COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

-- Elise Gee

ISSUE: Allocation of $122,498 in local law enforcement block grants,

which includes a matching city contribution of $12,250.

ACTION: Approved, 5-0

SUMMARY: The City Council approved recommendations from a citizen’s

advisory group on how to spend federal grant money on law enforcement.

The $122,498 was split up as follows: $27,000 for a computer/telephone

system that would notify residents of events such as missing persons

alerts, Neighborhood Watch notifications or emergencies; $25,000 for

replacing and upgrading shotguns; $20,000 for computer technology in a

police “command post” vehicle; $15,000 for a truck to carry surveillance

equipment; $13,498 for night vision binoculars; $12,000 for a voice

stress analyzer; and $10,000 for portable laptop computers. If there are

surplus funds, it was suggested that the money be used for a hostage

negotiation system.

ISSUE: Annexation of the Heinz Kaiser/Back Bay High School neighborhood

into the city.

ACTION: None taken. The item was withdrawn.

SUMMARY: It’s been a city goal to annex a number of county islands for

several years now. One of those islands includes the Heinz Kaiser/Back

Bay neighborhood. The city withdrew discussion of that annexation from

the agenda because of several developing issues. Beginning Jan. 1, cities

will be able to annex areas of 100 acres or less without going holding a

special election. The Heinz Kaiser/Back Bay neighborhood is 125 acres.

The city is planning to discuss adjusting boundaries so that two

annexation areas can be formed. Numerous residents attended the Monday

meeting, many of whom had already sent form letters protesting the

annexation. Residents said they preferred to remain separate from the

city and maintain their “unique” neighborhood identity.

ISSUE: Approve $25,000 for a traffic signal at Paularino Avenue and the

Costa Mesa Freeway.

ACTION: Approved, 5-0.

SUMMARY: A county and state project improving carpool lane connections

between the San Diego and Costa Mesa freeways is expected to increase

traffic on Paularino Avenue. The main reason for this is because the Red

Hill Avenue bridge will be closed for nine months so it can be rebuilt 16

feet higher to accommodate carpool bridges underneath. The Orange County

Transportation Authority has agreed to pay for a traffic signal at

Paularino Avenue and the Costa Mesa Freeway to help keep traffic moving.

That signal will be installed before Red Hill is closed in February.