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Consider the Submission of 3 Charter Amendment Ballot Measur (2)
0NTING70', 2000 Main Street, of tsrwu e� Huntington Beach,CA _ � " 92648 Y Cityof Huntington Beach gALTERNATE MOTION vv roQ=' APPROVED 4-3 cF0UUNTY o, (KALMICK,MOSER,BOLTON- NO) SEE ATTACHED ACTION AGENDA File #: 23-700 MEETING DATE: 9/5/2023 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager PREPARED BY: Paul D'Alessandro, Acting Chief Assistant City Attorney Subject: Consider the submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval at the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election, and the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023- 43, 2023-44 and 2023-45 Statement of Issue: Pursuant to City Council direction, the City Attorney's Office has worked with the Council's Ad Hoc Charter Revision Committee on several proposed City Charter amendments. The Ad Hoc Committee has reviewed and approved the attached proposed Resolutions, which contain revisions of the City Charter, Ballot questions, and exhibits for final consideration and approval by the full City Council. Adoption of the Resolutions is needed to place the Charter amendment measures on the ballot for the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election for voter approval. 1. Resolution 2023-42 -A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Calling for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Submission to the Voters Questions Relating to City Charter Amendments 2. Resolution 2023-43 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024, with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code 3. Resolution 2023-44 -A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding City Measures and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare Impartial Analysis 4. Resolution 2023-45 -A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for City Measures Submitted at Municipal Elections City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 4 Printed on 8/31/2023 powerda'8 ,Legistart"" File #: 23-700 MEETING DATE: 9/5/2023 Financial Impact: The cost to place 3 ballot measures on the March 2024 Statewide Primary Election is roughly estimated at $1,174,884 (or $391,628 per measure). The final cost for each ballot measure will rely on several factors including the number of pages required to present the measure and secondary expenses such as postage, printing and cost recovery for Orange County's Vote Center model. The Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) provided a rough estimate of$327,428 - $391,628 per ballot measure, which is the basis of the estimate above. Given the variability of the costs, it is recommended that the City Council budget towards the higher end of the ROV's estimated range and appropriate $1,200,000 in General Funds to business unit 10010201. Recommended Action: A) Consider the three proposed Charter amendment ballot measures, ballot language, and exhibits for placement on the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election ballot for voter approval; and B) Adopt Resolution 2023-42, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Call for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Submission to Voters Questions Relating to City Charter Amendments," and C) Adopt Resolution 2023-43, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024, with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code," and D) Adopt Resolution 2023-44, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding City Measures and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare Impartial Analysis," and E) Adopt Resolution 2023-45, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for City Measures Submitted at Municipal Elections," and F) Appropriate $1,200,000 in General Funds to business unit 10010201. Alternative Action(s): Do not approve one or more recommended actions, and direct staff accordingly. Analysis: On June 6, 2023, City Council approved the formation of a Charter Review Ad Hoc Council Committee to recommend Charter amendments (File #: 23-480) <https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Legislation Detail.aspx?ID=6246350&GUID=54997A4C-DC06- 4719-86CB-69EE98104FC2&Options=&Search=>. The Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of Mayor City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 4 Printed on 8/31/2023 powereeeol•LegistarTM File #: 23-700 MEETING DATE: 9/5/2023 Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark, and Council Member Burns, worked with the City Attorney to identify 7 proposed amendments. On August 1, 2023 (File #: 23-670) <https://huntingtonbeach.Iegistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6300483&GUID=06DA0D45-0D09- 450E-B077-58582029D8E7&Options=&Search=>, Council approved the 7 amendments, added 3 additional amendments, and directed the City Attorney to review each one and staff to prepare and return all materials required for submittal to the ROV for Council's consideration. In late August, the City Attorney's Office prepared the required materials and met with the Ad Hoc Committee to review them. These proposals have been divided into three ballot measure questions for the March 5, 2024 primary election, which is an established, statewide election date. If approved the Measures will amend the Charter as follows: Overview of Measure No. 1: • Amend Section 702 regarding procedures for holding elections • Add new Section 705 to verify the eligibility of electors using voter identification, require at least 20 residential voting locations, and monitor ballot drop boxes in the City. • Amend Section 304(b) and 309 to revise the City Attorney's powers and duties to: allow full control of all legal business and proceedings; prohibit any reductions to the City Attorney's compensation and annual budget without a four-fifths Council vote; require all privileged communications remain confidential and inaccessible by any City official or third party without Council approval; all changes to Section 309 would take effect on January 1, 2027. • Amend Section 310 such that qualifying for the City Clerk position would require any four-year Bachelor's degree, not limited to business, public administration or a related field. • Add new Section 314 requiring any allegation of malfeasance, wrongdoing or misconduct against an elected City official be referred to the County District Attorney or other higher level government agency. Overview of Measure No. 2: • Add new Section 806 allowing the display a set selection of flags on City properties; requires a unanimous Council vote to display any other flag. • Amend Sections 401 and 601-605 requiring the City to transition from an annual to biennial budget starting in 2026. • Amend Section 300 to move the election of City Clerk and Treasurer to the same gubernatorial election cycle as the City Attorney; clarifies the commencement date of the terms of City elected officials. Overview of Measure No. 3: • Add new Section 618 requiring voter approval of certain City transactions that forgive, waive or forgo property tax collection by the City in excess of$100,000 without both Council and citywide voter approval. Transactions to acquire property for public parks or infrastructure are exempted. • Amend Section 612 to exempt the construction of public restrooms up to a certain size, as well as the construction and replacement of playground equipment up to a certain size from requiring citywide voter approval. City of Huntington Beach Page 3 of 4 Printed on 8/31/2023 powerda84'LegistarT" File #: 23-700 MEETING DATE: 9/5/2023 • Amend Section 303 to clarify that City Council meetings may be cancelled as needed by the Mayor or majority of Council Members. Details of each proposed ballot question and redlined changes,to the Charter are included in the attached Resolution Nos. 2023-42 and 2023-43, which call for a Special Municipal Election and ask that the County consolidate the Special Municipal Election with the Statewide Primary Election on the same date. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-44 would set priorities for filing written arguments for each measure and direct the City Attorney to prepare impartial analyses for measures where there is no conflict of interest. Resolution No. 2023-45 would provide for the filing of rebuttal arguments for each measure. Staff recommends identifying authors for arguments and rebuttals tonight. Following adoption of the Resolutions, the City will prepare an impartial analysis of each Measure and gather the arguments and rebuttals, all of which must be submitted to the County Registrar of Voters by the filing deadline of December 8, 2023. Lastly, staff recommends appropriating $1.2 million in General Funds to cover the estimated cost of placing 3 ballot measures on the March 2024 elections. Environmental Status: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project. Strategic Plan Goal: Non Applicable - Administrative Item Attachment(s): 1. Resolution 2023-42, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Calling for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Submission to the Voters Questions Relating to City Charter Amendments" 2. Resolution 2023-43, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024, with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code" 3. Resolution 2023-44, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding City Measures and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare Impartial Analysis" 4. Resolution 2023-45, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for City Measures Submitted at Municipal Elections" City of Huntington Beach Page 4 of 4 Printed on 8/31/2023 poweree8%LegistarTM City Council/ ACTION AGENDA September 5, 2023 Public Financing Authority ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION 29. 23-708 ITEM WITHDRAWN 10 82 regarding pedestrian use of renter medians ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 30. 23-700 Alternate motion approved regarding the submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval at the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election, and the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44 and 2023-45 Recommended Action: A) Consider the three proposed Charter amendment ballot measures, ballot language, and exhibits for placement on the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election ballot for voter approval; and B) Adopt Resolution 2023-42, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Call for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Submission to Voters Questions Relating to City Charter Amendments," and C) Adopt Resolution 2023-43, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024, with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code," and D) Adopt Resolution 2023-44, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding City Measures and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare Impartial Analysis," and E) Adopt Resolution 2023-45, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for City Measures Submitted at Municipal Elections," and F) Appropriate $1,200,000 in General Funds to business unit 10010201. Approved 4-3 (Kalmick, Moser, Bolton-No) to hold special meetings on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM for four weeks, beginning September 14 through October 4; seek services of a consultant experienced in Charter review 31. 23-693 Adopted Resolution No. 2023-40 and approved for introduction Ordinance Nos. 4296, 4295, 4298, 4299, 4297, 4300, and 4301 to amend the Huntington Beach Municipal Code to streamline, consolidate, and/or dissolve a select number of the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees and Council Committees Page 9 of 12 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024, FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS ,QUESTIONS RELATING TO CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS. WHEREAS,pursuant to authority provided by the California Constitution, Article XI and the Government Code, Title 4, Division 2, Chapter 2 (commencing at § 34450) and the Election Code Division 9, Chapter 3,Article 3 (commencing at§ 9255)of the State of California, and under the provisions of the laws relating to Charter cities in the State of California, the City Council desires to hold a Special Municipal Election on March 5, 2024 to submit to the voters three questions relating to City Charter amendments; and WHEREAS, the City Council is authorized and directed by statute to submit the proposed charter amendment(s)to the voters, NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to Charter Cities, and pursuant to the California Constitution, Article XI and the Government Code, Title 4,Division 2, Chapter 2(commencing at§ 34450) and the Election Code Division 9, Chapter 3, Article 3 (commencing at § 9255) of the State of California, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of Huntington Beach, California, on Tuesday,March 5,2024, a Special Municipal Election for the purpose of submitting to the voters the following questions relating to City Charter amendments: 686 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 1 to: require Voter ID for elections,more in-person voting locations, and monitoring of drop-boxes; clarify that voters elect the City Attorney as the City's legal Yes counsel free from interference from City officials, and clarify budget authority for the City Attorney's Office; update the qualifications of candidates'for No City Clerk; and stop potential political wrongdoing by requiring alleged malfeasance by a City official be investigated by outside agencies,be approved?" "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 2 to: provide that the only flags that shall be displayed Yes by the City on City property are: the United States, County of Orange, City of Huntington Beach Flags, and the POW Flag and Flags of the Armed Forces; require the City to adopt a Two-Year Budget;'and No move the City Clerk and City Treasurer elections to the gubernatorial election cycle, be approved?" Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 3 to: require voter approval of any City transaction that forgives,waives, or foregoes the collection of Yes property in excess of$100,000 per year, except acquisition of property for parks or infrastructure; update exceptions to Section 612 (Measure C)to allow certain children's playground equipment, park-related utility structures and public restrooms No be built or improved without limitation; and update the procedures to cancel a regular City Council meeting,be approved? SECTION 2. That the complete text of the Charter Amendments submitted to the voters is attached as Exhibit A. SECTION 3. That the vote requirement for the measures to pass is a majority (50%+1) of the votes cast. SECTION 4. That'the ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law. SECTION 5. That the City Clerk is authorized,instructed and directed to coordinate with the County of Orange Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to procure and furnish any and all official 2 23-13267/316395 687 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 ballots,notices,printed matter and all supplies,equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election. SECTION 6. That the polls (vote centers) for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. of the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until 8 o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls (vote centers) shall be closed, pursuant to Election Code § 10242, except as provided in §§ 14212, 14401 of the Elections Code of the State of California. SECTION 7. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution,the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections. SECTION 8. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time,form and manner as required by law. SECTION 9. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions. SECTION 10. The City Council authorizes the City Clerk to administer said election and all reasonable and actual election expenses shall be paid by the City upon presentation of a properly submitted bill. 3 23-13267/316395 688 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 2023. Mayor REVIEWED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager Ci Attorney INITIATED AND APPROVED: City Manager 4 23-13267/316395 689 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 EXHIBIT A CHARTER AMENDMENT MEASURES PROPOSED ADDITIONS SHOWN AS UNDERLINED PROPOSED DELETIONS SHOWN AS STRIKETHROUGH Charter Amendment Measure No. 1 Section 702. PROCEDURE FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS. All elections shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California, as the same now exists or hereafter may be amended,for the holding of municipal elections, so far as the same are not in conflict with this Charter. In the event of such conflict,the provisions of this Charter shall control and prevail, in accordance with Section 103 of this Charter. Section 705. SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS For all municipal elections, "Elector"means a person who is a United States citizen 18 years of age or older, and a resident of the City on or before the day of an election. The City shall verify the eligibility of Electors by voter identification. Beginning in 2026, the City to provide at least 20 residential voting locations for in-person voting dispersed evenly throughout the City, in addition to any City facility voting locations. The City shall monitor ballot drop boxes located within the City for compliance with all applicable laws. As in Section 300,the City Charter shall determine the term of the City's elective officers,the length of term, and the election cycle in which the election for those offices occur for the City's elective officers. Section 304. QUORUMS, PROCEEDINGS AND RULES OF ORDER. (a) Quorum. A majority of the members of the City Council shall constitute a quorum to do business but a lesser number may adjourn from time to time. In the absence of all the members of the City Council from any regular meeting or adjourned regular meeting, the City Clerk may declare the same adjourned to a stated day and hour. The City Clerk shall cause written notice of a meeting adjourned by less than a quorum or by the City Clerk to be delivered personally or by mail to each Council member at least twenty-four hours before the time to which the meeting is adjourned, or such notice may be dispensed with in the same manner as specified in this Charter for dispensing with notice of special meetings of the City Council. (b) Proceedings. The City Council shall judge the qualification of its members as set forth by the Charter. It shall judge all election returns. Each member of the City Council shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations in any investigation or proceeding pending before the City Council. The City Council shall have the power and authority to compel the attendance of witnesses,to examine them under oath and to compel the production of evidence before it. Subpoenas shall be issued in the name of the City and be attested by the City Clerk. They shall be served and complied with in the same manner as subpoenas in civil actions. Disobedience of such subpoenas, or the refusal to testify(upon other than constitutional grounds), shall constitute a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable in the same manner as violations of this Charter are punishable. The City Council shall have control o f"" lega b si, ss 5 23-13267/316395 690 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 and proceedings and all property of the legal department, and may employ other attorneys to take charge of or may contract for any prosecution, litigation or other legal matter or business. (c) Rules of Order. The City Council shall establish rules for the conduct of its proceedings and evict or prosecute any member or other person for disorderly conduct at any of its meetings. Upon adoption of any ordinance,resolution, or order for payment of money, or upon the demand of any member,the City Clerk shall call the roll and shall cause the ayes and noes taken on the question to be entered in the minutes of the meeting. Section 309. CITY ATTORNEY. POWERS AND DUTIES. To become and remain eligible for City Attorney the person elected or appointed shall have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association,be an attorney at law, duly licensed as such under the laws of the State of California, shall have been engaged in the practice of law in this State for at least five years prior to their election or appointment. The City Attorney represents the City of Huntington Beach, a Chartered City under the Constitution of the State of California and a Municipal Corporation. The elected City Attorney is, by virtue of the election, designated by the people as the City's exclusive legal counsel. The City Attorney may hire, contract, and/or appoint outside contract attorneys and/or such in-house deputy or deputies to assist or act for the City Attorney, at such salaries or compensation as the City Council may by ordinance or resolution prescribe; provided that the employ of attorneys to assist the City Attorney in the execution of his or her duties is the exclusive purview of the City Attorney. Neither the City Council, the City Manager, nor any other City Official or department may hire their own attorneys, consult with, attempt to contract with attorneys for services, or obtain other/outside legal opinions,without the prior express written consent of the City Attorney. Because of the unique nature of the City Attorney's work at the pleasure of the electorate., and in order to protect the City Attorney's work from political interference, neither the compensation of the City Attorney nor the City Attorney's annual budget or any aspect thereof shall be reduced by the City Council from year to year unless approved by a four-fifths majority of the total members of the City Council,but in no event shall any such reduction exceed 3% in a year and from the previous year. The City Attorney shall have the power and may be required to: (a) Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices. (b) Prosecute on behalf of the people any or all criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of this Charter or of City ordinances and such state misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute, unless otherwise provided by the City Council. (c) Represent and appear for the City in any or all actions or proceedings in which the City is concerned or is a party, and represent and appear for any City officer or employee, or 6 23-13267/316395 691 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 former City officer or employee, in any or all civil actions or proceedings in which such officer or employee is concerned or is a party for any act arising out of their employment or by reason of their official capacity. (d) Attend all regular meetings of the City Council,unless excused, and give their advice or opinion orally or in writing whenever requested to do so by the City Council or by any of the boards or officers of the City. (e) Approve in writing the form of all contracts made by and all bonds and insurance given to the City. (f) Prepare any and all proposed ordinances and City Council resolutions and amendments thereto. (g) Devote such time to the duties of their office and at such place as may be specified by the City Council. (h) Perform such legal functions and duties incident to the execution of the foregoing powers as may be necessary. (i) Surrender to their successor all books, papers, files, and documents pertaining to the City's affairs. (j) Assist and cooperate with the City Manager consistent with Section 403 of the City Charter. (k) Provide advice related to compliance with the City Charter to all elected and appointed officials of the City. (1) Keep, maintain, and protect all City confidential attorney-client privileged, and attorney work product privileged information. Such confidential information shall not be accessible to any other City Official, City Staff, or third party,unless the City Attorney authorizes such access or the City Council votes to authorize such access by majority vote. (m) Additions to Section 309 of this Charter, if approved by the voters at the March 5, 2024 election, shall take effect on January 1, 2027. Section 310. CITY CLERK. POWERS AND DUTIES. To become and remain eligible for City Clerk, the person elected or appointed shall have a Bachelor's Degree in--13u4nessr-publie-administrationTer--a-r-elated-fiel€17 and hold a certification as a Municipal Clerk or obtain such certification within the first three years in office. The City Clerk shall have the power and shall be required to: (a) Attend all meetings of the City Council, unless excused, and be responsible for the recording and maintaining of a full and true record of all of the proceedings of the City 7 23-13267/316395 692 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 Council in records that shall bear appropriate titles and be devoted to such purpose. (b) Maintain separate records, in which shall be recorded respectively all ordinances and resolutions,with the certificate of the Clerk annexed to each thereof stating the same to be the original or a correct copy, and as to an ordinance requiring publication, stating that the same has been published or posted in accordance with this Charter. (c) Maintain separate records of all written contracts and official bonds. (d) Keep all records in their possession properly indexed and open to public inspection when not in actual use. (e) Be the custodian of the seal of the City. (f) Administer oaths or affirmations,take affidavits and depositions pertaining to the affairs and business of the City and certify copies of official records. (g) Be ex officio Assessor, unless the City Council,has availed itself, or does in the future avail itself, of the provisions of the general laws of the State relative to the assessment of property and the collection of City taxes by county officers, or unless the City Council by ordinance provides otherwise. (h) Have charge of all City elections. (i) Perform such other duties consistent with this Charter as may be required by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. (j) Assist and cooperate with the City Manager consistent with Section 403 of the City Charter. The City Clerk may, subject to the approval of the City Council, appoint such deputy or deputies to assist them or act for them, at such salaries or compensation as the Council may by ordinance or resolution prescribe. Section 314. INVESTIGATION OF MALFEASEANCE To avoid potential conflicts of interest and political interference, any allegation of malfeasance, wrongdoing or misconduct against an elected official of the City, shall not be investigated by the City, any other City Official, or member of City Staff. Rather, such allegations shall be referred to the Orange County District Attorney, the California Attorney General,the Fair Political Practices Commission,or other appropriate higher level government agency. 8 23-1 3267/31 6395 693 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 Charter Amendment Measure No. 2 SECTION 806. DISPLAY OF FLAGS. Except as otherwise provided herein, the City shall only fly or display at or on any of the City's properties the following flags: the American flag, the POW/MIA flag,the State of California flag, the Huntington Beach City flag, the County of Orange flag, or any of the flags of the six branches of service: the Army,Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force. During the Summer Olympic Games, the Mayor is authorized to order the display of the official Olympic flags for four weeks prior to the dates of the games, and for up to two weeks thereafter. The City may display any other flag in addition to those already enumerated, but only if authorized by a unanimous vote of all members of the City Council. Section 401. POWERS AND DUTIES. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter,the City Manager shall be responsible to the City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the City. Without limiting this general grant of powers and responsibilities,the City Manager shall have the power and be required to: (a) Appoint,promote, demote, suspend or remove department heads, officers and employees of the City except elective officers and the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall not be appointed or removed until the City Manager shall first have reviewed such appointment or removal with.the City Council and have received approval for such appointment or removal by a majority vote of the full City Council. (b) Prepare the budget as required by this Charter annually, submit it to the City Council, and be responsible for its administration upon adoption. (c) Prepare and submit to the City Council as of the end of each fiscal year, a complete report on the finances of the City, and annually or more frequently, a current report of the principal administrative activities of the City. (d) Keep the City Council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the City and make such recommendations as may seem desirable. (e) Maintain a centralized purchasing system for all City offices, departments and agencies. (f) Prepare, administer and enforce rules and regulations recommended to and adopted by the City Council governing the contracting for, purchase, inspection, storage, inventory, distribution and disposal of all supplies, materials and equipment required by any office, department or agency of the City government. (g) Be responsible for the compliance by the City with the laws of the State pertaining to the City, the provisions of this Charter and the ordinances, franchises and rights of the City. 9 23-13267/316395 694 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 Subject to policy established by the City Council, exercise control of all administrative offices and departments of the City and of all appointive officers and employees, and prescribe such general rules and regulations as deemed necessary or proper for the general conduct of the administrative offices and departments of the City under their jurisdiction. (h) Perform such other duties consistent with this Charter as may be required by the City Council. Section 601. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET,PREPARATION BY THE CITY MANAGER. At such date as the City Manager shall determine, each board or commission and each department head shall furnish to the City Manager,personally, or through the Finance Director Chief Financial Officer, estimates of the department's,board's or commission's revenue and expenditures for the ensuing two fiscal years, detailed in such manner as may be prescribed by the City Manager. In preparing the proposed budget, the City Manager shall review the estimates, hold conferences thereon with the respective department heads, boards or commissions as necessary, and may revise the estimates as may be deemed advisable. Section 602. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET. SUBMISSION TO THE CITY COUNCIL. The City Manager shall submit the proposed budget to the City Council at least thirty days prior to the beginning of each even numbered fiscal year beginning in 2026. After reviewing the proposed budget and making such revisions as it may deem advisable, the City Council shall hold a public hearing thereon at least fifteen days prior to the beginning of each even numbered fiscal year and shall cause to be published a notice thereof not less than ten days prior to said hearing. Copies of the proposed budget shall be available for inspection by the public in the office of the City Clerk at least ten days prior to said hearing. Section 603. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET. PUBLIC HEARING. At the time so advertised or at any time to which such public hearing shall from time to time be adjourned, the City Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget, at which interested persons desiring to be heard shall be given such opportunity. Section 604. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET. FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION. At the conclusion of the public hearing the City Council shall further consider the proposed budget and make any revisions thereof that it may deem advisable and on or before the last day of the fiscal year it shall adopt the budget with revisions, if any, by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total members of the Council. Upon final adoption,the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing two fiscal years. Copies thereof, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City Manager, Finance Director Chief Financial Officer, City Treasurer and the person retained by the City Council to perform the post audit function, and a further copy shall be placed, and shall remain on file in the office of the City Clerk where it shall be available for 10 23-13267/316395 695 RESOLUTION NO, 2023-42 public inspection. The budget so certified shall be reproduced and copies made available for the use of the public and of departments, offices and agencies of the City. Section 605. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS. From the effective date of the budget, the several amounts stated therein as proposed expenditures shall be and become appropriated to the several departments, offices and agencies for the respective objects and purposes therein named; provided, however, that the City Manager may transfer funds from one object or purpose to another within the same department, office or agency. All appropriations shall lapse at the end of the second fiscal year to the extent that they shall not have been expended or lawfully encumbered. At any public meeting after the adoption of the budget,the City Council may amend or supplement the budget by motion adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total members of the City Council. Section 300. CITY COUNCIL, ATTORNEY, CLERK AND TREASURER. TERMS. The elective officers of the City shall consist of a City Council of seven members, a City Clerk, a City Treasurer and a City Attorney, all to be elected from the City at large at the times and in the manner provided in this Charter and who shall serve for terms of four years and until their respective successors qualify,unless otherwise provided in this Charter. Subject to the provisions of this Charter, the members of the City Council in office at the time this Charter takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors are elected and qualified. Four members of the City Council shall be elected at the general municipal election held in 1966, and each fourth year thereafter. Three members of the City Council shall be elected at the general municipal election held in 1968, and each fourth year thereafter. No person shall be elected as a member of the City Council for more than two consecutive terms and no person who has been a member for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected a member shall be elected to the City Council more than one further consecutive term. Subject to the provisions of this Charter, the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney in office at the time this Charter takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of their respective terms and the qualification of their successors. A City Clerk and City Treasurer shall be elected for a term of six years at the general municipal election held in 2024. , 1968, and each fourth year thereafter. A City Attorney, a City Clerk, and a City Treasurer shall be elected in 2030 1966, and each fourth year thereafter. The term of each member of the City Council,the City Clerk, the City Treasurer and the City Attorney shall commence on the date of the first regular City Council meeting following the certification of the election. Ties in voting among candidates for office shall be settled by the casting of lots. If no candidate meets the qualifications for office of the City Clerk, City Treasurer, or City Attorney,the City Council shall fill that position by appointment until the next municipal general election in which a qualified candidate is elected. 11 23-13267/316395 696 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 Charter Amendment Measure No. 3 SECTION 618. VOTER APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR MATTERS AFFECTING THE COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAX. No transaction that forgives,waives or foregoes the collection of property tax by the City in excess of$100,000.00 per year shall be approved, unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted. This section shall not apply to transactions related to the acquisition of property for public parks; or to transactions related to the acquisition of property for infrastructure, as defined in Section 617(a)of this Charter. Section 612. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PARKS AND BEACHES. (a) No public utility or park or beach or portion thereof now or hereafter owned or operated by the City shall be sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise transferred or disposed of unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted. (b) No golf course, driving range, road, building over three thousand square feet in floor area nor structure costing more than$161,000.00 may be built on or in any park or beach or portion thereof now or hereafter owned or operated by the City unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted after the appropriate environmental assessment, conceptual cost estimate, and reasonable project description has been completed and widely disseminated to the public. Effective January 1,2011, and each year thereafter,the maximum cost will be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index for the Los Angeles-Riverside- Orange County area. (c) Section 612(a) and 612(b) shall not apply; (1) to libraries or piers; (2) to any lease, franchise, concession agreement or other contract where; - the contract is to perform an act or provide a service in a public park or beach AND - such act was being performed or service provided at the same location prior to January 1, 1989 AND - the proposed lease, franchise,concession agreement or other contract would not increase the amount of parkland or beach dedicated to or used by the party performing such act or providing such service. (3) to aboveground public works utility structures or public restrooms under 6,000 3,000 square feet; 12 23-13267/316395 697 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 (4) to underground public works utility structures if park or beach use is not impeded; (5) to any public works construction, maintenance or repair mandated by state or federal law that does not negatively impact recreational opportunities; er (6) to renewable energy projects that do not negatively impact recreational opportunities:; or, (7) to new children's playground facilities or equipment in any park: or to replacement children's playground facilities or equipment in any park or beach, provided that the square footage of such replacement children's playground facilities or equipment is not increased by more than 100% during any ten year period. (d) If any section, subsection,part, subpart,paragraph, clause or phrase of this amendment, or any amendment or revision of this amendment, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional,the remaining sections, subsections,parts, subparts, paragraphs, clauses or phrases shall not be affected but shall remain in full force and effect. Section 303. MEETINGS AND LOCATION. (a) Regular Meetings. The City Council shall hold regular meetings at least twice each month, unless it lacks a quorum or the meeting is canceled by the Mayor or a majority of City Council Members,at such time as it shall fix by ordinance or resolution and may adjourn or re-adjourn any regular meeting to a date and hour certain which shall be specified in the order of adjournment and when so adjourned each adjourned meeting shall be a regular meeting for all purposes. If the hour to which a meeting is adjourned is not stated in the order of adjournment, such meeting shall be held at the hour for holding regular meetings. If at any time any regular meeting falls on a holiday such regular meeting shall be held on the next business day. (b) Special Meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Mayor, or by a majority of the members of the City Council, by written notice to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio or television station requesting notice in writing. Such notice must be delivered personally or by mail at least twenty-four hours before the time of such meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be considered at such meeting. If any person entitled to such written notice files a written waiver of notice with the City Clerk, it may be dispensed with. This notice requirement shall be considered fulfilled as to any person who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes. In the event of an emergency affecting the public peace,health or safety, a special meeting may be called as provided in this section with less than twenty-four hours written notice by the Mayor Pro Tern in the Mayor's absence or by any member of the City Council in the absence of both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern provided that the nature of the emergency is set forth in the minutes of the meeting. 13 23-13267/316395 698 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-42 (c) Place of Meetings. All regular meetings shall be held in the Council Chambers of the City or in such place within the City to which any such meeting may be adjourned. If, by reason of fire, flood or other emergency, it shall be unsafe to meet in the place designated,the meetings may be held for the duration of the emergency at such place within the City as is designated by the Mayor, or, if he should fail to act,by a majority of the members of the City Council. (d) Open Meetings. All regular and special meetings of the City Council shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend such meetings, except that the provisions of this section shall not apply to executive sessions. Subject to the rules governing the conduct of City Council meetings,no person shall be denied the right to be heard by the City Council. (e) Dissemination of Information. The City Council shall adopt rules to ensure thorough and timely dissemination of information via current technology by resolution. 14 23-13267/316395 699 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TO CONSOLIDATE A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 5, 2024, WITH THE STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO § 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach called a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the purpose of submitting to the voters questions relating to amending the City Charter; and WHEREAS, it is desirable that the Special Municipal Election be consolidated with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the same date and that within the City, polling places (vote centers) and election officers of the two elections be the same, and that the county election department of the County of Orange canvass the returns of the Special Municipal Election and that the election be held in all respects as if there were only one election; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That pursuant to the requirements of§ 10403 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange is hereby requested to consent and agree to the consolidation of a Special Municipal Election for the purpose of submitting to the voters three questions relating to amending the City Charter,with the Statewide Primary Election on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, and SECTION 2. That the measures are to appear on the ballot as follows: 700 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 1 to: require Voter ID for elections,more in-person voting locations, and monitoring of Yes drop-boxes; clarify that voters elect the City Attorney as the City's legal counsel free from interference from City officials, and clarify budget authority for the City Attorney's Office; update the qualifications of candidates for City Clerk; and stop potential political wrongdoing by requiring alleged malfeasance by a City official be investigated by outside agencies,be approved?" No "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 2 to: provide that the Yes only flags that shall be displayed by the City on City property are: the United States, County of Orange, City of Huntington Beach Flags, and the POW Flag and Flags of the Armed Forces; require the City to adopt a Two-Year Budget; and move the City Clerk and City Treasurer elections to the gubernatorial election cycle, be approved?" No Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 3 to: require voter approval of any City transaction that forgives, waives, or foregoes Yes the collection of property in excess of$100,000 per year, except acquisition of property for parks or infrastructure; update exceptions to Section 612 (Measure C)to allow certain children's playground equipment,park-related utility structures and public restrooms be built or improved without limitation; and update the No procedures to cancel a regular City Council meeting, be approved? SECTION 3. That the proposed complete text of the measures submitted to the voters are attached to this resolution as Exhibit A. SECTION 4. That the vote requirement for the measures to pass is a majority (50%+1) of the votes cast. SECTION 5. That the county election department is authorized to canvass the returns of the Special Municipal Election. The election shall be held in all respects as if there were only one election, and only one form of ballot shall be used. The election will be held and conducted in accordance with the provisions of law regulating the statewide or special election. SECTION 6. That the Board of Supervisors is requested to issue instructions to the county election department to take any and all steps necessary for the holding of the consolidated 2 23-13267/316414 701 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 election. SECTION 7. That the City of Huntington Beach recognizes that additional costs will be incurred by the County by reason of this consolidation and agrees to reimburse the County for any costs. SECTION 8. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Board of Supervisors and the county election department of the County of Orange. SECTION 9. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of ,2023. Mayor REVIEWED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager t YAttorney INITIA 1` ,D AND APPROVED: City Manager 3 23-13267/316414 702 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 EXHIBIT A CHARTER AMENDMENT MEASURES PROPOSED ADDITIONS SHOWN AS UNDERLINED PROPOSED DELETIONS SHOWN AS STRIKETHROUGH Charter Amendment Measure No. 1 Section 702. PROCEDURE FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS. All elections shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California, as the same now exists or hereafter may be amended, for the holding of municipal elections, so far as the same are not in conflict with this Charter. In the event of such conflict, the provisions of this Charter shall control and prevail,in accordance with Section 103 of this Charter. Section 705. SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS For all municipal elections,"Elector"means a person who is a United States citizen 18 years of age or older, and a resident of the City on or before the day of an election. The City shall verify the eligibility of Electors by voter identification. Beginning in 2026,the City to provide at least 20 residential voting locations for in-person voting dispersed evenly throughout the City, in addition to any City facility voting locations. The City shall monitor ballot drop boxes located within the City for compliance with all applicable laws. As in Section 300,the City Charter shall determine the term of the City's elective officers, the length of term, and the election cycle in which the election for those offices occur for the City's elective officers. Section 304. QUORUMS, PROCEEDINGS AND RULES OF ORDER. (a) Quorum. A majority of the members of the City Council shall constitute a quorum to do business but a lesser number may adjourn from time to time. In the absence of all the members of the City Council from any regular meeting or adjourned regular meeting,the City Clerk may declare the same adjourned to a stated day and hour. The City Clerk shall cause written notice of a meeting adjourned by less than a quorum or by the City Clerk to be delivered personally or by mail to each Council member at least twenty-four hours before the time to which the meeting is adjourned, or such notice may be dispensed with in the same manner as specified in this Charter for dispensing with notice of special meetings of the City Council. (b) Proceedings. The City Council shall judge the qualification of its members as set forth by the Charter. It shall judge all election returns. Each member of the City Council shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations in any investigation or proceeding pending before the City Council. The City Council shall have the power and authority to compel the attendance of witnesses,to examine them under oath and to compel the production of evidence before it. Subpoenas shall be issued in the name of the City and be attested by the City Clerk. They shall be served and complied with in the same manner as subpoenas in civil actions. Disobedience of such subpoenas, or the refusal to testify (upon other than constitutional grounds), shall constitute a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable in the same manner as violations of this Charter are punishable. The City Council shall have control of all legal business 4 23-13267/316414 703 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 and proceedings and all p-reperty ofthe legal .departmen+ and t employ other attorneys tot ke (c) Rules of Order. The City Council shall establish rules for the conduct of its proceedings and evict or prosecute any member or other person for disorderly conduct at any of its meetings. Upon adoption of any ordinance,resolution, or order for payment of money, or upon the demand of any member, the City Clerk shall call the roll and shall cause the ayes and noes taken on the question to be entered in the minutes of the meeting. Section 309. CITY ATTORNEY. POWERS AND DUTIES. To become and remain eligible for City Attorney the person elected or appointed shall have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association,be an attorney at law, duly licensed as such under the laws of the State of California, shall have been engaged in the practice of law in this State for at least five years prior to their election or appointment. The City Attorney represents the City of Huntington Beach, a Chartered City under the Constitution of the State of California and a Municipal Corporation. The elected City Attorney is, by virtue of the election, designated by the people as the City's exclusive legal counsel. The City Attorney may hire, contract, and/or appoint outside contract attorneys and/or such in-house deputy or deputies to assist or act for the City Attorney, at such salaries or compensation as the City Council may by ordinance or resolution prescribe; provided that the employ of attorneys to assist the City Attorney in the execution of his or her duties is the exclusive purview of the City Attorney. Neither the City Council, the City Manager, nor any other City Official or department may hire their own attorneys, consult with, attempt to contract with attorneys for services, or obtain other/outside legal opinions,without the prior express written consent of the City Attorney. Because of the unique nature of the City Attorney's work at the pleasure of the electorate, and in order to protect the City Attorney's work from political interference, neither the compensation of the City Attorney nor the City Attorney's annual budget or any aspect thereof shall be reduced by the City Council from year to year unless approved by a four-fifths majority of the total members of the City Council, but in no event shall any such reduction exceed 3% in a year and from the previous year. The City Attorney shall have the power and may be required to: (a) Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices. (b) Prosecute on behalf of the people any or all criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of this Charter or of City ordinances and such state misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute, unless otherwise provided by the City Council. (c) Represent and appear for the City in any or all actions or proceedings in which the City is concerned or is a party, and represent and appear for any City officer or employee, or 5 23-13267/316414 704 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 former City officer or employee, in any or all civil actions or proceedings in which such officer or employee is concerned or is a party for any act arising out of their employment or by reason of their official capacity. (d) Attend all regular meetings of the City Council,unless excused, and give their advice or opinion orally or in writing whenever requested to do so by the City Council or by any of the boards or officers of the City. (e) Approve in writing the form of all contracts made by and all bonds and insurance given to the City. (f) Prepare any and all proposed ordinances and City Council resolutions and amendments thereto. (g) Devote such time to the duties of their office and at such place as may be specified by the City Council. (h) Perform such legal functions and duties incident to the execution of the foregoing powers as may be necessary. (i) Surrender to their successor all books,papers, files, and documents pertaining to the City's affairs. (j) Assist and cooperate with the City Manager consistent with Section 403 of the City Charter. (k) Provide advice related to compliance with the City Charter to all elected and appointed officials of the City. (1) Keep,maintain, and protect all City confidential attorney-client privileged, and attorney work product privileged information. Such confidential information shall not be accessible to any other City Official, City Staff, or third party, unless the City Attorney authorizes such access or the City Council votes to authorize such access by majority vote. (m) Additions to Section 309 of this Charter, if approved by the voters at the March 5, 2024 election, shall take effect on January 1, 2027. Section 310. CITY CLERK. POWERS AND DUTIES. To become and remain eligible for City Clerk,the person elected or appointed shall have a Bachelor's Degree ' , and hold a certification as a Municipal Clerk or obtain such certification within the first three years in office. The City Clerk shall have the power and shall be required to: (a) Attend all meetings of the City Council,unless excused, and be responsible for the recording and maintaining of a full and true record of all of the proceedings of the City 6 23-13267/316414 705 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 Council in records that shall bear appropriate.titles and be devoted to such purpose. (b) Maintain separate records, in which shall be recorded respectively all ordinances and resolutions, with the certificate of the'Clerk annexed to each thereof stating the same to be the original or a correct copy, and as to an ordinance requiring publication, stating that the same has been published or posted in accordance With this Charter. (c) Maintain separate records of all written contracts and official bonds. (d) Keep all records in their possession properly indexed and open to public inspection when not in actual use. (e) Be the custodian of the seal of the City. (f) Administer oaths or affirmations,take affidavits and depositions pertaining to the affairs and business of the City and certify copies of official records. (g) Be ex officio Assessor, unless the City Council, has availed itself, or does in the future avail itself, of the provisions of the general laws of the State relative to the assessment of property and the collection of City taxes by county officers, or unless the City Council by ordinance provides otherwise. (h) Have charge of all City elections. (i) Perform such other duties consistent with this Charter as may be required by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. (j) Assist and cooperate with the City Manager consistent with Section 403 of the City Charter. The City Clerk may, subject to the approval of the City Council, appoint such deputy or deputies to assist them or act for them, at such salaries or compensation as the Council may by ordinance or resolution prescribe. Section 314. INVESTIGATION OF MALFEASEANCE To avoid potential conflicts of interest and political interference, any allegation of malfeasance, wrongdoing or misconduct against an elected official of the City, shall not be investigated by the City, any other City Official, or member of City Staff. Rather, such allegations shall be referred to the Orange County District Attorney,the California Attorney General, the Fair Political Practices Commission, or other appropriate higher level government agency. 7 23-13267/316414 706 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 Charter Amendment Measure No. 2 SECTION 806. DISPLAY OF FLAGS. Except as otherwise provided herein,'the City shall only fly or display at or on any of the City's properties the following flags: the American flag, the POW/MIA flag, the State of California flag, the Huntington Beach City flag,the County of Orange flag, or any of the flags of the six branches of service: the Army,Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force. During the Summer Olympic Games, the Mayor is authorized to order the display of the official Olympic flags for four weeks prior to the dates of the games, and for up to two weeks thereafter. The City may display any other flag in addition to those already enumerated,but only if authorized by a unanimous vote of all members of the City Council. Section 401. POWERS AND DUTIES. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter,the City Manager shall be responsible to the City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the City. Without limiting this general grant of powers and responsibilities,the City Manager shall have the power and be required to: (a) Appoint,promote,demote, suspend or remove department heads, officers and employees of the City except elective officers and the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall not be appointed or removed until the City Manager shall first have reviewed such appointment or removal with the City Council and have received approval for such appointment or removal by a majority vote of the full City Council. (b) Prepare the budget as required by this Charter annually, submit it to the City Council, and be responsible for its administration upon adoption. (c) Prepare and submit to the City Council as of the end of each fiscal year, a complete report on the finances of the City, and annually or more frequently, a current report of the principal administrative activities of the City. (d) Keep the City Council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the City and make such recommendations as may seem desirable. (e) Maintain a centralized purchasing system for all City offices, departments and agencies. (f) Prepare, administer and enforce rules and regulations recommended to and adopted by the City Council governing the contracting for,purchase, inspection, storage, inventory, distribution and disposal of all supplies, materials and equipment required by any office, department or agency of the City government. (g) Be responsible for the compliance by the City with the laws of the State pertaining to the City, the provisions of this Charter and the ordinances, franchises and rights of the City. 8 23-13267/316414 707 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 Subject to policy established by the City Council, exercise control of all administrative offices and departments of the City and of all appointive officers and employees, and prescribe such general rules and regulations as deemed necessary or proper for the general conduct of the administrative offices and departments of the City under their jurisdiction. (h) Perform such other duties consistent with this Charter as may be required by the City Council. Section 601. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET,PREPARATION BY THE CITY MANAGER. At such date as the City Manager shall determine, each board or commission and each department head shall furnish to the City Manager, personally, or through the Finance Director Chief Financial Officer, estimates of the department's, board's or commission's revenue and expenditures for the ensuing two fiscal years, detailed in such manner as may be prescribed by the City Manager. In preparing the proposed budget,the City Manager shall review the estimates,hold conferences thereon with the respective department heads, boards or commissions as necessary, and may revise the estimates as may be deemed advisable. Section 602. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET. SUBMISSION TO THE CITY COUNCIL. The City Manager shall submit the proposed budget to the City Council at least thirty days prior to the beginning of each even numbered fiscal year beginning in 2026. After reviewing the proposed budget and making such revisions as it may deem advisable, the City Council shall hold a public hearing thereon at least fifteen days prior to the beginning of each even numbered fiscal year and shall cause to be published a notice thereof not less than ten days prior to said hearing. Copies of the proposed budget shall be available for inspection by the public in the office of the City Clerk at least ten days prior to said hearing. Section 603. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET. PUBLIC HEARING. At the time so advertised or at any time to which such public hearing shall from time to time be adjourned, the City Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget, at which interested persons desiring to be heard shall be given such opportunity. Section 604. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET. FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION. At the conclusion of the public hearing the City Council shall further consider the proposed budget and make any revisions thereof that it may deem advisable and on or before the last day of the fiscal year it shall adopt the budget with revisions, if any, by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total members of the Council. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing two fiscal years. Copies thereof, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City Manager, Chief Financial Officer, City Treasurer and the person retained by the City Council to perform the post audit function, and a further copy shall be placed, and shall remain on file in the office of the City Clerk where it shall be available for public inspection. The budget so certified shall be reproduced and copies made available for the use of the public and of departments, offices and agencies of the City. 9 23-13267/316414 708 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 Section 605. BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS. From the effective date of the budget,the several amounts stated therein as proposed expenditures shall be and become appropriated to the several departments, offices and agencies for the respective objects and purposes therein named; provided, however, that the City Manager may transfer funds from one object or purpose to another within the same department, office or agency. All appropriations shall lapse at the end of the second fiscal year to the extent that they shall not have been expended or lawfully encumbered. At any public meeting after the adoption of the budget,the City Council may amend or supplement the budget by motion adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total members of the City Council. Section 300. CITY COUNCIL, ATTORNEY, CLERK AND TREASURER. TERMS. The elective officers of the City shall consist of a City Council of seven members, a City Clerk, a City Treasurer and a City Attorney, all to be elected from the City at large at the times and in the manner provided in this Charter and who shall serve for terms of four years and until their respective successors qualify,unless otherwise provided in this Charter. Subject to the provisions of this Charter,the members of the City Council in office at the time this Charter takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors are elected and qualified. Four members of the City Council shall be elected at the general municipal election held in 1966, and each fourth year thereafter. Three members of the City Council shall be elected at the general municipal election held in 1968, and each fourth year thereafter.No person shall be elected as a Member of the City Council for more than two consecutive terms and no person who has been a member for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected a member shall be elected to the City Council more than one further consecutive term. Subject to the provisions of this Charter, the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney in office at the time this Charter takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of their respective terms and the qualification of their successors. A City Clerk and City Treasurer shall be elected for a term of six years at the general municipal election held in 2024. , 1968, and each fourth year thereafter. A City Attorney, a City Clerk, and a City Treasurer shall be elected in 2030 1966, and each fourth year thereafter. The term of each member of the City Council,the City Clerk, the City Treasurer and the City Attorney shall commence on the first Monday date of the first regular City Council meeting following the certification of the election. Ties in voting among candidates for office shall be settled by the casting of lots. If no candidate meets the qualifications for office of the City Clerk, City Treasurer, or City Attorney, the City Council shall fill that position by appointment until the next municipal general election in which a qualified candidate is elected. 10 23-13267/316414 709 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 Charter Amendment Measure No. 3 SECTION 618. VOTER APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR MATTERS AFFECTING THE COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAX. No transaction that forgives, waives or foregoes the collection of property tax by the City in excess of$100,000.00 per year shall be approved, unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted. This section shall not apply to transactions related to the acquisition of property for public parks; or to transactions related to the acquisition of property for infrastructure, as defined in Section 617(a) of this Charter. Section 612. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PARKS AND BEACHES. (a) No public utility or park or beach or portion thereof now or hereafter owned or operated by the City shall be sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise transferred or disposed of unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted. (b) No golf course, driving range, road, building over three thousand square feet in floor area nor structure costing more than$161,000.00 may be built on or in any park or beach or portion thereof now or hereafter owned or operated by the City unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted after the appropriate environmental assessment, conceptual cost estimate, and reasonable project description has been completed and widely disseminated to the public. Effective January 1, 2011, and each year thereafter, the maximum cost will be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index for the Los Angeles-Riverside- Orange County area. (c) Section 612(a) and 612(b) shall not apply; (1) to libraries or piers; (2) to any lease, franchise, concession agreement or other contract where; - the contract is to perform an act or provide a service in a public park or beach AND - such act was being performed or service provided at the same location prior to January 1, 1989 AND - the proposed lease, franchise, concession agreement or other contract would not increase the amount of parkland or beach dedicated to or used by the party performing such act or providing such service. (3) to aboveground public works utility structures or public restrooms under 6,000 3,,000 square feet; 11 23-13267/316414 710 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 (4) to underground public works utility structures if park or beach use is not impeded; (5) to any public works construction,maintenance or repair mandated by state or federal law that does not negatively impact recreational opportunities; OF (6) to renewable energy projects that do not negatively impact recreational opportunities-; or (7) to new children's playground facilities or equipment in any park; or to replacement children's playground facilities or equipment in any park or beach, provided that the square footage of such replacement children's playground facilities or equipment is not increased by more than 100%during any ten year period. (d) If any section, subsection, part, subpart, paragraph, clause or phrase of this amendment, or any amendment or revision of this amendment, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional,the remaining sections, subsections,parts, subparts,paragraphs, clauses or phrases shall not be affected but shall remain in full force and effect. Section 303. MEETINGS AND LOCATION. (a) Regular Meetings. The City Council shall hold regular meetings at least twice each month, unless it lacks a quorum or the meeting is canceled by the Mayor or a majority of City Council Members, at such time as it shall fix by ordinance or resolution and may adjourn or re-adjourn any regular meeting to a date and hour certain which shall be specified in the order of adjournment and when so adjourned each adjourned meeting shall be a regular meeting for all purposes. If the hour to which a meeting is adjourned is not stated in the order of adjournment, such meeting shall be held at the hour for holding regular meetings. If at any time any regular meeting falls on a holiday such regular meeting shall be held on the next business day. (b) Special Meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Mayor, or by a majority of the members of the City Council, by written notice to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation,radio or television station requesting notice in writing. Such notice must be delivered personally or by mail at least twenty-four hours before the time of such meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be considered at such meeting. If any person entitled to such written notice files a written waiver of notice with the City Clerk, it may be dispensed with. This notice requirement shall be considered fulfilled as to any person who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes. In the event of an emergency affecting the public peace, health or safety, a special meeting may be called as provided in this section with less than twenty-four hours written notice by the Mayor Pro Tern in the Mayor's absence or by any member of the City Council in the absence of both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern provided that the nature of the emergency is set forth in the minutes of the meeting. (c) Place of Meetings. All regular meetings shall be held in the Council Chambers of the City or in such place within the City to which any such meeting may be adjourned. If,by 12 23-13267/316414 711 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43 reason of fire, flood or other emergency, it shall be unsafe to meet in the place designated,the meetings may be held for the duration of the emergency at such place within the City as is designated by the Mayor, or, if he should fail to act, by a majority of the members of the City Council. (d) Open Meetings. All regular and special meetings of the City Council shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend such meetings,except that the provisions of this section shall not apply to executive sessions. Subject to the rules governing the conduct of City Council meetings,no person shall be denied the right to be heard by the City Council. (e) Dissemination of Information. The City Council shall adopt rules to ensure thorough and timely dissemination of information via current technology by resolution. 13 23-13267/316414 712 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING CITY MEASURES AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE IMPARTIAL ANALYSES WHEREAS, a Special Municipal Election is to be held in the City of Huntington Beach, California, on March 5, 2024, at which there will be submitted to the voters three ballot measures related to amendments to the City Charter; and The City Council wishes to authorize arguments in favor of and in opposition to these measures and authorize the preparation of impartial analyses of these measures, NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, does hereby resolve, declare, determine and order as follows: SECTION 1. That with respect to the measure entitled: "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 1 to: require Voter ID for elections, more in-person voting locations, and monitoring of drop-boxes; clarify that voters elect the City YES Attorney as the City's legal counsel free from interference from City officials, and clarify budget authority for the City Attorney's Office; update the qualifications of candidates for City Clerk; and stop potential political wrongdoing by requiring alleged malfeasance by a City official be investigated by outside agencies,be approved?" NO a. That the City Council authorizes the following member(s) of its body: (Councilmember In Favor/Against) _ (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) 713 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44 to file a written argument not exceeding 300 words regarding the City measure as specified above, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, in accordance with Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California. The arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk after which no arguments for or against the City measure may be submitted to the City Clerk. Said argument to be accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the authors(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization,the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers. SECTION 2. That the City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the Measure to the City Attorney. a. The City Attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the Measure not exceeding 500 words showing the effect of the Measure on the existing law and the operation of the Measure. If the measure affects the organization or salaries of the office of the City Attorney, the City Attorney shall have outside counsel prepare the impartial analysis. b. The analysis shall include a statement indicating whether the measure was placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters or by the governing body of the city. c. In the event the entire text of the measure is not printed on the ballot, nor in the voter information portion of the voter information guide,there shall be printed immediately below the impartial analysis, in no less than 10-point type, the following: "The above statement is an impartial analysis of Charter Amendment Measure 1. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the election official's office at 714-536-5405 and a copy will be emailed at no cost to you." d. The impartial analysis shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing 2 23-13267/316617 714 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44 of primary arguments. SECTION 3. That with respect to the measure entitled: "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 2 to: provide that the YES only flags that shall be displayed by the City on City property are: the United States, County of Orange, City of Huntington Beach Flags, and the POW Flag and Flags of the Armed Forces; require the City to adopt a Two-Year Budget; and move the City Clerk and City Treasurer elections to the gubernatorial election cycle, be approved?" NO a. That the City Council authorizes the following member(s) of its body: (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) to file a written argument not exceeding 300 words regarding the City measure as specified above, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, in accordance with Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California. The arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk after which no arguments for or against the City measure may be submitted to the City Clerk. Said argument to be accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the authors(s) submitting it,or if submitted on behalf of an organization,the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers. SECTION 4. That the City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the Measure to the City Attorney. a. The City Attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the Measure not exceeding 3 23-13267/316617 715 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44 500 words showing the effect of the Measure on the existing law and the operation of the Measure. If the measure affects the organization or salaries of the office of the City Attorney, the City Attorney shall have outside counsel prepare the impartial analysis. b. The analysis shall include a statement indicating whether the measure was placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters or by the governing body of the city. c. In the event the entire text of the measure is not printed on the ballot, nor in the voter information portion of the voter information guide,there shall be printed immediately below the impartial analysis, in no less than 10-point type, the following: "The above statement is an impartial analysis of Charter Amendment Measure 2. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the election official's office at 714-536-5405 and a copy will be emailed at no cost to you." d. The impartial analysis shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of primary arguments. SECTION 5. That with respect to the measure entitled: Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. 3 to: require voter approval of any City transaction that forgives, YES waives, or foregoes the collection of property in excess of$100,000 per year, except acquisition of property for parks or infrastructure; update exceptions to Section 612 (Measure C)to allow certain children's playground equipment,park-related NO utility structures and public restrooms be built or improved without limitation; and update the procedures to cancel a regular City Council meeting, be approved? 4 23-13267/3166I7 716 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44 a. That the City Council authorizes the following member(s) of its body: (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) (Councilmember In Favor/Against) to file a written argument not exceeding 300 words regarding the City measure as specified above, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, in accordance with Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California. The arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk after which no arguments for or against the City measure may be submitted to the City Clerk. Said argument to be accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the authors(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization,the name of the organization,and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers. SECTION 6. That the City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the Measure to the City Attorney. a. The City Attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the Measure not exceeding 500 words showing the effect of the Measure on the existing law and the operation of the Measure. If the measure affects the organization or salaries of the office of the City Attorney, the City Attorney shall have outside counsel prepare the impartial analysis. b. The analysis shall include a statement indicating whether the measure was placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters or by the governing body of the city. c. In the event the entire text of the measure is not printed on the ballot, nor in the voter information portion of the voter information guide,there shall be printed immediately below 5 23-13267/316617 717 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44 the impartial analysis, in no less than 10-point type, the following: "The above statement is an impartial analysis of Charter Amendment Measure 3. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the election official's office at 714-536-5405 and a copy will be emailed at no cost to you." d. The impartial analysis shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of primary arguments. SECTION 7. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of ,2023. Mayor REVIEWED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager Cit Attorney ITIATED AND APPROVED: City Manager 6 23-13267/316617 718 ARGUMENTS FORM OF STATEMENT TO BE FILED BY AUTHORS OF ARGUMENTS All arguments concerning measures filed pursuant to Division 9, Chapter 3 (beginning with§ 9200)of the Elections Code shall be accompanied by the following form statement to be signed by each proponent, and by each author, if different, of the argument: The undersigned proponent (s) or author(s) of the (primary/rebuttal) argument (in favor of/against) ballot proposition (name or number) at the (title of election) election for the (jurisdiction) to be held on , 20 hereby state that the argument is true and correct to the best of (his/her/their) knowledge and belief. Print Name Signature Title (If applicable):Submitted on behalf of: Date (name of organization) Print Name Signature Title (If applicable):Submitted on behalf of: Date (name of organization) Print Name Signature Title (If applicable):Submitted on behalf of: Date (name of organization) Print Name Signature Title (If applicable):Submitted on behalf of: Date (name of organization) Print Name Signature Title (If applicable):Submitted on behalf of: Date (name of organization) 719 All Authors must print his/her name and sign this form (EC 9600) AND Print his/her name and sign the Argument itself (EC 9283) AND Print his/her name and sign the Rebuttal Argument itself (EC 9285) Further, pursuant to Election Code§ 9282, printed arguments submitted to the voters shall be titled either"Argument In Favor Of Measure " or"Argument Against Measure ". Likewise,printed rebuttal arguments submitted pursuant to Election Code§9285 shall be titled either"Rebuttal To Argument In Favor Of Measure_"or"Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure_': § 9200, 9282, 9283, 9285, 9600 E.C. Statement of Authors of Arguments §9600,E.C.and(Steven Vargas v.Cheryl Balz and City of Brea;Revised 10/2009) F-A- 1 720 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-45 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR CITY MEASURES SUBMITTED AT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WHEREAS, § 9282 of the Elections Code of the State of California provides for written arguments to be filed in favor of or against City measures not to exceed 300 words in length; and WHEREAS, § 9285 of the Elections Code of the State of California authorizes the City Council, by majority vote, to adopt provisions to provide for the filing of rebuttal arguments for city measures submitted at municipal elections; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That pursuant to Section 9285 of the Elections Code of the State of California, when the elections official has selected the arguments for and against each measure (not exceeding 300 words each) which will be printed and distributed to the voters, the elections official shall send a copy of an argument in favor of the proposition to the authors of any argument against the measure and a copy of an argument against the measure to the authors of any argument in favor of the measure immediately upon receiving the arguments. The author or a majority of the authors of an argument relating to a city measure may prepare and submit a rebuttal argument not exceeding 250 words or may authorize in writing any other person or persons to prepare,submit,or sign the rebuttal argument. A rebuttal argument shall not be signed by more than five authors. The rebuttal arguments shall be filed with the City Clerk, signed, with the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the 721 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-45 name of the organization,and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers, not more than 10 days after the final date for filing direct arguments. The rebuttal arguments shall be accompanied by the Form of Statement To Be Filed By Author(s) of Argument. Rebuttal arguments shall be printed in the same manner as the direct arguments. Each rebuttal argument shall immediately follow the direct argument which it seeks to rebut. SECTION 2. That all previous resolutions providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for city measures are repealed. SECTION 3. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 2023. Mayor REVIEWED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager C. Attorney INITIATED AND APPROVED: City Manager 2 23-13267/316679 722 ARGUMENTS AUTHORIZATION FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO SIGN REBUTTAL ARGUMENT The following majority of authors of the Argument o In Favor of o Against Measure authorize the following person(s)to prepare, submit or sign the Rebuttal to the Argument o In Favor of ❑Against Measure for the City of Election to be held on , 20 Signatures of a majority of the authors of the Argument ❑ In Favor of ❑Against Measure are required: Name (Print) Signature Date Name(Print) Signature Date Name (Print) Signature Date The following authors are authorized to prepare, submit or sign the Rebuttal to the Argument o In Favor of ❑Against Measure Print Name Signature Title Date Print Name Signature Title Date Print Name Signature Title Date Print Name Signature 723 Title ` Date Print Name Signature Title Date Attach this form to the Form of Statement of Authors Form submitted with the Argument ❑ In Favor of a Against Measure §9285, E.C. Authorization for Others to Sign Rebuttal Argument (Added 10/2008, Amended 10/2016) F-A-2 724 /, TIN - U N G T . „ c ••.• -00RP0Rg7 •••• 1 . 0 • \ -- - - •• ) ' \ Consideration of 3 Charter �„0 �'``' . r.--,a ; Amendment Ballot Measures ___s_ _ -- _ =-_ % for the March 5, 2024 Statewide ----- - _ Primary Election iiimpaiii . ,_. ., )271 .:4%lelik A • _ — - - • , September 5, 2023 •% c -r-,--- o . •. C� 0 ••••••• ••• ‘\N 00 CNTH D i)\ '`-iii Background • June 6, 2023: City Council formed the Charter Review Ad Hoc Council Committee (comprised of Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark, and Council Member Burns) to work with the City Attorney to recommend Charter amendments for the 3/5/24 Statewide Primary Election. • Summer 2023: The Committee worked with the City Attorney to prepare 7 recommended amendments. • August 1 , 2023: City Council approved the 7 amendments, added 3 amendments, and directed the City Attorney to review each one and prepare all materials necessary to place them on one or more ballots. • August 2023: The City Attorney's Office prepared the required materials to place the 10 amendments across 3 ballot measures, which are presented tonight for Council's consideration. `µTINT *Note: All materials must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters (ROV) by their December 8, 2023 filing deadline. oF �. ,.•- 2 1 'FC�UNTY�Pi` Fiscal Impact • Per the ROV, the rough estimate to place 3 Charter Amendment ballot measures on the March 2024 Special Election ballot is $1 ,174,884 (or $391 ,628 per measure). • The final cost will rely on various factors including the number of pages required to place them on the ballot/voter guide and secondary expenses such as postage, printing and cost recovery for the Vote Center model. • Given this variability, it is recommended that the City Council appropriate $1 ,200,000 in General Funds, based on the ROV's rough estimates. ��HiiN6Tp2 92cF�UUNTY GP�\�ox Ballot Measure 1 "Shall proposed Charter Amendment No. I to: require Voter III for elections, more in-person voting locations, and monitoring of drop-boxes; clarify that voters elect the City Attorney as the City's legal Y E S counsel free from interference from City officials, and clarify budget authority for the City Attorney's Office; update the qualifications of candidates for o City Clerk; and stop potential political vaongdoing by requiring alleged malfeasance by a City official he investigated by outside acncies, he approved?" Ballot Measure 1 - Overview 1. Amend Section 702 and add new Section 705 to require voter ID; beginning in 2026 require at least 20 residential voting locations (in addition to locations at City facilities), and monitor ballot drop boxes. 2. Amend Section 304(b) and 309 to revise the City Attorney's powers and duties to: • allow full control of all legal business and proceedings • prohibit reductions to the Attorney's compensation and annual budget, without a four-fifths Council vote; any reduction may not exceed 3% a year and from the previous year • require all privileged communications remain inaccessible by any City official or third party without City Attorney or Council approval • all changes to Section 309 would take effect on January 1 , 2027. 3. Amend Section 310 such that qualifying for the City Clerk position would require any four-year Bachelor's degree that is no longer limited to business, public administration or a related field. 4. Add new Section 314 requiring any allegation of malfeasance, wrongdoing or misconduct against an elected City official be referred to the County District Attorney or other higher level government agency. Ballot Measure 2 4,Shal1 proposed Charter Amendment No.. 2 to provide that the only flags that shall be displayed Yes by the City on City property are: the United States, County of Orange, City of Huntington Beach Flags, and the POW Flag and Flags of the Armed Forces, require the City to adopt a Two-Year Budget; and No movethe City Clerk and City Treasurer elections to gubernatorial election e cle, be a . /roved?" Ballot Measure 2 - Overview 1. Add new Section 806 limiting the display of flags on City properties to the U.S., State, County, City, Military Branches flags, as well as the Olympic flag as needed; to display any other flag would require a unanimous Council vote. 2. Amend Sections 401 and 601-605 requiring the City to transition from an annual to biennial budget starting in 2026. 3. Amend Section 300 to move the election of City Clerk and Treasurer to the same election cycle as the City Attorney; clarifies the commencement date of the terms of elected City officials. ,65Gr-47:� Ballot Measure 3 Shall proposed Charter Amendment No, 3 to: require voter approval of any City transaction that forgives, waives, or foregoes the collection of Yes property in excess of$100,000 per year, except acquisition of property for parks or infrastructure; update exceptions to Section 612 (Measure C) to allow certain children's playground equipment, park-related utility structures and public restroorns No be built or improved without limitation; and update the procedures to cancel a regular City Council meetin , be a 'roved? Ballot Measure 3 - Overview • Add new Section 618 requiring voter approval of certain City transactions that forgive, waive or forgo property tax collection by the City in excess of $100,000 - without both Council and citywide voter approval. Transactions to acquire property for public parks or infrastructure would be exempt. • Amend Section 612 to exempt the construction of public restrooms up to 6,000 sf, as well as the construction and replacement of playground equipment up to a certain size from requiring citywide voter approval. • Amend Section 303 to clarify that City Council meetings may be cancelled as needed by the Mayor or majority of Council Members. Ia�N''NGjo%Y-` dF\ CI COUNTV;.`a\\ ,I Recommendation A. Consider the three proposed Charter amendment ballot measures, ballot language, and exhibits for placement on the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election ballot for voter approval; if approved: B. Adopt Resolution 2023-42, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Call for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Submission to Voters Questions Relating to City Charter Amendments," and C. Adopt Resolution 2023-43, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024, with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code," and D. Adopt Resolution 2023-44, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding City Measures and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare Impartial Analysis," and E. Adopt Resolution 2023-45, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for City Measures Submitted at Municipal Elections," and F. Appropriate $1,200,000 in General Funds to business unit 10010201 G. *NEW* If approved, dissolve the Ad Hoc Council Committee due to the completion of their scope of work tonight. ,-,,_--- �f 0.1TINGTo` CALENDAR OF DEADLINES FOR PROPOSED HUNTINGTON BEACH CHARTER AMENDMENTS FOR THE MARCH 5, 2024, SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (STATEWIDE PRIMARY) Impartial Analysis 14 days after City Council Calls for Election City Council Meeting Dates Due Dates Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Arguments 14 days after City Council Calls for Election City Council Meeting Dates Due Dates Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Rebuttal Arguments 10 days after Arguments Submitted Arguments Due Date Rebuttal Due Dates Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Monday, October 2, 2023 Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Monday, October 16, 2023 Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Monday, October 30, 2023 Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Monday, November 13, 2023 Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Monday, December 4, 2023 01/ ,•-,4111.0*-7,-,, ..R..R . � City of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street ♦ Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (714) 536-5227 • www.huntingtonbeachca.gov 17.��� ':.e ,; :9:• :A°''� o O' Office of the City Clerk COUNTY P'j10 Robin Estanislau, City Clerk SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION September 5, 2023 Meeting D te: 9/,s �o. Mayor and City Council City of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Agenda Item No.. . ?00 Huntington Beach CA 92648 Re: Proposed Amendments to Sections 300, 301 and 302 of the City Charter Mayor Strickland and Councilmembers, While I oppose action taken by the Charter Ad Hoc Committee to move forward in presenting any Charter amendment to the voters without providing the public with opportunity for input, as your City Clerk and Elections Official, I strongly urge you to consider removal of language related to the management of elections, election cycles, and City Clerk qualifications included in proposed Charter amendments#1 and #2. First, I would like to express my extreme disappointment and confusion in how the amendments are being compiled and presented to the voters. Comingling with other non-related and perhaps more controversial subjects will result in a citizen rendering a "yes" or"no"vote in part to a question, and not the measure as a whole. While there may be a cost savings in collective presentation of information, the end result will not truly represent the will of the people. Charter Amendment No. 1: "require Voter ID for elections, more in-person voting locations, and monitoring of drop-boxes." Approval of Charter amendment#1 would result in the addition of SECTION 705. SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS,to the Charter. The proposed language of Section 705 states, "The City shall verify the eligibility of Electors by voter identification. Beginning in 2026, the City shall provide at least 12 polling locations for in-person voting dispersed evenly throughout the City. The City shall monitor ballot drop boxes located within the City for compliance with applicable laws." Additional language states, "As provided for in Section 300 of this Charter,the City shall also determine the term of the City's elective officers,the length of term, and the election cycle in which the election for those offices occur for the City's elective offices." Please explain what is meant by the term "City" ...this needs to be made clear to avoid potential abuse. As this sentence relates to the proposed change in election cycles for the office of City Clerk and City Treasurer, I provide additional comments under Charter Amendment No. 2, below. Require Voter ID: The California Constitution provides that charter cities have plenary (wide-ranging) authority with respect to specific municipal affairs, including the conduct of local elections. Upon presentation of the proposed Charter amendments during the August 1 City Council meeting, Mayor Sister City: Anjo, Japan Strickland clarified his understanding that the Ad Hoc Committee's Voter ID proposal would first need to be confirmed as feasible,and described examples of voting alternatives such as rank choice voting in Northern California, and also cited examples of other actions that require voter identification such as boarding a plane,etc.,to support the proposed amendment. He shared his understanding that the proposed amendment was not meant to disregard the provisions of the State elections code, but allow additional control (if feasible),stating he is not recommending removing the County from the elections process as they go a good job. It is my opinion that the City Council does not fully understand that taking action to require Voter ID would result in the City conducting municipal elections on its own,without the assistance of the County. In California,voters are required to provide valid identification at the time they register to vote,and not at the poll site unless limited circumstances apply: • You are a first time voter and you registered by mail,and • You did not provide your driver license,or California identification number, or the last four digits of your social security number on your voter registration form. Does the City Council believe that the County of Orange would consider incorporation of our"home rules" into their Board-approved voting model and violate state law? I think not. At their August 1 meeting, I heard members of the City Council express concerns about voter fraud,and shared ideas about how other counties and states are taking action to address and combat these concerns. I would like to remind the Council that in both 2022 and 2023,the Orange County Registrar of Voters was granted ISA 9001:2015 certification, an internationally recognized standard that ensures its services meet the needs of the stakeholders through use of an effective quality management system. I'm told recognition of this standard is quite rare. In addition,following the 2022 General Election, Orange County conducted a ballot comparison Risk-Limiting Audit that identified "0" discrepancies. A copy of the report, including a video recording of the random seed generating process along with the ballot manifest can be found online at ocvote.gov/rla. To get an idea of the time and expense needed to procure qualified elections equipment and services to the City electorate, my staff and I made inquiries from three Los Angeles County charter cities that currently conduct their own municipal elections. The City of Whittier responded to our request with a 2021 Council staff report that detailed actions to purchase ballot counting equipment,enter into an agreement for printing and mailing of election materials, and organize community meetings for the purpose of identifying election related services. The projected costs to initiate the aforementioned equipment and services,including staff and outreach components,was estimated at$386,156.00. Provide for at least 12 polling locations: In 2019,the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved transitioning to the current Vote Center model that was implemented at the March 3,2020 Presidential Primary Election, providing all registered voters with a vote-by-mail ballot that they could chose to return by way of the United States Postal Service, drop into any ballot drop box located within County boundaries, or opt to vote in-person at any Vote Center in Orange County. The logistics of this voting model can be found in California Elections Code Division 4—Mail Ballot Elections(4000-4108),and section 4005 provides a formula to determine the number of voting locations each city must provide for within their jurisdiction. In the General Municipal Election of 2022, Huntington Beach hosted 13 Vote Centers, and for the March 2024 Primary Election, is estimated to host 13 Vote Centers as well. Why 2 does the Ad Hoc Committee feel it necessary to name a minimum number of voting locations in the Charter when the code-identified formula already serves the voting needs for our citizens? The County Registrar of Voters has recently stated that to date,the ROV has not received a request to increase the number of polling locations within a jurisdiction. Monitoring of Ballot Drop Boxes: Does the Ad Hoc Committee believe that existing ballot drop boxes securely locked and maintained by the County and used by voters county-wide are susceptible to illegal actions that interfere with safe elections? The language offered in Section 705 provides no example of what type of monitoring of ballot drop box locations the City is recommending. While the City would have no authority to attach any security-related equipment to County-owned property,would it move to install surveillance equipment on adjacent City structures to monitor presumed or reported suspicious activity? I'm not aware of any documented evidence that suggests this type of action is necessary, and it seems to me that considering such an action may be intended to keep voters from using a drop box altogether. Charter Amendment No. 1: "... update the qualifications of candidates for City Clerk." SECTION 310. CITY CLERK. POWER AND DUTIES. in its current form reads, "To become and remain eligible for City Clerk, the person elected or appointed shall have a Bachelor's Degree in business,public administration, or a related field," and hold a certification as a Municipal Clerk or obtain such certification within the first three years in office. The Ad Hoc Committee is recommending removal of language identifying the type of qualifying degree (i.e., business, public administration and the phrase, "or a related field")to allow candidacy of anyone possessing any type of Bachelor's Degree. The City Clerk's profession,one of the oldest public servant professions in history, has evolved over time. Today,a City Clerk's level of responsibility far exceeds what is described in Charter Section 310. The City Clerk is the Elections Official for the City and partners with County officials to meet the demands of that role successfully, serves on various regional and State boards, and interacts with Clerks and other high-level officials throughout the year. In addition,the organizational responsibilities of a City Clerk include serving as a department head, overseeing the department's budget, adhering to management and legislative policies and procedures, providing input on agency-wide issues, and many others. In 2010,a Charter Review Committee was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the City Charter. One of the proposed amendments was to update education requirements for the City Clerk to align the position with other executive level positions within the City. The proposal was presented as currently written, and was approved by the City Attorney,the City Council, and ultimately by the voters as Measure"N" at the General Municipal ballot of November 2,2010. Opinions have been shared that the language Bachelor's Degree in business is not valid,so if the Council prefers to strengthen the description, I simply recommend that the term administration be inserted after the term business... problem solved. I support Section 310 of the Charter remaining as currently written for continued recognition of the professional nature of the City Clerk's position. Allowing candidacy for individuals possessing any type of Bachelor's Degree would not only minimize the importance of the City Clerk's powers and duties, but it would open the field to applicants unable to honor the position and its identified duties,or would provide a favorable opportunity for individuals seeking political gains or those simply interested in obtaining a full time government job with benefits. Members of our community have historically 3 supported the City Clerk as an elected position,and have the right to elect only qualified applicants that fully understand and commit to providing a means for Huntington Beach citizens to participate in their local government,whether it be through Brown "Open Meetings"Act compliance,staying informed of opportunities for service on City boards,commissions and committees, having access to public records, receiving assistance when considering a run public office,or simply being available to meet a variety of the public's needs on a daily basis. At the August 1 City Council, I shared verbal concerns from the podium about the proposed, election- related amendments with specific attention to the amendment to reduce education requirements for City Clerk. I educated the public of the City Attorney's involvement in this amendment, and his wife's plans to run for the office in 2024 which she has publicly acknowledged. The City Attorney chose to respond to my comments from the podium,calling them "discouraging," and describing the City Clerk's duties as"to keep the official records of the City and to keep the official minutes of the meetings... It's not technical, it's not a profession." Mayor Strickland attempted to provide support for the Ad Hoc Committee's recommendation to remove language related to the type of Bachelor's degree, and phrase "or a related elated field" language, calling it"subjective." City Attorney Gates stated that the educational requirement as currently worded, generated past questions and required research which never resulted in a clear, non-subjective interpretation. On August 2,the Los Angeles Times/Daily Pilot newspaper reported on actions taken at the meeting(see attached), and the City Attorney's public response to what I shared from the podium, including his misguided opinion of the role of City Clerk. The City Clerk's Association of California (CCAC)took issue with the City Attorney's unqualified mischaracterization of the City Clerk profession, and held a special meeting on August 28 to discuss not only approval of a letter of support for the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office (attached, including Special Agenda and staff report), but also to direct the Director Legislative Affairs to work with CCAC's lobbyist firm to determine any proposed legislative solutions regarding the City Clerk profession. I attended that meeting,and during discussion on the item was informed by the Legislative Director that the League (Cal Cities)and Secretary of State's office have been alerted of Huntington Beach's pending actions, and are paying close attention to how these actions track. I polled all Orange County cities for their education requirements for City Clerk, and all but three responded (see table, below). For those requiring a four-year or Bachelor's degree,the majority of degree titles identified included Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, and Records Management. It is also interesting that the phrase "or related field" described by Mayor Strickland as"subjective,"was included in 25 of the 31 requirement descriptions. It is my understanding that the phrase"or related field" is meant to demonstrate a candidate's knowledge/experience/ connection to the job assignment. This phrase is found in most job applications and is present in education requirements listed in job descriptions for the City of Huntington Beach department head positions of Assistant City Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Public Works, Director of Human Resources, Community Development Director, Chief Information Officer, and others. 4 City Education Requirements Aliso Viejo Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or related field Anaheim Bachelor's in public administration, business administration, or related field Brea Coursework,training,or certification in public records management Buena Park Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in public administration or related field desirable Costa Mesa Bachelor's in public administration or related field from an accredited college or university Cypress Bachelor's in Public Administration, Business Administration,or closely related field Dana Point Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in public administration, public policy or closely related field Fountain Valley Bachelor's from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, public administration,or a related field Fullerton Bachelor's in Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field from accredited college or university Garden Grove two years of coursework from an accredited college or university (minimum 60 semester units)with major work in records management,office management,or a related field Huntington Beach Bachelor's in business, public administration,or a related field Irvine Bachelor's with courses in public administration, records management, public policy or related field Laguna Beach No education requirements identified -elected position Laguna Hills No education requirements identified Laguna Niguel Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business, public or personnel administration, or a related field Laguna Woods No information provided La Habra No information provided Lake Forest Bachelor's in public administration, business administration,or closely related field La Palma 12th grade education supplemented by college-level coursework or specialized training related to the City Clerk profession or related field Los Alamitos Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, records management or a related field Mission Viejo Bachelor's in business, public administration or a related field Newport Beach Bachelor's in Public Administration, records management, public policy or related field from an accredited college or university,or equivalent educational achievement in another discipline Orange Equivalent to an Associate of Arts in public or business administration; Bachelor's degree preferred 5 Placentia Bachelor's in public administration, information systems, human resources,or related field (position is Director of Administrative Services which includes HR,emergency/disaster preparedness, City Clerk/Records operations,and special projects) Rancho Santa Margarita Equivalent to a Bachelor's from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration or a related field San Clemente Title Legislative Administrator; Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, or a related field San Juan Capistrano Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration,or a related field Santa Ana Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration from an accredited college or university Seal Beach No information provided Stanton Bachelor's in public administration, business administration,or closely related field Tustin Bachelor's in Public Administration, Business Administration,or a related field Villa Park City Manager/City Clerk function combined Westminster Equivalent to a Bachelor's from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, records management or related field Yorba Linda Bachelor's with major course work in Public or Business Administration or closely related field Information retained from 31 23 of 31 cities include within City Clerk or related title qualifications of 34 OC Cities reference to a Bachelor's or four-year equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or Records Management 25 of 31 qualification descriptions include use of the phrase"or related field" Charter Amendment No.2: ".... and move the City Clerk and City Treasurer elections to the gubernatorial election cycle." SECTION 300.CITY COUNCIL. CITY ATTORNEY. CLERK AND TREASURER. TERMS., has been revised to include"A City Clerk and City Treasurer shall be elected for a term of six years at the general municipal election held in 2024, '968, and each fourth year thcrcaftcr. A City Attorney,a City Clerk, and a City Treasurer shall be elected in 2030 1966,and each fourth year thereafter. The Ad Hoc Committee has proposed that the 2024 terms for City Clerk and City Treasurer will be adjusted to a 6-year term that will revert back to a 4-year term in the gubernatorial election of 2030. No justification has been provided for this change. Could it possibly be constructed this way to benefit a hand-picked City Clerk? Neither myself, nor the City Treasurer were approached by the Committee to discuss the merits or circumstances of this proposed amendment which in my opinion seems very calculated, and disingenuous. 6 In closing, it would be very remiss of me not to share my concerns about the Council's decision to form a Charter Ad Hoc Committee that met behind closed doors to consider their own personal ideas for change to our constitution without involvement of City staff(with the exception of the City Attorney), or our voting public. It is also difficult to understand why public funds estimated near$1.2M would be spent to place non-vital Charter amendments on a Primary ballot. Again, please reconsider movement forward of any charter amendment, but specifically those related to elections, election cycles and City Clerk qualifications,for placement on the March 5, 2024 Primary Election ballot. Sincerely, Robin stanislau, CMC City Clerk Att: August 2, 2023 Los Angeles Times/Daily Pilot news article CCAC Letter of Support, Special Meeting Agenda and Staff Report dated August 28, 2023 c: Al Zelinka, City Manager Matt Szabo, Daily Pilot 7 a / 2022-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARC A. DONOHUE, CCAC President City of Eastvale CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA JESSICA BLAIR, August 28, 2023 1St Vice-President City of Half Moon Bay City of Huntington Beach ASHTON AROCHO, Attn:Tony Strickland, Mayor 2nd Vice-President 2000 Main Street City of Westminster Huntington Beach, CA 92648 DEBRA BLACK, Re: Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerks Office Recording Secretary City of San Dimas Dear Mayor Strickland: MITZI ORTIZ, Communications Director This letter is in reference to comments made by the City of Huntington Beach City ofAlisoViejo City Attorney regarding the City Clerk profession. Comments stating that City Clerks only "keep official records and official minutes" and that the City Clerk RANDI JOHL-OLSON, position "isn't technical or a profession" is deeply unsettling and potentially very Legislative Director City of Temecula damaging to our local democratic process. HOLLY CHARLETY, The municipal clerk profession is one of the oldest public servant positions in Professional Development Director history and can be traced back to 1272 A.D. Normal duties for the City Clerk City of El Cerrito include but are not limited to serving as the Elections Official for the City,serving RICCA CHARLON, as the filing officer for Fair Political Practices Commission forms, serving as a Treasurer passport agent and notary public, preparing legal notices, administering City of Ridgecrest department budgets, administering City Council agendas, minutes, official records, and meeting management, compliance officer for federal, state, and TODD STERMER, local statutes, including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Conference Director Records Act,just to name a few. City of Fresno MICHAEL MACDONALD, Particularly during a time where increased spotlights and scrutiny are put on Member Services Director local election officials, we need to support and uplift our profession, not City of Ventura degrade or dismiss it.The City Clerks Association of California ("CCAC") stands in solidarity with the Huntington Beach City Clerks Office and hopes that the CANDICE ALVAREZ, Huntington Beach City Council would do the same. Mentor Development Director City of Lake Elsinore Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. ROXANNE BRECEDA, Networking Director Sincerely, City of Glendora SYLVIA BERMUDEZ, Scholarship Director Coachella Valley Water District Marc A. Donohue CCAC President A CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Special Meeting Agenda Monday, August 28, 2023 4:00 p.m. Zoom Meeting Information https://us02web.zoom.us/i/86912676714 Meeting ID: 869 1267 6714 One tap mobile +16694449171„82052907974# US +16699006833„82052907974#US (San Jose) 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ATTENDANCE/EXCUSED ABSENCES 3. PUBLIC COMMENT 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: It's recommended that the Board of Directors adopt the minutes from the regular meeting on May 11, 2023 and the special meeting on August 10, 2023. 5. BOARD OF DIRECTOR BUSINESS/DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Approval of an Agreement with California State University of San Marcos to provide Education Institutes Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Education Committee's recommendation to approve the agreement with California State University of San Marcos—Extended Learning,to provide CCAC's education institutes starting in 2024 and authorize the President to approve non-substantial amendments to the agreement. CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING August 28, 2023 B. Letter of Support for the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of Directors: 1. Approve a letter of support for the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office. 2. Direct the Director of Communications to develop an outreach plan to allow CCAC members to sign the proposed letter of support. 3. Direct the Director of Legislative Affairs to work with CCAC's lobbyist firm to determine any proposed legislative solutions regarding the City Clerk profession. 6. ORAL REPORTS FROM OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 7. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the CCAC Board of Directors is September 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. 2 CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA TO: Board of Directors FROM: Marc A. Donohue, MMC President DATE: August 28,2023 SUBJECT: CCAC Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerks Office Summary The attached letter of support for the City of Huntington Beach City Clerks Office is provided for the Board's consideration for approval. In addition to the proposed letter, it is recommended that the Director of Communications develop an outreach plan to allow CCAC members to also sign the proposed letter of support and for the Director of Legislative Affairs to work with CCAC's lobbyist firm to determine any proposed legislative solutions regarding the City Clerk profession. Recommended Action It is recommended that the Board of Directors: 1. Approve a letter of support for the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office. 2. Direct the Director of Communications to develop an outreach plan to allow CCAC members to sign the proposed letter of support. 3. Direct the Director of Legislative Affairs to work with CCAC's lobbyist firm to determine any proposed legislative solutions regarding the City Clerk profession. Background At a recent City Council meeting,the Huntington Beach City Attorney made disparaging remarks regarding the City Clerk profession.The attached Los Angeles Times article details the comments that were made at the meeting. At the CCAC special board meeting on August 10, 2023,the board reached consensus to bring back an item to provide a letter of support for the Huntington Beach City Clerks Office. Attachments: 1. Proposed Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerks Office 2. Los Angeles Times Article Regarding the City of Huntington Beach Huntington Beach city clerk, attorney clash over proposed charter amendments https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-08-02/huntington-beach-citv-clerk- attorney-clash-aver-proposed-charter-amendments ,. i I'll /4'4 •'`' ,i v,,,k it) I ett".1.1‘„litii ..: . , ',.;.•,,:.;:'',:;41-1,,t''r.‘;r''4 4 t 1.": '''' , A., Ist Huntington Beach City Clerk Robin Estanislau addresses the City Council about proposed charter amendments during Tuesday night's meeting. (James Carbone) BY MATT SZABOSTAFF WRITER AUG. 2,2023 3:31 PM PT • Facebook • Twitter • Show more sharing options The city clerk sits just a few feet from Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates on the City Council dais. Both of these elected positions could be held by people with the same last name, Gates, in a couple of years.Not only that,but Gates and his wife,Kelly, could possibly even campaign together in 2026, if voters approve charter revisions. The City Council moved forward with 11 possible charter revisions on Tuesday night,via straw poll voting. This step came after a council ad hoc committee was formed in June with the goal of getting the committee's proposed revisions on the California primary ballot next March. A couple of the revisions deal with the city clerk position,currently held by Robin Estanislau. She was appointed in 2016 after former City Clerk Joan Flynn retired, and has been twice supported by voters since then. One of the possible revisions would change the election cycles for the clerk and treasurer to the gubernatorial cycle,which is the same cycle the city attorney follows. The other revision would modify clerk qualifications so that the position requires any four-year bachelor's degree. The city charter currently states the city clerk should hold a bachelor's degree in business,public administration or a related field. The clerk also must hold a certification as a municipal clerk or obtain such certification within the first three years in office. ,. 1 f t,• , • ± ei -i x,' %. y 4:'':r tom' '. e �, 1J1 - er4411C` ..At-te ,,,,,< • ..1,-0"*..r,..t li,,firTzt. 7 4 . ' ' 11 #,' if �. • 41* Members of the Huntington Beach City Council listen to public comments during Tuesday night's meeting. (James Carbone) Both revisions were moved forward with a 4-3 straw vote, like most of the other charter amendments being proposed.Mayor Tony Strickland,Mayor Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark and Councilmen Casey McKeon and Pat Burns,the council's conservative majority,voted yes,while Councilman Dan Kalmick and Councilwomen Natalie Moser and Rhonda Bolton voted no. Estanislau made the rare step of criticizing Michael Gates during public comments Tuesday night. She said that during a council meeting recess in June he told her that his wife was planning to run for clerk. "He proceeded to fish for information on my plans for retirement,"Estanislau said. "I asked if he saw Kelly's candidacy as a conflict of interest and he said no, suggesting that our positions as attorney and clerk did not interact much. I questioned Kelly's qualifications, and he said she had run a few businesses." Estanislau added that her assistant clerk, Steven Aguilar,would be a most qualified candidate to replace her since he's already served as clerk in another city,Eastvale. "Our citizens rely on unbiased service from a trained and educated clerk,"Estanislau said. "The charter's existing requirements are appropriate and should not be undermined to provide opportunity to unqualified candidates or politicians, for that matter. I am confident that our voting public understands misuse of power when they see it." ear *I 114 144, 4 ir • �L. .%•mS�'R Huntington Beach City Clerk Robin Estanislau, flanked by Assistant City Clerk Steven Aguilar,reads from the agenda during Tuesday night's meeting. (James Carbone) Gates made his own public comments Tuesday night, after first declaring that Estanislau was"a great clerk." "I went to Robin as a courtesy to let[her]know that my wife was planning to run,"he said. "So many people have asked her to run...I find it really discouraging, frankly,Robin,that our top elections official would come to the podium and shame and out somebody—yes,it's my.wife—when she hasn't even decided to run. She hasn't even pulled papers,yet you're out here shaming her. It's very anti-democratic and protectionist of you." Estanislau hold's a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Ashford University. Gates would did not say what his wife's college degree was in during a phone interview Wednesday but added it could arguably already be considered adequate under the current guidelines. "If you look attwhat the'"city_cierk's duties.are;they are to keep the official records of the city and to keep the official minutes of the meetings,"he said.``It's not technic I it's nova profess cn-\They are clerk duties outlined in the charter. To say that the charter must require some super-high bar... That's just protectionism. That's literally erecting barriers around incumbent clerks to protect their job." Local control over elections debated Another hotly debated possible charter amendment was over a recommendation from the ad hoc committee that the city maintain local control over municipal elections in three areas: checking voter identifications,requiring at least 12 locations citywide for in-person voting, and having the city monitor ballot drop boxes. •.`t- F a • 1 ,N,, , -? C f br ' .,� :-a , • . , 1„:", :,.,-z.;....„‘„:7 ,,,,,;r.,,,,..., \,,,, ol P No/ ,, 4. ` a c 'NO ' •3`. ,- , r `... •. People cheer in support of Huntington Beach City Clerk Robin Estanislau as she speaks about the proposed charter amendments on Tuesday at City Hall. (James Carbone) The item received another 4-3 straw vote,with the same council members voting for and against. Estanislau was not a fan of this proposed amendment, either, calling it unnecessary during her public comments and citing the sterling reputation of the Orange County Registrar of Voters. "The time and money required to meet the objectives of this amendment and incorporate so-called'home rules' doesn't make sense to me,"she said. "I wonder about liability associated with interfering in our citizens' right to vote in a legitimate system designed and managed by election experts." McKeon said requiring a voter ID when voting was reasonable. "The most sacred thing is voting,"McKeon said. "Yet when you go to the polling place and say, 'Can I show you my ID?' they go, 'We don't accept that.' This is just bringing faith in our elections. Georgia instituted voter ID, and they had the highest turnout in their history." Kalmick responded that no one in Huntington Beach is questioning whether their vote has been counted. "Who's asking for this?"he said. "I'm just trying to figure out what problem we're trying to solve." Gates said his office's initial research shows that the changes being proposed are legal. But Ann Ravel, a former chair of both the California Fair Political Practices Commission and Federal Elections Commission,raised questions about the proposed amendment. She noted that Shasta County,in Northern California, is now hand-counting its votes. She said these actions are an indirect result of questions raised following the 2020 presidential election,in which President Trump alleged voter fraud that has not been substantiated. Ravel cited students or less wealthy people as two groups less likely to have the voter IDs that Huntington Beach could request. "It definitely is a form of voter suppression to require those IDs,"said Ravel,now an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley."The electoral process in California is particularly good. The people who are working as the registrars and have staff that are working on the elections are really devoted public servants. To question those things makes no sense. It looks to others like they cannot trust their government,which I think is really a bad symbol for the public." The recommended charter amendments will come back to City Council at a meeting in September to consider any recommendations,budget appropriation for each ballot measure and all ballot materials. NEWSHUNTINGTON BEACH zee 2022-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS A Realm FROM, ' 1') �•/? AS PUSUC FOR OOIA�CI MEETIMG MARC A.DONOHUE, cc 5 /Zo y3 President City of Eastvale CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA CITY CUM 0FFCE now 6STA*SL U.CITY CLERK JESSICA BLAIR, August 28, 2023 /G9 1n Vice-President CJ City of Half Moon Bay City of Huntington Beach ASHTON AROCHO, Attn:Tony Strickland, Mayor 2nd Vice-President 2000 Main Street City of Westminster Huntington Beach, CA 92648 DEBRA BLACK, Recording Secretary Re: Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office City of San Dimas Dear Mayor Strickland: MITZI ORTIZ, Communications Director This letter is in reference to comments made by the City of Huntington Beach City City of Aliso Viejo Attorney regarding the City Clerk profession. Comments stating that City Clerks RAND!JOHL-OLSON, only "keep official records and official minutes" and that the City Clerk position Legislative Director "isn't technical or a profession"is deeply unsettling and potentially very damaging City of Temecula to our local democratic process. HOLLY CHARLETY, The municipal clerk profession is one of the oldest public servant positions in Professional Development Director City of El Cerrito history and can be traced back to 1272 A.D. Normal duties for the City Clerk include,but are not limited to,serving as the Elections Official for the City,serving RICCACHARLON, as the filing officer for Fair Political Practices Commission forms, serving as a Treasurer passport agent and notary public, preparing legal notices, administering City of Ridgecrest department budgets, administering City Council agendas, minutes, official TODD STERMER, records, and meeting management, compliance officer for federal, state, and Conference Director local statutes, including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public City of Fresno Records Act,just to name a few. MICHAEL MACDONALD, Particularly during a time where increased spotlights and scrutiny are put on local Member Services Director City of Ventura election officials, we need to support and uplift our profession, not degrade or dismiss it. The City Clerks Association of California ("CCAC") stands in solidarity CANDICE ALVAREZ, with the Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office and hopes that the Huntington Mentor Development Director Beach City Council would do the same. City of Lake Elsinore ROXANNE BRECEDA, Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. Networking Director City of Glendora Sincerely, SYLVIA BERMUDEZ, Scholarship Director Coachella Valley Water District Marc Donohue, MMC CCAC President Page 2 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF WESTMINSTER CITY OF TEMECULA 42&cALe, -11/i 1 3 .43 Ashton R.Arocho, MMC Randi 1ohl,JD, MMC City Clerk Legislative Director/City Clerk CITY OF EASTVALE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE A Marc Donohue, MMC Candice az, MMC City Clerk/Communications Director City Clerk CITY OF SAN DIMAS CITY OF ALISO VIEJO G Debra Black, MMC Mitzi rti Nz, 1C L�`L City Clerk Director of Government Sery ces/City Clerk CITY OF EL CERRITO CITY OF GLENDORA, CA Holly M. Charletyt, MMC Roxanne Breceda,CMC City Clerk Deputy City Clerk/Records Manager CITY OF MILPITAS CITY OF CHINO HILLS +cOANCIN-A00 Suzanne Gu'z tta, CMC Jessica Contreras, MMC City Clerk Deputy City Clerk II Page 3 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF KINGSBURG CITY OF GARDEN GROVE Tivie VAL1-44 Abigail Palsgaard, CMC Lizabeth squez, A City Clerk Deputy City Clerk CITY OF MONTCLAIR CITY OF PASO ROBLES Andrea Myrick, MPA, CMC Melissa Boyer City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF COLT CITY OF BREA yLfi. Stephanie M. Vargas, CMC L Lillian Harris-Neal, MMC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk TOWN OF DANVILLE CITY OF LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE Marie Sunseri, MMC (At.l k),Ck V'k-CkCA-- City Clerk Tania Garcia, MMC City Clerk CITY OF POINT ARENA CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS G l J r Paul Andersen Janet Martinez City Clerk C�ty Clerk Page 4 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office MONTE VISTA WATER DISTRICT CITY OF SACRAMENTO Ern go -eoad ._ )1 t 4� Brandi Goodman-Decoud, CMC Mindy Cuppy, MI-NMI?' Executive Assistant II City Clerk CITY OF MADERA CITY OF CALABASAS --1)1 Ottec(7,4,_ 214,i_z/vfi A icia Gonzales, Cjt64) Maricela Hernandez, MMC, CPMC `f City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF COLFAX CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH taL, c76a4P-iffr, 0(44ik- . ), ,N,,,,,' _..... Margueri e Bailey Leilani I. Brown, MMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF INDIO CITY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW Sabdi Sanchez, CMC Hea her Glaser, C City Clerk Administrator City Clerk CITY OF BURBANK CITY CITY OF ORANGE GGy let'"'i ��E GtTGle (.0 � Kimberley Clark Pamela Coleman City Clerk City Clerk Page 5 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE CITY OF LAKEPORT donna G.Schwartz; MC Kelly Buendia, CMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF SAN JACINTO CITY OF KERMAN Julia Espinoza (-AVM./ Julia Espinoza, CMC City Clerk Marci Reyes City Clerk CITY OF LA MESA CITY OF MONTE SERENO Stacy D. Readiy Stacy Ready Gloisy Go zalez-Langarica Deputy City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF ESCONDIDO CITY OF FORTUNA Zack Beck Siana L. Emmons City Clerk City Clerk, Human Resources Manager CITY OF CULVER CITY CITY OF LA MESA Mimi 9~1 Mimi Ferrel Meg Wiegelm City Clerk Specialist City Clerk Page 6 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS CITY OF SANTA MONICA KI:i Le McDolA,RLd Kayle McDonald Denise Anderson-Warren, CMC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF MODESTO ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Dana Saadg Dana Sanchez Kelly, . L , MMC Assistant City Clerk Clerk of the Board TOWN OF COLMA SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT icir. 2,2_.., ___,\ �° i/ /)L)/A ({ O`. .'-U;//J Caitlin Corley Michele L. King, CMC City Clerk Clerk of the Board CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO GOLD COAST HEALTH PLAN i'44c— dvL ADeZazal 712u�uCacl osa Govea Acosta, MMC, CPMC Deborah Munday, CMC, CPMC City Clerk Associate Clerk to the Board CITY OF SAN GABRIEL CITY OF MODESTO Sharon Clark Sharon Clark, MMC, CPMC Diane Nayares-Perez, CMC Chief City Clerk City Clerk Page 7 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF GILROY CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO - ---'''"Iiii!f:2- pariote Wataptee ai Nam Pham Jazmine Miranda City Clerk Assistant City Clerk CITY OF AMERICAN CANYON CITY OF ROSEMEAD ` 1 ze÷oa 5rie4a qczaaudel Taresa Geilfuss - City Clerk Ericka Hernandez City Clerk CITY OF ARVIN CITY OF VALLEJO 1; '— 1j ._.f — Dauwt Cf 7416ialamdcw Cecilia Vela, MMC Dawn G.Abrahamson City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF TEHACHAPI CITY OF TEHACHAPI Tani?12arta,I ,4d ecl 2IJ4u tone Tori Marsh, CMC Ashley Whitmore, CMC City Clerk General Services Director CITY OF COSTA MESA CITY OF YUC IPA &uwda 9teue ; Ana V. Sause CMC Brenda Green City Clerk Director of General Services/City Clerk Page 8 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF BUENA PARK CITY OF BUENA PARK •AAr d Aga Pa zicia.S. Sadal Adria M.Jimenez, MMC \ City Clerk/Dir. of Gov./Community Relations Anna Patricia S. Badillo Assistant City Clerk CITY OF BERKELEY CITY OF WEST SACRAMENTO 414444014:44:14, 61.4-;--) Mark Numainville, CMC J er Cus' C, MPA City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF PLEASANTON CITY OF CHINO HILLS dfe61z-, � :���Jo ly Kwong C' - ►S C, CPMC City Jerk City Clerk CITY OF SUNNYVALE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH--� David Carnahan, MPA, MMC Ann Marie McKay,CPMC, CMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF CORONA CITY OF C LN 3 2'q (1 j� J ^rIV ". S is Edwards MMC �1 coh y 1 n 1 `f City Clerk City of Lincoln Deputy City Clerk Page 9 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF UKIAH CITY OF SAN DIMAS , C , > bt,( /� �,tt, Lc .__ 'S'a y' M1noz Kristine Lawler, CMC Lesley Munoz City Clerk Departmental Assistant CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE CITY OF MENDOTA ,,— 1 _ 0 ,,,, ,,,,,,C..,,, ....u. JiUYTheriot A Celeste Cabrer oia, MPA, CMC dministtive Assistant City Clerk CITY OF SAN BUENAVENTURA CITY OF BAKERSFIELD s \i,Auttok.,:siv1/4060.41) 4044,, SSv)j iAlifl_ �,I�,�-'A- Michael MacDonald, CMC, CPMC J lie Drimakis, MMC, CPMC City Clerk City Clerk TOWN OF YOUNTVILLE CITY OF SHASTA LAKE Eduardo Castillo Gomez Toni M. Coates, CMC Town Clerk City Clerk CITY OF AUBURN CITY OF HALF MOON BAY , .94,z okt, -, 7//a/le Amy Lind, MMC Je ica Blair, MMC City Clerk Communications Director/City Clerk Page 10 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF LIVE OAK CITY OF HERCULES C lcw- Ar l( Clarissa Menchaca Eibleis Melendez City Clerk City Clerk SAN BERNARDINO INTERNATIONAL CITY OF SAN LEANDRO AIRPORT AUTHORITY Pe- 7avc'2 Reey etaacey Jennifer Farris, MMC Kelly B. Clancy, CMC Clerk of the Board City Clerk CITY OF CHULA VISTA CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Tys�Turner Kimberly Boles Deputy Director, City Clerk Services Senior Deputy City Clerk CITY OF SANTA CRUZ CITY OF BUENA PARK 01141 u ________73UAS .Sazal*Ma Bonnie Bush, CMC Sarah Guerra, CMC City Clerk Administrative Assistant CITY OF MORGAN HILL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS `AJ (017 Dtharcati L. Padova w Michelle Bigelow, MMC Deborah Padovan City Clerk City Clerk Page 11 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF GREENFIELD CITY OF WASCO A vi w F. R.cithlruivv M(Q/( 1 Ann F. Rathbun, CMC Maria O. Martinez, CPMC City Clerk City Clerk/Administrative Manager CITY OF FAIRFIELD CITY OF CHULA VISTA Karen/L. Reek �u , oetir Karen L. Rees City Clerk Kerry K. Bigelow, MPA, MMC City Clerk CITY OF LOS ALTOS CITY OF CARLSBAD FcwLQLw Me i.vta/ Melissa Thurman, MMC Faviola Medina, CMC City Clerk City Clerk Services Manager CITY OF EMERYVILLE CITY OF MILLBRAE Elaine Tran, CMC A ' Richar son, CMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF CLOVIS CITY OF PISMO BEACH Gc.cu�j, Karey Chaff,/MBA, CMC Erica Inderlied, MC City Clerk City Clerk Page 12 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF IRWINDALE CITY OF STANTON jce/itt )11 . � /s/Patricia A. Vazquez atio Patricia A. Vazquez, CMC Laura M. Nieto, MMC City Clerk Chief Deputy City Clerk CITY OF CUDAHY TOWN OF WINDSOR i i Richard Iglesias, or Irene Camacho-Werby, MMC, EMPA City Clerk Town Clerk CITY OF PITTSBURG CITY OF OAKDALE Alice E. Evenson Alice E. Evenson City Clerk Colleen Andersen Deputy City Clerk/Council Services Manager CITY OF TULARE CITY OF PATTERSON m1;1 Maegan Peton Aracely Alegre Deputy City Clerk/Records Coordinator City Clerk CITY OF SOLANA BEACH CITY OF MALIBU Avtgei a'Ivey Angela Ivey Kelsey .ettijohn City Clerk City Clerk Page 13 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF MODESTO CITY OF SAN CARLOS wheel eao4 Crystal Mui, CMC Andrea Cook Community Relations Director/City Clerk Deputy City Clerk ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY CITY OF ARCATA Maria D. Huizar, CM V Bridget Dory, CMC Clerk of the Authority City Clerk CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS CITY OF MT.SHASTA Jew Lem kettkivivhi.J Jennifer Lee, CMC Kathryn M.Joyce, CMC City Clerk Deputy City Clerk CITY OF MURRIETA CITYY OF LOS BANOS Cristal McDonald Cristal McDonald Lucy Mallonee, MMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF PLACERVILLE CITY OF PLACERVILLE Reg. O'Connell, CPMC Cleve Morris City Clerk/Human Resources Officer City Manager Page 14 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF WILDOMAR CITY OF MONTCLAIR 74 Lo-w W atker Janet Morales, CMC Alison Walker City Clerk Deputy City Clerk CITY OF DALY CITY CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Sy ,�a Lead K. A vt i'I,P. &H t ponai K. Annette Hipona Sylvia Lopez Cuevas City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO TOWN OF TRUCKEE �) Judy Price Genoveva Rocha Judy Price City Clerk Town Clerk CITY OF BARSTOW, CA SAN FRANCISQUITO CREEK JPA �-- MiJyko-A. YarvikPcwkev Christina Rudsell, CMC, CPMC Miyko A. Harris-Parker, CMC City Clerk Services Manager Finance & Administration Manager & Clerk of the Board CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS Luz Reyes, C C C J ry Soriano Deputy City Clerk C Clerk Page 15 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF RIO VISTA CITY OF MANTECA �— als tr Ca4sa.vudra./Cc+:nd;,vi.v-rilto-w Pam Caronongan, CMC Cassandra Candini-Tilton City Clerk Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA CITY OF CULVER CITY --1414‘4'.-- a rol.-„d Nova Romero, MMC Jeremy Bocchino, CMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF SCOTTS VALLEY CITY OF NORCO w Dana/Row, CMC With support of City Council, City Attorney, City Manager Cathie Simonovich Dana Roa, CMC City Clerk City Clerk ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CITY OF LATHROP ---<1:9-11;ij V Tefes Vargas, M C S. .ra Meisenheimer Clerk of the Board Specialist Government Services Director/City Clerk CITY OF CONCORD CITY OF MONTEBELLO k1 ' , .. • de___e_i_A} Jo e Fackler, MMC Kimbe ly uillen C• Clerk Acting for Deputy City Clerk Page 16 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF SAN MATEO CITY OF GRAND TERRACE 74d• 4 '&4 Patrice M. Olds, MMC Debra L. Thomas, CMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF CHINO CITY OF FARMERSVILLE Rochelle/ ovavw Natalie Gonzaga, CMC Rochelle Giovani, CMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF WALNUT CREEK CITY OF WILLITS AWLy Hecove.nor Delare*Pede sevV Amy Heavener, CMC Delores Pedersen Deputy City Clerk City Clerk REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY CITY OF PORT HUENEME /FUJI) .41 t"1 q)GCnnet.19- CaAJ C1r' Ashley Flores, CMC GetSrgianna Nicole Alvarez, MMC, CPMC Clerk of the Board City Clerk CITY OF SAN BRUNO CITY OF LONG BEACH Lupita IHuerta Phillip McGowan City Clerk City Clerk Specialist Page 17 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office RANCHO CALIFORNIA WATER DISTRICT CITY OF FOWLER ( 4) Krista LaRocchia Angela Vasquez, CPMC Administrative Services Supervisor/Deputy City Clerk District Secretary CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVATION SACRAMENTO HOUSING AND DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 6,xt yc„,,k( Alicia Fernandez, CMC Amber Alexander, CMC, CPMC Administrative Services Manager Agency Clerk CITY OF GARDEN GROVE CITY OF ARCADIA Torosa,Pamoroy *IAA 14-- Teresa Pomeroy, CMC Rachelle Arellano City Clerk Assistant City Clerk CITY OF BREA CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS V IctorC 'Pope4GUw *-1/g/L) Victoria Popescu, MPA, MMC Amy Van Deputy City Clerk/Records Supervisor City Clerk CITY OF COALINGA SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT Ma w Overlo v d' Shannon Jensen Max Overland, CMC City Clerk Deputy Clerk of the Board Page 18 to Letter of Support to the City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office CITY OF EUREKA CITY OF ANTIOCH Pc�Mzla/j. PaweU' r y a Pamela J. Powell City Clerk/Assistant City Manager Christina Garcia, CMC Deputy City Clerk CITY OF AGOURA HILLS CITY OF DUBLIN , lit 1"! ' //1laa 1/14e — Kimberly M. Rodrigues, MPPA, MMC Marsha Moore, MMC City Clerk City Clerk CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS Same/14 Z Vd& Sandra Kandell Angelica Avila, MBA, CMC City Clerk/DEI Coordinator City Clerk CITY OF SAN RAMON CITY OF PALMDALE YWA., Raxaeote ladenG�9' Christina Franco, MMC Roxanne Faber Title Acting City Clerk CITY OF MONTEBELLO % oieaey Christopher Jimenez City Clerk Moore, Tania From: Ted Ross <tedross_0077@msn.com> Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 12:31 PM To: Strickland, Tony; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: McKeon, Casey; Van Der Mark, Gracey; Burns, Pat Subject: City Council/Public Financing Authority Tuesday, September 5, 2023 SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Strickland, Noting that this referenced agenda makes possible significant expenditures I need to point out that the public has yet to see the completed FY 23- FY 24 HB City Budget. I been told by city staff that the finalized budget had not yet been published nor been made available on the city website. This publication is now very late and certainly delinquent. How can we proceed with new expenditures without a budget to evaluate the appropriateness of these proposed actions. By the way, I'm a big supporter of your initiative to create a TWO YEAR CITY BUDGET! Sent from my iPhone Ted Ross SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: qI S f aa2 3 Agenda Item No.; 3o (a3 ' 70,3 i Moore, Tania From: Maria Sugranes <ladygracedem@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 4:53 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Charter Amendments Stop this! What problems are being solved here? The amendments would be costly and draw us into more lawsuits. Stop grabbing power and work on real issues in our city. Maria Sugranes HB resident since 1972 1 Moore, Tania From: David Rynerson <drynerson@earthlink.net> Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 5:46 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Ad Hoc Committee on Declaration on Human Rights City Council Majority - When I wrote to you previously, I did so because of the of the absolute lack of explanation for why you thought the declaration on human rights needed changing and the opaqueness of your intended changes. It is now abundantly clear why you refused to publicly disclose your planned "modifications" to the existing declaration. While acknowledging that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, you turn around in the very next paragraph and decide to marginalize those who don't identify as either male or female, and then turn around again and say to treat all people equally. You say that the sexes must be separated in sports. Have you never heard of mixed doubles tennis? Equestrian events? How do you propose to treat those who identify as non-binary? What sports do they get to play? Is that treating them with respect and dignity? No one is asking you to endorse their life choices -just not to treat them like they don't exist and have no right to being treated with respect and dignity. You then had the audacity to plan to censure Councilwoman Moser for asking a straightforward question about one of the people being appointed to that ad hoc committee. Councilwoman Van Der Mark took great umbrage at being asked the simple question of whether or not she believed the holocaust was real - which seems to be a pretty relevant question for someone being appointed to rewrite the existing declaration on human rights. Especially in view of some of the reporting about her -- see the linked reporting here: https://www.Bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=6b8d9a790b67bc35JmItdHM9MTY5MzYxMjgwMCZpZ3VpZDOxYjE 4ZTkzNy05N2EOLTZiOWYtMjcxMC1 mODg3OTYOYTZhMTImaW5zaWQ9NTE4OQ&ptn=3&hsh=3&f clid=1 b18e937-97a4-6b9f-2710- f887964a6a12&psq=gracie+van+der+mark&u=a1 aHROcHM6Ly93d3cub2N3ZWVrbHkuY29tL2dyYW NIeS12YW4tZGVyLW1 hcrostcGVkZGxlcilvZi1yYWNpc3QtY29uc3BpcmFjaWVzLXJ1 bnMtZm9yLXNj aG9vbC1 ib2FyZC1 pbi1 oYi8&ntb=1 If anyone was disrespectful in the exchange between the two councilwomen, it was Councilwoman Van Der Mark, so if anyone is censured, it should be her. Thus far, your tenure has been marked by a lack of transparency, unpreparedness, and the appearance that you think being in the majority allows you to totally discount anyone who does not agree with you. You are proposing charter amendments without explanation or discussion, pursuing lawsuits costing the city significant amounts of money, while settling with the promoter who backed your campaigns without a whimper, and then being less than transparent about that settlement and the follow-on lawsuit against Amplify Energy. By now you've been treated to enough council meetings that you should clearly understand that not everyone in Huntington Beach agrees with you - quite the contrary. It's time that you start operating with that understanding, rather than looking like a junior high school student council bent on enforcing your personal beliefs. I know that at least some of you can do it. I've had reasonable and productive exchanges with Councilman McKeon. You can do better, and I hope to see you do so. Sincerely, David Rynerson 6272 Newbury Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92647 2 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 6:30 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Charter Amendments Get Outlook for iOS From: Maria Sugranes<Iadygracedem@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, September 2, 2023 4:51:04 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Charter Amendments Do not even propose this. The amendments would result in extra costs to the city, would curtail voting rights that would engender more lawsuits,would make our city become a symbol of right wing paranoia. Who are you trying to protect? What problems are you trying to solve? Your overreach is outrageous. Maria Sugranes HB resident since 1972 1 Moore, Tania From: Diana Lithgow <lithgownp@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 7:08 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Vote NO on both the Charter Review Proposals and the "Policy on Human Dignity" City Council Members and Supplemental Committees: I strongly OPPOSE the items drafted in the TWO ad hoc committees that are up for a vote this Tuesday, Sept 5th: 1. Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals 2. Policy on Human Dignity Charter Review: -Item#7: The Charter Review proposals are thinly disguised Voter Suppression attempts and must not be adopted. There are NO concerns by the OC Registrar of Voters as to the security of our county elections--and limiting the voter polling locations AND requiring city monitoring of ballot drop boxes is an attempt to INTIMIDATE voters . . . not secure validity of voters. Shame on you--copying Texas and Florida shenanigans. We MUST NOT make changes to fix a problem that does not exist--only to suppress voters. NO! -Item#2: The ONLY reason a City Council Meeting should be cancelled is a lack of quorum(due to illness or other matters)--not at the whim of the Mayor or Majority of Council Members (who are currently Republican, by the way). Again, shameless attempt to suppress Democracy. NO! -Item#6: We must NOT "dumb down" our City Clerk Qualifications. Making these changes to possibly "hand pick" a candidate for the position that does not currently hold qualifications (such as a family member) is despotic. NO! Policy on Human Dignity: All paragraphs EXCEPT the paragraph on "genetic differences between a male and a female" are in support of Human Dignity--I support the paragraphs that do not address gender. Shame on your for again attempting to copy Texas and Florida's intolerance of people within a document actually titled "Policy on Human Dignity"-- shameful and sneaky is what this is. You are not even being secretive--but saying the quiet part out loud--you have NO RESPECT for people who are gender different than you. I OPPOSE this paragraph wholeheartedly. NO! (Not to mention that the grammar in this Policy is something out of an elementary school--PLEASE learn to write properly if you are going to draft policy! My double doctorate degrees cringed reading this poorly edited "Policy on Human Dignity". Again,I urge a NO vote on both the Charter Review Proposals and the "Policy on Human Dignity". Dr. Diana Lithgow 19841 Flagstone Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 i HUNTINGTON BEACH HOMEOWNER SINCE 1983 Diana Lithgow,PhD,DNP,RN,FNP-BC,FAANP Professor of Nursing College of Graduate Nursing Western University of Health Science 909-469-5523(CGN Office) DLithgow@WesternU.edu 2 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 7:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW:Opposition to Charter Amendments From: pacj<pacj_03@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, September 2, 2023 6:38 PM To: Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org>; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity- hb.org> Subject: Opposition to Charter Amendments Dear Councilmembers, We were opposed to the city charter being amended last year. We remain opposed to amending the city charter and any related election. Sincerely, Julio and Patricia Quintana 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 7:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Charter Review and Policy on Human Dignity votes 9/5/23 From: Diana Lithgow<Iithgownp@aol.com> Sent:Saturday,September 2, 2023 7:06 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Charter Review and Policy on Human Dignity votes 9/5/23 HB City Council, I strongly OPPOSE the items drafted in the TWO ad hoc committees that are up for a vote this Tuesday, Sept 5th: 1. Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals 2. Policy on Human Dignity Charter Review: -Item#7: The Charter Review proposals are thinly disguised Voter Suppression attempts and must not be adopted. There are NO concerns by the OC Registrar of Voters as to the security of our county elections--and limiting the voter polling locations AND requiring city monitoring of ballot drop boxes is an attempt to INTIMIDATE voters . . . not secure validity of voters. Shame on you--copying Texas and Florida shenanigans. We MUST NOT make changes to fix a problem that does not exist--only to suppress voters. NO! -Item#2: The ONLY reason a City Council Meeting should be cancelled is a lack of quorum(due to illness or other matters)--not at the whim of the Mayor or Majority of Council Members (who are currently Republican, by the way). Again, shameless attempt to suppress Democracy. NO! -Item#6: We must NOT "dumb down" our City Clerk Qualifications. Making these changes to possibly "hand pick" a candidate for the position that does not currently hold qualifications (such as a family member) is despotic. NO! Policy on Human Dignity: All paragraphs EXCEPT the paragraph on "genetic differences between a male and a female" are in support of Human Dignity--I support the paragraphs that do not address gender. Shame on your for again attempting to copy Texas and Florida's intolerance of people within a document actually titled "Policy on Human Dignity"-- shameful and sneaky is what this is. You are not even being secretive--but saying the quiet part out loud--you have NO RESPECT for people who are gender different than you. I OPPOSE this paragraph wholeheartedly. NO! (Not to mention that the grammar in this Policy is something out of an elementary school--PLEASE learn to write properly if you are going to draft policy! My double doctorate degrees cringed reading this poorly edited "Policy on Human Dignity". i Again,I urge a NO vote on both the Charter Review Proposals and the "Policy on Human Dignity". Dr. Diana Lithgow 19841 Flagstone Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 HUNTINGTON BEACH HOMEOWNER SINCE 1983 Diana Lithgow,PhD,DNP,RN,FNP-BC,FAANP Professor of Nursing College of Graduate Nursing Western University of Health Science 909-469-5523(CGN Office) DLithgow@WesternU.edu 2 Moore, Tania From: Nikki Reidt <nmreidt@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 10:00 PM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Appalled... This city council majority is attempting to make changes that have no purpose. Instead of solving REAL problems,you are creating more and making faceless claims and suggestions. You are using your power to feed social discord and creating more tension and anger in our community. Shame on you! Re: Elections- Orange County elections are known to be exceptionally safe. If someone is coming to you with questions about this,there are many facts you can provide them...but instead you are choosing to fan the flame and encourage questions. You are creating MORE regulations and making life more difficult for our residents based on your emotions and personal opinions rather than facts and evidence. Requiring ID for voting does NOT increase the integrity of our elections. It does the opposite and is shown to make it MORE difficult for people to vote. Many people do not have a driver's license or passport, government identifications get lost, have wrong addresses when people move and cost money that people may not have. What purpose do cameras at drop boxes serve? Was there any issues at drop boxes in Huntington Beach? Is this really a good use of public funds? You are not solving a problem, you are creating one. Requiring voter ID, placing cameras at election sites or drop boxes or changing anything about our elections is unnecessary and will do nothing more than cost our city MORE money. You have already wasted enough. There is no need to alter elections in Huntington Beach. Re: Olympic Flag- When your original oppressive flag ban was being voted on, many people brought up "what about the sister city flag" and "what about an Olympic flag" but you were so focused on forcing through a flag ban before June so you wouldn't need to consider the PRIDE flag. The hypocrisy and homophobia of this city council majority is disgusting. The time and energy spent on these social battles is a waste. If you would have left the flag policies alone to begin with, we wouldn't need to be wasting more time on this now. Re: Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity- The Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity was created as a statement to what Huntington Beach aspires to be.Who could possibly disagree or question the goal that everyone ought to be treated with dignity and respect? Do you believe that people ought to be safe from hate crimes in our community? Is your intention to send a loud message to the white supremecists around that we accept them and their danger to our community?That's what you're doing.This document was created after two heinous hate crimes in our city-a man was brutally murdered in our community and another attempted. Hate crimes are on the rise in Huntington Beach...is this what you want to encourage?The actions of this city council are abhorrent.The timing if this is disgusting.You are not making our city better.You are creating more issues. You are dismantling policies and programs for no reason other than your personal social agendas. Council member Moser's questions about the appropriateness of Council member Van der Mark sitting on a committee for human dignity was absolutely appropriate and a question many of us have.This council majority is not even pretending to be fair and instead cramming through discriminatory and, likely, unconsititutional policies left and right. It is no secret that Council member Van der Mark is alleged to be antisemetic and to support white supremecists. If these rumors are not true, she ought to have made a public statement months(years) ago. Council member Moser was bringing up an excellent point and was not accusatory or offensive in any way. She simply asked a question. Can see Mark could have listened and reaponded. Instead.She became hostile and defensive. Unfortunately,this council 1 majority can't handle questions because they don't do any research or base decisions on facts and are functioning from purely emotional stances.What was inappropriate in this instance was the Mayor and City Attorney chiming in and instead of allowing Moser to complete her statement, interrupting and attaching Moser while siding with Van der Mark. We all have a right to know if there is an antisemetic, white supremecist sympathizer on our city council. Re: No Mask/No Vaccine Mandate. I don't believe that any of you are doctors, scientists or public health experts.This has no place in the agenda.This is ridiculous.You already have a choice about.wearing a mask or getting vaccinated or not. No one is forcing this on you. Again,you are creating problems that do NOT exist.Stop wasting our time with your politicized drama. Re: Dissolving of city boards and committees. It's is incomprehensible that 4 people think that they, alone, know what is best for an entire community.What do you fear about committees and discussion? Do facts and research scare you?This council was not elected to steamroll decisions and disregard other opinions.The responsibility of a city council is to listen to the people.To consider FACTS, as well as alternate opinions. Instead you have chosen for your small group to meet behind closed doors and make decisions for our entire city without talking to those with actual knowledge and experience in the areas you are altering. Making decisions behind closed doors without facts or discussions with the people actually involved in the real life, day to day, experiences is unethical.You continue to destroy our city and cost us ridiculous amounts of money in law suits. What are you trying to do? Do you have no compassion for those of us living here and raising children here or are you just on a personal mission to destroy our city and waste our hard earned money?You have gone to some lows in the past 9 months but surely there are actual issues you could be addressing rather than dismantling declarations that do nothing more than help people feel safe.Stop wasting our time and money with your culture wars. Disappointed, Nichole Reidt Resident of Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: Betty Kanne <bettykanne@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 9:54 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Supplement- September 5, 2023 City Council Meeting September 3, 2023 City Council Members, I ask that you abandon all efforts to place items on the March 2024 Ballot that would change our City Charter. The four majority members mislead voters by pledging not to alter the City Charter and are now poised to utterly transform it for their own benefit. The Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals should be soundly rejected with varying levels of outrage and vehemence starting with the most cynically crafted Numbers Five and Six shamefully designed as a customized pair serving to slide the wife of our city attorney into a"forever"job as City Clerk with key and crucial election responsibilities.That feat fits nicely into the even more abhorrent Number Seven that is in fact an overt attempt of voter suppression. It is intended to reduce voting participation by the most vulnerable in our community.This includes young and/or newly franchised voters or those with language obstacles or disabilities.These items must be soundly rejected. Reject the cynically written new"Policy on Human Dignity"that drips with homophobic and transphobic tropes. It's an embarrassment to the open minded,humanity embracing,tolerant people of this community. It is shameful. I propose we reinstate the previous Human Dignity Statement crafted thirty years ago by the highly respected, formidable leaders Shirley Dettloff and Ralph Bauer in a time of great trial in our community when we then faced violence and hatred from virulent skinhead neo-nazis.That was a powerful and meaningful statement worthy of this community.This "revision",this vile statement is not. Reject it. Remove the agenda item to Censure Council Member Natalie Moser.This wholly unnecessary addition to the agenda is an obvious distraction from the real issues that should be of concern to this Council and taxpayers of Huntington Beach.The move to censure is every bit as unseemly as the very behavior it questions.Drop it from the agenda. Focus on the true problems in our community and cease sowing discord needlessly. Stop the meaningless distractions. Betty Kanne 16331 Woodstock Lane Huntington Beach,CA 92647 bettykanne@hotmail.com (40+year HB resident,homeowner and voter) i Moore, Tania From: Sheila Ellis <sheila.ellis78@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 10:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); Van Der Mark, Gracey; Moser, Natalie; McKeon, Casey; Kalmick, Dan; Burns, Pat; Bolton, Rhonda; Strickland, Tony Subject: Tuesday city council meeting agenda After reviewing the agenda for Tuesday's city council meeting, I am urging all council members to vote no on agenda item numbers 15, 16, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. Sheila Ellis (She/Her) 1 Switzer, Donna From: Estanislau, Robin Sent: Monday, September 4,2023 2:59 PM To: ellen riley Cc: Moore,Tania;Switzer, Donna Subject: RE:Thank you Thank you for your comments!! From: ellen riley<2ellenriley@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday,September 3, 2023 12:02 AM To: Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Thank you for having the courage to speak at the last City Council meeting about attempts to "de-professionalize" your office and other attempts to lead our city back to the 1950's. They also insulted our fine Registrar of Voters and seem bent on having our elections follow the model of some mid-western states where voters are the suspects, where they must be monitored, questioned, etc.. Ellen Riley i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 11:37 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Three Requests - September 5, 2023 City Council Meeting Get Outlook for iOS From: Betty Kanne<bettykanne@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday,September 3, 2023 9:51:35 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Three Requests-September 5, 2023 City Council Meeting September 3, 2023 City Council Members, I ask that you abandon all efforts to place items on the March 2024 Ballot that would change our City Charter. The four majority members mislead voters by pledging not to alter the City Charter and are now poised to utterly transform it for their own benefit. The Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals should be soundly rejected with varying levels of outrage and vehemence starting with the most cynically crafted Numbers Five and Six shamefully designed as a customized pair serving to slide the wife of our city attorney into a"forever"job as City Clerk with key and crucial election responsibilities.That feat fits nicely into the even more abhorrent Number Seven that is in fact an overt attempt of voter suppression.It is intended to reduce voting participation by the most vulnerable in our community.This includes young and/or newly franchised voters or those with language obstacles or disabilities.These items must be soundly rejected. Reject the cynically written new"Policy on Human Dignity"that drips with homophobic and transphobic tropes. It's an embarrassment to the open minded,humanity embracing,tolerant people of this community. It is shameful. I propose we reinstate the previous Human Dignity Statement crafted thirty years ago by the highly respected, formidable leaders Shirley Dettloff and Ralph Bauer in a time of great trial in our community when we then faced violence and hatred from virulent skinhead neo-nazis.That was a powerful and meaningful statement worthy of this community.This "revision",this vile statement is not. Reject it. Remove the agenda item to Censure Council Member Natalie Moser.This wholly unnecessary addition to the agenda is an obvious distraction from the real issues that should be of concern to this Council and taxpayers of Huntington Beach.The move to censure is every bit as unseemly as the very behavior it questions.Drop it from the agenda. Focus on the true problems in our community and cease sowing discord needlessly.Stop the meaningless distractions. Betty Kanne 16331 Woodstock Lane 1 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 bettykanne@hotmail.com (40+year HB resident,homeowner and voter) 2 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 11:49 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: City council meeting coming up ib 9/5/23 and what is being planned Get Outlook for iOS From:Valli Febbraro<vkfebbraro@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 10:07:49 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City council meeting coming up ib 9/5/23 and what is being planned Hello City Council Members: I thought I would let you know what is being text to Registered Democrates and what is being planned by the Democratic Party of Orange County. The following paragraph is text that is being sent to registered Democrats. "Stand up, fight back, for Huntington Beach! Extreme Republicans want to radically amend the City Charter to stay in power, ban the Pride Flag/books & more. ( Recipient's Name ): can you attend City Council mtg. Tues., 9/5, @ 6pm & let them hear your voice. Reply stop to end - Democartic Party of Orange County." I am certainly not for flying any flag with any specific interest groups on any government buildings. I have no problem if anyone wants to put up whatever flag they want if it at their own home or their business. With regards to banning books, I am not a fan of banning books and have seen a lot of childrens books banned on some of the retail sites that are books I grew up with good messages. I don't believe that is what they are really talking about. I believe that 1 it is about allowing inappropriate content for kids, radical race therory, or indoctrination of kids. I believe parents need to be informed of what is being taught in schools and have a choice to decide what their kids will be exposed to. This is insane!. I believe that our schools are failing because of this and teachers need to teach, reading, writing arithmetic and actual history good or bad! Thank you for reading this email. I will be out of town that day but may be back in time to attend the City Council Meeting. Thank you for reading this email. Sincerely, Valli K. Febbraro 2 Moore, Tania From: dmlithgow@aol.com Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 2:29 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members, I strongly oppose several of the charter review committee proposals. On the proposal for Section 310, I cannot understand why we would lower the qualifications for the Clerk position. This makes no sense to me. The proposal for Section 702 for Local Control over Elections comes across as a waste of taxpayer money to monitor ballot drop boxes. Just how they are monitored could come across as voter intimidation. I also see no reason for removing reliance on the state election code. We should have continuity for how we run our elections across the state. I see no reason to "update" the Policy on Human Dignity. Leave it as it is. Please! Thank you, Douglas Lithgow 10841 Flagstone Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Moore, Tania From: Fran Delaney <francesbdelaney@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 2:51 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Current City Council Agenda Items City Council Members, I am a Huntington Beach resident and have lived at my home for 33 years. I am shocked and embarrassed on behalf of all residents by the outlandish and dangerous proposals put forth in the August 1, 2023 meeting and items on the agenda for the September 5th meeting. I emphatically ask that you vote against these agenda items on September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting: 724-240 P'3O 23-700 and all recommended actions 23-683 and all recommendations 23-734 and all recommended actions 23-731 23-738 I highly disapprove of the censure Councilwoman Moser for her comments made as concern for who would be placed on an Ad Hoc committee for changes to the Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity. She questioned underlying associations with Neo-Nazis and Proud Boys which have never been addressed. Councilwoman Van Der Merck's response was out of order and hysterical and by far more deserving of a censure. I strongly disapprove of 1)streamlining, consolidating, and/or dissolving a select number of the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees and Council Committees 2)the attempt to require voter ID's and monitoring on drop off ballot boxes, 3) changing the election cycles for the City Clerk and City Treasure,4) changing the requirements for City Clerk.All of these actions are an attempt to control and limit the voice and votes of residents and are unnecessary and most likely illegal. I am shocked at the proposed changes to the City's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity and strongly oppose them. The verbiage is a direct attack on trans individuals, adults, and children and a veiled attempt to find reasons to ban books in the public library. These actions will also be found illegal and the City will become responsible for even more expensive court proceedings and fines. In addition, the rapid and unstudied withdrawal from OCPA will result in a multmultimillion-dollar fine. This will be layered atop the unprecedented settlement to maintain partnerships for the air show, the legal fees to fight the State of California, the senseless and inflated salary increase for the City Attorney, and certainly the many fines and court proceedings that will take place, as a result, of the proposed actions in the September 5th meeting. All of these bloated expenses were unnecessary and made with little knowledge or care for fiscal responsibility and will most likely result in a needed tax increase for residents in the future. It's shameful both morally and fiscally. Finally, an attempt to limit election access, and to attempt to stack elections to favor themselves and strip away the rights of particular groups of individuals is moving toward fascism, which I find atrocious and shameful for 1 all of us who reside in this city. For those who don't see the similarity of these action to fascism, please read some of the descriptions of what these actions are, taken from Merriam Webster dictionary: "... severe economic and social regimentation and forcible oppression of the opposition. A tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control." If the City tampers with elections such as what is proposed, that is exactly where we are. Please read my requests and vote against the proposals listed above. 2 Moore, Tania From: Janna Koch <jannapkoch@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 4:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fw: Vote no on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 Forwarded Message From: Janna Koch <jannapkoch@yahoo.com> To: City.Council@surfcity-hb.org <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 04:08:32 PM PDT Subject: Vote no on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 To the HB City Council , RE: City council agenda. VOTE NO on Agenda items 15 , 16,22 , 29, 30, 31, 32 , 34. 35 ! I am unhappy with the job performance of this City Council . Your actual job is to represent ALL of the voters in HB. Also, to take care of city business and properly maintain the city resources and infrastructure . You are not only not doing a good job of that, but it has come to my attention that you intend to squander 1. 2 million of the City' s dollars on an unnecessary special election. If you want to have a PAC. . .go out and raise YOUR OWN MONEY! Meanwhile the Central Library has bathrooms not working, RATS , the parking lot is rapidly degrading , and a host of other maintenance issues abound including proper ADA access for Seniors and disabled persons . The City Council is breaking the CA State law by not completing the Housing Element. This is your JOB ! I vote to Censure the HB City Council for not doing it ! It is past time to stop acting like a mimic of the dysfunctional House of Representatives in the US Congress and get the job done ! If you do not want to do the job, then please EXIT the HB City Council chambers like Tito and let others who are better qualified to do so get on with it! We expect to have the same responsiblities and opportunities to vote as every other citizen of the State of California. . . it is NOT your job to decide otherwise ! It is highly inappropriate to declare the City of Huntington Beach to be a Non-mask mandate city. Again , we expect to have the same protections neccessitated in a public health crisis as the rest of the citizens of Orange County. I am Covid At-Risk. . .my pandemic will NEVER be over. I am also my sole support and need my fellow residents to not make me sick. As to fiscal responsibility, I do not wish the City of HB to have to payout on lawsuits against the city for infecting people by public servants of the city or have to pay for sick days for the entire HB City Hall , HBPD, HBFD, etc. to infect themselves all again . There are areas of public 1 buildings that are NECESSARY to mask in during a public health crisis. This is because again, the City has FAILED to properly update them, namely places like the tiny, ventilation-impaired bathrooms at the Central Library! ! ! Lastly, I value the service of Natalie Mosier on the HB City Council . She represents the People of HB better than any other person on the council . If the City Council members did not have exposure for comments made regarding their integrity, then it would be much more difficult to do so. I would be much less successful than Natalie in keeping a proper demeanor in the same circumstances. Thank you for your attention to these matters . . . get the job done! Janna Koch Huntington Beach jannapkoch@yahoo.com 2 Moore, Tania From: Mark and Jean Erstling <mjerstling@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 4:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Council Majority Actions As a taxpayer and voter I am angry that the council majority is taking steps that are costing the city millions of dollars, chasing away the U.S. Olympic Committee with bigoted flag decisions and trying to censure a colleague for asking what should be a simple question for Van der Mark to answer. The idea of attempting to amend the charter with a March vote is expensive and unnecessary. If you all cared about improving the city you would support the recommendations of the non-partisan Charter Committee. Clearly improving the city is not your goal and we all understand that. The one good thing about the actions of this group is that they are motivating the public to vote them out when the time comes. Reducing drop off mailing locations and requiring voter IDs is just an attempt to make voting more difficult. Having guards at dropoff locations is wasteful and an attempt to intimidate voters and not make elections more secure. It is likely the city will be sued over this and will cost taxpayers even more money. There is no evidence that our current voting system is a problem other than those like the council majority wanting to disenfranchise many voters. We don't need the culture wars in our city which chase tourists and businesses away and hurt local businesses. Just do a decent job running the city and stop these anti democratic and bigoted actions. Mark Erstling 2 Moore, Tania From: Linda Law <lindaklaw@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 6:48 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; City Council Subject: Vote No on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 Dear Council Members, Please vote no on agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 at the September 5, 2023 City Council meeting. I don't even know where to start with my objections to these agenda items. The proposed charter amendments are unnecessary and would be extremely costly. Over a million dollars to place these amendments on a March 2024 ballot is ridiculous. There is no evidence of voter fraud that necessitates the city having a separate local election that requires voter id and requires the monitoring of ballot drop boxes. The City has gotten itself involved in costly anti-housing lawsuits and settled with the Air Show operator for millions when the city is supposedly broke. The City Council and or the City Attorney have no business determining what books are available in our public libraries. That is the job of our librarians. Let them do their jobs. Failing to recognize the transgender community in the revised Statement on Human Dignity is just shameful. Censuring Council Member Moser for speaking the truth is beyond hypocritical. Having a known racist and anti-semite on the council should be called out every day.There are photos,tapes, and newspaper articles that prove that relationship. Against staff recommendations, the mayor is recommending that the city choose the lowest ranked Federal Government Affairs lobbyist. Why is that happening? Proposing that the city ban broad universal mask and vaccine mandates as a response to Covid 19 or its variants is just ill informed. Covid 19 continues to mutate and having mask and vaccine mandates available is just good public health policy. Dissolving numerous boards with little or no public input is very troubling to say the least. What's happening with the Climate Action Plan for the City? Our high standards for the City Clerk position and other positions should continue. Thank you for your time. 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 7:19 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Vote no on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 Get Outlook for iOS From:Janna Koch <jannapkoch@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, September 3, 2023 4:08:31 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote no on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 To the HB City Council , RE: City council agenda. VOTE NO on Agenda items 15 , 16 , 22 , 29, 30, 31, 32 , 34. 35 ! I am unhappy with the job performance of this City Council . Your actual job is to represent ALL of the voters in HB. Also, to take care of city business and properly maintain the city resources and infrastructure . You are not only not doing a good job of that, but it has come to my attention that you intend to squander 1.2 million of the City' s dollars on an unnecessary special election . If you want to have a PAC. . . go out and raise YOUR OWN MONEY! Meanwhile the Central Library has bathrooms not working , RATS , the parking lot is rapidly degrading , and a host of other maintenance issues abound including proper ADA access for Seniors and disabled persons . The City Council is breaking the CA state law by not completing the Housing Element. This is your JOB ! I vote to Censure the HB City Council for not doing it! It is past time to stop acting like a mimic of the dysfunctional House of Representatives in the us congress and get the job done ! If you do not want to do the job, then please EXIT the HB City Council chambers like Tito and let others who are better qualified to do so get on with it ! we expect to have the same responsiblities and opportunities to vote as every other citizen of the State of California. . . it is NOT your job to decide otherwise ! It is highly inappropriate to declare the City of Huntington Beach to be a Non-mask mandate city. Again , we expect to have the same protections neccessitated in a public health crisis as the rest of the citizens of Orange County. I am Covid At-Risk. . .my pandemic will NEVER be over. I am also my sole support and need my fellow residents to not make me sick. As to fiscal responsibility, I do not wish the City of HB to have to payout i on lawsuits against the city for infecting people by public servants of the city or have to pay for sick days for the entire HB City Hall , HBPD, HBFD, etc. to infect themselves all again . There are areas of public buildings that are NECESSARY to mask in during a public health crisis. This is because again, the City has FAILED to properly update them, namely places like the tiny, ventilation-impaired bathrooms at the Central Library! ! ! Lastly, I value the service of Natalie Mosier on the HB City Council . she represents the People of HB better than any other person on the council . If the City Council members did not have exposure for comments made regarding their integrity, then it would be much more difficult to do so. I would be much less successful than Natalie in keeping a proper demeanor in the same circumstances . Thank you for your attention to these matters . . .get the job done! Janna Koch Huntington Beach jannapkoch@yahoo. com 2 Moore, Tania From: martha bergman <marthabergman21@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 7:19 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: One resident's opinion Dear Huntington Beach Council Members, I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for over sixty years. For the record, I would like to state that I FIRMLY OPPOSE the following: Changing our voting process, specifically as suggested by the current proposals concerning the requirement of voter identification and monitoring of ballot boxes . Changing the requirements to be the City Clerk. Censure of Councilwoman Moser for doing her job and asking important questions about the appropriateness of Van der Mark's placement on the committee to change our city's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity. Changing our city's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity as suggested by that same committee. Sincerely, Martha Bergman 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 7:20 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Opposing Council Actions Get Outlook for iOS From: Mark and Jean Erstling<mjerstling@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 4:56:06 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Opposing Council Actions As a taxpayer and voter I am angry that the council majority is taking steps that are costing the city millions of dollars, chasing away the U.S. Olympic Committee with bigoted flag decisions and trying to censure a colleague for asking what should be a simple question for Van der Mark to answer. The idea of attempting to amend the charter with a March vote is expensive and unnecessary. If you all cared about improving the city you would support the recommendations of the non-partisan Charter Committee. Clearly improving the city is not your goal and we all understand that. The one good thing about the actions of this group is that they are motivating the public to vote them out when the time comes. Reducing drop off mailing locations and requiring voter IDs is just an attempt to make voting more difficult. Having guards at dropoff locations is wasteful and an attempt to intimidate voters and not make elections more secure. It is likely the city will be sued over this and will cost taxpayers even more money. There is no evidence that our current voting system is a problem other than those like the council majority wanting to disenfranchise many voters. 1 We don't need the culture wars in our city which chase tourists and businesses away and hurt local businesses. Just do a decent job running the city and stop these anti democratic and bigoted actions. Mark Erstling 2 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 7:20 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: One resident's opinion Get Outlook for iOS From: martha bergman <marthabergman21@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, September 3, 2023 7:18:35 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: One resident's opinion Dear Huntington Beach Council Members, I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for over sixty years. For the record, I would like to state that I FIRMLY OPPOSE the following: Changing our voting process, specifically as suggested by the current proposals concerning the requirement of voter identification and monitoring of ballot boxes . Changing the requirements to be the City Clerk. Censure of Councilwoman Moser for doing her job and asking important questions about the appropriateness of Van der Mark's placement on the committee to change our city's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity. Changing our city's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity as suggested by that same committee. Sincerely, Martha Bergman i Moore, Tania From: Carol Berk <carolberk@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2023 10:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda for September 5, 2023 Dear HB City Council, (In particular,the majority members) I hardly know where to begin. Your agenda is so filled with items that are obviously on your"We're in the majority, so we have the power to force our extreme views on our city" to-do list rather than an agenda of what to do to protect our city and help it thrive. First, I find the potential censuring of Councilwoman Natalie Moser for asking a simple question that should be very easy to answer and not at all disrespectful to be a sad example of this council majority's bullying behavior. Secondly,the rewriting of the Statement of Human Dignity was totally unnecessary and now includes an indisputable and very troubling anti Trans and anti LGBTQ focus. Finally,your questionable legal and financial agreements and settlements lead me to believe that you have less than honorable intentions and actions involving many programs, projects, and events.These will be affecting our city financially and practically including items relating to the Air Show, Special Election, and for some unknown reason, wanting to have our city powers-that-be demand oversight during regular elections when we all know that the county has that responsibility and has handled it in an outstanding fashion. What I see is that this council's majority is working to push through choices that do NOT represent the majority of our residents, and will ultimately cost us extra money to implement unnecessary and unwanted contracts, elections,court settlements, and new unneeded responsibilities. Your narrow minded non-inclusive attitude is attempting to change our wonderful city into a hate filled, marginalizing entity despite your claims to the contrary. Remember this...council members will come and go during elections and you may cause damage to our wonderful city, but it will not be forever. Our city will survive you! Carol Berk HB resident, home owner, and voter since 1981 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:37 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Oppose Item #15B, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35 Get Outlook for iOS From:jstone223@aol.com<jstone223@aol.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 6:10:16 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Oppose Item#15B,#30,#31,#32,#34,#35 I am apposed to our council majority and City Attorney attempting to change the very fabric of my city of 25 years. Jessica Stone "What if today we were just grateful for everything" Charlie Brown. 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:39 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Comment, 9-5-23 CC mtg., items 15, 16, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. Get Outlook for iOS From: Dan Jamieson <danjamieson4@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:36:12 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Comment, 9-5-23 CC mtg., items 15, 16, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. Dear HB City Council: As a Huntington Beach resident, I appreciate the chance to comment in several items under consideration at the Sept. 5, 2023 council meeting: Item 15 Please vote NO on item 15,a recommendation to contract with Kahn, Soares, &Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton &Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services. It is unclear why these firms were chosen.Stapleton was not highly rated by staff, and Kahn was not rated at all (and appears to focus on agricultural and water law). HB residents deserve transparency in how lobbying firms are chosen, especially given that the mayor is a professional lobbyist and may have conflicts. Item 16 Please vote NO on item 16,to redirect staff to develop policy options regarding city library materials and safeguards. This item continues development of the unconstitutional book-banning proposals pushed by the council majority. Having political actors review and restrict books would be an unconstitutional imposition of extreme religious views into the function of our public library, which is to serve all users regardless of faith or political views. Professional library staff are fully capable of choosing materials for our public library. Concerned parents can screen out anything they feel is unacceptable. Please stop the book-banning efforts that HB residents clearly oppose. *** Item 30 1 Please vote NO on Administrative Item 30. The council majority promised HB voters they would refrain from charter amendments.With this item,they go back on that promise. Charter amendments must be done with a thoughtful,even-handed,transparent process.The proposed batch of amendments in this item is anything but.The amendments were hatched behind closed doors by the council majority looking to consolidate power within the city attorney's office; prevent the council from investigating malfeasance; help the city attorney's wife get elected as city clerk; cement the anti-Pride flag ordinance into the charter; restrict the city's ability to create affordable housing; and improperly interfere with county-run elections in an attempt to cater to election-conspiracy believers. If charter amendments are needed,they should be done with an open and rigorous process with public notice and comment,and voted on in a November general election, not the lower-turnout primary election. Item 31 Please vote NO on item 31, dissolving the HB Human Relations Committee, and the Mobile Home Advisory Board. The city's Human Relations Committee is needed more than ever. Hate incidents and crimes are a continuing problem in our city and county. Dissolving the committee is an affront to the diverse community that lives,works and visits our city. The Mobile Home Advisory board also serves some of our most economically vulnerable citizens, many of them seniors on limited incomes who face rising rents from aggressive mobile-home park owners.The state Dept. of Housing and Community Development is too far removed from issues impacting local mobile-home residents,and our own advisory board can inform city leaders and HCD about HB-related park issues and violations. *** Item 32 Please vote NO on item 32,the Ad Hoc Committee's proposed Policy on Human Dignity. The proposed new statement on human dignity is a major step backward for the people of HB. The existing Human Dignity statement promises respect for everyone, regardless of"actual or perceived racial background,their nation of origin,the religion they practice,their sexual orientation, gender,gender identity or gender expression, or disability status."The existing statement has clear definitions of hate incidents and crimes,and promises action against hate crimes. It encourages and instructs on how to report hate crimes,and notes the tragic history that gave rise to the Dignity statement. The proposed new statement has none of this. It does not even mention hate crimes. Instead, it offers up a generic tough-on-crime policy,offering to pursue"all of those who participate in crimes in our community,"warning specifically of child abuse, including"sexual grooming."This language is chilling--right-wing extremists have associated grooming with the LGBTQ community. In a clumsy attempt to address the issue of trans athletes,the new policy seems to attack trans and non-binary people. It says the city"will recognize from birth the genetic differences between male and female."Will trans and non-binary people be protected? If so,will that protection extend to athletics? 2 Respectfully,the proposed new Dignity statement is a farce. Instead of a robust statement of support for vulnerable groups, it targets trans and non-binary people and those who might"groom"children (the LGBTQ community).As written,the new statement will be an embarrassment for the city. *** Item 34 Please vote NO on item 34,the Move to Censure Council Member Moser. Councilmember Moser questioned the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tern,who has a history of associating with white nationalists and once shared Holocaust-denial posts,to the sensitive job of writing a new Dignity statement.This was not improper.The council majority knew they might get this reaction.They got it, and now they can engage in more performative posturing with a censure vote. *** Item 35 Please vote NO on Councilmember Item 35. This item submitted by Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark on mask and vaccine mandates, is not needed, and would be an infringement on the freedoms of private businesses to decide such policies for themselves. Likewise,the city of HB, through council, can decide for itself to impose mandates or not within its own facilities. Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark attempts to justify this item by misrepresenting facts.The Chicago Sun Times story she quotes reported on the Cochrane study of masks.The Sun Times, along with other right-wing media, misquoted the study.The misreporting was debunked by Factcheck.org, and by Cochrane itself,which set the record straight(the effectiveness of masks is uncertain): "Many commentators have claimed that a recently-updated Cochrane Review shows that 'masks don't work',which is an inaccurate and misleading interpretation," Dr. Karla Soares-Weiser,the editor-in-chief of the Cochrane Library,said in a March 10 statement. (https://www.factcheck.org/2023/03/scicheck- what-the-cochrane-review-says-about-masks-for-covid-19-and-what-it-doesnt/) The LA Times story Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark cites reported on a study of records of nearly 800,000 U.S.veterans and the persistence of covid vaccines.Vets protected by the worst performing vaccine,J&J's,were nevertheless 52%less likely to die than their peers who didn't get any shots,according to the story. Other covid vaccines were even more effective. (Because vaccines wear off, booster shots are recommended.) Vaccines have proven effective.The data are clear. It is troubling that HB's Mayor Pro Tern spouts such blatant misinformation. Dan Jamieson Huntington Beach *** 3 Moore, Tania From: Mikel Hogan <mhogan072@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:22 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Stop the Authoritarian Plans of Huntington Beach City Council AttentionHuntington Beach City Council Members, As a 50 year tax paying resident of Huntington Beach, I request you remove the wasteful, distractive, and nondemocratic agenda items from the September 5, 2023 City Council meeting, namely 1. Remove and stop the censure of councilperson Natalie Moser 2.Stop the wasteful anti-housing policy that is costing the HB taxpayers ($4 million) 3. Stop the wasteful and costly special election ($1.2million)to place unnecessary Charter Amendments on the March 2024 ballot.These undemocratic amendments were designed in secrecy with no expert or community input and promote grossly harmful policies for our city governance. 4. Stop the Mayor's recommendation for the City Council to choose the lowest ranked Federal Government Affairs respondent against the staff recommendation. For Huntington Beach to effectively face the challenges of global climate change and the many related social and economic issues, we need respectful, inclusive democratic, pro-active governing processes for a strong and resilient Huntington Beach community. Dr. Mikel Hogan 1 Moore, Tania From: H Meyers <hmeybsan@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:35 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Tuesday City Council meeting I am a resident of Huntington Beach. I strongly oppose the agenda items related to the city charter amendments, the dissolution of various commissions,the changes to the statement on human dignity, and the proposal to review materials at the city library.The city charter amendments are an affront to democracy, especially the weakening of the requirements for city clerk. Hildy Meyers 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:49 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: City council meeting Get Outlook for iOS From: Bev Sansone<drsansone001@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:47:35 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City council meeting My name is Beverly Sansone, MD. I have been a resident of Huntington Beach since 1996. I disagree with the censuring of Natalie Moser. I believe she had a right to ask the question someone regarding their previous stated opinions when those opinions are so obviously anti-Semitic and fascist. I am against the proposed amendments and I feel it is important for transparency to know about the air show settlement. Beverly Sansone 201 20th St. Huntington Beach. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:26 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Meeting Get Outlook for iOS From: Louise Stewardson<loustew75@icloud.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:00:15 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Meeting Please don't change the charter. We don't need an ID to vote. Don't ban books at the library. Fully disclose the air show settlement. Louise Stewardson 19741 Coastline Lane, HB Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Vote No on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 Get Outlook for iOS From: Linda Law<lindaklaw@aol.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:32:19 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote No on Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 Dear Council Members, Please vote no on agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34,35 at the September 5, 2023 City Council meeting. I don't even know where to start with my objections to these agenda items. The proposed charter amendments are unnecessary and would be extremely costly. Over a million dollars to place these amendments on a March 2024 ballot is ridiculous. There is no evidence of voter fraud that necessitates the city having a separate local election that requires voter id and requires the monitoring of ballot drop boxes. The City has gotten itself involved in costly anti-housing lawsuits and settled with the Air Show operator for millions when the city is supposedly broke. The City Council and or the City Attorney have no business determining what books are available in our public libraries. That is the job of our librarians. Let them do their jobs. Failing to recognize the transgender community in the revised Statement on Human Dignity is just shameful. Censuring Council Member Moser for speaking the truth is beyond hypocritical. Having a known racist and anti-semite on the council should be called out every day.There are photos,tapes, and newspaper articles that prove that relationship. Against staff recommendations,the mayor is recommending that the city choose the lowest ranked Federal Government Affairs lobbyist. Why is that happening? Proposing that the city ban broad universal mask and vaccine mandates as a response to Covid 19 or its variants is just ill informed. Covid 19 continues to mutate and having mask and vaccine mandates available is just good public health policy. Dissolving numerous boards with little or no public input is very troubling to say the least. What's happening with the Climate Action Plan for the City? 1 Our high standards for the City Clerk position and other positions should continue. Thank you for your time. 2 Moore, Tania From: Chris Varga <christopher.j.varga@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 10:11 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Meeting 9-5-2023 Huntington Beach City Council, The following is in regards to City Council Meeting scheduled for 9/5/23. I will predict that all of the controversial Agenda Items this week will pass 4-3 with the usual suspects on their side of the fence. The council will again sit through hours of Public Comment as well as many email comments that one would hope might sway at least one council member to vote outside the box. But not this council. The four block majority members of the council continue with their fascist anti-woke agenda even when it doesn't reflect the City of Huntington Beach. I hope they keep you up to 3 AM with public comments this week! Enough with this MAGA agenda playbook. Anyway, here are my positions on some of the agenda items: Agenda Item 30(23-700). NO to any charter changes. The four of you campaigned on NO changes to the charter. Stop the insanity. Stop the Gates family nepotism! Agenda Item 31 (23-693) NO to all these changes.There are a lot of good coming out of these committees with a lot of free volunteer labor! NO changes! Agenda item 32 (23-734). NO on the changes to the dignity policy. It was just fine the previous version. No changes needed. Stop making work! Agenda Item 33 (23-732)Agree with this agenda item. The E-Bikes are out of control! This is a start. But we also have a big problem with persons WITH driving licenses. The beach path is a highway with e-bikes going as fast as they can way too often. We also need fines and enforcement! There is signage at numerous places on the beach path that states "Prohibited: Motor Bicycles/Vehicle without permitted". I was taught in engineering school; electric motors are motors! Either changes the signs, law or enforcement. Right now, everything goes! Agenda Item 34(23-731) NO on this agenda item. Natalie Moser was right to question somethings that many in our city have questioned about Council person Van Der Mark. Agenda Item 35 (27-738).Just stop with this anti safety ban. Mask work! NO on this agenda item. This is just another check mark in the anti-woke Republican agenda item. Wedge issue BS. Sincerely, Chris Varga Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: MEG ROBINSON <twokyu@aol.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 10:48 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Against Item 30 Charter Amendments on the CC agenda of 9/5/2023 This is a blatant attempt to consolidate power in the hands of 4 council members and the City Attorney. It is also fiscally irresponsible (and misleading since no financial impact is included).The only positive impact is that voters are waking up to your end game. Margaret Robinson 8788 Coral Springs Ct,206G, HB 92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Marilyn Palomino <palominoccr@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; +City.Council@surfcity-hb.org Subject: September 5th City Council Meeting City Council Members, I am a Huntington Beach resident and have lived here for 37 years and worked in the community for 24 years. I am in total disagreement with the dangerous and precedent setting proposals put forth in the August 1, 2023 meeting and items on the agenda for the September 5th meeting. As a concerned citizen I request that you vote against these agenda items on September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting: 724-240 0.41 23-700 and all recommended actions 23-683 and all recommendations 23-734 and all recommended actions 23-731 23-738 I highly disapprove of the censure of Councilwoman Moser for her comments made as concerned for who would be placed on an Ad Hoc committee for changes to the Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity. She questioned underlying associations with Neo-Nazis and Proud Boys which have never been addressed. Councilwoman Van Der Merck's response was out of order and hysterical and by far more deserving of a censure. I strongly disapprove of 1) streamlining, consolidating, and/or dissolving a select number of the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees and Council Committees 2) the attempt to require voter ID's and monitoring on drop off ballot boxes, 3) changing the election cycles for the City Clerk and City Treasure, 4) changing the requirements for City Clerk. All of these actions are an attempt to control and limit the voice and votes of residents and are unnecessary and most likely illegal. Your role demands that you take all of the residents' input into consideration. This is a move to change that! The committees". were put in place for good reasons. You need to know their history. Don't dissolve them! I am shocked at the proposed changes to the City's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity and strongly oppose them. The verbiage is a direct attack on trans individuals, adults, and children and a veiled attempt to find reasons to ban books in the public library. These actions will also be found illegal and the City will become responsible for even more expensive court proceedings and fines. Here again is a waste of public funds in favorpolitical agenda. I remind you that your position on City Council is not partisan! In addition, the rapid and unstudied withdrawal from OCPA will result in a multmultimillion-dollar fine. This will be layered atop the unprecedented settlement to maintain partnerships for the air show, the legal fees to fight the State of California, the senseless and inflated salary increase for the City Attorney, and certainly the many i fines and court proceedings that will take place, as a result, of the proposed actions in the September 5th meeting. All of these bloated expenses were unnecessary and made with little knowledge or care for fiscal responsibility and will most likely result in a needed tax increase for residents in the future. It's shameful both morally and fiscally. I am urging the press to become more transparent about this. Most citizens are not aware of this waste! Finally, an attempt to limit election access, and to attempt to stack elections to favor themselves and strip away the rights of particular groups of individuals is moving closer to fascism and away from democracy. Is it not your role to protect our rights rather than strip us of them? Please read my requests and vote against the proposals listed above. Marilyn Palomino 2 Moore, Tania From: Julie Paik <housejulie20@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:34 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposition to Three Items on the September 5, 2023 agenda Dear Council Members, I write to the City Council to express my opposition to three agenda items on the September 5, 2023 agenda. Item 30: 23-700: I oppose the submission of three Charter amendments to the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election. The current Charter serves the City well and the cost of$1,200,000 could be better used for other city services. Item 32: 23-734: I oppose the Ad Hoc Committee's amended Policy on Human Dignity. The policy adopted on November 16, 2021 serves all residents of Huntington Beach. The proposed policy discriminates against certain classes of residents. Item 33: 23-732: I oppose the censure of Councilperson Natalie Moser. Councilperson Moser's behavior was appropriate and acceptable for the discussion on August 1, 2023. Should this censure occur, all Council members should be afraid to have challenging, but needed, conversations at future Council meetings. I have voted in every election for the last 40 years and I look forward to voting for the next City Council members. Your vote on these issues will be remembered. Julie Paik i Moore, Tania From: Cindy B <castle92648@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:36 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 9/5/23-City Council Meeting TO: City Council Members, I am a Huntington Beach resident and have lived in the city for a total of 27 years. I am outraged on behalf of all residents by the anti-democratic and frightening proposals put forth in the August 1, 2023 meeting and items on the agenda for the September 5th meeting. The following portion of this letter is a copy of what another kindred spirit and fellow Huntington Beach resident wrote to the city council. I agree with the ideas expressed here and completely support her view which articulately represents own my thoughts. "I strongly urge you to vote against these agenda items on September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting: 724-240 ifs° 23-700 and all recommended actions 23-683 and all recommendations 23-734 and all recommended actions 23-731 23-738 I highly disapprove of the censure of Councilwoman Moser for her comments made as concerned for who would be placed on an Ad Hoc committee for changes to the Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity. She questioned underlying associations with Neo-Nazis and Proud Boys which have never been addressed. Councilwoman Van Der Merck's response was out of order and hysterical and by far more deserving of a censure. I strongly disapprove of 1) streamlining, consolidating, and/or dissolving a select number of the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees and Council Committees 2)the attempt to require voter ID's and monitoring on drop off ballot boxes, 3) changing the election cycles for the City Clerk and City Treasure,4) changing the requirements for City Clerk.All of these actions are an attempt to control and limit the voice and votes of residents and are unnecessary and most likely illegal. I am shocked at the proposed changes to the City's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity and strongly oppose them. The verbiage is a direct attack on trans individuals, adults, and children and a veiled attempt to find reasons to ban books in the public library. These actions will also be found illegal and the City will become responsible for even more expensive court proceedings and fines. In addition, the rapid and unstudied withdrawal from OCPA will result in a multmultimillion-dollar fine. This will be layered atop the unprecedented settlement to maintain partnerships for the air show, the legal fees to fight the State of California, the senseless and inflated salary increase for the City Attorney, and certainly the many fines and court proceedings that will take place, as a result, of the proposed actions in the September 5th meeting. All of these bloated expenses were unnecessary and made with little knowledge or care for fiscal 1 responsibility and will most likely result in a needed tax increase for residents in the future. It's shameful both morally and fiscally. Finally, an attempt to limit election access, and to attempt to stack elections to favor themselves and strip away the rights of particular groups of individuals is moving toward fascism, which I find atrocious and shameful for all of us who reside in this city. For those who don't see the similarity of these action to fascism, please read some of the descriptions of what these actions are, taken from Merriam Webster dictionary: "... severe economic and social regimentation and forcible oppression of the opposition. A tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control." If the City tampers with elections such as what is proposed, that is exactly where we are. Please read my requests and vote against the proposals listed above." Cynthia Bonnycastle Huntington Beach Resident 2 Moore, Tania From: Brad Bergeland <bjbergeland@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 05 September 2023 City Council/Public Financing Authority meeting -Agenda item 30 (23-700) City Council members, This is to document my opposition to the need for potential changes to election procedures, as proposed in Measure 1, in which City Charter section 702 would be changed.Section 702 indicates that all elections shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Election Code of the State of California. The proposed added language "In the event of such conflict,the provisions of this Charter shall control and prevail, in accordance with Section 103 of this charter" is not acceptable.This opens up the possibility of City officials changing election procedures that don't need to be changed,and may result in procedures that differ from the rest of Orange County and the state of California.Quite frankly, I don't trust the current city council to make any changes that would benefit all voters regarding accessibility to vote (mail-in, in-person early voting, in-person day of ballot box, drop boxes), or the integrity of the vote.The system isn't broken,so don't try to fix it. Finally,there is the cost of putting unnecessary measures on the ballot.These estimated costs have been identified and should be avoided. Brad Bergeland 37 year resident of Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: Kirk Crawford <kirkc99@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Sept 5, 2023 Council Meeting I ask the city council to vote NO on agenda item 30. I ask the city council to vote YES on agenda items 34 and 35. #30: Changing the city charter should be completely transparent.This appears not to be the case with these proposed changes. Where is the background information needed to make informed decisions? Until all this information is made available to the public it is wrong to pass these amendments at this time.Vote NO. #34:The censure of council member Moser is appropriate considering how inappropriate her comments about a fellow council member were. It was an embarrassment to our city. Vote YES. #35: Looking back on the many Covid related actions/mandates forced on the public by governments and agencies, it is now clear how many of these proved to be harmful and prolong the effects of the virus. I think it is important that our city be proactive in saying that in the future these mask and vaccine mandates will not be accepted or enforced in Huntington Beach.Vote YES. Kirk Crawford 50+year resident of Huntington Beach -A_~ Virus-free.www.avast.com i Moore, Tania From: Galassi, Cecelia <cgalassi@gwc.cccd.edu> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 12:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Response to Sept. 5 City Council Agenda September 4, 2023 To the Huntington Beach City Council: I am writing to tell you that your latest planned actions are an outrage and that I will join other citizens of HB and Orange County in fighting your efforts now and as long as you try tooccupy your current positions.I'm a 12-year homeowner in this city, I work full time in the city, and I'm raising a child here. As far as I can tell, this is part of what you want to do, starting on Sept. 5: ----Item 15—spendtaxpayer money to hire two sets of lobbyists for the city because you want different rules than any other town in the state. •--Item 16—spendup to 2.8 million dollars to hire a medical management firm to fight and, it looks like, manipulate workers' compensation arrangements that are already in existence. •--Item 19—refuseto respond to the OC Grand Jury's report on drought. •--Item 22—spend$3,831,000 to continue to fight the state of California in your ongoing,tax-guzzling lawsuit (again, as if HB goes by different rules than the rest of the state—uh, no). •--Item 24—simplysteal funds from the Traffic Congestion relief Prop 42 fund to hire a grant writer. •----Items 27, 28—In totally bad faith cancel a number of existing contracts and open up re-bidding (is that because you want to hire a friend's firm?). •--Item 29— Ina total attack on the democratic vote that denied you the opportunity to change City Charter Amendments, you want to fund and arrange a new March 5, 2024 election, so you can try to force your wishes on all of us again. •--Item 30—Appropriatel.2 million dollars from taxpayer funds for.... "Business Unit." That's all the explanation you give: Business Unit. 1 •--Item 16-- I will join other citizens to fight your attack on freedom (Item 16)to censor the HB Library and its trained librarians so that citizens have less access to books that you—without training,without any definition of what youmean by"obscene" (there's an existing Supreme Court ruling on that, by the way) want to pick and choose.You also want to "part ways with the American Library Association." What the hell?You don't get to determine anybody's reading options.That's not your job, you aren't qualified to do it, and it is a complete attack on citizen freedoms. You want to deny the supportof experts and the recognized national organization joining libraries across the country. We know you are attempting to copy what you have seen other power-greedy leaders do in Southern states. It appears you want HB to become like them, and that is a disaster. •Finally,the cowardly vote to rebuke Councilwoman Moser because she called out Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark'sdocumentedHolocaust denial record and racism. Van Der Mark's racism been publicly known since before 2018, and though she tries to cover it up and claim that her Latino background means she's not an anti- Semite, she has expressedracist views, and she has posted social media to that effect. In view of the fact that Moser has to watch her and most of you attack our civil liberties and use our money to do it, her frustration is understandable. Van der Mark has shown who she is, and slappingthe wrists of someone who calls it out is dishonest and petty. We see you. We will continue to fight your actions and power grabs. HB Resident Cecelia Galassi 2 Moore, Tania From: Isabella Ford <issyford@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:13 PM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: What happened to common courtesy, respect for differences, keeping your word? City council meetings are such a circus that I know many don't feel safe enough to attend so we watch them online. This link should remind you of the exchange that Mayor Strickland seems to warrant a censure of Ms. Moser. https://www.youtube.com/live/teprO1blp3Y?feature=shared Ms.Van Der Mark interrupts Ms. Moser with a very loud,harsh tone,and continues to yell in a very angry tone.Yet, Mr. Strickland wants to censure Ms. Moser??This is the circus type of behavior that has made Huntington Beach such a sad example of an all-American city. Ms.Van Der Mark very rudely interrupts Ms. Moser yet Mayor Strickland seems to only accuse Ms. Moser of attacking another member? Ms. Moser is trying to ask a very simple question to dispel rumors that came from multiple videos and photos of Ms.Van Der Mark denying the holocaust occurred.And,it really does NOT matter that her family fought in the war because they are not the ones that were elected to serve the City of Huntington Beach. Ms.Van Der Mark was, and she needs to be forthright with her knowledge and opinion of history, especially if she plans to work on a committee to unify our diverse city. The new council majority also ran on the platform to not change the charter. Even when there were discussions to fix the very sections of the charter that outlined how to replace former council member Tito Ortiz.Yet, now you want to make changes?What is your hidden agenda with these changes? How do they benefit the city that now has a budget issue after the new majority has managed to gut the surplus we had? Finally,the new council majority seems to have no sympathy for others. I really like Mr. Kalmick's analogy in an article I read about how the council majority has "All Lives Mattered"the situation when there was a request to specifically state Huntington Beach does not condone anti-semitism after there were confirmed incidents of hate speech being spread among a specific community.The health of Huntington Beach is at stake and instead of fixing the broken pieces,you decide to say the city as a whole is important. No one denies that. You had an opportunity to heal a pretty deep wound created by a very hateful act but you decided it was just a superficial scratch. Hate is your priority.You seem to say"Think exactly like me or you are sub-human." I know my emails don't matter to you but I feel compelled to get it on public record that you do not represent Huntington Beach and are very poor examples of public servants,which is what elected officials should be focused on- serving the public. HB has so many wonderful people that have different experiences and opinions and we have such amazing volunteers that take care of our city despite your hate. Thank you Mr. Kalmick, Ms. Moser and Ms. Bolton for continuing to serve,keeping the city as a whole in your hearts,and putting up with such horrid and discriminatory behavior of the other members. Isabella Ford 714-308-0660 1 Moore, Tania From: Ginny C <surfcityginny@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 2:06 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Meeting on September 5, 2023 I ask the city council to vote NO on agenda item 30. I ask the city council to vote YES on agenda items 34 and 35. #30: Changing the city charter should be completely transparent. This appears not to be the case with these proposed changes. Where is the background information needed to make informed decisions? Until all this information is made available to the public it is wrong to pass these amendments at this time. Vote NO. #34:The censure of council member Moser is appropriate considering how inappropriate her comments about a fellow council member were. It was an embarrassment to our city. Vote YES. #35: Looking back on the many Covid related actions/mandates forced on the public by governments and agencies, it is now clear how many of these proved to be harmful and prolong the effects of the virus. I think it is important that our city be proactive in saying that in the future these mask and vaccine mandates will not be accepted or enforced in Huntington Beach. Vote YES. Ginny Crawford Huntington Beach resident for 50+years El - Virus-free.www.avast.com 1 Moore, Tania From: StarsStripes <starsstripes@me.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 2:43 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council meeting 9-5-23 Re: Item# 30 I fully support Item 30 for the following reasons: • Requires.Voter ID • Requires More in person Voting& Monitoring of drop boxes • Stops repeat of possible City Council Corruption or interference with the City Attorneys job • Clarifies vague language for Clerk qualifications • Only allows City display of flags for US., County, City of HB,Armed forces& POW/MIA • Prevents City Council from engaging in more property transactions that forfeit tax revenue Sincerely, _ Robert Cloyd City of Huntington Beach Resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Linda Moon <Isapiro048@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 2:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: September 5,2023 City Council Agenda I write in opposition to Agenda Items 16, 30 (A-E), 31(A-K), 32, 33, and 34. 16. The City Council has absolutely no business addressing or determining standards for selection of materials in the public library. The Library is managed and operated by well- educated professional librarians, who have done an outstanding job in selecting materials. There was no public call for council interference until Councilmember Vandermark created a false issue, using a list of materials provided by the radical conservative group Moms for Liberty. Statements that "young children have access to obscene materials" have been proven false. The questioned sexually explicit materials were in the Adult section of the library. Items in the Children's Library relating to homosexuality are age appropriate and subject to parental selection. No "young children" arrive at and select materials without an adult present and parents are notified by email regarding all materials checked out by their children. I've yet to see a toddler arrive at the library alone, and few have the ability to read any written text or understand the context of the items of concern. 30. The proposed charter amendments may not legally be put before the voters on a primary election ballot. Election Code 9255 specifically requires that any charter amendments proposed by the governing body be considered on the General Election ballot. There is no exception that would apply to the proposed action. The proposed Amendments have been steamrolled through without the opportunity for full public scrutiny. The mostly self-serving amendments have been commingled in a confusing and insufficiently descriptive manner. While charter revision commissions are not mandated by the charter or state statute, they are provided for therein and have been the traditional manner of amending the charter in Huntington Beach. Review by the charter commission, empaneled pursuant to state law, allows input by the public and experts over an extended period of time. Submission on the General Election Ballot allows for their consideration by the largest voting population. The proponent councilmembers are obviously relying on a low-turnout Primary Election to ramrod through amendments that only facilitate their further concentration of control. After making drastic budget cuts for city services due to reduced revenue and increased costs of litigation and judgments against the city, the expenditure of$1,200,000 is unconscionable. 31. The dissolution of boards and commissions which have provided important and significant input and expertise to the City over many decades is shameful and indicates an unjustified 1 arrogance of the proponent councilmembers in assuming that they know everything there is to know about everything and need no public input. The new council members all promised to listen to the public and invite their participation in decisions relating to the future of the city. This item flies in the face of those promises. 32. The proposed amendment of the City's well-crafted compassionate Policy on Human Dignity is an apparent attempt to diminish the importance of protecting traditionally targeted people of identified classifications. It further denies the existence of those who do not fit into a binary gender classification. An improper religious reference is also relied upon to justify its provisions. The city has no legal control over the limitation of gender participation in activities and the human dignity statement is without any legal significance to the enforcement of civil rights. However, it does identify the city as one that is either welcoming and protective to all or one in which the residents and their leaders are intolerant and discriminatory. I hope we will not be seen as the latter. 33. This item creates another costly bureaucracy that would improperly distinguish rules for the operation of e-bikes from those of surrounding cities in a manner that could not be easily enforced. If the City is concerned about e-bikes, the issues of concern and appropriate amendments to the California Vehicle Code should be discussed with our State Representatives. 34. This proposal to censure Councilmember Moser is outrageous. It highlights the vindictiveness and personal animosity of the proponent councilmembers. Those councilmembers have declined to support any standards of decorum for council meetings and have repeatedly condoned assaultive language being used in reference to Councilmembers Kalmick, Moser and Bolton by members of the public and themselves. The attempt to censure Councilmember Moser for asking that Councilmember Vandermark acknowledge the existence of the Holocaust before taking a position on the Human Relations Commission is absurd. It was Councilmember Vandermark who responded with a screaming nonresponsive diatribe. This item will likely be heard in the early hours of the morning when there will be little audience for this totally unwarranted action. A mature and reasonable action would be to request that staff draft a rational policy of council decorum. Linda Sapiro Moon lsapiro048@gmail.com 2 Moore, Tania From: J C <qhlady@me.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 2:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 30, 9-5-23 I support Agenda Item 30 There are far too many positive changes in this Agenda Item to not support it. Thank you all for your hard work and the abuse you've had to endure. Jean Cloyd Huntington Beach resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Roz Esposito <imthewizardofroz@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 3:36 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Comments for the Council You were elected to serve, not reign power over the residents of Huntington Beach. And as such, I will voice my comments here as I am absolutely certain I am in the majority. I am outraged at the blatant power grab by some on the Council who are not living up to their oath in regards to the Constitution of the United States. By attempting to take away the rights of U.S. Citizens and police the residents of HB based of these member's personal beliefs. they are proposing ideas that are not aligned in any way, shape or form with the freedom we are ALL granted as U.S. Citizens. And we, the majority of HB residents, will not stand for these draconian ideas! First of all let's be clear that anything called HUMAN DIGNITY would seek to recognize the DIGNITY of each and every human being to choose their own path. The proposal to exclude certain residents from being recognized does not have anything dignified about it. Be advised that ANY ATTEMPT TO EXCLUDE OR NOT RECOGNIZE TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS WILL BE MET WITH SWIFT LEGAL ACTION. As well, the banning of any books or library closings will be met with the same. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs - but NO NONE is entitled to force those beliefs upon another. Accordingly, I am also adamently against: - Requiring Voter IDs and monitoring Drop Boxes - there is no problem to fix as this measure seeks only to disenfranchise. - The banning of the Pride Flag on city property - The U.S., of which HB is a part, welcomes diversity and the majority of HB residents do as well. - Financial maneuvers that add debt and specnd down the surplus - we demand transparency and approval by AALL Council members on such expenditures. - Making the city a "no mask/no vaccine city" - People and businesses shall have the right to make their own decisions! - Formalizing the city's view of separating genders in sports.- This is a complicated issue and I don't believe the HB City Council ought to have anything to do with it. Rev Roz Esposito HB Resident (she/her) 323-839-7903 "She who can see the invisible can do the impossible."Frank Gaines i Moore, Tania From: laura sire <Ilaurajjane@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:02 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: laura sire Subject: Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34.35. (Agenda dated Sept 5, 2023) Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers Bolton, Burns, Kalmick, and Moser, My name is Laura Sire. I moved to Huntington Beach with my family when I was 14 years old. I am now 75 years old so I've been here a long time, and have witnessed many changes over the decades. I was a realtor in this city for about 10 years, and then made a career change to teaching and taught 1st grade for 16 years. The last decade or so I've enjoyed volunteering and being of service to HB. Currently, I've been experiencing some health issues which have necessitated me stepping back from my activities. However, I am writing today out of the urgency of the crisis I see the governance of Huntington Beach facing. I am appalled at what has occurred since the council majority Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, and Burns were sworn in December 2022. Public comments are heard but not really heard. The "Thank you for being here" mechanically repeated by Mayor Strickland rings hollow as the CC majority deconstructs all that is positive, inclusive, compassionate, and sound city government with their robotic, pre-determined and thoughtless 4-3 votes. That said, still in hopes of being heard I strongly ask for a NO vote on Agenda items 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34, and 35. Although ALL should be voted down, #'s 30,31,32,34 and 35 particularly warrant NO votes: -30. VOTE NO. Introducing city charter amendment ballot measures for Mar 5, 2023 primary election. *This item is the epitome of hypocrisy as it was brought forward by councilmembers who have repeatedly stated that we should follow and not deviate from our City Charter. This is written as only ONE agenda item and did not involve the electorate of our city. There are 3 measures but actually include many negative impacts such as wasted $$$, voter ID requirement and other conditions that make voting less accessible especially to those whose voices specifically NEED to be heard. *This gives the Mayor alone the power to cancel city council meetings. *$1,200,000 to be spent from City's general fund which is $ taxpayer $. It solidifies the removal of the Pride Flag flying on city property.g *Overall #30 must be a NO vote. If it is passed and these amendments are on the March ballot, it will be a HUGE waste of money. When folks understand what these measures truly mean they will be voted down. There will be a campaign to educate and protect HB and ALL people living here by and before March 5th. THIS WILL NOT PASS ON MARCH 5TH! -31 VOTE NO -Approve the dissolution of the various and many boards, commissions, and committees of HB. This is a clear and dangerous move to silence the voice of the people. It reeks of authoritarianism. -32 VOTE NO, NO NO! Consider adhoc's proposed policy on statement of human dignity. After reading this abhorrent and insulting so called statement of human dignity, I find myself agreeing with Councilmember Burns, however this is the version that should be cancelled. This draft excludes the LGBTQIA+ community with an emphasis on those who identify as transgender. The fear and suffering that this would cause those individuals including the youth in our city is immeasurable and this statement is shameful and reprehensible. -34 NO on Censure of Councilmember Moser. I watched the exchange between Councilmember Moser and Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark multiple times. Why is this on the agenda? Councilmember Moser was in control and simply asked needed questions of Van Der Mark when Mayor Strickland announced that the ad-hoc committee to amend the human dignity statement would include her. Considering Councilmember Van Der Mark's social media history, removal from a school board, and photos with white.supremacists, Councilmember Moser was performing her due diligence in representing all of the people of Huntington Beach in making her best effort at obtaining the truth. Councilmember VDM was the one who attacked Councilmember Moser, interrupting her and yelling at her. She was the one who breached decorum. It is obvious to anyone who watches the clip. You owe Councilmember Moser an apology. And because of her highly emotional and hostile denial (which is in opposition to data) we the people of HB are still left wondering and wanting only to know the truth concerning the Councilmember who is in this leadership position. #35 proposed by Councilmember Van Der Mark is ignorant, reckless, and dangerous to the health and safety of HB residents. VOTE NO! Sincerely, Laura Sire (she/her) PS I along with other residents will be watching Tuesday. 2 Moore, Tania From: berreprincess@aol.com Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:27 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: No To Anything the 4 and CA Approve Of! Everything you 4 (Strickland, Burns, Van Der Mark and McKeon) and CA Gates are pushing through is NOT for the best interest of our city. There are better things the city needs done but you all are refusing to do what is best. You refuse to listen to the residents and are worse than what our last council was like. Its obvious you all have made up your minds ahead of meetings and will do whatever you desire despite what the residents say. What happened to NOT changing the charter? Strickland? McKeon? Van Der Mark? Burns? Wasn't that part of what you 4 ran on and now you are going back on that but no surprise to those of us residents that see who you 4 are. To censure Councilmember Moser for the truth is disgusting. More so when mayor Strickland has shown he can not even keep decorum in the meetings and lets those that agree/are pals with the 4 behave inappropriately during meetings. BTW, there is more than enough proof out there about Van Der Mark and that what was said is not lies but truth. Anna Moore, Tania From: Stouts Momma <stoutsmomma@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:27 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Council's agendas for Tuesday's meeting To the HB City Council, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that Natalie Moser is being censored for asking a valid question on Gracey's participation in a committee to amend the city's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity because of her history of not commenting on allegations denying the Holocaust and friendships with Proud Boys. It's a well known fact that Gracey's best friend is even dating a Proud Boy. Gracey's words and actions have proven her to be discriminatory. Allowing her to be in the committee shows the rumors about the new council's bigotry to be factual and will continue to shame our city's reputation. And censoring Natalie, who happens to be highly educated and very intelligent (unlike Gracey the dropout), shows the council majority's bigotry. I do not think the council should allow Gracey on the committee or censor Natalie Moser. I do not agree that the council should be changing the city's charter, which was something that the new 4 members ALL campaigned on! You promised your voters that you would NOT make changes to the charter!!! You're proving yourselves to be hypocrites! Huntington Beach should be a city ALL people feel comfortable visiting or residing in. Changing the city charter to make it impossible for future councils to fly the pride flag and adding anti LGBTQ comments tarnishes our city's reputation and makes our city a place people don't feel comfortable living in or visiting. It's bad enough that Vans pulled out of sponsoring the US Open because of the current council's decision to not fly the pride flag during pride month, costing the tax payers . Or how the horrible attack on the HB Library and the LGBTQIA books, led by Gracey, makes our city look homophobic. Trying to add the requiring of voter identification and monitoring of ballot boxes will end up being fought against and end up costing the tax payers even MORE money towards losing court costs by Gates. It's bad enough we're paying millions for his fight against the state's housing mandate, AND his millions in payments to his buddies that put on the air show. Now you want us tax payers to front the cost of the inevitable fight against the state for your proposed unconstitutional voting changes. I have never been embarrassed of living in Huntington Beach...until now. The current council's agendas bring shame to our city. Shame that will follow us for years to come. Shame that makes people decide to vacation in more inviting cities. Bring compassion and respect back to our city! Christy 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:38 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: City Council Meeting 9-5-23 re: Item 30 Get Outlook for iOS From:StarsStripes<starsstripes@me.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 2:34:37 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City Council Meeting 9-5-23 re: Item 30 I fully support Item 30 for the following reasons: • Requires Voter ID • Requires More in person Voting& Monitoring of drop boxes • Stops repeat of possible City Council Corruption or interference with the City Attorneys job • Clarifies vague language for Clerk qualifications • Only allows City display of flags for US., County, City of HB,Armed forces& POW/MIA • Prevents City Council from engaging in more property transactions that forfeit tax revenue Sincerely, Robert Cloyd City of Huntington Beach Resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:41 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Agenda Item 30 Get Outlook for iOS From:J C<qhlady@me.com> Sent: Monday,September 4, 2023 2:55:22 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 30 I support Agenda Item 30 There are far too many positive changes in this Agenda Item to not support it. Thank you all for your hard work and the abuse you've had to endure. Jean Cloyd Huntington Beach resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:43 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Here is a Yard Sign that was handed out in support of the New Fab-4 City Council Members.What is it? No Charter Amendments or Ignore what we stood for now that we are in Office? I am confused? Attachments: IMG_1223.JPG Get Outlook for iOS From: larry mcneely<Imwater@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 3:27:24 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Here is a Yard Sign that was handed out in support of the New Fab-4 City Council Members. What is it? No Charter Amendments or Ignore what we stood for now that we are in Office? I am confused? How can you run on No Charter Amendments and within 8 Months do an About Face? NOT A GOOD LOOK. What is going on here? You are losing me, one issue at a time. Disappointing. Remember I warned You Hill 1 • wi . ' ! ill w ? -- • • 7b 1 4\ );I•i., 1 __ _ \\\\\\\_.„__ . _, \\\1 , \III\\\ \ \ \\\ \\\ - �..� N. il , ., . , . 4 . ... 40 ,,, 0 an es to . ity Charter Pad for by Hunnngtoo Beach People's Acton Corornhtee,FPPC#1424235 i --- t I Moore, Tania From: george sire <gunahound@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:55 PM To: !aura sire; supplementalcomm©surfcity-hb.org Cc: laura sire Subject: Re:Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34.35. (Agenda dated Sept 5, 2023) Nicely put together. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Monday, September 4, 2023, 4:02 PM, !aura sire <Ilaurajjane@yahoo.com> wrote: Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers Bolton, Burns, Kalmick, and Moser, My name is Laura Sire. I moved to Huntington Beach with my family when I was 14 years old. I am now 75 years old so I've been here a long time, and have witnessed many changes over the decades. I was a realtor in this city for about 10 years, and then made a career change to teaching and taught 1st grade for 16 years. The last decade or so I've enjoyed volunteering and being of service to HB. Currently, I've been experiencing some health issues which have necessitated me stepping back from my activities. However, I am writing today out of the urgency of the crisis I see the governance of Huntington Beach facing. I am appalled at what has occurred since the council majority Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, and Burns were sworn in December 2022. Public comments are heard but not really heard. The "Thank you for being here" mechanically repeated by Mayor Strickland rings hollow as the CC majority deconstructs all that is positive, inclusive, compassionate, and sound city government with their robotic, pre-determined and thoughtless 4-3 votes. That said, still in hopes of being heard I strongly ask for a NO vote on Agenda items 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34, and 35. Although ALL should be voted down, #'s 30,31,32,34 and 35 particularly warrant NO votes: -30. VOTE NO. Introducing city charter amendment ballot measures for Mar 5, 2023 primary election. *This item is the epitome of hypocrisy as it was brought forward by councilmembers who have repeatedly stated that we should follow and not deviate from our City Charter. This is written as only ONE agenda item and did not involve the electorate of our city. There are 3 measures but actually include many negative impacts such as wasted $$$, voter ID requirement and other conditions that make voting less accessible especially to those whose voices specifically NEED to be heard. i *This gives the Mayor alone the power to cancel city council meetings. *$1,200,000 to be spent from City's general fund which is $ taxpayer $. It solidifies the removal of the Pride Flag flying on city property.g *Overall #30 must be a NO vote. If it is passed and these amendments are on the March ballot, it will be a HUGE waste of money. When folks understand what these measures truly mean they will be voted down. There will be a campaign to educate and protect HB and ALL people living here by and before March 5th. THIS WILL NOT PASS ON MARCH 5TH! -31 VOTE NO -Approve the dissolution of the various and many boards, commissions, and committees of HB. This is a clear and dangerous move to silence the voice of the people. It reeks of authoritarianism. -32 VOTE NO, NO NO! Consider adhoc's proposed policy on statement of human dignity. After reading this abhorrent and insulting so called statement of human dignity, I find myself agreeing with Councilmember Burns, however this is the version that should be cancelled. This draft excludes the LGBTQIA+ community with an emphasis on those who identify as transgender. The fear and suffering that this would cause those individuals including the youth in our city is immeasurable and this statement is shameful and reprehensible. -34 NO on Censure of Councilmember Moser. I watched the exchange between Councilmember Moser and Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark multiple times. Why is this on the agenda? Councilmember Moser was in control and simply asked needed questions of Van Der Mark when Mayor Strickland announced that the ad-hoc committee to amend the human dignity statement would include her. Considering Councilmember Van Der Mark's social media history, removal from a school board, and photos with white supremacists, Councilmember Moser was performing her due diligence in representing all of the people of Huntington Beach in making her best effort at obtaining the truth. Councilmember VDM was the one who attacked Councilmember Moser, interrupting her and yelling at her. She was the one who breached decorum. It is obvious to anyone who watches the clip. You owe Councilmember Moser an apology. And because of her highly emotional and hostile denial (which is in opposition to data) we the people of HB are still left wondering and wanting only to know the truth concerning the Councilmember who is in this leadership position. #35 proposed by Councilmember Van Der Mark is ignorant, reckless, and dangerous to the health and safety of HB residents. VOTE NO! Sincerely, Laura Sire (she/her) PS I along with other residents will be watching Tuesday. 2 Moore, Tania From: vanessaweb@aol.com Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 4:47 PM To: laura sire; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: laura sire Subject: Re:Agenda items: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34.35. (Agenda dated Sept 5, 2023) Laura,that is a great letter!! Thanks for letting me read it. I know you'll be there in spirit tomorrow night. V Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS On Monday, September 4, 2023, 4:02 PM, laura sire<Ilaurajjane@yahoo.com>wrote: Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers Bolton, Burns, Kalmick, and Moser, My name is Laura Sire. I moved to Huntington Beach with my family when I was 14 years old. I am now 75 years old so I've been here a long time, and have witnessed many changes over the decades. I was a realtor in this city for about 10 years, and then made a career change to teaching and taught 1st grade for 16 years. The last decade or so I've enjoyed volunteering and being of service to HB. Currently, I've been experiencing some health issues which have necessitated me stepping back from my activities. However, I am writing today out of the urgency of the crisis I see the governance of Huntington Beach facing. I am appalled at what has occurred since the council majority Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, and Burns were sworn in December 2022. Public comments are heard but not really heard. The "Thank you for being here" mechanically repeated by Mayor Strickland rings hollow as the CC majority deconstructs all that is positive, inclusive, compassionate, and sound city government with their robotic, pre-determined and thoughtless 4-3 votes. That said, still in hopes of being heard I strongly ask for a NO vote on Agenda items 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34, and 35. Although ALL should be voted down, #'s 30,31,32,34 and 35 particularly warrant NO votes: -30. VOTE NO. Introducing city charter amendment ballot measures for Mar 5, 2023 primary election. *This item is the epitome of hypocrisy as it was brought forward by councilmembers who have repeatedly stated that we should follow and not deviate from our City Charter. This is written as only ONE agenda item and did not involve the electorate of our city. There are 3 measures but actually include many negative impacts such as wasted $$$, voter ID requirement and other conditions that make voting less accessible especially to those whose voices specifically NEED to be heard. i *This gives the Mayor alone the power to cancel city council meetings. *$1,200,000 to be spent from City's general fund which is $ taxpayer $. It solidifies the removal of the Pride Flag flying on city property.g *Overall #30 must be a NO vote. If it is passed and these amendments are on the March ballot, it will be a HUGE waste of money. When folks understand what these measures truly mean they will be voted down. There will be a campaign to educate and protect HB and ALL people living here by and before March 5th. THIS WILL NOT PASS ON MARCH 5TH! -31 VOTE NO -Approve the dissolution of the various and many boards, commissions, and committees of HB. This is a clear and dangerous move to silence the voice of the people. It reeks of authoritarianism. -32 VOTE NO, NO NO! Consider adhoc's proposed policy on statement of human dignity. After reading this abhorrent and insulting so called statement of human dignity, I find myself agreeing with Councilmember Burns, however this is the version that should be cancelled. This draft excludes the LGBTQIA+ community with an emphasis on those who identify as transgender. The fear and suffering that this would cause those individuals including the youth in our city is immeasurable and this statement is shameful and reprehensible. -34 NO on Censure of Councilmember Moser. I watched the exchange between Councilmember Moser and Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark multiple times. Why is this on the agenda? Councilmember Moser was in control and simply asked needed questions of Van Der Mark when Mayor Strickland announced that the ad-hoc committee to amend the human dignity statement would include her. Considering Councilmember Van Der Mark's social media history, removal from a school board, and photos with white supremacists, Councilmember Moser was performing her due diligence in representing all of the people of Huntington Beach in making her best effort at obtaining the truth. Councilmember VDM was the one who attacked Councilmember Moser, interrupting her and yelling at her. She was the one who breached decorum. It is obvious to anyone who watches the clip. You owe Councilmember Moser an apology. And because of her highly emotional and hostile denial (which is in opposition to data) we the people of HB are still left wondering and wanting only to know the truth concerning the Councilmember who is in this leadership position. #35 proposed by Councilmember Van Der Mark is ignorant, reckless, and dangerous to the health and safety of HB residents. VOTE NO! Sincerely, Laura Sire (she/her) PS I along with other residents will be watching Tuesday. 2 Moore, Tania From: Annilise Flanagan-Frankl <anniliseff@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 5:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Comments As a resident of Huntington Beach I was to express my opinion in a public format since I cannot attend the meeting on September 5, 2023. 1. The Huntington Beach City Council SHOULD NOT CENSOR Councilwoman Natalie Moser for questioning Mayor Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark's ability to appropriately participate in a committee to amend the city's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity, Gracey Van Der Mark has a long history of defending history on the atrocities of the Holocaust and her friendships with the terrorist organization - the Proud Boys. 2. I OPPOSE THE UNNECESSARY ELECTION IN MARCH 2024, TO ADD AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S CHARTER. THIS CITY COUNCIL IS SPENDING TAXPAYERS' HARD EARNED MONE. 3. I OPPOSE THE CONTINUED SPENDING OF MY MONEY TO THE KENNEDY COMMISSION. AGAINM, THIS CITY COUNCIL IS SPENDING TAXPAYERS' MONEY ON ISSUES MAKING HUNTINGTON BEACH SEEM TO BE AN UNWELCOMING COMMUNITY TO ANYONE WHO DOESN'T "FIT" THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ON THE COUNCILS' DESCRIPTION OF "APPROPRIATE FOR THE COMMUNITY". 4. I oppose any action which would allow the City Attorney to expand his staff and to find a mechanism for his wife to become a city employee!! Nepotism is not tolerated!!! 5. I OPPOSE THE SPENDING OF MY TAX MONEY TO FUND THE AIRSHOW! THERE ARE BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL AND PRACTICAL REASONS TO NOT HAVE THE AIRSHOW. I AM APPALLED AT THE SPENDING OF TAXPAYER MONEY FOR THE MAJORITY ON THE CITY COUNCIL TO INGRATIATE THEMSELVES WITH FUTURE POTENTIAL DONORS TO THEIR POLITICAL CAREERS. 6. I OPPOSE THE DISBANDING OF COMMITTEES WITH CURRENT VOLUNTEERS PROVIDING FREE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES TO THE CITY. DISBANDING THESE COMMITTEES MEANS IN THE FUTURE, THE CITY WILL HAVE TO PAY PROFESSIONALS IN AREAS IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY. Lastly, I am frustrated by the majority of City Council Members. I strongly suggest reading the book "White Privilege"! Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A. CounselingPsychologist Nationally Certified School Psychologist Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift. That is why it is called the PRESENT. Make today count. Call: 847-226-3119 2 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 6:36 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Concerns over agenda items on the 9/5/2023 Get Outlook for iOS From: kate healy<kate@jrdb.org> Sent: Monday,September 4, 2023 5:07:59 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Concerns over agenda items on the 9/5/2023 I am writing to convey my concerns and disagreement with several agenda items on Tuesday night's city council meetings. I am opposed to Council Member Natalie Moser being censured. Council Member Moser, as an elected official, has a responsibility to ask questions that the residents of Huntington Beach have concerning behaviors and associations of Council Member Van Der Mark, at no time was she unprofessional. I do not agree with, nor do I condone the suggested city's Declaration of Policy of Human Dignity-the current one was about inclusion,the proposed one is transphobic, homophobic and in violation of the recent Supreme Court ruling, as Justice Gorsuch detailed in his majority opinion on the Title VII ruling, as well as excludes those who are non-binary, and intersex. I am against the requiring of voter identification, it is against California voter laws, and disproportionately effects minorities as explained by the non-partisan group,The League of Women's Voter's https://www.lwv.org/blog/whats-so- bad-about-voter-id-laws I am against Amendment No. 2.This issue has been covered at nauseum and is opposed by the majority of HB residents as seen at every Council meeting where this was brought up. As a City we have lost contacts and business due to this stance. As it has been pointed out,the Council already had the power to not fly any flags except the ones they vote on- this will limit flying our sister city's flag as well as the Olympic Flag. It is a thinly veiled message of"unwelcome"to the LGBTQ Community. I am opposed to Amendment No. 3 where Council Members can cancel a regular City Council meeting. These are scheduled in advance, residents plan for them, Council Members are elected to do a job and meetings are part of that. I also oppose the "No mask and no vaccine mandate' as a city-it is an over reach of the City to legislate, especially when science supports wearing masks to lower respiratory contamination - Council Member Van Der Mark's argument does not consider those who were at higher risk and needed those around them to protect them (much like those undergoing Cancer treatments will often need those around them to mask) nor does it take into consideration the future. I believe these items will create even more legal problems as well as PR problems for our city...AND mostly, are not kind, and do not represent the majority of the residents of Huntington Beach. 1 As I have witnessed time and time again,the current majority of the City Council is not listening to the majority of the residents in HB and will vote how their extreme supporters have pressured them to vote, seemingly to forget that the City Council is a non-partisan role and policies should reflect the majority of their constituents. 2 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:09 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: HB Council Meeting/9-5-2023 Get Outlook for iOS From:gelliottl@socal.rr.com <gelliottl@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 5:18:41 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB Council Meeting/9-5-2023 Re Agenda Items#30,#32, # I oppose placing any of the proposed Charter Amendments on the upcoming ballot especially the Voter ID proposal which is a thinly-veiled and reprehensible attempt at voter suppression. All three proposed ballot items in the context of taxpayer expense and constitutionality appear to be unwarranted, unjustifiable, and untimely. I also question whether Amendment 2 is legal in that it shows three separate and distinct issues for consideration -flags, budget cycle, and elected terms of office. I thought Councilperson Burn's proposal to limit speech by codifying flag-flying restrictions had already been expanded to make an "Olympic" exception and I believe the other items have lost in previous elections. The proposed city-wide ban on mask and vaccine mandates is yet another incoherent and unenforceable offering by the Mayor Pro Tem. Wouldn't this ban be in direct conflict with policies administered by local institutions of public education, public health, and public safety? How contradictory that the Mayor Pro Tem seems poised to approve other agenda items that effectively inoculate the City Attorney against any challenges to his decisions or authority.The proposal to censure Councilperson Moser is obviously highly partisan,vindictive, and hypocritical.The rewritten Policy on Human Dignity is an affront to human compassion and a slap in the face to the original authors and their intent. I view all of these proposals as insults to civility and beneath the dignity of any Councilperson who took an oath of office. I suspect that at least some of these proposals are designed to distract from the exorbitant amounts of litigation fees incurred by the City Council and its City Attorney.This all smacks of governing by lawsuit, obfuscation, and partisan fiat. And, how ironic that the meeting will kick off by highlighting a recognition ceremony by the Friends of the Library in a chamber whose Council majority is anything but friendly to the City Library professionals and volunteers(and actively seeks to undermine their authority and judgment). I've lived in Huntington Beach since 1980 and have seen many rancorous meetings. However, I've never before seen so many citizens so willing to stand at the Council podium so often and say, "You should be ashamed of yourselves." I echo those sentiments and will be voting against all proposed Charter Amendments should they reach ballot status as well as the Council members who sponsored and supported them. Cheryl Elliott(43-year resident of Huntington Beach) 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Unprecedented Majority Overreach Get Outlook for iOS From: Dee Turner<hbdturner@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,September 4, 2023 6:01:02 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Unprecedented Majority Overreach First, I must urgently protest the attempt to censure Councilwoman Moser for asking whether Ms.Van Der Mark accepts the Holocaust as fact.Asking a simple question is everybody's 1st A. right, but it is compellingly correct when the council's majority is trying to amend our city's Human Rights Statement. I notice the new language clearly implies that some citizens are somehow less worthy than others.What the rest of us understand is, when somebody's rights are denied or questioned, soon NOBODY has any rights. Indeed, given the majority's aspiration to limit voting access in Huntington Beach,that seems to be the clear intent. Orange County's voting process is impeccable and has an esteemed record.That anyone would seek to limit voting suggests this majority is attempting, now that they're cozily in the barn,that they want to lock the barn gates so nobody else can get in—not the best representation of self-confidence, is it?You've made no investigation, not even a haphazard guess, of the potential costs involved, nor have you the slightest circumspection about its probable illegalities. But corruption is also blatantly clear, here. First: the Pacific Air Show was canceled because higher authorities than this city council closed beach access due to 25,000+gallons of leaked oil sludge. On the beach.Where Air Show viewers must sit. So the Air Show's lawsuit would never have reached a jury at all, being absolutely unsustainable on the merits. Yet our city attorney, Mr. Gates, decided to give$7 millions in settlement to the same company that made the majority's campaign posters.And he refuses to allow us to see why our taxes were so paid, claiming needed secrecy. Nothing should be secret which requires such a gross expenditure of taxpayer funds, unless it would reveal underlying shenanigans—and then it MUST be exposed. Is it that the Pacific Air Show knows something about this council majority the rest of us have yet to discover? Or should we expect your next campaign posters to be covered in gold leaf? Mr. Gates should at least be sanctioned by the State Bar—if not criminally indicted—especially for settling plaintiffs' unwinnable case when such obvious conflicts of interest exist. Then, too, there's the matter of his attempting to downgrade the requirements for City Clerk in order to shoehorn his wife into the position.This is nepotism and unspeakable grandiosity; perhaps Gates requires an evaluation for mental competence. Of course, if the majority could only have a City Clerk who is equally incompetent, perhaps they could then be more successful at railroading through their impractical, incredibly costly, and probably unlawful agenda. Which brings us to the $4 millions already spent,along with the next$1-1/2 million currently proposed, in your feckless and frivolous lawsuit against the state's housing mandate. If you are uninformed on this issue, be advised that 17 jurisdictions before you have already lost in court. But then,you have the illitimable Mr. Gates representing you, a man so apparently fearful of losing a case which could not legally prevail that he donated $7 millions to it. What,first you 1 have no confidence in your confidence man—and then you have far too much?? Of course,you would not recognize any right in Huntington Beach employees to also live in the city in which they're employed—that would mean listening to the board actually representing the 3,000+folk who live in 18 mobile home parks here, but they don't count,either,do they?Or you wouldn't think of shutting them down so you could simply ignore the people you think are less worthy citizens.And here we have Mayor Strickland,who so boldly and barefacedly lives in subsidized housing, himself! Shame on you. I detest the two-facedness,the cronyism,the utter lack of financial competence,the culture wars you support, and the corruption you've brought—instead of simply doing the job for which you were elected! Most who voted for you probably still thought being Republican meant that you would be committed to conservation and keep our wetlands safe and pristine.They likely thought it meant you would repair our many, many pockmarked streets.They may have trusted that you'd employ experts who know that pollarding trees is a very poor arboricultural practice,and that lace pruning instead helps prevent infrastructure upheaval by root systems that grow exponentially when treetops are hacked off.They probably thought you would never think to alter our beautiful Human Rights Statement so that skinheads and their deadly menace might return. But face it,you're just skinheads who dress better. I watched the 7+ hours of your recent council meeting.After, I was absolutely disgusted that you turned around at the start to pay lip service to a diverse nation you seek to infest with— shall we call it what it truly is?—FASCISM.Yes,you four,your patterns are distinctly fascist. Read up,educate yourselves! My sincere thanks to the many decent people who addressed these issues at the last meeting, especially to Robin Estanislau,who serves so well in her capacity as City Clerk—a job she is well educated to do,with ample years of exact experience,to boot—whose position I hope will not be at risk to this cockamamie attempt to lower the standards for someone who's"run a few businesses," as though that meant anything. (Why more than one? Did she run them into disaster?What has running a business to do with the complex matter of being City Clerk? How lame. If that's how Mr. Gates presents an argument, dear gods let's recall him, FAST!) I dearly wish this to be read at the next council meeting. But I'm so not holding my breath. I've lived in HB for 33 years.You don't deserve my name. 2 Moore, Tania From: Seth Matson <seth@matsongraphics.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:53 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Concerns and Dissent Regarding Recent City Council Actions Once more,the City Council continues to enact policies that do not align with the views of the majority of the residents of Huntington Beach. Regarding the censure of Councilwoman Natalie Moser, it is widely known that Ms. Vandermark has affiliations with hate groups like the Proud Boys, and there is clear photographic and video evidence of her participating in their rallies. Ms. Moser had every right to express her concerns about how Vandermark's associations might influence her opinions. Ms. Moser was exercising her First Amendment rights, and we should not censure her. The promotion of a trans and homophobic agenda through flags and the "right to dignity" is divisive and offensive.The use of coded language is apparent, and your intentions are clear. The act of banning books parallels historical events like those during the time of Hitler and the Nazis. Regarding the elimination of mask mandates, it is crucial to prioritize public health. Huntington Beach is a city in California, and those who disagree with this approach should consider relocating.Vandermark's views on Covid-19, based on conspiracy theories and false information, have led her to advocate for the removal of mandates. The implementation of voter ID checks and ballot box monitoring is unnecessary and a misuse of taxpayer funds. Lastly, Mayor Tony Strickland's history of paying$40,000.00 in fines for ethical violations in campaigning raises concerns about his suitability for his position.This City Council appears to lack genuine values and a commitment to the well-being of the city's residents. As a homeowner for 21 years and a business owner in this city, and living here since the 70's, I strongly oppose the proposals outlined in this agenda. Spending over a million dollars on new policies and adding them to the voting agenda is a wasteful use of time and money. We must also address the issue of the missing seven million dollars and focus on addressing our homeless problem. Empty promises from our leaders do not benefit the residents of this city. Sincerely, Seth Matson 1 Moore, Tania From: Janet Michels <janetbmichels@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 7:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Comments on Agenda items for September 5, 2023 Dear City Council, I have concerns with both the content of this meeting's agenda and the lack of process this Council is using to put forth substantive changes to our City Charter and the structure the city has used to effectively run its business and represent a broad range of its citizens. Charter Amendments-The Charter review and amendment process has followed a longstanding effort to use an experienced facilitator and a representative group of citizens to do a thorough review of the charter and recommend changes. This process is done on a regular basis and was just completed a little over a year ago. To put together an unskilled ad hoc committee to recommend a large number of changes intended to consolidate power and enable inexperienced candidates to run for office as they lack current qualifications is terrifying in its absolute lack of respecting the Charter's intent and representing the people of this city., Specifically, Charter Amendment 1: I object to adding language that would essentially prevent the City Council, who runs the city, from making decisions regarding legal actions the city is facing, including to use outside legal counsel. Further I object to allowing the City Attorney to control his own budget without regard to the full budgetary demands of the city, and to give the City Attorney, not the Council final authority on budget increase or decreases. While the City Attorney can recommend budgetary requests,the final authority should rest with the City Council. Further, the extensive language around voting controls simply is unnecessary and leaves citizens with an impression that oversight and monitoring is required,WHEN THERE HAS BEEN NO EVIDENCE OF FRAUD OR WRONGDOING. Inferring this in the actual language is misleading and fear mongering. Finally, after years of City Clerk qualifications remaining unchanged,the timing of the recommendation to reduce the specific educational requirements seems quite convenient to coincide with a publicly announced candidate who lacks the current qualifications to run for this office. If candidates are so keen on this position, obtain the necessary qualifications. Don't change the qualifications to fit the candidate. Charter Amendment 2: Not sure why the election cycle needs to be adjusted. The flag issue has already been ignored by the Council with respect to the wishes of the citizens. Charter amendment 3: Beyond the language error(taxes not overtly stated), as a member of Finance Commission , I did not approve of this language as necessary to unduly hamper the ability of any City Council to make financial decisions to forego revenue of any kind (parking, property tax etc) in the scope of their effort to plan for a financially sound future. Statement of Human Dignity- Beyond the fact that the statement is poorly crafted structurally and grammatically, it is offensive in its language and complete disregard of the instances that caused it to be drafted in the first place. Focusing on a narrow interpretation of gender, alluding to grooming and other key topics raised by Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark in the past months shows just whose statement this is. It is not reflective of what the city should do in its efforts to support the disenfranchised in our community. 1 And the topic of censure? I would suggest you all review videos of your prior meetings and listen to a number of statements/monologues made by Councilmember McKeon specifically before raising this. In my observation, Councilmember Moser has shown remarkable restraint and professionalism in the face of horrific language and attacks by the supporters of the majority,with nary a word about civility. What a double standard. This agenda and its content is an embarrassment. Sincerely, - Janet Michels Janet Michels 714.448.3095 2 Moore, Tania From: Juana Mueller <juanamueller33@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:22 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Council Agenda, Sept. 5, 2023 Dear City Council of Huntington Beach, Respectfully, I consider a number of items on this Sept. 5, 2023 Council Agenda dangerous to our City and I believe they lead toward a dismantling of a democratic way of governance. Therefore I ask for a NO vote o the following items: #30(no charter amendments, no March 5, 2024 ballot) #31 (no dissolving boards and committees) #32 (no change to policy on human dignity) #34(no censure of Councilmember Moser) #35 ((no resolution to be "no mask no vaccine" city) Respectfully submitted, Sincerely, Juana Mueller. 1 Moore, Tania From: Paula Shawa <PShawa@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:31 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 30/Charter amendments/City Council Meeting Sept. 5 I strongly oppose moving forward on the proposed charter amendments. This majority Far Right City Council has no problem spending taxpayer money... $1.2 million? This is crazy. Paula Shawa, 16822 Edgewater Lane, HB 1 Switzer, Donna From: Jessamyn Garner <jessamyngarner@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Please oppose agenda items 15, 16, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35 Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I wish I could attend the meeting tonight,but unfortunately I was exposed to Covid over the weekend. I want to keep my neighbors safe so I plan to stay home. As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am appalled by many items on tonight's agenda. The policies and decisions that are being considered are hurtful to minorities in this community and they do not represent my values of inclusion and integrity. I urge you to oppose agenda items 15, 16, 29, 30, 31,32, 34, and 35. Specifically, as a member of the LGBTQ+community, I reject the statement of Human Dignity that has been warped to include transphobic rhetoric that will directly impact my ability to live in this community. I know based on previous behavior and voting records from the council that this email and the hundreds of other comments you will receive in the next 18 hours will not likely change your minds.Just know that your constituents are paying attention to your actions and we will vote accordingly. Making it harder for us to vote and passing threatening policies will not deter us from showing up to the polls. On the contrary, it will galvanize us and we will show up in even greater numbers. We won't allow this city to continue to be led by hateful rhetoric and exclusionary policies. Jessamyn Garner (they/them) i Switzer, Donna From: Sumi Yata <sumiyata@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:31 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 9/5 Agenda items Dear City Council, Sadly, I am writing to you again to express my outrage over proposed agenda items. Regarding the charter amendments: First, the charter amendments are the height of hypocrisy to be supported by the majority, who made it a huge part of their campaign to never change the charter. Secondly, the proposed changes are solutions in search of a problem. We do not have any voter fraud problems in Orange County, or in California in general. The OC Registrar runs an impeccable election system and not once has Huntington Beach had a problem with any of it. Asking now for voter IDs and ballot box watching is solely to cater to right wing conspiracists! Additionally, these amendments themselves are going to cost the city over a million dollars just to have an election over! How can we be spending this money after our June meeting in which the majority said we didn't have enough money to run the city and threatened to close the libraries to make ends meet? Where is this million dollars going to come from? Where will the untold millions come from after the city is inevitably sued for these items that run against OC and California voter laws? How does the city plan to budget for implementing these items?? Should we expect more library and park closures to pay for these conspiracies? Lastly, changing the clerk qualifications smacks of cronyism! Why would we want an important office like City Clerk to be less qualified? It makes no sense other than to put someone in office that this majority will directly benefit from. On the Human Dignity statement, I encourage the council to rewrite this horrendous statement. Why are including statements about gender and keeping them separate? In addition to being scientifically inaccurate (since you used the word genetic in order to give it cover as having scientific value) it is harmful to more people than just trans individuals (who are less than 1% of the population) to seek to pigeon hole people into just one type of gender expression. The city should focus on city business and leave trans people alone. On becoming a "No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate" city: Hopefully, we will never have a situation like we had with the early stages of the pandemic, which is still around, in case you haven't noticed! ! But, if it should happen, why would we have this kind of mandate when masks and vaccines have been proven to be effective!! Which brings me to my last point, on the censure of Councilwoman Moser: should the council censure Councilwoman Moser for asking a valid question? Councilwoman VanDerMark's own Youtube channel asked that question. How is Moser now to be punished for asking the same of VanDerMark? Why is Council Member Burns not being censured for inferring that librarians and library staff pedofiles and groomers at the June 20th meeting? How are we so far removed from human decency that we have to question strongly held beliefs of our council members? It is because the majority on this council continue to push items that are not only unnecessary and costly, but that lack compassion and understanding of our fellow residents. Tonight's shameful agenda highlights just how far the majority of this council have strayed from their own promises, and from the will of the residents of Huntington Beach. I am saddened and outraged when I read the many articles about Huntington Beach in the newspaper. What kind of city have we become? Sadly, I know the emails that you read about these items are going to fall on deaf ears. You DO NOT represent our city well! Jane Yata 2 43D Switzer, Donna From: Erin Spivey <erinisalibrarian@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:04 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Tonight's agenda items Dear City Council, I am once again writing to city council to express my dismay and outrage over proposed agenda items. On the charter amendments: First, the charter amendments are the height of hypocrisy to be supported by the majority, who made it a huge part of their campaign to never change the charter. Secondly, the proposed changes are solutions in search of a problem. We do not have any voter fraud problems in Orange County, or in California in general. The OC Registrar runs an impeccable election system and not once has Huntington Beach had a problem with any of it. Asking now for voter IDs and ballot box watching is solely to cater to right wing conspiracists! Additionally, these amendments themselves are going to cost the city over a million dollars just to have an election over! How can we be spending this money after our June meeting in which the majority said we didn't have enough money to run the city and threatened to close the libraries to make ends meet? Where is this million dollars going to come from? Where will the untold millions come from after the city is inevitably sued for these items that run against OC and California voter laws? How does the city plan to budget for implementing these items??Should we expect more library and park closures to pay for these conspiracies? Lastly, changing the clerk qualifications smacks of cronyism! Why would we want an important office like City Clerk to be less qualified? It makes no sense other than to put someone in office that this majority will directly benefit from. On the Human Dignity statement, I encourage the council to rewrite this horrendous statement. Why are including statements about gender and keeping them separate? In addition to being scientifically inaccurate (since you used the word genetic in order to give it cover as having scientific value) it is harmful to more people than just trans individuals (who are less than 1% of the population) to seek to pigeon hole people into just one type of gender expression. The city should focus on city business and leave trans people alone. On becoming a "No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate" city, I hope and pray we never experience another pandemic in our lifetimes. But should that occur, why do we need to set ourselves up again as a place opposed to science and compassion? Which brings me to my last point, on the censure of Councilwoman Moser: should the council censure Councilwoman Moser for asking a valid question? Councilwoman VanDerMark's own Youtube channel asked that question. How is Moser now to be punished for asking the same of VanDerMark? Why is Council Member Burns not being censured for inferring that librarians and library staff pedofiles and groomers at the June 20th meeting? How are we so far removed from human decency that we have to question strongly held beliefs of our council members? It is because the majority on this council continue to push items that are not only unnecessary and costly, but that lack compassion and understanding of our fellow residents. Tonight's shameful agenda highlights just how far the majority of this council have strayed from their own promises, and from the will of the residents of Huntington Beach. Erin Spivey 30 year resident 1 Switzer, Donna From: LISE MILLER <genereaux@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Oppose 15B, 30, 31, 32, 34, and 35 Dear Council, Please consider the following recommendations: Oppose Item #15B There is no explanation why the Council would hire the lowest rated advocacy firm when judged by our own Intergovernmental Relations Committee. A rubric was developed for evaluating the proposals that were submitted in response to the RFP and then the IRC recommended hiring the highest ranked firm, but the Council is poised to hire the lowest ranked firm instead. Without explanation, this seems to be a waste of our tax dollars. Oppose Item #30 I strongly oppose moving any of the proposed charter amendments to the primary ballot. They were not drafted in accordance with our own rules or charter requirements. There was no citizen commission, only a 3 person ad hoc committee that developed these behind closed doors. None of them are needed for good governance of our city. Oppose Item #31 I strongly oppose dissolving the city's commissions and committees. They are made up of citizens which allow the Council to have the most direct input from our citizens on varying topics of concern in our city. Oppose Item #32 I strongly oppose the adoption of the ad hoc committee's "rewrite" of the Policy on Human Dignity. The 2021 version was thorough, complete and inclusive. Not only is this new version incomplete, it is actually exclusive and transphobic. I would be embarrassed for people to know that I live in a city that has published such a horrible document. Oppose Item #34 I strongly oppose censuring Councilmember Moser for asking a relevant question. When Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark was selected to be part of the ad hoc committee to reevaluate a policy that addresses the Holocaust and hate crimes, it is certainly relevant to know if any of the 3 members charged with that task holds any biases. Van Der Mark has never publicly answered the questions that have been swirling around the community for years. I am more concerned that Van Der Mark responded to the reasonable query by shouting and calling Moser a liar. That seems a much more egregious offense. Oppose Item #35 There have been no mask or vaccine mandates in place for months, if not years. This agenda item seems to be placed just to get people riled up (as if there isn't enough on this agenda). I oppose this waste of time. Thank you! Sent from my iPad 1 Switzer, Donna From: shirleynixon@olympus.net Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:01 AM To: SupplementalComm@Surfcity-hb.org. Subject: Comments - 9/5/23 Council agenda items This evening's council meeting agenda contains a number of items of concern to me, a newer resident of California and Huntington Beach. The Council's recent trend toward tossing-out solid, carefully considered policies and traditions in favor of hastily drawn substitutes is troubling. Below are a few specifics: • Agenda #16: I oppose the City's attempt to involve itself in determining appropriate materials for its public libraries. • Agenda#30: I oppose the City's attempt to hastily alter the City Charter. For many reasons,these resolutions should be tabled. Charter amendments deserve more thorough public discussion and opportunities for input before putting them before the electorate. • Agenda#31: I oppose the wholesale dissolution of long-standing boards and commissions based upon recommendations from a committee that met for a short time and in secret. Good government suffers when elected officials cut off channels for obtaining input from educated volunteers who thoroughly and thoughtfully offer advice and/or collect data on specialized topics. Shirley Nixon 8655 Fresno Circle #5O1C Huntington Beach, CA 92646 i 4f3D Switzer, Donna From: Melissa Amarillas <amarillasmelissaj@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:53 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Comments on Agenda 9/5/23 As a California resident with family in Huntington Beach, I find the current behavior of the city council appalling. I strongly oppose banning the pride flag in the city charter, changing the human dignity statement, and censuring Councilmember Moser.The conservative members of the city council (Strickland, McKeon, Burns,Van der Mark) are spreading and encouraging hateful rhetoric and creating a climate of anger, fear, and violence in the community. After the senseless act of violence in Lake Arrowhead, I find it shocking you would so blatantly stand on the side of discrimination and bigotry. Orange County residents are targeting your community members for hate and violence. It will, no, HAS come to your city.You have the opportunity to stand on the right side of history and denounce the messages that are being sent to your queer community members.You are discarding that opportunity by including heavily connotative phrases in your human dignity statement, essentially condoning violence against transgender individuals through the inclusion of the phrase "sexual grooming," which far-right radicals wrongfully accuse transgender individuals of doing. Paragraph 3 of the policy on human dignity is irrelevant and bigoted,flouting scientific knowledge. You know what you're doing, and so do we.The world is watching you. Let your council members speak the truth without censure.WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED. 1 Switzer, Donna From: cornetto45@earthlink.net Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: 'Charlie Jackson' Subject: Item 23-700 against the proposed ballot initiatives on elections. I would like to speak against the proposed ballot initiatives on elections. Why are some members of the Huntington Beach City Council pushing for measures that will lead to voter suppression? There has been no evidence of voter fraud in Orange County (see links below). No evidence of voter fraud. Our elections process protect voter integrity in Orange County. The worst defense of the proposed changes is that if San Francisco can do something stupid, the so can we here in Huntington Beach. It is a silly argument. The City Attorney was asked to make a legal assessment for the proposed law, but refused to take any responsibility for estimating the cost of the measures. Further more he asserted that it would not cost anything because private home garages would be used. It is totally irresponsible to ignore the cost of these proposed measures. These proposed changes will cost the taxpayers of Huntington Beach a huge amount of money; multiple millions of dollars But as far as I can tell there are only two reasons for the proposed voter ID and related items. First, it is just a way to get extremist donors to support their re-election Second, it shows that they do not care about the residents of Huntington Beach, and will pursue their extremist values at our expense. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/12/us/politics/california-gop-drop-boxes.html California Republican Party Admits It Placed Misleading Ballot Boxes Around State https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/25/new-group-raises-false-specter-of-election-fraud-in- ora nge-cou nty/ New group raises false specter of election fraud in Orange County https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/25/fact-check-breaking-down-false-claims-of-election- fraud-in-orange-county/ Fact check: Breaking down false claims of election fraud in Orange County But many of the new Huntington Beach City Council Memers have endorsed misinformation in the past. https://www.lati mes.com/soca I/da i ly-pilot/opi n io n/sto ry/2021-08-27/co m menta ry-save-su rf- city-from-disinformation? g1=1*147oep3* gcl au*MTYy0DExMiMxKly4xNikyMDQ1MDc0 Commentary: Save Surf City from disinformation Signed by many past City Council Members Ralph Bauer served on the City Council from 1992 to 2000 and as mayor in 1996-97. Connie Boardman served on the City Council from 2000 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2014 and as mayor in 2002-03 and 2012-13. Keith Bohr served on the City Council from 2004 to 2012 and as mayor in 2008-09. Patrick Brenden served on the City Council from 2016 to 2020. Debbie Cook served on the City Council from 2000 to 2008 and as mayor in 2001 and 2007-08. Shirley Dettloff served on the City Council from 1994 to 2000 and as mayor in 1997-98. John Erskine served on the City Council from 1986 to 1990 and as mayor in 1987-88. Peter Green served on the City Council from 1988 to 1992 and from 1996 to 2004 and as mayor in 1990-91 and 1998-99. Jill Hardy served on the City Council from 2002 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2020 and as mayor in 2004-05 and 2014-15. Tom Harman served on the City Council from 1994 to 2000. Vic Leipzig served on the City Council from 1993 to 1996 and as mayor in 1994-95. Linda Moulton-Patterson served on the City Council from 1990 to 1994 and as mayor in 1993- 94. Grace Winchell served on the City Council from 1986 to 1994 and as mayor in 1992-93. 2 30 Switzer, Donna From: Keith Ellis <keithmellis@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution Nos.2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44 and 2023-45 No to holding a special election for the changes as written. (Agenda item 23-700 on Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44 and 2023-45) The three yin questions are a hodge-podge of unrelated topics lumped together seemingly without logical reason. Voting changes,City Attorney changes,Clerk Qualifications, handling of reported malfeasance...all together in one bundle?That should be split into at least two logical groups...as should Flags,two-year budgets,and clerk/treasurer election timing. If the council feels the suggested changes should be brought before the voters,fine, but do it with logically grouped changes that allow the informed voters to approve/disapprove individual topics as opposed to a deceptively worded bundle of changes.Trying to force these poorly and deceptively written changes through during a Special Municipal Election attached to a Primary Election creates the appearance of intent to confound the issues and deceive the public—in violation of the HB Code of Ethics and the public trust. Moreover,there is nothing in this package time-sensitive enough to justify rushing them through as written.The changes for the attorney don't go into effect until 2027.The addition of polling places isn't until 2026. I suspect the proponents of these resolutions will argue that the voter id and ballot drop off monitoring are time-sensitive in the name of"election security."That, however, is seeking a remedy when there is no demonstrated harm. (The fact that these changes would be in place immediately while other changes are delayed for years is deceptively absent from the question description)All allegations of significant election fraud in recent elections at the local,state,and federal level have been found to be baseless by multiple courts as well as reviews by state and local jurisdictions—including reviews conducted by Republican election officials. I urge the council to vote NO today in favor of clarifying the questions to encourage informed public engagement during a regular/planned election. -Keith Ellis i . 3D Switzer, Donna From: Cathy Caston <ibccaston@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:49 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Re: City Council Meeting for Sept 5, 2023 Dear City Council Members: I am a long time resident of Huntington Beach and am writing regarding the upcoming City Council Meeting on September 5,2023. I strongly oppose the agenda items proposing changes to the City Charter--there were no public hearings on these items. These changes to the city charter deny and severely limit our rights as Huntington Beach residents.They compromise voting rights and make our elections less secure.These changes were done in direct contradiction to the process specified in the City Charter and the City Municipal Code for amending the charter. The OC Registrar of Voters makes sure that our city and county elections are free and fair. I object to the censure of Council Member Moser. I fully support Council Member Moser and the comments she made regarding the fitness of Gracey Van Der Mark to oversee the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force. Ms Mosher is a well-liked member of the City Council and an advocate for all Huntington Beach residents. This politically motivated censure harms the reputation of our city. Sincerely, Cathy Caston 1 Switzer, Donna From: Hb Mill <hbmillie@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Sept 5th Agenda Dear Council Members, I write to the City Council to express my opposition to three agenda items on the September 5, 2023 agenda. Item 30: 23-700: I oppose the submission of three Charter amendments to the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election. The current Charter serves the City well and the cost of$1,200,000 could be better used for other city services. Item 32: 23-734: I oppose the Ad Hoc Committee's amended Policy on Human Dignity. The policy adopted on November 16, 2021 serves all residents of Huntington Beach. The proposed policy discriminates against certain classes of residents. Item 33: 23-732: I oppose the censure of Councilperson Natalie Moser. Councilperson Moser's behavior was appropriate and acceptable for the discussion on August 1, 2023. Should this censure occur, all Council members should be afraid to have challenging, but needed, conversations at future Council meetings. I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for 28 years and have sent 3 children through our public schools. I have voted in every election for the last 36 years and I look forward to voting for the next City Council members. Your vote on these issues will be remembered. Millie Starks Switzer, Donna From: Joanna Weiss <joannajweiss@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Proposals Dear HB City Councilmembers, I am writing to express my opposition to the re-writing of the City's Statement of Human Dignity,the elimination of several citizen boards and commissions,the censure of Councilwoman Natalie Moser, ballot measures to ban flying the Pride Flag, and requiring voters to use IDs for city elections (among other voting rights revisions).These proposals are the latest attempts of a concerning trend from the Huntington Beach City Council.. As a champion of democracy and a fierce LGBTQ+ally, I oppose these measures which would limit democratic participation in our local elections and only further inflict harm on our LGBTQ+community. Government has the power and responsibility to promote democracy and to create welcoming and safe environments for all of our citizens, especially those in marginalized communities. Instead, what we have seen from the Huntington Beach City Council is a relentless attack on our democratic norms and the trans and LGBTQ+community. I urge the board to reject the proposals to put these measures on the March 5th primary ballot, which would also save the city upwards of$1.5 million. Sincerely, Joanna Weiss 1 Switzer, Donna From: Lisa Angela Gibilie <qidancer@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:47 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Vote- NO for the city to take over our electiions There have been no credible issues with the way our elections have been handled. It is a very smooth system that people are used to doing. It will cost more than you anticipate, it will cause more confusion and complaints. Don't fix what is not broken. Thank you, Lisa Gibilie When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. Willie Nelson When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix 1 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:45 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Comments Re: 9/5 Meeting From:elainemeigs@socal.rr.com <elainemeigs@socal.rr.com> Sent:Tuesday,September 5, 2023 8:07 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: FW: Comments Re: 9/5 Meeting Please reword the fourth bullet as follows:Censuring a council member for questioning the suitability of a colleague to a very important role *destroys* appropriate and responsible oversight. From: elainemeigs@socal.rr.com<elainemeigs@socal.rr.com> Sent:Tuesday,September 5, 2023 7:38 AM To: 'city.council@surfcity-hb.org'<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Comments Re:9/5 Meeting I'll make it brief: • Dissolution of commissions that make Huntington Beach a more civil place to live makes residents wonder who you're serving. Please reconsider. • Discouraging the use of masks and vaccines demonstrates a lack of lessons learned. • There is no demonstrated fact-based need to restrict voting in Huntington Beach. • Censuring a council member for questioning the suitability of a colleague to a very important role is called appropriate and responsible oversight. • Any statement on human dignity should reflect the entire community, and should not reflect the particular religious or ideological views of individual council members. I'd venture a guess the majority of registered voters in Huntington Beach don't approve of city council members who breach the public trust, ignore public health needs, restrict voting rights, censure oversight,or limit human dignity with personal views. Remember: We vote.And you will see a tremendous get out the vote effort for 2024. Elaine Meigs 1 Switzer, Donna From: Karen Marie Carroll <dockaren44@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:06 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Items Mayor Strickland and Members of the City Council I am writing in opposition to or with serious concern regarding the following items on the 9/5/23 City Council Meeting Agenda: Item 30. 23-700, 31. 23-693, 26. 23-707, Item 27. 23-704, Item 28. 23-733, 15 23-700, and 16.23-741 Item 30. 23-700- This item marks acceleration of a trajectory putting control of our city into the hands of extremists who are already providing their friends and associates opportunities to profit through secret settlements and now a re-do of bidding for contracts. What is being proposed appears to build on actions already taken that clearly benefit the new majority — along with their friends and family. Financial gain and political ambition are equally apparent. I point to the following: 1) At the outset of your terms, you upped the limits on campaign contributions that give you quite an advantage in campaigns to come. I contributed to several candidates in the last election, and it was difficult for me financially. But I gave the limit and thought it was fair because there were limitations in place for all candidates. The current majority, however, was strategically supported by investors and groups many of which are outside of our city. 2) You propose re-arranging election cycles that would permit City Attorney Michael Gates and his wife Kelly Gates to run together, without reasonable limits on what they could spend together in a very well financed campaign. Included is a reduction of the requirements for City Clerk, which would permit Ms. Gates to run. Moving election oversight from the County to the City Attorney and City Clerk is ridiculous, unnecessary, and expensive. The optics are terrible! Further, it plays to the myth that there is election fraud here, for which there is no evidence. Items 31. 23-693, particularly points I), J), and K) This agenda item would change the application requirements for local contracts that open the door for persons, agencies, or firms that organize our local events. Will Code Four and Kevin Elliot be selected to run the 4th of July Parade and other city events too? We have heard that the Blue Angels z and other armed forces units arrange airshows without a middleman like Mr. Elliott. That is the way it is done in other locations, such as Seattle. Item 15. 23-673 I question the change to accept the staff recommendations for federal lobbying consultants. Why accept the lowest ranked vendor to provide legislative analysis for our city? I understand that Mayor Strickland has received political contributions from that contractor. Really, this is the best that Huntington Beach deserves? Could there be any more evidence of political payback? Item 16. 23-741 Cultural issues outside of the those that actually matter to all residents were presented with a strategy of shock. Are you saying the extreme examples you found were in books in our library and schools in our city? I think not. I assure you, most of us do not want you to take on our parenting, just do the normal business of governing our city. 2 Switzer, Donna From: Monika Calef <mcalef@soka.edu> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:31 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: council meeting Sep 5, 2023 Dear City Council, I was very disturbed to read in the paper about the three amendments to the charter you plan to discuss in today's meeting. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend. I strongly oppose all your changes to the city charter.The city charter has worked just fine for many years and does not require your probably illegal changes. I also strongly oppose the expensive and fruitless anti-housing lawsuits. If the city has that much money to throw away, please spend it on community centers, children's activities,and low income housing. Or how about a community pool? Last but not least I am absolutely appalled about your censuring of fellow council member Natalie Moser.What ever happened to free speech? If you do not wish to answer questions, don't run for city council but as long as Gracey Van Der Mark is our future mayor, she damn well better answer questions regarding the holocaust and her outrageous previous remarks. Sincerely, Monika Calef 1 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:23 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Comments on agenda items for 9/5/2023 Council Meeting From: shirleynixon@olympus.net<shirleynixon@olympus.net> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:21 AM To:City.Council@surfcity-hb.org. Subject: Comments on agenda items for 9/5/2023 Council Meeting Dear Council Members&associated staff, Please consider my comments, pasted below. Thank you, Shirley Nixon 8655 Fresno Circle #5O1C Huntington Beach, CA 92646 This evening's council meeting agenda contains a number of items of concern to me, a newer resident of California and Huntington Beach. The Council's recent trend toward tossing-out solid, carefully considered policies and traditions in favor of hastily drawn substitutes is troubling. Below are a few specifics: • Agenda#16: I oppose the City's attempt to involve itself in determining appropriate materials for its public libraries. • Agenda#30: I oppose the City's attempt to hastily alter the City Charter. For many reasons,these resolutions should be tabled. Charter amendments deserve more thorough public discussion and opportunities for input before putting them before the electorate. • Agenda #31: I oppose the wholesale dissolution of long-standing boards and commissions based upon recommendations from a committee that met for a short time and in secret. Good government suffers when elected officials cut off channels for obtaining input from educated volunteers who thoroughly and thoughtfully offer advice and/or collect data on specialized topics. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Allie Plum <skyedawg007@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda opposition 9/5/23 I oppose#30...#34...#35 City Council please listen to the people who elected you. Allison E. Plum MHRC VP 1 Switzer, Donna From: Ada Hand <adajhand@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Vote No on#30 I am against all of the charter amendment ballot measures.The current City Council is not doing city business, instead taking stands on social issues that will set Huntington Beach back to the 1940s. Back offI Ada J. Hand,Secretary H.B. Mobile Home Resident Coalition 714-717-1294(cell) adajhand@gmail.com 1 3 Switzer, Donna From: William Kerry <whkerry@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:29 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach City Council Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Council: My wife and I have owned our home in Huntington Beach for 39 years. We raised three children in this city. They all graduated from Huntington Beach High School. Huntington Beach has been a place of pride for our family until recently when the City Council began considering a law to ban books. (No library book ever harmed our children or any of their friends) Now it appears that the Council intends to change election laws by making it more difficult to vote. We do not want the Huntington Beach City Council making "moral" decisions about books in the library or "fixing" nonexistent voting "problems". We do not support the far-right agenda of the Huntington Beach City Council. We believe the passage of radical ordinances and laws is damaging to the culture of the City of Huntington and will result in a marked decrease in the value of property. Many future potential residents of the city will see that the schools, libraries, and the voting are controlled by politicians. As a result, many will choose to live in a different community. Thank You. William Kerry and Jill Kerry 1838 Lake Street Huntington Beach,CA Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:05 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: 9/5 City Council Feedback From: Doug Schneider<doug.schneider@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:04 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: 9/5 City Council Feedback To Whom it May Concern: I am a long-time resident of Huntington Beach and love the community, but have been troubled by the actions of the new City Council majority. The best qualities of our American democracy are justice, equality, and due process of law. Our government is made to represent the electorate. These qualities do not seem to be priorities of the council majority,judging by many recent actions and many more under consideration currently. Secret ad hoc meetings, concealing the terms of major legal settlements and bypassing public comment on key issues suggest that the council majority does not want the public to know about their actions or to have a voice in them. Inviting more money into the political process as the majority has recently done sends a message that influence is for sale. I don't have confidence that this council majority will do the right thing, but I am writing to include my voice in the public record. I am opposed to agenda items 16, 30, 31, 32, 34 and 35. Sincerely, Doug Schneider 1 Switzer, Donna From: Celeste Rybicki <celeste@celesterybicki.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 7:53 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Disgusted but not Defeated, NO on items 15,16, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35 Dear City Council Majority, I am sure I'm not the first to mention that the attempt to throw all these issues on the agenda today,the day after a holiday long weekend, is a slimy attempt to sneak them all in without giving the public adequate time to realize what you're doing. I don't believe this will change how you vote,you've proven time and time again you do not care how the residents of Huntington Beach really feel. However, I am writing to have it on record, so you cannot deny that your constituents have reached out in opposition. I and strongly against censuring Councilwoman Moser. Nothing she said was incorrect or inappropriate, she repeated the same concerns many of us have about the Mayor Pro Tern. I do feel that GVDM lashing out against her, interrupting and calling her a liar was unprofessional and inappropriate. If you're going to consider censure I would direct that towards VanDerMark. I am against the proposed amendments to the city charter. For a group that ran on keeping the city charter as is... I am so confused as to why this is even happening. I didn't vote for any of you so I'm not particularly shocked or disappointed but I assume many who voted for you do feel deceived. I am so, so, so opposed to the modified Policy on Human Dignity. It is,to put it lightly, wholly undignified. If this offensive monstrosity passes I expect there to be so much public pushback causing embarrassment (and very likely loss of business)for our city. I can say from personal experience, in the past year I have had 3 pride flags stolen from my front yard and in the past 8 years I have had zero attempts at grooming or anything inappropriate towards my children by the HB librarians or public school system or drag queens,for that matter. I'm writing this morning, not from a place of fear- because I am not afraid that you four(plus Gates,that's a whole other corrupt mess) can truly destroy our city. I'm writing because I have hope that the good, kind, honest and loving community I know here far far outnumbers you and your small-minded attempts. So here's one more email letting you know we see what you're trying to do. I oppose items 15,16, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. I oppose your fascist, bigoted power grabs. Celeste Rybicki HB resident and mother of 3 1 Switzer, Donna From: jodykylel @aol.corn Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 7:34 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: Jody Kyle Subject: City Council Meeting for Sept 5, 2023 Dear City Council Members, I am a 25 year resident of Huntington Beach and am writing regarding the upcoming City Council Meeting on September 5, 2023. I strongly oppose the agenda items proposing changes to the City Charter, There were no public hearings on these items. I am curious to learn who proposed them and why. As a whole the changes to the city charter deny and severely limit my rights as a Huntington Beach resident. They compromise my voting rights and make our elections less secure. Furthermore, these changes were done in direct contradiction to the process specified in the City Charter for making amendments as well as the City Municipal Code. I have absolute confidence in the OC Registrar of Voters to conduct free and fair elections. If any city council member believes that the last election was anything other than free and fair, it follows that their election to the City Council or the office of the City Attorney was fraudulent and they should resign immediately. Regarding the upcoming agenda item to censure Council Member Moser. I fully support Council Member Moser and the comments she made regarding the fitness of Gracey Van Der Mark to oversee the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force. Van Der Mark has long had relations with far-right groups and people. Van Der Mark participated in a violent protest in the Huntington Beach City Council chambers on April 2, 2018 in which Huntington Beach residents were shouted at, harassed, and intimidated. This very act alone makes Van Der Mark unfit to serve on the City Council much less on the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force. I expect no less than a censure of Gracey Van Der Mark at the upcoming City Council meeting. Regards, Mary Kyle Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:48 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Sound Governance Get Outlook for iOS From: Margaret Sloan<peggysloan@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:44:44 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Sound Governance Dear Members, I believe that the current board majority is not acting in the best interests of the city of Huntington Beach and its citizens. There are many pressing needs in this city including aging infrastructure,filthy beach restrooms, broken sinks at the beach restrooms, insufficient large tax paying commerce, and lack of police presence to deter street racing to name only a few. We do not appreciate the self serving energy spent by the current majority to bring forth changes that do not serve the citizens. It is mind boggling that these members opened the city coffers to pay the private air show cronies before the suit could play out in the courts. It is mind boggling that the city attorney,who seems to have his own political career first and foremost in his attention getting actions now proposes changes to the Charter that could result in even more cronyism in city government. This same attorney continues to sue, then lose these suits at high cost fighting the housing needs of Huntington Beach. A backlash is mounting and will surely continue until moderation returns to city government. Please serve the people, not the personal agendas which in fact do not serve the people. Best, Peggy Sloan 1 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:09 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Charter Amendments Get Outlook for iOS From: Kathy Dowling<kathyldowling@msn.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:12:47 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Charter Amendments I am opposed to the decisions reached by your so called Ad Hoc Committee! This self appointed group must have input from the community. You cannot lead in a vacuum. The "Fab Four" were against the previous council's Charter Amendments and now you are doing the same thing. Safe Surf City opposes this course of action and so do I. There is no deliberation for the common good. The four of you vote as a block and do not want or regard input from your community. This agenda is a travesty! You want to take over voting but you have not financed such a vast proposal.The Human Dignity is revised to your beliefs not the communities.You want to change the City Clerk's job description so that the City Attorney's wife can apply. Does that even sound right. In business,you write the Job Description qualifications based on the role and responsibilities, not the candidates qualifications. Your plan to Censure a fellow council member is a foolish plan. Ms.Van Der Mark has created her own problems and now she wants the three of you to provide cover. I will end with my thoughts on the No Masks/No Vaccine proposal. With all the problems we have in this City, this is the best you can come up with? We will vote again and your actions will have consequences. Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:10 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:This makes me sad... Get Outlook for iOS From:Sara Walk-<saracwalk@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:23:25 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org <supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:This makes me sad... I am so frustrated with what has been going on and to watch it in real life was a disgrace. I watched the youtube recording of the city council meeting on August 1st, and from a neutral perspective, it's baffling to me that Natalie was so quickly shut down for her question. Simply wanting to know somebody's belief on the Holocaust, and involvement with a racist organization, is NOT unparliamentary nor irrelevant. It's actually the opposite, lol. Why couldn't the question be raised,the answer be given,and things move forward professionally. Mr.Strickland, Mr. Gates and Mrs.Van Der Mark should be ashamed of their ignorance. Also, Gracey Van Der Mark is causing so many problems for this city and I am sad to say, makes me embarrassed that I live in a place where she is on city council. Natalie Moser had EVERY right to question her. Gracey continues to show a disgusting display of ignorance and the fact that people on city council are wanting to silence Natalie for asking a VERY logical question about whether a person,who is extreme in her thinking, should be on a committee about human dignity doesn't make sense. Gracey's blatant display of disrespect to so many groups of people are well known,just in case you forgot(or turn a blind eye) I am citing some articles below. Just because she deleted any videos or comments online does not mean they did NOT exist. I am not trying to silence anyone or"cancel" anyone... and if Gracey would have calmly answered or assured Natalie that her concerns are not an issue, that would have been fine... but for the three of you to attack Natalie, who had a valid point to question someone that is known for her extreme views that do NOT align with many in Huntington Beach, is a joke. And these concerns should have been looked at and actually taken seriously not shut down. But again,the majority does what they want, not what is good for this city and its people. From a neutral perspective... looking at how the city is run, it looks like corruption. Like the majority bullying and doing whatever they want,and this issue of late,with Natalie, is merely a glimpse into the norm...the tip of the iceberg of what is really going on. Which,to be honest... is scary. For example, what's up with these new amendments? Why are we trying to digress from the county's approved voting process, and wasting my tax money on voter monitoring? Why are we all of a sudden diluting the qualifications for city clerk? It sounds like you're trying to get certain people you want,which currently don't qualify, into that position. 1 Why are you trying to "censure" Natalie? Because she is sincerely concerned with potential bias from somebody who has questionable associations and a history of beliefs that may not be inclusive and respectful for all groups? C'mon guys. Please just do the right thing for this city. https://www.ocweekly.com/hb-fina nce-commissioner-called-blacks-colored-people-on-social-media-2/ https://www.lati mes.co m/soca 1/daily-pilot/news/tn-d pt-me-h b-gracev-20180508-sto rv.htm I https://ca.cair.com/losangeles/news/cair-la-condemns-orange-county-gop-endorsement-of-school-board-candidate- tied-to-white-supremacists-and-islamophobic-statements/ Sara- Huntington Beach resident 2 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:09 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Oppose Agenda Items#30, #31, #32, #34 and #35 Get Outlook for iOS From:Anne Gollay<agollay@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:56:31 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org<supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org>; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Oppose Agenda Items#30,#31,#32,#34 and#35 Dear Council Members, Oppose Agenda Item#30 I am writing in opposition to all Charter amendments as proposed. The Orange County voting process is functioning exceptionally well, and there is no need for the City of Huntington Beach to insert itself into the process at all. There is no valid reason to spend money to "fix" what is not broken.The underlying message of these proposed voting process changes is clearly an attempt to impose the council majority's false beliefs of voter fraud onto the citizens of HB. It is also clear that Michael Gates is unduly influencing policy and changes to the City Charter to serve his own interests. The citizens of HB need to pay attention here. The City Attorney is an employee of the City, and thereby serves all residents. He reports to the City Council and is not the final say on anything. Where are the checks and balances in these proposed changes to the City Attorney's role? Oppose Agenda Items#31,#32, and #34 Mr.Strickland has demonstrated a very biased and narrow-minded approach to his role as Mayor. He has had ample opportunity to bridge the divides that exist in this city. This is evidenced in his appointment of only his like-minded colleagues on the council to almost every committee,to the exclusion of the minority members. Although,thanks to Mr.Strickland, the minority on the council are not getting to do much on any committee,the minority retains an extremely strong base of support. We would like to see their expertise, intelligence and empathy put to good use on council matters, and not just be shoved aside. A prime example of Mr. Strickland's bias is wanting to censure Ms. Moser, after it was very clearly Ms.Van Der Mark who interrupted Ms. Moser to begin with,and began yelling at Ms. Moser. Mr.Strickland and others interrupted Ms. Moser multiple times and didn't give her a chance to complete her thoughts. Also, I didn't catch which council member it was who told Ms. Moser, "well, don't think," but whoever that was deserves to be censured. Mr. Strickland could have shown some open-mindedness by including one of the non-majority council members on the Ad-Hoc committee to revise the policy on Human Dignity. If he had, perhaps the tone of this entire council might have been changed for the better. Openness and willingness to see and hear others' points of view takes courage, and sadly I don't see that in Mr. Strickland.The dissolution of the Human Relations Committee also reflects a lack of courage on the part of Mr. Burns and Ms.Van Der Mark, and demonstrates that they don't really care about issues faced by ALL 1 residents,only those who agree with their opinions. To follow up on that,the new draft policy on Human Dignity is appalling. It is clearly discriminating against LGBTQ+ residents and visitors,and in particular,transgender people. It also doesn't address hate incidents and crimes that DO occur in our city against all minorities. I do not understand the fixation on sexual grooming. Again,this is where the majority council members are imposing their beliefs on all residents. As much as you may not like it, minorities of all kinds live in our city, and all have the same rights. HB has a very bad reputation for intolerance and bigotry,and I would not be surprised if this goes against the city during the selection of host cities for the Olympic Games. Oppose Agenda Item#35 I am also concerned with the ignorance exhibited in Ms.Van Der Mark's"No mask and vaccine mandate" proposal. There are no mandates in place, and there are unlikely to be any in the future. However, Covid-19 continues to take lives, and it has been scientifically proven that masks and vaccines help prevent infections, make them shorter, less serious and reduce fatalities. What is wrong with that? Respectfully, Anne Gollay 2 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:08 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Agenda Item 30 Get Outlook for iOS From:Jeanne Farrens<jeannefarrens@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,September 4, 2023 10:59:42 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 30 Dear Councilmembers: I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 30, submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval on a proposed March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election. These amendments were created behind closed doors by a so-called ad hoc committee composed of Mayor Strickland, Maypr Pro Tern Van Der Mark and Council member Pat Burns with no expert or community input. This entire agenda item and its proposals in fact run afoul of California's governing codes 34457 and 34458. Code 34457 designates that a charter commission (not an ad hoc committee) must propose charter changes and submit such to the voters in a statewide general (not primary) election, and only after submitting copies of the charter changes to voters by mail. Code 34458 presents the other alternative to the process of approving charter amendments. Charter amendments may be voted on in a general election (again, not a primary election), but only after holding two public hearings, advertised in a newspaper and posted in 3 public places 21 days prior to the date of each public hearing. There are other requirements such as holding one public hearing outside of normal business hours. Finally, "the governing body shall not conduct a vote on whether to approve the submission to the voters of the proposal...until 21 days after the public hearing." None of this happened. Whether or not the Council majority who is proposing this amendment was aware of these governing codes or not remains unknown. What is known, however, is that In their short time on the City Council, the majority council members, Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Gracie Van Der Mark, Casey McKeon and Pat Burns, have proposed some extreme policies, but the 3 charter amendment ballot measures being proposed for voter approval in a special 2024 Statewide Primary Election is the most extreme. At its core, it is a blatant odious attack on the right of every American to cast a vote that expresses his or her choice. One person. One vote. One choice. That is the essence of the sacred Constitutionally guaranteed right of every American. But the Council majority proposes to take away that choice. The agenda falsely identifies 3 proposed ballot measures. Insidiously inserted in each individual "measure" are actually 3 or 4 ballot issues all of which are unrelated to each other. But the measure in its entirety calls for either a Yes or No vote. So if a voter supports one of the issues but not another there is no way to choose. This appears to have been purposely created by a self-serving Council majority precisely to sow confusion in order to pass the most autocratic—and possibly illegal — proposals in a most egregious and fraudulent attack on the very cornerstone of our democracy— each individual's Constitutionally guaranteed voter rights. 1 Furthermore, this agenda item presents a clear and present danger to the future of democratic elections in Huntington Beach. Not only are the proposals written in such a way as to deny true voter choice, but the proposals themselves present challenges to guaranteeing a free and fair election. In taking away County control of the election —which in fact again might be illegal —the proposals include municipal monitoring of ballot boxes with no explanation or understanding of cost or logistics of leaving the County voting platform and no explanation of the process. Where will those ballot boxes be? Up to now, ballot boxes have been conveniently available throughout the city. They are locked and secured and a voter can track his or her ballot. Where will the proposed city controlled elections place their ballot boxes? In someone's garage? In a cardboard box?And who will be the election monitors? Proud Boys? The significance of this agenda item cannot be overstated. If passed, this amendment will not just impact any one political party or ideology. This is an attack on EVERY voter. Agenda Item 30 is a deceptive and dangerous proposal. Every Council member who purports to truly believe in democracy and professes to serve the citizens of Huntington Beach should oppose and reject this item. Sincerely, Jeanne Farrens 2 Switzer, Donna From: Melanie Bergeland <melbergeland@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: September 05, 2023 City Council -Agenda items for meeting Dear City Council N I have the following comments for the amendments: 23-734 Human Dignity I see no reason to amend the Policy on Human Dignity. The current policy addresses this subject matter in its entirety. 23-700 Measure 1 Voting and Election I see no reason to change any of Huntington Beach's current voting policies. They have been proven safe and accurate. We should be encouraging people to vote as our right and not impeding the ability to vote. To downgrade the City Clerk's education requirements to any four-year Bachelor's degree is a great disservice to the city. 23-700 Measure 3 section 303 - Please explain this further. I feel meeting commitments to regularly scheduled meetings is a show of transparency, dedication to office and commitment to the residents. 23-693 I am very concerned that dissolution of many of the citizen committees will negatively impact the citizens of this city. The value added to these groups are: Continue transparency between local government to residents, open communications and exchange of ideas, allow citizens an avenue to understand city operations, and the city is able to tap into experts in any given area for guidance. Long time resident Melanie Bergeland 1 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:07 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Proposed Agenda for Sept. 5 Get Outlook for iOS From:Jeanne Whitesell<jswhitesell3211@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 10:19:12 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Proposed Agenda for Sept. 5 Dear City Councils members, I read the Agenda for the September 5 City Council meeting and want to state my concerns. First I am appalled at Item 32, the Human Dignity document,which results in NO Dignity for some Huntington Beach citizens. Are we trying to take Huntington Beach back to the Dark Ages? Second, I'm also against Item 22,which will use reserve funds for lawyers' fees. Why are we supporting lawyers to bring more unnecessary lawsuits? There needs to be more information and openness on where this money is going. Third, I'm concerned about Item 16 which seems to me to be an effort to damage one of the great institutions in HB, our wonderful libraries and librarians. Other Agenda Items I'm opposed to are 15, 29, 30, 31, 34 and 35. Sincerely, Jeanne Whitesell 17922 Shoreham Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 714-846-8978 jswhitesell3211@yahoo.com 1 7.r Switzer, Donna From: Shammy Dingus <shammyd@mac.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:23 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Proposed Amendments to the City Charter Dear Council, When reading the agenda material on the proposed amendments to the City Charter, it's hard not to get the impression that either the ad hoc committee members don't know much about election law and how elections here in Orange County are run, or that they they simply didn't care enough to think this through. The City Charter is foundational; much like a constitution, it specifies how the city's government is organized, assigns the responsibilities to the various departments, and establishes the balance of powers between officials. Amending the Charter is not like changing a city ordinance — the changes will have far-reaching consequences and may be difficult or impossible to change. As proposed, these changes would compromise residents' voting rights, make our elections less secure, and would significantly alter the balance of power in our city government. And the City Council majority has done this in direct contradiction to the process specified in the City Charter for making amendments as well as the City's Municipal Code. The Charter itself specifies that the City Council shall convene a citizen's Charter Review Commission, to consider and recommend amendments as needed. But instead, the current City Council majority appointed an ad hoc Committee of three council members with less than a year's experience each, to draft these amendments. And the ad hoc committee did not hold open meetings or give any notice to the public during its deliberations on the proposed amendments, as required pursuant to Municipal Code section 2.100.110 Open Meetings, and the Brown Act. The citizens of Huntington Beach have been denied their right to meaningful participation in drafting of changes to the Charter. 1 Specific Problems include: • Items 1 and 5, regarding the commencement of terms and changes in the political cycle that are purely political, and would have a negative effect in the city's ability to transition through the election of new officers. The elections need to be staggered in order to preserve institutional knowledge and ensure that transitions are not disruptive. • Item 2, which empowers the Mayor to cancel regularly scheduled meetings without good reason, combined with the ability to call unscheduled meetings without a published agenda can only result in less transparency. Residents would have little or no opportunity to review and comment on actions the Council is about to vote on. • Item 4, changing to a 2-year budget does not appear to have any good purpose, particularly in a city facing future deficits and high risks of damages and penalties from pending lawsuits. In fact, since funds the City receives the State are revised annually, it's hard to see how the City could avoid preparing a new budget each year. This past year, the public was only made aware of a deficit and severe cuts proposed in city services less than a month before the budget had to be finalized and adopted. Either the City Council didn't know about the financial problems, or intentionally hid them from the public. In either case, it demonstrates that more transparency in the budgeting process — not less — is required. • Item 6, reducing the qualifications of the City Clerk is ridiculous. Claims that there are problems in its subjectivity are specious. Similar language is used to describe a business degree throughout the business world — and the city has never been unable to find a Clerk using the qualifications currently in place. Declaring no specificity for the qualifications of this key city position, which would allow someone with no business background and a degree in Physical Education or Art History to qualify, cannot possibly be better than the current requirements. • Item 7, "local control" over elections is surely the worst of all the proposed changes. This is where the ad hoc committee's lack of experience, knowledge of election systems, and lack of regard for the logistical challenges and costs of running a municipal election is obvious. o Several of the recommended changes contradict California law, which is apparently a legal fight the council majority is eager to take on. 2 o Under California election laws, approaching a voter and asking for ID is voter intimidation, a serious criminal offense. Is the City prepared to indemnify and defend each of those poll workers? o Also under California law, changes to a City Charter are only allowed on the General Election ballot — does the City have some secret agreement with the OC Registrar to join the City in violating state election law? o If these "local control" election protocols were approved, the City would then have to take on the entire burden of running the election — purchasing whatever equipment is required, hiring and training election workers, printing and mailing ballots and voter information, and all the other logistical issues. This process could never come near the proven security and integrity of the systems now in use by the OC Registrar. The proposed "local control" process would NOT make the elections more secure, it would make the city's elections MUCH MORE VULNERABLE TO FRAUD! o It would also SUPPRESS VOTER TURNOUT. Historically, city- managed municipal elections have very low turnout — only 15-27% of registered voters actually vote, vs. over 60% in a general election. People don't turn out for a variety of reasons including uncertainty about the date, the shift to polling sites that may be unfamiliar and which require voters to be in a specific precinct, and shortened voting hours which conflict with the person's work or other obligations. o There would no doubt be lawsuits filed against the city by many of the groups that fight for free and fair elections on behalf of voters. o And it would obligate the city to take on an unnecessary expense of millions of taxpayer dollars for each election in future years. The ad hoc committee surely did NOT think these things through. • The proposed changes that would make the City Attorney's office virtually autonomous are especially dangerous. It's preposterous to consider taking away the City Council's rights to investigate problems independent of the City Attorney. We have already had at least one incident where the City Attorney had a clear conflict of interest. The Council must have the ability to act on its own as needed. And why would the City Attorney's department have protection from budget cuts that no other department has? These proposals amount to a restructuring of the 3 balance of power in the city that completely contradicts the original intent of the City Charter in structuring a balanced system of government. • Other proposed changes — such as forbidding the city from entering into agreements where property taxes are waived in exchange for some other benefit; and incorporating the city's existing flag ordinance into the City Charter, are simply unnecessary and may prevent future City Councils from solving unforeseen problems. To summarize, these proposed changes to the City Charter are not justified by any existing problem, they do not reflect any sort of citizen input or review (which probably would have exposed at least some of the various fallacies now evident), and moving forward with them now, without further explanation and justification could be disastrous. Who could imagine that the newly-elected council members, who ran for office on the promise of not attempting to change the City Charter, would move so quickly to change the charter in such dramatic ways with so little thought or preparation? Sincerely, C"Shammy" Dingus Huntington Beach shammyd@mac.com 4 Switzer, Donna From: Diane <dianesgotopnions@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:04 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Oppose Item#30 I strongly oppose moving any of the proposed charter amendments to the primary ballot. They were not drafted in accordance with the city's own rules or charter requirements. There was no citizen commission,only a 3 person ad hoc committee that developed these behind closed doors. None of the proposed charter changes are needed for good governance. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Judy Cawley <judycawley@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:53 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: City Council meeting.Sept. 5th, 2023 I DO NOT agree with the actions being considered by the City Council at tonight's meeting. Huntington Beach boasts of being a city of"Freedoms". Free people do not negate other peoples views and rights. I have lived in this City for 22 years, and my Grandchildren for all their lives. This City Council is incurring unnecessary costs and wasting the people's time and money on their own narrow, biased, points of view. "We The People" means All the People. Stop mixing your religious beliefs and biases into the City's business. You were elected to serve the best interests of All The People. Stop wasting our money! Judy Cawley 19572 Sardinia Lane Huntington Beach,CA 92646 Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Switzer, Donna From: Anne Gollay <agollay@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:57 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Oppose Agenda Items#30, #31, #32, #34 and #35 Dear Council Members, Oppose Agenda Item#30 I am writing in opposition to all Charter amendments as proposed. The Orange County voting process is functioning exceptionally well, and there is no need for the City of Huntington Beach to insert itself into the process at all. There is no valid reason to spend money to "fix"what is not broken.The underlying message of these proposed voting process changes is clearly an attempt to impose the council majority's false beliefs of voter fraud onto the citizens of HB. It is also clear that Michael Gates is unduly influencing policy and changes to the City Charter to serve his own interests. The citizens of HB need to pay attention here. The City Attorney is an employee of the City, and thereby serves all residents. He reports to the City Council and is not the final say on anything. Where are the checks and balances in these proposed changes to the City Attorney's role? Oppose Agenda Items#31,#32, and#34 Mr. Strickland has demonstrated a very biased and narrow-minded approach to his role as Mayor. He has had ample opportunity to bridge the divides that exist in this city. This is evidenced in his appointment of only his like-minded colleagues on the council to almost every committee,to the exclusion of the minority members. Although,thanks to Mr. Strickland, the minority on the council are not getting to do much on any committee,the minority retains an extremely strong base of support. We would like to see their expertise, intelligence and empathy put to good use on council matters, and not just be shoved aside. A prime example of Mr. Strickland's bias is wanting to censure Ms. Moser, after it was very clearly Ms.Van Der Mark who interrupted Ms. Moser to begin with, and began yelling at Ms. Moser. Mr.Strickland and others interrupted Ms. Moser multiple times and didn't give her a chance to complete her thoughts. Also, I didn't catch which council member it was who told Ms. Moser, "well,don't think," but whoever that was deserves to be censured. Mr. Strickland could have shown some open-mindedness by including one of the non-majority council members on the Ad-Hoc committee to revise the policy on Human Dignity. If he had, perhaps the tone of this entire council might have been changed for the better. Openness and willingness to see and hear others' points of view takes courage,and sadly I don't see that in Mr. Strickland.The dissolution of the Human Relations Committee also reflects a lack of courage on the part of Mr. Burns and Ms.Van Der Mark, and demonstrates that they don't really care about issues faced by ALL residents, only those who agree with their opinions. To follow up on that, the new draft policy on Human Dignity is appalling. It is clearly discriminating against LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, and in particular, transgender people. It also doesn't address hate incidents and crimes that DO occur in our city against all minorities. I do not understand the fixation on sexual grooming. Again,this is where the majority council members are imposing their beliefs on all residents. As much as you may not like it, minorities of all kinds live in our city, and all have the same rights. HB has a very bad reputation for intolerance and bigotry, and I would not be surprised if this goes against the city during the selection of host cities for the Olympic Games. Oppose Agenda Item#35 1 I am also concerned with the ignorance exhibited in Ms.Van Der Mark's"No mask and vaccine mandate" proposal. There are no mandates in place, and there are unlikely to be any in the future. However,Covid-19 continues to take lives, and it has been scientifically proven that masks and vaccines help prevent infections, make them shorter, less serious and reduce fatalities. What is wrong with that? Respectfully, Anne Gollay 2 30 Switzer, Donna From: Scott Malabarba <scott@malabarba.org> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:16 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: regarding multiple agenda items for the Sept 5 council meeting Dear Huntington Beach City Council members, Council members Moser, Kalmick,and Bolton,thank you for your ongoing courage and integrity. For the council as a whole, my comments on a number of agenda items for September 5 follow. In (wary)support of 23-732,e-bikes This looks like a genuine effort to address a real problem that falls with the city council's purview. Excellent, please do more of that! In opposition to 23-731,censure of Natalie Moser The Proud Boys is an hate group that harbors criminals,terrorists,and traitors to this nation. Its purpose is to do harm to entire segments of the American population, including tens of thousands of citizens of the city you serve.So,yes, if an elected official has any association with this organization or espouses its beliefs,such as that the Holocaust was a hoax, that is relevant.And it is fair to ask if they are the right person to revise a policy that was authored to take a stand against those very beliefs. This censure not about civility. It is a blatant attempt to silence a council member who asked a question that some don't want answered. In opposition to 23-734,revising the policy on human dignity. "Protect children!" Of course--everyone wants to protect children. If you were sincere,you would know that queer and trans youth face drastically elevated risk of bullying, harassment, sexual assault, and suicide,and you would use your position to support and protect them. Most of us are not looking to the city government to tell us how gender roles should work or what they suppose the differences between the sexes to be. Furthermore,given the history of this city council in attacking librarians and educators, I find this wording around sports to be concerning.Will you next target PE teachers? I am not sure what to make of the paragraph stating that the council will "...vigorously fight criminal activity that risks some one's [sic] freedoms..." Does it mean to imply that the police and city authorities have not been pursuing the apprehension of criminals?Or perhaps, in light of the censure of Ms. Moser, it's a threat: violate our freedom to hurt queer people without consequence and we'll turn the law on you. "...lend your voice in support of treating and respecting all people equally."An admirable sentiment,and I look forward to you all joining me with your voice in support of treating and respecting queer and trans people equally. 1 Let's be honest--this was never a good faith attempt. It was only ever about erasing the original intent of a policy on human dignity that has been in place for decades. You could just leave it alone and move on. In opposition to 23-700,special election and charter amendment Prior to and during the June 26 special council meeting, we were told that the city was facing budget shortfalls in the upcoming years and that major cuts across most city departments would be necessary.The city will be paying out 8 million+dollars in lawsuits. So how can the city afford 1.2 million for this election, plus ongoing and unspecified costs for items like running elections? The structure of the proposed ballot measures is manipulative. Consistently, I see a prominent voter-baiting item (election takeover, ban Pride flags at City Hall) mixed in with completely unrelated items that look innocuous but add power and reduce accountability for the council majority and city attorney. Every ballot item is a terrible idea (with the possible exception of the Measure C update, which sounds benign, but at this point who knows?). Good-faith and well-authored ballot measures would be clearly and simply structured and allow voters to separately choose on unrelated items.This special election will probably happen, so I can only hope that HB votes smarter this time around. Comment on 23-741, "safeguards"for library materials. Of course the library staff has asked for more time --you have presented them with an insuperable problem. The library contains thousands of books that many reasonable parents would agree are inappropriate for young readers: most of the horror,thriller, suspense, and true crime sections; much of fantasy, science fiction, and literature; some history; and the entire romance section (most of us, of course,just pay attention to our kids and don't expect these books to be locked up). If you were sincere,you would be concerned about all of these and not just Genderqueer. If you were sincere,you would have also noted that commercial bookstores stock the same books.There's little point in "protecting" children from these books at the library if they can just read them at Barnes and Noble. So you'll need to go tell store management that they must rearrange their displays to meet your requirements.And then get sued (again). I hope some of you have realized that this whole effort is a can of worms that will accomplish nothing and cost the city time, money, and people.You could just make a note to better publicize the library's existing policies and move on. Comment on 23-726, payouts from litigation reserves These lawsuits predate current leadership. However, I would hope that upon having to pay out millions of dollars in taxpayer money,the city would learn its lesson and not do it again.Yet,the city is constantly embroiled in lawsuits over housing; the current council has doubled down on its stubborn refusal to comply with decades-old state law. It's not "fighting for HB" if you keep losing. In opposition to 23-738,anti-mask and anti-vax nonsense This is pure theater. Attempting to override any county or state policies will probably just get the city sued (again). What is most amusing about this item is that the people who are cheering for it never really cared, not even when people were dying of Covid in HB every day.They certainly are not waiting for permission from the city council to rip off their masks.This accomplishes nothing and makes HB look stupid. 2 Comment on 23-693,dissolve various committees and boards I have no background on this matter. Perhaps it is entirely benign. However, in the context of other activities of the current city council, such as 23-700, I am suspicious about the unexplained dissolution of the Environmental and Sustainability Board, the Smart Cities and Technology Committed, and the Youth Board. Comment on 23-673,IRC contracts I would never have noticed this were it not pointed out to me. "...staff proposes to recommend to the City Council to approve a 2-year professional services agreement for Federal legislative advocacy services with Van Scoyoc & Associations and another 2-year professional services agreement for State legislative advocacy services with Mercury" But the plan is to "to execute a Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services", the lowest- ranked vendor with just over half the overall score of the recommended vendor? I have no background on this matter. Again, however, in the context of other activities of the current city council, such as 23-700, it looks suspicious and I have to wonder what underlying motives might be at play. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Scott Malabarba, HB resident 3 Switzer, Donna From: Jeanne Farrens <jeannefarrens@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 11:01 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 30 Dear Councilmembers: I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 30, submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval on a proposed March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election. These amendments were created behind closed doors by a so-called ad hoc committee composed of Mayor Strickland, Maypr Pro Tern Van Der Mark and Council member Pat Burns with no expert or community input. This entire agenda item and its proposals in fact run afoul of California's governing codes 34457 and 34458. Code 34457 designates that a charter commission (not an ad hoc committee) must propose charter changes and submit such to the voters in a statewide general (not primary) election, and only after submitting copies of the charter changes to voters by mail. Code 34458 presents the other alternative to the process of approving charter amendments. Charter amendments may be voted on in a general election (again, not a primary election), but only after holding two public hearings, advertised in a newspaper and posted in 3 public places 21 days prior to the date of each public hearing. There are other requirements such as holding one public hearing outside of normal business hours. Finally, "the governing body shall not conduct a vote on whether to approve the submission to the voters of the proposal...until 21 days after the public hearing." None of this happened. Whether or not the Council majority who is proposing this amendment was aware of these governing codes or not remains unknown. What is known, however, is that In their short time on the City Council, the majority council members, Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Gracie Van Der Mark, Casey McKeon and Pat Burns, have proposed some extreme policies, but the 3 charter amendment ballot measures being proposed for voter approval in a special 2024 Statewide Primary Election is the most extreme. At its core, it is a blatant odious attack on the right of every American to cast a vote that expresses his or her choice. One person. One vote. One choice. That is the essence of the sacred Constitutionally guaranteed right of every American. But the Council majority proposes to take away that choice. The agenda falsely identifies 3 proposed ballot measures. Insidiously inserted in each individual "measure" are actually 3 or 4 ballot issues all of which are unrelated to each other. But the measure in its entirety calls for either a Yes or No vote. So if a voter supports one of the issues but not another there is no way to choose. This appears to have been purposely created by a self-serving Council majority precisely to sow confusion in order to pass the most autocratic—and possibly illegal — proposals in a most egregious and fraudulent attack on the very cornerstone of our democracy— each individual's Constitutionally guaranteed voter rights. Furthermore, this agenda item presents a clear and present danger to the future of democratic elections in Huntington Beach. Not only are the proposals written in such a way as to deny true voter choice, but the proposals themselves present challenges to guaranteeing a free and fair election. In taking away County control of the election —which in fact again might be illegal —the proposals include municipal monitoring of ballot boxes with no explanation or understanding of cost or logistics of leaving the County voting platform and no explanation of the process. Where will those ballot boxes be? Up to now, ballot boxes have been conveniently available throughout the city. They are locked and secured and a voter can track his or her ballot. Where will the proposed city controlled elections place their ballot boxes? In someone's garage? In a cardboard box?And who will be the election monitors? Proud Boys? 1 The significance of this agenda item cannot be overstated. If passed, this amendment will not just impact any one political party or ideology. This is an attack on EVERY voter. Agenda Item 30 is a deceptive and dangerous proposal. Every Council member who purports to truly believe in democracy and professes to serve the citizens of Huntington Beach should oppose and reject this item. Sincerely, Jeanne Farrens 2 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 10:01 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: City Charter and Policy on Human Dignity Meeting:05Sep3034 Get Outlook for iOS From: karen mundwiler<craig.karen@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Monday,September 4, 2023 9:49:11 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Charter and Policy on Human Dignity Meeting:055ep3034 City Council Members for Huntington Beach, I wish to express my sincere opposition to the items drafted in the two ad hoc committee items that are up for review and vote on 05Sep2023. Specifically: Charter Review: Item#7: approximately 25%of Huntington Beach is non-white. By adopting the proposed changes,without concern for the diverse make-up of Huntington Beach, and considering there have been no documented concerns expressed by the Orange County Registrar of Voters regarding the security of our elections, I find this proposal to limit voter polling locations and to require city monitoring to be nothing short of voter intimidation. Shame on you for disrespecting the citizens of Huntington Beach. Furthermore, and without adequate investigation and justification, this proposal will increase costs to Huntington Beach residents. You must vote NO;this change is inappropriate, unjustified and disrespectful of our rights to a fair and equal election process. Item#2: City Council Meetings must be cancelled when a quorum is not available. It is inappropriate for any group (majority, minority or otherwise), duly elected to represent the residents of Huntington Beach, to proceed without properly representing all citizens of Huntington Beach. You must vote NO;fair representation and democracy must be upheld. Item#6: There is no room for nepotism in government We have appropriate qualification requirements for the City Clerk in place already; there is no reason to make changes. Vote NO. Policy on Human Dignity: This policy, as written, suggests that the authors have no respect for people who are gender different. And to the person or persons who wrote this document, I suggest you go to the library and review proper grammar and rewrite this policy prior to calling for a vote. With regards, Karen Mundwiler(Huntington Beach homeowner) 8252 Tyler Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92646 1 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 10:00 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Oppose Items# 15, 16, 30, 32, 34, and 35 on the September 5, 2023 HB City Council Agenda Get Outlook for iOS From: Pat Goodman <patgoodman@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:26:33 PM To: Strickland,Tony<Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org>; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Fikes, Cathy<CFikes@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Oppose Items# 15, 16, 30, 32, 34, and 35 on the September 5, 2023 HB City Council Agenda Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I submit my comments in addition to my previous email to Oppose Agenda Items # 31 C and # 34, to you with the understanding that not one of you received a majority of eligible votes in the elections in which you were elected to office. With this consideration in mind, I hope that your votes on Tuesday night will reflect the best interest of all of the people who look to you to represent them, and do what is best to have a well-run American beach city in the 21st century. Oppose # 15- Consider Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) recommendation to approve and authorize execution of Professional Services Contracts with Kahn, Soares, & Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services Why would the council approve a contract with the least qualified applicant, Stapleton & Associates, per the RFP analysis? In addition there are 3 contracts identified in items # 26, 27, 28 that are to be rescinded. Why? The RFP process is very costly and time consuming, and in these cases for projects that will benefit residents. Why would the city go back to the beginning of the RFP process. Please explain the need to do this. Oppose #16, 30, 32, and 35 these items have no place in the operation of a well-run American beach city in the 21st century. These items appear to be political statements addressed to a minority of people and political supporters in city that highlight ideological differences between neighbors and family members and will only serve to anger and agitate the community and stain the reputation of Huntington Beach. Please withdraw these items from the agenda. 1 Oppose # 16 - Redirect staff to return to City Council on October 17, 2023 with actionable policy options regarding City library materials and safeguards We are blessed with an excellent library system here in Huntington Beach with excellent staff, enthusiastic volunteers, and wonderful patrons. Our library has a system in place to review questionable items raised by members of the community. There is a library commission, responsive library staff and ways for parents to monitor their child's book selections. Use the tools in place to address any questions or concerns. Oppose # 30 - Consider the submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval at the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election, and the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44 and 2023-45 Please reconsider these charter amendments. You've not engaged the community to identify the citizens' concerns around these issues. Take the time needed to include the public in this process in order for a successful outcome. Amendment # 1 Voter ID - what's wrong with the current system of signature verification? More In-person voting locations - will there be separate municipal ballots? Will voters be able to mail them to the City Clerk or OC Registrar of Voters? Monitoring (Ballot?) Drop Boxes - who monitors? Several questions on the election administration, cost to the city, and coordination with the county. What benefit is derived from pursuing the administration of the municipal elections? What are the costs? What problems and challenges have occurred with the current administration of elections in Huntington Beach? How do these measures protect from voter intimidation? Clarify voters elect the City Attorney as the city's legal counsel free from interference from city officials I am most concerned with Amendment #1 office of City Attorney amendments. This is a consolidation of power around the office of City Attorney and a blow to voter protections. This is a tremendous overreach and consolidation of power including the issues of independence, transparency, accountability by the City Attorney. This office serves the legal interests of the city (the people) and by extension the city council. If there is a conflict of interest by the city attorney's office on a legal matter such as wrongful termination claims from employees and the City Attorney. How can the City Attorney represent and defend the city and her/himself in such a case? The council must solicit legal opinion from an independent attorney outside of the city's employees in order to defend itself. The City Attorney must take direction from the Council and be a resource to the City 2 Manager, Police and Fire chiefs and other city leadership, and if, for some reason he/she cannot fulfill their role to defend the city. Amendment # 2 Provide that the only flags that shall be displayed by the City on City property are: the U.S., County of Orange, City of HB flags, and the Pow, Armed Forces flags Adopt a Two -Year Budget City Clerk * City Treasurer elections to the gubernatorial cycle These are mostly unnecessary, except the adoption of a Two Year Budget. Some economy will be realized. - enough said. Amendment # 3 Require voter approval of any City transaction that forgives, etc. the collection of property (taxes) in excess of $100,000 per year, except acquisition of property for parks or infrastructure. Why do we elect representatives? I hope to carry out the business of the city. Why handcuff councilmembers from resources to address inadequate housing opportunities for its residents. The two properties brought in to provide middle income housing and encourage the possibility of living - working - playing in the same city. Why not provide an opportunity for people to live according to their means and aspire to owning a home in the same city? Wouldn't that provide economic advantage to the city in the long term? The # 1 responsibility for the city is to address the housing needs of its residents. You do that through zoning and developer incentives. This action is not forced on any council. Oppose Item # 31 B, C, D, E, F, and H - this sweeping agenda item to dissolve and consolidate boards and commissions. Huntington Beach takes pride in its citizen participation and volunteerism. Boards and commissions provide support and oversight functions to the city by interested citizens willing to volunteer their time and expertise on particular subjects. Update exceptions to Sec. 612 (Measure C) to allow certain children's playground equipment, park-related utility structures and public restrooms be built or improved with limitation Please be careful to not encroach on precious open space. Update the procedures to cancel a regular City Council meeting 3 Another example of consolidation of power into the hands of one elected official. Please don't approve this. Oppose # 35 - Submitted by Mayor Pro Teem Van Der Mark - Resolution Declaring City to be a "No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate" City The County of Orange has the responsibility, and resources to issue public health safe guards. Viruses don't have any bounds. Please don't meddle in an arena of public health that the city has no expertise or resources to manage. Thank you for considering my comments. Pat Goodman 4 Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:59 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Will wonders never cease! Get Outlook for iOS From:Shirlee Krause<shirleekrause@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:32:28 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Will wonders never cease! City Council Members, Just when you believe it's safe to attend and/or read City Council Agendas, somebody(ies) try to pull some "fast ones" past well-meaning Huntington Beach residents! Vote NO on Agenda Item 34: File 23-731 Censure of Natalie Moser. Seriously? Censuring a person who was merely trying to get the answer from the person appointed by our Mayor to review the Statement on Human Dignity. Come on,that's ridiculous! Since when are sincere questions by a person without malice or intent to harm now needing to be censured? I thought I lived in a democracy here in Huntington Beach, America,yet some wisenheimers who want to rule and dictate their beliefs are always, somehow,trying to sneak past already approved guidelines by professionals for their own personal benefit. Case in point,The Orange County Health Care Agency is best qualified to decide for the public, not some "hot shot, know-it-alls" who apparently are acting out for self aggrandizing! Vote NO on Agenda Item 35: File 23-735 Re fvtasks and Vaccines. Last, but most certainly not least,what's this nonsense about a three-person Ad Hoc Committee reviewing our City Charter? Since when does a minority--ad hoc or not--have the authority?! My goodness,what has our City Council become? I and a great number of seniors like me want to know! Please vote NO on Agenda Item 30 and congratulate yourselves on a great decision. Respectfully submitted, Shirlee Krause shirleekrause@yahoo.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Paula Schaefer <pas92649@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:30 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Vote NO on Agenda Item # 30; File No. 23-700 Mayor and Members of the City Council: It is urgent that you vote NO on EACH resolution. This Charter Amendment does not meet the necessary statutory requirements. This is a poorly thought out and ridiculously expensive proposal that reeks of a power grab by the Ad Hoc Committee.There are multiple reasons to reject the proposed resolutions. 1. The City's Charter in Section 804 states that the City Council shall determine if there is a need to convene a citizen's Charter Review Commission to conduct a review of the City Charter no less frequently than every ten years. How was this determination made such that an "Ad Hoc Committee" composed solely of 3 City Council members constituted a review of the City Charter resulting in these 9 proposed revisions to the City's Charter? If such a significant number of revisions to the Charter are warranted, why not convene a Charter Review Commission?At the very least involve more than 3 relatively new elected officials! Why weren't HB residents informed of the meetings and allowed to participate, as was done in the past? 2. The proposed Charter Amendments cannot be voted on at the March 2024 Statewide Primary Election because CA Elections Code section 1415 requires that "a city charter proposal proposed by the governing body of a city... on its own motion that qualifies pursuant to section 9255 shall be submitted to the voters at the next established statewide general election pursuant to Elec. Code Section 1200. Section 1200 defines the established statewide general election as the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in each even-numbered year. 3. Also, CA Government Code section 34458 requires that the governing body of a city or city and county, on its own motion may propose or cause to be proposed, amend or cause to be amended, or repeal or cause to be repealed, a charter, and may submit the proposal for the adoption, amendment, or repeal thereof, to the voters at the next established statewide general election pursuant to Section 1200 of the Elections Code. This does not allow voting on a proposed Charter Amendment at the March 2024 primary election. 4 Further, the vast expansion of the City Attorney's authority within the City's structure, as proposed, creates significant potential problems for future City Councils. How would a future City Council be able to obtain a second opinion on a legal matter if this proposed change is enacted? This is just one example of poorly conceived revisions contained within this agenda item, The proposed revisions to the City's Charter create problems where none - or minor ones exist and in doing so exposes the City to more litigation, and significant costs that were not budgeted for fiscal year 23/24. The statutory requirements have not been met. Therefore, this City Council must vote NO on each of the 4 Resolutions proposed in Agenda item # 30, file number 23-700. Paula Schaefer Switzer, Donna From: Paula Shawa <PShawa@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:31 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 30/Charter amendments/City Council Meeting Sept. 5 I strongly oppose moving forward on the proposed charter amendments. This majority Far Right City Council has no problem spending taxpayer money... $1.2 million? This is crazy. Paula Shawa, 16822 Edgewater Lane, HB i Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 8:35 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Agenda Item#30 Get Outlook for iOS From: Kathy McGuire<kzm@dslextreme.com> Sent: Monday,September 4, 2023 7:52:54 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item#30 The city charter is working fine. None of the proposed changes are solutions to problems we actually have. Unnecessary. Vote no. 1 Karin Easter Gurwell 7755 Center Avenue Suite 1100 Huntington Beach CA 92647-3091 karineaster@gurwelllaw.com September 5, 2023 Tony Strickland Gracey Van Der Mark Pat Burns Casey McKeon Dan Kalmick Natalie Moser Rhonda Bolton 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Dear Councilpersons: I request a "No"vote on the proposed censure of Natalie Moser. As a resident and business owner in Huntington Beach since 1988, I am increasingly dismayed at the hate and disregard shown by the majority of the current City council. Please start representing the interests of the City. I support human rights. I support flying a pride flag each June to recognize our diversity and our goal of inclusiveness and respect for all. I oppose violating State law regarding housing requirements. I especially oppose frivolous, repeated lawsuits that vainly seek to invalidate State law. I oppose further impediments to voting access. I support self-determination, specifically as to gender identification. I support freedom to live,which may require masking or vaccine regulations. Huntington Beach should never be a haven for viruses or other ills in defiance of State and Federal regulations. Please vote against proposed charter Amendments 1, 2 and 3. We want to live in a safe, rational, fiscally wise City. Karin Easter Gurwell Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:11 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Tonight's agenda items From: Erin Spivey<erinisalibrarian@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:04 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject:Tonight's agenda items Dear City Council, I am once again writing to city council to express my dismay and outrage over proposed agenda items. On the charter amendments: First,the charter amendments are the height of hypocrisy to be supported by the majority,who made it a huge part of their campaign to never change the charter. Secondly,the proposed changes are solutions in search of a problem. We do not have any voter fraud problems in Orange County, or in California in general. The OC Registrar runs an impeccable election system and not once has Huntington Beach had a problem with any of it. Asking now for voter IDs and ballot box watching is solely to cater to right wing conspiracists! Additionally,these amendments themselves are going to cost the city over a million dollars just to have an election over! How can we be spending this money after our June meeting in which the majority said we didn't have enough money to run the city and threatened to close the libraries to make ends meet? Where is this million dollars going to come from? Where will the untold millions come from after the city is inevitably sued for these items that run against OC and California voter laws?How does the city plan to budget for implementing these items??Should we expect more library and park closures to pay for these conspiracies? Lastly, changing the clerk qualifications smacks of cronyism! Why would we want an important office like City Clerk to be less qualified? It makes no sense other than to put someone in office that this majority will directly benefit from. On the Human Dignity statement, I encourage the council to rewrite this horrendous statement. Why are including statements about gender and keeping them separate?In addition to being scientifically inaccurate (since you used the word genetic in order to give it cover as having scientific value) it is harmful to more people than just trans individuals (who are less than 1%of the population)to seek to pigeon hole people into just one type of gender expression. The city should focus on city business and leave trans people alone. On becoming a"No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate"city, I hope and pray we never experience another pandemic in our lifetimes. But should that occur,why do we need to set ourselves up again as a place opposed to science and compassion? Which brings me to my last point, on the censure of Councilwoman Moser: should the council censure Councilwoman Moser for asking a valid question? Councilwoman VanDerMark's own Youtube channel asked that question. How is Moser now to be punished for asking the same of VanDerMark? Why is Council Member Burns not being censured for inferring that librarians and library staff pedofiles and groomers at the June 20th meeting? i How are we so far removed from human decency that we have to question strongly held beliefs of our council members? It is because the majority on this council continue to push items that are not only unnecessary and costly,but that lack compassion and understanding of our fellow residents. Tonight's shameful agenda highlights just how far the majority of this council have strayed from their own promises, and from the will of the residents of Huntington Beach. Erin Spivey 30 year resident 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:40 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Tonight's Agenda From:Joclyn Rabbitt-Sire<joclynsire@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:23 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Strickland,Tony<Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org>; McKeon, Casey<Casey.McKeon@surfcity-hb.org>;Van Der Mark, Gracey<Gracey.VanDerMark@surfcity-hb.org>; Moser, Natalie<Natalie.Moser@surfcity-hb.org>; Burns, Pat <Pat.Burns@surfcity-hb.org>; Kalmick, Dan <Dan.Kalmick@surfcity-hb.org>; Bolton, Rhonda <Rhonda.Bolton@surfcity- hb.org> Subject:Tonight's Agenda Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers Bolton, Burns, Kalmick, McKeon, and Moser, I am writing to ask you to please vote no on the following agenda items for tonight's meeting: 15,16,22,29,30,31,32,34, and 35. I will explain my rationale for a few of them below: Item #34, the Move to Censure Council Member Moser has no place on the agenda, and must be voted down. Anyone who watches the heated exchange from the August 1 meeting can see that it is the Mayor Pro Tem, not the Councilwoman who is making attacks and defamatory allegations. The questions Councilwoman Moser posed are germane to the matter of choosing members of an ad-hoc committee charged with amending the City's Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity, and were made because of factual evidence that would cast Mayor Pro-Tern Van der Mark's ability to guide the revisions fairly and impartially in doubt. Please vote NO on this item. Item #30, Introducing city charter amendment ballot measures for Mar 5, 2023 primary election, is an extremely cumbersome one that would waste taxpayer dollars and harm the community in a multiplicity of ways if the proposed ballot measures pass. The provision consolidating authority to cancel city council meetings in the mayor alone takes voice away from the other members on the council. Proposing an ordinance to require voter ID and monitor drop boxes is a move to restrict voting access. The measure concerning flags on city property is confusing, because the council majority already voted to restrict the flags flown, taking away the display of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag over City property in June. The only positive thing I can see about that measure is the possibility that the voters would have the chance to reverse the previous decision made by the Council. What would make more sense is for the Council to reverse the decision made on the flag policy earlier in the year. Please refrain from wasting $1.2 million of the taxpayers' money to front this set of harmful ballot measures. Item #32 appears to only "consider" the revisions made to the Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity and not move to approve them. Good thing, because the draft is nowhere near ready to approve! Please consider the revisions detrimental to HB's character as a community and throw them out. Please go ahead and follow part B of the item, and dissolve the ad-hoc committee, which produced the shameful draft, and leave the Declaration alone! Thank you for your consideration. 1 Joclyn Rabbitt-Sire Resident of SE Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:40 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: 9/5 Agenda items From:Sumi Yata<sumiyata@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:31 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject:9/5 Agenda items Dear City Council, Sadly, I am writing to you again to express my outrage over proposed agenda items. Regarding the charter amendments: First, the charter amendments are the height of hypocrisy to be supported by the majority, who made it a huge part of their campaign to never change the charter. Secondly, the proposed changes are solutions in search of a problem. We do not have any voter fraud problems in Orange County, or in California in general. The OC Registrar runs an impeccable election system and not once has Huntington Beach had a problem with any of it. Asking now for voter IDs and ballot box watching is solely to cater to right wing conspiracists! Additionally, these amendments themselves are going to cost the city over a million dollars just to have an election over! How can we be spending this money after our June meeting in which the majority said we didn't have enough money to run the city and threatened to close the libraries to make ends meet? Where is this million dollars going to come from? Where will the untold millions come from after the city is inevitably sued for these items that run against OC and California voter laws? How does the city plan to budget for implementing these items?? Should we expect more library and park closures to pay for these conspiracies? Lastly, changing the clerk qualifications smacks of cronyism! Why would we want an important office like City Clerk to be less qualified? It makes no sense other than to put someone in office that this majority will directly benefit from. On the Human Dignity statement, I encourage the council to rewrite this horrendous statement. Why are including statements about gender and keeping them separate? In addition to being scientifically inaccurate (since you used the word genetic in order to give it cover as having scientific value) it is harmful to more people than just trans individuals (who are less than 1% of the population) to seek to pigeon hole people into just one type of gender expression. The city should focus on city business and leave trans people alone. 1 On becoming a "No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate" city: Hopefully, we will never have a situation like we had with the early stages of the pandemic, which is still around, in case you haven't noticed! ! But, if it should happen, why would we have this kind of mandate when masks and vaccines have been proven to be effective! ! Which brings me to my last point, on the censure of Councilwoman Moser: should the council censure Councilwoman Moser for asking a valid question? Councilwoman VanDerMark's own Youtube channel asked that question. How is Moser now to be punished for asking the same of VanDerMark? Why is Council Member Burns not being censured for inferring that librarians and library staff pedofiles and groomers at the June 20th meeting? How are we so far removed from human decency that we have to question strongly held beliefs of our council members? It is because the majority on this council continue to push items that are not only unnecessary and costly, but that lack compassion and understanding of our fellow residents. Tonight's shameful agenda highlights just how far the majority of this council have strayed from their own promises, and from the will of the residents of Huntington Beach. I am saddened and outraged when I read the many articles about Huntington Beach in the newspaper. What kind of city have we become? Sadly, I know the emails that you read about these items are going to fall on deaf ears. You DO NOT represent our city well! Jane Yata 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:41 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Please oppose agenda items 15, 16, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35 From:Jessamyn Garner<jessamyngarner@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Please oppose agenda items 15, 16, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35 Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I wish I could attend the meeting tonight, but unfortunately I was exposed to Covid over the weekend. I want to keep my neighbors safe so I plan to stay home. As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am appalled by many items on tonight's agenda. The policies and decisions that are being considered are hurtful to minorities in this community and they do not represent my values of inclusion and integrity. I urge you to oppose agenda items 15, 16, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, and 35. Specifically, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I reject the statement of Human Dignity that has been warped to include transphobic rhetoric that will directly impact my ability to live in this community. I know based on previous behavior and voting records from the council that this email and the hundreds of other comments you will receive in the next 18 hours will not likely change your minds. Just know that your constituents are paying attention to your actions and we will vote accordingly. Making it harder for us to vote and passing threatening policies will not deter us from showing up to the polls. On the contrary, it will galvanize us and we will show up in even greater numbers. We won't allow this city to continue to be led by hateful rhetoric and exclusionary policies. Jessamyn Garner (they/them) 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:08 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: September 5 agenda From: Hb Mill <hbmillie@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:49 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: September 5 agenda Dear Council Members, I write to the City Council to express my opposition to three agenda items on the September 5, 2023 agenda. Item 30: 23-700: I oppose the submission of three Charter amendments to the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election. The current Charter serves the City well and the cost of$1,200,000 could be better used for other city services. Item 32: 23-734: I oppose the Ad Hoc Committee's amended Policy on Human Dignity. The policy adopted on November 16, 2021 serves all residents of Huntington Beach. The proposed policy discriminates against certain classes of residents. Item 33: 23-732: I oppose the censure of Councilperson Natalie Moser. Councilperson Moser's behavior was appropriate and acceptable for the discussion on August 1, 2023. Should this censure occur, all Council members should be afraid to have challenging, but needed, conversations at future Council meetings. I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for 28 years and have sent 3 children through our public schools. I have voted in every election for the last 36 years and I look forward to voting for the next City Council members. Your vote on these issues will be remembered. Millie Starks 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:56 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Comments on agenda items for 9/5/2023 Council Meeting From: shirleynixon@olympus.net<shirleynixon@olympus.net> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 10:21 AM To: City.Council@surfcity-hb.org. Subject: Comments on agenda items for 9/5/2023 Council Meeting Dear Council Members&associated staff, Please consider my comments, pasted below. Thank you, Shirley Nixon 8655 Fresno Circle #501C Huntington Beach, CA 92646 This evening's council meeting agenda contains a number of items of concern to me, a newer resident of California and Huntington Beach. The Council's recent trend toward tossing-out solid, carefully considered policies and traditions in favor of hastily drawn substitutes is troubling. Below are a few specifics: • Agenda #16: I oppose the City's attempt to involve itself in determining appropriate materials for its public libraries. • Agenda #30: I oppose the City's attempt to hastily alter the City Charter. For many reasons,these resolutions should be tabled. Charter amendments deserve more thorough public discussion and opportunities for input before putting them before the electorate. • Agenda#31: I oppose the wholesale dissolution of long-standing boards and commissions based upon recommendations from a committee that met for a short time and in secret. Good government suffers when elected officials cut off channels for obtaining input from educated volunteers who thoroughly and thoughtfully offer advice and/or collect data on specialized topics. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:24 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Agenda Original Message From: Ellen Garibaldi<ellenmgaribaldi@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:25 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City Council Agenda Dear City Council Members, I am a resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach. I am writing to oppose the following city council agenda items: -I oppose the proposed Amendment 1 to the city charter-I oppose the proposed Amendment 2 to the city charter.This feels like an attack on the LGBTQ community who are a part of this city as much as heterosexual people are. -I oppose the update to the human dignity policy. I don't think our city council needs to make this statement or make a statement on gender at all. Let families and sports leagues make their own decisions. -I oppose the censure of Ms. Moser. Unfortunately, per reporting from the LA times, Ms.Van Der Mark's social media account was linked to Holocaust denial videos in the past, so a conversation regarding ability to serve on a human dignity committee appears warranted. Thank for your time and your consideration of the opinions of your residents of this beautiful city. Please focus on fewer lawsuits and spending less money on these lawsuits. Thank you, Ellen Garibaldi 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:30 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Items on September 5, 2023 From:Yvonne Duncan <yvduncan@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,September 5, 2023 12:02 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Items on September 5, 2023 I write in opposition to Agenda Items 16, 30 (A-E), 31 (A-K), 32, 33, and 34 16. Why is the City Council getting involved with determining standards for selection of materials in the public library? Librarians have Master's Degrees in Library Science and are well qualified to select books for our children. I worked for 18 years with preschool children and none attended the library by themselves. This is on the agenda because Councilmember VanderMark created an issue that wasn't a problem. Books are selected by qualified Librarians and not be unqualified City Council members or Lawyers. 30. The proposed charter amendments may not legally be put before the voters on a primary election ballot. Election code 9255 specifically requires that any charter amendments proposed by the governing body be considered on the General Election ballot. There is no exception that would apply to the proposed action. You can't ramrod this! 31. The dissolution of boards and commissions which have provided important and significant input and expertise to the City over many decades is shameful. How else can councilmembers learn about areas that they do not know? 32.The proposed amendment of the City's well-crafted compassionate Policy on Human Dignity is an attempt to diminish the importance of protecting traditionally targeted people of identified classifications. An improper religious reference is also relied upon to justify its provisions. The city has no legal control over the limitation of gender participation in activities and the human dignity statement is without any legal significance to the enforcement of civil rights. 33. This item creates another costly bureaucracy that would improperly distinguish rules for the operation of e-bikes from those of surrounding cities in a manner that could not be easily enforced. If the City is concerned about e-bikes, the issues of concern and appropriate amendments to the California Vehicle Code should be discussed with our State Representatives. 34. This proposal to censure Councilmember Moser is outrageous. It highlights the vindictiveness and personal animosity of the proponent councilmembers. Those councilmembers have declined to support any standards of decorum for council meetings and have repeatedly condoned assaultive language being used in reference to Councilmembers Kalmick, Moser. and Bolton by members of the public and themselves. There should be a request that staff draft a rational policy of council decorum. Sincerely, Yvonne Gonzalez Duncan i yvduncan(a�yahoo.com 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:32 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Charter amendments From:Jerry Donohue<outlook_3F76BA7571D23BF1@outlook.com> Sent:Tuesday,September 5, 2023 12:09 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CM0 STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Charter amendments I am opposed to spending 1.2 million dollars on the special election in March for these amendments.Too much rush to change things with this council majority. Minority viewpoints need to be heard in ad hoc committees and other discussions prior to the council meetings. Thanks, Jerry Donohue Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:32 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Sept 5 Agenda From: letters-clumpy-0r@icloud.com <letters-clumpy-Or@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:23 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Sept 5 Agenda Dear City Council, I am writing to city council to express my alarm and outrage over proposed agenda items. Part of your campaign was to never change the charter, and you are going back on your campaign promises. How can we support a council that does not try to deliver on the pledges they make when you are trying to get our votes. You are making problems where there are none. Voter fraud is not a problem in Orange County, but you are making it one. Our poll workers are trained and work to guarantee that we are afforded fair elections, all our votes counted and our rights as citizens preserved and protected. Why are you now asking for voter IDS and Ballot Box monitoring? This is voter intimidation at the highest level. This is a fomentation of conspiracy theories and is costing millions of dollars which will take away from other essential services that our city really needs. Changing the qualifications for the City Clerk doesn't make any sense. Shouldn't we want the most qualified people to hold offices of importance in our city!!! e at all. I support science, imposing no mask or vaccines mandates when they become necessary, totally goes against wisdom. Childhood diseases were almost irradiated and are now becoming a problem because people ignored science and chose not to vaccinate their kids. Covid's variants will keep being a problem because of that stance. I'm amazed at that things are being rehashed eat a cost of city funds, again which could be put to things that will benefit the community. We want a city government that will respectful of all of their citizens whatever their life choices may be!!! I urge you to be thoughtful when you are making decisions that affect all of us. And additionally, censuring a member of the council for asking questions is wrong and that is not what the citizens of our city want. I plan to be at the meeting to night. Thank you. Mary 52 year resident of HB 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 12:33 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Proposed Charter Amendments From: Douglas Hart<dbhart2001@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,September 5, 2023 12:30 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Proposed Charter Amendments I am writing concerning the proposed Charter Amendments that the Council plans to put on the ballot in March 2024. I have 2 concerns about these proposals. First is the packaging of the 3 Charter Amendments as they would appear on the ballot. The 3 amendments, as written, are a compilation of several unrelated topics that I believe can lead to voter confusion. I fail to understand why topics as diverse as Voter ID, giving the City Attorney new powers, prohibiting Pride Flags, changing the terms of the City Clerk and Treasurer, changing from an Annual to a 2-year budget, tax waivers, and how to cancel City Council meetings can be put together the way they were They need to be repackaged into amendments that have related topics to avoid misleading the City voters. My other concern is the content of the proposed Charter changes themselves. These are massive changes to the Charter which don't seem to be solving any actual problems and, on the face of them, look a bit political in nature The election changes seem to imply that the City Charter will override State Law in some cases. It installs a potentially illegal and undefined Voter ID requirement. It installs an undefined drop-box monitoring requirement, which seems out of the purview of the City. Whether intended or not, both sound a bit like voter suppression methods that have been implemented in other areas of the country I don't see any need for any of those items since there isn't a problem that they are solving. The proposal to give the City Attorney unprecedented powers with very limited oversight from the Council is worrisome. This essentially gives the City Attorney to do whatever he or she wants to do in the name of the City without any checks or balances. In addition, the amendment gives the City Attorney the power to prevent the citizens of the city from finding out what the City Attorney has done in the City's name. It is unclear what problem making the City budget biennial instead of annual actually solves. It would seem to limit the flexibility of the City to adjust the budget based on changing conditions in the economy. There needs to be a better justification of why this is necessary. I hope the members of the Council will take the time to reconsider some of these proposals and to repackage the amendments into sensible ballot measures before implementing them. Thank you. Douglas Hart 5221 Chadwick Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92649 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 3:47 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Opposing Censure and Amendments From: Kaitlin Mendoza <kaitlinjmendoza@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:03 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposing Censure and Amendments To whom it may concern, I am writing to say I strongly oppose the censuring of Councilwoman Natalie Moser. I also oppose the proposed changes to the amendments as well as the update to the policy on human dignity. Stop wasting our tax dollars on ridiculous motions such as these which have no benefit to the citizens of Huntington Beach. i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:10 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Changes to City Charter From:SUSAN WEXLER<sjwexler@msn.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Changes to City Charter Dear Council Members, As a long-time Huntington Beach resident, I am against the proposed city charter amendments. Not only are they government overreach, they will cost the city millions of dollars because they (the amendments), are against many State laws and will provoke lawsuits. Please do not vote for these amendments. They are unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money. Sincerely, Susan J. Wexler Get Outlook for iOS 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:10 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Charter Changes From: Martha <stjoemartha@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 1:56 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Charter Changes I urge you to stop tearing our city apart with these divisive changes to the City Charter. When you were running for office,you promised to not change the Charter. You also promised less government involvement. However, all you have done is create problems where they didn't exist so enhance your own egos. First, in June the President Pro Tem used lies and misleading statements to malign the HB Public Library and ban certain books. I know you don't want to use the term ban but restricting their availability is banning them from free public use. Your attempt to change voting processes and the public notifications on council meetings are attempts to take away our rights as citizens to observe and comment on your City Council activities. I'm appalled at your plans to ruin our city just for your own self serving purposes. HB Resident since 1991. Sent from Mail for Windows I. Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:11 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Agenda 9/5/23 From: Buffie Channel<hbbuffie@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,September 5, 2023 1:59 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject:City Council Agenda 9/5/23 Attention City Council, First of all, it is appalling that Strickland, Van der Mark, and McKeon never responded to my email regarding the attempted assault against me at the last meeting by the man who also harassed the mobile home group while they spoke. This man used profanity, flipped me off and subsequently attempted to injure me by trying to trip me as I went back to my seat. This man also cussed att the police officers and accused them of lying and called them "DICKHEADS" to their faces.Not one of you offered any concern, outreach or attempted to find out what happened. More appalling was the email I received from Mr. Burns -basically saying I should have been arrested,that I was the assaulter, and that I was the instigator. All lies- and absolutely disgusting. Shame on all of you 4 who supposedly "represent all of us". That man lied about me, he lied about the police and he was violent and should have been removed immediately. Mr. Stickland, as the "Presiding Officer" of the meeting you should have found out what happened and had the perpetrator removed.Had I been actually injured and wasn't able to catch myself from falling, you would be being sued. It is your duty under the Brown Act to provide a safe environment for the public to present their input to the Council. I cannot tell you how many people reached out to me to say that they don't feel safe in the Chambers right now while you all are in charge. That is really sad and reflects the culture and environment in the Chambers that the four of you as the current City Council majority is promoting. Item 15: Against No way should we pay $7500 to Stapleton and Associates. They were found to be the least qualified in the group that applied. Before we understand what the relationship is between this Council majority and Stapleton- I say NO! Cronyism has no place in Huntington Beach. Item 16: Against This is unneccesary as the library already has mechanisms in place for anyone questioning a book. Dumb - and just a ginned up issue when there isn't one. This is just a nod to Gracey's pet project of book banning and censorship. Item 22: Against Yet another failure by our current City Attorney who keeps advising the Council incorrectly and getting slapped by Sacramento. Come up with a viable housing element so we can avoid these tax payer funded penalties! Geez! Item 29: Against 1 Are you kidding me?My local government wants to tell me where and when I can stand on a MEDIAN?Dont you have better things to do?Completely moronic. So I guess all the people watching the parade on the 4th on the green median in front of HBHS are going to be given tickets? Do you think anything through? Item 30: AGAINST !!! NO CHANGES TO OUR CITY CHARTER! this is THE most hypocritical City Council majority ever! Didn't you all run on being transparent and against changes to the City Charter????I cannot imagine the mental gymnastics you had to do to sign off on this load. AND ALL OF THIS DONE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT-NO PUBLIC COMMITTEE AND NOT EXPERT INPUT!?! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU RAN AGAINST! YOU ARE HYPOCRITES AND YOU'LL PROBABLY OPEN US UP TO YET ANOTHER LAWSUIT THAT WE WILL LOSE. -NO -we do not need to change the way our elections are run with local control. You do know most people vote by mail,right??Unneccessary bloviated budget blow up to accommodate a right wing talking point. There is no need for this. Our County Registrar office is very competent. I have personally been a vote counting observer. They run a tight ship, signatures are verified, and they have never had a dispute regarding fraud of any kind. -NO -We don't want to change the qulaifications of the City Clerk -NO -we don't want the Council and the Mayor to have the power to change meeting and agenda items with no public input. NO - we don't want to pay $1.2 MILLION dollars for these to be put on the ballot! NO! Item 31: Against -NO -None of the committees should be disbanded. This is cowardly and is a power play causing the outcome of less public input and participation. This is the antithesis to what a City Council should represent. Item 32: Against Item 34 -AGAINST Ms. Moser had every right to question Van der Mark's ability to perform on that committee considering her past ties to New-Nazis and Holocaust Denial. Item 35: Against More ridiculousness. Moronic agenda item. Sincerely, Buhie Channel 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:12 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Re Agenda 30, 32, 34, 35 9/5/23 From:Valentina Bankhead<bankheadcountry@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:00 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re Agenda 30, 32, 34, 35 9/5/23 I am in full support of Agenda 32. the Human Dignity proposed document to be more fitting to all of Huntington Beach residents and visitors. I am in full support of Agenda 34. Censuring of Natalie Moser for her inappropriate behavior and remarks about our Pro Tem Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark. I am in full support of Agenda 30 with charter adjustments to update minor language for city clerk requirement to make it more feasible to run. I support the updated version on priority Voter ID for balloting and the preserve the integrity of said elections. I am in full support of Agenda 35 on giving the people in City Hall government, or private business to have the choice to vaccine, boost, or use. Of a mask in Huntington Beach. What are the 4 ways that violates human dignity? Degradation Dehumanization Instrumentalization, Humiliation, and Nonrecognition —these concepts point to ways in which we understand human beings, to be violated in their dignity. Degrading Pro Tem Mayor Gracey, degrading her by an assumption of a libel defamatory lie/vicious accusation. Dehumanize her as a woman, a latina woman, a person. Using language to disregard for her or her personal experience, family and life. Instrumentally push a lie or twist intonation by emphasizing on the wrong purpose or reasoning of an occurrence about her. A basic Straw man argument. i Humiliate her on Dais by doing the above at a city council meeting and not having a private conversation within the last 6 years this concocted lie was questionable to you. Non-recognition of Gracey and her professional qualifications. Not recognizing her qualities as a strong co council member that simply won an election by hard work, and an exuberant amount of votes. Pro Tern Van Der Mark has a very strong work ethic that Natalie Moser feels is unimportant or not worthy. Refusal to acknowledge the existence, and to not validate or legally accept of a person you do not respect. What started out as a straw man argument with vile rhetoric, Natalie Moser used as an instrument that functions as a guide to action. And was instrumentally used to achieve the end goal.... In turn from all of this you, Natalie Moser Denied Pro Tern Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark her Human Dignity. Pro Tern Van Der Mark deserves a Public Apology tonight on Dais. If Natalie Moser can so boldly speak on a straw man topic that has zero to do with the agenda from the previous council meeting, Natalie Moser should apologize to our Pro Tern Mayor on Dais tonight. Natalie Moser has broken her council member code of ethic and her own human dignity document. Not only has she disrespected and disregarded her constituents, she has now done the same to her co council member. This hypocrisy ends tonight. As I spoke about council member Natalie Moser before, "Your behavior wreaks of hypocrisy, outright disrespect and ignorance to the people you call your constituents. You talk about love and equity and inclusiveness yet you speak of discrimination towards them. Shame on you. Stop baiting with your time on hate and please work diligently on the true issues in our community as The other council members that were just elected. " I'm ending, I appreciate the newly elected Majority and know you do everything in your power to protect its residents visitors. Thank you for keeping We The People #1. Thank you for your time, Valentina Bankhead HB Resident since 2018. 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:14 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Comments on Agenda for City Council Meeting 09/05/2023 From:Tim Channel<twchannel99@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Fwd: Comments on Agenda for City Council Meeting 09/05/2023 This was sent on time but with a typo in the email address. Please accept my comments as they were also sent to supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org. Forwarded message From: Tim Channel <twchanne199@gmail.com> Date: Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 1:39 PM Subject: Comments on Agenda for City Council Meeting 09/05/2023 To: <city.council@surcity-hb.org>, <supplementalcomm@surfcity-bg.org> 05 September 2023 RE: Comments on Agenda for City Council Meeting (09/05/2023) Dear Council Members, I am a 30 year resident of Huntington Beach and I would like to state my profound disappointment with the need for Agenda Item #22 (Kennedy Commission vs. City of Huntington Beach). The reckless actions by the City Council in their failure to comply with California State Law are insulting. I am appalled that our City Council presumes to be above State Law and find their actions reprehensible. My tax dollars are being spent on unnecessary and frankly, embarrassing lawsuits that have no chance of success. Even if they did have a chance, the whole charade is just morally wrong. Additionally, please consider my opposition to the following agenda items: 1. Item #29 - Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4293 Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) by adding new Chapter 10.82 regarding pedestrian use of center medians. I am strongly opposed to this unnecessary and unenforceable addition to the HBMC. What possible purpose could it serve other than the city sanctioned harassment of its citizens? 1 2. r- tfi' . tConsider the submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval at the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election, and the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44 and 2023-45. I am strongly opposed to this, once again, wasting my tax dollars on a likely unconstitutional, unnecessary action by this City Council. What problem is this trying to solve? It is a solution on search of a problem. Orange County elections have been proven safe and there has been no evidence of fraud whatsoever. It appears to be a power grab by the council at a large monetary cost. 3. Item #34 - Submitted by Mayor Strickland and Council Members Burns and McKeon - Move to Censure Council Member Moser. I am strongly opposed to this attempted abuse of power by this council to censure a fellow member who was simply asking for clarification of a position of a member of the Human Dignity Commission. 4. Item #35 - Submitted by Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark - Resolution Declaring City to be a "No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate" City. I am strongly opposed to this unnecessary and potentially harmful declaration. In the event of a pandemic or health emergency, is the city planning to prohibit private businesses from enforcing their own health and safety precautions? Would this be in the face of state and national safety guidelines? Does the council know more about infectious disease than the CDC? No, they don't. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Timothy Channel Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:14 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Public Comment - City Council Meeting on Sept. 5th 2023 From: Shayla Wilson <shaylalawilson@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:50 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Public Comment-City Council Meeting on Sept. 5th 2023 Good afternoon, My name is Shayla Wilson. I am a resident of Huntington Beach. I strongly encourage the City Council to oppose the following items: • Item 22: The City has continued to funnel taxpayer money into a losing battle rather than comply with state mandates to provide adequate housing for those that live and work in the City. • Item 30: The First Amendment which deals with local election issues, in particular the requiring of voter identification, is extremely problematic and in fact both racist and classist. The second amendment, which would provide that the only flags permitted on city property are the U.S., county, state, city, Armed Forces and P.O.W. flags, is a thinly veiled anti LGBTQ+amendment. Furthermore,this item would result in additional wasteful spending by the city as there would be a$1.2 Million cost for the special election. • Item 34: Councilmember Moser exercised her freedom to debate and should be able to continue to do so without fear of persecution or punishment. • And finally, item 35: The ban on mask and vaccine mandates is a complete disregard of public health guidelines and the current upward trend of COVID cases in the county. This ban indicates an anti- science stance by Councilmember Van Der Mark and would risk the health and safety of our residents. Thank you for your consideration, Shayla Wilson i Huntington Beach City Council Meeting September 5,2023 My name is Harry F.McLachlan,I am a resident of Los Amigos Mobile Home Park in Huntington Beach. I am writing to encourage the council members to refrain from adopting the following resolutions and ordinances: Resolution No.2023-40 dissolving the Human Relations Committee, Ordinance No.3332 dissolving the Mobile Home Advisory Board,Ordinance No. 4298 dissolving the Environmental and Sustainability Board,Ordinance No. 4299 dissolving the Smart Cities and Technology Committee,and Ordinance No. 4297 dissolving the Huntington Beach Youth board. I was in attendance for the entire August Ist City Council meeting and heard compelling arguments from citizens and even participants in favor of keeping these programs,while the only negative arguments came from the actual council members themselves who were in favor of dissolving and eliminating these programs. So much for listening to the very citizens you are supposed to represent and work for! Regarding all of the proposed Charter Amendments,I am hopeful the council will decline to consider submission of all of these amendments for voter approval of this blatant authoritarian power-grab. CAN YOU SAY HYPOCRISY?NEPOTISM,PERHAPS? \ f `*. :2 .• .,ti .4"..,i 4 mew` i S W ) �, i' .� ,11 . ti r:�� p 1� ,r/'0.'/'� 4 X (', ANY 1tyAl'iltki% . al . r 1101000 IS114 Cd,3wGtt �� r cprt}uwn 6M[nCil�'CauncO {0„ 9tAC� G r - ` .c,,,,e .. tr ✓✓ vv�lw s Y ..,,. ,..,_ . , _ - r 7 e r al jolt , , r� PM. R II r .p e en Advocate j „, �,-s * * * Re-Elect* * * - , a 13,.,,,�,.„�4'`I Michael * * * �` .,GArEs CitGou VOTE : . Ar�T.svya '" The 4 Endorsed Candidate ,..4., pat Burns Changes :. ,. Casey McKeon OUR ,. HB City Attorney ,trickIandIlVCtyChaT >°' s ***CatesaH a.com Tstf Cey • Van per M .�5-e*V`'i .',h' .'••.''gyp E ..- _. With specific regard to proposed Charter Amendment No.1,I worked as a poll-worker in Huntington Beach during the primary election in June of 2020 and in the general election of November of 2020.I worked alongside Independents,Democrats,and Republicans during these elections.To a person,all politics were left outside of the voting center as we all worked together as one unit to ensure that our mission to protect the rights of everyone seeking to vote and to provide a safe and positive voting experience.The security protocols we performed every morning prior to opening the polls and every evening after closing the polls were thorough and strict.We maintained written records of each security procedure.When the election is over,everything is securely transported to the registrar of voters in Santa Ana. I personally take offence at any action or misinformation that proposes that our election process is insecure and that there are frauds being committed.I find it curious that the only election shenanigans pulled off either locally or on the national level are those being attempted by Republicans. Locally,in 1988 in Garden Grove Curt Pringle hired uniformed security guards to intimidate Latino voters entering vote centers.The Republican Party was sued and settled the lawsuit for $40,000.00.Nationwide in December of 2020,Republican groups from Arizona,Georgia,Michigan, New Mexico,Nevada,Pennsylvania,and Wisconsin all submitted lists of fake so-called alternate electors to the National Archives. These included dozens of local Republican Party leaders,four current candidates for public office,six current office holders,and at least five federal office holders. The indictments and potential indictments of these Republican fraudsters are playing out in real time during this current meeting of our City Council. Make no mistake.The majority on this City Council are following the nation-wide Republican playbook by continuing to cast doubt on the security and legitimacy of our elections.No good will ever come of letting power-hungry authoritarians anywhere near amending the city charter in an effort to control the voting process. "Local Control"is merely an Orwellian euphemism for a blatant"Power Grab." Charter Amendment No.2 is ridiculous on its face and a faux-patriotic jingoistic effort to ensure that the Pride Flag is permanently excluded from being displayed at City Hall.I find it amusing that at the last council meeting when this was brought up,Mayor Strickland blithely added that the Olympic Flag should be added to the approved list.How thoughtful! Is there not an official"HB Air Show"flag we might add to that list as well? I applaud the proposal to develop E-bike Licensure and Use Regulations.It is long overdue,and I am certainly not in the minority in having witnessed numerous incidents of unsafe and dangerous operation of these vehicles on our city streets. In closing I would urge the council to refrain from adopting Councilwoman Van der Mark's resolution declaring the city to be a"No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate City".This is a public health issue,not a"freedom"issue.This is just more red meat for the science-denying,pseudo- religious conspiracy mongers who populate a huge swath of the"conservative"base. Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 5:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Current HB City Council Agenda and Actions From:Julie Hampel <julie.hampel4@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:56 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Current HB City Council Agenda and Actions Dear HB City Council Members, I am a 7-year resident of Huntington Beach, CA, and was recently informed of 5 Agenda Items and/or Actions taken by the HB City Council. This email is to inform you that I disagree with the following issues: 1. The censorship of Natalie Moser for calling out Gracey Van Der Mark for past anti-semitic behaviors. The screaming by Ms. Van Der Mark was, in my opinion, uncalled for and unbecoming of a Council Member. 2. The payment of$4M to The Kennedy Commission for court losses. 3. The $1.2M payment for a Special Election on Charter Amendments appears to follow a similar path to the City of Bell. 4. The Award to fund the air show which was given to a contractor without a competitive bid or legal review. As voted representatives of the entire City of Huntington Beach, please log my disagreement with these items when deciding to proceed. Thank you, Julie Hampel 1918 Delaware St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 5:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Agenda, Sept. 5, 2023 Original Message From: Garibaldi Marilyn <marilyn.garibaldi@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:56 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City Council Agenda, Sept. 5, 2023 Dear City Council, I am distraught over the changes you want to make to our city charter.Why are you proposing voter ID and watching over the ballot box when we have never had a problem? Four of you were elected the last cycle and I didn't hear any complaint from you about fraud then.You clearly are trying to turn our city into an authoritarian state. Censuring a city council person for speaking out on an issue? I think the minority three on the council have been very tolerant and patient. But there is a limit to how much they can take.The majority has stripped them of almost all responsibility and do not listen to any of their opinions. As far as a Human Dignity statement,the council majority doesn't seem to comprehend the meaning of the words human dignity. First you insult the LGBTQ community by disallowing the Pride Flag which is a symbol of inclusiveness, and now you say people must be identified by their sex at birth. It is so insulting and demeaning to the very small number of tran-gender persons in this community. I see Gracey Van Der Mark's fingerprints all over this. Gracey, you must be an extremely unhappy person because all you want to do is bring down others who are vulnerable and whose lives are already challenged. And why try to put in a No Mask, No Vaccine policy now?Thanks to the scientific community, Covid is no longer the threat it once was and part of that success was due to vaccines and masks.Your proposals are hateful and lack common sense. I get the feeling you are trying to turn HB into a mini Florida or Texas.You are running out of time.The ultra right movement has had its day and the pendulum is starting to swing back.The majority four have a number on their back and your days in the sun will be coming to and end. It will probably take years to undo the damage that has been done but the satisfaction of having clear-thinking, responsible, compassionate city council members will help us get through it. Marilyn Garibaldi 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 10:25 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Citizen Feedback on Agenda Items for 9/5/2023 From: Y Morri<ymorri02@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, September 5, 2023 5:51 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Citizen Feedback on Agenda Items for 9/5/2023 I am writing to share my feedback on multiple agenda items on tonight's council meeting agenda. I disagree with censoring Council Member Natalie Moser. The questions she asked Council Member Van Der Mark accurately represent questions a significant percentage of the city's population had/have. It is the responsibility of council members to ask such questions. Has she not posted these questions, she would not have been doing what she was elected to do. I believe it is CM Van Der Mark's responsibility to respond to them and Mayor Strickland's duty to facilitate this exchange, not to promote a censure. I do not agree that CM Moser's behavior was unprofessional or inappropriate. Additionally, I do not agree to the proposed Declaration of Policy of Human Dignity. The proposed declaration is divisive and inappropriate. It includes changes that do the very things such a document is supposed to prevent. I question why the council is even wasting time creating such proposed modifications. What is the logic and rationale behind directing limited resources to these proposals instead of issues like homelessness, drug abuse, crime, city maintenance and other issues in the forefront of city council responsibility? I am opposed to Amendment 2 for reasons communicated repetitively my myself and others in previous communication to the council. I do not support Amendment 3. It is the duty of elected council members to attend regularly scheduled council meetings. When accepting council positions, each member is agreeing to participate in such meetings. They are scheduled well in advance. Council members unable to do so should be replaced. Meetings should not be canceled. They should continue as scheduled so that council business continues and residents and the community are properly supported. I oppose a"no mask and no vaccine mandate" for Huntington Beach. I do so as a community member with a compromised immune system and a citizen who believes such a mandate far exceeds our city's legislative reach. There are no experts on our council qualified to make such a decision. It is laughable for any council members to suggest they are better positioned to legislate these issues on behalf of our community, let alone do so against the advise of expert scientific community and higher levels of government. I again ask why council members are wasting time on these issues versus the many problems our city faces that they actually are expected to address. Yelena Morri Moore, Tania From: cherivatkinson@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:03 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); Cheri Atkinson Subject: Vote No on 34/ Please use for Public Comments Dear Mayor and City Council- I am asking you to remove 34 from a vote, as this is an unnecessary and suppressive item 1. If you Silence Natalie Moser, you silence the voice of 26,569 residents, whose voice , Natalie respresents. 2. On August 4th, Natalie raised questions, about Gracey's philosophical stance, to be on the Ad Hoc Committee, on the Statement of Human Dignity, and Garcey responded. No further action is needed, 3 What is more devisive for our community, is not any words by Natalie Moser, but actions taken by the HBCC; 1. The Flag Ban for the Pride Flag 2) The Book Ban 3. The Dissolution of the Human Rights Task Force( Even though there is an increase in Hate Incidents and Hate Crimes in HB in 2023) 4. Not allowing the HB Greater Interfaith Council, to read the Invocations (Which is represented by thoses of all faiths)) and 5) Re--Writing of the Statement of Human Dignity, so that the essence and intent are taken away. Actions speak louder than words. These actions are more detrimental and devisive for our community, than words spoken at a HB City Council meeting. Cheri Atkinson LCSW HB Resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Mary Ann Celinder <macelinder@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:10 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 23-700 elections Why reinvent the wheel?The voting system run by the county is efficient, secure and safe. We used to always go to the polls, but have enjoyed voting at our leisure at home and sending by mail. I like logging in to see our votes have been received and counted. We have never missed an election since we both voted for the first time in 1972 as 18 year olds. Having our own system would be expensive, unnecessary, and is intended to prevent people from voting. Council should want every eligible voter to use their right. A special election is ridiculous. Mary Ann Celinder Celinder's Glass Design 21341 Fleet Lane Huntington Beach Ca 92646 studio 714 962 8361 cell 714 504 8361 www.customleadedglass.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Nancy Bramet <nevonwb@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:17 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Natalie Moser Hello Council, You are looking into censoring Natalie Moser for trying to ask a question to other council member, Gracey Van Der Mark. Council member Moser was in her full rights to ask this question at the meeting. If you are going to put Gracey Van Der Mark(which you did) on a community that mentions this subject for the human rights concerning this subject, that is a fair question. I believe council needs to go back and look at the video of that night. Mrs.Van Der Mark interrupted Ms. Moser before she could finish her comment/question. Also Mr. Mayor you said the question was asked and answered. Check video, it was not. It was deflected with the help of other members of the council but it was not answered. So I would like to have Mrs.Van Der Mark answer the questions that Ms. Moser tried to ask. 1. Does Gracey Van Der Mark believe that the holocaust happened? 2. Do you have the same believes as the Proud Boys? These are very valid questions and Mrs.Van Der Mark, in the past you may have answered them to someone but I have never hear the answer and as a citizen of this city, I believe we have the right to know your answers to them. Also everyone that is going to be on the community should answer these questions as well. I don't need or want an explanation just a yes or no will work. With that being said some of you appear to have your minds made up as soon as you walk into the room and whatever the citizens say seems to fall on deaf ears. You work for the citizens of Huntington Beach. That is the reason I ask the questions because it seems that your personal believes always come into your decisions on voting for issues etc. For this reason they are very important questions to ask. The censoring does come across that this is deflection of what is really going on in our council. As was the book ban. Get people hot over these issues and they don't have the energy to ask questions with you on the real issues. Lawsuits on the anti-housing...WHY? A special election is not needed for Charter Amendments it can wait until the next election to do this if still important. Why is it important to spend 1.2 Million for this? I heard some arguments from city attorney, not really great ones so need more information on this. Also information regarding the Federal Government Affairs, why has the mayor choosen who he has? Not sure if whom he chose is good or bad,just want to know why he chose who he did? And if I have any of this incorrect.....then I have really made my point, I haven't been informed at council meetings. Just on a side note: I went to a city planning meeting a few weeks back. Council could learn from them. They listen to the public. Debated and asked questions that were relevant to what the public was saying. It didn't feel like they were stones up there. (I am not saying you all do this but many do). I don't understand also why you listen to the people, then vote without even considering what the people in the room have said. Is this so that we no longer attend to make our voices heard? Our time is valuable as well so be respectful of it and our collective voices. We have a council that has different viewpoints. That is fine, actually good but you need to debate, not take it personal. If you can't do that then this isn't the job for you. Regards, Mrs. Bramet Moore, Tania From: Mary Ann Celinder <macelinder@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:19 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: keep city clerk educational requirments dropping the current requirements is unacceptable. Mary Ann Celinder Celinder's Glass Design 21341 Fleet Lane Huntington Beach Ca 92646 studio 714 962 8361 cell 714 504 8361 www.customleadedglass.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Jessica B. <jessicabudica@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:30 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Open Comments Letter for Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Dear City Council, I want to voice my strong objections to multiple items on the current council agenda. Myself and the majority of residents of Huntington Beach, do not want: • Changes to the City Charter that do not serve the community's best interests • Limitations to ANY library services • Continued ignoring of California laws that cost the city MILLIONS in legal fees and settlements • Censuring Council Member Moser for bringing legitimate concerns to council and the city regarding one of its members • Declaring the city as anything, including that which forever deems the city as a "No Mask" city. In the past, I have made it a point to speak in person. But, as a working mother of two small children with a husband who is an attorney and also works long hours, I am unable to attend tonight. Please note, that my physical absence is in no way a reflection of my dedication to this city and my concerns. In regards to the new library restrictions, label it however you like, I believe that the innumerable voices at the previous meeting indicated that a VAST majority was against this proposal. Yet, the council majority is moving forward with its agenda, ignoring the voices it claims to represent. In the last election, the new majority also ran against certain verbiage that made the city charter more inclusive. Now, that same majority aims to 1 change that charter, spending millions for another ballot measure that only devalues the requirements for community positions, thusly serving its own agenda once again. Additionally, the concerning language that is being quietly used in certain council directives/agendas/initiatives aims to make some members of our community feel unwelcome, and it deeply disheartens me. As a mother of two young children, I do not yet know who they will be. What if they grow up and fall under the long list of individuals that certain members of council openly oppose? How do I grapple with that? How do I tell them that the government officials that aim to protect their health and well-being will not in fact do those very things? Finally, it is the City Council's job to represent Huntington Beach wholly and honestly. Therefore, censuring a council member for bringing concerns that protect our community from hate are the very actions we should support not publicly condemn. If there is a member on council that has questionable abilities, then it is the duty of council to bring those forward. It is not a secret that Council Member Gracey Van Der Mark has made uneducated and hateful statements and has questionable affiliations. A simple google search finds videos, pictures, and direct affiliations. Personally, these statements and affiliations make me deeply question how she was elected in the first place (she was removed by two school boards!!!!). But worse, this all causes growing concerns about those who are willing to protect her. We are the company we keep. I cannot beg enough: PLEASE! Council Members, listen to the voices you represent. Democracy cannot be at the cost of party affiliations and special interests. Thank you for your time, Jessica Budica 2 Moore, Tania From: Tamantha Bowman <tamanthajbowman@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:38 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Hunting Beach City Council Agenda SEP 5, 2023 I'm writing this as a citizen homeowner of Huntington Beach and retired member of the armed forces that served 23 years. Tonight's agenda is outrageous and alarming.Trying to change a large group of Charter Amendments, rewrite the Statement of Human Dignity and censure Natalie Moser all in one night is egregious. As a member of the Armed Services I support Natalie Moser questioning Gracey Van Der Mark and her problematic history. Ms.Van Der Mark's denial of the Holocaust and her support of the Proud Boys is exactly what EVERY HB CITIZEN should be made aware of. Furthermore, her attacks on the LGBTQ+community are increasingly horrifying. Pride flag removals, book bans and gender identification mandates guised as Human Dignity are far right agenda items. As a whole,the newly elected members of our city council continue to lack inclusion and equality for all our citizens. By continuing to push and vote for non-inclusive agenda items the ideology is clear. According to transequality.org it's estimated there are over 134,000 American veterans that identify as transgender and 15,000 trans people are serving in the military today. www.transequality.org THEY have and did SIGN THE DOTTED LINE, reading all of the city council bios as far as I can tell NONE of you have. I joined in 1992 and earned 2 National Defense ribbons during my time served. I earned my first one by joining ranks fresh out of high school in (1992-1995)for the Gulf War and the second for serving during the Global War on Terrorism (2001-2022.) Orange County and Huntington Beach are home to many in the LGBTQ+community whether you want to see it or continue to deny it. We have LGBTQ+youth that deserve to feel included in their community.Your continued actions and voting to dismiss this part of our community continues to demonstrate your willingness to encourage hate and ignorance. According to an article in The Hill dated April 27th, 2023 1 in 4 high school students identifies as LGBTQ as stated by 2021 data by the CDC. No amount of book banning, or gender identification requirements will deter that factual trend. Who are we pandering to that a mask and vaccine ban are on the agenda? I work and live in Huntington Beach. I care about the health of our community.There is nothing"unnecessarily limiting freedoms of the citizens" by putting a mask on; especially if you are not vaccinated or boosted. Covid-19 cases are on the rise again in Orange County and I find it irresponsible to have a city leader encourage an anti-mask/anti-vaccine rhetoric. I DO support Natalie Moser I DO support our LGBTQ+community and bringing back the Pride Flag to our City Properties especially at the pier. I DO support E-bike/bike regulations I DO NOT support hiring a lobbyist, or dissolving the Human Relations Committee, or the HB Youth board. I DO NOT support book bans. I DO NOT support limiting any rights to vote or increased ID checks/monitoring of ballot boxes or intimidation of voters. I DO NOT support a special election to be held on March 5, 2024 and wasting 1.2 million dollars of our tax money. I DO NOT support a power grab by making abrupt charter changes. 1 NO to agenda items: 15,16, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. I would like to see our city council FOCUS on our homeless and motor homeless parking issues plaguing our city. I'm glad to see the City Attorney's wife drop out from being considered for City Clerk. Respectfully, Tamantha Bowman USCG CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 3 RETIRED 2 Moore, Tania From: Wendy Rincon <wlrincon1995@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 11:41 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Paul Rincon; Sydney Rincon; Moser, Natalie; Kalmick, Dan; Bolton, Rhonda; Strickland, Tony;Van Der Mark, Gracey; McKeon, Casey; Burns, Pat Subject: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 HB City Council Agenda Hello Huntington Beach City Council members, I have highlighted my responses to tonight's agenda items to make it easier for you. I will also be speaking at tonight's meeting. I cannot express enough how angry and disgusted my family(in copy) and I are regarding tonight's agenda items. In particular,the vote to censure Councilwoman Natalie Moser. She has and will continue to have our full support. 15. 23-673 Consider Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) recommendation to approve and authorize execution of Professional Services Contracts with Kahn, Soares, & Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton &Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services A)As recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Kahn,Soares, & Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services; and B)As recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Stapleton &Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services. YOU ARE GOING TO WASTE PRECIOUS TAX PAYER MONEY FOR A LOBBYIST FOR THE CITY OF HB IN DC?ARE YOU JUST TRYING TO MAKE YOURSELVES KNOWN ON A NATIONAL STAGE? 16. 23-741 Redirect staff to return to City Council on October 17, 2023 with actionable policy options regarding City library materials and safeguards Amend the June 20, 2023 Council direction by directing staff to return with actionable policy options related to safeguards over City library materials on October 17, 2023. CALL THIS WHAT YOU WANT, BUT THIS IS A BOOK BAN.YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DICTATE WHAT THE LIBRARIANS, WHO ARE TRAINED IN LIBRARY STUDIES,SELECT FOR BOOKS. BOOKS ARE ALREADY SELECTED AND PLACED IN AGE APPROPRIATE STACKS.STOP USING THE EXCUSE OF"WANTING TO PROTECT THE CHILDREN." IT IS UP TO PARENTS TO DECIDE WHAT BOOKS ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR CHILD/CHILDREN TO CHECK OUT. RATING BOOKS IS ALSO INAPPRORIATE.WHO WOULD BE DOING THE RATING? IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR CHILD TO READ ABOUT TWO MALE PENGUINS RAISING A CHICK,THEN DON'T LET THEM CHECK IT OUT. BOOKS ARE A WINDOW INTO OUR WORLD. BOOKS ARE KNOWLEDGE. BOOKS ARE AN ESCAPE. BOOKS ARE A PLACE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR BODIES, CULTURES,THE WORLD AROUND US. IF YOU ARE SCARED BY OUR PROGRESSING WORLD,THEN DON'T LET YOUR CHILDREN READ THOSE BOOKS. I GUESS I SHOULD THANK YOU THOUGH, MY DAUGHTER SYDNEY SPOKE AT THE JUNE MEETING AND ENDED GOING VIRAL FOR HER WELL THOUGHT OUT, ELEQUENT, AND VERY INFORMATIVE SPEECH THAT SHE DELIVERED TO YOU. HER COLLEGE EDUCATION IS PAYING OFF. YOU ARE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY. 1 22. 23-726 Authorize the Appropriation and Transfer of$3,650,000 of Litigation Reserves and $181,000 of FY 2023/24 General Fund Available Surplus to the General Liability Fund to fund the payment of attorney's fees for Kennedy Commission v. City of Huntington Beach and City of Huntington Beach v.the State of California Approve the appropriation and transfer of$3,831,000 from the General Fund to the General Liability Fund business unit no. 55240101 to fund the payment of attorney's fees for Kennedy Commission v. City of Huntington Beach and City of Huntington Beach v.the State of California. THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT YOU ARE COSTING US, HB TAXPAYERS, IS UNBELIEVABLE! NOTHING LIKE PLAYING WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY, RIGHT?AGAIN, I THINK THAT THESE LAWSUITS AND PAYOUTS ARE JUST A WAY TO TRY AND MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELVES AND MICHAEL GATES. WE SEE IT FOR THE POWER GRAB THAT IT IS. 30. 23-700 Consider the submission of 3 Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval at the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election, and the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44 and 2023-45 A) Consider the three proposed Charter amendment ballot measures, ballot language, and exhibits for placement on the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election ballot for voter approval; and B)Adopt Resolution 2023-42, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Call for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Submission to Voters Questions Relating to City Charter Amendments," and C)Adopt Resolution 2023-43, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a Special Municipal Election to be held on March 5, 2024,with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the Date Pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code," and D)Adopt Resolution 2023-44, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California,Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding City Measures and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare Impartial Analysis," and E) Adopt Resolution 2023-45, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for City Measures Submitted at Municipal Elections," and F)Appropriate$1,200,000 in General Funds to business unit 10010201. CHANGES TO THE CHARTER THAT WILL COST US TAXPAYERS UPWARDS OF$1.2 MILLION DOLLARS! HOW IS THAT A GOOD USE OF TAXPAYER FUNDS? ITS NOT. 31. 23-693 Adopt Resolution No. 2023-40 and approve for introduction Page 9 of 12 City Council/Public Financing AGENDA September 5, 2023 Authority Ordinance Nos.4296,4295,4298,4299,4297,4300, and 4301 to amend the Huntington Beach Municipal Code to streamline, consolidate, and/or dissolve a select number of the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees and Council Committees A) Approve the official dissolution of the City Council Short-Term Rentals Ad Hoc Committee, Housing/RHNA Ad Hoc Committee, and Cannabis Regulation and Policy Ad Hoc Committee by minute action; and/or IT IS UNBELIEVABLE TO YOU DISSOLVING COMMISIONS THAT ALLOW FOR HB CITIZENS TO BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN OUR LOCAL GOVERNEMENT. IT IS A POWER GRAB THAT YOU ARE DISSOLVING THESE COMMISSIONS SO THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HEAR FROM VOICES OTHER THAN YOUR OWN. B)Approve renaming of the Urban Design Study Ad Hoc Council Committee to the Downtown and Beach Front Ad Hoc Council Committee and broadening their scope of work by minute action; and/or C)Adopt Resolution No. 2023-40, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach repealing Resolutions 2002-106 and 2021-66, and dissolving the Human Relations Committee;" and/or 2 DISSOLVING THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! HB HAS A TERRIBLE REPUTATION NOT ONLY LOCALLY, STATEWIDE, BUT ALSO NATIONALLY. DO YOU REALLY THINK THIS A GOOD THING FOR A CITY THAT BOASTS OF BEING A TOURIST DESTINATION?WELL, I GUESS THAT DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF TOURIST YOU ARE SEEKING.THE SORT THAT WOULD ATTEND JANUARY 6TH, RIGHT? I THINK YOU SHOULD GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE STATISTICS FOR HOW MUCH DISPOSABLE INCOMETHE LGBTQ+COMMUNITY HAS TO SPEND ON TRAVEL. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THEY ARE NOT SPENDING THEIR MONEY HERE. BUT,AGAIN, THAT IS THE POINT FOR YOU ISN'T IT? D) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4296, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach repealing Ordinance No. 4168 and delete Chapter 2.104 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code dissolving the Jet Noise Commission;" and/or E) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No.4295, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach repealing Ordinance No. 3332 and delete Chapter 2.112 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code dissolving the Mobile Home Advisory Board;" and/or ARE YOU DISSOLVING THIS BOARD AT THE REQUEST OF THE MOBILE HOME PARK OWNERS BECAUSE THIS CERTAINLY IS NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS. MANY OF WHOM HAVE BEEN ATTENDING THESE CITY COUNCILS MEETING FOR MONTHS URGING, NO BEGGIN, YOU NOT TO DISSOLVE THE GROUP. THEY NEED OUR HELP BUT INSTEAD YOU ARE SILENCING THEM.TO VOTE AGAINST SOME OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS IS BEYOND UNCONSCIONABLE. F) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4298, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach deleting Chapter 2.102 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code and dissolving the Environmental and Sustainability Board;" and/or WITHOUT A HEALTHY HB ENVIRENOMENT, NOT ONLY WILL OUR QUALITY OF LIFE DIMINISH, BUT SO WILL THE TOURSTI DOLLARS THAT YOU ARE SO DESPERATE FOR. AND WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE RESIDENTS HAVING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN OUR ENVIRONMENT? G) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4299, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by amending Chapter 2.111 thereof related to Citizen Infrastructure Advisory Board/Public Works Commission"; and approve the official dissolution of the Smart Cities and Technology Council Committee by minute action; and/or POWER GRAB AND SILENCING HB RESIDENTS PARTICIPATION IN OUR GOVERNMENT. H) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4297, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach deleting Chapter 2.108 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code and dissolving the Huntington Beach Youth Board;" and/or POWER GRAB AND SILENCING HB RESIDENTS PARTICIPATION IN OUR GOVERNMENT. I) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4300, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by amending Chapter 2.106 thereof related to Fourth ofJuly Executive Board;" and/or J) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No.4301, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by amending Chapter 13.54 Recommended Action: Page 10 of 12 City Council/Public Financing AGENDA September 5, 2023 Authority thereof related to Specific Events;" and/or K) Approve the official dissolution of the City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committees Review Ad Hoc Committee upon approval of recommended actions above. POWER GRAB AND SILENCING HB RESIDENTS PARTICIPATION IN OUR GOVERNMENT. 32. 23-734 Consider the Ad Hoc Committee's proposed Policy on Human Dignity A) Consider the Ad Hoc Committee's amended Policy on Human Dignity, and 3 THE PROPSOSED CHANGES TO THE POLICY ON HUMAN DIGNITY IS MOST VILE PIECE OF HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA THAT YOU COULD HAVE PRODUCED. YOU CAN TRY TO HIDE YOUR GOAL AND INTENTIONS BEHIND "PROTECTING CHILDREN". THE "POLICY ON HUMAN DIGNITY " HAS MORE HATEFUL RHETORIC FROM THE FAR RIGHT ABOUT GROOMING AND THE GENDER BINARY. WHY ARE YOU SO OBSESSED WITH THIS?! AS A PARENT AND ALLY TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY I AM ENRAGED BY YOUR WORDS. IF YOU MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROPSED LANGUAGE, MY FAMILY AND OUR COMMUNITY WILL DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO FIGHT YOU ON THIS, REPORT YOU FOR CREATING A HOSTILE AND HOMOPHOBIC AND TRANSPHOBIC CITY, AND TO HAVE YOU REMOVED, EITHER BY A RECALL OR WHEN YOU ARE UP FOR REELECTION. B) Formally dissolve the Ad Hoc Committee. POWER GRAB AND SILENCING HB RESIDENTS PARTICIPATION IN OUR GOVERNMENT. 34. 23-731 Submitted by Mayor Strickland and Council Members Burns and McKeon - Move to Censure Council Member Moser By Minute Order, or majority vote of City Council tonight, censure Councilwoman Moser for the aforementioned statements and hostile/personal escalation made at the Council Meeting on August 1, 2023; that those statements and hostile/personal escalation be deemed "inappropriate," declare that they are not the views/statements of the City Council, and serve as a reminder that those types of statements and hostile/personal escalations do not meet either professional decorum required at City Council nor the goals of the Declaration of Policy of Human Dignity. COUNCILWOMAN NATALIE MOSER DID NOT GIVE UP HER FIRST AMMENDMENT RIGHTS TO FREE SPEECH BY SITTING ON THE DAIS.THIS IS A POLITICAL MOVE TO PROTECT GRACEY VAN DER MARK. ANYONE THAT HAS PAID ANY ATTENTION TO HER AND HER RECORD, KNOWS THAT SHE HAS AN EXPREEMLY PROBLEMATIC WITH ASSOCIATING WITH UNDESIREABLES, IS A HOLACAUST DENIER, AND SHOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT BE ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. JUST LOOK WHAT THAT COMMISSION IS PROPOPSING IS PROPOSING IN AGENDA ITEM 32 A. COUNCILWOMAN NATALIE MOSER HAS A RIGHT TO SPEAK UP REGARDING HER'S AND OUR RESERVATIONS AND DEEP CONCERNS ABOUT GRACEY BEING ON THAT COMMISSION. WHEN THE ANTI DEFAMATION LEAGURE WEIGHS IN AGAINST SOMEONE, THAT IS VERY TELLING AND AGAIN, DEEPLY CONCERNING. "The Anti-Defamation League weighed in on Van Der Mark with a letter sent to city council on Friday. "We don't always write letters but when we do it's because we feel very strongly that it's an opportunity for you as the mayor and the city council to take the statement and do what's right and accurate," Levi said at council. "It's not about liberals or conservatives. It's about extremists that are beyond the spectrum." Obtained by the Weekly, the ADL letter echoed the call for an investigation into Van Der Mark's remarks and associations. "There is ample evidence she has made bigoted and hateful comments and that she has participated in activities organized and led by white supremacists," Levi wrote. "These words and actions call into question her ability to serve as an appointed leader in the Huntington Beach community." The organization noted the Weekly's reporting and described Van Der Mark's "colored people" comments about Jews as "classic anti-Semitic trope" in stating she should be removed from her commission post. And it's not just antisemitism. The ADL also noted Van Der Mark belonged to a Three Percenters Facebook group and made Islamophobic comments on the social media site suggesting that the U.S. Department of Education is funding sharia indoctrination in public schools. Did we mention that Van Der Mark also serves on the Ocean View School District Measure R Citizens Oversight Committee in Huntington Beach? Maybe she's making sure taxpayer funds don't go towards construction mosques on school grounds or something." 4 https://orangecounty.adl.org/news/anti-defamation-league-loins-call-for-hb-finance-commissioners- removal/ 35. 23-738 Submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark- Resolution Declaring City to be a "No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate" City The City ban broad (universal) mask and vaccine mandates; City Manager to return to Council with a Resolution at the next regular meeting declaring the City to be a "no mask and no vaccine mandate City" as a response to COVID-19 or any variants. Individuals, whether at City Hall or in the private sector, should have a right to choose whether to wear a mask or get vaccinated or boosted. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ATTENTION SEEKING PROPOSAL BY GRACEY FOR HER FAR RIGHT, ANTI VAX, WHITE NATIONALIST FOLLOWERS.THIS IS NOT IN THE CITY'S BEST INTEREST, ESPECIALLY AS YOU SEEK MASSIVE TOURIST DOLLARS. AND WHY THE PROPOSAL NOW? SHE NEEDS TO SHOW HER FOLLOWERS AND MOMS OF LIBERTY THAT SHE IS TOWING THEIR NATIONAL AGENDA? If I have misconstrued or misunderstood any part of this agenda, then I look forward to a response detailing where I have been inaccurate or misunderstood. I look forward to your replies. Sincerely, Wendy Rincon 49 year HB Resident 714-501-9499 5 Moore, Tania From: Shayla Wilson <shaylalawilson@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 2:50 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Public Comment - City Council Meeting on Sept. 5th 2023 Good afternoon, My name is Shayla Wilson. I am a resident of Huntington Beach. I strongly encourage the City Council to oppose the following items: • Item 22:The City has continued to funnel taxpayer money into a losing battle rather than comply with state mandates to provide adequate housing for those that live and work in the City. • Item 30:The First Amendment which deals with local election issues, in particular the requiring of voter identification, is extremely problematic and in fact both racist and classist.The second amendment, which would provide that the only flags permitted on city property are the U.S., county,state, city,Armed Forces and P.O.W.flags, is a thinly veiled anti LGBTQ+amendment. Furthermore,this item would result in additional wasteful spending by the city as there would be a $1.2 Million cost for the special election. • Item 34: Councilmember Moser exercised her freedom to debate and should be able to continue to do so without fear of persecution or punishment. • And finally, item 35:The ban on mask and vaccine mandates is a complete disregard of public health guidelines and the current upward trend of COVID cases in the county.This ban indicates an anti-science stance by Councilmember Van Der Mark and would risk the health and safety of our residents. Thank you for your consideration, Shayla Wilson 1 Moore, Tania From: Julie Hampel <julie.hampel4@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 4:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: HB City Council Agenda Items and Actions Dear HB City Council Members, I am a 7-year resident of Huntington Beach, CA, and was recently informed of 5 Agenda Items and/or Actions taken by the HB City Council.This email is to inform you that I disagree with the following issues: 1.The censorship of Natalie Moser for calling out Gracey Van Der Mark for past anti-semitic behaviors.The screaming by Ms.Van Der Mark was, in my opinion, uncalled for and unbecoming of a Council Member. 2.The payment of$4M to The Kennedy Commission for court losses. 3.The$1.2M payment for a Special Election on Charter Amendments appears to follow a similar path to the City of Bell. 4.The Award to fund the air show which was given to a contractor without a competitive bid or legal review. As voted representatives of the entire City of Huntington Beach, please log my disagreement with these items when deciding to proceed. Thank you, Julie Hampel 1918 Delaware St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 1 Moore, Tania From: Amanda Furches <amandafurches@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 7:34 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda 9/5 I recommend voting a BIG NO on agenda items 30 32 34 35 Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Brad Bergeland <bjbergeland@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 4:06 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 28 September 2023 City Council discussion of 05 Sept 23 Agenda item 30 (23-700) City Council members, This is to document my opposition to the subject Agenda Item 30(23-700) currently under discussion with the public. In this agenda item,the city council is considering the submission of 3 ballot measures encompassing several proposed Charter Amendments.The proposal is to have the 3 ballot measures included on the March 2024 Primary ballot. None of the 3 ballot measures with the Charter Amendments should be approved to be added to the March 2024 primary election ballot. Below are lust some of the reasons why: 1. Ballot Measure 1-Anything to do with making changes to the local election process is unnecessary and costs too much. I've only heard that these changes are based on some verbal suggestions from some constituents, and will just be "enhancements"to the current process. It is well documented from the last two elections that the existing process of conducting elections has proven to be accurate,safe and conducted with integrity. With regard to the City Clerk qualifying requirements, any wording that would result in diminished qualifications should not be incorporated. I would suggest no adjustment to the existing qualification requirements, as currently worded. 2. Ballot Measure 2- Biennial budget in lieu of the current annual budget. I heard at the last meeting that a biennial budget would allow for more accurate planning and would be easier for the Finance Department. If they say it is easier, I'll take their word for it, but I disagree that a two year time frame would be more accurate than one year. How can that be when you are adding an additional out-year that has to be forecasted?'Adding an additional year may just make it easier to mask budgetary/spending problems that arise early on, rather than addressing and fixing the problems. These are just a few reasons why the subject agenda item should be rescinded.Any changes identified in 23-700 that might be voted as needed by the city council should be handled in a different way,other than as expensive ballot measures. I trust that the city council has been listening to the citizen input from the last few weeks, and will truly consider removing Agenda Item 30(23-700).That would be a good start to gaining more trust and confidence from a wider range of your constituents. 3. Finally, if the end result is that some or all of the amendments are put forward to be part of an election ballot,then it should be the 2024 General Election. Everyone from all parties should strive for strong voter turnout. General elections always have greater voter turnout-than Primaries.This would provide more time to work on issues,give the voters more confidence and understanding of the issues up for vote; and of course, everyone agrees that it would save money. Whether the costs of these Measures is$1.2M or$400K+,or whatever-let's save the cost to Huntington Beach taxpayers for changes that are unnecessary. Brad Bergeland 37 year resident of Huntington Beach 1