WHAT HAPPENED: The City Council voted to...

WHAT HAPPENED:

The City Council voted to prohibit the use of expandable

polystyrene products, also known as Styrofoam, at all city facilities

and city-sponsored events.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The ban was proposed by Councilwoman Connie Boardman because

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 and into the ocean, she

argued.

WHAT HAPPENED:

A plan to streamline the Planning Department and reduce processing

time and fees was continued to May 17.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The proposal, which was approved by the Planning Commission on

March 9, is expected to increase efficiency by having Zoning

Administrator Mary Beth Broeren approve items that were previously

heard by the Planning Commission. Planning Director Scott Hess would

also have the authority to review minor zoning applications.

Items that would 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.

Critics say that this will shut people out of the public hearing

process. Proponents say that it will improve processing time and

customer service.

Mayor Connie Boardman proposed postponing the item.

WHAT HAPPENED:

The City Council approved an agreement for the purchase of a

decontamination unit.

WHAT IT MEANS:

A Department of Homeland Security Grant, which was awarded to

Orange County in August 2003, provided Huntington Beach with $61,417

for the purchase of a decontamination unit.

The unit will allow the city to transport all weapons of mass

destruction equipment to the scene of an incident and will provide

emergency decontamination on-site, in the case of a chemical or

biological attack.

The city will also receive equipment to assist with breathing,

detection, monitoring and personal protective gear.