NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider tonight.

PROPOSITION 83

Councilwoman Leslie Daigle asked that the council vote on whether to support Proposition 83, known as Jessica’s Law, a statewide measure on the November ballot. The measure would increase penalties and tighten restrictions on some sex offenders.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will agree to support the ballot initiative.

ROCKWEED TRANSPLANTS

The city could work with Cal State Fullerton on a first-of-its-kind project to reintroduce a species of plant called rockweed into coastal areas at Little Corona and Crystal Cove, if the council agrees. Experts from state and federal agencies believe rockweed will do well in those areas, and it makes a good habitat for fish and other marine life.

The council will decide whether the city should spend $85,151 to work with Cal State Fullerton on the restoration project. University experts would put the plants in place and monitor them as well as conduct research.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council likely will want to go ahead with the project, which would be the first attempt to transplant a marine species into tide-pool areas in California.

PIER REPAIRS

The city’s two piers haven’t been fixed since about 2002 and need repairs, including new cross-bracings and reinforcement of pilings. The council will vote on accepting a bid from the John S. Meek Co., Inc. to do the work for $687,550.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Although Meek’s bid was the lowest, it was 55% higher than the city engineer’s estimate for the work. The council probably will approve the bid because, as a staff report noted, the work is somewhat specialized and the other bid that came in was more than $100,000 higher.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Newport Beach City Council meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m. today, with a study session at 4:30 p.m.

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

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