NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider tonight.

ENCROACHMENT SURVEY

City officials have been scrutinizing beachfront homeowners’ encroachments onto public land after discovering as many as 138 property owners may have let patios, furniture and landscaping creep across their property lines. In West Newport, the city created an agreement that allows homeowners to encroach if they pay a fee and get a permit.

Homeowners in Peninsula Point, where 15 properties have walls and other structures that cross onto city territory, may want an agreement like the one in West Newport. Today, the council will decide whether to spend $18,456 to have a professional surveying company determine the exact boundaries of city property. The survey data could help if homeowners want to apply for encroachment permits.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will agree to fund the property line survey.

OCEAN STUDY

The council will consider spending $134,214 to study the potential impacts of pollution and other damage on sensitive marine life areas off the city’s coast. The study will look at whether the protected areas are affected by pollutants from Newport Bay as well as fishing, scavenging and other public activities.

Of the three firms that made proposals, Everest International Consultants Inc. had the best qualifications and experience. The firm agreed to do the work for the above price.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council likely will vote to perform the ocean study.

PLANNING COMMISSION SEAT

The council will choose one of three residents to fill a vacancy on the planning commission. Tim Brown, Aline Kradjian and Scott Peotter have applied for the seat, which would expire in 2010.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Newport Beach City Council meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m. today

WHERE: City Council chambers, City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

FYI: (949) 644-3005 or www.city.newport- beach.ca.us