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: FEBRUARY 15, 2022
SUBJECT: UPDATING BOLSA CHICA ANNEXATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
Annexation of the Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve has been previously contemplated by the city of Huntington Beach via a feasibility study prepared in 2009 , updated in 2013 and last discussed in 2015. The study determined that the annexation was generally fiscally neutral, but there were outstanding questions on the part of the City Council and no direction was given to pursue the annexation. With the incorporation of Sunset Beach and Brightwater, the annexation of the unincorporated Bolsa Chica area would essentially complete the city's corporate boundary.
More importantly, the wetlands and uplands are ecological and tourist resources that would complement the diverse portfolio of amenities that help to make Huntington Beach a destination location. It is expected that some items in the 2009/2013 study would need to be updated.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to direct staff to undertake an update of the Bolsa Chica Annexation Feasibility Study and return to Council with a Study Session upon completion of that update, at which time the Council can discuss the merit of annexation.