Huntington Beach City Council Meeting - April 16, 2024

The Huntington Beach City Council met on April 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers after a closed session at 4:30 PM. The meeting included a fireworks booth lottery, public comments on library privatization and other issues, consent calendar items, a public hearing on water and sewer rate adjustments, and related votes.

Fireworks Booth Lottery

• The 2024 Safe and Sane Fireworks Stand Lottery was conducted. Winners were drawn for partnership groups, youth sports, and civic organizations. The Huntington Beach Fire Outreach Foundation won the partnership booth. Youth sports winners included HB Divers (Coast Divers), Huntington Valley Little League, North OC Youth Sports Organization, Team 90 (California Rush), and Seaview Little League. Civic organization winners included Compass Bible Church, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Refuge Calvary Chapel, Therapeutic Writing Center, and HB Elks Lodge #1959.

Consent Calendar

• Items 12, 14, 15, and 17 were approved 7-0. Items 13, 16, 18, and 19 were pulled for discussion.
• Item 13: Resolution to modify the Huntington Beach Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) management district plan, setting a public meeting on May 7, 2024, and a public hearing on June 4, 2024. Approved 7-0.
• Item 16: Ordinance amending beach regulations (Chapter 13.08) regarding amplified sound. After debate, the ordinance was adopted 4-3 (Moser, Bolton, Kalmick opposed; Burns, Vandermark, Strickland, McKeon in favor).
• Item 18: Rejected lowest bid for the Atlanta Pump Station Trash Removal Project and authorized re-scoping for future OCTA funding. Approved 7-0.
• Item 19: Accepted a construction contract with Palp, Inc. DBA Excel Paving Company for $1,398,435 for water main replacement projects. Approved 7-0.

Public Comments

• 39 speakers addressed the council, primarily on library privatization, book content, and the water/sewer rate hearing. Many speakers opposed library privatization and accused the council of targeting librarians. Several speakers expressed support for moving books with sexual content out of children's sections. A librarian resigned during her comments, citing lack of support from city leadership. Other speakers addressed the TBID, beach regulations, and infrastructure needs. One speaker urged support for the water rate increase; others opposed it.

Discussion Items

• TBID Modification (Item 13): Chris Casanova (Economic Development Manager) presented the request to increase the assessment from 4% to 6% of gross short-term room rental revenue to fund tourism marketing and enhancement programs. Council discussed potential impacts on TOT, audit history, and transparency. The resolution passed 7-0.
• Beach Noise Ordinance (Item 16): Lieutenant Smith explained the “plainly audible” standard at 50 feet. Councilmember Bolton raised concerns about a letter from the ACLU regarding potential First Amendment issues. A substitute motion to defer for further study failed 3-4. The original motion passed 4-3.
• Water Main Replacement Projects (Items 18, 19): Staff noted that the Atlanta Pump Station project bids exceeded budget due to dewatering costs; the water main replacement project came in under estimate. Both items passed unanimously.

Public Hearing: Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments

• Alvin Papa (Deputy Director of Public Works) presented a 5-year rate adjustment plan citing aging infrastructure, rising wholesale costs, and inflation. The proposed increases would raise the average monthly bill from $54 to $95 (water and sewer combined). 727 written protests were received, representing 1.4% of affected property owners. Public speakers were split, with some opposing the increases and others supporting infrastructure investment.
• Council discussed a reduced CIP scenario that would lower the total increase from $40 to $30 over five years (9% annual increase vs. 11.8%). Councilmember Vandermark made a substitute motion to adopt the reduced CIP scenario. The motion passed 5-2 (Moser, Vandermark, Strickland, McKeon, Kalmick ayes; Bolton, Burns noes).

Key Outcomes

• TBID Modification: Approved resolution to proceed with public meeting and hearing on district plan changes (7-0).
• Beach Noise Ordinance: Adopted Ordinance No. 4319 (4-3).
• Water and Sewer Rates: Approved resolutions adopting reduced capital improvement program scenario, resulting in lower rate increases (5-2). The resolutions include 5-year adjustments for water commodity rates, meter rates, capital surcharges, private fire line fees, and sewer service charges.
• Infrastructure Report Card: Staff indicated a delay due to vacancies, with an update expected by summer 2024.
• Library Privatization: No formal action was taken, but public comments revealed strong community concern. The council discussed no specific library item on the agenda.

Note: The meeting was adjourned after the public hearing votes.