COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

ISSUE: Lease agreements with Newport Mesa Unified School District

for the use of Rea School and Balearic School sites

ACTION: Approved 5 to 0

SUMMARY: The City Council will lease a 30,000-square-foot area of vacant

land at Rea School for $1. A one-year extension of a $46,142 lease

agreement for Balearic School property also was approved. Before Rea

School was reopened to students, the city had used it as a community

center and playground. Because of its location and community needs, the

city has considered it for a park site. Although there is no funding for

the park now, it could prove to be a low-cost site in the future because

the city would not have to purchase it. The land also is already

developed with turf and irrigation. Balearic School continues to be an

active community center where an early childhood program operates and

classes and community rentals are available.

ISSUE: Submit an application to the Orange County Transportation

Authority for a grant to resurface regional streets, freeways and

arterials

ACTION: Approved 5 to 0

SUMMARY: There is $60 million available in federal grant funding for

regional street resurfacing. Costa Mesa will submit an application for

the grants, which require a 12% local match. Staff has recommended the

following streets for consideration: Anton Boulevard onramp at the

northbound San Diego Freeway; Newport Boulevard from 19th Street to 17th

Street; East 17th Street from Orange Avenue to Irvine Avenue; the Costa

Mesa Freeway and Baker Street interchange; Wilson Street from Newport

Boulevard to Fairview Road.

ISSUE: A three-year agreement with the Orange County Humane Society to

continue providing animal shelter and related services to the city

ACTION: Approved 5 to 0

SUMMARY: The Orange County Humane Society has provided the city with

animal services since 1993. The council approved a three-year agreement

with the Humane Society at an estimated cost of $57,570 a year. However,

there is no annual fixed cost because contracting agencies share

proportionately in the budget. The Humane Society is also planning an

expansion and/or relocation to the former Tustin Marine Corps Air

Facility. Staff believes Costa Mesa’s share could be substantial.

ISSUE: Accept work on the Bristol Street improvements from the Corona del

Mar Freeway to Red Hill Avenue

ACTION: Approved 5 to 0

SUMMARY: The council accepted the completed work on the Bristol Street

improvements. Holland-Lowe Construction Inc. received a $707,480 contract

in June 1998 to construct new roadway, storm drain inlets, driveways,

sidewalk and curb and gutters along Bristol Street. The firm also

installed lighting and widened the street. In January, the council

approved a budget adjustment of $151,000 for additional utility

relocations and construction costs.

-- Elise Gee