HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-19_EQUAC_Approved Minutes�aEWPO�
Nancy Gardner, Council Member
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
X
Laura Curran
MINUTES April 19, 2010
The Environmental Quality Affairs Committee held at the City of Newport Beach Police
Department Auditorium, 870 Santa Barbara Drive, on Monday, April 19, 2010.
Members Present:
A
Nancy Gardner, Council Member
E
Barbara Thibault
X
Michael Henn, Council Member
X
Laura Curran
X
Arlene Greer, Chair
X
Vincent Le ore
X
Kimberly Jameson
X
Kevin Nolen
X
Kevin Kell
A
Sandra Haskell
E
Michael Smith
X
Kathy Harrison
X
Ed Reno
X
Timothy Stoaks
A
Nick Roussos
X
Jay Myers
X
Joan Penfil
X
Charles McKenna
X
Bruce Asper
E
Debra Stevens
A
Merritt Van Sant
E
Michael Alti
Staff Representatives:
X James Campbell, Principal Planner
Guests:
Chairperson Greer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
1. Minutes of February 22, 2010
Joan Penfil moved and Bruce Asper seconded to approve the minutes of February 22, 2010,
as submitted.
Motion passed unanimously
2. Banning Ranch Presentations
a. Banning Ranch Conservancy — Stephen Ray provided an overview of the
Conservancy's efforts to secure funding for the acquisition of the Banning
Ranch property to preserve the site as habitat and open space as a component
of the overall River Park concept. He noted the Conservancy's goal to save the
land from development due to the elimination of critical habitat and open space.
b. Newport Banning Ranch — Mike Mohler provided an overview of the Newport
Banning Ranch project that consists of the preservation of 65% of the 400 acre
property as open space, environmental remediation /restoration efforts,
consolidated oil production, 1,375 residential units, 75,000 square feet of
commercial development and a 75 room hotel. He indicated that the comments
from EQAC on the Notice of Preparation will be addressed in the forthcoming
EIR being prepared by the City.
3. Coastal /Bay Water Quality Committee Representative's Report
Council Member Henn reported that the Committee received a presentation from the Utilities
Department on the City's water wells in Fountain Valley. The Committee also heard a
presentation on the Poseidon desalination plant proposed in Huntington Beach. Council
Member Henn indicated that should the Poseidon facility come on -line in the future, its water
production, combined with the City's wells, should make the City 100% independent from
State water resources.
4. Economic Development Committee Representative's Report
Chairperson Greer reported that EDC had discussed sales and use taxes and the importance
of transient occupancy taxes and the continuing efforts to secure hotel stays in the City for
future Rose Bowl and BCS national championship football games. Transient occupancy tax
revenue is on the rise and restaurants who participated in the recent Restaurant Weeks
experienced increased sales. The next Restaurant Week will be in January of 2011.
Chairperson Greer went on to report that the Marriott Hotel in Newport Center is planning an
expansion of their ballroom spaces and that the City is examining its way- finding signs to
improve their effectiveness. It was reported to the EDC that the blighted property on the north
side of Coast Highway east of Dover Drive has been sold and the new owners are developing
plans for redeveloping the site. Lastly, Chairperson Greer reminded the Committee 2010
Newport Beach Film Festival begins this week, April 22, 2010, and the Newport to Ensenada
Race starts this Friday, April 23, 2010.
5. Report from Staff on Current Projects
Jim Campbell reported that the draft EIR for the Banning Ranch project is expected to be
released for public review in mid -June.
6. Public Comments
None
7. Future Agenda Items
May — Smoking Ban update.
8. Adjournment
Chairperson Greer adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.