HomeMy WebLinkAboutPhysical Security at City Hall - Submitted by Council Member (2) , 2000 Main Street,
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File #: 24-672 MEETING DATE: 9/17/2024
Subject:
Item Submitted by Council Members Bolton, Kalmick and Moser- Physical Security of City
Hall
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Manager to work with the Police Department to evaluate technological tools that can
enhance our City Hall's physical security, particularly tools that can detect individuals attempting to
enter the building with weapons; and return to City Council to present a report with recommendations
within 90 days. The report should provide details on potential costs and operational considerations
associated with recommended new physical security measures.
Attachment(s):
1. Councilmember Item - Bolton, Kalmick, Moser- Physical Security of City Hall
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 9/11/2024
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;;f/' City Council Meeting - Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Rhonda Bolton, City Councilmember
Natalie Moser, City Councilmember
Dan Kalmick, City Councilmember
Date: September 17, 2024
Subject: Physical Security of City Hall
We are all aware of the mass shootings that have occurred in countless settings including
attacks against government and political targets. California Penal Code § 171b prohibits the
possession of weapons in a local public building. Jurisdictions in Southern California, including
the County of Orange, have installed security technologies in their buildings where the public
has access. These technologies include metal detectors, but there are also newer technologies
that are designed to be less intrusive yet still have the desired effect of detecting and identifying
potentially dangerous objects along with a deterrence factor.
These newer technologies are now used at stadiums, concert venues, amusement parks, and at
events held here in the city such as last year's Darker Waves festival. Indeed, the public
encounters some type of screening nearly everywhere we go.
Our Police Department does its best to ensure the safety and security of every person attending
public meetings in our Council Chambers, for example, which includes the safety of the
individual officers there to protect us all. Factors such as the overheated political rhetoric now
commonplace at our meetings and the known presence of weapons in the possession of
individuals who are not members of law enforcement, create an uncomfortable environment for
City Hall visitors.
Specifically, as this Council knows, we have received many emails and in-person
communications from residents saying they do not feel safe coming down to these chambers to
exercise their constitutional rights. The contrast between City Hall entrances, where no
screening technologies are used, and the Police Department building, where employees sit
behind bullet-proof glass, is instructive. It is plain to see why one feels less safe than the other.
An evaluation is overdue to ensure that our Police Department has the best available tools at its
disposal to physically secure the Council Chambers, where a large audience typically
assembles for public meetings, as well as the rest of City Hall.
Of particular interest are innovative tools that can detect individuals attempting to enter the
building with weapons.As mentioned, these tools are less intrusive than metal detectors and
they do not appear to require large numbers of personnel to operate them. We are, of course,
interested in other technologies the Police Department believes are worth evaluating for
potential implementation as part of the building security plan.
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
1231
page two
Councilmember Items Report
September 17, 2024
Everyone who enters our City Hall is entitled to feel a sense of safety and freedom from the
types of physical dangers that might be anticipated in present-day situations. This is especially
the case for our young residents such as Scouts and youth groups who we want to feel
welcome visiting the home of their city government.
And we are certain this Council would take all necessary measures to protect the public, our
police officers, and employees from unnecessary harm.An ounce of prevention is always worth
a pound of cure.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager to work with the Police Department to evaluate technological tools that
can enhance our City Hall's physical security, particularly tools that can detect individuals
attempting to enter the building with weapons; and return to City Council to present a report with
recommendations within 90 days. The report should provide details on potential costs and
operational considerations associated with recommended new physical security measures.
1232
From: Michele Burgess
To: suoolementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.orq;citycounciICa)surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: COMMENTS FOR 9/17/24 MEETING,AGENDA ITEM#26,FILE#24-672
Date: Friday,September 13,2024 4:37:39 PM
Attachments: Screen Shot 2024-09-12 at 10.16.47 AM.onq
Screen Shot 2024-09-12 at 10.16.47 AM.onq
To the City Council:
I wholeheartedly support Agenda Item #26 for physical security of City
Hall. This is something I never worried about until the MAGA 4+1 arrived
on the scene and began their culture war. Attacking the library and
censoring books, outsourcing management of the library, solidarity with
Texas, parents' right to know, and even declaring HB a Second
Amendment city. Good grief, no wonder people don't feel safe in the
council chambers anymore.
The meetings are raucous, the rhetoric heated, audience members boo,
jeer, taunt, yell, shout obscenities, drown out the speakers, holler into the
microphone. Proud Boy Luke Dennis (who has a criminal record for
assault) drags huge anti-LGBQT+ posters to the podium, hurls accusations
and insults, flips off people in the audience. Another Proud Boy carries a
tripod and camera around the chamber, filming audience members without
their permission. Chad Williams rants about obscenity in children's library
books and insinuates a sitting council member is a pedophile. Dom McGee
continually insults Rhonda Bolton (what does he have against Black
people?) and advocates for open carry in Huntington Beach.
And then we have the outsiders like howling Manuk Grigoryan and his
traveling road show of right-wing extremists who came all the way from LA
to cause a ruckus. To have him sit right behind me and continually bellow
insults at speakers, until he was temporarily removed by the police, and
then let back in, whereupon he verbally harassed Bethany Webb, does not
make me feel safe.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 9/17/2024
Agenda Item No. 26 (24-672)
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Manuk Grlgoryan reacts during an Orange Unified School District board meeting in September. (Ringo.Chiu/For The Times)
Who knows what weapons these people might be carrying in their pockets
or under their shirts? Huntington Beach already has a terrible reputation
since the MAGA 4 stirred the pot and fomented dissension in the
community. Let's not add a stabbing or mass shooting to the news feed.
California law prohibits the possession of weapons in a local public
building. It's time to enforce that law. Enact sensible security precautions
that are more proactive than a few police officers standing around in the
council chamber keeping an eye on things.
Michele Burgess
Huntington Beach resident since 1961
From: marvn427Ca)gmail.com
To: supplementalcommPsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: RE:
Date: Sunday,September 15,2024 1:21:02 PM
[You don't often get email from maryn427@gmail.com:Learn why this is important at
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentificatiou]
As a 52 year residence of the city,it is alarming to know that we need to feel intimidated executing our civil/civic
rights and and our curiosity of what our city council is planning for HB,and that our lives may be compromised by
attending a city council meeting. They have become so contentious and I no longer feel safe attending despite the
increased police presence at the last meeting.
A very concerned citizen.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: _ 9/17/2024
Agenda,,Item No,
26 24-672
From: Linda Moon
To: suoolementalcommCa surfcity-hb.orq
Subject 9-17-24 City Council tern 26 Physical Security at City Hall
Date: Monday,September 16,2024 6:59:15 PM
I write in support of Item 26, Ordinance.24-672 regarding physical security at city hall.
It recently has become well known that City Council Meeting audiences have recently
included individuals carrying weapons, including firearms and knives of lethal capacity. This
is unacceptable and makes many of us feel unsafe attending the meetings. I encourage the
City Council to follow the lead of other cities around the State in instituting procedures to
screen those entering city hall for weapons and barring their entry. I urge the City Council to
vote to request that the City Manager and Police department evaluate weapons screening
procedures and tools to screen entering individuals for weapons.
Linda Sapiro Moon
Huntington Beach, 50 year resident
From: Harry McLachlan
To: 5uoolementalcomm(asurfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF
Subject CC Mtng.Sept.17,2024
Date: Monday,September 16,2024 11:29:30 PM
Attachments: Huntington Beach City Counci ISeot.17.2024.docx
See attached word document.
Huntington Beach Special City Council Meeting Sept. 17, 2024
Agenda Item 26
I'm Harry McLachlan, I live in Huntington Beach.
I am writing in opposition to Agenda Item 26-634. Another ordinance to
impose the MAGA 5's version of morality and "family values" on to the
citizens of Huntington Beach.
It is no secret that much of this vitriol stems from the propaganda spewed
weekly from the Calvary Chapel cult and embraced by the MAGA 5, and the
3 MAGA Stooges that hope to be elected in November. Well, Stooges, the state
audit on the corrupt airshow settlement should be revealed before the
election, and the undying support of the MAGA 5 will be hung around your
necks like an albatross. Be afraid. Be very afraid. Justice is coming. Your
Hubris is doing you in!
Vote no on this ordinance! (Bet you don't!)
I am also writing in support of Agenda Item 26.
I have attended many city council meetings and can't help noticing the
discrepancy of onsite police presence at certain meetings. I have also noticed
an occasional jackass sporting a visible sheathed knife. WTF? Please vote yes
on 26.
•
From: Charlie Jackson
To: suoclementalcomm(alsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: 26.24-672
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 6:57:30 AM
I support this motion
I have always assumed that concealed weapons were not allowed in the council chambers
But the possibility of a person without a permit to bring a gun or knife into the council chambers is a big concern
Some sort of screening would be good
Charlie Jackson
23 resident of Huntington Beach
From: Cathev Ryder
To: suDDlementalcommesurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Agenda Items on 9/17/2024
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 7:59:29 AM
Agenda Items on 9/17/2024
Mayor,Mayor Pro Team and City Council members,
HB Homeowners and voters for 39 years-Multiple topics this on agenda.
As a community volunteers for Huntington Beach Art programs that are offered for children,
we have questions about the new parent's right to know ordinance. If we see 2 8 year old girls
holding hands, do we report it and to whom?If a boy is wearing a shirt with Taylor Swift, is
that reportable?Will there be log or form that volunteers will use?Will we be given
parent/guardian information?Will there be training or written materials for volunteers?We
have many more questions and so far very vague answers or no real understanding of even
where to get answers.
Has the city filed their lawsuit against Amplify Energy for the 2021 oil spill?Time is of the
essence.
Has the CEQA for the Pacific Air Show been completed? Will HB residents see the results
with the need to do a public records request.Transparency was a campaign promise in 2022.
It is definitely time to make the City Council Chambers a safer environment. We urge the
council to explore all options with the HBPD so EVERY attendee feels safe.
We are also pleased to see a vote for the adoption of the June 2024 HB in Motion Huntington
Beach Mobility Implementation Plan.
We applaud the multiple times at each city council meeting when the council votes 7-0 on
actual city issues like water and sewer lines, street improvements,public safety and
community programs.
Let's return to the real business of the city and practice good governance.
CJ and Bob Ryder
From: K Carroll
To: suoolementalcomm(alsurfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF)
Subject: Comments CC Mtg.9/17/2024
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 8:42:35 AM
Greetings Mayor Van Der Mark,Pro Tem Pat Burns,Illustrious Councilmen McKeon and
Strickland:
Sharing comments on a few Agenda Items:
Item 24-619 OCPA
Huge CONGRATULATIONS for taking action to mitigate the City's Electric Expense
followed with all residents that were being duped, especially vulnerable senior citizens and
coordinating the smooth transition with ZERO COST or ramifications!
24-634 Right to Know
Another victory on the horizon. What our kids do in school IS parent's business. Thank you
for putting this on the agenda and moving the item forward.
23-571 Tank Farm
No more high density.This WILL create more traffic congestion and wear and tear on our
infrastructure. Can we please put this this to rest once and for all.Really, low income housing
on the beach too?This will be a forever negative high density footprint in HB right across
from the beach.
24-672 Security
How interesting that the people that are proposing this item to have apparatus to detect guns
are the same people that have spewed hatred and false narratives and fed the news false
narratives and conducted cattle calls. The same two people that bullied and did the same to
Tito Ortiz. The same people that do cattle calls where people come from out of HB..including
authors of the books that are relocated in the library. It's never about what is right for the
majority citizens; it is about their hatred for conservatives and hatred for FIB. You can see it
from their fan base vs.the conservative fan base.I recall the night the conservatives took their
seat on the dias...these three totally ignored the four WINNERS and felt forced to shake the
extended hands of the just voted in. I also remember when the previous majority including
Moser and Kalmick had police escort them to the chambers (legends in their own minds)when
me and some others were driving thru the parking lot in protest.No more than 20
cars...Driving thru the parking lot in a circle for at most ten minutes. One time.They also had
someone taking down license plates. We were such a threat. The horns, I guess were a threat.
They were paraded from the police station in front of the circling cars surrounded by police
while Erik Peterson was watching the cars drive around and talking to various people and
waving at some drivers who waved at him..yes,we were waving at Erik Peterson....very
threatening,we were.No signs,no yelling just riding around in circles.
We have security..our police officers who are trained and many in different areas. Here they
are trying to take our guns away. What about conceal and carry?How about they tell the truth
and converse like mature adults instead of making rude and immature faces, smirks, gestures
and attacking sarcastic comments,walking out of meetings, shaking fingers and savoring their
fans'poor behavior. They are nurturing and feeding this unsafe behavior...that could carry out
into the parking lot. How about we look at where the trouble is coming from?I do believe the
last several meetings have improved. I believe many are getting the message that they will be
escorted out and it is working.
As always,thank you for reading my comments and considering. I respect and am so grateful
for everything you have accomplished and the promises you have kept.
Best regards,
Kris Carroll
Moore, Tania
From: bethwebb711@msn.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 9:15 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Yes on Item#26 24-672
Attention Huntington Beach City Council.
I am writing to voice my support for agenda item#26 .
As everyone knows the HB City Council meetings have become a hostile environment. In my opinion this
is a direct result of the culture wars instigated by the majority on the city council.
Regardless of the reason, the fact remains the meetings are filled with anger and animosity, making
many HB residents afraid to attend.
I do not for a moment think this knowledge will make any difference with the majority, but maybe the fact
that there has been a second possible assassination attempt on tRump, might give the majority some
pause, because while the odds that violence will come from the hands of your supporters, it is not a
given.
Bethany Webb
45+year Huntington Beach resident and homeowner.
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