NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

APPROVED

DENIED

APPROVED

7-0

6-0

FYI

* WHAT: Next City Council meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m., Nov. 8

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

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

Here are a few items the council considered Tuesday.

OC MARATHON SPONSORSHIP

The council agreed to be a sponsor for the Orange County Marathon, which is scheduled for Jan. 8. This year -- the race’s inauguration -- the event drew more than 10,000 athletes and an estimated 25,000 spectators.

The marathon’s promoters said hundreds of Newport hotel rooms were booked in connection with the marathon, and they hope to attract more people next year.

The council voted to chip in $50,000 to be the main sponsor of the race, which begins in Newport but has much of its course and the finish line in Irvine.

WHAT IT MEANS

The city will spend $50,000 to be the event’s top sponsor.

NEW COMMITTEE

The council decided not to form a new committee to decide how to dole out federal grants and local funding for human services groups and community development projects.

Since the council ultimately approves how the funds are spent, staff members proposed a committee of three council members could review the grant applications.

Council members decided they will continue to consider recommendations made by the city manager’s office rather than forming a new committee, but they want more information on who is asking for grants before the final recommendations are made.

WHAT IT MEANS

The council will not form a new committee to review applications for city human services dollars and federal grant funds.

CORONA DEL MAR STATE BEACH

The city will add $40,502 for design services and $43,619 for testing to what it has already spent on improvements at Corona del Mar State Beach, the council agreed, and $200,000 more will be set aside as contingency funds for the project, which got underway in August. Upgrades at the beach will include a new building for lifeguards, concessions, and a marine life supervisor; walkways and walls with built-in seats.

In response to questions from Councilman Dick Nichols, the council heard that the city hopes to eventually replace all 10 of the beach volleyball courts that have traditionally been at the state beach.

All but two courts were taken out of commission for construction, but three more were expected to be added by this weekend.

WHAT IT MEANS

The city will spend $84,121 more on work related to the beach improvements.

-- Compiled by

Alicia Robinson