Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Meeting - November 21, 2023

The Huntington Beach City Council met on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers after a closed session that began at 4:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including e-bike safety updates, a quarterly investment report, approval of the consent calendar, an appeal of a sober living home denial, appointment of an interim city manager/police chief, and two councilmember-sponsored items on veteran homelessness and exploring becoming a certified autism destination. The meeting also included public comments from 15 speakers on various agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7–16 were approved unanimously (7-0). These included:
  • Approval of minutes from November 7, 2023.
  • Extension and fee modifications for the Hometown Heroes Banner Program.
  • Reaffirmation of the Sister City Covenant with Anjo, Japan.
  • Authorizing an additional $500,000 in SLESF funds for a police helicopter.
  • Resolution ordering summary vacation of an easement on Third Street.
  • Approval of three professional services contracts for environmental engineering (each up to $600,000).
  • Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-49 concerning Measure M2 Expenditure Report.
  • Appropriation of $50,000 from Storm Water Quality fund for water quality monitoring buoys.
  • License agreement with Abound Food Care for a solar-powered cold food storage unit.
  • Acceptance of a $4,565,300 construction contract for Admiralty Drive Bridge Rehabilitation and appropriation of $2,100,000 from Measure M funds.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public comments (15 speakers) addressed multiple topics. Key positions:
  • Rocky McKinnon (owner of McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons) spoke in support of inclusive programs, highlighting adaptive surfing equipment and a chairboard for people with disabilities.
  • Kenny Noah (50-year resident) urged fiscal prudence, citing potential budget deficits, $200 million in unfunded liabilities, and deferred maintenance.
  • Andy Einhorn opposed ballot measures, arguing they lacked a business plan and would lead to hidden costs and legal challenges.
  • Kathy Carrick (48-year resident) opposed the autism destination proposal, calling it divisive “virtue signaling” similar to the gay pride flag issue.
  • Russell Neal supported three charter amendments, particularly the shift to in-person voting, arguing mail-in ballots reduce election integrity.
  • Amory Hanson expressed concerns about a future senior housing project at 4952 Warner Avenue, citing size and impact on Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
  • Tim Geddes (library patron) criticized the council majority’s approach to library services, displaying a mock “Enemies of the Library” card.
  • Kathy Ryder (homeowner since 1985) supported e-bike safety efforts but questioned the dual role of Chief Parra as interim city manager/police chief; she also supported veteran homelessness and autism destination items.
  • Jessamyn Garner, Brittany Boz, Vivian Phan, Denise Ivanis Tadora, Pat Goodman, and others spoke in support of both items 19 and 20 (veteran homelessness and autism destination).
  • Cindy offered suggestions for e-bike education, including QR codes at beach parking lots linking to safety videos.
  • Neil supported both items and urged the council to consider housing needs for young people and ADUs.

Discussion Items

• E-Bike Update (City Manager’s Report) – Lieutenant Toby Archer presented an update on e-bike safety efforts including a new municipal code (Oct. 3, 2023) allowing citations and impoundment for unsafe operation. 18 citations were issued in October. Education programs reached over 1,000 students, and 178 helmets were distributed. The city also worked on a safety video and engineering improvements (e.g., third lane on bike path, Bicycle Boulevard). Councilmembers requested future data analysis and trend tracking.
• City Treasurer’s Report – City Treasurer Alisa Backstrom presented the quarterly investment report for September 2023. Portfolio book value: $350.7 million, market value: $335.1 million. Earnings for September were $740,049 (up 77% year-over-year). Fiscal year-to-date earnings of $2.3 million (up 147%). The effective rate of return was 2.59%. The report was received and filed (7-0).
• Appeal of Planning Commission’s Denial of Sober Living Home (Item 17) – The appellant argued that the nearby elderly group home was not a disqualifying use under the 1,000-foot buffer rule. City staff and the city attorney clarified that even if the elderly home was not a disqualifier, the property was still within 150 feet of a state-licensed drug and alcohol recovery facility. The city council denied the appeal (7-0), upholding the planning commission’s denial.
• Interim City Manager/Police Chief Appointment (Item 18) – Council approved Resolution No. 2023-60 and Amendment No. 1 to Eric G. Parra’s employment agreement, making him interim city manager/police chief. Approved 7-0.
• Item 19 – Addressing Veteran Homelessness (Councilmember Moser) – Councilmember Moser proposed a study session in Q1 2024 to develop a targeted action plan. Councilmember Burns and McKeon argued the work is already being done by the homeless task force, citing 64 contacts, 27 veterans with HB ties, 20 referred to shelters, and 4 permanently housed. A substitute motion (by McKeon) for a mayor’s town hall in Q1 passed 6-0-1 (Kalmick abstaining). The original motion was not approved.
• Item 20 – Exploring Certified Autism Destination (Councilmember Moser) – Moser proposed a feasibility study to become a certified autism destination, citing benefits of inclusivity, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. Councilmembers Burns and McKeon opposed, citing unknown costs, impracticality, and that private sector/charties should lead. Kalmick supported, noting the journey matters and benefits extend to all. The motion failed 3-4 (Kalmick, Moser, Bolton in favor; Vandermark abstained, Strickland not voting, McKeon abstained, Burns abstained).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 7-0.
• City Treasurer’s Report received and filed 7-0.
• Appeal of Sober Living Home denied 7-0.
• Interim City Manager/Police Chief appointed 7-0.
• Item 19 (Veteran Homelessness) – Substitute motion for a mayor’s town hall in Q1 2024 passed 6-0-1 (Kalmick abstaining).
• Item 20 (Certified Autism Destination) – Motion failed 3-4 (Kalmick, Moser, Bolton aye; Vandermark abstain, Strickland not voting, McKeon abstain, Burns abstain).
• Next regular meeting scheduled for December 5, 2023.