Title
License Agreement with University of Southern California for Operation of a Coastal Observation System at the Newport Pier
Recommendation
a) Find this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing facilities) and Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because this project has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment;
b) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the License Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and University of Southern California for operation of a coastal observation system on City of Newport Beach property, on the Newport Pier located at 1 Newport Pier, in a form substantially similar to the amendment attached to the staff report; and
c) Approve a waiver of City Council Policy F-7 – Income and Other Property based on the findings contained in this staff report and the Agreement that charging less that fair market rent promotes the City’s goals to provide essential or unique services to the public that cannot otherwise be provided if full market rates were charged.