ON THE AGENDA Here are some items...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are some items the Newport Beach City Council will consider

tonight.

TREE POLICY REVIEW

An ad hoc committee has recommended changes to the tree trimming

and replacement policy as a condition of a lawsuit settlement with

the Balboa Arbor Society over ficus trees. The changes are expected

to make it cheaper for residents to have a tree replaced because

smaller trees will be allowed. The revisions will also streamline the

process of getting a tree removed and replaced.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Some residents are concerned about how trees affect their view,

while others want trees protected from removal, so public turnout is

expected for this item. A presentation by the general services

department on the proposed changes will take place before discussion.

COAST HIGHWAY AGREEMENT

Council members will consider passing a resolution to take over

from the state a portion of Coast Highway between Newport Coast Drive

and Jamboree Road in Corona del Mar.

WHAT TO EXPECT

While some council members said the $3.5 million the state will

pay for maintenance and repairs isn’t enough, all but Councilman Dick

Nichols voted at a March council meeting in favor of taking over the

section of Coast Highway. The acquisition will smooth the path for

plans to refurbish the Corona del Mar business improvement district

that are supported by businesses and residents.

WATER QUALITY INSPECTION FEES

Under the city’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System

permit, which is required by the federal Clean Water Act, the city

must inspect active construction sites to make sure urban runoff is

not getting into the storm sewer system. The city has performed more

than 280 inspections since October 2003. Council members will

consider an ordinance that would charge applicants for construction

permit fees to cover the cost of inspections.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The proposed fees are based on the value of the permitted project

and would range from $105 for projects up to $250,000 in value to

$560 for projects with values that exceed $1 million. This is a

second reading, so council members will vote on the ordinance, which

if passed will take effect in 30 days. They are expected to approve

it.

PURCHASE OF LIFEGUARD VEHICLES

Chevrolet is taking back lifeguard vehicles it has let the city

use for free since 1998. Therefore, council members will consider

amending the budget to purchase replacements. Chevy is discontinuing

the promotional lifeguard truck program and will be taking back its

13 vehicles by May 10.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The proposal on the agenda is to spend $179,050 to purchase seven

of the vehicles from General Motors Corp. and buy two additional

lifeguard vehicles for a total of $50,000. Some additional money

would be spent to transfer equipment to four city surplus vehicles

that will be added to the lifeguard fleet. This expense was not

budgeted but would be paid for with funds that were set aside for

vehicle replacement.

LIMITING SHORT-TERM LODGING PERMITS

The city attorney’s office suggested an ordinance prohibiting new

short-term lodging permits in areas zoned for single family, or R-1,

after June 1. The hope is to maintain the character of residential

neighborhoods that have lower densities and typically offer few

weekly or monthly housing rentals.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council will vote tonight and would have to pass a second reading

on May 11. It would not affect existing permits for short or long

term dwelling rentals.