LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

The following is from the May 6 meeting of the Laguna Beach City Council.

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Emergency deck repairs 5-0

The City Council approved a resolution declaring the repair of the deck at the end of Oak Street an emergency project. The deck has been closed to the public since the discovery two months ago that the reinforced concrete columns that support it were badly deteriorated. A $50,000 contract for the repairs was awarded to Topline Construction, funded by a transfer for the Alley Paving Project.

? What it means

Repair of the deck will be undertaken immediately without the normal public bidding process for the project.

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Employee housing assistance 5-0

The council approved documents that enable Water Quality Supervisor Graham Wright, a 35-year city employee, to buy a home under the housing assistance program and the appropriation of $400,000 for the city’s share. A full geotechnical review of the property will be performed.

? What it means

Wright is considered eligible for the city’s housing assistance program provided to key emergency personnel such as the police and fire chief because he handles emergency sewer repairs. Sewer division employees are eligible for a housing subsidy of $800 a month. Graham and his wife have rented in Laguna Beach for years but now want to purchase a home, and city officials believe he would be priced out of Laguna without housing assistance.

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Fuel modification 5-0

The council approved an extension of the goat herd’s fuel modification contract for 36 months at a cost of $10,417 a month.

? What it means

The goat herd will continue to graze on slopes to protect Laguna Beach from the possibility of wildfires through June 30, 2011.

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April 17 sewage spill costs 5-0

The council approved the appropriation of $400,000 from the Sewer Fund balance to cover expenses incurred by the emergency response, repair and recovery work associated with the April 17 sewer leak of the North Coast Interceptor and the associated recovery and improvements to the Bluebird SOCWA lift station.

? What it means

City Manager Ken Frank will award the necessary contracts and purchase orders to pay for the work.

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Holly Drive parking limits 5-0

The council rejected a proposal for parking restrictions on Holly Drive after residents protested the proposals, which included a painted white strip outlining permitted spaces.

? What it means

Public Works Director Steve May and a Fire Department representative will look at areas of concern about emergency access and develop a map for residents, showing suggested “No Parking” sign locations.

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Lifeguard headquarters 4-1

The council continued a hearing on amendments to the proposed design of the Lifeguard Headquarters and public restrooms at Main Beach to the May 20 meeting. Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman was opposed.

? What it means

Staff will notify property owners within 300 feet of the project and the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau of the continuation. This will be the third design proposed for the headquarters and restrooms. The square footage for both buildings falls between the first and second designs.

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Canyon Acres subdivison 4-0

A proposal to subdivide an existing 27,766-square-foot parcel at 113 Canyon Acres Drive, zoned for two dwellings on the single parcel, was approved. No public opposition was voiced at the meeting on the tentative parcel map, coastal development permit and a declaration of no irremediable adverse impacts were approved.

? What it means

The property “” where landslide victims have been living in mobile homes at no charge for more than two years “” may be developed with two homes and a turnaround area.

“” Compiled by Barbara Diamond