City Council
Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026, 4:00 PM
I. ROLL CALL - 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
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Roger Tirabassi, Viewpoint Church.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro Tem Blom led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Madelyn Enright (resident, 28 years) opposed relocating the Police Department to the Park, citing green belt designation, an underground water source, and traffic concerns on San Miguel Road and MacArthur Boulevard.
Adam Leverenz alleged that the City's own website contains misinformation regarding the State Lands Commission report on Newport Harbor mooring rates and transfer policy, and urged the Council to correct its own public statements before moderating others.
Lynn Swain (resident, 50+ years) raised concerns about elected officials using their positions on the Nextdoor review team to report and silence residents opposing the Civic Center police station proposal, arguing this undermines public trust.
Dennis Bress (Balboa Island) commended the Aviation Committee's noise reduction progress and praised the Balboa Peninsula Trolley as a community success.
Coeli Hylkema (mooring permit holder) addressed the Council regarding what she described as inequitable treatment of mooring permit holders compared to yacht club members and residential pier permit holders, and urged adoption of the State Lands Commission Category 1 benchmark rate for all recreational tidelands permits.
Susan Skinner called on Councilmember Weber and Mayor Kleiman to remove themselves from the Nextdoor review team, citing a conflict of interest given that the council members are often subjects of content on the platform.
Rima Nashashibi (Commissioner, Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls) presented highlights from the commission's inaugural report on the status of women and girls in Orange County and Newport Beach, including data on wages, education, mental health, and domestic abuse.
Denys Oberman spoke on behalf of Balboa Peninsula and Lido residents, urging the Council to direct the Police Department to implement regular nightly patrol and enforcement along the peninsula immediately rather than deferring action.
Julie Means (Corona del Mar resident) expressed support for a new police station but opposed the Civic Center Park site, and questioned expenditures on an architect, EIR, and public relations firm when the community favors exploring other options.
Hagai Feiner urged the Council to reduce routine pesticide use in parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields and requested a public explanation for why the City's "Organics First" policy is not reflected in application records showing only 1 organic application out of 1,753 total over the past year.
Carole King (Irvine Terrace) requested a public town hall Q&A on the police station and posed a series of detailed questions regarding the Dove Street property, the current site, fire station relocation, and traffic impacts.
Marilyn Brewer (40-year resident) opposed spending on the architect, EIR, and public relations firm for the Civic Center site, and warned the Council that voter opposition could lead to political consequences.
Joy Brenner (former Councilmember) urged the Council to gather a comprehensive accounting of all prior police station studies and decisions before committing to one of the largest capital expenditures in the City's history, and offered her availability for consultation.
Michelle Feiner continued her husband's remarks on pesticide use, citing that only 1 organic pesticide was applied out of 1,753 applications in the past year, and requested notification alerts before any pesticide spraying in public spaces.
Richard Cabin (Corona del Mar resident) spontaneously supported eliminating pesticide spraying and opposed building a new police station on public land when the Dove Street building is available.
Jim Mosher requested clarification on whether the Police Headquarters Ad Hoc Committee's motion to stop evaluating the current Santa Barbara site was the committee's own final recommendation or a request for direction from the full Council.
Nancy Skinner urged the Council not to abandon the Santa Barbara site and asked whether there had been any discussions about selling that property before alternatives were fully evaluated.
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand reported on the Junior Lifeguards Monster Mile event, praising the safety operations, the high participation of 1,200 junior lifeguards, and the respectful conduct of the youth.
Councilmember Barto announced her upcoming participation in a lifeguard operations training event the following Saturday.
Councilmember Grant commended Animal Control Supervisor Nick Ott and the Police Department for rescuing dozens of dogs from a compromised situation over the Fourth
of July weekend, announced the inaugural Newport Beach Art Week (August 9–15), and thanked staff for progress on Balboa Island undergrounding.
Councilmember Stapleton announced a District 1 town hall roundtable on September 14th at 6:00 p.m. at Marina Park to discuss the Fourth of July incident and planned public safety measures.
Mayor Kleiman commended the Police Department for successfully managing a social media-promoted teen event over the prior weekend through active monitoring and deterrence.
II. MATTERS WHICH COUNCILMEMBERS HAVE ASKED TO BE PLACED ON A
FUTURE AGENDA (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
The Council considered the following matters collectively via straw vote. All items were approved.
● Minor Curfew Ordinance – Direct staff to prepare an ordinance setting forth potential revisions to the City's minor curfew regulations during Safety Enhancement Zone periods, including possible adjustments to curfew hours (Mayor Kleiman).
● Unlawful Mass Gathering Ordinance – Direct staff to prepare an ordinance setting forth potential revisions to the City's Municipal Code addressing unlawful mass gatherings (Mayor Kleiman).
● Special Event Regulations – Direct staff to prepare an ordinance setting forth potential revisions to the City's Municipal Code Special Event regulations to address events organized or promoted through social media, including activities involving social media influencers or similar organizers (Mayor Kleiman).
● Public Nuisance Ordinance – Direct staff to prepare an ordinance setting forth potential revisions to the City's Municipal Code that would designate certain violations as public nuisances, with enhanced administrative penalties (Mayor Kleiman).
● Parent Accountability Measures – Direct staff to prepare an ordinance setting forth potential new regulations to encourage parental responsibility for minors who engage in unlawful or disruptive conduct, consistent with applicable state law (Mayor Kleiman).
● Safety Enhancement Zone Modifications – Direct staff to prepare an ordinance setting forth potential revisions to the City's Municipal Code to address public safety concerns during spring break and around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day (Mayor Kleiman).
● Recognition of Open-Water Lifeguards – Consider supporting House Resolution 1188 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 192, which would both recognize open-water Lifeguards as First Responders and Emergency Response Providers (Councilmember Weigand).
All A-1 matters were approved collectively by a unanimous straw vote of the Council.
III. CONSENT CALENDAR
The following conflicts and recusals were noted prior to consideration of the Consent Calendar:
● Councilmember Weber declared a conflict on Item 6 based on personal residence.
● Councilmember Stapleton declared a conflict on Items 2 and 14 based on real property interest at 4141–4110 MacArthur Boulevard.
● Mayor Kleiman declared a conflict on Item 2 based on her husband's company receiving income from Intercorp related to projects outside the city limits.
The following members of the public commented on Consent Calendar items:
Joy Brenner (former Councilmember) urged the Council to maximize the inclusionary affordable housing percentage under Item 2, noting that higher affordable unit rates reduce future density obligations.
Adam Leverenz similarly opposed the reduction of the inclusionary percentage under Item 2 from 15% to 6%, and raised concerns about the City's response to housing mandates under Item 21, asserting that the Council approved more housing units than state mandates required while continuing to blame Sacramento.
Jim Mosher raised concerns about Item 4 (Resolution No. 2026-55), arguing that using public resources to urge voters to vote for or against specific ballot measures constitutes express advocacy prohibited under California law. City Attorney Aaron C.
Harp responded that expressing the Council's opinion on ballot measures is legally permissible, and that actual campaign activity with public funds would be prohibited.
1. Reading of Minutes and Ordinances
1. Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes for the July 14, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION
2. Ordinance No. 2026-10: Approving Amendment to Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan (PC-11) Related to the Minimum Percentage of Inclusionary For-Sale Housing within the Residential Overlay (PA2025-0196) a) Find the adoption of this ordinance is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines. The proposed action is 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; and
b) Waive full reading of an Ordinance, read by title only, conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-10, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving an Amendment to the Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan (PC-11) to Revise the Minimum Inclusionary For-Sale Housing Percentage Required within the Residential Overlay (PA2025-0196).
3. Resolution No. 2026-54: Approving a Side Letter Agreement Between the City of Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Fire Management Association Related to Holiday In-Lieu Pay
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. 2026-54, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving a Side Letter of Agreement Between the City of Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Fire Management Association Related to Holiday In-Lieu Pay.
4. Resolution No. 2026-55: Supporting and Opposing Various Propositions on the November 2026 Ballot
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. 2026-55, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach Supporting Proposition 39 (Voter Identification, Citizenship Verification, and Registered Voter List Administration Initiative), Proposition 41 (Prohibit Excluding New State Taxes from Spending Limit and Require Special Tax Audits Initiative), and Proposition 42 (Prohibit New Taxes on Retirement Holdings, Personal Assets, and Savings and Limit Retroactive Taxes Initiative) and Opposing Proposition 40 (One-Time Wealth Tax for State-Funded Healthcare, Education, and Food Assistance Programs Initiative) on the November 2026 Ballot.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
5. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Ocean Pier Maintenance - Notice of Completion for Contract No. 9759-3 (25H03)
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) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project.
6. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Playground Improvements Project - Notice of Completion for Contract No. 9753-1 (25P01) (Councilmember Weber recused) 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) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project.
7. Street Pavement Repair Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 - Notice of Completion for Contract No. 9946-1 (26R03)
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) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project.
9. Approval of Purchase Order with Charles King Company for Equipment Rentals
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) Authorize the City Manager to approve a purchase order for equipment rentals from Charles King Company, over the next three fiscal years ending June 30, 2029, with an option for two additional years, up to a total amount of $400,000.
10. Approval of On-Call Professional Services Agreements for Architectural Design 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 On-Call Professional Services Agreements with SVA Architects, Inc., COAR Design Group, TAIT & Associates, Inc., BOA Architecture and Ware Malcomb for Architecture Services, with each agreement being for a term of three years and a total not-to-exceed amount of $400,000 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreements.
11. Approval of On-Call Professional Services Agreements for Civil Engineering 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;
b) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. for Civil Engineering Services, for a term of five years and a total not-to-exceed amount of $500,000 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreements; c) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Dudek for Civil Engineering Services for a term of five years and a total not-to-exceed amount of $500,000 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreements; and d) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with TAIT & Associates, Inc. for Civil Engineering Services, for a term of five years and a total not-to-exceed amount of $500,000 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreements.
12. Approval of On-Call Professional Services Agreements for Traffic/Transportation Engineering & Wayfinding/Mobility Sign Design 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) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for Traffic/Transportation Engineering & Wayfinding/Mobility Sign Design for a three-year term and total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement; c) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., for Traffic/Transportation Engineering & Wayfinding/Mobility Sign Design for a three-year term and total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement; d) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Arcadis U.S., Inc. for Traffic/Transportation Engineering & Wayfinding/Mobility Sign Design for a three-year term and total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement; and
e) Approve On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Hunt Design Associates, Inc for Traffic/Transportation Engineering & Wayfinding/Mobility Sign Design for a three-year term and total not-to-exceed amount of $200,000; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
13. Park Avenue & South Bay Front Alley Pavement Restoration - Award of Contract No. 9451-3 (27R11)
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) Award Contract No. 9451-3 to Nobest, Inc. for the total bid price of $3,690,135 for the Park Avenue & South Bay Front Alley Pavement Restoration project, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract; and
d) Establish a contingency of $740,000 (approximately 20% of the total bid) to cover the cost of unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
14. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Dokken Engineering for the Birch Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project - Contract No. 10147-1 (27R13) (Councilmember Stapleton recused)
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 a Professional Services Agreement with Dokken Engineering, Inc. of Irvine, for Birch Street Pavement Rehabilitation Design Services for a total not-to- exceed amount of $356,200 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
15. San Miguel Drive Pavement Rehabilitation - Award of Contract No. 9855-2 (26R11)
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) Award Contract No. 9855-2 to All American Asphalt for the total bid price of $2,668,112 for the San Miguel Drive Pavement Rehabilitation project, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract; and
d) Establish a contingency of $270,000 (approximately 10% of the total bid) to cover the cost of unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
16. Approval of Maintenance/Repair Services Agreement with Superior Property Services, Inc., for Sidewalk Steam Pressure Washing Services (Contract No. 9832-1)
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;
b) Approve a Maintenance/Repair Services Agreement with Superior Property Services, Inc. for Sidewalk Steam Pressure Washing Services for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,570,310, with a term of five years and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
17. Approve Amendment No. One to Professional Services Agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC for Parking Management and Enforcement 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) Approve Amendment No. One to the Professional Services Agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC for Parking Management and Enforcement, increasing the total not-to-exceed compensation amount to $10,688,165; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
c) Establish an additional contingency of $65,534 (10% of the amended cost) to address unforeseen operational needs associated with providing the enforcement services; and
d) Approve Budget Amendment No. 27-006, increasing expenditure appropriations by $250,000 from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance to account number
0103032-811030, offset by a corresponding increase in revenues to account number 0103032-531045.
MISCELLANEOUS
21. Response to Grand Jury Report: "California Housing Mandates: The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods"
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 the City's response to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "California Housing Mandates: The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods" and authorize the Mayor to submit the response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange County pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05(a) and (b).
22. Response to 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report "PFAS and Public Awareness, a Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water" 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 the City's response to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report "PFAS and Public Awareness, A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water" and authorize the Mayor to submit the letter to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange County pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05(a) and (b).
23. FY 2025-26 Annual District Discretionary Grant Report and the Grants and Donations Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2026
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) Receive and file.
Motion: to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, excluding Items 8, 18, 19, and 20 (pulled by Councilmember Grant), with recusals from Councilmember Weber on Item 6, Councilmember Stapleton on Items 2 and 14, and Mayor Kleiman on Item 2, was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Weber. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Accepting the Newport Transportation Center Relocation Term Sheet Related to the Executed Cooperative Agreement with the Orange County Transportation Authority
City Manager Seimone Jurjis provided a staff report explaining this nonbinding term sheet would commit OCTA to evaluating a relocation of the Newport Transportation Center by the end of 2031, with the City funding 100% of relocation costs.
The following members of the public commented:
Dennis Bress (Balboa Island) expressed support, viewing the OCTA relocation as a prerequisite for his preferred option of rebuilding the police station at its current Santa Barbara site.
Walter Stahr opposed the item, arguing that moving Fire Station No. 3 to the OCTA site would harm emergency response times for East Bluff residents and that the real motivation for the relocation was to clear the Santa Barbara site for residential development by TIC.
Denys Oberman argued the staff report was inadequate, lacking analysis of impacts on bus riders and the broader transportation network.
Ron Rubino (Eastbluff Homeowners Association) expressed concern that relocating Fire Station No. 3 to the OCTA site would extend emergency response times to Eastbluff, which currently benefits from the station's direct Jamboree access.
Jim Mosher questioned the staff report's claim of no fiscal impact, noting the term sheet language states the City shall fund 100% of project costs with OCTA having no funding obligations.
Carole King (Irvine Terrace) asked for clarification on timelines and whether the sequencing of these actions was driving the push toward the Civic Center Park site.
Councilmember Stapleton noted this was a continuation of direction already discussed and approved in the prior year's budget, and the nonbinding nature of the term sheet warranted continued support.
Councilmember Grant expressed support for completing the ongoing OCTA study due in November and found the term sheet premature at this juncture, but nonetheless voted in favor to preserve study continuity.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom expressed strong support, crediting the partnership with OCTA and the evolution of transportation needs in Newport Beach.
Motion: to approve staff recommendation on Item 8 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) Authorize the City Manager to execute a term sheet between the Orange County Transportation Authority and the City of Newport Beach establishing a framework for continued coordination on the potential relocation of the Newport Transportation Center was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Mayor Kleiman. The motion carried unanimously.
18. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with LPA, Inc. for Police Headquarters Architectural Services - Contract No. 10129-1
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 a Professional Services Agreement with LPA, Inc. for Newport Beach Police Headquarters Architectural Services for a total not-to-exceed amount of $12,459,820, authorize LPA, Inc. to proceed with Conceptual Design (Phase 1a) of the Scope of Work for a total not-to-exceed amount of $713,080, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
19. Professional Services Agreement with EPD Solutions, Inc. for Preparation of a Subsequent EIR Related to the Possible Relocation of the Police Headquarters to the Civic Center Campus and Amendment No. One to the PSA with LSA Associates, Inc. for On-Call Professional and Technical Environmental 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;
b) Approve Amendment No. One to the Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. for On-Call Professional and Technical Environmental Services for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000 and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the agreement; and
c) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Planning Development Solutions, Inc. for Environmental Impact Report Services Related to the Newport Beach Police Headquarters Relocation for a total amount not-to-exceed $346,330 and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
20. Professional Services Agreement for On-Call Police Station Strategic Communications with Westbound Communications, Inc.
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) Approve an On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Westbound Communications, Inc. for Police Station Strategic Communications for a total amount not-to-exceed amount of $315,000 and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
City Manager Jurjis presented a combined staff report on Items 18, 19, and 20. He explained that Items 18 and 19 together would fund conceptual architectural design and environmental review for the Civic Center site, addressing complex habitat, species, and topographic challenges that require expert consultants. Item 20 would engage Westbound Communications, Inc. to support public outreach, including development of FAQs given the demands on City staff across multiple concurrent
projects. The combined expenditure of approximately $1.374 million falls within the $1.5 million already set aside by Council during the budget process.
The following members of the public commented:
Dennis Bress (Balboa Island) asked for clarification on the distinction between the $713,000 authorized for Phase 1 and the total $12 million contract ceiling.
Susan Skinner characterized the contracts as non-transparent and inappropriate given public opposition to the Civic Center site.
Jim Mosher argued that the Council should first determine whether the Civic Center is an appropriate site before spending over $1 million to study its feasibility, and urged that the outreach contract prioritize listening over messaging.
Denys Oberman stated the contracts are out of sequence with a proper planning process, which should include defined site evaluation metrics applied equally to all candidate sites before any EIR or design work is commissioned.
Adam Leverenz expressed skepticism about the need for a PR firm given the scale of public opposition, and questioned who is directing staff given the absence of comprehensive information in staff reports.
Keith Curry cautioned that the combined financial obligations—OCTA relocation, transit center purchase, fire station construction, Santa Barbara lease-back, and consulting contracts—could total $72–$79 million before any site preparation, and suggested the funds could instead be applied to purchase a ready alternative site.
Nancy Skinner asked that an equivalent study be commissioned for the Santa Barbara site.
Walter Stahr opposed all three contracts except the amendment to LSA for the ongoing bio-survey, characterizing the PR contract as an attempt to use "the magic of Madison Avenue" to change public opinion on a site the community does not want.
Mary Ann Soden (Newport Beach resident) suggested the Council focus the environmental work on site suitability and ensure the advisory committee evaluates all three sites equally before proceeding with design.
Nancy Gardner expressed confusion over why a conceptual design is being commissioned before a site has been formally selected.
Councilmember Grant stated that while she respects the work of LPA and her colleagues, she believes these contracts are premature, risk prejudging the outcome of the ad hoc process, and undermine public confidence. She expressed particular concern about the EIR being initiated for only one site and about retaining a PR firm before a site, funding plan, or defined scope has been established.
Councilmember Barto noted that the architecture scope includes programming work regardless of the final site, and asked about geotechnical borings and EIR scope for other sites. Staff confirmed that full geotechnical work would occur in later phases and that other sites such as Dove Street and Santa Barbara would require substantially less environmental review given their developed character.
Councilmember Stapleton supported Items 18 and 19 as a continuation of the March Council direction, but opposed Item 20, expressing confidence in City staff and elected officials to communicate directly with constituents without a PR firm.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom supported all three items, noting that the Civic Center site itself was built over similar environmental objections, and framed the expenditures as prudent due diligence on a complex site in the interest of fiscal responsibility and City improvement.
Motion: to approve staff recommendation on Item 18 was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Weber.
The motion carried 6-1, with Councilmember Grant opposed.
Motion: to approve staff recommendation on Item 19 was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Weber.
The motion carried 6-1, with Councilmember Grant opposed.
Motion: to approve staff recommendation on Item 20 was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Weber.
The motion carried 5-2, with Councilmember Grant and Councilmember Stapleton opposed.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
24. Ordinance No. 2026-11: Amending Newport Beach Municipal Code Section
3.36.030 Related to Cost Recovery Percentages, and Resolution No. 2026-56:
Adopting Certain Fees Within the Schedule of Rents, Fines and Fees Budget Analyst Abigail Marin presented the staff report, explaining the item updates the fee schedule to establish a Tobacco Retailer Permit Fee, a Wireless Facility Permit Fee, and an Eligible Facilities Request Permit Fee; revises administrative citation hearing fees so that unsuccessful hearings carry a fee of $185 while successful hearings remain at zero cost recovery; and streamlines the municipal code by moving cost recovery percentage references from the ordinance into the City's fee resolution.
Jim Mosher expressed concern that removing cost recovery percentages from the municipal code into a resolution reduces transparency, as ordinance changes require public notice and formal adoption while resolution changes do not.
The public hearing was closed. No Council discussion followed.
Motion: 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 No. 2026-56, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Establishing a Tobacco Retailer Permit Fee, a Wireless Facility Permit Fee, Incorporating Fee Modifiers from Former Exhibit A of Section
3.36.030 (Cost Recovery Percentages) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and Revising Administrative Hearing Fees in the Schedule of Rents, Fines and Fees; and c) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-11, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport, California, Amending Section 3.36.030 (Cost Recovery Percentages) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code and Repealing Exhibit A of Section 3.36.030 (Cost Recovery Percentages) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and pass to second reading on August 25, 2026.adopt Resolution No. 2026-56 and introduce Ordinance No. 2026-11 per staff recommendation was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Stapleton. The motion carried unanimously.
25. Ordinance Nos. 2026-12 and 2026-13 and Resolution Nos. 2026-57 and 2026- 58: Approving the 1300 Dove Street Townhome Project (PA2025-0170) (Councilmember Stapleton recused based on real property interest.) Assistant Planner Oscar Orozco presented the 1300 Dove Street Townhomes Project, a proposed 132-unit for-sale residential townhome development in the airport area, located at 1200 and 1300 Dove Street and 4041 MacArthur Boulevard. The project demolishes approximately 175,000 square feet of existing office space and includes 36 detached 3- and 4-story buildings, 7 very-low income affordable units (5% of total), a 10-year development agreement, a general public benefit fee of approximately $3 million, development impact fees of approximately $2.6 million, and a density bonus law request to reduce in-lieu park fees from $48,987 per unit to $7,661 per unit. The project was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission on June 4, 2026, and deemed consistent with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan on July 16, 2026.
The applicant's representative, Allie Meister on behalf of Lincoln Property Company, briefly addressed the Council expressing appreciation for the collaborative process.
The following members of the public commented:
Nancy Skinner (resident) asked how the affordable units would remain affordable long- term and avoid conversion to market-rate rentals.
Dennis Bress (Balboa Island) expressed enthusiasm for the project and the broader vision of an "Airport Village" neighborhood.
Jim Mosher urged the Council to pause approval and have staff investigate whether the applicant's density bonus law claim for the park fee reduction is correctly interpreted under current 2024–2026 state law, arguing the correct base density calculation would require 17 affordable units rather than 7.
Adam Leverenz urged consistency with Item 2's 6% inclusionary rate and echoed Mosher's concerns regarding the density bonus law analysis.
Councilmember Grant confirmed with Community Development Director Jaime Murillo that the in-lieu park fee trade-off was fair given the voluntary provision of 7 very-low income for-sale units, the $3 million unrestricted public benefit fee, and the over $17 million in park fees already committed by other airport area projects. She acknowledged the importance of carefully developing the airport area as a new village.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom commended the development as an important step toward creating an affordable-access residential community in Newport Beach and expressed pride in the City's approach to balancing market conditions with affordability goals.
Motion: to approve staff recommendation on Item 25 a) Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 57, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Adopting an Addendum to the Newport Beach General Plan Housing Implementation Program Final Program Environmental Impact Report SCH No. 2023060699 for a 132-Unit Residential Townhome Project Located at 1200 Dove Street, 1300 Dove Street, and 4041 MacArthur Boulevard (PA2025-0170);
b) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-12, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving a Zoning Code Amendment for a 132-Unit Residential Townhome Project located at 1200 Dove Street, 1300 Dove Street and 4041 MacArthur Boulevard (PA2025-0170), and pass to second reading on August 25, 2026;
c) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-58, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving a Major Site Development Review, Vesting Tentative Tract Map, and an Affordable Housing Implementation Plan for a 132-Unit Residential Townhome Project Located at 1200 and 1300 Dove Street, and 4041 MacArthur Boulevard (PA2025-0170); and
d) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-13, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Approving a Development Agreement for a 132-Unit Residential Townhome Project Located at 1200 Dove Street, 1300 Dove Street and 4041 MacArthur Boulevard (PA2025-0170), and pass to second reading on August 25, 2026.per Ordinance Nos. 2026-12 and 2026-13 and Resolution Nos. 2026-57 and 2026-58 was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Mayor Kleiman.
The motion carried 6-0, with Councilmember Stapleton recused.
V. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION
No motions for reconsideration were made.
VI. CLOSED SESSION
26. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1): 7 matters.
Prior to closed session, Councilmember Stapleton declared recusals on Closed Session Items A and B based on a perception of bias, and on Item C based on real property interest at 4141–4110 MacArthur Boulevard.
Jim Mosher commented that the City needs to promote more public participation via Zoom connection available to the public.
City Attorney Harp announced the Council would convene in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the following matters:
● A. Robert Welbourn et al. v. the City of Newport Beach, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01365757-CU-EI-NJC
● B. Adam Holiday et al. v. the City of Newport Beach, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01353566-CU-EI-NJC
● C. Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. City of Newport Beach, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01428295-CU-WM-CXC; California Court of Appeals Case No. G065816
● D. Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. City of Newport Beach, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2026-01572799-CU-WM-CJC ● E. Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. City of Newport Beach, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2026-01579137-CU-WM-CJ ● F. City of Newport Beach v. Newport Beach Stewardship Association & Newport Beach Stewardship Association v. Lena Shumway et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2026-01559183-CU-JR-NJC ● G. City of Newport Beach et al. v. Robert Page et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2026-01580961
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp stated there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session and that Councilmember Stapleton was recused on items A, B, and C Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. in memory of former Newport Beach Mayor and Councilmember Jan Debay, who passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 88, after more than three decades of public service to the Newport Beach community.
Councilmember Weigand delivered remarks honoring her legacy, including her contributions to the Central Library, Castaways Park, and the Balboa Island Fire Station.