Huntington Beach City Council Regular Meeting – July 21, 2026

The Huntington Beach City Council convened on July 21, 2026, at 11:45 AM for a regular meeting that included closed session discussions, public comments, reports, and votes on key items. The council approved the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, debated the process for an America 250 commemorative plaque, and received updates on capital projects and the community prosecutor program. The meeting was marked by public comments addressing a recent protest incident involving a council member.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved 7-0 after pulling Item 27 (abandonment of Old Pilot Lane Drive water well project) and tabling Item 19 for administrative reasons.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Protest incident: Multiple speakers addressed an incident on July 19 where Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twine used profanity toward protesters. Speakers expressed both support and criticism. Some speakers defended Twine, citing provocation, while others called for accountability and respect.
• Housing and rent concerns: A 78-year-old resident described a 246% rent increase over 13 years at Beach Cottage mobile home park, asking council to intervene with the owner.
• Traffic safety: A resident on Edinger Avenue requested a stoplight at Belfast to address speeding and multiple accidents.
• America 250 plaque support: Several speakers supported adding a plaque at Pier Plaza to commemorate the semiquincentennial.
• Other comments: Topics included park gate closure at Overlook Park, the Surf City 4 candidates, opposition to the plaque as a vanity project, and praise for the Fourth of July parade.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Chief Financial Officer (Item 30) : The council approved an employment agreement for Zach Zithisakanakun as CFO, effective immediately. Compensation set at step E ($104/hour) with benefits. Vote: 5-0-2 (Councilmembers Gruhl and Williams not voting).
• America 250 Commemorative Plaque (Item 31) : Councilmember Kennedy proposed engraving one of the black rectangles at the Pier Plaza Monument to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. A debate ensued over whether to follow Resolution 2017-25 (which requires review by the Historic Resource Board and Community & Library Services Commission) or set it aside. A substitute motion by Mayor McKeon to set aside the resolution and proceed with informal input from those bodies, bringing a draft to the August 18 meeting, passed 5-2 (Grohl and Williams opposed).
• City Attorney’s Report: Mike Vigliata and Community Prosecutor Stephen Pomeroy presented statistics from the Community Prosecutor Program (July 2025–June 2026): 1,132 criminal cases filed, 294 convictions, 147 diversions. The program has reduced homelessness and crime citywide. Council praised the program and discussed possible expansion.
• City Manager’s Report: Public Works Director Chao Wu provided updates on two capital projects:
  • Zone 3 Overlay (pavement rehabilitation) completed under budget ($3.2 million vs. $3.785 million budget), saving $250,000.
  • HBPD Women’s Locker Room renovation completed on time and just under budget ($1.32 million total, with $14,000 remaining). Change orders addressed unforeseen conditions.

Key Outcomes

• CFO Appointment: Approved 5-0-2.
• America 250 Plaque: Motion passed 5-2 to set aside Resolution 2017-25 and bring a draft to August 18 meeting with input from Historic Resource Board and Community & Library Services Commission.
• Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0 with two items removed.
• Community Prosecutor Program: Acknowledged as successful; council expressed support for potential expansion if budget allows.
• City Attorney’s Office: Directed to update the city website with pavement zone maintenance schedules and explore e-bike enforcement possibilities through the prosecutor program.