Minutes
Regular Meeting
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
6:00 PM — Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
A video recording of the 6:00 PM portion of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, and archived at https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALLED TO ORDER — 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 endorse any particular religious belief or form of invocation.
1. 25-923 Bria Badahos, Scouts of America, Troop 1134 of Huntington Beach
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. 25-932 Colin Kramer, Scouts of America, Cub Scouts Pack 1 of Huntington Beach
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: Conduct Election of Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem call for motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore, Item #7 (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS (30-Second Time Limit due to the number of speakers) — 72 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.
Brett Bush commented on Councilmembers moving ahead as a team. (00:12:57)
Domnic commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:13:34)
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
Justine Makoff, Free Rein Foundation, Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, announced that last month the Free Rein Foundation was officially accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. (00:14:06)
Isaiah Contois shared his personal experience with a property break-in and frustration with the lack of communication and follow-up on the situation. Mayor Burns asked him to complete a blue card for staff follow-up. (00:14:42)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the ancestorial inhabitants of the land Huntington Beach resides on. (00:15:12)
Joe Pedick commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:15:48)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:16:31)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:17:08)
Steve Parsons, Staff Commodore, Huntington Harbour Yacht Club, shared his appreciation for the service of the Councilmembers. (00:17:45)
Keat Sparks commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:18:10)
Andrew Einhorn commented on past language used by Mayor Burns. (00:18:55)
Keith Jorgenson commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:19:28)
Amory Hanson commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:20:00)
Adriana Fourches commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:20:29)
Joe Velasquez commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:20:57)
Mark Anderson commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:21:34)
Tomoe commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:22:00)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:22:38)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:23:56)
Jesse Walker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:24:34)
Jodi Possenti commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:25:25)
Elaine Keeley, Friends of the Library President, asked for a response to the Friends of the Library $250,000 grant proposal which was requested by Director of Community and Library Services Ashley Wysocki. Mayor Burns asked her to complete a blue card for staff follow-up. (00:26:00)
Unnamed Speaker commented on a Friends of the Library donation of $825,000. (00:26:39)
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:27:15)
Rich Cinco commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:27:41)
Juha Oka commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:28:08)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:28:28)
Jeanne Goodin commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:29:03)
Matt Sill commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:29:39)
Mitchell Sill commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:30:06)
Diana Phillips commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:30:24)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:31:03)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:31:39)
Shana commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:31:54)
Aidy commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:32:09)
Skywalker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:32:35)
Valentina Bankhead commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:33:16)
Jeff Triano commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:34:23)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:34:56)
Roz Price commented on commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:35:24)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:36:01)
Lyn Semeta congratulated Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and thanked Outgoing Mayor Burns for his service. (00:36:36)
Traci White commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:37:18)
Dan Salerno commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:37:53)
Steven Sollitt commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:38:24)
Carol Tracy commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:38:57)
Tim Geddes commented on the service of Mayor Burns. (00:39:17) City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
Brandon Bettis commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:39:45)
Michelle Walker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:40:22)
Jasmine commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:40:45)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:41:22)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:41:56)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:42:33)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:42:48)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:44:21)
Mike Herssell commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:44:51)
Karen Riley commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:45:16)
Ed Graham commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:45:49)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:46:18)
Wayne Golden commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:46:58)
Sam Giesy commented on commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:47:24)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:48:01)
Denorah Echavarria expressed her appreciation for the service of the Councilmembers. (00:48:38)
Brian Thienes commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:49:10)
Joe commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:49:50)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Purple Flag Memorial displays and Hunger and Homelessness Awareness activities to honor deceased unhoused individuals. (00:50:19)
Joyce Riley commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:50:57)
Yvonne Andsdell expressed appreciation for the service of the Councilmembers. (00:51:20)
Pezi Pineda commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:52:15)
Soloman Ortiz commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:52:47)
Allie Standish commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:53:20) City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
Jignesh Padhiar commented on Item #7 regarding motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore. (00:53:58)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
AB 1234 REPORTING — None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES — None
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT — None
Councilmembers and the audience sang Happy Birthday to City Manager Travis Hopkins after Mayor Burns announced that December 2 is his birthday.
3. 25-893 Mayor Burns presented the Mayor’s HB Excellence Award to Michele Hoffman, Senior Legal Assistant, Office of the City Attorney
Mayor Burns acknowledged the service of Senior Legal Assistant Michele Hoffman who has been with Huntington Beach for eight years. She heads up the Advisory Division of the City Attorney's Office working with every Department to manage the flow of all requests for legal services, preparing hundreds of contracts each year, and ninety percent of all resolutions, ordinances and agreements. She is well respected by her co-workers, City staff, Department Heads and elected officials.
City Attorney Michael Vigliotta added that Michele is an invaluable member of the City Attorney team. He added that she goes above and beyond every day to ensure issues are handled properly and quickly, and stated she is well deserving of this award.
Michele thanked Mayor Burns for the acknowledgement and noted that she works with incredible staff members.
Mayor Burns and Councilmembers recognized the outstanding service of Cathy Fikes, Administrative Assistant, with a bouquet of flowers.
4. 25-894 City 2025 Retrospect (or Comments) by Outgoing Mayor Burns
Mayor Burns thanked the community for their kind words and support this past year. He also thanked his wife and children for their love and support.
5. 25-896 Special/Ceremonial Public Comments, including Presentations by Community Members to the Outgoing Mayor
Senator Strickland presented a California State Resolution to acknowledge Mayor Burns for his service to Huntington Beach.
State Assemblyman Tri Ta presented a plaque to recognize and honor Mayor Burns for his leadership.
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen presented a plaque and recognized Mayor Burns for standing up for local control, public safety and quality of life issues.
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
Assemblymember Diane Dixon's representative Hunter Griffiths presented a plaque and thanked Mayor Burns for his service on behalf of Huntington Beach.
CONDUCTED ELECTION OF MAYOR/MAYOR PRO TEM
6. 25-897 Mayor called for motion to elect new Mayor
Administered Oath of Office to new Mayor
Presentation of gavel by outgoing Mayor Burns to new Mayor
Presentation of gift to outgoing Mayor Burns by new Mayor
New Mayor presided
A motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark, to elect Mayor Pro Tem McKeon as the next Mayor.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, and Williams NOES: None
Councilwoman Van Der Mark administered the Oath of Office to new Mayor McKeon.
Outgoing Mayor Burns presented the gavel to new Mayor McKeon.
New Mayor McKeon presented outgoing Mayor Burns with a plaque to recognize his year of service as Mayor, as well as the Ultimate Challenge trophy.
7. 25-898 New Mayor called for motion to elect new Mayor Pro Tempore and Administered Oath of Office to new Mayor Pro Tempore
A motion was made by McKeon, second Kennedy, to set aside Resolution 6320 which sets policy for the selection of Mayor Pro Tempore to allow Councilmembers to nominate and vote for the Mayor Pro Tempore; and since this is a ceremonial and celebratory meeting, oral discussions only on this matter are limited to two minutes.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Gruel NOES: Williams
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to select new Mayor Pro Tempore. With no objections the motion passed.
Councilman Williams stated he believes the Brown Act has been violated due to the lack of a 72-hour public notice and there is a lack of transparency that is taking place to vote on setting aside Resolution 6320. He noted that government code 54954.2 (a)(3) states in part: “. . . no action or no discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda." Councilman Williams added that in the past when Resolution 6320 has been set aside, it was included in the posted agenda.
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
Mayor McKeon invited City Attorney Michael Vigliotta to weigh in on Councilman Williams’ statement.
City Attorney Vigliotta stated a vote on Resolution 6320 is a procedural matter which does not need to be a separate item on the agenda.
Councilman Williams proceeded to describe, for the benefit of the public, the intent of policy procedure which reads in part: The member of City Council having the longest consecutive service SHALL become Mayor Pro Tempore. In the event that two Councilmembers have the same length of service, then the member who received the greatest number of votes in the last Council election in which such member was elected SHALL become Mayor Pro Tempore. He added that he was sworn in before any of the HB three were elected, and he received the highest number of votes of any previously elected Councilmember. He then asked Mayor McKeon why he is being passed over as Mayor Pro Tempore.
Councilman Kennedy stated he respects Councilman Williams and added that ascension to Mayor Pro Tempore carries real expectations and anyone who displays open contempt, demeans others, attacks colleagues, and shows no willingness to support, collaborate with, or work alongside the new Mayor, will not receive his vote. He sees this as about accountability and absence of any contrition, and as an opportunity to allow time for growth in showing contrition. He added that he will not be bullied via social media pushing out false narratives and noted he always votes his conscience. He continued that he has selected Councilman Twining as Mayor Pro Tempore because he has been building bridges and knocking down walls during his tenure.
Councilman Burns noted it is no secret or surprise that Council has been battling discord for months. He added he is looking for what is best for governing the City and clarified he wants to provide more opportunity for Councilman Williams to grow into the position of Mayor Pro Tempore.
Councilman Kennedy clarified he is not acting out of his own desire to become Mayor, but rather his interest in providing Councilman Williams with the time to learn contrition and be in position to be selected as the Mayor Pro Tempore next year.
A brief discussion followed between Mayor McKeon and Councilman Williams.
Councilman Twining shared his perspective on the situation at hand and added that every day he focuses on cooperation, collaboration, consideration, teamwork, kindness and respect. He stated this is not a popularity contest, but rather the second most important position to represent Huntington Beach and as a retired individual he is ready to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore because presently he is the most qualified Councilmember.
A motion was made by Gruel, second Williams, to select Williams as new Mayor Pro Tempore.
The motion failed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, and Williams
NOES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark
A motion was made by Kennedy, second McKeon, to select Twining as new Mayor Pro Tempore.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Gruel City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2025
NOES: Williams
Councilman Burns administered the Oath of Office to new Mayor Pro Tempore Twining.
COMMENTS BY NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM, AND COUNCILMEMBERS
New Mayor Pro Tempore Twining stated this was a very hard decision for everyone and he and Mayor McKeon will focus on serving everyone within the City. He thanked his wife Dana for her support.
New Mayor McKeon thanked his colleagues for selecting him for the position, and he added that being Mayor is a great privilege. He thanked his wife Josephine for being his Rock and stated her support makes it possible for him to serve. In closing, he reviewed some of the significant City Council accomplishments since being elected three years ago and highlighted some of the plans for 2026.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS
ADJOURNMENT — at 7:57 PM, a motion to adjourn was made by Van Der Mark, with a second by Kennedy, to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, December 16, 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