INSIDE CITY HALL

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The city received a report from the Orange County Grand Jury, titled

“Affordable Housing, Light One Candle,” which included findings and

recommendations about the lack of affordable housing in Orange County.

Costa Mesa is required by the state to respond to the report by Sept. 14.

After reviewing the report, staff prepared recommended responses to be

reviewed by the City Council. The response outlines the measures the city

is taking to address the issueof affordable housing. They include

exploring the pairing of state funds from the California Housing Finance

agency “HELP” program with federal funds on an upcoming affordable

housing project, and participating in a proposed countywide joint powers

authority that would implement a program making more affordable housing

for sale.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Staff has recommended the council approve the drafted response to the

Orange County Grand Jury and have Mayor Libby Cowan sign the letter on

behalf of the City Council.

CONTRACT RENEWAL

Costa Mesa and the Costa Mesa City Employees Assn. have been operating

under a four-year Memorandum of Understanding, more commonly referred to

as a contract, which expires Aug. 31. The parties have been meeting in

closed sessions and have reached a tentative agreement that covers the

time from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2003. The tentative agreement establishes

new salary ranges and requires a budget adjustment of $915,580.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Staff recommended the council adopt the 2001-03 Memorandum of

Understanding, adopt the new salary adjustments and approve the changes

to the budget.

FYI:

WHAT: Costa Mesa City Council Meeting

WHERE: City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. tonight

INFORMATION: (714) 754-5223