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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-29 Agenda Packet (Spcl Mtg)SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA City Council Special Meeting Monday, March 29, 2021 at 5:00 PM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL KIM CARR, Mayor TITO ORTIZ, Mayor Pro Tem BARBARA DELGLEIZE, Councilmember DAN KALMICK, Councilmember NATALIE MOSER, Councilmember ERIK PETERSON, Councilmember MIKE POSEY, Councilmember Virtual Location Huntington Beach, CA STAFF OLIVER CHI, City Manager MICHAEL E. GATES, City Attorney ROBIN ESTANISLAU, City Clerk ALISA BACKSTROM, City Treasurer On March 17, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20, which allows a local legislative body to hold public meetings via teleconferencing, and to make public meetings accessible telephonically or otherwise electronically to all members of the public seeking to observe and to address the local legislative body. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/ZOOM ACCESS: In keeping with the Governor’s mandate to limit in -person gatherings that can spread COVID-19, the Monday, March 29, 2021 Special Meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council will be held virtually. The City offers several ways to view City Council meetings live or on-demand. Council meetings are livestreamed on HBTV Channel 3 (replayed on Tuesday’s at 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday’s at 6:00 p.m.). In addition, live and archived meetings for on-demand viewing can be accessed from https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/calendar, or from any Roku or Apple device by downloading the Cablecast Screenweave App and searching for the City of Huntington Beach cha nnel. PUBLIC COMMENTS: At 5:00 PM, individuals wishing to attend the meeting to provide a comment on agendized or non - agendized items may enter Zoom Webinar ID 971 5413 0528 via computer device, or by phone at (669) 900-6833. The Webinar can be accessed here: https://huntingtonbeach.zoom.us/j/97154130528. Attendees utilizing computer devices to request to speak may select the “Raise Hand” feature in the Webinar Controls section. Attendees e ntering the Webinar and requesting to speak by phone can enter *9 to enable the “Raise Hand” feature, followed by the *6 prompt that unmutes their handheld device microphone. Once the Mayor opens Public Comments, speakers will be provided a 15-minute window to raise their hands, and will be prompted to speak when the City Clerk announces their name or the last three digits of their phone number. Speakers are encouraged, but not required to identify themselves by name. Each person may have up to 3 minutes to speak, but the Mayor, at her discretion, may reduce the time allowance if warranted by the volume of calls. The Public Comment process will only be active during designated portions of the agenda (Public Comment and/or Public Hearing). After a speaker concludes their comment, their microphone will be muted, but they may remain in Webinar attendance for the duration of the meeting. Members of the public unable to attend the Zoom Webinar but interested in communicating with the City Council on agenda- related items, are encouraged to submit a written (supplemental) communication via email at SupplementalComm@Surfcity- hb.org, or City.Council@surfcity-hb.org. Supplemental Communications are public record, and if received by 2:00 PM on Monday, March 29, 2021, will be distributed to the City Council prior to consideration of agenda-related items, posted to the City website, and announced, but not read, at the meeting. Supplemental Communications received following the 2:00 PM deadline will be incorporated into the administrative record the following day. MEETING ASSISTANCE NOTICE: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, services are available to members of our community who require special assistance to participate in public meetings. If you require special assistance, 48-hour prior notification will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for an assisted listening device (ALD) for the hearing impaired, American Sign Language interpreters, a reader during the meeting and/or large print agendas. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (714) 536-5227 for more information. City Council 5:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL MEETING ROLL CALL AGENDA March 29, 2021 Peterson, Kalmick, Ortiz, Carr, Posey, Moser, Delgleize Councilmember Peterson has requested permission to be absent pursuant to Resolution 2001-54 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution) PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-Minute Time Limit) - At approximately 5:00 PM, individuals wishing to provide a comment on agendized or non-agendized items may join Zoom Webinar ID 971 5413 0528 via computer device, or by calling (669) 900-6833 (see agenda cover sheet for request to speak instructions). Individuals will be prompted to speak when the Clerk announces their name or the last three digits of their phone number. Public comments will only be heard during this portion of the agenda. Speakers are encouraged, but not required to identify themselves by name. Each speaker may have up to 3 minutes to speak; however, the time allowance may be reduced if warranted by the volume of speakers ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Review and consider adoption of COVID-19 safety guidelines related to in- person City Council meeting protocols Recommended Action: Review and approve the proposed, “Safety Guidelines and Protocols for In-Person City Council Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” ADJOURNMENT The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority is Monday, April 5, 2021, at 4:00 PM in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA AND STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov 21-275 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION MEEETING DATE: 3/29/2021 SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager PREPARED BY: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager Subject: Review and consider adoption of COVID-19 safety guidelines related to in-person City Council meeting protocols. Statement of Issue: With Orange County continuing to make progress on the COVID-19 front, our region is currently in the Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Further, given current data trends, our region will likely be headed into the even less restrictive Orange Tier by early- to mid-April. Given this improving situation, and as was mentioned at our March 15 City Council meeting, staff has been making plans to reopen for in-person City Council meetings starting in April. However, in spite of the COVID-19 situation getting better, the pandemic is not yet over and safety guidelines were developed by staff to facilitate reopening for in-person meetings (Attachment A). However, upon review, members of the City Council raised objections to the proposal and requested a review and deliberation of the safety protocols prior to implementation at our April 5, 2021 meeting. Financial Impact: None at this time. A budget appropriation is not currently needed to fund any safety improvements related to the proposed meeting protocols. The City will instead seek reimbursement for safety improvement costs through future COVID-19 reimbursement opportunities. Recommended Action: Review and approve the proposed, “Safety Guidelines and Protocols for In-Person City Council Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the recommended action and provide alternate direction. Analysis: The continuing decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has permitted Orange County to transition to Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, with the less restrictive Orange Tier in sight. As such, many establishments in the County are now permitted to either reopen or increase their indoor capacities with safety modifications in place. Currently, the City has implemented Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 safety protocols at all of our facilities. These protocols include the use of face coverings, temperature checks, and social distancing. Given improvements in the COVID-19 situation, the City has been preparing to institute a phased reopening plan, which includes a proposed return to in-person City Council meetings beginning in April 2021. To facilitate the in-person City Council meetings, staff developed COVID-19 safety guidelines based on current guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). In summary, those guidelines include the following protocols:  Any person entering City Hall or the Council Chambers must follow all established CDC and CDPH coronavirus safety protocols, including social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and health symptom monitoring.  In-person public comments at City Council meetings will be facilitated, with public speakers being required to remain 6 feet apart.  Safety shielding will be installed between each seat on the main floor of the Council Chambers.  Virtual meeting options will continue to be maintained to allow community members, staff, and City Council Members to participate in the meetings remotely. Environmental Status: Non- Applicable Strategic Plan Goal: Community Engagement Attachment(s): None City of Huntington Beach Safety Guidelines And Protocols For In-Person City Council Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic As Orange County transitions to less restrictive tiers of the “State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy,” the City of Huntington Beach will begin to offer more in-person services (see Exhibit A), including a return to modified in-person City Council meetings in April 2021. The City acknowledges that until the pandemic is declared to be over, COVID-19 remains a serious public health concern, and as such, we have established in-person City Council meetings protocols and guidelines to enhance safety and reduce any possible spread of the coronavirus for those who attend in-person City Council meetings. To that end, the in-person City Council meeting protocols and guidelines were developed based on current published guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  Any person (including but not limited to members of the public, staff, and all elected officials) who enter City Hall and the Council Chamber must follow all established CDC and CDPH COVID-19 safety guidelines, including but not limited to social distancing, mask wearing, proper hand washing, and temperature checks to monitor for individual health symptoms.  In-person public comments will be facilitated and allowed whenever in-person City Council meetings are held. Community members will be stationed at least 6-feet apart, to ensure proper social distancing from other individuals. Further, public comments will be made from the entrance of the Council Chambers, where two microphones will be stationed at least 6-feet apart. Queuing within the Council Chambers will not be permitted due to the potential for indoor crowding. Instead, City staff will usher up to 2 individuals at a time from the outdoor Civic Center courtyard into the Council Chambers.  COVID-19 plexiglass safety shielding will be installed between each seat on the main floor of the Council Chambers to provide an additional barrier to reduce the spread of the coronavirus through respiratory droplets between in-person meeting participants.   The City will continue to offer virtual meeting options to allow community members, staff, and City Council members the option of participating remotely in meetings. Virtual options allow individuals to access meetings safely and conveniently. COVID-19 REOPENING PLAN Risk Tier/Reopening Phases * ** Widespread Substantial Moderate Minimal Virtual meetings in place for City Council, Boards and Commissions, and employees.    City Hall closed to the public.   Maintain and practice current City COVID‐19 protocols, including screening, monitoring, testing, contact tracing, and quarantining City employees who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID‐19. Update protocols based on the latest CDC guidance.*  Vaccine supply is limited and available to those in eligible categories only.    Employees telecommuting based on operational needs, approximately 50% or 2 days / week.    Adherence to all CDC / CDPH safety guidelines remains in effect. Live, in‐person meetings limited tomembers of City Council, Boards and Commissions.  Virtual meeting options will be maintained.  Attendance at in‐person meetings limited to staff and invited consultants / guests. Individuals may provide public comments in‐person or virtually. Where applicable, employees continue telecommuting based on department operational needs.  Adherence to all CDC / CDPH safety guidelines remains in effect. Live, in‐person meetings limited to members of City Council, Boards and Commissions. Virtual meeting options will be maintained.   In‐person attendance at meetings limited to public comments, staff, and invited consultants / guests.   Limited in‐person business at City Hall, by appointment only with limited / no walk‐in availability by department.    Community & Library Services indoor events to follow CDC / CDPH guidelines.  Standardized telecommuting work schedule begin to be phased out, except where approved based on departmental needs.   Adherence to all CDC / CDPH safety guidelines remains in effect. City Hall and public meetings open to the public with revised safety protocols in place.  Large City sponsored events will be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis, based on applicable CDC / SCDPH guidelines.  Adherence to all CDC / CDPH safety guidelines remains in effect. *ALL RISK TIER/RE‐OPENING PHASES WILL CONTINUE THE USE OF BEST PRACTICES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID‐19 INCLUDING:  HEALTH SCREENINGS, SOCIAL DISTANCING, THE USE OF FACE MASKS, CLEANING OF HARD SURFACES, VIGILANT HAND WASHING AND SANITIZING, COVID TESTING AND TRACKING OF COVID RELATED ILLNESSES/EXPOSURES. **VARIABLES THAT WILL INFLUENCE OUR REOPENING PLAN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:  PROGRESS AND SUPPLY OF VACCINATIONS, COVID‐19 VARIANTS, 4th SURGE, REOPENING OF SCHOOLS, AND MODIFICATION OF STATE METRICS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVEMENT BETWEEN TIERS.