Huntington Beach City Council Meeting: May 5, 2026

The City Council met on May 5, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. for a regular meeting that included a public hearing on the appeal of a conditional use permit for the Huntington Beach City School District’s maintenance and operations building, adoption of the 2026-2027 annual action plan for federal CDBG and HOME funds, approval of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, authorization of the annual weed abatement program, and a city manager’s report introducing the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. The council also approved several commemorative plaques and a donation of America 250 hats.

Consent Calendar

• Items 20–23 were approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 24 (Pier Plaza flagpole rededication plaque honoring veterans and America 250) was pulled and approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fluoridation (Item 25 pulled): Over 30 speakers, including representatives from the California Dental Association and local dentists, expressed gratitude for the removal of the item from the agenda. They cited the proven public health benefits of community water fluoridation, noting that discontinuation leads to a 25% increase in cavities, especially among underserved populations. Several speakers referenced the 1972 voter mandate (60% in favor) and warned that overturning it would undermine trust in elections.
• Redondo Circle Project (7600 Redondo Circle): Approximately 15 residents from the Terry Park and Windward Cove neighborhoods opposed the proposed 85,000- and 97,000-square-foot industrial buildings with 22 docking bays and 95 trucks per day (including overnight operations). They requested a taller wall (14 feet instead of 9 feet), better landscaping, and a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Several speakers noted that the site is adjacent to a church, preschool, senior living, and residential homes. Some expressed support for development but argued the project as designed is incompatible with the neighborhood.
• Election Integrity: One speaker criticized the council’s support for voter ID laws and the SAVE Act, calling them “disenfranchisement by design.” Another speaker defended the council’s opposition to state overreach, praising the city’s legal battles to preserve local control.
• Miscellaneous: Dr. Olivia Chang requested improved pedestrian signage and speed reduction on Saybrook Street near Harbor View Elementary School. Others spoke in support of item 27 (Colby Aipa plaque), thanked the council for pulling the fluoride item, and raised concerns about the proposed nighttime truck activity at the Redondo Circle project.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing: Appeal of CUP 23-014 (HBCSD Maintenance Building): The council heard extensive testimony from residents and experts. The applicant, the school district, proposed a 7,500-square-foot maintenance building at 8750 Dorset Drive (former Kettler Elementary site). Residents argued that the project’s CEQA categorical exemption was invalid due to the site’s proximity to the Canary Street landfill and the Ascon Superfund site, shallow water table, and methane migration. The city’s staff and the district’s CEQA consultant defended the exemption, noting that all required environmental testing (soils, methane, geotechnical) would occur during the building permit phase. After a substitute motion to continue the item for further CEQA analysis failed (2-5), the council approved the original motion (4-2-1) with a condition to remove the mechanic bay from the plans.
• Public Hearing: 2026-2027 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan: The council adopted a motion to reallocate $15,000 from the All for Kids program (Oakview) to Save the Brave (veterans mental health support) and $5,000 from Robin’s Nest to Pathways to Independence. The total allocation of approximately $1.1 million in CDBG and $517,000 in HOME funds was approved 6-0-1 (Councilmember Williams abstained).
• Public Hearing: 2025 Urban Water Management Plan: Unanimously adopted (7-0). The plan projects a 10% decline in water demand through 2050 and no projected shortages.
• Public Hearing: Weed Abatement Program: Unanimously authorized (7-0) to proceed with abatement on 121 properties.
• City Manager’s Report: Proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget: The budget totals $590 million (all funds) with a $327 million general fund. A projected $15.6 million budget deficit (use of fund balance) is attributed to flat revenues and rising pension costs. The council will hold a study session on May 19, 2026, with adoption expected June 2.
• Treasurer’s Report: The city’s investment portfolio earned $11.7 million in the first three quarters of FY 2025-2026, with a 3.71% return. The treasurer announced new digital platforms for business licenses and municipal services, and expanded financial literacy programs.

Key Outcomes

• Appeal of CUP 23-014 (HBCSD Maintenance Building): Approved 4-2-1 (Councilmember Gruel and Williams voted no; Councilmember Vandermark abstained). The council directed staff to include a condition that the mechanic bay be removed from the building plans. The project remains subject to all environmental testing and mitigation during the building permit process.
• CDBG/HOME Action Plan: Adopted 6-0-1, with funds shifted to Save the Brave and Pathways to Independence.
• Urban Water Management Plan: Adopted 7-0.
• Weed Abatement Program: Authorized 7-0.
• Treasurer’s Report: Received and filed 7-0.
• Consent Calendar (Items 20-23): Approved 7-0.
• Item 24 (Pier Plaza Flagpole Plaque): Approved 7-0.
• Item 26 (Sunset Beach Plaque): Approved 7-0, directing staff to install a plaque on the rock under the elbow tree by May 29, 2026 (Erica’s birthday).
• Item 27 (Colby Aipa Tower Zero Plaque): Approved 7-0, with private funds covering costs. The Aipa family will return within 90 days with a proposal.
• Item 28 (America 250 Hats): Approved 7-0, accepting a donation of 250 hats from Mayor McKeon and Mayor Pro Tem Twining for sale or giveaway at city facilities and events, with proceeds to the city.