NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

Here are a few items the council considered Tuesday.

BACK BAY SCIENCE CENTER

Some council members still grumbled about added costs, but in the end the council approved more money and changes to the Back Bay Science Center, a water-quality testing and teaching facility being built on Shellmaker Island. The $6-million project — a collaboration between the city and county, state and private agencies — was delayed four months because a pair of ospreys hatched chicks nearby.

In November the council was asked to spend more on the project, but Councilman Ed Selich questioned the added expenses. A report Tuesday detailed the need for $231,607 to cover cost increases due to delays, changed orders and other causes.

Some of the added costs will be sought from the city’s partners in the project. The council also agreed to build an $800,000 administration wing that will be paid for by the state Department of Fish and Game.

WHAT IT MEANS

The council will add $1.08 million to the science center’s budget, but at least $800,000 of that will be recouped from the state and other sources.

PLANNING COMMISSIONER

Council members voted to install Bradley Hillgren in the empty seat on the planning commission. The seat was left open when Michael Henn was elected to the council in November.

WHAT IT MEANS

Bradley Hillgren will serve a term on the planning commission that lasts through June 2009.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Next Newport Beach City Council meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m., Feb. 13

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

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

— Compiled by Alicia Robinson