COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider today.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTSCaltrans will build $7.4 million in improvements to Harbor Boulevard and Fairview Road in 2007, if the council approves agreements with the state for the projects.

On Harbor Boulevard, plans include a new San Diego (405) Freeway on-ramp from the northbound lanes of Harbor to the northbound freeway, and one new lane in each direction on Harbor under the 405 overpass.

The Fairview Road bridge over the 405 freeway and the southbound freeway onramp would be widened to add a third left-turn lane from southbound Fairview Road.

County Measure M funds will pay for about half of the $3.4-million Harbor Boulevard project and the $4-million Fairview Road work. The bulk of the remaining costs would come from developers’ fees the city collected for the Home Ranch project.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will approve the agreements, because without them the city isn’t eligible for Measure M funding.

GANG OFFICERThe council will decide whether to sign an agreement with Orange County and spend $59,131 to hire the services of a deputy probation officer to address gang problems in the city.

In the past, the city has cooperated with the Orange County District Attorney and county probation department to monitor gang members who are on probation. This can discourage them from committing crimes or associating with other gang members.

With police citing an increase in gang activity, the City Council has asked the police department to try to stop the trend. Councilwoman Katrina Foley proposed a multipronged effort to eliminate gangs that the council funded as part of the 2006-07 budget, and a probation officer was part of that plan.

WHAT TO EXPECT

After promising during recent City Council campaigns to tackle the city’s gang problem and discussing the issue in various public forums, council members likely will approve the agreement to hire a probation officer.

Compiled by Alicia Robinson

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Costa Mesa City Council meeting

WHEN: 6 p.m. today

WHERE: City Council chambers, City Hall, 77 Fair Drive

FYI: (714) 754-5221 or www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us