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HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-11-17 Meeting Minutes NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES City Council Chambers Monday, November 17,2014 6:30 PM 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. 2) ROLL CALL Commissioners: Brad Avery, Chair Paul Blank David Girling William Kenney, Jr. Duncan McIntosh Joe Stapleton Doug West Staff Members: Chris Miller, Harbor Resources Manager Council Liaison: Council Member Nancy Gardner 3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—Commissioner Kenney 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Avery invited those interested in addressing the Harbor Commission to do so at this time. Jamshed Dastur, Chairman of the Balboa Island Improvement Association (BIIA) Committee on Seawalls and Member of the Citizens Advisory Panel to the Tidelands Management Committee, noted that members of the Harbor Commission are interested in getting an update on plans for new seawalls on Balboa Island. Although it was too late to place the matter on this meeting's agenda, he hoped that an opportunity will be provided to make a presentation on the item at the next scheduled meeting. He referenced a letter from the BIIA Committee on Seawalls that was presented last month to City Council and the Tidelands Management Committee, a copy of which is being presented to the Harbor Commission. He noted that the Tidelands Management Committee and staff has been working with the BIIA Committee to develop a resolution to the very complex issue. He addressed the objectives of the BIIA Committee. There being no others wishing to address the Harbor Commission, Chair Avery closed the Public Comments portion of the meeting. 6) APPROVAL OF MINUTES—None Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller explained the reason the minutes from the October Harbor Commission meeting are not available for consideration at this time. He added that the Commission will consider the minutes from October and November at its next meeting. 6) CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Cheyenne Mooring Yearly Review The Harbor Commission will conduct an annual review of the temporary mooring permit for the catamaran Cheyenne. Recommendation: 1) Receive and file; or 2) The Harbor Commission may reconsider the future of the Cheyenne's mooring in Newport Harbor. Harbor Resources Manager Miller introduced and provided a brief background on the matter. He addressed the fees being charged and the terms of the agreement. Council Member Gardner noted that under the original agreement, fees would only be charged for the time Cheyenne was in the Harbor. Discussion followed regarding the process and time under which it all started and the location of the present mooring. Chris Welsh, who owns the Cheyenne, presented details about the Cheyenne as well as plans for the vessel and its mission, sonar, cameras, involvement with ExplorOcean, projects and charity efforts. In response to an inquiry from the Commission, Mr. Welsh addressed costs and financial commitments. He noted that he is committed to the project and has the resources to see it through. Mr. Welsh addressed benefits to the City including the potential for good public relations for the City. Commissioner Kenney commented on the magnitude of the mission, noted the importance of the tasks related to the project and listed the benefits of having Newport Beach be the home port for the vessel. He recommended keeping Cheyenne right where it is. In response to an inquiry from Chair Avery, Mr. Welsh reported that he expects the vessel will depart sometime in July, 2015. The Catamaran will go to Monterey and will be used for filming, in concert with the BBC as well as dive-testing. He addressed the mission, daily costs for transit and for diving, and partnerships. Chair Avery commented on an article published two years ago, and in response to his inquiry, Mr. Welsh reported that the dome is made of difficult material to work with and that challenges arose. Ensuing discussion pertained to construction of the dome. Chair Avery opened public comments. Devon Kelly wondered if this matter can be revisited in three months and whether the vessel will be moored for another year. She expressed concerns regarding holding the applicant accountable and the proposed timeline. Chair Avery closed public comments. Commissioner Girling stated that this is a good project for the City and suggested allowing the Cheyenne to stay for short periods of time. He also suggested receiving periodic updates so the Commission has a good sense that the project will be on track. Additionally, he commented on the mooring fees and suggested a review of the mooring fees in order to address resident concerns. He noted there are a lot of unknowns but there is some good to be had. Chair Avery commented positively on the abilities of Mr. Welsh and addressed changes in the mission and setbacks. He commented on the size of the vessel and addressed the agreement. He added that this has gone on too long, questioned benefits to the City and expressed concerns that the issue sets a precedent. Chair Avery suggested setting a benchmark that would allow the critical work to get done and making it not go beyond six months. Discussion followed regarding the current status. Commissioner McIntosh stated he supports Chair Avery's suggestions. Council Member Gardner noted it would be much easier to discuss the matter after a motion is made and receives a second. Motion: Commissioner West made a motion that the mooring agreement with Cheyenne be continued until July 31, 2015, subject to further review by the Harbor Commission at the end of March, 2015. Additionally, in consideration of the extension, that Mr. Welsh be asked to demonstrate between now and the Commission's March review, more tangible quid pro quo in terms of benefits to the City. Commissioner Stapleton seconded the motion. Commissioner West added that the objective of the motion is to set a new deadline for review. If there is no substantial progress towards success by the end of July, the matter should be reconsidered. Commissioner Girling asked to amend the motion adding the provision that there be specific, thirty-day updates. Commissioner West and Commissioner Stapleton accepted the amendment as stated above. Council Member Gardner noted that the Commission may extend the agreement further, as desired. Harbor Resources Manager Miller added that the thirty-day reviews can be in person or in writing. Discussion followed regarding the point of the motion and the March review. Commissioner Kenney requested an amendment specifying that at the March review, determine how things are going. If there is no 2 significant progress, the entire deal would be subject to cancellation. Commissioner West and Commissioner Stapleton accepted the amendment as stated above. Chair Avery stressed that every mission needs to have a deadline. The motion carried with 6 ayes, 1 no(Chair Avery) and 0 absent. Approved. Mr. Welsh reported that when the deal was originally entered into, he paid fees retroactively from the arrival of the vessel. He added that the mission has not changed and that he intends to dive at all five locations identified. Members of the Commission wished Mr. Welsh the greatest success. 2. Harbor Commission Goals:Review and Approved Proposed 2014-15 Goals The Harbor Commission Goals Ad Hoc Committee will review the proposed Commission goals for 2014-15 and will recommend approval. Recommendation: 1) Approve the Harbor Commission's 2014-15 Goals, and recommend they be forwarded to the City Council for review and approval. Commissioner West addressed the subcommittee and reported that two objectives were deleted from those presented during the last Commission meeting and one was added. He reported that there are now eleven proposed objectives and presented details of each. He addressed the objectives that were deleted as well as the one that was added. Discussion followed regarding the waterbus and water-propelled vessels. It was noted that once the Commission approves the objectives, these will be presented to Council for it consideration and approval. Chair Avery opened public comments. Chair Avery closed public comments. Motion: Commissioner Kenney made a motion to approve the Harbor Commission objectives as presented by Commissioner West including staffing of the subcommittees. Commissioner Blank seconded the motion. The motion carried with 7 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent. Approved. 7) SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS- None 8) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COUNCIL LIAISON ON HARBOR RELATED ISSUES Council Member Gardner reported that the ferry tour of Newport Harbor was a success and well-designed. She thanked those involved in putting the event together. Discussion followed regarding the number of participants and members of the Commission commended Commission Blank for his efforts. 9) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH HARBOR RESOURCES MANAGER ON HARBOR RELATED ISSUES Harbor Resources Manager Miller presented an award to Council Member Gardner and expressed his appreciation for her participation in the Commission. He commented positively on her contributions and stated he has enjoyed her mentorship. Members of the Commission thanked Council Member Gardner for her guidance and wisdom. Council Member Gardner was given a standing ovation. Mr. Miller provided updates on the Eelgrass RGP-54 Plan noting the approval process by the Coastal Commission, and on the public piers project noting that five have been completed. He addressed Harbor Design Standards, the Bay Island project and the return of Invictus. He commented on the availability of the Harbor Guides. 3 Discussion followed regarding exhaustion of all slips of a specific size, responsibility for setting moorings, public piers and Balboa Marina. Mr. Miller stated that he will let members of the Commission know about the Coastal Commission meeting regarding Balboa Marina in order for those who would like to attend, to do so and show their support. 10) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS OR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COUNCIL LIAISON OR HARBOR RESOURCES MANAGER- None 11) COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION,ACTION OR REPORT(NON-DISCUSSION ITEM► Commissioner Stapleton announced the Christmas Boat Parade from December 17, 2014, through December 21, 2014. Commissioner Girling requested placing consideration of mooring fees for special situations on the Commission's next agenda. He added that it should include an overview of present fees. 12) DATE AND TIME FOR NEXT MEETING: December 10.2014.6:30 PM Chair Avery suggested cancelling the Harbor Commission's meeting in December. Mr. Miller commented on items of business for the Commission adding that there is no sense of urgency and that the matters could wait until January. There was no objection and members of the Harbor Commission concurred to cancel the December, 2014, meeting. 13) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Harbor Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM. The next meeting of the Harbor Commission will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 6:30 PM. I 4