o7Here are a few items the council...

o7Here are a few items the council considered Tuesday.

f7

EMPLOYEE CONTRACTS

The council approved new two-year contracts with employee unions

representing lifeguards, police and nonsafety employees. They’ll cost

the city about $4.8 million more over the next two years, but pay

hikes were factored into this year’s budget.

The contracts provide for raises and benefit changes including a

boost to employee health benefits, an extra 50 cents an hour for

lifeguards who are bilingual, and a new retiree medical program for

police employees. Councilman Dick Nichols dissented.

WHAT IT MEANS

Lifeguards, police and most of the city’s administrative and

technical workers will get raises ranging between 3% and 5% each year

of the contracts.

ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The council voted to disband its economic advisory committee,

which was formed in 2003 to vet proposals that could financially

benefit the city. The committee had only met twice since its

inception and hasn’t assisted the council or staff. It’s not to be

confused, however, with the economic development committee of many

years’ standing.

WHAT IT MEANS

The economic advisory committee has been abolished.

SIGN CODE

Updates to the city sign code are close to approval, after the

council passed a first reading of the changes. The sign code hadn’t

been overhauled since 1998. The changes included expanded criteria

for “heritage signs” that would be allowed even though they don’t

meet the code, new rules on flag displays and restrictions on the

size of signs. Dick Nichols abstained.

WHAT IT MEANS

The council must pass a second reading of the new sign code Sept.

27 before it becomes official.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Next City Council meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m., Sept. 27

* WHERE: Council chambers, City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

* INFO: Call (949) 644-3005 or visit www.city.newport-beach.ca.us

online