Here are a few of the items...

Here are a few of the items the council considered Monday:

USER FEES AND CHARGES

The council considered whether to increase the fees such as

recreational fees, building permit fees and false alarm fees. The

last increase was made in August 2002. Finance officials did not

recommend any new fees.

Given the total estimated revenues for user fees and charges in

the 2003-04 budget, a 2% increase could result in additional revenue

of $105,000.

WHAT HAPPENED

The council agreed to continue the decision on fees and charges to

the next city council meeting, on Jan. 20. This decision was based on

staff members receiving lots of questions about the issue from the

public and the council, and a request from Southern California Edison

to continue the item so company representatives could meet with staff

members on some of the fees they are concerned about.

The council did decide unanimously to approve one fee as a

separate issue -- to only charge $150 for residents who want to take

back excess right-of-way property in the city’s possession.

Councilwoman Libby Cowan dissented.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I’m not quite sure why we need to continue this,” said Cowan, who

cast the dissenting vote. “Only five or six [fees] were called up by

SoCal Edison and they’re only bumped up by about $10.”

SCREENING REQUEST

The council considered an application from Grower’s Direct for a

general plan change for two neighboring parcels of land totaling one

acre at 1695 Superior Ave. and 635 W. 17th St.

Grower’s Direct is requesting the change in the land-use

designation for the property on 17th Street from light industrial to

neighborhood commercial. The proposal would allow the company to

relocate the existing business to a larger building.

WHAT HAPPENED

The architect representing Grower’s Direct suggested continuing

the item so the company could conduct a comprehensive traffic study

on the project, but council members decided to vote on the issue.

Despite the planning division’s recommendation to reject the change

because it didn’t meet any of the necessary criteria , the council

voted unanimously to approve the application. It will now go to the

Planning Commission for consideration.

WHAT WAS SAID

“This is just the sort of project that Costa Mesa needs and

especially the kind of project the Westside of our fair city needs,”

said Westside resident Kathleen Eric.

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT

The council considered a request from Councilman Allan Mansoor

that the city be included in any discussion between Newport Beach and

the county about the future operation of the airport. In November,

Newport Beach officials announced they were creating a Sphere Issues

Committee to consider a four-part plan that includes possibly

transferring the operations of the airport from county to city

control.

WHAT HAPPENED

The council unanimously approved the request.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I also commend Allan Mansoor for showing some leadership,” said

resident Beth Refakes. “Costa Mesa should play a major role. Newport

Beach has its own agenda, which probably not in the best interest of

Costa Mesa.”