NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider tonight.

UTILITY TAXES

At the request of residents, the city has orchestrated projects to put utility lines underground in a number of specially created districts. The city forms the district, buries the lines and bills the cost to residents in the district. Three districts have collected surplus money, so if the council agrees, this will be given back to property owners who paid, or credited to those who still owe.

A district in Bay Shores collected an excess of $51,902; one in Beacon Bay has $63,338 to return; and a Peninsula Point district will pay back $83,461 to residents.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council will probably vote to return the extra utility burial assessments to property owners.

FIRE RESCUE BOAT

The oldest of the city fire department’s three rescue boats was made in 1977, and the department wants to replace it. A new fiberglass rescue boat, made by Crystaliner Corp. of Costa Mesa, would cost $317,862.

The city’s specifications dictate an all-fiberglass boat because it is more durable than the typical fiberglass and wood combination. Bids for the boat are not being requested because Crystaliner Corp. is the only company making all-fiberglass boat hulls.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This year’s budget included $300,000 for a new boat, so the council would have to allocate the remaining money. Council members are likely to vote to buy the boat.

BALLOT MEASURES

Council members will consider placing two items on the November ballot: an update to the city’s general plan and a charter amendment that would limit the use of eminent domain.

The general plan update has been in the works for several years now, and it’s the first major revision the plan has had since 1988. Council members are touting it for reducing the number of car trips predicted if allowed development is built.

The eminent domain measure was proposed by Councilman Keith Curry, presumably as a response to public concern over a Supreme Court ruling that broadly interpreted governments’ right of eminent domain.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will agree to place the measures on the fall ballot, which will be lengthy, including the growth control measure known as Greenlight II and six council seats.

? Compiled by Alicia Robinson