Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting

On September 15, 2026, the Huntington Beach City Council held a regular meeting starting at 6:00 PM following a closed session. The council addressed consent calendar items, heard extensive public comments, debated several agenda items including lobbyist contracts, commemorative plaques, capital projects, and the creation of an art center committee. Key decisions included approving the America 250 plaque (5-2), the Main Street Library 75th anniversary plaque (5-2), the Harbor dock replacement (7-0), and tabling the Newland House restoration for two weeks. The council also voted to delay action on lobbyist contracts for two weeks and directed staff to bring back a resolution to form an Art Center Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Items 13, 15, 17, 18, and 21 were approved unanimously (7-0) after items 14, 16, 20, 22, and 23 were pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Ryder criticized the council for lack of transparency, lawsuits, and using city reserves, accusing them of ignoring voters.
• Brenda Glenn, a city council candidate, argued that the council’s focus on national headlines and lawsuits has wasted taxpayer money, citing a $170,000 penalty for the housing element and a $1.8 billion infrastructure backlog.
• Wendy Rencon opposed the council majority’s efforts on library privatization, book restrictions, and the Pacific Air Show settlement, and supported the “Surf City Four” candidates.
• Elaine Bauer Keeley updated the public on Friends of the Library’s $825,000 donation MOU and urged caution on forming an art commission, noting the existing Art Center Foundation’s role.
• Dr. Gerald Chapman, a former Art Center Foundation member, supported item 24 (Art Center committee), recommending the council learn from past successes like Celebration Plaza.
• Alex Kess, a 12-year-old resident, presented 1,356 signatures asking the council to support state-level e-bike safety reforms (minimum age 16, speedometers, licensing, safety fund), citing a 1,557% increase in e-bike injuries since 2018.
• Several speakers opposed item 24, arguing it would disrupt the current successful professional staff at the Art Center, while others supported it to give local artists more opportunities.
• Additional speakers addressed police contract contributions, housing litigation costs, library conditions, and called for fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Discussion Items

• Item 14: Lobbyist Contracts (Kahn, Soares and Conway for state; Stapleton & Associates for federal) – Councilmember Williams questioned the $504,000 total cost and proposed delaying for further review of return on investment. Vice Mayor Twining noted the state lobbyist may be ineffective due to hostile relations in Sacramento. Motion to postpone two weeks for staff to analyze historical ROI passed 7-0.
• Item 16: Main Street Library 75th Anniversary Plaque – Debate centered on including council members’ names. Councilmember Gruel proposed a substitute motion to allow any council member to replace their name with a community member, which failed 2-5. The original plaque design was approved 5-2 with Councilmember Gruel and Williams voting no.
• Item 20: Newland House Museum & Water Tower Restoration – Councilmember Kennedy questioned the $628,600 cost and revenue generation; staff noted $170,000 annual barn revenue and $82,000 operating costs. Councilmember Gruel requested a deeper financial analysis. Motion to table for two weeks passed 7-0.
• Item 22: Harbour Dock Demolition and Replacement – Discussion focused on receiving only one bid ($416,000 total including contingencies). Councilmember Gruel expressed concern about lack of competition and asked staff to verify outreach efforts. After staff listed 14 firms that pulled plans, the council voted to approve the contract with South Shore Marine Construction 7-0.
• Item 23: America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza – Councilmember Gruel made a substitute motion to include specific local heroes (Medal of Honor recipient Chris Carr and veteran Mike Ali) instead of council names, which failed 1-6. The original staff design honoring all veterans was approved 5-2 with Councilmember Gruel and Williams voting no.
• Item 24: Creating an Art Center Committee – Introduced by Mayor McKeon, Councilman Burns, and Councilman Kennedy. Supporters argued it would enhance the art center, increase revenue, and involve residents similar to the successful City Celebration Committee. Opponents cited redundancy with the existing Community and Library Services Commission. Motion to direct staff to return with a resolution establishing a Brown Act committee passed 5-2.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 13, 15, 17, 18, 21): Approved 7-0.
• Item 14 (Lobbyist Contracts): Delayed two weeks for staff analysis of historical benefits; return at next meeting.
• Item 16 (Library Plaque): Approved as presented 5-2 (Gruel, Williams against).
• Item 20 (Newland House Restoration): Tabled for two weeks to review financial details; return at next meeting.
• Item 22 (Harbour Docks): Approved 7-0.
• Item 23 (America 250 Plaque): Approved as presented 5-2 (Gruel, Williams against).
• Item 24 (Art Center Committee): Motion to bring back a resolution establishing the committee passed 5-2 (Gruel, Williams against).
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2026.