Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
3:30 PM - Council Chambers
6:00 PM - Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
A video recording of the 3:30 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
3:30 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER - 3:30 PM
Present:
Absent:
ROLL CALL
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
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: Closed Session Item NEW(26-776) (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - None Mayor McKeon read titles for Closed Session Items #1 (26-736), #2 (26-737), #3 (26-738), Conference with Labor Negotiators, Employee Organizations: Police Management Association (PMA), Huntington Beach Firefighters' Association (HBFA) and Fire Management Association (FMA); Item #4 (26-739) Conference with Real Property Negotiators, negotiating parties: Tina Viray and Nelson Wescott OBA The Surf City Store (not present) for price and terms of lease; Item #5 (26-740) Conference with Real Property Negotiators, negotiating parties: Dave Shenkman OBA Kite Connection (not present) for price and terms of lease; Item #6 Conference with Real Property Negotiators, negotiating parties: Pouya Honari - Pacific City Hotel, LLC OBA Pasea Hotel and Spa (not present) for price and terms of payment; Item #7 (26-742) Conference with Real Property Negotiators, negotiating parties: Michael and Christine Bartusick OBA Park Bench Cafe and Rory Bevins (not present) for price and terms of payment; and Item #8 (26-743) Conference with Real Property Negotiators, negotiating parties: Max Daffron, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce (not present) for price and terms of lease.
A motion was made by McKeon, with a second by Burns, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION - 3:34 PM
CLOSED SESSION
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
NEW 26-776 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Clayton-Tarvin (Gina) v. City of Huntington Beach; OCSC Case No.: 30-2026-01574649.
1. 26-736 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, Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Police Management Association (PMA).
2. 26-737 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, Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Huntington Beach Firefighters' Association (HBFA).
3. 26-738 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, Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Fire Management Association (FMA).
4. 26-739 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 60 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Agency Negotiators: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager; Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development; William Krill, Real Estate Project Manager. Negotiating parties: Tina Viray and Nelson Wescott DBA The Surf City Store (Not Present). Under negotiation: Price and terms of lease.
5. 26-740 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 61 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Agency Negotiators: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager; Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development; William Krill, Real Estate Project Manager. Negotiating parties: Dave Shenkman DBA Kite Connection International Incorporated (Not Present). Under negotiation: Price and terms of lease.
6. 26-741 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.
7. 26-742 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 17732 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (APN 111-010-69).
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
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.
8. 26-743 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54956.8.) Property: 411 Olive Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Agency Negotiators:
Travis Hopkins, City Manager; Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager; Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development; William Krill, Real Estate Project Manager. Negotiating parties: Max Daffron, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce (Not Present).
Under negotiation: Price and terms of lease.
9. 26-744 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.
10. 26-765 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(2).): One (1 ).
6:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING - 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
INVOCATION
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
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. 26-675 Huntington Beach Police Chaplain Bob Ewing
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
12. 26-758 Dennis Bauer, American Legion Post 133
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY - None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Councilmember Burns reminded everyone to vote American in the upcoming elections, and be proud to be an American; Council Woman Van Der Mark thanked those in the community who are raising funds in response to the tragedy in Nepal; and Councilmember Gruel reiterated the importance of eBike safety and encouraged participation in the free hands-on eBike rider training offered by the Huntington Beach Police Department on September 12th.
MAYOR'S SPOTLIGHT
13. 26-753 Mayor's Spotlight Presentation
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
Mayor McKean acknowledged recent award recipients: Mayor's Excellence Award to City employees Dang Chaupham and Scott Adams; Fred's Mexican Restaurant's $10,000 donation to the Huntington Beach Junior Guards; Marina High School Youth Theater group for winning the Macy Award; Boys Youth-13 Black Soccer Team for their exceptional 2026 Spring Season; and winners of the City's Celebration America 250 Coloring Contest; proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month with Molina Carey of Second Harvest Food Bank; three Code Enforcement Officers for helping to unite lost children with their parents during the US Open of Surfing; volunteers who restored and revitalized the view finders on the Pier; Mayor's Spotlight Award to Ocean View School District Special Education Director Christina Coulters; Max, Marie, Mike, and Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant recognized for 60 years serving Surf City; Central Library staff members for their quick action during a recent dog attack near the loading dock; and winners of the City's Celebration Committee Independence Day Photo Competition.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
14. 26-752 Business Highlight Presentation
Two new businesses, Waves Market & Spirits and Pizza Factory, were recognized for recent ribbon cutting events. Mayor McKean announced the free State of Surf City event on September 10 at Pier Plaza co-hosted by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Minute with the Mayor videos were played to recognize Current Surf app creator Colin Weaver; Orange County Speech Services Executive Director Elizabeth Mitchell, and How's The Weather? a non-profit founded by Erin Clarke for dealing with grief.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit) Limited to one representative, one announcement
Kelly Frankiewicz, President, Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, announced details for the Blessing of the Waves event on September 13, 2026, at the Huntington Beach Pier.
Allen Zimmer announced the First Golf Tournament Championship on September 12, 2026, between Huntington Club and Meadowlark Golf Course, for the Surf City Cup Award.
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: Consent Calendar Item #19(26-672) (9 email communications); Item #20 (26-726) (1 email communication); Administrative Items #25 (26-733) (1 email communication); Item #26 (26-759) (1 email communication and 1 staff communication); and Item #27 (26-756) (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS - 28 Speakers
The number [hh:mm:ss] following the speakers' comments indicates their approximate starting time in the archived video located at https:l/huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
Sean McDonough commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:33:35) William Bradley commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:35:44) Bernard Atkins commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:38:39) Reed Parker commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:40:50) Zack Pricer commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:43: 18) Cole Swain commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:46:07) Tony commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:48:01) Danny Evans commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:50:22) Luis Castillo commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (00:52:35) Amory Hanson commented on Administrative Item #25 (26-733) regarding approval of design and language for the America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza. (00:54:05) Pat Goodman commented on Administrative Item #26 (26-759) regarding Finance Commission Subcommittee's review of financial impact of proposed Police Officers' Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding. (00:54:41)
John Redaille commented on Consent Calendar Item #·19 regarding the recommended design firm RRM Design Group to complete the Edison Park reconfiguration. (00:58:04) Tim Geddes commented on the financial impact of various City Council decisions; candidates in the upcoming election; and Council's lack of new revenue sources. (01 :01 : 15) Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
Nancy Buchoz commented on Consent Calendar Item #19 regarding the recommended design firm RRM Design Group to complete the Edison Park reconfiguration. (01 :04:02) Tony Riccobono commented on Consent Calendar Item #19 regarding the recommended design firm RRM Design Group to complete the Edison Park reconfiguration. (01 :06:16) Ding Jo Curry commented on Consent Calendar Item #19 regarding the recommended design firm RRM Design Group to complete the Edison Park reconfiguration. (01 :07: 16) Clayton King commented about the status of the street signs he has requested on Lamond Drive, across from Bauer Park. (01 : 10:32) Mayor McKeon responded that he would meet with Mr. King to provide an update on the street signs.
Tommy Higgs commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (01 : 13:25) Peggy Hepler commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (01: 16:37) Unnamed Speaker commented on the difference between operational and reserve funds. (01 : 18: 15) Unnamed Speaker commented on off-shore oil drilling and suggested that replacing the Police Department helicopters with drones would generate revenue. (01 :20:56) Unnamed Speaker commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (01 :22:21) Unnamed Speaker commented on national political situations. (01 :25:58) Unnamed Speaker commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029; lack of Council transparency, and budget shortfalls. (01 :28:03)
Russell Neal commented on left vs right trends, socialism, and City Council candidates in the upcoming election. (01 :30:09)
Brennan commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (01 :33:02) Aaron commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (01 :35:34) Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
Jason commented on Administrative Items #27 (26-756) regarding approving and implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (01 :38:09)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Woman Van Der Mark announced her appointment of Austin Edsel to the Planning Commission.
AB 1234 REPORTING - None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Mayor Pro Tern Twining, Councilmembers Gruel and Williams reported speaking with Police Officers' Association (POA) and Fire Association representatives. Council Woman Van Der Mark reported speaking with Police Officers' Association (POA) representatives.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - None
CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
15. 26-716 Received and Filed City Treasurer's Q4 FY2025-2026 Quarterly Investment Report City Treasurer Jason Schmitt presented a PowerPoint communication titled Q4 FY25/26 Investment Review with slides entitled: Investment Policy Principles, Q4 FY2025/26 Investment Performance, LongTerm Investment Performance, Q3 2025/26 Portfolio Concentration, Q4 FY2025/26 Investment Compliance, West Orange County Water Board, City Treasury Priorities, Transparency, Accountability, Community, and Questions?
Councilmember discussion included details on General Fund Reserves.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 16 - 24)
Councilmember Gruel pulled #17, Mayor Pro Tern Twining pulled #19 and Council Woman Van Der Mark pulled Item #22 for further discussion.
City Clerk
16. 26-746 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 August 18, 2026.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
City Manager
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
17. 26-483 Approved Amended Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) recommendation to approve and authorize execution of Professional Services Contracts Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services Councilmember Gruel pulled this item to clarify what the lobbying groups do, how they work with the Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) and benchmarks of success; and the discussion continued regarding cost based on a fee schedule; Return on Investment (ROI); grant funds secured through the efforts of the Advocacy Services are usually for specific projects within the City and not money that can be used wherever the City might independently decide to use it; various lobbying options Huntington Beach has used in the past; the connections that Advocacy Services has to facilitate successful meetings with state and federal politicians which might not otherwise be possible; consider 1- year contracts to allow City Council evaluation of the merits and accomplishments and full rights to extend or exit contracts with no penalty; the federal grant process moves very slowly and can take well over a year to receive funds; advocacy, rather than grants, is the benefit at the state level; and, the importance of keeping eyes on Sacramento related to legislation that will directly affect Huntington Beach, especially recognizing that Sacramento politicians represent many, many cities in their district and cannot just focus on Huntington Beach.
Staff explained if this amended motion is approved by Council, it will have to be approved by the potential vendors, and the contracts will be reviewed by the City Attorney's Office before being brought back within four weeks.
An amended motion was made by Kennedy, second Van Der Mark, to as recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $270,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services"; and as recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $234,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services," as amended for three-year pricing with a two-year unilateral right to exit either contract with no penalty or consequence a'fter City Council evaluates the merits and accomplishments and makes a decision to exercise the third year, or the right to exit the contracts.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark Williams
Community Development
18. 26-724 Approved the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District's (District) Annual Report and Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 and Adopted Resolution No. 2026-26 to Continue Levying an Annual Assessment on Businesses within the District, with a Public Hearing Scheduled for October 6, 2026 A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to approve the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District Annual Report and Budget for FY 2026-2027; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-26, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Declaring the City's Intention to Levy an Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 within the Huntington Beach Downtown Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
Business Improvement District," and schedule a public hearing on October 6, 2026, to consider the continuation of the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
Community and Library SeNices
19. 26-672 Approved the recommended design firm RRM Design Group to complete the Edison Park Reconfiguration, CC1860 design and construction documents and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract for RRM Design Group to increase compensation by $500,000
Mayor Pro Tern Twining pulled Item #19 to better understand the contract with RRM Design Group and Ashley Wysocki, Director of Library and Community Services, reviewed the services included in the contract using Quimby, AES and DIP funds which are dedicated project capital funds for parks. Director Wysocki also confirmed that stakeholder meetings will be part of the design process and noted that funding for actual construction will come back before Council.
A motion was made by Twining, second McKeon, to approve the recommended design firm RRM Design Group to complete the Edison Park Reconfiguration, CC1860 design and construction documents; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and RRM Design Group for On-Call Architectural Engineering and Professional Consulting Services, increasing the contract compensation by $500,000 for a not to exceed contract amount of $1,500,000.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
20. 26-726
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
Approved the language, design, donation and installation of the Sons of the American Revolution America 250 Memorial Bench on City Hall Property as approved by the Community & Library Services Commission A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to approve the language, design, donation and installation of the Sons of the American Revolution America 250 Memorial Bench near the Veterans Memorial on City Hall property.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
21 . 26-757 Adopted Ordinance No. 4350 amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 10, Sections 10.04, 10.50, 10.56, 10.60, 10.64 and 10.68 relating to Vehicles and Traffic and Adopt Ordinance No. 4351 Chapter 13.08, Sections 13.08.005 and Council/Pf A Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
13.08.080 relating to Beach Regulations -Approved Both Ordinances for Introduction August 18, 2026 (Vote: 7 - 0)
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to adopt Ordinance No. 4350, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Sections 10.04, 10.50, 10.56, 10.60, 10.64, and 10.68 of Title 10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to Vehicles and Traffic." Adopt Ordinance No. 4351 , "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Sections 13.08.005 and 13.08.080 of Chapter 13.08 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to Beach Regulations."
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Finance
22. 26-71
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
Approved and Authorized an Execution of an Amended Professional Services Contract with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates (HdL) in the amount of $300,000 for Sales and Use Tax Allocation and Audit Services
Council Woman Van Der Mark pulled this item to clarify the services that are provided and purpose of the audit. Chief Financial Officer Zack Zithisakthanakul confirmed that Hdl has been used in the past for sales tax forecasting and monitoring through quarterly meetings to review sector industry trends, comparing Huntington Beach to other state and county cities, and looking for under- or miss-reporting of sales tax to the City. Hdl does receive a percentage of any additional revenue paid to the City. The discussion continued by clarifying that the base contract with Hdl is $14,000 per year for their forecasting and consulting services, any additional sales tax uncovered is reported to the California Department of Sales and Tax (COST) in Sacramento then distributed back to Huntington Beach. Any penalties for under reporting is under the jurisdiction of COST, not the City of Huntington Beach.
An amended motion was made by Van Der Mark, second Burns, to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $300,000 "Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Hinderliter De Llamas and Associates for Sales and Used Tax Allocation and Audit Services," as amended to strike language from contract Exhibit B, Additional Terms, Section 3. Consulting and Other Optional Services 3.1.2, F-ees for performing transactional tax baUot measures estimates shaU he $2,600 per report.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Public Works
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
23. 26-727 Rejected All Bids for the Abandonment of Old Pirate Drive Private Water Well Project, CC-1624, and Direct Staff to Re-Bid the Project A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to reject all bids for the Abandonment of Old Pirate Drive Private Water Well Project, CC-1624, and re-bid the Project.
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
24. 26-730
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKean, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
Approved and Authorized Execution of Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Agreement No. C-1-3598 between Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Cities of Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Westminster for the First Street/Bolsa Avenue Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project A motion was made by McKean, second Van Der Mark, to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No.1 to the Cooperative Agreement No. C-1-3598 between Orange County Transportation Authority and Cities of Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Westminster for the First StreeUBolsa Avenue Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKean, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
25. 26-733 Approved Changes for another iteration of Design and Language for the America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza
Director of Community and Library Services Ashley Wysocki presented a PowerPoint communication titled America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza, with slides entitled: Background, Additional Background, Historic Resources Board Edits, Community & Library Services Commission Edits, City Council Edits, City Council Supplemental Communication, graphic showing two current iteration processes, Financial Impact, Recommendation (2), and Questions?
Councilmember discussion included cannon graphic image to use depends upon the process selected; using a graphic image of a Revolution War soldier to replace the cannon image on the left; wording is more symmetrical on the left-side image; smaller City logo in left graphic image allows for better text sizing; option for any Councilmember to replace their name with a specific veteran's name; since every Huntington Beach veteran cannot be listed, it is not appropriate to select just a few; text suggestion (in place of specific veteran names): America's Veterans - Past, Present, Future - Forever America's Heroes; City recognition of suggested veterans to be included on this plaque already exists in the form of park names and plaques; option to not include any Councilmember names; purpose of this plaque is to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of America, not specific Huntington Beach veterans; a request to not remove Chris Carr's name from the plaque; and staff to return with whether or not laser engraving can be used as well as one more iteration for final Council review.
An amended motion was made by Kennedy, second McKean to approve the proposed design and inscription for the America 250 Celebration plaque at the Pier Plaza Memorial, as amended to return with another iteration adding "America's Veterans - Past, Present and Future- Forever America's Heroes" in a prominent manner.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
26. 26-759
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark
Gruel, and Williams
Finance Commission Subcommittee's Review of Financial Impact of Proposed Police Officers Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the General Fund and Recommendations was available as Agenda packet memo for this item, and Heard Staff Review of Long-Range Financial Projections Including Labor Contracts, Unfunded Pension Liabilities, and Reserve Levels City Manager Travis Hopkins announced the Finance Commission Subcommittee's Review of the Financial Impact of the proposed Police Officers' Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is in the memo attached to the agenda for this item. City Manager Hopkins introduced Chief Financial Officer Zack Zithisakthanakul and Finance Manager Robert Szilagyi who presented a PowerPoint communication titled City of Huntington Beach FY 2026/27 General Fund Financial Discussion, with slides entitled: Table of Contents, 10- Year Forecast, 10- Year Forecast, Milestones of Bankruptcy, Ca/PERS, Milestones of Bankruptcy, Ca/PERS, How Ca/PERS UAL Is Created - and Why Payments Can Build Over Time, Huntington Beach Ca/PERS UAL Payments, Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs}, General Fund Reserves, Managing a Deficit, Additional Revenue Options, and Questions?
Extensive Council discussion included review of the budget projections vs actuals for the last three years; 10-year forecast trend; a $99M Reserve fund is pretty healthy especially when compared to other cities; 10-Year Projections are based on today's numbers; to build the Reserve balance you have to earn more than you spend; if any of the assumptions made for the 10-Year Projections change, the lines can significantly move up or down; decreasing expenses by 1 % and increasing revenue by 1 % would flatten the 10-Year Projections line; review of the 10-Year Projections assumptions with no potential corrective actions; the appropriate tool is needed to measure liquidity or solvency, manage current year finances, revenue and expense trend; significant corrective actions to consider are managed hiring, reducing carry-overs, and fund transfers; projections include fully funded open staff positions; the current trend exists regardless of whether the POA MOU is approved; the conclusion espoused by some is false that Huntington Beach will be bankrupt in 2031 if this POA MOU is approved; the projected financial numbers need continual monitoring; some Huntington Beach Police Department staff selected this city to work in for reasons other than competitive pay; there was an increase in Police Department staffing after approval of the legacy contract three years ago and today there are fewer vacancies than existed three years ago; in addition to the vacancies, at any given time the Police Department also has approximately 25 officers on leave or off due to injury; current response times, expected service levels and proactive policing all need to be maintained; financial decisions made by Councilmembers, on a contract-bycontract basis, affect the City's financial future; unfunded pension liabilities is the main driver of the structural deficit; CalPERS budgets a 3% raise per employee group and anything above that gets added to the unfunded accrued pension liability; course corrective action for fiscal responsibility requires Council to slash expenses and find ways to increase revenue rather than kicking the issue into the future until there is a financial emergency; the reality is that expenses are increasing almost twice as fast as revenue; and review of ways the Police Department currently contributes $7.83M in annual savings.
A motion was made by Williams, second Gruel, to consider the information and recommendations presented by the Finance Commission Subcommittee and City staff.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2026
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
27. 26-756 Approved Resolution No. 2026-37 Approving and Implementing the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029 Assistant City Manager Marissa Sur presented a PowerPoint communication titled Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA), with slides entitled: Proposed MOU, Fiscal Impact, and Questions?
A motion was made by Williams, second Gruel to adopt Resolution No. 2026-37, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Approving and Implementing the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (HBPOA) for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029; and, appropriate $2,700,000 from General Fund reserves to fund the FY2026/27 costs associated with the implementation of the HBPOA MOU; and, authorize the City Manager or designee to take all administrative and budgetary actions necessary for implementation of Resolution No. 2026-37.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Gruel, Twining, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Kennedy, McKeon, and Burns
ADJOURNMENT -At 10:20 PM a motion was made by Van Der Mark, with a second by Burns, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, September 15, 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. hunti ngtonbeachca. gov
ATTEST:
%cit~ ecretary
.+orCityClerk anex-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
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