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, July 22, 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 ESTABLISH A QUORUM OF THE COUNCIL: [0:21 Part 1]
4 COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani, Council 5 Member Kat Napier, Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Council Member Terri Bayles 6 COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT:
7 STAFF PRESENT: Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart, City Attorneys Ryan Plotz, Gary Rees, City 8 Planner, Deputy Clerk Laura McClenagan and Videographer Justin Goad 9 10 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
11 12 AGENDA APPROVAL: [0:54 Part 1]
13 Motion [3:07 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 CONSIDER APPLICANTS FOR CITY COUNCIL VACANCY AND POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT: [3:20 part 19 1]
20 Mayor John Sawatzky established the following procedures for the meeting. Public comments 21 will be limited to two to three minutes per speaker. Each candidate will be allotted five to seven 22 minutes, followed by a one-to-two-minute period for public questions. Candidates will have a 23 final opportunity for rebuttal lasting two to three minutes. All attendees, including candidates, 24 public speakers, staff, and audience members, are expected to maintain civility and respect at 25 all times toward the city council, staff, and fellow participants. Disruptive conduct such as 26 shouting, yelling, booing, personal attacks, or any action that interferes with the orderly 27 progression of the meeting will not be permitted. Personal attacks or slanderous remarks 28 directed at any individual or candidate are strictly prohibited. 29 30 PUBLIC COMMENT / QUESTIONS: [10:10 part 1]
31 Mayor John Sawatzky opened the meeting for public comment:
32 Applicant Adelene Jones went first, introduced herself and explained why she should be 33 considered for the vacant city council seat. She responded to questions from both the 34 public and the council and heard comments regarding her interest in the seat. 35 Applicant Terri Bayles went second, introduced herself and explained why she should be 36 considered for the vacant city council seat. She responded to questions from both the
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 37 public and the council and heard comments regarding her interest in the seat. 38 39 Motion: move that the council appoint Terri Bayles to the vacant city council seat. [1:22:45 part 40 1]
41 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
42 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
43 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
44 45 RECEIVE OATH OF OFFICE FOR PERSON APPOINTED TO FILL VACANCY: [1:23:23 part 1] 46 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart swore Terri Bayles into office, provided the city council’s 47 protocol manual, and supplied the Pledge of Civility for her review and signature, then invited 48 her to join the council at the table.
49 50 ADOPT PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: [1:26:42 part 1] 51 Corrections were relayed to Deputy Clerk Laura McClenagan regarding the March 11, 2025, 52 March 27, 2025, June 23, 2025, minutes.
53 54 PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED: [1:31:18 part 1]
55 56 Motion: to approve and adopt the previous council meeting minutes March 11th, June 23rd, 57 June 24th, and June 27th with the stated corrections. [1:37:00] 58 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
59 Second by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
60 Motion Summary: Consensus (5/0)
61 62 PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: [1:37:26] (Comments are summarized) 63 Dave Ponti reminded the council of a previous proposal to honor Scotty Hornen, a dedicated 64 public works employee, by naming a bridge after him and suggested placing a commemorative 65 plaque, noting that recognition has yet to happen despite the idea being raised several years 66 ago.
67 Karina announced the formation of a volunteer group called Friends of Powers Creek. In 68 collaboration with local watershed organizations, the group aims to restore the creek’s 69 ecological health and reduce flooding through educational events and hands-on activities like 70 invasive species removal and native plant restoration. She invited community members to get 71 involved and stay updated on the project’s progress. 72 Adelene Jones informed community members about upcoming local events, including a public 73 forum on battery energy storage hosted by the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and several
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 74 activities in Blue Lake: the Humboldt Folk Life festival, a free event on July 26th, a city yard 75 waste day also on July 26th, and the 56th annual Annie and Mary Day on August 3rd, featuring 76 a parade, craft booths, live music, train rides, and the museum will be open with 77 refreshments.
78 Kent Sawatzky engaged in several discussions with Sheriff Billy Hansel, who expressed 79 satisfaction with the current level of law enforcement presence around Blue Lake. Recent 80 initiatives have included clearing a local encampment and executing a significant operation on 81 a drug house just outside Blue Lake. Additional activities are ongoing, generating positive 82 attention that stands to benefit our city. Additionally, there was a homicide in Glendale, which 83 falls within our jurisdiction. Notably, the resolution of this case was facilitated by the use of 84 flock cameras and exemplary investigative efforts. While some areas have reservations about 85 installing these cameras, their demonstrated effectiveness in swiftly resolving criminal cases is 86 evident. Deputy Mullen raised concerns regarding homeless encampments, particularly the 87 issue of curbside items from yard sales being abandoned and subsequently moved to these 88 sites. In response, I recommend that the safety commission devise a strategy for citywide 89 sales events to ensure all items placed at curbs are properly removed post-event—whether 90 stored, donated, or disposed of—rather than left unattended. This suggestion comes at the 91 request of the sheriff's department in hopes of reducing abandoned materials in public 92 spaces. The development of a policy on this matter would be preferable, ideally encouraging 93 voluntary compliance and negating the need for a formal ordinance. 94 Rebecca Collins, we want to acknowledge the maker space for the beautiful mural. The 95 chamber is doing an excellent job supporting the community. I'm glad to see positive 96 developments and look forward to Annie and Mary Day. 97 Jennifer announced that during this Thursday's food pantry distribution at Sprint of Skinner 98 Store, I'll be offering free blood pressure screenings and providing stroke awareness education 99 to the community. Data shows Humboldt County has stroke death rates twice the state 100 average. Screening will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—all are welcome. 101
102 CONSENT AGENDA - WARRANTS AND DISBURSEMENTS: [1:47:23 part 1] 103 Motion: to pull Item 7a – Warrants and Disbursements from the consent agenda. 104 Motion by: Council Member Kat Napier
105 Second by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
106 Motion Summary: Consensus (5/0)
107
108 Motion: to accept the warrants and disbursements.
109 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 110 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
111 Public Comment: None received
112 Motion Summary: Consensus (4/0)
113 Council Member Kat Napier voted NAY as there is not an MOU in place with regards to 114 collection and disbursement of donations to the bike park. 115
116 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND RESOLUTION NO. 117 1235: [1:52:59 Part 1]
118 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart stated that in meetings with HCD, which were attended by 119 Council Member Kat Napier and Mayor John Sawatzky as part of an ad hoc committee, HCD 120 requested that the timeline be expedited as much as possible. Even if the measure is approved 121 tonight, the rezoning process will still be close to the 12/15 deadline previously established for 122 completing the action. In order to stay ahead of this deadline, the housing element is being 123 presented now.
124 City Planner Gary Rees reported that the California Department of Housing and Community 125 Development (HCD) has requested a meeting to establish a more detailed timeline with specific 126 milestones. HCD is also pursuing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formally record 127 these arrangements, preferring this approach over a stipulated judgment. Gary Rees also 128 addressed public comments received.
129 Mayor John Sawatzky formally opened the public hearing and asked for public comments. 130
131 Public Comment Received. [2:23:50 part 1]
132
133 Motion: to adopt resolution 1235, adopting the six-cycle housing element update. [2:36:25 part 134 1]
135 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
136 Second by: Council Member Kat Napier
137 Motion Summary: Council Member Kat Napier - AYE, Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso – 138 AYE, Mayor John Sawatzky – AYE, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani – AYE, Council Member Terri 139 Bayles – AYE: Motion carried 5/0
140
141 SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 547-2025 – 142 SAFETY GEAR FOR WHEELED RECREATIONAL DEVICES: [0:01 part 2] 143 The document explains that enforcement of the rules will be overseen by the parks director or 144 their designated representative, though this does not mean they will always be present. The 145 area will only be open when a staff member is onsite, and enforcement will mainly rely on
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 146 complaints from the public or observations by park staff during their regular rounds. Because 147 there are not enough staff members to provide constant coverage, and budget limits prevent 148 continuous staffing, it is not possible to have personnel available at all times. Still, the plan will 149 move forward, and staff will be given the authority to issue fines and administrative citations as 150 needed.
151
152 Public Comment Received [1:33 part 2]
153
154 Motion: to adopt ordinance number 547-2025 entitled An Ordinance of the City Council of the 155 City of Blue Lake Adopting Helmet Protective Gear Use at the Blue Lake Bike and Skate Park and 156 wave the full reading of the ordinance with a reading by title. [6:34 part 2] 157 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
158 Second by: Council Member Terri Bayles
159 Motion Summary: Council Member Kat Napier – AYE, Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso – 160 AYE, Mayor John Sawatzky – AYE, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani – AYE, Council Member Terri 161 Bayles – AYE. Motion carried 5/0
162
163 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 1238 APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR THE 164 LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND: Blue Lake Bike and Skate Park project: [9:20 part 2] 165 The council discussed applying for a grant to fund the Blue Lake Bike and Skate Park, covering a 166 portion of the cost with matching funds from donations or partner contributions. They clarified 167 that previous expenses could count as matching funds, and that funding commitments were 168 only required when signing the grant agreement. The group also debated who should serve as 169 the authorized representative, agreeing the city manager could fill this role. Ultimately, they 170 proceeded with the application, ensuring flexibility in project scope and funding sources. 171
172 Public Comment Received [18:28 part 2]
173
174 Motion: to adopt resolution number 1238, approving the application for land and water 175 conservation fund assistance for the Blue Lake Bike and Skate Park project, and authorizing the 176 city manager to execute and submit all required documentation. 177 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
178 Second by: Council Member Kat Napier
179 Motion Summary: Council Member Kat Napier – AYE, Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso – 180 AYE, Mayor John Sawatzky – AYE, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani – AYE, Council Member Terri 181 Bayles – AYE. Motion carried 5/0.
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 182
183 DRAFT A LETTER TO THE BLUE LAKE RANCHERIA TRIBAL COUNCIL: [28:14 part 2] 184 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani read the draft letter into the record. 185 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso acknowledges the past is beneficial she would prefer it 186 say that “we believe by working together we can establish a foundation for a more cooperative 187 future.”, instead of “move beyond past difficulties”, as it keeps a positive flavor to the letter and 188 the intention.
189
190 Public Comment Received. [31:39 part 2]
191
192 Motion: to direct staff to draft a letter to Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Council as written with the 193 amendment stated. [34:17 part 2]
194 Motion by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
195 Second by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
196 Motion Summary: Consensus (5/0)
197
198 CONSIDER CHANGES TO COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: [34:42 part 2] 199 To facilitate more regular meetings, it is necessary to draft and adopt an ordinance. This would 200 enable us to schedule meetings in advance on the calendar and cancel them if they are deemed 201 unnecessary. Implementing this process would enhance our ability to plan effectively, increase 202 flexibility, streamline meetings for greater efficiency, and eliminate the constraints associated 203 with special meetings.
204
205 Public Comment Received: [36:20 part 2]
206
207 DIRECTION: The Council directed Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart to draft an ordinance in 208 support of two regular meetings (the second and fourth Tuesday) a month. 209
210 CONSIDER CHANGES TO THE AGENDA SETTING AD HOC: [39:18 part 2] 211 Council members discussed the process for setting meeting agendas, referencing relevant 212 municipal code provisions. There was debate about the current ad hoc committee's role in 213 agenda setting versus following the code, which places responsibility on the city clerk, city 214 manager, and potentially a designated council member. Concerns were raised about possible 215 Brown Act violations if the ad hoc committee included more than two council members. The 216 group considered whether to maintain the rotational member process or move to a more 217 formal system or revert to the process outlined in the municipal code. Discussion included how
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 218 council members could submit agenda items and the timeline for submission, public by 219 Wednesday noon and council by Thursday noon, as well as the discretion the city manager and 220 mayor should have in prioritizing and assembling the agenda. 221
222 Public Comment Received. [51:44 part 2]
223
224 DIRECTION: The council reached consensus to disband the agenda setting ad hoc committee 225 and revert to the process described in the municipal code. Agenda preparation by the city clerk 226 and city manager, with input from the mayor or mayor pro tem. Council members can submit 227 agenda items individually to the city manager, with a copy to the mayor, though there is no 228 guarantee that submitted items will appear on the next agenda. This process will be tested for a 229 couple of months and may be refined further, if necessary, with any future changes to be added 230 as agenda items for council discussion.
231
232 REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF: [56:27 part 2]
233 COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: [56:34 part 2]
234 Council Member Kat Napier learned from attending Humboldt County Association of 235 Government (HCAOG) that the housing allocation numbers for the region are expected to 236 increase dramatically in the upcoming cycle, potentially doubling previous targets. Cities like 237 Eureka and Arcata have already reached their resource limits. Future allocations will likely 238 consider not just population but also the efforts and resources cities have already committed. 239 Council Member Kat Napier stresses the need for strategic planning to address these significant 240 changes.
241 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso reported that she was unable to attend the HWMA 242 meeting but is looking forward to the next meeting. 243 Mayor John Sawatzky reports he attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting, and they spoke 244 about Annie and Mary Day.
245 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani reports she attended a Public Safety Commission meeting where 246 we discussed a number of topics. The one that probably received the most attention was the 247 potential traffic measures on I Street. A survey is being developed to gather input from 248 residents on I, H, J, and the surrounding side-streets aiming to identify those most impacted by 249 the street’s conditions. That process is currently underway. 250 Additionally, Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is making a loan to a company that is 251 installing a demonstration wind turbine in Southern California off the coast. The company had 252 been working on this project for years, but all their funding was recently withdrawn due to 253 changes in the political climate. To help the project move forward, RCEA is providing some
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 254 capital to bridge the funding gap until more permanent funding becomes available. It’s quite 255 interesting and exciting to see this initiative continuing. 256
257 CITY MANAGER REPORT: [1:00:27 part 2]
258 Acting City Manager Dani Burkhart reported that, due to the high number of uncashed checks 259 needing to be voided and reissued at the end of the fiscal year, and the associated $30 bank fee 260 for each voided check, council stipends will now be issued quarterly instead of monthly. This 261 change is intended to save staff time and reduce unnecessary fees. Council members are 262 reminded to cash their stipend checks promptly to avoid these issues. 263
264 COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEES: [1:02:03 PART 2]
265 The city manager recruitment ad hoc committee reported receiving more than five candidate 266 names since the process began. Tripepi Smith is currently developing a city manager profile and 267 a recruitment brochure, gathering input from council members through questionnaires and 268 interviews, with staff interviews scheduled next. This information will help shape the materials 269 used for the recruitment process, which is expected to be launched in about two weeks. The 270 committee clarified that their focus is specifically on the recruitment with Tripepi Smith, not the 271 broader interim or permanent city manager roles. If unsolicited resumes or candidate names 272 are received, these should be forwarded to the city attorney. Council members confirmed that 273 any such materials are already being sent to the appropriate parties. 274
275 Public Comment Received. [1:05:53 part 2]
276
277 COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE: [1:06:41 part 2] Received.
278
279 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: [1:06:47 part 2]
280 Council Member Kat Napier suggested that, with our new council member, it may be 281 appropriate to reevaluate and determine redistribution of liaison duties. 282 Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani suggests a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the 283 bike park, and committee reassignments be on the future agenda items list. 284 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso suggested placing the City of Blue Lake City Council 285 roles and responsibilities protocol manual last revised September 10, 2013, on an agenda, and I 286 would like to bring that up as a discussion item, possibly an ad hoc committee formation where 287 I could work with one other individual on drafting a revision update. 288 Council Member Terri Bayles asked when the budget will be placed on an agenda, as the resolution was for 60 days from the 27th 289 : so, August 27, 2025, to finalize the budget.
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, July 22, 2025 ~ 6:30 p.m. ~Regular Council Meeting Skinner Store Building ~ 111 Greenwood Rd., Blue Lake ~ Behind City Hall 290 Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso would also like to put the International City Management 291 Association (ICMA) code of ethics, with guidelines, on the agenda for discussion and possible 292 adoption, because I didn't see anything in our municipal code about any code of ethics. 293
294 Public Comment Received: [1:11:27 part 2]
295 Comment by (Julie Christi): I would like to place on the agenda any entities that have a MOU or 296 could potentially have a MOU with our city. I would like some reflection on which ones 297 actually constitute us getting a MOU, like the Powers Creek Restoration, and the Bike Park 298 RCMBA. There are a few so just keep that in mind when looking at how we can construct them 299 moving forward.
300
301 PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: [1:12:03 part 2] None received. 302
303 Motion: to move into closed session.
304 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani
305 Second by: Council Member Michelle Lewis-Lusso
306 Motion Summary: Consensus (5/0)
307
308 REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION:
309 A) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS:
310 B) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT:
311 C) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EVALUATION:
312 D) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
313
314 ADJOURNMENT:
315 Motion: to adjourn the July 22, 2025, special meeting at 2:22 a.m. 316 Motion by:
317 Second by:
318 Motion Summary: Consensus (5/0)
319
320 Laura McClenagan
321 Deputy Clerk, City of Blue Lake