Long Beach City Council briefs

Capital projects bond hearing
The Long Beach City Council will be holding a hearing on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for public comments on a proposed $6 million bond that will be used to pay for capital projects. These projects include building improvements, replacement or rehabilitation of bulkheading, road improvements and replacement of elevated water storage tanks.
Councilwoman Denise Tangney and some residents expressed an interest in receiving a detailed outline as to what projects the bond will be used for. They also questioned the council's intention to vote on the bond the same night of the public hearing.
"If you're going to have a public hearing," said resident Fran Adelson who ran for one of three city council seats in this year's election. "it would be good for the public to have that information."
Resident Karen McInnis also expressed concern that while that night's meeting agenda did outline the total cost of general projects, it was still not clear as to what exactly the money was being used for. "Is that too much to ask for before a meeting?" McInnis said of an outline.
Resident Larry Benowitz also requested information on the status of outstanding bonds.
City Manager Charles Theofan said he intends to give a presentation at the next meeting on where the city stands with its outstanding bonds and will include a synopsis of the capital projects with the agenda for the Dec. 15 meeting, which can be found on the city's Web site longbeachny.org.

New equipment for LBFD
The city council approved the purchase of a new fire truck for the Long Beach Fire Department. The 2010 Seagrave Marauder includes a 95 foot-ladder firefighters will be used for rescue as well as extinguishing fires in tall buildings.
The council expressed some concern that the ladder is still shorter than some of the city's tallest high rises, but Chief John Gargen stressed that there are no ladders currently available in that height and the department has plans in place should a resident need rescuing from the top floors of their buildings. "This is one of the best trucks in this industry," said Gargen.