Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Meeting – September 17, 2024

The Huntington Beach City Council met on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 4:30 PM (Closed Session) and 6:00 PM (Regular Meeting) in the Council Chambers. The agenda included a closed session for labor and real estate negotiations, a legislative update from California State Senator Janet Nguyen, a consent calendar, a public hearing on the Magnolia Tank Farm Local Coastal Program Amendment, and council member items on a sister city agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel, and physical security upgrades at City Hall.

Consent Calendar

• Items 11–23 (except Item 12): The council approved the consent calendar (including adoption of minutes, Ordinance No. 4326 on the consent calendar was pulled for separate discussion, and the rest were voted on together). The vote was 7-0 in favor of Items 11 (as amended by supplemental communication) and 13–23.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Over 60 members of the public signed up to speak. Due to high volume, each speaker was limited to 90 seconds. Topics included: the library petitions (support for Measure U and parental rights), opposition to the sister city agreement with Israel (many citing genocide and human rights concerns), support for and opposition to the Parents’ Right to Know ordinance (Item 12), and testimony on the Magnolia Tank Farm project (both support and opposition). Many speakers also addressed Item 26 (security) and general city issues.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – Parents’ Right to Know Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4326): Councilmember Kalmick requested public clarification on legal questions regarding the ordinance, citing a confidential email from the City Attorney. The City Attorney’s office declined to discuss privileged communications. The council debated enforcement, definitions (e.g., “educator”), and potential litigation risks. The ordinance passed 4-3 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon in favor; Moser, Bolton, Kalmick opposed).
• Item 24 – Magnolia Tank Farm Local Coastal Program Amendment: Staff presented modifications from the California Coastal Commission, including increased open space, 20% affordable housing (up from 10%), and lower-cost hotel rooms. Councilmember McKeon conducted a detailed analysis covering environmental remediation, flooding, and economic benefits. The project was approved 7-0 with an additional minute action to earmark funds for Southeast Huntington Beach capital improvements.
• Item 25 – Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel: Councilmember Strickland moved to establish a cultural and economic program. Mayor Pro Tem Burns proposed a substitute motion to form an ad hoc committee to vet the partnership. After debate, the substitute motion passed 4-0-3 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon in favor; Moser, Bolton, Kalmick abstaining).
• Item 26 – Physical Security of City Hall: Councilmembers Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton proposed a study of security technologies (e.g., weapon detection systems). Supporters cited public fear and recent incidents; opponents argued it would create a false sense of fear and that the police department already ensures safety. The motion failed 3-4 (Moser, Bolton, Kalmick in favor; Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Item 12 (Parents’ Right to Know): Adopted 4-3.
• Item 24 (Magnolia Tank Farm): Adopted 7-0, with an instruction to set up a separate account for Southeast HB funds.
• Item 25 (Sister City): Adopted 4-0-3 to form an ad hoc committee; further implementation to return to council.
• Item 26 (Security): Failed 3-4.
• City Manager’s Report – OCPA Withdrawal: The city completed withdrawal from the Orange County Power Authority with zero cost liability to the authority; legal fees of approximately $89,000 were incurred. Councilmembers debated the costs and benefits of the withdrawal, with some noting ongoing savings.
• Closed Session: The council recessed to closed session for labor negotiations and real property discussions; a report was given that one item was postponed to after the meeting.
• Legislative Update: Senator Janet Nguyen provided an update on state bills, including fentanyl penalties, retail theft, homelessness, and animal shelter reforms.
• Next Meeting: October 1, 2024.