ON THE AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULE...

ON THE AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULE

Hoping to avoid a repeat of Planning Commission meetings that

lasted into the wee hours, City Council members have cleared their

agenda of all but the most urgent items and set a special time to

consider a Mormon temple matter. At 7:30 p.m., council members will

consider an appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A group of residents had filed the appeal after the commission

approved the temple with a 99.75-foot steeple, whose height was

reduced from 124 feet. It’s possible that the church’s latest plan to

take the steeple down to 90 feet could make for a process that’s

smoother than originally expected.

If council members approve the project, this could be the final

chapter in this long-running dispute. Church officials had said they

hope to begin work as soon as possible on their new temple, to be

built at 2300 Bonita Canyon Drive.

NEWPORT COAST SLOPES

In hopes of clearing up some gray areas in the city’s agreement

with Newport Coast residents, council members during their study

session will look at the issue of slope maintenance in Newport Coast.

The slopes are called “fuel modification zones” because overgrowth

there poses a fire hazard to nearby homes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Because this is just a study session item, no action will be taken

at tonight’s meeting. But, because they will be considering whether

to change their pre-annexation agreement with Newport Coast, there’s

no telling whether the matter will become contentious.

BALBOA THEATER SPACE

A quest to create a Balboa Performing Arts Theater on Main Street

continues as council members consider a plan to lease space at 111

Main St., commonly called the Orange Julius building. The city hoped

to buy the building to provide rehearsal space, dressing rooms and

restrooms for a renovated Balboa Theater, but the owners turned down

the city’s offer of $1.4 million. Now, though, there’s a good chance

that it can lease the space instead.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The city has shown plenty of support for the theater, especially

when considering to buy the property. And, because this item is on

the consent calendar, chances are that at the end of the night, the

long-awaited Balboa Theater will be one small step closer to a

reality.

-- Compiled by

June Casagrande