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Mooring association urges broader stakeholder representation on proposed public lands trust ad hoc committee
Summary
Multiple speakers urged the council to expand a proposed Public Lands Trust Management Ad Hoc Committee and include affected tidelands stakeholders after a State Lands Commission staff report raised concerns about equity and transparency.
Public comment at the Feb. 10 Newport Beach City Council meeting featured extensive concern about proposed changes to tidelands administration and proposed mooring fee increases. The Newport Mooring Association asked the council to expand the composition of a proposed ad hoc committee charged with responding to a California State Lands Commission report and to include representatives from all categories of tidelands users.
A speaker representing the Newport Mooring Association said the committee should 'include stakeholders, representatives from each category of bridal land users that could potentially be impacted, including the resident mooring permit holders, non resident mooring mooring permit holders, a yacht club affiliated mooring permit holder, and at least 1 residential pier permit holder.' The group recommended those representatives be selected through an open process or nominated by user groups rather than appointed solely by the city.
Jennifer Creston read letters urging the council to replace harbor commissioners after the Coastal Commission rejected a harbor plan by a 9‑1 vote, saying the episode 'opened Pandora's box' and prompted the State Lands Commission review. Chris Bliss urged more stakeholder engagement, quoting Coastal Commission members who said there had been insufficient user involvement and called the situation inequitable.
Mooring permit holders said they face disproportionate fee increases and loss of transferability; one speaker said the city intended to raise mooring permit fees '3 to 500%.' Speakers repeatedly asked that the ad hoc committee include representatives selected through an open, transparent process to ensure the city's obligations as tidelands trustee are met.
Council did not take a final vote on committee composition during the meeting. The matter is tied to a proposed resolution (described in public comment as 'proposed resolution number 26, 20 20 six‑twelve to establish public lands trust management Ad Hoc Committee') and further deliberation and stakeholder outreach are expected.
Speakers urged the council to avoid 'Sacramento‑style politics' and to work collaboratively with harbor users to preserve the unique qualities of the harbor and public access.
