CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

The following is from the Laguna Beach City Council meeting of Oct. 21.

Mills Act Agreements

Agreements were approved between the city and the owners of 777 Manzanita Drive, with a K-rating on the city’s Historical Register and the owners of the K-rated Julia Bracken Wendt studio at 259 Arch St.

WHAT IT MEANS

The agreements reduce property taxes for the property owners. The savings are expected to be used to maintain or rehabilitate the structure. Periodic inspections are made by city staff to ensure compliance with the contracts.

Parking meter zone changes 5-0

The council approved revisions to the municipal code related to parking meter zones and rates.

WHAT IT MEANS

The revisions delete specific parking meter zone and rate information from the municipal code and incorporate the information into one resolution that can be revised as needed, and will include multispace meters.

One-way streets

A $29,252 contract with VA Consulting was approved for design engineering and construction assistance for the conversion of two streets to one-way traffic.

WHAT IT MEANS

Cliff Drive will become a one-way street from Broadway to Beach Street and Beach will become a one-way street from Cliff Drive to Broadway, plus a dedicated right and left turn lane will be created on Legion Street at South Coast Highway.

Sommet Du Monde appeal denied

The Council upheld Design Review board approval of a 3,829 square-foot home and 969-square-foot garage at 28961 Sommet Du Monde.

WHAT IT MEANS

The project will be able to proceed, with the condition that a rock outcropping remain intact and the dirt exported down Park Avenue be coordinated to avoid conflicting with school opening and closing times. Approved, 3-1, Iseman opposed, Pearson recused due to proximity of her property.

Design Board appointments

Incumbents Leslie LeBon and Ilsa Lenschow and newcomer Robin Zur Schmiede were appointed to two-year terms on the Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board. Incumbent Michael Wilkes was appointed to a one-year term as alternate.

South Laguna parking lot

The Council approved a $149,303 contract with Tyner Pavement Co. for the construction of the Seacove Parking Lot at 31581 Coast Hwy. Tyner submitted the lowest bid. The highest was $284,444.

WHAT IT MEANS

The city will be able to build the lot at a reduced cost. “I am one of the few people who like a recession,” City Manager Ken Frank said. “A couple of years ago, we couldn’t get a contractor. Now we have [more than] six bidding on a lousy little parking lot.”

— compiled by Barbara Diamond