INSIDE CITY HALL Here are some of...

INSIDE CITY HALL

Here are some of the issues that the Costa Mesa City Council

decided on Monday:

HAMILTON STREET COMMUNITY GARDEN

This issue was pulled off the consent calendar, where items are

usually approved without public discussion. The item called for

awarding a contract for about $71,000 to upgrade the property at 523

Hamilton St. Councilman Allan Mansoor said he was concerned about

spending so much in light of the budget constraints the city is

facing.

WHAT HAPPENED

The council voted not to award the contract and to bring the issue

back to the council for further discussion. Cowan dissented.

WHAT IT MEANS

The contract was not awarded.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I’m amazed,” said clearly disappointed Councilwoman Libby Cowan.

“I think it’s a shame that two times the City Council has chosen to

dismantle two projects slated for this site without regard to time,

energy and community needs.”

COMPLETION OF LANDSCAPE MEDIANS

This item was pulled from the consent calendar by resident Martin

Millard. Mansoor complained that the overall look of the landscaping

so far is “brown and dead.” The medians are on Coolidge Avenue

between Baker Street and Paularino Avenue. Millard said he wanted to

see more colorful landscaping.

WHAT HAPPENED

The council approved the completion of construction for the

medians. Cowan dissented.

WHAT IT MEANS

The contractor will be paid to complete the rest of the work.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I do not support not paying our bills,” Mayor Gary Monahan said.

“I understand you’re not happy at what’s out there, but the contract

was fulfilled. I don’t think this is the kind of message we want to

send out there.”

CONTINUED

These items were continued because of the late hour or a pattern

of deadlock among the four council members:

* Status report on Westside bluffs rezoning;

* Selection of new official city flag;

* Trash enclosure exemption for recycling programs;

* Shopping cart ordinance; and

* Fiscal year 2003-4 budget development strategies.

-- Compiled by

Deirdre Newman