REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Zack Zithisakthanakul, Chief Financial Officer
PREPARED BY: Zack Zithisakthanakul, Chief Financial Officer
Subject:
title
Independence Day Celebration - Request for Proposals (RFP) Review and Development
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Statement of Issue:
At the October 20, 2026, City Council meeting, the City Council voted to table Administrative Item 26-501 to allow for a review of the previous meeting's recording to clarify and confirm the recommendations that were formally approved. Council direction was to bring back the item for City Council consideration once the recommendations have been verified and accurately reflected.
Financial Impact:
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with the review and development of the RFP. Any future financial obligations associated with the Independence Day Celebration will be evaluated through the procurement process and brought forward for consideration as appropriate.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Consider the recommendations of the Finance Commission regarding the Independence Day RFP, provide feedback and direct staff to finalize and post.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve recommended action and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
At the October 6, 2026, City Council meeting, City Council discussed Councilmember Item 26-865 and directed the CFO to work with the Independence Day Celebration Finance subcommittee (Subcommittee) to review required deliverables and develop language for a future Request for Proposal (RFP) using the previous PSQ contract.
Following the October 6 City Council meeting, staff requested the information identified in the contract with PSQ in order to provide the Subcommittee with relevant information. Staff met with the Subcommittee on October 12, 2026, to discuss the information received as of that date and review the former agreement's required deliverables and identify opportunities to strengthen financial reporting, revenue oversight, and contractor accountability.
The Finance Commission held a Special Meeting on October 13, 2026, to discuss the Subcommittee’s findings and recommendations. The Commission subsequently held its regular meeting on October 28, 2026, during which it approved a revised set of recommendations that supersede those previously approved. The updated recommendations are incorporated into the staff presentation included as Attachment #1. A draft RFP is also included as Attachment #2 for City Council review.
On November 10, 2026, the Finance Commission held an additional Special Meeting to consider authorizing the Subcommittee to present its recommendations directly to the City Council and respond to questions from Councilmembers. The Commission voted to approve the authorization.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 2 - Fiscal Stability, Strategy A - Consider new revenue sources and opportunities to support the City's priority initiatives and projects.
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan.
Attachment(s):
1. Finance Dept. PowerPoint
2. RFP-Independence Day-Events DRAFT