HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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
https:llhuntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
4:30 PM -COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALLED TO ORDER -4:30 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Twining , Kennedy, McKeon, Burns , Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION
(Received After Agenda Distribution)
Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes announced supplemental
communications 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 Items #5 (1 e-mail
communication), #6 (1 e-mail communication), Item #7 (1 e-mail communication), Item #8 (1 e-mail
communication), and Item #9 (1 e-mail communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION (3-Minute Time Limit) -None.
Mayor Burns read titles for Closed Session Item #1 25-571 regarding Conference with Labor
Negotiators and Employee Organization: Marine Safety Management Association (MSMA); Item #2
25-572 regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators and Employee Organization: Surf City
Lifeguard Employees' Association (SCLEA); and Item #4 25-576 with Real Property Negotiators
for 10449 Adams Avenue with Rex & Larry Gilmore, Eric Johnson & Ryan Gilmore and Moon
Valley Nurseries regarding price and terms of payment.
A motion was made by Kennedy, with a second by Van Der Mark, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION -4 :32 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. 25-571 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency
designated representatives: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; also in attendance:
Marissa Sur, Director of Human Resources; Mike Vigliotta, City Attorney and Robert
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 2 of 9
Torrez, Interim Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Marine Safety
Management Association (MSMA).
2. 25-572 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency
designated representatives: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; also in attendance:
Marissa Sur, Director of Human Resources; Mike Vigliotta, City Attorney and Robert
Torrez, Interim Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Surf City Lifeguard
Employees' Association (SCLEA).
3. 25 -573 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Protect HB v. City of•Huntington Beach; OCSC
Case No.: 30-2025-01470582.
4. 25-576 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8 .)
Property: 10449 Adams Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Agency negotiator:
Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager;
Steve Holtz, Deputy Director of Community Development; Jennifer Villasenor,
Director of Community Development. Negotiating parties: Rex & Larry Gilmore, Eric
Johnson & Ryan Gilmore and Moon Valley Nurseries (Not Present). Under
negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
5. 25-583 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Frahm (Robert), et al. v. City of Huntington
Beach; OCSC Case No.: 30-2023-01319592.
6. 25-584 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 54956 .9). City of Hunti ngton Beach, Parents 1A-9A v.
Gavin Newsom, et al.; USDC Case No: 8:24-cv-02017 CBM (JDEx).
7. 25-585 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Torres (Anita M.) v. City of Huntington Beach;
OCSC Case No. 30 -2023-01350857.
8. 25 -586 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of
subdivision (d) of Section 54956 .9). Southwest Voter Registration Education
Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach; OCSC Case No. 30-2024-01397379.
9. 25 -605 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-LITIGATION (Gov. Code section
54956.9(d)(4).): One (1).
6:00 PM -COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING -6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
INVOCATION
Twining , Kennedy, M c Keon , Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 3 of 9
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 .
10. 25-54 Huntington Beach Fire and Police Chaplain Roger Wing
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -Led by Huntington Beach Chaplain Roger Wing
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY -None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Mayor Burns and Council Woman Van Der Mark expressed appreciation for a safe 4th of July.
Councilman Kennedy reminded residents how easy it is to get an old and faded street sign replaced .
Councilmen McKeon and Twining thanked residents for their patience during the three-day strike of
Republic's employees and explained there will soon be a Request for Proposal to engage a third-party
trash hauler to stand by in a contingency position to ensure local residents do not again suffer because
of a labor strike in another part of the country.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution)
Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes announced supplemental
communications received by her office following distribution of the Council Agenda packet which were all
uploaded to the City's website and Councilmember iPads: City Manager's Report #12 (1 e-mail
communication); Council Member Items #19 (13 e-mail communications), and #21 (1 e-mail
communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-Minute Time Limit)-12 Speakers
The number [hh:mm :ss] following the speakers' comments indicates their approximate starting time in
the archived video located at https:l/huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx .
John Redaelli commented on Councilmember Items #20 (25-604) regarding Transparency for Taxpayers
-Public Contracts. (00:12:31)
Jim Banks commented on his experiences with illegal activities on the 4th of July in the Downtown area.
(00:15:44)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the recent ICE raids . (00: 19: 18)
Andrew Einhorn commented on what he described as unprofessional conduct by Mayor Burns and
Councilmembers' lack of appropriate action. (00:21 :35)
Tim Geddes commented on what he called the inconsistent decision of Mayor Burns regarding the
amount of time public speakers have at each meeting. (00:23: 14)
Amory Hanson commented on Councilmember Item #18 (25 -603) regarding a c ommunity garden with
Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (MTA). (00:24:40)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the Federal Administrative Procedure Act passed in 1947. (00 :25:14)
Russ Neal commented on what he described as the collapse of the Enlightment Movement. (00:27:36)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 4 of 9
Unnamed Speaker commented on the June 4 , 2024, City Council affirmation of respect for the
Constitution of the United States of America and described some recent Councilmember actions which
he believes show lack of respect for the Constitution . (00:29:32)
Jignesh Padhiar commented on Councilmember Item #18 (25-603) regarding a community garden with
Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (MTA), and suggested Council consider new ways Huntington Beach could
celebrate next year's 4th of July, America's 250th Anniversary. (00:31 :10)
Jordan Richard commented on Council member Item #19 regarding prohibition of the Sale and
Distribution of Kratom. (00 :32:04)
Jennifer Thomas reminded Councilmembers that they represent all residents of Huntington Beach, not
just the ones that share their values . (00:35: 17)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilman Gruel announced his appointment of Ben Goldberg to the Planning Comm ission.
AB 1234 REPORTING -None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES -None
City Manager Travis Hopkins announced Consent Calendar Item #16, regarding Be Well
contracted services, was pulled and will be brought back in the future for discussion.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
11. 25-593 Fire Department -American Heart Association Award Presented
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Chief Medical Officer Rom bod Rahimian and Fire Division Chief
Justin Fleming who presented a PowerPoint communication titled American Heart Association Award,
with slides entitled : Mis sion Lifeline EMS, AHA Program, HBFD Participation, Award Achievement, 2025
Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition, and Questions?
Councilman Twining asked Dr. Rahimian to describe some of the incidents that Emergency Medical
Responders addressed on July 4th .
Council Woman Van Der Mark congratulated the Fire Department for receiving this award.
Councilman Kennedy thanked the Fire Department Chief and all Fire Department staff for their
excellence.
12. 25-600 Independence Day Celebration Recap
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Community & Library Services Manager Molly Uemura who
presented a PowerPoint communication titled : 2025 Independence Day Recap, with slides entitled :
Independence Day Events, City Beach Statis tics, HBPD Statis tics, HBFD Statistics, HBFD -Marine
Safety Division, Thank You , and Questions ?
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 5 of 9
Mayor Pro Tern McKean noted that 4th of July celebrations were a huge city-wide effort from amazing
staff and volunteers. He noted that planning for the Semiquencentennial has been going on for some
time.
Councilman Gruel and Manager Uemura compared numbers reported for this year with previous year
numbers.
Councilman Kennedy expressed his appreciation for all the fantastic events over three days and
gratitude to the Police Department for their outstanding service .
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 13 -17)
Councilmember Kennedy stated he will abstain from voting on Item #14.
Citv Clerk
13. 25-545 Approved and Adopted Minutes
A motion was made by Burns , second Van Der Mark to approve and adopt the City Council/Public
Financing Authority regular meeting minutes of July 1, 2025.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES :
NOES:
Twining, Kennedy, McKean, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
Community Development
14. 25-536 Approved and authorized execution of a reimbursement agreement with Socal
Holdings, LLC in the amount of $291,420 to fund the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the PalmlGoldenwest Specific Plan
Amendment by LSA Associates; approved an increase in the Community
Development Department's Professional Services listing authority by $291,420 and
appropriated funds to be fully reimbursed
A motion was made by Burns , second Van Der Mark to approve and authorize the May or and City Clerk
to ex ecute a Reimbursement Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Socal Holdings , LLC
for Costs Incurred for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Palm/Goldenwest
Specific Plan Amendment in the amount of $291,420 as prepared by the City Attorney (Attachment No.
1 ); and approve an increase in the Community Development Department's professional service listing
authority by $291,420 for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report for the Palm/G oldenwest
Specific Plan Amendment pursuant to Administrative Regulation Number 228, Section 7 .1; and
appropriate funds as revenues are re ceived in the amount of $291,420 from the General Fund to the
Community Development Department Professional Services Account 10060201 .69365 for the
Professional Services Contract between the City and LSAAssociates, Inc., which is funded by a
reimbursement agreement.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining , McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel , and Williams
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 6 of 9
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Kennedy
15. 25-542 Adopted Resolution 2025-50 Confirming Cost Report for Weed Abatement on
Private Parcels within the City for the 2025 Season
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark to adopt Resolution No. 2025-50, "A Resolution of
the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Confirming the Report of the Public Works Director
Regarding the Cost for Weed Abatement on Private Property Within the City for the 2025 Season," and
direct that all charges listed thereon be certified to the Orange County 2025/26 Property Tax Roll.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES :
NOES:
Twining , Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
16. 25-597 ITEM PULLED FROM CONSIDERATION Appro'le Gontinued 8e '."Jell GontraGted
serviGes using funding within the 2026126 appro'led budget
Public Works
17. 25-543 Approved and Accepted the Public Improvements, Released the Sureties for and
Accepted a Guarantee and Warranty Bond for the HB Walk Project (Tract 19157)
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark to accept the improvements constructed and
dedicated for public use with Tract 19157, and instruct the City Clerk to record the Notice of Acceptance
of Public Improvements (Attachment 2) with the Orange County Recorder; and, accept Guarantee and
Warranty Bond No. PB30310409024-M (Attachment 3); the surety furnished for guarantee and warranty
of public improvements; and instruct the City Clerk to file the bond with the City Treasurer; and , instruct
the City Treasurer to release the Faithful Performance Bond No. PB03010409024, Labor and Material
Bond No. PB03010409024, and Monument Bond No. PB03010409039; and , instruct the City Clerk to
notify the developer, Olson Urban-Huntington Beach 4, LLC, of this action, and the City Treasurer to
notify the surety company, Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company, of this action .
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES :
NOES:
Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns , Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
18. 25-603 Approved Amended Item Submitted by Gruel, Councilman and Burns, Mayor -
Community Garden With Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (MTA)
Councilman Gruel introduced this item by explaining multi-trophic aquaculture includes fish as a natural
filter for a closed-loop system. This project will provide biodiversity, sustainability, economic and
community opportunities and a better understanding of where food comes from with minimal energy
needs. Councilman Gruel noted there has been a very positive public response to this idea .
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 7 of 9
Mayor Burns stated that as a gardener he supports this item.
Council Woman Van Der Mark and Mayor Pro Tern McKeon stated their support and referenced a
previous Huntington Beach High School project which was very similar as proof of the concept.
Councilman Kennedy noted this project will not detract from other Councilmember obligations but can be
managed alongside their other priorities for the benefit of the whole City, and stated his support.
A motion was made by Burns, second Gruel to direct staff to explore the feasibility of creating a
community garden with an emphasis on utilizing multi-trophic aquaculture (MTA) on City property and
report back to Council with findings/results within six months. Based on the outcome of the feasibility
study, consider and deliberate the appropriate next steps for project development (site identification,
environmental impacts, timeline , and community engagement), as amended to include Mayor Burns
and Councilman Gruel in the exploration process.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES :
NOES:
19. 25-602
Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns , Van Der Mark, Gruel , and Williams
None
Approved Item Submitted by Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark, Council Woman; Burns,
Mayor; McKeon, Mayor Pro Tern -Prohibition of the Sale and Distribution of
Kratom
Council Woman Van Der Mark introduced this item by noting other cities and the Orange County Board
of Supervisors have initiated regulations on kratom. She noted that some communities are focusing on
the synthetic or chemically altered version which causes hallucinations and injuries . She asked that the
different forms of kratom be analyzed and described during this process, rather than lumping all forms
together.
Councilman Gruel noted several good points addressed by the public speaker earlier in this meeting who
spoke about the harm reduction properties of natural kratom leaves versus the synthetic products which
cause damaging results . He added the importance of proper guardrails or regulations to prevent the use
of the harmful illicit products .
Mayor Burns noted action is needed especially to protect children from the synthetic products .
Councilman Kennedy shared his support for providing regulations to protect everyone
A motion was made by Van Der Mark, second Burns to direct the City Manager to work with the City
Attorney and HBPD to prepare an ordinance prohibiting and/or restricting the sale or distribution of
kratom in the City of Huntington Beach.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Twining , Kennedy, McKeon, Burns , Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 8 of 9
20. 25-604 Approved Item Submitted by Kennedy, Councilman; Burns, Mayor; Williams,
Councilman -Transparency for Taxpayers -Public Contracts
Councilman Kennedy introduced this item describing it as an effort to manage inefficiencies and enhance
efficiencies . He noted the importance of reporting back to residents in an open forum to document the
oversight, quality control, metrics and expectations of projects paid for with taxpayer funds.
Councilman Williams noted this is like military end-of-project or after-actions reports to review what went
right, what went wrong and provide opportunities to improve.
Mayor Pro Tern McKeon stated his support for implementing best private sector practices and an
opportunity to better control project expenses.
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns to direct staff to evaluate and develop a Contract
Completion Reporting Policy, and report back to the City Council with the policy, and twice a year
thereafter with contract reports . The Contract Completion Reporting Policy should consider all contracts
$500,000 or more and include project description , total cost, final budget summary (on/below/over
budget), project schedule completion summary, and any other applicable information.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
21. 25-606
Twining , Kennedy, McKeon , Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
None
Accepted Item Submitted by Kennedy, Councilman and Burns, Mayor -Request to
Present additional vendor selection information related to the July 1 , 2025, City
Council Approval of agenda Item #13 (25-396) Professional Services Contracts for
On-Call General Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services
Councilman Kennedy stated this Item is for informational purposes only, and added he feels that there
needs to be more details, for the benefit of the residents , when approving contracts so everyone can
better understand what is being approved and how the recommended vendors were determined.
Referring to the Public Works Professional Services contracts approved at the last meeting, he reviewed
detailed and helpful reports which are produced during the decision-making process , and asked that they
be included as attachments for future contract Agenda items. He thanked Public Works Director Chau
Vu for providing the detailed reports .
Mayor Burns noted that Councilmembers spend a considerable amount of time researc hing and
reviewing agenda items before the City Council meetings so they can make educated decisions.
Councilman Kennedy reviewed the Recommended Action :
• A detailed explanation of the selection process used to award the contracts
• The total number of vendors that submitted proposals and how many were ultimately seleded
• A breakdown of the contract types and associated engineering or professional service disciplines
• A discussion of the anticipated projects and needs these contracts are intended to support
Councilman Kennedy confirmed with City Attorney Michael Vigliotta that no vote was required to
implement the Recommended Action for future contracts .
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS -None
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 9 of 9
The Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority regular meeting of August 5, 2025,
was cancelled due to a lack of quorum.
ADJOURNMENT -at 7:29 PM a motion was made by Burns, with a second by Twining , to adjourn to
the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 , 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
. ATTEST:~
~ YNr
ciiy Terk-Secr"le
City Cl and ex-officio Cler of the City Council
of the City of Huntington Beach and Secretary of
the Public Financing Authority of the City of
Huntington Beach, California
~ Mayor-Chair