Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, September 15, 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
CALLED TO ORDER — 4:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Gruel, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent:
Twining (absent at Roll Call) – arrived at 5:10 PM
Assistant City Clerk Juan Esquivel announced that pursuant to City Charter Section 310(a), City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes requested and, with no objections, was granted permission to be absent from this meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION (Received After Agenda Distribution) Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, Assistant City Clerk Juan Esquivel announced supplemental communications received by his office following distribution of the Council Agenda packet which were all uploaded to the City's website and Councilmember iPads: Closed Session Item #4 (26-804) (1 email communication).
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — None Mayor McKeon read titles for Closed Session Items #1 (26-801), #2 (26-802), #3 (26-803), regarding Conferences with Labor Negotiators for Employee Organizations: 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 — 4:02 PM
CLOSED SESSION
26-801 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). 26-802 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). 26-803 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). 26-804 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. 26-805 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(4).): One (1). 26-806 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Mirabal (Jonathan Andrew) v. City of Huntington Beach, et al.; OCSC Case No.: 30-2024-01398616-CU-PA-CJC. 26-812 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. 6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING — 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent:
None
Assistant City Clerk Juan Esquivel announced that pursuant to City Charter Section 310(a), City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes requested and, with no objections, was granted permission to be absent from this meeting.
INVOCATION
In permitting a nonsectarian invocation, the City does not intend to proselytize or advance any faith or belief. Neither the City nor the City Council endorses any particular religious belief or form of invocation. 26-761 Huntington Beach Police Chaplain James Pike
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
26-782 James Ghormley, American Legion Post 133
CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY — None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Councilman Burns noted September 18th is the birthday of the Air Force; reported attending the 9/11 Ceremony at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station and the Huntington Beach Ceremony by American Legion Post 133; gave a shout out to Old World; and commented about socialism and communism in Huntington Beach. Councilman Kennedy noted Kolby Aipa Day will be celebrated on September 18th by the unveiling of a plaque at Tower Zero. Councilman Williams remembered the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Councilman Gruel noted that September 19th is Coastal Clean-Up Day. Mayor McKeon noted people vandalizing political signs will be prosecuted; welcomed the Future Proof Wealth Management convention to Huntington Beach this week and next week's Retail Convention. Mayor Pro Tem Twining thanked Code Four for supporting business conventions in Huntington Beach.
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH
Denise Woodside and volunteer Michael from OC Animal Care, introduced two adoptable dogs: Lipsy and Kendall. Additional information can be found at ocpetinfo.com.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
26-783 Business Highlight Presentation
Mayor McKeon presented a PowerPoint communication titled Business Highlight Presentation with slides entitled: Successful State of Surf City; Upcoming Business Events; Minute with the Mayor to recognize Stone & Ceramics Surfaces at Graham Street and Commercial Drive; and 2nd Floor Gallery, Bar and Grill on Main Street at Walnut.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Limited to one representative, one announcement
Eric Botsford, Fitness Festival Producer, announced this year's event from September 25 – 27, with over 2,000 athletes competing, and thanked Code Four for their support.
Jerry Donahue, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, provided a brief history on their efforts to protect Bolsa Chica wetlands and announced their 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 17, at the Senior Center in the Park.
Surf City Decides announced Huntington Beach City Council Candidates Speak Out event on Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution) Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, Assistant City Clerk Juan Esquivel announced supplemental communications received by his office following distribution of the Council Agenda packet which were all uploaded to the City's website and Councilmember iPads: Consent Calendar Items #14 (26-786) (1 email communication), Item #16 (26-808) (1 email communication); Administrative Items #23 (26-809) (1 email communication); and Council Member Items #24 (26-814) (1 email communication).
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
26-745 Celebration of National Constitution Day (September 17), Mayor McKeon and City Council presented a commendation to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) naming Constitution Week 2026 from September 17 to September 23, 2026
A special reading of the Preamble was presented by Greyson Latham, son of City Celebration Committee member Michael Latham.
Daughters of the American Revolution representative Patricia Pappas expressed appreciation for the recognition and introduced Greyson Latham who recited from memory the Preamble from the U. S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Mayor McKeon presented a commendation to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-Minute Time Limit) — 25 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.
Cathy Ryder commented on her expectations of elected City Councilmembers. (00:46:21) Brenda Glim commented on the opportunity on November 3rd for residents to elect Councilmembers. (00:48:32) Wendy Rincon commented on the choice Huntington Beach residents have on November 3rd. (00:51:27) Unnamed Speaker commented on the November 3rd opportunity to elect Councilmembers. (00:53:37) Elaine Bauer-Keeley commented on the Friends of the Library Memorandum of Understanding and donation, and Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding creating an Art Center Committee. (00:56:47) Unnamed Speaker commented on restoration needed at the Main Street Library, Consent Calendar Items #20 (26-728) regarding the Newland House Museum and Water Tower Restoration, and #22 (26-766) regarding demolition and replacement of the Huntington Harbour Dock. (00:59:58) Gerald Chapman commented on Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding creating an Art Center Committee. (01:02:34) Amory Hanson commented on Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding creating an Art Center Committee. (01:04:03) Unnamed Speaker commented on the importance of elected Councilmembers. (01:05:00) Unnamed Speaker commented on preventing anyone from interfering with elections, suggested an idea on how the Police Department could raise funds, and encouraged a class at the Senior Center on safe ways that AI can be used. (01:08:10) Tim Geddes commented on Consent Calendar Item #16 (26-808) regarding a plaque commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library; Administrative Items #23 (26-809) regarding design and language for the America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza; and the November 3rd election of Councilmembers. (01:10:17) Tuni Chatterjee, Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation Board Member, commented on Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding creating an Art Center Committee. (01:13:31) Alex Kess, 12 years old, commented on support for a state-wide eBike Safety program in Orange County. Mayor McKeon asked him to complete a blue card for follow-up. (01:15:43) Janet Johnson commented on Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding creating an Art Center Committee. (01:17:50) Bethany Webb commented on the November 3rd election of Councilmembers. (01:19:51) Chris Rini commented on Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding creating an Art Center Committee; Consent Calendar Item #16 (26-808) regarding a plaque commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library; and Administrative Items #23 (26-809) regarding design and language for the America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza. (01:22:56) Russell Neal commented on the upcoming Pacific Airshow on the first weekend of October. (01:25:06) Ben Davis commented on Consent Calendar Item #16 (26-808) regarding a plaque commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library. (01:27:56) Unnamed Speaker commented on Council Member Items #24 (26-814) regarding an Art Center Committee. (01:29:31) Kanan Durham commented on Awards and Presentations Item #11 (26-745) regarding commendation to the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Council Member Items Item #24 (26-814) regarding an Art Center Committee. (01:31:43) Sean commented on the Police Officers Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and professional services contracts for state and federal legislative advocacy services as discussed at the September 1, 2026, Council meeting, and commended staff for sharing their expertise and talents on behalf of the residents of Huntington Beach. (01:34:20) Paula Schaffer commented on Consent Calendar Item #14 (26-786) regarding professional services contracts for state and federal legislative advocacy services, and the Housing Element. (01:37:06) Unnamed Speaker commented on Council Member Items Item #24 (26-814) regarding an Art Center Committee; Consent Calendar Item #16 (26-808) regarding a plaque commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library; and the November 3rd Councilmember election. (01:40:00) Valentina Bankhead commented on what she believes are election code violations and encouraged everyone to ensure they are registered to vote. (01:43:00) Unnamed Speaker commented on Councilmember candidates and the Police Officers Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). (01:45:11) COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
AB 1234 REPORTING — None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Councilmember Williams reported speaking with Police Management Association and Huntington Beach Firefighter's Association representatives; Councilmember Gruel spoke with representatives of the Huntington Beach Firefighter's Association.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
26-256 Heard Republic Services Update on their Services to the Community City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Debbie Killey, Municipal Services Manager, Rainbow Republic Services, who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Republic Services Huntington Beach, with slides entitled Our Values; Community Support; Giving Back to the Huntington Beach Community; Programs for Residents; Las Vegas Polymer Center; Fleet Electrification; and Republic Services - Sustainability in Action.
Councilmember discussion covered handling of lithium batteries, kid's trash truck birthday visits; big items pick-up service; e-waste service; organics program which is regulated by the State; senior citizen/low-income utility discount must be applied for either through the City's website or at the Senior Center; City's plan for one new staff position as required by the State for proper implementation of the organics program, a Field Service Representative to represent residents and ensure regulation compliance; Republic Services educates and will be assessing fines after three notices of non-compliance; contingency plan with the City if there is a work stoppage due to labor negotiations; and damaged homeowner trash cans can be exchanged for new ones with a call to Rainbow Customer Service.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 13 - 22)
Councilmember Williams pulled Items #14, #16, and #22; Councilmember Gruel pulled Item #20 for further discussion.
City Clerk
26-807 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 September 1, 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
26-786 CONTINUED to October 6, 2026, to Approve Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) recommendation to approve and authorize execution of Professional Services Contracts with Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services Councilmember Williams pulled this item to confirm with City Manager Travis Hopkins the contracts were changed from three years to two years with the option to extend by one year because of the Council discussion of this item on September 1, 2026. Councilmember Williams stated he does not support funding these contracts.
Councilmember discussion continued whether the contracts would be reviewed in one year for tangible deliverables; it was noted that since Sacramento can move very slowly, Council decided to go with a review for tangible deliverables at the two-year mark. City Attorney Michael Vigliotta confirmed there is no penalty provision in either contract for early termination. City Manager Hopkins confirmed that every year he has been with the City there have been lobbyist contracts. Councilmember Kennedy asked for a ten-year look back to document what was spent and the return for that expense.
The discussion continued regarding how effective the Sacramento lobbyists have been in advocating for eBike safety throughout the State; keeping Councilmembers informed on what issues are being considered in Sacramento; advocating for Sacramento policies that will make our community better; financial rewards are more likely to come through the federal lobbyists; Huntington Beach left the California League of Cities because they were advocating for bills that would hurt Huntington Beach residents; the City is still working with the Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC–OC); currently using smaller firms that don't represent so many cities that Huntington Beach can get lost in the mix; given the current atmosphere in Sacramento regarding Huntington Beach it is important to have watchdogs looking out for us; an opportunity to look at other options such as having a staff member dedicated to these services or hiring a grant writer as needed; State and Federal legislators represent many cities in their districts, not just Huntington Beach; presence at the table is power; and noted that not everything is quantifiable in dollars and cents.
An amended motion was made by Kennedy, second Twining, to consider approval of Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) recommendation to approve and authorize execution of Professional Services Contracts with Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services as amended to ask staff to bring this item back at the next Councilmember meeting with a staff report to document the costs and the returns at both the State and Federal levels during the last ten years.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES:
None
Community Development
26-771 Approved Annual Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Grant End-of-Year Progress Report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to adopt the FY 2025-26 CAPER for CDBG and HOME funds; and, authorize the City Manager to transmit the report to HUD by September 30, 2026.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES:
None
Community and Library Services
26-808 Approved the design, inscription and installation of a plaque commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community and Library Services, presented a PowerPoint communication titled Main Street Branch Library 75th Anniversary Plaque with slides entitled: Analysis; Plaque Location; Proposed Plaque; Fiscal Impact; Recommended Action; and Questions? Councilmember Williams pulled this item to note he sees this as a luxury item which should be cut considering the current budget deficit. Director Wysocki confirmed for Mayor McKeon that typically City commemorative plaques contain the names of the sitting Councilmembers.
An amended motion was made by Williams, second Gruel, to approve the design, inscription and installation of a plaque commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library, as amended to allow any Councilmember to select any individual to replace their name on the plaque.
The motion failed by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, and Williams
NOES:
Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark
A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to approve the design, inscription and installation of the Main Street Branch Library 75th Anniversary plaque.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark
NOES:
Gruel, and Williams
Police
26-768 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-35 Accepting State Grant funds, Authorizing Execution of One-year California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Grant Agreement in the Amount of $100,000, and Approve Appropriation and Expenditure of Funds on Enforcing State Laws Regulating the Sales of Alcohol A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to approve and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the State of California, Department of ABC Grant Assistance program Standard Agreement; and, adopt Resolution No. 2026-35, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Authorizing Application for and Acceptance of Grant Funds from the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control and Authorizing Execution of the Grant Agreement;" and, approve the appropriation and expenditure of $100,000, of which is to be fully reimbursed by the grant from the Department of ABC.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES:
None
26-775 Approved Amendment No. 1 for the agreement with Waymakers for Gang Prevention and Intervention Program Services A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 1 to the agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Waymakers for Gang Prevention and Intervention.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES:
None
Public Works
26-778 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-36 authorizing submittal of a Grant Application to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery for all eligible CalRecycle Grants A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-36, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Authorizing Submittal of Application(s) for all CalRecycle Grants for which the City of Huntington Beach is Eligible." The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES:
None
26-728 CONTINUED to October 6, 2026, to consider Approval of Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Award a Construction Contract to Newbuild Construction and Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $628,600 for the Newland House Museum & Water Tower Restoration, CC1788 Councilmember Gruel pulled this item to review details on the financial numbers and invited Chau Vu, Director of Public Works, to elaborate on this project. Details on the project scope were reviewed.
The discussion continued by confirming that union workers are not required for City contracts; review of the type of bidders for City projects and the requirements the bidders must meet; 80 percent of recent project bidders were rejected because they do not comply with bid requirements as they were new to the public sector industry; whether it is possible to have a system in place that verifies a bidder meets bid requirements before they are allowed to submit; revenue generated by the Newland property; City is responsible for exterior maintenance of the buildings; typical maintenance and capital expenditure annual cost; and consideration of grant funds and/or non-profit groups that could fund these maintenance costs.
An amended motion was made by Gruel, second Kennedy, to approve the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Award a Construction Contract to Newbuild Construction and Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $628,600 for the Newland House Museum & Water Tower Restoration, CC1788, as amended to continue this item to the October 6, 2026, Council meeting to allow staff to report back with a deeper dive into the numbers.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES:
None
26-760 Approved the Release of the Guarantee and Warranty Bond for the HB Walk Project (Tract 19157) A motion was made by McKeon, second Van Der Mark, to release Guarantee and Warranty Bond No. PB03010409024-M, the security furnished for guarantee and warranty of improvements for the HB Walk Project (Tract 19157); and, Instruct the City Clerk to notify the developer, Olson Urban-Huntington Beach 4, LLC, of this action; and, Instruct the City Treasurer to notify the surety company, Philadelphia Indemnity 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
26-766 Accepted Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Awarded Construction Contract to South Shore Marine Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $388,625.00 for the Huntington Harbour Dock Demolition and Replacement (CC1896); and Approved the Appropriation of $27,487.50 Councilmember Williams pulled this item to clarify cost discrepancies between the June Council discussion on this topic versus the costs currently presented and determine why there was only one bidder. Discussion ensued on other Councilmembers expecting a replacement project to be in the $400,000 ballpark; this dock is the responsibility of the City, not the Yacht Club, yet the Club did some patchwork to keep it safe; a trip and fall incident would likely be much more expensive than the cost for this project; the current surface condition is just a temporary fix on top of a 50-year old dock with serious structural issues; only one bid was received from a local Huntington Beach company; as due diligence why didn't staff follow-up through phone inquiries to potential local bidders after only one bid was received ; this is considered a "small" project for this industry; the contract, if approved, has to be signed by everyone before any work can begin, and it is anticipated the on-site portion of this project will be in 2027; staff confirmed the current dock is useable, sound, stabilized and can be used this year as is; and at Councilmembers request, Public Works Director Chau Vu read the list of businesses that opened the bid package.
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to approve the appropriation of funds from the Infrastructure Fund, Account 31440003.82000, in the amount of $27,487.50 to Account 314900048.82800; and, accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid submitted by South Shore Marine Construction, Inc in the amount of $388,625.00 (Base Bid); and, authorize the Director of Public Works to approve construction change orders up to a 10% contingency for potential construction change orders; 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
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
26-809 Approved Design and Language for the America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community and Library Services, presented a PowerPoint communication titled America 250 Plaque at Pier Plaza with slides entitled: Table of Contents; City Council Rendering; Historic Resources Board Edits; Community & Library Services Commission Edit; City Council Edits (2); Fiscal Impact; Recommendation; and Questions? Councilmember Williams requested his name be replaced with the name of his war hero.
An amended motion was made by Williams to approve staff recommendation for the proposed design and inscription for the America 250 Celebration plaque at the Pier Plaza Memorial as amended to replace the names of Councilmembers Gruel and Williams with two previously selected war heroes.
The motion failed due to lack of a second.
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to approve the proposed design and inscription for the America 250 Celebration plaque at the Pier Plaza Memorial.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark
NOES:
Gruel, and Williams
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
26-814 Approved Item submitted by Mayor McKeon, Councilman Burns, Councilman Kennedy — Consider Creating an Art Center Committee Mayor McKeon introduced this item by reviewing the successful efforts of the City Celebration Committee, composed of residents, over the past four years; this is the perfect time and way to enhance local culture and art, including national art; consider a financial restructure to put the Art Center in a position to at least break even, if not become profitable; through a committee of seven to nine residents.
Council discussion included supporting the synergy created by having the Surf Museum, Art Center and Main Street Library in close proximity by helping them think of more ways to increase revenue; this will be a committee of people who apply to become a member; Council liaisons will present the members for Council vote of approval; utilizing the skills of local people with great ideas who want to volunteer their time to enhance resident and visitor experiences; the original Council Liaisons are not permanent members of the Art Center Committee; review of the Committee's anticipated responsibilities for increasing citizen involvement in supporting the Art Center; concerns regarding increasing government and requiring more staff resources; purpose of the existing Community and Library Services Commission; and the need for a committee of volunteers focused on art to advise, assist and collaborate on activities with the existing Art Center and Art Center Foundation.
City Attorney Michael Vigliotta confirmed staff would return with a resolution of how the Committee operates, delineating what it can and can't do, if this item is approved.
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, asking staff return at the next meeting with a proposal for the City Council to consider the formation of a Brown Act committee of 7 – 9 residents appointed by two Council liaisons, Councilmember Kennedy and Mayor McKeon, to create an Art Center Committee to assist the Art Center with scheduling events, education classes, and curating art exhibitions with national and local artists, in order to enhance the Art Center, promote local artists and coordinate events with the Surf Museum.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark
NOES:
Gruel, and Williams
ADJOURNMENT — At 9:51 PM a motion by Burns, with a second by Kennedy, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, October 6, 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
Council/PFA Regular Minutes
September 15, 2026