CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

Council members approved plans to buy six portable generators to power

sewer lift stations during the energy blackouts anticipated for this

summer.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The approval allocated $175,000 to purchase six generators and a metal

shed to store them in when not in use.

City officials said Huntington Beach has 27 lift stations vulnerable

to power outages and only five portable generators.

With six additional generators, it will be possible to operate all 27

stations during a citywide power blackout. The city has endured four

rolling blackouts to date, with more expected in upcoming months.

Vote:

6-0, with Councilwoman Shirley Dettloff absent.

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council supported an appeal by officials with the Expo Design

Center, on the southwest corner of Edinger Avenue and Goldenwest Street,

to allow year-round outdoor display and merchandise sales, as well as

intermittent tent sale events.

WHAT IT MEANS:

In April, the Planning Commission barred Expo Design from permanent

outdoor sales, believing they needed approval by the Design Review Board.

It also limited its tent events to only three years to insure they do not

impact surrounding business.

Expo Design, appealed the April decision, claiming that the outdoor

sales and five events under its 40-foot by 90-foot tent were crucial to

its business practices.

Council members approved the appeal, but required a 42-inch high

decorative barrier to screen the outdoor retail area and limited tent

events to four, not five, times a year.

Vote:

6-0, with Dettloff absent.

WHAT HAPPENED:

Council members approved a trial job-sharing program for the

Huntington Beach Police Officers Assn. between officers in three

different positions.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The program allows job-sharing between five uniformed patrol spots,

one police dispatch position and jail positions, and is expected to cost

about $8,000 for a two-year trial period.

Aimed at increasing police recruitment and providing a better balance

between family and work for employees, the program allows two officers to

share one job for up to five years, with each returning to full-time

status should a job-sharing partner leave the department.

Vote:

6-0, with Dettloff absent.

WHAT HAPPENED:

The council approved a trash service fee increase proposed by Rainbow

Disposal Company, Inc., raising the charge to residents by a few dimes

per month.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The increase brings the monthly curbside trash fee up to $16.68, a

$.29 increase from the previous charge.

City officials said the city has a 15-year agreement with Rainbow

Disposal, starting in 1990, to serve the refuse needs of Huntington

Beach. Though the deal is long-term, the agreement allows for an annual

review to make adjustments based on the the Los Angeles Area Consumer

Price Index, the Orange County landfill fee and the local average price

of diesel fuel for refuse trucks.

Although landfill fees have remained constant at $22 per ton, diesel

fuel costs have risen 4.6%, and the price index 3.5%. Rainbow Disposal

was entitled to an increase of $.37 per residential unit, but instead

agreed to the lower charge.

The deal is effective from July 1 to June 30, 2002.

Vote:

6-0, with Dettloff absent.

NEXT MEETING

City Council will meet again at 10 a.m. June 28 in Room D of the

Huntington Beach Central Library at 7111 Talbert Ave.