HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-21 rmMinutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, November21,2023
4:00 PM -Council Chambers
6:00 PM -Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
A video recording of the 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM portions of this meeting
is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, and archived at
www.surfcity-hb.org/government/agendas/
4:00 PM -COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALLED TO ORDER -4:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKean, Bolton, and Burns
None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS -None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION
ITEMS (Received After Agenda Distribution)
Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, City Clerk Robin Estanislau announced supplemental
communications that were received by her office following distribution of the Council Agenda packet,
which were all uploaded to the City's website and Councilmember iPads :
Closed Session #3 -Three (3) email communications.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS-None
A motion was made by Burns and a second by Van Der Mark to recess to Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Strickland announced Closed Session #1: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov .
Code Section 54957 .6). Agency designated representatives : Eric Parra , Interim City Manager and
Melanie Chaney , Chief Negotiator; also in attendance : Jose Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager;
Theresa St Peter, Interim Director of Human Resources; Travis Hopkins, Assistant City Manager;
Michael E. Gates, City Attorney; Scott Haberle, Fire Chief and Sunny Han , Chief Financial Officer.
Employee Organization : Fire Management Association (FMA).
Mayor Strickland announced Closed Session #2 : CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov .
Code Section 54957 .6). Agency designated representatives: Eric Parra, Interim City Manager and
Melanie Chaney, Chief Negotiator; also in attendance: Jose Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager;
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 2 of 12
Theresa St Peter, Interim Director of Human Resources; Travis Hopkins , Assistant City Manager;
Mic~ael E. Gates, City Attorney ; Scott Haberle , Fire Chief and Sunny Han , Chief Financial Officer.
Employee Organization: The Huntington Beach Firefighters' Association (HBFA).
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION -4 :02 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. 23-1012 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency
designated representatives: Eric Parra, Interim City Manager and Melanie Chaney,
Chief Negotiator; also in attendance: Theresa St Peter, Interim Director of Human
Resources; Travis Hopkins, Assistant City Manager; Michael E. Gates, City
Attorney; Scott Haberle, Fire Chief and Sunny Han, Chief Financial Officer.
Employee Organization: Fire Management Association (FMA).
2. 23 -1013 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency
designated representatives: Eric Parra, Interim City Manager and Melanie Chaney,
Chief Negotiator; also in attendance: Theresa St Peter, Interim Director of Human
Resources; Travis Hopkins, Assistant City Manager; Michael E. Gates, City
Attorney; Scott Haberle, Fire Chief and Sunny Han, Chief Financial Officer.
Employee Organization: The Huntington Beach Firefighters ' Association (HBFA).
3. 23-1016 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). City of Huntington Beach v. Newsom, et al.;
USDC Case No. 8:23-CV-00421-FWS (ADSx).
6:00 PM -COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING -6:01 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Kalmick , Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland , McKeon, Bolton , and Burns
None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -Led by City Attorney Michael Gates
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 .
4. 23 -984 Huntington Beach Police Chaplain James Pike
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY -City Attorney Gates reported that by a vote of 4-
3 (Kalmick, Moser, Bolton -No), the City Council approved/ratified the City Attorney's filing of an appeal
in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal; case of City of Huntington Beach v . Newsom, et al.; USDC Case No .
8:23-CV-00421 -FWS (ADSx).
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribut ion)
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21 , 2023
Page 3 of 12
Consent Calendar: #8 (1 email communication), #9 (1 email communication), #10 (1 Interdepartmental
Memo)
Administrative Items : #18 (2 email communications)
Councilmember Items: #19 (1 letter and 5 email communications), #20 (13 email communications)
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-Minute Time Limit) -17 Speakers
The number [hh :mm:ss] following the speakers ' comments indicates their approximate starting time in
the archived video located at http://www.surfcity-hb .org/governmentlagendas.
Rocky McKinnon, owner of McKinnon Surf Lessons which includes adaptive lessons , was called to
speak. He brought a chair/board with him which is used to allow people with non-operability to surf and
stated his continued interest in working with Marine Safety, City Council and various City staff to allow
everybody an opportunity to experience the awesome Huntington Beach coastal waves. (00 :09 : 14)
Ken Inouye, a 50-year resident of Huntington Beach, was called to speak and provided his perspective
on the financial health of Huntington Beach specifically related to Unfunded Liabilities and Deferred
Maintenance costs and asked that Council members remain aware of those deficits with every decision
moving forward . (00: 11 :56)
Andrew Einhorn, resident of Huntington Beach , was called to speak and stated his opposition to all
proposed Charter Amendment Measures on the March 5 , 2024 , ballot. (00: 13:45)
Kathy Carrick, 48-year Huntington Beach resident , was called to speak and stated her opposition to
Councilmember Item #20 regarding the feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a Certified Autism
Destination . (00 : 16 :50)
Russell Neal , a Huntington Beach resident , was called to speak and stated his support for the proposed
Charter Amendment Measures on the March 5, 2024, ballot. (00:19 :32)
Frank Nakabayashi, Sister City Association President, was called to speak and stated his support for
Consent Calendar Item #9 to reaffirm Huntington Beach's Sister City Covenant with Anjo, Japan .
(00 :22:03)
Neal was called to speak and stated his support for Councilmember Items #19 addressing veteran
homelessness in our community , and #20 regarding the feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a
Certified Autism Destination . (00:23:45)
Jessamyn Garner, a Huntington Beach resident, was called to speak and stated support for
Councilmember Items #19 addressing veteran homelessness in our community, and #20 regarding the
feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a Certified Autism Destination. (00:26:55)
Brittany Bas, AMUSE Foundation, was called to speak and stated support for ~ouncilmember Items #20
regarding the feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a Certified Autism Destination . (00:29 :31)
Vivian Pham, a Huntington Beach resident , was called to speak and stated support for Councilmember
Items #20 regarding the feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a Certified Autism Destination .
(00 :32:36)
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 4 of 12
Amory Hanson was called to speak and shared his concerns regarding the proposed Senior Housing
project at 4952 Warner Avenue and encouraged residents to remain engaged in the process as this
project continues to be analyzed. (00:35:26)
Tim Geddes, 40-year Huntington Beach resident and library patron, was called to speak and shared his
opinions regarding the misplaced efforts of the current Council Majority to determine what books are
available in the City's libraries. (00:37 :25)
Cathey Ryder, a Huntington Beach homeowner and voter since 1985, was called to speak and stated
support for addressing e-bike safety issues for school children and encouraged greater focus on all e-
bike users on the beach path and City streets . She also shared her concerns about Police Chief Parra
also serving as Interim City Manager and stated support for Councilmember Items #19 addressing
veteran homelessness in our community , and #20 regarding the feasibility of Huntington Beach
becoming a Certified Autism Destination. (00:40:20)
Deniece Ibanez Todora was called to speak and stated support for Councilmember Items #20 regarding
the feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a Certified Autism Destination . (00:42:32)
Pat Goodman was called to speak and stated support for Councilmember Items #19 addressing veteran
homelessness in our community, and #20 regarding the feasibility of Huntington Beach becoming a
Certified Autism Destination . She also shared her concerns about projected budget deficits in future
years and commended the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council for their November 12
Thanksg iving celebration event. (00 :45:35)
Synde was called to speak and stated her support for Administrative Public Hearing Item #17 denying
the appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of Administrative Permit No . 22-015 (Legacy Living LLC
Sober Living Reasonable Accommodation). She also shared recommendations for additional
considerations related toe-bike safety in Huntington Beach for residents and visitors . (00:48 :47)
Kanan Durham was called to speak and stated support for Councilmember Items #19 addressing veteran
homelessness in our community , and #20 regarding the feasibility pf Huntington Beach becoming a
Certified Autism Destination. (00:51 :51)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -None
AB 1234 REPORTING -None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES -Council Member Burns disclosed meetings with
representatives from the Fire Management Association (FMA) and Huntington Beach Firefighters
Association (HBFA).
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
5. 23-935 E-Bike Update
Interim City Manager Eric Parra introduced Police Lieutenant Thoby Archer who presented a PowerPoint
communication titled Huntington Beach Police Department with slides entitled : Suggestions from Council;
Video for Rental Companies; Revise Municipal Code (2); Engineering (5); School Policies (3); E-Bike
Licensure Program; Additional Education Efforts (7); Additional Enforcement Efforts (3); By the Numbers
(3); and Questions?
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 5 of 12
Councilmember Kalmick thanked staff for their efforts on this developing program and discussed with Lt.
Archer how the recent Municipal Code changes allow for officer discretion in addressing each situation.
Councilmember Moser thanked staff for presenting the E-bike Summit and shared her recommendations
for more data tracking and analysis moving forward.
Councilmember McKeon thanked staff for such a timely response, noted the positive public feedback he
has received and asked Lt . Archer to describe some of the planned next steps.
Councilmember Bolton stated her appreciation for this report and staff's efforts to ensure e-bike safety.
She stated her support for the comments of Council member Moser regarding more data tracking and
analysis as more data becomes available and encouraged focus on putting the data into context.
CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
6. 23-980 Received and Filed the City Treasurer's September 2023 Quarterly Investment
Summary Report
City Treasurer Alisa Backstrom presented a PowerPoint communication titled Quarterly Treasurer's
Report Quarter Ended: September 30, 2023, with slides entitled : Quarterly Treasurer's Report;
Investment Portfolio -Summary; Investment Portfolio -Investments by Type; Investment Portfolio -
Selected Activity; Investment Portfolio -Earnings; Investment Portfolio -Selected Compliance; and
Questions?
A motion was made by Strickland, second Van Der Mark to receive and file the City Treasurer's
Quarterly Investment Report for September 2023, pursuant to Section 17.0 of the Investment Policy of
the City of Huntington Beach.
The motion carried by the following vote :
AYES:
NOES:
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
None
CONSENT CALENDAR {Items 7-16)
City Clerk
7. 23-996 Approved and Adopted Minutes
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to approve and adopt the City Council/Public
Financing Authority regular meeting minutes of November 7, 2023.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
City Manager
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
None
8. 23-928 Approved the extension of and fee modifications to the Hometown Heroes Banner
Program
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 6 of 12
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to continue to assume the City's management and
installation costs to administer the Hometown Heroes Banner Program; continue to charge the wholesale
banner fee of $160 to qualified applicants for the fabrication of new and replacement banners ; and give
the City Manager authority to make any ad j ustments to the Program's wholesale banner fee to offset any
future increase in fabrication costs in the future ; the rate may be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index
(CPI) rate or up to the full , retail fabrication cost at that time .
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES :
NOES:
Kalmick , Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton , and Burns
None
Community and Library Services
9. 23-1014 Reaffirmed Huntington Beach's Sister City Covenant with Anjo, Japan
A motion was made by Strickland , second Kalmick to approve and authorize the Mayor and Mayor Pro
Tempore to execute a Reaffirmation of the Sister City Covenant with Anjo , Japan.
The motion carried by the following vote :
AYES:
NOES :
Police
Kalmick , Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland , McKeon , Bolton , and Burns
None
10. 23 -1015 Approved request for use of additional SLESF funds to fund and finalize purchase
of a Police helicopter
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to authorize the use of an additional $SOOK in SLESF
funds to finalize the purchase of a police helicopter 530F ; and appropriate $SOOK from the SLESF fund
balance to account 98470101.
The motion carried by the following vote :
AYES :
NOES :
Public Works
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark , Strickland , McKeon, Bolton , and Burns
None
11. 23 -961 Adopted Resolution No. 2023-56 ordering the Summary Vacation of an easement
over a portion of Third Street in the City of Huntington Beach
A motion was made by Strickland , second Kalmick to adopt Resolution No. 2023-56, "A Resolution of the
City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Ordering the Summary Vacation of an easement over a
portion of Third Street in the City of Huntington Beach ," (Attachment 1 ); and instruct the City Clerk to
record Resolution No . 2023-56 and the respective, attached exhibits with the Orange County Recorder.
The motion carried by the following vote :
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 7 of 12
AYES: Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
NOES: None
12. 23-976 Approved and authorized execution of three (3) Professional Services Contracts for
On-Call Environmental Engineering Consulting Services with CWE, Inc.,
Environmental Engineering & Contracting, Inc., and GHD, Inc.
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute a $600,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and CWE,
Inc. for On-Call Environmental Engineering Consulting;" and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute a $600,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and
Environmental Engineering & Consulting, Inc. for On-Call Environmental Engineering Consulting;" and,
approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $600,000 "Professional Services Contract
Between the City of Huntington Beach and GHD, Inc. for On-Call Environmental Engineering
Consulting."
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
NOES: None
13. 23-978 Adopted Resolution No. 2023-49 concerning the Measure M2 Expenditure Report
for the City of Huntington Beach
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to adopt Resolution No. 2023-49, "A Resolution of the
City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Concerning the Measure M2 Expenditure Report for the City
of Huntington Beach."
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
NOES: None
14. 23-982 Appropriated $50,000 from the Storm Water Quality fund balance for the
deployment of water quality monitoring buoys (2) to support initial water quality
monitoring and scoping for water quality improvement projects in the Huntington
Harbour
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to appropriate $50,000 from the Storm Water Quality
Fund (892) fund balance to account 89285201.82500. Sufficient fund balance is available to support this
request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
NOES: None
15. 23-968 Approved and authorized execution of a License Agreement by and between the
City of Huntington Beach and Abound Food Care for use of real property for the
placement of a solar powered cold food storage unit at the Public Works
Corporation Yard, 17371 Gothard Street
Council/PFA Regula r Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 8 of 12
A motion was made by Strickland, second Kalmick to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the
License Agreement By and Between The City of Huntington Beach and Abound Food Care For Use of
Real Property .
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES :
NOES :
16. 23-1018
Kalmick , Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland , McKean , Bolton , and Burns
None
Accepted bid and authorized execution of a construction contract with Beador
Construction Company, Inc . in the amount of $4,565,300 for the Admiralty Drive
Bridge Rehabilitation Project, CC-1450; approved the appropriation of $2,100,000
from the Measure M undesignated fund balance; and authorized 15% in
contingency funds
A motion was made by Strickland , second Kalmick to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid
submitted by Beador Construction Company , Inc . in the amount of $4,565,300 ; and approve the budget
appropriation of $2 ,100,000 from the Measure M (213) undesignated fund balance to a new account to
be created under Finance Department gu idelines ; and authorize the Director of Public Works to approve
up to a 15% contingency in potent ial construction change orders ; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute a construction contract with Beador Construct ion Company , Inc. in a form approved by the
City Attorney .
The motion carried by the following vote :
AYES:
NOES :
Kalmick , Moser, Van Der Mark, Strick land , McKean , Bolton , and Burns
None
ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLIC HEARING
17. 23 -995 Denied appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of Administrative Permit No.
22-015 (Legacy Living LLC Sober Living Reasonable Accommodation)
-Continued from November 7, 2023
Hayden Beckman , Senior Planner, presented a PowerPoint communication titled Appeal of Planning
Commission's Denial of Administrative Permit No. 22-015 with slides entitled: Appeal of Planning
Commission's Denial of Administrative Permit No. 22 -015; Request; Subject Property; Background;
Special Use Permit; Reasonable Accommodation; Required Findings; Planning Commission Action;
Planning Commission and Staff Recommendation; and Questions?
Mayor Strickland opened the public heari ng.
Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act , City Clerk Robin Estanislau announced supplemental
communication that was received by her office following distribution of the Council Agenda packet which
was uploaded to the City's website and Councilmember iPads :
Administrative Public Hearing . #17 -1 email communication
Speakers -1
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 9 of 12
Christopher Brancart, Legal Representative for the Applicant, used a PowerPoint communication to
present their opinion that the identified conflict of proposed sober living home being less than 1,000 feet
from another sober living home or an alcohol and/or drug state licensed facility , pursuant to HBZSC
230.28 Group Homes : Separation Requirement (b)(1 )(n)(i), doesn 't exist because the referenced facility
at 9422 Castlegate is a state DSS licensed Residential Elderly Care Facility, or described as a
"Residential Care Facility" under HBZSC 204.06 Residential Use Classifications .
There being no more public speakers, Mayor Strickland closed the public hearing .
Councilmember Moser invited Senior Planner Beckman to respond to the public speaker. Senior
Planner Beckman stated the original recommendation still stands , and the final decision is up to
Councilmembers.
A motion was made by Burns , second McKeon to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning
Commission's denial of Administrative Permit No. 22-015 with findings of denial (Attachment No . 1 ).
The motion carried by t he following vote :
AYES :
NOES :
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland , McKeon , Bolton , and Burns
None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
18. 23-1017 Approved Resolution No. 2023-60 and Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement
with Eric G. Parra -Interim City Manager/Police Chief
A motion was made by Strickland , second Kalmick to approve Amendment No . 1 to the Employment
Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Eric G . Parra; and approve Resolution No. 2023-
60 , "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Non-Associated
Employees Pay and Benefits Resolution (Exhibit 1A) Non-Associated Appointed Executive Management
Salary Schedule " to create the Interim City Manager/Police Chief classification and salary range.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Kalmick, Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Bolton, and Burns
None
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
19. 23 -1020 Approved Alternate Motion to Item Submitted by Council Member Moser -
Addressing Veteran Homelessness In Our Community
Councilmember Moser introduced this item by describing the situation which brought this need forward
and her intent to evaluate the success and effectiveness of existing projects, determine where
bottlenecks exist, and engage with state and federal agencies to maximize resources .
Councilmember Burns shared his opinion that the proposed action is already being addressed by the
Homeless Task Force.
Councilmember McKeon invited Police Lieutenant Brian J . Smith and Homeless Service Manager
Jessica Kelley to share what is currently being done on behalf of homeless veterans.
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21 , 2023
Page 10 of 12
Councilmember Moser clarified her intent is not to create any new system, but rather asking that staff
provide a report, through a study session in the first quarter of 2024, to describe existing resources and
their effectiveness .
Councilmember Bolton thanked Lt . Smith and Ms. Kelley for their brief update, and noted this proposed
item is in response to a community member's question and stated her support for planning a study
session devoted to communicating details of existing efforts to support homeless veterans.
Councilmember Kalmick stated his support for this item as it is being transparent with the public.
Councilmember McKean stated his support for a Townhall forum to allow residents to be more involved
in the discussion .
A motion was made by Moser, second Bolton to request the City Manager and staff to present the
following information at a study session in the first quarter of 2024: *Schedule and conduct a
collaborative study session focused on Veteran homelessness ; *Develop a targeted action plan based
on the findings of the study session to address gaps and opportunities related to Veteran homelessness;
*Engage with local, state, and federal agencies to maximize resources and support for this initiative ; and
*Regularly review and adjust the strategy to ensure continued progress and effectiveness.
The motion failed by the following vote :
AYES : Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton
NOES : Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKean, and Burns
An alternative motion was made by McKean, second Strickland to schedule and conduct a collaborative
Mayor's Town Hall meeting to address community questions related to veteran homelessness.
The alternate motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Moser, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKean, Bolton , and Burns
None
Kalmick
20. 23-1021 Denied Item Submitted by Council Member Moser -Exploring the Feasibility of
Becoming a Certified Autism Destination in Huntington Beach
Councilmember Moser introduced this item by describing the success of the MOB I mat project which
ended up enabling many community members to access the water and shared her expectation for the
success of this proposed item to create a better quality of life for everyone. Councilmember Moser also
stated she believes this is one way to increase potential tourism dollars coming into the City, as well as
an opportunity to educate, train and communicate to the public that Huntington Beach is welcoming to all.
Councilmember Moser and Community and Library Services Director Ashley Wysocki discussed the
recently implemented Alternative and Adaptive Communication board at Eader Park which shows the
icons depicting park amenities with descriptions in both English and Spanish. Director Wysocki noted
staff as well as VisitHB are already focused on options to become more inclusive through shifts in current
programs .
Director Wysocki reviewed some of the considerations from area cities to make their communities more
easily accessible for all levels of ability. She noted that Huntington Beach does not currently have a
Council/Pf A Regular Minutes
November 21 , 2023
Page 11 of 12
therapeutic recreation certified professional on staff but there is an opportunity to develop collaborative
efforts with community members and organizations that are qualified to help determine best practices.
Councilmember Moser noted this effort would involve minimal cost to review options and look at what
other communities have done to accommodate people on the autistic spectrum or are neurodivergent.
She sees this item as an opportunity to demonstrate Huntington Beach acknowledges and accepts
differences and creates spaces where all individuals can thrive while supporting the Strategic Goals of
public safety and economic development.
Councilmember Burns acknowledged that on the surface this is a very worthwhile concept, but in
studying the supporting documentation memo included with the proposal, it becomes obvious that in
nearly every case of autism the symptoms present differently, and he asked how it would even be
possible to meet all of the various needs . He further stated that implementing any proposed Certified
Autism Destination project would be well beyond the financial capability of the City , especially when
looking at existing deferred maintenance costs.
Councilmember McKean stated this is a noble idea, however it is a problem that the private sector can
and does address. He suggested the role of local government might be to highlight the private sector
and charitable foundations focused on autism.
Councilmember Bolton stated her support for a better understanding of things the City could do, within
the budget and scope of responsibilities, to become more accommodating for people with autism .
Councilmember Kalmick shared his support for fully understanding what it would take to become a
Certified Autism Destination to help neurodivergent people and noted that many of the examples
provided for proposed changes actually benefit everyone in the community . He added that just being
aware of options so they can possibly be incorporated into future projects at minimal or no additional cost
would be beneficial.
Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark noted and applauded the projects that have been implemented for
inclusion of those with special needs , as well as acknowledged the on-going efforts of staff to consider
additional options . She stated she is not certain this item is the best way to move forward at this time.
Councilmember Moser clarified this item is intended to help determine specific plans and costs to
becoming a Certified Autism Destination so an informed decision on whether to proceed is based on
facts. She expressed her hope that Huntington Beach Councilmembers will step up and demonstrate to
the community they can work together and provide leadership to determine what the community could
possibly do to become more inclusive.
A motion was made by Moser, second Kalmick to request the City Manager and staff to present the
following information at a City Council meeting by the second quarter of 2024: *Conduct a thorough
review of the feasibility and requirements for Huntington Beach to become a Certified Autism Destination;
*Engage with experts and stakeholders, including representatives from the disabled community, to
gather insights and recommendations for this initiative; *Develop a plan outlining the steps, resources,
costs , and timeline required to achieve the certification, ensuring considering alignment with the
guidelines provided in the APA's Autism Planning and Design Guidelines 1.0, as amended.
The motion failed by the following vote :
AYES :
NOES:
Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton
None
-ABSTAIN: Van Der Mark, Strickland , McKeon , and Burns
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 21, 2023
Page 12 of 12
ADJOURNMENT-at 8:42 PM a motion was made by McKeon and seconded by Burns to adjourn to
the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on
Tuesday , December 5 , 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
ATTEST:
City Cle r k-Secretary
City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council
of the City of Hunt ington Beach and Secretary of
the Public Financing Authority of the City of
Huntington Beach , Californ ia
Mayor-Chair