Mooring modifications adopted by Newport Beach City Council

NEWPORT BEACH ― Mooring owners in Newport Beach’s harbor will be subject to a higher transfer fee, thanks to a City Council decision on March 28. Newport Beach City Council reviewed recommended modifications to the rules concerning mooring in its harbor as part of a study session at its Feb. 28 meeting and voted on these regulations exactly one month later. City Council initially voted 5-2 on the original proposals, with Council members Diane Dixon and Brad Avery voting no. Not common practice but permitted, Council member Scott Peotter requested a motion for reconsideration of the mooring transfer fees at the latter part of the meeting. Miller pointed out the mooring transfer fee was increased from 50 percent to 75 percent based on the direction of the last council meeting. This time, the City Council voted 6-1 to increase the transfer fee to 75 percent, with Mayor Kevin Muldoon voting no. “I, for one, don’t believe in increasing taxes and fees in the city, especially a city as well-heeled as we are for low-income boat access,” Muldoon stated prior to the final vote. A second reading of the revised rules will be conducted at the next City Council meeting. The Newport Beach Harbor Commission, in collaboration with Newport...