Council approves consent calendar; public questions CR&R refund request, Basin Marine lease noted, Travis Purdy appointed unanimously

The Newport Beach City Council on Jan. 28 unanimously approved the consent calendar covering items 1 through 16, with the meeting record noting recusals on two items. The council also appointed Travis Purdy to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission by a unanimous vote.

Public comment drew attention to item 8, the city’s contract with CR&R, the residential trash hauler for parts of Newport Beach where the city provides service. Resident Jim Mosher told the council that the contract allows a pass‑through of cost changes but caps annual increases at 5 percent; according to Mosher, CR&R is asking the city to cap decreases at 5 percent as well and to apply that cap retroactively to July 1.

Mosher referenced the California Constitution in arguing that retroactive extra compensation could constitute a prohibited gift of public…