NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Getting a Piece of Highway

What to expect: The Corona del Mar Business Improvement District has a

plan to redo the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that runs through the

community. However, in order to do so, the city will have to gain control

over the one mile stretch of highway from Caltrans.

The proposed design would play off of the floral theme running through

the community. Flowering trees and other plants would decorate the

streets. Planners would like to have a floral tile mosaic in the middle

of the business district to give Corona del Mar a center.

Recovering from Bankruptcy

What to expect:

The City will appoint the the Administrative Services Director to receive

all the proceeds from the 1994 Orange County bankruptcy. Council will

also adopt a settlement agreement with the county and other parties

involved.

Six years ago the county and Orange County Investment Pools filed a

Chapter 9 bankruptcy. At that time the City had invested about $17.3

million in the pool, primarily in bonds.

Since then, the county has successfully litigated a number of cases

against brokers, accountants, lawyers and so on. The total recovered is

more than $850 million.

These funds will be available for distribution Feb. 24, but the city

needs to appoint a representative to receive the funds. It also needs to

adopt a settlement agreement between all the involved parties.

Supporting El Toro and opposing Measure F

What to expect: Council will consider adopting a resolution to oppose

Measure F, which proposes to allow residents to vote on approving any new

or expanded jail, hazardous waste landfill or airport. The initiative

would make converting the former marine base into an airport more

difficult.

Newport Beach and other groups that support the proposed El Toro airport

challenged the measure in court. But, the judge did not find a compelling

reason not to put the measure on the ballot.

The Orange County Regional Airport Authority and other member cities have

adopted a similar resolution opposing the measure. And given that the

City Council has already made their position regarding the airport clear,

it is likely that the city will also adopt a resolution.

WHEN: Study session begins at 4 p.m. and the regular agenda at 7 p.m.

WHERE: City Council Chamber at 3300 Newport Blvd.