City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Chad Williams, Councilman
Date: October 6, 2026
Subject: Finance Committee Independence Day Celebration Subcommittee
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
On September 23, 2026, the Finance Commission established an Independence Day Celebration Finance Subcommittee to review the PSQ Productions contract, reported revenues and expenses, historical agreements, and governance of the City’s Fourth of July program, and to report findings and recommendations to the Commission and the City Council. The Commission’s record included the 2017 Fourth of July Celebration Audit and the 2024, 2025, and 2026 performance reports.
The City is not renewing the PSQ agreement. Staff intends to solicit a new operator. Council dissolved the prior oversight board in 2025.
Before any RFP or new contract, the Subcommittee should complete that review with full staff cooperation.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Direct staff to work with the Independence Day Celebration Finance Subcommittee, including review of documents, records, agreements, financial information, correspondence, and reports reasonably requested.
2. Direct the Subcommittee to review prior agreements, financial arrangements, governance practices, operational structures, and any other matters it deems relevant to future management of the program.
3. Direct the Subcommittee to present a written report of findings and recommendations to the Finance Commission and then to the City Council within 45 days of adoption of this motion.
4. Provide that, after receiving the report, the City Council may incorporate the Subcommittee’s recommendations into any future RFP, agreement, governance model, or oversight process for the program.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable - Administrative Item