Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Meeting - April 2, 2024

The Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority met on April 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, following a closed session at 5:00 PM. The meeting included adoption of election results, contentious discussions on a proposed community parent-guardian review board for children's library materials (Ordinance 4318), and approval of beach and noise regulations. Over 40 members of the public spoke, the majority opposing the library review board and the potential privatization of library services.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5, 6, 8, 10 (Minutes, Monthly Activities Update, Weed Abatement Resolution, SB 1 Road Projects) were approved unanimously (7-0) after items 7 and 9 were pulled for separate discussion.
• Item 7 (Ordinance 4318) and Item 9 (West Orange County Water Board JPA Amendment) were considered individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Library-related comments: Over 30 speakers addressed library issues. The vast majority opposed Ordinance 4318 (the book review board) and the potential outsourcing of library operations to a private company (LSNS). Speakers cited concerns about censorship, lack of transparency, loss of donations and volunteers, and the need for trained librarians. Many called the process "shameful" and warned of fiscal irresponsibility. A few speakers supported the ordinance, arguing it protects children from inappropriate content and upholds parental rights. For example, Russell Neal supported the item, stating it would never be necessary if library staff respected parental rights. Another speaker, Ann Palmer, supported multiple items including the review board, beach code amendments, and the loud-party ordinance.
• Other topics: One speaker promoted a nonprofit fundraising event for police. A speaker urged the council to comply with state housing laws. Another asked the city attorney to ensure adequate insurance for the air show promoter. One speaker criticized the council's transparency and housing record.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Election Results: City Clerk reported the certified March 5, 2024 special municipal election results: Measure A (voter ID) passed (32,892 yes, 28,701 no), Measure B (flags) passed (35,211 yes, 26,358 no), and Measure C (budget/meeting procedures) failed (28,314 yes, 32,157 no). Council adopted Resolution 2024-12 declaring the results (7-0).
• Item 7 – Ordinance 4318 (Community Parent-Guardian Review Board): Councilmember Kalmick expressed concerns about the ordinance's vague definitions, potential for abuse, conflicts with existing municipal code, and liability risks from AB 1825 (pending state bill). Councilmember Moser offered a substitute motion to rely on the existing library collection development policy and removal request process, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the policy's existing mechanisms. The substitute motion failed 3-4 (Moser, Bolton, Kalmick yes; Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon no). The original motion then passed 4-3 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon yes; Moser, Bolton, Kalmick no).
• Item 9 – West Orange County Water Board JPA Amendment: The amendment would increase director stipends from $100 to $200 per meeting. Councilmember Kalmick opposed the increase, suggesting virtual meetings as a cheaper alternative. Mayor Pro Tem Burns and Mayor Van Der Mark recused themselves due to board membership. The motion to reject the amendment passed 4-0-3 (Moser, Bolton, Strickland, Kalmick yes; Burns, Van Der Mark, McKeon recused).
• Item 11 – Ordinance 4319 (Beach Regulations): Staff introduced amendments to improve emergency access zones (14-foot paths, stairways, pier), regulate amplified noise at 50 feet using the "plainly audible" standard, and clarify tent/canopy rules. Council discussed the noise standard being less restrictive than business ordinances and confirmed no impact on fishing or First Amendment activities. The ordinance passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 12 – Ordinance 4317 (Loud Parties/Water Balloons): Staff presented body camera footage showing water balloon incidents on July 4th. The ordinance allows civil citations to water billing account holders when individuals throw objects at people from residences and retreat. Council discussed applicability to short-term rentals and education campaigns. The ordinance passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Resolution 2024-12 recognizing March 5, 2024 special election results (7-0).
• Passed Ordinance 4318 (Community Parent-Guardian Review Board) on first reading (4-3) after a failed substitute motion (3-4).
• Rejected the West Orange County Water Board stipend increase (4-0-3).
• Introduced and passed Ordinance 4319 (Beach Regulations) on first reading (7-0).
• Introduced and passed Ordinance 4317 (Use of Police Services at Loud Parties) on first reading (7-0).
• Next regular meeting scheduled for April 16, 2024.