Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
4:30 PM — Council Chambers
6:00 PM — Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
A video recording of the 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM portions of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, and archived at https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
4:30 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALLED TO ORDER — 4:30 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
Absent: None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION (Received After Agenda Distribution) — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION (3-Minute Time Limit) — None.
Mayor Burns read titles for Closed Session Item #1 25-525 with Real Property Negotiators for 201 Pacific Coast Highway, with Jack and Richard Clapp DBA Dwight's Beach Concession (not present) regarding price and terms of payment; Item #2 25-526 regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators and Employee Organization: Marine Safety Management Association (MSMA); and Item #3 25-527 regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators and Employee Organization: Surf City Lifeguard Employees' Association (SCLEA).
A motion was made by Twining, with a second by Van Der Mark, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION — 4:32 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. 25-525 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 201 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Agency negotiator: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community and Library Services; Chris Cole, Community and Library Services Manager; William Krill, Real Estate Project Manager. Negotiating parties: Jack and Richard Clapp DBA Dwight’s Beach Concession (Not Present). Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
2. 25-526 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: Marine Safety Management Association (MSMA).
3. 25-527 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).
4. 25-528 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.
5. 25-532 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Southwest Voter Registration Education Project/Victor Valladares v. City of Huntington Beach; 30-2024-01397379-CU-CR- NJC.
6:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING — 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams
Absent: None
INVOCATION
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.
6. 25-523 Huntington Beach Police Chaplain James Pike
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Led by Mayor Burns
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY — None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Councilman Kennedy noted the awesome report from the Finance Commission; added that July 1, 2025, is the retirement date for City Treasurer Alicia Backstrom; commended the excellent financial summary report she provided; and reminded everyone that dogs are only allowed on the beach from Goldenwest Street north to Seapoint Avenue.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and Council Woman Van Der Mark invited everyone to participate in the many activities taking place over the three-day July 4th holiday celebration at the Pier and Downtown Main Street area, including the largest Independence Day Parade west of the Mississippi.
Councilman Williams noted that fishing is going on at night at Huntington Flats.
Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and Councilman Kennedy thanked those responsible for the newly refurbished Council Chambers.
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: Consent Calendar Items #10 (1 email communication), #11 (1 email communication), #13 (1 staff revised PowerPoint communication); and Council Member Item #14 (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS (1-Minute Time Limit due to number of speakers) — 25 Speakers The number [hh:mm:ss] following the speakers' comments indicates their approximate starting time in the archived video located at https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
Amory Hanson commented on Council Member Item #14 regarding potential co-location of the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum at the Main Street Library. (00:13:48)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Council Member Item #14 regarding potential co-location of the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum at the Main Street Library and lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:14:27)
Unnamed Speaker commented on a recent article by Councilman Twining in the Daily Pilot and lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:15:35)
Unnamed Speaker commented on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. (00:16:50)
Wendy Rincon commented on the actions of Mayor Burns and what she described as his disregard for legal norms and public trust at the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting. (00:18:03)
Tim Geddes commented on a recent article by Councilman Twining in the Daily Pilot and lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:19:19)
Unnamed Speaker commented on lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:20:23)
Unnamed Speaker commented on his personal experience in dealing with parking tickets in Huntington Beach. (00:21:17)
Unnamed Speaker commented on what he defined as the experiment of human self-governing and commended Councilmember leadership. (00:22:20)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Consent Calendar Item #10 regarding adoption of Resolution No. 2025-49 reciting the facts of the Special Municipal Election of June 10, 2025, declaring the results; costs of implementing Voter ID; and lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:23:25) Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
Unnamed Speaker commented on lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:24:35)
Bethany Webb commented on lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:25:45)
Unnamed Speaker commented on dividing Huntington Beach into four Council districts, plus three at- large Councilmembers, to more fairly represent all constituents. (00:26:57)
Unnamed Speaker commented on lack of accountability by Mayor Burns. (00:27:44)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the lack of a full budget report and recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. (00:28:58)
Chris Rini commented on Council Member Items #14 regarding potential co-location of the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum at the Main Street Library. (00:30:33)
Unnamed Speaker commented on a recent article by Councilman Twining in the Daily Pilot and lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:31:41)
Unnamed Speaker commented on a recent article by Councilman Twining in the Daily Pilot and lack of accountability for Councilmembers. (00:32:50)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the need for children and adults to avail themselves of water safety training for the prevention of drownings. (00:34:03)
Unnamed Speaker commented on lack of courtesy and respect from Councilmembers; success of the Special Municipal Election of June 10, 2025; and budget issues. (00:35:27)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the lack of civility and decorum by public speakers and Councilmembers, and lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:36:17)
Perry Clitheroe commented on lack of accountability by Mayor Burns. (00:37:17)
Michelle Morgan commented on the 2024 General Election and referenced a resolution she is presenting to Orange County cities. Mayor Burns asked her to complete a blue card for follow-up. (00:38:33)
Kanan Durham commented on lack of accountability by Councilmembers. (00:39:57)
Pat Goodman commented on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. (00:40:42)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilman Gruel announced his appointment of Erik Chrestensen to the Planning Commission and Ben Goldberg to the CIAB/Public Works Commission.
AB 1234 REPORTING
Mayor Pro Tem McKeon reported attending the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference (ICSC) and Councilman Twining reported attending an Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) meeting.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES — None
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
7. 25-534 Huntington Beach Fire and Police Departments Provided Fireworks and Public Safety Information for the Upcoming Independence Day Holiday
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Fire Deputy Chief Darrin Witt and Police Lt. Thoby Archer who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Fireworks Safety & Enforcement, with slides entitled:
Firework Booths, Safe and Sane Only, Prohibited Areas, Firework Safety Tips, Proper Disposal, Enforcement, Safe & Sane, Illegal Fireworks, Letter Summary, Proactive Illegal Firework Suppression, Firework Turn-In, and Questions?
Mayor Pro Tem McKeon noted the importance of this presentation to inform the residents how proactive staff is regarding illegal fireworks and added this is not an issue for just Huntington Beach. He reiterated the instructions to use MyHB app to report illegal fireworks or call the HBPD Firework Hotline rather than tying up the 911 emergency line.
8. 25-535 Downtown Huntington Beach Improvement Update
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Denny Bacon, Public Works Operations Manager, who provided a PowerPoint communication titled Downtown Landscaping Rehabilitation with slides entitled: Replant Brick Circular Planters and Additional Work; descriptive pictures (7), and Questions?
Manager Bacon thanked Luanne Shoup and the Main Street Garden Club volunteers for their vision and planter plantings.
There was further discussion by Manager Bacon, Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and Council Woman Van Der Mark regarding details and initial results from these improvements.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 9 - 13)
Councilman Kennedy pulled Item #13 for further discussion.
City Clerk
9. 25-519 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 June 17, 2025.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
10. 25-524 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-49 Reciting the Facts of the Special Municipal Election of June 10, 2025, and Declaring Results
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark to adopt Resolution No. 2025-49, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Reciting the Facts of the Special Municipal Election held on June 10, 2025, Declaring the Results and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law", including Exhibit "A," Certificate of Registrar of Voters to Result of the Canvass of the 2025 Special Election Returns.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
Community Development
11. 25-460 Approved and authorized the execution of an Agreement of Consent to License between the City of Huntington Beach, Los Angeles SMSA (Verizon), and Southern California Edison for an existing cell site at Talbert Park
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark to approve the Agreement of Consent to Site License between the City of Huntington Beach, Verizon, and SCE; and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
Finance
12. 25-518 Approved and authorized a three–year Professional Services Contract with Davis Farr LLP in the amount of $224,820 to perform financial audit services
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Davis Farr LLP for Financial Audit Services."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
Public Works
13. 25-396 Approved and authorized execution of Professional Services Contracts for On-Call General Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services with Anchor QEA, Inc.; Ardurra Group, Inc.; AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc.; Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.; Cannon Corporation; CWE; EEC Environmental; GHD Inc.; H W Lochner; Harris & Associates, Inc.; HDR Engineering, Inc.; HR Green Pacific, Inc.; Huitt-Zollars, Inc.; Kabbara Engineering; Kreuzer Consulting Group; Michael Baker International, Inc.; Michael K. Nunley and Associates, Inc.; Moffatt & Nichol; Onward Engineering; Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc.; Proactive Engineering Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
Consultants, Inc.; Psomas; Glenn A. Rick Engineering Company; SA Associates; Stantec Consulting Services Inc.; TAIT & Associates, Inc.; and Tetra Tech
Tom Herbel, Deputy Public Works Director provided a PowerPoint communication titled Professional Services Contracts for On-Call General Civil Engineering & Professional Consulting Services, with slides entitled: Background/Need, Why/Benefits (2), Procurement Process & Evaluation, Recommendation, Proposal Example, Invoice Example, and Questions?
Councilman Kennedy confirmed with Director Herbel this item will be followed by additional professional services contracts in the future for other disciplines from other departments, and multiple agencies were considered for each category; asked how many of these agencies were also awarded contracts five years ago (Director Herbel will get back to him); track record of vendor’s Project Manager performance resulted in two companies not being used again over the past five years; and a review of actual fees paid out to consultants.
Director Herbel, City Manager Hopkins, Councilmen Kennedy and Twining discussed the difference between total authorized amount for services and budgeted amounts. Councilman Kennedy reiterated his point that it makes more sense to tie award amounts to actual budget numbers rather than what looks like random caps. Mayor Pro Tem McKeon stated the Finance Department needs quantitative numbers for accounting purposes and accurate reporting. Councilman Gruel, Director Herbel, and City Attorney Vigliotta further discussed why Huntington Beach believes cap numbers are important to the process, considering some municipalities do not use caps.
A motion was made by Kennedy, second Van Der Mark to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Anchor QEA, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Ardurra Group, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Bowman Consulting Group Ltd for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Cannon Corporation for On- Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and CWE for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and EEC Environmental for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and GHD, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and H. W.
Lochner for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Harris & Associates, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and HDR Engineering, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and HR Green Pacific, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Huitt-Zollars, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Kabbara Engineering for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Kreuzer Consulting Group for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Michael Baker International, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Michael K. Nunley & Associates, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Moffatt & Nichol for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Onward Engineering for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Proactive Engineering Consultants, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Psomas for On- Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Glenn A. Rick Engineering Company for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and SA Associates for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and TAIT & Associates, Inc. for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services"; and approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $2,000,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Tetra Tech for On-Call Civil Engineering and Professional Consulting Services".
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
14. 25-492 Approved Item Submitted by Mayor Pro Tem McKeon, Mayor Burns, and Council Woman Van Der Mark — Potential Co-Location of the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum at the Main Street Library
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 1, 2025
Mayor Burns read the issue statement to introduce this item.
Council Woman Van Der Mark thanked "PT" Townsend and the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum (HBISM) Board for their time and input, and noted growth is a good problem to have.
Mayor Pro Tem McKeon stated the International Surf Museum could be expected to benefit from relocating to a high—profile location and this move could also benefit the Art Center/Main Street Library section of Main Street.
Councilman Kennedy stated his excitement in the potential opportunity to revitalize the International Surf Museum and Main Street Library through increased pedestrian traffic.
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark to direct staff to evaluate the feasibility of co- locating the HBISM within the underutilized space at the Main Street Library. This review should include an assessment of available space, operational compatibility, potential benefits and impacts, entitlement requirements (such as a Conditional Use Permit), and coordination with the HBISM and Visit Huntington Beach regarding relocation and funding roles. Staff shall return to City Council within 90 days with findings and next steps.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS — None
ADJOURNMENT — at 7:32 PM a motion was made by Burns, with a second by Van Der Mark, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California.
INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA AND
STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
_______________________________________
City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council
of the City of Huntington Beach and Secretary of
the Public Financing Authority of the City of
Huntington Beach, California
ATTEST:
______________________________________
City Clerk-Secretary
______________________________________
Mayor-Chair