NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

PROPOSED ANNEXATIONS

Some of the most interesting issues the City Council will take on

tonight will happen before the official meeting starts. The proposed

annexation of Santa Ana Heights and Bay Knolls are a case in point.

At their study session, which will begin at 4 p.m., council members

will take a look at this issue. As the question of whether these areas

will be annexed looms, smaller questions linger. For example, should the

city grant the wish of Santa Ana Heights residents who want a community

center built with city redevelopment funds? And should homes in the

Emerson-Churchill area be included with Bay Knolls in annexation?

Skateboarding will also be on the table. To help figure out where,

exactly, skateboarding is permitted and prohibited in city parks, council

members will examine the issue in their study session.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Council members can’t take action in a study session, but it’s likely

that their findings on annexation could help to shape future council

decisions about Santa Ana Heights and Bay Knolls. With the skateboarding

issue, though, there’s no telling whether tonight’s discussion will take

form in future actions.

CITY ATTORNEY

City Atty. Bob Burnham is up for a $9,000-a-year salary increase. If

council members give their blessing, Burnham’s salary will go from

$156,000 to $165,000. Unlike other upper-level city staff, Burnham’s

compensation does not include a car allowance.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The item is on the council’s consent calendar, which means it’s

considered a routine approval. But any time there’s a question about how

to spend taxpayer money, outcomes are never guaranteed.

HARBOR COMMISSION

A Harbor Commission could be created tonight when council members vote

on their picks for the seven-member residents board.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The council will have to pare down its choices from 14 nominees, who include Seymour Beek, Ralph Rodheim and John Corrough. Their terms will

start as soon as the council makes its decision.

SOBER LIVING HOUSES

An agenda item regarding sober living houses will consider whether to

adopt some countywide guidelines for residential substance-abuse

treatment facilities. The action won’t affect the city’s existing

half-dozen or so sober living homes. No other such homes are slated to be

added to that total.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The guidelines lay down voluntary standards for the homes and won’t

affect those already operating in the city.

* Compiled by June Casagrande

FYI

* WHO: Newport Beach City Council meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m. today; study session is from 4 to 5 p.m.

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