COVID emergency end on agenda

When does a local emergency end?

In the case of Huntington Beach, it could be when the city council says so.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the City Council, it will take up a proposal by Councilmember Mike Posey to direct city staff to prepare the documents needed to terminate the city’s state of emergency adopted in 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

That state of emergency allowed the council to impose certain health safety measures, especially at restaurants, bars and stores. Some of those measures paralleled county, state and federal rules and guidelines.

Certain of those rules related to mask-wearing, social distancing, etc. proved controversial.

The state and county “reopening” took effect on June 15, easing some of those restrictions.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda is a proposal by Councilmember Natalie Moser to direct the city manager to create a citywide sustainability master plan.

The meeting will be held both in-person at the Council Chambers, 2000 Main St., and via teleconference. A study/closed session will begin at 4 p.m. and the regular meeting is set for a 6 p.m. start.