REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Eric G. Parra, Interim City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Lt. Thoby Archer and Ingrid Ono, Executive Assistant
Subject:
title
Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4317 amending Chapter 8.42 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to the use of police services at loud parties or other activities
body
Statement of Issue:
At this time, Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Chapter 8.42 lacks a more comprehensive definition of "unruly or loud conduct" regarding large parties and gatherings. Specifically, the Police Department is attempting to address unruly conduct where perpetrators may be seeking refuge in a residence to escape or prevent identification. The anonymity and subsequent behavior have led to an increase of random assaults and vandalism.
Proposed Ordinance No. 4317 would amend HBMC Chapter 8.42 to expand the authority of officers to issue civil citations to residents engaged in this behavior.
Financial Impact:
There would be minimal associated implementation costs but may result in a minor increase in revenue if citations are issued.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4317, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by Amending Chapter 8.42 Use of Police Services at Loud Parties or Other Activities."
end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
In the past few years, there has been an increase in calls for service and complaints of subjects being hit by water balloons and other objects on and around the 4th of July holiday. Specifically, residents in certain neighborhoods have created a culture of throwing water balloons at passing pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Year after year, this generates calls for service where officers are dispatched t...
Click here for full text