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NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

Here are a few items the council considered Tuesday.

IRVINE DEVELOPMENT

The city will have a legal expert analyze documents the city of Irvine is using to justify residential development in the Irvine Business Complex on Jamboree Road, the council decided unanimously. Newport planning staff members and council members are apprehensive about how the developments just across the city’s border might affect traffic and park facilities in Newport Beach.

Irvine’s planning documents show as many as 10,000 new housing units could be allowed in the business complex. Newport officials said it’s not clear whether that total includes other units already in the planning stages, and they’re concerned that an environmental study on development in the area may be outdated.

WHAT IT MEANS

The city will scrutinize how Irvine’s development plans for the Jamboree Road area could affect Newport, and council members will continue efforts to meet with Irvine officials to discuss their concerns.

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BAYSIDE SUBDIVISION

A 17-lot gated development of single-family homes can replace an apartment complex at 919 Bayside Drive, the council decided unanimously. The subdivision, to be built by UGS Development, is adjacent to the harbor and will offer boat docks to residents.

One of the council’s big concerns was ensuring public access to the waterfront. The plan will upgrade the existing walkway and add a ramp for the disabled.

WHAT IT MEANS

Public access to the water will continue, via a walkway that is partly floating and partly on land. The subdivision plans must still be approved by the California Coastal Commission.

CITY MANAGER’S

SALARY

City Manager Homer Bludau has been with the city for nearly seven years, and council members agreed to add two more years to his tenure. They voted unanimously in favor of a two-year contract that includes a 5% raise in 2006 and a 4% raise in 2007, a $450-per-month car allowance, and a total of 15 days a year of administrative leave instead of the 10 days he had previously.

Council members said Bludau has done a good job juggling a number of complex issues and managing a full-service city with an annual budget of $190 million.

WHAT IT MEANS

Bludau will stay with the city through 2007, and his base salary, after a 9% raise over the next two years, will be $203,816.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Next City Council meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m., Feb. 28

WHERE: Council chambers, City Hall, 3300 Newport Boulevard

INFO: (949)644-3005 or www.city.newport-beach .ca.us

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