NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

--Compiled by June Casagrande

Here are some of the decisions coming out of Tuesday’s Newport Beach

City Council meeting.

NEWPORT HEIGHTS TRAFFIC

WHAT HAPPENED:

A traffic study of the area of Newport Heights and Cliff Haven was

given the green light by council members.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The city will spend an estimated $30,000 to hire a consultant to look

at a number of traffic issues in the area -- everything from traffic

volumes and speeds to pedestrian concerns and the effect of the three

public schools and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Vote:

5-0

SHELLMAKER MARINE STUDIES CENTER

WHAT HAPPENED:

Council members authorized the hiring of architect Ron Yeo to draw up

plans for the Marine Studies Center at Shellmaker Island. The contract

for the architect is not expected to exceed $100,000.

WHAT IT MEANS:

A state-of-the-art water-quality lab and education center takes

another step forward. The ambitious project, as envisioned, is a joint

project of a number of agencies, including the city, the U.S. Department

of Fish and Game, UC Irvine and many others. There, authorities will

conduct tests on water samples taken from throughout the county. There

are also plans to build an artificial tide pool to allow school groups to

learn about the diverse natural habitats without endangering or

disrupting wildlife in the tide pools at Little Corona. Other

educational, research and environmental activities at the center will

focus on preserving the marine environment.

Vote:

5-0

CITY BUDGET

WHAT HAPPENED:

Council members approved a motion to schedule the first public hearing

on the city’s 2002-03 fiscal year budget.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Residents will get the opportunity to speak publicly about the budget

at the council’s July 11 meeting. Copies of the preliminary budget are

available in advance through the city clerk’s office at City Hall.

Vote: 5/0

21 OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT

WHAT HAPPENED:

Contradicting staffers’ recommendations, the City Council approved a

request by restaurateur Levon Gugasian to grant him a permit to build a

wrought-iron fence alongside the restaurant where an iron rail is now.

Staffers had denied him the permit, noting that his request conflicted

with city policies designed to protect views and rights of way. Council

members were quick to laud staff for doing a good job but nonetheless

overturned their decision, with a few provisions.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Gugasian is allowed to build the fence at about 6 feet high instead of

10 feet.

Vote:

5-0

WHAT THEY SAID:

“Mr. Gugasian has credibility and has done nothing but quality work,”

Mayor Tod Ridgeway said.

NEXT MEETING

WHEN: 7 p.m. June 11

WHERE: City Council Chambers at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

INFORMATION: (949) 644-3005