NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING WRAP-UP

Compiled by June Casagrande

Here are some of the actions taken by the Newport Beach City Council

on Tuesday:

LIBRARY CATALOG GOES ONLINE

WHAT HAPPENED: Council members witnessed a presentation of the

library’s new online catalog that library officials say will offer great

conveniences to residents. The presentation, the first item of business

at the council’s meeting, included a quick tour of new features of the

library’s Web site. State-of-the-art features include homework help for

kids, information on upcoming library events and a list of top reading

picks. But the features that drew the most excitement were the newly

automated catalog, electronic databases and 24-hour reference service.

ST. JAMES ROAD PARKING RESTRICTIONS

WHAT HAPPENED: Council members approved a request to lift a

two-hour parking restriction on part of St. James Road. The restriction,

designed to protect neighbors from the problem of high school students

parking in front of homes, had been approved earlier this year. But one

resident argued that the restrictions, which are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

weekdays, create an unnecessary burden on homeowners on a portion of that

street.

VOTE: 7-O

WHAT IT MEANS: A final reading of the issue on Nov. 13 will likely

mean that the restriction will be lifted on the south side of St. James

Road between 15th Street and 636 St. James Road.

HARBOR COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT

WHAT HAPPENED: Richard Stevens, Mayor Gary Adams’ nominee for the

Harbor Committee, was appointed to the ad hoc citizens advisory committee

for harbor issues.

VOTE: 7-0

BALBOA YACHT BASIN RENTAL ADJUSTMENTS

WHAT HAPPENED: After hearing a plea from one “budget boater”

against increasing rents for boat slips and garages at Balboa Yacht

Basin, the council approved the increase.

VOTE: 7-0

WHAT IT MEANS: Rents on the 172 boat slips managed by the city will

increase from $16 per foot per month to $17 on slips 31 to 35 feet; from

$17 to $18 on slips 40 to 45 feet; from $20 to $22 for slips 50 feet and

larger. Rents on garages and the three apartments there will experience

proportionate increases.

NEXT MEETING

* WHAT: Newport Beach City Council meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m. Nov. 13

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