MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
10:30 AM
2000 Main Street, 4th Floor, CR2
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Mayor Pat Burns called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pat Burns
Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon
Council Woman Gracey Van Der Mark
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
Jennifer Carey, Deputy City Manager
Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development
Steve Holtz Deputy Director of Community Development
Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manger
Chris Cole, Community & Library Services Manager
Chris Kennedy, Economic Development Project Manager
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Van Der Mark to approve the Minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting of April 24, 2024 , as submitted. Second by McKeon. Carried by unanimous vote (3-0).
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Presentations were provided on the following topics and open discussion was conducted with the Committee Members in response to individual questions and requests for additional information.
Tourism Enhancement Programs (TEP) FY 2024/2025 Update
Minutes – Special Meeting 02.26.25
Economic Development Committee
Page Two
Kelly Miller and Nicole Llido of Visit Huntington Beach (VHB) provided an update to the Economic Development Committee on the Tourism E nhancement Program (TEP) for 2024/2025. The projects include wayfinding improvements, walkability and connectivity enhancements, temporary beach restrooms, a nighttime ambassador program, accessibility initiatives, bike valet services, beach event infrastructure, and improvements to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum (HBISM).
Council members were pleased with the progress of these initiatives but expressed interest in repurposing funds allocated for design and development of a new Pier Sign to cosmetic improvements on Main Street. Specific recommendations included installing digital signage on Walnut to encourage foot traffic to 5 th Street, replacing the large kiosk
sign near the Visitor Center with a touchscreen display, enhancing overall aesthetic s of Main Street, including the Main Promenade parking structure. The discussion focused on ensuring these enhancements contribute to a better visitor experience while aligning with the City’s broader economic goals and requirements of the Tourism Business Improvement District.
License Assignment Request – Central Library Coffee Cart
Mr. Cole, Community & Library Services Manager, shared that One Fine Blend, the coffee cart located at the Central Library, has requested City approval of an assignment of their license to Café Andamiro because they need to leave the country . The new entity is interested in purchasing the business and making improvements but is seeking an amendment to extend the license term to ten years since only approximately 15 months remain. The Committee recommended conducting further research and gathering more information before providing direction on the assignment and amendment request.
21 Main Street (Huntington’s) Update
Mrs. Casanova, Economic Development Manager, provided an update on a pier concession located at 21 Main Street, also known as "Huntington’s." She shared an upcoming consent item will be brought to City Council related to necessary agreements and approvals required by the State Lands Commission and the Coastal Commission.
Additionally, a status update on the project was provided which highlighted delays due to construction and engineering requirements related to building on the pier. Despite the delays, Huntington’s has summer plans to activate the space by opening a bait shack at 22 Main Street and a hot dog cart. Ownership aims to demolish 21 Main Street in May and begin new construction in June, with completion expected by the end of the year for both buildings.
MEMBER COMMENTS
None
Minutes – Special Meeting 02.26.25
Economic Development Committee
Page Two
ADJOURNMENT
Burns adjourned the meeting at 11:25 A M. to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in Room B -8, Huntington Beach City Hall, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.