ON THE AGENDA These are some of...

ON THE AGENDA

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

will consider at its next meeting:

MAIN STREET CLOSURE

City Council members Dave Sullivan, Pam Julien Houchen and Gil

Coerper want the council to close the first three blocks of Downtown

on a trial basis.

Those who support the street closing think it will benefit

residents and tourists by freeing up walking space and reducing gas

fumes and noise in Surf City’s Downtown strip.

It is an idea city officials and council members have been

discussing for several years. In 2001, representatives from the

Police Department, Public Works and Community Services departments

met to discuss the idea, but decided to put it on hold, due to budget

constraints.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Many residents have said they feel the sidewalks are too congested

to stroll freely through Downtown the way people can at the Third

Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

But in order for Main Street to be closed, City Council members

and city officials will have to tackle related issues, such as how to

barricade the street, how to accommodate traffic that usually flows

through the area and how to pay for it.

BANNING AVITROL

City Councilwoman Connie Boardman will ask the council to ban the

use of Avitrol for pest control. Avitrol, or 4-aminopyridine, is a

potassium channel blocker and a lethal neurotoxin.

It is used by pest control companies in the city, and is poisonous

to birds and other animals.

Boardman wants the council to approve an ordinance banning Avitrol

in the city.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Several birds have died over the past few months and their deaths

have been traced to the poison. With Earth Day just behind us, this

has a good chance at passing.

SNOWFLAKES ON THE PIER

Councilwoman Pam Julien Houchen wants the Public Works Department

install the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter’s huge lighted snowflakes

for free.

Every year, the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter hangs huge

snowflake-shaped signs along lampposts Downtown and along the pier

for its annual Light-a-Light of Love parade.

Individuals and local businesses can purchase the snowflakes to

show their holiday spirit and their dedication to the shelter.

In the past, the Public Works Department has installed the

snowflakes, but the contribution was slashed this year to save money.

Councilwoman Pam Julien Houchen is asking the city to fund the

installation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a tough call. The city is in financial straits and can’t

afford to foot any extra bills.

But how could they possibly say no to the youth shelter?