to
second reading on December 9, 2025; and c) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-80, A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving an Affordable Housing Implementation
Plan for the MacArthur Court Project Located at 4665, 4675, 4680, 4685 and 4695 MacArthur Court,
and 4770 Campus Drive (PA2025-0090) amended.
The Motion carried by the ur�animous vote: 7-0-0
17. Certification of Responsible using Initiative Petition and Consideration of Council
Action Options
a) Determine that the action s exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(1), (2) and (3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it will not result
in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
b) Authorize City staff to prepare and execute a budget amendment, as needed, to implement the
City Council's selected course of action and to appropriate sufficient funds to cover associated
costs based on the option approved by the City Council;
c) Accept the certification of the Orange County Registrar of Voters as to the verification of
signatures of the Responsible Housing Initiative; and
d) i) Order a Report Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9215. Determine the desired
scope of a report under California Elections Code Section 9212 and adopt A Resolution Ordering
a Report Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9212 Regarding an Initiative Measure
to Amend the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan; or ii) Adopt the Initiative Without
Alteration. Adopt the initiative as submitted by the proponents, without amendment, by
adopting A Resolution Adopting the Responsible Housing Initiative Pursuant to California
Elections Code Section 9215, as Submitted by the Newport Beach Stewardship Association,
Without Amendment; or ill) Call a Special Municipal Election. By motion, decide whether to
submit an argument against the proposed initiative (pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282)
and, if submitting such an argument, designate the authors; and then adopt the following
Resolutions: (1) A Resolution Calling for and Giving Notice of a Special Municipal Election to
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November 18, 2025
be held on , 2026, to Submit to the Voters an Initiative Measure Proposing to Amend
the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan, and Requesting the Orange County Board of
Supervisors Authorize the County Elections Official to Render Services Relating to the Conduct
of a Special Municipal Election; (2) A Resolution Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an
Impartial Analysis of an Initiative Measure to Be Submitted to the Voters at the Special
Municipal Election to be Held on , 2026, and Providing for the Deadlines for Filing of the
Impartial Analysis and Written Arguments For and Against the Initiative Measure; and (3) A
Resolution Setting the Deadlines for Filing of Rebuttal Arguments in Response to Direct
Arguments Filed For and Against the Initiative Measure to be Submitted to the Voters at the
Special Municipal Election to be held on 2026; or (iv) Call a General Municipal Election.
By motion, decide whether to submit an argument against the proposed initiative (pursuant to
Elections Code Section 9282) and, if submitting such an argument, designate the authors; and
then adopt the following Resolutions: (1) A Resolution Calling for and Giving Notice of a
General Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026, to Submit to the Voters an
Initiative Measure Proposing to Amend the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan, and
Requesting the Orange County Board of Supervisors Consolidate the General Municipal
Election with the Statewide General Election to be Held on the Same Date; (2) A Resolution
Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial 4%alysis of an Initiative Measure to Be
Submitted to the Voters at the General Municipal Electioi�to be Held on November 3, 2026,
and Providing for the Deadlines for Filing the Impartial Analysis and Written Arguments For
and Against the Initiative Measure; and (3) A Resolution Sitting the Deadlines for Filing of
Rebuttal Arguments in Response to Direct Arguments File For and Against the Initiative
Measure to be Submitted to the Voters at the General Municipal Election to be Held on
November 3, 2026.
City Clerk Lena Shumway referenced a PowerPoint presentation and reported that on October 2,
2025, the Newport Beach Stewardship Association submitted the Responsible Housing Initiative
Petition proposing amendments to the General Plan to facilitate development of 2,900 affordable
housing units for extremely low, very low-, low- and moderate -income households. She further
noted that the Orange County Registrar of Voters confirmed the petition contained the required
number of valid signatures on November 5, 2025, and presented Council action options.
PUBLIC COMMENTS J
Duffy Duffield, former Mayor, surted a vote of the people.
Kirk Fleming urged Council to adopt the initiative as presented rather than spend money on an
election.
Jeff Herdman supported proceeding with an election.
Councilmember Blom highlighted that the signature -gathering efforts for the initiative were
funded by a major city developer, raising questions about the developer's motives and concerns that
the initiative's funding was intended to limit other development in Newport Beach. He defended
the Council's actions by explaining that decisions regarding housing development are taken
seriously, emphasizing the Council's commitment to responsible housing solutions. He noted that
the Council had taken a similar approach in the past, which was ultimately rejected by the State,
and asserted that the Council maintained transparency throughout the process, rejecting any
suggestion that they were deceiving Newport Beach residents.
Councilmember Grant acknowledged the 6,000+ residents who signed the petition but defended
Council's approach to avoid state penalties including loss of local land use control and expressed
concern regarding the significant cost associated with a special election.
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Prior to making a motion, Councilmember Blom requested a straw vote to determine who on
Council would participate in authoring arguments against the initiative.
At the conclusion of the straw vote it was determined that Councilmembers Barto, Blom, and Weber
would participate.
Motion by Councilmember Blom, seconded by Councilmember Weigand, to a) Determine
that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act CEQA) pursuant to
Sections 15060(c)(1), (2) and (3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical
change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and b) Authorize City staff to prepare and execute
a budget amendment, as needed, to implement the City Council's selected course of action and to
appropriate sufficient funds to cover associated costs based on the option approved by the City
Council; c) Accept the certification of the Orange County Registrar of Voters as to the verification
of signatures of the Responsible Housing Initiative; and d) (iv) Call a General Municipal Election.
By motion, decide whether to submit an argument against the proposed initiative (pursuant to
Elections Code Section 9282) and, if submitting such an argument, designate the authors; and then
adopt the following Resolutions: (1) A Resolution Calling for and Giving Notice of a General
Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026, to Submit to the Voters an Initiative Measure
Proposing to Amend the Land Use Element of the City's Gendied Plan, and Requesting the Orange
County Board of Supervisors Consolidate the GeAgral Municipal Election with the Statewide
General Election to be Held on the Same Date; (2) A Resolution Directing the City Attorney to
Prepare an Impartial Analysis of an Initiative Measure to Be Submitted to the Voters at the
General Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026, and Providing for the Deadlines for
Filing the Impartial Analysis and Written Arguments For and Against the Initiative Measure; and
(3) A Resolution Setting the Deadlines for Fling of Rebuttal Arguments in Response to Direct
Arguments Filed For and Against the Initiative Measure to be Submitted to the Voters at the
General Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026.
The Motion carried by the unanimous vote: 7-0-0
X. MOTION FOR RECONSIARATION - N k eW
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no public lm' *tsn closed session items.
XI. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54956.8): 1 matter.
Property 3848 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (APN 427-151-08).
City Negotiators: Seimone Jurjis, Assistant City Manager and Lauren Whitlinger, Real
Property Administrator.
Negotiating Parties: John Saunders on behalf of 3848 Campus Drive LP.
Under Negotiation: Instruction to City Negotiators regarding price and terms of payment.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)): 1 matter
Abdelfattah Seifeldin et al. v. City of Newport Beach
Orange County Superior Case No. 30-2023-01340928-CU-PA-CJC
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City of Newport Beach
November 18, 2025
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session report.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
The agenda was posted on the City's website and on the City Hall electronic bulletin board
located in the entrance of the City Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport
Beach, on November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Lena Shumway
City Clerk
Joe
Volume 66 - Page 462