Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Meeting, February 18, 2025

The Huntington Beach City Council met on February 18, 2025, starting with a closed session at 3:45 PM and reconvening in open session at 6:00 PM. The meeting addressed a consent calendar, a public hearing, and several administrative items. Key actions included approval of a library 50th anniversary plaque design incorporating political language, appointment of a new city attorney, direction to place library-related citizen initiatives on a future ballot, and approval of a license agreement for a seasonal light show (Symphony of Flowers) in Central Park despite significant public opposition. All votes were 7-0.

Consent Calendar

• Items 11–18 were approved en bloc, except items 12, 13, 15, and 17 which were pulled for discussion. Pulled items received individual 7-0 votes.
• Item 12 (professional services contracts) and Item 13 (mid-year budget adjustments) were questioned by Councilmember Kennedy on timing of emergency work and consultant needs, but passed after staff explanation.
• Item 15 (angled parking on Walnut Avenue) was highlighted by Mayor Pro Tem McKeon as adding 14 parking spots and $95,000 annual revenue; passed 7-0.
• Item 17 (Pelican Harbor Senior Apartments license/maintenance agreements) was discussed regarding background and funding sources; Councilmember Kennedy noted the project required affordable housing due to a 2020 specific plan; passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 50 speakers addressed the council, with time reduced to one minute each.
• Library Plaque (Item 20): Overwhelming majority opposed the plaque design due to the prominent use of the MAGA acronym, calling it divisive, political, and inappropriate for a nonpartisan library. A few speakers supported the plaque as celebrating patriotism and the current national mood.
• Library Citizen Initiatives (Items 22 & 23): Many speakers urged the council to adopt the initiatives directly to save election costs, arguing the city should follow the will of over 16,000 signatories. Some opposed, claiming the initiatives were unnecessary.
• Symphony of Flowers (Item 24): Opponents cited potential environmental damage to parkland and wildlife (including bald eagles), loss of public access, noise, parking impacts, and inadequate revenue projections (e.g., $160,000–$860,000 vs. a $4.9 million air show settlement). Supporters noted the show would bring needed revenue, be a family-friendly event, and that the contract includes strong protections.
• Other: Speakers thanked outgoing City Attorney Michael Gates for his service and welcomed incoming appointee Michael Vigliotta. One speaker requested a 12-month moratorium on recovery home licensing.

Discussion Items

• City Manager’s Report – E-Bike Update: Lieutenant Archer reported 146 e-bike collisions in 2024 (56% of all bike crashes), with unsafe speed as the top primary collision factor. Under-18 riders accounted for 40% of incidents. 70 citations were issued, and 15 electric motorcycles were impounded. Enforcement efforts included helicopter and drone tracking of ride-outs.
• City Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Alisa Backstrom presented the quarterly investment report ending December 31, 2024. The portfolio book value was $390.1 million with a market value of $385.2 million. Earnings for December were $988,600, up 29% year-over-year. No compliance issues were noted.
• City Clerk’s Report: The 2025 Safe and Sane Fireworks Stand application and lottery process was outlined, with 16 permits available across categories. The application period runs March 1–31, with a lottery on April 15.
• Item 19 – Marisol HB LLC (TEFRA Public Hearing): Continued from February 4, 2025. Staff confirmed the city has no liability on the $325 million in bonds. The developer secured a first-position PILOT agreement. Councilmember Kennedy noted the project (senior affordable housing) was entitled in 2020; Councilmember McKeon emphasized the city will receive ~$250,000 annually in lieu of property taxes, versus ~$20,000 from an undeveloped lot. The public hearing was closed, and the resolution passed 7-0.
• Item 20 – Library 50th Anniversary Plaque: Staff presented the Commission-approved design and an alternate design by Councilmember Williams. After debate, Councilmember Williams’ version—which included the acronym MAGA (Make America Great Again)—was approved 7-0. Councilmember Williams argued the acronym honors the current “golden era” and noted the plaque is privately funded. Opponents had called the design divisive and political.
• Item 21 – Appointment of City Attorney: Council unanimously appointed Chief Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Vigliotta to succeed Michael Gates, who is leaving for the U.S. Department of Justice. Multiple councilmembers praised Gates’ service and welcomed Vigliotta back (he served the city for 18 years previously).
• Items 22 & 23 – Citizen Initiatives on Library Operations: After receiving reports of effect for two initiatives (one to repeal the Community-Parent Guardian Review Board, another to require public operation of library services), the council voted 7-0 to receive and file the reports and direct staff to return with a resolution calling for an election. A special election or the next general election (November 3, 2026) will be decided later. Estimated costs: $340,000–$399,500 for adding to the general election, or over $1 million for a special election.
• Item 24 – Symphony of Flowers License Agreement: Following extensive discussion, the council approved the license agreement with Flowers of the Sky Entertainment for a seasonal light show in Huntington Central Park East. Revenue guarantees include a minimum $150,000 annual payment, 60% of parking fees, and five nights of 100% ticket revenue for the city. The contract includes a 30-day without-cause cancellation after year one. Councilmembers cited the city’s structural budget deficit ($8.8 million projected next year) and the need for new revenue without raising taxes or pursuing high-density housing. Environmental impact studies showed no significant impacts. The vote was 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar items (including angled parking, Pelican Harbor license, and mid-year budget adjustments).
• Approved: Resolution approving Marisol HB LLC bond issuance and PILOT agreement (Item 19).
• Approved: Library 50th anniversary plaque design incorporating MAGA acronym (Item 20).
• Approved: Appointment of Michael J. Vigliotta as City Attorney (Item 21).
• Directed: Staff to prepare election resolutions for the two library citizen initiatives; council will decide on special election vs. general election (Items 22 & 23).
• Approved: License agreement for Symphony of Flowers with annual revenue guarantees and cancellation clause (Item 24).
• All votes were unanimous (7-0).