Public Meetings - Huntington Beach, California

The Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Central Library Lower Level Theater. The meeting included a budget study session, adoption of labor agreements, public comments overwhelmingly focused on Measures A and B (library-related ballot measures), and a council item directing review of Ocean View School District actions. The meeting had 53 public speakers, each limited to one minute. Consent Calendar - Items 9–14, 17, 19, 20 were approved unanimously (6-0) without discussion. These included: approval of minutes, appointments to the Historic Resources Board, acceptance of termination notice for the MOU with Huntington Beach Central Park Conservancy, authorization of an MOU with Premier Girls Fastpitch, Inc., amendments to agreements with Southern California Gas Company, a license agreement with EVA Coffee Project LLC (IYKYK! Coffee Lab), acceptance of bids for traffic signal projects, professional services contracts, and adoption of SB 1 project list. - Items 15, 16, 18 were pulled for discussion by Councilman Kennedy, then approved 6-0 after minor comments. Public Comments & Testimony - 53 speakers addressed the council, with the overwhelming majority (over 40) speaking on Measures A and B, which would create a parental book review committee (Measure A) and require voter approval before the city can outsource library management (Measure B). - Speakers opposing Measures A and B (voting no) argued that the measures protect children from sexually explicit content in the library, calling the material "pornography" and "grooming." Several speakers read explicit passages from books allegedly available in the children's section. They characterized the measures as necessary to safeguard parental rights and child innocence. Many expressed support for Councilman Chad Williams and other council members who oppose the measures. - Speakers supporting Measures A and B (voting yes) argued the measures are about local control and preventing censorship, stating the existing library ordinance is poorly written and could lead to government overreach. They accused the council of wasting money on a special election and losing $5.5 million in Measure M2 infrastructure funds. Some criticized the council for focusing on divisive culture wars rather than city services. - Other comments included: a request for the council to support a resolution to take the Talmud to the Supreme Court; a student presentation on nitrate runoff and proposed fertilizer regulations; concerns about missing budget documentation; a complaint about being silenced at a previous meeting; and gratitude for the police department's quick recovery of a stolen vehicle. - City Manager Travis Hopkins presented the Information Services Department budget overview (8.45 million) and the introduction of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Budget. - Interim CFO Robert Torrez detailed the general fund budget of $298.9 million, projecting an $8.8 million deficit for the upcoming year. He explained balancing strategies including transfers from reserves (Section 115 trust, waterfront loan program, self-insurance funds) and a managed hiring freeze (elimination of 6 positions, saving $1 million). - Steve Montano (Baker Tilly) presented a pension overview, noting the city's unfunded accrued liability of $224 million and a funded ratio of 86.3%. He outlined options to reduce the UAL through accelerated payments, potentially saving $6.8 million to $26.2 million over 20 years. - City Treasurer Alisa Backstrom presented the quarterly investment report (ending March 31, 2025): portfolio book value $417.1 million, market value $415.6 million, with a book yield of 3.38%. She announced her retirement effective July 1, 2025. - Human Resources Director Marissa Sur presented three labor agreements: MOU with Management Employees' Organization (MEO) - 130 employees, 3% salary increases, elimination of performance bonus for top step and $1,000 one-time payment, total cost $2.4 million. MOU with Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT) - 398 employees, similar terms, total cost $5.1 million. Resolution for non-represented employees - 3% salary adjustments, increased health contributions, total cost $440,000. - Councilman Chad Williams introduced Item 24, directing the City Attorney to review actions by the Ocean View School District Board (OVSD) for potential misuse of public resources after the board unanimously endorsed a yes vote on Measures A and B and directed the superintendent to share the resolution with parents via district communication channels. Williams argued this may violate the Political Reform Act and Education Code. Council voted 6-0 to approve the review. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Items 9–14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 approved (6-0). - City Treasurer's Quarterly Investment Report received and filed (vote 6-0). - Labor MOUs with MEO and HBMT and Resolution for Non-Represented Employees approved 6-0 (first reading; final adoption set for June 3, 2025). - Item 24 (Ocean View School District review) approved 6-0, directing City Attorney to investigate and potentially file a complaint. - Budget presentation was a study session; no vote was taken. A public hearing and adoption are scheduled for June 3, 2025 (alternate date June 17, 2025).

The Huntington Beach City Council convened on May 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM for a closed session and reconvened at 6:00 PM for the regular meeting. The meeting included a closed session report, mayor's educational comments on library card policies, 94 public speakers (largely debating Measures A and B on the June 10 special election ballot), departmental budget overviews, a homeless update, consent calendar approvals, two public hearings, and two council member items. Key decisions included approving a lifeguard tower advertising program, adopting CDBG/HOME funding plans, authorizing weed abatement, directing amendments to the group homes ordinance, and filing complaints with the FPPC and IRS. Closed Session Report - City Attorney reported the council unanimously directed the City Attorney to file a petition with the United States Supreme Court in the case of City of Huntington Beach v. Newsom (Case No. 8:23-CV-00421-FWS). Mayor's Comments - Mayor Pat Burns provided an educational clarification: teens aged 13–17 may obtain a "teen card" without a parent or guardian, which grants access to all books in the library, not just the teen section. He emphasized this information is on the city website. Public Comments & Testimony - 94 speakers addressed the council, each limited to one minute. The overwhelming majority discussed Measures A and B (the library-related ballot initiatives for the June 10 special election). - Supporters of Measures A and B argued that sexually explicit books (e.g., "Let's Talk About It," "Identical," "The V-Word") in the young adult or teen sections constitute pornography and should be restricted. They maintained the measures would protect children and restore parental control. Several speakers read graphic excerpts from library books. Some accused the opposition of being "groomers" or "pedophiles." - Opponents of Measures A and B countered that no actual pornography exists in the library, that the books are age-appropriate puberty/sex education materials, and that the council's large "porn" signs near schools are misleading and harmful to children. They argued for trusting professional librarians and parents, and accused the council of manufacturing a crisis to privatize the library. Several opponents referenced vandalism of "Yes on A and B" signs. - A few speakers raised other topics, including homelessness, library professionalism, and campaign finance concerns. One speaker, a school board trustee, alleged Councilman Chad Williams violated Huntington Beach Municipal Code by maintaining two candidate-controlled committees concurrently. Discussion Items Department Services and Budget Overviews - City Treasurer (Alisa Backstrom): Presented a $1.9 million budget (69% personnel). She manages a $400 million investment portfolio generating $10 million annually. She outlined efficiency initiatives: hotel TOT audits (covering all 21 hotels over three years), a new STR software platform, electronic payment expansion, a banking RFP, improved accounts receivable collections (citing $622,000 in uncollected citations from 2024), and consolidating payment systems. The department processes over 350,000 transactions and $11 million in counter revenue annually. - City Clerk (Lisa Lane Barnes): Presented a $1,438,904 budget (68% personnel, 26% operations). The office manages agendas (in compliance with the Brown Act), elections, FPPC filings, records management, and passport services. Key stats: 265 contracts processed, 47 documents recorded with the county, 891 public records requests (with 32,424 daily page views on GovQA), and $185,000 in passport revenue. A records retention schedule led to destruction of over 300 boxes of obsolete records. - Community Development (Jennifer Via Senior): Presented a $12.5 million budget (63 FTEs). The department combines planning, building, code enforcement, housing, economic development, and real estate. Revenue: $13.5 million (two-thirds from permits, one-third from real estate and mobile home park). Efficiencies: consolidated administrative positions, reduced operating budget by 25% over two years, proposed another 10% cut next year (including one FTE elimination). The "Streamlined Surf City" program increased certificates of occupancy by 23% in one year. - Police Department (Kristen Miller): Presented a $92 million+ budget (93% personnel). The department has 223 sworn officers and 117 civilian employees, with 21 sworn and 13 civilian vacancies. Revenue: $6 million (mainly parking citations). Cost-saving measures include sending one person to training who then trains others. Helicopter service contracts with Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine at $850/hour. The department is upgrading online payment systems and may rent out the new training center to other agencies. Homeless Update - Lt. Roman Altenbach and Jessica Kelly presented the 2024 annual report. Key accomplishments: 7% decrease in unsheltered homelessness (per pit count); 78 individuals moved into permanent housing (40% increase over 2023); 45 from the Navigation Center; 4 placed in long-term care; 610 shelter referrals made; Navigation Center average occupancy of 91%; 9,603 meals served; 5,711 contacts made. HB CARES volunteers donated 750 hours (saving $22,472). The city uses a combined enforcement-social service approach. In the first four months of 2025, My HB app complaints increased 20% over the same period in 2024. Public Hearing: 2025-26 Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Plan for CDBG/HOME Funds (Item 26) - Housing Manager Charles Kovac presented the proposed 2025-26 Annual Action Plan, 2025-29 Consolidated Plan, 2025-29 Citizen Participation Plan, and Orange County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing. Estimated total funding: $2.4 million ($1.12 million CDBG; $538,000 HOME). The plan continues programs such as tenant-based rental assistance, code enforcement, ADA improvements, and housing rehabilitation. Staff recommended increasing the maximum housing rehabilitation loan/grant from $15,000 to $20,000. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers; the item passed 6-0. Administrative Public Hearing: 2025 Annual Weed Abatement Program (Item 27) - Jimmy Hong of Code Enforcement explained the program: properties declared nuisances on April 1; owners must clear weeds by May 20; city abatement May 22–June 6; costs posted and certified for tax roll. One speaker, a representative of Ocean View School District, urged using only organic herbicides. The hearing closed, and the item passed 6-0. Council Member Items Item 28: Group Homes Ordinance Amendment (Burns/Kennedy) - Motion to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to amend the group homes ordinance to prevent owners/operators from applying for permits for five years after being found operating unlawfully. Councilman Twining successfully amended to also apply the restriction to the property address itself (to prevent name changes). Passed 6-0. Additionally, Councilman Kennedy announced a new comprehensive guide on group homes to be posted on the city website to inform residents. Item 29: FPPC/IRS Complaint (Williams/Burns/Twining) - Councilman Williams presented evidence that Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library (a 501(c)(3)) may have illegally donated funds to a political action committee (Citizens for Good Governance and Our Library Matters) to support the library ballot initiatives. He noted the treasurer for Friends of the Library and the PAC is the same person, Joe Draxovich, and that Friends of the Library's IRS Form 990 explicitly states it did not engage in political campaign activities. The council voted 6-0 to authorize the Mayor to work with the City Attorney to file complaints with the California Fair Political Practices Commission and the Internal Revenue Service. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Items 13, 14, 16–25 approved 6-0. Item 15 (Lifeguard Tower Advertising Program) pulled for discussion and approved 6-0-1 (Councilman Twining recused). The program anticipates up to $1 million in revenue this summer, with a 70/30 city/vendor split. Ads will include beach safety messaging, and a local company will handle wraps. - Public Hearings: Items 26 and 27 both passed 6-0. - Council Member Items: Items 28 (amended) and 29 both passed 6-0. - Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Central Library.

The provided transcript for the city meeting scheduled on 2025-04-29 contains no agenda items, public comments, or board discussions. Instead, it records an exercise session led by an instructor guiding participants through warm-up movements and strength exercises. No city governance, proposals, or decisions were discussed. Transcription Content - The session begins with instructions on maintaining neutral spine posture and proper alignment for standing or seated positions. - Warm-up exercises include marching in place, toe taps, arm swings, heel taps, side steps, and overhead reaches. - Gait pattern variations (wide/narrow, forward/backward) are demonstrated to improve balance and fall prevention. - Leg lifts to the front, side, back, and crossing-over are performed, with modifications for fatigue or limited mobility. - The instructor emphasizes regular breathing, avoiding breath-holding, and adjusting arm height to modify intensity. - No references to city council actions, public testimony, votes, or policy matters appear in the transcript.

The Huntington Beach City Council met on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM with a Closed Session on labor negotiations and litigation, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM at the Central Library. The meeting covered department budget overviews, the annual Safe and Sane Fireworks Stand Lottery, a zoning text amendment for tobacco shops, a contract amendment for oil well abandonment, and two council member items on volunteer group oversight and charter city collaboration. Public comment was extensive, focusing primarily on upcoming ballot Measures A and B concerning library book review and privatization. Consent Calendar - Items 11-12 and 15-17 were approved unanimously (7-0). Item 11 approved minutes from April 1, 2025. Item 12 updated the 2025 Council Liaison List. Item 15 authorized lease amendments for a new restaurant at the pier. Item 16 adopted a resolution amending fee schedules for facility rentals and parking. Item 17 approved license and landscape maintenance agreements for a G&M Oil convenience store project. Public Comments & Testimony - Library Measures A and B (June 10 election): A large majority of the 28 speakers addressed these measures. Supporters of Yes on A and B argued that the measures would abolish a politically appointed book review committee (Measure A) and require voter approval before outsourcing library management (Measure B), protecting librarian expertise and public control. Opponents (No on A and B) contended that sexually explicit books are being made available to children and that the council is not privatizing the library but seeking efficiencies. Several speakers shared personal experiences, including a victim of childhood sexual abuse who linked the books to harm. - Item 18 (Ad Hoc Committee on Volunteer Groups): Several speakers expressed concern that the initiative is a power grab intended to intimidate or retaliate against volunteer groups such as Friends of the Library, Shipley Nature Center, and the American Legion, arguing it would increase government overreach. - Item 19 (Charter Cities Collaborative): Speakers supported the idea, noting that a league of charter cities could provide economies of scale, shared legal resources, and stronger defense against state overreach. - Other topics: A resident raised ongoing noise issues from Walmart rooftop units. Another speaker requested completion of the Glen Mar Tract beautification wall. One speaker highlighted the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center's response to a domoic acid crisis affecting seabirds (151 patients since March 17). Others criticized the council for budget deficits, loss of Olympic surfing/volleyball events, and urged approval of the housing element. Discussion Items - Item 13 – Civic Center Oil Well Abandonment Contract Amendment: Councilmember Kennedy pulled this item to voice opposition to a third amendment increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $1.15 million to a total of over $4 million. He argued the vendor had not performed to the original $1.1 million contract and that litigation should be considered. Mayor Pro Tem McKeon defended the amendment, noting the alternative of $900,000 owed plus potential litigation costs, and that lessons learned would improve future contracts. The motion passed 6-0-1 (Kennedy opposed). - Item 14 – Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-001 (Smoke/Tobacco Shop Regulations): Councilmember Williams commended the Planning Commission for creating a 1,000-foot buffer zone to protect youth from tobacco marketing. The item was approved unanimously (7-0). - Item 18 – Ad Hoc Committee to Evaluate Collaboration Between City and Support Groups: Councilmember McKeon motioned to create a three-member ad hoc committee (himself, Mayor Burns, and Councilwoman Van Der Mark) to identify all groups acting on behalf of the city, define roles and responsibilities, and report back within six months. Discussion emphasized liability protection and streamlining communications. Approved 7-0. - Item 19 – Establishment of Collaborative Program with Charter Cities: Mayor Burns motioned to direct the City Manager to implement steps for Huntington Beach to participate in a collaborative program with other charter cities. Council members noted the power of numbers to defend charter city rights against state overreach. Approved 7-0. Key Outcomes - Approved (7-0): Consent Calendar items 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 (with items 13 and 14 pulled for separate votes). - Approved (6-0-1): Amendment No. 3 with Excalibur Well Services for Civic Center oil well abandonment at a not-to-exceed $1.15 million (Kennedy opposed). - Approved (7-0): Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-001 (tobacco shop regulations) – adoption of Ordinances 4331-4334. - Approved (7-0): Establishment of an ad hoc committee to evaluate formal agreements with volunteer/support groups (McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark). - Approved (7-0): Directive to City Manager to pursue a collaborative program with charter cities. - Fireworks Stand Lottery Results: Winners drawn for 16 permits across youth sports, high school, civic, and partnership categories. Notable winners: Vanguard Aquatics, Beach Elite, Shore Life Church, Resurrection Lutheran Church, etc. - Department Budget Overviews: City Attorney Mike Vigliotta reported the office accounts for 1.4% of the city budget, with 90 active cases and 1,300 criminal referrals in 12 months. He proposed eliminating 1.5 positions to cut costs. Fire Chief Eric McCoy reported a 120% revenue growth over 10 years (to $24M), a call volume doubling to 22,290 in 2024, and initiatives to expand FireMed subscriptions and lifeguard tower advertising to generate additional revenue. - Next meeting: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Central Library.

The Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority met on April 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Central Library Lower Level Theater. The meeting included a closed session on labor negotiations and litigation, public comments, department budget presentations from Public Works and Community & Library Services, approval of a consent calendar, adoption of zoning text amendments regulating smoke/tobacco shops, and a directive to staff to create a milestone payment policy. All voting items passed unanimously (7-0). Consent Calendar - Items 9–14 were approved unanimously (7-0). These included: approving meeting minutes of March 18, 2025; adopting a resolution declaring weeds and rubbish a public nuisance and scheduling a hearing on May 6, 2025; accepting a Cal OES Violence Against Women Act grant ($203,142) and approving a contract with Waymakers ($116,031); approving a three-year street sweeping enforcement contract with Allied Universal Security Services ($1,392,752.79); approving a reinstatement and third amendment to a site access agreement with Chevron Environmental Management Company; authorizing an amendment with Excalibur for oil well abandonment (not to exceed $900,000) – however, the City Manager later pulled this item (25-266) from the agenda to be brought back in the future; and approving a three-year contract with Data Ticket, Inc. for citation processing and parking permit services ($1,950,000). Councilman Twining noted a typographical error in item 12 (the contract amount was transposed as $438,000 instead of $483,000 in the numerical field) but it did not affect the vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Antoinette Delapuro expressed dismay over receiving a parking citation on Veterans Day (November 11, 2024), stating she had called authorities who assured her it was a holiday, and felt the city did not honor veterans. - Russell Neal praised the invocations given by chaplains, calling them God-centered and exemplary. - Charlie Jackson thanked the library and staff for making him feel at home after losing his home in a hurricane. - Amory Hanson spoke in support of item 16 (milestone payment policy), urging a yes vote. - Chris Reaney opposed the item 25-266 (oil well abandonment funding), calling for a full explanation of the 33% cost increase before approval. He also questioned the need for a milestone payment policy, suggesting it might be unnecessary or for show. - Chris Renee (noted as possibly same as above) expressed concern about the financial stability of Symphony of Flowers' parent company (Cavalia) and urged financial responsibility. - Brian Shaver alleged a well-orchestrated scheme in parking citation processing, citing difficulty contesting tickets and costs of $840 for same-day vehicle release. - Unnamed speaker suggested adding a plaque for Chris Carr at Carr Park and finding a more recent hero. - Tim Geddes protested the reduction of public comment time to two minutes with only 11 speakers, and criticized council actions as harmful. - Speaker opposing oil well funding (speaking for Harry McLaughlin) argued the city may not own the oil wells and that Chevron or the state should be responsible; urged tabling the funding request. - Ken Inouye warned of potential tens of millions in fines if council actions lead to litigation, impacting public safety. - Adriana Maldonado urged the council to make the city more walkable for safety, health, and economic benefits, citing statistics on child fatalities and household transportation costs. Discussion Items - Department Budget Presentations: - Public Works (Director Chow Vu): Annual budget of $145 million, with $24 million from the general fund (17%). The department manages 212 full-time and 38 part-time staff, over 100 contracts, and four divisions (Administration, Transportation, Maintenance Operations, Utilities). Revenue sources include grants; recent awards include $9 million for complete streets and $3.6 million for Magnolia Corridor. Efficiency measures include restructuring (e.g., combining Engineering and Transportation) and underfilling positions. Council discussed options to reduce expenditures (e.g., shifting paving cycles, reducing zone maintenance) and increasing revenue via grants and optimizing assets. Councilman Kennedy noted the charter mandates 15% of general fund for infrastructure. City Manager Hopkins said the 15% calculation is evaluated annually. - Community & Library Services (Director Ashley Wisaki): General fund budget of $16 million (68.5% personnel, 31.5% operating); revenues projected at $24.9 million, largely from parking/camping ($18.2 million). The department has 63.25 FTEs, 275 part-time employees, and 859 volunteers. Divisions: Facilities & Development, Beach Parking & Camping, Programs & Services, Senior Center, and Library & Cultural Services. Revenue enhancements include a new parking citation team, in-house security for rentals (projected $30,000 additional), and an RFP for theater management. Cost-saving ideas: evaluating contracted park ranger program, developing an adopt-a-park program, and pursuing sponsorships. Councilman McKeon emphasized synchronizing rentals with hotels and optimizing beach assets. Councilman Gruel suggested seasonal beach parking passes and a scholarship program for summer camps (average camp cost $195). - Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-001 (Smoke/Tobacco Shop Regulations): - Staff presented amendments to four chapters of the zoning code to regulate smoke/tobacco shops, including definitions, separation requirements (1,000 feet from youth‐populated areas, hospitals, and other smoke shops), window/lighting standards (max 20% window coverage), signage prohibiting unaccompanied minors, and non-conforming use provisions. The Planning Commission approved the amendment on February 11, 2025. The public hearing was continued from March 18, 2025. Two speakers signed up; only Amory Hanson spoke in support. Councilman McKeon, the sponsor, noted the amendment addresses proliferation near schools and residential areas. The council approved the ordinance introduction (7-0). - Item 16 – Milestone Payment Policy: - Councilman McKeon and Mayor Burns submitted the item, directing staff to create a policy requiring milestone-based payments in city contracts to reduce financial risk, improve cash flow, and provide progress checkpoints. Councilman McKeon argued it aligns with private sector practices. The council voted 7-0 to direct staff to create the policy. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 9–14) approved 7-0. Item 25-266 (oil well abandonment funding) was pulled by the City Manager for future consideration. - Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-001 (Smoke/Tobacco Shop Regulations) approved for introduction of Ordinances 4331, 4332, 4333, and 4334, 7-0. The ordinances will be read again at a future meeting for adoption. - Milestone Payment Policy directive approved 7-0; staff to return with a draft policy. - Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Central Library.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Room B-7 of the Civic Center. The main agenda item was a public hearing on an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 24-026 for a six-foot-tall wrought iron security fence at 625 and 627 Main Street. After hearing public testimony and deliberation, the Commission voted 3-2 to uphold the approval with an added condition prohibiting outside storage and limiting overnight parking. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the February 11, 2025 meeting (6 ayes, 1 abstention). Public Comments & Testimony Non-Agenda Public Comments: - Antoinette Del Peral expressed disappointment that the city no longer celebrates Veterans Day and shared a personal story about receiving a parking ticket on that holiday. - Perry Clitheroe opposed the meeting itself, calling the only substantive agenda item "really stupid" and arguing that property owners are being harassed by excessive government regulation. - Kelly Frankowise, a former chaplain, requested that the city install a convex mirror at the intersection of Lake and Palm to improve visibility for drivers. Public Hearing – Appeal of CUP No. 24-026 (17 speakers): - Supporters: Rick Wood (applicant’s representative) described the need for security due to vagrancy and the sensitive data handled by the escrow business. Amy Whitaker (property owner) explained the significant investment in the property and the necessity of the fence for safety and compliance. Blythe Curren (employee) spoke about personal safety working late. Thomas Pence, Deborah Struthers, Liz Kirksey, Perry Clitheroe, Kim Kramer, Bob Bowlin, Howard Kettler, Dave (last name not given), and Jason Moberly Caruso (attorney) all supported the fence, citing improved aesthetics, reduced nuisance activity, and compatibility with the neighborhood’s mixed character. Several noted that neighboring residents across the street directly support the project. - Opponents: Vanessa Martinez (property owner on the block) argued the fence is out of character for historic Main Street and that two neighbors who initially supported it have since withdrawn support. Diana Zimmer questioned the security justification, noting no police reports of incidents. Maria Martinez and Michael Martinez (property owners) expressed concerns about declining property values and setting a precedent for industrial-style fencing. In total, four speakers opposed the project. Discussion Items 25-035 Appeal of Zoning Administrator’s Approval of CUP No. 24-026 (Tiempo Security Fence) - The appeal was filed by Councilman Don Kennedy, arguing the fence is incompatible with the residential character of the 600 block of Main Street. Staff presented that the property is a commercially zoned irregular lot, previously operated as a mortuary and now a business escrow office. The proposed fence exceeds the 42-inch front setback height limit and encroaches on visibility triangles and stacking distance. The Zoning Administrator approved the CUP on November 20, 2024, after finding the project complies with the General Plan. The Commission reviewed staff analysis showing that similar fence height exceptions have been approved elsewhere in the city (e.g., post office at 8 ft, 618 Huntington Street at 5.5 ft). - Commissioner Wood recused himself due to prior conversations with Councilman Kennedy and the applicant. Commissioner Pellman was absent. Several commissioners initially expressed concerns about setting a precedent and encroaching on setbacks, but after hearing from many neighbors in favor and noting the significant improvements to the property, the majority leaned toward approval. Commissioner Goldberg moved to add a condition prohibiting outside storage and limiting overnight parking (less than 5 days). This was approved via straw vote (4 ayes, 1 abstention, 1 absent). Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve CUP 24-026: The Commission approved the conditional use permit with the added condition (no outside storage, limited overnight parking). The vote was 3 ayes (Commissioners Bush, Goldberg, McGee) and 2 nays (Chair Thienes, Commissioner Babineau). Commissioner Wood abstained (recused); Commissioner Pellman absent. The decision is final unless appealed to the City Council within 10 calendar days. - Next Meeting: The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, but may be canceled if no items are agendized.

On March 18, 2025, the Huntington Beach City Council held a regular meeting at 6:00 PM (preceded by a Study Session at 4:00 PM and Closed Session). The meeting featured a joint study session on CDBG/HOME funding, a contentious public comment period, the appointment of Andrew Gruel to fill a vacant council seat (following the resignation of Tony Strickland), a mid-year budget overview, and several consent and administrative items. Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon was absent with permission. Study Session: CDBG and HOME Funding (Item 25-0811) - The Citizen Participation Advisory Board (CPAB) presented recommended funding allocations for the 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. The estimated total federal allocation is approximately $1.2 million in CDBG and $538,000 in HOME funds, plus carryover and program income. - CPAB recommended funding six public service organizations (totaling $168,000): Children's Bureau, Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley, and others; Open Arms Food Pantry was not recommended because the organization did not attend its presentation. The board unanimously supported these recommendations. - Staff noted that Huntington Beach’s CDBG allocation has been declining slightly in recent years and that the HUD formula is not publicly disclosed. City Council members expressed concerns about the application burden and asked about outreach to potential applicants. Closed Session Report - The City Attorney reported that the Council unanimously authorized filing amicus support in Byrne v. Rule (Court of Appeal Case No. B332962). No other actions were taken in closed session. Public Comments - Over 25 speakers addressed the Council on a variety of topics. Key themes included strong opposition to the process for filling the vacant council seat (many demanded a special election or appointment of the next highest vote-getter, Natalie Moser), criticism of the Council’s library policies (book banning, plaque, privatization), concerns about the city’s budget deficit and the cost of a special election, and accusations of divisiveness and lack of transparency. Several speakers supported the Council’s conservative direction. One speaker requested removal from consideration for the vacant seat (Ken Babino). A brief disruption occurred when an audience member gave a Nazi salute, which the Mayor addressed by calling for decorum. Administrative Items: Appointment to Vacated Council Seat (Item 25-20410) - Councilmember Don Kennedy stated that of the three suggested candidates (Andrew Gruel, Ken Babino, Valentina Bankhead), two had withdrawn. Mayor Pat Burns then nominated Andrew Gruel; Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark seconded. The motion passed 5-0 (with McKeon absent). - Andrew Gruel, a local restaurateur and small business owner, was administered the oath of office by Councilwoman Van Der Mark. He briefly addressed the Council, emphasizing his focus on basic city services, economic sustainability, and transparent governance. Councilmembers welcomed him, praising his leadership and community service during recent wildfires. Consent Calendar (Items 13-18) - The Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included: approval of minutes from March 4 and March 11, 2025; a five-year license agreement with Southern California Edison for Arevalos Park (Item 14); a five-year license agreement for a community garden at Atlanta/Brookhurst (Item 15); forwarding the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the state (Item 16); approval of the West Orange County Water Board FY 2025/26 budget (Item 17); and a construction contract for a fiber optic traffic signal communication system on Bolsa Chica Street (Item 18). Public Hearing (Item 19): Zoning Text Amendment for Smoke/Tobacco Shops - The public hearing was opened and immediately continued to the next regular meeting on April 1, 2025, by a 6-0-1 vote (McKeon absent). Administrative Items (Continued) - Appointment of Interim CFO (Item 20) - The Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-26 appointing Robert Torrez as Interim Chief Financial Officer and approved his employment agreement as a retired annuitant. The term is up to one year, limited to 960 hours per fiscal year, at $108.03 per hour. Councilman Kennedy expressed interest in having Mr. Torrez present at a future meeting to discuss his experience (e.g., $100 million CalPERS savings, $120 million aquarium/waterfront projects). The motion passed 6-0-1. City Manager's Report - The City Manager’s Office overview highlighted a $3.58 million budget for FY 2024-25, with two vacancies. Performance data included: Navigation Center 90%+ occupancy; 78 homeless individuals housed; 5,711 outreach contacts in 2024; HBTV YouTube viewership of 6.2 million impressions in H2 2024; and over 350 community members honored at Mayor’s Awards ceremonies. Mid-Year Budget Update (Item 12) - Finance staff presented a high-level update: General Fund revenues for FY 2024-25 are projected at $293.5 million recurring plus $10.9 million one-time (including $4 million from the 2021 oil spill settlement). Expenditures total $304 million. The city projects a $2.3 million surplus, relying on one-time oil spill funds to balance. Property tax growth is strong (4.5% increase in assessed valuation), but sales tax revenues are sluggish. The five-year forecast shows growing deficits. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational. Key Outcomes - Appointed Andrew Gruel to fill the vacated City Council seat (5-0 vote). - Continued Public Hearing on smoking/tobacco shop regulations to April 1, 2025 (6-0-1). - Approved appointment of Robert Torrez as Interim Chief Financial Officer (6-0-1). - Unanimously approved Consent Calendar (Items 13-18). - Council authorized amicus support in Byrne v. Rule during Closed Session. - No action taken on mid-year budget; further updates anticipated after receipt of fourth-quarter sales tax data.

A special meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The sole agenda item was a resolution providing additional direction to the Orange County Registrar of Voters for a special election on June 10, 2025. The meeting included public comment and a vote that passed the resolution 4-0-3. Public Comments & Testimony - Sean (longtime resident): Opposed the special election, calling it a "needless" expense of up to a million taxpayer dollars. He noted that the council could have removed the contested language or placed measures on the November general election at a lower cost. He expressed confidence that voters would defeat the measures in June and November. - Chris Reaney (native resident): Questioned why the council was spending more money on a special election and raised concerns about item 25-2021 (from a previous meeting) that appeared to propose the city running its own election without discussion. He urged adding the charter amendments to a regular election instead. - Pat Goodman: Asked why the special meeting was necessary and expressed support for the council adopting the language of the petitions to avoid the special election, noting that the petitions would restore library operations to before June 2023. He urged the council to consider this as a good-faith response to the will of the people. Discussion Items - 25-2061. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-27: The council considered a resolution requesting the Orange County Board of Supervisors to render specified services for a special municipal election on June 10, 2025, covering two ballot measures. The resolution was introduced by a councilmember (unidentified in transcript) who made a motion to carry forward as recommended, which was seconded. There was no further discussion among council members before the vote. Key Outcomes - Vote on Resolution 2025-27: Passed 4-0-3. Voting yes: Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon, Councilwoman Van Der Mark, Councilman Williams. Voting no: none. Absent with permission: Councilman Twining and Councilman Kennedy. The third absence was not explicitly accounted for; the roll call listed six members present, but two were absent, leaving four votes. The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote. - Next Scheduled Meeting: The next regular meeting was set for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the same location.

Date: March 4, 2025 Time: Closed Session 4:00 PM; Regular Meeting 6:00 PM Location: Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA The City Council convened to address a full agenda including budget presentations from the Finance and Human Resources departments, public comment on library books and a controversial plaque, consideration of two citizen initiatives related to library materials and operations, approval of a new City Manager employment agreement, and opposition to proposed air quality rules. The meeting also featured farewell remarks for outgoing Councilman Tony Strickland, who was elected to the State Senate. Consent Calendar - Items 11 & 15 approved 7-0: Approved minutes of February 18, 2025; accepted the lowest responsive bid ($4,138,097) from All American Asphalt for the Residential Zone 2 Overlay Maintenance Project (CC-1812). - Item 12 (Legislative Platform) pulled by Councilman Kennedy: After discussion about creating a public informational document on sober living facilities (licensed vs. unlicensed), the item passed 7-0. - Item 13 (Opposition to AQMD Rules 1111 & 1121) pulled by Councilman Twining: The council voted 7-0 to direct the City Manager to send a letter opposing the proposed rules, citing economic hardship, grid strain, and equity concerns; one public speaker supported the rules citing public health benefits (16,000 asthma cases reduced). - Item 14 (Contract amendment with CSG Consultants, Inc.) pulled by Councilman Kennedy: The council approved $385,000 for inspection services through 2027; passed 6-0 (Councilman Twining absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Library and MAGA plaque: Over 30 speakers addressed items 17 and 18. Many expressed support for the citizen initiatives to repeal the Community Parent Guardian Review Board and to require public operation of library services, arguing that parents—not the government—should control children's reading. Others opposed the initiatives, stating that library books are age-appropriate, that the MAGA acrostic on a library plaque is divisive, and that the council is engaging in censorship. Several speakers repeated a prepared statement accusing the MAGA movement of racism, transphobia, and authoritarianism. A few speakers defended the council's actions as protecting children from explicit content. - Other topics: Speakers thanked Councilman Strickland for his service; criticized the council for a $15 million surplus claim (later rebutted by Acting City Manager Hopkins as COVID funds); urged the council to focus on infrastructure and budget deficits rather than culture wars; and one speaker called the invocation inappropriate for a public meeting. - Total speakers: 47 signed up; time reduced to 1 minute each. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report – Department Budget Overview: Acting City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced a series of department budget presentations aimed at addressing a structural budget deficit where recurring expenses exceed recurring revenues. Finance Director David Kane presented the Finance Department budget ($5.6 million, 28.5 FTEs) and highlighted revenue sources ($2.7 million in business licenses), while identifying opportunities for efficiency (online business licensing, data ticket for collections) and revenue recovery (TOT audits). Human Resources Director Marissa Sur presented the HR budget ($2.9 million, 15 FTEs) and cited cost-containment measures (online training, evaluating medical screenings) and proactive worker’s comp management. Hopkins clarified that a reported $15 million surplus was entirely COVID relief funds, not a recurring surplus. - Item 16 – Approval of City Manager Employment Agreement: Marissa Sur presented the salient provisions: a four-year term starting March 15, 2025, annual salary of $311,750 (no automatic increases), benefits tied to the non-associated employee pay resolution, and termination without cause with six months’ pay if less than six months’ notice is given. The council voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2025-17 appointing Travis Hopkins as City Manager. - Items 17 & 18 – Citizen Initiatives on Library Materials and Operations: Staff presented two options: place the initiatives on the November 3, 2026 general election, or call a special election within 88–103 days. Councilman Burns moved for Option B (special election on June 10, 2025) and designated Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon, and Councilwoman Van Der Mark to author written arguments and rebuttals (against the initiatives). Both motions passed 7-0. - Appointment to Fill Vacancy: At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Burns requested that the City Manager place an item on the March 18, 2025 agenda to appoint a new council member to replace Councilman Strickland (who will resign upon assuming his State Senate seat). Council members were asked to submit names to the City Manager prior to agenda posting. Key Outcomes - Approved: City Manager Employment Agreement (Travis Hopkins), 7-0. - Approved: Special election for two library-related citizen initiatives on June 10, 2025, 7-0. - Approved: Letter opposing South Coast AQMD Rules 1111 and 1121, 7-0. - Approved: Legislative Platform (Resolution No. 2025-18) and contract amendments for inspection services. - Direction: City Manager to place a council vacancy appointment on the next agenda (March 18, 2025).