Huntington Beach City Council Wrap-up

Eron Ben-Yehuda

ISSUE: Format for Wal-Mart Debate

Vote: 4-3, Mayor Peter Green, City Council members Tom Harman and Dave

Sullivan dissenting.

Summary: The council was bitterly divided over what kind of debate to

have on the controversial Wal-Mart project, scheduled for the March

ballot election.

The council decided to ask the League of Women Voters for its advice on

the best debate format. Sullivan had offered his own format but City

Councilman Ralph Bauer was concerned that Wal-Mart opponents would have

the upper hand.

“I don’t think people who can be the most insulting or yell the most

ought to carry the day,” he said.

Harman said the League will create a debate that’s too boring.

“Frankly, I’d like to see a wild and wooly format,” he said.

The council requested the League respond by Dec. 9.

ISSUE: Central Park Sports Complex

Vote: 7-0

Summary: The council agreed to spend $1 million to hire Costa Mesa-based

Nuvis as the lead consultant for the sports complex to be built at

Central Park.

Plans call for the 45-acre site to be converted into eight lighted

softball fields, four roller hockey arenas, batting cages, tot lots,

parking, restrooms and snack facilities, a memo dated Monday states.

Because the sports complex would sit on top of an old landfill that

produces methane gas, Nuvis needs to control the potential dangers before

allowing construction to begin, according to the memo.

Construction is expected to begin April 2001, with a grand opening

perhaps as early as July 2002, according to the memo.

ISSUE: City Gym and Pool

Vote: 7-0

Summary: The council agreed to allocate $2.5 million in federal funds for

the continuing restoration of the city gym and pool at 16th Street and

Palm Avenue.

The first phase of restoration was completed in 1996 and included repairs

for offices, restrooms and showers, a memo dated Monday shows. This final

phase will restore all the remaining rooms, including the gymnasium and

pool, according to the memo.

ISSUE: Tree Planting

Vote: 7-0

Summary: The council agreed to spend $30,000 for the purchase and

planting of trees requested by residents. The residents paid the city

$150 for each tree and related planting materials, a memo dated Monday

states.