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Unless Otherwise Noted, All Items on the Agenda are Subject to Action.
Meeting Called to Order at 6:30 PM
1. Pledge of Allegiance and Establish a Quorum of the Council Council Members Present: 
Adelene Jones, Mayor
Angela Shull, Mayor Pro-Tem
Elizabeth Mackay,
Elise Scafani
Angela Shull, Mayor Pro-Tem
Staff Present:
Amanda Mager, City Manager/City Clerk
Anali Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant
Tonie Quigley, Office Assistant
Public Present:
Darcy Lima
Erin Mcclure
Kent Sawatzky
Tina Catalina
Blue Shirt
Jason
Mardi Granger
Lisa Hoover
Angela Dare
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, October 24, 2023~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building-111 Greenwood Road, Blue Lake-Behind City Hall
CITY OF BLUE LAKE
C A L I F O R N I A
111 Greenwood Road
P.O. Box 458
Blue Lake, CA 95525
(707) 668-5655
Fax: (707) 668-5916
www.bluelake.ca.gov
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Julie Chistie
Beckie Thornton
Cal Poly Hoodie Male
Kat and Erica
Jean Lynch
Marlene
2. Pledge of Allegiance and establish a quorum of the Council.
3. Approve Agenda
Mayor Jones would like to postpone item #4 Resolution honoring the contributions of community advocate and Blue Lake Planning Commissioner Earl Eddy to November 28, 2023, to accommodate family members of Earl Eddy.
Councilmemeber Scafani: Requests to move agenda item #9 to #4.
Councilmember Mackay: Requests to move agenda #7 after agenda item #9.
Coumcilmember Shull: Clarifies the order of agenda items.
Motion: To Approve agenda postponing number four and adding nine where number four was.
Motion by: Councilmember Mackay, Second: Councilmember Shull Public Comment:
Vote: Ayes: Jones, Mackay, Scafani, Nays: None Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
4. Public Comment – The Public is invited to present petitions, make announcements, or provide other information to the City Council that is relevant to the scope of authority of the City of Blue Lake that is not on the Agenda. The Council may provide up to 15 minutes for this public input session. To assure that each individual presentation is heard, the Council may uniformly impose time limitations of 3 minutes to each individual presentation. The public will be given the opportunity to address items that are on the agenda at the time the Council takes up each specific agenda item.
Mayor Jones presents the public comment:
Mardi Granger: Suggests council meetings be broken up into two meetings a month to avoid 4-hour long meetings.
Reed Burman: States he is a student board member of Humboldt Association of Tennis 501c3 and is looking forward to working with the city of Blue Lake. Expresses gratitude for tennis court and parks surrounding Blue Lake.
Kent Sawatzky: made a public comment.
Becky Thornton: States she agrees with Mardi Granger’s comment.
Julie Christie: Expresses gratitude for zoom and requests screen share for presenters. Provides suggestions on how to break up council meetings. Comments on manager report.
Erin McClure: Expresses gratitude for sheriff. States the lease with the city of Blue Lake remains expired over a decade. Has been unsuccessful with negotiations. city attorney and city manager not 3 | P a g e
helpful through the process. Requests council to encourage the City of Blue Lake to help Erin McClure with the water tank lease agreement. Requests to note in meeting minutes she is asking for a lease appraisal and a fair market value lease agreement proposed to her attorneys. Comments on 100 ft setback requirement from grant provider. States the city does not meet this requirement on the water tanks.
Public comment closed
4. Humboldt County Sheriff law Enforcement Contract Presentation:
Mayor Jones introduces and reads agenda item. Sheriff Honsal and Captain Quennel will be in attendance to answer any questions regarding the proposed increase to the city’s contract for law enforcement services.
Sherrif Honsol: Presentation from Sherrif Honsal on the proposed increases to the city’s contract for law enforcement.
Mayor Jones: Asks about contract with Trinidad and private security service.
Sherif Honsal: States the private security service at Trinidad is a service they do on their own volition.
Councilmember Mackay: States the city of Blue Lake is one square mile. Seeks clarification on whether sheriff will respond to calls from city without a contract.
Sherif Honsol: States under contract county services anything outside of municipality is his responsibility and would respond to a call but is not primarily responsible for public safety services the HCSO contract. Explains his legal obligations in the State of California.
Councilmember Mackay: Asks if the city of Blue Lake didn’t have a contract with the HCSO, would they be legally obligated to respond to calls.
Sheriff Honsal: States he would respond but does not have to respond. Comments on nuisance issues that occur in cities are not public safety type issues that he does not have to respond to.
Mentions the HCSO no longer take traffic accident that occur within the city limits of the city of Blue Lake.
Councilmember Shull: Seeks clarification on the contract details and what is included in the one square mile of Blue Lake. Asks about the call volume for the City of Blue Lake as opposed to Glendale and Rancheria.
Sherrif Honsal: Explains HCSO generalizes the city of Blue Lake with a sphere and incorporates most of the city.
Councilmember Mackay: Mentions Lyscom hill has been referred to as part of Blue Lake.
Sherif Honsal: Explains the sphere covers parts that are not part of Blue Lake but encompasses all the same data.
City Manager Mager: States the sphere covers large areas that are not within the city limits. The city conducts patrol statistics, Titlow Hill, Chezem Road, Glendale, and anything with 95525 zip code is attributed to Blue Lake.
Sherif Honsal: States he will forward a picture of the sphere to the City Manager.
Councilmember Shull: States concern of call volume attributed to the city of Blue Lake but is not in the city limits.
Captain Quenell: States contract is not based on call volume and is based on population. Cost 4 | P a g e
increase is based on that bare minimum law enforcement services based on the population.
Sheriff Honsal: States his responsibility for patrolling and responding to Blue Lake and is the answer to public safety services at $313,000 a year. States he cannot subsidize the City of Blue Lake.
Councilmember Shull: Clarifies call volume is not attributed to cost increase of contract.
Mayor Jones: Comments on Rancheria’s calls being attributed to Blue Lake sphere and becomes disingenuous to Blue Lake tax paying citizens.
Councilmemeber Scafani: Seeks clarification on how the Sherif dept receive tax dollars from the county.
Sherif Honsal: States the HCSO receive sales tax revenue and property tax dollars from Blue Lake.
States law enforcement and law enforcement services is not in the HCSO budget.
City Manager Mager: Comments on measure Z. States the citizens of Blue Lake also pay measure Z sales tax that goes back to support law enforcement services and a portion of our property taxes also goes to law enforcement. The city is paying $145,000 for no dedicated patrol services and pay taxes.
Public comment:
Peter Dagget: Comments on the HCSO cost calculations for current contract and how the evaluation was determined.
Sherif Honsal: States he provided numbers to Mandy Mager. Explains the numbers used for the calculation of cost.
Joshua: Asks about response time to calls and crime activity compared to other cities.
Sherrif Honsal: Comments response time to calls vary depending on location of deputies and lack of resources. States the issue at hand isn’t about proximity or calls for service but instead the HCSO taking on law enforcement duties in the city of blue lake that is not obligated to do. States if the city is dissatisfied with service the city is welcome to look elsewhere for law enforcement services.
Believes the cost of the contract is a fair amount and is taking on responsibility for essentially pennies on a dollar?
Lori Ponte: Thanks, council, for sheriff presentation. States she works in health care and asks council to consider the increased cost of contract and emphasizes public safety for the City of Blue Lake.
Kent Sawatzky: States the citizens of Blue Lake are concerned about public safety.
Dennis Whitcomb: Comments on ways of deterrence and suggests volunteer patrols.
Julie Christie: Comments on ways to facilitate expenditures with community events.
Back to council
Sherif Honsal: States his willingness to come to an agreement with the city of Blue Lake. 5 | P a g e
5. Humboldt County Association of Governments Transit Needs Public Hearing Mayor presents and reads agenda item. Mayor opens public hearing.
Sandra Bennet: Shared her experience using the bus transit system and expresses frustration with the new bus schedule in Blue Lake.
Linda Smith: States she works at Murphy’s Market and typically uses a bus for transportation three times a week.
Julie Christie: Expresses gratitude towards mayor for advocating for the city of Blue Lake in the HCAOG meeting.
Kent Sawatzky: Thanks Rancheria for many years of transportation services.
Dayna: States the transit from the county is inadequate and not timely on bus routes. States the community depends on the transit system.
Closed public hearing.
All comments will be forwarded to HTA.
Councilmember Shull: Asks HCAOG representative Stephen Luther if there is an alternative method to take the survey instead of using the QR code on the flyer.
Stephen Luther: Provides details on how to access survey on HCAOG website.
Councilmember Scafani: Requests clarification on information gathered from surveys and how the information is processed.
Stephen Luther: Explains the process of how information received from surveys is utilized.
6. Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Audit Presentation
Mayor introduces and reads agenda item.
Brett Jones presents 2021-2022 Audit.
Mayor Jones: Asks why the FY 2021-2022 audit was not done in a timely manner.
Brett Jones: States the audit is extensive.
Councilmember Scafani: Seeks clarification on dates in the audit report.
Brett Jones: Clarifies dates.
Councilmember Scafani: Asks when the auditor’s portion of the audit was completed.
Brett Jones: Sent his portion of the audit in June 2023.
Public comment
Julie Christie: Comments on difficulties encountered during the audit Motion: to accept the Fiscal year 2021-2022 audit.
Motion by: Councilmember Mackay, Second: Councilmember Shull Public Comment:
Vote: Ayes: Jones, Mackay, Scafani, Shull Nays: None Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
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7. Humboldt 350-Biomass Presentation
Mayor Jones reads and introduces agenda item.
City Manager Mager: RCCEA representative Matthew is not available due to illness in the family.
Wendy Ring presents Humboldt 350-Biomass presentation.
Council discussion ends and public comment opens
Mayor Jones- States public comment is open
Peter- States his educational background at Humboldt State and suggests the city consider on the manner decisions are being made and provides examples of his thought process. Global warming is believed to be a natural process and states his position on global warming.
Julie Christie- States appreciation of Zoom. Compost for mills is not productive. Be careful with statements you believe are facts. Rio Dell meetings do not discuss Biomass topics. We need a solution and is it to ship to China.
Kent Sawatzky- Reiterates Julie Christie Comments. Connection lost via zoom Martha Waland- From Humboldt 350 and states the position of Humboldt 350 Reads statement. Pleads with RCEA to terminate the contract with Scotia biomass plant.
Kent Sawatzky- Resumed his public comment.... Comments on Schmidt Bauer Public comment ended and back to council.
Councilmember Mackay- Asks before RCEA bought Scotia biomass plant what was the plant doing prior to the purchase.
Councilmember Scafani- States a tour of the plant scheduled at a future date. RCEA has a MOU with the city of Blue Lake and is hopeful wonderful things will happen here in Blue Lake.
8. Appoint Real Property Negotiators:
Mayor introduces and reads agenda item.
Eisners are not present for the city council meeting.
City Manager Mager- Provides background on Eisner’s and the potential negotiations of CityOwned Assessor Parcel Number (s): 025-201-019 and 025-201-009.
Councilmember Shull: Asks where the city corp yard will be located? City Manager Mager- States the City’s options for a City Corp yard and reducing the size of the current corp yard.
Mayor Jones- States her position on leasing a property versus selling the property. Regardless of her standpoint she is excited to hear of a potential retail space and a possible market. 7 | P a g e
Councilmember Shull- Have the Eisner’s presented any ideas of what they would develop in the parcels.
Councilmember Scafani- Asks for the possible postponement of item #8.
Motion: to postpone agenda item #8 until November meeting.
Motion by: Councilmember Scafani, Second: Councilmember Shull Public Comment:
David Glenn- Encourages council to participate in negotiations Lori Ponte- Supports David Glen comment on a council member participating in negotiations with the Eisner’s. Has questions regarding storyland.
Julie Christie- Thanks the public for participating in the council meeting. Comments on the industrial park and lease agreements.
Kent Sawatzky- States he has done his research on the parcel and the public is requesting a council member participate in negotiations. States the City of Blue Lake is dying and does not understand the interest in the Corp yard. States his position on the Danco project.
Vote: Ayes: Mackay, Scafani, Shull Nays: Jones Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
9. Humboldt Transit Authority Transit Contract Authorization.
Mayor Jones introduces and reads agenda item.
City Manager provides background on Humboldt Transit Authority contract and the needs of the community.
Mayor Jones- Expresses concern for the 24 high school students traveling from the Eastbound route.
Concilmember Scafani- Comments on the current bus schedule has a mid-day gap that provides limited transportation to Blue Lake community members.
City Manager- Explains the lack of transit options and limited funding. The city has received minimal comments on Humboldt Transit system.
Councilmember Scafani- Suggests contracting with Humboldt Transit System for a trial period until a final decision is made.
City Manager- Explains she does not believe Humboldt Transit would be willing to contract for a short amount of time.
Mayor Jones- Comments on advocating for the City of Blue Lake at the last HCAOG meeting.
Councilmember Scafani- Clarifies how much City manager is asking for.
City Manager: States she believes closer to 17k.
Mayor Jones- The system has never been perfect.
Opened Public Comment
Erica- Expresses the current bus schedule is inadequate to arrive to work in a timely manner and bus drivers do not follow the schedule.
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Julie Christie- Comments on possible solutions for the transit system.
Kent Sawatzky- States the City has a systemic problem.
Dayna- Asks the cost of the city purchasing a bus.
Public Comment Ends.
Councilmember Mackay: Inquires what routes are included in the contract and times.
Motion: to approve the authorization of negotiating contract with Humboldt Transit Authority for a maximum of 17k.
Motion by: Councilmember Scafani, Second: Councilmember Mackay Vote: Ayes: Jones, Mackay, Scafani, Shull Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
10. Arts and Heritage Commision
Reduce the number of Arts and Heritage commissioners
Public Comment
Lori Ponte- Why is the Arts and Heritage commission reducing the number of commissioners? City Manager Mager- Explains why several Arts and Heritages commissioners resigned from their positions.
Lori Ponte- Asks if all commissioners are like-minded people.
Councilmember Scafani- States she believes Arts and Heritage commissioners did not have a clear understanding of their role in the Arts and Heritage commission.
Mayor Jones- States Resolution no. 1202 explains commissioner's role in detail.
Julie Christie- Comments on her position of the Arts and Heritage commission reducing the number of commissioners.
Kent Sawatzky- Supports reducing the number of commissioners on the Arts and Heritage commission.
Motion: to reduce the number of commissioners at the Arts and Heritage commission from seven to five.
Motion by: Councilmember Shull, Second: Councilmember Mackay Vote: Ayes: Mackay, Scafani, Shull, Jones Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
11. Council Liaison Designation and Reallocation of Assignments Councilmember Shull: has suggested this item be postponed until the next council meeting in November.
Councilmember Mackay: Primary is responsible for contacting alternate when council member is unavailable to attend meetings
Motion: to postpone agenda item to November meeting.
Motion by: councilmember Mackay
Second: Councilmember Shull
Vote: Ayes: Mackay, Scafani, Shull, Jones Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
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Public comment
Kent Sawatzky made a public comment.
Public comment closed.
12. City Council agenda Review Committee Designee(s)
Mayor introduces and reads agenda item.
Mayor Jones: states her approval of the agenda review committee.
Elise Scafani is also in favor and would like to be a designee.
Public commentLori Ponte- questions about the process of the agenda review committee.
Lisa Hoover- Comments on municipal code and her standpoint on the agenda review committee.
City Manager- Explains the process of agenda review in our municipal code and the intention of the committee for agenda preparations, removes burden on staff and places partial responsibility on council through the agenda review committee.
Julie Christie- Comments on her standpoint for the agenda review committee.
Kent Sawatzky- Comments on his experience requesting to add items to agendas.
Erica- Seeks clarification on the agenda preparation and agenda review committee.
Motion to move Elsie Scafani and Adelene Jones to serve on the agenda setting committee.
Motion made by Councilmember Mackay
Second by: Councilmember Shull
Vote: Ayes: Mackay, Scafani, Shull, Jones Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
10.Council Correspondence:
Mayor reads council correspondence.
15. Consent Agenda:
Councilmember Scafani would like to pull Warrants and Disbursements and August meeting minutes.
Motion to approve the financial statements and accountant report.
Motion made by Councilmember Mackay
Second by: Councilmember Shull
Vote: Ayes: Mackay, Scafani, Shull, Jones Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
Councilmember Scafani: Comments on various checks on the warrants and disbursement report.
Motion to accept the warrants and disbursements.
Motion made by Councilmember Scafani
Second by: Councilmember Mackay
Vote: Ayes: Jones, Mackay, Shull, Scafani Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
Councilmember Scafani: Additions to the meeting minutes. 10 | P a g e
Councilmember Mackay: Points out the missing second motion on page 4 of August 22, 2023 meeting minutes.
Motion to approve August meeting minutes with corrections and additions.
Motion made by Councilmember Mackay
Second by: Councilmember Shull
Public comment:
Julie Christie: Comments on meeting minutes.
Kent Sawatzky: made a public comment.
Vote: Ayes: Mackay, Scafani, Shull, Jones Nays: Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed
16. Reports of Council and Staff
Councilmember Scafani: provides update on City website and welcomes feedback from community members.
Mayor Jones- Attended October 12, 2023, HWMA meeting. Mentions successful green waste day in Blue Lake. Attended HCAOG meeting.
Councilmember Shull- Attended RDEC meeting.
Councilmember Mackay- Attended Economic development
a. City Manager Report- Mayor reads city manager report.
17. Future Agenda Items:
• December meeting dates
• Joan Schirley Proclamation
Councilmember Scafani: States her concerns with payment to the HCSO.
Council discusses a possible special meeting date to discuss payment to HCSO.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:53PM
Motion: To adjourn at 10:53 PM
Motion by: Councilmember Shull, Second: Councilmember Mackay There were no comments from the Council.
Vote: Ayes: Jones, Mackay, Scafani, Shull Nays: None Absent: Edgar Motion Summary: Motion Passed