ON THE AGENDA

Greenlight guidelines

Council members will discuss a new draft policy prepared by City Atty.

Bob Burnham that would define certain aspects of the slow-growth

Greenlight law. Approved by voters last November, the law requires a

citywide vote on any development that allows an increase of more than 100

peak-hour car trips or dwelling units or 40,000 square feet over the

general plan allowance.

The draft policy includes definitions for “floor area” and “peak-hour

trips” and sets Dec. 15, 2001 as the law’s starting date.

What to expect: Council members are expected to approve the

guidelines.

Arts and education center

Council members will discuss a controversial proposal for an arts and

education center to be built on open space behind the city’s central

library. The $12-million project would use about 3.5 acres of a 12.5-acre

lot to build a 400-seat auditorium as well as classrooms.

What to expect: Council members are expected to decide whether they

are even willing to consider using the land for such a center. If a

majority votes against it, center proponents will have to look for

another site. If a majority votes for the proposal, supporters can

continue to work on their plans.

Riverboat Restaurant

Council members will consider an appeal by residents against a Feb. 8

decision by planning commissioners to allow outdoor dining on the boat’s

bow and stern decks. Commissioners extended a temporary permit until

August to give the restaurant owners a chance to install plexiglass sound

walls on the decks and determine whether this would stop noise

complaints. Members of the Linda Isle Community Assn. are now asking

council members to overrule the decision.

What to expect: Council members can either follow recommendations from

city officials and uphold the commission’s decision, or modify the

commission’s decision and grant the appeal and end the temporary permit.

FYI

* WHO: Newport Beach City Council, Mayor Gary Adams, Steve Bromberg,

Norma Glover, John Heffernan, Dennis O’Neil, Gary Proctor, Tod Ridgeway.

* WHEN: today at 7 p.m.

* WHERE: City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach