ON THE AGENDA Here are some items...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are some items to be considered tonight by the Newport Beach

City Council.

VISION 2004

Today’s study session will include a presentation on an issue near

and dear to the hearts of many Corona del Mar residents and business

leaders: Vision 2004, the village Business Improvement District.

Council members will get an update on the beautification plan thus

far and some goals and hopes for the future.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Because this is just a presentation, today’s discussion probably

won’t result in any tangible action.

PARK RANGERS

A self-funded park patrol program will get a second go-around in

council chambers tonight. Council members will consider whether to

hire two rangers to patrol parks, check permits, assure sports teams

get to use reserved playing fields and deter graffiti and other

crimes.

At discussion on the matter earlier this month, council members

had some concerns about the program: Could just two part-time staff

members make a dent? How would they handle volatile situations? Is

there any legal liability?

WHAT TO EXPECT

Proponents of the program point out that it’s self-funded, mainly

through increased fees for reserving city facilities. Youth sports

groups who pay the bulk of these fees support the idea, making the

money matter a no-brainer. This fact may or may not become a deciding

factor for council members considering the program.

RECYCLING FEES

Residential recycling fees could go up 20 cents a month if council

members tonight vote in favor of a plan to try to cover increased

costs of recycling. Right now, homeowners in most parts of the city

pay $2.46 per month for recycling services. The city’s General

Services Department is requesting that fee be raised to $2.66 to

cover a cost increase in the fees the city pays its waste recycling

contractor. The city’s cost of $39.83 per ton is going up to $40.79.

It is estimated that residents who use city trash collection services

will make 39,500 tons of waste this fiscal year. Newport Coast is not

part of that equation nor is it subject to the fee increase because

the area’s trash collection is handled through a separate contract.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Staff is recommending that council members approve the item.

-- Compiled by June Casagrande