Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, July 7, 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, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION (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: Closed Session #7 (26-582) (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (3-Minute Time Limit) — 4 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.
Zoom Caller Josh Daniels, Elections Administrator from Utah, commented on Closed Session Item #7 (26-582) regarding Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation. Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach. (00:02:31)
Kanan Durham — NOTE: Audio recording failed for duration of allotted speaking time and speaker was provided another opportunity as the last speaker, after technical issue was corrected. (00:06:27)
Roy Bevins (NOTE: audio recording failed for first 6 seconds) commented on City Manager's Report #11 (26-584) regarding Study Session: Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex. (00:08:55)
Arash Syarti, California Ranked Choice Voting Institute, commented on Closed Session Item #7 (26-582) regarding Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation. Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach. (00:10:46) Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
Kanan Durham, Pride at the Pier Representative, commented on Closed Session Item #7 (26-582) regarding Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation. Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach. (00:13:36)
Mayor McKeon read titles for Closed Session Items #1 (26-455) Conference with Real Property Negotiators regarding 17732 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA, dba Park Bench Cafe, and Items #2 (26-577), #3 (26-578), #4 (26-579), and #5 (26-580) regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators for 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 Kennedy, with a second by Burns, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION — 4:16 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. 26-455 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 17732 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (APN 111-010-69).
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: Michael and Christina Bartusick dba Park Bench Cafe and Rory Bevins (Not Present). Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
2. 26-577 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. 26-578 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. 26-579 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. 26-580 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).
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
6. 26-581 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.
7. 26-582 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-CU- CR-NJC.
6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING — 6:03 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: None
INVOCATION
8. 26-566 Huntington Beach Police and Fire Chaplain Roger Wing
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Led by Dennis Bauer, American Legion Post 133.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Mike Vigliotta announced that Councilmembers did not discuss Closed Session Item #6 (26-581) Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation regarding People of the State of California/Bonta v. City of Huntington Beach, et al. and Item #7 (26-582) Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation regarding Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach.
City Attorney Vigliotta, for benefit of the public, announced the City has only received a tentative order, not a final order, from the court for Item #7 regarding Southwest Voter Registration Education Project and noted the City has fifteen days to present objections once the final order is received.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Mayor McKeon, Mayor Pro Tem Twining, Councilmembers Burns, Gruel, Kennedy, Williams and Councilwoman Van Der Mark expressed appreciation for the tremendous success of the City's July 4th and 250th Anniversary three-day event. First responders, planners and organizers, City staff, participants, residents and visitors were acknowledged for celebrating with class, American pride, patriotism and helping to keep everyone safe. Don Ramsey, Stacey Newton, Tyler Wolff, Aaron Kaufman and Mayor McKeon were acknowledged for their valuable contributions. There was a big shout-out to the Mayer Family Foundation for continuing to provide the Huntington Beach Pier fireworks through the years, including the longest HB Pier fireworks show ever for this year. It was noted that ABC parade viewership was three times higher than ever before, and parade attendance was over 32 percent higher than any previous year. Soldiers and veterans were acknowledged for fighting for America's freedoms for the last 250 years.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
Councilmember Burns acknowledged the recent tribute by Tunnel for Towers Association Steel Across America at Bolsa Chica Beach. Councilmember Kennedy acknowledged the issue of Ocean View School District choosing to close Bright Hope School while noting the City Council has no direct input on the decisions made by the School Board.
MAYOR’S SPOTLIGHT
9. 26-564 Mayor’s Spotlight Presentation
Eva Casey, Building and Code Enforcement Division, received the Mayor's Excellence Award; July is Parks Make Life Better month which was celebrated along with community partners and non-profit organizations that make Huntington Beach parks thrive; the City's Homeless Task Force, along with the Police Department and Academy Clean-up Crew, were acknowledged for working together to achieve the lowest homeless numbers in the history of Huntington Beach; local surfers were acknowledged for their heroic actions at Bolsa Chica State Beach when a fellow surfer was knocked unconscious; and Fred's Mexican Cafe was acknowledged for their $10,000 donation to Make A Wish Foundation, $5,000 donation to the HB Council on Aging, and $5,000 donation to the Wetlands and Wildlife Center.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
10. 26-567 Business Highlight Presentation
New Businesses Now Open and New Businesses Coming Soon were acknowledged by Mayor McKeon who encouraged everyone to shop local and explore what's new. Details can be found on the City's website under Shop Local.
Mayor McKeon recognized the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce Sector Partnership Program which brings together like-businesses to discuss challenges, opportunities, and priorities. Sectors include Health & Wellness, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Technology & Logistics, Real Estate & Development, and Retail, Restaurant & Hospitality. More information about the Sector Partnership Program can be found on the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce website.
Minute with the Mayor series highlighted Bark City at PCH and Newland; Luv at First Sip Nutrition at 19034 Brookhurst Street at Garfield, and Sutherlin Subaru, an automotive dealership on Beach Boulevard.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit) Limited to one representative, one announcement — 2 Speakers
Carissa Masius, Bolsa Chica Conservancy Executive Director, announced their 13th Annual Barefoot Ball fundraising event on Friday, August 7, 2026, 5:30 PM at the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort. Ms.
Masius invited community participation and support. Details are available at bolsachica.org.
Jason Schmitt, City Treasurer, announced a new program to provide free financial literacy and workforce development training for 18- to 24-year-olds from economically challenged families in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove and Westminster at Goldenwest College from July 14 to August 11 with lunch provided for each session. Registration closes on July 24th.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution) — None
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 Minute Time Limit) — 20 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 issues related to the International Surf Museum, the Main Street Library and Friends of the Library. (00:53:01)
Ryan Nguyen, Huntington Sports Complex coach, commented on the need for more coaching for all age groups in Huntington Beach. (00:54:47)
Cindy Gutierrez, parent of a Bright Side Learning Center student, commented on Ocean View School District's plan to close down Bright Side Learning Center in a couple of months and asked if City Council Members could provide any support for impacted families. Councilmember Kennedy asked Ms.
Gutierrez to complete a blue card for follow-up. (00:56:09)
Tim Geddes commented on the November 2026 Council Member election. (00:58:56)
Dave Chennault, Huntington Beach Finance Commissioner, commented on City Manager's Report #11 (26-584), regarding Study Session: Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex. (01:01:46)
Jon Boomgarden, Huntington Beach Finance Commissioner, commented on City Manager's Report #11 (26-584), regarding Study Session: Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex. (01:04:51)
Unnamed Speaker commented on City Manager's Report #11 (26-584), regarding Study Session:
Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex. (01:06:09)
Amory Hanson commented on the continuing fight against high-density development. (01:08:48)
Russell Neal commented on the November 2026 Council Member election. (01:09:26)
Gary Kanesinger commented on his personal experience related to death threats he is receiving. (01:12:24)
Ellen Riley commented on the Housing Element and possibility of further oil drilling off the coast of Huntington Beach. (01:15:46)
Chris Warren commented on his experiences living in Surf City Cottages Home Park and his interest in an appointment with City staff who can listen to his concerns. (01:17:30)
Unnamed Speaker commented on their perspective of the comments made by a previous speaker. (01:20:31)
Brett Bush, Huntington Beach Planning Commission Chair, commented on City Manager's Report #11 (26-584), regarding Study Session: Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex. (01:23:31)
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
Reginald Peterson commented on eBike regulations especially for children. Council Woman Van Der Mark asked Mr. Peterson to complete a blue card for follow-up. (01:26:35)
Ian, SSD Studio Owner, commented on the incredible resources Huntington Beach provides for local businesses and expressed his appreciation for some improvements made in preparation for the July 4th and 250th Anniversary celebrations. (01:30:12)
Chris Kluwe commented on his experience of participating in the Huntington Beach July 4th and 250th Anniversary Parade. (01:31:20)
Chris Rini commented on Closed Session Item #7 (26-582) Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, regarding Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, et al. v. City of Huntington Beach. (01:34:40)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the November 2026 election, housing legislation, and the Terry Park project. (01:36:33)
Lisa Valdez commented on the Ocean View School District's plan to close down Bright Star Learning Center in a couple of months and asked if City Council Members could provide any support for impacted families. Councilmember Kennedy asked Ms. Valdez to complete a blue card for follow-up. (01:37:29)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Williams announced his appointment of Rosalind Price to the Community and Library Services Commission; and Council Woman Van Der Mark announced her appointment of Jeanne Paris to the Community and Library Services Commission.
AB 1234 REPORTING — None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Mayor McKeon, Councilmember Gruel and Council Woman Van Der Mark, reported speaking to members of the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (POA); and Councilmember Burns reported meeting with the Huntington Beach Fire Management Association (HBFA) President.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
11. 26-584 Held Study Session: Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Community & Library Services Director Ashley Wysocki who introduced Jerry Marchbank and Matt Olmstead, HBSC Partners, LLC, who co-presented a PowerPoint communication titled HUNTINGTON BEACH SPORTS COMPLEX with slides entitled: WHERE WE STARTED; WHERE WE ARE TODAY; WHERE WE ARE TODAY ONGOING CHALLENGES; THE NEXT EVOLUTION; THE NEXT EVOLUTION RISE TRAINING CENTER; GRAPHIC RENDERINGS (2); THE NEXT EVOLUTION SPORTS TURF CONVERSION; WHEN ONE FIELD BECAME SPORTS TURF; THE NEXT EVOLUTION LED LIGHTING PROJECT; WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL TERMS & CONDITIONS; WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE; and ONE VISION.
Councilmember and HBSC Partners discussion included funding commitment for proposed improvements; providing practice/play opportunities for all levels of players for multiple sports; existing Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
batting cage history; guarantee on condition of facility and equipment when contract/lease ends; City and HBSC Partners sharing proposed improvement costs; maintenance and upkeep are built into the model presented; turf positive and negative considerations; the lease will define expectations and conditions to ensure a turn-key facility and equipment; contract maintenance obligation vs capital expenditure need to keep equipment operational; exchanging Sports Complex parking revenue for City funding; expected costs for HBSC Partners vs. City costs to implement the proposed project; confirming that 46% of current Sports Complex users are from out of town; disparity between the City and HBSC Partners out-of-town user numbers; acknowledgement that much of the City's financial commitment on this project is expected to be generated from increased revenue and reduced expenditures; current City costs to keep HBSC operational; health concerns related to turf use, especially for children, and safer options available; gross vs. net amounts and potential financial disparities between various slides in the project presentation; typical park vs. sport field maintenance processes and costs; expected cost reductions from implementing LED lighting; considerations used to determine Sports Complex field irrigation costs; questioning why projected potential savings are included as revenue in the pro forma; license and/or operational agreement vs. lease agreement; the point at which the Request for Proposal (RFP) process would be implemented; holding off on a decision to allow the Planning Commission adequate time to review options; the Merchants contract was written for a park rather than a Sports Complex; the fields are in disrepair because the money is not being spent to properly maintain as playing fields; increased demand for services; the City's costs will be amortized over the project life, paid for by Sports Complex increased parking revenue; review of revenue sharing details; possibility of turning concession stands into restaurants; current Sports Complex parking fees; economic impact to the wider community through a world-class Sports Complex; this proposal is a project in process, not yet a final project, and study sessions help fine-tune it; improved facilities will increase demand; community outreach efforts; sponsorship opportunities; and acknowledgement that not every capital improvement project will yield a monetary return to the City, such as the LED lighting to replace end-of-life equipment.
A motion was made by Williams, second Gruel, as amended, to Refer Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex to the Finance Commission for Review and direct staff to assist in providing the Finance Commission Sub Task Committee with the data they need to provide a written recommendation to City Council.
No vote taken because the following substitute motion was approved.
A substitute motion was made by Williams, second McKeon, to Refer Proposed Improvements to Huntington Beach Sports Complex to the Finance Commission for Review and direct staff to assist in providing the Finance Commission Sub Task Committee with the data they need to provide a written recommendation to City Council, as amended, by the August 18th meeting, including continued concurrent dialogue with HBSC Partners, LLC.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 12 - 17)
Councilmember Gruel pulled Item #13 for further discussion.
City Clerk
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
12. 26-565 Approved and Adopted Minutes
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to approve and adopt the City Council/Public Financing Authority regular meeting minutes of June 16, 2026.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
City Manager
13. 26-588 Approved Implementation of Huntington Beach Pier Stairs Advertising Pilot Project
Councilmember Gruel pulled this item to clarify if the questions asked during the presentation of this item had been addressed or answered. City Manager Travis Hopkins clarified that for staff to move forward with accurate answers to all the initial questions, it will be necessary to run a one-year pilot program by amending the contract with Rio Media and Advertising to expand the scope of services to include pier stairs advertising.
Assistant City Manager Marissa Sur provided an update on the liability concerns and stated that typically contracts transfer risk to the contractor by way of indemnification and insurance requirements, while ensuring in this case that any signage is only affixed to the front or step risers, not on the top where people step. Manager Sur stated the pilot program would provide opportunity to thoroughly evaluate all concerns. City Attorney Mike Vigliotta confirmed that typically if the City is sued, related to an incident on indemnified property, the lawsuit is transferred to the contracting party.
A motion was made by Twining, second McKeon, to authorize the City Manager to implement a one-year pilot project for pier stairs advertising and amend the contract with Rio Media and Advertising to expand the scope of services to include pier stairs advertising.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark NOES: Gruel, and Williams
Police
14. 26-572 Approved and authorized execution of Amendment No. 2 to Add Additional Compensation to the Agreement Between LM Investigations, LLC, and the City of Huntington Beach for Background Services for the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD)
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute "Amendment No. 2 to Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and LM Investigations, LLC for Background Investigative Services" to hire qualified candidates for the HBPD.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
NOES: None
Public Works
15. 26-516 Approved and Authorized Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. for Water Quality Analysis and Sampling
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute "Service Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Sierra Analytic Laboratories, Inc. for Water Quality Analysis and Sampling", in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for a three-year term.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
16. 26-557 Accepted Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Awarded Construction Contract to Empire Design & Build in the Amount of $480,000 for the Water Production Office Renovation Project, CC1767
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid submitted by Empire Design & Build in the amount of $480,000; and, authorize the Director of Public Works to Approve change orders up to 20% contingency in potential construction-related changes; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a construction contract with Empire Design & Build in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
17. 26-561 Accepted Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Awarded Construction Contract to Sequel Contractors, Inc. in the Amount of $6,783,480 for the 2025 Arterial Rehabilitation Project (CC1771)
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid submitted by Sequel Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $6,783,480; and, authorize the Director of Public Works to approve change orders up to 10% contingency in potential construction change orders; and, approve the appropriation of $682,737 to account 125490002.82300; and, authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a construction contract in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
City Attorney Mike Vigliotta reminded Councilmembers that during the Public Comments portion of a meeting Councilmembers need to refrain from any dialogue with any speaker as it is time designated for the public to share their comments. It is appropriate to ask a public speaker to complete a blue card for further discussion.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
ADJOURNMENT — At 9:21 PM Mayor McKeon adjourned the meeting to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, July 21, 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