CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2026
I. ROLL CALL 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Kleiman called meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Mayor Pro Tem Noah Blom, Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Councilmember Sara J. Weber, Councilmember Erik Weigand
INVOCATION
Invocation was led by Imam Qazwini, Islamic Educational Center of Orange County.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Weigand.
II. STUDY SESSION
• Fourth of July Enforcement
Assistant City Manager Tara Finnigan provided an overview of the City's nine-month planning effort following concerns about the tenor of the 2025 Fourth of July festivities, introducing the public safety team to present operational enhancements aimed at restoring a family-friendly atmosphere.
Police Chief David Miner summarized law enforcement measures, including expansion of the Safety Enhancement Zone's geographic area and timeframe (Friday, July 3 through Monday evening), tripled fines within the zone, a mobile booking station at the Corporation Yard on Superior Avenue, more than doubling outside agency personnel to approximately 200 total sworn officers, expedited medical clearance with Hoag Hospital, and authorization for street closures to facilitate traffic egress.
Fire Chief Jeff Boyles outlined Fire Department preparations, including an additional paramedic transport ambulance for the full weekend, extra apparatus and command staff staged at Peninsula Station 2, coordination with Costa Mesa Fire, and full lifeguard staffing at all towers and boats.
Assistant City Manager Finnigan noted that Municipal Operations would add 15 supplemental staff, increase portable restrooms, and enhance beach trash collection, while Public Works will coordinate with Caltrans to extend signal timing on Newport Boulevard at Hospital Road and deploy all five trolleys Friday through Sunday.
Public Information Manager Georgia Rios described the communications strategy, including postcards mailed to CdM and West Newport addresses, expanded beach signage, and the "Not in Newport" social media campaign, which had organically reached over 2.1 million views and one million accounts across seven videos.
Councilmember Stapleton commended the team's collective effort, inquired about sworn officer counts and outside agency commitments, expressed support for the mobile booking station, and asked about traffic management assistance at Hospital Road. Chief Miner confirmed officers and CHP would be positioned to assist with peninsula egress.
Mayor Kleiman praised the Police Department's performance in 2025 and called for maximum enforcement and zero tolerance, requesting that signage be positioned further in advance of beach access points, that the "Not in Newport" campaign add paid targeted advertising to reach out-of-town visitors, and that messaging lean into the "triple fines" language rather than the less intuitive "Safety Enhancement Zone" terminology. She also asked about pre-event bar checks and ABC coordination, which Chief Miner confirmed was underway.
Councilmember Weigand recommended geo-fencing social media advertisements to reach visitors in and around Newport Beach, noted the Oceanfront area near Handle’s Homemade Ice Cream as a prior year flashpoint, and acknowledged the increased camera presence as a deterrent.
Public speakers included Jim Mosher, who asked whether enhanced staffing would be in effect for all four days including Monday.
Lee Pearl, representing the Balboa Island Improvement Association, requested additional police resources and expressed concern about fire station response times when Engine 64 leaves the island.
Laura Curran encouraged outreach to traditional media outlets such as the Daily Pilot, Voice of OC, and KPCC in addition to social media.
Chief Miner confirmed increased staffing would begin Thursday, July 2. Chief Boyles addressed Balboa Island response time concerns, noting that a paramedic-equipped Polaris unit is deployed on the island during major events and that AVL tracking allows the battalion chief to keep Engine 64 stationary when an off-island engine can respond to off-island calls instead.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NONAGENDA ITEMS
Adam Leverenz presented information regarding the State Lands Commission's benchmark rental rates for docks, piers, and moorings, arguing the City should adopt the existing Southern California rate used in Huntington Harbor to resolve Tideland management issues equitably and without additional appraisals.
Heather Cieslak, representing the Newport Bay Conservancy, commented on Ordinance No. 2026-05 (Consent Item 2), expressing concern about the potential ecological impact of high-density residential development adjacent to Upper Newport Bay, including habitat degradation, increased stormwater runoff into an already-impaired water body, and loss of open-space buffers.
Ron Rubino, Newport Beach resident of 39 years, commented on Ordinance No. 2026-05, expressing disappointment that the housing implementation plan was completed without a Measure S (Charter Section 423) vote, and suggesting the Council act to slow permit approvals and focus on mandated affordable units.
Suri Yaghmai and Charlie Gomez, student leaders of the Bridge Forward club at CdM High School, proposed creating a series of Newport Beach Instagram posts promoting productive civic dialogue. Mayor Kleiman directed them to connect with Public Information Manager Georgia Rios.
Laura Curran commented on Consent Item 13 (Post Retirement Temporary Employment Agreement with Kevin Bass for Fire Marshal), thanking the outgoing Fire Marshal James Gillespie and urging a comprehensive recruitment process for the permanent position, noting the fire marshal's critical role in fire safety planning, inspection, and community outreach.
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand reported attending the memorial service for former Police Chief Charles P. Gross, recognized Honor Guard member Heather Thompson and Chief Miner for the flag-folding ceremony with LAPD, noted the significant surf swell impacting the Peninsula and work by Municipal Operations Director Zac Gentry's team, and highlighted Public Works coordination regarding a bike access ramp for Junior Guards at the PCH bridge due to the OCSD pump station project.
Councilmember Barto noted the farewell party for outgoing Fire Marshal Gillespie, her address at the Newport Beach TV Festival, and echoed appreciation for staff's proactive sand management response to the current swell.
Councilmember Grant congratulated the Newport Beach Film Festival on the second annual Newport Beach TV Fest, praised the Balboa Island Improvement Association for a spectacular parade, and extended fond farewell remarks to James Gillespie and welcomed interim Fire Marshal Bass.
Councilmember Weber echoed thanks for the Balboa Island Parade and announced the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor would display 250 American flags on the Civic Center lawn from June 22 through July 6 in honor of America 250.
Councilmember Stapleton congratulated Newport Beach Foundation Chair Antonella Castro on graduating the 14th Distinguished Citizen Program class bringing the Foundation to over 400 graduates, noted the upcoming America 250 plaque presentation at John Wayne Park on June 23 at 2:30 p.m., and praised the Balboa Island Parade and Newport Beach TV Fest.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Prior to the consent calendar vote, City Manager Seimone Jurjis provided the government code- required oral summary of salary ranges and fringe benefits for the Police Chief and Fire Chief employment agreements (Item 9). The Police Chief's base salary was recommended at $324,386 within a range of $215,041 to $338,644, and the Fire Chief's base salary at $314,919 within a range of $199,980 to $314,919, with associated benefits including uniform allowances, scholastic achievement pay, special leadership pay, city vehicles, and executive management benefits.
Councilmember Stapleton declared a conflict on Item 5 due to real property interest. Mayor Pro Tem Blom declared recusals on Items 5 and 10 due to real property interests.
Public speakers on the consent calendar included Jim Mosher, who raised a correction to minutes (spelling of Findlay Tract), requested discussion of whether 400-word candidate statement options should be offered under Item 7, questioned the scope of Council discretion remaining on Item 14 (Final Tract Map, 1650 Ford Road), and urged the Council not to apply housing overlays on ecologically sensitive properties such as the golf course and Park Newport under Item 2.
Adam Leverenz expressed concern about the adequacy of affordable housing incentives under Item 2, commented on the Harbor Commission's removal of restrooms from its objectives under Item 17, and suggested greater fiscal review be incorporated into Harbor Commission goals.
Susan DeSantis, a 40-year Newport Beach resident, commented on Item 2, urging the Council to provide greater public education about what the housing overlay ordinance enables before enacting it throughout the coastal zone.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Weber, to approve the Consent Calendar, Items 1 through 18 (noting recusals by Councilmember Stapleton on Item 5, and Mayor Pro Tem Blom on Items 5 and 10).
Motion carried by unanimous vote (7-0).
City Clerk Shumway read the titles of Ordinance No. 2026-05 and Ordinance No. 2026-06 into the record.
III. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approval of Minutes
Approval of Minutes for the May 26, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting, and Minutes for the May 26, 2026 Special Joint City Council and Finance Committee Meeting.
ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION
2. Ordinance No. 202605: Amending Title 21 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to Implement the Housing Element and Establish the Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay Coastal Zoning Districts (PA20220245 & PA20240205)
3. Ordinance No. 202606: Amending Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) and Title 20 (Planning and Zoning) Related to Tobacco Retailer Businesses (PA20250171)
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
4. Resolution No. 202632: Authorizing the Temporary Closure of Selected Streets for the Fourth of July Holiday Period
5. Resolution No. 202633: Specifying Uses for Fiscal Year 202627 RMRA Funding from the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
6. Resolution No. 202634: Annual Measure M2 Eligibility Submittal
7. Resolution Nos. 202635, 202636 and 2026 37: Calling the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election
8. Resolution No. 202638: Adoption of Fiscal Year 202627 Appropriations Limit
9. Resolution No. 202639: Modifying Salary Schedules and Approving Amendments to the Employment Agreements for the Police Chief and Fire Chief
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
10. Amendment No. One to Encroachment and Landscape Maintenance Agreement Between the City of Newport Beach and the Balboa Island Improvement Association EPN20100097
11. Amendment No. One to Services Agreement with Ocean Blue Environmental Services for Citywide Storm Drain Cleaning Services
12. Amendment No. One to OnCall Services Agreement with Linnes Services, Inc., for AsNeeded Hauling, Delivery and Disposal of Materials
13. Post Retirement Temporary Employment Agreement with Kevin Bass for Fire Marshal Civilian Services
14. Final Tract Map No. 19396 for a Residential Condominium Development Located at 1650 Ford Road
15. Agreement for Supplemental Law Enforcement Services between the County of Orange and the City of Newport Beach
16. Newport Beach Lecture Hall Naming Rights Agreements
MISCELLANEOUS
17. Harbor Commission 2026 Objectives
18. Planning Commission Agenda for the June 4, 2026, Meeting ACTION: MOVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR, EXCEPT FOR
THOSE ITEMS REMOVED
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
No items were removed from the Consent Calendar.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
19. Resolution No. 202640: Fiscal Year 202627 Budget Adoption; City Budget Hearing; and Recommendations from the Finance Committee City Manager Jurjis presented the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget as a robust, balanced budget with $477 million in operating expenditures, $49 million in capital allocations, and an aggressive pension paydown of $45 million total. Administrative Services Director Jason Al-Imam and Deputy Director Peter Kemp were present to answer questions.
Public speakers included Jim Mosher, who raised concerns about transparency of budget documents available to the public, questioned a new $150,000 performance-based incentive compensation program and a new Section 9 granting expanded claim-settlement authority to the City Manager and Risk Manager—neither of which, he noted, had appeared in prior budgets or the staff report—and commented on the $1.5 million allocation for the police headquarters replacement study.
Adam Leverenz noted that salary and benefits at over $205 million represent the largest expenditure category and questioned the proportionality of recent pay increases for the Police Chief and Fire Chief.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom, making the motion, noted that City personnel and services are the City's most important asset and that investing in them was entirely appropriate.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Stapleton 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;
b) Review and approve the proposed budget revisions;
c) Adopt Resolution No. 202640, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Adopting the Budget for the 202627 Fiscal Year; and d) Review and approve the City Manager’s recommended list of City position classifications and their salary ranges as required by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and in accordance with 2 CCR § 570.5 (a)(1).
Motion carried by unanimous vote (7-0).
20. Ordinance No. 202607: Updating Titles 20 (Planning and Zoning) and 13 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Property) Related to Personal Wireless Service Facilities and Resolution No. 202641: Authorizing the Submission of a Local Coastal Program Amendment
Councilmember Weigand recused himself due to a financial interest in the telecom industry.
Deputy City Manager Ben Zdeba presented the proposed wireless telecommunications ordinance update, explaining that the City's current code dates to 2014 and no longer reflects the shift from voice to data usage. The update creates a new Chapter 13.22 to govern public right-of-way installations under Public Works, streamlines replacement of existing streetlight poles with small cell infrastructure, retains discretionary review for new poles in new locations, clarifies stealth facility approvals, and exempts City-owned property from the chapter's scope. The approach was unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission in March. Adoption outside the coastal zone would be immediate; implementation within the coastal zone is subject to California Coastal Commission review following submission of the Local Coastal Program Amendment.
Public speaker Jim Mosher raised concerns about the complexity of the ordinance, the absence of any public process for approving cell installations on City property outside the coastal zone, the limited appeal rights available only to carriers and not the public, and discrepancies between the Planning Commission's reviewed version and the ordinance before the Council.
Mayor Kleiman expressed appreciation for the work done to address the city's significant coverage gaps.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Mayor Kleiman to a) Find the introduction and adoption of this ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), 15303, and 15378, of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (CEQA Guidelines).The proposed amendments are also exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects, which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; b) Introduce Ordinance No. 202607, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Adding Chapter 13.22 (Personal Wireless Service Facilities in the Public RightofWay) and Amending Chapter 20.49 (Personal Wireless Service Facilities) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to Telecommunication Facilities, and pass to second reading on June 23, 2026; and c) Adopt Resolution No. 202641, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Authorizing Submittal of a Local Coastal Program Amendment to the California Coastal Commission to Amend Chapter 21.49 (Personal Wireless Service Facilities) in Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to Telecommunication Facilities.
Motion carried by unanimous vote, with Councilmember Weigand recused.
21. Resolution No. 202642 &202643: Adoption of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic briefly described the state-mandated once-every-five-years report, summarizing that the City has high confidence in its water supply through investments in additional groundwater wells and that the plan addresses drought, shortage, and conservation protocols.
Public speaker Jim Mosher asked whether the plan addresses the simultaneous use of fire hydrants and whether the City's water system is designed for such scenarios, referencing concerns raised by the 2025 Palisades Fire.
Councilmember Weigand moved to approve, expressing full confidence in the City's utilities management and its triple redundancies for fire suppression, as previously presented by staff following the Palisades Fire.
Motion was made by Councilmember Weigand and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Blom 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; b) Adopt Resolution 202642, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan; c) Adopt Resolution 202643, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Adopting a Water Shortage Contingency Plan; and d) Direct staff to fulfill the notification requirements set forth by the Water Code after the Urban Water Management Plan is adopted.
Motion carried by unanimous vote, 7-0.
V. CURRENT BUSINESS
22. Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Public speakers included Adam Leverenz, who expressed concern that the new appointment process—in which a council subcommittee advances a single finalist per vacancy—eliminates meaningful public visibility into how candidates are selected.
Jim Mosher echoed that concern, noting that the prior process at least surfaced two nominees per position for a public vote, and expressed worry that a similar opaque process might apply to upcoming appointments to the police headquarters ad hoc committee.
Councilmember Weigand clarified that the process change was approved by the full Council to eliminate the need for a second meeting, that the subcommittee still interviews all applicants, that all applications remain available to any Council member, and that any Council member retained the right to bring an alternative nomination forward—a right he noted he had nearly exercised at this meeting.
Motion was made by Councilmember Weigand and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Blom 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; b) Make appointments to the Boards and Commissions Board of Library Trustees, Building and Fire Boards of Appeals, City Arts Commission, Civic Service Boards, Harbor Commission, Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission; c) Make Appointments to the Finance Committee of (4) citizen members, and reappoint Councilmember Sara J. Weber, Councilmember Stapleton, and appoint Mayor Pro Tem Blom as three members of the Newport Beach City Council; and d) Appoint Councilmember Sara J. Weber as Chair of the Finance Committee and Councilmember Stapleton as Vice Chair.
Motion carried by unanimous vote, 7-0.
VI. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION
No motions for reconsideration were offered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Stapleton declared a conflict on Closed Session Item B-1 (Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. City of Newport Beach, Case No. 30-2024-01428295) due to real property interest at 4141/4110 MacArthur. Mayor Kleiman declared a conflict on the same matter due to her husband's business dealings with the opposing party on projects outside the City.
No public comments were received on closed session items.
City Attorney Aaron Harp announced the closed session items VII. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION INITIATION OF LITIGATION
Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(4): 1 matter.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(1): 3 matters.
Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. City of Newport Beach Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30202401428295
California Court of Appeals Case No. G065816
City of Newport Beach v. Newport Beach Stewardship Association Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30202601559183
Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. City of Newport Beach Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30202601572799
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp reported that on Agenda Item 7A (initiation of litigation), a motion was made by Mayor Kleiman and seconded by Councilmember Weigand to authorize the City Attorney to initiate litigation. All Council members voted in favor. The Action, the defendants, and other particulars shall be disclosed to any person upon inquiry once litigation has formally been commenced.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
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City Council Meeting
June 9, 2026