IRVINE : Council Plans O.C. Fund Crisis Forum

The City Council will hold a public forum on the county fiscal crisis on Jan. 17, giving residents a chance to speak out on the city’s role as the leading municipal participant in the county’s devalued investment pool.

After discussing the county’s bankruptcy in closed session last week, council members said they would continue to meet weekly and want to involve the public in seeking solutions.

The city has $209 million invested in the county pool, more than any other city in Orange County.

“This is a big enough issue that it deserves a meeting of its own,” Councilman Greg Smith said. “We want the public to participate in the solutions. This crisis is not going to be solved without the help of the public.”

On another issue, council members discussed taking legal action against the County Board of Supervisors over the recent decision to dissolve the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority and oversee planning for the closure of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Supervisors said they were bowing to the will of voters who in November approved Measure A, which calls for an airport at the site.

But Irvine City Council members said that the measure was soundly defeated here and in other cities.

They object to the cities of Irvine and Lake Forest being reduced by the supervisors to having an advisory role.

Council members say the city will discuss taking legal action against the county with officials in Lake Forest and other South County cities.

“We feel it’s important to note that it is the Board of Supervisors who have chosen to step away from the recognized authority for the reuse of El Toro,” Councilman Barry J. Hammond said. “Measure A did not ask for that.”