Council Member· 2022-12-01 - 2026-12-01
Gracey Van Der Mark
Huntington Beach
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 14
- Total speaking time
- 40:58
- Avg per meeting
- 2:56
- Segments
- 690
Want every word Mark has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Mark said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
4th of July event finances (PSQ Productions)
Better contract terms could improve the event's financial performance, though no dollar estimate was given.
coastal flooding / road closure
Taxpayers and drivers could foot the bill for road repairs, detours, and future coastal defense projects.
city council election
The race itself doesn’t hit your wallet today, but the council it elects will shape Huntington Beach’s budget, fees, and services.
ADU approval at 205 Pecan Avenue and state housing law compliance
Speaker linked strict zoning to budget problems by limiting property tax growth.
Sports Complex Subcommittee
Using commissioners instead of an outside firm could reduce audit costs, though staff time and availability factor in.
Firefighters' Association Labor Agreement
About $971,601 in ongoing costs over the agreement term.
Legislative advocacy contracts trimmed
Involves approximately $504,000 in general fund expenditures over the contract term.
Police Management Association contract costs
A $15.6 million deficit and a nearly $10 million police contract commitment over three years were cited.
Downtown Parking In-Lieu Program adequacy
Applicants pay about $35,000 per space into a fund used for future parking improvements like restriping, valet and trolley service.
Newland House Museum restoration funding
Requires a construction contract of $628,600 plus additional appropriations.
Housing Element compliance and mounting state fines
Speaker linked strict zoning to budget problems by limiting property tax growth.
Vendor permitting on harbour beaches
Could require legal costs and changes to the beach vendor permit program.
Expanded alcohol service at Sanchos Tacos
The bar already generates regular police calls for service; the new conditions add oversight costs but no direct city spending was cited.
Friends of the Library $825,000 donation offer
$825,000 in private donations over three years remains unaccepted.
FY 2026-27 budget and structural deficit
Projected structural deficits grow over the decade, requiring careful management of the city's $99 million reserve fund.
Surf City ADA Improvement Grant Program
$15,000 total, already in the economic development budget — no new appropriations.
State audit discussion
Unknown — litigation outcomes could carry financial consequences for the city.
Bacteria warning at Mother's Beach
Huntington Club remodel and bungalows appeal
Not specified; the bungalow project's financial projections were challenged by club members.
Homelessness response partnership with the county
$500,000 in county capital funding plus $4.3 million in regional street medicine services coming to the area.
Decisions during term (154)
Recorded while Mark was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-41 — ratify local emergency and emergency orders (as amended)
Flood relief package — help desk, $1M flood fund, fee waivers, Coastal Commission menu, drone program
Appeal of Coastal Development Permit No. 26-006 (205 Pecan ADUs)
Consent calendar items 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
Resolution No. 2026-39 — Police Management Association MOU (item 13)
America 250 Time Capsule and Plaque at Patriot Park (item 16)
Independence Day Celebration RFP Review (item 17)
Approve and Adopt Minutes
Forward 4th of July Subcommittee recommendations to City Council
City Attorney comment on eventual RFP contract
Subcommittee to present recommendations at City Council meeting
Adjournment
Resolution No. 2026-27 — Downtown BID Annual Assessment FY 2026-27
Consent items 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22
Item 16 — Legislative advocacy contracts (Kahn, Soares & Conway; Stapleton & Associates)
Item 18 — Park Bench Cafe lease amendment and assignment to 2R2S, LLC
Item 19 — FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Item 23 — Main Street Seatwall Improvements contract, CC1913
Item 25 — Resolution No. 2026-38, Art Center Advisory Committee
New item 26-865 — Finance Committee Independence Day Celebration Subcommittee
Voting record (42)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-41 — ratify local emergency and emergency orders (as amended)
Appeal of Coastal Development Permit No. 26-006 (205 Pecan ADUs)
Resolution No. 2026-39 — Police Management Association MOU (item 13)
America 250 Time Capsule and Plaque at Patriot Park (item 16)
Independence Day Celebration RFP Review (item 17)
Item 16 — Legislative advocacy contracts (Kahn, Soares & Conway; Stapleton & Associates)
Item 18 — Park Bench Cafe lease amendment and assignment to 2R2S, LLC
Notes the item has been discussed for months and postponing is not business friendly.