Council rejects User fee study and consolidated master fee schedule, 0–1

User fee study and consolidated master fee schedule

0 yes, 1 no

Arlis Reynolds (no)

Consent Calendar (waiver of full reading, Final Parcel Map No. 2023-160, classification renaming resolution)

7 yes, 0 no

Fire association side letters and executive salary resolution

7 yes, 0 no

Surplus land declaration for senior housing parcel at 695 West 19th Street

7 yes, 0 no

Development impact fee annual report and citywide traffic impact fee

7 yes, 0 no

Facilities Master Plan for city-owned facilities

7 yes, 0 no

Approval of Meeting Minutes

7 yes, 0 no

Time Extension for Cannabis Storefront (PA-22-08)

7 yes, 0 no

Conditional Use Permit for Kahlil Gibran Museum (PCUP-26-0002)

7 yes, 0 no

Final Parcel Map No. 2023-160 (695 West 19th Street)

695 West 19th Street, Costa Mesa, California

Approval of a final parcel map and associated access, parking, and drainage easements for a property at 695 West 19th Street.

Discussed — no decision yet

695 W. 19th Street Acquisition/Negotiation

695 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

The city and Jamboree Housing are negotiating the price and payment terms for the property at 695 W. 19th Street.

Discussed — no decision yet

Senior housing development parcel at 695 West 19th Street (exempt surplus land declaration)

695 West 19th Street, Costa Mesa, California

The council declared a newly created slice of the senior center parking lot exempt surplus land so the approved 100% affordable senior housing project can proceed, alongside the parcel map and easement agreement approved on consent.

approved (7-0) · still approved

Museum with Outdoor Courtyard (PCUP-26-0002)

1901 Newport Boulevard, Suite 100

A conditional use permit for a museum, library, and outdoor courtyard with educational programming and occasional evening events.

approved (7-0) · still approved

Cannabis Storefront Time Extension (PA-22-08)

2490 Newport Ave

A request for a one-year time extension for an approved cannabis retail storefront involving building renovations and site improvements.

still conditions-required

Cannabis Storefront Time Extension

The planning commission debated whether to grant a full one-year extension for an approved cannabis storefront on Newport Avenue that has faced delays in plan check. While commissioners expressed frustration over engineering slowdowns, they ultimately supported the extension to help clean up an eyesore property.

What it means: The applicant paid a standard time extension fee of approximately $3,500.

New Museum and Outdoor Courtyard Proposal

A new museum with an outdoor courtyard is proposed at 1901 Newport Boulevard, offering a cultural addition to the commercial corridor.

What it means: Local residents, visitors, and nearby commercial businesses.

Kahlil Gibran Museum and Library Approval

The commission welcomed a new cultural institution celebrating Lebanese-American writer Kahlil Gibran at 1901 Newport Boulevard. The museum will feature educational exhibits, a library, and an outdoor courtyard modeled after the national monument in Washington, D.C.

What it means: The project is 100% privately funded by the applicant and their family.

Development Impact Fees and Traffic Impact Fee Renewal

Developers will keep paying $231 per new daily car trip to fund signal and road improvements, with discounts for housing near transit that generates fewer trips.

What it means: Fees fund a $47 million eligible transportation project list; developers of qualifying housing pay lower fees.

Real Property Negotiations for 695 W. 19th Street

The city is negotiating terms and pricing with Jamboree Housing for a property located at 695 W. 19th Street.

What it means: The community may benefit from potential affordable housing or development outcomes pursued by Jamboree Housing.

Successor Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for City Labor Units

The council will vote on temporary upgrade pay side letters for firefighter associations and salary resolutions for top city executives, including the City Manager.

What it means: City firefighters, fire managers, and executive staff receive updated compensation structures.

Parks and Recreation User Fee Adjustments

A comprehensive review of city user fees to ensure cost recovery for municipal services provided to residents and businesses.

What it means: The city budget achieves better cost recovery for services rendered.

Surplus Land Declaration at 695 West 19th Street

A proposal to designate a parcel functioning as part of the Senior Center parking lot as exempt surplus land under state law.

What it means: The city gains flexibility in managing municipal real estate assets.

Comprehensive user fee increases

First full fee study in two decades: most city service fees rise, 22 new fees appear, and recreation fees go up about 30% in some cases. Tennis players say higher fees are already driving residents to other cities' courts.

What it means: Roughly $1 million more per year to the general fund, including about $335,000 earmarked for the general plan update and technology fees.

Municipal Facilities Master Plan & Deferred Maintenance

The first-ever facilities audit found 57% of city buildings over 50 years old, recommending about $59 million in construction (new fire stations, West Side substation, tennis center) plus $70 million in replacement reserves through 2045.

What it means: Averages roughly $5 million per year in capital investment through 2045 — a major future budget question.

Safe Routes to School plan

The city's first Safe Routes to School action plan is nearly done — crosswalks, curb extensions and school-area safety fixes drawn from 300+ community comments, aimed at winning grants.

What it means: Students, parents and everyone walking or biking near schools.

Fairview Park Fly Field Operations and Costs

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife told the city the model-airplane fly field must cease over vernal pool impacts. Speakers split sharply — HSS members and families asked for balance and evidence, while others demanded enforcement of an expired use agreement and a new master plan.

What it means: The new park master plan has cost millions in consultants and staff time, and Fairview Park runs about $640,000 a year with no fee revenue.