ON THE AGENDA Here are some of...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are some of the items the council will consider today.

LAND-USE REGULATION

City staff members will report to council what properties in the

city are owned by other governmental agencies and let them know what

steps are necessary to ensure that any future development of these

properties will be limited to parks and open space.

This discussion is in response to a desire expressed by

Councilwoman Libby Cowan in May that the city be more proactive in

designating land uses for properties before they come to the council

for consideration of future development.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It could be difficult to ensure the long-term preservation of

properties for open space or park uses without taking two tangible

steps -- buying the properties when they come up for sale or entering

into a long-term lease agreement with the agencies that own the

properties, according to staff members.

REZONING OF W. BAY STREET

The council will reconsider rezoning 330-340 W. Bay Street from

general business to medium density, multi-family residential. The

property is owned by Richard Dick and houses the Daily Pilot and

other businesses.

The first reading was on May 17. In conducting the first reading,

the council put a condition on the approval that Dick has to develop

homes, not rental units.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This should be a slam dunk as Dick has already made it clear that

he intends to build homes.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA RENEWAL

The council will consider levying an annual charge for the 2004-05

fiscal year for the area made up of hotels and motels. This will

impose a 2% assessment on the city’s largest hotels, based on the

sale of hotel overnight guest- room stays. The assessment is

self-imposed, and the funds generated will be used for the Costa Mesa

Conference and Visitor Bureau.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Since the assessment is self-imposed, there shouldn’t be any

opposition.

SPECIAL EVENTS LAW

This item was continued from the May 17 meeting because of

questions and confusion about the proposed law. Tonight, the council

will consider the proposal, which would replace the city’s existing

procedures for special event permits, while adding a new section

regulating block parties. A new law is necessary because the old one

is legally outdated, according to the city attorney’s office.

The council will also consider establishing pre-designated event

routes for special events requiring street closures.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This version has a greater likelihood of gaining approval, since

one of the critics at the last meeting, Councilwoman Libby Cowan, met

with staff members to discuss her concerns.