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Unless Otherwise Noted, All Items on the Agenda are Subject to Action.
1. Meeting Called to Order at 6:30 PM
2. Pledge of Allegiance and Establish a Quorum of the Council Council Members Present: 
Adelene Jones, Mayor
Angela Shull, Mayor Pro-Tem
Elise Scafani
Christopher Edgar
Elizabeth Mackay
Council Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Amanda Mager, City Manager/City Clerk
Garry Rees, City Planner (SHN)
Anali Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk
Tonie Quigley, Office Assistant
Public Present:
Jean Lynch
Kent Sawasky
Lori Ponte
Marty Graham
Scott Frazer
Erin McClure
Rhonda
Justin
3. Approval of the Agenda
Public Comment:
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 28, 2024~ 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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Lori Ponte- would like to add to her council correspondence. Hands out copies of her council correspondence.
Public comment ended.
Motion: To Approve agenda as presented
Motion by: Councilmember Mackay, Second: Councilmember Edgar Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed
4. Public Comment:
Kent: commented how later in meeting would be addressing the way staff time is allocated, that he has a new website where he renames people, starting with the City Manager, the hiring of a city employee that resides on the council.
Becky: comment on her concerns of council member being employed by the city, major conflict of interest, unethical and that Chris Edgar should step down Julie: commented that Zoom is user friendly, but a planning meeting Zoom was not being recorded Scott: commented to Council Member Chris that budget decisions effects employees, that your service will be a detriment to the city, should consider stepping down.
Marty: commented that she does not feel good about the city hiring a council member to be on staff.
Public Comment Closed.
5. Alzheimer’s Month ProclamationMayor Jones introduces and reads the agenda report.
Council Discussion:
No further Council discussion.
Public Comment:
Kent: commented that he has friends and family with this condition Julie: comments thanking council for proclamation. Lost grandma to Alzheimer’s.
Justin: comments that normally does not make public comment but felt need to speak up as lost grandma recently, however not to Alzheimer’s, but to COPD.
Rhonda: thanks Mayor and council for participating. Lost husband to Alzheimer’s.
Public Comment Closed.
Motion: To proclaim June 2024 as National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Motion by: Councilmember Mackay Second: Councilmember Shull Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed
Mayor Jones reads the National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Proclamation.
6. Resolution Number 1229- A Resolution of the City Council Approving a Parcel Map and Accepting a Dedication
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Council discussion:
Councilmember Mackay recused herself. Potential conflict of interest.
City Planner Garry Rees- Provides background information on the project. Reviewed at the Planning commission on May 20, 2024. Parcel J requested by the city. Final action by the city council reviewing and approving the parcel map and accepting the offer of dedication.
Councilmember Scafani- asks if there is a substantial difference between the current parcel map and the parcel map from 2019.
City Planner Rees- No substantial difference.
Mayor Jones opens Public Comment:
Julie Christie: Thanks Council Member Scafani for her attention to detail.
Kent Sawatzky: comments on how he supports Planning commission. At the Planning Commission meeting two members recused themselves but stayed at table, and one voted. Conflict of interest as one allowed to vote. Not legal, consult your attorney.
Public Comment Closed.
Motion: To receive staff, report and adopt Resolution Number 1229.
Motion by: Councilmember Shull Second: Councilmember Edgar Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar Abstain: Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed
7. Greenwood Truck Route Construction Contract AwardMayor Jones introduces agenda item and reads agenda report.
Council Discussion:
Mayor Pro Tem Shull- Pleased to have local contractors for the Greenwood Truck Route Construction Project.
Councilmember Mackay- comments on mobilization and demobilization Costs.
Councilmember Scafani-Asks about RAO’s bid. Requests staff to add certain documents to the packet. Hard to read.
Mayor Jones opens Public Comment:
Kent Sawatzky: comments that he supports Council Member Shull, nice to have local contractors.
Further comments on Engineering management Make sure not to discount public needs.
Julie Chistie: comments that information needs to be out to public in advance, possible conflict with summer events
Jean Lynch: appreciate the effort to slow traffic on GRNWD. Shaking my house when big trucks go by, would like to have someone come look at this, traffic at 7am, come and watch.
Public comment closed.
Councilmember Scafani-Asks about difference between bid and the full budget is about 200,000.00 dollars what additional items may be rebuilt with that money.
City Manager Mager-Safety features that could be added, additional amenities, benches, a host of items.
Councilmember Scafani-Inquires if power poles can be moved.
City Manager Mager- No.
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Motion: To authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract with RAO Construction, Inc. for the Greenwood Road Truck Route Improvement Project, and authorize the City Manager to authorize and execute additional project change orders, as necessary and appropriate, within the total construction budget of $1,340,179.00.
Motion by: Councilmember Edgar Second: Councilmember Shull Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed
8. Public Hearing: Consideration of Resolution Number 1228: A Resolution Approving an Application for Funding and the Execution of a Grant Agreement and any Amendments thereto from 2019-2020 Funding Year of the State CDBG Program for Accessibility Improvements to the LibraryMayor Jones introduces agenda item and reads agenda report.
City Manager Mager- Don’t know if the state will accept the amendment. If not, we will continue the project as when the plans were stamped. May have to go for a second project if the state does not approve.
Mayor Pro-Tem Shull- Even though the project was stamped, and the codes changed we must go by the new codes not the codes in which it was stamped.
City Manager Mager- The City can’t pass the inspection; landing is off by a small amount.
Mayor Jones opens public comment:
Scott Frazer- commented that he recalls being at a meeting where this was discussed. Two Questions:
1) how much is a little bit? 2) Why was the city manager and engineer not aware? Kent Sawatzky- comments that he is aware of ADA Compliance. It is expensive. Further comments that he has never had any problems with access being off. Public wants to know what the redo is.
Julie Christie- Concurs with prior two public comments.
Public comment closed.
Council Discussion:
Councilmember Scafani- Curious about the dimensions asks staff to clarify.
City Manager Mager- Minor problems. The City Engineer knows the specifics.
Council discussion ends.
Motion: To conduct the Public Hearing and Approve the Adoption of Resolution Number 1228 and authorize the City Manager to execute all required documentation.
Motion by: Councilmember Shull Second: Councilmember Mackay Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed
9. Contract with the County of Humboldt and the Humboldt County Sheriff for the Provision of Law Enforcement Services in the City of Blue Lake.
Mayor Jones introduces agenda item and reads agenda report.
Council discussion:
Councilmember Edgar- Asks about any major changes to law enforcement services. 5 | P a g e
City Manager Mager- Changes include updated contracting language and cost methodology. Much better contract.
Councilmember Shull- Sheriff office will capture data and provide the data to the city? City Manager Mager- Yes, and I appreciate Regina Fuller and Brian Quenell for meeting with the Ad Hod committee. Hard process. Adversarial process. Caught substantial costs that we were able to remove from the process.
Mayor Jones opens public comment:
Kent Sawatzky: comments that he had communication, and that we may be sharing a deputy with Trinidad.
Erika Dykehouse: thank you for working with Sheriff. No mention of animal control, is that separate? Julie Christie: comments that need to prioritize public safety and infrastructure. Need to think about public safety for community.
Public comment closed.
Motion: To direct staff to finalize the contract for law enforcement services with the County of Humboldt and the Humboldt County Sheriff and authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to sign the final contract documents pending approval of the City Attorney.
Motion by: Councilmember Shull Second: Councilmember Mackay Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed
10. Discussion Regarding Retail Cannabis Operations in the City of Blue Lake and Potential Changes to the City’s Cannabis Ordinance.
Councilmember Mackay-Corresponded with the Rio Dell City Manager regarding tax revenue from dispensaries. Rio Dell currently has two dispensaries in 21/22 the city received 59,961.49 in tax revenue. In 22/23 Rio Dell received $54,847.11 in tax revenue. In 23/24 Rio Dell received $43,876.00.
Mayor Jones- Northwest flower company. Tour at the CA league of Cities meeting in May. Huge operation. That is not something we want to get into.
Councilmember Shull- Asks if any indication of an increase of arrests or drug issues.
Councilmember Mackay- I did ask those questions and I haven’t heard back.
Councilmember Scafani- did some research and cannabis sales have gone down in the last three years.
Looked at stats from Arcata and Eureka.
City Manager Mager- discussions have revolved around small retail businesses. Zoning I am looking to you guys for the second step. Not a high priority but staff needs direction for further analysis.
Councilmember Scafani- shares she talked to two cannabis dispensaries owners and discussed the feasibility of this type of business in Blue Lake. Before we spend more time and money on this topic suggest having a working session with cannabis dispensary business owners.
Councilmember Shull- I wonder if someone could come in and talk to the council about questions and concerns regarding cannabis retail businesses.
Mayor Jones opens public comment.
Mayor reads a public comment from Andrew Jones.
Lori Ponte: comments that she would like to watch this zoom presentation. Doesn’t see purpose.
Smoking is not allowed; a cannabis café seems odd. Would like further discussion, knowing the council 6 | P a g e
is desperate for revenue, but we have to leave BL to do most all things. You need to pump the breaks.
Doesn’t think cannabis needs to be a part of it.
Erin McClure- 100% agrees with Lori Ponte’s comment.
Kent Sawatzky: Comments not to waste time. Has been tracked, Walmart and CVS will be able to get it. When borders are open, prices will change.
Julie Christie- this was visited 8 years ago, decisions were made, do not continue Becky Thornton: Blue Lake too small. Must have a small business plan.
Public comment closed.
Mayor Jones- asks about the economic development agenda.
City Manager Mager- EDC can do additional work and bring back to council.
Mayor Jones- directs staff to add this item to the EDC agenda for June 11, 2024.
11. Council Correspondence
Mayor Jones reads council correspondence from Kent Sawatzky.
Mayor Jones reads council correspondence from the Ponte’s.
Councilmember Edgar-points out the teleconferencing under the brown act applies to councilmembers remote into a council meeting. City attorney response in email chain.
Public comment:
Lori Ponte: does not appreciate the fact the mayor read the council correspondence backwards.
Facial expression is obvious on zoom. The Brown Act isn’t flexible. Pretty standard and needs to be followed in a public meeting. Appreciates the audible through zoom.
Erica Dykehouse: requests the agenda be amended to include Lori Ponte’s correspondence.
Julie Christie: Kent’s item should be added to next month's agenda. States that staff was messing with zoom audio until Justin took over.
Kent Sawatzky: outstanding PRA, requesting payroll expenses.
Public comment closed.
12. Consent Agenda:
a. February 22, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
b. Warrants and Disbursements
c. Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate a Lease with Sjaaks Organic Chocolates d. Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute
Motion: approve consent agenda.
Motion by: Councilmember Shull Second: Councilmember Mackay Public Comment-
Julie Christie- concerned about minutes only up to February, this is May. Where are others? Kent Sawatzky- concerned about amount paid for inspection of water tank Public Comment Closed.
Council member Scafanni- asks about Eureka Broadcasting on warrants and disbursements.
City Manager Mager- Marketing campaign for city events. Second year working with Eureka Broadcasting.
Vote: Ayes: Jones, Shull, Scafani, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
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Motion Summary: Motion Passed
13. Reports of Council and Staff
Councilmember Edgar- nothing to report.
Councilmember Scafani- Attended the Blue Lake Parks and Rec Meeting and RCEA meeting.
Mayor Jones- May 3, 2024, the League of Cities met in Rio Dell. Tour of the cannabis farm.
Attended HWMA meeting approved their budget. Attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting. 18 vendors for Annie and Mary weekend so far. Attended the HCAOG meeting discussed unmet transit needs. Attended the Blue Lake Economic Development meeting. Discussed the sports complex development process, Townsquare project, container village concept, Powers Creek Restoration Project update.
Mayor Pro Tem Shull- Cancelled REDEC meeting. Attended the Blue Lake Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Councilmember Mackay- Attended League of Cities in Rio Dell. Speaker Nick Crawford.
Attended the Blue Lake Arts and Heritage meeting. Powers Creek District Master plan slideshow discussed switching the Arts and Heritage meeting time and date.
Mayor Jones reads over the written City Manager report.
Public comment:
Julie Christie- comments that we need full managers report.
Kent Sawatzky- FEMA portion on the City Manager Report. Why design plan if no access to the property. If someone can’t get along with City manager I would not be engaging with the City.
Erin McClure- Concurs with Kent Sawatzky comment, cart before the horse. Trespassing on her property. People say city owns the property.
Public comment Closed.
Announcements from Mayor Jones
Annie and Mary day July 14, 2024.
Saturday August 17, 2024, Blue Lake City wide yard sale.
Councilmember Shull- requests staff to provide a written document from the city attorney approving the hire of a council member.
City Manager Mager- Yes, I will forward the email to council.
Future Agenda Items-
• FY 24/25 Budget Adoption
• Regular city council meeting on June 25, 2024
Public comment:
Kent Sawatzky- document for a council member to leave office to be employed by the city.
Public comment closed.
14. Meeting Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn 9:03 pm.
Motion by: Councilmember Shull, Second: Councilmember Mackay There were no comments from the Council
Vote: Ayes: Jones, Scafani, Shull, Edgar, Mackay Nays: None Absent:
Motion Summary: Motion Passed