ON THE AGENDA Here are some...
ON THE AGENDA
Here are some items to be considered tonight by the Newport Beach
City Council.
ANNEXATIONS
The Santa Ana Country Club and residents of West Santa Ana Heights
have been lobbying to become part of Newport Beach despite the
county’s decision that they should become part of Costa Mesa.
Their once unlikely hopes moved a step closer to reality this fall
when the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission decided to
hear their pleas and reconsider whether they should be part of
Newport Beach or Costa Mesa. Now, in the middle of a six-month
reconsideration period, the Newport Beach City Council will take a
closer look at whether to embrace these areas. In a study session
before their regular council meeting, council members will discuss
the pros and cons of annexing the area.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Because this is only a study session item, the council will take
no decisive action. But it’s possible that tonight’s discussion will
be pivotal in shaping council opinion on the matter. At the heart of
the matter is money. West Santa Ana Heights and the country club are
within a county redevelopment area, which means large portions of
their property taxes are earmarked to pay off a county redevelopment
loan. The city has not yet completed a fiscal study of the area, so
it’s not known whether annexation would mean a financial surplus or a
burden.
BEACH IMPROVEMENTS
A project to improve Corona del Mar State Beach could be expanded
if council members agree to devote more money to a contract with
Robbins Jorgensen Christopher Architects. The company has proposed
expanding its originally proposed work in planning, design and
construction services for the project. The company’s contract was
originally $111,670. If council members say yes, that amount will
increase to $143,000. The money will come from funds from the
American Trader oil spill settlement, which are earmarked for such
improvements.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This item is on the consent calendar, which means it’s likely to
be approved.
NEWPORT COAST COSTS
When a group of residents last year fought to put Newport Coast
annexation to a vote, the city and the county’s Local Agency
Formation Commission incurred legal costs to defend their side. The
city paid $12,565 to retain Phil Cohn of the law firm Rutan and
Tucker. The county paid $20,865 to the firm of Best, Best and Krieger
for legal services in the matter. Under county rules, the city must
reimburse the county agency for such legal costs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
If council members follow staff members’ recommendations, the city
will reimburse the county its $20,865 in legal costs.
-- Compiled by June Casagrande
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