Huntington Beach City Council wrap-up

Senior center ballot language approved

The City Council approved the ballot language voters can expect to see on the November ballot regarding the hotly contested senior center location.

The council decided to omit a price estimate and the funding source, which is $23 million, because no deal or price has been set.

Some residents expressed frustration at city staff-recommended language, and urged the council to include both the estimated size and cost of the project.

Councilwoman Debbie Cook designated herself as an opponent of the ballot measure and will write an argument against the city measure to be included in the ballot information.

WHAT IT MEANS

Voters will decide in November if they want a senior center built in the park, with all cost and size details to come if and when the council approves further plans and makes a deal with a developer. The council is in negotiation with Makar Properties, the developer of Pacific City.

In November, the ballot will read:

“Shall a centrally located senior center building, not to exceed 47,000 square feet, be placed on a maximum of five acres of an undeveloped 14-acre parcel in the 356-acre HB Central Park, generally located west of the intersection of Goldenwest Street and Talbert avenue, between the disc golf course and Shipley Nature Center, following City Council approval of all entitlements and environmental review.”

Because the project is larger than 3,000 square feet and will cost more than $100,000, it requires a vote.

Approved 5-2

Police Management to see steady climb in pay

The Huntington Beach Police Management Assn. and the City Council entered into a new memorandum of understanding for the period of July 1, 2006 though June 30, 2010. The agreement outlines the pay and benefit increases for captains and lieutenants for the next four years.

WHAT IT MEANS

As of July 1, Huntington Beach Police lieutenants received a 6% pay increase, and captains 4%, with annual increases of 3 to 5% through 2010.

In addition, the Executive Development Pay Program will add 5% of the base pay if they complete the California Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Command College or the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy.

The total estimated cost is $126,331 to be included in the city’s annual budget.

Approved 7-0