16 - AB 2464 (Harper) - Laserfiche WebLink

Q SEW Pp�T CITY OF �m z NEWPORT BEACH c�<,FORN'P City Council Staff Report March 13, 2018 Agenda Item No. 16 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Dave Kiff, City Manager - 949-644-3001, dkiff _newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Dave Kiff, City Manager - 949-644-3001 TITLE: AB 2464 (Harper), Professional Services Agreement with Schmitz and Associates, Budget Amendment ABSTRACT: The Council has expressed its interest in moving forward with legislation to create special "Port Master Plan" for Newport Harbor, which would allow the City Council to function as the Coastal Act permitting authority for infrastructure and other projects on the waters of Newport Harbor outside of the ecological reserve in Upper Newport Bay. To pass AB 2464 (Harper) and to provide either support or neutrality on AB 2464 from the California Coastal Commission, staff recommends bringing on Coastal advocate Don Schmitz' firm to work with the Coastal Commission and staff. Schmitz has indicated his desire to work with Sean Henschel of Henschel Government Affairs to advocate directly for AB 2464 in Sacramento. RECOMMENDATION: 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 to send a letter to Assembly Member Matthew Harper in support of AB 2464; c) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Schmitz and Associates, including work with Henschel Government Affairs, in the amount of $16,000 per month for up to six months, with a not -to -exceed amount of $120,000; and d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 18BA-032 in the amount of $120,000 from the General Plan Update CIP, 01201928-980000-18M12, to the City Council Professional Services budget, 01005005-811008. 16-1