CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

The council on Tuesday considered:

VANDALISM

Council members unanimously voted to have city staff prepare a resolution increasing civil fines for vandalism against city property, such as buildings and trees. Currently, the first violation carries a $100 fine, the second is $200, and subsequent violations within a 12-month period carry a $500 fine. The new resolution would raise the initial fine to $500, and the fine for subsequent violations within a year would be $1,000.

According to Huntington Beach Mayor Gil Coerper, vandalism is a major nuisance in the city and deserves stronger enforcement.

WHAT IT MEANS

With Huntington Beach experiencing significant graffiti problems — in 2005 more than half of hate crimes in Huntington Beach were labeled vandalism — stiffer fines may deter vandals.

ZONING

After a public zoning hearing, council members voted 5-2 to approve modifications to the plan for the proposed Ponderosa Chop House Restaurant at Pierside Pavilion at 300 Pacific Coast Highway.

The restaurant recently acquired an adjacent suite, so it wished to expand its facilities. Officials involved in the venture said they could use the space to better address the concerns of nearby residents and council members, who worried about noise at late hours.

The new plan moves a mechanical bull behind a wall so it cannot be seen by passersby, and it places outdoor seating further from condos adjacent to Pierside Pavilion. At the same time, it increases the restaurant’s seating capacity for restaurant patrons and at the bar.

Councilwomen Debbie Cook and Jill Hardy voted against the new plan. Nearby residents complained that loud patrons would congregate in the outside seating areas.

WHAT IT MEANS

The proposed restaurant will move forward under the new plan.