Huntington to study transparency for city contracts with businesses

The Huntington Beach City Council plans to study the city’s purchasing, procurement and contracting regulations and procedures with an eye toward increasing transparency in the city’s dealings with businesses.

Council members voted unanimously Monday to have a study session on the subject within 90 days.

Council members Mike Posey and Erik Peterson, who brought the item forward Monday, said they want their colleagues and the public to know current state and city regulations.

“It’s an opportunity for our community to learn how the city does business,” Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize said.

The study session will touch on state laws and regulations on purchasing and contracting and will review charter provisions, municipal codes and administrative regulations in regard to buying from and entering contracts with businesses.

Huntington Beach is drafting a transparency ordinance for the city’s labor negotiations with public employees, including police, firefighters and non-public-safety personnel.

Posey and Peterson suggested the study session regarding other types of contracts because Councilman Billy O’Connell has repeatedly called for 100% transparency, including negotiations with businesses.

Ideas from O’Connell, such as making it easier for the public to look up contracts online and having public hearings on contracts, were added to Posey and Peterson’s study session proposal.

“I’ve talked with a lot of people in the community that want 100% transparency,” O’Connell said. “I’m willing to work with everyone on this table, but I believe in 100% transparency.”