STANTON CITY COUNCIL (OC Tribune photo).

An urgency ordinance to temporarily prohibit motels from altering, expanding or enlarging or building new public lodging facilities –such as motels or hotels – is on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting of the Stanton City Council.

According to a staff report, the urgency is due to a number of motels in the city becoming magnets for criminal activity, including prostitution, drugs, robberies, gang activity and the use of deadly weapons. The temporary restriction will allow the city to study the impacts and protect the residents’ safety, said the report.

Also on the agenda is the consideration of a resolution “supporting the Palestinian people of Gaza.”  Councilmember Donald Torres requested that the item be placed on the agenda.

The council will also consider an extension of expired commercial cannabis permits.  Additionally, the council will vote to choose a mayor pro tem for the coming year.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in its council chambers at 7800 Katella Ave. (west of Beach Boulevard).