REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Antonia Graham, Assistant to the City Manager
Subject:
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Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4170 amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) by adding Chapter 2.65 creating the Harbor Commission
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Statement of Issue:
On April 30, 2018, Mayor Pro Tem Erik Peterson and Council Member Lyn Semeta brought forth an item to create an Ad Hoc Committee to work with staff to review best practices for the operation of a Harbor Commission. This review included the make-up of Commission membership, authority of the Commission, and proposed amendments to the Municipal Code for the creation and operation of a Harbor Commission. Since that time, City staff has met with the Ad Hoc Committee and reviewed best practices throughout the State. This Request for Council Action formally amends the Municipal Code to create the Harbor Commission.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4170, “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code By Adding New Chapter 2.65 Harbor Commission.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Currently, no advisory body exists within the City of Huntington Beach charged with ensuring the welfare of Huntington Harbour for residential, recreational and commercial users of the waterways and related infrastructure. A Harbor Commission would facilitate a holistic management and serve as an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to the Harbour. To that end, City staff reviewed every harbor/port commission in the State to understand their operations, roles and responsibilities, and governance. Staff also met with the Ad Hoc Committee to discuss their findings on Board Composition and Roles and Responsibilities of a Harbor Commission. The City Council voted unanimously at the August 6, 2018, City Council meeting to move forward with codifying the creation of a Commission in the Huntington Beach Municipal Code.
The Commission should be comprised of seven (7) members with two (2) City Council Member Liaisons. The Council Member Liaisons will present the chosen applicants to City Council for approval.
The Commission would be an Advisory Board to the City Council on the following main topics:
- Waterway Safety
- General Infrastructure (e.g. seawalls, pier head lines, etc.)
- Water Quality
- Municipal Code Amendments
The Harbor Commission may study, report, and analyze issues regarding the Huntington Harbour and may assist in securing financial support for the Harbour, its beaches, parks, and recreational needs. The Commission may advise the Council on all Huntington Harbour related improvements proposed by the City and make recommendations to the City Council for adoption of regulations and programs related to the goals, objectives, and policies of the Harbour.
Environmental Status:
Not Applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Improve quality of life
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance No. 4170, “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by Adding New Chapter 2.65 Harbor Commission”