NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

--Compiled by June Casagrande

Here are some of the issues the Newport Beach City Council is expected

to tackle tonight.

Balboa Theater could get help

In the study session before their meeting, City Council members will

examine ways to help the Balboa Theater become a reality. On the table is

whether the city should pay $1.4 million to $1.6 million to buy the

building at 111 Main St. This would create space for the theater’s

dressing rooms and restrooms, while also solving a problem with the

electrical system.

What to expect:

Council members will bone up on the issue, considering the advantages

and disadvantages of such an investment. But because the issue is only

being studied right now, no action will be taken. The matter could,

however, appear on a future council agenda.

Trash collection for Newport Coast

The city will consider a contract with Waste Management of Orange

County to provide trash pickup for the newly annexed Newport Coast. The

weekly service, which the city agreed to pay for as part of its

pre-annexation agreement, will cost $13.03 per month per residents, plus

some fees for other services.

What to expect:

An opponent of the contract has said she will speak out against it as

a violation of Measure Q, a 1996 measure to ensure free trash pickup for

residents inside the city’s then-border. Officials counter that providing

trash pickup for about 2,600 Newport Coast homes is in accordance with

that measure.

Shellmaker Island project moves forward

A Marine Studies center at Shellmaker Island will come another step

closer to reality with tonight’s consideration of a request to a general

plan amendment for the project.

What to expect: The routine item on the council agenda will

likely be approved, moving forward a plan for the $4.5-million center

where water-quality testing and other environmental work will take place.

Speed limits for Newport Coast considered

Newport Coast residents could soon see some new city speed limits on

their streets that were Orange County domain until the area was annexed

Jan. 1. The council is expected to vote tonight on a plan to make

official speed limits on six streets in the area.

What to expect:

The measure is expected to pass, which will mean a 40-mph limit on

Newport Ridge Drive, a 45-mph limit on Ridge Park Road and Vista Ridge

Road, a 55-mph limit on Pelican Hill Road and on San Joaquin Hills Road

from Spyglass Hill Road to Newport Coast Drive, and a 60-mph limit on

Newport Coast Drive from Coast Highway to the toll road.

FYI

* WHO: Newport Beach City Council

* WHEN: 7 p.m. today, study session will begin at 4 p.m.

* WHERE: Council Chambers at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.