The Huntington Beach City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, focused on several key topics, including the city treasurer's quarterly investment report and a contentious zoning ordinance amendment related to an assisted living facility project.

During the meeting, the city treasurer presented a detailed quarterly investment report for the period ending September 30, 2024. The report highlighted a decrease in the federal funds rate by the Federal Reserve, which has led to expectations of a slower pace of rate cuts through 2025. The treasurer noted that the city's investment portfolio, valued at approximately $370.6 million, is primarily invested in U.S. agencies, treasuries, and corporate bonds, with a significant portion maturing within the next two years. The report concluded with a positive note on earnings, showing a 23% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.

The council then moved to discuss item number 13, which involved a second reading of an ordinance amendment concerning the zoning map for a proposed assisted living facility. This discussion sparked significant debate among council members, particularly regarding the project's classification and the implications of its floor area ratio (FAR). Council member Pat Burns expressed concerns about the accuracy of the information presented, arguing that the project should be evaluated as a residential medium-high density project. Burns highlighted potential legal ramifications stemming from perceived misinformation regarding the FAR, which was claimed to exceed the allowable limits.

In response, other council members defended the project, clarifying that it is classified as a commercial assisted living facility rather than a residential development. They emphasized that the project complies with existing land use designations and that the discussions around the FAR were mischaracterized. The debate underscored the complexities of zoning regulations and the importance of accurate information in decision-making processes.

The council ultimately voted on the ordinance amendment, passing it with a 7-0 vote despite the ongoing concerns raised during the discussion. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of transparency and accurate communication in future council deliberations.