HomeMy WebLinkAboutSign Code Update (HBZSO Section 233) - Submitted by Councilm (2) 2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, CA
City of Huntington Beach 92
648
-- - ,+' WITHDRAWN
File #: 24-337 MEETING DATE: 5/7/2024
Item Submitted by Council Member Kalmick - Sign Code Update (HBZSO Section 233) -
Request Action
A) Direct the City Manager to present a Zoning Text Amendment to strike Row 2 of Huntington
Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances Section 233.08 (0) -Temporary Signs, entitled "Non-
Commercial signs in the public right-of-way", by the July 16, 2024 City Council Meeting to ensure
enough time to have the amended ordinance go into effect before the November 2024 election, as
originally envisioned two years prior; and
B) Direct the City Attorney's Office to return to the City.Council within 60 days with a legal memo on
the Sign Code as was proffered in,February of 2024.
City of Huntington Beach •
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City Council Meeting Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: City Council Member Dan Kalmick
Date: May 7, 2024
Subject: SIGN CODE UPDATE (HBZSO SECTION 233) - REQUEST ACTION
On November 15, 2022,the City Council unanimously voted on the following:
"Direct the City Manager and City Attorney's office to review our Sign Code(HBZSO Section 233)for
compliance with"two U.S.Supreme Court rulings, Reed v.Town of Gilbert(decided in 2015, a month
after the last Sign Code Update), and City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising(decided in early 2022)
"and any other rulings not listed here and bring back any necessary Zoning Text Amendments to the
Planning Commission and City Council in Q1 2023.Additionally, direct staff to bring back by the end of
2023 an analysis of our noncommercial sign policy and make any recommendations for modification"
(see Attachments A and B).
Election season tends to produce the most complaints from our residents about non-commercial signs
placed in public rights-of-way.The timing of the above-described items was intended to (1) have a
completed legal analysis of our current sign code in light of the Supreme Court rulings, (2) have staff's
analysis of other cities' sign codes and how they addressed signage within their public rights-of-way, and
(3) bring back all analyses to City Council for discussion,with sufficient time to implement any Council-
approved changes before the March 2024 primary election.
Unfortunately,the tasks were not completed. I received an email from the City Attorney on February 22,
2024, a year after the task was supposed to be completed,stating that a legal memo was being
prepared. I have yet to receive that legal memo but have been informed that our sign code is "compliant
and consistent."
Additionally, on February 22, 2024, I received a memo dated January 30, 2024(see Attachment C)from
the Community Development Department regarding staff's survey of other cities and how their sign
codes address non-commercial signs in the public right-of-way. In the ten cities that were surveyed,
Huntington Beach is an anomaly with regard to allowing non-commercial signs in the public right of way.
As previously directed by Council, I request that this staff analysis be discussed tonight, along with all
attachments referenced herein,for Council consideration and public inspection via this Council Member
Item.
The Sign Code was originally created to control visual blight in the community. However, in the last two
election cycles, candidates have been putting up signs in publicly owned rights-of-way for elections that
they are not standing in, exacerbating the visual blight that residents complain about. Irvine, however,
regulates "to the event," (e.g.,election) "to which the sign relates", and is one of only two other cities in
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
903
staff's survey that allows signs in the public right-of-way(see Attachment D).We should not sacrifice our
public land and public rights-of-way to this visual blight.
Moreover, during election season, our Code Enforcement staff expends a non-trivial amount of effort,
cost,and energy dealing with non-commercial signs in the public right-of-way. These are resources
better spent in other areas such as addressing unpermitted building, issues related to homelessness, and
illegal short term vacation rentals.
As such, I believe that we should prohibit non-commercial signs in our public rights-of-way going
forward. This would eliminate the "rush"for wall space to post signs, resident complaints, and the waste
of code enforcement's time chasing down calls about people putting their signs out too early. I
recommend that we eliminate Row 2 of HBZSO Section 233.08 (0) entitled "Non-Commercial signs in the
public rights-of-way(see excerpt of Row 2 below)."
MAX." MAX.SIGN MAX.SIGN
SITE CRITERIA TYPE NUMBER AREA HEIGHT OTHER STANDARDS
Non-commercial signs F/S or Wall N/A ; N/A N/A ,t Cannot create traffic or safety hazards
in public rights-of-way ;2_Non-commercial signs in public rights-Of-
way may be posted no sooner than 5o days
before an Election Day and must be taken
down no later than to days following the
Election Day.Non-commercial signs in pub-
lic rights-of-way may be removed by anyone
beginning the Friday after Election Day.
Prohibiting non-commercial signs in the public right-of-way would also conform to our General Plan:
LU-7(B)- Use street trees, signage, landscaping, street furniture, public art, and other
aesthetic elements to enhance the appearance and identity of subareas, neighborhoods, corridors,
nodes, and public spaces
LU-7 (C)—Minimize visual clutter along commercial corridors.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
a) Direct the City Manager to present a Zoning Text Amendment to strike Row 2 of Huntington Beach
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances Section 233.08 (0)—Temporary Signs, entitled "Non-Commercial
signs in the public right-of-way", by the July 16, 2024 City Council Meeting to ensure enough time to
have the amended ordinance go into effect before the November 2024 election, as originally
envisioned two years prior.
b) Direct the City Attorney's Office to return to the City Council within 60 days with a legal memo on
the Sign Code as was proffered in February of 2024.
Attachment A- Minutes
Attachment B- H-Item
Attachment C- Memo
Attachment D- Irvine Sign Code
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
904
City Council/PFA Regular Minutes
November 15, 2022
Page 1.7of18
Mayor Pro Tern Posey noted that he and Councilmember Peterson first brought up the topic of
procurement processes back in 2015 and he is delighted to see this detailed presentation, especially
Page 29, reporting on contracts. He reiterated that big ticket items need to be addressed to ensure
transparency and public awareness, monthly or even quarterly,as a Consent Calendar-item to receive
and file.
A motion was made by Posey, second Peterson to approve recommended bid thresholds, approval
levels, and reporting to City Manager and City Council, and; direct staff to incorporate recommended
changes and prepare ordinances as part of Phase 2 of the Procurement Project for City Council
approval.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Peterson, Bolton,Posey, Delgleize,Moser, and Kalmick
NOES: None
ABSENT: Carr
COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS
25. 22-934 Approved Item submitted by Councilmember Kalmick Sign Code Update(HBZSO
Section 233)
Councitmember Kalmick introduced this item as an effort to ensure that the Huntington Beach Sign Code
is enforceable'aand current: The second portion of this item is to determine why non-commercial signs
are allowed in public right of way and.ask staff to review best practices from other cities.
A motion was,made by Kalmick, second Posey to direct the City Manager and City Attorney's office to
review our Sign Code (HBZSO Section 233)for compliance with these two Supreme Court rulings and
any other rulings not listed here and bring back any necessary Zoning Text.Amendments to the Planning
Commission and City Council in Q1 2023. Additionally, direct staff to bring back by the end.of the 2023
an analysis of our noncommercial sign policy and make any recommendations for modification.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Peterson, Bolton, Posey, Delgleize, Moser, and Kalmick
NOES: None
ABSENT: Carr
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS(Not Agendized)
Councilmember Moser shared more details regarding Huntington Beach Veteran of the Year
acknowledgement for Huntington Beach Veteran Wayne(Russ) Dohmann. She also shared more
details regarding the first Community Cafe meeting, and encouraged residents to get involved and
participate in future meetings. She closed her comments by thanking Boy Scout Troop 1931 for inspiring
her.
ADJOURNMENT—10:17 PM to a special meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public
Financing Authority scheduled for 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 29,2022 in the Civic Center Council
Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California.
905
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING—COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DAN KALMICK, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2022
SUBJECT: SIGN CODE UPDATE (HBZSO SECTION 233)
The last comprehensive update to our City's Sign Code was made on April 6th, 2015,
approximately two months before the Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Gilbert, Arizona
determined that content-based restrictions or restrictions that were applied differently
depending on the message are prohibited. Since our Sign Code differentiates between
commercial and non-commercial speech, which requires the City to 'read' the signs to
differentiate between the two, I believe that we may need to review our sign code for compliance
with this Supreme Court Case.
More recently on April 21st, 2022,the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Austin,Texas v. Reagan
National Advertising.This case involved off-premise and on-premise signs and ruled that they are
inherently content neutral, rather than location based. To better regulate signage in the City, I
believe the City Attorney's Office should review and make recommendations regarding our Sign
Code and this case as well.
Making sure our Sign Code is enforceable as well as limiting any legal exposure is paramount.
Finally, I believe it is prudent to review how the City treats noncommercial signage. Huntington
Beach is one of the few cities in Orange County that allow noncommercial signs in the public right
of way and our"if you can't beat 'em,join 'em" decision to allow this should be reviewed.Visual
blight is not something the City should support in its rights of way. Additionally, the way we
enforce signage in a time, place,and manner on private property, namely walls and fences should
be reviewed, heavily leaning towards protecting first amendment rights while balancing
aesthetics and safety.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager and City Attorney's office to review our Sign Code (HBZSO Section 233)
for compliance with these two Supreme Court rulings and any other rulings not listed here and
bring back any necessary Zoning Text Amendments to the Planning Commission and City Council
in Q1 2023. Additionally, direct staff to bring back by the end of the 2023 an analysis of our
noncommercial sign policy and make any recommendations for modification.
906
0
221 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter Office Communication
C.
*94 Community Development Department
TO: Eric Parra, Interim City Manager
FROM: Jennifer Villasenor, Community Development Directory
DATE: January 30, 2024 (revised 4/30124)
SUBJECT: SIGN CODE SURVEY
On November 15, 2022 the City Council (via H-item) directed the City Manager and City
Attorney to review our Sign Code for compliance with recent Supreme Court rulings and
provide an analysis of the City's noncommercial sign requirements contained in the
Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (HBZSO). The City Attorney's
Office is in the process of completing a review of the Supreme Court rulings and will
provide its findings in a separate memo. In addition, planning staff surveyed 10 cities in
Orange County regarding noncommercial, real estate, and garage sale signs and a
summary of the survey results is below.
Survey;.Question Huntington Yes No
Noncommercial signs allowed in Yes, but not in 2 8
public right-of-way? medians/dividers (irvine, CM)
Noncommercial signs display No sooner than 50 7 2
timeframe? days prior to (no provision
election but no regarding being on
provision regarding upcoming ballot)
being on the
upcoming ballot
Noncommercial signs allowed in Yes 10 0
commercial or industrial?
Real estate signs allowed in public Yes, but not in 0 10
right-of-way? medians/dividers;
cannot Obstruct
right-of-way
Garage sale signs allowed in public No 0 10
right-of-way?
(Survey included Newport Beach, Irvine, Orange,Anaheim, Seal Beach,Westminster, Costa.Mesa, Santa
Ana, Laguna Beach,and Garden Grove.)
Based on the survey and review of other cities' codes, Huntington Beach noncommercial
sign policies generally align with current practices of other surrounding Orange County
cities. Regarding noncommercial signs in the public right-of-way, all surveyed cities either
prohibit noncommercial signs within the public right-of-way or allow them with additional
safety provisions. In addition to Huntington Beach, two other large cities allow
011224 RR Signs.docx
907
noncommercial signs within the right-of-way. These cities follow best practices to ensure
noncommercial signs do not pose traffic or safety hazards. Since Huntington Beach
already has these provisions in place, staff does not recommend revisions to the sign
code based on current best practices. However, the question of whether to allow
noncommercial signs in public rights-of-way as a matter of community policy is entirely
up to the City Council.
Finally, although the City of Huntington Beach was the only city in the survey that permits
real estate open house signs in the public right-of-way, the provisions of the HBZSO do
not allow such signs to obstruct the sidewalk or right-of-way and are not permitted in
medians, dividers, on street signs, or traffic control devices. Given that this code has
been in place for many years, staff does not recommend amendments to the real estate
sign provisions unless further directed by the City Council and outreach is done with the
real estate community.
JV:RR:kdc
xc: Travis Hopkins,Assistant City Manager
Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager
011224 RR Signs.docx
908
§ 7-3-3 CITY OF IRVINE ZONING CODE
SIGN TYPE#107
TEMPORARY NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS
Sign location: In public right-of-way;or on private property with owner's consent.Not on City traffic signs, signals,or
devices including directional signs,advisory signs,and regulation signs.
Not attached to any object located in the public right-of-way.
Outside of sight distance triangles and not obstructing regulatory signs,traffic signal controllers,or driver's
view.
Maximum of one substantially similar sign per intersection.
Maximum sign size: 3 square feet,if located within 150 feet of an intersection.
12 square feet,if not located within 150 feet of an intersection.
Maximum sign height: 3 feet above grade if located in public right-of-way within 150 feet of an intersection.
6 feet above grade,but not located within 150 feet of an intersection.
20 feet above grade for wall sign,if not located in public right-of-way.
Sign illumination: None.
Sign installation and removal: Signs related to a specific event(e.g.,election)may be installed no earlier than 60 days prior to the event to
which the sign relates and must be removed no later than 10 days after the event to which the sign relates.
If a sign is not removed within the 10-day period,then the City may recover costs of sign removal from the
person/organization to which the sign relates.In addition,if a sign is installed earlier than 60 days prior to
the event to which the sign relates, then the City may recover costs of sign removal from the
person/organization to which the sign relates.
Permit required? No.
12 SF max.--k
3 SF max. " Ax
E
rVu x
if located within 150 feet of if not located within 150
an intersection. feet of an intersection.
(Ord. No. 16-06, § 3(Exh.A), 8-9-16, effective 1-1-17)
Supp.No. 1 ZO7:66
909
City Council/ ACTION AGENDA May 7, 2024
Public Financing Authority
Speakers(4)
Supplemental Communications(9)
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
(29:) (24=337) (it i'Submitfedby Council Member Kalmick WITHDRAWN=Sign)
(Code UpdatelHBZSO Section 233)=Requesf Action
Recommended Action:
A) Direct the City Menegor to present a Zoning Te.h Amendment to otriko Row 2 of
titl "Alen Comm I e public right of way" by tho l y 1R 2024_C_ity-
r3fC�R$, eRrirre��vn-vvmm2FC�iarSf�n$-If�t�}�-�acriv�-rgn , ,
before tho Nov ties as originally vi t��ie eg n r• and
v er�er 2$24 el@6 , c,r�sic�ed�.,o-y�aF�-prier-�,Q
B)
legal memo on the Sign Code as was proffered in February of 202'1.
30. 24-360 Item Submitted by Council Members Bolton, Kalmick,and Moser Denied -
HB Public Library: Vote of the People to Privatize/Outsource(Charter
Amendment)and Postpone/Terminate RFP Process Until After Vote
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk to prepare resolutions,
ordinances, and any other materials necessary to place twoitems for consideration on
the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot and agendize for a vote at our June 4,
2024 City Council Meeting:
1) A Charter Amendment to require a majority vote of the City Council and a majority
vote of the electors of Huntington Beach to approve any proposal that would change the
wholesale management of the library, and/or any proposal to operate the library with a
private contractor that would employ library staff to achieve cost savings; and,
2) An advisory vote of the electors of Huntington Beach on whether to hire a third-party
contractor to operate the HBPL; a replacement of the current management structure, as
proposed by the City Council at its March 19, 2024 meeting.
Additionally, direct the City Manager to cease any further work on the Request for
Proposals (RFP) as it relates to the action taken at the March 19, 2024 meeting.
Denied 3-4(Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon-No)
Page 11 of 11
From: Tracy Luth
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)suoolementalcomm( surfci v-hb.orq
Subject Agenda items Library and campaign signs
Date: Thursday,May 2,2024 6:07:01 AM
Let it be known that I support city council members Kalmick,Moser, and Bolton in putting the
library privatization issue before the voters.Let the citizens decide how we maintain and
manage our valued city resource.
In addition,I support Councilperson Kalmick in retiring the practice of allowing campaign
signs on city property.
Sincerely,
Tracy Luth
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
5/7/2024
Meeting Date:.
29 (24-337)
Agenda item No.;
From: Isabella Ford
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF);suaolementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Please disallow political signs in public right of way
Date: Thursday,May 2,2024 10:33:57 AM
This would be AMAZING!! To not have our city littered with political signs for months! I
know there are a lot of private funds and it probably won't look too different, but baby steps
forward are still steps forward and it would be so nice if HB was not littered with political
signs everywhere. The city does own a lot of property so this would make some impact.
Don't think about who is proposing this,just think about how much nicer our city would look
if we didn't have political signs littered throughout it.
Thanks for listening.
Isabella Ford
714-308-0660
Mr. Amory Hanson
8102 Ellis Avenue
Apartment 121
Huntington Beach CA 92646
May 7, 2024
The Mayoress of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach CA 92648
My Dear Madam Mayoress,
I would like to express my opposition to Item XXIX, Councilman Kalmick's item to ban campaign signs in the
public right of way.
I very rarely oppose a Councilman's item and have not done so since February 1,2021.However,I am quite
disappointed to see an item that will make the voters less informed on the agenda.An election should be about
informing the electorate of who the candidates are.This means that,rather than exclusively putting signs at the
homes of those who support individual candidates, signs can and should be put in public areae by ALL candidates.
I am also concerned about the fact that the public right of way is in many residential areae,grass that is expected to
be maintained by the residents themselves.Many residents who have concrete front lawns may reasonably expect to
be able to put signs on the public right of way.
For the last 4 years,we have had due to a variety of unfortunate circumstances,city council elections where the
electorate was not provided as much of an opportunity to be informed as it could have been.There were not as many
debates or fora.I am pleased to see this changing with a candidate forum scheduled for May 20 a this year.Signs
make up another important part of informing the electorate who the candidates are.
Let's let the people of Huntington Beach know who is running for city council and interested in serving the people
of Huntington Beach.Once again,I urge a no vote on Item XXIX.
Sincerely Yours,
Mr.Amory Hanson
Mr. Amory Hanson
8102 Ellis Avenue
Apartment 121
Huntington Beach CA 92646
CC:The Honorable Patrick Burns
CC:The Honorable Rhonda Bolton
CC:The Honorable Daniel Kalmick
CC:The Honorable Casey McKeon
CC:The Honorable Natalie Moser
CC: The Honorable Anthony Strickland
From: Betty Kann
To: suooIementalcommCa)surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Agenda Items#30 and#29
Date: Thursday,May 2,2024 3:02:59 PM
5/2/24
Council Members,
Vote yes to approve May 7,2024 City Council Agenda Items#30 and#29
These are reasonable, even handed solutions to two quite different issues that are extremely
vexing to our beautiful, once tranquil community.
Agenda Item#30 (Library management outsourcing-put it on the ballot)
-Abandon the short-sighted push to cede operational management of our award winning
municipal library to a venture-capital backed third party company whose mandate would be to
squeeze 20%of our taxpayer dollars into their own east coast venture capital owner's coffers.
If you feel there is"waste"of HB taxpayers' dollars in the library budget,then work with
current management to identify where efficiencies could effectively be made. Interestingly,
HBPL is currently one of the most fmancially efficient libraries in the state. Outsourcing its
management is fiscally unsound. Let the voters' voice be heard on the November Ballot on
this important issue.Do not ignore the voice of your constituents.
Agenda Item#29 (Unfettered Political Election Signage equals Visual Blight)
Literally: Clean up our streets! Deescalate the alarming arms race of defacing the public places
in every corner of our city during each election season with inescapable,wasteful,misleading,
incendiary, anger-banners.I, for one, avoid inviting out-of-town guests to Huntington Beach
in the months leading up to an election because of the trashy, hateful, disturbing visual
cacophony that is an eyesore to the observer and an acute embarrassment to our residents. It is
an inescapable affront to our beautiful community. Further, as a vacation destination it
severely erodes the visual aesthetic impact of our city to outside visitors to whom this chaotic
visual clutter impacts adversely, leaving a highly negative lasting impression. It is greatly
- costing our city both directly and indirectly. Do the right thing.Make it go away.
Submitted by,
Betty Kanne
Huntington Beach
(40+year HB resident,homeowner, unfailing voter)
bettykanne@hotmail.com
From: Fikes,Cathy
To: agenda Alerts
Subject: FW:Agenda Items#30 and#29
Date: Friday,May 3,2024 2:32:09 PM
From: Betty Kanne<bettykanne@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 2, 2024 3:02 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:Agenda Items#30 and#29
5/2/24
Council Members,
Vote yes to approve May 7,2024 City Council Agenda Items#30 and#29
These are reasonable, even handed solutions to two quite different issues that are extremely vexing
to our beautiful, once tranquil community.
Agenda Item#30(Library management outsourcing-put it on the ballot)
-Abandon the short-sighted push to cede operational management of our award winning municipal
library to a venture-capital backed third party company whose mandate would be to squeeze 20%of
our taxpayer dollars into their own east coast venture capital owner's coffers. If you feel there is
"waste"of HB taxpayers' dollars in the library budget,then work with current management to
identify where efficiencies could effectively be made.Interestingly,HBPL is currently one of the
most financially efficient libraries in the state. Outsourcing its management is fiscally unsound.Let
the voters' voice be heard on the November Ballot on this important issue.Do not ignore the voice
of your constituents.
Agenda Item#29(Unfettered Political Election Signage equals Visual Blight)
Literally: Clean up our streets! Deescalate the alarming arms race of defacing the public places in
every corner of ourr city during each election season with inescapable,wasteful,misleading,
incendiary, anger-banners.I,for one, avoid inviting out-of-town guests to Huntington Beach in the
months leading up to an election because of the trashy,hateful, disturbing visual cacophony that is
an eyesore to the observer and an acute embarrassment to our residents. It is an inescapable affront
to our beautiful community.Further, as a vacation destination it severely erodes the visual aesthetic
impact of our city to outside visitors to whom this chaotic visual clutter impacts adversely, leaving a
highly negative lasting impression.It is greatly costing our city both directly and indirectly.Do the
right thing. Make it go away.
Submitted by,
Betty Kanne
Huntington Beach
(40+year HB resident,homeowner,unfailing voter)
bettykanne@hotmail.com
From: Leslie Golsom
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF;sugplementalcomm(&surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Agenda Items 24-337 and 24-350
Date: Friday,May 3,2024 4:25:57 PM
To Huntington Beach City Council,
I am in favor of Agenda Item 24-337, the sign code update. Campaign signs have
been a blight on our city for far too long. Please follow examples of other nearby cities
by restricting the size campaign signs and limiting them to private property only.
I am in favor of Agenda Item 24-350. Let voters decide whether they want to privatize
the library on the November 2024 ballot, and postpone the RFP process until after the
vote.
I would also like to honor the life and work of Shirley Dettloff, who gave of herself
tirelessly to the city of Huntington Beach.
Thank you,
Leslie Golson
Resident
e
From: )udv Brusslan
To: suoolementalcomm(a surfcity-hb.orq
Subject Supplemental Communications for HB City Council Meeting on May 7.2024
Date: Friday,May 3,2024 5:42:34 PM
Attachments: jmage001.onq
image002.onq
I would like to comment on two agenda items.
First, I urge approval of 24-337. I agree that non-commercial signs should be prohibited in our
public rights-of-way.This would stop the competitive rush for wall space and resident
complaints that force code enforcement when signs are placed in dangerous locations or are
torn down or defaced. Non-commercial signs should be displayed on private property. Private
citizens vote and are welcome to respectively share their opinions.
Second, I urge approval of 24-350.The proposed privatization of the Huntington Beach library
system has no clear justification and will harm our libraries while costing taxpayers more
money.This decision should be brought to a vote by the citizens of Huntington Beach.The City
Council does not take into account the voices of people who provide supplemental
communication and/or attend council meetings.The ratio of comments opposed to
privatization are 4:1 over those in favor. I support a vote of the people for our libraries.
Thank you,
Dr.Judy Brusslan
Professor of Biological Sciences
Bridges to the Doctorate PI
California State University, Long Beach
AAAS Fellow
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'1 3
WELLNESS
AMBASSADOR
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SUPPLEMENTAL
K COMMUNICATION
5/7/2024
Meeting Date:
29 (24-337)
Agenda Item No.;
From: Michele Burgess
To: 5uoolementalcomm aOsurfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF
Subject Agenda Items 29 and 30 for 5/7/2024 Meeting
Date: Friday,May 3,2024 7:17:35 PM
To the City Councilmembers:
A man, a complete stranger, walks up to my 77-year-old friend who's
attending a peaceful sit-in at Central Library and asks her to tell him about
her vagina. Meanwhile, an obnoxious pony-tailed man wanders around
with a megaphone bellowing that the protesters (many of them senior
citizens) are pedophiles and perverts. When the police arrive, he loudly
asserts his First Amendment rights, tells the officers he had a 3-hour
meeting with Chief Parra, his wife works in the City Attorney's office, and
he was assured that he can say whatever he wants. Apparently, he didn't
mention it would be through a megaphone, which (according to the two
officers) is prohibited.
At a recent City Council meeting, several raucous people clap and cheer
when a tearful long-time librarian announces her resignation due to
ongoing harassment by ignorant people calling her pedophile, pervert,
groomer.
A candidate for City Council waves around an award-winning children's
book and yells into the mic, loudly insinuating that a sitting council
member is a pedophile for reading the book to his 4-year-old daughter.
A Proud Boy verbally attacks a sitting council member in the audience at a
Library Commission meeting, calling her names and shouting obscenities
(and is not removed). This same Proud Boy rambles incoherently at other
Council meetings, showing explicit visuals and flipping off people in the
audience on his way out. Decorum? Not so much.
These people obviously feel comfortable behaving this way because they're
mirroring the intolerance, bigotry, and conspiracy theories perpetrated by
the majority four on our City Council, and appear to have their tacit
approval. Is that what you really want to be known for? Numerous articles
in numerous news outlets seem to think so as we get an awful lot of awful
coverage. You should read it sometime to see how Huntington Beach is
really viewed now. It's not pretty.
The so-called "press conference" certainly didn't improve our image.
Gracey whined about how Mexicans are certainly smart enough to get a
voter ID. Strickland seemed to be stumping for a California Senate seat.
Burns ranted about "conc... reeducation camps" in our future if Governor
Newsom has his way. McKeown was a no-show. And the minority three
weren't even invited to participate. But Mr. Gates was there, bloviating
about how we'll fight for our charter city rights on voter ID, now that
we've once again been sued by the State. I live for the day when we're not
making news for all the wrong reasons.
Now to the two agenda items I'm most interested in.
Agenda Item 29 — Amending the Sign Code. Let's not head toward
November with yet another overabundant clutter of giant, brightly colored,
distracting campaign signs plastered over every inch of open space along
every street and highway. The months leading up to the primary election
were the very definition of visual blight. Candidates for the November
election should never have been allowed to put up signs in January. Mr.
Gates clearly overstepped in a very weaselly manner by allowing this
travesty, ignoring the true intent of the city code regarding campaign signs
(stating it says an election, not specifying which election). I strongly urge
you to pass Agenda Item 29 to update the sign code for non-commercial
signs in the public right-of-way. We've been talking about this for years,
now is the time to finally do something about it. And while you're at it,
revise that item to specify that campaign signs can be posted only 50 days
before the event (election) to which the signs relate. That's a no-brainer.
Agenda Item 30 — Privatization of the Libraries. There's no good
reason to rush into library privatization, or even an RFP for it. Have you
actually done any research? Hundreds of people have written opposition
letters that you seem to totally ignore. For a step this large, it makes
sense to put it to a vote of the people. You received positive input from
only 26% of registered HB voters, in a primary election with very low
turnout, which is definitely not a majority. The wise, prudent, fair thing to
do would be to put it to a vote in November, and get everyone's opinion. •
Four people should not be taking it upon themselves to make such a
drastic change to our library, against all common sense and certainly not
to save a little bit of money or to punish people who don't agree with you
on censoring what we can read, or allow our children to read. If you think
you're doing the right thing, you shouldn't be afraid to put it on the
November ballot. The cowardly way would be to stubbornly push ahead,
ram it through, damn the consequences. Which will you choose?
Ms. Michele Burgess
HB resident since 1961
From: Paula Schaefer
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF);suoolementalcommCalsurfdty-hb.orq;Gates.Michael
Subject May 7,2024;Agenda Item#29 VOTE YES ON 24-337
Date: Saturday,May 4,2024 1:54:56 PM
Mayor and Council Members,
I encourage you to vote YES on 24-337 and remove section(2) from the City's current sign
code.
The City's public rights-of-way was nearly obliterated by campaign signs during the runup to
the March 2024 election and is clear evidence of the blight produced by the failure of the
City's Sign Code to effectively manage this situation.
Additionally,the City Attorney's failure to provide a memorandum -as requested-that
accords with the recent Supreme Court rulings and still has not produced language to amend
the Sign Code shows an inattentiveness to doing the work of the City Attorney's office.
In not doing this,the residents of the City were bombarded with huge signs of candidates for
an election that is still SIX months away.
Please vote yes on 24-337 to improve the appearance of the City.
Paula Schaefer
From: Celeste RvbicK
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF);suoolementaicomm(aa surfdty-hb,orq
Subject: In support of items 29 and 30
Date: Sunday,May 5,2024 8:23:01 AM
Hello,
Please vote yes on agenda items 29 and 30. The campaign signs were absolute chaos this year
so let's just get that under control. And the issue of privatizing the library,while just appalling
to many of us, is undeniably being rushed through unnecessarily. Just slow this whole process
down please and let the citizens have a say! I cannot believe that any of you would take a look
at all the possible "benefits"and all the probable "cons"and still come to the conclusion that
it's the right thing to do for our city.Please just slow it down.
Thank you,
Celeste
From: Paula Shawa
To: suoolementalcomm(a surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Yes on Item 29-amend sign code/City Council agenda for May 7 meeting
Date: Sunday,May 5,2024 6:04:32 PM
Yes! Let's clean up the sign blight issue.
Paula Shawa, Huntington Beach
From: pale Martinez
To: suoolementalcommCa surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Agenda Item 29 for May 7 meeting
Date: Sunday,May 5,2024 6:42:40 PM
Hello City Council Members
I am writing in support of Member Kalmicks Agenda item#29 regarding non-commercial
signage in public places.
Frankly,I have always thought that we go overboard with them.
I was frankly amazed that we already have guidelines that do not allow signage in the median
or dividers. Obviously this is not enforced. I see them all of the time (Warner Ave. corridor,
for instance.)
Please support the plan to do something about the signage in time for the next election cycle
and put some teeth in it to enforce it.
Thank you
Dale Martinez
714-717-7235 •
From: Leslie Golson<Iesliegolson@verizon.net>
Sent: Friday, May 3,2024 4:22 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject:Agenda Items 24-337 and 24-350
To Huntington Beach City Council,
I am in favor of Agenda Item 24-337, the sign code update. Campaign signs have been a blight on
our city for far too long. Please follow examples of other nearby cities by restricting the size campaign
signs and limiting them to private property only.
I am in favor of Agenda Item 24-350. Let voters decide whether they want to privatize the library on
the November 2024 ballot, and postpone the RFP process until after the vote.
I would also like to honor the life and work of Shirley Dettloff, who gave of herself tirelessly to the city
of Huntington Beach.
Thank you,
Leslie Golson
Resident
1
From: stanislau.Robin
To: Esauivel.Juan
Subject: FW:Opposition to outsourcing public libraries
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 2:47:24 PM
From: Fikes,Cathy<CFikes@surfcity-hb.org>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 2:34 PM
To:Agenda Alerts<AgendaAlerts@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: FW: Opposition to outsourcing public libraries
From: HAROLD AND CHERYL COOK<ramstock1971@msn.com>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 11:35 AM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:Opposition to outsourcing public libraries
Our family strongly opposes outsourcing of our Huntington Beach libraries. We strongly
support our PUBLIC Huntington Beach libraries. Our libraries are staffed with dedicated,
highly knowledgeable and with many years of invaluable experience. It would be a disservice
to the people of our city, and this includes people of all ages. We want to have the right to
make our own personal decisions about what books we want and not left up to amateurs or
narrow minded individuals. We would like to see this put on the November ballot so that we
have the right to make our wishes known.
We request that you do away with the practice of allowing campaigns signs in the public
rights-of-way. We request that this be added to the official minutes of the 5/7/24 council
meeting.
From: Chris Vara
To: suoolementalcommCa surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: City Council Meeting 5/7/24
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 3:57:44 PM
Comment to City Council Meeting 5/7/24
Agenda Item 29 (24-337)—I support this item. Anything to reduce campaign signs I'll support. Stop
trashing the city every election cycle.
Agenda Item 30(24-350)—Let the people decide! I support The Charter amendment to decide
against outsourcing and terminate any effort on a RFP for outsourcing. Keep the Libraries public run.
Thanks„
Chris Varga
Huntington Beach
From: Linda Moon
To: suoolementalcommCa)surfcity-hb.org
Subject May 7,2024 City Council Agenda Items 29 and 30
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 5:40:22 PM
I am writing in support of City Council Agenda Items 29 and 30.
Item 29 would allow a much needed(although still minimal)reduction of the election sign
blight that has plagued Huntington Beach for the last 40 years. Since the city's sign ordinance
was severely loosened in the 1980's,Huntington Beach has been among only a few cities in
California to allow political signage in public right-of-ways. This allowance has created a
situation in which signage has become not only annoying but a dangerous distraction to
drivers. The signs often obscure traffic signage and distract drivers'attention from
pedestrians,bicyclists and general traffic conditions. Restriction of signage as proposed is
more than reasonable.
Item 30 would require a public vote regarding any privatization or outsourcing of library
management services. Huntington Beach's library system is the soul of our community. Its
public management is critical to maintaining optimal services. Libraries are community
resources and not profit making institutions. Their mission is to provide broad professionally
staffed educational and information resources to the community. Residents of the city benefit
from having the libraries providing diverse resources to the public. It is reasonable to require
the public's assent to relinquishment of public management.
Linda Sapiro Moon
50 Year Huntington Beach homeowner and business owner
From: Lynne Deakers
To: suoolementalcommCa surfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)
Subject: Agenda item 29
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 7:27:03 PM
As responsible citizens of Huntington Beach we are urging you to STOP the campaign sign
blight during election season!!!
Tim and Lynne Deakers
45 year residents of Huntington Beach
From: Kathleen Abler
To: suoolementalcomm(alsurfdty-hb.orq
Subject: Support Agenda Items#30 and#29
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 8:06:24 PM
Council Members:
Vote YES to approve Agenda Item#30.
If four members of our City Council can blithely disregard the opinions of the vast majority of HB citizens
regarding privatization of our library,what city property will be next on their political
giveaway?Our parks?Our recreation centers?Our Senior Center?
All voters must be given a chance to determine how our library should be managed.
This issue should be placed on the November ballot.
Vote YES to approve Agenda Item#29.
The only signs on street corners that have inspired me are the memorials placed at scenes of accidents,
where someone,often a child,has been killed or injured.Immediately I'm reminded to slow down and
pay attention to my driving. But the unsightly mess of campaign signs that clutter our street corners before an
election is unsettling. An agitated driver is not a good driver.
Let's get rid of those annoying political signs.
Kathleen Abler
Huntington Beach voter since 1975
From: Brynn Noble
To: suoolementalcomm(a)surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Supplemental Communication for May 7,2024 Meeting
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 8:10:36 PM
Members of the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am submitting this Supplemental Communication in support of Agenda
Item 24-350.I believe the idea to outsource the management of the
library system to a private for-profit company should be put to a vote
of the citizens of Huntington Beach before any further steps are
taken.The Huntington Beach Public Library is a precious and
invaluable part of our community,and any drastic and irreversible
actions to change it should be taken only with the agreement of a
majority of Huntington Beach citizens.
I was raised in Huntington Beach and have many wonderful memories of
the Huntington Beach Library system from my own childhood.I am now
raising a child here myself and I bring my child(age 11)to one of
the HB Library branches regularly and have since he was a young
toddler.We are so grateful for our library and for the dedicated
staff that make it the safe,welcoming place that it is. Our
community would not be the same without it.My true wish would be that
this whole idea would be taken off the table completely,but since
that doesn't appear likely we the citizens should at least be
permitted to voice our opinions on this through the ballot box.
Second,I would also like to state my support for Agenda Item 24-337.
Every election cycle I am disturbed by the blight of election signage
throughout the city.Huntington Beach is a beautiful place to live,
and the pollution of election signage detracts from what makes
Huntington Beach great. Let's follow the lead of cities around us and
get these signs under control.
Thank you,
L.Brynn Noble
From: Pat Goodman
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL,CM0 STAFF)suoolementalcommesurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Yes on May 7,2024 Agenda Items 29 and 30
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 10:14:11 PM
Dear City Council,
Please vote yes on the May 7, 2024 City Council Agenda items 29 and 30.
Item 29, Update Sign Code, clarifies that political signs are allowed to be
posted 60 prior to the election the candidate/ballot measure will appear on
the ballot, and not 60 days prior to any election. This appears to be a recent
innovation by some candidates (2022). It is very confusing to the voters to
post signs for an election that they do not appear on the ballot. I know it's a
challenge to get their names out in front of the voter but cluttering up the
city's parkways and intersections probably have no benefit to candidates.
Item 30, HB Public Library: Vote of the People to Privatize/Outsource
(Charter Amendment) and Postpone/Terminate RFP Process Until After Vote,
is an excellent idea to give voters the opportunity to weigh in on a possible
move to privatize HBPL operations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Patricia Goodman
Huntington Beach, CA
From: Tim Channe(
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);suoolementalcammCalsurfaty-hb.orq
Cc: Tim Channel
Subject: In Stang Support of Agenda Items#29(24-337)and#30(24-350)
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 11:04:39 PM
Council Members,
As a 36 year resident and home owner in Huntington Beach I urge you to Approve agenda items#29 and#30.
I am particularly offended by the unmitigated gall at the majority's attempt intent to privitize the Huntington
Beach Library System ignoring overwhelming public opposition at doing so.
You brag in the press about how the"will of the voters"approved measure A,so let the voters decide!Approve
agenda item#30(24-350).Approve this measure!
If you win in a fair election,you can claim victory.Until then,many residents will hold you accountable for
failing to listen to your constituents once again.
Tim Channel
36 Year Resident,Homeowner,Tax Payer,Business Owner and Voter
Sent from my iPhone
From: Buffie Channel
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL,CM0 STAFF);suoolementalcommOsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Agenda Items 29&30-Support
Date: Monday,May 6,2024 11:17:32 PM
To City Council Members:
I aw writing today to express my support for Agenda Item 29 and 30.
Agenda Item 29: I think all residents agree that the political signage in public thoroughfares
and on public spaces has gotten completely out of control. It's a blight on our city and with
wind and weather signs flying, coming loose, and turning into litter is not a positive way of
supporting our candidates and is not a good look for a coastal environmental town. In addition,
it seems some candidates have now taken advantage and put their signs up 8 months before
their race. That is unacceptable and unethical. Let's keep signs for our favored candidates
constrained to our own yards. I support Agenda Item #29.
Agenda item 30: if the City Council truly believes in the input of the people and democracy,
they will vote for Item 30. The tax payers of this city have paid for the libraries and their
contents. It is not for Council members to have the power to change the management of OUR
PUBLIC LIBRARIES to a CORPORATION.Present the facts of the RFP, all costs and
analysis, all Pros and Cons, all history of other cities that have tried it, all details about Mike
Posey's personal gain, all details about future staffing, all details about any hours or days that
will be cut so the corporation can make a profit, and full transparency of how they will turn a
profit—AND THEN LET THE VOTERS DECIDE.
We the people should vote on it.
Support Agenda Item#30.
It will be interesting to see if Burns, Van der Mark,McKeown, and Strickland vote against
this.If they do, it will be a hypocritical vote.
Listen to the people. Your constituents have consistently and repeatedly spoken out against
privatizing/outsourcing Library Services.
IF YOU ARE TRULY CONFIDENT THAT THIS IS WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT,DON'T
BE SCARED—PUT IT TO A VOTE.
Sincerely,
Buffie Channel
35 year resident
From: April Downs
To: supolementalcommtalsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject Redudng Trash
Date: Tuesday,May 7,2024 7:16:01 AM
Dear City Council-I'm writing in support of Dan Kalmick's agenda item to prohibit political signs in public right
of way areas.These signs are overwhelming,contribute to vandalism(they are tagged and more recently purposely
altering the meaning),and increase trash.This proposal allows signs on private property so political advertising is
still allowed.
Thank you,
April Downs Sent from my iPhone
•
From: Mary Ann Celinder
To: suoolementalcommi surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF)
Subject: Campaign signage
Date: Tuesday,May 7,2024 7:33:37 AM
We are in for a crazy general election. The signage is going to be all over town.Anything that
can reduce this coming blight is welcomed. Start with banning signs on public property.
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
From: Fikes.Cathy
To: Aaenda Alerts
Subject: RN:City Council Meeting for May 7,2024
Date: Tuesday,May 7,2024 8:53:33 AM
From: Larry Slonim <larry.slonim.80@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 12:27 AM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:City Council Meeting for May 7, 2024
My wife,Susan,and I strongly support the introduction and approval of items 29 (24-337) &30(24-
350) on the City Council's Agenda for May 7, 2024.
Non-commercial signage (i.e. political campaign signs) needs to be better controlled in our City, and
we agree that following the City Of Irvine's code as a model for such signage would be desirable.
We also believe that the potential privatizing of the City's Public Library System must be addressed in
the same way that Charter Amendments A, B &C were,as a ballot measure to be voted on by
everyone in a formal election, not solely by the vote of the City Council.
We are NOT in favor of privatizing and gutting an excellent,well-run and well-respected PUBLIC
library system to try to save a highly questionable amount of expenses in the short term, sacrificing
the level and quality of existing services and community value.
Sincerely,
Larry and Susan Slonim
19792 Gloucester Lane
HB,Ca. 92646
Moore, Tania
From:. MEG ROBINSON <twokyu@aol.Com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 12:21 PM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: . . Yes on 24-337
Regardless of your support or opposition of certain candidates and issues, I don't think anyone finds the overkill of
election signs around Huntington Beach anything other than a blight. Beautiful flowered areas of our community can be
hidden by ten or more competing signs.Oversized signs seem to be the latest eyesore.
I think it's time to limit them from the public right of way. I have no problem with signs in a persons private property. I
have numerous signs in my windows. But the overkill on our public streets has become ridiculous.
Please support this agenda item.
Thank you,
Margaret Robinson
19 year resident:
1.
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 6:49 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW:Vote in favor of Agenda Items 29 and 30
From: Christopher Rini<christopher.rini@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7,2024 4:05 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:Vote in favor of Agenda Items 29 and 30
Dear Council,
My name is Chris Rini, I'm a Huntington Beach native, substitute teacher, archivist, and I've been a library
volunteer since about 2019.
I urge you to Agenda items 29 and 30. Regarding item 29: public property should be neutral and allowing signs
for or against one candidate reads as a tacit endorsement.
Regarding item 30: On March 19, over 100 speakers and 600 emails came in saying "Don't privatize." Council
voted to pursue an RFP, and Councilman Strickland made his infamous comment caught on a hot mike. Since
then, city librarians have been slandered as pedophiles, the head librarian has left. Library-related
shenanigans have been covered by Baron News at Fountain Valley High School
(https://www.baronnews.com/2024/04/29/huntington-beach-city-councils-misconception-of-freedom-is-failing-
its-community/), and the city made Last Week Tonight with John Oliver two days ago. Huntington Beach
already has the nickname, "Fontana by the Sea," and this does not help.
The RFP process has been cloaked with covertness that smacks of an inside job. The library is public, it is
open to all and belongs to the 194,300 residents of Huntington Beach and their guests. Let the people vote in
November on a matter that affects them all.
Thank you,
Chris Rini
1