COSTA MESA : Hearing to Be Held on HUD Funding

The City Council tonight will hear public comments on its plans for spending HUD funds, which drew national attention recently because of the city’s attempt to withhold the money from agencies that serve illegal aliens.

Recently, Housing and Urban Development attorneys concluded that the city could legally make such a requirement. The announcement drew immediate fire from immigrant-rights activists and others, and HUD Director Jack Kemp called for a reconsideration of the decision.

Kemp will meet with Costa Mesa city officials and immigrant-rights activists Wednesday in Washington.

The city this year is dispensing $279,000 in federal and general revenue-sharing funds to 35 public service agencies. The council is expected to approve the allocations.

In other action, City Atty. Thomas Kathe will report on a proposed amendment to the city’s conflict-of-interest policy. Under the change, a city official would be prohibited from voting on a project in which a relative, whether a dependent or not, would make more than a 10% profit.

Councilwoman Sandra L. Genis suggested that the policy be tightened after Councilman Orville Amburgey voted in favor of his son’s development project in March. Although state and city attorneys determined that Amburgey did not violate conflict-of-interest laws, his colleagues and some residents said he should have abstained.

The council will also hear a request for $18,000 from Concerned Citizens of Costa Mesa Inc. for court costs in connection with its lawsuit against the Pacific Amphitheatre. The six-year-old lawsuit against the 18,500-seat amphitheater seeks to further reduce the noise level of concerts and other events held at the facility.

The meeting begins at 6:30 in the council chambers, 77 Fair Drive.