Newport Beach city council preview

Here are some items the council will consider tonight:

CITY MANAGER’S CONTRACT

City Manager Homer Bludau’s effective job performance merits a new contract with more benefits and a 9% raise over two years, an ad hoc committee of three council members recommends.

According to a report from the committee, Bludau’s salary is far below what some cities in Orange County pay their managers, and the committee cited a 2005 news article that showed Bludau’s compensation ranked 15th among the county’s 34 cities. Bludau has not had a raise since 2004 and his job requires him to handle a number of complex issues as well as a $190-million budget, according to the report.

The new two-year contract would give Bludau a 5% raise in 2006 and a 4% raise in 2007, boosting his base salary from $186,178 in 2005 to $203,816. He also would receive a car allowance of $450 per month and five more days of administrative leave, bringing his total days to 15.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council is likely to approve the city manager’s new contract.

BAYSIDE DRIVE HOMES

A 64-unit apartment complex at 919 Bayside Drive would be replaced with a 17-lot, gated, single-family development, if the council agrees. The subdivision, planned by UGS Development Inc., would sit on a nearly 4-acre parcel adjacent to the bay, and docks there that now are rented out would be used by the subdivision’s homeowners.

The development also includes a public walkway along the water that might be reconfigured. Because city codes require developments on the water to improve public access to the waterfront, the council at its Jan. 10 meeting spent some time discussing whether the floating walkway meets requirements or if on-land access should be provided instead.

A new proposal from the developer would place part of the walkway on land and add a ramp for the disabled.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Planning staff members suggest the new walkway proposal improves the public’s access, but the council could still ask for more changes.

CITY HALL, FINANCE COMMITTEES

Two people appointed to the facilities financing committee in January must be replaced: Keith Curry, who was to serve as chairman, was tapped to fill a City Council vacancy last week; Don Dalis had applied for a committee seat, but later declined the appointment because of a business conflict.

The committee will review the city’s facilities needs for the next 20 years and discuss ways to pay for building construction and maintenance. It must report to the council by May 1.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council will choose two of the five people who applied but were not appointed earlier. A new chairperson also must be named.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Newport Beach City Council meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m. today

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

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