HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-03Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
6:00 PM -Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
A video recording of this meeting
is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, and archived at
https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
6:00 PM -COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER -6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Moser, Bolton, Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon and Kalmick
None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -Led by Information Services Technician Brian Bran
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 .
,.
1. 24-783 Pastor Joe Pedick, Calvary Chapel of the Harbour
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution)
Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, City Clerk Robin Estanislau announced supplemental
communications received by her office following distribution of the Council Agenda packet which were all
uploaded to the City's website and Council member iPads: Agenda Item #1 -(1 email communication);
and Administrative Item #6-(Exhibit A for Resolution 2024-59).
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Mayor Van Der Mark announced a 1-Minute Time Limit for this Ceremonial
Meeting) -24 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.
Steve Barnes was called to speak and congratulated his wife Lisa Lane Barnes and all of the other newly
elected officials and expressed his appreciation for everyone who voted. (00:06:50)
Katie Swailes, daughter of Robin Estanislau, was called to speak and acknowledged Robin's 26 years of
public service by sharing statements from her City Clerk team and co-workers describing her integrity
and work ethic . (00:08:06)
Ryan, owner of Sugar the surfing dog, was called to speak and announced that Sugar will be inducted
into the Surfing Hall of Fame on December 5 in front of Huntington Surf and Sport. Ryan thanked
Council members for this acknowledgement. (00:09: 18)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 2 of 8
Laszlo Lak was called to speak and expressed his appreciation for the City Council and the newly
elected Councilmembers. (00: 10: 15)
Pat Goodman was called to speak and thanked outgoing Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser for
the way they came prepared for Council meetings and appreciation for their experience as educated
professionals during the last four years. Ms. Goodman also welcomed the newly elected
Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams, City Clerk Lisa Barnes and re-elected City Treasurer
Alisa Backstrom. (00: 11 :08)
Amory Hanson was called to speak and thanked Mayor Van Der Mark for her service and perseverance.
Mr. Hanson stated his support for Mayor Pro Tern Burns as the 87th Mayor of Huntington Beach,
nominating Councilmember McKeon as Mayor Pro Tern, and congratulated the newly elected
Councilmembers. (00: 12:21)
Thelma England was called to speak and thanked outgoing Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser
for their service, and encouraged the newly elected Councilmembers to support the whole community,
not just their neighborhoods. (00: 13:09)
Ken Inouye was called to speak and noted the unprecedented financial challenges facing this new City
Council which must be addressed in a responsible and timely manner and requested a semi-annual
report on how payments against debt will be made. (00:14:13)
Kanan Durham, representing Pride at the Pier, was called to speak and addressed his comments to
newly elected Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams by sharing the concerns of the LGBTQ+
community as a result of some of their campaign statements. (00: 15: 14)
Rick Brown was called to speak and congratulated newly elected Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining
and Williams and City Clerk Lisa Barnes, noted their work ethic and love for Huntington Beach as
demonstrated during their campaigns. (00: 15:58)
Renee Dotti, a resident of Huntington Beach since 2003, was called to speak and encouraged all
Councilmembers to keep Huntington Beach a fair city where all residents are heard. (00: 17: 11)
Unnamed Speaker was called to speak and congratulated newly elected Councilmembers Kennedy,
Twining and Williams and as a resident of Huntington Beach, shared his pride for the election results.
(00:18:32)
David Rynerson was called to speak and thanked outgoing Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser
as well as retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau for their service and doing their best to put the needs of
Huntington Beach first. He challenged the newly elected Councilmembers to remember they represent
all Huntington Beach residents, not just those who voted for them. (00: 19:43)
Cathey Ryder, a Huntington Beach homeowner and voter since 1985, was called to speak shared her
best wishes to the newly elected Councilmembers and thanked the outgoing Council members for their
efforts to make Huntington Beach inclusive for all who live, work and play here. (00:20:40)
Christopher Rini, native Huntington Beach resident, was called to speak and thanked outgoing
Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser for their service and shared his perspective of past
appropriate and inappropriate Councilmember behaviors. (00:21 :26)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 3 of 8
Perry Clitheroe was called to speak and thanked outgoing Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser
as well as retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau for their service. He also welcomed newly elected
Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams and asked that they especially focus on the budget
deficit. (00:22:27)
Urson Russell was called to speak and congratulated newly elected Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining
and Williams and City Clerk Lisa Barnes, all of whom he expects to bring back common-sense local
government. (00:23:07)
Chris Byrne was called to speak and thanked Mayor Van Der Mark for her service with class, dignity and
style, and thanked City Attorney Michael Gates for his support for each of the seven soon-to-be serving
Councilmembers. (00:23:54)
Unnamed Speaker was called to speak and thanked outgoing Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and
Moser, as well as retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau for their steadfast professionalism, and shared her
expectation that incoming Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams will continue to challenge,
critique and consider modifying issues before just voting in lockstep with their fellow Councilmembers.
(00:24:47)
Justine Madoff, Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center Free Reign Foundation representative, was
called to speak and thanked all Councilmembers for their service. She also announced the upcoming
Free Reign Foundation free family event to celebrate the Day of the Horse on Saturday, December 7,
from 11 AM -2 PM at the Equestrian Center. (00:25:57)
Melvyn Sterling, who moved to Huntington Beach 50 years ago, was called to speak and shared his
family's appreciation for Huntington Beach and especially the services of the Public Library. (00:27:11)
Ellen Riley was called to speak and shared her support for the world-renown Huntington Beach Public
Library and encouraged the new Councilmembers to focus on kindness and accuracy when referring to
Library employees. (00:28:27)
Tim Geddes was called to speak and shared his warning and dire prediction for newly elected
Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams. He encouraged them to seek interaction with the
greater community, not just those who voted for them, by being constructive in order to make progress in
solving the City's problems, addressing the needs and building the future. He thanked retiring City Clerk
Robin Estanislau for her service. (00:30: 16)
Tory Johnson, Huntington Beach Black Lives Matter Founder, was called to speak and thanked outgoing
Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser, as well as retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau for their
sacrifice, love and compassionate service. He shared his expectation that the new City Council will
focus on a beautiful and safe Huntington Beach for all residents. (00:31:14)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS -None
AB 1234 REPORTING -None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES -None
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT -None
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 4 of 8
2. 24-801 Mayor Van Der Mark presented the Mayor's HB Excellence Award
Mayor Van Der Mark presented the Mayor's HB Excellence Award to Police Chief Eric Parra to
acknowledge his exceptional service, especially during his time as Interim City Manager. She described
his unmatched professionalism and grace while working with a City Council composed of very strong and
diverse personalities. Mayor Van Der Mark was able to keep this acknowledgement a secret, and Chief
Parra was speechless.
3. 24-802 City 2024 Retrospect {or Comments) by Outgoing Mayor Van Der Mark
Mayor Van Der Mark expressed her appreciation to the residents who supported her effort to get involved
in local politics to make a difference.
4. 24-851 Presentation of Gifts by Mayor Van Der Mark to Colleagues
Mayor Van Der Mark presented a bouquet of flowers to City Council Assistant Administrator Cathy Fikes;
a framed plaque to re-elected City Treasurer Alisa Backstrom, retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau, City
Attorney Michael Gates and each of her fellow Council members, and thanked them for their support
during her term as Mayor.
5. 24-804 Special/Ceremonial Public Comments, including Presentations by Community
Members to Outgoing and Newly Elected Officials -None
COMMENTS BY CURRENT AND OUTGOING ELECTED OFFICIALS (5-Minute Time Limit)
Councilmember Kalmick expressed his appreciation for Huntington Beach residents who supported his
service for the last two decades and the sacrifices made by his family during his service. He saluted the
folks who just show up and do the work as volunteers that needs to be done to improve life for everyone.
He shared a quote from Former President Eisenhower's Farewell Address for residents and serving
Councilmembers to ruminate on moving ahead. Councilmember Kalmick thanked staff members who
made his job easier, and retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau for her service to Huntington Beach. He
closed by sharing his vision for the future of Huntington Beach and described some of the community
issues that he believes still need to be addressed.
Council member Bolton shared three quotes that have guided her actions and decisions since. her first
day of service and stated her gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in dealing with matters
large and small. She thanked staff from every department for their dedication and professionalism.
Councilmember Bolton shared what she believes will be major challenges for Huntington Beach moving
forward and encouraged everyone to move ahead with love rather than partisanship.
Councilmember Moser stated she is filled with gratitude, reflection and a deep sense of responsibility for
the future of Huntington Beach. She expressed her appreciation for everyone who made her service
possible, including the voters, her colleagues Bolton and Kalmick, City staff, her appointees, and her
family. She also thanked her mentors, Shirley Dettloff and Ralph Bauer who both embodied serving with
humility, grace and vision. Councilmember Moser closed by sharing she steps away from this position
with both hope and concern and encouraged Councilmembers to move forward with integrity, humility
and a sense of responsibility to all residents.
City Clerk Robin Estanislau shared her profound appreciation for the abundant accolades and flowers
the public shared at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting for her service to Huntington Beach.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 5 of 8
She expressed her good wishes for newly elected City Clerk Lisa Barnes and thanked her dedicated and
ethical City Clerk staff for their excellent service.
City Attorney Michael Gates commended retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau for always being
professional. He added that in their private interactions she never uttered a cross word or disagreement
as she carried out her duties in service to the residents.
Councilmember Strickland stated his best wishes for outgoing Councilmembers Bolton, Kalmick and
Moser and thanked them for their service. He added that he never doubted that any one of them were
always doing what they thought was best for Huntington Beach residents. He added that he believes
every Councilmember is trying to make Huntington Beach better and noted each Councilmember has
different experiences and approaches for making decisions. Councilmember Strickland congratulated
newly elected Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams and stated he looks forward to serving
with them. He closed his remarks by confirming that the best decisions for Huntington Beach are made
locally by the Councilmembers rather than by bureaucracy in Sacramento.
Mayor Pro Tern Burns thanked the volunteers and voters who participated in the recent election. He also
invited everyone to the Thursday, December 5, 2024, induction of Sugar the surfing dog into the Surfing
Hall of Fame and the American Flag Ceremony honoring Vietnam War Veteran John Baca at Baca Park
on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
6. 24-805 Adopted Resolution No. 2024-59 Reciting the Facts of the General Municipal
Election of November 5, 2024, and Declaring Results
City Clerk Robin Estanislau presented a PowerPoint communication titled General Municipal Election
November 5, 2024 with slides entitled: November 5, 2024 Results -City Council; November 5, 2024
Results -City Clerk; November 5, 2024 Results -City Treasurer; November 5, 2024 Results -Ballot
Measures; and Recommended Action.
A motion was made by Van Der Mark, second Burns to Adopt Resolution No. 2024-59, 11 A Resolution of
the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Reciting the Facts of the General Municipal
Election held on November 5, 2024, Declaring the Results and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law, 11
including Exhibit 11 A, 11 Certificate of Registrar of Voters to Result of the Canvass of the General Election
Returns, as amended by Supplemental Communication, Exhibit "A 11
•
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Moser, Bolton, Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, and Kalmick
None
ADMINISTERED OATHS OF OFFICE
7. 24-806 Senator Janet Nguyen administered Oath of Office to the three Newly Elected
Members of the City Council
Councilmember Chad Williams
Councilmember Butch Twining
Councilmember Don Kennedy
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 6 of 8
8. 24-807 Retiring City Clerk Robin Estanislau administered Oath of Office to Re-Elected City
Treasurer Alisa Backstrom
9. 24-808 Councilmember Strickland administered Oath of Office to Newly Elected City Clerk
Lisa Barnes
NEW CITY CLERK AND COUNCILMEMBERS PRESIDED
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Twining, Kennedy, Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, and Williams
None
CONDUCTED ELECTION OF MAYOR/ MAYOR PRO TEM
10. 24-809 City Clerk called for motion to elect new Mayor
A motion was made by Van Der Mark, second Strickland to elect Mayor Pro Tern Pat Barnes as new
Mayor.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Twining, Kennedy, Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, and Williams
None
Mayor Van Der Mark administered Oath of Office to new Mayor Burns.
Presentation of gavel by outgoing Mayor Van Der Mark to new Mayor Burns.
Mayor Burns presented gifts to Former Mayor Van Der Mark.
New Mayor presided
11. 24-810 New Mayor Burns called for motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore
A motion was made by Burns, second Strickland to elect Councilmember McKeon as new Mayor Pro
Tempore.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Twining, Kennedy, Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, and Williams
None
Former Mayor Van Der Mark administered Oath of Office to new Mayor Pro Tempore
McKeon.
COMMENTS BY NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCILMEMBERS
(5-Minute Time Limit)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 7 of 8
Newly elected City Clerk Lisa Barnes shared her gratitude for the voters who supported her, including
City Council members, and her family. She encouraged Huntington Beach residents to continue to
participate and communicate with their elected officials.
City Attorney Michael Gates congratulated newly elected Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and
Williams and City Clerk Lisa Barnes. He noted that in Huntington Beach incumbents usually get re-
elected regardless of their political affiliation and added that trend did not hold for this election where 80
percent of registered voters engaged. He continued by describing actions and decisions by former
Councilmembers since 2020 which 2024 voters could no longer support and noted that 2024 voters
demand that Huntington Beach leaders put Charter City Huntington Beach first regardless of the policies
and demands of the State.
Councilmember Kennedy stated he believes the best days ever are coming to Huntington Beach and he
is humbled to be part of a team that will bring solutions that benefit everyone. He stated that as a
Christian believer he will pray for God's favor on Huntington Beach. He shared his gratitude for the hard
work of his family and the many volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into the campaign. He
closed by thanking Former Mayors Strickland and Van Der Mark for setting the bar high.
Councilmember Twining stated he is also a man of faith and expressed his gratitude for the support of his
family and many, many volunteers throughout the campaign. He stated his focus as a Councilmember
will be to fight for conservative principles and values, creating more unity within Huntington Beach and
fighting against Sacramento mandates.
Councilmember Williams stated that as someone who was born and raised in Huntington Beach, served
as a Navy Seal, and is a man of faith, he is deeply honored, humbled and blessed to be an elected
Councilmember. He thanked his wife and children for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the
campaign teamwork of Council Candidates Kennedy and Twining, in addition to the support of City
Attorney Michael Gates and sitting Councilmembers Burns, McKeon, Strickland and Van Der Mark. He
expressed gratitude for the wholehearted support of many volunteers throughout the campaign. He
stated the priorities of the current City leadership team are to put Huntington Beach residents first by
balancing the budget, increasing revenue responsibly, reducing homelessness, and maintaining local
autonomy as a Charter City in the State of California.
Councilmember Strickland congratulated Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams and stated
that as a God-loving individual he is proud to be a part of this leadership team for the best City in all of
California. He thanked the many residents who supported the campaigns of the current leadership team
and for their part in making a difference for the future of Huntington Beach.
Councilmember Van Der Mark thanked the supporters who elected her in 2022 and elected like-minded
candidates in 2024 who will fight all enemies whether foreign or domestic. She expressed gratitude for
the opportunity to serve with like-minded team members who will be the tip of the spear and an example
for other cities.
Mayor Pro Tern McKeon congratulated his newly elected colleagues Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining
and Williams, as well as City Clerk Barnes and City Treasurer Backstrom. He stated that serving
Huntington Beach is the honor of a lifetime and thanked Councilmembers for electing him as Mayor Pro
Tern. He believes the United States and Huntington Beach are headed to a golden age of prosperity and
is proud of being part of that effort locally to increase the quality of life for all residents. Mayor Pro Tern
McKeon thanked his parents, his wife and siblings for their unwavering support, and noted that his
newborn son is a 4th generation resident of Huntington Beach.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024
Page 8 of 8
Mayor Pro Tern Burns stated Huntington Beach will be his first priority moving forward as
Councilmembers focus on doing what is right to be fiscally responsible while providing short-term and
long-term solutions. He expressed his appreciation for the residents who worked tirelessly through two
elections to reach this point.
ADJOURNMENT -at 8:22 PM a motion was made by Strickland, with a second by Van Der Mark, to
adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing
Authority on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, California.
INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDAAND
STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT
http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
City Cl and ex-officio Cle of the City Council
of the City of Huntington Beach and Secretary of
the Public Financing Authority of the City of
Huntington Beach, California
ftiL--~ Mayor-Chair