NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

The City Council voted to approve a five-year plan for distribution of

community development block grant funds.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The plan will be used to distribute funds to local social service groups,

such as Serving People In Need and Olive Crest Homes and Services for

Abused Children.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“People sometimes accuse this council of lacking a vision. The fact is,

the General Plan is our vision,” said Councilman Gary Adams.

VOTE: 4-0 in favor

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council approved an amendment to extend the city’s contract with LSA

Associates, the consulting firm that is preparing an environmental impact

report on the Newport Dunes resort hotel project.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Residents at the meeting complained that the language of the

environmental impact report prepared by LSA Associates was confusing and

that LSA’s responses to questions about the report were ambiguous or

unhelpful. There was some disagreement about the appropriate action to

take. Mayor John Noyes felt that LSA should not necessarily receive more

funding until the issues of clarity were resolved, but Adams argued for

the money to keep flowing as long as the consultant was being asked to

work.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“[LSA] came back with answers that were ambiguous,” Mayor John Noyes

said. “I think the consultant that’s asking for more money should at

least be here” at the meeting.

VOTE: 4-0 in favor

WHAT HAPPENED:

Jim Wood of the Newport Beach Public Library Board of Trustees and Dave

Carmichael of the Library Foundation took time during the public comment

period to announce that they have resolved their differences.

WHAT THEY SAID:

The library’s relationship with its foundation, Wood said, is now “one of

the most prolific and prospering” connections it has.

SOUNDING OFF

“The liquid amber is a deciduous tree. It will create problems for us in

the future.”

-- Councilman Tod Ridgeway, objecting to a proposal to plant liquid amber

trees, which could potentially shed leaves into the harbor along Jamboree

Road.

NEXT MEETING: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, Newport Beach City Hall,

3300 Newport Blvd.