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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Adopt Ordinance No. 4168 amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) by adding Chapter 2.104 entitled ‘Jet Noise Commission’ (JNC)
Approved for introduction 11/5/2018 - Vote: 6-0-1 (Semeta-Out of Room)
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Statement of Issue:
On January 8, 2018, the City Council authorized the creation of the Air Traffic Noise Working Group. The Group along with Council Members, Patrick Brenden and Barbara Delgleize, were able to create a collaborative working relationship with the airlines and the Airport to begin the dialogue to craft changes to the approach procedures used when flying into the Long Beach Airport. To that end, on September 17, 2018, the Council authorized the City Manager, working with the City Attorney, to amend the Municipal Code to create a Jet Noise Commission. This Council Action introduces an Ordinance that adds Chapter 2.104 to the Municipal Code and formally creates the Jet Noise Commission.
Financial Impact:
Not Applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Ordinance No. 4168, “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 2.104 Entitled ‘Jet Noise Commission’.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve for introduction and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The Air Traffic Noise Working Group (ATNWG) was formed by City Council on January 8, 2018. Subsequently, the ATNWG held regular monthly meetings, convened meetings with the Long Beach Airport, and held a successful Town Hall Meeting with over 200 attendees.
The key objectives of the working group were as follows:
1) Define and prioritize remedies/identify where authority/control resides.
2) Acquire technical information and flight data that supports the case.
3) Establish a working dialogue with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airlines, Long Beach Airport, and other parties who can help to effect change.
4) If necessary, activate a letter writing/email campaign to enlist community involvement.
5) If necessary, assess the feasibility of legal action.
6) Conduct a community meeting within 90 days.
7) Provide the community with ongoing updates via the City’s website.
Through its meetings, the ATNWG concluded that there is a significant increase in commercial jet noise over Huntington Beach and it is negatively impacting the quality of life of residents, especially those most directly under the new and concentrated air traffic routes.
The substantial noise increase is a direct result of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization program referred to as “Next Gen.” This situation is not unique to the City, and is actually a nationwide problem, with municipalities across the nation taking action against the FAA. To date, the FAA has been reluctant to address noise issues anywhere in the county. As a result, the City will need a long-term commitment to continue the fight to reduce jet noise affecting Huntington Beach residents.
On September 17, 2018, City Council unanimously voted to direct the City Manager, working with the City Attorney, to return to the City Council with an amendment to the Municipal Code formally creating a Jet Noise Commission. The Jet Noise Commission will be tasked with continually monitoring issues related to jet noise from commercial aviation traffic flying over the City and will act as an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to jet noise from commercial aviation traffic over the City of Huntington Beach. The Commission would be similar to other City Commissions and would consist of two City Council liaisons, a Staff liaison, and have seven at-large members who will be limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
Environmental Status:
Not Applicable
Strategic Plan Goal:
Improve quality of life
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance No. 4168 “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by Adding New Chapter 2.104 Entitled Jet Noise Commission”