Public Meetings - Huntington Beach, California

June 6, 2023 The Huntington Beach City Council convened on June 6, 2023, for a study session at 2:00 PM, a closed session, and a regular business meeting at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a citywide parking study, the FY 2023/24 budget, a police officers' union contract, a charter review committee, and a controversial proposal to decertify the Beach/Edinger Corridor Specific Plan EIR. The council voted 4-3 on several contentious items, divided along the same partisan lines. Study Session: Parking Study - Staff and Consultants: Planning Manager Ursula introduced the parking study; Stefan Turoff of Walker Consultants (a nearly 60-year-old parking planning firm) presented findings. The study was catalyzed by COVID-era outdoor dining conversions and new transportation modes (Uber/Lyft, e-bikes, micro-transit). - Citywide Findings: Parking requirements are often rigid and derived from ITE (Institute of Transportation Engineers) manuals, which do not account for mixed-use synergy, delivery services, or changes in commuting patterns. Office buildings were found to have ample parking. Health clubs peak in January, and restaurants show wide variance. Retail centers and offices generally had surplus parking. - Industrial District: The mixed-use industrial center parking was less than 50% full. The district is largely empty after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Recommendations included a catch-all parking requirement for non-industrial uses, eliminating additional parking requirements for change of use, and simplifying the code. - Downtown: On-street parking was 100% full on weekends, public parking 92% full, but private parking only 53% full (about 4,000 of 4,500 spaces occupied at peak). Peak demand is 4 p.m. on weekends. The study concluded the issue is more about parking management (wayfinding, pricing, valet) than supply. Recommendations include demand-based pricing, investing revenue in access improvements, and exploring in-lieu fee programs. - Council Discussion: Councilmember McKeon suggested allowing project-specific parking studies. Councilmember Kalmick noted the city has "all the parking spots we're gonna have" and that parking minimums are stifling business, especially in the coastal zone. Councilmember Moser asked that recent fee increases be responsive to the study's data. Staff proposed tabling further action until the strategic planning session. Closed Session - Items included: City Manager performance evaluation, labor negotiations with the Police Management Association (PMA), and five existing litigation matters. - Report: City Attorney Michael Gates reported the council voted 7-0 to authorize an appeal to the California Supreme Court in the Kennedy Commission v. City of Huntington Beach case (2015 litigation regarding attorneys' fees). Regular Business Meeting Highlights - Pledge and Invocation: Pledge led by Councilwoman Bolton (her birthday); invocation by Huntington Beach Police and Fire Chaplain Roger Wing. - Proclamation: Mayor Strickland recognized May 23rd as "Sammy Hagar Day" for the rock star's investment in the new Cabo Wabo Beach Club at the Waterfront Beach Resort, noting the Hagar family's charitable donations. Public Comments (12 speakers) - Mike Ali and Ann Dunsmore (Angel Force USA): Invited the council to a veteran suicide awareness event. Dunsmore stated that 30,000 veterans have died by suicide since 9/11, compared to 7,000 in combat, and that at least 22 veterans die by suicide daily (possibly up to 45). - Amory Hanson: Voiced support for item 27 (EIR decertification), stating the Bellaterra area "has become overdeveloped. Enough is enough." - Andy Einhorn: Accused Councilwoman Van Der Mark of having "bigoted and hateful" comments and participation in activities led by white supremacists, citing the Anti-Defamation League and an Orange County Weekly article. He requested, for the fifth time, an external ethical investigation. - Russell Neal: Expressed opposition to Pride Month, calling it an "assault on our nation," and criticized the library's "rainbow book month program and pride activity kits" as targeting and grooming children. - Ken Innaway: Recalled failed ballot measures (Measure EE in 2002, Measure E in 2004) and opposed item 26 (charter review committee), urging diversity on any ad hoc committee. - Pat Goodman: Criticized the nearly $8 million Pacific Air Show settlement, claiming broken campaign promises and demanding justification. - Kenny Noah: Supported the air show but questioned the settlement; he met with the City Attorney on May 26. He noted the city attorney said information was unavailable due to "certain current circumstances." - Connie Boardman (former mayor): Defended the LGBTQ+ community and praised librarians for featuring Pride Month books, stating the hate is "harmful and dangerous to our community." - Melvin Sterling: A Navy veteran and former emergency department director, he called for an end to hate and bigotry. - Adam Wood (Building Industry Association): Opposed item 27, stating it would result in litigation and that AB 2011 (taking effect in less than 30 days) would lead to denser, state-controlled housing. He said the BIA has not found a business owner who understands the goal of the decertification. - Unnamed speaker: Cited a Visitors Bureau study showing the air show generates $120 million annually in economic impact (over $840 million over 7 years), calling criticism of the settlement "ridiculous." City Manager's Report - Vector Control Board: Trustee Mike Posey submitted the May report. - Quality of Life Community Survey (Dr. Richard Bernard, FM3): Conducted May 10-16, 2023, with a random sample of 533 adult residents. Margin of error ±4.4% (full sample) or ±6.2% (split-sample questions). 78% rated Huntington Beach as an excellent or good place to live; 41% said the city is headed in the right direction, 41% said the wrong track, 18% didn't know. The top "extremely/very serious" problem was homelessness, followed by cost of housing and cost of living. 67% were satisfied with city services. The most common information sources were word of mouth, city mailers, and the SANS recreation guide. Councilmember Kalmick noted statistically relevant data was finally available; Councilmember Moser asked for drill-down demographic details. City Attorney's Report - City v. State Department of Finance: The state's DOF confirmed payment of $22.4 million (plus interest, $25 million) to the city, with no appeal. Combined with the earlier $6.8 million award, the city will receive approximately $32 million. - Pacific Air Show Settlement: Gates defended the settlement process, stating it was handled identically to all other cases (closed session review, written terms, council vote). He cited Government Code sections requiring disclosure of the "substance" of the agreement, not the full document, and noted no council member had ever raised ethics concerns. Councilmembers Bolton and Burns defended the process; Councilmember Moser suggested a judge might decide whether the settlement should be public. Councilmember Kalmick expressed frustration with public criticism, saying "the three of you guys keep going to the papers and bashing us." Consent Calendar (Items 16-23) All items passed 7-0: - Approved minutes of May 16, 2023 (with a minor correction noted by the City Clerk) - Annual Military Equipment Use Report (AB 481) – renewed Ordinance No. 4255 - Professional services contract with Enterprise Automation for SCADA systems ($1,350,000 over 3 years) - Fiber optic construction contracts: Crosstown Electrical & Data ($445,480 for Garfield Ave), International Line Builders ($250,656 for Oak View Community Center), Crosstown Electrical & Data ($625,650 for Gothard St, with $149,805 appropriation from Traffic Impact Fees), Elecnor Belco Electric ($145,763 for Central Library, with $90,815 appropriation from PEG funds) - Infrastructure Fund Annual Report for FY 2021/22 Public Hearing: FY 2023/24 Budget (Item 24) - Presentation (Sunny Han, Acting CFO): The proposed budget is structurally balanced with a planned $3.6 million surplus. Total sources: $289 million (recurring revenues $278M, one-time revenues $2.3M from Emerald Cove settlement, planned use of reserves $8.8M). Total expenditures: $285 million. Recurring revenues are expected to increase by $4.8 million. Personnel costs increase by $10.6 million (primarily workers' comp, PERS normal cost, and prior MOUs). The CIP totals $41.2 million (up 11% for infrastructure). The budget includes 11 new general fund positions (city attorney's office, clerk's office, communications, community development, human resources). - Pension Status: CalPERS return was 21.3% in FY21 (funded 103%), but -7.5% in FY22 (funded 88%). The budget includes a $2.6 million transfer to the Section 115 trust. The UAL payment projection shows the trust being depleted by FY 2030-31, with projected deficits beginning in FY 2025-26. - Reserve Policy: Staff recommended consolidating five assigned fund balances (city view replacement, triple flip, strategic initiatives, housing agreement, year-end fair value) into the Economic Uncertainties Reserve to meet the two-month reserve requirement. Any use of rainy-day reserves would require a 6/7 council vote, with replenishment within three fiscal years. - Paving Cycle: City Engineer Tom Herbell recommended returning to a 12-year paving cycle (instead of 9-year) because the 9-year cycle costs an additional $2.5 million annually ($22.5 million over the cycle) and would only increase the Pavement Condition Index from 83.4 to 84.4 (on a 1-100 scale). - Public Hearing: One speaker (Amory Hanson) supported the new communications positions (item 24H). - Council Action: Councilmember Kalmick stated he was not prepared to vote, requesting department heads identify modest reductions to address budget year plus two (FY 2025-26). The council voted to continue the public hearing to June 20, 2023, keeping the hearing open to avoid re-noticing. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). Administrative Item: POA MOU (Item 25) - Presentation: The proposed three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026) includes 5% wage increases in each of the three years, special pay increases (e.g., advanced POST certificate, chief pilot), longevity adjustments up to 15% for sworn employees, retention pay for non-sworn employees, clarifying language on work schedules, and updates to uniforms, assignments, job sharing, and alternative dispute resolution. - Fiscal Impact: Total cost $12 million over the contract term ($2.9 million in FY 2024-25, $3 million in FY 2025-26, and $1.5 million in FY 2026-27, as stated in the presentation). - Discussion: Police Chief Eric Parra confirmed approximately 27 officer positions are currently open. Councilmembers expressed support for the contract as a recruitment and retention tool. Councilmember Kalmick noted the city will need to find additional revenue sources; Mayor Strickland stated he would not vote for a sales tax increase. - Vote: Passed 7-0. Councilmember Item: Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee (Item 26) - Proposal (Councilmember Burns): The Mayor (Tony Strickland) would lead an ad hoc committee of himself and two other council members of his choice to recommend proposed charter amendments, returning to the council in July 2023. The City Clerk would provide a timeline for placing amendments on the March 5, 2024 ballot. - Discussion: Councilmembers Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton opposed the ad hoc approach, citing concerns about closed-door meetings, lack of transparency, and the cost of the previous charter review process. They noted the prior charter review commission was public and rigorous. Councilmember Burns countered that any recommendations would come back to the full council for public input and require voter approval. - Vote: Passed 4-3 (Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, Burns in favor; Kalmick, Moser, Bolton opposed). Councilmember Item: Beach/Edinger Corridor EIR Decertification (Item 27) - Proposal (Councilmember McKeon): Directed the City Attorney and City Manager to return with a plan to decertify the 2010 Beach/Edinger Corridor Specific Plan (BECSP) EIR and vacate all associated findings. McKeon argued the EIR is "stale" and "obsolete" due to new state housing laws (e.g., AB 2011, SB 35) that were not contemplated when the EIR was certified. - Discussion: - Councilmember Moser and Bolton questioned the intent and legal feasibility. Staff (Luna Renosa) clarified that an EIR is a disclosure document, not a policy document; the EIR analyzed 6,500 units (with findings reducing to 4,500), but only 1,900 units have been constructed or permitted. She noted there is no established CEQA mechanism for decertifying an EIR and that decertification would eliminate cumulative mitigation measures (e.g., intersection improvements) and require each project to undergo individual CEQA review, which would be more time-consuming and costly. - Adam Wood (BIA) warned of litigation and that AB 2011 would result in denser, state-controlled housing. The council received a letter from auto dealers expressing concern. - Councilmember McKeon stated he would be open to staff recommending repeal of the entire specific plan, but staff noted that would require a new EIR and could revert zoning to commercial. Councilmember Kalmick called the proposal "not a serious policy goal" and said it would be anti-business. - Vote: Passed 4-3 (Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, Burns in favor; Kalmick, Moser, Bolton opposed). Key Outcomes - Parking Study: No formal action; staff will revisit at the strategic planning session. Councilmembers expressed interest in flexible parking standards and demand-based pricing. - Budget: Continued to June 20, 2023, with the public hearing left open; staff will seek department head input on reductions and additional revenue options. - POA MOU: Approved 7-0 for introduction. - Charter Review Committee: Approved 4-3; Mayor will lead the ad hoc committee. - BECSP EIR Decertification: Approved 4-3; staff directed to return with a plan (no set date). - Budget (FY 2023/24): Not adopted; continued to June 20, 2023. - Special Meeting: Scheduled for June 8, 2023 at 9:00 AM at the Huntington Central Library (Rooms C&D). - Next Regular Meeting: June 20, 2023. Note on Discrepancies The presentation of the POA MOU fiscal impact listed fiscal years as "FY 24-25" ($2.9M), "FY 25-26" ($3M), and "FY 26-27" ($1.5M), which is inconsistent with the stated contract term (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026). The transcript does not resolve this discrepancy.

At this special meeting, the Huntington Beach City Council and Public Financing Authority considered a motion to withdraw from the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). After public testimony and council debate, the motion passed 4–3, directing the city manager and city attorney to provide immediate notice of withdrawal. Public Comments & Testimony - Carrie Swan opposed OCPA, calling it a "boondoggle" and recalling her earlier opposition since 2017. - Charlie Jackson supported OCPA, arguing it provides energy choice and 68% green energy alongside SCE. - Jocelyn Rabbit Sire supported OCPA, citing benefits for the environment and public health, and urged the council not to take away the choice to reduce emissions. - Danny Gray supported OCPA, noting it offers 100% renewable energy at 2% lower generation rates than SCE, and helps renters and businesses meet carbon goals. - Jose Trinidad Castaneda (also a councilmember and OCPA board member) encouraged staying in OCPA, stating reforms are underway and that Huntington Beach residents are getting cost savings. - Linda Kramer (Climate Reality Orange County chapter chair) supported OCPA, saying it offers a real choice for 100% clean energy and that SCE's green rate has been dismal for six years. - Steve Shepard supported OCPA, reporting personal savings on rates and net metering, and warned that withdrawal would cost him money. Discussion Items - Motion to Withdraw from OCPA (Introduced by Councilmember McKeon, seconded by Councilmember Burns): - Councilmember McKeon argued that OCPA has been a "disaster" due to lack of transparency, mismanagement, whistleblower complaints, audits, and failure to deliver promised 100% green energy at lower rates. He cited the county's analysis showing contracts could be sold at a profit and that OCPA's own net operating income came from selling unused power. He also noted OCPA does not meet the state's minimum Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of 65%, filing at 61%. - Councilmember Kalmick opposed the motion, calling it irresponsible to vote without a staff report or fiscal analysis. He noted that OCPA is implementing reforms, has a new interim CEO, offers a 2% discount on base rates, and that the city has no risk as residents can opt out. He warned that withdrawal could cost ratepayers significant sums (potentially $50–80 million) and that the city lacks staff to unwind the arrangement. - Councilmember Moser echoed Kalmick's concerns about lack of information and the need for a consultant study. - Councilmember Bolton supported the substitute motion for analysis but ultimately voted against the withdrawal. - Councilmember Vandermark, Strickland, and Burns supported the withdrawal motion. Key Outcomes - Vote on Substitute Motion (to obtain analysis before withdrawal): Failed 3–4 (Kalmick, Moser, Bolton in favor; Vandermark, Strickland, McKeon, Burns against). - Vote on Original Motion to Withdraw from OCPA: Passed 4–3 (Vandermark, Strickland, McKeon, Burns in favor; Kalmick, Moser, Bolton against). - Direction: The city manager and city attorney were directed to provide immediate notice to withdraw from OCPA, with no prior fiscal analysis or consultant study conducted. - Next Meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting is June 6, 2023.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Chair Tracy Pellman called the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Oscar Rodriguez. Roll call confirmed a quorum with six commissioners present (Commissioner Kayla Acosta-Galvan absent). The meeting included approval of minutes, a non-public hearing item on the Capital Improvements Program, and administrative updates. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the commission during the public comment period or on any agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approval of March 28, 2023 Meeting Minutes: The Planning Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 28, 2023 meeting as submitted. The motion was made and seconded, and passed with six votes in favor (Commissioner Acosta-Galvan absent). Discussion Items - General Plan Conformance No. 23-001 (Capital Improvements Program for Fiscal Year 2023/2024): Staff presented a request to determine if the City's proposed Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for the upcoming fiscal year is consistent with the General Plan goals and policies. City Attorney Mike Vigliotta emphasized that the review is perfunctory and should not involve discussion of individual projects, as some may come before the Commission later. Planner Joanna Cortez summarized the staff analysis, noting that the draft CIP was previously reviewed by the Public Works Commission on March 15, 2023. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 1727, finding the projects in conformance with the General Plan. Commissioners asked no substantive questions; Commissioner Don Kennedy thanked staff for his thorough preparation. The Commission voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the conformance. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 28, 2023 Planning Commission minutes. - Approved General Plan Conformance No. 23-001, adopting Resolution No. 1727, finding the FY 2023/2024 Capital Improvements Program consistent with the General Plan. - Staff announced that the next regularly scheduled meeting on May 9, 2023, is expected to be canceled. A voluntary Citizens Academy for commissioners and board members was scheduled for Friday, May 19, 2023, to provide in-depth departmental training. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on March 28, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The main agenda item was a public hearing on Tentative Tract Map No. 19174 and Conditional Use Permit No. 22-021 for the Brandywine Townhomes project, involving 129 townhomes on a 5.6-acre site. After deliberation, the Commission approved the project with an added condition requiring coordination and payment for off-site improvements on the adjacent car wash property. The Commission also approved the February 14, 2023 meeting minutes. Consent Calendar - Approved the February 14, 2023 Planning Commission minutes (6-0-1, Commissioner Adam abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Lindsay Ortega (Applicant representative): Presented project details, including a family-owned builder, 85 communities built, and a commitment to quality. Highlighted 13 moderate-income units (10%) and over $4.5 million in impact fees. - Eric Lechelle (Resident and business owner): Opposed high-density housing, citing loss of commercial space such as his hatchet-throwing business and nearby entertainment venues. - Brent Blanchard (Partner, Gothard Express Partners): Expressed concerns about losing reciprocal access from Edinger Avenue, removal of business signage, and lack of prior notification (learned via staff report only a few days earlier). Asked for coordination and mitigation. - Jeff Bergsma (Architect for adjacent car wash property): Supported the project but noted no communication between the applicant and his property owners. Urged a condition for best efforts in coordination. - Carissa De Stefano (Building Industry Association): Urged approval, citing California's housing crisis and the project's compatibility with the community. - David Trotter (Executive VP, Freeway Industrial Park): Strongly supported the project. Argued the city reserved the right to modify or rescind the reciprocal access easement per the car wash's original CUP condition. Recommended formally rescinding the easement to avoid ambiguity. Confirmed Brandywine would pay for improvements. Discussion Items - Staff presentation (Ricky Ramos): Explained the project: 129 three-story townhomes (reduced from 130), 40 feet tall, with a transfer of 129 units from Beach Boulevard to Edinger Avenue. The project complies with the specific plan, state density bonus law (one concession to reduce building separation to 14.75 feet), and provides 314 parking spaces (exceeding the 277 required). CEQA exemption per Section 15182 applies due to prior program EIR. A minor modification was noted in Condition 6B of the CUP. - Commissioner questions: Covered CEQA exemption duration, coordination with Golden West College (resolved via blackout windows and 30-foot green screen hedge), tree species (Indian laurel), reciprocal access agreement, and relocation benefits for commercial tenants (none required). Staff clarified that the existing reciprocal easement encompasses both old and new circulation patterns, so rescission may not be necessary. - Reciprocal access issue: The applicant agreed to pay for all off-site improvements, including the “classic boulevard” extension and new fire lane, which would eliminate two parking spaces at the car wash. Commissioner Kennedy moved to add a condition memorializing this responsibility and requiring coordination with the car wash owner, subject to city staff oversight. The motion was seconded and carried. Key Outcomes - Approved Tentative Tract Map No. 19174 and Conditional Use Permit No. 22-021 for the Brandywine Townhomes (129 units), with a finding of CEQA exemption per Section 15182 and Government Code 65457. Vote: unanimous (7-0). - Added condition: The applicant must coordinate with the adjacent car wash property owner on off-site improvements (classic boulevard, fire lane) and pay for all such improvements, with city staff oversight prior to building permit issuance. - The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days (appeal fee varies: $2,353 for single-family owner, $3,778 for other parties). - The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2023, but may be canceled due to lack of items.

The Planning Commission of Huntington Beach, California, was scheduled to hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street. The agenda included three public hearing items and a consent calendar. However, the provided raw transcript does not contain the actual Planning Commission proceedings; instead, it appears to be a test recording featuring unrelated content about Women's History Month, the International Surfing Museum, and the OP Pro surfing contest. Therefore, no votes, deliberations, or formal actions by the Commission are documented in the source material. Public Hearing Items - 22-165 Zoning Text Amendment No. 21-007 (BECSP Medical Services and Veterinary Clinics): Proposed to amend the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan to allow Medical Services on the ground floor within the Town Center-Core Segment and eliminate discretionary review for Indoor Veterinary Clinics within the specific plan. The staff recommended that the Commission find the amendment within the scope of the BECSP Program EIR No. 08-008 and recommend approval to the City Council. - 22-163 Conditional Use Permit No. 21-025 (Adult Daycare): Proposed to permit a 9,989 sq. ft. adult daycare center in an existing commercial building at 8909 Adams Avenue. Staff recommended finding the project exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and approving the Conditional Use Permit with findings and conditions. - 22-248 Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-001 (Minor Accessory Structures): Proposed to amend Chapter 203 and Chapter 230 of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (HBZSO) relating to minor accessory structures citywide. Staff recommended finding the amendment categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule) and recommending approval to the City Council. - 22-324 Entitlement Plan Amendment No. 22-003 (7-11 Gas Station and Convenience Store): Proposed to remove Condition of Approval No. 6(b) of Conditional Use Permit No. 19-014, which required all existing overhead utilities along the property’s westerly property line to be undergrounded at 16171 Beach Boulevard. The agenda indicated the Commission should deny the amendment unless required findings could be made, with alternative actions to approve or continue the item. Consent Calendar The agenda listed a Consent Calendar for non-public hearing items, but no specific consent items were provided in the source material. Public Comments & Testimony The transcript contains no public comments or testimony related to the Planning Commission agenda items. Key Outcomes No formal decisions, vote tallies, or directives from the Planning Commission are available in the provided transcript. The transcript appears to be a test feed unrelated to the scheduled meeting, so the outcomes of the public hearing items are not documented.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting addressed two public hearing items: a tentative tract map and conditional use permit for a 10-home residential development on Garfield Avenue, and a zoning text amendment to prohibit "Builders Remedy" applications citywide. The commission also approved consent calendar minutes and discussed bylaw amendments and committee assignments. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non-agenda items. - Garfield Residential Project (Item 23-079): Several residents spoke in opposition to the project's proposed access from Gregory Lane, citing safety concerns for pedestrians, traffic congestion, emergency vehicle access, and construction impacts. Speakers included: - Bill Jager (applicant's representative) – spoke in support, noting project compliance with all codes and significant fee payments (approximately $181,000 for affordable housing, $178,000 for parks, $42,000 drainage, $285,000 traffic impact, and over $200,000 for school impact). - Sam McMellan (Crimson Circle) – expressed concerns about an existing retaining wall and potential erosion from the new homes. - Kathy Velchy (Summerfield Lane) – requested a delay due to a historical landslide incident in 1968 where three children died, stating the property had not been touched in 51 years. - Darren Jaros (Crimson Circle) – voiced concerns about privacy from second-story windows overlooking his property and requested obscured glass and vegetation along the property line. - Robert Katzen (resident for 45 years) – presented a memo opposing the Gregory Lane exit, citing safety risks from the curved road, narrow street, and lack of sidewalks. - Daniel Shea (Laura Circle) – requested a condition requiring construction access from Garfield Avenue, not Gregory Lane, to avoid traffic and safety hazards. - Dennis Jensen (Gregory Lane) – representing 21 households, opposed the Gregory Lane entrance due to narrow street width (35 feet), emergency access issues, and suggested an alternative entrance from Garfield Avenue. - Zoning Text Amendment (Item 23-135): No public comments were submitted. Discussion Items - Garfield Residential Project (TTM 18196, CUP 19-012): Staff presented a proposal to subdivide a 2.4-acre site at 8341 Garfield Avenue into 10 single-family residential lots (10 homes) with a private street. The project requires a conditional use permit due to a grade difference exceeding 3 feet. The development includes market-rate luxury homes (5–6 bedrooms, with the applicant stating an average of about 4,300 square feet; the smallest 3,131 sq ft, largest 4,450 sq ft), three-car garages, three driveway parking spaces per unit, and 8 guest parking spaces. The applicant will pay in-lieu fees for affordable housing ($181,000), park fees ($178,000), drainage ($42,000), traffic impact ($285,000), and school impact (over $200,000). Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Acosta-Galvan recused herself due to a financial interest. Discussion focused on access: the zoning code requires access from a local street (Gregory Lane) rather than the arterial Garfield Avenue. Residents raised concerns about construction traffic, privacy, drainage, and a historical sinkhole. The applicant agreed to a construction management plan with construction access from Garfield and on-site worker parking. Commissioner Wood noted that an HOA would manage parking. The commission voted to approve the staff recommendation (motion by Vice Chair Twining, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez). (Vote: 5 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention (Acosta-Galvan), 1 absent (Adam)). - Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 2023-001 (Prohibition on "Builders Remedy" Applications): Chief Assistant City Attorney Michael Vigliotta presented the ordinance, which would clarify that all projects must comply with the city's zoning code, effectively prohibiting projects relying on the "Builders Remedy" under state housing law. The ordinance was drafted at the direction of the City Council. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sent a letter stating that adoption would violate fair housing law and could lead to referral to the Attorney General. Commissioners expressed differing views: Commissioner Kennedy and Vice Chair Twining supported the amendment, citing local control and opposition to state mandates; Commissioners Rodriguez and Acosta-Galvan opposed, arguing the ordinance is vague, conflicts with state law, exposes the city to litigation, and undermines affordable housing. Commissioner Wood noted the importance of eventually obtaining a certified housing element. The commission voted 4-2 to recommend approval to the City Council (Kennedy, Twining, Pellman, Wood in favor; Rodriguez and Acosta-Galvan opposed; Adam absent). Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes from November 16, 2022, December 13, 2022, and January 10, 2023, as submitted. Chair Pellman and Commissioner Kennedy abstained; the motion carried with four votes. Other Planning Items - Bylaws Amendment: A proposed amendment to the Planning Commission bylaws was pulled and will be continued to a future meeting with additional suggested changes. - Advisory Board and Committee Assignments: Chair Pellman requested commissioners email their preferences for 2023 assignments, including the Design Review Board (voting position) and other liaison roles. - Staff Announcements: The zoning text amendment on medical offices was approved by the City Council; a new commissioner orientation is scheduled for Thursday; the next regular meeting (February 28) is expected to be canceled. Key Outcomes 1. Garfield Residential Project (TTM 18196, CUP 19-012): Approved with staff's recommended findings and conditions. The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days. 2. Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 2023-001: Recommended for approval to the City Council on a 4-2 vote. 3. Consent Calendar: Minutes approved. 4. Next Meeting: The February 28, 2023 meeting is expected to be canceled; the next meeting will likely be in March.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Civic Center Council Chambers. Seven commissioners were present (Commissioner Ian Adam absent). Key actions included the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, recognition of four outgoing commissioners, and a recommendation to approve a zoning text amendment to allow medical services on the ground floor in the Neighborhood Center Segment of the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda items: No public comments. - Public hearing (ZTA 22-004): Brian Mills, representing applicants Dr. Jeremy Chaw and Dr. Melissa, spoke in strong support. He highlighted the changing retail landscape, the high success rate of dental practices (99.6% success rate, average 20+ year terms), and the need for pediatric dental services in Huntington Beach. He also noted the financial burden of the $20,115 application fee on the young practitioners and urged the Commission to support the amendment. Discussion Items - Election of Chair and Vice Chair: - A motion to nominate Kayla Acosta-Galvan as Chair based on seniority failed (3 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent). - A subsequent motion to set aside bylaws and nominate Tracy Pellman as Chair passed (4 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent). - Butch Twining was then nominated and elected Vice Chair (4 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent). - The dissenting votes in both elections were Commissioners Acosta-Galvan and Rodriguez. - Recognitions: Proclamations were presented to former Chair Perkins (absent) and former Commissioners Scandura, Mandic, and Ray. Each outgoing commissioner offered remarks thanking staff, families, and colleagues, and gave advice to the new commissioners. - Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-004 (Medical Services Use Restriction): - Senior Planner Aiden Beckman presented the staff report. The amendment would delete condition C2 from the Neighborhood Center Segment, which currently restricts medical services to above the ground floor. The change would apply to approximately 35 properties. - Commissioners discussed the consistency with other commercial zones, the history of the specific plan, and concerns about medical marijuana (clarified as separately prohibited). - Commissioner Rodriguez raised the possibility of reimbursing the $20,115 application fee to the applicant, noting that the amendment benefits many properties. Staff noted that fee waiver is not within the Commission's authority but could be recommended to the City Council. - Public comment was heard, and the Commission deliberated. All commissioners expressed support, citing the need to adapt to changing retail markets and support small businesses. Key Outcomes - Chair and Vice Chair: Tracy Pellman was elected Chair and Butch Twining was elected Vice Chair for 2023. - ZTA 22-004: The Commission voted 6-0 (Commissioner Adam absent) to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion also included a request for staff to research the possibility of refunding or waiving the application fee, with a minute action memo to the City Council. - Next Meeting: The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes a 10-unit single-family home development project.

The Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearing items, a consent calendar, and non-public hearing items. No official minutes were provided, and the raw transcript consisted of an unrelated interview, not the meeting proceedings. The following summary is based solely on the agenda. Public Hearing Items - 22-894 Tentative Tract Map (TTM) No. 19174 / Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 22-021 (Brandywine Townhomes): Proposal to subdivide a 5.6-acre site at 7225 Edinger Avenue for condominium purposes and develop 130 attached 3-story townhomes up to 40 feet tall with no commercial component. The request includes a transfer of 130 dwelling units from Beach Boulevard to Edinger Avenue within the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan. The recommended action was to find the project exempt from CEQA (Section 15182), and approve the TTM and CUP with suggested findings and conditions. - 22-1066 Continuation of Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-004 (BECSP Medical Services Use Restriction): Proposal to amend the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan to allow Medical Services on the ground floor within the Neighborhood Center Segment. The recommended action was to continue this item to the January 10, 2023 Planning Commission meeting (same date as the current meeting, which may indicate an intended future hearing or a scheduling note). Consent Calendar - 22-1077: Approve Planning Commission minutes dated May 10, 2022. - 22-1078: Approve Planning Commission minutes dated May 24, 2022. - 22-1079: Approve Planning Commission minutes dated June 28, 2022. The consent calendar items were presumably approved unanimously as per standard practice, but no vote tally is available. Key Outcomes - No votes or final decisions are recorded for the public hearing items due to lack of meeting transcript and minutes. - The consent calendar minutes were approved (assumed). - The meeting adjourned. No further details are available. Note: The raw transcript provided for this meeting was unrelated to the Planning Commission proceedings; it featured an interview about a family-owned camera store in Huntington Beach. Therefore, the summary above relies entirely on the agenda.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. Commissioners Perkins and Rodriguez were absent; a quorum was present. The meeting consisted largely of continuances: the applicant for the Brandywine Townhomes project requested a last-minute continuance, and staff requested a continuance for a zoning text amendment. The commission also approved seven sets of minutes, received a staff update on scheduling and commissioner terms, and heard farewell remarks from Commissioner Scandura. Public Comments - No public comments were made for items not on the agenda. Public Hearing Items - 22-894 – Tentative Tract Map No. 19174 / Conditional Use Permit No. 22-021 (Brandywine Townhomes): The proposed project is a condominium subdivision of a 5.6-acre site at 7225 Edinger Avenue, with 130 attached three-story townhomes up to 40 feet tall, no commercial component, and a transfer of 130 dwelling units from Beach Boulevard to Edinger Avenue within the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan. The applicant requested a continuance to January 10, 2023, without stating a reason. Vice Chair Kayla Acosta-Galvan expressed frustration at the last-minute request and asked whether the commission must grant it; staff recommended granting it to ensure due process. Commissioner Mandic echoed the frustration. The commission voted unanimously (all ayes) to continue the item. - 22-1066 – Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-004 (BECSP Medical Services Use Restriction): The amendment would allow Medical Services on the ground floor as an allowed use within the Neighborhood Center Segment of the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan. Staff requested a continuance to the January 10, 2023, Planning Commission meeting. The commission voted unanimously (all ayes) to continue the item. Consent Calendar - The commission approved seven sets of Planning Commission minutes, including corrected minutes: May 10, May 24, June 28, August 23, September 13, September 27, and October 11, 2022. - Staff advised abstentions: Commissioner Adam abstained from the June 28 and September 13 minutes; Commissioner Mandic abstained from the August 23, September 13, and October 11 minutes (the transcript refers to the last date as “October 13,” a discrepancy with the agenda). Staff also noted that Commissioner Scandura’s vote in the August 23, 2022, minutes had been corrected from abstain to no, verified against the recording. - The motion to approve the minutes was seconded and carried, with the noted abstentions. Planning Items & Staff Reports - Staff announced that, due to holiday travel, no quorum would be available for the December 27, 2022, meeting, so it was canceled. The agenda had listed December 27 as the next regular meeting. - Staff reported that commissioners’ terms expire at the end of the year, but they continue to serve until replacements are appointed, anticipated on December 20, 2022. New commissioners were expected at the first meeting in January, and current commissioners were invited to attend to be recognized for their service. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Scandura, in his final meeting after 13.5 years on the Planning Commission, gave farewell remarks. He thanked the two council members who appointed him, city staff, colleagues, residents, applicants, activists, and his family. He noted that his son earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from UC Irvine and works as a transportation planner for LA Metro. He concluded with holiday wishes. Key Outcomes - Continued the Brandywine Townhomes item (22-894) to January 10, 2023. - Continued Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-004 (22-1066) to January 10, 2023. - Approved seven sets of Planning Commission minutes, with abstentions by Commissioners Adam and Mandic as noted. - Canceled the December 27, 2022, Planning Commission meeting. - Adjourned to the next meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.