Agenda, first session — Blue Lake City Council, June 24, 2025

Unless Otherwise Noted, All Items on the Agenda are Subject to Action.

Public Input can be given to the Council by emailing [email protected] until 4:30 p.m. on the date of the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE that live meeting logistics will be prioritized. The quality of the Zoom teleconference meeting cannot be guaranteed. Technical challenges experienced by either the participant or the City will not interrupt or halt the progress of the meeting.

Public input may be facilitated by Zoom at the following meeting link:

Join Zoom Meeting Information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87833164475?pwd=SqobzlIbAlSoWtlKj6y1BvAj89lhSd.1 Meeting ID: 878 3316 4475
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Call to Order

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Establish a Quorum of the Council

2. Approval of the Agenda

3. Matters Time-Certain:
a. 6:40 p.m. Receive Presentation from Eric Keller-Heckman of HWMA

4. Public Comment on Closed Session Items

5. Closed Session
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2), (d)(3)). Significant exposure to litigation: One case. Facts and circumstances involve allegations by Alex Ricca that the City violated the Ralph M. Brown Act during the period of March 11, 2025, through May 13, 2025, as detailed in Mr. Riccas written demand dated June 6, 2025.

6. Report Out of Closed Session/Open Session

7. Adopt Previous Council Meeting Minutes
a. May 19, 2025 Special Meeting
b. May 21, 2025 Special Meeting
c. May 27, 2025 Regular Meeting
d. June 10, 2025 Special Meeting

8. 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 City Council Agenda
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store-111 Greenwood Road, Blue Lake California
111 Greenwood Road-P.O. Box 458
Blue Lake, CA 95525
707-668-5655(P) 707-668-5916(F) www.bluelake.ca.gov
City of Blue Lake
opportunity to address items that are on the agenda at the time the Council takes up each specific agenda item.

9. Consent Agenda
a. Warrants and Disbursements

10. Consider accepting TripepiSmith’s recruitment proposal for City Manager – Discussion/Action

11. Response to HCD Letter – Discussion/Direction

12. Commission Appointments – Discussion/Action
a. Arts & Heritage

13. STRETCH BREAK – 5 minutes

14. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Update – Discussion/Action

15. HCSO Animal Control Contract – Discussion/Action

16. Reports of Council and Staff
a. Council Member Reports
b. City Manager Report
c. Council Ad Hoc Committees

17. Future Agenda Items

18. Council Correspondence

19. Adjourn
A request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aid or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting, by contacting the City Clerk at 707-668-5655, at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting.

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 19, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 1 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor John Sawatzky called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. 2 Councilmembers Present: Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani, 3 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Council Member Kat Napier 4 Councilmembers Absent: Council Member Christopher G. Firor 5 Staff Present: Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart, Deputy Clerk Laura McClenagan, City 6 Attorney - Russ Gains
7 8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
9 10 AGENDA APPROVAL:
11 Motion: To approve the agenda as delivered.
12 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
13 Second by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
14 Public Comment:
15 Comment by (Linda Cooley): expresses concern regarding unclear, negative or evasive 16 reporting on safety issues, and the need for press releases 17 Comment by (?): thanked the council for their remarks, and said the citizens of Blue Lake 18 can’t know what is being withheld and feels this violates the Brown Act. 19 City Attorney Russ Gains clarified the closed session was regarding the exposure to 20 litigation, and discussion in open session could exacerbate negotiations. 21 Comment by (Julie Christie): mentioned the County has Brown Act training recently and can 22 supply a link. Julie also commented the community should be part of the discussion as it is 23 the community the council represents.
24 Comment by (Brian): thanks the council for showing up through all the changes. 25 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
26 27 CLOSED SESSION:
28 Motion: To go into closed session.
29 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
30 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
31 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
32 CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney Russ Gains reported no action was taken. 33 34 ADJOURNMENT: The May 19, 2025, City Council meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. 35 36 Laura McClenagan,
37 Deputy Clerk, City of Blue Lake

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Monday, May 21, 2025 6:00 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 1 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor John Sawatzky called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2 Councilmembers Present: Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani, 3 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Council Member Kat Napier 4 Councilmembers Absent: Council Member Christopher G. Firor 5 Staff Present: Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart, City Attorney Russ Gains 6 7 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
8 9 PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:
10 Comment by (Justin Goad): expressed frustration regarding not knowing what closed 11 session is about so relevant comments can be made.
12 Comment by (Alex Ricca): How do we know when closed session ends to make sure we 13 get to hear the report out?
14 15 CLOSED SESSION:
16 Motion: To go into closed session.
17 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
18 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
19 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
20 21 CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney Russ Gains reported no action was taken. 22 23 ADJOURNMENT:
24 Motion: To adjourn the May 21, 2025, City Council meeting at 8:00 p.m. 25 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
26 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
27 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
28 29 Laura McClenagan,
30 Deputy Clerk, City of Blue Lake

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 42 43 PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: [10:57]
44 Clerk Laura McClenagan read a public comment letter into the record. [14:06] 45 Comment by (Alicia Rosaldo):gave notice of a recall and removal of Mayor John Sawatzky, Council 46 Member Elise Scafani, and Council Member Kat Napier according to section 11020 of the California 47 Elections Code, asking council members to vacate their positions due to exposing the City of Blue Lake 48 to financial, legal and operational jeopardy of potential lawsuits from contractors, fines from the state, 49 and local control due to councils’ unwillingness to vote for and adopt a housing element as required by 50 law in the State of California and the General Plan of the City of Blue Lake and for the removal of City 51 Manager Amanda Mager without justifiable cause during closed session, which leaves the City of Blue 52 Lake open to dysfunction and the inability to respond to legal challenges that may arise. Alicia Rosaldo 53 states that for these reasons, the citizens of Blue Lake no longer feel you have our best interests at heart 54 and demand you vacate your positions either by resignation or recall. Alicia Rosaldo provided envelopes 55 to each council member named which contained the petition along with ways to respond to the petition. 56 Comment by (Mardi Grainger): asks the council to re-position themselves so they can be heard better. 57 Comment by (Adelene Jones): said the last time she spoke to the council was at the May 13th special 58 meeting where Major John Sawatzki stopped her to ask how was this relevant to the close session. 59 Adelene speaks of opening the Mad River Union to read about the interim city manager Dani Burkhart 60 being quoted as saying "Blue Lake has been stagnant." Adelene states that in the nine plus years Mandy 61 Merger was city manager, two bridges were completed over Powers Creek, the completion of our portion 62 of the Annie May trail, making a safe route to school with the Greenwood Avenue project and the 63 acquisition of the empty lot across from the post office which is now our beautiful town square, 64 improvements to our skating rink, and hiring competent people like Tony Quigley in the Parks and Rec 65 office and Emily Wood, Director of Parks and Recs. Adelene continues by saying unless by stagnant you 66 mean the last five months when three of the five council persons voted not to adopt our housing element, 67 sending our logo back to the Arts and Heritage and Economic Development Commissions who had 68 already looked at it and made changes or the endless special meetings including one at 8:00 a.m. on a 69 Saturday morning to discuss the budget.
70 Comment by (Jim Daniels): intends to install a bike rack at City Hall. Jim offers to pay for and donate the 71 bike rack. Jim also intends to work with Glenn and Mike for placement. 72 Comment by (Kit Mann): speaks of the remarkable opportunity to remove the dangerous and derelict 73 power plant and to open the land for development which can generate substantial annual revenue, 74 contribute to grid stability, rebuild reliability and reduce greenhouse emissions in a safe and 75 environmentally benign way. Kit Man also spoke regarding the exclusive negotiating agreement the 76 council members signed with Power Transitions to negotiate in good faith which appears to not be in 77 good faith as there has not been any discussion with the public, a lack transparency. Kit Man also says 78 businesses won't wait around and asks that the Power Transition option agreement be on the next agenda 79 for action. He also states that if we keep dithering on, we could squander this incredible opportunity. 80 Comment by (Rebecca Collins): Rebecca thanked the council for taking interest in learning more about 81 the budget. She also disagreed with the last comment about having the City Manager write a letter giving 82 Power Transitions the ability to move forward on an accelerated timeline when that wasn’t what was 83 voted.

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 124 WEBSITE – MEETING MINUTES AND VIDEOS: [34:54] Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani has been 125 working with our web master for about two years and recently Access Humboldt to make improvements to 126 the website. We've created a YouTube channel for the city so that we can upload our meeting videos directly 127 to the channel and link them to our website. We also hope to have hyperlinks within the minutes document 128 that will take you to that section of the agenda on the video. We can then work on getting our backlog of 129 approved minutes published on the website, which requires staff to access our computer systems to find the 130 adopted versions. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani suggested part of the discussion tonight be to perhaps 131 authorize extra hours for Clerk Laura McClenagan to catalog and publish the past approved minutes making 132 the information more assessable to the public.
133
134 Direction: to evaluate the project and return with a proposal which estimates the volume and number of 135 hours needed to catalog and publish past approved minutes to the website and link to the corresponding 136 video, including locating videos of past meetings between February and now; and adding searchable 137 resolutions to the website similar to ordinances.
138 Public Comment: [41:11]
139 Comment by (Videographer Justin Goad): explains that videos from before he started publishing them 140 for the city can be uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel. Once uploaded, the clerk can use the 141 transcript function to help create the minutes. This function will also advance the video to the section of 142 the transcript the user clicks on and will be very helpful. 143 Comment by (Dennis Whitcomb): noticed member complaints regarding the process and how your 144 minutes have perhaps too much detail and was hoping the city will include the links I sent to the city 145 manager from California Cities as a reference guide on the channel. 146 Comment by (Beckie Thornton Raygoza): mentions a zoom participant in the meeting waiting room. 147
148 TOWN SQUARE LOAN PAYOFF: [47:13] Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart request approval to pay 149 the daily interest on a loan for the purchase of the town square property using the generalized CBDG (Fund 150 38); as the amount is $10,928, with a not to exceed $10,980.00, councils’ authorization is required. 151 Council Member Kat Napier asked what else the funds could be used for. 152 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani says as it's been explained to her, these are defederalized CBDG funds paid 153 back yearly to the city; if they are under $35,000, those funds get defederalized and the city is able to use 154 those funds for various qualifying projects. If those funds are above $35,000 then it goes back into the 155 CBDG fund that becomes part of a pool of money that can be used for other projects such as low interest 156 loans to homeowners for needed home repairs. The city has the option to take these funds and either use 157 them for city projects or use them for homeowner loans. In the past Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani has been 158 in favor of using these monies to try to restart the home repair low interest loan program that helps 159 homeowners acquire low interest loans.
160 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani states if wanted, we could contract with the Humboldt County Planning 161 Department to administer the program for us. They have the staff and the ability; they administered a similar 162 program for the City of Rio Dell after the earthquake. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani further states her wish 163 for the funds to be reserved for these types of programs. 164 Mayor John Sawatzky request clarification
165 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani clarifies that she is suggesting the interest not be paid off right now.

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 166 Council Member Kat Napier asks what the interest will be over a 30-day period. 167 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart states $1.51 per day, roughly $45 a month, and the reason to pay it off 168 now is to save on interest.
169 Mayor John Sawatzky asks for suggestions if the council decides not to pay the interest off. 170 Mayor Pro Tem Elise replies with loans to homeowners or other projects that have a higher priority than 171 saving interest. Qualifying projects that are less than $35,000 that have to meet some specific qualifications 172 and follow a list of rules to use the defederalized monies. These monies funded the handicap accessibility 173 improvements for the library.
174 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart states that the city looks to reduce as many liabilities as possible from 175 the books to post positive in the next fiscal year budget. 176
177 Public Comment: [54:15]
178 Comment by (Barbara Russell): expressed the need for homeowner loans to fix up our historic homes 179 and mentions Kristin Martinque with Humboldt County who could help with getting substantially more 180 funds than the $10,000 that would pay off a loan. Barbara said she would hate the city to not pay off the 181 loan.
182 Comment by (?): asked when the last time homeowner loans were offered to improve homes, how many 183 homeowners received loans.
184 Comment by (Adelene Jones): said homeowner loans are low income and usually citizens in Blue Lake 185 do not qualify. Adelene also stated she was in favor of paying off the loan. 186 Comment by (?): said a roof's thirty grand for a modern home in Blue Lake and suggest paying the loose 187 ends.
188 Comment by (Lori Ponte): cautions setting a precedent of spending $10,000 to bail out projects with 189 these funds; she says, with the projects going on, money can go pretty fast. 190 Comment by (David): agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani and figures the funds should be saved 191 for something more valuable and be available for other purposes like loaning monies to businesses that 192 are coming to the business park. David further states the small amount of interest paid off is not a good 193 enough reason to draw down the reserve. David asked if the funds could be invested. 194 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart explained that there are restrictions on what the city is allowed to do 195 with CDBG funds. The funds are intended for community development. 196 Comment by (Beckie Thornton Raygoza): agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani and thinks paying 197 the loan off over the next year is fine and saving the funds in case something comes up. 198
199 Mayor John Sawatzky closes public comment and brings the discussion back to the council. 200 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asked from which fund and the amount of the payment. 201 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart answers the loan amount is 1236.87 from the general fund. 202 Council Member Kat Napier thanked Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart for her creativity and budget 203 awareness and expressed how it is worth continuing this item until after we review the budget and gain 204 CDBG knowledge.
205 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani agrees a presentation would be beneficial on CDBG fund dos and don’ts and 206 spending possibilities.
207

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 250 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
251 Public Comment: [1:11:24]
252 Comment by (Adelene Jones): mentions that a Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) representative attends 253 the Humboldt County Association of Government (HCAG) meetings, and believes the money, around 254 $34,000 comes through the HCAG. Adelene further adds that if the city is only paying 15,000 to 255 Humboldt Transit Authority there is money left over and wanted to bring up the idea of dial-a-ride 256 program for seniors in the town who can’t navigate the bus system. 257 Council Member Kat Napier adds that Humboldt Transit Authority reports to Humboldt County 258 Association of Government.
259
260 FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET UPDATE: [1:13:20] Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports 261 that Accountant Scott Gordon is not available until next week and will have more information soon. 262 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart was able to acquire a budget template from Rio Dell, Trinidad and 263 Fortuna and is grateful for their support. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart requests direction from the 264 Council to establish a timeline for budget meetings and suggests sending the council members a doodle poll 265 to determine availability. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart also reminded the Council June 24, 2025, is 266 the last regular meeting in June to adopt the budget before the beginning of the next fiscal year. 267 Council Member Kat Napier referred to Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart financial knowledge and 268 requested a focused approach plan of action for reviewing and adopting the budget. 269 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds she will be happy to suggest areas of focus. 270
271 RESPONSE TO HCD LETTER: [1:16:51] The City Planner Gary Rees gave a synopsis of the letter; As 272 requested by the council Gary put together a draft response to California Department of Housing and 273 Community Development’s (HCD) letter of inquiry. The draft letter contains a table which outlines the tasks 274 that need to be completed and timeline to achieve compliance with state housing law. Planner Gary Rees 275 also added various steps for the council to complete, and items for staff to complete. Planner Gary Rees 276 mentions a look at the electronic sites inventory and the timeline for it being the end of June. Staff are 277 looking for direction from the council on the target completion dates for the items listed; Adopt and submit 278 the 6th Cycle Housing Element updates to HCD, and Complete required rezoning by implementing Housing 279 Element Program HI-14 (Rezoning and By Right Procedures). Once staff receive the council’s direction, the 280 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart will respond to HCD listing Planner Gary Rees as the contact if 281 additional information is needed.
282 Council Member Kat Napier thanked Planner Gary Rees for being present for tonight’s meeting and 283 remembers expressing concern about the Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration for CEQA and 284 looking at it cumulatively.
285 Planner Gary Rees explained that there is a cumulative impact discussion in the current CEQA ISMND 286 document, at the end under mandatory findings of significance, that has been circulated and is now ready for 287 adoption. Planner Gary Rees also explains that the steps outlined in the response letter consider the Councils’ 288 desire to have a more robust cumulative impact discussion that may change the finding and thus create a 289 longer timeline. Planner Gary Rees adds that the cumulative impact discussion could change the current 290 finding, and if it does, the CEQA document will need to be recirculated for another 30-day comment period; 291 the response letter includes that possibility.

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 292 Council Member Kat Napier added that we have a sports recreation center, an RV park, battery storage, 293 amphitheater and bike park, and wants to look at those effects as a whole rather than segmented and saying 294 each one is okay.
295 Planner Gary Rees explains that there are two types of analysis. The type Council Member Kat Napier is 296 talking about is the type of cumulative impact analysis needed when doing a full Environmental Impact 297 Report (EIR) for a General Plan Update, where you are looking at all potential future development in the 298 community that could happen under all the zoning or any proposed changes to zoning and Planner Gary Rees 299 noted that typically that would be beyond the scope of a Housing Element Update. The second type of 300 analysis needed when considering cumulative projects is known as reasonably foreseeable, and many of the 301 projects Council Member Kat Napier mentioned, the sports recreation center and the RV park, are really 302 concepts. In order to be considered reasonably foreseeable the projects have to move a number of steps 303 forward. Planner Gary Rees gave an example by asking have the funds been expended for the project to 304 happen, or does the developer have financing, have the developer applied for permits, is the zoning 305 appropriate and if you can't say yes to most of those things then it may not be a reasonably foreseeable 306 project that would be appropriate to consider and include in an accumulative impact analysis for a housing 307 element update. Planner Gary Rees stated that mostly what the housing element is looking at is planning for 308 34 units on the vacant sites identified as site inventory, a narrow scope as opposed to future community 309 development with a General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Planner Gary Rees said that if we 310 change the cumulative impact analysis, we will have to go through the exercise of determining what is 311 reasonably foreseeable and many of those projects which have been mentioned have been discussed but 312 never moved forward in a meaningful manner and may not make the list of reasonably foreseeable projects. 313 Council Member Kat Napier acknowledged that the traffic study did not take into consideration a number of 314 activities that are already present. Council Member Kat Napier explained that asking a question about a 315 housing element or about affordable housing doesn't mean you are against it, it is simply due diligence, and 316 adds that now is the opportunity and a necessary process for us to see how these sites are developed and 317 where our housing goes and how it might impact our environment now and in the future. We should have 318 more scrutiny rather than live with regret after the fact. 319 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso expressed appreciation and commended Gary’s detailed work. 320 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso continued by saying that we have a request by HCD to respond with 321 a revised timeline for achieving compliance with the state housing law and is proposing a timeline in 322 addition to the task already identified, for the end of June for preparing and submitting an electronic sites 323 inventory and to adopt and submit the 6th cycle housing element update a target completion date of November 324 30, 2025, and thirdly, to complete required rezoning by implementing Housing Element Program HI-14 325 (Rezoning and By Right Procedures) propose target completion date of December 31, 2025. 326 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani suggested the end of December to adopt and submit the 6th cycle housing 327 element update to give us a little bit of a cushion. 328 Council Member Kat Napier, considering the numerous holidays, and items and issues before us, suggested 329 February to adopt and submit the 6th cycle housing element update and April or May for the HI-14 (Rezoning 330 and By Right Procedures). Council Member Kat Napier adds that we can complete these items sooner than 331 what we respond to the state, but not later.
332 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso wants to stay on task outlined by Gary and doesn’t want much 333 wiggle room.

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 334 Council Member Kat Napier thinks the front end of the timeline, peer review requiring a bid proposal, the 335 activity itself, going to the Planning Commission, the public comment throughout takes a lot of time, and we 336 need to focus on passing a budget by the end of June. 337 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart commented that while we want to be thorough and do our research, we 338 also need to remember that we pay subject matter experts to be that and that the council do not have 339 thousands of hours to dedicate to becoming subject matter experts in every policy that comes before you for 340 consideration and thinks it's important that the council prioritize council and staff time in an effective and 341 efficient manner and rely on the people we pay to be our subject matter experts for that opinion. 342 Planner Gary Rees asked to add a step, a joint meeting between the Council and the Planning Commission to 343 discuss the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Planner Gary Rees adds that if the timeline goes out a 344 ways, we need to be detailed on what we expect to be done during that time. So that is why he suggests 345 adding this new step explicitly after the first step under the adopt and submit task. 346 Mayor John Sawatzky directs Planner Gary Rees to add the joint meeting as a new step under the adopt task. 347 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani states December for adoption and February for HI-14. Mayor Pro Tem Elise 348 Scafani confirmed with Planner Gary Rees that he estimates 6 months to process the HI-14. 349 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asks Planner Gary Rees for feedback on the proposed timeline in our 350 motion.
351 Planner Gary Rees responded he thought the city would get pushback for the dates chosen, but especially for 352 the ones going into next year.
353
354 Motion: [1:48:08] We choose December 31, 2025, as the target completion date for Adopt and submit the 6th 355 Cycle Housing Element updates and February 28, 2026, as the target completion date for implementing 356 Housing Element Program HI-14 (Rezoning and By Right Procedures) in staffs’ response to the California 357 Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) letter of inquiry. 358 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
359 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
360 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
361 Public Comment: [1:27:58]
362 Comment by (Adelene Jones): expressed concern about this issue and mentions stiff fines from the State 363 of California. Adelene Jones states that this council needs to adopt the housing element and wishes the 364 council would have adopted it when she was Mayor. Adelene Jones reiterates that we need affordable 365 housing in this city. Adelene explains that city staff said we have the sewer and water capacity. Adelene 366 also mentions how the schools need children, and that people can’t afford to live in Blue Lake; four 367 firefighters are living in the fire station. Adelene is for affordable housing for firefighters, teachers, staff 368 and families.
369 Comment by (Linda Kulle): added that her daughter goes to Blue Lake Elementary and their budgets 370 have been cut. There is not enough money to pay for a janitor, so the kids are cleaning. Linda is terrified 371 to see more kids at the school on the cut budget and wants someone to work with the school to help them 372 get more money.
373 Comment by (?): agreed with Council Member Kat Napier’s comment about asking questions doesn't 374 mean you're not for affordable housing. The commenter feels it is a social injustice to place affordable 375 housing across the street from an industrial park or where there is a question of pollution or where they

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 376 would be flanked by the creek and river, so please consider the location. The commenter also said that 377 from what they read, a first-year teacher or firefighter wouldn’t qualify for the affordable housing. 378 Mayor John Sawatzky reminded everyone that the current subject is the response letter to HCD. 379 Comment by (Lisa Hoover): recognizes the need for affordable housing. It is our accountability to meet 380 the California Environmental Quality Act SEQA which includes analyzing environmental effects of the 381 project including cumulative effects, which has not been well substantiated. Lisa Hoover thinks Planner 382 Gary’s response letter is perfect as it outlines the tasks to be completed. Lisa also mentions that she is 383 unable to locate the ISMND that was for public view in 2022, where environmental effects were 384 mentioned on page 57, and quickly adds that there are exceptions to the use of categorical exemptions 385 which include cumulative impacts of development and potentially hazardous waste consistent with the 386 general plan per public resources code 21159.24.
387 Comment by (?): appreciated the council taking a better look at things because you have one chance to 388 do this right. The commenter thinks there is a lot of benefit to owner occupied units and didn’t know if 389 owner occupied housing would satisfy the element.
390 Comment by (Beckie Thornton Raygoza): asks the council to remember that the allocation is only thirty391 four units. Beckie also said to set the dates, send the letter and get things rolling. Beckie also agreed with 392 Council Member Kat Napier that the council members should research and ask questions. 393 Comment by (Laura): understands the housing element is complicated and appreciates the council for 394 taking their time. Laura understands if Planner Gary Rees is frustrated with all the questions but finds 395 huge value in the questions being asked. Laura thinks that having affordable housing is necessary but 396 thinks the location is horrible and is unsure who would qualify. 397 Comment by (Lori): asked the public if this decision would tamper the harassment of trying to fulfill the 398 housing element, for a while.
399
400 BLUE LAKE BIKE PARK: [1:50:28] Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports there has been no action 401 since the Council last discussed this topic at the April regular meeting. 402 Mayor John Sawatzky asked if there was a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement with Redwood 403 Coast Mountain Bike Association (RCMBA) and if grant funds have been received. 404 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responded that RCMBA is a volunteer fundraising partner and there is 405 not an MOU and confirmed no grant money has been received in the last 30 days. 406 Council Member Kat Napier confirms with Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart that there is no MOU 407 specific to fundraising between RCMBA and the City of Blue Lake, and no written policy on the handling or 408 accounting of the funds.
409 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asked what project outline items need to be completed before the 410 park is safe.
411 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that a number of items are needed, including signage, a fence 412 and completion of the outer rim that makes the traffic on the pump track directional. 413 Mayor John Sawatzky seeks confirmation that the latest estimate from RCMBA is $300,000 to complete or 414 for the total project and is there a time estimate for opening. 415 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart could not confirm the latest cost estimate nor when the park will open. 416
417 Public Comment: [1:54:01]

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 418 Comment by (Adelene Jones): highlights the letter submitted by previous council members and adds that 419 the bike park will be a real draw for the town by explaining how well the mountain biking events held at 420 the industrial park were quiet, clean and brought business to town. Adelene is hoping this council will 421 continue to be supportive of the bike park by working with the dedicated group RCMBA, in their 422 fundraising.
423 Comment by (Ingrid Kosic): expressed her support of the bike park. She comments on how it is not only 424 to bring people into Blue Lake, but also for the kids and adults who live here. 425 Comment by (?): agrees the bike park is amazing but thinks there is some confusion as there doesn’t 426 seem to be any details available.
427 Comment by (?): suggested that a group or committee be formed to oversee activities like events or 428 communicate the progress of the work.
429 Comment by (Brian): has put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the mountain bike community and has 430 the scars to prove it. Brian reported 240 adult riders registered last year, and that the youth riders will be 431 riding in June. These events add exposure to the community. 432 Comment by (Videographer Justin Goad): comments that he has donated both money and a lot of time to 433 the bike park and would love to see someone from Parks and Recreation Commission bring a member of 434 RCMBA into a meeting to give a presentation on the status of funds required to complete, and the steps 435 to construction completeness.
436 Comment by (?): thinks the bike park is a great idea. The commenter also expresses concern with 437 apparent disconnect. The website posted drawing of the park does not reflect what is there. The 438 commenter then asks how the skate park will fit in the area if the bike park has extended beyond the 439 original map. The commenter said she was unable to locate the date of approval for the project. She 440 mentions attending an RCMBA meeting where concern over obtaining funds was expressed, but she was 441 unable to locate where or how to donate and expressed that clarity was needed for all to understand. 442 Comment by (Beckie Thornton Raygoza): confirmed the planning commission approved the bike park 443 site plan on November 15, 2021, but was unable to locate the approval date of the bike park by Council. 444 Comment by (AD): is excited about the bike park and thinks it will do great things for Blue Lake but 445 feels the public doesn't know a whole lot about it and looks forward to getting more information. 446 [2:04:27] Comment by (?): expressed excitement about the park but also shared two concerns; who's 447 going to maintain it after it's built, will that be the responsibility of the city, and insurance, how do we 448 ensure the bike park for liability and what are those costs. 449
450 Mayor John Sawatzky closes public comment and brings the discussion back to the council. 451 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso [2:05:26] suggests setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate 452 some of the concerns the public has expressed and to gain accurate information. 453 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani agrees that a committee could reach out to the different entities in a timely 454 manner and get the information we need to put down on paper. 455 Council Member Kat Napier explains that this is a city government and there are certain things that bind us 456 in what we do, how we interact, how we collect money, and how we account for money. Council Member 457 Kat Napier thinks an ad hoc committee would be great and would facilitate discussions, accountability 458 throughout the process and concepts like the insurance aspect or cost recovery; are we going to charge for 459 events, if so, how much are we going to charge for parking and adds there will be real impacts to the city

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 460 when these events occur. Council Member Kat Napier expressed concern about how the funds are collected, 461 how long they sit, who determines when they're released, who determines what gets paid for what and how 462 things are documented and would like a MOU agreement in place with the nonprofit that does fundraising on 463 behalf of the City of Blue Lake.
464 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that she has asked for invoices and has not received any 465 response to date. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart adds that every dollar spent on the bike park is tracked 466 through project code tracking and adds that's why the budget is as detailed as it is. Acting City Manager 467 Dani Burkhart then states that she cannot track for a nonprofit and the city cannot afford a forensic auditor to 468 do so.
469 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso recommended that the council form an ad hop to do some 470 investigating and bring back for recommendations and information. 471 Mayor John Sawatzky asks who wants to be on the ad hoc committee and confirms that he and Council 472 Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso will be on the ad hoc committee. 473 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani explains the council has a lot to figure out and a lot to plan and understand and 474 hopes the community can understand these complexities we face and afford us the time to get through them. 475 Council Member Kat Napier appreciates the formation of the ad hoc committee and looks forward to the 476 reports being brought back at the next regular scheduled meeting. Council Member Kat Napier then asks if 477 directing staff to come up with the terms of an MOU agreement on the use of the bike park is appropriate. 478 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani agrees and states that we should get something in writing from the insurance 479 company.
480 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart explains that the city has a statement in writing from our insurance 481 carrier and our Sierra risk management representative Emily has been briefed on what is expected of us. 482
483 Public Comment: [2:15:04]
484 Comment by (Barbara Russell): asked if the ad hoc committee accepts volunteers. 485 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso confirmed that the ad hoc wants volunteers. 486 Comment by (Julie Christi): supports the ad hoc committee. 487 Comment by (?): comments that a movie watching event happened at the bike park last weekend and that 488 the park is still closed.
489
490 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: [2:19:19]
491 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso states that Eric Keller-Heckman from the Humboldt Waste 492 Management Authority is prepared to make a 20-minute presentation on Blue Lake’s waste management at 493 the council’s regular meeting in June.
494 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani reports that she had a conversation with Regina Fuller at the Humboldt County 495 Sheriff's Office and said we need to prioritize law enforcement contract which needs renewed by the end of 496 June and believes the contract has been authorized pending Sarahs correspondence. 497 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirms communication has not been received and that she will reach 498 out to Sarah.
499 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani reported she received a quote and contract for animal control services at 500 $9,597 a year for animal control enforcement and wants to bring this to the council for discussion and

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 501 approval at our next meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani suggested commission appointments be placed 502 on the agenda of the next meeting as well.
503 Mayor John Sawatzky confirms vacancies on both the economic development commission and the arts and 504 heritage commission.
505 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports there are some contract items coming forward, and the budget. 506 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart also reports communicating with power transitions and placing them on 507 an upcoming agenda.
508 Council Member Kat Napier and Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani requests a hard copy of the agenda packet 509 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart said that staff should be able to accommodate the request. 510
511 Public Comment: [2:26:25]
512 Comment by (Kit Mann): encourages the council to place the power transition project on the agenda. Kit 513 Mann says this project is critically important for the City of Blue Lake and thinks the council should talk 514 about it regularly and seriously.
515 Mayor John Sawatzky confirmed the placement of the power transition project on an upcoming agenda. 516 Comment by (Barbara Russell): would like to see the council get together to maintain the power plant 517 site and suggest using volunteers to clean it up.
518 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani confirms that she and Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso are on the 519 ad hoc committee to look into the power plant site cleanup. 520 Comment by (?): suggests placing a break on the agenda so everyone can get up and stretch. 521
522 COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE: [2:30:57]
523 Council Member Kat Napier directs staff that it is the mayor’s decision on whether the correspondence 524 provided to the council is to be read in public or just provided in the packet as public record. 525
526 ADJOURNMENT:
527 Motion: To adjourn the May 27, 2025, City Council Meeting at 9:05 p.m. 528 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
529 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
530 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
531 Laura McClenagan,
532 Deputy Clerk, City of Blue Lake
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151617
18 CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m.
19 COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani, Council Member Michelle 20 Lewis-Lusso, Council Member Kat Napier
21 COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT:
22 STAFF PRESENT: Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart, Clerk Laura McClenagan, Planner Gary Rees and 23 Videographer Justin Goad https://www.youtube.com/@BLCNews95525 24 25 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
26 27 AGENDA APPROVAL: [0:46: Part 1]
28 Motion: [3:11 Part 1] To accept the agenda as delivered 29 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
30 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
31 Public Comment: [1:51 Part 1]
32 Comment by (Adelene Jones): I flagged two errors on the agenda, Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items and Agenda 33 Approval and I’m glad staff were able to make those changes. Adelene also speaks of her concerns regarding the 34 number of closed sessions breaking the Brown Act, but per government code 54957(b)(1), appointment of a public 35 employee, is allowed in closed sessions.
36 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
37 38 PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: [3:22 Part 1] None 39 40 CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: [3:38 Part 1]
41 Motion: [3:42] to move to close session.
42 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
43 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
44 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
45 46 REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION: [0:32 Part 2] Mayor John Sawatzky reported that the Council discussed the 47 appointment of the city clerk position. The Council also discussed the appointment of the Deputy City Clerk position. 48 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso motioned to appoint Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart the City Clerk 49 position and appoint Laura McClenagan the Deputy City Clerk position. The Council voted in favor of the motion. 50 51 Public Comment: [1:19 Part 2]
52 Comment by (Julie Christie): I'd like to commend Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart for stepping up to fill the role 53 of city clerk, however I would like to see the vacant positions posted once they are available with the correct job 54 positions and descriptions. I know there's a lot of people who would love to circulate them. 55 56 PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: [2:17 Part 2] 57 Comment by (Steve Madrone): Informs the Council that their enforcement contract was approved today. Steve shares 58 what he calls lenses, seeing the world through the lens that we have in front of us and to use to obtain different points 59 of view. Steve expressed understanding for how hard the council jobs are and the pressures that are put on us to try and

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
Blue Lake City Council Minutes
Tuesday, August 27,2024 6:30 p.m. ~ Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 60 understand all the community all the different sides of the community, to read voluminous amounts in agenda packets, 61 to understand and then to listen to people and make decisions out of the best of our heart and our minds, to make those 62 decisions for the benefit of the whole community and that is not an easy task but I found that the more lenses I use the 63 better my perception is in terms of the bigger picture. Steve also said thank you for your partnership with the Great 64 Redwood Trail. We are working with landowners for a trail going all the way to the North Fork levy and back into 65 town. Steve mentions working with Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart, as himself, not as a county supervisor, to put 66 together to bring forward a proposal to help the city with the overdue maintenance on the Powers Creek bridge, with 67 volunteers trying to keep the city’s cost down.
68 Comment by (Julie Christie): Thanked Steve Madrone for being in attendance and wanted to promote Annie and Mary Day which is August 3rd 69 . There are vender and volunteer positions available. Commerce along with Parks and Rec has 70 a list of the positions still needed.

Comment by (Beckie Thorton): Beckie wants everyone to know that on Sunday June 29 71 th we will be putting together a 72 scavenger hunt for the kids. More details to come.
73 74 ACCEPT RESIGNATIONS: [8:10 Part 2] Mayor John Sawatzky reports the resignations of Council Member 75 Christopher G. Firor submitted on May 27, 2025, and Planning Commissioner Elaine Hogan submitted June 5, 2025. 76 The Council receive these resignations officially.
77 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asked about the posting requirements for the commission and committee 78 vacancies.
79 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that the Arts and Heritage Commission has been posted for 30 days; the 80 Economic Development Commission has been posted for over 30 days, and the Planning Commission is due to be 81 posted upon acceptance of this resignation.
82 83 Public Comment: [9:48 Part 2] None received.
84 85 Mayor John Sawatzky reads a letter to Elaine Hogan. Dear Miss Hogan, Thank you for your service as chair of the 86 Blue Lake Planning Commission. I acknowledge and respect your decision to step down particularly in the light of 87 potential conflict presented by your concurrent roles as the chair of the planning commission and as the executive 88 director of the Great Redwood Trail Agency. Given the city's growing focus on tourism and trial-related development, 89 your resignation helps preserve the integrity of both the commission and the agency you lead. I regret that my request 90 for a joint meeting between the planning commission and city council was interpreted as a lack of collaboration, my 91 intent was to strengthen communication and alignment not to diminish the council's role or authority. I appreciate your 92 contributions to Blue Lake and wish you continued success in your regional work. Thank you very much. 93 94 Motion: [3:42] to accept the resignations of both Christopher G. Firor from the council and Elaine Hogan from the 95 Planning Commission.
96 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
97 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
98 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
99 100 CITY COUNCIL VACANCY PROCESS: [11:18 Part 2] Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart stated that the city 101 council has generally elected to appoint in leu of doing a special election, especially since it's only one seat and we're 102 in an off-election year. Usually, appointments need to take place within 60 days according to the California code. We 103 used the application supplied in the meeting packet the last time the council appointed a seat. The applicant is a one104 page document that requests information and has questions to answer on the back. The application period is typically 105 open for as many as 30 days, however, due to the timing of meetings and holidays, Acting City Manager Dani 106 Burkhart recommends an open period through the 15th of July and then the appointment be placed on the following 107 agenda July 22, 2025.
108 Council Member Kat Napier requests the question about the length of time living/working in Blue Lake be separated 109 into two questions for clarity and to distinguish if they are living full-time or part-time in the area can be determined 110 by where they are registered to vote.
111 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirms.
112
113 Motion: [16:06 Part 2] to open a posting of the vacancy and begin receiving applications tomorrow June 11, 2025, 114 through July 15, 2025, and that the council appoint someone to the vacancy on July 22nd at our regular meeting. 115 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
116 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
117 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
118
119 Public Comment: [16:38 Part 2]
120 Comment by (Adelene Jones): pointed out that when Elizabeth McCay stepped down from the council, it was the last meeting in July and we did not appoint someone until October 7th 121 , which was quite a lengthy time. Adelene has no 122 objections to making it shorter, and thought it was too long of a time. 123 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani explains the time period was extended because the Council wasn't made aware of her 124 resignation for quite a few weeks after it occurred. 125 Comment by (Julie Christi): supports the process and adds we already have some really qualified people in the 126 community that would jump in to take some of the burden off the council and help with the ad hoc committees. Julie 127 wants another critical thinker on the council that is nonbiased and can take a little pressure. Julie looks forward to 128 seeing the council have another good teammate.
129
130 4TH OF JULY FLYERS – Referred by Public Safety Commission: [18:33] Mayor John Sawatzky reports the Public 131 Safety Commission has referred to the Council the approval for distribution of flyers reminding the public of our local 132 fireworks ordinance and to please remember to use safe and sane fireworks to celebrate the upcoming Independence 133 Day.
134 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart said a copy of the flyer is in the agenda packet. It is a double-sided flyer created 135 by community member Marti Granger.
136 Council Member Kat Napier asked if any of our commissions have a budget and should the council consider a budget. 137 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that when a commission requests printing, staff will do what we can to 138 accommodate if staff are available. Commission and Staff will coordinate in advance if the request is labor or printing 139 intensive. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart further states that staff do not get enough requests that a limit is needed 140 to be placed at this time.
141 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani reports that a discussion about distribution in the Public Safety Commission meeting and 142 proposed ideas. One being an afternoon educational activity at the school, but the school rejected the idea. Another 143 being to bring it to the kids at the summer camp, but that is a pretty small number. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani 144 suggests an open discussion about how to distribute the fliers spreading the word about being kind to auditory sensitive 145 neighbors; and suggests asking volunteers to go door-to-door, but there’s 500 to 600 household in town. 146 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asks if this could be posted to the website. 147 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirms she has a scanned copy ready to post on the web site and on social media 148 if accepted by the council.
149 Mayor John Sawatzky asked if staff has access to Facebook for posting the flier. 150 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirms Facebook access. 151
152 Public Comment: [22:23 Part 2]
153 Comment by (Julie Christi): wants to thank Marti Grainger as she's put a lot of love in little spots all over this town. 154 Julie made a PDF copy and sent it to Marti to congratulate her and if passed, she will help share it on social media. 155 Julie also commented that she thought the process was great to see our Public Safety Commission look at this twice 156 and make the recommendation to bring it forward to the council and looks forward to a nice safe and sane Fourth of 157 July.
158 Comment by (Marti Grainger): pointed out that there were 150 flyers for Fourth of July and 150 for New Year's 159 Eve. Marti also thought the flyer would be endorsed by the safety commission, so people didn’t think it was some 160 random flyer. Marti supposes that with the city ordinance on the back it made it clear it was endorsed. Marti also 161 mentions that Aaron McClure will bring her donkey down to the park for the kids and will give out these brochures 162 and talk to them about the flyer.
163 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani said that part of the discussion at Safety Commission was that if we teach the youngsters 164 how to be kind to their neighbors, that they can go home and educate their parents. 165 Comment by (Adelene Jones): As chair of the Public Safety Commission wanted to say that we don't want to put guilt 166 on the kids because a lot of times it's not the kids who are at fault the parents are the ones that are buying the illegal 167 fireworks. Adelene confirmed the school did not seem to be interested in distributing the flyers to the kids but thinks 168 the summer recreation program would be a good way to distribute the flyers and post it on the website. Adelene also 169 mentions she has the keys to the church and can ring the bell at 9:00 p.m. 170 Mayor John Sawatzky asks commenter Adelene Jones why the school said they weren't interested. 171 Comment by (Adelene Jones): answered that Paula Wyant didn't think it was appropriate for the school; she thought 172 distribution should be handled by the city.
173 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani said another idea the Safety Commission had was making lawn signs of this flyer or 174 something similar but was unsure of the interest.
175 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso was in favor of the lawn signs as they can be stored and reused year after year. 176 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani said the paper flyer could be posted on all the bulletin boards and asked if there were any 177 volunteers for a lawn sign campaign and thinks staff could get about 20 signs distributed around town. 178 Comment by (Alexander Ricca): Alex announced that Marti Grainger just walked up to me and paid me for the flyers. 179 Alex accepted the donation to the program, and in turn donated it to get yard signs. 180 Comment by (Kent Sawatzky): Offered to match the donation. 181 Comment by (Julie Christi): added that donations could be delivered to the city hall office clerk as they have in the 182 past.
183
184 Motion: [30:16 Part 2] to approve the submitted flyer being used in various manners around town and also endorse the 185 lawn sign idea if we can raise the funds to pay for that. 186 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
187 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
188 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
189
190 COMMISSION VACANCIES/APPOINTMENTS: [31:05 Part 2]
191 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that there are three seats on the Arts and Heritage Commission, one vacant 192 seat on Economic Development and one seat on the Planning Commission that is now newly opened. Acting City 193 Manager Dani Burkhart noted that the Lynn Glenn application for Public Safety Commission was inadvertently 194 included in the agenda packet.
195 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked to start with the Economic Development application from Linda Cooley. 196 Applicant Linda Cooley [32:27 Part 2] said I'm specifically interested in helping out with economics because I run a 197 business in Blue Lake not just in person, but manufacturing and we focused on doing it sustainably and where we're 198 good to our environment here in Blue Lake. I think it is possible that all of our businesses can operate that way. I think 199 it's important I also have a very special focus on tourism, and I think it's something we need not just in the county, but 200 in our city. I'm involved with all of our county events, and I think getting other people from other cities in Humboldt 201 County to come to Blue Lake is necessary to build more businesses here so they can stay here and thrive responsibly. I 202 just love it here, Thank you.
203 Mayor John Sawatzky asked Applicant Linda Cooley how she would actively promote economic growth and attract 204 businesses.
205 Applicant Linda Cooley responds I would reach out to other business owners to start. I have a lot of business owners 206 that are already our customers. I attend a lot of economic development meetings statewide, and California tourism 207 meetings. I would reach out specifically to businesses that fit in with Blue Lake and were environmentally and fiscally 208 responsible.
209
210 Public Comment: [34:10 Part 2]
211 Comment by (Julie Christi): thanked Linda for her application. Julie got to know Linda, and thinks Linda is a stellar 212 individual and will be a huge asset for our community and really looks forward to having Linda on our Economic 213 Development Commission.
214 Comment by (Beckie): thanked Linda for stepping up for the Economic Development Commission position and thinks 215 she'd be a wonderful addition.
216
217 Motion: [34:57 Part 2] to appoint Linda Cooley to the Economic Development Commission. 218 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
219 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
220 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
221
222 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if the appointees were notified that we would like their attendance at the meeting 223 where the appointments will take place and thinks it should be added to the application sheet. Mayor Pro Tem Elise 224 Scafani also suggests the appointments to the Arts and Heritage Commission be continued to the next meeting so 225 applicants can be informed of the request to be present at the meeting. 226 Mayor John Sawatzky asked Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart if the applicants were aware of the meeting and our 227 request to have them present.
228 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart could not confirm the applicants were sent communication regarding their 229 attendance.
230
231 Public Comment: [37:24 Part 2]
232 Comment by (Marti Grainger): Marti explains a kind of negative feeling about the Arts and Heritage. Marti wonders if 233 the Arts and Heritage Commission is needed and agrees with Matt that the people who are interested in this kind of 234 thing can just come forth and participate without it being a formal commission. 235 Comment by (Adelene Jones): Adelene was really proud to be on the council and as mayor forming this commission. 236 Local artist Diana Lynn suggested the commission. Adelene agrees that Barbara Russell has been to a lot of meetings 237 and is very interested in our town and agrees with Mayor John Sawatzky that we need to get the Arts and Heritage 238 Commission up and running again as they haven’t met in a while and there are a few items on the commissions plate, 239 like a mural on the finished library ramp and the town square bathroom. 240 Comment by (Julie Thornton): suggested that with the lapse with the Arts and Heritage pretty consistently over the last 241 three years, the council could dissolve the Arts and Heritage Commission and distribute the projects between 242 Economic Development or Parks and Recreation.
243 Comment by (Beckie): agrees with Julie.
244 Comment by (Steve Madrone): wanted to say heritage encompasses such a large set of values and things including 245 buildings and artifacts but we have a wonderful WEIA heritage here too. It might be a great way to partner with the 246 rancheria and others in the WEAT culture that could bring some neat heritage, a value by reaching out to them and 247 seeing if they might want to be involved in such a commission as well. Steve also said let's not forget the namesake of 248 the town Old Blue Lake as a heritage. Steve spoke of trying to talk to the current landowners about possibly being able 249 to get the lake restored, which would be a wonderful thing, heritage wise for the community. 250
251 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso wants to appoint both or continue both. 252 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani speaks of potentially having the folks interested in Arts and Heritage be advisory 253 members of the Economic Development Commission might serve a 254 greater purpose.
255 Council Member Kat Napier asked how many seats are needed for a forum on the Arts and Heritage Commission. 256 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart answered that the commission needs one more person to make a quorum. 257 Council Member Kat Napier said that while she is inclined to say yes to the appointment to the commission, we're 258 establishing a process that applicants come in so the council and the public can ask questions. 259
260 Direction: The council directed staff to contact applicants and ask them to be present when this item is placed on the 261 next agenda.
262
263 UPDATE ON HCD RESPONSE TO HOUSING ELEMENT TIMELINE: [46:57 Part 2] 264 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reported that the council directed staff at your last meeting, to send a response 265 regarding the HCD letter we received. Staff responded as outlined on May 30, 2025. The HCD responded asking us to 266 move the housing element up a couple of months. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart thinks the reason they want it 267 moved up is due to the close out of the LEAP grant at the end of the year; to prevent us from having to scramble to 268 identify other expenses that could qualify for the program which could delay the close out. HCD would like the 269 housing element portion complete by the end of November instead of the December date given. 270 Mayor John Sawatzky asks if Gary would like to weigh in. 271 Planner Gary said he would ask for clarification just to be crystal clear that they were only referring to adoption of 272 submission of the housing element versus the rezoning action. 273
274 Public Comment: [50:43 Part 2]
275 Comment by (Julie Christi): Thanked Gary for weighing in and suggested getting clarification. Julie also agrees to see 276 if they can help review how we have presented the housing element thus far and in correlation with our general plan. 277 Julie also suggests that when staff are presenting the housing element to use the type of format other municipalities 278 use. The problem is that when the housing element is presented, it is just that, a presentation and not actually going line 279 by line or itemizing any additions or subtractions. Julie mentions the original housing element had some edits but isn’t 280 on the web page anymore.
281 Comment by (Adelene Jones): said that a Blue Lake citizen mentioned to her last week that the same people who have 282 been blaming the last council for not passing the housing element are the same people who would have complained if 283 we had. It's kind of darned if you do and darned if you don't. Adelene continues by saying she does think the council 284 needs to take this seriously, that when the state tells you to do something, you need to comply with it. So, let's move 285 this forward and get some affordable housing in Blue Lake. 286 Comment by (Beckie): wants to thank the council for working quickly with this process since you've had very little 287 time to do so. The city has been sent numerous letters previously since 2021, if not earlier, for not being in compliance. 288 Beckie is glad that the council is working toward being there and doing what you need to do. 289
290 Mayor John Sawatzky asks Planner Gary if he had any additional comments. 291 Planner Gary suggest the council consider the request for speeding it up and think about potential options in 292 responding; one option is you could just say "Hey no that's the schedule we believe we can meet, we're committed to 293 it, we want to move forward with this and see how they respond.", or "Okay, we could speed it up a month.". 294 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani thinks it could be moved up one month, but no more. 295 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani 296 Council Member Kat Napier believes the timeline given is what we can do. Council Member Kat Napier said if we 297 move it up a month then we are in the middle of holidays and thinks maybe moving it up only two weeks. 298 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso suggests December 15, 2025. 299
300 Direction: To respond to HCD asking for clarification and move the timeline up to December 15, 2025, if necessary. 301
302 FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE CHAPTER 13.12 CROSS303 CONNECTION CONTROL AMENDMENT: [58:28 Part 2] The State of California’s Water Resources Control 304 Board has adopted an updated Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook which necessitates an update to the City’s 305 Cross-Connection Control Ordinance, Chapter 13.12 of City Ordinances to remain in compliance with state-wide 306 policies outlined in the State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook. 307 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that the city is coming into compliance with updated state 308 regulations. This is an ordinance the city already has on the books. Changes are outlined in red. Acting City Manager 309 Dani Burkhart informs the council that they could pass this today as it is coming in to coincide with state regulations as 310 opposed to a new regular ordinance and that a second reading is not necessary unless the council wishes to make 311 changes. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart adds that the changes are required by the new cost connection control 312 policy handbook.
313 Council Member Kat Napier asked for clarification on things moving from air gap to reduce pressure and how that 314 translates into dollars for people who might have a well or secondary source. 315 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that it can be costly and that is why the regulations outline a two-year 316 period to come into compliance. An exception is if the device fails and there is risk of cross contamination of the 317 public water supply, then you have 30 to 60 days to come into compliance depending on the advice of the public works 318 superintendent.
319
320 Public Comment: None received
321
322 Motion: [1:01:43 Part 2] to adopt the ordinance amendments as presented. 323 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
324 Second by: Council Member Kat Napier
325 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
326
327 POWERS CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT – SPOILS PLACEMENT: [0:18 Part 3] 328 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that the Planning Commission recently approved a conditional use permit 329 for the Powers Creek Restoration Project, in which dredging spoils from the creek would potentially be stored on City 330 property at the former power plant site during the implementation phase of the project. To finish the first phase, 331 determination of the spoils’ location is needed.
332 Council Member Kat Napier asks if that is on the chip pile. 333 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that it is next to the chip pile. 334 Council Member Kat Napier asks if there will be a barrier between the chip pile and the spoils, how long would it be 335 there, if it is the rainy season, does it get tarped and who would pay for tarping the pile, and who pays to move it. 336 Planner Garry Rees responds that if the council were to agree you want the property used for the spoils, these questions 337 you're asking could be requirements or conditions that are place on the use of the city property. Planner Garry Rees 338 believes the members of Baduwa’t Watershed Council are in attendance and would like to discuss this proposal with 339 you further and would potentially answer some of these questions regarding winterization. Planner Garry Rees 340 continues that the city's grading ordinance as well as other state regulations have requirements to use erosion control 341 and coverage to make sure that sediment isn't running off the site. Planner Garry Rees reports there are currently some 342 storm water controls at the site but probably haven't been maintained in years and would need to be added to or 343 improved. Planner Garry Rees encouraged the council to lay out all your questions and then invite the applicant to 344 address what they can, and I will attempt to address questions as well. 345 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asks what the expected volume of the spoils is and for a visual comparison, asks staff 346 what the estimated volume of the fuel pile is that’s currently on the site. 347 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell Representative thanked the council for creating the dialogue 348 and the opportunity to talk about the spoils. Speaker that there are three phases to the project and the first phase is from 349 the rancheria up 1,77 linear feet upstream and is about 28,000 cubic yards of material. Phase two and three is an 350 additional 10,000, so about 38,000 cubic yards ultimately over a period of three to four years will be moved out of 351 Powers Creek, and as a visual added it would be one acre, ten feet high. 352 Planner Garry Rees confirms that chip pile will be separate from the soil spoils pile. 353 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell speaks of conversations with folks in the community who 354 handle material and Gary Johnston, who a majority of that material is coming from his property, has said that he can 355 handle most of that material. Another option is for the city to use the material to level out the industrial zone, or for 356 landowners to use to level out their property. The spoils can be placed in a location that has a delineation of not a 357 wetland.
358 Council Member Kat Napier asks what the quality of the material is anticipated. 359 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Don Allen explained that three sediment samples on the city's reach were 360 performed and found 10 to 20% to be fines, one millimeter in size, along with gravel and cobble. 361 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Don Allen suggested a conditional disposal on the city's property if Gary 362 Johnston doesn't take it all, further condition the agreement that the spoils pile is to be weatherized and erosion control 363 measure placed, i.e. straw mulch and coir logs around the perimeter for sediment containment. Baduwa’t Watershed 364 Council Representative Don Allen tells the council that in less than a month the projects’ phase 1 – project planning 365 will be finalized, and the spoils’ location is a missing piece. 366 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani confirms with Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell that it will be a 367 whole year before digging begins.
368 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell confirms and adds it is due to the funding cycle and how 369 long it takes them to process it, we may not know until December. 370 Mayor John Sawatzky asks if there is any chance of contaminants being in the soil. 371 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell confirms that they will be testing the soil to make sure it's 372 handled appropriately. If contaminants are found, all movement of soil stops, and best actions are determined. 373 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if area needed to be graded or contoured in some fashion would this soil be 374 appropriate for that use?
375 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Don Allen responds that we can't say for sure that all the soil would be 376 the same as the three samples that we took, which is 15 gallons of soil out of the 28,000 cubic yards to be removed, of 377 which 20% were fines, around 5600 cubic yards of fairly fine material sandy silty material which you know could have 378 a lot of good uses.
379 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell explains that they will be over excavating and using the 380 cobbles and coarse gravel along with large wood structures for spawning areas. 381 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if a citizen wanted some of the spoils, would you haul it. 382 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Don Allen explains the main restriction is placement must not be 383 delineated as a wetland, and that financially we can't afford to haul too far so that's why we're looking for a site as 384 close to the project as possible.
385 Mayor John Sawatzky asked how long the dirt would remain, and would the city be responsible for getting rid of it. 386 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell said that they have been talking to State Cultural 387 Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, California Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Water Resources which 388 expressed interest. The Wildlife Conservation Board invited us to formulate a pre-proposal which would then lead to a 389 proposal. The Department of Water Resources funded phase 1 – planning phase and want to see us finish and are 390 excited about the implementation.
391 Council Member Kat Napier asks that Planner Garry Rees look at this because all soils aren't created equal and some 392 will percolate well while others will compact and others will just be a problem forever, and determine what types the 393 city might be able to use.
394
395 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if Gary Johnston’s flood plain designation is different than the power plant 396 designation.
397 Planner Gary Rees replied that there's a combination map flood designations by FEMA, which shows Gary Johnston’s 398 aggregate processing is in the 500-year flood plane, which has no special requirements whereas if placement on the 399 part of the property that is in the one hundred-year flood plane has limitations and would require costs and analysis 400 looking at any impacts of the base flood elevation. Planner Gary Rees also confirms that most of the area we call the 401 Powers Creek District is in the 500-year flood plain because it is protected by the Mad River levee. 402 Mayor John Sawatzky if we had any kind of agreement with Gary Johnston. 403 Planner Gary Rees responds that when landowners’ property is going to be used for any aspect of this project, 404 landowner agreements are required for receiving funding. 405
406 Public Comment: [27:50 Part 3]
407 Comment by (Kent Sawatzky): thinks the project is wonderful and suggests the council condition the project that any 408 spoils placed on city property would be removed in a timely manner at their cost, removed at your demand or request 409 with 90 days of being notified.
410 Comment by (? 29:24): thinks this is a great project but wants to express concern the city is getting into something 411 that, if funding dries up, or there's any kind of problem, is left cleaning up something that's as tall as this building and 412 covers an entire acre. The commenter cautions the council to be careful with the language to make sure it reflects the 413 true ability to be able to clean it up.
414 Comment by (? 32:48): said there is a lot more sediment in the creek since last year and that's the city's problem it's not 415 the watershed council's problem. She continues saying her place flooded only two and a half blocks from the creek, 416 that this is an infrastructure failure and we need to come up with a solution. 417 Comment by (Steve Madrone): said he’s got a 40-year history in Powers Creek and working to restore it. Steve agreed 418 with the last speaker saying there's different elements of responsibility or opportunity, that we are lucky to have a 419 group of people who have stepped up to try and work with your city planner, city engineer and staff to come up with a 420 project to actually increase flood retention but remember there's a timeline. They need to wrap up a report within a 421 month to be able to go to the next phase and get funding to actually implement this plan. Steve Madrone adds a 422 suggestion that Gary Johnston take it all, except for the cobble that is to go back in the stream for spawning habitat, 423 and some of it needs to go on city property, the city could use it for their fill needs, then you are in a position to accept 424 if it's a benefit to the city, which allows them the one-month timeline to get their project to the funding entities. 425 Comment by (Julie Christi): thanked staff for having Zoom available for participation. Julie continues by mentioning 426 another storage area outlined on the site map. Julie feels there was a lot of negligence with conditions within this 427 project and that we are falling short and feels flood mitigation should have been the number one priority and at this 428 point we need oversight.
429 Comment by (Julie Christi): says council has the right and ability to make a condition that the spoils pile be under 430 review annually, as it keeps both parties responsible and liable. Look at the footprint that's going to be happening there 431 with the bike park and where the kids will entering and leaving with their bikes. 432 Baduwa’t Watershed Council Representative Dave Ferrell reported that their staff is reaching out to Blue Lake School 433 to see if they will participate in a service learning project for the middle school kids working with Karina to build and 434 strengthen the community, with the goal to allow the children to grow and learn so that when we step away there are 435 Powers Creel Stewards doing what needs to be done.
436
437 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso states she is the liaison to the Baduwa’t Watershed Council and volunteers to 438 be on an ad hoc committee to supply oversight and support if the council forms one. 439 Council Member Kat Napier suggest have staff developing what would be acceptable, as in, if it stayed on site, to 440 come up with a good use for it and not scramble to figure out what to do with it, also have legal come up with some 441 terms as far as what happens if we have more than we can use or if we can store more with the understanding that it's 442 going to move on.
443 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani clarifies her understanding as we need to designate these areas right now so you can 444 finish your process by the end of June and then in the interim period of time between the end of June and when you 445 start construction you could be identifying other potential sites and doing those wetland studies to see if some of those 446 places could receive the spoils permanently.
447
448 Motion: [1:04:35 Part 3] to receive the spoils from the project for storage in the industrial area for a volume not to 449 exceed 38,000 cubic yards for a term not to exceed four years from the start of construction with annual review for 450 feasibility.
451 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
452 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
453 Motion Summary: [1:07:25 Part 3] (3/1) Council Member Kat Napier voting Nay 454
455 FY 25/26 BUDGET: [1:07:54 Part 3] Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that the water and sewer budget is 456 before the council tonight. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart continues saying that we are $60,000 over budget for 457 the water fund, due to the leaks we had on the boulevard which includes the construction fees and staff on call. This is 458 60,000 over what we normally spend. For the 25/26 budget, we are estimating under what we came in at this year 459 because we are not expecting to have another leak, and the other infrastructure issues that could come up would not be 460 quite as expensive. With the sewer fund, our concern is with the changes in costs of labor. We had to bring up on call 461 and overtime, which resulted in about $120,000. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart informs the council that there is 462 excess in the sewer fund, so we are still on track with our budget and are looking at a projection the same as last year. 463 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani confirms with Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart that the city is running at a deficit for 464 water and at a surplus for sewer.
465 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked for the cost of the repairs. 466 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds that the cost was $60,000. 467 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if the expenses were going to be capitalized. 468 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirmed that is the intent. 469 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if there were enough funds available. 470 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart says we can pull money from our Leaf investment funds if necessary. 471 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso appreciates the dialog and initial information and also asked why the 472 employee benefits paid were less than projected.
473 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart explained that it was due to losing an employee that was full-time and benefited 474 and that position was not filled, and another employee dropped in benefits because they reduced their hours. 475 Council Member Kat Napier mentions the rancheria installation of their own system. 476 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart explains the changes to how the Rancheria’s effluent meter is handled. Previously 477 the city charged them based fully on their use of water. When you're doing water sewer billing, you are accounting that 478 anything that is going in the taps is essentially going to go down the drain, with exceptions to that, like summer 479 watering. So, oftentimes municipalities will make adjustments saying "We know that you're not putting all that water 480 down the drain because you're watering your lawn or your garden or whatever." So, the city is going to cap your winter 481 usage. With Blue Lake Rancheria, we are metering their effluent, because all of the water that they pull from the tap 482 isn't necessarily going down the drain but the typical calculations don't work quite as well for a commercial property of 483 that scale and so that's why we went with an effluent meter so that we'll be billing them directly for their actual effluent 484 charges rather than a guesstimation of water coming out of the system and into their taps. 485 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked if they have moved off the city’s water system. 486 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirmed but was unsure of the date they will switch. 487
488 Public Comment: [1:15:56 Part 3]
489 Comment by (Steve Madrone): Really liked what he heard about the affluent metering. This was a huge issue in 490 Glendale when they put in their sewer system 15 or 20 years ago. There was a known sewage problem coming out of 491 Larsson Heights, the area up above the old mill site, and because of the clay hard pans, there was a lot of failing septic 492 systems, so they were forced by the water board to put in a sewer system, because they are right above the rainy wells 493 that provides all the drinking water for 80% of the county. Field Brook Valley said no thank you because they knew 494 that having a sewer system along with a water system would increase growth. But now what's happening in Fieldbrook 495 is that if you buy a new property almost all those old septic systems are failing because of extremely high water tables, 496 so they're having to put in Wisconsin mounds, which some people are being denied and are not to be able to build at 497 all. Glendale installed three lift stations to take their sewage to Arcata, and were using the year-round water use 498 system to bill for sewer and people grow a lot of gardens and orchards and all kinds of things and so it wasn't fair, so 499 they had to make adjustments, using March as an average flow in their case to try and determine what they should 500 charge for sewer. Steve Madrone applauds the city for their efforts to try and provide a fair rate for sewage usage. 501
502 HCSO ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT: [1:18:34 Part 3] Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that the 503 Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has provided a contract for animal control services which would be separate from 504 what we pay for our animal shelter contributions. To provide on call animal control services through the Sheriff's 505 Office would cost in fiscal year 25/26 $9,500 which is not currently budgeted in this year's budget, but if this is 506 approved, we will add it to the budget for 25/26. The contract service period for the contract is July 1, 2025, through 507 June 30, 2029, which is when it would come up for renewal, a 4-year service period. 508 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani notes a cost adjustment each year and a provision that with a 60-day written notice the 509 contract can be terminated by either party. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani also points out that we currently do not have 510 anybody on staff who is trained to be a dog catcher and going through the process of having somebody trained was 511 very expensive, so the proposal at this price point is extremely reasonable. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani explains what 512 is done currently if somebody calls animal control and says I got a loose dog in my yard or some dog down the street 513 just bit me, animal control, unless there is an active threat, will not respond unless they go through city hall first to get 514 authorization to respond. If we sign the agreement, then when somebody needs help with an animal situation they can 515 call for help and report dangerous situations and ask for animal control to come out and take a report of an incident, 516 and animal control is able to respond directly. Animal control will also come and enforce our ordinances in terms of 517 licensing leash laws, and as we currently don't have any enforcement, and as a city we don't have a way to site people 518 for having a dog off lead or having a dog at large, or a mechanism for collecting a fine, with Animal control, we have 519 that mechanism.
520 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asked if this contract covered 24-hour service. 521 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani confirms it is 24-hour service, but thinks it is somewhat limited on the weekends, but, if 522 there is a dangerous situation or active threat the sheriff's deputies will respond. 523 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asks what the demand and historical need for the service is. 524 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani shared a couple of stories, about two and a half years ago, Vertipets elderly dog was 525 attacked in his backyard by a roaming dog, and it took her three days to get animal control out to take a report. A few 526 months later one of our residents was attacked by two pit bulls down by the post office, down on the ground with two 527 pit bulls on his throat, somebody jumped out of a truck and got those dogs off of him. The guy that helped him got bit 528 and the gentleman on the ground was traumatized and injured by that situation, after which a number of people spoke 529 about that situation and said "Yeah I've been worried about those dogs for weeks, I haven't been walking on that side 530 of the street for a long time because of those dogs." Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani said she is of the opinion that if we 531 had animal control at that time and people felt like they could call somebody and report what they thought was a 532 hazardous situation that attack might have been avoided. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani also reported that someone who 533 works for Public Health came and told us that when somebody is bitten by dogs that cannot be shown to have been 534 rabies vaccinated, they have to get the rabies vaccine which costs about $20,000. 535 Mayor John Sawatzky asks Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart opinion. 536 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responds by saying that the anecdotal evidence suggests that we would want to do 537 something like this but as far as like the stats on what I have available doesn't suggest that there's really that great a 538 need in the city to spend $10,000 a year on it, but to Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani’s point, it is much cheaper to pay 539 for this than to hire our own dog catcher and try and train them. 540 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asks for confirmation that currently, when we do bring in animal control, we pay them 541 by the hour.
542 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso questions a paragraph on page 8 regarding the total net expenses, revenue 543 charged by jurisdiction - residents per capita.
544 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirmed we pay animal control by the hour and added that we handle our own 545 dog licensing with animal control enforcing the ordinance, if people were not licensed, but usually enforcement of 546 non-licensed dogs is complaint driven and not usually something they go looking for. 547 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso clarified that this agreement does not have anything to do with our sheriff's 548 agreement, it is completely separate.
549 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirms this is a completely separate agreement. 550 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani believes an exception to coverage would be dangerous dog impounding and boarding 551 which is separate services and paid for by the hour. 552 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart believes the dangerous dog impounding and boarding services are covered under 553 the shelter contributions contract.
554 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani reiterates that if we can avoid a bite with enforcement we can make the situation here 555 safer, and if we can avoid a bite situation the dog does not end up getting impounded and in a rabies quarantine 556 situation.
557
558 Public Comment: [1:30:13 Part 3]
559 Comment by (Rebecca Collins): confirms that she has been in several instances with pit bulls out on the levee. Bob 560 almost had to pull out and use his mace while we were down walking our little Yorkie dogs and this guy comes out 561 with a great big rottweiler and lets it loose. They always tell you “He’s really friendly, he won't hurt your dogs” and I 562 always say, “Until he does, they're really friendly until they're not.” Rebecca continues, we never know who to call, I 563 did not know we could call the city and have them do something about it. It seems like when the lease laws came into 564 effect, people for a while were really good about keeping their dogs on leash. Rebecca recalls being down across the 565 river and a guy, not from here had two great big laps in his truck, and one of the dogs pulled loose from his collar and 566 it took off right for our golden retriever. Bob stepped between them, and I thought he was going to get bit. They called 567 the dog off. I mean people come out here and bring their dogs to walk on our trails who aren't from Blue Lake, so I 568 think it's a good thing we have somebody that we can call to take care of the dogs that don’t abide by laws. 569 Comment by (Kent Sawatzky): Thinks it is a great idea and guesses the city gets 190,000 or so from the state for law 570 enforcement each year, and we are spending 170,000 to the sheriff, that leaves some additional amount. Kent thinks it 571 is your best insurance policy. Kent deals with insurance and claims quite a bit, and when you do your best due 572 diligence, when someone gets bit, you can say "Well we did everything we could.” Anything short of that you could 573 have a lawyer say, “Well you could have done this why didn't you it might have prevented this." If you were to reach 574 out to your insurance company, they would strongly endorse the fact, even though you have not had a claim in five 575 years, Kent is aware of two or three people that could have claimed and probably should have filed a claim. Kent and 576 Noni, if here, strongly recommend moving forward.
577 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani thinks it is worth noting that our supplemental law enforcement services grant paid us 578 177,000 last year so we have an extra $20,000.
579 Comment by (Steve Madrone): asks if the city has its own dog ordinance in Blue Lake or are you using the county's 580 dog ordinance.
581 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirms that the city does have its own dog ordinance. 582 Comment by (Steve Madrone): continues with you can be walking past the Mad River Brewery, go out onto the levy to 583 the west and that part of the levy is in the city, but if you turn and go east that's in the county. Dogs do not see the 584 boundary and so what happens is enforcement becomes really difficult if the ordinances are different. The deputies are 585 in a tough position if that is who you call to figure out where the city boundary is and what ordinance they are 586 enforcing. County Supervisor Steve Madrone informed everyone that he is working with the City of Trinidad and the 587 County Sheriff's Department and interested citizens from Mckinleyville 588 to invite you to have a representative from Blue Lake join us in forming an ad hoc committee to look at our county 589 ordinance, which is woefully old. County Supervisor Steve Madrone said we have Trinidad, The Rancheria, BLM 590 Land, State Park, and the County all within this little area. Down at the state beach you are on state property and 591 people love to let their dogs loose on state beach. The best prevention of avoiding a bite is a leash, but the county's 592 leash law says must be under voice command unless you are at a few places like the airport, park or around preschools, 593 so it is not really a leash law, it’s a voice control law, and there are other problems for instance when dogs were 594 impounded, they got cleared for rabies then they got let go even before the court hearing happened where they 595 determine if the dog is a dangerous animal that needs to be put down, which is a horrible thing to do because probably 596 the animals at some point in their lives were probably just sweet little puppies and then they became something else 597 and it's not just breed it is breeding and the owners. So, in conclusion, County Supervisor Steve Madrone said they are 598 working to try and see if we might be able to get these ordinances lined up and if you would be interested in joining us, 599 we would be glad to have you.
600 Comment by (Adelene Jones): Thanks Steve Madrone for the invitation to participate. Adelene remembers that Blue 601 Lake is less than one square mile and thinks we should consider signage, because as the summer approaches, people 602 come with their animals and will be on the levy. Adelene thinks the money should be used for signage rather than for 603 animal control.
604 Comment by (Julie Christi): remembers going through our dog leash law, and it taking lot of community effort, and 605 understands that enforcement is lacking, but it's a realistic idea that once the ordinance is in place, when somebody 606 does have an incident, at least they have a little bit of accountability as a dog owner. Julie Chrisi was promoting 607 signage at every meeting. With only one way in town and one way at the bridge, signage at those areas informing 608 people that we are a leash law city. Julie Christi supports the sheriff's animal control contract and shares that her over 609 $10,000 donkey was freaking out as a little pit bull is chasing him. Julie proceeds to get her rifle because it is my only 610 line of defense in this type of situation, but thankfully Julie’s verbal intercession got that dog to run to my sister's 611 house where we were able to get it into a kennel. We need protection for the animals and accountability for the owners. 612 Julie states that she has never received a penny for the losses to my livestock. Julie would also like to see us advocate 613 at our supervisor budgeting session for more funding so that it's not such a burden on their department, for staff and not 614 such a burden on us as a municipality. We have venues here in town that could accommodate having a public vet come 615 in doing free spade and neutering. We have amazing trainers in our community that can come in and do training 616 workshops.
617 Comment by (Beckie Thorton): agrees with Julie. Beckie said the signs are there but are limited. Beckie confirms that 618 we fought hard for the leash law and really pushed it hard to get that approved, and we were glad we did. Beckie thinks 619 we need a little bit more signage.
620 Mayor John Sawatzky requests the dog ordinance signage be brought up at the next public safety meeting to start 621 review.
622 Comment by (Videographer Justin Goad): said he is not against the ordinance or paying for the services but would ask 623 council to clarify with staff how much money has been spent and compare the numbers to understand what we're 624 paying for, to make sure we're getting value, and hopes the council would wait until they know if there is enough 625 money.
626
627 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani shares that she agrees with commenter Justin Goad in that she likes to know the numbers 628 and value gained but was shocked when she learned that it cost $20,000 to get the rabies vaccines. Mayor Pro Tem 629 Elise Scafani also brought up the trauma that somebody goes through when they get bit, saying if you asked any of 630 those people if they think we should spend less than $10,000 on animal control per year they would say "Are you 631 stupid why are you asking me that, of course you should absolutely spend that money." Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani 632 continues with if it was ever you that got bit or if it was your family member or your child or dog, you would say 633 "Absolutely, why are you pinching pennies on safety” Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani admits she is a little extra 634 passionate about this as she has been working towards animal safety in this town for three years, and can't imagine 635 saying anything but yes to this proposal, as she has been bitten. She went nine years as a UPS driver without getting 636 bitten and when she got nailed it changed her for a while. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani reports she eventually got over 637 it, but she was not down on the ground with pit bulls on my throat like our friend down the road, nobody should ever 638 have to go through that for any reason. If we do not say yes to this, we are saying no to making this town as safe as we 639 can make it.
640 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso I appreciates Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani passion and thinks what she is 641 saying is valid, however Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso is not seeing in this contract a guarantee that people 642 are no going to have encounters with loose animals. Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso said the contract does 643 provide some options but would like a bit more information to see if it is possible to enhance the contract and services 644 provided for a more robust protective mechanism from the service we are paying for. 645 Mayor John Sawatzky asks Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart if she could get us a per event cost. 646 Council Member Kat Napier mentions the 60-day notice to cancel, so the city is not locked in for four years and would 647 prefer to have something than the nothing that we currently have. Council Member Kat Napier continues by saying 648 that this contract would go into action in the next budget year which starts July 1, 2025. Council Member Kat Napier 649 would like to know the process of obtaining the services outlined in the contract agreement, like, what is the phone 650 number we call, and what the general range of expectations might be. Council Member Kat Napier continues by saying 651 it's not a matter of the number of events, it only takes one event to take a life a small child or pet, and that's just not 652 something that I want to turn my back on, so I'd like to see be approved, and if we need to revisit this in a couple of 653 weeks, with a more a little more information, I'd be happy to do that. 654 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso wanted to reiterate that having this agreement contract in place is not a magic 655 protective mechanism.
656 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani confirms not magic, but something is better than nothing. 657 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso thinks the signage idea is fantastic, and said we need to be messaging, and 658 sharing that widely.
659 Mayor John Sawatzky asked Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart if the council could table the discussion until more 660 information is gathered.
661 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirmed tabling the discussion is an option as there is no time sensitive issues, 662 the process is that once you decide whether or not you want to have the contract it goes to the board of supervisors for 663 ratification, services start as soon as it is ratified. 664 Council Member Kat Napier suggested asking staff to bring this back to the next regularly scheduled council meeting 665 to revisit the contract, which will give us a little over two weeks. 666 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani suggests council members make a list of questions they want answered and we can make 667 sure we get those answers.
668 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart said that if the council has questions, send them to me, I will get the answers 669 together and blind copy everyone so you can see the answers without having serial communications that violate the 670 Brown Act.
671 Council Member Kat Napier adds asking the public for their questions. 672 Mayor John Sawatzky asks for a motion or consensus on direction. 673
674 Direction: To bring this item back for further discussion – with answers to questions submitted. 675
676 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: This item is not on the agenda. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart asks the council 677 members to email any future agenda items, and she will bring them to the next ad hoc agenda committee meeting for 678 consideration. Currently, we will be bringing back the applicants for Arts and Heritage, the Sheriff’s animal control 679 contract and the budget.
680 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that “future agenda items” usually appear on special meetings because you 681 are not usually setting your next your regular meeting agenda at your special meeting. 682 Mayor John Sawatzky thanks Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart for the clarification. 683 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani made a request to place Council Reports, Staff Reports and Future Agenda Items” on 684 every agenda, even a special meeting.
685 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso is concerned it may be confusing if we are report out twice a month. 686 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani responds that we do not have to report out, but if it is not on the agenda, we cannot 687 report out, and for some items it is important to report out in a timely manner. 688 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reports that the council usually does not use the special meetings for reporting out 689 because they are not considered your regular meeting where you are likely to get the most attendance, audience 690 participation and constituent participation.
691 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani explains that the council’s special meetings are so special as we have them often. 692 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart agrees, but unfortunately it does not change the protocol, however, if the council 693 would like to change how your council meets and have two regular meetings per month, I can place the discussion on a 694 future agenda.
695
696 ADJOURNMENT: [1:55:08]
697 Motion: to adjourn the June 10, 2025, meeting of the Blue Lake City Council. 698 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
699 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
700 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
701
702 Laura McClenagan
703 Deputy Clerk, City of Blue Lake

CITY OF

BLUE LAKE

WARRANTS &

DISBURSEMENTS
JUNE
2025
City of Blue Lake
Check/Voucher Register - City Council Check Report
From 5/1/2025 Through 5/31/2025
Check Number Check Date Payee Transaction Description Check Amount 12890 5/2/2025 Daniel L. Dimick Employee: dimickd; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 414.73 12891 5/2/2025 Michael D. Downard Employee: downardm; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 923.59 12892 5/2/2025 Liesl A. Finkler Employee: finklerl; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 255.71 12893 5/2/2025 Vicki L. Hutton Employee: huttonv; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 2,072.03 20250502EF... 5/2/2025 U. S. Department of Treasury EFTPS federal tax pmt 5/2/25 PR 7,279.55 20250502EF... 5/2/2025 Employment Development Dept. DE88 state tax pmt 5/2/25 1,390.13 20250502EF... 5/2/2025 Cal PERS PERS Retirement Pmt 5/2/25 PR 4,148.03 20250502EF... 5/2/2025 Freedom Voice Freedom Voice 5/1/25 Statement 123.67 20250502EF... 5/2/2025 CA State Disbursement Unit 5/2/25 CS PR deduction-Coke 92.30 20250502EF... 5/2/2025 CA State Disbursement Unit 5/2/25 CS PR deduction-Edgar 104.30 250502A01 5/2/2025 Christopher A. Ball Employee: ballc; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 851.34 250502A02 5/2/2025 Glenn R. Bernald Employee: bernaldg; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 2,054.29 250502A03 5/2/2025 Rosine S. Boyce-Derricott Employee: boycer; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 673.45 250502A04 5/2/2025 Danielle L. Burkhart Employee: burkhartd; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 579.11 250502A05 5/2/2025 Skyler A. Coke Employee: cokes; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 1,035.87 250502A06 5/2/2025 Melissa M. Combs Employee: combsm; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 537.28 250502A07 5/2/2025 Christopher B. Edgar Employee: edgarc; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 1,885.07 250502A08 5/2/2025 Adeline L. Esh Employee: esha; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 271.17 250502A09 5/2/2025 Hazel E. Hale Employee: haleh; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 112.34 250502A10 5/2/2025 Kanoa K. Jones Employee: jonesk; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 372.39 250502A11 5/2/2025 Austin R. Jones Employee: jonesa; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 1,940.24 250502A12 5/2/2025 Amanda L. Mager Employee: magera; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 2,150.85 250502A13 5/2/2025 Aislin N. McKinney Employee: mckinneya; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 493.04 250502A14 5/2/2025 Jacob P. Meng Employee: mengj; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 1,162.54 250502A15 5/2/2025 Antoinette M. Quigley Employee: quigleya; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 1,224.42 250502A16 5/2/2025 Quinn Sousa Employee: sousaq; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 355.46 250502A17 5/2/2025 Emily P. Wood Employee: woode; Pay Date: 5/2/2025 1,506.63 12894 5/6/2025 Advanced Security Systems INV730756 Alarm Repair 4/11/25 391.28 12895 5/6/2025 Aflac INV811000 Aflac 4/25/25 304.44
12896 5/6/2025 Alves Inc. INV55177 Gutter Install Prasch Hall 4/22/25 7,562.00 12897 5/6/2025 Pacific Paper Co INV231534 Office Supplies 4/8/25 114.55 5/6/2025 Pacific Paper Co INV232045 Office Supplies 4/21/25 102.08 12898 5/6/2025 AT&T INV250420 ATT x2 4/20/25 63.14
12899 5/6/2025 AT&T INV250404CalNet ATT x4 4/4/25 353.08 12900 5/6/2025 CWEA INV250411CWEA dues 4/11/25 239.00
12901 5/6/2025 Infobond, Inc. INV17332 SCADA Router 4/11/25 739.00 12902 5/6/2025 Intedata Systems INV30150 Wtr Billing Forms 4/2/25 360.00 5/6/2025 Intedata Systems INV30167 W/S Billing Subscription 4/30/25 95.00 12903 5/6/2025 Keenan Supply INVS014323669.001 Water repair supplies 4/1/25 102.06 5/6/2025 Keenan Supply INVS014354415.001 Sewer repair supplies 4/16/25 259.25 12904 5/6/2025 Kernen Construction INV32200 Repair Srvc Lines 4/14/25 6,570.00 12905 5/6/2025 Mendes Supply Company INVM278864 Skate Janitorial Sup 4/29/25 705.83 12906 5/6/2025 National Band and Tag Co. INV311219 Dog Lic Tags 4/7/25 89.71 12907 5/6/2025 National Rural Water Assoc. INV250505NRWA Scada loan pmt due 6/1/25 965.00 12908 5/6/2025 SHN Consulting INV125244 SHN Truck Route 4/24/25 977.50 12909 5/6/2025 Terminix International INV458117084 Pest Control Srvcs 3/25/25 122.00 5/6/2025 Terminix International INV458118488 Pest Control Srvcs 3/25/25 60.12 12910 5/6/2025 Thomas Home Center INV933055 Water Supplies 4/3/25 125.89 5/6/2025 Thomas Home Center INV933628 W/S Keys 4/17/25 16.13 12911 5/6/2025 Uline Shipping Supply Spec. INV191916929 ULINE Sfty Sup 4/21/25 175.45 12912 5/6/2025 Verizon Wireless INV270733394-00002 Verizon 4/21/25 333.38 2411 5/6/2025 Aaron Hunt Deposit Refund #60674001 Hunt 27.12 2412 5/6/2025 City of Blue Lake Utilities paid from Deposits 5/1/25 Billing 124.88 12913 5/13/2025 Almquist Lumber Co. INV Almquist 2505-436902 P/R Supplies 189.87 12914 5/13/2025 B & B Portable Toilet Co. INV 198854 B&B Portable Town Sq 396.41 5/13/2025 B & B Portable Toilet Co. inv 198856 B&B Horse Arena 133.69 Date: 6/20/25 04:10:21 PM Page: 1
City of Blue Lake
Check/Voucher Register - City Council Check Report
From 5/1/2025 Through 5/31/2025
Check Number Check Date Payee Transaction Description Check Amount 5/13/2025 B & B Portable Toilet Co. INV B&B PORTABLES 198855 Treatment Plant 54.38 12915 5/13/2025 Coastal Business Systems Inc. INV 39101690 Coastal Business Systems 470.65 12916 5/13/2025 Christopher Guy Firor INV April 2025 Council Stipend Firor 50.00 12917 5/13/2025 Franklin's Service INV 179122 Franklins Service 104.34 12918 5/13/2025 Humboldt Co. Sheriff's Office INV May Animal Shelter 748.00 12919 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV 303427 Hensel Ace Prasch Hall Facility Supply 49.87 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV 303494/1 Hensel Ace Prash Hall Paint 158.94 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV 303755/1 Hensel Ace grill maintenance tools 20.93 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV 304453/1 Hensel Ace / epoxy / window frames 11.01 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV Hensel Ace Hardware #305734/1 135.51 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV Hensel Ace Hardware 305613/1 9.47 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV303652/1 Wtr rpr parts Glendale 4/3/25 17.61 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV303989/1 FH Maintenance Supplies 4/8/25 357.83 5/13/2025 Hensel's Ace Hardware INV304509/1 FH Paint Supplies 4/14/25 127.97 12920 5/13/2025 Humb. Bay Municipal Water Dist INV Humboldt Bay Municipal Wter Billing Period 4/1-4/30,2025
17,287.91
12921 5/13/2025 Michelle Lewis-Lusso INV April 2025 Stipend Lewis-Lusso 50.00 12922 5/13/2025 Lube Central INV20820 Truck171 repairs 4/15/25 573.74 12923 5/13/2025 McKinleyville Ace Hardware INV 498902 Shop Supplies 4/30/25 36.51 5/13/2025 McKinleyville Ace Hardware INV498761 Repair parts 4/28/25 67.40 12924 5/13/2025 Miller Farms Nursery, Inc. INV 175186 Miller Farms Nursery 97.78 5/13/2025 Miller Farms Nursery, Inc. INV174778 Shop Supplies 4/9/25 52.18 12925 5/13/2025 The Mill Yard INV 497877 The Mill Yard 132.23 12926 5/13/2025 The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP INV 7293 Mitchel Law Firm 4,937.00 12927 5/13/2025 Katheryn Napier INV April 2025 Council Stipend Napier 50.00 12928 5/13/2025 Optimum INV Optimum 5/1-5/31/2025 558.22 12929 5/13/2025 Redwood Curtain Design INV Redwood Curtain Annual Service 1,980.00 12930 5/13/2025 John Sawatzky INV April 2025 Council Stipend Sawstzky 50.00 12931 5/13/2025 Elise G. Scafani INV April 2025 Council Stipend Scafani 50.00 12932 5/13/2025 SHN Consulting INV SHN Engineering #125257 2,327.50 12933 5/13/2025 Sunnybrae Ace Hardware INV 286403 Sunnybrae Ace P/R 94.21 5/13/2025 Sunnybrae Ace Hardware INV 286404 Sunnybrae Ace P/R Sander 81.59 5/13/2025 Sunnybrae Ace Hardware INV Sunnybrae Ace P/R 16.52 12934 5/13/2025 US Bank Corp. Payment Systems INV US Bank April Invoice 1,455.31 12935 5/13/2025 U. S. Postal Service INV Stamp Fulfillment Center Stmp Env 1,771.80 12936 5/16/2025 Daniel L. Dimick Employee: dimickd; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 787.25 12937 5/16/2025 Michael D. Downard Employee: downardm; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 923.59 12938 5/16/2025 Liesl A. Finkler Employee: finklerl; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 156.74 12939 5/16/2025 Vicki L. Hutton Employee: huttonv; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 2,163.29 250516A01 5/16/2025 Christopher A. Ball Employee: ballc; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 942.52 250516A02 5/16/2025 Glenn R. Bernald Employee: bernaldg; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 3,562.25 250516A03 5/16/2025 Danielle L. Burkhart Employee: burkhartd; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 1,815.28 250516A04 5/16/2025 Skyler A. Coke Employee: cokes; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 924.72 250516A05 5/16/2025 Melissa M. Combs Employee: combsm; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 613.31 250516A06 5/16/2025 Christopher B. Edgar Employee: edgarc; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 1,795.37 250516A07 5/16/2025 Adeline L. Esh Employee: esha; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 127.61 250516A08 5/16/2025 Hazel E. Hale Employee: haleh; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 197.57 250516A09 5/16/2025 Kanoa K. Jones Employee: jonesk; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 152.34 250516A10 5/16/2025 Austin R. Jones Employee: jonesa; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 1,270.03 250516A11 5/16/2025 Amanda L. Mager Employee: magera; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 5,796.84 250516A12 5/16/2025 Aislin N. McKinney Employee: mckinneya; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 353.34 250516A13 5/16/2025 Jacob P. Meng Employee: mengj; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 1,162.53 250516A14 5/16/2025 Antoinette M. Quigley Employee: quigleya; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 1,410.54 250516A15 5/16/2025 Quinn Sousa Employee: sousaq; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 611.50 250516A16 5/16/2025 Emily P. Wood Employee: woode; Pay Date: 5/16/2025 1,506.64 250516EFT-01 5/16/2025 U. S. Department of Treasury EFTPS federal tax pmt 5/16/25 PR 11,340.07 Date: 6/20/25 04:10:21 PM Page: 2
City of Blue Lake
Check/Voucher Register - City Council Check Report
From 5/1/2025 Through 5/31/2025
Check Number Check Date Payee Transaction Description Check Amount 250516EFT-02 5/16/2025 Employment Development Dept. DE88 state tax pmt 5/16/25 PR 2,427.37 250516EFT-03 5/16/2025 Cal PERS PERS retirement pmt 5/16/25 PR 4,490.21 250516EFT-04 5/16/2025 CA State Disbursement Unit 5/16/25 CS PR deduction-Coke 92.30 250516EFT-05 5/16/2025 CA State Disbursement Unit 5/16/25 CS PR deduction-Edgar 104.30 12940 5/21/2025 0.00
12941 5/21/2025 0.00
12942 5/21/2025 0.00
12943 5/21/2025 0.00
12944 5/21/2025 0.00
12945 5/21/2025 0.00
12946 5/21/2025 0.00
12947 5/21/2025 0.00
12948 5/21/2025 0.00
12949 5/21/2025 0.00
12950 5/21/2025 0.00
12951 5/21/2025 0.00
12952 5/21/2025 0.00
12953 5/21/2025 0.00
12954 5/21/2025 0.00
12955 5/21/2025 AT&T Statement 04/04/25-05/03/25 31.97
5/21/2025 AT&T Statement 4/4/25-5/3/25 324.27
12956 5/21/2025 Glenn Bernald 4/28-5/2/25 CRWA training exp. - Bernald 33.74 12957 5/21/2025 City of Blue Lake water/sewer payments 5/1/2025 2,118.76 12958 5/21/2025 Blue Lake Garbage Co. Trash Dumpster Perigot /April 2025 425.80 12959 5/21/2025 FRMS Billing Period: 102 - 6/1/25 to 6/30/25 17,579.55 12960 5/21/2025 Justin Goad INV 8 5/6/2025 Recording March Regular/April Special 240.00 12961 5/21/2025 Humboldt Termite and Pest Invoice 565981 4/11/25 745.00 12962 5/21/2025 Kernen Construction INV 32383 4/29/2025 Sewer Rep 4,200.00 12963 5/21/2025 Loomis Basin Equine Med. Grp. INV 1514633 2/10/2025 Goat Vet Bill 192.00 5/21/2025 Loomis Basin Equine Med. Grp. INV 1527245 4/14/2025 Goat Vet Bill 336.00 12964 5/21/2025 Ajay Mehta Dental Corp 4/28/25 Dental Pmt - Edgar 335.20 12965 5/21/2025 The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP Invoice 7699 4/30/25 6,104.00 12966 5/21/2025 Pacific Gas and Electric ACCT9008287254-1 PG&E stmt 5/2/25 10.18 5/21/2025 Pacific Gas and Electric ACCT9126744508-7 PG&E stmt 5/1/25 10,274.58 12967 5/21/2025 Pierson Building Center Blue & Green Marking Piant 105.71 5/21/2025 Pierson Building Center INV254671 Shop Supplies 4/1/25 127.86 5/21/2025 Pierson Building Center INV254677 Shop Supplies 4/1/25 105.71 12968 5/21/2025 Tensor IT Inv 11128 5/1/2025 720.45
5/21/2025 Tensor IT Inv11107 5/1/25 387.50
5/21/2025 Tensor IT Inv11148 5/1/2025 200.70
12969 5/21/2025 Thrifty Supply Company INV 1040641-01Thrifty Supply Sprinkler Valves 151.41 5/21/2025 Thrifty Supply Company INV1040362-01 Park 4/30/25 127.34 12970 5/28/2025 A&L Feed & Garden Supply INV513790 WWTPGoat Feed 4/2/25 77.69 5/28/2025 A&L Feed & Garden Supply INV515703 Goat Food 4/23/25 52.00 12971 5/28/2025 CIRA Inv.2532 Jan-Mar WC & Liab 4,236.39 12972 5/28/2025 Michael Shaun Dolan INV102 Woodbat Unpire Dolan 4/13-5/18/25 760.00 12973 5/28/2025 General Code INV-PG000041437 General Code 381.00 12974 5/28/2025 Antoinette M. Quigley Milage Reimbursment 24.78 12975 5/28/2025 Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC INV46975181022 Reyes Cocoa Cola P/R 958.63 12976 5/28/2025 Michael Salmon INV101 Woodbat Umpire Salmon 4/13-5/18/25 720.00 12977 5/28/2025 Thrifty Supply Company INV1039605-01 WMeter Supply Parts 4/2/25 2,437.36 12978 5/28/2025 Bradford Tucker Badford Tucker - Dental Lillyan 5/20/25 150.40 12979 5/30/2025 Daniel L. Dimick Employee: dimickd; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 756.12 12980 5/30/2025 Michael D. Downard Employee: downardm; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 923.59 12981 5/30/2025 Liesl A. Finkler Employee: finklerl; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 263.86 12982 5/30/2025 Vicki L. Hutton Employee: huttonv; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,847.61 Date: 6/20/25 04:10:21 PM Page: 3
City of Blue Lake
Check/Voucher Register - City Council Check Report
From 5/1/2025 Through 5/31/2025
Check Number Check Date Payee Transaction Description Check Amount 12983 5/30/2025 Austin R. Jones Employee: jonesa; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,270.02 250530A01 5/30/2025 Christopher A. Ball Employee: ballc; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 613.44 250530A02 5/30/2025 Glenn R. Bernald Employee: bernaldg; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 3,467.63 250530A03 5/30/2025 Rosine S. Boyce-Derricott Employee: boycer; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 613.36 250530A04 5/30/2025 Danielle L. Burkhart Employee: burkhartd; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 2,418.24 250530A05 5/30/2025 Skyler A. Coke Employee: cokes; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,035.87 250530A06 5/30/2025 Melissa M. Combs Employee: combsm; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 649.68 250530A07 5/30/2025 Christopher B. Edgar Employee: edgarc; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,782.58 250530A08 5/30/2025 Adeline L. Esh Employee: esha; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 255.22 250530A09 5/30/2025 Hazel E. Hale Employee: haleh; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 100.72 250530A10 5/30/2025 Kanoa K. Jones Employee: jonesk; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 389.31 250530A11 5/30/2025 Amanda L. Mager Employee: magera; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 2,651.42 250530A12 5/30/2025 Laura A. McClenagan Employee: mcclenaganl; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 478.44 250530A13 5/30/2025 Aislin N. McKinney Employee: mckinneya; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 509.47 250530A14 5/30/2025 Jacob P. Meng Employee: mengj; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,175.34 250530A15 5/30/2025 Antoinette M. Quigley Employee: quigleya; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,375.07 250530A16 5/30/2025 Quinn Sousa Employee: sousaq; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 554.98 250530A17 5/30/2025 Emily P. Wood Employee: woode; Pay Date: 5/30/2025 1,506.64 250530EFT-01 5/30/2025 U. S. Department of Treasury EFTPS federal tax pmt 05/30/25 PR 9,012.29 250530EFT-02 5/30/2025 Employment Development Dept. DE88 state tax pmt 5/30/25 PR 1,840.58 250530EFT-03 5/30/2025 Cal PERS PERS retirement pmt 5/30/25 PR 3,900.05 250530EFT-04 5/30/2025 CA State Disbursement Unit 5/30/25 CS PR deduction-Coke 92.30 250530EFT-05 5/30/2025 CA State Disbursement Unit 5/30/25 CS PR deduction-Edgar 104.30 Report Total 228,685.42
Date: 6/20/25 04:10:21 PM Page: 4
Item #: 10
Date: June 24, 2025
Item Subject: Consider accepting TripepiSmith’s recruitment proposal for City Manager
Submitted By: Ryan Plotz – City Attorney
General Information:

On May 13, 2025, the council appointed Dani Burkhart as Acting City Manager until the City Manager recruitment and appointment could be completed.

TripepiSmith submitted a recruitment proposal regarding the City Manager position.

Background Material Provided: Attached TripepiSmith Proposal Fiscal Impact: $15,000 plus expenses, this item is not budgeted for.

Recommended Action:

Review Information:

City Manager Review: ☐ Legal Review: ☒ Planner Review: ☐ Engineer: ☐ Comments:

City of Blue Lake
City Council Meeting Agenda Report
Proposal submitted for:

City of Blue Lake
Executive Recruitment: City Manager

Submitted: June 2025
By:

Ryder Todd Smith, President
Christine Martin, Executive Recruiter
Kylie Sun, Senior Recruitment Coordinator
Morgan Teruel, Recruitment Coordinator
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER LETTER.......................................................................................................3 BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS ...............................................................4 EXPERIENCE...........................................................................................................6 PROJECT TEAM....................................................................................................10 METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH ....................................................................14 PRICE PROPOSAL.................................................................................................16 REFERENCES........................................................................................................19 City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 3

COVER LETTER
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for the opportunity to propose executive recruitment services to the City of Blue Lake. This proposal outlines our search support approach to the City Manager recruitment process and describes how we can best serve the City.

Tripepi Smith is a force multiplier for communication operations for over 200 public agencies across the West Coast, primarily within California. We leverage our team's network, knowledge and talents to make our firm a valuable provider of executive recruitment services via TS Talent Solutions (TSTS). Executive Recruiter, Christine Martin, leads our executive searches, bringing over 20 years of local government experience to the table. As a retired Assistant City Manager, Christine has extensive experience leading executive teams and promoting collaboration. She understands the importance of selecting the right team member for the team's overall effectiveness.

The Tripepi Smith team offers unrivaled design skills, content creation abilities, local government familiarity and connections to help drive awareness and interest in the positions we recruit for. The depth and breadth of our experience with public agencies, built through years of client service, positions our firm to find excellent talent throughout the West Coast and beyond. Here are a few reasons to select TSTS:

1. Tripepi Smith knows people, and people know us. Tripepi Smith is widely connected in the local government world. Through our partnerships with the largest local government associations across California and over 200+ local government agencies, we have a vast network of professionals to tap into.

2. Tripepi Smith understands marketing. We value carefully crafted language and quality visuals to attract the right applicants to an opportunity. Paired with the strategic knowledge and expertise of Christine Martin, we work with our clients to identify the right skill set and personality for the position, compile those requirements into a compelling recruitment package and ensure that the position is presented to the most qualified candidates.

3. TS Talent Solutions is a good fiscal option. While our team has a great deal of talent and experience, the TS Talent Solutions division of Tripepi Smith is an aggressive upstart and offers our boutique services at a price below other firms.

Thank you for considering us in this endeavor. We eagerly look forward to the chance to work with the Blue Lake team to find the right City Manager. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposal in more detail.

Authorization
As co-founder and president of Tripepi Smith and TS Talent Solutions, I am qualified to enter into agreements with the City of Blue Lake. This proposal is valid for 60 days from the date of submission.

Ryder Todd Smith
Co-Founder & President, Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions
[email protected] • (626) 536-2173 • P.O. Box 52152, Irvine, CA 92619 City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 4

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS
A Public Affairs Firm That Understands Talent
Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions is a staffing firm under the umbrella of Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc., a marketing and public affairs firm. The firm dedicated itself to solving communication challenges within the local government world since its inception in 2002. It was a natural progression to move into recruitment and talent solutions. Tripepi Smith has worked with more than 200 agencies, including hundreds of city managers, department leaders and other executive staff. We know what, and who, makes an effective government leader, and we use that experience to attract, evaluate and retain high-quality talent for TSTS clients. With a skilled team of writers, graphic artists and project managers, we are able to provide whatever level of support our clients need — from an attractive brochure design to full-blown culture curation and recruitment support from beginning to end.

Launching TS Talent Solutions
Through our work at Tripepi Smith, our team developed a savvy understanding of the major operations of each department within city and county governments, while simultaneously expanding a network of relationships and platforms that inextricably connect us to the local government community. Thus, TS Talent Solutions was born.

Our Network
Tripepi Smith is a household name among California's local government agencies. We attend conferences held by some of the largest local government associations in California, California Special Districts Association, Municipal Management Association of Northern (and Southern) California, and League of California Cities. We’ve been supporting these organizations for more than 20 years and have boots-on-the-ground experience networking at these events, which often are a hub for jobseekers in California.

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 5 Creative
Tripepi Smith’s creative professionals have worked with public and private clients on imagery, colors and
graphic design in an array of projects. Our firm offers creative services that address not only traditional
media such as print, websites, logo design and
advertising but also non-traditional marketing services, including email campaigns, social media, blogging,
SEO (Search Engine Optimization), video production
and more. This integrated approach to content
development makes the process more efficient and
effective for clients. Moreover, they help capture the
compelling stories and personalities behind client
agencies on their quests to recruit new talent.

Content x Distribution = IMPACT
Tripepi Smith was born in the digital era and brings significant technical skills to the table. Members of our team carry technical certifications in Hootsuite Social Media Marketing, Facebook Blueprint, Google Advertising, Google Analytics and Twitter Flight School, among others. We take digital communications seriously and recognize how critical it is to not only develop great visuals and messaging, but to ensure the audiences we want to reach actually see that content. Without content distribution, there is no impact. We apply this framework to the work we do at TSTS to broadcast local government positions across the industry landscape.

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 6

EXPERIENCE
Executive Recruitments
TS Talent Solutions has a strong track record of delivering effective recruitment solutions for public agencies and we will bring that experience to bear for the City of Blue Lake.

POSITION AGENCY DATE
Director of Innovation and Technology City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA Active Recreation Manager City of Ojai, CA Active
Finance Director City of Palos Verdes Estates, CA Active Affordable Housing Director City of Santa Fe, NM Active Public Utilities Director City of Santa Fe, NM Active
Risk and Safety Compliance Officer City of Santa Fe, NM Active Engineer City of Santa Fe, NM Active
Engineering Supervisor City of Santa Fe, NM Active
Deputy City Manager City of Santa Fe, NM May 2025
Public Works Director City of Palos Verdes Estates, CA March 2025 Finance Director City of Needles, CA March 2025
Executive Director Humboldt County Association of Governments March 2025 Assistant City Manager City of Indian Wells February 2025 Finance Director City of Commerce February 2025
Human Resources Director City of Menifee December 2024
General Manager Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, CA December 2024 Executive Director Redwood Coast Energy Authority, CA October 2024 HR/Risk Manager City of Bell, CA August 2024
IT Director City of Pasco, WA May 2024
City Manager City of Lomita March 2024
Deputy Director of Community Services City of Bell November 2023 Chief Financial Officer City of Menifee October 2023
Community & Economic Development Director City of Pasco, WA July 2023 City Manager City of La Cañada Flintridge May 2023
Community Services Director City of Bell March 2023
Harbor Director City of Morro Bay February 2023
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 7 Parks & Recreation Superintendent City of Fairfield January 2023 Finance Director City of American Canyon January 2023
Finance Director City of Fairfield July 2022
DEI Manager City of San Luis Obispo February 2022
Public Works Director City of Manteca February 2022
Budget Officer City of Tracy January 2022
Parks & Recreation Director City of American Canyon January 2022 City Manager City of Tracy December 2021
Fire Chief City of Morro Bay July 2021
Public Works Director City of Morro Bay May 2021
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 8 Tripepi Smith Client Roster
Outside of our recruitment services, Tripepi Smith has been selected to work with over 200 local government agencies to help with their communications and resident outreach. We can provide you with contacts at any of these clients if desired and are confident you will find them to be quite happy with our services.

California City Management
Foundation
City of Aliso Viejo
City of American Canyon
City of Azusa
City of Bellflower
City of Claremont
City of Coronado
(City of) Culver City
City of Cupertino
(City of) Daly City
City of Danville
City of Duarte
City of El Cerrito
City of Fountain Valley
City of Fullerton
City of Grover Beach
City of Hawaiian Gardens
City of Huntington Beach
City of Indian Wells
City of Industry
City of Irvine
City of La Cañada Flintridge
City of La Palma
City of La Puente
City of La Verne
City of Lake Forest
City of Laguna Hills
City of Laguna Niguel
City of Lancaster
City of Livermore
City of Lomita
City of Lynwood
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Manteca
City of Martinez
City of Millbrae
City of Morgan Hill
City of Morro Bay
City of Murrieta
City of Napa
City of Norwalk
City of Orange
City of Palm Desert
City of Palmdale
City of Paramount
City of Pismo Beach
City of Placentia
City of Pomona
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rancho Mirage
City of Riverbank
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of San Luis Obispo
City of Santa Ana
City of Santa Clarita
City of Santa Cruz
City of Santa Paula
City of Saratoga
City of Stanton
City of South Gate
City of Sunnyvale
City of Tracy
City of Vallejo
City of Vista
City of Walnut
(City of) Yuba City
Fresno County
Merced County
Orange County
Santa Barbara County
Town of Windsor
CalChoice Energy CCA
Clean Energy Alliance
California Joint Powers
Insurance Authority
Citrus Heights Water District
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
El Toro Water District
Independent Cities
Finance Authority JPA
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
League of California Cities
Municipal Management
Association of
Northern California
Municipal Management
Association of
Southern California
Orange County City
Manager Association
San Gabriel Valley City
Managers’ Association
South Orange County
Wastewater Authority

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 9 Work Samples
We encourage you to see all the work we have done for clients at TSTalentSolutions.com.

RECRUITMENT BROCHURES JOB PLACEMENTS
TSTalentSolutions.com/
Recruitment-Brochure-Samples
TSTalentSolutions.com/Placements

RECRUITMENT VIDEOS NEWS
TSTalentSolutions.com/Recruitment-Videos TSTalentSolutions.com/News Sample Recruitment Brochure
TS Talent Solutions developed a 5-page digital recruitment brochure for the La Cañada Flintridge City Manager search. Below is a sample of the first three pages Sample Social Media Graphics
Below are sample social media graphics we’ve created for different recruitments.

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 10

PROJECT TEAM
Executive Recruiter Christine Martin will be the lead and face of the recruitment. Christine’s decades of experience as an Assistant City Manager and approachable personality make her a strong partner for the City of Blue Lake on this project. Principal Ryder Todd Smith will contribute positioning strategy to broadcast the opportunity, as well as leveraging his extensive network and relationships within the local government community. Recruitment Coordinator Morgan Teruel will be the main project manager, overseeing all logistics and ensuring the recruitment process stays on track under the leadership of Senior Recruitment Coordinator Kylie Sun. Assistant Recruitment Coordinator Sofia Gonzalez will craft compelling recruitment content and manage position postings to attract an excellent pool of qualified candidates.

Dedicated Availability for the City of Blue Lake
The core project team has the availability to support the engagement, including the capacity to provide support under urgent notice and/or time constraints. Tripepi Smith is a collaborative firm with many skills. Any Tripepi Smith staff member may be brought onto the engagement to help with our efforts. Additionally, should any key personnel become unavailable during this engagement, Tripepi Smith will quickly substitute with other Tripepi Smith resources who have commensurate experience, knowledge and/or skill sets.

Ryder Todd Smith, Principal
Role: Strategic Advisor

Ryder has a mixed background in the worlds of government relations, technology and marketing. He served as the SVP of Operations and Chief Information Officer for a software-as-a-service startup in the financial services sector. Prior to that, he was the technology manager for a regional staffing firm. Ryder leads Tripepi Smith and is the ultimate project owner on all work handled by the firm. He is the creator of the City Internet Strategies Study, publisher of the Civic Business Journal, publisher of PublicCEO and a frequent speaker on the local government circuit. His insights have been published in Western City and PM magazines. He volunteers his time as vice chair of the Rose Institute of State and Local Government Board of Governors and previously served as a Planning Commission for the City of Tustin. Ryder graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and a dual degree in Economics.

Ryder has supported all TSTS recruitments.

Christine Martin, Executive
Recruiter
Role: Lead Recruiter
Christine brings over 20 years of public sector experience providing exceptional service to local government. Prior to joining Tripepi Smith, Christine was the Assistant City Manager at the City of Livermore. She worked for Livermore for 21 years, serving in the City Manager’s Office for seven years and as a planner in the Community Development Department for 14 years. Christine is a courageous, solutions-oriented servant leader. She has strong political acumen and a positive, can-do work ethic. In her role as Assistant City Manager, she established and oversaw the city’s communications and emergency management City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 11

programs, created and implemented the city’s first-ever five-year strategic plan and served as liaison on council subcommittees, including a complex, controversial equity and inclusion subcommittee with elected officials and community members. She was also responsible for the city’s legislative platform and represented the city as a member of the Tri-Valley City Council legislative coalition.

Christine built successful relationships in the region and served as chair of the Alameda County City Managers Association. Christine is also a graduate of the ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy where she honed her leadership skills in organizational development and change management, negotiation and collaboration, and effective communication.

Christine is the face of all TS Talent Solutions recruitments. As Executive Recruiter, she collaborates closely with each agency to understand their specific needs and develop a candidate profile that aligns with their organizational values. Leveraging her extensive local government connections and the broader Tripepi Smith network, Christine conducts targeted outreach to attract top talent. She manages the entire recruitment process, from screening applicants and facilitating interviews to supporting agencies through the offer and negotiation stages.

Christine is assigned to the following current recruitments:
• City of Rancho Cucamonga, Director of Innovation and Technology (Active) • City of Palos Verdes Estates, Finance Director (Active) • City of Santa Fe, NM – three executive team positions (Active) • City of Ojai, Recreation Manager (Active)
• City of Santa Fe, Deputy City Manager (05/25)
• City of Needles, Finance Director (03/25)
• City of Palos Verdes Estates, Public Works Director (03/25) • Humboldt County Association of Governments (03/25)
• City of Indian Wells, Assistant City Manager (02/25)
• City of Commerce, Finance Director (02/25)
• Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, General Manager (01/25) • City of Menifee, Human Resources Director (12/24)
• Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Executive Director (10/24) • City of Bell, HR/Risk Manager (08/24)
Kylie Sun,
Senior Recruitment
Coordinator
Role: Lead Project Manager
Kylie brings a diverse skillset to the team from her experience in several industries, such as litigation services, academic administration and music marketing. She graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management. She has a strong background in social media strategy, website development, writing and scheduling and high-volume operations due to her experiences as Administrative Assistant at Biola University, Marketing Intern at Transparent Productions, Social Media Marketing Manager at TSE Worldwide Press and Operations Associate at TSG Reporting.

As Senior Recruitment Coordinator, Kylie has played an integral role as TSTS’ lead project manager, overseeing a range of successful recruitments.

Kylie has supported the following (past and current) executive recruitments:

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 12

• City of Rancho Cucamonga, Director of Innovation and Technology (Active) • City of Palos Verdes Estates, Finance Director (Active) • City of Santa Fe, NM – three executive team positions (Active) • City of Ojai, Recreation Manager (Active)
• City of Santa Fe, Deputy City Manager (05/25)
• City of Needles, Finance Director (03/25)
• City of Palos Verdes Estates, Public Works Director (03/25) • Humboldt County Association of Governments, Executive Director (03/25) • City of Indian Wells, Assistant City Manager (02/25)
• City of Commerce, Finance Director (02/25)
• Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, General Manager (01/25) • City of Menifee, Human Resources Director (12/24)
• Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Executive Director (10/24) • City of Bell, HR/Risk Manager (08/24)
• City of Pasco, IT Director (05/24)
• City of Lomita, City Manager (04/24)
• City of Bell, Deputy Director of Community Services (03/24) • City of Menifee, Chief Financial Officer (10/23)
• City of Pasco, Community & Economic Development Director (07/23) • City of Bainbridge Island, City Attorney (07/23)
• City of La Cañada Flintridge, City Manager (05/23)
• City of Bell, Community Services Director (03/23)
• City of Morro Bay, Harbor Director (02/23)
• City of Fairfield, Parks & Recreation Superintendent (01/23) • City of American Canyon, Finance Director (01/23)
• West City Wastewater District, Records Program Coordinator (06/22) • City of Fairfield, Finance Director (02/22)
• City of San Luis Obispo, Deputy Building Official (11/21) • City of San Luis Obispo, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager (10/21) • City of American Canyon, Parks & Recreation Director (10/21) Morgan Teruel,
Recruitment Coordinator
Role: Project Manager

Morgan is a digital media and communications professional with a strong foundation in creative strategy, public engagement and operational leadership.

She has managed executive recruitment efforts, supported cross-functional teams and developed tailored messaging across press releases, newsletters, websites and social media. Her experience includes conducting audience research, running digital ad campaigns and increasing engagement across diverse communities. Combining creative insight with a data-informed approach, she has led teams in producing high-impact deliverables such as graphics, articles and social content to ensure alignment with organizational goals and values.

As Recruitment Coordinator, Morgan facilitates all TSTS project management, supporting a range of successful recruitments.

Morgan has supported the following (past and current) executive recruitments:
• City of Rancho Cucamonga, Director of Innovation and Technology (Active) • City of Palos Verdes Estates, Finance Director (Active) • City of Palos Verdes Estates, Public Works Director (03/25) • Humboldt County Association of Governments, Executive Director (03/25) • City of Commerce, Finance Director (02/25)
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 13 Sofia Gonzalez, Assistant
Recruitment Coordinator
Role: Client Support
Sofia is an energetic team player with experience in advertising sales, marketing strategy, social media management and marketing communications. She graduated cum laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. While in college, she worked in the advertising department for the university newspaper, The Daily Aztec and developed her sales and customer relationship skills immensely. Sofia gained valuable marketing skills during two internships with Axos Bank, where she became skilled in brand image, content writing and consumer engagement.

As Assistant Recruitment Coordinator, Sofia assists in the development of recruitment marketing materials, conducts research to generate prospective candidates and manages the distribution and promotion of all open positions.

Sofia has supported the following executive recruitments:
• City of Santa Fe, NM – three executive team positions (Active) • City of Palos Verdes Estates, Finance Director (Active) • City of Rancho Cucamonga, Director of Innovation and Technology (Active) City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 14

METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH
The City of Blue Lake’s Needs
The City of Blue Lake is seeking the assistance of a professional search firm to conduct search support to fill the City Manager position. The below outlines TS Talent Solutions’ approach to fulfilling the scope of work requested.

TS Talent Solutions remains adaptable to managing the recruitment through the City’s preferred method, should it differ from the process we proposed below. Throughout the recruiting process, TS Talent Solutions will provide an every-other-week update to the Council and/or key City staff noting the status of the work, number of candidates and expectations for the next two weeks.

Scope of Work – Search Support
Our search support service will help the City of Blue Lake put its best foot forward and broaden its recruiting reach. With our marketing and outreach expertise, we will streamline the most challenging part of the recruitment. TS Talent Solutions leverages the skills of our recruitment team and graphic designers to amplify positions, setting the City up for success and freeing up the human resources staff to focus on the candidate review process. TS Talent Solutions will execute the following steps in the search support process:

STEP 1: DEVELOP A CANDIDATE PROFILE
TS Talent Solutions will meet with the City Council and designated staff to obtain information regarding expectations for the next City Manager and specific issues and opportunities facing the City. We will use this information to determine the desired education, experience and background of the sought-after candidate, and to identify the desired management skills and leadership style.

We will use all gathered information to draft a candidate profile, which will be used as the foundation for marketing materials, candidate screening and evaluation.

STEP 2: DEVELOP MARKETING MATERIALS
TS Talent Solutions will develop the following marketing materials to support outreach and recruiting efforts:

A visually appealing 4–6-page digital recruitment brochure that provides key City of Blue Lake metrics, highlights the benefits of working for the City, showcases the unique culture of the Blue Lake team, provides information about the position, highlights exciting projects happening in the City and provides instructions on how to apply for the position. 5 social media copies and graphics for publishing on Tripepi Smith’s social media channels.

Compelling job board language to supplement the digital recruitment brochure.

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 15 STEP 3: OUTREACH AND RECRUITING
Next, TS Talent Solutions will conduct outreach to encourage individuals with superior qualifications to join our pool of candidates. We typically source high-caliber candidates by:

Advertising the position to appropriate and diverse professional organizations, membership agencies and publications.

Tapping into our uniquely broad, expansive network and toolset.

Proactively reaching out to candidates in the marketplace who may not be actively seeking the position. Our search may include national, regional, in-state and local elements, which will be determined at the start of the engagement.

STEP 4: EVALUATE AND SCREEN
As resumes come in, we will acknowledge, review and evaluate each one. We will filter each applicant resume for conformance to required and desired qualifications, as well as conduct preliminary videoconference interviews with the most-qualified candidates.

TS Talent Solutions will present viable candidates to the City Council and provide a candidate materials packet, inclusive of:

A list of all applicants
A list of viable candidates we recommend move forward to the interview phase Resumes and cover letters of all viable candidates
Summary sheets for all viable candidates
From this point forward, the City will manage the rest of the recruitment process.

Recruitment Timeline
Below is a sample of a typical 10-week schedule, and sequenced deliverables.

WEEKS 1-2 STEP 1: DEVELOP A CANDIDATE PROFILE
• Kick-off meeting
• City Council and staff interviews
WEEKS 3-4 STEP 2: DEVELOP MARKETING MATERIALS
• Digital recruitment brochure
• Social media content
• Compelling job ad language
WEEKS 5-8 STEP 3: OUTREACH AND RECRUITING
• Digital job board positioning
• Aggressive outreach
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 16 WEEKS 9-10 STEP 4: EVALUATE, SCREEN AND PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES • Candidate evaluation
• Preliminary interviews
• Internet searches / review of public profiles
• Development of candidate materials packet
• Presentation of candidates to City Council
• Determine which candidates will be interviewed

PRICE PROPOSAL
Search support is billed on a Time & Materials (T&M) basis that allows you the flexibility to “ramp up” or “ramp down” efforts according to budget and priorities. TS Talent Solutions is prepared to provide the scope detailed above at the following approximate costs. We only begin work with your written consent.

SEARCH SUPPORT COST
Step 1: Candidate Profile
Recruitment project management
Council member interviews
Candidate profile development $3,500
Step 2: Marketing Materials
Development and design of 4-6 page digital recruitment brochure Development and distribution of 5 social media copies & graphics for publishing to Tripepi Smith social media channels $2,700
Step 3: Outreach and Recruiting
Job board placement/management
Candidate research and direct outreach $2,000
Step 4: Candidate Screening & Presentation of Candidates Review of up to 20 applications
Prescreening interviews for up to 8 applicants
Preliminary internet background screening for up to 8 applicants Candidate materials packet presentation to City (virtual) $4,300 *Estimate – Job Board Expenses $2,500
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $15,000
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 17 Estimated Expenses
We estimate $2,500 in expenses, which include paid placements on various digital job boards and hotspots popular with local government agencies. One such platform is the well-known PublicCEO job board which has a $425 fee.

Tripepi Smith owns PublicCEO, a local government news publication dedicated to providing a statewide perspective on California’s cities, counties and special districts. PublicCEO reaches over 17,000 local government executives — city managers, county administrators and public executives included — through a daily newsletter, website and job board.

The publication actively seeks stories promoting cross-sector partnerships to provide decision-makers with best practices, perspectives on trends, innovations and access to opportunities.

Time & Materials (As-Needed) Services
If the City of Blue Lake requires unplanned additional support outside of the proposed scope of work, it will be billed on a time-and-materials basis using our 2025-26 Standard Rates:

Title Standard Rates
Principal $380
Executive Recruiter/Director $265
Art/Creative Director $265
Senior Recruitment Coordinator / Senior Business Analyst $205 Recruitment Coordinator/Business Analyst $150
Assistant Recruitment Coordinator/Junior Business Analyst $115 Senior Videographer/Animator $205
Senior Photographer $175
Videographer/Photographer $140
Junior Videographer/Photographer $115
Senior Graphic Designer $195
Graphic Designer $140
Junior Graphic Designer $115
Web Developer $210
Junior Web Developer $115
Drone Operator $205
Council Chamber A/V Operator $115
City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 18 For Time & Materials work, time is billed in 15-minute increments – i.e. we invoice our time in the following examples: 1.25, 0.75, 4.0 or 6.5 hours. Time & Materials work will be invoiced at the end of the month in which the work was done. All payment terms are net 30 days.

Other Cost Information
Tripepi Smith has related service fees that may come up during our engagement that we want to tell you about.

Annual Increase
Tripepi Smith will increase the hourly rates and retainer fees for all resources by 5% or the national CPI index–whichever is higher–each year on the anniversary of the contract, starting on the first anniversary of any contract when the contract duration is longer than one year. Otherwise, new rates will be negotiated with each new contract.

Retainer Discount
When a client’s retainer exceeds $7,150 per month, they gain access to our reduced retainer rates.

Travel Costs
Travel costs must be pre-authorized and then will be reimbursed by the client for any requested travel to complete a requested scope of work. Travel costs may include airfare, lodging, car rentals and gas.

Additionally, when client work requires that we be onsite, we will invoice for a resource’s travel time at 50% of the resource’s hourly rate.

Service Fees
Tripepi Smith prefers that clients pay service providers directly to avoid unnecessary administrative costs. You should also know, however, that we have no economic interest in service providers, unless otherwise specified in this proposal. If a client asks Tripepi Smith to pay for a service provider bill, we will apply a 10% agency fee to the reimbursement expense. Typical service fees include, but are not limited to: print, mailing, digital advertising, media placements, voiceovers, translations and closed captions.

Exclusive Access
Tripepi Smith has access to entities that may be relevant to our engagement. These partnerships allow Tripepi Smith to offer clients extra media reach or additional services at partner pricing.

PublicCEO: www.PublicCEO.com – Digital news about public affairs, reaching over 17,500 California government executives through a daily podcast, job board, video podcast and more.

Civic Business Journal: www.CivicBusinessJournal.com – Digital interest stories on the people, companies and solutions that make local government in California more effective.

City of Blue Lake Executive Recruitment: City Manager
TALENT QUEST • Profiles • Outreach • Screening • Interviews • Selection • Negotiation 19

REFERENCES
Contacts Details
City of La Cañada Flintridge
Dan Jordan
City Manager
818-790-8880
[email protected]
One Civic Center Dr, LCF, CA 91011
The City of La Cañada Flintridge is a
current Tripepi Smith client in other
capacities.

TS Talent Solutions filled a City Manager position in the City of La Cañada Flintridge. Our scope of work included:
• Meeting with Staff and City Council one-on-one
• Development of candidate profile
• Community engagement survey
• Recruitment brochure & marketing materials
• Job board posting and management
• Direct networking and outreach campaign
• Screening of applicants and presentation of candidates • Interview coordination and facilitation
• Assistance with selection process and negotiations
City of Indian Wells
Chris Freeland
City Manager
760-346-2489
[email protected]
44950 El Dorado Dr, Indian Wells, CA
92210
The City of Indian Wells is a current
Tripepi Smith client in other capacities.

TS Talent Solutions filled an Assistant City Manager position in the City of Indian Wells. Our scope of work included:
• Meeting with City staff and key personnel
• Development of candidate profile
• Recruitment brochure & marketing materials
• Job board posting and management
• Direct networking and outreach campaign
• Screening of applicants and presentation of candidates • Interview coordination and facilitation
• Assistance with selection process and negotiations
City of Bell
Michael L. Antwine II
City Manager
323-588-6211
[email protected]
6330 Pine Ave, Bell, CA 90201
The City of Bell is a current Tripepi
Smith client in other capacities.

TS Talent Solutions filled three key positions in the City of Bell:

Director of Community Services, Deputy Director of
Community Service, and Human Resources/Risk Manager. Our scope of work for all recruitments included:
• Meeting with City staff and key personnel
• Development of candidate profile
• Recruitment brochure & marketing materials
• Job board posting and management
• Direct networking and outreach campaign
• Screening of applicants and presentation of candidates • Interview coordination and facilitation
• Assistance with selection process and negotiations
Item #: 11
Date: June 24, 2025
Item Subject: Response to HCD Letter
Submitted By: Dani Burkhart – Acting City Manager
General Information:

At the 5/27/25 regular meeting of the council, staff was directed to respond with a timeline of action to the HCD’s letter sent to the city 4/30/25 asking for response by 5/30/25. The City has received a response to the letter we sent upon Council’s direction.

On June 10, 2025, the council directed staff to respond to HCD asking for clarification and if necessary, move the timeline up to December 15, 2025. Clarification was received 12/13/25. Staff needs direction on how/if the council would like to respond.

Background Material Provided: Email from HCD attached
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommended Action: Direct staff on how/if you would like to respond.

Review Information:

City Manager Review: ☒ Legal Review: ☐ Planner Review: ☐ Engineer: ☐ Comments:

City of Blue Lake
City Council Meeting Agenda Report
Dani Burkhart <[email protected]>
City of Blue Lake Response Letter to Rezone Letter of Inquiry O'Connell, Isaac@HCD Fri, Jun 13, 2025 at 11:17 AM
To: Dani Burkhart
Cc: Garry Rees
Good morning Dani,
Thank you for your email. As both the adopted housing element and documentation of the rezones from housing element Program HI-14 (Rezoning and By Right Procedures) are necessary for the City to be in substantial compliance with Housing Element Law, HCD is requesting that both be submitted sooner than stated in the City’s original timeline.

HCD is requesting the City speed up the timeline for these deliverables as much as possible, with 1-2 months as a minimum suggested change.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,

Item #: 12
Date: June 24, 2025
Item Subject: Commission Appointments
Submitted By: Dani Burkhart – Acting City Manager
General Information:

Appointment applicants to the Arts and Heritage commission, 3 seats available, 2 residents have submitted their applications.

Background Material Provided: Commission applications
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommended Action: Approve applicants to vacant seats.

Review Information:

City Manager Review: ☒ Legal Review: ☐ Planner Review: ☐ Engineer: ☐ Comments:

City of Blue Lake
City Council Meeting Agenda Report

Item #: 14
Date: June 24, 2025
Item Subject: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Update
Submitted By: Dani Burkhart – Acting City Manager
General Information:

Acting City Manager has been working with our contract accountant on a fiscal year 25/26 budget to introduce to Council for adoption. Staff will provide to council a rough draft of the budget at this meeting.

Background Material Provided: Rough draft of budget to be delivered at this meeting.

Fiscal Impact: None at this time.

Recommended Action: Review the budget for adoption or set study sessions ahead of adoption.

Target Adoption date should be within the first week of July.

Review Information:

City Manager Review: ☒ Legal Review: ☐ Planner Review: ☐ Engineer: ☐ Comments:

City of Blue Lake
City Council Meeting Agenda Report
City of Blue Lake
Budget
Fiscal Year
2025-26
DRAFT

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Fiscal Year 2025-26
Table of Contents
Budget Narrative………………………………………………………………………………………….1
Budget Graphs by Fund………………………………………………………………………………....8 Budget Summary by Fund……………………………………………………………………………..16 Budget Detail by Fund………………………………………………………………………………….20 Capital Improvements Budget…………………………………………………………………………36 Appropriations Limit……………………………………………………………………………………..37 Salary Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………….38
DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets Budget Purpose
Each year the City must forecast the revenues it will receive and the expenditures it will incur for the upcoming fiscal year. The annual budget document serves as a plan for how the monies that come into the City will be spent to operate and maintain the City.

Basis of Budgeting
Governmental fund budgets are developed using the modified accrual basis of accounting. To summarize, under this basis, revenues are estimated for the fiscal year if they are susceptible to accrual (amounts can be determined and will be collected within the current period). Principal and interest on general long-term debt are budgeted as expenditures when due, whereas other expenditures (including capital outlay) are budgeted for liabilities expected to be incurred during the current period.

Proprietary fund budgets are developed using the accrual basis of accounting. To summarize, under this basis, revenues are recognized when earned and expenses are recognized when a liability is incurred or economic asset used.

Governmental and Capital Project Funds
Fund 10 - General Fund
This fund is the general operating fund of the City which accounts for all financial resources except those legally or administratively required to be accounted for in other funds.

General Fund Departments
100 - Mayor and City Council
The City Council consists of five members and serves as the policy making and legislative body of the City of Blue Lake. Council members are elected at large and select a Mayor from their membership every two years. The Mayor acts as the chairperson for all Council meetings. The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, and members of the Planning, Economic Development, Public Safety and Parks and Recreation Commissions. The City Council enacts ordinances, adopts resolutions, and approves the annual budget for the City. The Council conducts semi-monthly meetings to consider City business items and represents the City on a variety of regional boards, commissions, and authorities.

City of Blue Lake
2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets
1 DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets 160 - Legal
Legal services are provided under a contract with the law firm of Mitchell, Brisso, Delaney and Vrieze, LLP. The City Attorney provides a broad range of legal services to the City Council, City Manager, various city departments, and the Planning Commission. Services include drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances, regulations, and other documents, providing staff support to the City Council and Planning Commission at regular and special meetings, researching legal questions and providing legal opinions and advice, and prosecuting and defending civil proceedings on behalf of the City and its officers and employees. 180 - General Government
The City Council has delegated a wide variety of powers and duties to the City Manager by ordinance. These duties include enforcement of City ordinances, authority to direct City employees, which includes appointment and removal, reorganize offices, positions or units, recommends the adoption of measures and ordinances, keeps the City Council advised of the financial condition and needs of the City, investigates complaints of service, exercises general supervision over all public buildings, parks and property, and prepares and presents an annual budget and salary plan.

The Business Office is a major point of contact with residents concerning City services. This office provides general direction to the public. In addition, the Department is responsible for administrative support for the receipt and expenditure of general funds, special street funds, other special funds, and trust funds. This department also includes the function of City Clerk. Dog and business licenses are issued through this office.

Other department functions include specific costs incurred by the City that are not applicable to any one fund or department. These expenditures include audit, janitorial, tech support, copying services and City Hall and Skinner Store repairs and maintenance. 220 - Planning
The Planning Department provides contract Planning and Engineering services to the City. City Planner and Engineering services are provided by SHN Engineering with Garry Rees designated as the City Planner and Mike Foget designated as the City Engineer.

Planning services include environmental review and implementation of the City’s land use and development policies as identified in the General Plan. This includes administration of the City’s zoning, subdivision, and environmental ordinances. The Planner also provides support to the Building Official, Director of Public Works, City Attorney, City Manager, City Council, and the Planning Commission. Engineering services include the review, design and recommendation of transportation, water, wastewater, and building improvements and upgrades.

This department also provides engineering services for public facilities that fall within the General Fund.
2 DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets 240 - Building
The Building Official is the primary source of service and information to builders and the public regarding general construction and the building codes. This department serves architects, developers, contractors, homeowners, and others involved in the design, construction, and/or maintenance of private property in Blue Lake. This department processes applications, reviews plans, issues building permits, and prepares building records reports. 260 - Law Enforcement
The City contracts with the Humboldt County Sheriff Department for the provision of law enforcement services; the current contract with the Sheriff Department provides access to the full scope of the Sheriff Department’s services, including, patrol services, detective services, coroner services, SWAT, etc.…
280 - Animal Control
The City contracts with the Humboldt County Animal Shelter for limited kennel and animal control services.
320 - Public Works - Streets
This department provides for the upkeep, maintenance and operation of our City street system.

This includes regular street maintenance, drainage and lighting maintenance. This budget also provides for maintenance and repairs to public drainage ways and a portion of the Annie & Mary Trail.
425 - Park Facilities
This Budget provides general maintenance and repair to park facilities including Prasch Hall, Perigot Park, the gymkhana grounds, trails, the Tot Lot, tennis courts, and other open spaces. 445 – Recreation - General
This Budget provides administrative support to general recreation programming. 900 - Capital Outlay
This Budget provides resources for capital expenditures. 3 DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets Fund 25 - Highway Users Tax Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of State gas tax funds for which use is restricted to street maintenance activities. The City is allocated a share of the revenue derived from State taxes on gasoline in which the allocation is determined by two factors: 1) the total amount of State-wide collections from gas taxes and 2) the City’s population relative to the population of all California cities.

The City uses these funds to support the cost of street maintenance performed by the Public Works Department. During the year, funds are transferred into the General Fund to support Public Works activities in Departments 320. No direct expenditures are charged to this fund.

Fund 30 - Transportation Development Act Street Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of State Transportation Development Act funds for which the use is restricted to street maintenance activities. These funds are distributed by the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG).

Fund 31 – Transportation Development Act Purchased Transportation Fund This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of State Transportation Development Act funds for which the use is restricted to public transit services. These funds are distributed by the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG). The City has an annual contract with Blue Lake Rancheria to provide local transportation services to community residents.

Fund 32 – AB-939 Solid Waste Reduction/Recycling Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of State revenues derived from solid waste/recycling fees and the sale of recyclable materials. The use of these are restricted to solid waste reduction activities.

Fund 33 - Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of State revenues derived from the Citizens for Public Safety (COPS) Program for which the use is restricted to law enforcement/public safety activities. The City charges a portion of the County of Humboldt Sherriff’s Department contract to this fund.

Fund 34 - Regional Surface Transportation Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of State Regional Surface Transportation Program funds for which the use is restricted to street maintenance activities. These funds are distributed by the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG). 4 DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets Fund 36 – Powers Creek District Fund
This fund is considered part of the General Fund and is utilized for the maintenance and operation of City owned properties and infrastructure located in the Powers Creek District as well as to support economic development activities within the City.

Fund 38 - CDBG Non-Program Income Fund
This fund is considered part of the General Fund and represents the de-federalized Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) funds accumulated by the City. These funds are primarily used by the City for small business loans.

Fund 42 - CDBG Program Income Holding Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt of loan principal and interest payments related to the City’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). At the end of each fiscal year total receipts are transferred as follows:

1. If receipts are $35,000 or more they are transferred to Fund 44 where they are used to make new housing loans or grants in accordance with CBDG program guidelines;

2. If receipts are less than $35,000 they become de-federalized and are transferred to Fund 38.

Fund 44 - CDBG Program Income Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s operation of its Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Funds are transferred from Fund 42 where they are used to make new housing loans or grants in accordance with CDBG program guidelines.

Proprietary Funds:

Fund 60 -Water Operating Fund
This fund accounts for the operations of the City’s water utility, a self-supporting activity which renders services on a user-charge basis to its customers.

Fund 61 - Water Connection Fee Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of connection fees charged for each new connection to the City’s water system. The use of these funds is restricted for capital improvements that add capacity to the water system.

Fund 62 - Water Capital Reserve Fund
5 DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets The function of this fund is to account for water utility funds that have been reserved for capital improvements, capital repair and replacement, or major equipment purchases.

Fund 64 - Turbidity Reduction Facility Reserve Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt of fees charged to its water utility customers for the purpose of funding the City’s cost share of the 20-year debt service used to finance the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District’s (the City’s wholesale water supplier) construction of a $9.5 million water filtration plant.

Fund 70 - Sewer Operating Fund
This fund accounts for the operations of the City’s wastewater utility, a self-supporting activity which renders services on a user-charge basis to its customers.

Fund 71 - Sewer Connection Fee Fund
This fund accounts for the City’s receipt and use of connection fees charged for each new connection to the City’s waste-water system. The use of these funds is restricted for capital improvements that add capacity to the waste-water system.

Fund 72 - Sewer Capital Reserve Fund
This fund establishes a reserve for capital improvements, capital repair and replacement, or major equipment purchases.

Fund 80 - Dental/Vision Trust Fund
This fund operates as a trust reserve to fulfill the City’s commitment to self-insure the employee Dental and Vision Benefit Program. Contributions to this fund come from internal City transfers at the rate of $20 per covered person for each bi-weekly pay period. The primary function of the fund is to retain cash reserves to be able to pay 100% of all allowed benefits if all covered individuals presented claims in one fiscal year.

Revenue Sources
The primary sources of revenue for the City are as follows:

General Fund - property taxes, sales and use tax, utility users tax, transient occupancy tax, franchise fees, licenses and permits, vehicle code fines, rents for use of facilities, motor vehicle license fee (in-lieu tax), Proposition 172 and County of Humboldt Measure Z public safety funds, Federal, State, and other grants restricted to specific purposes, investment income, and transfers from other funds.
6 DRAFT
2025-26 Budget Narrative City of
Blue Lake
City of Blue Lake 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets Special Revenue Funds - state gas and other transportation taxes along with State grants restricted to specific purposes such as: law enforcement, transportation and recycling. Principal and interest loan payments for CDBG loan program.

Water and Sewer Funds - charges for services, investment income, and other miscellaneous revenues.

Expenditure Categories
The primary expenditures for the City are as follows:

Salaries & Wages – compensation of City personnel.

Employee Benefits – all costs associated with City personnel benefits including payroll taxes, retirement, and various types of insurance.

Contracted Professional Services – all costs associated with contracted legal, engineering, planning, building official, audit, accounting, actuarial, and information technology services.

Other Contracted Services – all costs associated with contracted janitorial services, lab tests, public transit services, animal shelter services, law enforcement services, alarm services, and other services. Also, includes council stipends.

Insurance – general liability and property insurance.

Interest Expense – interest payments made from a proprietary fund. Interest payments related to a governmental fund are categorized as debt service.

Repairs & Maintenance – all costs associated with maintenance of facilities, equipment and vehicles.

Supplies – departmental, office and concession supplies.

Utilities – telephone, water, sewer, gas and electricity.

Other Expenses – advertising, postage, publications, subscriptions, fees, property taxes, liability claims, training, travel, and other expenses that are not included in the above categories.

Capital Outlay – all acquisitions or projects with a total cost of $5,000 or more and a life of one year or more.

Debt Service – principal and interest payments made from a governmental fund. 7 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 1,018,628
27,250 14,750
1,140,560
2,660 -
(121,932)
24,590 14,750
General Fund Power Creek District Fund CDBG Non-Program Income Fund General Funds Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 8 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 70,415
12,097
15,600
70,415
12,097
15,600
- - -
Highway Users Tax Fund TDA Street Fund TDA Purchased Transportation Fund Special Revenue Funds Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 9 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 12,480
185,771
13,081 10,769
170,159
13,081
1,711
15,612
-
AB-939 Sold Waste Reduction/Recycling
Fund
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services
Fund
Regional Surface Transportation Fund
Special Revenue Funds Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 10 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 5,300 5,300 5,000 5,000
- -
CDBG Program Income Holding Fund CDBG Program Income Fund Special Revenue Funds Budget Summary
Series1 Series2 Series3
11 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 598,092
8,000
704,117
-
(106,025)
8,000
Water Operating Fund Water Connection Fee Fund
Water Funds Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 12 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 550
12,195
-
12,195
550 -
Water Capital Repair and Replacement Reserve Fund Water Turbidity Reduction Facility Reserve Fund Water Funds Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 13 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 611,359
13,025
58,000
588,773
- -
22,586 13,025
58,000
Sewer Operating Fund Sewer Connnection Fee Fund Sewer Capital Repair and Replacement Reserve Fund
Sewer Funds Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 14 DRAFT
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 8,200 7,500
700
Dental and Vison Trust Fund
Trust Fund Budget Summary
Revenues/Transfers-In Expenditures/Transfers-Out Excess (Deficit) 15 DRAFT
City of Blue Lake
Budget Summary by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
General Fund (10)
Powers Creek
District Fund (36)
CDBG NonProgram Income
Fund (38)
Revenues and Transfers-In
Revenues 923,035 27,250 5,000
Transfers-In 95,593 - 9,750
Total Revenues and Transfers-In 1,018,628 27,250 14,750 Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Mayor and City Council 9,770 - -
Legal 100,000 - -
General Government 302,827 - -
Planning 53,494 - -
Building 26,712 - -
Law Enforcement 13,521 - -
Animal Control 11,039 - -
Public Works - Streets 121,227 - -
Park and Other Facilities 201,045 2,660 -
Recreation 300,925 - -
Dental & Vision Claims Paid-Out - - -
Housing and Business Development - - -
Public Safety - - -
Public Transit - - -
Recycling - - -
Water - - -
Sewer - - -
Capital Outlay - - -
Debt Repayment - - -
Transfers-Out - - -
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out 1,140,560 2,660 -
Excess (Deficit) (121,932) 24,590 14,750
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 784,421 (15,696) 65,344
Excess (Deficit) (121,932) 24,590 14,750
Capital Expenditures - Water & Sewer Funds Only - - -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 662,489 8,894 80,094
General Funds
16 DRAFT
City of Blue Lake
Budget Summary by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Revenues and Transfers-In
Revenues
Transfers-In
Total Revenues and Transfers-In
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Mayor and City Council
Legal
General Government
Planning
Building
Law Enforcement
Animal Control
Public Works - Streets
Park and Other Facilities
Recreation
Dental & Vision Claims Paid-Out
Housing and Business Development
Public Safety
Public Transit
Recycling
Water
Sewer
Capital Outlay
Debt Repayment
Transfers-Out
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Excess (Deficit)
Projected Fund Balance, July 1
Excess (Deficit)
Capital Expenditures - Water & Sewer Funds Only
Projected Fund Balance, June 30
Highway Users
Tax Fund (25)
TDA Street Fund
(30)
TDA Purchased
Transportation
Fund (31)
AB-939 Solid
Waste/Recycling
Fund (32)
Supplemental Law
Enforcement
Services Fund
(33)
Regional Surface
Transportation
Fund (34)
CDBG Program
Income Holding
Fund (42)
CDBG Program
Income Fund (44)
70,415 12,097 15,600 12,480 185,771 13,081 5,300 5,000
- - - - - - - -
70,415 12,097 15,600 12,480 185,771 13,081 5,300 5,000
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - 550 -
- - - - 170,159 - - -
- - 15,600 - - - - -
- - - 10,769 - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
70,415 12,097 - - - 13,081 4,750 5,000
70,415 12,097 15,600 10,769 170,159 13,081 5,300 5,000
- - - 1,711 15,612 - - -
28,183 - - - 7,438 - - 205,485
- - - 1,711 15,612 - - -
- - - - - - - -
28,183 - - 1,711 23,050 - - 205,485
Special Revenue Funds
17 DRAFT
City of Blue Lake
Budget Summary by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Revenues and Transfers-In
Revenues
Transfers-In
Total Revenues and Transfers-In
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Mayor and City Council
Legal
General Government
Planning
Building
Law Enforcement
Animal Control
Public Works - Streets
Park and Other Facilities
Recreation
Dental & Vision Claims Paid-Out
Housing and Business Development
Public Safety
Public Transit
Recycling
Water
Sewer
Capital Outlay
Debt Repayment
Transfers-Out
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Excess (Deficit)
Projected Fund Balance, July 1
Excess (Deficit)
Capital Expenditures - Water & Sewer Funds Only
Projected Fund Balance, June 30
Water Operating
Fund (60)
Water Connection
Fee Fund (61)
Water Capital
Repair and
Replacement
Reserve Fund (62)
Water Turbidity
Reduction Facility
Reserve Fund (64)
Sewer Operating
Fund (70)
Sewer Connection
Fee Fund (71)
Sewer Capital
Repair and
Replacement
Reserve Fund (72)
598,092 8,000 550 12,195 611,359 13,025 58,000
- - - - - - -
598,092 8,000 550 12,195 611,359 13,025 58,000
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
704,117 - - 12,195 - - -
- - - - 588,773 - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
704,117 - - 12,195 588,773 - -
(106,025) 8,000 550 - 22,586 13,025 58,000
243,081 218,097 14,649 (11,280) (139,209) 355,454 1,249,443 (106,025) 8,000 550 - 22,586 13,025 58,000
(30,000) - - - - - (180,000)
107,056 226,097 15,199 (11,280) (116,623) 368,479 1,127,443 Water Funds Sewer Funds
18 DRAFT
City of Blue Lake
Budget Summary by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Revenues and Transfers-In
Revenues
Transfers-In
Total Revenues and Transfers-In
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Mayor and City Council
Legal
General Government
Planning
Building
Law Enforcement
Animal Control
Public Works - Streets
Park and Other Facilities
Recreation
Dental & Vision Claims Paid-Out
Housing and Business Development
Public Safety
Public Transit
Recycling
Water
Sewer
Capital Outlay
Debt Repayment
Transfers-Out
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Excess (Deficit)
Projected Fund Balance, July 1
Excess (Deficit)
Capital Expenditures - Water & Sewer Funds Only
Projected Fund Balance, June 30
Trust Fund
Dental & Vision
Trust Fund (80)
8,200
-
8,200
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,500
700
38,700
700
-
39,400
19 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26
General Fund (Fund 10)
Property tax-secured 166,665 181,605 183,420
Property tax-unsecured 7,000 7,244 7,315
Property tax-supplemental 2,440 841 850
Property tax-prior years 530 474 480
Sales and use tax 161,735 164,870 164,870
Real property transfer tax 1,605 5,474 5,530
Transient occupancy tax 2,860 1,105 1,105
Interest and penalities on delinquent taxes 4,310 6,560 6,625 Total Taxes 347,145 368,173 370,195
Franchise fee - cable 12,440 12,194 12,195
Franchise fee - PG & E 17,845 24,427 24,430
Franchise fee - garbage 15,050 19,399 19,400
Business license taxes 18,115 20,074 20,075
Animal licenses and fees 895 1,476 1,480
Building permits and fees 17,339 25,760 20,000
Total Licenses, Permits, and Franchise Fees 81,684 103,330 97,580 Interest earned 27,157 22,992 17,245
Total Interest Income 27,157 22,992 17,245
Little League - 1,000 1,000.00
Resource center 5,285 11,389 11,390
Caretaker cabin 7,920 6,600 7,920
Park facilities 25,000 10,152 19,800
Other rents 1,200 - -
Total Rents 39,405 29,141 40,110

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Revenues
Taxes
Licenses, Permits, and Franchise Fees
Interest Income
Rents
20 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Motor vehicle in-lieu 124,370 131,595 131,595
Other State grants 1,501,000 1,501,000 35,000.00
Homeowners property tax relief 1,335 1,167 1,180
Vehicle code fines 44 - -
Prop 172 public safety 20,000 14,488 14,890
Miscellaneous grants 7,500 5,951 6,000
Total State, County, and Grant Revenues 1,654,249 1,654,201 188,665 Planning fees 36,300 19,439 20,000
Attorney fees 40 148 150
Public works fees 1,540 1,974 1,975
Adminstrative fees 12,040 3,067 3,070
Engineering fees 2,200 969 970
Other cost recovery fees 2,660 3,036 3,310
Total Current Service Charges 54,780 28,633 29,475
Skating and party fees 95,950 76,071 80,000
Games and vending machines 3,680 2,858 2,860
Summer recreation program 49,120 16,542 16,545
Parks and recreation fees 39,750 34,076 34,080
Concessions 19,320 17,306 17,310
Donations 2,670 65,000 25,000
Total Parks and Recreation Fees 210,490 211,853 175,795 Other revenues 4,285 4,085 3,970
Total Other Revenues 4,285 4,085 3,970
Parks and Recreation Fees
State, County, and Other Grant Revenues
Current Service Charges
Other Revenues
21 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Transfers from other funds 92,210 92,210 95,593
Total Transfers-In From Other Funds 92,210 92,210 95,593 Total Revenues and Transfers-In 2,511,405 2,514,618 1,018,628 Contracted professional services - 7,726 5,000
Other contracted services 3,000 3,607 3,560
Supplies 150 825 825
Other expenses 655 368 385
Total Mayor, Council, and City Clerk 3,805 12,526 9,770 Contracted professional services 5,100 44,013 100,000
Total Legal 5,100 44,013 100,000
Salaries and wages 73,216 91,462 96,954
Employee benefits 84,617 91,794 93,972
Contracted professional services 22,033 16,690 23,700
Other contracted services 16,460 15,357 15,367
Insurance 40,910 42,599 49,339
Repairs and maintenance 1,340 1,015 1,100
Supplies 6,675 4,822 5,035
Utilities 8,460 9,226 9,450
Other expenses 12,674 7,891 7,910
Total General Government 266,385 280,856 302,827
Salaries and wages - - 2,339
Employee benefits - - 270
Contracted professional services 55,030 72,637 50,670
Other expenses 315 212 215
Total Planning 55,345 72,849 53,494
Transfers-In From Other Funds
Expenditures
Mayor, Council, and City Clerk (Department 100)
Legal (Department 160)
General Government (Department 180)
Planning (Department 220)
22 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Salaries and wages 23,400 20,650 21,840
Employee benefits 2,602 2,334 2,522
Contracted professional services 490 65 65
Other contracted services 3,615 655 1,655
Supplies 900 353 370
Other expenses 265 236 260
Total Building 31,272 24,293 26,712
Employee benefits 12,190 11,796 12,471
Contracted professional services - 133 135
Other contracted services 12,227 12,597 915
Total Law Enforcement 24,417 24,526 13,521
Other contracted services 9,260 8,976 10,779
Supplies 285 108 110
Other expenses 136 - 150
Total Animal Control 9,681 9,084 11,039
Salaries and wages 39,884 40,285 49,305
Employee benefits 27,678 22,300 34,757
Contracted professional services 8,820 3,951 3,955
Other contracted services 165 982 250
Repairs and maintenance 4,410 5,634 5,640
Supplies 7,605 9,150 9,905
Utilities 19,273 15,686 16,230
Other expenses 471 1,078 1,185
Total Public Works - Streets 108,306 99,066 121,227
Building (Department 240)
Law Enforcement (Department 260)
Animal Control (Department 280)
Public Works - Streets (Department 320)
23 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Salaries and wages 69,706 58,359 83,622
Employee benefits 25,261 24,402 38,983
Contracted professional services 550 22 -
Other contracted services 11,750 4,027 3,965
Repairs and maintenance 22,200 13,215 3,220
Supplies 9,600 8,268 8,880
Utilities 45,746 49,565 51,180
Other expenses 6,575 11,181 11,195
Total Park Facilities 191,388 169,039 201,045
Salaries and wages 182,491 138,877 183,109
Employee benefits 37,146 30,659 47,321
Contracted professional services 100 - -
Other contracted services 17,500 14,585 15,490
Supplies 25,900 38,066 39,625
Utilities 2,600 3,194 3,195
Other expenses 13,350 10,734 12,185
Total Recreation 279,087 236,115 300,925
Capital outlay 1,529,666 1,519,187 -
Total Capital Outlay 1,529,666 1,519,187 -
Total Expenditures 2,504,452 2,491,554 1,140,560
Excess (Deficit) 6,953 23,064 (121,932)
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 784,421
Excess (Deficit) (121,932)
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 662,489
Park Facilities (Department 425)
Recreation (Department 445)
Capital Outlay (Department 900)
24 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Powers Creek District Fund (Fund 36)
Revenues
Rents 27,250 15,895 27,250
Other State grants 77,000 111,853 -
Interest earned 2,100 - -
Other cost recovery fees - 15,000 -
Total Revenues 106,350 142,748 27,250
Expenditures
Salaries and wages 3,000 - 1,601
Employee benefits 2,407 - 309
Repairs and maintenance 185 - 200
Supplies 50 - 50
Other expenses 725 - 500
Capital outlay 77,000 111,853 -
Total Expenditures 83,367 111,853 2,660
Excess (Deficit) 22,983 30,895 24,590
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 (15,696)
Excess (Deficit) 24,590
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 8,894
25 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDBG Non-Prgram Income Fund (Fund 38)
Interest earned 2,409 17,733 2,500
Loan payment revenue 2,500 26,718 2,500
Transfers from other funds 28,827 13,108 9,750
Total Revenues and Transfers-In 33,736 57,559 14,750
Expenditures
Loan principal repayment 23,500 38,691 -
Capital outlay - 71,436 -
Total Expenditures 23,500 110,127 -
Excess (Deficit) 10,236 (52,568) 14,750
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 65,344
Excess (Deficit) 14,750
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 80,094
Revenues and Transfers-In
26 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Highway Users Tax Fund (Fund 25)
Gas tax 68,596 69,725 69,725
Interest earned 1,638 690 690
Total Revenues 70,234 70,415 70,415
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Transfers to other funds 70,234 70,234 70,415
Total Expenditures and Transfer-Out 70,234 70,234 70,415 Excess (Deficit) - 181 -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 28,183
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 28,183
TDA Street Fund (Fund 30)
Transportation tax 12,040 12,040 12,040
Interest earned 220 57 57
Total Revenues 12,260 12,097 12,097
Transfers to other funds 21,933 12,097 12,097
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out 21,933 12,097 12,097 Excess (Deficit) (9,673) - -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 -
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 -
Revenues
Revenues
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
27 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
TDA Purchased Transportation Fund (Fund 31)
Revenues
Transportation tax 32,000 1,544 15,600
Total Revenues 32,000 1,544 15,600
Expenditures
Other contracted services 32,000 15,600 15,600
Total Expenditures 32,000 15,600 15,600
Excess (Deficit) - (14,056) -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 -
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 -
AB-939 Solid Waste/Recyling Fund (Fund 32)
Revenues
AB-939 tip fees 7,228 7,480 7,480
Other State grants 5,000 5,000 5,000
Interest earned 699 67 -
Total Revenues 12,927 12,547 12,480
Expenditures
Salaries and wages 10,684 6,500 4,811
Employee benefits 2,738 1,690 2,458
Supplies 4,000 197 500
Utilities 4,179 6,907 2,500
Other expenses 6,372 6,941 500
Total Expenditures 27,973 22,235 10,769
Excess (Deficit) (15,046) (9,688) 1,711
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 -
Excess (Deficit) 1,711
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 1,711
28 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (Fund 33)
Revenues
SLESF grant 162,763 185,271 185,271
Interest earned - 601 500
Total Revenues 162,763 185,872 185,771
Expenditures
Other contracted services 179,003 179,003 170,159
Total Expenditures 179,003 179,003 170,159
Excess (Deficit) (16,240) 6,869 15,612
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 7,438
Excess (Deficit) 15,612
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 23,050
Regional Surface Transportation Program Fund (Fund 34)
Revenues
RSTP grant 11,574 13,081 13,081
Total Revenues 11,574 13,081 13,081
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Transfer to other funds 19,033 13,081 13,081
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out 19,033 13,081 13,081 Excess (Deficit) (7,459) - -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 -
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 -
29 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDBG Program Income Holding Fund (Fund 42)
Loan payment revenue 20,404 4,735 5,000
Interest - CDBG loans 245 54 50
Interest earned 924 344 250
Total Revenues 21,573 5,133 5,300
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Salaries and wages 300 - 300
Employee benefits 160 - 150
Other contracted services 60 80 100
Transfers to other funds 21,053 5,053 4,750
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out 21,573 5,133 5,300 Excess (Deficit) - - -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 -
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 -
CDBG Non-Prgram Income Fund (Fund 44)
Interest earned 7,774 8,055 5,000
Total Revenues 7,774 8,055 5,000
Expenditures
Capital Outlay -
Transfers to other funds 7,774 8,055 5,000
Total Expenditures 7,774 8,055 5,000
Excess (Deficit) - - -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 205,485
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 205,485
Revenues
Revenues
30 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Water Fund (Fund 60)
Revenues
Water sales 568,205 542,334 564,027
Water late charges 10,336 8,699 8,700
Administrative fees 1,180 994 995
Services to others 1,898 4,910 4,910
Other cost recovery fees 1,755 111 115
Federal grant revenues - 36,013 -
Miscellaneous grants 3,750 384 2,500
Miscellaneous revenues 53 - -
Interest earned 29,614 16,843 16,845
Total Revenues 616,791 610,288 598,092
Expenditures and Transfers-Out
Salaries and wages 183,881 185,475 202,523
Employee benefits 119,863 119,811 126,946
Contracted professional services 26,893 55,901 24,634
Other contracted services 16,420 13,697 14,330
Insurance 18,958 22,283 23,828
Interest expense 299 299 150
Repairs and maintenance 6,765 22,983 20,000
Supplies 10,430 15,328 15,990
Utilities 246,522 226,961 259,401
Other expenses 14,825 30,394 16,315
Total Expenditures and Transfers-Out 644,856 693,132 704,117 Excess (Deficit) (28,065) (82,844) (106,025)
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 243,081
Excess (Deficit) (106,025)
Capital Expenditures (30,000)
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 107,056
31 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Water Connection Fee Fund (61)
Revenues
Interest earned 8,170 7,973 8,000
Total Revenues 8,170 7,973 8,000
Excess (Deficit) 8,170 7,973 8,000
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 218,097
Excess (Deficit) 8,000
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 226,097
Water Capital Reserve Fund (Fund 62)
Revenues
Interest earned 550 537 550
Total Revenues 550 537 550
Excess (Deficit) 550 537 550
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 14,649
Excess (Deficit) 550
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 15,199
Turbidity Reduction Facility Reserve Fund (Fund 64)
Turbidty reduction fees 13,015 8,207 12,195
Total Revenues and Transfers-In 13,015 8,207 12,195
Expenditures
Other expenses 13,015 11,800 12,195
Total Expenditures 13,015 11,800 12,195
Excess (Deficit) - (3,593) -
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 (11,280)
Excess (Deficit) -
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 (11,280)
Revenues and Transfers-In
32 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Sewer Fund (Fund 70)
Revenues
Sewer service charges 590,592 648,341 596,274
Sewer late charges 10,336 8,699 8,700
Public works fees 894 535 535
Administrative fees 1,178 1,196 1,195
Other cost recovery fees 1,754 2,153 2,155
Services to others - 3,200 -
Miscellaneous Grants 3,750 - 2,500
Miscellaneous revenues 52 - -
Interest earned 2,400 - -
Total Revenues and Transfers-In 610,956 664,124 611,359 Expenditures
Salaries and wages 195,462 198,185 212,391
Employee benefits 121,298 112,491 128,995
Contracted professional services 34,049 37,202 34,460
Other contracted services 24,785 25,218 28,350
Insurance 20,738 23,553 25,519
Repairs and maintenance 17,115 19,115 20,000
Supplies 13,690 15,930 17,785
Utilities 78,605 64,265 67,208
Other expenses 45,080 53,601 54,065
Total Expenditures 550,822 549,560 588,773
Excess (Deficit) 60,134 114,564 22,586
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 (139,209)
Excess (Deficit) 22,586
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 (116,623)
33 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Sewer Connection Fee Fund (Fund 71)
Revenues
Interest earned 13,025 12,709 13,025
Total Revenues 13,025 12,709 13,025
Excess (Deficit) 13,025 12,709 13,025
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 355,454
Excess (Deficit) 13,025
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 368,479
Sewer Capital Reserve Fund (Fund 72)
Revenues
Interest earned 56,545 55,218 58,000
Total Revenues 56,545 55,218 58,000
Expenditures
Other expenses - 3,787 -
Total Expenditures - 3,787 -
Excess (Deficit) 56,545 51,431 58,000
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 1,249,443
Excess (Deficit) 58,000
Capital Expenditures (180,000)
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 1,127,443
34 DRAFT
Budget 2024-25
Projected Actual
2024-25 Budget 2025-26

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Budget Detail by Fund
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Dental/Vision Trust Fund (Fund 80)
Revenues
Transfer of charges 7,661 6,432 6,750
Interest earned 1,517 1,409 1,450
Total Revenues 9,178 7,841 8,200
Expenditures
Other expenses 8,706 6,126 7,500
Total Expenditures 8,706 6,126 7,500
Excess (Deficit) 472 1,715 700
Projected Fund Balance, July 1 38,700
Excess (Deficit) 700
Projected Fund Balance, June 30 39,400
35 DRAFT
Water System Upgrades 30,000
Sewer Fund (Fund 72)
Sewer System Upgrades 30,000

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Capital Improvements Budget
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Water Fund (Fund 60)
36 DRAFT
FY 2025-26 Annual Adjustment Factors:

Price Factor (conversion to ratio):

6.44% = 1.0644
Population Factor (conversion to ratio):
-0.70% = 0.9930
Calculation of Annual Adjustment Factor:

Price Factor x Population Factor = 1.0644 x 0.9930 = 1.0569 FY 2025-26 Appropriations Limit Calculation:

FY 2025-26 Limit = FY 2024-25 Limit x Adjustment Factor FY 2025-26 Limit = $1,446,071 x 1.0569
FY 2025-26 Limit = $1,528,352
Estimated Appropriations Subject to the Gann Limit for FY 2025-26:

Proceeds of Taxes $ 512,367
Exclusions 0
Total Appropriations Subject to Limit $ 512,367
Current Limit $ 1,528,352
Under Limit $ 1,015,985
Annual Percent Growth in City of Blue Lake Population January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025 as provided by State of California Department of Finance:

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
ATTACHMENT “A” TO RESOLUTION NO. 1236
CALCULATION FOR DETERMINING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT Article XIII B of the California Constitution, adopted by Proposition 4 in November 1979, and amended in 1990 by Proposition 111, imposes restrictions on the amount of revenues that can be received and appropriated in a fiscal year (Gann Limit). Only revenues defined as “proceeds of taxes” are restricted by the limit. Generally, revenues restricted as to use, enterprise fund revenues, and charges for services not exceeding the cost of providing the service are not considered proceeds of taxes. Also, certain expenditures are considered exempt from the limit. During any fiscal year, a city may not appropriate any proceeds of taxes they receive in excess of their limit.

The appropriations limit is based on actual appropriations during the base year of 1978-79, and is adjusted each year using a price factor based on the growth in State per capita personal income and a population factor based on growth in the City's population. The appropriations limit must be adopted each year by resolution of the City Council.

Percent Growth in State Per Capita Personal Income as provided by State of California Department of Finance:
37 DRAFT
Position Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Level 8 Level 9 Level 10 Level 11 Level 12 Level 13 Public Works Superintendent (H) 25.14 25.89 26.67 27.47 28.30 29.14 30.02 30.92 31.85 32.80 33.79 34.80 35.84 Longevity Pay 25.62 26.39 27.18 28.00 28.84 29.70 30.60 31.51 32.46 33.43 34.44 35.47 36.53 Public Works Supervising Operator (H) 23.84 24.56 25.29 26.05 26.83 27.64 28.47 29.32 30.20 31.11 32.04 33.00 33.99 Longevity Pay 24.30 25.03 25.78 26.55 27.35 28.17 29.01 29.88 30.78 31.70 32.66 33.63 34.64 Public Works Operator (H) Maintenance Worker II, III (H) 19.56 20.15 20.75 21.37 22.01 22.68 23.36 24.06 24.78 25.52 26.29 27.08 27.89 Longevity Pay 19.94 20.53 21.15 21.78 22.44 23.11 23.80 24.52 25.25 26.01 26.79 27.60 28.42 Public Works Maint. Worker I, Recreation Coordinator 17.06 17.57 18.10 18.64 19.20 19.78 20.37 20.98 21.61 22.26 22.93 23.62 24.32 Longevity Pay 17.39 17.91 18.45 19.00 19.57 20.16 20.76 21.39 22.03 22.69 23.37 24.07 24.79 Park & Rec Director / Recycling (H), City Clerk 24.02 24.74 25.48 26.25 27.03 27.85 28.68 29.54 30.43 31.34 32.28 33.25 34.25 Longevity Pay 24.48 25.22 25.97 26.75 27.55 28.38 29.23 30.11 31.01 31.94 32.90 33.89 34.91 Office Assistant, Recreation Specialist I & II, Part Time and Temp. (H) 16.50 17.00 17.50 18.03 18.57 19.13 19.70 20.29 20.90 21.53 22.17 22.84 23.53 Longevity Pay 16.82 17.32 17.84 18.38 18.93 19.50 20.08 20.68 21.30 21.94 22.60 23.28 23.98 Administrative Accounting Specialist I/II, Assistant Recreation Director 19.77 20.36 20.97 21.60 22.25 22.92 23.61 24.31 25.04 25.80 26.57 27.37 28.19 Longevity Pay 20.15 20.75 21.38 22.02 22.68 23.36 24.06 24.78 25.53 26.29 27.08 27.89 28.73 Finance Manager / Deputy City Clerk 28.27 29.12 29.99 30.89 31.82 32.77 33.76 34.77 35.81 36.89 37.99 39.13 40.31 Longevity Pay 28.81 29.68 30.57 31.49 32.43 33.40 34.41 35.44 36.50 37.60 38.72 39.88 41.08 Acting City Manager (temporary) 35.81 36.89 37.99 39.13 40.31 41.52 42.76 44.04 45.37 46.73 48.13 49.57 51.06 Longevity Pay 36.50 37.60 38.72 39.88 41.08 42.31 43.58 44.89 46.24 47.62 49.05 50.52 52.04 Contract Positions:

Weekend or Holiday Rounds = $125/Day
Weekly On-Call = $120.00
Holiday On-Call-$120 & 8 hrs. CTE
Call Outs = $120.00 per each Call Out
Building Official (Contract) = $70.00 per hour
City of Blue Lake
Salary Plan - Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Approved by City Council 5/13/25
Public Works - Rounds/On-Call/Call-Outs
City Manager (Contract) = $90,000.00 per year-Effective Date March 17, 2025 38 DRAFT
Item #: 15
Date: June 24, 2025
Item Subject: HCSO Animal Control Contract
Submitted By: Dani Burkhart – Acting City Manager
General Information:

HCSO has provided a contract for council to review for providing Animal Control services to the City of Blue Lake (this is in addition to existing Law Enforcement and Animal Shelter contracts). The contract outlines services rendered for an annual cost of $9597 paid in monthly installments. Services to commence July 1, 2025 and contract to expire June 30, 2029.

On June 10, 2025, council directed staff to bring this item back for further discussion so answers could be obtained to questions submitted to the Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart.

Background Material Provided: Draft Animal Control Services Contract from HCSO Fiscal Impact: Will result in a $9597 increase to the FY25/26 Budget.

Recommended Action: Review contract, receive answers and direct staff on how to move forward.

Review Information:

City Manager Review: ☒ Legal Review: ☐ Planner Review: ☐ Engineer: ☐ Comments:

City of Blue Lake
City Council Meeting Agenda Report
1 City of Blue Lake
Contract
Agreement to Provide Animal Control Services Within the City of Blue Lake
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this ___ day of __________ 2025 by and between the County of Humboldt, a political subdivision of the State of California (hereinafter called "COUNTY"), and the City of Blue Lake, a municipal corporation in the County of Humboldt (hereinafter called "CITY").

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority provided in the Government Code, CITY and COUNTY desire to contract for COUNTY, through Sheriff, to perform animal control services within the CITY.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES MUTUALLY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Basic Term. The term or this AGREEMENT shall commence July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2029, unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section

20. 2. The basic level of services to be provided shall be at a level not less than that provided by the Sheriff Office Animal Control Division in adjacent areas of the COUNTY, including related back-up and auxiliary services.

Personnel shall be supported by an appropriate number of Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division supervisory and management personnel, as deemed necessary by the COUNTY. This service will include regular, random patrol, as available, of the City of Blue Lake during normal hours of service for assigned animal control personnel.

3. The animal control services to be provided by the COUNTY to the CITY within the CITY 's incorporated area shall include:

A. Enforcement of State Statutes
B. Investigation of animal control related crimes
C. Seizure of animals pursuant to legal authority
D. Enforcement of city ordinances relating to animal control The Sheriff shall not be required to assume any enforcement duty or function 2 inconsistent with those performed by the Sheriff under the ordinances of the COUNTY and the statutes of the State of California.

4. The Sheriff shall give prompt consideration to all requests of the City Manager regarding the delivery of animal control services, including staffing assignments, and make every reasonable effort to comply with requests consistent with good animal control practices and other provisions of this AGREEMENT. To facilitate the timely exchange of such information between the CITY and the COUNTY, the Parties hereto shall meet from time to time to discuss performance issues under this AGREEMENT and the attendees shall include the City Manager, the Operations Division Commander, the McKinleyville Station Lieutenant, and a designated city council member.

5. For the purposes of performing services and functions pursuant to this AGREEMENT, and only to give official status to such performance, every COUNTY Deputy or employee shall be deemed to be an ex-officio officer of the CITY while engaged in performing any such service or function which is a municipal function falling within the scope of this AGREEMENT.

6. The CITY shall have the right to discuss with the COUNTY issues of concern related to matters covered under this AGREEMENT. However, the manner or rendition of services, the standard of performance, the discipline of employees and other matters incident to the performance of services, including control of personnel so employed, shall remain under the exclusive control of the Sheriff. The Sheriff shall, however, give consideration to requests of the City Manager, which may relate to the performance of services under this AGREEMENT. In the event of a dispute between the parties as to the duties and functions to be rendered or the manner of their performance, determinations by the Sheriff shall be final and conclusive as between the parties.

7. COUNTY shall provide the necessary supplies, equipment services and materials required for performing its duties under this AGREEMENT, including vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fuel and replacements.

8. At the time of execution of this AGREEMENT, the charge to the CITY for the services and functions to be performed by the COUNTY at the level of service agreed upon by the CITY is outlined in Exhibit A – Charges for Services. The total cost charged to the CITY does not include expenses attributable to services or facilities normally provided to all cities within the COUNTY as part of enforcement duties and functions performed by the Sheriff under the ordinances and regulations of the COUNTY and the statutes of the State of California.

9. The CITY shall render to COUNTY one-fourth of the annual charges on a quarterly basis payable on the following dates: first (1st) payment due October 1, second (2nd) payment due January 1, third (3rd) payment due April 1, and fourth (4th) payment due July 1. The COUNTY shall, 30 days prior to the 3 payment due date, provide to the CITY an invoice which will reflect the amount due by CITY for services rendered by COUNTY under this AGREEMENT during the previous quarter. If such payment is not received by COUNTY within thirty (30) days of the due date, COUNTY shall be entitled to recover interest at a rate of seven (7%) percent per annum and the COUNTY may terminate this AGREEMENT immediately, and without any further notice take such steps as may be necessary to enforce payment.

10. The CITY, its officers and employees, shall not assume by this AGREEMENT any liability for the direct payment of any salary, wages, or other compensation to any officer or employee of COUNTY that is performing services hereunder for the CITY , or for any other liability other than that provided for in this AGREEMENT.

11. CITY shall hold harmless, defend and indemnify COUNTY and its agents, officers, officials, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, liabilities, expenses and costs of any kind or nature, including, without limitation, attorney fees and other costs of litigation, arising out of, or in connection with, COUNTY’s performance of, or failure to comply with, any of the obligations contained herein, except such loss or damage which was caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of COUNTY.

The CITY and its insurer, or self-insured pool, shall provide evidence of general and automobile liability insurance with limits no less than $2,000,000.00 per occurrence. The CITY shall provide an endorsement from its insurer or selfinsured pool naming the County of Humboldt, its officials, employees, and volunteers as additional insured.

12. Effect of Insurance. Acceptance of insurance, if required by this AGREEMENT, does not relieve either COUNTY or CITY from liability under this provision.

This provision shall apply to all claims for damages related to the services performed pursuant to the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT regardless if any insurance is applicable or not. The insurance policy limits set forth herein shall not act as a limitation upon the amount of indemnification or defense to be provided by either county hereunder.

13. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES: It is understood that this AGREEMENT is by and between two (2) government entities and is not intended to, and shall not be construed to, create the relationship of agent, servant, employee, partnership, joint venture or any other similar association.

14. It is expressly understood between the parties to this AGREEMENT that no employer/employee relationship is intended; the relationship of COUNTY to CITY being that of an independent contractor and CITY and COUNTY retain sole and independent liability for the actions of the employees of each. 4 15. CITY, through its City Manager, shall have access to non-privileged and nonconfidential reports and other documents pertaining to the services provided hereunder and within the scope of the Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.).

16. All work performed hereunder is subject to limitations of Section 23008 of the Government Code or the State of California, and in accordance therewith, before any work is performed or services rendered pursuant hereto, an amount equal to the cost to the CITY must be reserved by the CITY from its funds to ensure payment for work, service, or materials provided by COUNTY hereunder.

17. COMPLIANCE WITH NUCLEAR FREE ORDINANCE: In recognition of the Humboldt County Nuclear Free Ordinance, the CITY certifies by its signature below that it is not a nuclear weapons contractor, in that CITY is not knowingly or intentionally engaged in the research, development, production or testing of nuclear warheads, nuclear weapons systems or nuclear weapons components as defined by the Nuclear Free Ordinance in Humboldt County. CITY agrees to notify COUNTY via HCSO immediately if it becomes a nuclear weapons provider, as defined above. CITY acknowledges that, per the terms of the Humboldt County Nuclear Free Ordinance, COUNTY via HCSO may immediately terminate this AGREEMENT if it determines that the foregoing certification is false or if CITY becomes a nuclear weapons provider.

18. Either party may terminate this contract upon sixty (60) days written notice, which notice shall take effect at the end of the sixty (60) day notice period.

Compensation shall be prorated for the fiscal quarter in which the termination occurs.

19. Notices given to parties under this AGREEMENT shall be deemed given when personally delivered or sent and delivered by United States certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested and addressed as follows:

TO THE COUNTY TO THE CITY
Office of the Sheriff Office of the City Manager
Humboldt County Sheriff City of Blue Lake
826 4th Street PO Box 458
Eureka, CA 95501 Blue Lake, CA 95525

20. No waiver with respect to one covenant, term or condition shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any other covenant, term, or condition herein, or a waiver of any prior or subsequent failure to perform such covenant, term, or condition.

21. The provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon and shall inure to 5 the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective governing boards, successors, assigns, and legal representatives.

22. This AGREEMENT contains all agreements of the parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein. No prior agreement or understanding pertaining to any such matter shall be given effect, and this AGREEMENT may only be amended by a writing signed by the parties.

23. The invalidity of any provision of this AGREEMENT as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

24. Each person executing this AGREEMENT on behalf of the CITY represents and warrants that he or she is authorized by the CITY to execute and deliver this AGREEMENT on behalf of the CITY and that this AGREEMENT is binding on the CITY in accordance with its terms and provisions.

25. The parties hereto agree that the provisions of this AGREEMENT will be construed pursuant to the laws of the State of California. To the extent permitted by law, venue for any legal proceeding involving this AGREEMENT shall be in the courts of Humboldt County, California.

26. Time is hereby expressly declared to be of the essence or this AGREEMENT and each and every provision herein.

27. This AGREEMENT, and any amendments hereto, may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to be one (1) and the same agreement. This AGREEMENT, and any amendments hereto, may be signed by manual or electronic signatures in accordance with any and all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and standards, and such signatures shall constitute original signatures for all purposes. A signed copy of this AGREEMENT, and any amendments hereto, transmitted by email or by other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original executed copy of this AGREEMENT and any amendments hereto.

28. Each person executing this AGREEMENT represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized and has legal authority to execute and deliver this AGREEMENT. Each party represents and warrants to the other that the execution and delivery of this AGREEMENT and the performance of such party’s obligations hereunder have been duly authorized.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, CITY by resolution or other official action duly adopted by its council caused this AGREEMENT to be subscribed by its Mayor and attested by its 6 Clerk, and the COUNTY, by order of its Board of Supervisors, has caused this contract to be subscribed by the Chairman and the seal of said Board to be affixed thereto and attested by the Clerk of said Board on the day and year first hereinabove written.

ATTEST: ATTEST:

City Clerk Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: By:

APPROVED AS TO CONTENT AND

RECOMMENDED
By: By: City Manager Willliam F. Honsal, Sheriff City of Blue Lake County of Humboldt By: By: Mayor Michelle Bushnell, Chair City of Blue Lake Board of Supervisors County of Humboldt

APPROVED AS TO FORM
By: By: City Attorney Office of County Counsel City of Blue Lake County of Humboldt By:

Risk Manager
County of Humboldt
7 Exhibit A – Charges for Services
Annual Computation:

The Sheriff’s Office (“SO”) shall prepare an annual computation utilizing the prior fiscal year’s financial data and present the computation to the CITY Manager and designated CITY council member by email on or before February 15th of each year. In the event the SO is unable to provide the computation by February 15th due to delays in the annual financial data being completed, then the CITY Manager and designated council member will be notified by email of an updated timeline.

The CITY shall have fourteen (14) days from date of delivery of the computation email to notify the SO if a meeting is needed to discuss the updated charges for services or if the new computed amount is acceptable.

Provided a meeting is needed to review and discuss the charges, both the CITY and SO shall make every effort to meet and confer with the intent to finalize the new rate by March 30th, so that both parties can plan accordingly for their annual budget. The participants in the meeting to review the charges for services shall include the City Manager, a designated city council member, the SO Operations Division Commander, and the SO Finance Director.

For the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the CITY and SO have met and agreed that the charges for services rate will be $799.75 per month for a total of $9,597.00 for fiscal year (FY) 2025-26.

For all subsequent fiscal years, the new rate shall be agreed to by both parties by an amendment to the agreement effective July 1st of each year.

Methodology for the Annual Computation:

The SO shall use the following methodology for assessing the charges for services for the CITY.

A) The SO will calculate its Total Net Expenses to provide Animal Control Services to the county. The methodology for calculating Total Net Expenses for Animal Control Services is as follows:
1) The below SO charges shall NOT be included in the Total Net Expenses:
• Internal Service Fund Information Technology Charges
• Internal Service Fund Purchasing & Disposition Charges • Internal Service Fund ADA Charges
• Internal Service Fund Communications/Radio Infrastructure Charges • COUNTY General Liability, Property, or Bond Insurance • COUNTY Cost Plan Charges (aka A87 Charges)
• Fixed Assets
8 • Grants
2) The below SO charges shall be included in the Total Net Expenses:
• The direct expenses for the Animal Control division.
• 20% of the salary and benefits of the Animal Shelter/Control Manager. • Interfund Expenditures. These are charges to the SO from other county departments (i.e. Public Works) for direct services and/or supplies for the Animal Control division.
• The SO Indirect Costs that are allocated to Animal Control will be included. As of FY2024-25 the SO indirect cost centers include the following:

Administration Operations Command Team
Backgrounds/Recruitment Training
Main Station (through its allocation to
Admin, Training, and Operations
Command Team)
3) Revenue for Animal Licenses, Dog Pound-Impound Fees will NOT be included in Total Net Expenses since this revenue is charged by each jurisdiction for their residents.

B) The CITY will pay its pro-rata share of the Total Net Expenses based on population. 1) Data from the US Census 2020 will be used for calculating population and is as follows:

2) The City of Trinidad has a US Census 2020 population of 307. Trinidad has a higher proportion of short term rentals compared to other incorporated cities in our area and therefore Trinidad has agreed to a population adjustment of an additional 120 to account for this. That brings the total remaining population covered by the 9 SO to 73,921 resulting in the below pro-rata share for each contract city currently using Animal Control services.

Blue Lake City CouncilJune 24, 2025

Blue Lake City Council
June 24, 2025