HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council decided to apply for the Assistant to Firefighters Program

run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

WHAT IT MEANS:

If the application to the program is approved by FEMA, the city will

receive $175,000 in federal funding for firefighter’s assistance. The

city hopes to use monies in the Metro Cities Joint Powers Authority

Member Specific Reserve to meet the program’s 30% matching requirement,

which should not exceed $75,000.

Vote:

7-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council unanimously approved the Fourth of July Executive Board’s

parade budget for 2001 and authorized the closure of local streets, as

well as a portion of Pacific Coast Highway for the festivities.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The board’s budget sets aside $218,500 for the Fourth of July Parade,

with an additional $54,000 carried over from past surpluses. City

officials said that, like in 2000, operating costs for the parade have

risen, this year estimated at $7,975.

The parade route will be expanded to include PCH between 8th and Main

streets. In December, the council OKd the change with the stipulation

that the parade find a title sponsor. Tommy Hilfiger, last year’s title

sponsor, has opted not to return this year, and the board has not found a

replacement to date. But costs of the added PCH section of the route are

covered by a number of presenting sponsors secured by the board.

The new route will allow spectators and television cameras set up at

Pier Plaza against a backdrop of the ocean, which would increase the

parade’s visibility and possibly attract more sponsors in the future.

Vote:

7-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

Council members approved a funding agreement between the city, Orange

County and the Orange County Flood Control District and Orange County

Sanitation District for studies into coastal water quality and urban

runoff.

WHAT IT MEANS:

In January 2000, the city selected consultant URS Greiner Woodward

Clyde to provide services in support of the urban runoff and coastal

remediation action plan. The total cost of those services, $399,000, was

to be spread over the four agency’s involved, with the city contributing

36%.

The funding agreement approved by the council reimburses the city for

$254,665 of the $399,000, which it paid in full last year.

Vote:

7-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council approved a work plan to address its basic infrastructure

needs.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The plan, recommended by the city’s Infrastructure Planning Committee,

is a four-pronged tool to refurbish the city’s sewer system, storm

drains, streets and highways, block walls and public facilities.

The first step is to set a sewer fee, currently under development, to

collect funds for repair, operation and replacement of the sewer system.

Also included in this step is the implementation of a community

facilities district, if approved by voters in March, to finance other

unfunded infrastructure needs.

Public outreach, to appraise the community of its infrastructure

situation, comprises the second step in the plan, with the third aimed at

enhancing revenue through different methods.

The final prong of the plan identifies the specific policies

recommended by the committee, and includes a charter amendment to

establish an infrastructure fund, long-range financial plan and the

inclusion of alley sweeping in the public works maintenance program.

Vote:

7-0

NEXT MEETING

The next council meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. May 7 at in Room B-8

of the Civic Center at 2000 Main St.