City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Pat Burns, Mayor
Casey McKeon, Mayor Pro Tem
Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark, Council Woman
Date: April 15, 2025
Subject: Develop Ad Hoc Committee to Evaluate Collaboration Between City and Support Groups/Organizations
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
Over the last few years, w e have become increasingly aware that certain “nonprofits” and other organizations and individuals have been operating in the City, to help provide valuable services to the City and its residents at little or no cost. These groups such as the Friends of the Library, Central Park Collaborative, Shipl ey Nature Center, American Legion, an d the Tree Societ y, to name a few, often operat e in a “quasi agency” relationshi p with the City, meaning the group or individual operates with government and private characteristics, performing public functions but not fully controlled by the City. While the City Council and staff appreciate these free (or low cost) services that are provided, in many cases there is no written agreement between the City and the group or individual. In part, not having an agreement can increase liability and lead to unintended cost and consequences where liability cannot be managed.
We propose an ad hoc committee consisting of three Council Members to work with staff and the City Attorney to identify all the groups/individuals that are acting on behalf of or in conjunction with the City, then define the roles and responsibilities to create better lines of communication and coordination to maximize efficiency of city resources and determine whether a formal agreement is needed. The committee will return to the City Council within six months with recommendations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Develop an ad hoc committee of three Council Members to work with staff and the City Attorney to identify all the groups/individuals acting on behalf of or in conjunction with the City, then define the roles and responsibilities to create better lines of communication and coordination to maximize efficiency of city resources and determine whether a formal agreement is needed. The committee will return to the City Council within six months with recommendations.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable - Administrative Item