CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council unanimously approved a proposal by Mayor Pam Julien

Houchen to develop a tree master plan for Huntington Beach.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The city recently removed 22 eucalyptus trees along Main Street

because falling branches posed a danger to residents. Work crews replaced

the trees with a variety of different tree types, including palms.

A master tree plan, Julien Houchen said, would detail exactly what

types of trees are appropriate to use as replacements in the future, as

well as what selection options are available depending on space and size

limitations, and whether a tree will be planted in the ground or a

container.

The goal, she added, is to ensure the city enjoys a variety of trees.

Vote:

7-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council agreed to apply for a federal grant to fund the

construction of a state-of-the-art gun range and training facility for

law enforcement agencies.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The Joint Task Force Six program is a grant process aimed at bringing

federal and local law enforcement agencies together for cooperative

efforts to combat illegal drugs.

The grant, if awarded, will provide federal funds to construct a gun

range and training facility to be used by the Huntington Beach Police

Department, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, Drug Enforcement

Agency, U.S. Customs, FBI, Immigration and Naturalization Service and

Border Patrol.The new gun range would feature a 38,600-square-foot indoor

shooting area with noise control and filters to clear the air of lead

dust, as well as a 25,425-square-foot outdoor area for physical exercises

and training that does not involve the firing of any weapons. The

facility would cost an estimated $3 million to $4 million.

Vote:

5-0, with council members Ralph Bauer and Debbie Cook absent.

NEXT MEETING

The council will reconvene at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the council chambers of

City Hall at 2000 Main St.