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Home My WebLink AboutCity Council Special Meeting - Review and Consider Adoption 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 Stratenic 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. EXHIBIT A i COVID-19 REOPENING PLAN Risk Tier/Reopening Phases Widespread . . Minimal Virtual meetings in place for City Council, Live, in-person meetings limited to Live, in-person meetings limited to City Hall and public meetings open to Boards and Commissions,and employees. members of City Council, Boards and members of City Council, Boards and the public with revised safety Commissions. Virtual meeting options Commissions. Virtual meeting options protocols in place. City Hall closed to the public. will be maintained. will be maintained. Large City sponsored events will be Maintain and practice current City COVID- Attendance at in-person meetings In-person attendance at meetings evaluated on a case-by-case basis, 19 protocols, including screening, limited to staff and invited consultants limited to public comments, staff, and based on applicable CDC/SCDPH monitoring,testing, contact tracing, and /guests. Individuals may provide invited consultants/guests. guidelines. quarantining City employees who are public comments in-person or virtually. exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Limited in-person business at City Hall, Adherence to all CDC/CDPH safety Update protocols based on the latest CDC Where applicable, employees continue by appointment only with limited/ no guidelines remains in effect. guidance.* telecommuting based on department walk-in availability by department. operational needs. Vaccine supply is limited and available to Community& Library Services indoor those in eligible categories only. Adherence to all CDC/CDPH safety events to follow CDC/CDPH guidelines. guidelines remains in effect. Employees telecommuting based on Standardized telecommuting work operational needs, approximately 50%or schedule begin to be phased out, except 2 days/week. where approved based on departmental needs. Adherence to all CDC/CDPH safety guidelines remains in effect. Adherence to all CDC/CDPH safety guidelines remains in effect. 'ALL RISK TIER/RE-OPENING PHASES WILL CONTINUE THE USE OF BEST PRACTICES TO PREVENTTHE 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. COVID-19 Operational Transition In-Person City Council Meeting Protocols Special City Council Meeting March 29, 2021 • / ."Off HtJ NTINGTON BEACH COVID-19 Situational Update Orange County In Red Tier, With Orange Tier Status Likely This Week • The overall COVID-19 situation in Orange County continues to improve — Our region is currently in the "Substantial — Red Tier," — Based on recent State rule changes, we will likely be in the "Moderate - Orange Tier" later this week ' 0,000 • Across the nation, case rates are well below what we saw this past winter, with current COVID-19 cOVID-19 Vaccines Adminate edmOrange Cou._ (cJ Mn.xnmunutm Ragt.. cases plateauing at —60,000 / day # DosesAdminstered # •. 1 ,248,695 383,121 865,574 Total Doses That case level, along with the COVID-19 situation across the globe, is causing concern among public health agencies Number ,— However, here in the US, we have seen hospitalization Persons 815,908 383,121 • numbers drop and stabilize In-Person Council Meetings April Transition Planned For Initial Reopening Efforts • Given the improving COVID-19 situation in Orange County, the City has been making transitional plans to coordinate the gradual and safe reopening of in-person services • In-person City Council meetings have been planned to take place starting in April 2021, with the implementation of COVID-19 safety guidelines — Any person entering City Hall and the Council Chambers must follow all established CDC and CDPH safety guidelines, including social distancing, mask wearing, proper hand washing, and temperature checks — In-person public comments will be facilitated and allowed, with safety modifications implemented — Safety shielding will be installed in the Council Chambers — Virtual options will continue to be maintained to facilitate participation in meetings remotely • All City-staff are currently required to follow the CDC and CDPH related COVID-19 safety protocols 3 City of Huntington Beach Sa" Guidelines And Protocols For In-Person City Council Meetings Dunng the COVID-19 Pandemic As Orange ca>tiy trrtrns n lessname eac resnegin tees of ne 'Scsrs e►cpre tr a sitly t � COVID-19 REOPENING PLAN haxmry�to L'ty d Huntington Beam miwilltxyr b dunnpesar sh3eKes(see Etmoit A). including a return o nodwed npason pry Caexl nVellings In Apra 2021 The Clty adeIOMIMIges teal tWO the paid r c 6 declared in W(flier,COVtl 19 reruths a genus prbk health center and as such.mire have estatillsneo n9ason pry Court meehhgs prol000ls _- and gudellnes o e tlirce sYely and reduce any possde spread of the[erarurrlrs for toss Irtllitritrgrn�P�er•- *M atend in person City Court rneeUhgs To that erd. to In-pesm Cty CanU rneetrg Wowcols and guidelines es were dew koped based m anent p bushed gudance tan the Cenlefs rrr Mr Disease Ca*ol(CDC h and VW altmva Departient of Pulik HmM(COF-H) rwrrhrrrrr�n•urrrA �.....�•rrrWr rrrertahr...rr,wr awrrraa.wrrr.r erra.re..r..ra rrnrrw<rsuhwr rr..ra.c..sa r....it rrr r.-r.rr• • Any person Including bu not"ed to menOers d to pheYc.staff.and at ekaee grrrrrnr4 rr�a""'•r�e..r r�`wr•rh..... ..r+-.e o fic0s)who eraen City Hat and to Council Clubs must lotow at e9abashed CDC and CDPH COW),19 salely gudeYos,nddrg sit nef I llc•0 to socul nstarharg. lrrrre�rwgrmrr war.arrrearrwr rwrrr.r.rrwr rrrr•�..r.r.r.. ffusk wiealtg,proper darned YI.LSha1g.and 1H1veralae mesa n rroedr for ndlMfaf ltrwrl-••rI�11-r•�i WYr/rWrrrw Wr/Yr��e11Sr ereri.er+mc rvnw1 rrerrrhitrrehrwr rt.-.rrrr.rr rer�rrr•r rrrr+hr h1edC1 SW1itIK)Pr rr+wre>•rr�rt.� Nlrrerrrt.�YrYw. •r.7hrr�rmn►a u.rrrr�r+�rgheit etbrrr<a rrrr rq • nperson Ptrac cmmer6 WE be bomalad and aamwd vAenever in-person City hrr.r+r.rrlh.rrrrrhx .1w.wrrr•Mr�w MwrrYr.+rrW/r prrr...e r`n Carrel rneeugs are hm camendy nremers will be sbbonee at least 6 Peel apart ..r-•- tine rlYrrr+� +"�^Ytrr..r� to stints props sort dlsfalvg tan oMu tdlrldr als Fuser,pudic corarcrts wll rrh.�rreWrrr►r or�.rerwws.rer. be node Iran tp entrance dare Carrel Charilim where twin maoplores will be +«•+rw.h.r .rr.rrsra..rr .rraarha/esrnrernr stabawd al least 6-k`el apart Qr1g WOW to Carrel Clhanbers will rot be r„�^,��^�•, .�r.rreww' w,yw��,y pemvted de In the potential for Ydoa aawvg Inslrad,(Ay start mist usher Up a 2 Y.+hrrr•r.wr.rrrr. Wrrkr�rrr�rYkrrYh i drvduts at a tine Pan the o kdoar Cw Cerder coulyaM no the Cana Chanbers. +4rrr rrw.rkrrtra.r+ r rworrfatldrrrrr • COV1D 19 plrngLas sally srretlrg whit be rr6tned between ear sea on the mitt arrrr.r.rhn M--.•rrtA rcv�r•n Am d to Carol Ctubem to prowde an addbahal Darner to reduce to spread of -•+••r-• tine hbmawus Through respralory dopers between nrx—rneerg pa"Upara vaoereetsrere�.0 rrr�rrr•wYhhraho.Yve..rr h�rYrow urnwri rrr iniheeOeO[Mr w o 1•[r YI�Cnef•Yhws Ylr.rr\wieYr wi wLi.i,•r.�.[roar mli • the(Ay will icon ue to ota Mual tree"opoa6 to aim mr^nrtN trmdes,dig, —��rsern••�r,...n•� and City Council nesrbers the nptmd parl"AM the+ "n mcergs Nheloptve -r•-ra��ewro wwawrwreeahereerr nrhrrrmrrrwr.warnwrr.oa mhrr allow rhdndstks In mess metyngs sa"and rgwmmty wrl{rfeRwsromirrrerhaerlear�r�hhoorwrhrrerr aesee�eea Sww of CaEen*-Mm ina1Um SNrvoia Alip" California Department of Public Health Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to • �(00-1 'i rqR Ire�dorany p�aoorica e>•m+edea aY Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 ,,,,,•„ ,,,•b,,,,,,o,�,a,,,a„�.,,o,ma, „o,,,. Updatra Mar 3 202' .ein5(.ayi- ha4 GUIDANCE FOE THE USE OF FACE COVENNGS NoaY d ou coaecma acrbrn canorro ws Yiv4p h Yaeaa d Cov011i Otl mCb•p 11ppNafprun and aeaRe n ore ede s�Me reN for COVU 19 rwnA�orN tM noa.v narna d Cdbrve-tu oe Y(wYV nNa rcniac lim vqk and otiw raerL nusmn na y b COMP 19 wpmxe arro kascavi Summary of Recent Changes Trap riMoelP tMl AaPa Mp Oe nilerVeO aN ore teYriplpnd.[p T - MrpMoic rear an•r'Oorrora port n cClnAaaY Vend rru urN d 1¢e cor.vrµ by MWa car M tti IMeW d YaKled drppan wlan roNbq Updates as of Dec 31,2020 raprp oidly vaerirp A vwa el ievWce piwnmvv Ira llpcilrrNd UaOdM amwq C01'M O.VQrcO>s ire w d chili b[e ca•waly M Ira Tad PiRrp.ern Aa1be tla irMa N rnpidaMr iPd race cwernQ a•4n tallf•iide n Irle CRVrakirSef OHO-N(Ine PCepba As of Deceri 31.2020 aaYad asbw n don rwr aArliM b mnwip pnovice mpn ronn dlWicnp ore h-.-o.+v_ • Expanded secticin on unperson or virtual health checks 6rilaac6 • Added asection on considerations for testing for SARSCci the virus that causes COM 19 FWpM.Crxlk crr.elwb k1Ce CO'N""m-r'°ri rr'�'on�>M hid' Muolba IrNd Cebw • Addressed shortened gwrf vntlne optlon5.Shortening Quarantine may Increase willingness to adhere to • Yatle d.m In M betas.orir ndmr pp•c pore. public health recommendations;however,shorrened quarantine may be less etfetlrve in preventing . Cosaxi v t ea kvn lair aor d C*W otcV �ttansml55l n u-LQYJU-U than the currently recommended 19 day quararnuie. elite wr..v olootllaal � • Clarified that all workers should wear md5h5(unless V5pddto15 or faema4k5 are required)in accordance Moltvbandvmtaaar aariparlabnapvoeoralrm.aW no with CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA guidance and an stale or local �. 9W 0pirliaht rn ante.v cr!" tiro wr~ Paf �Y (OSHA)B Y lrpop•d n-mt-•tine a tie..a`pxxe or prAaini•V-aia aM Ne wrrl requirements nlwacry..awion wh env mendaidMa naiN(. • Clarified that,ut addition to preventing the wearers respiratory droplets from reaching others,masks might • woitry n ary pace.+urge w manner of ire petlC.reoordimr d+lanar mwra kain na pioN(e pewrn d na i•rie. _ be protective to the wearer _ - �•••••••••-••: taaaowr.nrr,r irr t ■ / eo rrrvrrstr. .wwir utaw tin ��/ nr�nerrrr..-.rwve.i Objections Raised Council Members Have Requested Discussion Regarding In-Person Protocols • Objections were raised regarding staff's proposed in-person City Council meeting protocols — Concerns raised were related to requirement that face coverings / masks be worn while inside City Hall and / or Council Chambers • Questions have also been raised regarding the possibility of public in-person attendance at City Council meetings — Based on the current proposed protocols, a return to in-person attendance at City Council meetings would be facilitated once we entered "Minimal — Yellow Tier" status — No clear guidance exists for participation at City Council meetings, however, we could extrapolate guidance for movie theater attendance to guide our protocols > While recognizing the need to reserve —20 seats for City staff in the Council Chambers, in-person attendance capacity could be as follows: — Red Tier: 25% capacity— capacity for 20 members of the public to be in-person — Orange Tier: 50% capacity — capacity for 50 members of the public to be in-person 6 City Council Direction Needed • Do we return to in-person City Council meetings starting in April 2021? • What COVID-19 safety protocols do we follow, if any, as part of our return to in-person City Council meetings? • Do we facilitate in-person public attendance at City Council meetings in the Red / Orange Tier, or do we wait until Yellow Tier? 7 Questions? .- Estanislau, Robin From: Steven C. Shepherd,Architect <steve@shepherdarchitects.com> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 1:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL Subject: SUPPORT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM #1 - Review and consider adoption of COVID-19 safety guidelines related to in-person City Council meeting protocols Dear City Counci[members - 1 strongly support the immediate approval and adoption of the "Safety Guidelines and Protocols for In-Person City Council Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic."This is a common-sense approach to increase the safety of all attendees to future Huntington Beach City Council Meetings as COVID cases slowly begin to subside. This isn't about politics or posturing, but rather just a prudent step taken based on the best information available. As stated in the staff report, the COVID-19 safety guidelines being considered are based on current guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)and the California Department of Public Health(CDPH),and the thought that the City of Huntington Beach should not follow these guidelines is in a word: delusional. As someone who has regular dealings in multiple cities throughout the greater Southern California area, I've already seen other city councils adopt similar guidelines for in-person city council meetings. This is such a "no- brainer" that it leads me to seriously question the sincerity and competence of anyone opposed to these simple policies. Please vote in support of Administrative Item #1 and adopt the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines as suggested. Sincerely, Steve Shepherd Huntington Beach, CA 92646 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION o Deb: 3/a9/aoai Estanislau, Robin From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 3:49 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: COVID Safety Protocols From: Natalie Stewart Elder<nataliestewartelder@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 2:14 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: COVID Safety Protocols Hello! I'm writing in support of City Manager Chi's proposed COVID Safety Protocols, and to encourage all members of the Huntington Beach City Council to approve and abide by these guidelines. Anyone who refuses to follow these protocols should be barred from entering City Hall-- including members of City Council. The continued resistance of elected officials like Councilman Peterson and Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz embolden the constituents who voted for them to ignore city, county, and state COVID guidelines. Their malicious noncompliance has a body count. flow long are you going to let them get away with it? Natalie Elder ww w.nselder.com SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION M9WV Deb: TTTTT (5� AOM+� IMm No.: i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 9:58 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Another disappointing meeting -----Original Message----- From: Thomas Jackson <twjackson29@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 9:20 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Another disappointing meeting Council - This is my first of likely many more outreach email to you, the elected body for Huntington Beach. I've been growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of cooperation, commitment to residents and downright childish behavior of Councilman Ortiz. Last night's meeting was an attempt to get government back to Chambers and we all wear masks for a couple hours like adults...instead WE THE PEOPLE were subject to another absolute embarrassment to our community and the people that cast their vote for competent government to run this city. Councilman Peterson should also be publicly apologize (and possibly fined) for not being present for the meeting to express his opposing views to wear a mask inside the council meetings. Elected officials made promises to represent the people of Huntington Beach and we are already wrapping up Q1 with little to no confidence to show for... at the very least show up to the meetings and defend your position. My child attends a local HB Boy's & Girls Club 5 days a week and EVERY child and EVERY adult wears a mask without issue because it's what we need to do to give our kids some normalcy again. This is what it looks like when a community puts aside their differences for the better of their community and more importantly our children and future. Huntington Beach is primed to have a phenomenal bounce back to our tourism economy this summer if we can safely welcome visitors back to our gorgeous Beach and City. This will not happen if we cannot move forward an agenda to a safe re-open due to two Councilmen acting in bad faith. An unwillingness to do the job should result in removal or resignation. We deserve better. This City Council has a lot of work to get done and we expect you to do better. Thomas HB Resident since 2007 t Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 11:37 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Man up, mask up! From: Patricia Smith<patricia.smith@juno.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 30, 2021 11:23 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Man up, mask up! Mr. Ortiz, please stop behaving like a spoiled child. You are a grown up. Please start acting like one. We have science and expert commentaries that tell us that wearing masks will stop the spread ofCOVID-19. At a very minimum, you should wear a mask when in public spaces to protect other people, even those that you don't know. Your next step should he to stop all the nonsensical, non-fact based rhetoric. Thank you. Patricia Smith patricia.smith(&iuno.com "A society that will give up a little liberty for a little order deserves neither and will lose both." Benjamin Franklin Choose to be safer online. Opt-in to Cyber Safety with NortonLifeLock. Plans starting as low as$6.95 per month.' NetZero com/NortonLifeLock 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4:09 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Wasting City Council Time From: Denise Dyer<denise@mcbreo.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 3:04 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Wasting City Council Time Mayor Kim Car, Mayor Prop Tern Tito Ortiz and City Council Members, I can't believe that after a year of the Covid-19 arguments over mask wearing you are still wasting meeting time on it. With millions of people being vaccinated and Orange County moving in to less restrictive/arbitrary tiers you are still wasting time on who wears a mask to a meeting or not or should you zoom or meet in person. You Mayor are the one giving Huntington Beach a bad name for constantly bringing it up. Everyone knows how Mayor Pro Tern Tito Ortiz feels and clearly over 42,000 citizens of Huntington Beach agree with him or don't care. So why don't you start doing what you were all elected to do. Huntington Beach has more important issues than who wears a mask to a meeting or not. If you are wearing mask then Mayor Pro Tem or anyone else that isn't can't possibly spread any germs to you or other council members because you have your magic mask, especially if you are complying with the six feet rule. Please start doing the job you were elected to do which wasn't the mask police or you will make it very easy for a large number of citizens on election day. Hoping this City Council finally gets business done! Denise Dyer This email has been scanned for email related threats and delivered safely by Mimecast For more information please visit http//www mimecast com t Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4:11 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Weak Council Member From: Stephen Harnby <stephenharnby@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4!08 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Weak Council Member Tito Ortiz needs to be removed from city council immediately. He threatens all of citizens safety by his refusal to wear a mask indoors. Now, he controls where our city coucil holds thier meetings? GET RID OF HIM NOW!! He will continue to be a public health hazard if you don't. Don't be threatened by his supporters, they are NOT the majority. We're all so tired of this moron and we have much more urgent issues to deal with. Our city deserves better. Best Regards, Stephen Hamby Sent from my Verizon. Samsung Galaxy smartphone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 12:28 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Councilmember Tito Ortiz From: Andree OBrien <ahobrien8@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 202112:27 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Councilmember Tito Ortiz Councilmember Ortiz will never be agreeable. He should be removed or recalled from Council. Andree O'Brien t Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 4:57 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Orange County Register E-Edition Article -----Original Message----- From: Joseph Garcia <bigioe1956@icloud.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 6:12 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Orange County Register E-Edition Article Once again it's all about Tito....me...me..! Follow the link below to view the article. City to stay with virtual meetings https://ocregister-ca-a pp.newsmemory.com/?pu bli nk=004f65269_1345cbf Sent from my iPhone t r rag nty_RPgLster age A003 Wednesday, 31 March 2021 Q SHAPE In r C City to stay with virtual meetings By Susan Christian Goulding sgoulding@scng.com If the Huntington Beach City Council begins meeting in person again, Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz vowed Monday evening that he will participate without a mask. "I'll show up and do my job. And if I get escorted out by police, that's you guys' choice," Ortiz told fellow members at a special council meeting. After that declaration, five of the seven council members voted to continue holding the council's bimonthly meetings remotely. "I am not going to allow a spectacle," said Mayor Kim Carr. "Your plan is to create a commotion." By the time of the 6 p.m. vote, Ortiz had signed off from the remote meeting for a previously scheduled commitment. Councilman Erik Peterson, who also has declined to wear a mask at meetings, did not attend. Huntington Beach City Council has met remotely since COUNCIL » PAGE 8 The Huntington Beach City Council decided not to return to in-person meetings Monday after Mayor Pro Tern Tito Ortiz said he would neither wear a mask nor Zoom. Councilman Erik Peterson also is against wearing masks. Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 2:40 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Considering Tito Ortiz -----Original Message----- From: Ada Hand <adajhand@icloud.com> Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 11:48 AM To: CITY COUNCIL <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Ada Jeanne Hand <adajhand@gmaii.com> Subject: Considering Tito Ortiz This email is about Tito Ortiz — and perhaps Erik Peterson — not attending the recent City Council meeting on Zoom because he/they were unwilling to wear a mask. When serving on the City Council, members are to be good role models for the community and the world. If either of these gentlemen refuse to wear masks or to attend meetings on Zoom, they are sending a message: they are unwilling to serve. They are not taking seriously a pandemic that has killed over 500,000 people in this country alone. Scientific research continues to show the seriousness of the disease, even to children and to "long-haulers" who experience debilitating symptoms for months. What should the City Council do?These men have already told you what they will do — not do the City's business. Get rid of them. The link below is to an article in the L.A.Times today from a doctor from Canada who recounts an episode from Twilight Zone that has implications for us all today. I would like this email to be shared with all the City Council. https://enewspa per.latimes.com/desktop/latimes/default.aspx?pubid=50435180-e58e-48b5-8eOc-236bf740270e t Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 2:39 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Leadership From: Mark Dixon <ncsmt20l4@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 12:23 PM To: Ortiz,Tito <Tito.Ortiz@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Fikes, Cathy<CFikes@surfcity-hb.org>; Peterson, Erik <Erik.Peterson@surfcity-hb.org>; Carr, Kim <Kim.Carr@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Leadership Dear Councilmcmber Ortiz: I'm writing as a nearly 50-year resident of Huntington Beach, with concerns about this week's article about your refusal to wear a face covering in meetings of the city council, and in public. Accordine to the Register, you recendy mentioned that your primary interest is your responsibility to the 42,000 voters who put you in office. This is a reminder that you are also sworn to serve the tens of thousands of voters who did not choose vou. of which I am one. I have concems when it appears as though your refusal to protect and respect others around you by wearing a simple face covering suggests that you are more interested in commotion and celebrity than with leadership on behalf oPall the citizens of our city. I have always been proud to call Huntington Beach my home, and I've worked hard to help to make it a better city. Your actions do not make me proud: they are an embarrassment to our city's good name. Looking forward to actions and behavior that shows your willingness to put our ctity ahead 0f your party. I am Sincerely, Mark W. Dixon 21612 Bahama Lane Huntington Beach CA 92646 714 394-0075 t Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:54 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Your in the news again -----Original Message----- From: Wimbish <mwimbish@socal.rr.com> Sent: Saturday, April 3, 2021 12:22 PM To: Ortiz, Tito <Tito.Ortiz@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Fikes, Cathy<CFikes@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Your in the news again Dear Mr. Ortiz, Shame on you once again for embarrassing the city of Huntington Beach with your selfish actions as a member of the city council. The lead story in last Thursday's edition of the DAILY PILOT reported that you once again stated that you would not agree to wear a mask to attend in-person council meetings. You stated that you have not worn masks since the pandemic began, and you have never contracted Covid-19. Mr. Ortiz, masks are NOT worn to protect you but to protect those you may be in close proximity to. You may have Covid-19 with no symptoms at all and still pass the virus on to others who become infected and die. And that is only the first reason one should wear a mask. Perhaps even more important is the fact that one should wear a mask out of common courtesy toward those who ask you to wear one — it is only polite to do so. It is extremely rude, particularly as a member of a unit such as the city council, for you to refuse something with which you could so easily comply. I was also disappointed in your leaving the most recent virtual council meeting after only one hour, stating that you had "a prior engagement." You are an elected public servant who is expected to do a specific job. Council meetings should be a priority for you. Did you not know when you ran for public office that you would have meetings to attend? You seem to be lacking a commitment to the job you were elected to. Perhaps the job is too difficult for you and it is time for you to "tap out." You were quoted in an earlier article appearing both in the DAILY PILOT and in the Los Angeles TIMES, that you had hoped to be a leader in city government. Perhaps you should begin by merely participating. The recent article indicates that you feel you are being persecuted for your refusal to wear a mask. Believe me, sir, you are far from being persecuted. Please stop making excuses for your selfish behavior. You have in the past, reportedly tried to play the race card, allegedly saying you felt you were being mistreated because of your ethnicity. Now you feel you are a political martyr. Enough of your"poor me" whining. Your behavior reminds me of the student who is reprimanded for misbehavior in a classroom and claims that the teacher is just picking on him. Please, when it comes to the city council, either be a team player or get out of the game. Yours for a better Huntington Beach, Mark Wimbish 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 8:54 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz -----Original Message----- From: Wimbish <mwimbish@socal.rr.com> Sent: Saturday, April 3, 2021 12:35 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz In a past council meeting, members of the council tabled a motion to remove Mr. Ortiz from his office as Mayor Pro Tern over his actions or lack thereof detrimental to the council's work — non-attendance of committee meetings, refusal to comply with requests to wear a mask, and generally embarrassing the city. I am writing to urge you, in light of Mr. Ortiz's having again, by refusing to wear a mask for council meetings, leaving on-line meetings early, and by other negative actions made your work more difficult, to move toward stripping Mr. Ortiz from the post. I believe that Mr. Oritiz is unprepared, unwilling, and even incapable of fulfilling the duties of the office. Yours for a better Huntington Beach, Mark Wimbish 9412 Portsmouth Or HB, CA 92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 9:26 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Hey Tito From:Jay Wall <stopcallingmewarren@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2021 10:12 AM To: Ortiz, Tito<Tito.Ortiz@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Fikes, Cathy<CFikes@surfcity-hb.org>; Carr, Kim <Kim.Carr@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Hey Tito PUT A MASK ON YOU LOSER STOP BEING SO IGNORANT AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU AND STOP INSULTING SMALL BUSINESS FOR DOING THE RIGHT TI-IING 1