Update

Follow-up on the news

IRVINE

Public Safety Tops Residents’ Priorities

Issue: A workshop to allow residents to prioritize city services they consider essential.

Background: City officials say there will be no immediate cuts in services as a result of losses from the bankrupt county investment pool. But council members want a clear picture of what services residents value most in order to make budget decisions in future years. Former Santa Ana City Manager A.J. Wilson conducted the workshop.

Development: About 70 Irvine residents attended the city services workshop, where public safety issues were ranked high by most residents and animal control services ranked low.

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NEWPORT BEACH

City Will Cover, Protect Reservoir

Issue: A cover for Big Canyon Reservoir.

Background: The City Council has been considering spending $192,000 to help pay for design of a floating cover for Big Canyon Reservoir. The cover for the 200-million gallon reservoir, north of Pacific View Drive and east of San Miguel Drive, would eventually help reduce unpleasant tastes and odors in tap water.

Development: The City Council approved the allocation late last month. Design work for the cover is expected to be completed by March 1, 1996. Construction of the actual cover is expected to begin sometime in 1997.

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NEWPORT BEACH

Road Improvements in Planning Stages

Issue: Plans for several major road improvements--including widening connectors of the San Diego and Corona del Mar freeways.

Background: The freeway-widening plan has been discussed for some time. The city would undertake the project in conjunction with the Orange County Transportation Authority, Transportation Corridor Agencies and Caltrans-contracted National Transportation Agency.

Development: The City Council decided late last month to move forward with the widening plan. Specifics of the project are still being discussed.

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COUNTYWIDE

Countywide Radio System Is Revived

Issue: Motorola’s 800 megahertz emergency radio system.

Background: Law enforcement officials said the county needs the $84-million system, which would link all county police, fire and public works agencies in one radio network. But the project was placed in jeopardy by the county bankruptcy.

Development: City and county officials recently agreed on a plan that revives the radio network. Under the proposal, the cities would pay for the majority of the system. A joint-powers authority would be created to supervise the system’s construction, which would begin later this year.

--COMPILED BY HOLLY J. WAGNER AND RUSS LOAR