Huntington Beach City Council Meeting: Library Privatization, Budget, and More - March 19, 2024
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Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Meeting Summary - March 19, 2024
The Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, starting with a study session at 3:30 PM and the regular meeting at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a joint study session with the Citizen Participation Advisory Board (CPAB) on CDBG/HOME funding, a short-term rental program update, a closed session, and a regular meeting agenda. Key actions included approving a 4-3 vote to issue an RFP for managed library services, introducing an ordinance to create a Community Parent-Guardian Review Board for children's library materials (4-3), and voting 4-3 to withdraw from the League of California Cities. The meeting drew significant public comment, with 108 speakers, primarily opposing library privatization and the book review board.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of February 20, 2024 (7-0).
- Received monthly update of activities for Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees (7-0, with an amendment requested by Councilmember Moser).
- Approved support for AB 1999 (Irwin) on electricity fixed charges and received letters of support for AB 1773 and AB 1174 (e-bikes) (7-0).
- Approved a three-year contract with PSQ Productions for the Independence Day Celebration (7-0).
- Adopted Resolution No. 2024-08 increasing Safe and Sane Fireworks permits from 15 to 16 (7-0).
- Approved a $750,000 three-year contract with Carl Warren & Company for liability claims administration (7-0, item 16 was withdrawn from the agenda).
- Approved Amendment No. 2 with Allied Universal Security Services for street sweeping enforcement (7-0).
- Approved a cooperative agreement with OCTA for an alternative signal communication demonstration project (7-0).
- Accepted public improvements and bonds for Tracts 18105 and 18106 (7-0).
- Approved the FY 2024-25 WOCWB budget with a proportional share of $1,047,465 (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Study Session Comments: Catherine LeVachure (HB Short Term Rental Alliance) advocated for expanding the STR ordinance to include both hosted and unhosted rentals, citing potential revenue increase and streamlined administration. Terry Hudgens suggested the data analysis was incomplete and needed more time. Twila Hudgens expressed appreciation for the council.
- General Public Comments (108 speakers, 90 seconds each): The overwhelming majority spoke in opposition to agenda items 22 (RFP for managed library services) and 24 (Community Parent-Guardian Review Board). Many library staff, union representatives, and community members voiced concerns about privatization, loss of professional librarians, reduced wages (citing LSS pays about $16/hour), loss of pensions, and decreased services. Speakers also opposed item 24 as censorship and poorly defined. A few speakers supported items 22 and 24, citing concerns about inappropriate content in children's books. Several speakers also commented on item 25 (withdrawal from the League of California Cities), with mixed opinions.
Discussion Items
Study Session: CDBG/HOME Funding Recommendations
- Staff presented the proposed FY 2024-25 CDBG and HOME funding recommendations. The city expects approximately $1.17 million in CDBG and $668,000 in HOME funds (total ~$2.5 million). The CPAB recommended allocating the maximum 15% of CDBG public services ($175,750) to four organizations, with contingency adjustments. Staff also highlighted the mobile home TBRA program, which currently serves 52 seniors, with 30 applicants on the waitlist.
Study Session: Short-Term Rental Program Update
- Staff provided an update on the STR program. As of end of 2023, there were 204 permits (150 hosted, 54 unhosted). TOT revenue from hosted permits was $698,344, and from unhosted was $287,570, totaling just under $1 million. Unpermitted STRs declined from 867 in 2020 to 135 in 2023. Complaints against permit holders declined 32% from 180 in 2022 to 123 in 2023. Councilmembers suggested exploring expansion of the program (e.g., allowing unhosted in all areas) and requested additional data on code enforcement time, revenue audits, and the link between noise complaints and unhosted permits. Staff was directed to return with this information.
Administrative Item 22: Managed Library Services RFP
- Staff recommended issuing an RFP for managed library services, based on an unsolicited proposal from a contractor (implied to be LSS) claiming cost savings. Council discussion was extensive: Councilmembers Moser, Bolton, and Kalmick opposed the RFP, citing concerns about transparency, loss of local control, staff pensions, and potential service degradation. Councilmembers Burns, Strickland, and McKeon supported the RFP as a way to gather information on potential cost savings. The RFP authorization passed 4-3 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon in favor; Moser, Bolton, Kalmick against).
Administrative Item 23: Budget Update and Mid-Year Adjustments
- Staff presented the FY 2022/23 audit results (a $3.7 million general fund surplus), FY 2023/24 outlook (projected $2 million surplus), and mid-year budget adjustments totaling $843,000, all revenue-neutral. The adjustments included $246,000 for Community and Library Services, $480,000 for Fire strike team reimbursements, and $117,000 for EMS supplies. The motion to receive the report and approve adjustments passed 7-0.
Ordinance 4318: Community Parent-Guardian Review Board
- The council considered introduction of Ordinance No. 4318, creating a 21-member board to review children's library materials for sexual content. Councilmembers Moser, Bolton, and Kalmick raised concerns about vagueness, censorship, lack of appeal, and practical implementation (e.g., review of 6,000+ books). Councilmembers Burns, Strickland, and McKeon supported the ordinance as a way to involve parents. The ordinance passed introduction 4-3 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon in favor).
Council Member Item 25: Withdrawal from League of California Cities
- Councilmember McKeon moved to withdraw from the League of California Cities, citing the League's support for Proposition 1, which he argued would harm local control regarding sober living homes. He also criticized the League's opposition to the gas tax repeal and the taxpayer protection act. Councilmembers Moser and Bolton opposed the withdrawal, citing benefits of membership, but the motion passed 4-3 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon in favor).
Key Outcomes
- RFP for Library Services: Approved 4-3 to issue an RFP for managed library services and begin meet-and-confer with labor associations.
- Ordinance for Library Review Board: Introduced 4-3. The ordinance will be brought back for a second reading.
- Withdrawal from League of California Cities: Approved 4-3. Staff to negotiate reimbursement of 2024 dues.
- Budget Adjustments: Approved 7-0 as presented.
- Short-Term Rental Program: Staff directed to return with additional analysis on enforcement, revenue audits, and potential policy changes.
- Study Session on CDBG/HOME: Council to consider final funding recommendations at the May 7 public hearing.
The meeting adjourned after approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
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