ON THE AGENDA Here are some items...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are some items to be considered by the Newport Beach City

Council tonight.

2005 BUDGET

City officials have put together a conservative “status quo”

budget that includes $171.2 million in spending and anticipates

revenues of $156 million. The council will take a straw vote on a

checklist of supplemental items and capital projects totaling $13

million that officials thought warranted closer scrutiny.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council has spent about six hours reviewing the budget, so

aside from a few minor modifications, it likely will approve it.

RIDGE PARK ROAD SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION

After studying the issue at the request of area residents, staff

members are recommending a speed limit reduction from 40 mph to 30

mph on Ridge Park Road between San Joaquin Hills Road and Newport

Coast Drive because of on-street parking, intersections that are

close together and a curve that limits visibility.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The staff study showed most drivers travel at about 33 mph on that

section of the road, and the council has previously approved speed

limit reductions in Dover Shores, so the council is expected to

approve the ordinance.

RECYCLING SERVICE FEE INCREASE

Since June 2003, the city has charged $2.66 per month to

households that use recycling services. This fee has crept up

annually since recycling service was introduced in 1990 and will

increase to $2.81 per month if the council approves the change. The

state mandates cities to get at least 50% of households to

participate in recycling, and the monthly charge helps pay for the

service.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council usually approves similar increases each year, so it

probably will do so again, as the fee hike reflects an increased

amount of trash the city is handling.

CORONA DEL MAR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PLAZA

The Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation is proposing improvements

to the municipal parking lot and parkway near Coast Highway and

Marguerite Avenue. The project will commemorate Corona del Mar’s

100th anniversary and will include a time capsule monument topped by

a clock tower, a tile seat wall and trees and landscaping. The

council must approve the design concept.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This issue hasn’t formally come before the council yet, but there

hasn’t been any vocal public opposition. Council members may have

questions about parking or the height of the clock tower, but they

are likely to approve the project.