City Delays Decision on Joining Council

Still hedging on joining the fledgling Orange County Council of Governments, a divided City Council on Tuesday delayed a decision on the issue until Aug. 6.

With the council split 2 to 2, Janet Godfrey, the swing vote, said she needed answers to several questions before voting. The council continued the matter, and the city staff will research Godfrey’s questions.

So far, 25 of 31 cities have agreed to join the OCCOG, which would also include county agencies such as the Transportation Authority.

The OCCOG was proposed by the area chapter of the League of California Cities to pool information on regional issues such as air quality and traffic. The organization’s first meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Laguna Niguel declined in January to join the OCCOG until more information about the group became available.

Mayor Patricia C. Bates and Councilman Thomas W. Wilson said Tuesday that the city should become part of OCCOG to participate in regional discussions on issues such as uses for El Toro Marine Corps Air Station after its scheduled closure.

“This organization is going to have a lot to say about the development of El Toro,” said Bates. “Trust me . . . and we better be there.”

Council members Eddie Rose and Mark Goodman expressed doubts. Rose said the OCCOG would not be accountable to the electorate.

“These people are creating another layer of government to insulate themselves from the public,” he said.

Before committing her vote, Godfrey said she had to know:

* If OCCOG representation for Laguna Niguel and other South County cities could be increased.

* How the OCCOG would communicate information to its member cities and agencies.

* Bates’ status with the OCCOG. Bates currently represents South County on a county air quality committee that will be taken over by the OCCOG. Godfrey questioned whether Bates would be permitted to retain her appointment if Laguna Niguel doesn’t join the OCCOG.