IRVINE : Ombudsman Post OKd by Council

The City Council has approved designating one person at City Hall to act as an ombudsman for local businesses.

The ombudsman will serve as a central contact for business people who need information about city regulations and licenses.

Councilwoman Paula Werner, who proposed having an ombudsman, said having one contact person to help guide business people through the city’s bureaucracy will help people see that Irvine is not unfriendly to business.

City Manager Paul O. Brady Jr. said Irvine has acquired a reputation of being a city that is difficult for businesses to deal with. Although he believes the reputation is unearned, he said, the perception remains.

“This city is not overly taxing the business community,” Brady said.

Most regulations business people complain about come from higher levels of government that the city cannot control, he said.

The ombudsman’s role will be held by Larry Larsen, Brady’s executive assistant. The title will not carry a pay increase or other added costs for the city, Brady said.

The council on Tuesday also approved Werner’s request to have city officials review all regulations and taxes affecting businesses and make recommendations on whether they are causing more harm than good.

Brady said he initiated that review a month ago and will try to bring the results to the council in November.

Councilman Bill Vardoulis said he wanted to be able to act on the results before he leaves office in November.