Minutes
Regular Meeting
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, March 3, 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: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: Burns
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2001-54, Councilmember Burns requested, and with no objections, was granted permission to be absent from this meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (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: NEW (26-222) (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS — CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — None
Mayor McKeon read the titles for Closed Session Items #3 (26-212) Conference with Real Property Negotiators for 21091 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, Negotiating parties:
Pouya Honari — Pacific City Hotel, LLC dba Pasea Hotel and Spa to negotiate price and terms of payment; #8 (26-199) and #9 (26-200) Conference with Labor Negotiators regarding Employee Organizations: Police Management Association (PMA) and Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA).
A motion was made by Van Der Mark, with a second by Twining, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION — 4:02 PM
CLOSED SESSION
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
NEW 26-222 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.
1. 26-205 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(2).): One (1).
2. 3. 326-212 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. 26-195 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.
5. 26-196 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.
6. 26-197 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. 26-198 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Pourvasei (Ramtin) v. City of Huntington Beach; OCSC Case No. 30-2024-01398843.
8. 26-199 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).
9. 26-200 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).
6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING
ROLL CALL
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
Present: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: Burns
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2001-54, Councilmember Burns 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.
10. 25-942 Chaplain Jericho Rhoten
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
11. 26-181 George Focht, American Legion Post 133
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY — None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Councilmember Gruel, Mayor McKeon and Mayor Pro Tem Twining thanked everyone who participated in Read Across America on February 27 at the local school district.
MAYOR'S SPOTLIGHT
12. 26-209 Mayor’s Spotlight Presentation
Mayor McKeon acknowledged the Mayor's Excellence Awardee, Richard "Rick" Legere, Public Works Department; Marina High School Cheer Team; Kenny Lane; Fred's Mexican Cafe; Edison Girls' Soccer Team; and Zoe Snyder, Huntington Beach High School Junior.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
13. 26-207 Business Highlight Presentation
Minute with the Mayor videos were played to recognize Sweet Elle Coffee and Cafe at 328 11th Street and 5141 Warner Avenue, and Wagner Charters at 3821 Warner Avenue. 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.
Mayor McKeon introduced the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program and invited Kris Casanova, Economic Development Manager, and Project Manager Chris Kennedy to present a PowerPoint communication titled Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program with slides entitled:
How to Help Small Businesses Grow in 2026; Supporting Business Retention & Growth; Program Overview; Program Components; Eligibility & Selection; Financial Impact; Recommendation; and Questions?
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
Councilmembers Gruel and Kennedy and Mayor Pro Tem Twining stated their excitement about and support for this program. Economic Development Manager Casanova confirmed this program could be expanded and continue in future years if there is demand.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit) Limited to one representative, one announcement — 2 Speakers
Justine Makoff, Free Rein Foundation Founder and President, Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, announced the 3K Poppy Walk on Saturday, April 4, a free event and encouraged people to learn more about Free Rein Foundation, Equestrian Center and Urban Forest.
City Treasurer Jason Schmitt thanked all of the United Way volunteers who assisted over 100 people at the recent Free Tea and Taxes event. He announced the next Financial Literacy Workshop on Saving and Managing Debt on March 11, and The Art of Distraction Scams on March 18. Treasurer Schmitt announced that prior City workshop discussions are available online.
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: Administrative Items #20 (26-182) (10 email communications); #21 (26-193) (18 email communications, 1 staff memorandum, 1 letter); and Council Members Item #23 (3 email communications).
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-minute Time Limit) — 36 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.
Nancy Buchoz, Friends of Edison Park and Edison Community Group member, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (00:38:05)
Ann McCarthy, AYSO Region 56 volunteer, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (00:40:46)
Roz Price commented on Consent Calendar Item #18 (26-178) regarding the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program. (00:41:52)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Administrative Item #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (00:44:05)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Administrative Item #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (00:46:55)
Charles Jackson commented on the City Charter Vacancy policy. (00:49:23)
Chris Kluwe commented on Consent Calendar Item #18 (26-178) regarding the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program; cost for Closed Session litigations; and Administrative Item #20 (26-182) Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (00:50:42)
Richard Harden, local business owner, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (00:52:36)
Amory Hanson commented on Administrative Item #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (00:55:40)
Russ Neal commented on various Huntington Beach litigation issues and commended City Council positions. (00:56:30)
John Redaille, Huntington Beach bocce instructor, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:00:01)
Mark Currie, Edison Park Community Group member, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:03:09)
Steven G. Sidlovsky commented on his Personhood City resolution. (01:05:57)
Betty Flynn, Friends of Edison Park organizer and HB Parks Matter member, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:09:02)
Ding-Jo Currie, Edison Park Community Group member, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26- 193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:12:15)
Tony Riccobono commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:15:28)
Elaine Keeley, Friends of the Library of Huntington Beach President, commented the City's Memorandum of Understanding (01:17:12)
Craig Bonhieman commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan and Item #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (01:19:20)
Tim Geddes commented on his request for Closed Session reporting and the City's Housing Element issues. (01:21:01)
Chris Rini commented on Administrative Items #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (01:24:11)
Unnamed speaker commented on the City's Housing Element. (01:27:17)
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
Dan Rugg, Huntington Beach Concert Band General Manager and Host of Huntington Beach Summer Concerts in the Park, commented on the Concert Band's utilization of storage space at the Main Street Library for the past 30 years and continuing into the future. (01:30:45)
Paula Schaefer commented on Administrative Items #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (01:32:39)
Cathy Graham commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:34:56)
Ann Palmer commented on Consent Calendar Item #17 (26-125) regarding the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. (01:38:05)
Bart Callender commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:41:11)
Robert Trazo commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:41:44)
Gimo Trazo commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:44:07)
James Torres, AYSO Region 56 Safety Director, commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:46:30)
Tony Bisson commented on Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan. (01:49:35)
Unnamed Speaker commented on American elections. (01:53:02)
Andrew Einhorn commented on American elections. (01:54:49)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Administrative Items #20 (26-182) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities; Administrative Items #21 (26-193) regarding conceptual design options for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan; and thanked Councilmembers for participating in the Read Across America program. (01:57:35)
Carolyn Osborne commented on how Islam is changing America. (02:00:40)
Robert Wagner, Wagner Charters Owner, commented on the services provided by Wagner Charters and thanked Mayor McKeon for the Mayor's Spotlight recognition. Further details can be found at wagnercharters.com or 714/478-8541. (02:03:51)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Administrative Items #20 (26-193) regarding a license agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities. (02:05:34)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
AB 1234 REPORTING
Mayor Pro Tem Twining reported attending an Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) meeting.
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Mayor McKeon, Mayor Pro Tem Twining and Councilmembers Gruel and Williams reported speaking with the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA).
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Travis Hopkins announced that the City of Huntington Beach was honored by the Orange County Business Council at their recent Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards Ceremony.
Huntington Beach was recognized for the Streamline Surf City program in the Economic Development Category for innovative public agencies that support economic growth by cutting red tape. He invited Jennifer Villasenor, Community Development Director, to describe the Streamline Surf City program.
Director Villasenor provided a brief overview of the Streamline Surf City program which was introduced in early 2024 to modernize and simplify the permitting process. She explained this program will always be evolving and improving to increase certainty for applicants, improved customer satisfaction, while holding the City accountable to the public, to each other and to the program goals. Building Official Jasmine Daley was thanked for her leadership in developing and implementing the Streamline Surf City program.
In addition, appreciation was expressed for the efforts of Inspection Manager Gus Santos, Permit Center Supervisor Sokar Kong, Melanie Woo, Derek Bolls and the entire Permit Center, Plan Check, Planning, Inspection staff along with all of the other development services departments such as Public Works, Fire and Economic Development.
Councilmember Kennedy noted that Santa Ana, the Second-Place winner of the Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Award, was acknowledged for plans to duplicate the Huntington Beach program. He acknowledged Mayor McKeon, Councilwoman Van Der Mark, Councilman Burns and Former Councilman Strickland for their focus on this program.
Mayor McKeon noted there were 15 Orange County municipalities nominated for this award, and added that since implementing the Streamline Surf City program the number of permits issued has increased twenty-three percent (23%).
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 14 - 19)
Councilwoman Van Der Mark pulled Consent Calendar Item #19 for further discussion.
City Clerk
14. 26-185 Approved and Adopted Minutes
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark to approve and adopt the City Council/Public Financing Authority regular meeting minutes of February 17, 2026.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
City Treasurer
15. 26-180 Adopted 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
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark to adopt 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."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
Community and Library Services
16. 26-183 Approved appointment of Lori Ann Sueki to the Historic Resources Board (HRB) with a partial term set to expire June 30, 2027, as recommended by Council Liaisons Gruel and Williams
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark to approve the appointment of Lori Ann Sueki as an At-Large member of the Historic Resources Board to a partial term ending June 30, 2027, as recommended by City Council Liaisons Gruel and Williams.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
Community Development
17. 26-125 Considered and Directed staff to forward the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (formerly the Office of Planning and Research)
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark to approve the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report, and direct staff to submit the 2025 Housing Element APR to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (formerly the Office of Planning and Research).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
18. 26-178 Approved the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark to approve the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program; and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute up to fifteen (15) individual $1,000 grant agreements on behalf of the City and disburse funds to participating businesses upon successful completion of program requirements.
The motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
Finance
19. 26-147 Approved Fiscal Year 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments & 2nd Quarter Forecast
Councilwoman Van Der Mark pulled this item for a review of the information showing variances and for an explanation of where some of the expenses and the funding came from.
Finance Manager Robert Szilagyi presented a PowerPoint communication titled FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Requests & 2nd Quarter Forecast with slides entitled: Purpose of Today’s Presentation; What Is a Mid-Year Budget Adjustment; FY 2025–26 Mid-Year Requests Overview; Infrastructure Fund Requests - $530,000; Grant Fund Request - $499,000; Special Revenue Funds Requests - $441,993; FY 2025/26 Second Quarter General Fund Forecast Overview; General Fund Revenues; General Fund Expenses; Key Takeaways; and Questions?
Councilwoman Van Der Mark thanked Manager Szilagyi for the report and confirmed with him that a budget deficit is not projected, nor will Reserve funding be required, for this fiscal year.
Councilmember Gruel confirmed with Manager Szilagyi that a budget surplus, rather than a deficit, is currently forecasted for the FY budget. Councilmember Gruel added that a municipal budget is authorization to spend and the process to decrease expenses and increase revenue is managed throughout the year. The discussion continued on ways revenues have increased and expenses reduced to this point in time, and how some of the savings realized are added back to the budget.
Councilmember Kennedy confirmed with Manager Szilagyi that as long there is a projected $9M budget surplus, no 115 Trust Funds will be used.
Mayor McKeon clarified that in 2023 Huntington Beach won $38M from the State in successful litigation on the Redevelopment loans, plus $5.52M from Amplify Oil for the oil spill.
Councilmember Williams reviewed the initial revenue and expense projections vs the mid-year projected numbers and confirmed one-time fund sources with Manager Szilagyi.
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
Councilmember Kennedy and Manager Szilagyi briefly discussed some changes that are anticipated for the FY 2026/27 budget in an effort to be more accurate.
Councilmember Gruel stated his interest in seeing a "living" Financial dashboard which will provide nearly real-time budget details.
A motion was made by Van Der Mark, second McKeon to approve mid-year budget adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Revised Budget in the funds and by the amounts contained in Attachment 1.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
20. 26-182 Approved and authorized execution of a License Agreement by and between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities and operation of the Surf Museum
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Director of Community and Library Services Ashley Wysocki who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum License Agreement with slides entitled: Background, Analysis, City Key Obligations (2), HBISM Key Obligations (2), Main Street Library Footprint, Recommendation, and Questions?
Mayor McKeon thanked staff for their efforts on behalf of this project and noted that after meeting with concerned residents and Main Street Library staff he supports this project.
Mayor Pro Tem Twining, Councilmembers Gruel, Kennedy, Williams and Councilwoman Van Der Mark all stated support for this project, and appreciation for the Huntington Beach surfing legends who were and are instrumental for the "Surf City" designation.
A motion was made by McKeon, second Twining to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the "License Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum" for use of City facilities and operation of the Surf Museum at the Main Street Branch Library.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
21. 26-193 Approved amended Option 2 for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan and authorized staff to move forward by initiating a phased development of the design and bid package for construction of the updated facility
Director of Community Services Ashley Wysocki presented a PowerPoint communication titled Edison Community Park Reconfiguration: Conceptual Plan with slides titled: Table of Contents, Project Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
Background, Condensed Timeline (3), Existing Conditions, picture, Effects of Settlement, picture, Oil Wells – Geophysical Survey, Tree Study (3), Noise Impact Studies (Pickleball), Two Noise Studies Conducted, CEQA 15183 Environmental Compliance Checklist, CEQA 15183 Checklist, Proposed Improvement Plan, Commission Approved Plan, Option 2 Proposed Plan, Potential Phasing of Proposed Plan, Commission Approved Phased Plan, Option 2 Proposed Phased Plan, Potential Phasing Costs of Proposed Plan, Commission Approved Plan Potential Phasing Costs, Option 2 Plan Potential Phasing Costs, Project Development Timeline (2), Recommended Action and Questions?
Mayor McKeon reiterated the background processes that took five years and thanked the many local area residents and Edison Park Community Group members who have been intimately involved in reaching this point, and reviewed the 14 Point Plan presented by the Edison Park Community Group.
Councilmember Williams went through the 14 Point Plan as submitted by the Edison Park Community Group requesting these 14 points be included as part of approving Option 2: 1) Installation of a modern irrigation system is part of the project; 2) walking path repair and drainage is part of the project; 3) opening the enclosed Community Center patio area is not part of this project, was not included in the budget and if incorporated may further slowdown the project, a view corridor could be considered which would involve reducing height of existing cement block walls and installing fencing to ensure Community Center patio will continue to be only accessed through the Community Center; 4) project coordination at the Magnolia Hamilton intersection is part of the project; 5) oil well safety during construction is part of the project; 6) tree canopy preservation options for noise mitigation and mature tree replacement opportunities will be considered as the project proceeds; 7) enhanced trashcan receptacles is part of the project; 8) path widening for ADA compliance is part of the project; 9) shaded picnic areas will be considered as the project proceeds; 10) incorporation of fitness equipment will be considered as the project proceeds; 11) dog waste stations are provided by non-profit agencies who are responsible for supply and maintenance, the City could possibly consider future vendor contracts; 12) preserving green buffers is part of the project; 13) dual-striped courts and noise mitigation is part of the project; and 14) on-going community engagement is part of the project.
Councilwoman Van Der Mark thanked everyone in the community who has participated in the Edison Park reconfiguration process for the past five years.
Councilmember Kennedy echoed appreciation for the community's involvement in getting to this point.
He confirmed with Director Wysocki that there is $1M in the Quimby fees fund waiting to be pushed into the FY 2026/27 budget for Edison Park. He suggested that the basketball hoops be kept netted and asked staff to evaluate whether some asphalt patching might be beneficial until it is time to replace those courts.
Councilmember Gruel confirmed with Director Wysocki that the types and sizes of replacement trees and which trees will have to be replaced will be decided in the future.
Councilmember Kennedy suggested considering whether or not it will be feasible to allow residents to financially get involved by purchasing memorial plaques for Edison Park trees.
A motion was made by Williams, second McKeon to approve one of the two conceptual design options *Option 2: Conceptual Plan based on subsequent community input received, as amended with recommendations by Edison Park Community Group, for the Edison Park Reconfiguration Conceptual Plan and authorize staff to move forward by initiating either a phased or complete development of the design and bid package for construction of the updated facility
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
22. 26-163 Approved for introduction Ordinance No. 4347, amending Section 14.16.190 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to Protecting Cross Connections and adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, approving and adopting the Cross Connection Control Management Plan
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Deputy Director of Public Works Utility Division John Poehler who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Cross Connection Control Management Plan with slides entitled: Purpose, Standard Backflows, Recommended Action, and Questions?
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark to, after the City Clerk reads by title, approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4347, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Section 14.16.190 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to Protecting Cross Connections"; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Adopting the Cross Connection Control Management Plan."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
23. 26-201 Item Submitted by Mayor McKeon and Councilman Burns — Declare February 22nd as USA Hockey Day
Mayor McKeon introduced this item by describing the "Miracle on Ice" February 22, 1980, for the Gold Medal win of the US Men's Hockey Team over the Russian team and the Gold Medal win of the US Men's Hockey Team over the Canadians on February 22, 2026, and the Gold Medal win of the US Women's Hockey Team over the Canadian team on February 19, 2026, as the impetus for declaring February 22nd as USA Hockey Day in Huntington Beach. He also shared a brief video of the wins for the 2026 Hockey Teams.
A motion was made by McKeon, second Twining to ask the City Attorney's Office to return with a resolution to Celebrate US Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Winning Teams and Declare February 22nd as USA Hockey Day in Huntington Beach.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Burns
Council/Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2026
ADJOURNMENT — At 9:50 PM a motion was made by McKeon, with a second by Williams, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 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