ORANGE : Council Postpones Decision on 2 Items

The City Council marked its first meeting of the new year this week by postponing two of the more important items on its agenda.

The council voted 4 to 0 Tuesday to continue a long-delayed item about a study to contract with the county for firefighting services. Likewise, the council moved to reconsider a $1.7-million project to bring aging structures built with un-reinforced masonry up to state earthquake codes.

Mayor Gene Beyer, who is still recovering from a broken left arm suffered in December, was absent Tuesday afternoon. In a letter to the council, Beyer said he will return for the Tuesday meeting.

The council has put off a decision regarding a fire services study, which would cost $15,000, for more than two months. The council said it would finally address the study at its Jan. 18 meeting.

Proponents of contracting out fire service with the county contend the move could save the city as much $1.8 million over two years. However, because of an October contract with city firefighters, the city cannot contract with the county for another two years.

The council also said it will revisit the second phase of a two-phase rehabilitation program designed to make buildings withstand earthquakes. The project will provide financial incentives for about 55 property owners to upgrade their buildings.

The first phase, which is almost completed, reviewed building materials and engineering for 77 city buildings.

Half a dozen speakers urged the council to delay a vote on the project, citing poor communication with the city staff and concerns about securing proper financing.