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Commentary: Newport Beach has much to be proud of and to look forward to

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The year is almost complete and 2015 weighs on the horizon. I am proud of the Newport Beach City Council’s accomplishments in 2014 and look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues in 2015.

Here’s what I see as a review of the council’s work in 2014 as well as a look to the coming year:

I am most proud of the financial measures my colleagues and I completed in 2014. The City Council managed a $256 million budget that provided platinum-level services to residents and ended the year with a $10-million surplus. It negotiated employment contracts with city union groups that led to increased participation in pension obligations and reduced employer pension liabilities. This helps taxpayers. It found more ways to outsource municipal services while increasing the commitment to public safety and police patrols.

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Most importantly, the 2014 council acted to accelerate the payment of the city’s unfunded pension liability by 11 years to a 19-year amortization schedule. This will have the effect of saving taxpayers more than $124 million.

So, 2014 ends with a budget surplus, a more efficient delivery of city services and an improved pension approach. It is no wonder Newport Beach is one of only five cities in California with AAA bond ratings.

Along with prudent fiscal management, the City Council was able to undertake and complete some significant projects desired by the community. Balboa Boulevard landscaping is complete and flourishing. The council completely refreshed Cliff Drive Park, with significant resident input. Sunset Ridge Park is open and children are playing ball from dawn to dusk. Sunset View Park will open soon, as will Marina Park. These three parks are being completed within schedule and under budget. Yes, under budget.

Plans for a West Newport Community Center are in design. This facility crystallized over numerous meetings with hundreds of West Newport residents throughout 2014. When implemented, it will provide the same programs and services offered at Oasis and Newport Coast.

The City Council also planned for a more sustainable community. It adopted a bicycle master plan to address modes of safe travel through Newport Beach. It approved an energy plan to address electrical use at city facilities. Street lights are being swapped out for more energy-efficient models, all in an effort to reduce the demand for energy and save taxpayer dollars.

So much more was completed in 2014 that it would take volumes to recount. But 2015 starts now. I join four new colleagues in governing the city. I am excited for the new year as I spend more time with Diane Dixon, Marshall Duffield, Kevin Muldoon and Scott Peotter. Each has expressed a passion for the city and a vision of the future.

I am hopeful that we can work together to continue to be good stewards of this wonderful community. I am looking forward to sharing my experience and expertise and learning from them as we build on the good works of previous councils and make our own mark on Newport Beach.

The coming year has all the potential to be great for Newport Beach and its residents.

TONY PETROS is a Newport Beach city councilman.

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