Newport Beach City Council Wrap-up

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council voted to raise off-season parking fees at the lots at Balboa

Pier and Corona del Mar to match summer rates.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Staff surveyed the majority of the parking facilities in Huntington

Beach, Crystal Cove and John Wayne Airport, which all use the same rate

year-round.

The new fees for Balboa Pier will be 25 cents for 20 minutes for

motorcycles, 50 cents for cars and $1 for larger vehicles. Corona del Mar

daily parking fees will be $3 for motorcycles, $6 for cars and $12 for

larger vehicles.

The council hopes that by having a single fee, it will eliminate

confusion caused by rate changes, update the 1992 fees and create

conformity throughout the city. The projected revenue increase is

estimated to be between $40,000 to $50,000 per year.

VOTE: Approved, 6-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council voted to restrict skateboarding throughout the entire Arches

Interchange at West Coast Highway and Newport Boulevard.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Complaints were filed with the Police Department about professional

skateboarders disrupting traffic in order to film a video. Also, the

skateboarders reportedly damaged the new landscaping and railings there.

In response, the council voted to restrict skateboarding activity in the

area.

VOTE: Approved, 6-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

Moving toward the annexation of Newport Coast, the council approved an

agreement made with the Irvine Ranch Water District.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The agreement is one in a series of tasks the city must complete in

anticipation of annexing Bay Knolls, Santa Ana Heights and Newport Coast.

In addition to addressing water provisions, Newport Beach also needs

county support on a property tax-sharing agreement and must reach

consensus on residents’ annexation issues.

It was agreed that in exchange for continued service, the water district

will give the city $25 million over six years. The council will decide at

a later date what will be done with the money.

VOTE: Approved, 6-0