Moore, Tania
From: Cathey Ryder <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2023 9:37 AM
To: ajy COUNCIL
Subject: Remote access to city meetings
Good morning,
I sincerely hope that the members of the city council will reinstate remote access for public comments. in September/ when I had my total knee replacement surgery and subsequent recovery, I counted on the fact that if there was was agenda item important to me, I could not only email the city council/ but I could call in to make public comments, I learned first hand how important that access was to anyone with a disability that would prevent them from in person comments.
I recognize that initially the use of technology was a response to a world wide pandemic. Like many I had to learn how to use it. I am glad that I did. Since this type of technology allows for more of the public to engage with the city council/ why effectively silence the public now?
I understand the desire to "shorten" the city council meetings, but shouldn't hearing from your constituents override that desire?
Cl Ryder
Sent from myiPhone
S-.'PPl.ei^ENTAL
COMMUNICATION
^tinon^fl; ^-,7-,
/
^<?A (^3- //9 )Agenda Item Mo.;
Moore, Tania
From: Alice Marie De Lean <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2023 10:08 AM
To: ar^ COUNCIL
Subject: Remote access
Good morning,
I am requesting that you reinstate remote access to the city council meetings I suffer from Meniere's disease and at night my balance is quite often impaired as is my night vision.
While I realize this technology was used in response to the COVID pandemic, it is now a way of life for me. I'm able to do ESL tutoring, attend many different meetings and even see family and friends who live far away
Why silence many people who want +o share in our local government? I would think you'd want to hear from ALL of your cons+i+uen+s.
Please consider those of us who cannot drive at night.
Alice Marie De Leon
al icemaried 2 (a), email, corn
714273-7113
Mwtinoino Dflte: <?/?^^3Tfa—^
Agenaa item NO. ^ (33 - //?)
Moore. Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:22 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Feb 7 Agenda Item #32 23-119-Oppose
From: Steve Barnes <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2023 5:05 PM
To: CIT^ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Feb 7 Agenda Item #32 23-119-Oppose
I oppose the reinstatement of remote public participation as suggested in this item. The health initiatives that resulted in this method of participation are no longer in place, hence this public access is no longer needed. Free physical access is granted at these meetings.
Best Regards,
Steve Qarnes
SUPPLEMENTAL
30MMUNICATION
^1^/^093
AaftndaltBmNfl.:^3?^3 -
Moore. Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:27 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: agenda items
From: Lynne Deakers <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2023 8:20 PM
To: C\J\ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: agenda items
I am writing as a concerned resident ofHuntington Beach. I would like to voice my opinion on several agenda items to be voted on at the Feb 7th meeting.
Item 11:1 urge a NO vote on this item. Many people in Huntington Beach cannot afford to make such a sizable contribution to the candidate of their choice. What kind of influence would these sizable contributions be purchasing?
Item 12; I urge a NO vote on this item. This will harm our community. There are reportable items like code violations in restaurants which will be observed by staff but never reported for fear of retribution. This would likely result in litigation, including lawsuits from the ACLU.
Item 30:1 urge a NO vote. This is an unnecessary restriction. For example, the rainbow flag is a symbol of inclusion that indicates "are all welcome in our city".
Item 32:1 am FOR resuming the practice of making city council meetings (and city boards/commissions/committees) accessible remotely via Zoom. It has helped increase civic participation for those who cannot physically attend.
Thank you for your consideration of my concerns reagrding these items.
Lynne Deakers
Huntington Beach
Meeting Data: ^~?- ff0^
Agenda Item No.: ^-^(^ ^ - 1)^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:26 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Comments for 2/7 meeting
From: imthewizardofroz <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, Februarys, 2023 6:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Comments for 2/7 meeting
Please register my comments into the record regarding the following agenda items:
Item 11: Final vote to drastically increase campaign contribution limits, from $620 per individual to $5500 per individual. (AGAINST)
Item 12: Final vote to ban anonymous code enforcement reports. (AGAINST) Item 30: New flag ordinance to ban commemorative flags to be flown on city flag poles. (AGAINST) Item 32: This item would resume the recently discontinued practice of making council meetings (and city boards/commissions/committees) accessible remotely via Zoom. (FOR) Rosalyn Esposito
18842 Florida Street
#21
HB 92648
All the Best!
Roz Esposito
(she/her)
323-839-7903
"She who can see the invisible can do the impossible. Frank Gaines Roz Esposito
Singer, Playwright, Composer, Lyricist
www.RozEsDosito.com
Rev Dr. Roz Esposito, Intuitive Life Coach, New Thought Minister, Licensed Spiritual Counselor www.YourSoulCode.com Author
Laughing Your Way To Loving Yourself
Sent from my Sprmt Samsung Galaxy Note8.
Meeting Oate:_^g^
Agenda torn ""..• ^^ (^ll^\
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 6:54 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Public Comment
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2023 8:34 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment
Dear Mayor/ Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers/
I just read in today's (Saturday, February 4) OC Register that some Orange County cities are discontinuing call-in public comments as the COVID emergency declaration is expiring. I was very proud to read that our city was not one of those.
Lots of new methods of doing business and functioning in daily life were introduced as a way to navigate through life in a public health emergency. Just because call-in public comments began as a response to COVID doesn't mean it should end when the emergency is declared to have ended. Technology evolves and I think we have learned how to incorporate new tools into our lives. Making participation in our city's business more accessible is a good thing and that should remain as a permanent feature.
People with disabilities/ unexpected illness, childcare issues/ job-related delays and many other of life's complications have been excluded from participation in city meetings in the past. Although email is an option/ those emails are not read outloud for all to hear and therefore is not equal to a spoken comment.
Once again/1 appreciate that our city is continuing to do it's best to include participation from everyone.
Thank you,
Libby Frolichman
/2y^^^
rr
Agenda torn No.: ^.^L.^3-//^
Moore. Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 6:55 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Remote access to city meetings
—-Original Message—"
From: Linda Law <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 4/ 2023 9:19 AM
To: C\Vf COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Remote access to city meetings
Dear City Council members/
I'm writing to request that the city council reinstate remote access for public comments.
People with disabilities have difficulty participating in in-person meetings. The ability to call in their public comments and to email the council are crucial for their participation. Thank you for attention.
Linda Law
^/?^£?5^
AaeixhitiunNn.: ^ ,93 - ,1^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 7:07 PM
To: Agen'da Alerts
Subject: FW: Feb 7 Meeting Agenda Items
—-Original Message-—
From: James Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2023 4:3.1 PM
To; CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Feb 7 Meeting Agenda Items
Dear City Council Members:
As a 45-year resident of HB,! have comments on several of the agenda items on the February 7 agenda:
Item 11 — I don't support the idea of allowing more money in politics, particularly from out of the City. This increase will allow special interests to have even more influence on our City affairs. A broader contribution base of relatively small donors would be much more representative of our community. Please do not approve this increase.
Item 12 — Requiring in-person complaints will discourage people who have the most visibility into code violations from pointing them out. For example, restaurant workers who observe dangerous health code violations may be hesitant to report them for fear of losing their jobs. Also/ neighbors who observe violation of building codes may not report them for fear of retribution. This proposal sounds like a very bad idea.
Item 30 — I support this one. We should not be flying special interest flags, which we may not all agree with, on city flag poles. POW/MIA flags should be OK and non-controversial, but all others should not be allowed.
Item 31 — Although I do not support the State housing regulations being challenged, spending more City money to challenge them seems like a waste of taxpayer money and staff time. The current City Attorney has not had a record of success with these challenges/ and there is no reason to believe the same City Attorney will do any better in the future.
We should accept the fact that these regulations exist, and try to find a way to comply with them in an absolutely minimal way. Money could be more productively spent by exploring how we could best comply with the letter (if not the spirit) of the rules.
Item 32 — Given that the COVID threat is much reduced (especially for people who get the available boosters)/1 see no reason to reverse the Mayor's decree.
James JTaylor
16851 Phelps Lane
Huntington Beach
^,7 ho9^
^W (^3- i^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 7:46 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Vote YES on Councilmember item #32 at the 2-7-23 council meeting.
From: Dan Jamieson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 5/ 2023 1:07 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote YES on Councilmember item #32 at the 2-7-23 council meeting.
Dear City Council:
Please vote YES on Councilmember item #32 at the 2-7-23 council meeting.
The item would reinstate remote participation in council meetings.
It is unclear why remote participation was ended. Our understanding is that this move was done by the mayor without an agendized item or discussion.
Many people have a difficult time attending lengthy council meetings, and staying late into the night to speak in person on relevant items. Remote participation allows more residents and others to give input to local government, giving elected leaders valuable feedback by actually seeing and hearing residents directly, in addition to written comments.
Please vote YES on Councilmember item #32.
Sincerely,
Dan Jamieson
Roxanne McMillen
Huntington Beach
SUPPLEMENTAL
MflethiflDste: ^f^pW^
Agenda Item No... ^'^3',^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 7:47 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City counci! meeting February 7
-—Original Message"—
From: Barbara Shapiro <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 5:54 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: City council meeting February 7
I have concerns about several of the item agendas for this Tuesday Agenda item number 32
Refusing public comments via Zoom .
Zoom or phone is the only way many citizens can attend a city Council meeting. To not allow this will stifle the voices of many citizens including nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers, firefighters police officers and other public servants due to evening work hours . Other citizens are unable to attend due to health concerns since masking is no longer required in the city Council meetings. Those who are especially vulnerable to the Covid infection such as the elderly, immunocompromised, transplant recipients or those on chemotherapy are putting their lives at risk to attend a meeting . As you should be aware, more than 4000 Americans are still dying every week of Covid similar to a 911 loss every week . Vaccines are not as protective especially to the immunocompromised. With the new variants you may or may not be aware that monoclonal antibodies no longer work. Your Job as elected servants is to welcome voices of all citizens, not stifle them you are elected as a representative not as a gatekeeper to public opinion.
Agenda item 12 anonymous complaints for code violations Free speech is protected by the first amendment. We want citizens to be able to report particularly health and safety issues without fear of repercussion from their employer .1 see this as a free speech issue and will likely result in the city of Huntington Beach getting involved in a very expensive legal fight as this is unconstitutional.
Agenda item 11 changing campaign contributions from $620 to $11,000 would allow individuals and potentially corporate donors from out of the area to contribute large amounts of money to manipulate our local issues. Illegal campaign contributions are very likely. Local politics should remain local.
Dr Joseph and Barbara Shapiro
4231 Silliman drive
Huntington Beach
Sent from my iPad
Agenda Item ^.•^9_[2^_119
Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 10:10 AM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL
Subject: Public Comment CC 2/7/23
Huntington Beach City Council,
The following are comments to agenda items for the City Council Meeting on 2/7/23 Agenda Item 30 (23-109) - The Pat Burns' Flags on Display agenda item, if passed, is an alert to all, that the LGBTQ+ people and their supports are not welcomed in Huntington Beach. This banning of the Rainbow flag on city property is wrong in so many ways but for now I'll just address the anti-business signal this represents. I though this City Council was pro small business? The LGBTQ+segment of the population and their supporters has money, and love to spend it going out, fixing up their Huntington Beach homes, etc. Removing the Pride flag sends the wrong message. The press is already jumping on this negative act of exclusion and not inclusion. The City of Huntington Beach needs to show it welcomes all. Tourism is a big part of the Huntington Beach economy. Flying the Pride Flag encourages all to come and enjoy Huntington tremendously more that any negativity by fly the Pride flag. Support small business. "NO" ON THIS AGENDA ITEM!
Agenda Item 32 (23-119) - Reinstate Remote Citizen Participation at Public Meetings -1 am in favor to reinstate the Remote Citizen participating at Public Meetings. "YES" on this agenda item. There are Huntington Beach residents that are not able to attend City Council meeting for various reasons. No able physically or have a medical condition that do not allow them to attend large gathering as well many others. We as a City should allow these citizen the same right to vocalize their thoughts as those that can attend. This capability should be available to ali citizens.
Sincerely,
Chris Varga
508 18th St
HB, CA 92648
Mee8n9 Data: ^Z/-7/^^2
/ /
Agenda Item No.: ^^/$W/^J
Moore. Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 2:05 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Ending Zoom access
—-Original Message-—
From: Kaci Christian <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday/ February 6, 2023 1:53 PM
To: CIT/ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Ending Zoom access
Why did the City Council vote to end Zoom access?
!/m disabled and it was very helpful to be able to observe or participate virtually.
Please restore the use of Zoom to allow equal access for all.
Thank you,
Kaci Christian
Huntington Beach resident since 1999
^1^-1^\
Agenda ?»m Mo.: #.^ (^^-U^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:53 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Discontinuation of Zoom
From: kate healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 6:57 PM
To: CIT^ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected] _ MW^ Date:^^^^^^
Subject: Discontinuation of Zoom ~ y—r
To the City Council Members of Huntington Beach, Agemia Nam No.^^^j^gi.
Last week I had an email exchange between myself, Mr. McKeon and Mr. Bums and Ms. Van Der Mark who were CC'd by Mr. McKeon. The email was in regard to the City Council voting to discontinue the use of Zoom, now that the Covid 1 9 protocols were over.
I had initially expressed my concerns that discontinuing Zooming meetings would silence the voice of Huntington Beach community members. Mr. McKeon responded by disregarding my concern. Instead of taking the time to address my concerns about no longer providing real time access and response that Zooming allows, he just told me where one could continue to passively watch a City Meeting. I asked again for clarification, and again, he did not answer as to how a community member could in real time participate from home... and instead gave the answer: where to watch it passively and how a community member could participate in person.
And right there is my concern. Mr. McKeon explained that the only way a person could engage *live* at a City Meeting was to be there in person. When City Meetings are done via Zoom, the meetings are accessible to those who would not be able to participate otherwise *live*. With Zoom, community members could watch from home and if they wanted to speak on a topic, or respond to something that was Just said, they could fill out the appropriate forms, just as those present can and wait in a queue and have 2-3 mins of time to speak.
Mr. McKeon's explanation that people could submit a written statement by 2 pm (like this one) and the City Council would have the opportunity to read it ( or not... I wonder who of the City Council has read all the emails they received before tonight's meeting? And... who of the City Council has chosen not to read all the emails and instead choose to ignore what their constituents have to say? No one can monitor what is actually read by Council- I will take this moment to thank Mr. McKeon for reading and responding to my email, I appreciate his responding). However, by submitting this email, the City Council is not hearing what I have to say, nor is anyone hearing what I have to say who is watching from home, nor is anyone in the Council Chambers hearing what I have to say... however, if the meeting were Zoomed... I could be heard, in real time, by Council and by the Chambers and by all those watching. Emailing by 2 pm to have one's email placed in a binder for Council to read or not, is VERY different from hearing the voice of their constituents.
With Zoom, all persons were allowed to be heard by the City Council in real time. By ceasing to allow 1 for Zoom, you are denying the right for all to be heard by the City Council.
I wish to make it clear, by removing Zoom, you have essentially SILENCED the disabled veteran who has limited mobility. By removing Zoom, you have SILENCED the father who is watching on his phone while he watches his child's Little League practice. By removing Zoom, you have SILENCED the retired woman who doesn't drive at night due to her poor vision. By removing Zoom, you have SILENCED the mom who can't get a sitter so that she can go to City Hail for a meeting. You have essentially returned to a method of limited civic engagement... and I don't understand why. The cost of Zooming is negligible when one considers the accessibility it allots.
The bylaws of the City of Huntington Beach state:
Section 303, part D: "Open Meetings. All regular and special meetings of the City Council shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend such meetings, except that the provisions of this section shall not apply to executive sessions. Subject to the rules governing the conduct of City Council meetings, no person shall be denied the right to be heard by the City Council".
"Public Input. Each regular meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on items that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. The Mayor, subject to appeal as a decision of the chair, may establish time limits for particular issues and individual speakers. Members of the public wishing to speak shall follow public comment instructions provided within the agenda, and will be called to speak at the appropriate time to provide comments within a 3- minute time limit"
Covid 19 enabled cities around the Nation to figure out how to make City Council meetings more accessible to all of the community. Zooming allowed for engagement of community members that couldn't before.
I implore you to reconsider your vote to end Zooming just because Covid 19 Protocols are over... because without meaning to you have taken away the disabled person and otherwise unable to attend in person community members rights to be heard in real time. This isn't a partisan issue, it's an accessibility for all issue.
For those of you who read to the end, thank you for hearing my voice- unfortunately, no one in Chambers or watching will hear what I had to say- because without Zoom... I have been silenced.
Kate Healy
she/her/hers
kale(%jrdb.orH
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:54 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council Agenda Items February 7, 2023 From: Linda Moon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday/ February 6/ 2023 8:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Agenda Items February 7, 2023
Meeting Date:,_^J?.
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council Members: Agenrta ttem Mo.:,,_.,,1^;^?,,/^^ ' I have been a resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach for 48 years and maintained a law office in Huntington Beach for 40 years until my retirement. I have followed the work of the City Council for many years. I have serious concerns about several items on the February 7, 2023 agenda. I urge your careful consideration and measured approach in moving forward with these proposals. Of greatest concern to me are the following:
Item 11, An ordinance raising political campaign contribution limits beyond the inflation standards previously established will result in an unfortunate scenario in which only candidates with wealthy and corporate supporters can possibly be elected. This is a recipe for council corruption and the elimination of diversity on the city's governing body. I urge you to vote NO on enactment of this ordinance.
Item 12, An ordinance prohibiting anonymous reports against businesses and requiring identification and public disclosure of reporters, will be intimidating to the public and have a chilling effect on legitimate reports regarding potentially dangerous Code violations. The public should not be made to fear retaliation or retribution for reporting dangerous conditions or be required to submit to public disclosure of their identity and address. The City Code Enforcement employees can quickly determine whether reports are valid or frivolous. The ordinance language makes an upfront assumption that all reports are wrongful. The opposite should be tme. Code enforcement practices should best serve the residents, employees and customers, not make them targets and endanger the safety of reporters and their families. A member of the public providing information for investigation by a city agency is not the official "accuser" as the term is used in criminal prosecution. The City itself would be the complainant in a Code Enforcement action and would be charged with making its own investigation. The reporting person is not even an official witness, only a reporter. Only if the City itself finds a violation of a Code would any action be taken against a business. The ordinance as written will only have the effect of discouraging legitimate reports. I urge you to vote NO on enactment of this ordinance.
Item 30, A proposal by Councilmember Bums to allow only government and POW/MIA flags to be flown at City buildings is obviously targeted at the Pride flag allowed for a few weeks of the year. The council action allowing the flying of the Pride flag was a small act, intended to show compassion and demonstrate that Huntington Beach is a welcoming safe place for all. The flag was perceived by most residents as a minor unthreatening symbol of acceptance. An ordinance disallowing the Pride flag, however, would have far more 1 significance than the action authorizing the flag, as it sends a clear message of rejection and discrimination. Whatever your feelings about the Pride movement, this ordinance will result in the City being publicly branded as discriminatory and unwelcoming. I urge you to reject this proposed ordinance.
Item 31, Authorizing the City attorney to take all actions necessary to challenge the requirements ofAB9 and SB 10, will most certainly result in umiecessary significant cost to the city. Huntington Beach does not exist in a vacuum. Like it or not, we are part of the State of California and subject to its housing laws. Most of the council members have had little education, to date, regarding how and why housing mandates exist. We have already paid millions of dollars to fines that could have gone to good use in our city for defying housing statutes. Continued defiance will not be productive or in the best interests of the residents of Huntington Beach.
The argument that more housing in Huntington Beach is incorrect and uninformed. We have had an increase in our city's population and there is almost no housing availability for workers needed in the city, or anyone earning less than $100,000 per year. The existing population has also created the need for housing for households it created. The children who grew up in your homes become adults needing their own homes, adding to the number of household dwellings required. You want your children and grandchildren to remain here in Huntington Beach so they will need housing. Allowing for Duplexes, Accessory Dwelling Units and subdivision of residential lots is the least impactful way to increase available housing without drastically changing the character of our neighborhoods. If you do not want to allow high density residential construction, you need to at least accept the minor impacts of the new state legislation. I urge your rejection of this item.
Item 32, Restoring remote public participation in City Council meetings is essential to allow the public the opportunity to address the council, other than in person or in writing. Many residents, including me, are unable to address the council in person, for numerous reasons. In my case, I care for my 99 year old mother and cannot expose myself to any viruses that may be present in the council chamber. Other residents have transportation, employment) disability and child/elder care responsibilities that make in person appearances impossible. You have all championed expansion of the public s right to speak at council meetings. I urge you to support restoration of remote participation.
I hope the City Council will fully deliberate and consider the need for, effects and ramifications of the above proposals, with the focus on serving the best interests of the City and its residents.
Sincerely,
Linda Sapiro Moon
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:54 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Tuesday 2/7/2023 City Council Agenda
-—Original Message"—
From: Thomas Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6/ 2023 8:44 PM SUPPLEMENTAL
To: Cm COUNCIL <[email protected]> COftSMUNlCATiON Subject: Tuesday 2/7/2023 City Council Agenda
Meeti^ Date:,^^/^?^3__
To Huntington Beach City Council/
I would like to express my thoughts on select items on the 2/7/2023 agenda. AaenristtamNo.:, .3^? ( ^?^ A NO vote on Item 11:
This item refers to a final vote to increase the limit of campaign contributions from an individual. The current limit of $620 per individual would be increased to $5500 per individual, which would represent a significant increase. An increase in campaign contribution limits can be seen as unfair to poor citizens because it gives more power and influence to those who have more money. When individuals with financial resources can make larger campaign contributions/they have the potential to shape election outcomes and have their voices heard more loudly than those without similar financial resources. This can lead to a situation where the concerns and interests of the wealthy are prioritized over those of the less fortunate, creating an imbalance of power in the political system. For this reason, an increase in campaign contribution limits can be seen as a threat to the principle of political equality, as it gives more weight to the opinions of the wealthy, and less weight to the opinions of the less fortunate.
A No vote on Item 12:
Banning anonymous code enforcement reports could violate the First Amendment right to free speech and discourage individuals from reporting code violations out of fear of retaliation. The measure also carries a significant risk of litigation, including a lawsuit from the ACLU, which would result in significant legal costs and resources for the organization.
Instead of a ban on anonymous reporting, it may be more effective to consider alternative solutions that preserve the benefits of anonymous reporting, such as implementing robust whistleblower protection policies.
A NO vote on Item 30:
Banning commemorative flags on city flag poles goes against the principles of diversity and inclusivity that our city prides itself on. The Pride flag, which was the reason for the introduction of this ordinance, symbolizes the struggles and victories of the LGBTQ+community and isa symbol of hope and acceptance. By banning it from being flown on city flag poles, we send a message of exclusion and disregard for the rights of marginalized groups.
Instead of suppressing the display of certain flags, we should embrace the rich tapestry of identities and perspectives represented in our city.
A YES vote on Item 32:
Item 32 is a commendable proposal that aims to make council meetings more accessible to a wider range of citizens. The practice of remote access via Zoom, which was discontinued recently, has proven to be beneficial in increasing civic participation during the pandemic. It has provided an opportunity for those who are unable to physically attend public meetings, as well as those with busy schedules, to take part in important discussions and decision-making processes. By resuming this practice, the city council would demonstrate Its commitment to promoting transparency, inclusivity, and participation in the democratic process. Overall, I strongly support Item 32 and believe it will have a positive impact on the community.
Thomas Brown
Huntington Beach Resident for 20+ years
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:55 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting Feb 1, 2023
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 8:58 PM
To: CFY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Meeting Feb 7,2023
Regarding the following agenda items:
Item 11. Campaign contributions per individuals should be kept at the minimum $620. There are already way too many signs and TV ads flooding our streets and airwaves during EVERY election cycle.
Item 12. Banning anonymous reporting of code violations is not recommended. Many citizens may be fearful of being singled out personally for becoming a whistle blower. The council should be informed of any code violations, anonymous or otherwise.
Item. 32. Please reinstate the remote public participation option for council meetings on Zoom. As a senior citizen I believe that it is an excellent tool for getting personally involved in local civic matters. A recent illness has left me immune compromised and I'm sure there are many others with similar maladies.
I am a 48 year resident ofHuntington Beach.
Al Arvizu
Ph: 714-514-1148
Meetinp Oate:,_.j^./-? /r?C)^
Agenda Item MA-J^^ ( ^ • J,/^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:57 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Item #32
--—Original Message-—
From: Kevin Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 7:52 AM
To: C\J\ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Item #32
In order to keep in person comments at 3 minutes, and the meetings moving at pace so that all business is handled, I am in favor of item #32.
It's not like we can't email our
concerns about Dan, Nats and 4vote Bolton turning HB into a Portland or San Francisco hell hole.
Regards- Kevin
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
^7.2/^i
Agenda Item No.:.^^? (^ -ll^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 10:06 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: regarding tonight's agenda
From: Mary Ann Celinder <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2023 9:20 AM
To: C\J\ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: regarding tonight's agenda
Item 11:1 strongly oppose increasing campaign contribution limits. It would make it harder for unconnected candidates to nm against those funded by special interests. The special interests would have more say about how their candidates would vote. It's setting them up for corruption. I also feel the council should be divided into parts of the city so the campaigns aren't city wide and areas could elect people to represent their part of the city.
Item 12: Anonymous reports would lead to fake reports. A person must be identified, though their ID should be confidential.
Item 30: Don't regress the progress we've made in accepting all. All must feel welcomed in our increasingly diverse population and feel comfortable to be themselves.
Item 32; I appreciate the opportunity to view council meetings via zoom. It increases transparency which is . extremely important in city government. It's rare for me to have the chance to go in person. Anyone afraid of being on zoom is trying to hide their agenda. Keep GUI' meeting accessible to all.
Mary Ann Celinder
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntmgton Beach Ca 92646
cell 714 504 8361
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Moore, Tania
From: Fran Varga <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 9:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Fikes, Cathy
Subject: Public Comments - HB City Council Meeting - 07/Feb/2023 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council/
I wish to express my SUPPORT for agenda item #32, Councilwoman Moser's proposal "to reinstate the remote public participation option during meetings of the City Council and all BCC's/ in the spirit of increasing public access/ civic discourse/ and transparency".
Our new City Council members really need to stop trying to go backwards, and start focusing on making the lives of our citizens better.
Thank you and Best Regards/
Fran Varga
508 18th Street
Huntington Beach/ 92648
Email: faioja(a)earth!ink.net
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Moore, Tan ia
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 7:14 AM
To: [email protected]; CiTY COUNCIL
Subject Please continue Zoom Video Feed
Dear Huntington Beach City Council Feb 7, 2023
Please continue to use the Zoom Meeting feature. We all have learned how easy it is to view meetings via Zoom. The HBTV Channel 3 is very hard to use compared to the Zoom platform. Necessity is the mother of invention, and it has been demonstrated how well the Zoom platform works for viewing live city council meetings. Zoom will allow larger crowds to attend the meeting, especially when the City Council Chambers get full.
However, since people can make statements via e-mail, it is possible to voice one's opinion when one cannot attend the meeting in person.
Consider keeping the Zoom platform, but consider ending the option to allow remote residents to speak.
Charles Jackson
22 year resident of Huntington Beach
8UPPL!
GOEWiVIUNICATION
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Moore, Tania
From: Buffie Channel <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 9:16 AM
To: Burns, Pat; CIP(f COUNCIL; [email protected] Subject: Agenda Item 32, meeting on 2/7/23
Please include this letter in official communication regarding agenda item 32 - including the appalling unprofessional reply from Mr. Bums.
Thank you,
Buffie Channel
On Fri, Jan 27, 2023 at 10:41 AM Buffie Channel <hbbuffie(%gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Mr. Bums,
This is a disrespectful response. First of all, you should have addressed me by name and thanked me for my correspondence as your constituent.
This flippant and unprofessional reply is unacceptable. Sir, you are a government official responding to official correspondence.
Secondly, the end result of this decision WILL BE that less people can participate in providing input to their local government officials. Fact.
Thirdly, Just because things were done a certain way before, does not mean that is the best way. "Many agencies, etc are doing the same" shows you are just a bunch of followers - not leaders. A real leader would provide MORE opportunity for the public to participate - not less.
Please be more respectful in your official responses in the future. If I addressed one of my clients in an email response in this manner, I'd be admonished.
Sincerely,
Buffie Channel
34 year resident
On Fri, Jan 27, 2023 at 10:18 AM Bums, Pat <Pat.Bumsf5isurfcity-hb.ore> wrote:
No mal intent intended...it will be like it had been for many years pre-covid. Many agencies, boards, commissions, council...are doing the same. Come on in.-.Pat Burns
From: Buffie Channel <hbbuffie(5>Email.com>
Sent: Thursday/ January 26, 2023 5:24 PM
To: CIP^ COUNCIL <citv.council(a)surfcitv-hb.org>
Subject: Bad Decision New City Council
Meoting nflta-_ _^/S0^3
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Dear NEW City Council members,
This seems like discrimination against disabled, elderly, immunocompromised, and those in the community that fear the crazy rabid violent vocal minority in this city that make threats against people that don't think exactly like them. Bad decision. I hope you realize that you are taking away the opportunity for some to voice their opinions and provide input. I thought you were all for transparency!? Huh. Weird.
Making it harder for the citizens that you made big promises to to be involved with their city council seems antithetical to what you ran on.
It's almost as if you don't want citizens' input by making it HARDER, not EASIER, to participate. Doesn't seem very inviting or transparent to us.
Maybe you don't want people questioning the logic of giving Mr. Gates a gigantic raise - more than the Los Angeles City Attorney makes?
Maybe you don't want the nice folks from the mobile home parks who are mostly elderly to question your campaign donation sources?
Maybe you don t want people to question why you immediately made it easier for corporate big money donors to support your campaigns by raising contribution limits - and making it harder for the little guy to run who just wants to make life better for their city by serving with no corporate overlords? Seems discriminatory and antithetical to promoting an environment of more participation from the citizem'y you claim to want to represent.
We're paying attention.
Sincerely,
Buffie Channel
34 year resident
City of Huntington Beach to Discontinue Use of
Zoom for Public Meetings
Beginning immediately, the City of Huntington Beach will discontinue the use of Zoom for all public meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission. Zoom was provided as a virtual option to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic enabling them to view and verbally participate in City Council and other public meetings. The resumption of the pre-COVID public meeting policy comes as a result of the City Council's decision to end the proclaimed COVID-19 state of emergency at the December 20, 2022 meeting.
At the January 17, 2023 City Council meeting, Mayor Tony Strickland announced the discontinuation of Zoom for public viewing and participation at public meetings.
While Zoom is no longer available, members of the public remain welcome to attend and participate in City Council and other public meetings in person. City Council and Planning Commission meetings remain viewable live and on- demand through the following platforms:
- HBTV Channel 3
- The City's Website
- Cablecast Screenweave Application - Available on Roku and Apple Devices - City of Huntington Beach YouTube. Facebook. and Twitter Individuals wishing to provide a comment on agendized or non-agendized City Council meeting items, including Study Session, Closed Session, and Public Hearing, or Planning Commission meeting items may do so in person by completing a Request to Speak form at the meeting.
Members of the public unable to participate in City Council meetings in-person, but are interested in communicating with the City Council on agenda-related items, are encouraged to submit a written (supplemental) communication via email at SuDDlementalComm(a)surfcitv-hb.ora. or Citv.Council(5)surfcitv- hb. orcj. To submit communication regarding Planning Commission agenda items, please email P!anninflCommission0)surfcitv-hb.ora.
Supplemental Communications are public record, and if received by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting, will be distributed to the City Council or Planning Commission prior to consideration of agenda-related items, posted to the City website, and announced, but not read, at the meeting. Communications received after the 2:00 P.M. deadline will be included in the administrative record.
^eplyForward|
Buffie Channel
Relocation Specialist
Quest Relocation Group
Call/Text: 714-317-3035
Moore, Tania
From: Steven C Shepherd Architect <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 12:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM #32 (23-119) I SUPPORT Reinstating Remote Citizen Participation at Public Meetings
Dear City Council -
I support implementing and utilizing all available means and methods that allow our community to participate and engage with our local government.
I support Agenda Item #32.
Steve Shepherd
Huntington Beach 92646
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