CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Jason Greenough Mayor Pro Tem Isaiah Wright
Council Member Raymond Altman Council Member Beau Smith Council Member Blake Inscore
MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VIA ZOOM
MONDAY JANUARY 10, 2022 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Greenough called the closed session to order at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Blake Inscore, Council Member Beau Smith, and Mayor Jason Greenough Council Member absent: Mayor Pro Tem Isaiah Wright
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, Human Resources Administrator Sunny Valero, and Finance Director Linda Leaver
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
• Conference with Labor Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54957.6), City Representative: Eric Wier, Employee Organizations: Clerical Employees of Crescent City, and Crescent City Management Employees Association - Unrepresented Employees: City Manager, Finance Director, Public Works Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Housing Authority Executive Director, and City Attorney
• Conference with Legal Counsel: Existing Litigation (Govt. Code § 54956.9(d)) Magan L.
Natha and Sarla M. Natha v. City of Crescent City, a Municipal Corporation of the State of California (CVPT-2021-1184)
There were no public comments on the closed session.
The closed session adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Greenough called the meeting to order in open session at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Blake Inscore, Council Member Beau Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Isaiah Wright, and Mayor Jason Greenough
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Patch, Human Resources Administrator Sunny Valero, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Housing Authority Executive Director Megan Miller, Public 1 | Page
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Works Maintenance Manager Jason Wylie, Public Works Director Jon Olson, Fire Chief Bill Gillespie, and Police Chief Richard Griffin Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Greenough
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported no actions were taken on closed session items.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There were no public comments.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Sex Trafficking Awareness Month Proclamation
Sunny Valero, Chairman for Sex Trafficking Awareness for Soroptimists International, spoke on the social responsibility to help prevent human trafficking. Soroptimists President Susan Daugherty stated it is hoped to have some in person training with law enforcement officers in regards to the sex trafficking.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period December 11, 2021, through December 31, 2021.
3. Payroll Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending January 1, 2022, paid January 7, 2022.
On a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, and carried on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 2-3 as presented
PUBLIC HEARING - None
ADJOURN TO THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
(Minutes to be in the next agenda)
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Greenough reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:36 p.m.
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
5. North Coast Rape Crisis Team
Chief Griffin reported to the Council that Liz Hutchens, Program Supervisor for North Coast Rape Crisis Team (NCRCT) wanted to address the Council and speak on the relationship they have with our officers. Program Supervisor Hutchens expressed her thankfulness for the police officers 2 | Page
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of CCPD. They are contacting NCRCT when necessary to connect services; this relationship between NCRCT and CCPD has grown exponentially because of the work of CCPD. Chief Griffin stated that the relationship has been great over the years.
NEW BUSINESS -
6. Tobacco Retail License Discussion
• Recommendation: Hear presentation from Amber Wier (with NoCal4Health) and her designees regarding what was covered in the ad hoc committee • Mayor Greenough and Council Member Smith report out on ad hoc committee • Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Take action as necessary and appropriate regarding the consideration or creation of a tobacco retail license policy
City Manager Wier reported to the Council that since his wife has been involved in this particular item, he will be turning over the item to Public Works Director Olson and City Attorney Rice and recusing himself from the discussion. Director Olson stated that this is the opportunity to go over what the ad hoc committee, Mayor Greenough and Council Member Smith, has from their meetings. Project Director Amber Wier from NorCal4Health presented to the Council about vaping and the youth of our community. Director Wier stated that children are drawn to the flavored tobacco and the way to help with prevention is to eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco, limit products placement and advertising, and reduce tobacco retail density. She further reported that there is community support for a TRL as well as support from local retailers. Mayor Pro Tem Wright asked about Oregon's policies for selling these products and wouldn't someone be able to travel to Oregon to bring back tobacco products; Director Wier stated she was unaware of Oregon's policies; however it would be less likely for someone to travel all the way to Oregon for that purpose. Council Member Inscore asked about the draft template ordinance and if Director Olson thought staff could work with it. Director Olson stated that the draft policy is a standard template and can be easily tailored if is the desire of the Council. Director Olson stated he would work closely with the City Attorney. Director Wier stated that they would be available to assist the City Attorney at no charge with any details. Council Member Smith stated it is a concern to him that it's such a big problem at the high school and why isn't school staff more involved; Director Wier stated that due to COVID they are short staffed. Council Member Smith asked what the punishment for getting caught; Director Wier stated the vape gets taken away from the student and the parents get called to the office. Council Member Smith asked if this problem is so prevalent at the high school, why isn't the School Resource Officer being called in? Chief Griffin stated that we weren't getting those calls and the SRO was investigating other incidents as they were not notified of this issue until recently. However, there is going to be an additional SRO that will be specifically focused on tobacco, this will be a great help for a resolution to this problem at the school. Chief Griffin further reported that CCPD is looking into vape detectors, etc. for the schools. Mayor Greenough asked how much interaction has Director Wier's program had with schools during COVID and in classrooms for education; the STORM Coalition was begun in January 2020 was when the group started, was done virtually via Zoom and met once a week.
Mayor Greenough stated that more work should be done on education. Director Wier stated that the TUPE program as well as the STORM Coalition covers education with the School District.
The following citizens addressed the Council:
Linda Sutter: stated that law enforcement has other things to do than punish kids for vaping.
Lisa Kramer: stated that stores show ads that have people doing things children do, such as skateboarding, and vaping. It's not the school district's responsibility, the focus should be on what's healthy for kids.
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Linda Perry: thanked the students for coming to speak to the Council, spoke in support of the City having an ordinance that would limit the access for purchase of these products. Who will enforce the ordinance? There should be a full time Code Enforcement Officer. Suggested the City and County work on a joint ordinance.
Larry Timpe: spoke on behalf of the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and thanked the Council for the work they do for the community; spoke in support of a TRL personally.
Angela Stanley: spoke as a mother of two high school students and in support of the TRL. She further stated that her children come home complaining about the vaping problem at the high school.
Joanne Runnels: RN with Del Norte County Public Health and stated that one pack of cigarettes has 20g of nicotine; one Juul has 40g of nicotine. There is a chemical called propylene glycol which is compared to Vaseline that can, when heated with nicotine, will act as an aerosol. The e- cigarettes are not vaporizers.
Emily Goldstein: for RISE - said there is a rise in youth vape use especially since the ads are directed to youths. Encouraged the Council to consider a TRL.
David Gearhart: is a vape store owner and is in opposition to a Tobacco Retail License. It doubles the charges on a retailer.
Dr. Jay McCubbrey: Tobacco Free North Coast - works in the schools to help with tobacco prevention. The TRL gives local communities fees and funding to support local enforcement which is otherwise only grant funded.
Claudia Martinez: stated that a lot of taxpayers' money is being spent on this right now when the State is already going to vote on this this year. Retailers and concerned community members should be here to speak. Is wise to wait until November of this year to allow the State to decide.
Mayor Greenough stated that he has already made his opinions clear; disagrees with a TRL.
Council Member Smith spoke in opposition to a TRL, if someone is of age and has the right to choose to smoke, it's infringing on their right to do so. Council Member Inscore disagreed with Mayor Greenough and Council Member Smith by staying we regulate a lot of things, regulating this is not a bad thing. Stated this is a health issue and is not here to defend big business. Council Member Altman stated that the main point is being missed, the youth getting involved is encouraging and is great activism. The problem stems from the home and if the people are asking us to do this, the Council should listen. Mayor Pro Tem Wright stated that if the City passes a TRL but the County does not, it won't be as effective. He further stated that a referendum banning this will be on the November 8* ballot, would like to focus on banning signage. Council Member Inscore said a TRL can be customized the way the Council would like; banning signage that is at eye-level to children can be written into the TRL. The Council was in agreement to discuss a TRL draft for consideration.
On a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Council Member Altman, to direct staff to work with appropriate agencies to bring back a draft TRL ordinance including a flavor ban for the City Council's consideration.
Director Olson stated that he would like to bring back to the Council a model TRL ordinance to go over with the Council in detail.
Council Member Inscore amended his motion to bring back model ordinance for Council consideration for prioritization; seconded by Council Member Altman and carried on a 3-2 polled vote with Council Member Smith and Mayor Greenough voting no. 4 | Page
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7. City Safety Improvements Using Risk Management Accreditation Program MAP) Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 BUDGET OF THE CIT OF CRESCENT G Director Olson went over the trees that need to be removed and the process in which they will be removed, all of which will be tunded by the RMAP funding received. Fire Chief Gillespie reported that the QuantiFit machine located at the Washington Bld Fire Hall has exceeded its useful life and will need to be replaced. This will benefit both the police and fire department for mask fitment checks. City Manager Wier explained the RMAP funds, how they are obtained, and how they are spent. Council Member Altman stated that this is in fact a liability and we need to upgrade our fit test equipment to meet OSHA requirements.
On a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted Resolution No. 2022-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY Shelagh Carrick: anything that leads to the safety of our first responders is exceptionally important.
8. Report on Business Names and Role of Business Licenses Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Take action as necessary and appropriate
City Attorney Rice reported to the Council firstly that this report is not intended as legal advice to any member of the public, it is only to educate and inform the Council on the matter. City business licenses are technically a revenue producing measure and not a regulatory measure. The City does not monitor or regulate business names in any form or manner. Proprietary rights in business names are already extensively regulated by state and federal laws. The following sections are would like to use, they can search this database for similar names.
There were no public comments.
9. 2022 Boards and Committee Appointments
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
• Confirm the Mayor's 2022 appointments to the Boards and Committees as presented Adopt Resolution No. 2022-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING ONE MEMBER AND ONE ALTERNATE 5 | Page
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MEMBER TO THE BORDER COAST REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS
City Manager Wier reported to the Council that this is an annual item for the appointments to Boards and Committees. The Council has made their interests known to the Mayor, there were no changes other than the Fire District 2x2 will be Council Member Smith and Mayor Pro Tem Wright with Council Member Inscore as the alternate, the other change is Del Norte Local Transportation Commission would have Council Member Inscore as the member and Council Member Smith as the alternate. The resolution is required for the annual appointments for the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority. Council Member Inscore asked Mayor Pro Tem Wright to switch two committees with him - the Fire 2x2, Council Member Inscore would like to be on that 2x2, with Mayor Pro Tem as an alternate and for Mayor Pro Tem Wright to take the City/County 2x2. Mayor Pro Tem Wright was agreeable to that change; Mayor Greenough also agreed to make those changes.
On a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, and carried on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City confirmed the Mayor's 2022 appointments to the Boards and Committees with two changes: Council Member Inscore and Council Member Smith to serve on the Fire 2x2, with Mayor Pro Tem Wright as the alternate and Mayor Pro Tem Wright to serve on the City/County 2x2 and adopted Resolution No. 2022-03, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING ONE
MEMBER AND ONE ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE BORDER COAST REGIONAL AIRPORT
AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
There was no public comment.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
• Legislative Matters - None
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported the following:
• Fire 2x2 - January 20th ', Chiet Gillespie has submitted his intent to retire • Special meeting for applying for the grant funding for Beachfront Park • COVID numbers are ones we need to watch as there is a slight rise in cases Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Altman: expressed concern over the public making derogatory, discriminating comments towards the Council and that perhaps it should be moderated to be excluded from the meeting. City Attorney Rice stated that there are free speech issues that prevent us from taking action.
Council Member Smith: asked if Dr. Stutz could be at the next meeting; the Council was in consensus that they would like Dr. Stutz to be invited to report to the Council at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Greenough adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. to the regular meeting with the City Council of the City of Crescent City scheduled for Monday, January 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
ATTEST:
Robin Patch
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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