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