City Council continues public discussion on Malarky’s plans

The Newport Beach City Council will resume a public hearing Tuesday night, and could possibly vote, on a Balboa Peninsula business owner’s application to increase occupancy limits at his establishment.

Malarky’s Irish Pub

first came before the City Council on April 26 with about 50 supporters and some opponents in attendance.

The council supported patio expansion plans by the pub’s owner, Mario Marovic, but a condition was delayed that would limit the Newport Boulevard bar’s late-night occupancy by preventing new patrons from entering the business after midnight.

At the 3 p.m. study session before the regular meeting, the council will again review the city’s fiscal year 2011-12 budget. The Municipal Operations Department director and heads of other non-public safety departments will present their budget cuts. Their proposals are in addition to the $3.4 million presented by the police and fire chiefs at the May 10 study session.

Newport is looking to trim about $8 million total from its annual budget.

Other council business for Tuesday’s 7 p.m. regular meeting includes the formation of a council redistricting committee, which occurs once every 10 years after Census data are released, and authorizing the city manager to enter into summer snack bar lease at Corona del Mar State Beach.

Officials will also conduct annual reviews of three Newport development-project agreements.

The North Newport Center Development, in progress since 2007, is an Irvine Co. plan to add office, residential and retail space to the North Newport Center Planned Community, in and around the Fashion Island area.

Fletcher Jones Motorcars is expanding its showroom and upgrading lights and signs, while Pacific View Memorial Park is adding mausolea and remodeling administrative offices.

Progress on all the projects will be up for public hearings and reviewed by the council.

The council is also expected to give final approval for a zoning change that would save the iconic surf shop, the Frog House, and an ordinance that will fine property owners up to $3,000 for throwing loud or unruly parties.

At its May 10 session, the council unanimously passed the zoning ordinance that allows the Frog House, the Cat Protection Society and another commercial building to stay at their current sites in West Newport.

On May 10, Council Members Ed Selich and Leslie Daigle voted against the proposed “Loud and Unruly Gathering” ordinance. A number of people spoke out against the ordinance, saying it would give the police too much power and possibly negatively affect homeowners’ property values.

—Alexandra Baird contributed to this report.

If You Go

What: Newport Beach City Council regular meeting

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach