CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2026
I. ROLL CALL — 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Mayor Pro Tem Noah Blom (arrived at 4:02 p.m.), Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Councilmember Sara J. Weber, Councilmember Erik Weigand INVOCATION — First Church of Christ, Scientist Newport Beach - Dr. Joan Bernard Bradley PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Stapleton
II. STUDY SESSION
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Early Look Review. City staff will present new projects and funding proposals for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-27 CIP for review and discussion by City Council
Councilmember Stapleton announced the following conflicts of interest: Balboa Yacht Basin Dock Replacement Project and Vessel Sewage Pump Out Replacement (based on his financial relationship with a client who owns an adjacent property and Birch Street) and Bristol Street to Jamboree Road Street Improvements (based on interest in 4100 and 4110 MacArthur Blvd).
Mayor Pro Tem Blom announced the following conflicts of interest: Balboa Island Drainage Pump Station, Balboa Island Seawall - Permitting & Design, and the Balboa Island Tide Valve Replacement due to an interest in real property at 224 Marine, as well as a conflict based on real property interests at 417 and 501 30th Street with the Balboa Island Concrete Road and Alley Improvements and Via Lido Pavement Rehabilitation.
Mayor Kleiman announced a conflict of interest on the Landscape Enhancement Program based on interest in her personal residence.
Following these announcements, City Manager Seimone Jurjis provided an introduction noting this was the annual early look at capital projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27.
Deputy Public Works Director Jim Houlihan gave a PowerPoint presentation and presented a comprehensive overview of the CIP, explaining that it helps set priorities and appropriate funds.
He provided a detailed overview of several major projects across different categories including facilities, streets and drainage, transportation, water quality & environmental, parks, harbor & beaches, water, wastewater, and miscellaneous projects.
Councilmember Weigand commented regarding the Orange County Water District loan, noting that Newport Beach would be the third City to receive such financing and praised staffs work in establishing this limited funding opportunity.
Mayor Kleiman inquired about grant opportunities, particularly for projects like the trash interceptor - Deputy Public Works Director Houlihan confirmed staff continues to identify grant opportunities, acknowledging the competitive nature of such funding while noting specific pursuits of OCTA M2 competitive funds for larger construction projects.
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dennis Bress noted he is looking forward to achieving 100% local water independence and inquired when the water wells would be operational.
Lee Pearl appreciated staffs work and suggested looking at seawall replacement alternatives.
Denys Oberman suggested increasing funds for the Bristol Street Corridor Regional Signal Synchronization Project.
Adam Leverenz expressed concern regarding turf and microplastics.
Jim Mosher inquired if a project list was presented to the Planning Commission as it was previous practice before.
• Newport Beach Police Headquarters Reconstruction. City staff will present further information on behalf of the "Newport Beach Police Headquarters Assessment Committee" (including potential locations, rough cost and schedules) regarding the replacement of the current Police Headquarters located at 870 Santa Barbara Drive for review and discussion by City Council.
City Manager Jurjis introduced the item and acknowledged the challenges of both Santa Barbara Drive and Dove Street sites. He emphasized the need for environmental and traffic impact studies if Council chooses to pursue the Civic Center location, noting this is exploratory at this stage.
Public Works Director Dave Webb provided extensive background on recent undertakings, and noted that on November 4, 2025, Council established a Newport Beach Police Headquarters Ad Hoc Committee which helped guide this discussion. He further explained the City hired Griffin Structures for constructability and costing analysis, and noted the ad hoc committee evaluated four potential sites: the current Santa Barbara Drive location, the 1201 Dove Street property purchased in May 2023, areas around the Civic Center, and most recently, the Civic Center Park.
Public Works Director Webb explained why building at the existing police facility location presents significant challenges, explained that it spans 49,200 square feet sharing the site with Fire Station No. 3, and noted major infrastructure concerns include aging systems well past intended life and outdated technology infrastructure inadequate for modern needs. He outlined the following three options: 1.) continue review/evaluate potential sites and timing for siting the new Police Facility, 2.) continue further evaluation of a new Police Facility in Civic Center Park including: selection and hiring of a Consultant Team to undertake the Design Development, Preparation of Final Concept Design and EIR, solicit further input from community and Arts Commission for incorporating art and park space into the overall Civic Center campus, then return to Council for review and approval, or 3.) pursue other direction as provided.
Police Chief David Miner emphasized the importance of maintaining operational excellence and service levels and expressed serious concerns about operating from a construction zone for 3+ years at the Santa Barbara Drive site. He stressed the importance of a central location for response times while noting that officers frequently return to headquarters multiple times per shift for jail transport, evidence delivery, meetings, and paperwork. He further acknowledged the current facility's routine problems including sewage backups, electrical fires, and generator failures.
Fire Chief Jeff Boyles echoed support for a centrally located facility, noting Fire Station No. Ts challenges including gender accommodation issues and significant maintenance costs.
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Don Webb, Ron Rubino, Nancy Skinner, Pamela Marx, Shawn Hannah, Lily Lieberman, Maryanne Soden, Roy Englebrecht, Ron Vanderhoff, Walter Star, Tony Petros, Rhonda Watkins, Paul Watkins, Debbie Stevens, Dorothy Larson, Denys Oberman, Karen Clark, Laura Curran, and George Leslie spoke against relocating the police station at the Civic Center Park.
Charles Klobe emphasized environmental concerns and spoke against removing the Civic Center Park.
Dennis Baker criticized the process and warned that inadequate public engagement could lead to legal challenges.
Wade Womack provided a handout and suggested an alternative site for the police facility.
Arlene Greer, Phil Greer, Jasmine Marini, and Charles Fancher commented regarding increased community involvement and public input prior to deciding on a facility location.
Dennis Bress spoke in favor of Option 3, Omar Herrera, Margarita Avila, Ruth Kobayashi, David Gonzalez, Neil DeWitt, and an unidentified speaker spoke in favor of relocating the police station to the Civic Center Park.
Gary Galloway questioned the size of the facility.
Linda Watkins emphasized innovation.
Adam Leverenz voiced his support for police and fire, advocated for keeping open spaces, and thought ad hoc committees negatively affect public trust.
Keith Curry thought the potential relocation was not fiscally conservative.
Arthur Yelsi suggested purchasing a car sales lot for the police facility.
An unidentified speaker suggested considering a substation near the peninsula.
Karen Trinvalley suggested expanding the current location.
Bruce Clark posed traffic concerns.
Rimo Falcelli offered an alternative location.
An unidentified speaker commented on his patriotism.
Councilmember Grant praised the thorough presentation and public engagement, expressed disappointment in the process and criticized the lack of early stakeholder involvement. She expressed concerns about environmental mitigation costs and potential litigation delays. She noted that viable alternatives exist and thought all site options should be explored.
Councilmember Barto emphasized the importance of balancing quality of life, safety, and fiscal responsibility. She noted that previous Councils studied the Santa Barbara Drive site and determined it problematic, leading to the Dove Street purchase. She clarified this was a study session, not a final decision, and expressed openness to further studies determining project viability.
Councilmember Weigand provided extensive commentary defending the decision -making process and emphasized the benefits of a centralized location. He firmly opposed any Santa Barbara Drive site options due to operational disruption concerns. He advocated for ruling out
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
both Santa Barbara Drive and Dove Street locations while focusing on Newport Center area options. He emphasized his commitment to public safety and encouraged comprehensive public outreach including town halls and polling to reach average residents who do not typically attend Council meetings.
Councilmember Weber thanked staff and the community, supported the Civic Center location as fitting the vision of Newport Beach's "heart" and expressed concerns about operational continuity during Santa Barbara Drive reconstruction. She clarified that the Civic Center option does not eliminate the park, supported studying the site and forming a public committee for design and open space planning.
Councilmember Stapleton emphasized that discussions are in the early stages, noted public input is necessary throughout the process, agreed the police department requires a new headquarters, advocated for continuing all studies to make fully informed decisions and spoke against eliminating options prematurely.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom gave a detailed background on the creation of the ad hoc committee, prior study session discussion regarding the site study, provided fiscal context, and suggested the Santa Barbara Drive property's value could finance the new facility without adding taxpayer debt. He emphasized fiscal responsibility over emotional considerations while expressing openness to reimagining the remaining park space through the creation of a public committee.
Following extensive discussion, Councilmember Grant proposed moving forward with Option #1: Continue to review/evaluate potential sites and timing for siting the new Police Facility.
City Attorney Aaron Harp noted that there seemed to be a consensus regarding Option #2 and recommended a straw vote on that option.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Blom moved to approve Option #2: To continue further evaluation of a new Police Facility in Civic Center Park including: selection and hiring of a Consultant Team to undertake the Design Development, Preparation of Final Concept Design and EIR, solicit further input from community and Arts Commission for incorporating art and park space into the overall Civic Center campus, then return to Council for review and approval.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Weber, Councilmember Stapleton, Councilmember Weigand, Councilmember Barto, Mayor Pro Tem Blom and Mayor Kleiman (6) NAYS: Councilmember Grant (1)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Finn Walberg requested support for sanctioned community dirt jumps for young cyclists.
Cameron Tagdiri announced a Persian New Year celebration and invited community members to attend.
Susan Pearl thanked the Council for encouraging responsible economic growth and emphasized the importance of protecting Balboa Island's character.
Steven Gerard Sedlowski spoke regarding "USA personhood cities." Keith Curry spoke against proposed changes to the Finance Committee in Agenda Item 5 (Resolution No. 2026-18. Amending the Selection Process and Various Responsibilities of the Finance Committee).
Jim Mosher requested reconsideration of the 2-10-2026 City Council minutes and questioned the total number of inspections related to Agenda Item 4 (Resolution No. 2026-17.• A Report Made by the Fire Marshal Regarding Compliance with the Annual Inspection of Certain Occupancies).
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL ON
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Barto
• Thanked Councilmember Weigand for attending the recent Water Quality/Coastal Tidelands Committee meeting and looked forward to future discussions regarding sand replenishment.
Councilmember Stapleton
• Thanked members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and Aquatic Center Site Options and announced park recommendations would be presented at the next City Council meeting.
• Announced the next Finance Committee meeting taking place on April 16, 2026.
Prior to receiving public comments on consent calendar items, Mayor Kleiman proposed an amendment to Agenda Item 5 (Resolution No. 2026-18: Amending the Selection Process and Various Responsibilities of the Finance Committee), Attachment A, modifying membership structure of the committee so that it can consist of either five or seven members. Council will seek to appoint four qualified citizen members, if four qualified individuals are unavailable, Council may appoint two instead, citizen members would be appointed through the standard board and commission vacancy screening and recommendation process set forth in Council Policy A-2.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Jim Mosher thought all consent calendar item titles should be read aloud and commented on Agneda Item 9 (Second Quarter Budget Update) and Agenda Item 10 (Financial Statement Audit Results and Related Communication for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025).
Adam Leverenz spoke regarding salaries on Agenda Item 3 (Resolution No. 2026-16: Revised Salary Schedule and New Classifications for the Key & Management Group), appreciated that Agenda Item 5 (Resolution No. 2026-I8: Amending the Selection Process and Various Responsibilities of the Finance Committee) was pulled and asked that hours be expanded on automatic door locks on Agenda Item 7 (Approval of Amendment No. Two to Professional Services Agreement with SafeRock for Restroom Security Services (Contract No. 9576-1).
III. CONSENT CALENDAR
READING OF MINUTES AND ORDINANCES
1. Reading of Ordinances
Waive reading in full of all ordinances under consideration and direct the City Clerk to read by title only.
2. Minutes for the February 24, 2026 City Council Meeting Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as written, and order filed.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
3. Resolution No. 2026-16: Revised Salary Schedule and New Classifications for the Key & Management Group
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) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-16, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving a Revised Salary Schedule and New Classifications for the Key & Management Group; and
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
c) Approve the Job Descriptions for the real property manager and code enforcement manager and authorize the community development director to approve new job descriptions consistent with the new positions approved by the City Council.
4. Resolution No. 2026-17: A Report Made by the Fire Marshal Regarding Compliance with the Annual Inspection of Certain Occupancies
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 No. 2026-17, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach Acknowledging Receipt of a Report Made by the Fire Marshal of the City of Newport Beach Fire Department Regarding Compliance with the Annual Inspection of Certain Occupancies Pursuant to Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code.
5. Item Pulled from the Consent Calendar
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
6. Street Pavement Repair Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 - Award of Contract No. 9946-1 (26R03)
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) Approve Budget Amendment No. 26-057 appropriating $224,200.15 in increased expenditures in Account No. 01201927-980000-261103 from the General Fund CIP unappropriated fund balance, $3,333 in new revenue and expenditures from Irvine Ranch Water District to Account Nos. 13501-431220-26R03 and 13501-980000-26R03, respectively and $18,666 in new revenue and expenditures from Orange County Sanitation District to Account Nos. 13501-431075-26R03 and 13501-980000-26R03, respectively;
d) Award Contract No. 9946-1 to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the total bid price of $1,082,000 for the Street Pavement Repair Program FY 2025-26 project, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract; and
e) Establish a contingency of $110,000 (approximately 10% of the total bid) to cover the cost of unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
7. Approval of Amendment No. Two to Professional Services Agreement with SafeRock for Restroom Security Services (Contract No. 9576-1)
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) Approve Amendment No. Two to Professional Services Agreement with SafeRock for Restroom Security Services for an additional $40,000 for a total not -to -exceed amount of $160,000 and extend the term of the agreement to September 14, 2026, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
8. Approval of Amendment No. One to Professional Services Agreement with Hinderliter, De Llamas & Associates for Sales and Use Tax Consulting Services 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) Approve Amendment No. One to the Professional Services Agreement with Hinderliter, De Llamas & Associates for Sales and Use Tax Consulting Services to extend the term of the agreement to December 31, 2026, revise the schedule of billing rates, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
MISCELLANEOUS
9. Second Quarter Budget Update
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) Receive and file this report.
10. Financial Statement Audit Results and Related Communication for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025
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) Receive and file.
11. Planning Commission Agenda for the March 5, 2026, Meeting a) Receive and file.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Blom, seconded by Councilmember Weber, to approve the Consent Calendar, including amendments to Agenda Item No. 2, the Minutes, and excluding Agenda Item No.
5. The Motion carried by the unanimous vote: 7-0-0.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Resolution No. 2026-18: Amending the Selection Process and Various Responsibilities of the Finance Committee
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 No. 2026-18, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending the Selection Process and Various Responsibilities of the Finance Committee.
This item was removed from the consent calendar at the request of Councilmember Grant.
Administrative Services Director Jason Al -Imam referenced a PowerPoint presentation and provided a brief overview.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher objected to individual mayoral appointment of citizen members rather than collective Council action, suggested staggered two-year terms and questioned the two -term limit as overly restrictive given the need for highly qualified volunteers.
Adam Leverenz questioned how removing two citizens from the committee advanced transparency, and was not fully in support of strict adherence to only heightened qualifications and standards, stating that sometimes qualified persons exist without formal education or lots of money, and that it can be good to look at out -of -the -box ideas sometimes.
Motion by Councilmember Grant to adopt enhanced qualifications but preserve the councilmember appointment and 4-year term structure. Failed for lack of a second.
Councilmember Grant amended the motion, seconded by Councilmember Barto, to accept increased requirements for qualifications for the Finance Committee, to delete the proposal to change councilmember appointments, and to accept the terms as two-year terms.
City of Newport Beach
March 10, 2026
Councilmember Stapleton made a substitute motion to approve staff recommendations including the amendment, seconded by Councilmember Weigand.
Motion by Councilmember Stapleton, seconded by Councilmember Weigand, to 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 No. 2026-18, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending the Selection Process and Various Responsibilities of the Finance Committee, including the following amendment: to modify the membership structure so the committee will consist of either five or seven members. The Council will seek to appoint four citizen members; however, if four qualified individuals are not available, the Council may appoint two instead. Citizen members would be appointed through the standard board and commission vacancy screening and recommendation process set forth in Council Policy A-2.
The Motion carried by the following vote: 6-0-1, Councilmember Grant opposed.
IV. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no public comments on closed session.
City Attorney Harp read the closed session item.
V. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - INITIATION OF LITIGATION
Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(4): 1 matter.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp reported on Closed Session item and announced that following a motion by Mayor Kleiman and second by Mayor Pro Tem Blom, to authorize the City Attorney to initiate litigation regarding one matter. All council members voted in favor. The action and particulars will be disclosed upon formal commencement of the action.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:09 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 March 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Lauren Kleiman
Mayor
Lena Shumway
City Clerk