Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
4:00 PM — Council Chambers
6:00 PM — Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
A video recording of the 4:00 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
4:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER — 4:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: Gruel
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2001-54, Councilman Gruel requested, and with no objections, was granted permission to be absent from this meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION (Received After Agenda Distribution) — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — None
Mayor McKeon read the titles for Closed Session Items #1 (26-150) and #2 (26-151) Conference with Labor Negotiators regarding Employee Organizations: Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA) and Police Management Association (PMA); #3 (26-164) Conference with Real Property Negotiators regarding price and terms of payment for property at 21091 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific City Hotel, LLC dba Pasea Hotel and Spa; #4 (26-152) regarding price and terms of lease/payment for 21 & 22 Main Street, Surf City Partners, LLC; and #5 (26-153) regarding price and terms of lease/payment for 10448 Adams Avenue, Daniel Cortez
A motion was made by Twining, with a second by Van Der Mark, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION — 4:04 PM
CLOSED SESSION
NEW 26-171 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(2).): One (1).
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
1. 26-150 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency designated representatives: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; also in attendance:
Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Mike Vigliotta, City Attorney and Zack Zithisakthanakul, Acting Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization:
Huntington Beach Police Officers’ Association (HBPOA).
2. 26-151 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency designated representatives: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; also in attendance:
Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Mike Vigliotta, City Attorney and Zack Zithisakthanakul, Acting Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Police Management Association (PMA).
3. 26-164 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 21091 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (APN 024-281- 16). Agency Negotiators: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Marissa Sur, Assistant 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: Pouya Honari - Pacific City Hotel, LLC dba Pasea Hotel and Spa (Not Present). Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
4. 26-152 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 21 & 22 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Agency Negotiators:
Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager; Steve Holtz, Deputy Director of Community Development; Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development.
Negotiating parties: (Not Present) Surf City Partners, LLC. Under negotiation: Price and terms of lease/payment.
5. 26-153 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 10449 Adams Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92646. Agency Negotiators:
Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager; Steve Holtz, Deputy Director of Community Development; Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development.
Negotiating parties: (Not Present) Daniel Cortez. Under negotiation: Price and terms of lease/payment.
6. 26-154 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Aguilar & Calderon Corporation v. City of Huntington Beach; OCSC Case No.: 30-2024-01447484.
7. 26-155 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach; OCSC Case No. 30-2024-01397379.
8. 26-156 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). People of the State of California/Bonta v. City of Huntington Beach, et al.; Case No. 30-2023-01312235-CU-WM-CJC.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
9. 26-157 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). People of the State of California, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach, et al. (Voter ID); Case No. 30-2024-01393606.
10. 26-158 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Bixby (Mark) v. Lisa Lane Barnes, et al.; OCSC Case No.: 30-2023-01366664.
6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING — 6:02 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: Gruel
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2001-54, Councilman Gruel requested, and with no objections, was granted permission to be absent from this meeting.
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.
11. 25-941 Huntington Beach Fire Department Chaplain Jeff Lopez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
12. 26-149 Dave Badgett, American Legion Post 133
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY — None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Mayor McKeon and Councilmembers Kennedy, Twining and Williams all expressed Happy Birthday wishes to Huntington Beach in celebrating 117 years.
Councilman Kennedy congratulated the Huntington Beach Boardriders Team and acknowledged their success in reaching the semi-finals recently in Australia, competing against teams from around the world.
He recommended the team for a Mayor's Award.
Councilmember Burns announced he is replacing his Finance Commissioner Billy Hamilton and thanked him for his service for over the past three years.
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH PRESENTED BY ORANGE COUNTY ANIMAL CARE
Jonathan Volzke, OC Animal Care, presented two adoptable pets: Ozzy, a 5-year-old Husky mix rescued in Anaheim and Leona, a 4-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix rescued from the streets of Santa Ana.
Details can be found at www.OCPetInfo.com.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
13. 26-126 Business Highlight Presentation
Mayor McKeon noted the recent 121st Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala which celebrated Huntington Beach's Best of 2025 in recognition of Huntington Beach businesses with exceptional service and meaningful impact in the community.
Minute with the Mayor videos were played to recognize We Vitalize Wellness Center at 10156 Adams Avenue and Precision Stitches, 15641 Chemical Lane, Suite D. Support local businesses and keep Surf City thriving. Mayor McKeon announced that applications for businesses interested in participating in Minute with the Mayor can be found at www.shoplocalhb.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit) Limited to one representative, one announcement — 2 Speakers
Pam Smart, representing the Huntington Harbour Art Association and Huntington Beach Art Center, announced Handwork 2026, a nationwide Semiquincentennial collaboration to celebrate the diversity of crafts that define America. The Magic of Color, Fiber and Form opening reception will be February 24, 5 – 8 PM, at the Huntington Beach Art Center. Centered on the Center exhibit is also open at the Huntington Beach Art Center.
City Treasurer Jason Schmitt announced the next Financial Literacy Workshop on Saving and Budgeting will be held in March. Romance Scams event is scheduled for February 18 and Free Tea and Taxes on February 20 with pre-registration required. Treasurer Schmitt will be speaking with Orange County Treasurer Shari Freidenrich regarding taxes that can affect local businesses on February 20 at the Chamber of Commerce monthly AM Connect. Treasurer Schmitt announced that prior City workshop discussions will be available on You Tube.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution) — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — 9 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.
Nick Taurus commented on his platform as a candidate for Assembly District 72 which includes Huntington Beach. (00:29:00)
Syndi Trezise, LA and Southern California Chapter of Promise 2 Live President, commented on the services and benefits of Promise 2 Live and invited Huntington Beach to support a local Chapter.
Councilmember Kennedy invited Ms. Trezise to complete a blue card for his follow-up. (00:31:26)
Amory Hanson commented on Consent Calendar Item #17 regarding adopting Resolution No. 2026-06 approving the 2026 Huntington Beach Legislative platform. (00:34:48)
Russ Neal commented on the upcoming 250th Birthday of the United States and American system of government. (00:35:23)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
Steven G. Sidlovsky commented on his California Preborn Personhood Advisory petition. (00:37:29)
Tim Geddes commented on the civic definition of transparency. (00:40:36)
Andrew Einhorn commented on voter ID and elections. (00:43:23)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the City's Voter ID efforts and requested a Study Session regarding the last year's financial audit. (00:45:46)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Huntington Beach's 117th birthday.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Burns announced his appointment of Finance Commissioner John Boomgarden.
Councilwoman Van Der Mark announced her appointment of Finance Commissioner Tracy Pellman.
Councilmember Kennedy announced his appointment of CIAB/Public Works Commissioner Jignesh Padhiar.
Mayor McKeon announced his appointment of Planning Commissioner David Clifford, and thanked Tracy Pellman for her last three years of service on the Planning Commission.
AB 1234 REPORTING — None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Mayor McKeon reported speaking with the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA).
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT — None
CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
14. 26-029 Received and Filed the City Treasurer’s Q2 FY2025-2026 Quarterly Investment Report
City Treasurer Jason Schmitt provided a PowerPoint communication titled Q2 FY25-26 Investment Review, with slides entitled: Investment Policy Principles, Q2 FY25-26 Investment Performance, Long- Term Investment Performance, Q2 FY25-26 Investment Portfolio Compliance, Q2 FY25-26 Investment Portfolio Concentration, Q2 FY25-26 Investment Portfolio Timeline, 2026 Broker/Dealer Process and Results, and Internal and External Initiative Updates.
Mayor McKeon, Mayor Pro Tem Twining and Councilmembers Kennedy and Burns commended Treasurer Schmitt for his excellent service, leadership and ability to incorporate successful "business" practices within the "municipal" guardrail system which are producing great yields. There was brief discussion regarding the plan to produce Income, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements moving forward.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
15. 26-127 Heard Presentation on the Safe and Sane Fireworks Stand Application and Lottery Process for 2026
City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes provided a PowerPoint communication titled 2026 Safe and Sane Fireworks Lottery Overview and Application Process, with slides entitled: Permits; CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS (5); YOUTH SPORTS (5); HIGH SCHOOL (5); HIGH SCHOOL (Private); City Foundation/Partnership Organizations (1); ***Updated Application Process**; and APPLICATION PROCESS.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 16 - 19)
Councilmember Kennedy pulled Item #19 for further discussion.
City Clerk
16. 26-129 Approved and Adopted Minutes
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon to Approve and adopt the City Council/Public Financing Authority regular meeting and Housing Authority, Parking Authority and Successor Agency special meeting minutes of February 3, 2026.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Gruel
City Manager
17. 26-130 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-06 Approving the 2026 Huntington Beach Legislative Platform
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Adopting the City of Huntington Beach Legislative Platform."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Gruel
Public Works
18. 26-013 Approved and Authorized the execution of Professional Service Contracts for On- Call Transportation Engineering Consulting Services with Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc., AGA Engineers, Inc., Fehr & Peers, FPL and Associates, Inc., H.W.
Lochner, Inc., and LG2WB Engineers, Inc. dba Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Engineers
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $1,000,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc. for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services", and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $1,000,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and AGA Engineers, Inc. for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services", and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $1,000,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and Fehr & Peers for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services", and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $1,000,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and FPL and Associates, Inc. for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services", and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $1,000,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and H.W. Lochner, Inc. for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services", and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $1,000,000 "Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and LG2WB Engineers, Inc. dba Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Engineers for On-Call Transportation Engineering Services".
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Gruel
19. 26-105 Approved and Authorized Execution of amended Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract with Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. for Water Quality Analysis and Sampling, to Increase the Not-to-Exceed Amount by $120,000 and Extend the Contract Term by One Year
Councilmember Kennedy pulled this item to explain for public benefit that this program is mandated by the government, and he believes this action provides a learning opportunity for staff to better understand how to become as efficient as possible with taxpayer dollars. He encouraged staff to consider starting the Request For Proposal (RFP) process at least six months before a contract expires, rather than just extending a contract with the current vendor, to ensure the best vendor at the best price going forward.
Councilmember Williams confirmed this was a three-year contract that expires this month and encouraged setting up a master list of all contracts with a trigger to ensure contracts are open to a competitive bid process in a timely manner, so the process is completed before contract expiration. He encouraged staff to look at additional ways the City could handle water quality analysis and sampling to possibly reduce the costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Twining stated his appreciation for the intent expressed by Councilmembers Kennedy and Williams and agrees there are a lot of companies providing these services and noted the importance of confirming the bidding process includes verification of proper certification.
Mayor McKeon confirmed with Public Works Director Chau Vu that City staff currently is qualified and trained and does take field water samples and deliver them to the lab for analysis.
Councilmember Kennedy clarified that Director Vu is doing a fantastic job and has shown a willingness to look at options for cost savings.
After the amended motion was made, Mayor McKeon confirmed with Director Vu the motion was acceptable.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
A motion was made by Kennedy, second Williams to Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. for Water Quality Analysis and Sampling, increasing the not-to- exceed amount to $120,000 60,000 and extending the contract term by one year up to six months; as amended to ask staff to immediately start the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including research to identify appropriate vendors and determine if they are interested in participating in the City's RFP process, with the expectation that within 6 months this item will be returned to Council to either approve a vendor or extend this contract.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Gruel
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
20. 26-128 Approved for Introduction Ordinance No. 4346 Amending Chapters 1.18, 2.15, 2.16,
3.28, 5.04, 5.08, 5.16, 5.70, and 14.08 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to Duties of the City Treasurer
City Treasurer Jason Schmitt provided a PowerPoint communication titled Ordinance No. 4346 – Amending Municipal Code Related to Duties of City Treasurer with slides entitled: History and Context, Charter Duties, Recommendation, and Questions.
Councilmember Burns confirmed with City Treasurer Schmitt the purpose of this item is to run a more efficient government together. Councilmember Burns asked that typographical errors be corrected before the proposed Ordinance is finalized.
Councilmember Kennedy and City Manager Travis Hopkins discussed the history of changes made through the years.
A motion was made by Burns, second Twining, after City Clerk reads by title, to approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4346, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapters 1.18, 2.15, 2.16, 3.28, 5.04, 5.08, 5.16, 5.70 and 14.08 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to Duties of the City Treasurer" as amended to ensure correction of the typographical errors.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Gruel
ADJOURNMENT — At 7:27 PM a motion was made by Twining, 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, March 3, 2026, in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
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