TONY STRICKLAND (center) at press conference. At left is Mayor Pat Burns; at right is Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark. His election to the state Senate leaves a vacancy on the council.

The selection of a candidate to fill a vacancy on the city council tops the agenda of the Huntington Beach City Council when it meets on Tuesday.

Upon the election of Councilmember Tony Strickland to the 36th State Senate post – and subsequent resignation from the council – a vacancy was created.

The council has the option of holding a special election to let the voters decide, or to make its own appointment. If members can agree on an appointment, the oath of office will be administered to the new councilmember, whose term will run to 2026.

Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon has requested to be excused from attendance at this meeting.

Also on the agenda are approval of two five-year agreements with Southern California Edison for the use of its land. One is for the lease of a 2.58-acre parcel commonly known as Arevalos Park, and the other is for a 2.48-acre parcel southeast of Atlanta Avenue and Brookhurst Street to be used as a Community Garden.

The council will meet in a study/closed session at 4 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6 p.m. in its chambers at 2000 Main St.