These are some of the items that...

These are some of the items that the Huntington Beach City Council

will consider at its next meeting:

ON THE AGENDA

STREAMLINING PLANNING PROCESS

The City Council will be asked to approve a plan that aims to

streamline the Planning Department and reduce processing time and

fees.

The proposal is expected to increase efficiency by having Zoning

Administrator Mary Beth Broeren approve items that were previously

heard by the Planning Commission. The Planning Director, Scott Hess,

would also have the authority to review minor zoning applications.

Items that will be dropped from the Planning Commission’s agenda

include those involving commercial recreation and entertainment uses,

such as billiard parlors, bowling alleys, theaters and tennis and

racquetball courts.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

This proposal was approved by the Planning Commission with a 4 to

1 vote on March 9.

Some feel that even the smaller items should have the opportunity

to go to public hearing at Planning Commission meetings. Others feel

that it will improve processing time and customer service.

$24 MILLION IN TAX BONDS

The City Council will vote on whether to issue $24 million in

bonds to pay for property tax refunds.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. and Huntington Beach resident

Chuck Scheid filed a lawsuit in 1999 alleging that the city was

illegally collecting a property tax to pay for employee benefits.

The city lost the suit and must now pay millions to residents who

paid the tax between 1997 and 2001. The bond will help pay for the

refunds.

City officials are hoping to start issuing refunds by mid- to late

September 2004.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The City Council has already agreed to issue bonds to cover the

refunds. This should pass easily.

BANNING STYROFOAM

Councilwomen Connie Boardman and Debbie Cook are asking that the

council ban the use of expandable polystyrene products, also known as

Styrofoam, at all city facilities and city events.

Styrofoam is not biodegradable and contributes to ocean pollution

and litter. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s easily picked up by

ocean breezes and carried throughout the city or into the ocean.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Staff members are recommending that the council approve this item.