Huntington Beach City Council Wrap-Up

Marissa Espino

ISSUE: EMINENT DOMAIN

VOTE: 4-3, Council members Ralph Bauer, Pam Julien and Dave Garofalo

recused themselves because of possible conflicts of interest.

SUMMARY: The council approved the first reading of an ordinance that

would restore the council’s power to purchase residential property in the

Downtown area by force, particularly along the 400 and 500 blocks of

Pacific Coast Highway where a multimillion dollar hotel, restaurant and

retail complex is planned.

The second reading will take place Sept. 20, at which time the ordinance

may be officially adopted.

ISSUE: TWO-YEAR BUDGET

VOTE: 7-0

SUMMARY: The council held the first of two public hearings before the

proposed two-year budget is formally adopted by the council.

The budget projected for next year totals more than $240 million, a boost

of $7 million over this year. Despite plans to spend more money on city

services through 2001, city staff estimates that residents will not be

forced to pay more taxes or fees. But the budget does not take into

account the $600 million anticipated shortfall for $1.2 billion in

infrastructure needs over the next 20 years.

A budget workshop is set for Sept. 13 with the final public hearing

before adoption Sept. 20.

ISSUE: LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT FEE

VOTE: 6-1, with Mayor Peter Green objecting.

SUMMARY: The council approved increasing the fees charged to developers

in order to help pay for maintenance of library facilities, books and

other materials. Residential developments will be charged an extra 44

cents per square foot; offices, retail or service businesses, and

industrial development, four cents per square foot. Fees for warehouses

will not increase. Revenue is estimated to increase by $694,292 over the

next five years.

ISSUE: COMMUNITY SERVICE FEES

VOTE: 7-0

SUMMARY: The council raised fees charged for recreational classes and

activities, facility rental, and specific events. The total increase in

revenue is estimated at $17,000. The art center, will now be rented to

commercial groups for $3,000 for a maximum of six hours. City groups will

not be charged. The fee for the annual golf tournament will increase from

$70 to $85 due to rising costs for greens fees and awards.

ISSUE: CITY DEPARTMENT AUDITS

VOTE: 6-0, with Garofalo absent.

SUMMARY: The council gave the city administrator authority to select a

firm to conduct a management review this year of the City Attorney’s

office.

The department of community services and library services will also be

audited, not until at least 2001.

ISSUE: ARTERIAL HIGHWAY REHAB

VOTE: 6-0, with Garofalo absent.

SUMMARY: The council approved a $698,400 construction contract with

Sully-Miller, Inc., for the Arterial Highway Rehabilitation Project,

which includes Warner Avenue from Newland Street to Magnolia Street,

along with Brookhurst Street from Adams Avenue to 900 feet south of Adams

Avenue.