Huntington Beach City Council approves new pact with police

After nearly two years of negotiations with rank-and-file police, the Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday approved a new contract that provides officers retroactive incentives dating back to 2017 and extends them through the end of this year.

The new contract, which will return to the council for final approval, will cost the city $759,293.

Mayor Erik Peterson dissented, arguing that the Police Officers’ Assn. is getting double or more compared to other bargaining units.

“We set the parameters,” Peterson said. “Every single bargaining unit came to the plate — fire really came to the plate — and asked so we could get through these fiscal times. It’s not that it’s not deserved, but it’s double of what everyone else got or more.”

The POA has worked without a contract since fall 2017, a factor that contributed to mounting tensions between the union and Police Chief Robert Handy, as well as his supporters on the City Council, that eventually led to an independent review that called for operational efficiencies and better “succession planning.”

After Tuesday’s meeting, Yasha Nikitin, president of the POA, said in a statement that the new contract is a “step in the right direction” to “retain and attract the very best people.”

Under the 2017-19 contract, officers would see adjustments in medical benefits, vacation time and time off, and a one-time, $1,200 reimbursement for law enforcement-related equipment purchases.

The city’s monthly contribution toward employees’ medical plans would increase by a couple hundred dollars.

Officers will also have the option to convert up to 80 hours of accrued vacation into cash. They would also be able to choose to be paid for compensatory time off twice a year, according to the contract.

Handy said in a text message Tuesday evening that he was grateful the council and POA reached an agreement.

“I am very appreciative of the support for our employees,” he said.

Modified false-alarm fees and fines

In other business, the council unanimously adopted a resolution to modify false-alarm fees and fines with a reduced rate for senior citizens.

Under the amended resolution, qualifying senior citizens will pay a reduced rate of $20.50 instead of $41 for an annual alarm permit.

Handy suggested a $25 fine for a first false alarm, which could be waived if the offender takes an online class similar to traffic school. Alternatives would be available for seniors and people who don’t have access to a computer.

The fine for a second false alarm would be $50, and a third through fifth would cost $75 to $150, regardless of the time period.

People without a permit would be fined $250 for a first false alarm but could have it waived if they obtain a permit within 10 days. Subsequent fines could range up to $1,000.

Handy pitched modifying the city’s false-alarm reduction program during a study session in November.

City’s charter review

Citing budgetary concerns, the council decided to create an ad hoc committee made up of Peterson and council members Mike Posey and Jill Hardy to review whether any changes are needed for the city’s charter.

The committee, which also includes City Manager Fred Wilson and City Attorney Michael Gates, will determine if amendments to the city’s governing document are needed.