Topping this week’s actions in local government, Newport Beach votes on whether to restrict protests near homes, and Garden Grove decides on an ambitious housing project.
The Newport Beach City Council is set Monday to adopt a ban on protesting on public sidewalks within 300 feet of a home that is the subject of the protest.
City staff say increases in protests in front of homes “interfere with a person’s right to privacy in their home, as well as their right to the enjoyment of tranquility, well-being and sense of security in their home.”
It’s unclear whether enforcing the ban on peaceful demonstrations would lead to First Amendment challenges. City staff say the courts have ruled that such protests “aren’t entitled to a high level of First Amendment protection,” though no specific rulings are cited.
Staff also point out that other cities such as Los Angeles and Riverside have adopted similar laws.
On Tuesday, the Garden Grove City Council is set to sign off on a development agreement with Brandywine Homes, which wants to build 18 single-family homes on two acres along Katella Avenue.
Instead of preparing an environmental impact report, the council is set to approve a mitigated negative declaration, because, staff said, “the project cannot, or will not, have a significant effect on the environment.”
The city didn’t attach to the online agenda item the mitigated negative declaration documents, which would detail foreseen impacts on parking or from demolishing existing buildings.
Garden Grove council members are also set to start issuing bonds to help finance a $42-million payment to the developer of a water park hotel rather than wait until the hotel opens in a year or two.
Under its contract with the city, the Great Wolf Resort’s developer, McWhinney Enterprises, is supposed to receive the payment 30 days after the hotel opens.
City staff stated that interest rates are expected to rise, so “it makes good financial sense to now fund and escrow the $42 million Water Park Hotel [developer agreement] recognized enforceable obligation, rather than funding it in 18 to 24 months when the hotel is expected to open.”
It’s unclear from the staff report whether this move paves the way for the developer to receive the money at an earlier date.
Here’s a rundown of what’s up for debate this week across Orange County:
Monday, Aug. 12
Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors – 9 a.m.
- Bikeways regional planning update.
- Contract with KOA Corporation to develop bikeways strategy for supervisorial District 5 in South Orange County.
- A call for projects for the bicycle corridor improvement plan.
- ACCESS transition services update.
- Interstate 405 improvement project update.
Newport Beach City Council Study Session – 4:30 p.m.
- Discussing the city’s urban forestry program and Southern California Edison “energy action plan.”
Newport Beach City Council – 7 p.m.
- Prohibiting protests within 300 feet of a home that is the subject of the protest.
- Approving a one-year exclusive negotiating agreement over future redevelopment of the former City Hall complex with Olson Real Estate Group, which wants to develop a 130-room boutique hotel and spa.
- At the request of Councilman Ed Selich, directing staff to bring back an agenda item on lowering or eliminating business taxes for real estate agents affiliated with larger real estate brokerages.
- Approving an ordinance amending the Harbor Commission’s purpose and responsibilities.
- Adopting a memorandum of understanding with the Association of Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards projected to cost $40,300 this fiscal year.
Cypress City Council – 5:30 p.m.
- Awarding a three-year contract to S.C. Yamamoto for on call landscaping services for $154,000.
Los Alamitos City Council and Cable Television Commission Special Joint Meeting – 5 p.m.
- Discussing two proposals for equipment and Los Alamitos TV funding.
Seal Beach City Council – 6 p.m.
- Adopting a resolution opposing a project to add toll lanes to the Interstate 405 freeway
Closed Session
- Property negotiations over 900-A Ocean Ave. with Enthiace LLC and MDK.
- Discussion of ongoing lawsuit against Ruby’s Diner.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Orange County Board of Supervisors – 9:30 a.m. (Revisions)
- Approving a $1.1-million contract with the State Water Resources Control Board for regulating cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks.
- Selection of BonTerra Consulting as the primary architect-engineer firm for preparing an affordable housing implementation program environmental impact report for the Ranch Plan Planned Community.
- Approving formal response to the grand jury report “Detention Facilities Report: (Part II Juvenile) How Do We Know If We Are Taking Care of Our At-Risk Juveniles?”
Closed session
- Discussion of worker’s compensation case involving Leroy Miller (Case no. ADJ4702574).
Anaheim City Council Workshop – 3 p.m.
- Homelessness update.
Anaheim City Council – 5 p.m.
- Amending a contract with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce to administer the city’s enterprise zone now that the state has eliminated the program.
- Simplifying the process to obtain business permits, while also implementing a conditional use permit requirement for office-based auto-sales agencies.
- Adjusting fire prevention fees.
- Labor agreement between the city and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 47, authorizing $10,000 in bonus payments to certain employees.
- Contract with Growth Opportunities through Athletics, Learning & Service for a graffiti education and intervention program.
Irvine City Council – 5 p.m.
- City attorney services agreement with Rutan & Tucker, designating Todd Litfin as Irvine city attorney.
- Labor agreements.
Garden Grove City Council – 6 p.m.
- Approval of a $266,487 agreement with Rick Engineering Company for phase one of the proposed Harbor Boulevard Landscape Improvement Project.
- Approval of a finance plan to refund $42.3 million in 2003 tax allocation bonds and fund and escrow $42 million in Water Park Hotel ROPS.
- Approval of a $28,940 agreement with TelePacific Communications as a secondary Internet service provider.
- Approval of a development agreement with Brandywine Homes for the property located at 10418 Katella Avenue.
Fountain Valley City Council Special Meeting – 4:30 p.m.
- Public hearing to consider a permit to establish Paparazzi Restaurant and Hookah Cafe located at 8780 Warner Ave., Suites 15 and 16.
Orange City Council – 4:30 p.m.
- Approving a $27,500 contract with Triton Technology Solutions, Inc. to replace the council chambers video system, including installing at least four high-definition cameras.
- Extending a 2010 contract with Major League Softball to maintain sports fields at city parks at a price of $77,500 through fiscal year 2014.
- Purchasing a police dog for $8,400 from Adlerhorst International.
Buena Park City Council – 5 p.m.
- Approving a one-year, $164,000 contract extension with Aegis ITS for traffic signal maintenance.
Laguna Niguel City Council Special Meeting – 2 p.m.
Closed Session
- Discussion of appointing a new chief of police services.
- Discussion of lawsuit against Laguna Health, Bolding Health and Jason Bolding.
Stanton City Council – 6 p.m.
- Creating a towing fee and rotational tow list.
- Directing staff on creating a community garden, including where to locate it.
Adam Elmahrek, Brendan Wiles and Thy Vo contributed to this report.
You can reach Nick Gerda at ngerda@gmail.com, and follow him on Twitter: @nicholasgerda.