COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider Tuesday.

POLICE CARSThe council will decide whether to purchase 10 new Ford Crown Victoria police interceptors from Clippinger Ford in West Covina. The cars would cost $247,395.

Of the city’s 44 marked police cars, 22 have been driven more than 90,000 miles. City staff consider the police department’s fleet to be “showing physical signs of wear” and in need of new vehicles. No Costa Mesa dealers submitted bids for the police cars.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will agree to buy the new police cars.

EMPLOYEE LAWSUITSCity Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow suggests that the council delegate to the city manager authority to decide whether city employees named in lawsuits were acting within the scope of their duties and should be defended. Now, the council must hold a closed session to discuss such lawsuits, which Barlow said can prevent the city from responding in a timely manner.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Barlow suggested the policy to streamline procedures in the event of a lawsuit, so the council probably will agree to the new policy.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Costa Mesa City Council meeting

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday

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

INFO: (714) 754-5221 or www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us