City Council
Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2026, 4:00 PM
I. ROLL CALL - 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Mayor Pro Tern Noah Blom, Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Councilmember Sara J. Weber, Councilmember Erik Weigand
Staff Present: City Manager Seimone Jurjis, City Attorney Aaron C. Harp, City Clerk Lena Shumway
Invocation
The invocation was delivered by Councilmember Michelle Barto, standing in for Reverend Monsignor Doug Cook of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Sara J. Weber.
II. PRESENTATIONS
Recognition of Newport -Mesa Unified School District Students Mayor Kleiman presented certificates of recognition to two Corona del Mar High School student athletes: Sophia Szymanowski, 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 1 champion in the girls 100 -yard breaststroke, committed to swim at the University of Michigan; and Aaron Silva, 2026 CIF Southern Section Coastal Division wrestling champion at 126 pounds and the first three -time CIF wrestling champion in school history.
Proclamation Declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month - Second Harvest Food Bank
City Clerk Shumway read the proclamation declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month. The proclamation was presented to Janice Song, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Ambassador.
Janice Song thanked the City Council for its continued support and invited Councilmembers to attend the No Lunch, Lunch event on November 17 and to visit the food bank. Councilmember Weigand noted that the No Lunch, Lunch event features a quality lunch and encouraged community members to attend, describing it as a meaningful and inspiring event held at the Great Park in Irvine.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Gary Steinberg (Newport Heights homeowner) alleged that Assessment District 118- 2 was not created in accordance with the City's own underground utility district guidelines, citing improper boundary formation and lack of special benefit analysis, and questioned the neutrality of the petition process.
Rick Weiss (public speaker) alleged improper coordination between Assistant City Engineer Michael Sinacori and undergrounding proponents Michael Henn and Andrea Bird, claiming that proponents were permitted to make 72 revisions to official City petition documents, inserting self-serving language, and called on the Council to stop the district formation process.
Nancy Lyons (Newport Beach resident) presented information on behalf of Orange County United Way, highlighting the 211O0 free information and referral service and the OC Free Tax Prep program, which returned $29.2 million to the county and served 78 Newport Beach households.
Val Lyon (Newport Beach, 44 -year resident) alleged that undergrounding proponents used a digitally manipulated image of Redlands Avenue in their campaign materials and stapled it atop the official City petition, and called on the Council to halt the petition process.
Brigitte Ahrens (Newport Beach and Newport Heights resident) opposed the undergrounding effort, citing low wildfire risk and risks associated with underground utilities, and separately urged the Council not to locate the new police station on Civic Center Park land.
Lynda Adams (Newport Heights, 50 -year resident) cited California Election Code Section 9306, asserting that the 180 -day window for filing the undergrounding petition had elapsed as of the meeting date, rendering the petition void.
Coeli Hylkema (mooring permit holder) argued that the City's decision to end the historical mooring permit transfer system was made without stakeholder input and inequitably treats mooring permit holders compared to residential pier permit holders.
Adam Leverenz presented information regarding mooring permit holders' rights under the granting statute and the State Lands Commission's definition of recreational boating as a public trust -consistent use, and criticized the July 2024 City decision to eliminate mooring permit transfers.
Richard Moriarty (owner, 20462 Southwest Birch Street, Santa Ana Heights) described a nearly ten-year effort to obtain a certificate of occupancy for his property, alleging the City is using litigation and permitting obstruction as leverage, and asked the Council to facilitate resolution.
Carole King (Irvine Terrace) questioned why the City continues to expend taxpayer funds in court opposing citizen ballot initiatives, and separately reiterated her opposition to locating the new police station in Civic Center Park, suggesting the Dove Street property as a viable interim alternative.
Eplanet Thunderstriker attempted to address a global civics organization; comments were redirected by the City Attorney to remain within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council.
Jim Mosher raised concerns about the City's lack of publicizing Zoom participation opportunities, and questioned whether the rule barring a speaker who comments on a consent calendar item during general public comment from speaking again on the consent calendar was properly adopted by the full Council. 2 Joy Brenner (former City Councilmember) argued that continuing to spend taxpayer funds to oppose court -ordered citizen ballot initiatives constitutes a waste of public money and acts against the democratic interests of Newport Beach residents.
An unidentified speaker seconded former Councilmember Brenner's remarks and urged Councilmembers to heed community opposition to a police station in the park.
Samantha McDonald (liveaboard, Newport Beach, via Zoom) spoke in opposition to Item 13, the Balboa Bay Club lease renewal, arguing the lease violates existing statutes and represents discriminatory treatment favoring wealthy tidelands users.
CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORAL REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Weigand commended the Municipal Operations Department and lifeguards for their response to the significant tide surge and swell over the Labor Day weekend, and previewed the upcoming Battle of the Bay football game between Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar high schools.
Councilmember Barto also praised Public Works, police, fire, and lifeguard staff for their work during the challenging holiday weekend, and recognized Water Quality and Coastal Tidelands Committee member Sharon Ray for securing a $1.8 million grant for Upper Newport Bay restoration.
Councilmember Grant echoed compliments to public safety personnel, highlighted the Newport Fire Foundation's event featuring Vietnam veteran Captain Charlie Plumb, announced a free pet adoption event at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter on September 12th, promoted the Lido Legacy Live concerts on September 10th and 11th, and recognized Levain Bakery for donating grand opening proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Councilmember Stapleton thanked all public safety and City staff for their Labor Day weekend efforts, congratulated honorees at the Newport Beach Fire Foundation's Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation event, and announced a District 1 town hall on September 14th at Marina Park.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Adam Leverenz submitted written materials regarding Item 13, argued that the Balboa Bay Club's use has been declared non -compliant by the State Lands Commission, and suggested the lease extension presented an opportunity to negotiate for affordable coastal access or housing provisions.
Jim Mosher raised concerns regarding Item 12, noting confusion about who is responsible for preparing the harbor management response to the State Lands Commission, and echoed objections to the Balboa Bay Club lease extension under Item 13, citing repeated extensions that defer fair market rent collection.
III. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Barto announced a conflict of interest on Item 13 due to her membership at the Balboa Bay Club and recused herself from that item. 3 Councilmember Stapleton announced a conflict of interest on Item 8 due to a real property interest at 4100 and 4110 MacArthur and recused himself from that item.
Mayor Pro Tern Blom pulled Items 2 and 7 for separate discussion.
Motion: to approve the Consent Calendar, Items 1 through 16 (excluding Items 2 and 7, which were pulled for separate discussion), with noted recusals on Items 8 and 13, was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Stapleton. The motion carried by unanimous vote, 7-0.
The City Clerk read the title of the ordinance adopted under the Consent Calendar:
Ordinance No. 2026-14, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Chapter 5.95 (Short Term Lodging Permit) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
The following items were approved as part of the Consent Calendar:
1. Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes for the August 25, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting and for the August 18, 2026, Special City Council Meeting.
3. Ordinance No. 2026-16: Updating the Military Equipment Use Policy for the Newport Beach Police Department
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) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-16, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Updating the Military Equipment Use Policy for the Newport Beach Police Department and pass to second reading on September 22, 2026; and
c) Receive and file the 2024/2025 Military Equipment Use Report.
4. Ordinance No. 2026-14: Amending Chapter 5.95 (Short Term Lodging Permit) of the Municipal Code
a) Find the code amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, which states that an activity is not subject to CEQA if "[t]he activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment"; and
b) Waive full reading of an Ordinance, read by title only, conduct Second Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-14, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Chapter 5.95 (Short Term Lodging Permit) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
5. Resolution No. 2026-74: Modifying the Key & Management Compensation Plan and Approving Side Letters of Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Police Association, Newport Beach Police Management Association, Newport Beach Fire Management Association, and Newport Beach Lifeguard Management Association
4 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 Resolution No. 2026-74, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Modifying the Key & Management Compensation Plan and Approving Side Letters of Agreement Between the City of Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Police Association, Newport Beach Police Management Association, Newport Beach Fire Management Association, and Newport Beach Lifeguard Management Association Relating to Holiday Pay, Temporary Upgrade Pay, and Scholastic Achievement Pay.
6. Resolution No. 2026-75: Authorizing Execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Transfer of Public Funds with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the Health Plan -Provider Agreement with CalOptima, to Participate in the Medi-Cal Rate Range Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) Program
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. 2026-75, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Authorizing the Execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Transfer of Public Funds with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the Health Plan -Provider Agreement with CalOptima, to Participate in Medi-Cal Rate Range Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) Program; c) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Transfer of Public Funds with the California Department of Health Care Services;
d) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Health Plan -Provider Agreement Intergovernmental Transfer Rate Range Program Agreement with CalOptima; and e) Approve Budget Amendment No. 27 -017 -CC appropriating $137,957 in increased expenditures in account 01040404-821008 (IGT) from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance and increasing revenue estimates related to the Medi- Cal IGT program by $314,565 in Account No. 01040404-431246.
8. Bristol Street North, Spyglass Hill Road, and Von Karman Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation - Notice of Completion for Contract No. 8895-3 (25R1 1, 25R1 5, and 23R15) (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) Accept the completed work and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project.
9. Purchase of Police Department Vehicles
5 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 the purchase of six black -and -white Ford Explorer police patrol vehicles from the National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville using Sourcewell cooperative pricing and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase order in the amount of $354,938.46; and
c) Approve the purchase of nine unmarked administrative/investigative vehicles from the National Automotive Fleet Group of Watsonville using Sourcewell cooperative pricing and authorize the City Manager to execute purchase orders totaling $400,646.14.
10. Budget Amendment for Replacement of Utilities Department Vehicle Unit 9296
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 Budget Amendment No. 2027-014 appropriating $50,000 in increased expenditure appropriations from the Equipment Replacement Fund unappropriated fund balance to the Rolling Equipment account in Municipal Operations Account 7529032-911016.
11. Amendment No. Two to Professional Services Agreement with Turbo Data Systems, Inc. for Parking Permit Management and Citation Processing 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) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. Two to the Professional Services Agreement with Turbo Data Systems, Inc. for Parking Permit Management and Citation Processing Services and increase the total compensation with a not -to -exceed compensation amount of $1,652,496; and c) Approve Budget Amendment No. 27-019, increasing expenditure appropriations by $180,000 from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance to account number 0103032-811080, offset by a corresponding increase in revenues to account number 0103032-531045.
12. Professional Services Agreement for On -Call Harbor Management Community Outreach Services with JPW 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;
6 b) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an On -Call Professional Services Agreement with JPW Communications, Inc. for Harbor Management Community Outreach Services for a total amount not -to -exceed $195,342; and c) Establish an additional contingency of $9,302 (5% of the cost) to cover the cost of unforeseen needs.
13. Second Amended and Restated Ground Lease with Balboa Bay Club Ventures, LLC for the Tidelands Property Located at 1221 West Coast Highway (Councilmember Barto 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) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Second Amended and Restated Ground Lease by and between the City of Newport Beach and Balboa Bay Club Ventures, LLC, for the tidelands property located at 1221 West Coast Highway, in a form substantially similar to the agreement prepared by the City Attorney's Office.
14. Professional Services Agreement with Lincoln Property Company for Property Management Services at 1201 Dove Street
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 Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Professional Services Agreement with LPC West LP for Property Management Services for leasing, operations, and management of City property, an office building located at 1201 Dove Street, in a form substantially similar to the agreement attached to the staff report.
15. Budget Amendment to Accept a Check from the Friends of the Newport Beach Library and Appropriate Funds to the Library's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Maintenance and Operation Budget
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 a check in the amount of $200,000 from the Friends of the Newport Beach Library and approve Budget Amendment No. 27-008 to increase expenditures by the same amount in Division 0106052 (Friends).
16. City Hall and Limited Off -Site Holiday Closure (Beginning Thursday, December 24, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027)
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 closing City Hall and providing limited services at certain off -site facilities from Thursday, December 24, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 2— Ordinance No. 2026-15: Amending the Newport Beach Municipal Code to Address Illegal Activity and Public Safety During High -Risk Periods and Other Significant Crowd Events
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) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-15, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Subsection (B) (Safety Enhancement Zone) of Section 1.04.010 (Violations, Penalties and Enforcement) of Chapter 1.04 (Code Enforcement) of Title 1 (General Provisions), Amending Chapter 10.36 (Minor's Curfew), and Adding Chapter 10.80 (Public Safety Orders and Regulation of Large Gatherings) to Title 10 (Offenses and Nuisances) and Amending Section 11.03.020 (General Provisions) of Chapter 11.03 (Special Events) of Title 11 (Recreational Activities) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to Address Illegal Activity and Public Safety During High -Risk Periods and Other Significant Crowd Events and pass to a second reading on September 22, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom pulled this item not to oppose it, but to commend the collaborative, multi -departmental effort that produced the ordinance in a short timeframe following the July 4th events. Councilmember Grant expressed support for the ordinance but proposed deferring the vote to allow the community to hear directly from Police Chief Miner at the upcoming District 1 town hall, and to ensure a comprehensive public safety strategy accompanies the measures. Councilmember Weigand supported proceeding with the vote, noting the multiple enumerated exceptions within the curfew provisions and the discretion afforded to law enforcement.
Public speakers Adam Leverenz and Jim Mosher raised concerns about the 6:00 p.m. curfew for minors on major holidays, questioning whether that hour was appropriate and suggesting a sunset -based alternative, and urged further public discussion before adoption.
Andrew Gerken also suggested seeking external expertise before finalizing the ordinance.
City Attorney Harp clarified that the curfew is mandatory on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July but includes approximately 12 to 13 exceptions, such as when a minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian. Police Chief David Miner confirmed the measure is geographically and temporally limited and represents an additional public safety tool to address juvenile gatherings during high -risk holidays, noting that approximately 20% of the 439 arrests on the 4th of July were juveniles aged 13 to 17, and 97% of all arrestees were from out of town.
8 Motion to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-15 and pass to a second reading on September 22, 2026, was made by Councilmember Weigand and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Blom. The motion carried by unanimous vote, 7-0.
Item 7 — Resolution No. 2026-76: Creating the Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment; and
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-76, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Creating the Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Blom opposed creation of the ad hoc committee, stating his confidence in the city's professional public safety experts and characterizing an additional committee of non -experts as redundant. Councilmember Grant restated support for creating a committee to work in partnership with public safety professionals to coordinate evidence -based recommendations. No public comments were received.
Motion: to deny staff recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 2026-76 (Creating the Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee) was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blom and seconded by Councilmember Weber. The motion carried 4-3 AYES: Councilmembers Weber, Weigand, Mayor Pro Tem Blom and Mayor Kleiman NAYES: Councilmembers Grant, Barto and Stapleton
IV. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION
No motions for reconsideration were made.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
Susan Skinner argued that the City Council has improperly obstructed three citizen - gathered ballot initiatives at multiple stages of the process, and that a court has ordered the measures placed on the ballot, resulting in a potential special election cost of approximately $1.5 million to taxpayers.
Jim Mosher urged the Council to comply with the court order to hold an election on the three pending citizen initiatives, questioned which Councilmembers are directing the expenditure of funds on the related litigation, and noted a previously announced unanimous Council vote to support appeals if necessary.
V. CLOSED SESSION
17. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1): 2 matters.
A. 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
9 B. City of Newport Beach et al. v. Robert Page et al. Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2026-01580961
The Council recessed to Closed Session.
Closed Session Report
City Attorney Harp reported that there was no closed session report.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:17.m
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