NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

-- Compiled by June Casagrande

PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS GETS CLOSER LOOK

In a study session before today’s meeting, City Council members will

look at options for dealing with the tricky issue of beach access -- ways

to assure public access to the beaches.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The study session item won’t receive any formal action, but will arm

council members to tackle the issue at an upcoming council meeting.

COUNCIL REDISTRICTING

A controversial plan to add the newly annexed Newport Coast into

council district seven could be decided tonight. A subcommittee to

consider redistricting last week recommended that the council add the

7,000 coast residents to John Heffernan’s District 7. But in part because

this would make the districts very uneven, Councilmen Heffernan and Gary

Adams opposed the plan in a preliminary vote.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The committee had offered three alternatives to

redraw City Council districts, but recommended waiting until Santa Ana

Heights and Bay Knolls annexations, as well as the possibility of a

Banning Ranch development are decided. But this plan could mean that no

Newport Coast resident would have the chance to run for the council seat

until the next election. With this much dissent, there’s no telling what

the council could decide.

A LOOK AT LEGISLATION

Council members will decide whether to endorse state Proposition 40,

legislation on a parks bond matter that could have direct affects on the

city.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Because it’s on the city’s consent calendar, it’s likely the measure

to take a formal position in support of the state bond could pass.

BALBOA BRIDGE BEAUTIFICATION

A major first step toward a more beautiful Balboa Island Bridge could

be taken tonight. The council will consider whether to approve plans and

a contract for the job. Thecontract for $303,300 is with Pima Corp.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council is expected to approve the contract, putting the wheels in

motion for work to begin.

BONITA CANYON SPORTS PARK

Work stalled on the $7-million Bonita Canyon Sports Park last year

when contractor Castello Inc. developed financial problems. The council

get a report on the project and could vote on an agreement that transfers

responsibility to the insurer.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council is expected to approve the measure with a goal of seeing the

40-acre complex of sports fields and recreational facilities completed by

July 15.

FYI

WHAT: Newport Beach City Council meeting

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

WHERE: Newport Beach City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

INFORMATION: (949) 644-3309