Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council/Public Financing Authority
City of Huntington Beach
Tuesday, October 6, 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
ROLL CALL
Present: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — None Mayor McKeon read titles for Closed Session Items #1 (26-850), #2 (26-851) regarding Conferences with Labor Negotiators for Employee Organizations: Huntington Beach Firefighters' Association (HBFA) and Fire Management Association (FMA); and #3 (26-857) Conference with Real Property Negotiators regarding property at 21091 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific City Hotel, LLC dba Pasea Hotel and Spa.
A motion was made by Van Der Mark, with a second by Burns, to recess to Closed Session.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION
1. 26-850 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).
2. 26-851 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov. Code section 54957.6.) Agency designated representatives: Travis Hopkins, City Manager; also in attendance:
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager; Mike Vigliotta, City Attorney and Zack Zithisakthanakul, Chief Financial Officer. Employee Organization: Fire Management Association (FMA).
3. 26-857 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.
4. 26-852 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.
5. 26-853 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(4).): Two (2).
6. 26-854 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Torres (Florence) v. City of Huntington Beach; OCSC Case No.: 30-2023-01334230-CU-PO-CJC.
7. 26-855 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Faiella (Jennifer Dawn) v. City of Huntington Beach, et al.; OCSC Case No.: 30-2024-01434420-CU-PO-CJC.
8. 26-856 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Bauer-Oldfield (Ashley) v. City of Huntington Beach; USDC Case No. 8:24-cv-02700-CAS-JDE.
9. 26-864 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION. (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). Grant Parks v. City of Huntington Beach, et al.; OCSC Case No.: 30-2024-01435113.
6:00 PM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams
Absent: None
INVOCATION
10. 26-762 Huntington Beach Fire Department Chaplain Jeff Lopez 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.
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Led by Gary Robles, American Legion Post 133 CLOSED SESSION REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY — None
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit)
Councilmember Burns noted the success of the Pacific Airshow and commended City staff and the producer, Code Four; announced that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; acknowledged Lifeguard Taylor Savage for bringing an individual back to life during the Airshow; and he encouraged people to vote educated; Mayor Pro Tem Twining stated he is proud of the City’s relationship with Sister City Ramat Gan, Israel; Councilmembers Kennedy, Williams, Gruel and Council Woman Van Der Mark acknowledged the successful Airshow and expressed appreciation for the outstanding work of the Police, Fire, Marine Safety, Lifeguard as well as behind-the-scenes City staff members.
Mayor McKeon shared a short video of the Pacific Airshow activities and crowds; noted the pilots state this is the best Airshow in the world; more than a million people attended over the three days; and expressed his gratitude to Code Four and City staff from many departments who worked very hard to ensure a successful event.
Just before the meeting was adjourned, Councilmembers Kennedy and Burns gave kudos to City Clerk, Lisa Lane Barnes and her Passport Service team for outstanding service.
MAYOR’S SPOTLIGHT
11. 26-818 Mayor’s Spotlight Presentation
The Mayor's Spotlight Award was presented to Canine Companions in acknowledgement of September as National Service Dog Month; Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church volunteers to acknowledge their service at the Navigation Center; Conrad Court, 14-year-old Huntington Beach resident who is crushing diving records and demonstrating outstanding athletic ability while competing against the best divers across the country; and Fred's Mexican Cafe for a $10,000 check to Special Olympics of Southern California.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
12. 26-819 Business Highlight Presentation
Mayor McKeon presented a PowerPoint communication titled Business Highlight Presentation with slides entitled: New Businesses Now Open; HB Chamber — Sector Partnerships; Pacific Airshow Highlights Aerospace & Defense Industry; Minute with the Mayor; The Pump Out in Huntington Harbour; Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, 10951 Goldenwest Street at Garfield; and Old World Village at Center Avenue and Beach Boulevard.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS (2-Minute Time Limit) Limited to one representative, one announcement
Janet Nguyen, District Representative, County of Orange Board of Supervisors, shared ways that the County is working with Huntington Beach to address homelessness, expanding access to healthcare and serving the residents.
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Unnamed Speaker commented on the many voting resources and encouraged people to vote early.
Suzanne Beard, Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee Chair, announced the Pop-Up Holiday Boutique, October 23 & 24 at Huntington Harbour Mall, and Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights, December 19 – 23 and noted that tickets can be purchased online at cruiseoflights.org.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda Distribution) — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — 24 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.
Ryan Rustan, Owner of Sugar, the Surfing Dog, shared his gratitude for the ways Huntington Beach City Councilmembers have supported and encouraged Sugar, and asked if Sugar the Surfing Dog Day could be celebrated on their birthday, June 14. (00:46:10)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (00:48:31) Jeanne Paris commented on the successful Pacific Airshow, as well as other successful City events throughout 2026, and thanked City Council for the reduction in crime and homelessness in Huntington Beach. (00:51:28)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the reduction in crime, homelessness and the housing element in Huntington Beach since 2022 and thanked City Council for these changes. (00:53:19) Unnamed Speaker commented on the successful Pacific Airshow, the reduction in crime, homelessness and improvements on Main Street. (00:56:12)
Dean Schwartz commented on the deadly consequences of smoking and second-hand smoke. (00:58:45)
Janet commented on the reduction in crime and homelessness, noted successful events held in Huntington Beach throughout the year, and thanked City Councilmembers. (01:01:56) Unnamed Speaker commented on the successful Pacific Airshow, thanked City Councilmembers for the many positive changes that are improving life for Huntington Beach residents and visitors, and encouraged everyone to vote in the November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:05:08) Unnamed Speaker commented on Huntington Beach and Sister City Ramat Gan, Isreal. (01:07:46) Nadim Altanimi commented on Huntington Beach and Sister City Ramat Gan, Israel. (01:10:36) Nick Torres commented on Huntington Beach and Sister City Ramat Gan, Israel. (01:13:49) Mayor McKeon announced a recess at approximately 7:13 PM to control disorderly conduct by some audience members, and at approximately 7:17 PM reconvened the meeting.
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Linda commented on the successful Pacific Airshow, other successful events held in Huntington Beach throughout the year, and thanked City Councilmembers. (01:17:55) Amory Hanson commented on Consent Calendar Item #18 (26-678) regarding Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement for Park Bench Cafe. (01:21:01)
Tim Geddes commented on the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:21:24) Ken Inouye commented on the City's infrastructure costs and budget. (01:24:24) Bethany Webb commented on the Pacific Airshow, Huntington Beach Public Library, Sports Complex, bar near a school, budget deficit, and reduction in homelessness. (01:26:03) Unnamed Speaker commented on OCPA, recycling of solar panels, and migrants. (01:29:30) Perry Clitheroe commented on the Housing Element and upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:31:13)
Chris Kluwe commented on the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:33:36) Chris Rini commented on various City issues and the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:36:05)
Russell Neal commented on banned library books and the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:38:57)
Rome commented on Measure U, the Housing Element and the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:41:32)
Unnamed Speaker commented on the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election. (01:44:25) Unnamed Speaker commented on the successful Pacific Airshow and noted some of the expenses the City covers for the event. (01:45:30)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor McKeon announced his appointment of Darrin Martin to the Investment Advisory Board, and thanked Martha Morrow for four years of dedicated service.
AB 1234 REPORTING — None
OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATION DISCLOSURES
Mayor McKeon, Mayor Pro Tem Twining and Councilmember Williams reported speaking with Huntington Beach Firefighters Association (HBFA) representatives.
PUBLIC HEARING
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
13. 26-731 Held Public Hearing and Adopted Resolution No. 2026-27 Approving the Annual Assessment for the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27
Mayor McKeon called on City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes to notice this Public Hearing. She confirmed that the notice was completed in the manner and form as required by the Parking and Business Improvement Area law of 1989, codified at Street and Highways Code 36500.
Public Hearing Supplemental Communications — None
Economic Development Project Manager Chris Kennedy presented a PowerPoint communication titled Public Hearing to consider adoption of Resolution No. 2026-27 approving an Annual Assessment within the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2026-27, with slides entitled: Background, The District, Downtown HB, FY 2025-26 Highlights, FY 2026–27 Proposed Budget, Assessment Breakdown, How Assessment Funds Will Be Used, Annual Assessment Protest Hearing, Recommendation, and Questions?
Mayor McKeon opened the Public Hearing.
Public Hearing Public Speakers — None
Mayor McKeon closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor McKeon asked City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes if any protests of the total assessment had been received and she confirmed that no protests had been received.
Councilmembers had no discussion or questions for staff regarding the Annual Assessment for the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 – 27.
A motion was made by Burns, second McKeon, to conduct the Public Hearing; and, if written protests from businesses representing 50% or more of the total assessment are not received, adopt Resolution No. 2026-27, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Approving an Annual Assessment within the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2026-
27."
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT — None
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 14 - 23)
Consent Calendar Items #16, #18, #19, and #23 were pulled for further discussion.
City Clerk
14. 26-860 Approved and Adopted Minutes
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, to approve and adopt the City Council/Public Financing Authority regular meeting minutes of September 15, 2026.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
15. 26-817 Received and Filed the City Clerk’s Quarterly Listing of Professional Services Contracts Filed in the City Clerk’s Office between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, to receive and file the "List of Professional Services Contracts Approved by Department Heads and Submitted to the Office of the City Clerk during the period of April 1, 2026 and June 30, 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
16. 26-845 Approved 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 City Manager Travis Hopkins pulled this item to introduce Council Policy Analyst Shannon Levin who presented a PowerPoint communication titled State and Federal Legislative Advocacy Services Professional Service Contracts with slides entitled: Table of Contents; Services Rendered; State Legislative Advocacy; Federal Legislative Advocacy; Revised Proposals; State Legislative Advocacy; and Federal Legislative Advocacy.
Councilmember discussion included appreciation for the negotiated cost savings; contract changes including specific services and reduced costs; importance of regular advocacy which the City may not have the staff capacity to adequately handle; reallocating these contract costs to better priorities; and confirmation that contract terms include 30-day cancellation notice by either side.
An amended motion was made by Kennedy, second McKeon, to 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 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 to include updated negotiated scope of services and costs as presented at this meeting, and after approval of forms by the City Attorney's Office.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark NOES: Gruel, and Williams
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Community Development
17. 26-780 Approved the Huntington Beach Tourism Business Improvement District (HBTBID) Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, to approve the HBTBID Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
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
18. 26-678 Approved Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement with Michael and Christie Bartusick dba Park Bench Café and Approve Consent to Assignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement from Michael and Christie Bartusick dba Park Bench Café to 2R2S, LLC for the operation of a restaurant/food concession in Huntington Central Park located at 17732 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, California
Councilmember Williams pulled this item for a staff presentation by Community and Library Services Director Ashley Wysocki who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Park Bench Café Lease Agreement Amendment No. 2 and Assignment & Assumption of Lease with slides entitled: Analysis (2), Analysis Continued (2), Financial Impact, Recommended Action, and Questions? Councilmember discussion included more transparency needed regarding the new ownership, 2R2S, LLC; anticipated gross sales with expansion of the menu, hours of operation and cafe patio expansion in a few years; 2R2S, LLC was vetted, selected and is recommended by the current owners; justification for assignment rather than going through a competitive bid; and frequency of audit to confirm sales.
Mayor McKeon thanked Michael & Charistie Bartusick for their years of service and wished them well in their future endeavors.
A motion was made by Williams, second Gruel, to CONTINUE item to the next City Council meeting to allow staff time to prepare a full disclosure on 2R2S, LLC members and justification for assignment rather than using a competitive bid process before approving and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 2 for Lease Agreement with Michael & Charistie Bartusick dba Park Bench Café; and, approving and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Consent to Assignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement for Park Bench Café.
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 Twining, to approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 2 for Lease Agreement with Michael & Charistie Bartusick dba Park Bench City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Café; and, approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Consent to Assignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement for Park Bench Café.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark NOES: Gruel, and Williams
Fire
19. 26-859 Approved and accepted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant; Authorize the Fire Chief and Chief Financial Officer to Execute documents; and Approve appropriation of funds
Mayor Pro Tem Twining pulled this item to confirm with Fire Chief McCoy that this grant will be used to buy 10 automatic chest compression devices. Some of these devices will be placed on all emergency transport units, and the spares will be used for special events and for the Marine and Safety Division.
Chief McCoy added that about $2.9M in grants has been received in the past five years as a result of the efforts of a staff Fire Captain and Firefighter Paramedic who each have a passion for grant writing.
A motion was made by Twining, second McKeon, to approve and accept the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant awarded to the City of Huntington Beach; and, authorize the Fire Chief and Chief Financial Officer as the officials to execute and sign for the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant award, agreement, amendments, and extensions; and, approve the appropriation of grant revenues and expenditures in the amount of $324,083.20.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
Human Resources
20. 26-837 Approved and authorized execution of a Professional Services Contract with Pacific Secured Equities, Inc. dba Intercare Holdings Insurance Services for Third Party Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration and Utilization Review Services A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, to approve and authorize execution of a Professional Services Contract with Pacific Secured Equities, Inc. dba Intercare Holdings Insurance Services for Third Party Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration and Utilization Review Services.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote.
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
Public Works
21. 26-811 Rejected All Bids for the Well 4 Facilities Upgrades Project, CC1698, and Directed Staff to Re-Bid the Project
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns to reject all bids for the Well 4 Facilities Upgrades Project, CC1698, and direct staff to re-bid the project. The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
22. 26-825 Accepted Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Awarded a Construction Contract to Newbuild Construction and Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $628,600 for the Newland House Museum & Water Tower Restoration, CC1788 A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, to authorize the appropriation of $101,114.80 from the Infrastructure Fund (314) balance to Account 31440023.82200; and, accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid submitted by Newbuild Construction and Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $589,600 and the optional additive costs associated with painting the Newland Barn in the amount of $39,000 for a total bid price of $628,600; and, authorize the Director of Public Works to approve construction change orders within the approved contingency amount of five percent (5%) of the contract amount; 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
23. 26-842 Accepted Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bid and Awarded a Construction Contract to Rolcom, Inc. in the amount of $541,750.28 for the Main Street Seatwall Improvements, CC1913
Councilmember Gruel pulled this item to ask for a brief overview for the benefit of the public. Director of Public Works Chau Vu presented a PowerPoint communication titled Main Street Seawall Improvements, with slides entitled: Table of Contents, Project Background & Analysis (4), Fiscal Impact (3), Project Bid & Recommendation (3), and Questions?
Councilmember discussion included confirmation that Visit HB is paying the lion's share of this project and that the City's infrastructure funds cannot be spent on anything other than infrastructure projects.
A motion was made by Gruel, second McKeon, to authorize the appropriation of $200,925.31 from the Infrastructure Fund (314) balance; and, reject bids 1 - 7, with bidders 1, 2, and 6 withdrawing and bidders 3 - 5, and 7 being deemed non-responsive; and, accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid submitted by Rolcom, Inc. in the amount of $541,750.28; and, authorize the Director of Public Works to approve construction change orders within the approved contingency amount of ten percent (10%) of the contract amount; 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
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
24. 26-839 Approved Introduction of the Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with Huntington Beach Police Management Association
City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced Assistant City Manager Marissa Sur who presented a PowerPoint communication titled Introduction of Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with Huntington Beach Police Management Association, with slides entitled: Background, Proposed MOU, Fiscal Impact, and Questions?
Councilmember discussion included confirmation with Chief Financial Officer Zack Zithisakthanakul there is no Ten-Year Financial Lookback for this item.
A motion was made by Twining, second Van Der Mark, to receive and consider the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Police Management Association for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029, pursuant to City of Huntington Beach Ordinance No. 4154.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, and Williams NOES: None
25. 26-849 Approved Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-38, Establishing the Art Center Advisory Committee, Defining its Purpose and Composition, and Providing for Appointments City Manager Travis Hopkins introduced this item by describing Council's directive to staff.
A motion was made by McKeon, second Burns, to Adopt Resolution No. 2026-38, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California, Establishing the Art Center Advisory Committee, Defining its Purpose and Composition, and Providing for Appointments." The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Van Der Mark NOES: Gruel, and Williams
Council Woman Van Der Mark left the meeting at approximately 9:00 PM.
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
NEW 26-865 Approved Amended Item submitted by Councilman Williams — Finance Committee Independence Day Celebration Subcommittee
Councilmember Williams introduced this item by reading the Statement of Issue, providing brief historical details and the Recommended Actions.
Councilmember discussion included confirmation that PSQ's contract ended this year; review of some findings from an independent audit in 2017; staff confirmation that PSQ was not under contract in 2017; review of the history of the Independence Day Committee which is composed of volunteer citizens; for the past five or six years the City brought in some private groups to support the Independence Day City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Celebration Committee efforts; the Finance Commission should have input on the RFP, however, the project presented appears to be extremely cumbersome on staff; the event is cost neutral; there is always room for improvement; the RFP is intended to cast a wide net; Finance Commission should review submitted proposals and provide their recommendations; rather than asking the Finance Committee Independence Day Celebration Subcommittee to dig into past detailed numbers, a better use of time could be spent talking to the Council Liaisons, staff and volunteers who have been doing this event for years and brainstorming on ideas for improvement; clarification that the Independence Day Celebration Committee was not dissolved, but Brown Act requirements were removed so it is easier to get meeting quorums; review of audit findings from 2017 and changes made since that time to address those concerns and to ensure the new RFP addresses audit concerns; time is of essence; review of processes for event contractor financial reporting to the City, including review of budget, revenue and expenses; transparency into vendor's profit and loss statement; staff is currently prepared to release the RFP which includes Independence Day Celebration Finance Subcommittee/Council concerns that were expressed tonight; ask the Finance Subcommittee to review the newest RFP to ensure their concerns are addressed; include review of the PSQ contract for deliverables; and City Attorney Mike Vigliotta advised that only the Finance Commission, not Councilmembers, should review the proposed contract before it is submitted for Councilmember consideration.
A motion was made by Kennedy, second Gruel, to direct Chief Financial Officer Zack Zithisakthanakul, using the PSQ contract, to work with the Independence Day Celebration Finance Subcommittee for review and recommendations on definitive language regarding reporting expectations and required deliverables for a future RFP.
The motion carried by the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, and Williams NOES: None
ABSENT: Van Der Mark
ADJOURNMENT — at 9:43 PM a motion was made by McKeon, with a second by Burns, to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority on Tuesday, October 20, 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
City Council/PFA Regular Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
ATTEST:
______________________________________
City Clerk-Secretary
______________________________________
Mayor-Chair