COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Items the council will consider Tuesday:

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

After working since 2004 to restore the historic Huscroft House, owner John Morehart is asking the city to adopt the Mills Act, which offers property owners tax breaks for preserving historic buildings. If the council supports the Mills Act, Morehart also wants the Huscroft House placed on the city’s historic register.

About 30 buildings in Costa Mesa might be eligible for Mills Act provisions if the council votes to adopt the 1972 law.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If the Mills Act is in place, the city could lose some property tax money from any qualifying properties, but because so few properties would be eligible, the loss is probably negligible.

YOUTH-INGOVERNMENT PROGRAM

The council failed to agree at a meeting and a study session on whether the city should sponsor a youth-in-government program. At the suggestion of Councilwoman Katrina Foley, city staffers started a program in late 2006, but other council members voted in January to cancel it because they said it wasn’t formed appropriately and they wanted more input on the program’s content.

A study session on the program in February was somewhat inconclusive, though some council members said they’d support a program that includes education but doesn’t give students an advisory role. City staff members are asking council members whether they want some type of program and what it should include.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It’s anyone’s guess whether council members can agree, after a two-hour discussion at the study session resolved nothing. Expect an education- only program that may not pass unanimously.

— Compiled by Alicia Robinson