NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

Here are a few items the council considered Tuesday.

LIFEGUARD CONTRACT

The city’s full-time lifeguards have a new contract that includes a 3%-at-50 retirement benefit, something they’ve unsuccessfully requested for the last few years. To convince council members to give them the new benefit, the lifeguard management association agreed to take smaller raises and do without some other items such as extra pay for longevity.

The contract covers 17 positions and lasts 2 1/2 years. Under the old contract, lifeguards had a 3%-at-55 benefit, which means they can retire at 55 and collect 3% of their salary for each year they worked for the city. The city’s police officers and firefighters also have 3%-at-50.

Two council members voted against the new contract. Councilwoman Leslie Daigle said she disagreed with the policy change on the 3%-at-50 when the city is trying to be more fiscally conservative, and Mayor Steve Rosansky said the benefit was first offered at a time when the stock market was doing well and the city didn’t have to pay as much for retirement benefits, but that’s no longer the case.

WHAT IT MEANS

The city’s 17 full-time lifeguards will get raises of 2% in July and 3% in July 2008. They’ll get a 3%-at-50 retirement benefit beginning in 2009.

SENIOR CENTER REDESIGN

The council voted unanimously to hire Robert R. Coffee Architect and Associates to draw up several alternatives for how the Oasis Senior Center can be refurbished. Council members have said fixing up the center will be a high priority in the next few years.

WHAT IT MEANS

The city will spend $98,840 on the contract with the architect, who will come up with several options for the senior center’s future.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Next City Council meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m., March 27

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

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

— Compiled by Alicia Robinson