HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-05 Special Agenda PacketIN-PERSON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Members of the public are welcome to attend City Council
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SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION: Members of the public unable to personally participate in the
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AGENDA
City Council/Public Financing Authority
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Special Meeting
Council Chambers
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
TONY STRICKLAND, Mayor
GRACEY VAN DER MARK, Mayor Pro Tem
RHONDA BOLTON, Councilmember
PAT BURNS, Councilmember
DAN KALMICK, Councilmember
CASEY McKEON, Councilmember
NATALIE MOSER, Councilmember
STAFF
AL ZELINKA, City Manager
MICHAEL E. GATES, City Attorney
ROBIN ESTANISLAU, City Clerk
ALISA BACKSTROM, City Treasurer
AGENDA October 5, 2023City Council/Public Financing
Authority
6:00 PM – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, Burns
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
In permitting a nonsectarian invocation, the City does not intend to proselytize or advance any
faith or belief. Neither the City nor the City Council endorses any particular religious belief or form
of invocation.
23-8131.Huntington Beach Police and Fire Chaplain James Pike
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution)
PUBLIC COMMENTS (90-Second Time Limit)
At this time, the City Council will receive comments from members of the public regarding the
discussion of potential charter amendments for the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary Election .
Individuals wishing to provide a comment may do so in person by filling out a Request to Speak
form delivered to the City Clerk. All speakers are encouraged, but not required to identify
themselves by name. Each speaker may have up to 90 seconds unless the volume of speakers
warrants reducing the time allowance.
Please note that the Brown Act does not allow discussion or action on topics that are not on the
agenda. Members of the public who would like to speak directly with a Councilmember on an
item not on the agenda may consider scheduling an appointment by contacting the City Council's
Administrative Assistant at (714) 536-5553 or emailing the entire City Council at
city.council@surfcity-hb.org.
While the City Council welcomes public involvement and supports and defends free speech, the
City Council rejects comments from anyone that are discriminatory, defamatory or otherwise not
protected free speech. Those comments will not inform nor be considered by the City Council and
may be cause for the Mayor to interrupt the public speaker. Such public comments will not be
consented to or otherwise adopted by the City Council in its discussions and findings for any
matter tonight.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
23-8442.City Council discussion for potential Charter amendments to be
considered for the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election.
Recommended Action:
Page 1 of 2
AGENDA October 5, 2023City Council/Public Financing
Authority
A)Consider the proposed Charter amendments and provide direction on bundling on
one or more Charter amendments for placement on the March 5, 2024 Special
Election ballot, and
B)Direct the City Attorney and City staff to prepare and return ballot measure
language on approved amendments and all other materials required for submittal to
the ROV for City Council consideration.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (90-Second Time Limit)
At this time, the City Council will receive comments from members of the public regarding the
discussion of potential charter amendments for the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary Election .
Individuals wishing to provide a comment may do so in person by filling out a Request to Speak
form delivered to the City Clerk. All speakers are encouraged, but not required to identify
themselves by name. Each speaker may have up to 90 seconds unless the volume of speakers
warrants reducing the time allowance.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing
Authority is Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, California.
INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA AND
STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT
http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
Page 2 of 2
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, CA
92648
File #:23-813 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
Huntington Beach Police and Fire Chaplain James Pike
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City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, CA
92648
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager
PREPARED BY:Shannon Levin, Council Policy Analyst
Subject:
City Council discussion for potential Charter amendments to be considered for the March 5,2024
Statewide Primary Election.
Statement of Issue:
Note:A PDF Version of this report is attached,in the event that the tables and images do not display
properly on the reader’s screen.
On September 5,2023,City Council authorized four Special Meetings scheduled on September 14,
21,28 and October 5 to gather public feedback and consider potential Charter amendments.During
the first meeting,City Council received public feedback and requested impact analyses for potential
amendments,including those proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee and staff.On September 21,
Council Members deliberated on several amendments that were previously proposed,while adding
new amendments and requesting impact analyses on each one.On September 28,Council
Members discussed several proposed amendments and took straw votes to either table the items or
move items forward for further discussion on October 5.
Following Council deliberation on all amendments,Council may approve proposed language and
Charter amendments to identify those that could be placed on the March 5,2024 Special Election
ballot.
Financial Impact:
On September 5,2023,staff provided initial estimates to place the three initially proposed ballot
measures on the March 2024 Primary Election.After conducting additional research and conferring in
depth with the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV),the staff is providing a closer estimate as
follows:
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
Cost for March 2024 Ballot Measures
Range Includes
Consolidated Election $318, 928 $383,128 Cost of the consolidated election, postage
for vote by mail ballot returns, cost
recovery for the purchase of any new
election equipment.
3 Ballot Measures (as
discussed on 9/5/23)
$51,000 $76,500 Based on the number of pages required
for each measure at $8,500 per 2 pages
and 3,000 words (the range on the left is
based on 4-6 pages per measure.
Total $369,928 $459,628
1.Cost to hold a special election:$318,928 to $383,128.The final cost will depend on several
factors incl. the number of cities participating and sharing in the total election costs.
2.Cost per measure:$17,000 to $25,500 each.The cost depends on the number of pages
needed to print each measure on the ballot,which includes ballot language,the revisions,
impartial analyses,arguments for/against,rebuttals.Last year’s measures were around 5
pages each.
Recommended Action:
A)Consider the proposed Charter amendments and provide direction on bundling on one or
more Charter amendments for placement on the March 5, 2024 Special Election ballot, and
B)Direct the City Attorney and City staff to prepare and return ballot measure language on
approved amendments and all other materials required for submittal to the ROV for City
Council consideration.
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve one or more of the recommended actions; direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
During the September 28 Special Meeting,City Council cast straw votes to consider Charter
amendments and requested staff return with proposed language and additional analyses for
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
consideration.
Following tonight’s Council deliberation, at the October 17, 2023 City Council meeting:
·Staff will bring forth bundled amendments and exhibits for final review; and
·City Council may approve resolution(s) to place Charter amendments on the ballot; and
·City Council may select authors to create arguments.
1. Section 303. MEETINGS AND LOCATION. Recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
Per the Charter, City Council must hold meetings at least twice per month. However, meetings
cannot be held without a quorum, as governed by the California Brown Act. The amendment
references this quorum to clarify this exception to the two-meeting rule. The amendment also
permits the Mayor or majority of Council Members to cancel meetings.
As part of this amendment, the City Council could consider outlining the circumstances or limiting the
number of cancelations per year in an ordinance, resolution, or the Council Manual for greater clarity.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
There are no known fiscal impacts associated with this amendment.
On September 28, 2023, Councilmember Kalmick proposed an addition of the language to secure
the holding of at least one meeting per month so that the Council meets regularly to conduct the
people’s business and avoid potentially frequent meeting cancellations. The City Council agreed via
straw vote (7/0) to approve the proposed amendment with suggested minor changes.
2. Section 312. VACANCIES FORFEITURES AND REPLACEMENT. Recommended by Mayor
Strickland.
(The following language was placed on the November 2022 General Election ballot and serves as an
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Section 303. lVIEETI 1GS Al\TD LOCATIO · .
a Regular ::vieetings, The City Coun cil shall hold regular meetings at lea st tw ice e ach
month., u n le ss .it lacks a quomm or the medillZ is c anceled by th e Mayor or a m a jority of City
Council Members. at such time as it shall fix by ordi.t1a11 ce or re so lu tion. Iu no e vent shall the
City Council m eet le ss than on c e e ach month, ftflEi. The City Com1cil may adjoum or re -adjoum
any regular meetmg to a date and hour certa in which shall b e sp ec ified in th e order of
adjmmunent and , hen so adjourned e ach adjotm1ed meet ing shall be a regular meeting for aU
purpos e s. If th e ho ur to w h ich a meeting is adj oumed is n ot sta ted in th e order of adjournment.
c;uch meeting shall be h eld at the hour for holding regular meetings. If at any time any regular
meeting fall s on a holiday such regular meeting sha ll be held on the next busi.t1e ss day.
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
(The following language was placed on the November 2022 General Election ballot and serves as an
example. The City Attorney’s Office will need to provide final language, following Council discussion.)
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
The proposed amendment adds requirements to fill a City Council vacancy by requiring at least four
affirmative votes (and not a simple majority of the seated Council Members at that time). This
proposed amendment would establish that such appointees would fill the vacancy only until the next
general municipal election, when the local electorate may vote for a candidate to permanently fill the
remainder of the unexpired term for that position. If the appointment occurs after the filing deadline
for the next general municipal election, the seat is deemed vacant. Upon certification of the general
municipal election, the newly seated City Council will be charged with filling the vacancy by
appointment or election. This amendment is not expected to result in any significant operational
impacts.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
This amendment will yield some additional costs to fill the vacancy via an election. However, it is not
anticipated to result in significant financial impacts.
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""Section 312. VA(ANGES, FO RFEITURES AND REPLACEMENT.
(a) Vacancies. A v.acanc y in the City Council o r in an y other office designated as electi v e by this
C-ha rt er , fro m w hate v er cause ar is ing , shall b e f ille dl by a pp ointm ent by the City Co uncil 'With at least
four affirmative votes .
(b ) Foneitum•. If a m emb er of the City Co uncil is ab sent fro m all regular m eetings of the City
Council fo r a p eri od of thirty consec utiv e day s fro m and after the last re g ular City Cou ncil m eeti ng
attended by such memb er , unless by p er mission of the City Cou ncil exp ressed in its official minute-s ,
the· o.ffice shall b eco m e v acanL If an elected City offic er p leads ,g uilty o r no c o ntest to or is co m, icted
of a felon y or an y cri me of m oral tur p itu d e. o.r ceases to b e an elector of the City . the off ice shall
b eco m e v ac.anL The City Council shall d eclare the ex istence of such v acanc y _ An y electi v e office r of
the· City w ho shall acce pt or reta.in .an y ot her electi v e p ub lic office , exce pt as p ro v ided in this Charter,
shall b e· dee med there by to hawe v acated' the off ice under t he City Gov ern m ent_
{c ) Replacement. In the ev ent it the· City Council shall fail to fill a v acanc y by app ointm ent w ithin
si xt y day s after such office shall b eco me v ac'ant the City Council shall forth w ith cause an election to
b e held to fill such v acanc y for the re ma ind er of the une xp ire d term _ If the City Council fills the
vacancy by appointment. such appointee shall hold office until an election to fil l the remainder
of the une·xpired term at the next general municipal election. Should the appoinmrnnt occur
after the filing deadline for the next general municipal election. the seat shall be deemed
vacant upon the1 certification of the general municipal election . and the vacancy shall be-filled
i n accordance INith Sections 3 12ja) and 312{c)."
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
3. Section 313. NEPOTISM. Recommended by Council Member Bolton.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
A review of regional charter cities, as it relates to the nepotism policies in their charters is below.
Orange County Charter
Cities
Section on Nepotism
Anaheim, Los Alamitos,
Newport Beach, Seal
Beach
Their charter language mirror Huntington Beach’s, with minor variations.
Please note - These cities do not have elected department heads; as such,
they do not specifically prohibit Council from appointing relatives of elected
department heads or other offers with appointive powers.
Irvine, Santa Ana Their charters briefly mention a prohibition on nepotism and calls for the use of
other governing policies (i.e. personnel rules) to outline the details.
Buena Park, Cypress,
Placentia
No nepotism language in their charters.
LA County Charter
Cities
Section on Nepotism
Glendale, Long Beach,
Los Angeles, Pasadena
No nepotism language in their charters.
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NEPOTI SJ\11
Section 313. CONFL ICT OF L TERESI _ TEPOTISJ\11.
a) Conflict of Int e1·est . The City Council sh all adopt or approve rules an d regulatiom
r egulating conflicts of intere st and pro m oting fair dealing in all City business .
b) l\'epotism . The City Council shall no t appoint to a salaried posit ion wider the City
government any person who is a relative by blood or marriage within t11e t hird degre e of any one
or more o f th e m embers of su ch City Co uncil. or any elected dep a1truent h ead. nor shaH the City
Manager or any department he ad or other officer ha.,--ing appointive power appoint any relative of
such person or of an y Council member or any elected d epaitmen t h ead. ,vithin such d egree to
any such position .
Thi., provis i on shall not affect the employmen t or promotional status of a person who has
at tained a salarie d position with tl1 e C ity prior to the existence of a situa t ion con tem p lated by this
provision ; hmve.-e r, Council m em bers or o ffice1·s with appo intive powers in such a <:.itua tion shal l
disqualify themsel v es fro m all d ec isions affecting the emp loyment and promotional s tahis of
such person.
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
Orange County CharterCities Section on NepotismAnaheim, Los Alamitos,Newport Beach, SealBeach Their charter language mirror Huntington Beach’s, with minor variations.Please note - These cities do not have elected department heads; as such,they do not specifically prohibit Council from appointing relatives of electeddepartment heads or other offers with appointive powers.Irvine, Santa Ana Their charters briefly mention a prohibition on nepotism and calls for the use ofother governing policies (i.e. personnel rules) to outline the details.
Buena Park, Cypress,
Placentia
No nepotism language in their charters.
LA County Charter
Cities
Section on Nepotism
Glendale, Long Beach,
Los Angeles, Pasadena
No nepotism language in their charters.
Huntington Beach provides details on its anti-nepotism policy in other authorizing documents (see
below).However,they do not specifically prohibit the City Council from appointing relatives of
elected department heads and other officers with appointive powers.A legal analysis would be
required to determine if such a prohibition must be included in the Charter or can be included in other
sources of authority:
Source of Authority Details
Personnel Rules 16-2
and 16-3
- Persons related by blood or marriage within the third degree* cannot report to
the same supervisor or supervise one another. - Such persons cannot be in
positions where one has access to privileged or confidential information that
should not be accessible to the other.
Administrative
Regulation 411
- An appointing authority cannot appoint an immediate family member of the
City Manager, Department Head, or Personnel Director to a paid temporary or
permanent position. - An employee cannot be moved to a position within the
direct line of supervision of a relative; these relatives cannot have the same
immediate supervisor.
*The term “third degree”is the same as "immediate family”(relative),which includes an individual
related by blood,adoption or marriage,e.g.spouse,parent,child,sibling,sibling/children-in-law,
grandparent, grandchild, uncle/aunt, nephew/niece, stepparent/child/sibling, half-sibling.
This item was discussed on September 28,2023 and clarified that the proposed changes to this
Chater section would prohibit the appointment of any relative within the third degree of any elected or
appointed official in order to fill a vacancy of an elected position or other officer with appointive
powers.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
There are no known fiscal impacts at this time.
4.Section 401(b)and Sections 601-605.Related to Biennial Budget.Recommended by the Ad
Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
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Section 401. POWERS AND DUTIES.
Except as othetwise provided in this Charter, the City Manager shall be responsible to the
City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the C ity. Without limi ting 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 electi ve officers and the Chief of Police. T he Chief of Police shall
not be appointed or removed until the City Manager shall firs t have reviewed such appointment
or removal with the C i ty 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.
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
The amendments would transition the City from an annual to a biennial budget, starting in Fiscal
Years 2026-2028. There is precedence for two-year budgets in Orange County; half of the 10 largest
cities in Orange County (not including Huntington Beach) utilize biennial budgets. There are also
known advantages and disadvantages of a biennial budget. Advantages may include reduced staff
time from undertaking an intensive six-month budgeting process every year. It also encourages the
City to plan strategically and longer term, particularly for larger projects and initiatives.
Disadvantages may include longer range forecasting of revenues and expenditures further into the
future; and more extensive budget amendments or mid-cycle reviews and adjustments that may
potentially eliminate time savings in year 2.
The Chief Financial Officer is supportive of a biennial budget. However, there will be operational
impacts from implementing process changes that require updates to budget forms and document
pages to account for the second year; updates to the accounting software; staff training; a new
format for the mid-cycle update and adjustments; and criteria and process to carryover funds
between years 1 and 2. The Finance Department would likely need to begin after the approval of this
Amendment in order to kick off the budget planning season starting Fall 2025, while simultaneously
developing the remaining annual budgets for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26.
Lastly, the amendment proposes one administrative change to retitle the Finance Director to Chief
Financial Officer, which is the title used commonly today and matched with the City’s organizational
chart.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
The primary fiscal impacts will be the hours of staff time required to implement the process changes
across all 12 City departments, conduct public engagement on this major change, and potential costs
to make changes to the City’s accounting software. The required staff hours will not be known until a
plan is identified to transition the budget.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council agreed via straw vote (7/0) with the biennial budget cycle
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public inspection. The budget so certified shall be reproduced and copies made available for the
use of the pub! ic and of departments, offices and agencies of the City.
Section 605. BIENNIAL ANN+J.Ab 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.
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
On September 28,2023,the City Council agreed via straw vote (7/0)with the biennial budget cycle
but continue further discussion on October 5.
5.Section 612.PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PARKS AND BEACHES (Measure C).Recommended by
Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
The language of the proposed amendments to Section 612 are separately listed in Attachment 1-
Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612.Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches (Measure C)
due to length.
Note that there are two recommendations for Section 612 (Attachment 1):
5a. Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation
5b. Staff Recommendation
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
Section 612,also known as Measure C,was a voter initiative that was approved by voters during the
November 1990 General Election and was incorporated into the Charter thereafter.Measure C
requires majority voter approval on matters involving the following, with some exemptions:
·Sale, lease, transfer or exchange of park and beach lands in Huntington Beach
·Construction of certain private and public developments on these lands
This proposed amendment would add to the list of current exemptions:public restrooms under a
certain size,above ground public works utility structures under a certain size,new playground
facilities or equipment in parks;and replacement playground facilities or equipment under certain
sizes.
These amendments would permit staff to provide these amenities without the added cost of a ballot
measure,which would facilitate the process to provide public review earlier,and ultimately deliver
projects to the public at an accelerated rate.
Recommendations from City staff
Based on staff experience working on public projects within the guidelines of Measure C,a few
recommendations are listed for consideration:
·Amend Section 612(a) to:
1)remove the dollar threshold ($161,000 adjusted for CPI)that triggers Measure C,as most
projects exceed that value today or
2)It is important to note that projects complete an environmental review according to CEQA
would still be required;conceptual design,all design documents,construction documents,and
environmental review will still be prepared and presented to the public and City Council for a
thorough review. Project construction would be contingent only after obtaining approvals for all items.
·Amend Section 612(a)to clearly define “structure”and its minimum square footage,as it is not
defined in the Charter.Determine if structure also includes flatwork such as pickleball and
other sports courts.This would clear up ambiguity about which projects qualify under
Measure C.
·Amend Section 612(c)to add public restrooms as an exempted project;remove any square
foot thresholds,as many projects such as restrooms and public works utilities exceed 3,000
square feet.
An additional consideration is the subsequent development of an ordinance,upon approval of
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
An additional consideration is the subsequent development of an ordinance,upon approval of
suggested changes,to strengthen the parameters of Measure C based on categories defined in the
Parks Master Plan.The Charter language would provide the "upper limits”of Measure C with an
ordinance possibly providing tighter parameters.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
Currently,Measure C requires the City to produce a “shovel ready project”by completing a
conceptual design,all design documents,construction documents,and pertinent environmental
studies,prior to placing a park or beach project on a ballot measure.The cost of each component
may vary significantly (upwards of a million dollars)and often take on a percentage of the final total
project cost.For the purposes of a general fiscal analysis,the average cost,per acre,of each phase
of the project is listed below,and includes additional data for an anticipated 6%increase in costs in
2024:
Project Phase Average Per Acre Cost
(2023)
Average Per Acre Cost
6% Escalation (2024)
Conceptual Design $5,340 5,661
Design Cost $13,949 $14,786
Construction Documents $44,463 $47,131
Construction $508,390 $538,893
Playgrounds average $110 per square foot in 2023,and $117 per square foot in 2024,with the
anticipated 6% escalation in costs.
This estimate does not include any costs to place the project on a ballot measure,which is an added
cost.
On September 28,2023,the City Council agreed via straw vote (7/0)with updated Measure C
language and continue further discussion on October 5.
6.Sections 702 and 705 (NEW).Recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23,and staff
recommendations 9/10/23.
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
Preliminary Operational Analysis
Per the Ad Hoc Committee, the amendment envisions that the City would implement the proposed
changes while still consolidating elections with the County Registrar of Voters (ROV). In this scenario
and with the current number of registered voters, the ROV would continue to provide eight ballot drop
box locations with vote by mail (VBM) options, three 11-day in-person Vote Centers at major City
facilities, and ten 4-day in person Vote Centers at both local and smaller city facilities. The minimum
number of Vote Centers is predetermined by an Elections Code formula and identified in the County’s
Election Administration Plan which will be updated in 2025. However, the City would need to provide
poll voters to verify id, request an additional 10 Vote Centers and install video cameras to monitor the
drop boxes.
The City has inquired with the ROV about whether the County would allow City poll workers to
conduct voter id verification at the County’s Vote Center and whether the County would consider
providing additional Vote Centers above and beyond what it provides now. On September 20, the
ROV stated that it cannot comment on these proposals.
City of Huntington Beach Printed on 10/4/2023Page 11 of 14
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Section 702. PRO CEDURE FOR HOLDING ELECTIO S.
All elections shall b e h eld .in accordance \\·itl1 the provisions of the Elections Code of the
S tate of California . as the same now exists or hereafter may b e amended. for the holding of
m unicipal elections, so far as the same are not 111 conflict with this. Charter . hi th e e-v ent of s.u cb
confli ct. the provisions of this Chmter shall ontrol a nd preYail. in accordance vvith Section 03
of this Chatter.
Secti on 705. SPECL\.L PROYISIO S RELATIN G TO 1\/IUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
As .in Section 300. the City Chader shall detem1ine the t em1 of the City· s elective officers. th e
lenr2:th of t enu. and th e election cyde in which the ele ction for thos e office s occur for the City's
elective offic ers.
(a Be2m1iin2 in 20_6, for aH municipal elections:
(1) • Elec:tor· means a person who is a Unite d States citizen 18 years of a ge m
olde r. and a 1·e si dent of the City on or b e fore the day of an election ..
. _;) TI1 e Ci ty may shall Yerifv the. elir2:ibility of Elect01's by -vot ei· i dentification.
(3) TI1e City may ro provide at le ast 20 ADA c ompliant residential votine
loca tion::; for in-person votf11 2 d is persed e-v enly throucl1out the City. m additi on to any City
fa c ility votin 2 locations .
(4) The City may 4£tll monitor ballot drop boxe s located within the City for
complianc e with all applicable 1m.vs .
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
In the event the ROV does not accept the City’s proposal and does not consolidate elections,staff
has conducted a very preliminary cost analysis for one City standalone election.The initial startup
cost for items such as equipment is $664K -858K;the recurring or operating costs to hold each
election is $689K -$832K,with the estimated total cost of 2026 stand-alone local election for
Huntington Beach to be $1.35 -$1.69 million.This is based on figures from other municipalities that
have recently conducted standalone elections but scaled for Huntington Beach and its number of
registered voters.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis
Should the City eventually obtain an affirmative response from the County,the amendment would
require the City to consider the following costs related to this amendment.
The City would need to provide poll workers at each ROV Vote Center to verify voter identification;
this would likely require recruitment costs,training and hourly wages at a rough cost estimate of
$69,000.
Regarding the cost of the additional ten 4-day in-person Vote Centers that will help achieve the total
20 residential voting locations described in the amendment -the ROV did not provide a cost
estimate.The ROV stated that it is not their practice to bill jurisdictions on a Vote Center by Vote
Center basis.If they are authorized by the County to provide the additional Vote Centers,the cost
would be billed proportionately to all participating jurisdictions based on a formula that takes the
number of voters per jurisdiction into account. This cost cannot be known at this time.
Regarding drop box monitoring,the City may be able to install 24-hour video cameras on buildings
within proximity to each drop box.If a building is located on private property,staff would need to
negotiate an agreement to mount a video camera on the property.At this time,one firm offers video
monitoring for approximately $2,500 per location including camera equipment and installation for 24-
hour access.Based on that,the City would anticipate incurring at least $20,000 plus additional
unknown cost related to the agreements.The City was advised by the ROV to further consult with
the City Attorney regarding the legality of local monitoring of ballot drop boxes.
On September 28,2023,the City Council agreed via straw vote (4-3,Kalmick,Moser,Bolton -No)to
move forward with the recommended amendment but with the following changes:
·Change reference from ”shall” to ”may” in both Sections 702 and 705
·In Section 705, add ”Beginning in 2026...”
·In Section 705,amend it to state ”20 ADA compliant voting locations”and take out ”residential”
from the Section.
7. Section 806. Display of Flags. Recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
City of Huntington Beach Printed on 10/4/2023Page 12 of 14
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File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
There are no known operational impacts at this time. It should be noted that the amendment allows
the City to fly additional flags not listed in the proposed amendment, if it is authorized by unanimous
vote of the City Council.
Comments by City Councilmembers include the requirement for unanimous vote whereas there are
no other Charter sections require unanimous votes, this Charter section would disallow for any
cultural or national flags to be displayed at the libraries, and this proposed amendment should have a
stand-alone measure if it goes to the March primary ballot.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council agreed via straw vote (4/3, Kalmick, Moser, Bolton - No) to
move forward with the recommended amendment.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
At this time there are no known fiscal impacts.
8. Charter amendments from Measure L (2022) with exclusions.Recommended by Council
Member Kalmick
The language of the proposed amendments are listed separately in Attachment 2 - Proposed
Changes from Measure L, 2002, with Exclusions, due to their length. Amendments related to
Section 312 (Vacancy), 612 (Measure C) have been removed as they are being considered by
City Council as separate amendments.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
Measure L proposed both substantive and non-substantive amendments.
Amendments to Sections 300, 303, 304, 306, 311, 312, 400, 601, 604, 801 are non-substantive in
that they clarify or update language in the Charter regarding outdated phrases, syntax, dates,
pronouns and titles. For example, Section 300 updates the election years to be more current and
rephrases the term “casting of lots” to a “random drawing” for clarity.
Section 303 updates the Charter to allow the use of “current technology” to distribute notices,
changes the words “executive session” to “closed session” because closed session is the current
City of Huntington Beach Printed on 10/4/2023Page 13 of 14
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xcept a · otherwise provided herein, the ity shall only fly or display at or on any of the
i 's ,ro erties the followin fl s: the American fla • the POW/MIA fla the tate of
Califomia flag, the Huntington Beach City flag, the Cotmty of Orange flag , or any of the flags of
the six branches of service: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard , farine Corps, and pace
Force. During the Summer Olympic ames , the Mayoi: is authorized to order the display of the
official OJ m ic fla s for four week rior to the dates of the ames and for u to two weeks
thereafter. The Citv may display anv other flag in addition to those already enum rated, but only
if authorized b a unanimous vote of all members of the Cit Council.
File #:23-844 MEETING DATE:10/5/2023
vernacular as well as clarify the process of adjourning City Council meetings.
303(c)312(c)400(d)and 801(e)replace pronouns “he”or “it”with “person”or the title being
referred to and 311(d)601,and 604 replaces “Director of Finance”with the updated title of “Chief
Financial Officer”.
One substantive amendment is in Section 804 which would require City Council to consider a
Charter review at least every ten years,starting after the last review conducted by a Committee,
Council or staff.This would require additional staffing support to organize but does not pose a
significant operating impact.
On September 28,2023,the City Council also agreed via straw vote to move forward with the
recommended amendment except the provision of changing the title of Mayor Pro Tempore to
Vice Mayor in Section 306 from Measure L and keep the title of Mayor Pro Tempore as it currently
stands.
Staff recommendation:
All other inconsistencies in language and titles within the Charter shall be included for correction
in this amendment should it be approved by the City Council.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
There are no known fiscal impacts at this time.
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. Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches (Measure C)
2. Proposed Changes from Measure L, 2022, with Exclusions
3. PDF Version of RCA
4. Charter Proposals
5. Communications
City of Huntington Beach Printed on 10/4/2023Page 14 of 14
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Attachment 1 – Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches
(Measure C)
Attachment 1 1 of 4
5a. Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation
Section 612. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PARKS AND BEACHES.
(a) No public utility or park or beach or portion thereof now o r hereafter owned or
operated by the City shall be sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise transfened or disposed of
unless authorized by the affi rmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the
City Council and by the affirmative vote of al least a majority of the electors voting on such
prnposition 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 bui lt 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 Ci ty Council and by the
affim1ative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on s uc h proposition at a general or
special election at which such proposition is submitted after the appropriate environmental
assessment, conceptual cost estima te, and reasonable project description has been completed a nd
w idely di sseminated to the publ ic. Effective January I, 2011, and each year thereafter, the
maximum cost will be adj usted by the Consumer Price lndex for the Los Angeles-Ri verside-
Orange County area.
(c) Section 6 l 2(a) and 612(b) shall not apply;
(I) to librar ies or piers;
(2) to any lease, franchise, concession agreement or o ther contract where;
-the contract is to perform an act or p rovide a service in a public park or beach AND
-such act was being perfom1ed o r service provided at the same locat ion p rior to
January 1, 1989 AND
-the proposed lease, franchise, concession agreement or o the r contract would no t
increase the am ount of park land or beach dedicated to or used by the party perfom1ing
such act or providing such service.
(3) to aboveground public works ut ility structures or public restrooms under 6,000
~ square feet;
(4) to underground pu blic works ut ili ty structures if park or beach use is n ot impeded;
(5) to any public works construction, maintenance or repair mandated by state or
fe d eral law th at does n ot n egatively impact recreational oppo1tunit ies; ef
(6) to renewable energy p rojects that do not negatively impact recreational
opp011unitieSs;_QI
(7) to new chi ldre n 's playground facil ities or equipment in any park: or to
rep lacement c h ildren's playground facilities or e q uipment in any park or beach .
provided that the square footage of such replacement children 's playground facil ities
or equipment is not increased by more than 100% during any ten year period.
(d) Jfany section, subsection, pa11, subpm1, paragraph, clause or phrase of this
amendment, or any amendment or revision of this amendment, is for any r eason held to be
i11va lid or unconstituti onal, th e remaini n g sections, su bsections, pa11s, subparts, paragraphs,
clauses or phrases shall not be affected but shall remain in full force and effect.
Attachment 1 – Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches
(Measure C)
Attachment 1 2 of 4
5b. Staff Recommendation
Staff Redline Version
Current Language Proposed Language
(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.
(1) An exception to the above would
include parks owned either by a public
utility or school district or leases
between the City and a private entity
as part of a private/public partnership
agreement wherein the City receives a
portion of the revenue generated as
approved by a majority of the City
Council.
(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.
(b) No golf course, driving range, road,
building exceeding a ten thousand
square foot footprint 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 an affirmative
6/7 vote 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 completion of (1) an
Environmental review under California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (2) a
conceptual site plan/Schematic Design
defined by the American Institute of
Architects as a general overview of a
Attachment 1 – Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches
(Measure C)
Attachment 1 3 of 4
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.
project’s basic features and construction
cost estimates, and (3) a reasonable
project description which have been
widely disseminated to the public.
(c) Section 612(a) and 612(b) shall not
apply;
(1) to libraries or piers;
(1) to libraries,piers, restrooms,
playgrounds or other recreational park
amenities such as, but not limited to:
sport courts, pump tracks, sports fields,
skate parks, concession stands, or picnic
tables and benches that are typically used
on a drop-in bases, during regular park
hours.
(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.
- 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 Unless the
increase or additional feature/expansion
is for the benefit of the community and
does not impede or impact any existing or
future park or beach usage and such
increase is approved by an affirmative 6/7
vote of the City Council.
- Exception: that any additional
feature/expansion would be allowed
provided it is temporary in nature, and
Attachment 1 – Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches
(Measure C)
Attachment 1 4 of 4
does not impede any other existing
park or beach usage (example:
extension of patio on open space vs.
Removal of an existing park amenity
to allow for extended use). Such use
will be evaluated at the end of each
lease term.
(3) to aboveground public works utility
structures under 3,000 square feet;
(3) to aboveground public works utility
structures under 10,000 square feet;
(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; or
(5) to any public works construction,
maintenance or repair mandated by state
or federal law ; or
(6) to renewable energy projects that do
not negatively impact recreational
opportunities.
(6) to renewable energy projects that do
not negatively impact recreational
opportunities.
(7) To any publicly owned or leased
building used by the community for
recreational purposes that changes its
scope of use (example: a concession
building changes to a community center)
when such change is approved by an
affirmative 6/7 vote of the City Council.
(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.
20
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(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 or current technology 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 or by current technology 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 Tem in the Mayor's absence or by any member of the City
Council in the absence of both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem 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 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 the Mayor 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 closed 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.
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 or by current technology 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.
Section 311. CITY TREASURER. POWERS AND DUTIES.
(d)Prepare and submit to the Director of Finance Chief Financial Officer monthly written
reports of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances, and shall file copies of such reports with
the City Manager and City Council.
Attachment 2- Proposed Changes from Measure L, 2022, with Exclusions
2
Section 312. VACANCIES, FORFEITURES AND REPLACEMENT.
(c)Replacement. In the event it the City Council shall fail to fill a vacancy by appointment
within sixty days after such office shall become vacant, the City Council shall forthwith cause an
election to be held to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Section 400. CITY MANAGER. COMPOSITION, TERM, ELIGIBILITY, REMOVAL.
(d)Removal. The City Manager shall not be removed from office during or within a period
of ninety days next succeeding any municipal election at which a member of the City Council is
elected. At any other time the City Manager may be removed only at a regular meeting of the
City Council and upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the City Council. At
least thirty days prior to the effective date of removal, the City Manager shall be furnished with a
written notice stating the Council's intentions and, if requested by the City Manager, the reasons
therefor. Within seven days after receipt of such notice, the City Manager may by written
notification to the City Clerk request a public hearing before the City Council, in which event the
Council shall fix a time for a public hearing which shall be held at its regular meeting place
before the expiration of the thirty-day period above referred to. The City Manager shall appear
and be heard at such hearing. After furnishing the City Manager with written notice of the
intended removal, the City Council may suspend the City Manager from duty, but his the City
Manager’s compensation shall continue until removal as herein provided. In removing the City
Manager, the City Council shall use its uncontrolled discretion and its action shall be final and
shall not depend upon any particular showing or degree of proof at the hearing, the purpose of
which is to allow the City Council and the City Manager to present to each other and to the
public all pertinent facts prior to the final action of removal.
Section 601. 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 Director of Finance Chief Financial
Officer, estimates of the department's, board's or commission's revenue and expenditures for the
ensuing fiscal year, 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 604. 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 fiscal year. Copies thereof, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City
Manager, Director of Finance 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
Attachment 2- Proposed Changes from Measure L, 2022, with Exclusions
3
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 801. DEFINITIONS. Unless the provisions or the context otherwise requires, as used in
this Charter:
(a)"Shall" is mandatory, and "may" is permissive.
(b)"City" is the City of Huntington Beach and "department," "board," "commission,"
"agency," "officer," or "employee" is a department, board, commission, agency, officer or
employee, as the case may be, of the City of Huntington Beach.
(c)"County" is the County of Orange.
(d)"State" is the State of California.
(e)The masculine includes the feminine and the feminine includes the masculine.
(f e) The singular includes the plural and the plural the singular.
(g f) "Person" includes firm and corporation.
Section 804. CHARTER REVIEW. 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 from the most recent formal Charter review conducted by a
Charter Revision Commission, City Council, or City staff.
Attachment 2- Proposed Changes from Measure L, 2022, with Exclusions
4
1 of 13
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager
PREPARED BY: Shannon Levin, Council Policy Analyst
Subject:
..title
City Council discussion for potential Charter amendments to be considered for the March 5, 2024
Statewide Primary Election.
..body
Statement of Issue:
Note: A PDF Version of this report is attached, in the event that the tables and images do not display
properly on the reader’s screen.
On September 5, 2023, City Council authorized four Special Meetings scheduled on September 14, 21,
28 and October 5 to gather public feedback and consider potential Charter amendments. During the
first meeting, City Council received public feedback and requested impact analyses for potential
amendments, including those proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee and staff. On September 21, Council
Members deliberated on several amendments that were previously proposed, while adding new
amendments and requesting impact analyses on each one. On September 28, Council Members
discussed several proposed amendments and took straw votes to either table the items or move items
forward for discussion on October 5.
Following Council deliberation on all amendments, Council may approve proposed language and
Charter amendments to identify those that could be placed on the March 5, 2024 Special Election ballot.
Financial Impact:
On September 5, 2023, staff provided initial estimates to place the three initially proposed ballot
measures on the March 2024 Primary Election. After conducting additional research and conferring in
depth with the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV), the staff is providing a closer estimate as
follows:
2 of 13
Cost for March 2024 Ballot Measures
Range Includes
Consolidated
Election $318, 928 $383,128
Cost of the consolidated election,
postage for vote by mail ballot returns,
cost recovery for the purchase of any
new election equipment.
3 Ballot Measures
(as discussed on 9/5/23) $51,000 $76,500
Based on the number of pages required
for each measure at $8,500 per 2 pages
and 3,000 words (the range on the left is
based on 4-6 pages per measure.
Total $369,928 $459,628
1. Cost to hold a special election: $318,928 to $383,128. The final cost will depend on several
factors incl. the number of cities participating and sharing in the total election costs.
2. Cost per measure: $17,000 to $25,500 each. The cost depends on the number of pages
needed to print each measure on the ballot, which includes ballot language, the revisions,
impartial analyses, arguments for/against, rebuttals. Last year’s measures were around 5 pages
each.
Recommended Action:
..recommendation
A) Consider the proposed Charter amendments and provide direction on bundling on one or more
Charter amendments for placement on the March 5, 2024 Special Election ballot, and
B) Direct the City Attorney and City staff to prepare and return ballot measure language on
approved amendments and all other materials required for submittal to the ROV for City Council
consideration.
..end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve one or more of the recommended actions; direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
During the September 28 Special Meeting, City Council cast straw votes to consider Charter
amendments and requested staff return with proposed language and additional analyses for
consideration.
Following tonight’s Council deliberation, at the October 17, 2023 City Council meeting:
• Staff will bring forth bundled amendments and exhibits for final review; and
3 of 13
• City Council may approve resolution(s) to place Charter amendments on the ballot; and
• City Council may select authors to create arguments.
1. Section 303. MEETINGS AND LOCATION. Recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
Per the Charter, City Council must hold meetings at least twice per month. However, meetings cannot
be held without a quorum, as governed by the California Brown Act. The amendment references this
quorum to clarify this exception to the two-meeting rule. The amendment also permits the Mayor or
majority of Council Members to cancel meetings.
As part of this amendment, the City Council could consider outlining the circumstances or limiting the
number of cancelations per year in an ordinance, resolution, or the Council Manual for greater clarity.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
There are no known fiscal impacts associated with this amendment.
On September 28, 2023, Councilmember Kalmick proposed an addition of the language to secure the
holding of at least one meeting per month so that the Council meets regularly to conduct the people’s
business and avoid potentially frequent meeting cancellations. The City Council agreed via straw vote
(7/0) to approve the proposed amendment with suggested minor changes.
2. Section 312. VACANCIES FORFEITURES AND REPLACEMENT. Recommended by Mayor
Strickland.
(The following language was placed on the November 2022 General Election ballot and serves as an
example. The City Attorney’s Office will need to provide final language, following Council discussion.)
S ection 303. 1IEETI JT G S AND LO C ATIO .
(a) Regala r M eetings .. The City Council shall hold regular m eetings at least hv ic e each
month. unless it lacks a quorum or the me eti.ne: is cancel ed by the Mayo r or a ma]orit y of City
Council M embers . at such tune as it shall fix by ordinance or reso lu tion . In no event shall the
City Council m eet le ss than once each month . fl:fld The City Council may adjourn or re -adjourn
any r egular meeting to a date and hour cer tain which shall b e p ecified in the order of
adjournment and w hen so adjourned each adjomne d meetmg shall b e a r e gular meeting for a ll
purpos e s .. If the h our to w hich a m eeting is adjoumed is not stated in the order of adj omnment,
such m eeting sha ll b e h eld at the hour for holding re gular m eetings . If at any time any r egular
m eeting falls on a holiday such regular me et ing shall be held on the next busines s clay .
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Preliminary Operational Analysis:
The proposed amendment adds requirements to fill a City Council vacancy by requiring at least four
affirmative votes (and not a simple majority of the seated Council Members at that time). This proposed
amendment would establish that such appointees would fill the vacancy only until the next general
municipal election, when the local electorate may vote for a candidate to permanently fill the remainder
of the unexpired term for that position. If the appointment occurs after the filing deadline for the next
general municipal election, the seat is deemed vacant. Upon certification of the general municipal
election, the newly seated City Council will be charged with filling the vacancy by appointment or
election. This amendment is not expected to result in any significant operational impacts.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
This amendment will yield some additional costs to fill the vacancy via an election. However, it is not
anticipated to result in significant financial impacts.
""Section 312. VAiCANiCIE.S, FO RFlE ITU RES AND REPLACEMENT.
(a) Vacandes. A v ac anc y in tJhe Oity Cou nc il or in arn y other off ice des ig nat ed as electii v e by tihis
Ohart er , fro m w hate v er c aus e ar is in g , shall b e f ii led by app ointm ent by tJhe Oity Counc il with at least
four affirmative votes.
(b ) Foneiture·. If a m em b er of t1he Oity Counc il is ab se nt fro m all regu lar m eetii ngs of tih e C ity
Counc il for a p eriod of tJhi rt y consecut1iv e day s fro m and af ter t1he last regu lar City Counc il m ee t1in 9
attend ed by such m em b er , un less by p er m i ss .ion of tJhe Oi t y Counc il exp ressed in its offic ial m in utes ,
tJhe off ice shall b ec o m e v acant If an elected Oit y off ic er p l eads gu ilty or no co nt es t to or is co nv icted
of a felony or any cri m e of m ora l turp itude , or ceases to b e an elec tor of bhe Oity , bhe office s hall
b eco m e v acant. Th e Oity Cou ncil s hall declare t1he eXJ istence of su o h v acanc y . An y elect1iv e off icer of
bhe Oity w ho s hall acce pt or reta in any obher elec biv e p ub li c off ice , exc ept as p ro v ided in t1his Oh art.er ,
s hall b e dee m ed tihere by to hav e v acated ti he off ice under ti he Oity Go v ern m ent.
{c ) ~eplacement. In tihe ev ent it the• City Council shall fail to fill a v ac.a nc y by app o intm en t w itih in
s ix ty day s after such off ic e sha ll b eco m e v acan t , bhe Oity Cou nc il shall fortih w ibh cause an electiion to
b e hel•d to fill suc h v acanc y for ti he re m ain der of t1he unexp ired te rm . If the City Council fills the
vacancy by appointment. such appointee shall hold office until an election to fill the remainder
of the unexpired term at the next general municipal election. Should the appointment occur
after the filing deadline for the next general municipal election. the seat shall be deemed
vacant upon the certification of the general municipal election. and the vacancy shall be filled
in accordance with Sections 312(a) and 312(c).'
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3. Section 313. NEPOTISM. Recommended by Council Member Bolton.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
A review of regional charter cities, as it relates to the nepotism policies in their charters is below.
Orange County
Charter Cities Section on Nepotism
Anaheim, Los Alamitos,
Newport Beach, Seal
Beach
Their charter language mirror Huntington Beach’s, with minor variations.
Please note - These cities do not have elected department heads; as such,
they do not specifically prohibit Council from appointing relatives of elected
department heads or other offers with appointive powers.
Irvine, Santa Ana Their charters briefly mention a prohibition on nepotism and calls for the use
of other governing policies (i.e. personnel rules) to outline the details.
Buena Park, Cypress,
Placentia No nepotism language in their charters.
LA County
Charter Cities Section on Nepotism
Glendale, Long Beach,
Los Angeles, Pasadena No nepotism language in their charters.
Huntington Beach provides details on its anti-nepotism policy in other authorizing documents (see
below). However, they do not specifically prohibit the City Council from appointing relatives of elected
department heads and other officers with appointive powers. A legal analysis would be required to
determine if such a prohibition must be included in the Charter or can be included in other sources of
authority:
NEPOTISM
S ection 313 . CONFLICT OF I 1 TERES T NEPOTISM .
· a) C onflfrt of Interest . T he City Council shall adop t or approve rules and regulations
r egulating c onflicts of in t er es t and promot ing fai r dealing in all City bu siness .
· b) Jepotism . The Ci ty Council sha U no t appoint to a salaried position unde r t he City
govemment any p erson \\'·ho is a relative by blood or ma1Tiag e within th e third d egre e o f any one
or more of th e m em ber of such City Co uncil , or any elected dep artment h ead. nor shall the City
Manager or any de partm ent he ad or other offic er havi.ng appointive pov. er appoint any relativ e of
such p erson or of any Council m emb er or any el ecte d dep a11m en t h ead . within su ch d egr ee to
any such position .
Th is provision shall not affect the employment or promotional status of a p erson who has
attained a salarie d position vv i th the C ity prior to the existe nce of a sit uation contem p lated by this
provis ion ; however, Council m em be rs or offi cers ,:\ ith appo intive powers in such a situa tion shaH
disqualify themselves from all decisions affec.ting the employme nt and promotional t atus o f
suc h p erson .
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Source of Authority Details
Personnel Rules
16-2 and 16-3
- Persons related by blood or marriage within the third degree* cannot report
to the same supervisor or supervise one another.
- Such persons cannot be in positions where one has access to privileged or
confidential information that should not be accessible to the other.
Administrative
Regulation 411
- An appointing authority cannot appoint an immediate family member of the
City Manager, Department Head, or Personnel Director to a paid temporary or
permanent position.
- An employee cannot be moved to a position within the direct line of
supervision of a relative; these relatives cannot have the same immediate
supervisor.
* The term “third degree” is the same as "immediate family” (relative), which includes an individual related
by blood, adoption or marriage, e.g. spouse, parent, child, sibling, sibling/children-in-law, grandparent,
grandchild, uncle/aunt, nephew/niece, stepparent/child/sibling, half-sibling.
This item was discussed on Septmber 28, 2023 and clarified that the proposed changes to this Chater
section would prohibit the appointment of any relative within the third degree of any elected or appointed
official in order to fill a vacancy of an elected position or other officer with appointive powers.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
There are no known fiscal impacts at this time.
4. Section 401(b) and Sections 601-605. Related to Biennial Budget. Recommended by the Ad Hoc
Committee on 8/1/23.
Section 401. POWERS AND DUTIES.
Except as otheiwise provided in this Charter, the City Manager shall be responsible to the
City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the C ity. Without limiting this general
grant of powers and responsibi lities, 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 firs t have reviewed such appointment
or removal with the C ity Council and have received approval for such appointment or removal
by a majority vote of the fu]l City Council.
(b) Prepare the budget as required by this Cha11er annually, submit it to the City
Council, and be responsible for its administration upon adoption.
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Preliminary Operational Analysis:
The amendments would transition the City from an annual to a biennial budget, starting in Fiscal Years
2026-2028. There is precedence for two-year budgets in Orange County; half of the 10 largest cities
lion 60 I. Bl • IAI. U B D E , PR P RA Tl Y TH lTY M AGER .
t uch da t as the ity Manager hall dctcnninc, ch b rd or commission and each
de · h to the ity Mana ally or through th Ji.ffiaR~bltfeef1EH'
th depart ard r commis ion' u and
t al . · ma b pre cri cd by
· ger shall r icw the
lhe r head , boards or
ise th ti t d em d ad .
t th time so adverti r a · n tim to which uch publ ic hearing shall from tim to
tim be adj urned th ily ounc il hall h lcl a public hearing on th prop d budg t t which
int r stcd per ons d iring to h ard ·hall be gi n ·uc h pportunity.
D
At the concl ion of th public h th ity ouncil hall furth r c n id r the
sed bu 1d make an r ision f that it m advi able and on re th
f th al yea ·th if affi ot
a majority o · n udg t shall
t c cnsui i hall b
t an +'ii~~~Fee-lef ==..:..:.:==:.:...:=:== ·r th
t further hall
I be a ailablc for
public inspection. The budget so certified shall be reproduced and copies made available for the
use o f the public and of departments, offices and agencies of the City.
Section 605. BIENNIAL ANNUAb BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS.
From the effective date of the budget, the several amounts stated therein as proposed
expcnditw-es shall be and become approp1iated to th 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.
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in Orange County (not including Huntington Beach) utilize biennial budgets. There are also known
advantages and disadvantages of a biennial budget. Advantages may include reduced staff time from
undertaking an intensive six-month budgeting process every year. It also encourages the City to plan
strategically and longer term, particularly for larger projects and initiatives.
Disadvantages may include longer range forecasting of revenues and expenditures further into the
future; and more extensive budget amendments or mid-cycle reviews and adjustments that may
potentially eliminate time savings in year 2.
The Chief Financial Officer is supportive of a biennial budget. However, there will be operational
impacts from implementing process changes that require updates to budget forms and document pages
to account for the second year; updates to the accounting software; staff training; a new format for the
mid-cycle update and adjustments; and criteria and process to carryover funds between years 1 and 2.
The Finance Department would likely need to begin after the approval of this Amendment in order to
kick off the budget planning season starting Fall 2025, while simultaneously developing the remaining
annual budgets for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26.
Lastly, the amendment proposes one administrative change to retitle the Finance Director to Chief
Financial Officer, which is the title used commonly today and matched with the City’s organizational
chart.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
The primary fiscal impacts will be the hours of staff time required to implement the process changes
across all 12 City departments, conduct public engagement on this major change, and potential costs
to make changes to the City’s accounting software. The required staff hours will not be known until a
plan is identified to transition the budget.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council agreed via straw vote (7/0) with the biennial budget cycle but
continue further discussion on October 5.
5. Section 612. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PARKS AND BEACHES (Measure C). Recommended by
Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
The language of the proposed amendments to Section 612 are separately listed in Attachment 1-
Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches (Measure C)
due to length.
Note that there are two recommendations for Section 612 (Attachment 1):
5a. Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation
5b. Staff Recommendation
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
Section 612, also known as Measure C, was a voter initiative that was approved by voters during the
November 1990 General Election and was incorporated into the Charter thereafter. Measure C requires
majority voter approval on matters involving the following, with some exemptions:
• Sale, lease, transfer or exchange of park and beach lands in Huntington Beach
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• Construction of certain private and public developments on these lands
This proposed amendment would add to the list of current exemptions: public restrooms under a certain
size, above ground public works utility structures under a certain size, new playground facilities or
equipment in parks; and replacement playground facilities or equipment under certain sizes.
These amendments would permit staff to provide these amenities without the added cost of a ballot
measure, which would facilitate the process to provide public review earlier, and ultimately deliver
projects to the public at an accelerated rate.
Recommendations from City staff
Based on staff experience working on public projects within the guidelines of Measure C, a few
recommendations are listed for consideration:
• Amend Section 612(a) to:
1) remove the dollar threshold ($161,000 adjusted for CPI) that triggers Measure C, as most
projects exceed that value today or
2) It is important to note that projects complete an environmental review according to CEQA
would still be required; conceptual design, all design documents, construction documents, and
environmental review will still be prepared and presented to the public and City Council for a
thorough review. Project construction would be contingent only after obtaining approvals for all
items.
• Amend Section 612(a) to clearly define “structure” and its minimum square footage, as it is not
defined in the Charter. Determine if structure also includes flatwork such as pickleball and other
sports courts. This would clear up ambiguity about which projects qualify under Measure C.
• Amend Section 612(c) to add public restrooms as an exempted project; remove any square foot
thresholds, as many projects such as restrooms and public works utilities exceed 3,000 square
feet.
An additional consideration is the subsequent development of an ordinance, upon approval of
suggested changes, to strengthen the parameters of Measure C based on categories defined in the
Parks Master Plan. The Charter language would provide the "upper limits” of Measure C with an
ordinance possibly providing tighter parameters.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
Currently, Measure C requires the City to produce a “shovel ready project” by completing a conceptual
design, all design documents, construction documents, and pertinent environmental studies, prior to
placing a park or beach project on a ballot measure. The cost of each component may vary significantly
(upwards of a million dollars) and often take on a percentage of the final total project cost. For the
purposes of a general fiscal analysis, the average cost, per acre, of each phase of the project is listed
below, and includes additional data for an anticipated 6% increase in costs in 2024:
Project Phase Average Per Acre Cost
(2023)
Average Per Acre Cost
6% Escalation (2024)
Conceptual Design $5,340 5,661
Design Cost $13,949 $14,786
Construction
Documents $44,463 $47,131
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Construction $508,390 $538,893
Playgrounds average $110 per square foot in 2023, and $117 per square foot in 2024, with the
anticipated 6% escalation in costs.
This estimate does not include any costs to place the project on a ballot measure, which is an added
cost.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council agreed via straw vote (7/0) with updated Measure C language
and continue further discussion on October 5.
6. Sections 702 and 705 (NEW). Recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23, and staff
recommendations 9/10/23.
Section 70 2. PRO CE DURE FOR HOLDING ELECTIO S.
All elections shaH b e h eld in accordance with the provision of the E lect ions Code of th e
State of Califomia, as the san e nov, exist s or hei·eafter 1uay b e amended, for th e holding of
munic 'pal elec:tions~ so far as the same are not in conflict with th" s Charter . In the event of such
conflict t he provisions of thi Cha1ier shaU control anc prevail. in accorc anc:e with Section 103
of this Chalier.
Section 70 5. SPECIAL PROVIS IO S RELATI G TO 1\!I U ICIPAL ELECTIO S
As in S ection 300, the Citv Cha1i er shall determine the t enn of the City s ele ti \ e offic.ers . the
length of tenu. and the election cycle in vvh ich die election for those offic es occur for the City's
elective offic e1·s .
(a) Beginning in 2026. for all munic.ipal elections:
(]) "Elee:tor· means a person \i-ho is a United States citize n 18 y ears of a ge or
older. and a resident of the Citv on o r b efore the dav of an election .
(2) The City may 4-aJl verify the eligibility of Electors by voter identification .
(3) The City may tG provide at least 20 ADA compliant re sid ential votin2
focations for in-p erson voting dispersed evenly throucliout the City. in addition to any City
fa c ility voting loc ations .
( 4) The City may 4-aJl 1uonitor ballot crop boxes located w ithin the City for
cmnpl · anc.e with all a pplicable faws .
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Preliminary Operational Analysis
Per the Ad Hoc Committee, the amendment envisions that the City would implement the proposed
changes while still consolidating elections with the County Registrar of Voters (ROV). In this scenario
and with the current number of registered voters, the ROV would continue to provide eight ballot drop
box locations with vote by mail (VBM) options, three 11-day in-person Vote Centers at major City
facilities, and ten 4-day in person Vote Centers at both local and smaller city facilities. The minimum
number of Vote Centers is predetermined by an Elections Code formula and identified in the County’s
Election Administration Plan which will be updated in 2025. However, the City would need to provide
poll voters to verify id, request an additional 10 Vote Centers and install video cameras to monitor the
drop boxes.
The City has inquired with the ROV about whether the County would allow City poll workers to conduct
voter id verification at the County’s Vote Center and whether the County would consider providing
additional Vote Centers above and beyond what it provides now. On September 20, the ROV stated
that it cannot comment on these proposals.
In the event the ROV does not accept the City’s proposal and does not consolidate elections, staff has
conducted a very preliminary cost analysis for one City standalone election. The initial startup cost for
items such as equipment is $664K – 858K; the recurring or operating costs to hold each election is
$689K - $832K, with the estimated total cost of 2026 stand-alone local election for Huntington Beach
to be $1.35 - $1.69 million. This is based on figures from other municipalities that have recently
conducted standalone elections but scaled for Huntington Beach and its number of registered voters.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis
Should the City eventually obtain an affirmative response from the County, the amendment would
require the City to consider the following costs related to this amendment.
The City would need to provide poll workers at each ROV Vote Center to verify voter identification; this
would likely require recruitment costs, training and hourly wages at a rough cost estimate of $69,000.
Regarding the cost of the additional ten 4-day in-person Vote Centers that will help achieve the total 20
residential voting locations described in the amendment – the ROV did not provide a cost estimate.
The ROV stated that it is not their practice to bill jurisdictions on a Vote Center by Vote Center basis.
If they are authorized by the County to provide the additional Vote Centers, the cost would be billed
proportionately to all participating jurisdictions based on a formula that takes the number of voters per
jurisdiction into account. This cost cannot be known at this time.
Regarding drop box monitoring, the City may be able to install 24-hour video cameras on buildings
within proximity to each drop box. If a building is located on private property, staff would need to
negotiate an agreement to mount a video camera on the property. At this time, one firm offers video
monitoring for approximately $2,500 per location including camera equipment and installation for 24-
hour access. Based on that, the City would anticipate incurring at least $20,000 plus additional
unknown cost related to the agreements. The City was advised by the ROV to further consult with the
City Attorney regarding the legality of local monitoring of ballot drop boxes.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council agreed via straw vote (4-3, Kalmick, Moser, Bolton - No) to
move forward with the recommended amendment but with the following changes:
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• Change reference from ”shall” to ”may” in both Sections 702 and 705
• In Section 705, add ”Beginning in 2026...”
• In Section 705, amend it to state ”20 ADA compliant voting locations” and take out ”residential”
from the Section.
7. Section 806. Display of Flags. Recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on 8/1/23.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
There are no known operational impacts at this time. It should be noted that the amendment allows
the City to fly additional flags not listed in the proposed amendment, if it is authorized by unanimous
vote of the City Council.
Comments by City Councilmembers include the requirement for unanimous vote whereas there are no
other Charter sections require unanimous votes, this Charter section would disallow for any cultural or
national flags to be displayed at the libraries, and this proposed amendment should have a stand-alone
measure if it goes to the March primary ballot.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council agreed via straw vote (4/3, Kalmick, Moser, Bolton - No) to
move forward with the recommended amendment.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
At this time there are no known fiscal impacts.
8. Charter amendments from Measure L (2022) with exclusions. Recommended by Council
Member Kalmick
The language of the proposed amendments are listed separately in Attachment 2 - Proposed
Changes from Measure L, 2002, with Exclusions, due to their length. Amendments related to
Section 312 (Vacancy), 612 (Measure C) have been removed as they are being considered by City
Council as separate amendments.
Preliminary Operational Analysis:
Measure L proposed both substantive and non-substantive amendments.
Amendments to Sections 300, 303, 304, 306, 311, 312, 400, 601, 604, 801 are non-substantive in
that they clarify or update language in the Charter regarding outdated phrases, syntax, dates,
Exce ta· otherwise rovided herein the it sha ll on l fl or dis la at or on an of the
i 1 s ro erties lhe follow in fl a s: th e American fla . the POWIMIA fla th e tate of
Califomia flag , the Huntington Beach City flag, the County of Orange flag, or any of the flags o f
the six bran ches of service: the Army. Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, a nd Space
F orce. Durin the Swnmer 01 m ic Games th e Ma or is authoriz d to order the dis la of the
officia l Olympic flags for four weeks prior to the dates of the games. and for up t o two weeks
thereafter. The Citv may di play anv other flag in ad d itio n to those already enum rated, bu t on ly
if authorized b a unan im ous vote of all mem b ers of the Ci t Co uncil.
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pronouns and titles. For example, Section 300 updates the election years to be more current and
rephrases the term “casting of lots” to a “random drawing” for clarity.
Section 303 updates the Charter to allow the use of “current technology” to distribute notices,
changes the words “executive session” to “closed session” because closed session is the current
vernacular as well as clarify the process of adjourning City Council meetings.
303(c) 312(c) 400(d) and 801(e) replace pronouns “he” or “it” with “person” or the title being referred
to and 311(d) 601, and 604 replaces “Director of Finance” with the updated title of “Chief Financial
Officer”.
One substantive amendment is in Section 804 which would require City Council to consider a
Charter review at least every ten years, starting after the last review conducted by a Committee,
Council or staff. This would require additional staffing support to organize but does not pose a
significant operating impact.
On September 28, 2023, the City Council also agreed via straw vote to move forward with the
recommended amendment except the provision of changing the title of Mayor Pro Tempore to Vice
Mayor in Section 306 from Measure L and keep the title of Mayor Pro Tempore as it currently stands.
Staff recommendation:
All other inconsistencies in language and titles within the Charter shall be included for correction in
this amendment should it be approved by the City Council.
Preliminary Fiscal Analysis:
There are no known fiscal impacts at this time.
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. Proposed Changes to Charter Section 612. Public Utilities and Parks and Beaches (Measure
C)
2. Proposed Changes from Measure L, 2022, with Exclusions
3. PDF Version of RCA
4. Charter Proposals
5. Communications
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS BY TOPIC
CHARTER SECTIONS
303
312
313
401, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605
612
702, 705 (new)
806 (new)
TOPIC
Cancellation of Meetings (Ad Hoc)
Council Vacancies (Strickland)
Nepotism (Bolton)
Biennial Budget (Ad Hoc)
Measure “C” (Ad Hoc)
Elections (Ad Hoc)
Flags (Ad Hoc)
2022 Measure L (Kalmick) 300, 303, 304, 311, 312, 400, 601, 604, 801, 804 312
1
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CANCELLATION OF MEETINGS
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. In no event shall the
City Council meet less than once each month. and The City Council 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 Tem in the Mayor’s absence or by any member of the City
Council in the absence of both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem 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 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.
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COUNCIL VACANCIES
Section 312. VACANCIES, FORFEITURES AND REPLACEMENT.
(a) Vacancies. A vacancy in the City Council or in any other office designated as elective
by this Charter, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled by appointment by the City Council.
(b) Forfeiture. If a member of the City Council is absent from all regular meetings of the
City Council for a period of thirty consecutive days from and after the last regular City Council
meeting attended by such member, unless by permission of the City Council expressed in its
official minutes, the office shall become vacant. If an elected City officer pleads guilty or no
contest to or is convicted of a felony or any crime of moral turpitude, or ceases to be an elector
of the City, the office shall become vacant. The City Council shall declare the existence of such
vacancy. Any elective officer of the City who shall accept or retain any other elective public
office, except as provided in this Charter, shall be deemed thereby to have vacated the office
under the City Government.
(c) Replacement. In the event it shall fail to fill a vacancy by appointment within sixty
days after such office shall become vacant, the City Council shall forthwith cause an election to
be held to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the City Council fills the
vacancy by appointment, such appointee shall hold office until an election to fill the remainder of
the unexpired term at the next general municipal election. Should the appointment occur after the
filing deadline for the next general municipal election, the seat shall be deemed vacant upon the
certification of the general municipal election, and the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with
Sections 312(a) and 312(c).
3
9
NEPOTISM
Section 313. CONFLICT OF INTEREST, NEPOTISM.
(a) Conflict of Interest. The City Council shall adopt or approve rules and regulations
regulating conflicts of interest and promoting fair dealing in all City business.
(b) Nepotism. The City Council shall not appoint to a salaried position under the City
government any person who is a relative by blood or marriage within the third degree of any one
or more of the members of such City Council, or any elected department head, nor shall the City
Manager or any department head or other officer having appointive power appoint any relative of
such person or of any Council member or any elected department head, within such degree to
any such position.
This provision shall not affect the employment or promotional status of a person who has
attained a salaried position with the City prior to the existence of a situation contemplated by this
provision; however, Council members or officers with appointive powers in such a situation shall
disqualify themselves from all decisions affecting the employment and promotional status of
such person.
4
3
BIENNIAL BUDGET
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.
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.
5
4
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 Director of
Finance, 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, Director of Finance, 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.
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
6
5
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.
7
6
MEASURE “C”
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;
(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; or
(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
8
7
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.
9
1
ELECTIONS
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
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.
(a)Beginning in 2026, for all municipal elections:
(1)“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.
(2)The City may shall verify the eligibility of Electors by voter identification.
(3) The City may to provide at least 20 ADA compliant residential voting
locations for in-person voting dispersed evenly throughout the City, in addition to any City
facility voting locations.
(4)The City may shall monitor ballot drop boxes located within the City for
compliance with all applicable laws.
10
2
FLAGS
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.
11
10
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12
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11
(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 or current technology 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 or by current technology 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 Tem in the Mayor's absence or by any member of the City
Council in the absence of both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem 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 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 the Mayor 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 closed 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.
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 or by current technology 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.
Section 311. CITY TREASURER. POWERS AND DUTIES.
(d)Prepare and submit to the Director of Finance Chief Financial Officer monthly written
reports of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances, and shall file copies of such reports with
the City Manager and City Council.
13
12
Section 312. VACANCIES, FORFEITURES AND REPLACEMENT.
(c)Replacement. In the event it the City Council shall fail to fill a vacancy by appointment
within sixty days after such office shall become vacant, the City Council shall forthwith cause an
election to be held to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Section 400. CITY MANAGER. COMPOSITION, TERM, ELIGIBILITY, REMOVAL.
(d)Removal. The City Manager shall not be removed from office during or within a period
of ninety days next succeeding any municipal election at which a member of the City Council is
elected. At any other time the City Manager may be removed only at a regular meeting of the
City Council and upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the City Council. At
least thirty days prior to the effective date of removal, the City Manager shall be furnished with a
written notice stating the Council's intentions and, if requested by the City Manager, the reasons
therefor. Within seven days after receipt of such notice, the City Manager may by written
notification to the City Clerk request a public hearing before the City Council, in which event the
Council shall fix a time for a public hearing which shall be held at its regular meeting place
before the expiration of the thirty-day period above referred to. The City Manager shall appear
and be heard at such hearing. After furnishing the City Manager with written notice of the
intended removal, the City Council may suspend the City Manager from duty, but his the City
Manager’s compensation shall continue until removal as herein provided. In removing the City
Manager, the City Council shall use its uncontrolled discretion and its action shall be final and
shall not depend upon any particular showing or degree of proof at the hearing, the purpose of
which is to allow the City Council and the City Manager to present to each other and to the
public all pertinent facts prior to the final action of removal.
Section 601. 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 Director of Finance Chief Financial
Officer, estimates of the department's, board's or commission's revenue and expenditures for the
ensuing fiscal year, 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 604. 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 fiscal year. Copies thereof, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City
Manager, Director of Finance 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
14
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 801. DEFINITIONS. Unless the provisions or the context otherwise requires, as used in
this Charter:
(a)"Shall" is mandatory, and "may" is permissive.
(b)"City" is the City of Huntington Beach and "department," "board," "commission,"
"agency," "officer," or "employee" is a department, board, commission, agency, officer or
employee, as the case may be, of the City of Huntington Beach.
(c)"County" is the County of Orange.
(d)"State" is the State of California.
(e)The masculine includes the feminine and the feminine includes the masculine.
(f e) The singular includes the plural and the plural the singular.
(g f) "Person" includes firm and corporation.
Section 804. CHARTER REVIEW. 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 from the most recent formal Charter review conducted by a
Charter Revision Commission, City Council, or City staff.
15
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
City Council members,
Brad Bergeland < bjbergeland@gmail.com>
Thursday, September 28, 2023 4:06 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
28 September 2023 City Council d iscussion of 05 Sept 23 Agenda item 30 (23-700)
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 just 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
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Susan Matthewson <sgmatthewson@socal.rr.com>
Monday, October 2, 2023 6:27 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
City Council Charter Amendments
I go on record as opposed to these charter amendments. They are harmful, undemocratic, and written to promote an
anti-democratic authoritarian rule of the city. No, no, no.
Democratic,
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Barbara Richardson <hblibrarylady@yahoo.com >
Monday, October 2, 2023 7:24 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Changes to the City Charter
I am sending this email so my name will be on file that I am opposed to changing the city charter.
Because I believe that the proposed changes are going to be put on the ballot for the residents to vote upon, I am
requesting that they be listed separately and not bundled.
I also believe residents should be warned how much the proposed measure to change current election procedures will
cost the city.
Thank you,
Barbara Richardson
50 year Huntington Beach Resident
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Andro id
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Council Members,
onewildart <onewildart@aol.com >
Monday, October 2, 2023 7:41 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
October 3, 2023 meeting
I can only imagine how tired each of you are when you go home after regular City Council meetings, not to mention the
additional Thursday night ones. I know l'M tired after watching them ..... so much negativity, bickering, and ignoring what
others have to say. I thought governing was about listening, considering, negotiating, coming to consensus, leaving with a
feeling of a job well done . The animosity is palpable.
Please listen to the Majority of what attendees and those who send correspondence are saying .... they don 't agree with
your charter changes, how you're shoving them down our throats and pushing it through for the March primary.
Bundling them is a not so subtle attempt to push thru less palatable items with popular ones.
After Trump's shout out to Tony at his rally on Friday, the obvious was confirmed . We see you . We know what you're
doing. And if necessary the good people of HB will hold your feet to the fire for the next three+ years until we have the
opportunity to vote you out.
Disgusted!!
Trudy Roe
Sent from my iPad
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
City Council
Jennifer Tan <jennifertan@yahoo.com>
Monday, October 2, 2023 8:28 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Attacks on freedom to read are aga in st our constitutional rights and lib erty . No matter how powerful,
wealthy, se lf-r ighteous or loud a group is, reading is a fundamental right. Th is attack on libraries puts a ll
our rights and lib ert ies in jeopardy.
Do not restrict books.
Vote NO on the city charter changes.
Dr. Jennifer Tan
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MJ Baretich <mjbaretich@hotmail.com>
Monday, October 2, 2023 9:56 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
CHARTER AMENDMENTS OBJECTIONS
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council Members,
My name is Mary Jo Baretich, a 40-year resident of HB.
Please stop this proposed tinkering with our local election and the focus on Voter ID.
The Orange County Registrar of Voters already checks each ballot to verify if the voter
is legitimate. Requiring Huntington Beach to run their own election is unnecessary, too
impractical, too costly, and too fraught with controversy, especially since Attorney
General Rob Banta has already told the city that asking for identification at a polling
place is against California law. If HB institutes a Voter ID requirement, there will be
legal challenges. We Citizens do not need to pay for more lawsuits.
Forcing this particular unnecessary Charter amendment by you onto the public would
destroy the trust and connection between our local government and the broader
community. It is time for you to listen to the community. You do not need to lose their
trust.
Additionally, we simply do not have the resources or the expertise to carry it out,
especially if the Orange County Registrar of Voters is not fully on board with the
effort. We were also not provided with actionable evidence and data to justify the
proposed changes in our Election procedures. Show that evidence or pull your
proposed misguided amendment.
Additionally, the lumping together of unrelated items in each of the proposed Charter
amendments on the ballot is unacceptable. It confuses voters by forcing a Yes or No
vote on unrelated items. If any proposed amendments are going to appear on the
ballot, then each proposed item should stand alone on the ballot to allow for an up or
down vote on each individual item-no bundling of unrelated items.
In conclusion, I state that -Perhaps we citizens need to get the assistance of an
outside legal firm to conduct a much-needed legal analysis of all the proposed Charter
amendments.
Thank you.
Mary Jo Baretich
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
tjeng1and41@yahoo .com
Monday, October 2, 2023 10 :01 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
No on proposed HB City Charter Amendments
I fail to understand how the 4 new HB City
council members can justify their claims of election fraud in our last election when they were elected in the same
election . Does this signify that they were fraudulently elected? There is no election fraud in this city. Drop this
unnecessary fraud in HB! Drop this ignorant and costly idea!! Leave our library's children's book selection to our
lib rarians and parents to manage! Government mustn 't censor our books! The City Attorney, who is not qualified to do
so, must be too busy dealing with the multiple lawsuits our city is now involved in to try to take on book censorship.
Please Drop these amendments! Please prevent nepotism in our city government and don't lower the education
requirement to hire Mr Gates wife as City Clerk! I heard that Mr Strictland is for nepotism in HB but it should be
discouraged! Please drop these poorly conceived and dangerous amendments to our city charter! Thank you, TJ
England
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Just a few questions:
Isabella Ford <issyford@gmail.com>
Monday, October 2, 2023 10:47 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Serve all Huntington Beach Citizens
Why was Councilmember Moser censured for asking a clarification question instead of Councilmember Van Der Mark for
interrupting with a very aggressive tone and continuing to yell instead of simply taking the opportunity to clarify truth vs
rumor? Do you really have no regard for the health of our city as a whole? Do you hear the anger you are fueling? To
ask a question shouldn't lead to such hateful comments but that is what the actions of Van Der Mark and Strickland
showed that night.
It is important to question actions. It is also important to recognize and make efforts to correct any mistakes or
misunderstandings. Instead, it seems the new city council members prefer to attack instead of explain or clarify what
problem you are trying to solve with each charter amendment proposal.
What problem is the new council majority trying to solve by requiring voter id at the ballots? What is the cost benefit
analysis of this proposed amendment?
Why budget every two years instead of annually? Is this normal practice?
Why does the mayor need the ability to cancel a council meeting with no parameters?
Isabella Ford
714-308-0660
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ceguchi@verizon .net
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 12 :13 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org ; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
Voting Requirements and Politicizing the Air Show
My first concern is why are we changing the voting requirements, contrary to what the county and state are requiring. It
seems like more money unnecessarily allocated for an unbroken system.
Secondly, thank you for bringing back the Air Show, but why was Trump over our air space at the same time?
understand that a few of the council members are avid supporters of Trump, but on the ground it led to division as many
people gave the middle finger as well as those who cheered the ex President. It mar red what could have been a unifying
experience for many.
Carolyn Eguchi
30 years homeowner/resident of HB
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Patti Akers <phakers@LIVE .COM >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 12 :22 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
In advance of our October 3 City Council Meeting
I am unhappy with the way our city council has changed our city since the last election. It seems that those of you
elected under the "Save Huntington Beach campaign" are doing the opposite. You have made this city partisan. You are
not thinking of what can be done to better our city for its people . Instead, you are breaking apart what has been done
already without any positive improvements.
I oppose your efforts to use your majority to behave as an angry, revengeful group intent on creating negativity and
separation of residents, one against the other.
I am against your efforts to force changes to our charter and to change our voting laws in a rush against what your
constituents are telling you about the unnecessary expense. You are not listening.
Sincerely unhappy,
Patti Akers
Sent from Mail for Windows
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council,
Susan Allen <susanharperallen@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 7:46 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
Resident Comments -Proposed Charter Amendments
I am a resident, homeowner, small business owner and mom in Huntington Beach -and a voter. I strongly oppose the
proposed changes to the charter of Huntington Beach . Regardless of whether I support the intention behind them, the
proposed charter amendments will add costs (voter ID) and set the stage for continuous bickering (cultural references).
Our city does not need either. You have not sufficiently convinced me that your proposed changes are legal. I pay
enough in taxes already-proudly so to call Huntington Beach home, but I don't want to p9y more in taxes to cover legal
challenges to the voter ID proposed changes. And I don't want city services like library hours and maintenance to suffer.
You have also not sufficiently convinced me that voter fraud is an issue. In fact, if you think there was a lot of voter fraud
in the last election, then recently elected council members should step down in case fraudulent votes are the reason you
were elected.
Regarding the cultural changes proposed, you would be setting a dangerous precedent with the city switching between
far left and far right charter amendments every time the council changes. We clearly live in a city with residents of all
political and cultural backgrounds . Your job as our leaders is to make the city a welcoming place for us all to call home .
The proposed charters do not accomplish this goal.
IF you persist on the changes, then you should list them individually so you can discern the true desire of the residents.
Thank you .
Susan Allen
6842 Lawn Haven Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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To:
Subject:
Connie Quader <cquaderhb@gmail.com >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 7:47 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter Amendments
To the majority of the City Council,
WHY THE RUSH OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS? It seems as though you four have an agenda.
Each proposed item should stand alone . No bundling of unrelated items.
The unknown costs to Huntington Beach citizens for your frivolous & unnecessary proposed changes will, most likely
result in costly lawsuits against the city. WHY NOW?
It seems as though you four really don't know the citizens of Huntington Beach well & you don't care to know or listen to
the majority of HB citizens! Your minds are already made up. WHY?
You successfully have tarnished the image of our beautiful & much loved city! WHY?
Also the Trump flyover was totally OUTRAGEOUS!! The Pacific Airs how was for all to enjoy NOT be politicized!!
UNACCEPTABLE!!
Sincerely,
Connie & Shaheer Quader
44 Years HB residents
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Good morning,
BETHANY WEBB <bethwebb711@msn.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:01 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity -hb.org
Charter Amendments and Airshow
I would like to add my continuing opposition to the proposed Charter Amendments . It is beyond hypocritical to have run
campaigns Against charter amendments and then turn around and try to hurry them into a March primary election,
costing us HB homeowners over a million dollars! Not only are they not needed, but once again they have put my
beloved city of Huntington Beach into a negative spotlight and another threatened lawsuit! Why? Nothing presented at
the Charter meetings has passed the smell test. No documentation was presented showing a need for any of the charter
amendments! We have NO voter fraud! The Flag idea is nothing more than a red herring designed to further separate
our city. Please stop trying to fire up the lunatic fringe in HB and try to start governing for all of us!
Regarding the Airshow, I am once again asking for the documentation pertaining to the lawsuit and the details of the
new agreement to be released.
I also want to put on record my disappointment and opposition to having a political candidate added to the airshow.
Particularly a candidate facing over 70 criminal charges!
In the bogus Airshow meeting it was mentioned that the Airshow was to bring people from all over to HB. Let me be
clear that candidate is despised my the majority of people in this country and throughout the world! Once again HB
looks ridiculous!
Finally Leave Our Libraries Alone!
Bethany Webb
40 year+ HB resident and homeowner
Bethwebb711@msn .com
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear City Council members,
Carol Daus <caroldaus@gmail.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:19 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
In opposition to charter amendments
Although you offered public meetings to address the charter amendments (thanks to Council
Member Casey McKean), I feel that you are not listening to "the will of the people." As you
witnessed at the public meetings and as it's been recorded by emails from the community, there
has been more public opposition to these measures than support. Yet you have not worked with
concerned residents by 1) eliminating the proposed charter amendments altogether or 2) revising
them so they're not bundled and offer more clarity to voters.
On another matter, why is our current City Council bringing politics into Huntington
Beach? Mayor Strickland's endorsement of disgraced Trump, who has been indicted 4 times on a
total of 91 charges, is inexcusable. Allowing Trump to fly over our airshow, which is supposed to
be a community event, not a partisan fund-raiser, was a huge misstep. Furthermore, it's not
appropriate that City Attorney Michael Gates is communicating with Trump about policy matters
at pricey MAGA fundraisers. He's supposed to be a non-partisan government official. In fact,
none of you should be making such blatant attempts to politicize our city. It's embarrassing and
divides us even more as a community.
Carol oa ·us
Huntington Beach resident for 28 years
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tracy Luth < p.luth@verizon .net>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:27 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org; CityCouncil@surfcity-hb .org
Changes to the HB city charter
I would like to express my concerns about the proposed changes to the HB city charter. I think that each proposed
change needs to be presented along on the ballot rather than bundling unrelated items. I would like the city to consider
and investigate the costs of running its own elections if it moves forward with voter ID requirements as well as costs
defending itself against potential lawsuits about the constitutionality of voter ID requirements .
Sincerely,
Tracy Luth
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MC Allen <martaesq@gmail.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:38 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
City Council Meeting 10/3/2023
I get the sense that this will fall on deaf ears, nevertheless, since I can not attend the City Council meeting on 10/3/2023,
I am writing this email.
Several issues are of concern
1) ELECTIONS: I do not trust local city officials to protect our elections & ballots. There's zero evidence of voter fraud in
HB. The people proposing this have not offered any verifiable proof to justify such huge expenses. It's against California
law and will subject our city to untold legal expenses defending a losing case.
Let's spend our precious resources on what the city needs like fixing the alley's in downtown. They're atrocious . In 2
years, I've had 4 nails, screws, or industrial staples in my tires requiring replacement tires 3 of 4 times. I've had 1 or 2
lifetime nails in my tires prior to moving to my current home 2 years ago.
2) CHARTER AMENDEMENTS: didn't the majority of the current city council run & get elected on campaign promises of
no changes to city charter? Why are they now proposing changes to the city charter? How can we trust our elected
officials if they re neg on their election promises.
With that in mind, each individual change must be a separate issue to be voted on . Our Charter is effectively our city's
constitution and needs to be a stable documents not subject to the passing whims of any city council.
3) Why is Huntington Beach "Mayor" Strickland publicly speaking about "our" side and "their" side. Aren't the City
Council members, from which a "Mayor" is selected annually, representing the entire city and all of its citizens. Why are
there any "sides".
4) AIR SHOW -it is one of my absolute favorite things about living in HB yet it has become politicized by allowing
presidential candidate, 4 times indicted, 91 felonies, confirmed civil law sexual abuser, over 30,000 verified lies, serial
marital cheater, $100 million fraud, and counting, Donald Trump's plane fly over. It is a wonderful community event like
the 4th of July parade where no political candidates are allowed an entry, yet Mr Trump's plane was allowed to fly over
our beaches. Stop playing these silly games & pandering.
Was looking forward to living at the beach in this jewel of Orange County. HB has experienced amazing growth &
beautification over the last years. It has bright & clean beaches, a beautiful cliff park, renewed bike path with such an
ugly underbelly putting partisanship over actual city needs. Can you please prioritize city & citizens needs over these silly
games. As the last affordable Southern Cal beach, let's keep it beautiful inside & out.
Thank you.
MC Allen
Huntington Beach, CA
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council Members,
Anthony Daus <addaus@gsi -net.com >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:43 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Oppos ition to Charter Amendments
I am in opposition to the Charter Amendments. It is a poor use of the City's limited resources.
These amendments, particularly the voting amendment, will cost the City, at a minimum, upwards of $1M . This is to fix
a problem that does not exist. A short few months ago there was talk of cutting services due to budget shortfalls. I
don't think the full impact of these changes to the City budget are fully understood.
This is not good governance and clearly unnecessary government overreach .
Tony Daus
City of Huntington Beach resident for more than 25 years.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Devin McBride <devinmcbride13@gmail.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:50 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Concerned HB Homeowner
Good Morning Council and Mayor,
If the HB City Council majority goes ahead with the suppression of library books, there will be
lawsuits. They will be expensive to fight in court and Huntington Beach will lose . Already we hear
about budget shortfalls, this banning is illegal and expensive. It is unnecessary. We must fight for
intellectual freedom and the right to safely explore identities, histories, and cultures.
Do not fiddle with the city charter.
Support our libraries and our librarians.
Devin McBride
Huntington Beach Homeowner
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Mark Dixon < ncsmt2014@gmail.com >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:56 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Public Comments for October 3, 2023
10 03 2023 Charter election.docx
Please see attached, and include in the record for tonight's meeting.
Thank you -
Mark W. Dixon
21612 Bahama Lane
Huntington Beach CA 92646-7810
(657)489-3719
1
I understand the City Council majority of Huntington Beach is planning to administer its
own election polling system, and I do not understand why. Is the City fearful of voter
fraud, or does the Council majority simply want the voters to be afraid? According to the
U.S. Attorney General appointed by President Trump, 60 failed lawsuits showed no voter
fraud sufficient to affect the outcome of the election. What problem is this "solution" in
search of?
The Orange County Registrar of Voters has an award-winning system in place, and it has
run efficiently and accurately for decades. For the last election, I was trained and tested
-and paid well for it -as a Lead Election Worker. My 32 hours of training and testing
were in-person, on-site and on line, and the team I led received 24 hours of paid training
and testing prior to the election. The County of Orange paid us nearly $3000 before my
team and I went to work as paid election workers.
We were not volunteers, and we put in 12 to 14-hour days for every day of the election
period. Each step of the process was overseen by at least two workers at all times, and
each of us signed our names to attest to the validity of those steps . I was in touch with
my supervisor several times a day and received extraordinary support from the
Registrar's office.
It's already working, and the taxpayers are paying for the expertise.
Now the Council majority is planning to charge the taxpayers at least a million dollars for
a Charter election to duplicate -and likely not an accurate copy -to solve a problem
that does not exist. And that cost does not include the additional -and considerable -
expense of paying election workers.
Moving ahead with the special election is the biggest in a large and growing pile of
misjudgments the right-wing majority of the Huntington Beach City Council has made in
its brief time in office.
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Beverly Sansone <bsansone001@outlook.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:01 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
City council meeting
My comments for tonight's city council meeting:
I have learned to "escape" Huntington Beach during the weekend of the air show, due to the excruciating, persistent
noise overhead. Unfortunately, I didn't leave until Thursday and the "practice sessions" started on Monday. Also, I
arrived home an hour too early and had to listen to jets flying overhead very low, very loud like I felt like I was in a war
zone, as well as have to listen to car alarms going off due to the vibrations from the jets (needless to say the vibrations I
felt in my home).
Bev Sansone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
To Whom It May Concern,
Kaitlin Mendoza <kaitlinjmendoza@gmail.com >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:18 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
I am sending this email to address the following concerns:
Politicization of the Air Show
No political candidate's should be allowed entry in the parade. Why was Trump's plane allowed to flyover? The Air Show
should be non partisan and I am disgusted that it's become a political side show. This is a community event, not a chance
to divide the city even further with political agendas and grandstanding. This should not be allowed .
Charter Ammendments
I am wholly against adding any of these to the HB City Charter. Especially the one concerning voter ID . The HB City
Charter should reflect the guidelines of the city and NOT be used as political fodder. As a tax paying citizen I do not want
to be footing the bill for new machines, more employees, training, maintenance, etc. There are already strict voting laws
in place which is nothing new. STOP the political grandstanding . You are NOT reflecting the will of the majority of the
citizens of HB . STOP using our city to try and further your own political agenda .
Regards,
Kaitlin Mendoza
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Susan E Turner <susanturnerart@gmail.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10:09 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
HB charter changes on ballot
Hello city council, I DO NOT want to see City Charter Amendment on the ballot! Please hear what HB residents want.
I've been living and working in HB for over 40 years!
Sincerely,
Susan Turner
Sent from my iPad
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Councilmembers,
imthewizardofroz < imthewizardofroz@yahoo.com >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10 :17 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Re: Charter Amendments
I demand that the Council listen to the voice of THE MAJORITY of HB RESIDENTS and VOTE NO on the proposed charter
amendments.The entire process to create these amendments has been flawed.
The idea that four members would vote for something that clearly a MAJORITY of the residents of HB have been
speaking out against and both the Secretary of State and AG of California find illegal is RECKLESS and not acceptable.
The Council has received letters from the California Secretary of State and the California Attorney General which
question the legality of the proposed monitoring of official ballot drop boxes, as well as the proposed requirement to
show an ID. Ignoring these letters would be irresponsible and would expose HB to a costly lawsuit that would
undoubtedly be lost This is RECKLESS and NOT what our tax dollars should be used for.
Our tax dollars should be spent on city services that will benefit the MAJORITY of HB residents.
We insist that you hear the voice of the MAJORITY of HB RESIDENTS and vote NO. We are watching and will hold you
accountable.
Roz Espo sito
Re sident of H B
Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note8.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
tjengland41@yahoo .com
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10 :41 AM
supplementalcomm@surfc ity-hb.org
Nov to charter amendments
The 3 proposed charter amendments are POORLY thought out, POORLY written, and NOT NECESSARY! Please drop these
COSTLY damaging amendments and quit spreading political dissection in our city! There is no evidence of voter fraud in
HB! How did the 4 of you get elected if as you claim there was fraud. Totally illogical! TJ England
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council Members,
Thomas Meisenhelder <tsmeisen@csusb .edu >
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 11 :03 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
Charter Proposals
As a resident and voter in Huntington Beach , I oppose the proposed charter amendments. They are foolish, punitive,
and will have expensive and discriminatory consequences.
I am especially opposed to the proposed changes in voting procedures and the requiring of an ID to vote . The ID
requirement is clearly illegal and unconstitutional.
Please rethink these foolish proposals .
Thank you,
Thomas Meisenhelder
20271 Sealpoint Lane
Get Outlook for iOS
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:45 AM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW : Charter Amendments
From: Laurence Elfenbein <elfland18@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 5:40 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Amendments
Dear Hungtington Beach City Council,
For the record I am opposed to all of the proposed changes to the Huntington Beach City Charter. These include
the following:
. Reducing the qualifications for Elected City Clerk
. Making the City Attorney no longer accountable to the City Council
. Stopping all non-profits or government agencies from partnering with the City on real . . estate projects
without the vote of the people
. Having local elections conducted by the City instead of by the County Registrar
. Requiring voter ID for elections
. Allowing poll watchers at ballot drop-off locations
. Changing the election cycle for City Clerk and City Treasurer to the same cycle as the
Four Council Members
. Giving the City Clerk and City Treasurer a one time six year term allowing that newly elected person to vest
in CalPers their first term ( poor business practice)
Changing the policy to ban the Pride Flag from being displayed on City property
Why were the Australian and Canadian flags allowed to be flown on City property this weekend at the
Huntington Beach Air Show on City property? Why are you proposing that this change be a unanimous
when it only needs a majority to pass a law. Is this blatant discrimination?
If You truly are interested in representing the residents of Huntington Beach, you should fmm a Bi-pa1tisan
committee of citizens of our community to have input on any of these changes and to collect data on the costs
that the City will incur to make these changes .
In addition I attended the Air Show this weekend and enjoyed being able to relax with neighbors and
visitors that were there to have a good time. Nobody expressed that the sounds of the air planes were the sound
of freedom ( freedom from what? are we at war?). Also, if you were not able to attend are you not allowed to
be a patriot of this country. I think the atmosphere that you have created by standing shoulder to shoulder with
the "Proud Boys" and taking photo ops with them does not move the ball to the 50 yard line where we can sit
down together to solve our problems to make Huntington Beach a better place to live.
Respectfully,
Laurence Elfenbein
526 22nd Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714 -851-4745
elfland 18@gmail.com
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Origina l Message -----
Fikes, Cathy
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:45 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW : City council charter amendments
From: Susan Matthewson <sgmatthewson@socal.rr.com>
Sent : Monday, October 2, 2023 6:29 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: City council charter amendments
I go on record as opposed to these charter amendments. They are harmful, undemocratic, and written to promote an
anti -democratic authoritarian rule of the city. No, no, no.
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:46 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Unnecessary Charter Amendments
From: Linda Pohl <2trave1inpohls@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 7:17 PM
To : CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@su rfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Unnecessary Charter Amendments
When our Huntington Beach budget is already stretched too thin you would like to add the burden of holding elections
paid for by residents. I'm not sure what the fascination is for paying millions of dollars so you can promote the prestige of
having and paying for a small number of voters to vote in person. The one positive I can see is shining a light on your
poor budgeting skills. Hopefully this will show your constituents what bad judgement the council shows in promoting
expensive ideas that does nothing to improve our City.
Sincerely,
A Very Concerned Citizen
Linda Pohl
Sent from my iPad
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:46 AM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Changes to the City Charter
From: Barbara Richardson <hblibrarylady@yahoo .com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 7:24 PM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Changes to the City Charter
I am sending this email so my name will be on file that I am opposed to changing the city charter.
Because I believe that the proposed changes are going to be put on the ballot for the residents to vote upon , I
am requesting that they be listed separately and not bundled.
I also believe residents should be warned how much the proposed measure to change cmTent election
procedures will cost the city.
Thank you,
Barbara Richardson
50 year Huntington Beach Resident
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Monday, October 2, 2023 4:34 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Proposed Charter Amendments
From: Sheila Ellis <shei1a.e11is78@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 1:14 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Proposed Charter Amendments
I have watched the special council meetings the past three weeks and have seen the majority of resident public
speakers opposing the charter amendments supported by the city council majority. The cost of putting these
amendments on the ballot are unknown and additionally may put our city at risk of lawsuits, which would add
to the ever growing legal costs being incurred by our city.
There is also the question as to why these chaiier amendments are needed. As for the election changes, why?
Do you have proof of fraud you are not sharing with the public? I heard City Attorney Gates state to Mr. Trump
our city would impose voter suppression but again, where is the evidence of fraud? How can he make this
statement not knowing if the amendments will be on the ballot, pass or will not be dismissed by a court?
Why is there a need to change the requirements for City Clerk? Why the need to add a charter amendment to
limit which flags can be flown? Why, why, why the need for any of these proposed amendments?
I strongly oppose putting these chaiier amendments on the ballot and lumping together unrelated amendments.
The council majority were voted into office on the platform of "no charter changes." Clearly, what they meant
was only charter amendments which give them and the city attorney more power and suppress the residents'
voices were allowable.
There are many other needs which require the city's resources and should have priority and the attention of the
council. As the public hearings have shown, the majority of residents oppose wasting money on these
amendments and I urge the council to listen to and respect the residents' opinions.
Sheila Ellis
(She/Her)
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Monday, October 2, 2023 4:52 PM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW : Amendment Items: Voter I.D .
From: Suzanne Hart <hb.diva@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2023 12 :03 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Amendment Items: Voter I.D .
Dear City Council members,
I am writing to you with concerns regarding requiring voter 1.0.
have heard a handful of your constituents argue that it is needed,
even though you have now heard many, many times that voter
fraud is not an issue in H.B. I have also heard people who argue
that "You need an 1.0. to board ships, planes, ETC." While this is,
of course, true, the fallacy in this point of view is that when one
registers to vote, one must show 1.0. and a signature. I was quite
surprised when Mr. McKean suggested that if one didn't want to
show 1.0., then one should "Should vote by mail.' This doesn't
make any sense! As I stated, one must present 1.0. and signature
when registering to vote. Cast ballots are verified by the
County Registrar of Voters at each election period. Therefore, you
are promoting a solution for a nonexistent problem.
Thank you for listening to my concerns,
Suzanne Hart (25 year resident)
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:18 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Charter Amendments/Violation to Ordinance Re: Flags
From: Mason Creyaufmiller <masongoes2college@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 8:19 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Amendments/Violation to Ordinance Re: Flags
To the Huntington Beach City Council:
Last week during the discussion of the Charter Amendment regarding the flying of flags Councilman Burns was
asked a question about whether flags in celebration of national various heritages could be "displayed" at the
public library. Councilman Burns clearly indicated that no other flags could be flown on "city property"
Imagine my surprise to see the Australian and Canadian Flags being flown on city property. Are fines going to
be levied? Will you let the producers of the airshow know that it is not acceptable?
1
-
I am also appalled at the council's use of the airshow as a political stunt by allowing the former president's
plane to fly over the airshow. I do not buy that it was a coincidence. That would have been approved by the
airshow. You clearly have no ability to discern right from wrong. The Trump campaign should be charged for
the ad.
I continue to oppose all proposed amendments. You violated our trust again when instead of allowing the 4
public meetings to go forward before you voted to move the amendments forward, you voted to move the voter
ID, and flag amendments forward at the last meeting.
The residents are going to be the victims of your hypocritical actions with regard to the charter
amendments. We will be paying millions of dollars to run elections that are not safe and likely blundered since
our city is ill equipped to run elections. I would not vote in this city if run by the city and many others will do
the same. 84% ofresidents already vote by mail and many more will follow suit because of the distrust of this
city council. It is obvious that you believe that if you do this you will be reelected, I think after 3 years of your
bullshit, HB will make the right decision and get rid of you all. Hopefully you will be recalled prior to that.
Laury Creyaufmiller
Longtime Resident
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Origi na I Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Monday, October 2, 2023 10:41 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: A turning point
From: Lisa Grinnell <lisaegrinnell@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 1, 2023 1:46 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: A turning point
Dear Members,
I am a new resident of Huntington Beach, and was flabbergasted when I attended my first council meeting last Thursday.
As I write this note, I'm listening to the airshow. These familiar sounds evoke positive memories for me of my dad and his
military service that helped end Hitler. We were taught how the red flags of dictatorship showed up decades before and
could have/should been stopped then .
The content of the proposed amendments and the slipshod way they are presented to voters smacks of authoritarian
dictatorship . Doubtless the bottomless pit of unknown costs, chaos, and practices of inequality inherent in the
amendments are intentional.
If you want to be known on the right side of history, vote no and stop these amendments now.
Lisa Grinnell
Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jeanne Whitesell <jswhitesell3211@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 4:16 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Proposed charter amendments
Dear members of the HB City Council,
Because of the unknown costs that will result in these Charter amendments, I am opposed to putting them on the
prima1y ballot in the Spring.
I also understand that, if they are included in the primaiy ballot, we cannot vote on individual amendments but
either eve1ything or nothing. That certainly doesn't seem lil{e a ve1y good option for a thoughtful voter.
It seems lllie the Council is inviting lawsuits, which enriches lawyers while using my tax money. I am having a hard
time seeing how being caught up in the courts is improving Huntington Beach.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Whitesell
1 7922 Shoreham Lane
HB, 92649
714 846 8978
1
SUPPU!ME \ITAL
COMUUNiCATION
~ ~: IQ /5.ko~.3-·w-'tt -., ....
Age nda ttem No .: s2 ~3 · B~'l,Lr:tffi
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jaime Kauffman Palumbo <Jaime@pmdl.me>
Tuesday, Octobe r 3, 2023 4:18 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
Comments for city council meeting
To the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am vehemently opposed to the changes proposed for the city charter, especially with regards to changes in how we
vote. Nothing about the proposed changes are warranted or needed . Everything about them will be detrimental to our
city. This will be a huge burden, in every way, for our city. How much money will this cost and how much chaos will
ensue? So far, these special meetings have provided zero answers and seem to be simply a way to waste our time while
hiding the fact that the majority on the council have no idea what they are doing. I am very pleased with how the OC
Registrar of Voters handles my vote . I am notified in multiple ways any time my vote is handled and when it is counted .
Any changes that imperils that system is dangerous and unneeded .
Thank you,
John and Jaime Palumbo
1
Moore, Tania
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Subject:
Chris <1oaticus5@gmail.com>
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 5:37 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Feedback on air show and proposed charter changes
Hello, my name is Chris Kluwe, a 15 year resident of HB, and I'm sending this email to protest both the politicization of
the air show by letting known criminal and treasonous ex-president Trump do a flyover, as well as the proposed changes
to the city charter that will not only waste taxpayer dollars but are clearly designed to concentrate power in the hands of
an unliked, selfish minority of four individuals who currently control the City Council {Strickland, Van Der Mark, Mckeon,
and Burns, with honorable mention to non-first amendment cognizant Attorney Gates).
These actions are those of buffoons and the intellectually ignorant, and not only embarrass our city, they embarrass the
principles of America, including being free from the tyranny of religion, as well as giving everyone a chance to vote
without unreasonable burden. I urge these incompetent and shortsighted individuals to reconsider their actions
(knowing full well they will not) because I am tired of my city being not just a laughingstock nationally, but also a
burgeoning haven for intolerance, racism, and white nationalism.
The five names I have just mentioned are bad, should feel bad, and should never engage in the political sphere again
without some deep reflection on their numerous shortcomings and disgusting embrace of fascism as a political tool.
Sincerely,
-Chris
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
October 4, 2023
City Council Members,
Betty Kanne <bettykanne@hotmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 6:05 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
No to bundling . No to March. No to Voter ID
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 cravenly mislead voters by pledging not to alter the City Charter and are now poised to
utterly transform it for their own political benefit.
The Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals should be soundly rejected with varying levels of outrage and
vehemence.
Voter ID equals Voter Suppression. Admit that this wholly unnecessary, cynically crafted "reform" is a misguided
mistake that will cost our city incalculable millions in lawsuits and ill fated attempts at execution. It's a poisonous
"solution" in search of a non-existent problem dreamed up by MAGA Culture Warriors in pursuit of limiting voting
by overt voter intimidation. Shameful! Abandon this costly perfidy!
Michael Gates's bloated salary, bloated department and brazen bid for an unassailable budget in the rapidly
approaching time of needed cutbacks is fiscal irresponsibility beyond imagination. And this cynical ploy is put
forward by erstwhile "fiscal conservatives"!! For shame!!!
Untether yourself from your pathetic subservience to your puppet masters Michael Gates and MAGA Extremists.
Drop your effort to put these toxic changes to our city's permanent constitution on the March Ballot.
If you must persist in this misguided madness:
Uncouple any and all initiatives! Place Stand Alone items only so that they may be judged fairly by their own merits
( of flaws) and undergo the scrutiny of the electorate.
Place any initiatives on the November, General Election Ballot. Let the full complement of voters consider the
impacts of the proposals.
An unwillingness to uncouple the initiatives and a persistence in putting them on the March Ballot with its scant
participation is an overt admission of the deceit and subterfuge attendant in this entire Charter process.
Vote no on Charter Changes.
Betty Kanne
Huntington Beach
(40+ year HB resident, homeowner, unfailing voter)
bett;ykanne@hotmail.com
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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To:
Subject:
Louise Stewardson <1oustew75@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:25 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
charter
We do not need to change the city charter. It is too costly and unnecessary.
Louise Stewardson
19741 Coastline Lane, HB
1
Moore, Tania
From: vanessaweb@aol.com
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Members of the City Council,
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:51 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter Amendments
When the newest members ran for this council, they ran on a "No charter amendment" platform.
What has changed? Who is influencing them? How much money will be thrown away on unnecessary amendments
when you were planning on limiting library hours and closing sites just 2 months ago?
Our city does not need another costly lawsuit from the state. Our elections are secure in Orange County and this
amendment would just be another waste of money. Please see the attached photo stating that the Orange County
Registrar was granted the ISO 9001 certification in
1
2022.
Voter ID at polling stations is not necess
there are so many security features built
Reg istrar's systems. In 2022, following 2
i ndependent audit process, the Oran~
Registrar of Voters was granted ISO~
certification, an international standard"'
Orange County in the top tier of election ~
in the United States, regarding security a
"Being awarded the ISO 9001 certificat
build confidence among voters with th
that we are holding ourselves to the hi~
detail, accuracy and integrity." --Neal Ki
Registrar of Voters.
The citizens of Huntington Beach deserve to have a full accounting of the airshow costs including all fees and subsides
we've paid. How much did we make on the parking?
My husband and I have lived in HB for almost 40 years and love our city.
2
Vanessa and Jeff Webster
3
Moore. Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jean Bogen <jeanbogen72@gmail.com >
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11 :40 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Proposed charter amendments
Dear council members and committee members:
I want you to vote NO on the charter changes.
The process to create the changes has been flawed.
I want you to vote NO because of unknown costs for a special election. Tax dollars should be spent on services
benefiting the majority of its citizens .
I want you to vote NO because the legality of the proposed monitoring of drop boxes and showing ID to vote in person
is questionable.
Another lawsuit by the State against Huntington Beach is also an unknown expense and not a wise use of our tax dollars.
Please think long and wisely before casting your vote.
Thank you.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mikel Hogan <mhogan072@gmail.com >
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:22 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Do Not Make Changes to HB City Charter
City Council Members, I am writing to say do not make any changes to the HB City Charter. Such actions are
undemocratic, weakens self-governance, is too costly and does not represent the best inte r ests of our city.
Dr. Mikel Hogan, 50 year resident of Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
maryn427@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:47 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
To whom it may concern regarding tomorrow's agenda:
You promised not to change the charter when you ran for your offices in the first place, but since you are reneging on
that, I feel that the issues that are up for vote should be separate items, the bundling of unrelated items will cause so
much confusion. Secondly, changes in the election process will incur costs when we are facing other financial issues.
Isn't it illegal to run the city at a deficit???? I've lived in Huntington Beach for 51 years and there has never been a time
when I've felt like our city government is not governing in in our best interests.
Thank you,
A very concerned resident .
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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To:
Subject:
nora pedersen <pedersennor@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 4:21 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Fair Elections
Wouldn't it be great if Tony Strickland and Michael Gates had to testify under oath? At the same time that they
are playing good citizens, they are doing a very poor job of covering up their conuption. In cahoots with Gracie
Vander Mark, our Mayor Pro Tern Christian Nationalist, they are trying to take over city elections from the
county that has run unquestionably fair elections for decades. This is c01Tupt governance. Real fiscal
conservatives would not force taxpayers to pay 1.2 million dollars for an election that only benefits themselves!
Do not tinker with our elections.
Nora Pedersen
Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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Subject:
Dear Council Members,
Linda Law <lindaklaw@aol.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 4:49 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Please reconsider proposed charter amendments
Please reconsider adding the proposed
amendments to the city charter. These
proposed charter amendments are
unnecessary and potentially very expensive.
I understand that the city has limited funds
and this seems a very poor use of those
funds.
I object to the city considering amendments
that were not reviewed by a public
commission. The costs to add these
amendments to the ballot are unknown.
There is no evidence of voter fraud that
requires the monitoring of poll places or the
presentation of a voter id. Actions like this
invite lawsuits and seem utterly pointless.
Thank you for your time.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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To:
Subject:
Judith Lewis <judilew22@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 5:29 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
Proposed Ballot Issues
I have watched all your deliberations to date on the proposed ballot issues and see no merit to
them. Your Voter ID and ballot box monitoring proposals are especially onerous and will cost the
citizens of Huntington Beach millions of dollars. A waste. Please do not vote for these--although
from my observations, the majority has already made up its mind and no reasoning or facts will
change it. There will be consequences.
Judith Lewis
4057 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach Ca 92649
36 year HB resident
38 year public service; retired Captain L.A. County Sheriffs
M.A. Public Administration
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mary Ann Celinder <macelinder@gmail.com >
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:09 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
re : elections
It makes absolutely no sense for the city to run elections when the county has such a great system and fraud is
seriously not an issue.
I've never missed an election since I became eligible in 1972, not ever. I've always enjoyed going to the polls as part of
the process but since covid, I've also liked filling out the forms in the comfort of my own home . It's also much easier for
my mother who does not have mobility. Since voter ID is also suggested, does that mean the intent is to eliminate or
restrict voting by mail?
The current system is very efficient. I rece ive notice when my ballot is counted. The computerized system to see results
is fast . Why reinvent the wheel? Is it just so you can have the poll watchers to intimidate voters?
Or is the intent to suppress voting?
Or bleed the city dry?
This would cost the city more than the cost of running elections because it WILL be challenged and lost in court.
NO CHANGES TO HB VOTING!
Mary Ann Celinder
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
www.customleadedglass .com
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mary Ann Celinder <macelinder@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:13 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
playground improvement
I'm all for playground improvements but then it's packed in with requiring a unanimous vote to reduce the salary of the
city attorney? Was the vote to give him that ridiculous rais unanimous?
Sounds like someone wrote this amendment to serve himself. Did Gates author it?
Yes, on playgrounds but remove it from anything else.
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:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hello,
Renette Mazza <RMazza@grafairfreight.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:18 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
2. 23-844 City Council discussion for potential Charter amendments to be considered
for the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election.
I Renette Mazza agree with and support all charter amendments put forth and support the ballot measures to
move forward.
Warmest Regards,
Renette Mazza
253-606-4013
Zip Code: 92647
Residing in Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Elizabeth SanFilippo <elizabethsanfilippo@fuller.edu>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
City Charter Changes --Opposed
I am a Huntington Beach resident and home owner for over thirty years and am opposed to the potential City
Charter changes regarding how elections will be conducted .
Evidence has not been presented demonstrating that there are any election issues that justify changes to voting
in Huntington Beach. It is my understanding that the Orange County Registrar has been acknowledged as very
effective in administering this impmtant responsibility. The proposed changes could place unnecessary burdens
on citizens as we exercise our right to vote and thereby prevent people from voting.
The City has been advised by the State Attorney General that the changes contemplated to our Charter could be
illegal and if passed would result in a lawsuit.
Since the City Council recently contemplated budget cuts to services provided to residents and there are
projected future deficits, I am concerned about the costs of this ballot measure, the legal costs to defend it if
passed, and if implemented the costs associated with the changes. To be financially responsible, the potential
Chatter Changes should not be placed on the ballot.
Thank you for your consideration.
Elizabeth San Filippo
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mary Ann Celinder <macelinder@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:31 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter changes/air show
When I moved here in 1978, I never would have guessed that in a few years , Huntington Beach would be dubbed the
Skin Head Capital of Orange County. For some reason, Skin Heads Nazi sympathisers, White Supremists and the radical
right, are attracted to this city.
Since then, the city has cleaned up its reputation, or has it?
With the proposed changes to the city charter, I feel like those skin heads grew up to be not only voting, but serving in
the city leadership. Photos of Van Der Mark with Oath keepers and Proud boys completely disqualify her . Disgraceful.
She should be removed .
I feel like we have very dark days ahead if the majority rams through the ridiculous and expensive amendments and
puts them on the ballot.
Also, it was really wrong to turn the air show into a prop for the former president . A con man, liar, rapist does not
deserve to be addressed as sir and honored by the city. We know he calls the military losers and suckers; he shouldn't
have shared airspace with men of honor. Having his voice broadcast over our air was outrageous .
Mary Ann Celinder
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hello,
Kathy McGuire <kzm@dslextreme.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:31 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter Amendments
I oppose all of the proposed charter amendments . They are not needed and they will cost money that
the city needs for other necessities. Vote no. Reject all of the charter amendments.
Thank you,
Kathy McGuire
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Douglas Hart <dbhart2001@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:08 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Comments on Proposed City Charter Amendments
I am writing concerning the proposed Charter Amendments once again .
Despite enormous opposition by the citizens of Huntington Beach, it seems clear that the City Council majority does not
want to listen . Desp ite running on the promise of no Charter amendments, the Council majority has reneged on that
promise by putting these amendments up for a vote . Despite being Republicans that supposedly stand for "fiscal
responsibility", the Council majority is about to commit the citizens of Huntington Beach to the potentially huge costs that
will be incurred implementing these amendments , none of which actual solve any real problems . The Council majority is
about to try to implement amendments that will certainly result in lawsuits , draining even more money out of the citizens'
pockets. The Council majority seems to want to bankrupt the City instead of solving actual problems. And they have so
little confidence in what they are proposing that they are willing to have a costly special election in March where fewer
voters are likely to participate rather than having this travesty face a lot more voters in the less costly November general
election .
The Council majority can stop this insanity by ending this amendment process right now. I strongly urge you to end this .
If the Council majority can 't see fit to listen to the people and not misuse our tax dollars, perhaps it is time to consider
recalling the current Council majority and replacing them with someone more responsible .
VOTE NO ON THE CHARTER AMENDMENTS!!
Douglas Hart
5221 Chadwick Drive
Huntington Beach , CA 92649
1
Moore, Tania
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Subject:
Hi,
Cristina Caldera <cca1dera80@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:52 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
Charter Amendments
I am a resident of Huntington Beach for 9 years now. My family and I live in the Harbour. Lately, I am ashamed and do
not agree with the current city council and the proposed charter amendments . I think you all should stop wasting the
tax payers money with this unnecessary election. If you feel so strongly about it, add it to the general election.
Do your job and actually fix things in the city like the drunk drivers hitting people, homelessness, crime. Pick something
that actually matters! Stop being shady and messing with the voting system .
Feel free to call me with any follow up questions .
Cristina Caldera
310-699-8446
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council
Mary Camarillo <mpcamel0219@gmail.com >
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10 :04 PM
supplementalcomm@su rfcity-hb.org
We don't need charter amendments
There is no need for the charter amendments you are proposing for voting. There is nothing wrong with our
current voting procedures. Charter changes are an unnecessary expense .
Please do not revise our city charter or our voting process.
Mary Camarillo
HB resident
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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To:
Subject:
Steven C Shepherd Architect <steve@shepherdarchitects.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10 :30 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
STILL OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS & THIS DEEPLY FLAWED
PROCES
You could have one thousand meetings to discuss these city charter amendments, and it wouldn't change the facts . The
proposed City Charter Amendments fail on the merits and due to the deeply flawed process employed to bring these
proposals forward.
In completely ignoring the recommendations and efforts of last year's resident-led Charter Revision Committee, you
insult our community and undermine trust in competent local governance.
I feel so strongly about this that I am actually emailing you while I'm away on business. I guess I'm hoping that my
comments will help me return to a community governed by some level of competence and sanity.
Steve Shepherd
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
StarsStripes <starsstripes@me.com >
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11 :OS PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
10-5-23 City Council Meeting, 6pm
I do support the proposed charter amendments.
I am for Section 806, Display of Flags
I do support Voter ID for elections, In Person Voting, & Monitoring of Drop Boxes.
I will say as I said before, I do not think these go far enough .
We do have voter fraud happening around the country and I do not believe that we are not immune to it in Orange
County. Governor Newsom just passed a CR saying there will be no hand counts in California. What is he trying to hide?
There are 6 areas that are ripe or weak vulnerabilities for Voter Fraud .
1. Electronic Voting machines. We have been told that none of these machines are connected to the internet and they can 't be
uploaded with scripts via a USB jump drive . Then we find out they can be connected to the internet and have usb ports to
upload scripts. This is a high vulnerability for fraud . I recommend Hand counts like the old days . Eliminate the vulnerability.
2. Signature Accuracy checks . These can be manipulated on electronic machines. They can be dialed up and dialed down to
pass or reject anomalies in the signature . I know in Arizona, news outlets reported these were turned down to 30 %. Literally
passing everything. Again this is a vulnerability that is ripe for fraud . Michigan just had a massive signature fraud scheme
uncovered. https://michiganadvance.com/2022/05/24/massive-signature-fraud-scandal-upends-michigan-gop-
gubernatorial-race/ My suggestion is to hand check them during the hand count vote.
3. Drop boxes are a huge vulnerability for fraud . There are numerous documented massive dumps in the boxes all over the
country. My suggest ion is to have a drop box at each voting i n person voting center. Hand the vote to one of the workers.
4. Single day voting. Voting is the most sacred right to be an American . It is for Legal Americans . You make arrangements to
vote on that day. Pass legislation that requires employers to give workers time to vote that day . If you can't make it because
of travel, you need to pre qualify to send in an absentee ballot.
5. Mailing out ballots to everyone on the voter roll. Unless you have clean rolls, this is ridiculous. Eliminate it. It is a waste of
money that is high in vulnerabilities.
1
6. Ballot Harvesting. Ripe for Voter Fraud. There has to be a chain of custody of these. If someone walks into a voting center
with 10 ballots, they need to go through an audit on site for those ballots . Registered voter needs to be verified, signatures
need to be verified, the person bringing the ballots in needs to register them so if there is any problems, we know who to
contact .. No Ballot can just get dropped off.
We have to have election integrity in America
Let's talk about Voter rolls
Electronic Registration Information Center, known as ERIC an obscure nonprofit that is meant to clean voter roll and reach
out to eligible but unregistered voters . It was originally funded by George Soros Open Society and now is funded by state
election agencies. They have been accused of not cleaning the voter rolls and leaving them bloated with dead people and
people that have moved out of the area.
It has got so bad that Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, & Iowa have left Eric and many
more states have put forth legislation to leave them . You guessed it, Orange County uses Eric ! I have tried to get answers out
of the registrar's office to see how many people have been removed from the rolls because of death or moving out of the
area . I have not been able to get any answers. My confidence in our voting rolls being clean is 0%. I keep hearing Orange
County has won awards but that is the people that basically run it giving themselves an award. Just like Hollywood.
Robert Cloyd
Huntington Beach Resident
2
Moore, Tania
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Subject:
Mayor and Council Members:
Paula Schaefer <pas92649@gmail.com >
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11 :17 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
Opposition to Charte r Amendments
This email is really for the newly-elected members :
Please stop this charade that you are proposing these changes because you 're committed to "saving Surf City ."
The past few meetings make it apparent to the majority of HB residents that you have not done adequate research as to
the costs of these proposed amendments, the legality of the timing of them, or alternatives to a charter amendment.
If you had put forth even a minimal amount of effort, you would have learned of previous efforts, known of the costs,
and discovered alternatives to amending the charter-such as an ordinance .
Rather, you attempted to ram through a hodgepodge of poorly thought out proposals that were at-times
incomprehensible .
It is apparent to me -and many of the City's residents that your intentions are to govern by culture war issues such as
voter or election fraud , gay rights, and book banning .
I believe these proposed charter amendments are inappropriately and illegally being placed on the March 2024 ballot.
I also believe that this is a waste of taxpayers
money and that the measures will fail.
I believe that if you vote to approve these proposed charter amendment that the City will be sued -and lose, thus
resulting in an even greater waste of the City's money and further damaging the City's reputation.
Paula A. Schaefer
30+ year resident, homeowner, and voter
1
Moore, Tania
From:
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To:
Cc:
Subject:
2el1enri1ey@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11 :24 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter Amendment
Huntington Beach has majority Republican party voters . Republicans identify as conservative
(preservative), but there's nothing conservative about the extensive new changes the Charter calls
for. If only the Council listened to their constituents numbering close to 300 who have spoken at
these meetings against the broad government overreach proposed with our taxpayer dollars . Where
is your fiscal responsibility when the city needs the money for the major crime ,housing , and
homeless problems we face? Use of 1.2 million of our dollars just to get on the ballot and if it wins
the 2 million more to set polling stations, poll watchers, ballot boxes and all materials needed for
elections violates the needs of the people of our fine city . It is big government in action!
Ellen Riley
long-time resident Taxpayer
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council Members,
Jeanne Farrens <jeannefarrens@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11 :56 PM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
Opposition to Charter Amendments
First I want to thank Councilman McKeon for being responsible for taking the charter process out from behind
closed doors and opening it up to public input. And also for listening and being open to reconsideration of the
amendments. It is clear that of all the new majority members, given his previous experience on
past city charter committees, Councilmember McKeon has the most experience regarding the charter review
procedures. Why is it that he was the only member of the new council majority who wasn't included on the ad
hoc committee? It is curious -I daresay, suspicious -that the other members would ignore his expertise.
Had these open public meetings been implemented as part of the ad hoc committee process
from the beginning, much time would have been saved, and public outcry could have been avoided. I am
grateful that he responded to his supporters' concerns and demands to allow the public to be heard.
As a member of that public, I am concerned by the Council's desire to change the charter, and I must express
my opposition to all the charter amendments for several reasons.
First, as speakers have pointed out at the special Thursday meetings, these amendments will enshrine their
proposals in what amounts to the city's Constitution, making it extremely difficult for any future city councils to
change them, and especially when at least one of them -regarding the city's flag policy -is already a city
ordinance. I'd like to point out that had it been in the charter, the city would have broken the law this past
weekend by flying both the Australian and Canadian flag next to the American flag at the Pacific Airshow.
Additionally, the way the amendments are bundled with 3 or 4 irrelevant
proposals demanding either a yes or no vote all in one measure does not encourage voter participation or faith
in the election -something Councilman McKeon stated was the main purpose of these amendments -but
rather it creates confusion and forces the voters to either vote for something they do not agree with to support
something they do, or, to just not vote at all. How is this preserving the integrity of elections?
Above all, while the majority council has insisted that this is not an attempt to take over elections from the
County, if the voting measure is placed on the ballot, that's exactly what will happen . It is a certainty that HB
will be sued by Sacramento if the voter ID proposal passes. In fact in a Thursday news release, A.G. Bonta
promised as much.
1
Not only did Banta state that requiring voter ID. conflicts with state law, but he also pointed out that the city has
not identified any basis for its voter ID proposal. Nor has any of the Council Majority identified such when
asked directly by speakers to do so.
Last week City Attorney Gates insisted that as a Charter City, HB has a legal right to require ID. He cited as
evidence a lawsuit in which Redondo Beach (a charter city) won a lawsuit regarding their right to oversee
municipal elections. The lawsuit -the City of Redondo Beach vs Padilla (the CA Attorney General at the time) -
involved Redondo Beach setting its own date for election but had nothing to do with voter ID, which is a much
more fundamental issue -in Bonta's words, it is the "foundation of our democracy". So it is unlikely this
example of case law will stand up. Thus, in addition to the possible million dollars it will cost to put the measure
on the ballot, HB taxpayers will likely be paying several more millions fighting a state lawsuit, not to mention
unknown costs to facilitate and run its own election (as the County is sure to refuse to oversee the election
given A.G . Bonta's warning). Important issues such as training poll workers, locating adequate ADA polling
locations, costs of voting and monitoring equipment, procedures for the counting of ballots, including mail-ins,
and the associated expenses have neither been identified nor enumerated in the proposals. Not to mention the
time it will take to implement these changes. Are we expected to vote on the measures without knowing these
specifics and costs? By March 5th?
Finally, I object to these proposals as being nothing more than evidence that the city council dais no longer
functions as a non-partisan podium to promote policies to protect the people and Huntington Beach, but it has
now become a politicized partisan platform for promoting a MAGA agenda including protections against false
conspiracies of voter fraud .
As further evidence I cite the public "thumbs up" endorsement of Donald Trump by both Mayor Strickland and
Attorney Gates at this weekend's Anaheim appearance of the former president and of Attorney Gates'
promising that in HB we are "promoting voter ranking at the local level" (an announcement of policy in direct
conflict with his position as a non-partisan representative of the citizens). I would like to know what Attorney
Gates is talking about since those words do not appear anywhere on any measure.
What new nefarious measures can we expect to be introduced -measures that rather than protecting voter
integrity are an assault against it?
If the council is serious about promoting election integrity, they must not move ahead with these unnecessary,
poorly written and potentially illegal charter amendments. And let our award winning Orange County Registrar
of Voters continue to oversee fair and safe elections in Huntington Beach .
2
Jeanne Farrens
3
Moore, Tania
From: JC <qhlady@me .com>
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Thursday, October 5, 2023 12 :14 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
10-5-23 City Council Meeting, 6pm
I COMPLETELY SUPPORT the potential Charter amendments to be considered for the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary
Election.
I support Voter ID for elections, more in-person voting locations and monitoring of drop boxes.
I support moving any/all sex/porn related books/etc from the Children's Dept. to the Adult Dept.
I welcome oversight since the Library seems to have a problem.
I support the proposed display of Flags.
I support Biennial Budget.
I could list more, but believe it isn't necessary.
For the record, the handful of haters that appear to attend every meeting absolutely DO NOT represent the 200,000
residents of Huntington Beach.
Long Live the Republic of California and America !
(as so stated on our California Flag and Pledge of Allegiance)
Jean Cloyd
resident of Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
MARILYN Boehm <beachmama7@msn.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 12 :23 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Opposition to City Charter changes
I am strongly opposed to changing the City Charter to add mandatory voter I.D. The state
Attorney General has already advised that he will file suit to this illegal amendment. Rushing
this matter to a vote on the March ballot will cost the City in excess of $400,000 for a change
that has already been declared illegal. With the State A.G. promising to challenge this voter
I.D. provision, it could cost the city millions of dollars for this unnecessary and costly mandate.
We already have in place an excellent, safe, and fair system through the Registrar of Voters.
There is no need to switch to a system whereby the City becomes in charge of voter
compliance, especially through voter sites scattered throughout the city. Eighty percent of
voters, including me, prefer mail-in ballots. This new system may preclude my ability to mail in
my ballot. In exchange, I will most likely have to vote in person, and I have a distrust in a City
system that has not yet been established and/or shared with residents.
Vote NO on Voter I. D.
Marilyn Boehm, HB resident
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MEG ROBINSON <twokyu@aol.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:24 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Ballot charter amendments
They were a bad idea 4 weeks ago . They are an even worse idea now that costs have come out. I oppose them all
Margaret "Meg" Robinson
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MARILYN Boehm <beachmama7@msn .com >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 12 :32 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Opposed to flag ordinance
I am strongly opposed to eliminating the pride flag during Pride Month and, instead, limiting
the choice of flags to be flown by the City Council. Why is it that we showed a Canadian flag at
the Airshow, an event that has still not been made transparent according to how much it cost
the taxpayers?
If we are willing to fly an Olympics flag, which has nothing to do with our city, why not show
the world that we are an inclusive city by flying the pride flag? Is it up to the City Council to
decide which events· are meaningful and which are not? Shouldn't the residents of HB make
that call?
Vote NO on the flag ordinance.
Marilyn Boehm, resident of HB
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kathey <kathey_haas@hotmail.com >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 3:19 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter Amendments
Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark and members of the City Council :
Thank you for your review of the City Charter, your special meetings on this topic and the opportunity for input from the
public.
I support the revisions to the Council Vacancies, Biennial Budget, Elections and Flags .
I look forward to seeing these proposals on primary ballot in March 2024 where all the voters in Huntington Beach will
have the opportunity to weigh in, not just the vocal few who are able to attend the special meetings.
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of all the residents of Huntington Beach!
Sincerely,
Kathey Haas
50 year home owner and resident
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Andrew Einhorn <andreweinhornpt@gmail.com >
Thursday, Octobe r 5, 2023 7:09 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Thursday Night Meeting
Dear City Council, I do not support any of your charter amendments. Please stop wasting tax
payer money on these worthless measures. Your GROUP THINK governmental rule needs to go
back to drawing board. Conduct your job and take are of our streets, beaches, local control of
crime, figure out and develop a plan with the help of the costal commission how to fix PCH
south of seapoint as sea level rises. This is your job!
Finally, GET THE AD HOC COMMITTEES BACK; YOU NEED ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GET!
Sincerely,
Andrew Einhorn
HB resident and I am sure one of your favorite speakers!
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Council,
Kirby McCord <kirbymccord@gmail.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:38 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Dear council
Is it true that Kevin Elliot gave dignitary passes to 4 of 7 council members and their families? And of course,
Gates and family. Are these the same four that settled with Elliott and won't release the terms of the
multimillion-dollar settlement? Is this the same Kevin Elliot who was a college roommate of Mayor Strickland?
Vote no on changing elections. Vote no on the charter changes.
Kirby McCord
Resident
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Susan Turner <saturner8@verizon .net>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:40 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Strongly Oppose Voter ID Requirement
Dear City Council Members,
I am a 60 year resident of Huntington Beach. I continue to strongly oppose all of the proposed
charter amendments as written. The majority of HB citizens who have spoken at each meeting
have clearly presented strong rationale for removing these proposals. The most concerning of
the proposed amendments is the Voter ID requirement. Mayor Strickland, the HB citizens
and the City Council Members who support the Voter ID requirement have yet to produce one
piece of evidence of voter fraud in Huntington Beach. Proposing and supporting a Voter ID
requirement proposal demonstrates a lack of education or a willingness to spread voter fraud
misinformation. It was pointed out at the previous meetings, that HB voters can vote in other
Orange County cities, no voter ID required. Not only is there a large cost to put this
amendment on the ballot, there is also the strong possibility of CA State and private lawsuits
plus the very real possibility of HB being required to run our own elections. Who wins in this
situation? The Council Majority receive publicity but mostly the lawyers and courts receive
great financial gain on HB citizens tax money.
You have read the letters from Attorney General Rob Bonta and CA Secretary of State Shirley
Weber warning that this proposal is in conflict with State Law. You have seen the emails,
letters and heard the majority of voices opposing this amendment. You have heard the City
attorney say something to the affect that we could possibly win in court because of some other
cases in the State. Really?
How many written letters and emails in opposition to the Voter ID requirement vs support have
you received? How many speakers have spoken in opposition and support have you received? Of
those is support, how many had verifiable facts regarding voter fraud in Huntington Beach?
Please show me verifiable facts that demonstrate a broken system that we, the citizens of HB,
need to spend potentially millions of dollars in placing this amendment on the ballot, litigating it
and if won, implementing it.
Mayor Strickland and Council Majority will you choose to carry forward this proposal in spite of
the large HB citizen opposition?
Thank you for your consideration,
1
Susan Turner
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
jodykyle1@aol.com
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:03 AM
supplementalcomm@su rfcity -hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF)
Jody Kyle
Subject: City Council Meeting for Oct 5, 2023 --Fw : Statement on Final Election Results
Dear Council Members,
I am a 25 year resident of Huntington Beach and am writing regarding the upcoming city
council meeting on October 5, 2023 . I strongly oppose the Voter ID and Flag
amendments to the City Charter.
Regarding the Voter ID charter amendment, I am forwarding another email I received from the Fred
Whitaker, Chairman of the OCGOP . The email is dated November 17, 2022 and, among other things,
the email addresses ballot harvesting and universal vote by mail. The email tells Republican voters
that:
"The 2024 election begins now . As the final results come in, we will have raw data to review and
determine what worked and what we need to improve on. What we know immediately is ballot
harvesting has made democracy about who can collect and turn in more ballots rather than
earning votes. Until we can eliminate ballot harvesting and universal vote by mail, Republicans
must adapt and win. "
An email from Fred Whitaker dated October 13, 2022 states :
"Only with Republican victories can we pass important Election Integrity legislation including
Voter ID and finally end universal vote-by-mail. "
Clearly, the proposed Voter ID charter amendment comes not from Huntington Beach residents but
directly from the OCGOP .
Mayor Strickland has an interesting "tell". During the city council meeting on September 14, 2023 I
made one brief mention of ballot harvesting in my comment period. In the general discussion period
among the council members Mayor Strickland was quick to assure the council and audience that
ballot harvesting was the law. It seemed like an odd non sequitur at the time . In light of the attached
email, it seems as if Strickland has already had ballot harvesting discussions with some other party .
The CAGOP and OCGOP have a questionable history with ballot harvesting. During the 2020
election :
• the OCGOP placed illegal drop boxes through out the county .
https ://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/12/us/pol itics/california-gop-d rap-boxes . html
https://apnews .com/article/los-angeles-fresno-elections-california-santa-ana-
be803bfe99f5eb35e17a6ee56315deb0
1
• two Orange County GOP candidates were investigated for running at least one illegal Vote
Center.
https ://voiceofoc. org/202 0/11 /elections-officials-and-da-i nvestig ate-alleged-fake-vote-center-in-
westm i nster/
The OCGOP and CAGOP have a dubious history with election integrity . Are Huntington Beach
residents to believe that an election system designed by the majority city council members (no doubt
in conjunction with the OCGOP) are free, safe, and fair? I think not.
Best Regards,
Mary Kyle
-----Forwarded Message-----
From: Republican Party of Orange County <reply@ocgop .org>
To: "jodykyle1@aol.com" <jodykyle1@aol.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 17 , 2022 at 05 :34:46 PM PST
Subject: Statement on Final Election Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17th, 2022
Statement on Current Midterm Election Results
Orange County, CA -Hon. Fred M. Whitaker, Chairman of
the Republican Party of Orange County, released the following statement on
the final Midterm Election results:
"The 2022 midterm election cycle brought victories to be celebrated, lessons to
be learned and work still to do.
As Chairman, I oversaw the largest GOTV effort in Orange County for a
midterm election. Orange County volunteers knocked on 548,513 doors and
937,360 phone calls in voter contact. We raised over $1.5 million that went
2
directly into field operations, mail, digital ads and text messaging to support our
candidates.
For the first time since 2010, all Republican statewide nominees for partisan
offices won in Orange County . We reelected every single Republican
countywide candidate from Sheriff to District Attorney. We outpaced Democrats
in turnout by almost 30,000 votes . And we led the largest election integrity effort
in history before the election with poll watching teams , observed as ballots were
counted and cured Republican ballots whose signatures were not verified to
fight for every single vote .
There are a little more than 26,000 ballots left to count in Orange County , but
the final results in our most competitive races are clear . I want to thank the 119
candidates we endorsed for running strong races and carrying the Republican
banner across the county.
Republicans have officially taken the majority in the House of Representatives
and Nancy Pelosi will never serve as Speaker of the House again.
Congresswomen Young Kim and Michelle Steel will be returning to Washington
D.C. to represent Orange County after strong victories. Republicans Scott
Baugh and Brian Maryott ran incredible campaigns that came down to the wire
as some of the last races called in the nation. Both campaigns were selfless
coordinating with the races below them and lifting up those seats. I could not be
prouder of the races they ran, forcing Joe Biden to come to Orange County
twice and costing national Democrats millions to protect these seats.
Orange County Republicans will also send our strongest delegation to
Sacramento in the state legislative races. Senators-elect Janet Nguyen and
Kelly Seyarto won decisive victories and Assemblyman Phillip Chen and
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies will be joined by Assemblymembers-elect
3
Diane Dixon, Tri Ta and Kathryn Sanchez.
In our final county races, Pat Bates and Peggy Huang ran close races, but the
numbers remaining do not appear to be enough to win these seats . We spent
hundreds of thousands of dollars in Pat Bates race alone and coordinated all of
our efforts with her campaign and the underlying races . I want to thank them for
their efforts and willingness to run and fight to protect Orange County.
In our local races, Republicans swept critical City Councils in Huntington
Beach, Newport Beach, Brea, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Lake Forest,
Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Hills,
Tustin and Yorba Linda. We also protected our Council majorities in Laguna
Niguel, Orange and San Clemente .
We competed in every race down the ballot including our critical school board
races with strong Republican victories from reelecting Michelle Barto in
Newport-Mesa and Judy Bullockus in Capistrano Unified to Todd Frazier
flipping a Democrat seat in Placentia-Yorba Linda . We also took back the
majority on the Orange Unified School District with Madison Klovstad Miner
I want to take a moment to thank Assemblyman Steven Choi, Matt Gunderson,
Rhonda Shader, Soo Yoo, Eric Ching, Chris Gonzales, Mike Tardif, Mitch
Clemmons and Raul Ortiz for running strong campaigns and against the
realities of redistricting all performed above party registration in Democrat
heavy districts. Soo Yoo in particular came within a few thousand votes of
defeating Sharon Quirk Silva showing us that seat is ripe for the taking. Each of
these candidates brought the Republican Party closer to victory and built the
foundation for future campaigns.
A single election cycle cannot change a county. Democrats learned that in 2020
4
when we ended the "blue wave." The same is true for Republicans, no one
election cycle can determine the fate of our party. Change takes time and for
the foreseeable future, Orange County will remain the most competitive county
in California. One thing is clear from our election results -Republicans are
ready to rise up to the challenge.
The 2024 election begins now. As the final results come in, we will have raw
data to review and determine what worked and what we need to improve on.
What we know immediately is ballot harvesting has made democracy about
who can collect and turn in more ballots rather than earning votes. Until we can
eliminate ballot harvesting and universal vote by mail, Republicans must adapt
and win.
We must also find unity within our party. Rogue Republican campaigns split the
vote and cost us seats . Every moment and every dollar we spend fighting each
other is wasted when we should be focused on defeating Democrats. The
party, our county and our country are bigger than any one candidate's or
organizations' ambitions.
Orange County is the strongest local Republican Party in California and one of
the strongest in the nation. Redistricting has resulted in multiple
competitive districts crossing county lines. Just as important as progressing
locally, we have begun to work with neighboring counties on strengthening their
operations for stronger regional efforts in these critical seats.
As your local Republican Party, we will cont.inue to move the ball forward and
advance on our victories and opportunities ahead in 2024."
###
5
Press Contact
Randall Avila
(714) 453-0900
Randall@ocgop.org
6
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Juana Mueller <juanamueller33@gmail.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:11 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Charter amendments
Dear Huntington Beach City Council,
Having volunteered for decades in HB Central Park, and experiencing the lack of City funds to properly maintain this
jewel in our midst, PLEASE ABANDON your proposal of a special election to change our City Charter and spend that
money on needed projects to maintain Central Park.
The SO year old irrigation system needs upgrading, the hundreds of trees lost need replacing, trash bins and pickup need
upgrading because of a huge uptick in Park use, all need to be addressed, and many more issues.
Personally, I am old and love voting by mail. How would you do a voter ID for this?? PLEASE ABANDON an un-needed
and costly election to tweak our Charter.
With all due respect,
Sincerely,
Juana Mueller.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chris Slama <slamahb@yahoo .com >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:14 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
[SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] Charter Amendments Consideration, October 5 Special
Meeting
This Message contains suspicious characteristics and has originated outside your organization.
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend the special meeting on October 5 regarding City Charter
amendment considerations. As a long-time resident and former City employee, I do want to share
some thoughts regarding pending discussions and decisions.
City Attorney, Clerk, and Treasurer: I humbly urge that you do not take City-wide budgetary
decisions away from the City Council. The function of a Council/City Manager form of government is
that the City Manager proposes a budget to City Council for consideration, based on input, trends,
facts, and current financial situation -not partisan politics. As pointed out by Mayor Pro Tern Van Der
Mark, all departments need to function. Yes, the City Attorney, Clerk, and Treasurer are elected .
However, all of their respective departments are part of an overall City organization that run this City.
Further, there has been much discussion of these positions being elected "by the people." While
these roles are appointed by the electorate, they may be filled through an election where they are
unopposed. So, I would ask, which is more reflective of the citizens of Huntington Beach , those
individual elected officials , or the body of seven City Councilmembers elected through a true
democratic process? Politicizing the City's budget is dangerous, irresponsible , and not representative
of the City's residents. The City Council website page states:
"The residents of Huntington Beach are represented by a seven-member, part-time City Council. The
City Council establishes policies and priorities for the provision of effective and efficient municipal
services. The City Council is the city's legislative authority and sets the policies under which the city
operates . The City Council's duties include establishing goals and policies , enacting legislation,
adopting the city's operating budget, and appropriating the funds necessary to provide service to the
city's residents, businesses, and visitors."
If the proposed Charter revisions are made, consider that changes will need to be made to state that
the residents are represented by a seven-member City Council, in addition to three individually
elected officials who may run unopposed and be in complete disagreement with the majority Council
at times . Further, the seven-member City Council would then represent the City , except in regards to
legal and budgetary matters.
Flag Policy: This is already set as an ordinance , and adding to the charter is unnecessary. The
purpose of the City 's charter is to enact laws, rules, regulations and procedures to govern and
operate our City. Does governance and operation of a City really include restricting the types of flags
displayed on City property? Councilmember Moser asked a specific question in the last meeting
regarding events at the library including Pride Month and other cultural heritage celebrations .
Councilmember Burns answered that no flags other than those listed in the proposed charter
1
language could be displayed on City property . He further exclaimed "Go ahead and look at a flag in a
book ." I think it's important that this Council seriously consider the ramifications of this proposal. The
Pacific Airshow has featured performers from multiple countries, and recently boasted partnership
with Australia. Were there any flags on City beach representing Canada or Australia last weekend?
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, recently produced by Code Four at Central Park, celebrates our
partnership with our Sister City, Anjo, Japan. The US Open of Surfing, ISA World Para Surfing and
World Juniors competitions host people from countries world-wide , and those of all abilities, gender
identity and sexual orientation. The Olympic Charter Fundamental Principal 6 states, "The enjoyment
of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Olympic Charter shall be secured without discrimination of
any kind, such as race, colour, sex , sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status." Are we really going to propose amending our
City's charter to disallow flexibility to display flags that show support for our international partners and
International Olympic Committee values? If these amendments are to be on the ballot, voters need to
know that these are factors to consider .
Charter Section 612 (Measure C): I'm truly excited to see that this has become a thoughtful
discussion amongst Council. However, this is definitely one that should not be rushed and needs
extensive public input. There is so much to consider here, and I guarantee one last meeting will not
be sufficient to determine effective ballot language . I highly recommend further consultation with staff,
the general public, and the original framers of Measure C . This is a huge opportunity to remedy
charter language that has and will continue to hinder much-needed improvements to parks and
facilities improvements to enhance quality of life in Huntington Beach . In addition to creating flexibility
for improvements/expansion of existing amenities, please consider and consult with operators of
concession facilities within our parks and beaches . Preservation of open space is important, but some
flexibility for minor expansion/improvements of existing facilities could greatly enhance experiences
for residents and visitors for decades to come.
I am at your disposal for consultation on any of these matters, and would welcome the opportunity to
meet if you find helpful. Please know that I respectfully submit this communication only in effort to
offer my input as a longtime resident and former public servant who truly wants what is best for this
amazing community.
Thank you.
Chris Slama
Sent from Mail for Windows
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Elizabeth SanFilippo <elizabethsanfilippo@fuller.edu >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:15 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Fwd: City Charter Changes --Opposed
Since I didn't receive a confirmation email, I am resending the email below regarding my opposition to potential changes
to the City Charter.
Thank you,
Elizabeth San Filippo
----------Forwarded message----------
From: Elizabeth Sanfilippo <elizabethsanfilippo@fuller.edu >
Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Subject: City Charter Changes --Opposed
To: City .Council@surfcity-hb.org . SupplementalComm@surfcity-hb.org
I am a Huntington Beach resident and home owner for over thi1ty years and am opposed to the potential City
Chatter changes regarding how elections will be conducted.
Evidence has not been presented demonstrating that there are any election issues that justify changes to voting
in Huntington Beach. It is my understanding that the Orange County Registrar has been acknowledged as very
effective in administering this impmtant responsibility. The proposed changes could place unnecessary burdens
on citizens as we exercise our right to vote and thereby prevent people from voting.
The City has been advised by the State Attorney General that the changes contemplated to our Charter could be
illegal and if passed would result in a lawsuit.
Since the City Council recently contemplated budget cuts to services provided to residents and there are
projected future deficits, I am concerned about the costs of this ballot measure, the legal costs to defend it if
passed, and if implemented the costs associated with the changes. To be financially responsible, the potential
Charter Changes should not be placed on the ballot.
Thank you for your consideration.
Elizabeth San Filippo
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Council Members,
Carol Daus <caroldaus@gmail.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:17 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
In Opposition to all charter amendments
As you know, I have expressed in past emails and public comments that I am deeply opposed to the charter
amendments that would be placed on the March ballot. The conservative majority who argued for the mask/vaccine
mandate stated that the primary reason for that dangerous proposal was to prevent political overreach . In reality, what
they're proposing with voting control is the worst form of political overreach. It's extremely costly just to put it on the
ballot, let alone running the elections independently going forward. Plus there undoubtedly will be a costly lawsuit,
since it's illegal to impose Voter IDs in the state of California.
You claim there's a silent majority that supports the majority. But interestingly, what we're finding is that there's a
much larger silent majority of voters who don't support your misguided proposals!
On another note, my father-in-law died of Covid (before vaccines were available). He was living in an assisted facility
in Missouri that did not require masks. And my 35-year-old daughter has been battling long covid since January. She
was a software developer and is still unable to work and is on disability. You four are unqualified to make medical
decisions, plus you're totally insensitive to the millions of Americans who lost loved ones to Covid. Gracey: don't
state medical information when it's wrong! Vastly more people died from Covid than mental health conditions
related to Covid.
Thank you,
Carol Daus
Huntington beach resident for 28 years
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council Members,
Anthony Daus <addaus@gsi-net.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:30 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb .org
Opposition to Charter Amendments
Once again, I am writing to you in opposition to the needless charter amendments . These are a waste of time and
money as they are addressing imaginary problems or are completely misguided. I am particularly concerned about the
voter amendments. There is not voter fraud to address. Don't spend taxpayer money frivolously. This is a waste of
time and money. It was only a few months ago that this council was concerned about the city's budget and making cuts
to important services. How can certain members of this council justify these expenses?
These amendments government overreach at its worst. Please start using some common sense and good financial
stewardship in managing the affairs of my city.
Tony Daus
Frustrated Huntington Beach resident
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Councilmembers:
Linda Moon <1sapiro048@gmail.com >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:30 AM
supplementalcomm@surfc ity-hb.org
October 5 City Council Agenda Item #2
I write again to request that you reconsider your hasty ill-informed decision to place proposed
charter amendments on the March 2024 ballot.
We elect city council members with the expectation that you will make well-informed
decisions on our behalf. Many of us are disappointed to see that you are attempting to make
very uninformed decisions.
Regarding proposed amendments to city election protocols, You have revealed that you are
unaware that under the Voters' Choice Act, Huntington Beach voters may vote a Huntington
Beach Ballot at any Voting Center in the County and that voters from other cities may vote
their city's ballot at County Voting Centers in Huntington Beach. You are attempting to impose
so-called voting enhancements that cannot be required of voters throughout the county or of
other city's residents voting in Huntington Beach.
You are unaware of registration procedures that do require presentation of photo
identification upon registration and stringent signature verification procedures for mailed
ballots, the signature requirements for in-person voting and the criminal penalties for
fraudulent voting (which has not significantly occurred in Orange County).
You are unaware of the very strict security provisions imposed by the County for Voting
Centers, ballot boxes and ballot transportation. You have no knowledge of the current high
security features of Orange County ballot drop boxes, which are mandated to be under
constant camara surveillance and that the state -of-the-art drop boxes (designed by former
Registrar Neal Kelly) even include fire suppression devices, designed to immediately extinguish
fire.
This information and much more is available from the Registrar's office, which provides
frequent information programs for the general public and public tours . All of this information
should have been obtained and reviewed thoroughly before you made the hasty ill-
considered decision to proceed with this Amendment process .
You are unaware that some of the measures proposed were illegal under State law, as stated
by the Attorney General and Secretary of State in their letter to you. The arrogant rejection of
this information by the Council and City Attorney, who shamefully referred to the Attorney
1
General as the enemy is telling of your disregard for any information contradicting your
uninformed opinions.
The race to place the amendments on the primary election ballot is also itself ill-
considered. The City Attornels interpretation of Election Code 1415 does not appear
consistent with its plain language and other statutes addressing this issue were apparently not
considered. Postponing submission to the November ballot would also allow the council more
time to determine the financial and other ramifications of these measures.
Please remember that the lack of knowledge is Ignorance. The rejection of knowledge is
Stupidity.
Linda Sapiro Moon
5861 Liege Dr.
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
meobrien < meobrien@earthlink.net >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:33 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity -hb .org
proposed city charter amendments
I urge the City Council to SLOW DOWN . There remains too many unanswered questions relative to the proposed voter ID
amendment. Voter ID is not required in California . Do we really want to get into another tussle with the state? We do not
have assurance that the OC Registrar will participate and we will be left to manage the voting process ourselves at an
unknown cost and city resource consumption that could be better used to tackle the other significant problems the city
faces.
Please do not spend taxpayers' money on a problem that doesn't exist. It erodes your credibility.
Direct your attention to affordable housing, homelessness and mental health.
Respectfully,
Margaret O'Brien
a 50 year HB resident
1
Moore, Tania
From: jodyky1e1@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:47 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Jody Kyle
To:
Cc:
Subject: City Council Meeting for Oct 5, 2023 --Section 806 Display of Flags
Dear City Council Members,
I am a 25 year resident of Huntington Beach and am writing regarding the upcoming city
council meeting on October 5, 2023. I strongly oppose the Flag amendment to the City
Charter which reads:
"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."
At the city council meeting on September 28, 2023 Council Member Burns stated that the amendment
was to include the DISPLAY of flags at Huntington Beach libraries at special events such as National
Hispanic Heritage month .
I have questions:
• If I were to walk into an HB library wearing at-shirt displaying the Scottish national flag (my
own personal heritage), is that allowed under the charter amendment? Could I wear a lapel pin
displaying the Scottish flag on city property?
• Could HB employees or volunteers wear items displaying the Scottish flag?
• Can I drive onto city property if my car displayed a decal of the Scottish flag?
• Can I dive my car onto city property if it had an actual Scottish flag attached to it?
• Can I park in city lots if my car had a Scottish flag attached to it?
• Can the HB libraries display books if they have the Scottish flag on the cover?
• Can I wear the Scottish flag as a garment, such a a shawl or cape, on city property?
• Can I place the Scottish flag on the podium when I address the city council at meetings?
1
• Can Huntington Beach employees or volunteers do any of the above?
• When does the displaying of banned flags on city property start to infringe on personal First
Amendment rights?
If this seems trivial or foolish, imagine that instead of "Scottish flag" I had really said "Pride
flag". When you try to take away rights from one group you end up taking them away from everyone.
Council Member Burns claims to oppose "identity politics". The Flag amendment IS identity politics.
It's just an identity that council members Burns, McKean, Strickland, and Van Der Mark support .
Yours,
Mary Kyle
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hi,
Celeste Rybicki < celeste@celesterybicki .com >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:52 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF); supplementa lcomm@surfcity -hb .org
Special cha rter amendment meeting
I'll be brief but I want to be on record again as being against the charter amendments, both in content and in the rushed
and suspicious way they are being presented . It seems like a lot of work and a lot of money to appease a small fraction
of your constituents . If you insist on pushing these through to the ballot, I would implo re you to single each issue out so
voters can be clear on what they do or don't support. And it would appear that it will be significantly less expensive to
wait until general elections, which would be smart as it looks like if voter id passes we will have a slew of new lawsuits to
pay for.
Thanks for your time,
Celeste
14 + yr resident of HB
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Please see attached .
Harry Mclachlan <mc1ach1anharry621@yahoo .com >
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:51 AM
supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Proposed Cha rter Amendments
Huntington Beach City Council Oct. 5, 2023 .docx
1
Huntington Beach Special City Council Meeting
For Discussion of Potential Charter Amendments
October 5, 2023
My name Harry McLachlan. I am a resident of Huntington Beach.
My opinion on Charter Amendment #1 has not changed.
The voting proposals are a solution looking for a problem that does not exist.
Your totally fact-free justification for this amendment comes from
undocumented assertions by the seated conservatives that they have received
"many calls" and spoken to "many people" regarding their totally unfounded
concerns about the security of our local election. To a reasonable person, this
is merely hearsay. I have attended all of the meetings on the proposed charter
revisions and have read all of the supplemental communications submitted.
The overwhelming majority have provided you facts which negate the very
premises of your proposed changes to the proven voting procedures currently
in place. Please cease this willful ignorance and listen to the majority of your
constituents! You requested public feedback by holding these special
meetings. You received it in spades. Please act ON it and not AGAINST it!
The flag amendment also needs to go. Proffered by an absurd "ad hoc
committee" made up of members with the sole intent of implementing their
own personal and politically biased agendas in an effort to placate a minority
of the citizens of Huntington Beach. Please drop this from consideration.
Thank you for your attention.
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jessamyn Garner <jessamyngarner@gmail.com>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:59 AM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL . CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Oppose charter amendments
Hi City Council members and Mayor Strickland,
I'm writing to strongly oppose the proposed charter amendments that will be discussed at tonight's meeting. I
wish I could be in attendance to voice my opposition more directly but I am unable to be there.
The voter ID and ballot box monitoring proposal is abhorrent and an attack on free and fair elections. It will
limit voter participation and cost the city millions of dollars we don't have to solve a problem that doesn't even
exist. The proposal is also illegal, as you already know from the letter you received from Attorney General Rob
Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber. Our city cannot afford yet another lawsuit.
Huntington Beach taxpayers and voters deserve better. We deserve fiscal responsibility and we deserve a
council that does at least the bare minimum of following the law.
Additionally, I strongly oppose the effort to put the flag ordinance into the city charter. It unfairly limits city
properties from celebrating our sister cities, our sports teams, and our communities. And it limits the ability for
future city councils to reverse this foolish limitation.
Measure C is also a concern of mine. Requiring a vote of residents for every sale, lease, or exchange of beaches,
parks, or public utilities will create significant costs to the taxpayer as we will need to hold many special
elections to make these decisions. Special elections are also notorious for low turnout, which will favor the
people in our community who have the time and the resources to participate in these special elections. These
people are often wealthy and older than the general population, so these votes will be biased.
Thank you.
Jessamyn Garner
(they/them)
Huntington Beach resident and voter
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:09 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : City Council
From: Christina Skoski <chris.skoski@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 8:08 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: City Council
I've been a resident of HB since 1976 . I've been following the city council meetings because I am concerned
about the path our new conservative council majority has elected to take.
The public comments and emails have been overwhelmingly against any changes to the city charter, yet these
comments have been completely ignored , whether the topic is book banning, pride flags or anything as
innocuous as who should be allowed to lead a prayer. It is quite obvious that 4 members have a political agenda
and the decisions have already been made. They simply have no interest in listening to any opinions which
differ from their own. There is no room for discussion or compromise.
The dismissive attitude of this council is insulting to all the residents, not just the few. The votes have already
been decided. Their overtly biased explanations are absurd which is recognized by the news media in OC and
beyond. Their mandate was to be non-paiiisan and represent what's best for our city , yet they are fostering
division and hatred in our community.
Shame on you,
Christina Skoski MD
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:11 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Charter amendments not shown necessary
From: Allie Plum <skyedawg007@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 7:42 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL {INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter amendments not shown necessary
My name is Allie Plum. I want to register my strong objection to all changes proposed to the City Charter
especially in regards to HB elections. The past elections have shown no fraud or problems. The cost in both
people power and money is unnecessary for a system in place that is working. Please put the city of HB first and
abandon this madness. You were elected on many promises one of which was No changes to the Charter.
Thank you Council person McKean for standing up for what you trust to be true.
Sincerely ,
Allie Plum
HB
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:11 PM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
From: Connie Quader <cquaderhb@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 7:48 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Amendments
To the majority of the City Council,
WHY THE RUSH OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS? It seems as though you four have an agenda.
Each proposed item should stand alone. No bundling ofumelated items.
The unknown costs to Huntington Beach citizens for your frivolous & unnecessary proposed changes will, most
likely result in costly lawsuits against the city. WHY NOW?
It seems as though you four really don't know the citizens of Huntington Beach well & you don't care to know
or listen to the majority of HB citizens! Your minds are already made up. WHY?
You successfully have tarnished the image of our beautiful & much loved city! WHY?
Also the Trump flyover was totally OUTRAGEOUS!! The Pacific Airshow was for all to enjoy NOT be
politicized!! UNACCEPTABLE!!
Sincerely ,
Connie & Shaheer Quader
44 Years HB residents
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:11 PM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Changes to the HB city charter
From: Tracy Luth <p.luth@verizon.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:34 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject: Fw: Changes to the HB city charter
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Begin forwarded message:
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 8:27 AM, Tracy Luth <p.luth@verizon .net> wrote:
I would like to express my concerns about the proposed changes to the HB city charter. I think
that each proposed change needs to be presented along on the ballot rather than bundling
unrelated items. I would like the city to consider and investigate the costs of running its own
elections if it moves forward with voter ID requirements as well as costs defending itself against
potential lawsuits about the constitutionality of voter ID requirements.
Sincerely ,
Tracy Luth
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:12 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Charter Admendments
From: Susan E Turner <susanturnerart@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10:17 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL {INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Admendments
Hello, I want to let you know I, Susan Turner, HB resident, oppose placing the Charter Amendments on the primary
ballot! Please DO NOT bundle and place on the primary ballot.
Sincerely,
Susan Turner
Sent from my iPad
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:13 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: No on HB Charter Amendments
From: Denise Bletsos <dabletsos@yahoo .com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 3:52 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject: No on HB Charter Amendments
We are voting No on any of the current and future Huntington Beach Charter
Amendments by our current City Council Members.
You have held behind the door meetings and spent money in a way that is not explained
to Huntington Beach citizens.
Denise and Nikolas Bletsos
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:13 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Recent air show and charter issues
From : Chris <1oaticus5@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 5:36 PM
To : CITY COUNCIL {INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Recent air show and charter issues
Hello, my name is Chris Kluwe, a 15 year resident of HB, and I'm sending this email to protest both the politicization of
the air show by letting known criminal and treasonous ex-president Trump do a flyover, as well as the proposed changes
to the city charter that will not only waste taxpayer dollars but are clearly designed to concentrate power in the hands of
an unliked, selfish minority of four individuals who currently control the City Council (Strickland, Van Der Mark, Mckeon,
and Burns, with honorable mention to non -first amendment cognizant Attorney Gates).
These actions are those of buffoons and the intellectually ignorant, and not only embarrass our city, they embarrass the
principles of America, including being free from the tyranny of religion , as well as giving everyone a chance to vote
without unreasonable burden. I urge these incompetent and shortsighted individuals to reconsider their actions
(knowing full well they will not) because I am tired of my city being not just a laughingstock nationally, but also a
burgeoning haven for intolerance, racism, and white nationalism .
The five names I have just mentioned are bad, should feel bad, and should never engage in the political sphere again
without some deep reflection on their numerous shortcomings and disgusting embrace of fascism as a political tool.
Sincerely,
-Chris
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:14 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: charter
From: Louise Stewardson <1oustew75@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:27 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: charter
We do not need to change the city charter. It is too costly and unnecessary.
Louise Stewardson
197 41 Coastline Lane, HB
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:14 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Charter Ammendments
From: David Rynerson <drynerson@earthlink.net>
Sent : Wednesday, October 4, 2023 1:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL {INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Ammendments
Council Members -
At the last charter amendment meeting, I asked for an accounting of the communications both for and against the
proposed elections charter amendment. To date, I have seen nothing from the city responding to this request. Given that
the entire impetus behind this measure is supposed to be communications from city residents questioning our election
integrity, the lack of documented evidence is suspicious . With upwards of 80% of voters voting by mail or drop box, no
evidence of voter fraud, repeated certifications of the accuracy and security of our elections, the cited reasoning for this
proposal appears weak at best, and positively specious at worst.
Proposing to spend upwards of a million and a half dollars every election, {without cyber security and vote tracking
costs), losing voting place flexibility, and introducing disruption and uncertainty into our election process to satisfy
anecdotal complaints from a minority of voters does not pass the smell test. It is fiscally irresponsible. Decisions of this
sort should be backed up with a cost/benefit analysis . The simple fact that you seem unable to quantify the actual cost to
conduct our our elections, let alone the cost of defending the city from lawsuits brought in response to this measure, nor
demonstrate the benefit of this proposal, clearly shows that this measure is inadequately researched to even be in
discussion with the community, let alone on the ballot.
Similarly, while I can understand that you don't want City Councils removing funding from an elected position, the
amendment regarding the City Attorney, also fails the smell test . As previously noted, it was illegal when the City
Treasurer's office was defunded, so a charter amendment is no deterrent to those who take illegal actions. Second, the
proposed funding limits remove council budget oversight and flexibility. Just because the city has been involved in many
lawsuits, quite a few of which were effectively sought by the city attorney, does not mean we will always be in such a
state. Budgets should reflect the situation at the time they are crafted -not be locked in by charter requirements .
Further, just because the City Attorney is an elected office does not mean it should be exempt from City Council
oversight . If that were the case, the the City Clerk and Treasurer should get the same treatment, yet that is not proposed .
Citizens elect the City Council to run the city bureaucracy, and the City Attorney, Treasurer, and Clerk are part of that
bureaucracy, They are, and should remain, under the guidance and control of the City Council.
And despite testimony from the City Clerk that neither she nor HR departments all over·the country have any problem
parsing what "Bachelors in Business or related field" means, Mayor Strickland proposes to enshrine his judgement in the
city charter because he finds it ambiguous. Exactly what HR qualifications does Mayor Strickland have to impose his
judgement over that of HR professionals? Never mind that Mayor Strickland's proposal opens the city up to candidates
whose education does not prepare them for this position .
1
What to say about the flag amendment? Councilman Burns says he doesn't want to play identity politics. Are you
suggesting that there's no identity component to flags for POW/MIA and all of the various armed services? Why not the
flags of other government agencies like the TSA or the IRS? And, as has been so aptly pointed out by minority council
members, this proposal was modified three times in about six months, making enshrining it in the charter an expensive
proposition. No, the real reason was spoken out loud at last week's public meeting : Councilman Burns wants it in the
charter just to make it harder to be changed by future councils . He wants to impose his will, not only on current city
residents, but on future ones as well. Exactly the opposite of being a representative of the people.
What do all of these proposals have in common? They are proposed solutions to non-existent problems -problems that
exist only in the minds of at least three members of the council majority, but not in real life . They are proposals wherein
they wish to enforce their views on the entire city without any evidence of need, and at significant cost. They are, in fact,
irresponsible attempts, not to represent the city's residents, but to make us pay for their authoritarian vision.
It's well past time for you to listen to the will of the people and withdraw these ill-conceived proposals and actually get
back to the real business of running this city. You have wasted enough of our time, and yours, as well.
True leadership involves bringing people together around a shared set of facts to make reasoned decisions. Doggedly
pursuing an polarizing agenda with a complete lack of factual support is the exact opposite of leadership. It is
authoritarian dogma.
Best regards,
David Rynerson
6272 Newbury Drive
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:14 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Changes to Huntington Beach City Charter
From : Linda Pohl <2travelinpohls@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 12:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject: Changes to Huntington Beach City Charter
Please rethink your decision to put on the ballot Huntington Beach City running its own elections instead of the official
Orange County Register of Voters . You were elected using this official election register or do you feel you were
incorrectly elected? Not only is it illegal to have Cities run elections, which I realize doesn't mean anything to you, but it
will be very expensive. Voters have short memories when it comes to additional taxes, o r lost services to run these
elections . Not only will the election itself be expensive but fighting the lawsuits to come will also encumber the City.
The Air Show was nice and many people enjoyed it but voters won't remember the show but the cost to their wallet
from your proposals . Be a responsible City Council and instead continue to use the system that elected you to office.
Linda Pohl
Sent from my iPad
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:15 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Charter Amendments
From : shakes-09-dame@icloud .com <shakes-09-dame@icloud.com>
Sent : Wednesday, October 4, 2023 1:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject : Charter Amendments
It was very interesting to be reminded last week that the the platform on which you four new city council members ran
to be elected to the city council, stated that there would be no charter amendments. Yet, here we are, not even 2 years
long years later, where, together, you are go i ng to vote for charter amendments which will drastically change the
character of what used to be a nice city in which to live, costing YOUR constituents over $1 million!!!
To discuss only a couple of items: The Orange County Registrar of Voters is well regarded and your proposed changes will
not bring back integrity (according to Mr. Strickland) to our election system. It stinks of voter suppression, and it sounds
like that's your intent. Your changes conflict with state laws . Just because we are a "charter" city does not allow us to
violate state law, especially about voter rights! Why in the world do we need an amendment to ban a no mask-no
vaccine mandate??? If we have another extremely dangerous pandemic like the beginnings of our Covid pandemic, do
you not care about your citizens?
As you have heard over the last 3 weeks, there are many residents who are opposed to these charter amendments.
Unfortunately, I have gotten the message loud and clear that the four new council members have no interest in hearing
opposing comments from your constituents . I know you already have your minds made up!!
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:22 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Voting
From: Linda Pohl <2travelinpohls@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Voting
My wife had her say in a letter to the council but I wanted to have my say "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Ridiculous to be
spending time and money on an issue that worked fine before the new council thought it would be great idea to change
the voting that got them elected.
Walter Pohl
Sent from my iPad
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:58 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW : RE :
From: letters-clumpy-Or@icloud.com <letters-clumpy-Or@icloud.com>
Sent : Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:47 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: RE:
To whom it may concern regarding tomorrow's agenda:
You promised not to change the charter when you ran for your offices in the first place, but since you are reneging on
that, I feel that the issues that are up for vote should be separate items, the bundling of unrelated items will cause so
much confusion. Secondly, changes in the election process will incur costs when we are facing other financial issues.
Isn't it illegal to run the city at a deficit???? I've lived in Huntington Beach for 51 years and there has never been a time
when I've felt like our city government is not governing in in our best interests.
Thank you,
A very concerned resident.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 5:24 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Please reconsider adding amendments to city charter
From: Linda Law <lindaklaw@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 4:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Please reconsider adding amendments to city charter
Dear Council Members,
Please reconsider adding the proposed
amendments to the city charter. These
proposed charter amendments are
unnecessary and potentially very expensive. I
understand that the city has limited funds and
this seems a very poor use of those funds.
I object to the city considering amendments
that were not reviewed by a public
commission. The costs to add these
amendments to the ballot are unknown. There
is no evidence of voter fraud that requires the
monitoring of poll places or the presentation of
1
a voter id. Actions like this invite lawsuits and
seem utterly pointless.
Thank you for your time.
2
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:43 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Charter amendments
From: Kathy McGuire <kzm@dslextreme.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter amendments
Hello,
I oppose all of the proposed charter amendments. They are not needed and they will cost money that
the city needs for other necessities. Vote no. Reject all of the charter amendments .
Thank you,
Kathy McGuire
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:43 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Voter ID
From: Kathy Carrick <carrick92647@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:34 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Voter ID
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern and City Council Members ,
Could someone please explain how requiring voter ID is a form of voter suppression? I, honestly, do not
understand how this can be so. Please refer back to the list of items that Mr. Twining supplied in his comments
at the City Council meeting of 10/3 that require ID.
If there are, indeed, HB citizens that have difficulty procuring an ID, how can our city offices help them with
this process?
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Kathy Carrick
48 year HB resident
Se nt from my T-Mobile 50 Devi ce
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Opposition to HB Charter Amendments and Flag Proposal
From: Julie Hampel <ju1ie.hampel4@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Opposition to HB Charter Amendments and Flag Proposal
Dear HB City Council,
I oppose any and all proposed Charter Amendments for one basic reason -there is no need! The City Council
has NOT completed a needs assessment to identify a problem, any problem with the HB voting process or
flying flags at City Hall.
Please abandon these foolish proposals that will cost the City of Huntington Beach money it can ill-
afford. Specifically, Strickland, Van der Mark, Burns and McKean -back away from these truly ridiculous
changes to the City Charter and the Flag Issue. These are NOT problems. If you continue on this destructive
path, the 4 of you become THE problem.
Start doing your jobs instead of creating problems that don't exist.
Julie Hampel
HB Resident.
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW : Charter amendments
From: Jerry Donohue <out1ook_3F76BA7571D23BF1@outlook.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:56 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city .council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject: Charter amendments
Enough already. We are going to get sued by the state for these new voting irregulaties. Lost city money, lost city
prestige. Quit this obsession, show we can reflect on items, listen to our citizens and then change our
minds. Thanks, Jerry Donohue
Sent from Mail for Windows
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Against Charter changes to our local elections
From: Allie Plum <skyedawg007@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Against Charter changes to our local elections
Dear City Ciuncil,
I am totally opposed to spending unneeded and unwarranted HB dollars(who knows how much ?? Millions ?) to
fix our local elections that are NOT broken. We are not fraud ridden in fact our OC elections are held up as well
done .
The Charter amendments are confusing and bundled in a nonsensical way . The voting public will not be able to
vote clearly Yes or No with the way these amendments are presented.
Please stop this madness and vote to drop the idea of changing the City Charter and spending an exorbitant
amount of money as yet to be determined. What can go wrong?
Sincerely,
Allie Plum
HB resident and Immobile Home Owner
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: HB City Council Meeting, Thursday, October 4, 2023
From: Lee Marie Sanchez <lsanchez@uuma.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:07 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject: HB City Council Meeting, Thursday, October 4, 2023
Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council rv
My family has owned a home here in Huntington Beach for
over 50 years. Months ago I became aware of the makeup
of the City Council and the plans for the unnecessary
Charter Amendments being touted by only 4 of the
Council's members. It has been obvious from the concerns
of the vast majority of the citizens attending the meetings,
as well as those sending emai,I that they believe these
proposals are unnecessary, expensive and will likely
engender several lawsuits, bringing even more costs and
divisiveness to our community.
I am totally opposed to all the amendments. A citizens
council which is bipartisan and reflects the diversity of our
city should be formed before anything is put on any ballot
so that the people may have the opportunity to engage
with each other in a measured, respectul and democratic
conversation, not what is happening now.
It is interesting to me that almost everyone I have spoken
with about my concerns had no idea that they could send
1
the Council email or where to find that information. I have
made it an ongoing practice to let everyone know about
this process, those with whom I agree and with those
whom I do not. The Council should make the effort to
promote this information broadly to ensure we are ALL
represented.
rv Rev. Lee Marie Sanchez, Retired and voting
2
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
-----Original Message-----
From: Cristina Caldera <ccaldera80@gmail.com>
Sent : Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9 :51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Amendments
Hi,
I am a resident of Huntington Beach for 9 years now. My family and I live in the Harbour. Lately, I am ashamed and do
not agree with the current city council and the proposed charter amendments . I think you all should stop wasting the
tax payers money with this unnecessary election . If you feel so strongly about it, add it to the general election.
Do your job and actually fix things in the city like the drunk drivers hitting people, homelessness, crime. Pick something
that actually matters! Stop being shady and messing with the voting system.
Feel free to call me with any follow up questions .
Cristina Caldera
310-699-8446
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: No to voter ID requirement
From: chuynhful <cindy.oceanminded@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10:38 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL {INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject : No to voter ID requirement
I do not support voter ID: this will discourage many disabled and elderly from voting if they misplace their ID The office
of registrar of voters already check signature against what's on OMV files
This is too extreme
A concerned citizen of Huntington Beach
Sent from Cindy's iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: We don't need any charter amendment
From: Mary Camarillo <mpcame10219@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10:04 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: We don't need any charter amendment
Dear City Council
There is no need for the charter amendments you are proposing for voting. There is nothing wrong with our
cmTent voting procedures. Cha1ier changes are an unnecessary expense.
Please do not revise our city charter or our voting process.
Mary Camarillo
HB resident
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Charter Amendments
From: Steven Christy <sctransportation55@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:01 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Amendments
All are a waste of time and money
This new majority on the council have no idea how to run a city ?
If you don't listen to your citizens how can you decide what is best They are out of control! Please we must stop there
nonsense now!!
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:46 AM
Agenda Alerts To:
Subject: FW: Charter Ammendments
From: Kathy Dowling <kathyldowling@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:59 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Ammendments
Stop the madness!
1. No to elections handled by the city as you propose. Unnecessary cost to the City so that you can make an
unneeded change. Your views are not shared by many of us.
2. Do not change the election dates . We know you are looking for smaller turnout to aid you r changes.
3. The Mayor looked ridiculous regarding Nepotism . If you had ever worked for a real company you would know
why Nepotism is a problem. When you have relatives working for the same company in the Management
structure, employees are unable to voice concerns honestly . This leads to employee dissatisfaction and a
potential hostile work environment. It seems the City Attorney would be aware of this .
4. The Mayor always ends the speakers input with "thanks for coming 11
• I would recommend that he be honest and
say, "thanks for coming, we ar en't interested in your input11
• At least that would be honest.
Sent from Mail for Windows
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:47 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Charter Amendments
From: Jeanne Farrens <jeannefarrens@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:25 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Charter Amendments
Dear City Council Members,
First I want to thank Councilman McKeon for being responsible for taking the charter process out from
behind closed doors and opening it up to public input. And also for listening and being open to
reconsideration of the amendments. It is clear that of all the new majority members, given his
previous experience on past city charter committees, Councilmember McKeon has the most
experience regarding the charter review procedures. Why is it that he was the only member of the
new council majority who wasn't included on the ad hoc committee? It is curious -I daresay,
suspicious -that the other members would ignore his expertise. Had these open public meetings
been implemented as part of the ad hoc committee process from the beginning, much time would
have been saved, and public outcry could have been avoided. I am grateful that he responded to his
supporters' concerns and demands to allow the public to be heard.
As a member of that public, I am concerned by the Council's desire to change the charter, and I must
express my opposition to all the charter amendments for several reasons.
First, as speakers have pointed out at the special Thursday meetings, these amendments will
enshrine their proposals in what amounts to the city's Constitution, making it extremely difficult for any
future city councils to change them, and especially when at least one of them -regarding the city's
flag policy -is already a city ordinance . I'd like to point out that had it been in the charter, the city
would have broken the law this past weekend by flying both the Australian and Canadian flag next to
the American flag at the Pacific Airshow .
Additionally, the way the amendments are bundled with 3 or 4 irrelevant
proposals demanding either a yes or no vote all in one measure does not encourage voter
participation or faith in the election -something Councilman McKeon stated was the main purpose of
these amendments -but rather it creates confusion and forces the voters to either vote for something
they do not agree with to support something they do, or, to just not vote at all. How is this preserving
the integrity of elections?
Above all, while the majority council has insisted that this is not an attempt to take over elections from
the County, if the voting measure is placed on the ballot, that's exactly what will happen. It is a
1
certainty that HB will be sued by Sacramento if the voter ID proposal passes. In fact in a Thursday
news release, A.G. Bonta promised as much.
Not only did Bonta state that requiring voter ID. conflicts with state law, but he also pointed out that
the city has not identified any basis for its voter ID proposal. Nor has any of the Council Majority
identified such when asked directly by speakers to do so.
Last week City Attorney Gates insisted that as a Charter City, HB has a legal right to require ID. He
cited as evidence a lawsuit in which Redondo Beach (a charter city) won a lawsuit regarding their
right to oversee municipal elections. The lawsuit -the City of Redondo Beach vs Padilla (the CA
Attorney General at the time) -involved Redondo Beach setting its own date for election but had
nothing to do with voter ID, which is a much more fundamental issue -in Bonta's words, it is the
"foundation of our democracy". So it is unlikely this example of case law will stand up. Thus, in
addition to the possible million dollars it will cost to put the measure on the ballot, HB taxpayers will
likely be paying several more millions fighting a state lawsuit, not to mention unknown costs to
facilitate and run its own election (as the County is sure to refuse to oversee the election given A.G.
Bonta's warning). Important issues such as training poll workers, locating adequate ADA polling
locations, costs of voting and monitoring equipment, procedures for the counting of ballots, including
mail-ins, and the associated expenses have neither been identified nor enumerated in the proposals.
Not to mention the time it will take to implement these changes. Are we expected to vote on the
measures without knowing these specifics and costs? By March 5th?
Finally, I object to these proposals as being nothing more than evidence that the city council dais no
longer functions as a non-partisan podium to promote policies to protect the people and Huntington
Beach, but it has now become a politicized partisan platform for promoting a MAGA agenda including
protections against false conspiracies of voter fraud .
As further evidence I cite the public "thumbs up" endorsement of Donald Trump by both Mayor
Strickland and Attorney Gates at this weekend's Anaheim appearance of the former president and of
Attorney Gates' promising that in HB we are "promoting voter ranking at the local level" (an
announcement of policy in direct conflict with his position as a non-partisan representative of the
citizens). I would like to know what Attorney Gates is talking about since those words do not appear
anywhere on any measure.
What new nefarious measures can we expect to be introduced -measures that rather than protecting
voter integrity are an assault against it?
If the Council is serious about promoting election integrity, you must not move ahead with these
unnecessary and potentially illegal charter amendments. Let our award winning Orange County
Registrar of Voters continue to oversee fair and safe elections in Huntington Beach.
Jeanne Farrens
IReplyForwardl
2
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:47 AM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Opposed to flag ordinance
From: MARILYN Boehm <beachmama7@msn.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:30 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Opposed to flag ordinance
I am strongly opposed to eliminating the pride flag during Pride Month and, instead, limiting
the choice of flags to be flown by the City Council. Why is it that we showed a Canadian flag at
the Airshow, an event that has still not been made transparent according to how much it cost
the taxpayers?
If we are willing to fly an Olympics flag, which has nothing to do with our city, why not show
the world that we are an inclusive city by flying the pride flag? Is it up to the City Council to
decide which events are meaningful and which are not? Shouldn't the residents of HB make
that call?
Vote NO on the flag ordinance.
Marilyn Boehm, resident of HB
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:48 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Dear Council
From: Kirby McCord <kirbymccord@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:37 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Dear Council
Council,
Is it true that Kevin Elliot gave dignitary passes to 4 of 7 council members and their families? And of course,
Gates and family. Are these the same four that settled with Elliott and won't release the terms of the
multimillion-dollar settlement? Is this the same Kevin Elliot who was a college roommate of Mayor Strickland?
Vote no on changing elections. Vote no on the charter changes .
Kirby McCord
Resident
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent:
To:
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:49 AM
Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: My comments on the amendments to the city charter
From: Ada Hand <adajhand@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8 :16 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL {INCL. CMO STAFF} <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: My comments on the amendments to the city charter
I am opposed to all the amendments to the City Charter. They represent the majority's blatant attempt to take
control of an election process that has worked flawlessly in the past. The cost of the elections in the future
would be hon-endous to the taxpayers of this City, especially considering the ensuing lawsuits that are sure to
come . Taxpayers don't deserve this. You ran on a platform of No Changes to the City Charter and now
you propose to transform it ( and not by the use of the City Chaiier Commission, but rather by your Ad Hoc
Committee of three).
I am also opposed to the bundling of multiple amendments into one, supposedly to save money for the
taxpayers. Instead, we will be asked to vote for three items when we may only agree with one or two items in
the bundle. Ridiculous . There is government language about clear amendment language that does not confuse
the voters --your bundles are an example of blatant ove1Teach.
I am opposed to the expansion of the City Attorney's staff. He already has resources beyond what L.A. County
has -ridiculous. He is building his own fiefdom and the City Council is helping him.
I am opposed to all the time, money , and energy taken by the City Council and staff to ban, censor, or sequester
books at our public librai·ies. We have professional librarians and a process in place that actually worked for
Ms. Van Der Maark, but you now attempt to mold the libraries into your kind of reading. The first step in an
authoritarian regime.
Shame on the Mayor and City Attorney for endorsing publicly a candidate for President of the United States ,
especially a candidate who committed what I believe is treason and who is legitimately accused of multiple
counts in civil and criminal courts. The flyover at the Air Show was a sad example of doing a questionable act
and then seeing if you have to apologize afterwards. You politicized the air show and you should be castigated.
I am ashamed of our cun-ent City Council majority.
Ada J. Hand
Ten-Year Resident of Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:49 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: proposed city charter amendments
From: meobrien <meobrien@earthlink.net>
Sent : Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:37 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb .org>
Subject: proposed city charter amendments
I urge the City Council to SLOW DOWN . There remains too many unanswered questions relative to the proposed vote r ID
amendment. Voter ID is not required in California . Do we really want to get into another tussle with the state? We do not
have assurance that the OC Registrar will participate and we will be left to manage the voting process ourselves at an
unknown cost and city resource consumption that could be better used to tackle the other significant problems the city
faces.
Please do not spend taxpaye rs' money on a problem that doesn't exist. It erodes your credibility.
Direct your attention to affordable housing, homelessness and mental health.
Respectfully,
Margaret O'B r ien
a 50 year HB resident
1
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Julia Gomez <JGomez@aclusocal.org>
Thursday, October 5, 2023 1 :20 PM
CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Strickland, Tony; Van Der Mark, Gracey; Burns, Pat; Bolton, Rhonda; Kalmick, Dan;
McKean, Casey; Moser, Natalie; Gates, Michael; Fikes, Cathy; Paul Spencer Contact
Public Comment re Oct. 5 Special Meeting, Agenda No. 2
2023.10 .05 Letter to Huntington Beach from DRC and ACLU re Item No. 2.pdf
Attached please find correspondence from Disability Rights California and the ACLU of Southern California opposing the
proposed charter amendment relating to municipal elections.
Best,
Julia
Julia Gomez, Staff Attorney
ACLU of Southern California
1313 W 8th Street, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(o) 213 .977 .5258
aclusoca l.org II facebook II twitter II blog II rum
ACLU SoCal: STAND FOR JUSTICE» Download our mobile app at mobileiusticeca.org
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SUPP!JEMEf~TAL
COMMUNiCAT~ON
Meeq ~: /0 /o /rfW-3
Agerrda Item No.: :Z {q 3 · 8tfqj _,
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
FOUNDATION
Southern California
Sent via email
October 5, 2023
Huntington Beach Mayor and City Council
Council Chambers
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
SupplementalComm@Surfcity-hb.org
City.Council@surfcity-hb .org
California's protection & advocacy system
Re: October 5, 2023 Special City Council Meeting, Agenda Item No. 2
Opposition to Proposed Charter Amendment Relating to Municipal Elections
Dear Mayor Strickland and Members of the City Council:
We have serious concerns about the legality and negative implications of the proposal to add
Section 705 to the city charter relating to municipal elections ("proposed charter amendment"). Section
705 's voter identification ("voter ID") provision violates state law. What's more, the voter ID, drop box
monitoring, and voting location provisions will likely result in voter suppression. We urge you to reject
the proposed charter amendment to avoid voter disenfranchisement and to avoid the waste of taxpayer
resources on an election, implementation, and unnecessary litigation.
I. The Voter ID Provision Violates State Law
Charter cities like Huntington Beach have home rule authority over certain local issues, including
municipal elections. Jauregui v. City of Palmdale, 226 Cal. App. 4th 781, 794-96 (2014). This authority,
however, is not unlimited, and a chatter provision must yield to state law where, as here: 1) the provision
conflicts with state law; 2) the subject of the provision is a matter of statewide concern; and 3) the
conflicting state law is narrowly tailored and does not unnecessarily interfere with municipal governance .
Id. at 795-96; see also City of Huntington Beach v. Becerra, 44 Cal. App. 5th 243, 256 (2020) (holding
that even issues listed in the California Constitution as municipal affairs "must give way to inconsistent
state laws addressing issues of statewide concern").
As to the first factor, a local voter ID law that imposes requirements on top of the state's process
conflicts with the state's detailed voter verification framework which, as laid out in the Attorney General's
September 28 letter, strikes a careful balance between guarding elections and ensuring that voters can
successfully cast a ballot. See September 28, 2023, Letter from Attorney General Rob Bonta and
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph .D., to the Huntington Beach City Council at 2-3 ("Sept. 28
Attorney General Letter"); see also City of Huntington Beach, 44 Cal. App. 5th at 270 ("Chatter city law
is contradictory to state law when it is inimical thereto") (quotation marks omitted). With respect to the
second factor, it is well settled that the issues implicated by the proposed chatter amendment-voting
rights and the integrity of local elections-are matters of statewide concern. See, e.g., Johnson v. Bradley,
4 Cal. 4th 389, 409 (1992) (holding that "the integrity of the electoral process, at both the state and local
level, is undoubtedly a statewide concern"); Jauregui, 226 Cal. App. 4th at 799-801 (voting rights,
Huntington Beach Mayor and City Council Page 2
including protections against voting restrictions and vote dilution, are state interests "that go to the
legitimacy of the electoral process"). Finally, the state's conflicting provisions are narrowly tailored to
enhance the integrity of the electoral process and to ensure that eligible individuals can cast a ballot free
of unnecessary burdens. See Sept. 28 Attorney General Letter at 2-3. The only way these provisions could
possibly interfere with municipal governance is if the City adopted voter restrictions like the voter ID law.
S ee Jauregui, 226 Cal. App. 4th 781 (the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA") "can necessarily only
interfere with municipal governance when vote dilution is present").
The city attorney's heavy reliance on the Redondo Beach case is misplaced. In Redondo Beach,
the court held that the Voter Participation Rights Act ("VPRA"), which requires consolidated local and
state elections, does not apply to charter cities . City of Redondo Beach v. Padilla, 46 Cal. App. 5th 902,
906 (2020). The comt came to this conclusion because the Elections Code exempts charter cities from
following the state's established election dates, and the Legislature did not demonstrate a clear intent to
depart from this exemption and apply the VPRA to charter cities. Id. at 910-11, 918 . The same is not true
here-there is no language in the Elections Code that exempts charter cities from the state's voter
verification and voting rights provisions. Indeed, the California Constitution entrusts the Legislature with
enacting legislation to protect election integrity and the rights of voters irrespective of where they live,
Cal. Const. art . II, §§ 3 & 4, and comts have consistently ruled in favor of the state where, as here, a
conflicting charter provision infringes on these rights, see, e.g., Jauregui, 226 Cal. App. 4th at 802
(holding that a charter city's at-large election system that resulted in vote dilution and implicated election
integrity was unlawful under state law); People ex rel. Devine v. Elkus, 59 Cal. App. 396, 407-08 (1923)
(holding that a charter city's voting restriction was unlawful under the California Constitution
notwithstanding the city's home rule authority over city council elections); cf Lacy v . City and Cnty . of
San Francisco, 94 Cal. App . 3d 391,410 (2023) ( clarifying that the court's holding that chatter cities
have home rule authority to expand the right to vote does not mean that chatter cities can narrow the
electorate).
Changes made by city staff to Section 705 to provide that the city "may" instead of "shall"
require voter ID does not save the proposed charter amendment because a grant of authority alone is
sufficient to raise a conflict with state law and render a charter provision invalid . Huntington Beach, 44
Cal. App. 4th 243 at 271 (quoting Johnson, 4 Cal. 4th 389 at 339 ("A 'conflict' may exist between state
and local authority even though the city has not specifically legislated on that point through its charter, or
by other 'enactment"')). Because the voter ID provision conflicts with narrowly tailored state law on
issues of statewide concern, the City Council should reject the proposed charter amendment. 1
II. The Proposed Charter Amendment is Likely to Result in Voter Suppression
The voter ID proposal is illegal for a second reason-it will likely disenfranchise Huntington
Beach voters. The same is true for the drop box monitoring and voting location provisions in Section 705.
Voter ID requirements disproportionately impact voters of color, voters who are low income,
voters with disabilities, and voters who have limited mobility. 2 Additional voter ID requirements could
1 The state also regulates the monitoring of drop boxes and the siting of voting locations to ensure voter access and
the integrity of elections. See, generally, Sept. 28 Attorney General Letter at 2-4 (providing an overview of relevant
Elections Code and regulato1y provisions). For the same reasons discussed in this section, these provisions likely
conflict with and violate state law. See id.
2 Research over the past decade consistently shows that, when implemented, voter ID laws reduce turnout for
individuals without proper identification, and these individuals are often voters of color, voters with disabilities, and
elderly voters. See, e.g., The Impacts of Voter Suppression on Communities of Color, Brennan Center for Justice
(Jan. I 0, 2022), https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/impact-voter-suppression-communities-
color (collecting studies); Vanessa M. Perez, Ph .D., Americans with Photo ID : A Breakdown of Demographic
Characteristics, Project Vote (Feb. 2015), https://www.projectvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ AMERICANS-
Huntington Beach Mayor and City Council Page 3
also result in improper ballot challenges. See Sept. 28 Attorney General Letter at 3. Drop box monitoring
by individuals other than trained poll workers can likewise result in voter suppression through voter
intimidation, improper ballot challenges, or the misapplication of the state's laws. And although we
commend the City's desire to increase the number of voting locations, more goes into siting locations than
simply dispersing them evenly throughout the City. The Registrar of Voters selects voting locations to
maximize accessibility by considering the proximity of voting locations to voters with disabilities,
language minority communities, public transportation, communities with low rates of vehicle ownership,
and communities with historically low vote by mail usage. Elec. Code§ 4005(a)(10)(B).
The suppressive and disproportionate impact that Section 705 will no doubt have on certain
voters raises serious equal protection concerns. While the U.S. Supreme Court has weakened voter
protections in recent years, California's more robust equal protection and voting rights guarantees remain
strong safeguards against voter disenfranchisement. See Cal. Const., art. I, § 24 ("Rights guaranteed by
this Constitution are not dependent on those guaranteed by the United States Constitution"); see also
Vergara v. State of California, 246 Cal. App. 4th 619, 648 n.13 (2016) (holding that California's equal
protection clause proscribes policies that have discriminatory effect, regardless of motive or intent).
* * *
We urge the City Council to reject the proposed chatter amendment because it violates state law
and will no doubt result in voter suppression. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
us at jgomez@acusocal.org or paul.spencer@disabilityrightsca.org.
Sincerely,
Julia A. Gomez
Senior Staff Attorney
ACLU of Southern California
Paul R. Spencer
Senior Attorney
Disability Rights California
Cc: Tony Strickland, Mayor, Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org
Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro Tern, Gracey.VanDerMark@surfcity-hb.org
Pat Burns, Councilmember, Pat.Burns@surfcity-hb.org
Rhonda Bolton, Councilmember, Rhonda.Bolton@surfcity-hb.org
Dan Kalmick, Councilmember, Dan.Kalmick@surfcity-hb.org
Casey McKean, Councilmember, Casey.McKeon@surfcity-hb.org
Natalie Moser, Councilmember, Natalie.Moser@surfcity-hb.org
Michael E. Gates, City Attorney, Michael.Gates@surfcity-hb.org
Cathy Fikes, Senior Administrative Assistant, CFikes@surfcity-hb.org
WITH-PHOTO-ID-Research-Memo-February-2015.pdf (finding that voters of color and low-income individuals are
less likely to have photo ID); Impact of Voter ID Laws on People with Disabilities, Vote Riders (Oct. 2019),
https://www.voteriders.org/impact-of-voter-id-laws-on-people-with-disabilities/ ( citing studies showing that the
elderly and voters with disabilities are less likely to have photo ID).