City Parks, Workers Get Excess Funds

The City Council this week allocated all of its $10.3-million surplus to various unfunded projects.

The Heritage Park Aquatics Complex, in need of rehabilitation, received the largest portion: $2.5 million. The council also unanimously supported spending another $1 million on the second phase of Woodbridge Community Park. And $1.4 million will be used on 4% raises for city employees.

Another chunk--$196,000--was set aside for a dog park, which the council has yet to approve. And a skate park, if approved, will receive $29,000.

The council allocated $50,000 for a city manager to replace the retiring Paul Brady.

Michelson Drive along University Park will get medians. A sound wall will be erected at California Homes. A sidewalk will be put in along University Drive next to William R. Mason Regional Park. Concordia West will be get landscape improvements. The Irvine Adult Day Care Center had its $30,000 loan forgiven.

Lights will be added at the city’s new school, Northwood High. But the council restricted use of the $35,000 lights to city activities, since the school district balked at their funding.

“If we cut a deal with the school district, then the city should have the say over the night use of the facilities,” Councilman Greg Smith said.