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, June 24, 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 6:30 p.m. 2 3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: [0:07 Part 1]
4 5 ESTABLISH A QUORUM OF THE COUNCIL: [0:23 Part 1]
6 COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani, Council 7 Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Council Member Kat Napier 8 COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
9 STAFF PRESENT: Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart, City Attorney Ryan Plotz, Planner Gary 10 Rees, Deputy Clerk Laura McClenagan and Videographer Justin Goad 11 12 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: [0:07 Part 1]
13 Motion: [0:43 Part 1] To approve the agenda.
14 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
15 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso,
16 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
17 18 MATTERS TIME-CERTAIN: [0:58 Part 1] 6:40 p.m. Receive Presentation from Eric Keller19 Heckman of Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA) 20 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso requested a presentation from Eric Keller-Heckman, 21 Executive Director of the Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA), to provide an 22 update on current solid waste operations, regulatory requirements, and anticipated impacts to 23 the City of Blue Lake.
24 Presentation Summary
25 Eric Keller-Heckman provided an overview of HWMA’s role, Blue Lake’s membership, and 26 upcoming state mandates affecting solid waste, recycling, and organics collection. He discussed 27 key legislation including AB 341 (mandatory commercial recycling), AB 1826 (mandatory 28 organics collection), and SB 1383 (short-lived climate pollutants/food waste). He noted that 29 Blue Lake currently holds a low population density waiver, extended through January 1, 2027, 30 and that future compliance will likely require mandatory curbside collection for all residents 31 and businesses, with associated service and cost impacts. 32 33
34 35
36 Council Questions & Comments
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 37 • Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asked what current or upcoming legislative 38 actions residents should be aware of, and requested clarification on hauling and 39 transportation options in Blue Lake, including whether the City has flexibility beyond its 40 current franchise hauler.
41 • Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked whether “mandatory” collection would require all 42 residents and businesses to subscribe to curbside pickup services. 43 • Mayor John Sawatzky asked whether mandatory participation would apply to all 44 residents and businesses, not just City operations.
45 • Council Member Kat Napier asked about container sizes for organics and food waste 46 collection, and requested a general estimate of potential rate increases compared to 47 current monthly trash and recycling costs.
48 49 Responses from HWMA
50 Eric Keller-Heckman responded that:
51 • State law ultimately requires jurisdictions to adopt mandatory collection ordinances if 52 they are not already in place; CalRecycle may enforce compliance if local action is not 53 taken.
54 • Mandatory requirements would apply to all residents, businesses, and multi-family 55 dwellings.
56 • Blue Lake’s current franchise hauler model is typical for small jurisdictions; while other 57 haulers exist countywide, multiple franchise haulers are generally not feasible due to 58 economies of scale.
59 • Exact cost impacts cannot be estimated without reviewing the City’s franchise agreement 60 and service routes; however, standardizing container sizes (commonly 96-gallon carts) 61 may help control costs.
62 • Food waste typically comprises approximately 30–33% of the waste stream, though this 63 varies significantly between residential and commercial users. 64 • Residents would likely use combined green waste/organics carts, while businesses would 65 be evaluated individually based on space and waste generation. 66 • While much waste is currently processed outside the county, HWMA’s long-term goal is 67 to increase in-county composting capacity.
68 • Blue Lake remains under a valid SB 1383 waiver through January 1, 2027, and no 69 additional legislative extensions are currently anticipated. 70 71 Public Comment – HWMA Presentation: [24:29 Part 1] 72 • Unidentified speaker expressed concern that mandatory waste collection could be
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 73 financially burdensome for low-income residents and questioned its feasibility. 74 • Unidentified speaker asked whether trash and recycling are actually processed 75 separately or combined after collection.
76 • Unidentified speaker commented on agricultural practices, backyard composting, and 77 permaculture, and asked how these activities would be accommodated under mandatory 78 organics requirements.
79 • Linda Cooley raised concerns regarding fossil fuel use for hauling, hauling distances, 80 increased costs to businesses, and where green waste and food compost would be 81 processed.
82 • Julie Christie commented on rural exemptions and waiver processes, suggested the City 83 may qualify for opt-out provisions, emphasized community-based waste reduction 84 practices, and encouraged broader public engagement on solid waste policy decisions. 85 86 Clarifications
87 Eric Keller-Heckman clarified that:
88 • Trash and recycling are collected and processed separately; 89 • Jurisdictions may include opt-out provisions for residents who self-manage composting 90 or use alternative methods;
91 • A portion of green waste is currently processed in-county, with expansion planned in the 92 future.
93 94 Public comments and council discussion are summarized to reflect topics addressed. 95 Video recordings and timestamps constitute the verbatim record. 96 97 PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: [34:33 Part 1] 98 Comment by Dave Ponte: Expressed concern that a “toxic situation” in a small 99 community has escalated due to one individual’s actions; stated concern about the 100 closed session item regarding alleged Brown Act violations; referenced an ongoing 101 recall effort; asserted that threats and violence undermine democratic participation 102 and requested the City address safety and accountability. 103 Comment by Terri Bayles: Expressed concern about potential litigation costs; 104 emphasized that council service is volunteer public service and that new members 105 often learn publicly; stated that the City Clerk and City Attorney should help prevent 106 procedural missteps to reduce liability; stated she did not believe a Brown Act violation 107 occurred based on what she had reviewed; encouraged more constructive conduct. 108 Comment by Adelene Jones: Acknowledged council is newer and emphasized
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 109 seriousness of allegations; stated that residents may raise concerns when they believe 110 wrongdoing exists; encouraged taking the claim seriously and reviewing it with the City 111 Attorney; referenced her experience as Mayor and stated litigation is significant and 112 merits careful review.
113 Comment by Don Bentar: Stated his view that the Brown Act was not violated based on 114 his reading; encouraged careful review of the law, especially for small jurisdictions; 115 expressed support for the current council as elected; suggested community focus on 116 moving forward and reducing conflict.
117 Comment by Barbara Russell: Expressed that current council openness creates 118 opportunities; urged community to stop “bullying” and support council; stated recall 119 activity is harmful and contributes to a toxic environment; encouraged unity and 120 collaboration.
121 Comment by Rebecca Collins: Stated it is the City Clerk’s role to advise council during 122 meetings if Brown Act concerns arise; stated she has seen current staff provide such 123 guidance and did not observe that in earlier years; raised questions about prior clerk 124 capacity and practices.
125 Comment by Beckie Thornton-Raygoza: Agreed with most prior speakers but disputed 126 one; asserted prior councils/administration had Brown Act violations; stated she has 127 not observed violations by current council; stated videos exist documenting prior 128 concerns.
129 Staff Reminder: Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reminded the public that 130 comments should address the agenda item and not be used to target individuals. 131 Comment by Julie Christie: Thanked staff for the reminder; stated she was not present 132 to “tit for tat”; stated her view that the closed session item is unwarranted; stated she 133 holds current council, prior councils, and staff to consistent standards; stated she 134 believes the City Attorney is the appropriate party to determine the legal merits; 135 encouraged council to deliberate with counsel and expressed confidence in a 136 straightforward conclusion.
137 Motion: [45:43 Part 1] To move into closed session. 138 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
139 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso,
140 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
141
142
143
144 REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION/OPEN SESSION: [0:00 Part 2]
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 145 City Attorney Ryan Plotz reported that, during closed session regarding potential exposure to 146 litigation, the Council unanimously directed the City Attorney’s office to prepare and send a 147 written response to Mr. Ricca within the 30-day statutory period. The report out stated that, 148 based on counsel’s analysis of the alleged violations identified in the cure-and-correct 149 demand, the City will provide a detailed response describing why the allegations lack legal 150 merit and that the City substantially complied with the Brown Act. 151
152 ADOPT PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: [1:03 Part 2] 153 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso:
154 • Identified header/date inconsistencies (regular vs. special meeting designations) and 155 requested corrections within the minutes.
156 • Noted minor typos and misspellings (e.g., names, “Mayor” appearing as “Major,” 157 spelling variations).
158 • Thanked Deputy Clerk Laura McClenagan for detailed work and expressed a preference 159 for more streamlined minutes (summary-style with emphasis on actions and votes), 160 with reliance on video/timestamps for verbatim detail where available. 161 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart confirmed the header/date issue had been identified 162 (noting multiple calls received about it).
163 Council Member Kat Napier noted the spelling of Dave Feral (F-E-R-A-L) and referenced prior 164 counsel advice that a more outline/streamlined approach is generally preferred, with the 165 video record available for deeper context.
166 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani stated she prepared notes on corrections for one set of minutes; 167 expressed mixed feelings—valuing detail but recognizing volume can be overwhelming; 168 highlighted usefulness of video timestamps.
169 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani stated timestamps help the public locate discussion even if 170 videos are not directly linkable.
171
172 PUBLIC COMMENT: [7:11 Part 2]
173 Comment by Adelene Jones: Suggested simplifying by listing names of public 174 commenters and relying on video for exact wording; referenced past clerk workload 175 challenges.
176 Comment by Rebecca Collins: Supported streamlining but cautioned that minutes are 177 the enduring legal record; expressed concern about long-term accessibility of 178 technology/video; recommended capturing whether speakers were generally in 179 favor/opposed and preserving council deliberation.
180 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso noted attendance counts are difficult without a
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 181 sign-in sheet and may not be reflected accurately.
182 Comment by Lynn Glenn: Shared concern about relying on video as a permanent 183 record; asked who maintains recordings and how long-term preservation would work. 184 Comment by Julie Christie: Recommended approving minutes that can be corrected 185 tonight and bringing back those needing more edits; noted council workload and the 186 reality of large “clumps” of minutes.
187 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked whether anyone reviewed June 10 minutes. 188 Council Member Kat Napier provided a specific correction: spelling of Wiyot. 189 Motion: [45:43 Part 2] To approve the minutes from May 19, 2025, May 21, 2025, May 20, 190 and June 10, 2025, with the corrections noted and the amendments to the names. 191 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
192 Second by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
193 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
194
195 PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: [12:44 Part 2]
196 Comment by TJ Lynch: Thanked planning/building staff for assistance with an ADA 197 ramp permit; stated family concerns about prior public interactions; encouraged 198 professionalism in public-facing interactions; questioned permitting consistency for 199 temporary structures; requested council consider censure/removal of two Public Safety 200 Commission members (identified as Ricca and Jones) based on alleged bias and 201 statements at the March 3, 2025 Public Safety Commission meeting; urged improved 202 civil discourse.
203 Comment by Adelene Jones: Referenced prior night’s council vote related to power 204 transmission; advocated for demolition of a “dangerous former power structure” and 205 requested alternatives if demolition is not pursued; stated she is not leading a recall but 206 is one of several concerned residents; thanked current commissioners; referenced prior 207 Parks & Recreation meeting; advocated for Powers Creek District as appropriate for 208 affordable housing and asked for other feasible sites. 209 Comment by Barbara Russell: Asked about “zero-waste city” concept; expressed view 210 that power plant buildings could be repurposed and should be made safe; stated 211 interest in alternative uses that create jobs; noted contact with Redwood Energy 212 Authority and suggested the City may have options besides sale; offered assistance. 213 Comment by Marty Granger: Proposed dissolving the Arts & Heritage Commission to 214 reduce staff burden and broaden community participation through open calls for 215 creative contributions (logos, flyers, naming); stated other commissions are more 216 objective/goal-oriented while arts can be community-sourced.
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 217 Comment by Ron Hill: Introduced himself as a general engineer/electrical utility 218 contractor; stated he developed decommissioning strategies and plans in late 219 2023/early 2024 for Blue Lake Power Plant owners; offered to meet with council to 220 negotiate a path forward including removal, remediation, and potential 221 sale/repurposing of equipment; stated owners are interested in starting soon. 222 Comment by Julie Christie: Provided Zoom audio feedback and suggested a conference 223 speaker for improved in-room audio; raised ventilation concerns; expressed support for 224 current council and encouraged community consensus-building; invited community 225 engagement; referenced upcoming community events and encouraged planning. 226 Comment by Beckie Thornton-Raygoza: Cited municipal code language regarding 227 “special event” permitting and expressed concern that recall signature gathering under 228 a tent/table may require a permit; stated lawful picketing is an exception; asserted 229 “soliciting” is restricted under special event permits unless allowed; urged 230 clarification/enforcement.
231 Comment by Alex Ricca: Requested a copy of the closed session report-out/written 232 response; asked Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart to notify him when the written 233 response is ready.
234
235 CONSENT AGENDA: WARRANTS AND DISBURSEMENTS: [30:48 Part 2] 236 Motion: [45:43 Part 1] To move approve the consent agenda. 237 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
238 Second by: Council Member Kat Napier
239 Public Comment: None Received
240 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
241
242 CONSIDER ACCEPTING TRIPEPI SMITH’S RECRUITMENT PROPOSAL FOR CITY MANAGER: [31:44 243 Part 2]
244 Staff/Legal Presentation
245 City Attorney Ryan Plotz summarized the Tripepi Smith proposal, including methodology, 246 scope, and cost structure; described $15,000 recruitment scope plus estimated $2,500 247 expenses; noted excluded steps from a larger proposal; recommended use of City consulting 248 agreement and consideration of an ad hoc committee; stated work could begin upon signed 249 agreement.
250 Council Questions & Discussion
251 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso asked about payment schedule and counsel’s 252 assessment of pricing/value compared to other recruitments.
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 253 City Attorney Ryan Plotz stated $15,000 is lower than many searches; described familiarity with 254 Humboldt region as a benefit; stated expectation of a retainer and monthly invoicing (described 255 as time-and-materials).
256 Mayor John Sawatzky asked whether there is any guarantee of candidate retention/placement. 257 City Attorney Ryan Plotz clarified it is recruitment (not placement), with no guarantee of 258 successful recruitment/retention.
259 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart raised concern about affordability and requested direction 260 on where funds would come from given limited budget flexibility. 261 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani stated council would review financial options during the budget 262 discussion.
263 Public Comment
264 Barbara Russell: Suggested ICMA as a resource for locating qualified managers and professional 265 networks.
266 Adelene Jones: Raised concerns about costs and prior staffing decisions; noted cautionary 267 advice from Fort Jones mayor about hiring practices; urged careful screening. 268 Julie Christie: Requested contract review (including indemnification/accountability); supported 269 moving forward but urged relieving burden on Acting City Manager; suggested interim/part270 time support as an option. 271 Councilmember Statements
272 Council Member Kat Napier expressed strong support based on prior experience with the firm; 273 offered to serve on an ad hoc committee.
274 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso expressed interest in an ad hoc but recommended 275 pausing for further review of alternatives and temporary options before committing funds. 276 Mayor John Sawatzky asked about additional fees beyond scope; City Attorney noted potential 277 added hourly costs if additional services requested. 278 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani described RCEA recruitment experience and benefits of the firm. 279
280 Motion: [57:59 Part 2] To table this item until after the budget discussion. 281 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
282 Second by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
283 Public Comment: None Received [58:43 Part 2]
284 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
285
286
287
288 RESPONSE TO HCD LETTER: [59:00 Part 2]
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 289 Planner Gary Rees summarized HCD’s request to accelerate both housing element adoption 290 and rezoning timeline by 1–2 months; requested direction for response. 291 Mayor John Sawatzky asked whether HCD offers legal services/advice; Planner stated HCD 292 provides technical assistance.
293 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked about cycle timing and potential upcoming changes; 294 Planner stated laws frequently change and allocations are expected to be higher; referenced 295 upcoming HCAOG meeting on RHNA methodology.
296 Public Comment
297 Adelene Jones: Supported adjusting timeline; stated state challenges typically unsuccessful; 298 supported targeting additional units (40–45).
299 Julie Christie: Urged due diligence and special meeting for deeper discussion; expressed 300 frustration with prior process; encouraged continued outreach to HCD. 301 Council Direction / Timeline Discussion
302 Council discussed moving both items earlier; Planner confirmed December 15 would satisfy 303 requested acceleration; requested authorization to seek clarification from HCD on whether 304 submitting the electronic sites inventory locks the City into the current inventory. 305 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani granted general support for staff to seek clarifications as needed. 306
307 Motion: [1:10:38 Part 2] to make the deadline for submission of the housing element update 308 and program HI14 to December 15, 2025.
309 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
310 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
311 Public Comment: None Received
312 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
313
314 COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS – Arts & Heritage: [1:11:07 Part 2] 315 Barbara Russell addressed council; stated willingness to serve or participate less formally if 316 needed.
317 • Q (Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso): What brings you passion? 318 A (Russell): Arts/heritage foster creativity, understanding, and community solutions. 319 • Q (Mayor John Sawatzky): Interest in economic development and overlap? 320 A (Russell): Arts and small business support overlap; creativity strengthens community 321 resilience.
322 • Q (Council Member Kat Napier): Interest in music? 323 A (Russell): Values music; enjoys singing; believes arts broadly connect community. 324 Public Comment:
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 325 • Adelene Jones: Encouraged diverse viewpoints and dialogue. 326 • Julie Christie: Supported application if commission viability confirmed; valued applicant 327 engagement.
328 Motion – Appoint Barbara Russell: [1:17:59 Part 2]
329 • Moved by: Council Member Kat Napier
330 • Seconded by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
331 • Result: Consensus (4/0)
332 Ruah Phillips introduced herself and qualifications; emphasized community engagement and 333 increasing public participation.
334 • Q (Council Member Kat Napier): Views on music/community fabric? 335 A (Phillips): Supported multiple forms of arts including music, poetry jams, festivals, and 336 public events.
337 • Comment (Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso): Welcomed applicant; noted 338 collaborative “builder’s approach.”
339 • Q (Mayor John Sawatzky): Proudest qualification/project? 340 A (Phillips): Completed a Humboldt plein air anthology independently despite major 341 obstacles.
342 Public Comment:
343 • Adelene Jones: Supported appointment; thanked applicant for dedication. 344 Motion – Appoint Ruah Phillips: [1:25:41 Part 2]
345 • Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
346 • Seconded by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
347 • Result: Consensus (4/0)
348
349 STRETCH BREAK:
350
351 FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET UPDATE: [0:05 Part 3]
352 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart presented draft budget; noted uncertainty regarding 353 supplemental law enforcement funding timing; identified budget pressures and multiple fund 354 considerations; described operational and revenue assumptions across departments and 355 enterprise funds.
356 Public Comment: [37:01 Part 3]
357 Julie Christie: Recommended budget study session(s) before adoption; suggested special 358 session/ad hoc; supported improved public collaboration. 359 Linda Cooley: Suggested verifying business license compliance and reviewing departmental 360 overages and reliance on projected grants.
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 361 AH: Thanked staff; recommended moving budget earlier on agendas; raised concerns about 362 workload/burnout; requested clarification on salary integration; suggested additional study 363 sessions and alternative recruitment proposals.
364 Justin Goad: Stated booth purchasers must have permits; permits are checked. 365 Terri Bayles: Asked whether prior year ended in deficit; asked about Parks & Rec funding 366 sources.
367 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani stated City ran at a deficit and did not have balancing details on 368 hand.
369 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart responded Parks & Rec funding is primarily grants/state 370 funds and program revenues.
371 Scheduling
372 Council requested workshop date options; Acting City Manager stated preference to avoid 373 Saturday but would accommodate if needed. Acting City Manager stated remaining work 374 includes clarification on law enforcement funding and polishing/answering council questions. 375 Next budget discussion set for Thursday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m. 376
377 HCSO ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT: [52:56 Part 3]
378 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reported no invoices located for animal control services in 379 last five years; call logs show minimal monthly livestock-related calls; stated SLESS funds cannot 380 be used for animal control.
381 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso noted inconsistency between action sheet (monthly) 382 and contract language (quarterly; first payment Oct. 1, 2025 based on July 1 start). 383 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart explained contract begins after BOS approval; monthly 384 reference reflects standard payment approach; stated uncertainty why it appeared on this item. 385 Council Member Kat Napier suggested bringing item back in August. 386 Motion – Reschedule Item: [time stated as Part 2 in text; appears to be Part 3] 387 • Motion: Reschedule for consideration at regular meeting end of July 388 • Moved by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
389 • Seconded by: Council Member Kat Napier
390 • Result: Consensus (4/0)
391
392
393
394
395
396 CONSIDER ACCEPTING TRIPEPISMITH’S RECRUITMENT PROPOSAL FOR CITY MANAGER: [57:26
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 397 Part 3]
398 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani asked about funding source; Acting City Manager clarified LEAF 399 fund is restricted for pension liabilities and cannot be used as general funds. 400 Motion to table to next regular meeting (moved by Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso) 401 failed for lack of second.
402 Council discussed whether to form an ad hoc and whether to move forward; members 403 expressed differing views on timing, cost, and urgency. 404 Public Comment: [1:08:54 Part 3]
405 Terri Bayles: Supported proceeding; stated external firms are common and often cost more. 406 Rebecca Collins: Urged prioritizing a City Manager; noted cumulative impacts of smaller 407 spending and delayed staffing decisions.
408 Julie Christie: Reiterated prior support statements. 409 Motion – Direct City Attorney to Engage Firm: [1:11:16 Part 3] 410 • Motion: Move forward and direct City Attorney to engage Tripepi Smith to begin 411 recruitment
412 • Moved by: Council Member Kat Napier
413 • Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
414 • Result: Consensus (4/0)
415 Direction: Staff to schedule meeting with Christine Martin (Tripepi Smith) to review scope and 416 potential reductions.
417
418 REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF:
419 a. Council Member Kat Napier: Reported grant-funded equipment purchase for Public Works (two 420 Polaris and app).
421 b. Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso: Reported attending HWMA meeting; noted presentation 422 on Cummins Road landfill; referenced HWMA website resources. 423 c. Mayor John Sawatzky: Reported Parks & Rec meeting and movie presentation; provided 424 bike/skate park update including projected completion and reporting plan; referenced volunteer 425 hours and sponsorship packages.
426 d. Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani: Reported Public Safety Commission updates (traffic calming, July 4 427 planning, flyer, event).
428 e. Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart: Reported budget preparation and process improvement 429 efforts; noted work on transient occupancy tax compliance and estimated short-term rental 430 count.
431 f. Council Ad Hoc Committees: [1:19:44 Part 3]
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 432 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso suggested staff create and maintain an ad hoc 433 grid, so at a glance, we know who we can talk to.
434 Ad Hoc committee list:
Agenda Ad Hoc Mayor John Sawatzky
Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
Power Plant Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
Transparency
Website
Mayor John Sawatzky
Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
Ongoing Negotiations Mayor John Sawatzky
Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
Bike Park Mayor John Sawatzky
Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
Commission Realignment Mayor John Sawatzky
Council Member Kat Napier
City Clerk Hire
Job Description
Council Member Kat Napier
Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
435
436 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani and Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso reported 437 informational meetings related to power plant safety and discussions with Ron Hill; Mayor 438 Pro Tem noted potential cost implications if City pursued prevailing wage RFP versus 439 alternate path under existing Blue Lake Power contract (as described). 440
441 PUBLIC COMMENT: [1:27:13 Part 3]
442 Julie Christie: Requested reports remain focused on content and avoid additional 443 discussion/opinion.
444
445 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: [1:27:50 Part 3]
446 Items raised included: closed session meeting with Ron Hill/owners; considering twice-monthly 447 meetings; Tripepi Smith presentation; councilmember recruitment; meeting conduct ground 448 rules; letter to Rancheria; manual update; agenda request routing; planning calendar; 449 commission reporting process.
450
451 NEW COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE: [1:39:51 Part 3] There is none to include at this time. 452
453 ADJOURNMENT: [1:40:12 Part 3]
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, June 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 454 Motion: to adjourn June 24, 2025, Blue Lake City Council meeting at 10:55 p.m. 455 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
456 Second by: Council Member Kat Napier
457 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
458
459 Submitted by: Laura McClenagan
460 Deputy Clerk, City of Blue Lake
461 Corrections provided by: Michelle Lewis-Lusso, January 14 2026