o7Here are some items the council will...

o7Here are some items the council will consider Tuesday:

f7

ATHLETIC FIELD

IMPROVEMENTS

If the council approves, the city will spend $3.2 million to build

three softball fields, a baseball diamond and related amenities on

the west side of TeWinkle Park. The work would be performed by Lehman

Construction Inc. of Tustin. It would take place after current summer

athletic programs end, with completion slated for fall 2006.

The existing fields will be regraded, existing structures will be

removed, and a new parking lot, a restroom and concession building,

and sports lighting will be added. The construction will take the

existing fields temporarily out of commission.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council members have planned for some time to upgrade city

athletic fields, so they’ll likely move forward with the work. Expect

frustration for athletic-field users, who will have to compete for a

smaller number of facilities while this project is underway.

DARE PROGRAM

UNDER REVIEW

Costa Mesa has had a Drug Abuse Resistance Education program for

fifth-grade students since 1989.

During discussion of the 2005-06 budget, the council voted to fund

the program but asked to review it. Newport-Mesa Unified School

District officials told the city that fourth- through sixth-grade

students already receive state-funded alcohol and tobacco prevention

education. Cutting the city’s program would save $21,405.

WHAT TO EXPECT

As their budgets have grown tighter, many cities have canceled

DARE programs because some believe they are ineffective. But it’s

unclear whether the Costa Mesa council will do the same.

GENERAL PLAN

AMENDMENTS

City residents could have more places to sleep and store their

stuff if the council agrees to consider four applications to amend

the city’s general plan. Plans include a self-storage facility at 380

W. Wilson St., two high-rise condominium towers at the Lakes

Pavilions, town homes on a site at Dale Avenue and College Way, and

condominiums with a possible hotel at 3400 Bristol St.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Planning department staff members have recommended accepting the

requests, the first step toward getting approval from the city. The

council must give the final OK to each project.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Costa Mesa City Council meeting

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: City Council chambers, City Hall, 77 Fair Drive

FYI: Call (714) 754-5221 or visit

o7https://www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us f7for agendas and staff reports