TELECOMMUNICATIONS City Council members will take...

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

City Council members will take a broad look at telecommunications

in the city at their study session before the council meeting

tonight. On the table will be how to approach questions about

cellular antennas, as well as cable television and Internet service.

City staff has proposed putting into place an ordinance to govern

whether the city should rent out space on its light poles, buildings

and other structures for cellular antennas. Whether or not they opt

to rent out antenna space, they may nonetheless decide that the city

needs clear rules governing cellular antennas.

The cable television issue, while much more contentious in the

city, might be somewhat routine in the study session. The issue

before council members is how to modify the municipal code in a way

that will lay the groundwork for future agreements with cable

providers.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The consensus from tonight’s talks will probably take form as an

agenda item at an upcoming council meeting.

HOAG HOSPITAL EXPANSION

An ordinance that would give Hoag a little more elbow room is

expected to get its final reading tonight. Council members will vote

on an ordinance designed to compensate the hospital for space it lost

when new state rules required the hospital to use more of its space

to house utilities and equipment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Though this could be a smooth finish to an otherwise bumpy ride,

it’s also possible that the controversy could continue tonight. Some

residents and council members have said they are concerned about the

possibility of giving the hospital too much free rein in its future

growth.

E-Z LUBE IN

CORONA DEL MAR

Council members will revisit the issue of whether an EZ-Lube

service station should be permitted at 3600 E. Coast Highway. The

Planning Commission shot down the company’s request to waive some

parking requirements on the grounds that the 2,641-square-foot

business didn’t fit in well with the rest of the neighborhood.

WHAT TO EXPECT

In part because some residents have written to the city to oppose

the project, there’s a good chance council members will reaffirm the

Planning Commission’s decision.

COMMISSION VACANCIES

A council subcommittee tonight will officially name its nominees

to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission and on the Parks Beaches

and Recreation Commission. The seats were left empty after Planning

Commissioner Mike Kranzley and Parks Beaches and Recreation

Commissioner Stuart Macfarland stepped down.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Replacements will not be

selected tonight; the nominees will be named.

MARINER’S MILE

Would a boat sales center help preserve the marine-oriented theme

of the Mariner’s Mile area? That’s the question council members will

consider tonight when they look at the future of Mariner’s Mile.

Council members will consider ways to continue to assure that marine

uses define the area. As part of this larger vision, they will

consider whether to lease land and sublease it to boat dealers to

create a boat sales center, which could also bring sales tax revenue

to the city.

WHAT TO EXPECT

No action will be taken tonight, but the discussion could have

long-term implications for the area and the city.

-- Compiled by June Casagrande