NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

ARTS FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Don Gregory, co-chairman of the proposed arts and education center,

has requested that the City Council reinstate one staff member to the

Arts Foundation. The committee is planning and raising funds for its $12

million project to turn the library into a cultural center.

What to expect: According to city policy, the planning staff has

recommended the council deny Gregory’s request. The policy requires

boards, commissions or committees to receive council permission to enter

into contracts. The Arts Foundation is nonprofit and was not established

by the city. Therefore, having city staff support could appear to erode

the independence of the foundation.

GREENLIGHT ANALYSIS

Once again, the city-commissioned analysis of the Greenlight

initiative is back in front of the council after some minor

readjustments.

What to expect: The council has avoided discussing the measure until

the study was completed. If the analysis is acceptable, council members

are expected to begin discussions about the initiative.

SLOWING IT DOWN

The council is expected to decide whether to approve a plan to install

landscaped islands to reduce speeds on Santiago Drive and Holiday Road

between Irvine and Tustin avenues. The project is estimated to cost

$200,000.

What to expect: City officials have recommended the council approve

the islands and hire an architect to assist in the final design.

ON THE COUNCIL: Mayor John Noyes, Tom Thomson, Tod Ridgeway, Jan

Debay, Dennis O’Neil, Norma Glover, Gary Adams

* Study session begins at 4 p.m.; regular meeting starts at 7 p.m. at

City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.