Minutes
Regular Meeting
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, May 19, 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, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: McKeon
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2001-54, Mayor McKeon requested and, with no objections, was granted permission to be absent from Closed Session.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (Received After Agenda Distribution) — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — None
Mayor Pro Tem Twining read the titles for Closed Session Items #1 (26-454) Conference with Real Property Negotiators re: 21091 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, Pacific City Hotel, LLC dba Pasea Hotel and Spa; #2 (26-446), #3 (26-447), #4 (26-448) and #5 (26-449) Conference with Labor Negotiators regarding Employee Organizations: Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA), Police Management Association (PMA), Huntington Beach Firefighters' Association (HBFA) and Fire Management Association (FMA).
A motion was made by Burns, with a second by Van Der Mark, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION — 4:01 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. 26-454 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 Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
Manager. Negotiating parties: Pouya Honari - Pacific City Hotel, LLC dba Pasea Hotel and Spa (Not Present). Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
2. 26-446 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).
3. 26-447 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).
4. 26-448 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 Firefighters’ Association (HBFA).
5. 26-449 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: Fire Management Association (FMA).
6. 26-450 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.
6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING — 6:00 pm
ROLL CALL
Present: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: McKeon (arrived at 6:35 PM)
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.
7. 26-316 Huntington Beach Fire and Police Chaplain Roger Wing
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
8. 26-452 Ernie Delgado, American Legion Post 133
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY — None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Councilmember Kennedy reported on a recent local U. S. Board Riders National Championship event; Councilmember Burns reminded everyone to become educated and vote to support American values; Councilmember Gruel encouraged people to visit the Secret Garden and Urban Forest and shared his appreciation for all of the volunteers who help keep our parks in pristine condition; Councilmember Williams commented on the recent boardwalk incident and commended the young man who stood up to the unruly teens; Mayor Pro Tem Twining announced these events for Thursday, May 21: a ribbon cutting at 4 PM for 25 Degrees; Pristine Motors Grand Opening from 5 – 7 PM; Pier Plaza unveiling of the HB 250th banner and logo at 7 PM.
City Attorney Mike Vigliotta noted that at the May 5, 2026, City Council meeting, Councilmember Gruel appropriately complied with recusal state law in regards to the 2026/27 Annual Action Plan for Federal Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) item.
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH
Jonathan Volzke and volunteer Alex, OC Animal Care, presented two adoptable pets: Kylo, 8-year-old male Pitbull and Bumpy, 2-year-old female Pitbull. Mr. Volzke noted the shelter is overflowing with kittens they are looking for individuals interested in fostering and adopting. Details can be found at www.OCPetInfo.com.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
9. 26-451 Business Highlight Presentation
Mayor Pro Tem Twining acknowledged businesses that recently opened, or re-opened, in Huntington Beach.
Minute with the Mayor videos were shown for Elevate Aerial Silks, near Newland and Hamilton, and 25 Degrees, in Downtown Huntington Beach off Walnut and Main.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit) Limited to one representative, one announcement — 3 Speakers
Surfing Walk of Fame presented a 2026 Surfing Walk of Fame shirt for each of the Councilmembers and selected staff members, and announced the July 30, 2026, U. S. Open Celebration of P. T. Townsend's 50th World Championship Anniversary.
Unnamed Speaker, representing the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, read a "United in Grief and Solidarity" statement regarding the tragic loss of three lives at the San Diego Islamic Center.
City Treasurer Jason Schmitt shared details on the upcoming launch of My Meter, a digital platform that will allow residents to easily access their utility accounts.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
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: City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) (staff PowerPoint presentation), (1 email communication); Administrative Items #16 (26-457) (2 email communications); and Council Member Items NEW (26-470) (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-minute time limit) — 30 Public 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.
Unnamed Speaker commented on her interest in seeing integrity and transparency from Councilmembers. (00:42:06)
Pat Goodman commented on City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Budget Review. (00:44:24)
Unnamed Speaker commented on City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Budget Review. (00:47:34)
Carol Daus commented on City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Budget Review. (00:48:52)
Murnez Blades commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (00:51:25)
Janet Jacobs commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard, Public Hearing Item #10 (26-378) regarding changes to residential and commercial trash collection services and rates, and City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Budget Review. (00:54:08)
Jeff Wells commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (00:57:02)
Amory Hanson commented on Council Member Items #17 (26-459) regarding City Sponsored Flag Program. (00:58:34)
Richard Spindler commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (00:59:09)
Andrew Einhorn commented on issues related to polling places and procedures. (01:02:20)
Paula Schaefer, commented on Friends of the Public Library. (01:06:23)
Dale Fike commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:09:22)
Linda Diaz commented on her appreciation for the ways Councilmembers are working to make Huntington Beach safer and keeping things maintained. Councilmember Williams asked that Ms. Diaz complete a blue card for follow-up. (01:12:35)
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May 19, 2026
Unnamed Speaker commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:13:50)
Michael Shreve commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:15:44)
Chris Kluwe commented on Councilmember comments at the May 5, 2026, Public Hearing Item #15 (26- 340) regarding 2026/27 Annual Action Plan for Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. Councilmember Burns asked that Mr. Kluwe complete a blue card for follow-up. (01:17:02)
Unnamed speaker commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:20:18)
Roz Price commented on City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Budget Review. (01:23:32)
Daniel Tassa commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:26:39)
Unnamed Speaker commented on Friends of the Library. (01:29:46)
Steven Sidlosvky commented on his efforts for USA Preborn Personhood cities. (01:32:56)
Therese Bartusek commented on the sanctity of life for all. (01:36:02)
Brian Thienes, Huntington Beach Planning Commissioner, commented on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) project issues. (01:38:40)
Unnamed speaker commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:41:52)
Irene Contreras Garcia commented on the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard. (01:45:19)
Tim Geddes commented on the May 5, 2026, Public Hearing Item #15 (26-340) regarding 2026/27 Annual Action Plan for Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, and Administrative Items #16 (26-457) regarding recommendation by the City Council Ad Hoc Committee to end the Request for Proposal (RFP) for creative strategy, branding merchandising, media, communications, and film industry development services process and not award a contract. (01:48:14)
Elaine Keeley commented on Friends of the Library. (01:51:12)
Russ Neal commented on the ideas that make the United States democracy so special. (01:54:22)
Unnamed Speaker commented on City Manager's Report Item #11 (26-445) Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Budget Review; the unagendized Redondo Circle project to replace the Reliable Lumber yard; and Council Member Items #17 (26-459) regarding City Sponsored Flag Program. (01:57:00)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
Unnamed Speaker commented on police department policies in several cities. (02:00:48)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
AB 1234 REPORTING — None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Mayor Pro Tem Twining, Councilmembers Gruel, Williams, and Council Woman Van Der Mark reported speaking to members of the Police Officers' Association (POA).
Mayor McKeon arrived at 6:35 PM.
PUBLIC HEARING
10. 26-378 REVISED — Approved Changes to Residential and Commercial Trash Collection Services and to Residential Trash Collection Rates by A) Adopting Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement Between County of Orange and City of Huntington Beach; B) Approving for Introduction Ordinance No. 4348 Adopting the First Amendment to the Revised and Restated Refuse Collection and Disposal Services Franchise Agreement Between City of Huntington Beach and Rainbow Disposal Company, Inc.; and C) Conducted a Public Hearing to Adopt Resolution 2026-11 Increasing Residential Trash Rates Effective July 2, 2026 and Ratifying the Methodology for Future Rate Adjustments
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO THIS PUBLIC
HEARING
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: Public Hearing Item #10 (26-378) (revised staff report), (1 email communication) and (315 protest letters).
Travis Hopkins, City Manager, introduced Public Works Director Chou Vu, who in turn introduced Senior Management Analyst Debra Jubinsky and Hailey, HSNH Consultant, who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Refuse and Recycling Rate Adjustments with slides entitled: Key Issues Affecting Refuse Services and Rates; Proposition 218 - Legal Framework for Setting Rates; History of Current Agreement; Landfill Disposal – WISE Agreement; State Mandate SB 1383; Key Service Enhancements; Key Contract Enhancements (2); Implementation and Transition; Rate Impacts; Recommended Action; and Questions?
Senior Management Analyst Jubinsky introduced colleagues Dan Catener and Debbie Kiley from Republic Services who were also available to answer Councilmember questions.
Councilmember discussion noted that this is a State mandated but unfunded program which the residents have to pay for; the City added compliance requirement costs and violation fees; Republic monitors processes; inspections with a focus on education; organic bin space limitations; commercial edible food recovery; City costs for all refuse collection services are a straight pass-through to residents; small buckets for compostable scraps are available for residential customers; all food waste will now go Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
into the green bin; City's contract with Republic Services tightened up to benefit the City; brief history of SB1383 which was passed 10 years ago; potential result if these items are not approved by City Council; increased cost percentages across Southern California for implementation; only paper, not plastic bags, can be used to collect compostable refuse; Republic was commended for their great drivers and positive community outreach; Mayor McKeon replied to resident questions regarding the State-mandated changes; labor stoppage contingency plan with Republic Services; violation fines generally are for not having the three containers in place, using them inappropriately or not cooperating with enforcement notices; options to help prevent illegal dumping into commercial bins; and the City's existing utility user tax exemption program for low-income seniors.
A motion was made by Twining, second Burns to approve and authorize Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise Agreement Between County of Orange and City of Huntington Beach Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2036; and, approve for Introduction, after City Clerk reads by title, Ordinance No. 4348, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Franchise to Collect Refuse Granted to Rainbow Disposal and Rainbow Transfer and Recycling Companies";
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, and Burns
NOES: Williams
ABSTAIN: Gruel, and Van Der Mark
Mayor McKeon opened the Public Hearing.
Public Hearing Public Speakers — 1 Public Speaker
Dan Whitesell commented on his appreciation for the recycling efforts and stated his opposition to the increased fee.
There being no other speakers, Mayor McKeon closed this Public Hearing.
City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes announced that a majority protest occurs when more than 50% (fifty percent) plus one of affected property owners submit valid protests. As of the beginning of the Public Hearing the City had received 326 valid protest letters. This equates to less than 1% (one percent) of the 48,299 residents receiving trash services at 46,513 properties, based on property and municipal billing records as of March 25, 2026. State law allows one protest per property therefore the City would have to have received 23,257 valid protests to constitute a majority protest.
Referencing the abstaining votes on the last motion, Council discussion continued by considering what could happen if Resolution No. 2026-11 is not approved. It was noted that the passing of the previous motion for parts A and B puts the City in compliance with CalRecycle. Strong leadership requires tough decisions, and, in this case, it requires a vote to approve this State mandated unfunded service change and the resulting fees, regardless of whether a Councilmember personally supports the item. If this item is not passed, then all residents would be subsidizing the fees of approximately $3.6M per year, whether or not they were Republic Services customers. Knowing there is a utility user tax exemption program available for low-income seniors eases this hard decision a bit.
A motion was made by Burns, second Twining to conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Adjusting and Ratifying Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
Residential Trash Rates by the Formula Established in the Revised and Restated Refuse Collection and Disposal Services Franchise Agreement."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, and Burns
NOES: Gruel, Van Der Mark, and Williams
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Travis Hopkins, City Manager, made a couple of announcements prior to the Study Session:
The City continues to make progress with unhoused individual services, and he shared some of the statistics just released by the Orange County Office of Care and Coordination in their Point-In-Time Count Report. Details are available on the Orange County website. He expressed appreciation for the City's Homeless Task Force in the Police Department, and the Homeless and Behavioral Health Division including a social worker team, the Navigation Center and HB Cares volunteers.
City Manager Hopkins invited Sergeant Mike Thomas to present a short update on eBike enforcement.
Sergeant Mike Thomas presented a PowerPoint communication titled Huntington Beach Police Department eBike/eMoto Update, with slides entitled: Total eBike Crashes (2023 – 25); Education; Enforcement; Established R.I.T.E.; Symposium Highlights; and Questions? Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the fact that Huntington Beach is leading the State with effective ways to handle eBike issues for safety through education and training.
11. 26-445 Held Study Session: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget Review
Travis Hopkins, City Manager, noted that on June 2, 2026, Council will have opportunity for additional Budget discussions. He introduced Zack Zithisakthannakul, Chief Financial Officer, and Robert Szilagyi, Finance Manager, who jointly presented a PowerPoint communication titled City of Huntington Beach FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget Study Session with slides entitled: FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget Agenda; FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget All Funds Summary (2); FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget General Fund Revenue Variances (2); FY 2026/27 RESERVES; FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget FTEs by Department; FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget Changes in Personnel; FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) by Fund; FY 2026/27 CIP by Category (2); FY 2026/27 Proposed Fund Balance Policy Change (2); and Questions?
Councilmembers discussed unfunded vacancies; paving and streets index; three traffic signal upgrades; unfilled positions throughout all City departments; other contract services; capital improvement projects; Reserves and Reserve Policy; Finance Commission notes; Sport Court projects; Yacht Club dock maintenance; noted that recurring expenses are increasing faster than recurring revenue; the focus on new sources of revenue that do not increase tax rates; increase in new businesses; CalPERS funding; and consideration of alternative retirement plans.
An amended motion was made by Burns, second Van Der Mark that City Council receive the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and, set the date for adoption of the City budget as June 2, 2026. A meeting date of June 16, 2026. is set as an alternative should to allow the City Council require additional deliberation time to approve the budget.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 12 – 15)
Councilmember Burns pulled Item #13 and Councilmember Kennedy pulled Items #14 and #15 for further discussion.
Public Works
12. 26-381 Approved and Accepted the Public Improvements, Released the Sureties for, and Accepted a Guarantee and Warranty Bond for the Delaware Paxton Residential Project (Parcel Map 2022-106)
A motion was made by McKeon, second Twining to accept the improvements constructed and dedicated for public use with Parcel Map 2022-106, and instruct the City Clerk to record the Notice of Acceptance of Public Improvements with the Orange County Recorder; and, accept Guarantee and Warranty Bond No. DVHNSU0832094-W; the surety furnished for guarantee and warranty of public improvements; and instruct the City Clerk to file the bond with the City Treasurer; and, instruct the City Treasurer to release the Faithful Performance Bond No. DVHNSU0832094, Labor and Material Bond No. DVHNSU0832094 and Monument Bond No. DVHNSU0832094; and, instruct the City Clerk to notify the developer, Nash- Holland 18750 Delaware Investors, of this action, and the City Treasurer to notify the Surety Company, Harco National Insurance Company, of this action.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
13. 26-330 Approved a Service Agreement and Sole Source Procurement Request with Dave Bang & Associates, Inc. for Warranty, Parts, and Service of Playworld Playground Equipment Citywide, Annual Not-to-Exceed amount of $250,000
Councilmember Burns confirmed with Public Works Director Chou Vu and City Manager Travis Hopkins the timeframe and spending details for this contract.
A motion was made by Burns, second Kennedy, to approve a Service Agreement and Sole-Source Justification with Dave Bang & Associates, Inc. for warranty, parts, and service of Playworld playground equipment.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
14. 26-416 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-16 identifying a list of projects funded by SB1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 through the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) in Fiscal Year 2026/27
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Councilmember Kennedy confirmed with Director of Public Works, Chou Vu, the funding is being granted from SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. He noted that Attachment #2 shows all of the arterial streets that will benefit from this funding.
A motion was made by Kennedy, second Burns to adopt Resolution No. 2026-16, "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Huntington Beach Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
15. 26-424 TABLED — Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Authorize Execution of a Construction Contract with Sanz Construction, Inc. in the amount of $155,748 for City Gym and Pool Flooring Replacement (CC-1850), and authorize a 4.5% contingency
Councilmember Kennedy pulled this to remind everyone that prevailing wages are included in City contracts and noted there was only one bidder. He suggested if there was a complete materials list for City proposals it might increase the number of bidders.
Councilmember Burns inquired as to the total square footage of this project; asked when the luxury vinyl planks (LVP) were installed and asked about the typical lifetime warranty if the planks were properly installed. Staff stated this project is to replace a slippery LVP surface with a non-slip rated tile to provide a safer environment coming off the pool.
Mayor Pro Tem Twining asked that the slip resistance rating for the replacement ceramic tile be determined before installation.
A substitute motion was made by Burns, second Kennedy to Table Item until June 2, 2026, to allow staff time to provide the project's total square footage; provide an accurate date as to when the luxury vinyl planks (LVP) were installed; and slip resistance rating for the proposed replacement ceramic tile.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
16. 26-457 Approved the Recommendation by the City Council Ad Hoc Committee to End the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Creative Strategy, Branding, Merchandising, Media, Communications, and Film Industry Development Services Process and Not Award a Contract
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced the item by briefly explaining the process to date.
Councilmember discussion included original audit results; inaccurate information shared by some; review of the RFPs; Ad Hoc discussions with staff at VisitHB, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2026
Improvement Board, and City staff; noted it is not advisable to amend the RFP to meet the 250th Celebration deadline because of time restrictions; the need to improve the RFP process; the effort to encourage private sector input for increasing City revenue; need for clear direction and communication infrastructure, film and media office development, and municipal merchandising modernization program; some detractors admitted not reviewing the audit and agendized item for the April 7, 2026, Council meeting; and trademarking the HB logo.
Mayor McKeon reviewed his presentation prepared for the April 7, 2026, Council meeting and noted there is a systems problem and oversight gap which has drained the City of millions of dollars annually for decades. He believes that fixing structural gaps could increase revenue by $2M – $5M annually, or up to $18M over 5 years. Merchandizing licensing is an easy data point.
A motion was made by Burns, second Kennedy, to accept the Ad Hoc Committee recommended action to discontinue (close) the RFP process.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
At 10:55 PM a motion was made by Van Der Mark, second McKeon to continue action on the remaining agenda items after 11:00 PM.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
17. 26-459 Approved Item Submitted by Mayor McKeon — City Sponsored Flag Program
Mayor McKeon introduced his item by describing the concern expressed to him and discussions with staff on a flag policy that maintains the safety and integrity of the City’s infrastructure.
Councilmember discussion confirmed that currently hanging anything on the City street lights is a code violation; a veteran who has hung the U. S. flag on the light pole in front of his home for the last 35 years was recently notified by Code Enforcement to take the flag down after Code Enforcement had received a complaint about the flag; and Mayor McKeon's intention is to implement a policy that would apply to all City-owned light poles, include a safety piece and only allow flying of the U. S. flag.
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns to direct staff to develop a City—sponsored Flag Program Policy that establishes simple, uniform guidelines that honor the U.S. Flag Code, promote community pride, and maintains the safety and integrity of City infrastructure.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
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NEW 26-470 Item Submitted by Councilman Williams, Councilman Gruel, and Mayor Pro Tem Twining — Create a City Council Ad-hoc Committee on Juvenile E-Bike Safety and Enforcement
Councilmember Williams introduced this item by reading the Issue Statement. He added there is a need to focus on the mob mentality that chooses to terrorize the public. The intention of this Ad Hoc Committee is to review the Municipal Code and come up with ways to support Police Department staff as they keep the City safe for everyone.
Councilmember Gruel noted this effort is not about micromanaging the people who are utilizing eBikes but rather looking at ways to stop the actions that lead to bad situations.
Mayor Pro Tem Twining stated the need to address irresponsible and dangerous eBike operators and expressed his gratitude for access to expert staff like Sergeant Mike Thomas who can be an important resource through this process of developing legislation with teeth.
An amended motion was made by Williams, second Twining to Create an Ad Hoc Council Committee on Juvenile E-Bike Safety and Enforcement, consisting of three Council members: Councilmembers Gruel, Williams and Mayor Pro Tem Twining, to research current local and state laws regarding e-bike operation by minors, consult with the Huntington Beach Police Department on enforcement challenges and resource needs, develop recommended policy direction and potential amendments to HBMC Chapter 10.84, and report back to the full City Council within 90 days.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
ADJOURNMENT — At 11:10 PM a motion was made by Burns, with a second by Twining, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, June 2, 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