NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider tonight.

CHILDREN’S GARDENThe council must decide whether to create a “sun and sea discovery garden” for children outside the main library on Avocado Avenue. The Friends of the Newport Beach Library have offered to foot the $139,530 bill for the garden, which will include a fountain and a maze-type pathway.

Outdoor storytimes can be hosted in the garden, and no adults will be admitted to the garden without a child. If the council agrees, the garden will be constructed by local firm Front Porch Creations within the next three months.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council members probably will support creating a children’s garden at the library.

SUNSET RIDGE PARKAfter months of negotiations, city and state officials have agreed to a $5 million price for a 15-acre piece of land the city plans to turn into a park. The parcel, near Superior Avenue and Coast Highway, is now owned by Caltrans but the state is selling it as surplus. The council will vote on whether to accept the proposed price.

In an earlier deal, the state would have let Newport pay $1.35 million up-front and then lease the parcel for a nominal fee, but Newport officials said they prefer to own it and that $5 million at today’s land prices is a great deal. The park has not been designed, but Councilman Steve Rosansky said it will likely include some ball fields. A 2005 estimate put the cost of developing the park at $5 million to $6 million.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will jump at the chance to buy the parkland at such a reasonable price. The California Transportation Commission also must vote to approve the sale, which could happen in early September.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GONewport Beach City Council meeting

WHAT:

WHEN: 7 p.m. today, with a study session at 4 p.m.

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

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