HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROCESSAfter several discussions concerning street reconstruction projects, the City Council has decided to revise the process following work done on Brush Drive. The item was submitted by Councilman Keith Bohr.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council members feel that the city’s limited resources can be better used for streets that are most in need of construction instead of ones picked by resident petitions. Currently, 75% of the homeowners on a street have to be in favor of street reconstruction, such as fixing sidewalks and cracks. Bohr has suggested that the process be prioritized based on the degree of the problem on a street.

HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTThe City Council will accept a grant and approve an agreement with the county of Orange to receive as much as $600,000 from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant is for buying equipment and reimbursements of training costs associated with homeland defense.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The item will likely be approved. The city plans to set up a separate business unit to handle the funding. The council will authorize the fire chief to oversee the agreement.

SEWER RATESCouncil members will be debating whether to update sewer service charges and rates. The new rate would be based on the annual consumer price index for urban consumers.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Five yes votes are needed to adopt this ordinance. The ordinance will require an amendment to the city’s municipal code.

— Complied by Purnima Mudnal