Huntington Beach council to consider new police contract

The Huntington Beach City Council on Monday will review a new contract for the police management union that would provide a one-time $1,200 reimbursement for law enforcement-related equipment purchases.

If approved, the proposal is expected to cost the city $41,654.

Under the contract, retroactive to 2018 and effective through June 2020, members of the Police Management Assn. also would see changes in medical benefits. The city’s monthly contribution toward the union members’ medical plans would increase by about $200.

If the preliminary contract is approved Monday, it would return to the City Council for the final OK at a future meeting.

The council in February approved a contract with rank-and-file police that provided officers with incentives retroactive to 2017 and effective through the end of this year. Officers saw adjustments in medical benefits, vacation time and time off and also received the $1,200 reimbursement sum. The Police Officers’ Assn. had worked without a contract since fall 2017.

Proposed changes to industrial areas

In other business, the council will consider Planning Commission recommendations to study the possibility of adding sidewalks and creating a broadband plan as a way to revitalize the city’s industrial areas.

The commission’s recommendations, originally pitched by Commissioner Dan Kalmick, are tucked into housekeeping amendments to the city’s general plan.

According to a staff report, the council is asked to hold off on creating an ad hoc committee to review policies and outline goals for broadband, technology and transportation improvements within the “research and technology” zone because of a citywide broadband master plan that is under development. An internal working group is expected to present the council with recommendations later this year.

Monday’s meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 2000 Main St.

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