CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

Here are some of the items the City Council considered at its meeting Monday.

 

AMBULANCE FEE HIKE

The council voted unanimously to raise emergency ambulance rates in Huntington Beach by about 6%. Surcharges for mileage, oxygen masks and use of medical supplies rose by similar amounts. Staff reports justify the increase as putting them in line with county prices, which recently switched to a new formula. As the new county formula follows consumer prices, a rise in those leads to a boost in fees.

WHAT IT MEANS

The base rate for an ambulance ride will rise from $601.50 to $640. Ambulances now carry more supplies for a wider range of medical procedures, following new county rules. According to staff reports, the extra money will fund replacement of equipment and reduce the city’s supply costs.

 

RAISE FOR POLICE CHIEF

The council voted unanimously to give Police Chief Kenneth Small a 5% raise, with another 5% raise to come next year. Staff reports rated Small’s performance “outstanding,� and said the raises would keep it even with that of Fire Chief Duane Olson.

 

WHAT IT MEANS

Small would receive his first merit raise since taking over in 2002.

 

ENDORSE PROPOSITION 91

The council unanimously endorsed Proposition 91, which would require gas tax money be used for transportation projects rather than being transferred to other uses by the state.

 

WHAT IT MEANS

The council has taken an official position on the initiative.

 

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY

The council voted unanimously to proclaim Jan. 11 “National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.�

 

WHAT IT MEANS

Mayor Debbie Cook said she introduced the resolution at the request of the Huntington Beach Soroptimists, who recognize the day as part of a campaign to raise awareness about forced labor, slavery and human trafficking worldwide.