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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCITY HISTORY - Rebirth of the Pier - City Charter History - •n7 August, 1992 Y' NARRATIVE "REBIRTH OF A LANDMARK - THE HUNTINGTON BEACH PIER" THE CHALLENGE The citizens and businessmen of Huntington Beach have lived without their landmark Municipal Pier since July 12, 1988, when it was declared unsafe after fierce storms of the previous January ripped off the end 250 feet, including the two year old "End Cafe". Since that time, a grass roots campaign to rebuild the Pier has gathered momentum. The campaign produced a unique public/private partnership to fund the project, a strong, construction team, novel cost-effective construction techniques and, ultimately, a very successful project. Highlights of the campaign included sales of tee shirts and other "Pieraphernalia" by the P.I.E.R. (Persons Interested in Expediting Reconstruction) Citizens Committee which has raised well over $100,000; the annual "Run for the Pier"; the First Annual "Battle of the Surf Bands'; a,$92,000 check from the Mayor of Anjo, Japan, our sister city; and a very low bid. The fruits of all that labor culminated in a weekend bash in July that none of the locals will ever forget. Huntington Beach, originally a farming community along the Orange County coast, south of Los Angeles, was incorporated in 1909. In 1920, oil was discovered and the small village quickly mushroomed into a full-fledged boom town. Pacific Coast Highway was constructed in 1925, opening up access to 8 1/2 miles of virgin beach and ushering in the City's gradual transition to what is now known as "Surf City". By the 50's and 601s, Huntington Beach had become the fastest growing city in the nation. With a population of 181,000, the City is now world renowned for its surfing waves and is becoming a destination resort. The first Huntington Beach .pier, a 1000 foot long timber structure, was built in 1904, five years before the City's incorporation. In 1912, winter storms nearly destroyed the pier, and a $70,000 bond issue was approved by the voters to build a new one. The new 1350 foot long concrete pier, at the foot of Main Street, was dedicated in June of 1914. This pier was the longest, highest and only solid concrete pleasure pier in the United States at that time. In 1930, the pier was lengthened by 500 feet with a cafe at the end. In 1939, a hurricane destroyed the end of the pier and the cafe. After reconstruction, it was re-opened in 1940. In 1941, the Navy commandeered the pier for submarine watch during World War R. Forty years had passed when, in March of 1983, storms severely damaged the end of the pier and the cafe necessitating demolition and closure. In September, 1985, the rehabilitated pier re-opened with a new two story "End Cafe", only to be washed away again on January 18, 1988. I THE SOLUTION In July of 1988, Fluor/Daniel Consultants, of Irvine, California, submitted their final report regarding the structural stability of the pier. Based upon their findings, the pier was declared unsafe and thus closed. Noble Consultants, also of Irvine, developed oceanographic design criteria for wave characteristics, bottom profiles and beach stability. Underwater surveys were conducted by Scientific Surveys, of San Diego, California. The Fluor/Daniel report indicated that repairing the existing pier was not a cost effective approach. Therefore, in April, 1989, the Huntington Beach City Council selected Moffatt and Nichol Engineers, of Long Beach, California to design a new pier. In July, 1990, construction bids were opened. Riedel International, a 35-year old firm from Portland, Oregon, submitted a remarkably low bid of $8.6 million, $2.8 million lower than the next lowest bidder and $2.6 million,under the engineer's estimate. Riedel's Vice President, Jerry Nelson, stated the reasons for coming in with such a low bid, which included: (1) incorporating the pre-casting of concrete deck sections rather than the previously specified cast in-place process, and (2) employing Riedel's own steel trestle from which cranes would accomplish old pier demolition simultaneously with new pier construction. The total cost of the project, including the upcoming construction of five buildings on the pier, is approximately $12.5 million. The new pier replicates the historic architectural style of the original 1914 concrete pier, complete with arched bents. However, this pier is considerably stronger than the original version in order to withstand not only wave impacts and uplift but also earthquakes. Reinforcing steel is epoxy coated to protect against ocean salt corrosion. The steel in the original pier, exposed to the elements all these years, had virtually turned to dust. The 250 foot portion of the pier that was blown away in 1988 was 8 feet lower than the rest of the pier. The new end of the pier is 13 feet higher than its predecessor, far above the wave zone. It is 1856 feet long, 20 feet longer than its predecessor. Concept Marine Associates, Inc. of Marina del Rey, California, was hired to perform construction management on the project. Riedel kicked-off construction with erection of the trestle,in October of 1990. This was followed by simultaneous demolition and pile driving. Some of the more difficult demolition and construction tasks took place that winter. A one month delay was experienced with the discovery and hazardous abatement of asbestos pipes under the old pier. A portion of the demolition was accomplished using the contractor's "Big Digger" floating crane. This operation proved somewhat difficult considering the winter swells that were encountered. Businessmen were concerned about delays during storms, but pile-driving continued on through the rains. The contractor's project manager, Gary Davis, said"You people down here don't know what rain is." During demolition, a sophisticated piece of equipment called a hydraulic shear was employed on the beach to "bite-off' old concrete pilings with little effort. It reminded one of a giant dinosaur, as it devoured the old pier. The weathered piles were so brittle that, when barely touched, they turned to "Rat Feathers", according to Davis. Riedel also used a custom-built hydraulic sled, named "Rosebud", that assures more accurate pile driving; and a conveyor system that delivered 131 foot-long, 24 inch diameter concrete piles out to the end of the trestle. Gordon Fulton, President of Concept Marine, noted "I've never worked on a project before where the pile driving went so smoothly. We haven't even had a Change Order involving pile driving." -2- VkE RESULTS The team assembled to build the pier, including Riedel, Concept Marine, Moffatt and Nichol and the City staff worked well together to produce a near-perfect project full of cost-effective construction features. Change Orders amounted to only about 3% of the project costs, and no construction claims were filed. This is quite unusual for a complex marine project. Funds contributed to the pier come from the City, the County of Orange, the State Coastal Conservancy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the P.I.E.R. citizens group, and Anjo Japan. Anjo, our Sister City, conducted its own fund raiser and accumulated $92,000. Also, a vigorous professional lund raising "Landmark" campaign seeking corporate donors is continuing to complete the funding for the pier and pier buildings. Thus far, $2 million in private funds have been raised. It has become quite apparent, through this process, that an ocean pier is a vital organ in the economic, cultural and historical life of a beach community. This landmark project is not only a passionate issue with the residents, but the downtown merchants consider the pier to be a critical component to their economic survival. This project has proved to be a catalyst between the residents, the business community and City officials. The "Pierfest" July weekend celebration, highlighted by the Saturday ribbon cutting which drew 300,000 people, was not merely a re-opening but more resembled a homecoming or a family reunion. 0501 G -3- 1. City information Name: CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH Address: 2000 MAIN STRFFT HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 Telephone: 714-536=5404 Contact:,--CONNIE BROCKWAY, CITY CLERK, CMC INCORPORATED: FEBRUARY 17, 1909 2. Did'your city incorporate as a charter city or change from a general law city to a charter city? Incorporated— Changed If your city changed from general law to charter, please explain why: THE CITY COUNCIL. IN 1937, WISHED MORE CONTROL THROUGH THE ORDINANCE CODE-TO ADD TO OR CHANGE STATE CODE. THE ELECTORATE VOTED THE CHANGE TO A CHARTER CITY AT THAT TIME. '3. Please describe any significant differences you are aware of in the governance of your city as a charter city compared to a general law city: A STRONGER ADMINISTRATOR - COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT. - THE SIZE .DE THE CITY C-DUNCIL CAN RF CHANGED BY A CHARTER AMENDMENT TO COINCIDE WITH THE CITY'S GROWTH._- 4. Has your city realized any significant benefits as a charter city that may be unavailable to a general law city, such as more local autonomy/control, increased citizen participation,a stronger internal organization or elimination of prevailing wage requirements on city-funded projects? Yes X No Please explain: A DEFINATIVE GROWTH THROUGH 48 ANNEXATIONS SINCE 1945. - A REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY THAT WAS FnRMFn To AnnRFSS RnTH THE 27 SQUARE MILES AND A POPULATION THAT HAS GROWN FROM 3700 TO APPROXIMATELY 200,000. t CiMFN PARTICIPATION HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH SINCE BECOMING A{,.CHARTER CITY. 5. Has your city revised or considered revising its charter to facilitate more local autonomy/control, increased citizen participation, a stronger internal organization, elimination of prevailing wage requirements on city-funded projects or any other changes of particular concern to your community? Yes X No If yes, please explain: THE CHARTER HAS BEEN. REVISED NUMEROUS TIMES BY A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE. > NO KtftKt11U011S, MANY SINGUtAR ATTEMPTS AT .CHANGES, PARTICULARLY THE POSITIONS OF ELECTED CITY CLERK, CITY ATTnRNFY ANn CITY TREASURER - ALL FAILED ATTEMPTS (5TRIES). THE VOTER HAS CONTROLLED THOSE OFFICES. ONLY IN A CHARTER CITY COULD THIS SITUATION EXIST. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TOTAL CHARTER REVISIONS. 6. Please provide any additional comments you may have regarding charter city status vs. general law status: MANY GENERAL LAW CITIES SEEM TO HAVE REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH MANAGEMENT. THEY SEEM TO HAVE LITTLE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION, EXCEPT ON RARE OCCATIONS.- BOTH LARGE AND SMALL CITIES. 2-3 �r e 2 1634 3 HESOLUTION No. 4 A RESOLUTION CIF THE:CITY COUNCUOF TIM CITY OF dUK T IM4TGN BACK ;SSIXO 5 APPRECIATION' OF 'P:�E :ITS[` "�@ «. �I X. CLEGO FOR HIS SERVICM AS TVAUUM g OF THE .CITY (W MWINGTON REACH 8 W-HEMAS hr. William M. Clegg h!es se they city or 9 Huntington Beth as Treasurer for a per at, tw 'y«»twm 10 , hears; 11 WHMUW, the people of the C9 tyr have expressed their 12 earf Idence in him bX e3,00ting him .and m-sleating his to 13 this_:important o fieee during said period; And 14 WAFJ , his serriee to the City and the oommualvr has 18 been rendered with unsslfishaosa and 4ovetion 6 NOWO THERVORSO BE IT RESOLVIM that the City Cflu4e11 Of' 17 the City or Huntington heatuh hereby expresses its sincerer 18 appreciation for his service to the City Community azA 19 extends the best wishes of the City' Council and the citizens , 20 of the .City ix his future endeavors. 21 22 PAa39D AND ADOPTED by the 4i,ty Co it of the City of 23 HuntingtonBeaoh, California, at a regular Meeting theroot 24 held art the 6trh day of,August, 1962 25 Robert M. Lambert 28 ATTEST: : �r 2? Paul C. 'Jones 28City Cleft 2 Hea, No. 1634 2 3TATfw OF, GALlyt? IA 3 COMty Of orange .as city,of Huntington Beeah 4 It PAUL C. J€3 the duly elh t*d# lif led and 6 acting City Clark of the city of Munt oft B fit, e7t� off late Clerk of they City Co it ` of said. City, c hereb* 8 oertitr that the`whole number of members of 'that City,;,4oux4,l 9 , 10 of the City -of Huntin rn boa* it f ivel that- the foregoer resolution was passed arA adopted bpr the of f Irmative r oto . 11 , of more than a mmlority of all the fibers of said City 12 Counoi2 at a regular meeting thoreO hold on the ,.6t,? 13 of August 19620 by the tol.lowi "te s 14 18 AYES: 00=011AMM 16 Stewart, Welch, Lambert 17 18 tt couho lmeew 19 None 20 21 Wells , Gisler; 22 23 24, 25 Paul C. Jones ity Clark •�egQf? + o + the; 26 City Council of the City ofIluatington 27 Oho Calif orni�t 28 29 440, * 9/C'd.0 Huntington Beach Lodge No. 380 F. & A.M.-,- CHARTERED JUNE 22, 1906 `,�` r, G Stated Meetings M"""asonic Temple " First Wednesday of Each Month "Palm Avenue Huntington Beach,,California 92648 . Phon 36-3119 December 1 , 197 The Honorable Alvin Coen, Mayor City of Huntington Beach 5th Street and Pecan Avenue -7,R P. 0. Box 190 Huntington Beach, California 92648 WILLIAM D. LUNDEN Dear Sir: Worshipful Master Res.: 6181 Medford Dr. On Thursday, March 13, 1969., articles were retrieved from Huntington Beach, Calif. 92647 Res. Phone: 892-1462 the opened strong box which had been sealed in the corner- stone of the Carnegie Library (which became our City Library) EVERETT M. JOHNSON which was dedicated on December 10, 1913, at the cornerstone Senior Warden laying ceremonies at Eighth and Walnut. As is known, this 8472 Gifford Circle '''� building was destroyed that following day in March, 1969, Huntington Beach, Calif. 92646 but the articles found truly describe that the cornerstone is the link in the life of our community, between the past with RAY G. WALL its heritage and the future, which we pass on to the next Junior Warden generations . Res.: 7051 Maddox Dr., No. 18 Huntington Beach, Calif.92647 Now growing to its present size, the people of Huntington Beach with its leaders, like yourself and its councilmen, STAN surerJONC have embarked on a building program to provide this community Treasurer p g p y 6432 Harvard Circle with a new central Library Building located at Gol denwest Street Huntington Beach, Calif. 92647 and Talbert Avenue and the new Civic Center at Main and Res. Phone: 892-0034 Seventeenth Streets and Mansion Avenue, buildings worthy of our fine community. MARSHALL TINSLEY, P.M. Secretary The Huntington Beach Masonic Lodge members , being a part of 1111 Lake Street this community, and upon your invitation, would perform the Huntington Beach,Calif.92648 Res. Phone: 536-2168 public ceremonies of that ancient and symbolic custom of Formally Laying the Cornerstone of these two new public build- ings, and would work with those appointed in providing a suit- able program. Respectfully, William D. Lunden E Worshipful Master DW:WDL:skc 1972 Q!Y jF h; I d'tiliiUi`,1 r ql6tjo - :. 0.in Huntington Beach Historical Society HUNTINGTON BEACH 525 MAIN STREET HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA . • 92648 Mt. David D. Rowlands April City Administrator APPROVED BY P.O. Sox 190 1 ' Huntington Beach 92648 _ - Dear Mr. Rowlands, - G1TY GLERK' The Huntington Beach Historical Society has considered the recomendation-: made by Marcus Porter chairman of the Huntington Beach Planning Cbmmission, to designate the new ciy Council Chambers of our new Civic Center as the Paul Jones room, in honour of the late Mr. Paul Jones Huntington Beach -'alty clerk. We would like to suggest that-- a policy be established, which would make it possible for several rooms or areas in the new Civic Center to be considered for future dedication honouring civic le-aders who have served their community. After a great deal of thought , it is the recommendation of our board that the cit►g clerks office in the new Civic Center, be commemorated to Mr. Paul Jones for his dedication to public. service during the great. and unique growth of 'our city. Sincerely yours , 'i- w ('P'(e v Virginia Whipple President Pro-tem : I; I i A P r, p c3 CITY 1, OFFICE I `; REQUEo T FOR CITY COUNGm- TION (oI RH 89-50 Date June 5, 1989 Submitted to: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Submitted by: Paul Cook, City Administrator �t�,(�.Prepared by: Douglas La Belle, Deputy City Administrator/Economic DevelopmentQ/,t,6 Subject: PLACEMENT OF TIME CAPSULE IN MAIN—PIER PHASE I DEVELOPMENT APPP-OVED BY CITY COUNC., Consistent with Council Policy? [ ] Yes [ ] New Policy or Exceptio 19....,,1. Statement of Issue, Recommendation,Analysis, Funding Source,Alternative A tachmentur STATEMENT OF ISSUE: California Resorts, Inc., is asking for the city's assistance in placing a time capsule in the foundation of the Main—Pier Phase I entertainment center. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Council appoint a committee comprised of two Councilmembers, City Historian, Alicia Wentworth, Mike Bower of Golden West Communications, Joyce Riddell, Executive Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Guy Guzzardo, a downtown business owner, to determine items to be included in this .time capsule. ANALYSIS: The idea for a time capsule was formulated by Golden West Communications, the public relations firm retained by California Resorts, Inc. The intent is to get the entire community involved in preserving the historic background of Huntington Beach. At this time, contents for possible inclusion in the time capsule are being gathered by city historian, Alicia Wentworth. Press releases have been sent to the local media and appropriate community organizations are soliciting items for the capsule. We expect to receive an abundance of items, and since space in the time capsule is limited, we are requesting that a committee be formed of councilmembers, staff, and residents to decide which items to include. The following dates have been established for this process: July 15, 1989 Deadline for submitting items August 15, 1989 Completion of selection of appropriate items September 15, 1989 Time capsule placement ceremony ALTERNATIVES: Yj Direct staff to proceed with selection of items without a committee or alter the committee's size and scope. FUNDING SOURCE: l /_ 1) None as a result of this action. ` (� PEC/DLB/DTK:lp PIO 5/85 '� • . A%lP�c sr, rb . /9?64.� ' 04 At4r/d itu of es fmtns ter t/etj a CIVIC CENTER 8200 WESTMINS T Ea BCUL—EVARD Joy;L. Neugebauei. WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA 92683 Mayor 714 CCOE. 898-3311 Charles V. Smith Mayor Pro.rem, Augus t 13, 1985 Frank G Fry, Jr Counalman E:cen.G,ilesoje. C.^.uncamarr Me+ ay. Dear Friend': Counc.iman The. Westminster, City Council and Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring a Prayer for Freedom Day for the seven American hostages. The City has proclaimed. August 30 , 1985 as a - "Prayer for Freedom Day" and- special. ceremenies are scheduled to be held. at the Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Boulevard., beginning at 2: 30, p.m. I would lice to- extend an invitation to you to attend this fitting and worthwhile program.. Your participation would be warmly appreciated. S.incerely,. Joy L. Neugebauer Mayor sd- Encs. n ,J U/ I� -IRS CITY OF HUN7.7 704N.3EACH CITY COUNCIL CFF!CE 1 - F Ion for 7 Hostages NOT FORGOTTEN * William Buckley * David Jacobsen * Rev. Benjamin Weir *Terrf,Qnderson * Peter Kilburn. * Thomas Sutherland - * Rev. Lawrence jenco We.the msrdrnts awd staff at Hy-Loved Cowwiestrwt Respuw/are p►r vrwa Iru �• the saO Odense of;he SrvreAwserrtaw Xossars. For we know. whirr arts.at weir air yorherrd"etker a 1Yis Noma He is Mtra Nothing cow separate us throw tot low of God. wAtek is+w Its"Gbw oaeLord Aowen Lu—:;pUI1;;urCL1 Gy the wr. t:.ter Citi Council and Chamber of Commerce - ProCram at 2: 011. at I.est;n'_ncter CtvIc Center AT jer ton . -M PRAYER FOr, FREEDOM DAY August . 30,: 1985 Wilmit-AS, the staff and Eiatientr, of the Hy=Lond Cbnvales- Cent Hospital in t�esttninster, California have adopted..the seven h69tages being held in Lebanon ; and wlit tit As, a silorit prayer is being offered daily at 11y= lot,d. Hospital for the safe and speedy return of the .hos tag est . and WHEREAS , a special tribute was held by the }iospit61 on July 4tt 1985 iri honor of the seven hostages and Richard Dean ; Stetlen., who was killed in the reeent TWA hijacking; and WIMItAS, a letter has been sent to President Hafez Assad„ of Lebanon requesting his assistance in gaining the' release of ':the _hdstagas t and WI}DftAS , the- names cif William Buckley, Reverend Benjamin Weir, peter Kilburn , Reverend Lawrence denco, David Jacobsen , .Terri Atidersdn , and Thomas Suthbrland are in the hearts and Minds of- all Americans Who pray for their. release= .afid WHEREAS , the City Council of the City of Westminster and the Westminster Chamber of Commerce have joined with the lly=Lond Gonvalescpnt llospit'l insettinc aside a special day to pray for the release. of the seven not forgotten hostages; NOW,. THEi t0bRr j I , JOY L,' NEUGtBAUCR, Mayor of the City of Westminster,,. proclaim August 30, 1985 to be Prayer for Freedom : Uay: bAttllt. August' 13 , 1985 r ..� r, Ira o #A Q11 Pro p`<Q, • , ou"