CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Isaiah Wright Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore
Council Member Raymond Altman Council Member Jason Greenough
MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FLYNN CENTER BOARD CHAMBERS
981 H STREET
CRESCENT CITY, CA 95531
MONDAY DECEMBER 5, 2022 6:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Jason Greenough, Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, Public Works Office Technician Heather Welton for City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Housing Authority Executive Director Megan Miller, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There were no comments from the public.
ELECTION RESULTS
1. Certification of Election Results
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Adopt Resolution No. 2022-81 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ELECTION WHICH WAS CONSOLIDATED WITH THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 STATEWIDE GENERAL
ELECTION
City Manager Wier acting as Deputy City Clerk submitted the Certification of Election Results to the Council. Measure T, the Measure to repeal Measure S, failed to be passed by the voters, meaning Measure S is still in effect.
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There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted Resolution No. 2022- 81, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ELECTION WHICH WAS CONSOLIDATED WITH THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION
2. Installation of Council Members
• Administer Oaths of Office to returning Council Members Raymond Altman, Blake Inscore, and Isaiah Wright
There were no comments from the public.
Deputy City Clerk/City Manager Wier administered the oaths of office to Council Member Altman, Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, and Mayor Wright.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Altman: nothing to report
Council Member Greenough: nothing to report
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore: attended the Hmong New Year celebration and appreciated Mayor Wright, City Manager Wier and Chief Griffin representing the City at the event.
Mayor Wright: attended the Hmong New Year celebration and offered a blessing for the event.
The City's Light Parade seemed to have a good turnout. Asked residents to shop local for the holidays.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
3. City Council and Police Commendation for Crescent City California Highway Patrol Commander Larry Depee
Chief Griffin spoke about the working relationship he has with Commander Depee and how well the two departments work together. Commander Depee will be leaving the Crescent City Highway Patrol and moving out of the area, Chief Griffin wanted to recognize his work here while in Del Norte County.
4. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore read the proclamation aloud and presented it to Daughters of the American Revolution Regent, Wendy Malone.
5. Introduction of New City Employee - Elizabeth Hutchens, Police Records Specialist Chief Griffin introduced new Police Records Specialist, Elizabeth Hutchens to the Council. He stated he had a good working relationship with her when she worked for North Coast Rape Crisis Team. Specialist Hutchens addressed the Council and stated her appreciation for working for the City.
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REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
6. Greater Outdoor Access and Learning Program
Presented by:
Jeff Harris - Superintendent
Del Norte County Office of Education
Superintendent Harris addressed the Council and reported on the grant that the Del Norte County Office of Education had been awarded. Patti Rommel, Coordinator for the grant for the County Office of Education, stated that this is a three-year grant with partnerships with California State Parks, National Park Service, Del Norte Office of Education and Redwood Parks Conservancy.
This funding will provide for 141 community field trips into the parks, beaches, and other areas to provide education on the outdoors for all community members. It will also give environmental- based learning and outdoor job opportunities for students. One of the events is "Beachfront Day" where there will be a lot of activities at Beachfront Park for the public. Maunda Hagen, Educational Specialist with the Redwood National Parks, gave detailed information about how the educational piece of the field trips will work. Sal Munoz of Redwood Parks Conservancy spoke about the role his agency will have in this collaboration by providing transportation. Superintendent Harris explained to the Council that all of the activities discussed are all free to the public. Mayor Wright asked for Beachfront Days to be discussed for consensus. The Council was in unanimous consensus.
CONSENT CALENDAR
7. Warrant Claims List
Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period November 12, 2022 through November 25, 2022.
8. Payroll Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending November 19, 2022, paid November 23, 2022
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 7-8 as presented
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
9. Access Dwelling Unit (ADU) Presentation and Discussion Recommendation: Hear staff report
Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
Further Council discussion and direction regarding the development of an ADU/JADU ordinance
City Attorney Rice gave a presentation in regard to the standards for ADUs and the draft ordinance that will come before the Council at a future meeting. The State goal is to widen the range of housing types to increase the housing supply. The State mandates are as follows - local 3 | Page
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authorities must all for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) on all parcels zoned for residential use. It is required to have ministerial approval for ADUs and JADUs if certain conditions are met. It is optional for local authorities to adopt local ordinances that are more liberal than state law and that include only objective standards. City Attorney Rice outlined the different types of ADUs - attached, detached, a conversion, and a junior ADU. She also outlined what is not considered an ADU - motorhomes, travel trailers, park trailers, or a converted bus. The Planning Commission made the following recommendations regarding ADUs for the draft ordinance: the number of ADUs/JADUs are to be limited to one each, single-family, the size of the ADUs will be no larger than 1200 square feet and no more than 50% of the primary dwelling, the height is to be limited to 16 feet, the lot coverage is subject to a minimum of 800 square feet, there is no requirement for owner- occupancy, rental terms will not be regulated, there will be no parking requirements or utility connection fees. City Attorney Rice outlined the application process for the ADUs and the local ordinance options. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that although there will not be connection fees, it should be communicated clearly that the connections for the ADUs be sufficient to meet the needs. City Attorney Rice stated that the Statewide exemption states for ADUs we cannot require a connection fee unless it's a new single-family dwelling being built. Mayor Wright asked for clarification on the 16' height limit and if it applied to an ADU over a garage; Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated it would be non-conforming and would require a permit. City Attorney Rice stated that if it was attached it would be according to the zoning code.
There were no comments from the public.
10. Housing Element Update
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Provide comments and Council direction to staff
Bob Brown, City Planning Consultant from SHN presented the Housing Element to the Council.
Mr. Brown explained that the Housing Element is one of seven state-mandated elements of the City's General Plan and is updated every eight years. He advised the Council that the State requires a 30-day public outreach, and the comment period began November 14 and goes until December 16th. The City will then have a 10-day minimum response time to revise this draft version and submit it to the State Department of Housing and Community Development, who then have a maximum 60-day period to review it. After the review, the City will receive comments from HCD to advise what didn't meet the requirements. Tonight is to receive public comment on this Housing Element. Mr. Brown went over in detail the chapters within the Housing Element. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked in Chapter 5 for population growth on pages 26 and 27 with California Department of Finance tables. He stated that section is very confusing, and his concern is with the estimates from 2021 are dramatically different from what was estimated in 2014. The document states they are anticipating Crescent City to grow, when in actuality they are anticipating a decline. On page 43 with the discussion of the homeless, the list of services based on 2019, it would be good to include Del Norte Mission Possible who were not here in 2019 Additionally there is a transitional housing program now in place. Under Chapter 8 - Emergency Shelters - listing the Fairgrounds, City Hall, the Police Department and Fire Department was not the appropriate way to address that need. The City has no control over the Fairgrounds as it is State property. The only viable spots for emergency shelters would be the back parking lot of the PD and Fire Department.
There were no comments from the public.
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Council Member Altman asked Mayor Pro Tem Inscore in what circumstance would there be a need for emergency shelter; Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that it could be used for natural disasters, not just for the unhoused. They are wanting a permanent location for an Emergency Shelter and the only spot where one can be built is on the Fairgrounds. Council Member Altman stated that it was his understanding that there was a natural disaster, there is already an agreement with Pelican Bay State Prison to be utilized. Council Member Greenough spoke about the parcels owned by the City down on Front Street as being an opportunity for an emergency shelter location. Council Member Altman spoke about emergency housing are temporary, there is not ongoing emergencies. If there was an emergency shelter permanently built, it would stay predominantly empty as there would not be a large amount of emergencies. Due to the size of our City, are we going to be providing services that will be more than we can accommodate? Since the County is so much larger, it would be more conducive for them to have a shelter. Council Member Altman further stated that there is already an emergency shelter and would like to know what the State's guidelines are on having one, as it's not going to be based on population. Does not feel the City should bear the brunt of sheltering the entirety of Del Norte County. City Attorney Rice Wier stated that the State requires that the City establish certain parcels by zoning that are allowed without conditional use permit to establish emergency shelters which are identified with minimal services designed for homeless persons as transitional housing of less than six months.
It's more of an individual emergency, not a community emergency. She further stated that the City, years ago, identified the public facility zone as where those types of shelters could be established without a conditional use permit. Mayor Wright clarified that if someone were able to build the shelter, it would be at the facilities we have listed and that we need to have a possibility of another area besides those listed. Council Member Altman stated that with the discussions about ADUs and JADUs would be a great idea as well. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that there are more developable parcels the City has. Mr. Brown suggested to the Council that he bring back a memo answering the Council's questions, if that would be their direction. Council Member Greenough agreed with looking into this further and find something more realistic to our jurisdiction. City Manager Wier stated that the size of the shelter is not specified, it just need to be allowed as a principally permitted use without a conditional use permit. He further stated that the Council could pick a location and allow it by conditional use permit with specific conditions on it similar to cannabis. Mayor Wright stated that direction has been given by the Council to bring something back for further discussion.
Ethan Lawton, of SHN: stated he assisted with the Housing Element Update and wanted to address the discussion of the emergency shelter. The City can add to its public facility zoning and that can control location and inventory. Another option is that the City can direct staff to come up with a second zoning district or having a special overlaying District that would be limited to a certain area.
City Manager Wier reminded the public this Housing Element is available for comment on the City's website, found on the front page.
11. Competitive Permanent Local Housing Allocation (CLHA) Application and Lease Agreement with Danco Communities for a Senior Housing Development at 655 H Street • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and ratify the City Manager's signature on the CPLHA application with DANCO Communities as the co-applicant.
• Approve and ratify the City Manager's signature on the Ground Lease Agreement with DANCO Communities for 655 H Street (APN 118-170-02) for development of a three story 27-unit affordable senior housing complex.
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City Manager Wier reported to the Council about the housing needs in our community. The Competitive Permanent Local Housing Allocation (CLHA) funding will help with the DANCO project of senior housing; and this project meets the criteria for the funds and is ready to go. City Manager Wier showed the Council the proposed development drawing. The one year ground lease agreement in the amount of $1 will give DANCO site control and will allow for a competitive application. They will be applying for $5million, the project is $16million, and should the application be successful, it will make DANCO more competitive for the tax credits they have applied for.
They are hoping to close construction financing by January 2024, and have construction complete in February 2025. The City would then move forward with the Surplus Land Act which would make us compliant with the selling of the property. Chris Dart, with DANCO Communities, stated that this project has been worked on with the City for a long time, the project was tabled, however, they were able to get the land use permits approved by the Planning Commission. There are now more funding opportunities that will help fund this project. The Council was in agreement that there is a big need for housing in Crescent City.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, and carried unanimously on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and ratified the City Manager's signature on then CPLHA application with DANCO Communities as the co-applicant and approved and ratified the City Manager's signature on the Ground Lease Agreement with DANCO Communities for 655 H Street (APN 118-170-02) for development of a three story 27-unit affordable senior housing complex
12. 2022 Measure S Collector Street Maintenance and Preservation Project Notice of Completion
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Measure S Collector Street Maintenance and Preservation Project.
City Manager Wier reported that this project is complete and funded by Measure S. This was done using the "best roads approach" , which helps keeps our good streets in the best condition. The focus was H Street, gth Street, and Harding; City Manager Wier went over the asphalt used and how much of the roads were done. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that this shows how valuable Measure S is and how the City is getting the projects done that they said they would with the funds. Council Member Greenough agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Inscore and expressed his excitement with what the future holds.
There were no comments from the public
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried unanimously on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City authorized the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Measure S Collector Street Maintenance and Preservation Project
13. Amador Tank Phase 2 Rehabilitation, Recommended to Reject All Bids, Reduce Scope, and Re-Bid
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
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• Further Council discussion
• Recommend that Elk Valley Rancheria, California reject all bids for the Amador Phase 2 Rehabilitation Project and direct staff to reduce scope and re-bid.
City Manager Wier stated that this item has been before the Council on a number of times. Some of the rehabilitation to the Amador Tank have been completed, called Phase 1. The funding received was in the amount of $200,000 however Phase 1 total cost is $242,000. The project went to bid and the estimates that came in where higher than what the engineers anticipated.
Staff knew a substantial amount would have to come out of the Water Fund to pay for the project, however, it wasn't projected to be at $1.7 million. The Water Fund has other priorities such as the redundant transmission main, the Ranney collector, the meter replacement project. Having capital reserves to fund these projects has to be taken into consideration. Water rates hasn't been raised in over five years. Staff is asking the Council if they should move forward with the project of $1.7 million with only $200k in grant funds, or find pieces of the project that would more closely fit the $200k. The Bureau of Reclamation funding is offered every year and could be compatible with the project. Staff recommends the Council direct staff to have Elk Valley Rancheria reject all bids and to repackage the project to come back before the Council. Council Member Greenough asked that if by doing pieces of the rehabilitation, will it put the tank at risk for further damage. City Manager Wier stated that the project needs to be done, staff asked Harper & Associates what the immediacy of this rehabilitation. They advised it would be fine to do it a year at a time as long as we stay after it. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked what the anticipated cost to go back and repackage the project and who will be doing it; City Manager Wier answered that Harper & Associates who would be doing it and they are presently working on a Task Order that will come before the Council. It should be in the $10k - $15k range. Council Member Greenough asked what the time frame be for repackaging and getting the project out there; City Manager Wier stated it is expected to be February. Council Member Altman asked about the modifications to the foundation and how that would be accomplished; City Manager Wier stated that they would excavate around the tank and enhance the foundation.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried unanimously on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City recommends that Elk Valley Rancheria, California, reject all bids for the Amador Phase 2 Rehabilitation Project and directed staff to reduce scope and rebid
14. City Council Vacancy
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Motion to fill the vacant city council position by appointment and give direction as necessary and appropriate
OR
• Motion to call a special election to be held in [April (by mail) or November (in person)] 2023
City Manager Wier reported to the Council that due to Beau Smith's resignation from the Council, the vacancy will need to be filled. He went over the options, listed above, that the Council has The cost of a special election, it would be estimated at $40k. He stated that should the Council choice to make an appointment to the seat, applications would be accepted and then in an open meeting, the Council would ask questions of the applicants and make a selection. 7 | Page
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Council Member Altman asked what if there was no appointment made by the 60 day limit; City Attorney Rice stated that it would only leave the vacancy. City Manager Wier asked City Attorney Rice that it after the 60 days, could staff put the vacancy back out to seek applications, or would it force a special election? City Attorney Rice stated she will do further research, but that the law says you either appoint within 60 days or call the special election.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, and carried unanimously on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved to solicit applications to fill the vacant Council seat
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked if the City could verify residency for any applicants; City Attorney Rice stated that the application has a declaration where you swear under penalty of perjury. She further stated that anyone could get a fake lease agreement, or have bills sent somewhere else.
Chief Griffin stated that law enforcement is prepared to handle the case should there be a residency issue again.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
• Legislative Matters - None
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported the following:
2023 Committee / Board Appointments - this item will come before the Council and City Manager Wier asked the Council to take a look and choose which Boards and The Chisine ught Parade wast
The Christmas Light Parade was a great success and offered thanks to the Downtown Divas and Anna Potter for putting it on and Public Works Maintenance Manager Jason Wylie and Maintenance Worker Gilberto Rodriguez for their work as well.
There will be a joint City Council/RCTA meeting tomorrow to discuss the transit hub Measure S Oversight Committee applications are out for the three vacancies.
The Planning Commission has a vacancy as well and applications are being accepted
Mayor Wright spoke to the City Manager to have Sheriff Scott do a presentation to the Council on the current state of the Sheriff's Department, and asked for Council consensus; the Council was in consensus to hear a report from Sheriff Scott Mayor Wright also spoke to the City Manager about "Beachfront Park Day"; City Manager Wier stated that Director Taylor will be ready to work with the group with Council direction; the Council was in consensus to move forward with planning the event
Council Member Greenough suggested to wait until someone is appointed to the Council before making appointments to the Boards and Committees; the Council was in consensus to wait until a new Council Member is appointed to chose the Boards and Committees.
Council Member Greenough asked to renew the RFPs for the City owned properties on Front Street; the Council was in consensus to renew the RFPs.
Chief Griffin stated that during the winter months, people have been going out on the jetty, mainly visitors. Three-four of them were trapped out in the waves, and there was someone with children in strollers. Chief Griffin warned the community that even if you have lived here your whole life, 8 | Page
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don't go out on the jetty during bad weather. It puts a lot of people's lives at risk, not just the individual who needs to be rescued. He also reiterated that CCPD will not go out onto the jetty to attempt a rescue as they are not trained to do so, nor have the equipment. Officers will, however, assist Search and Rescue in spotting the victims. Mayor Wright asked if we can tell people not to access the jetty; Chief Griffin stated no, it is not our property, it is the Army Corps of Engineers.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA ATTEST:
Pilliar
Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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