CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Isaiah Wright Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore
Council Member Raymond Altman Council Member Jason Greenough Council Member Kelly Schellong
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
FLYNN CENTER BOARD CHAMBERS
981 H STREET
CRESCENT CITY, CA 95531
MONDAY APRIL 3, 2023 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 Kelly Schellong, Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore, and Mayor Isaiah Wright Council Member absent: Council Member Jason Greenough
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Finance Technician Kristie Banks, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor, EMOT 2 Ben DeForge, Police Officer Connor Sperling and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There were no comments from the public.
> Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Altman: nothing to report
Council Member Schellong: RCTA meeting, CASA Silver Ball, celebrated Vietnam Veterans Day, Paragon Coffee House ribbon cutting
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore: DNSWMA meeting, Chamber Board Retreat, met with Harley and Jill Munger, Laura Haban, Ashley Taylor and City Manager Wier about the tile mural for the Sister City, Tri-Agency meeting, and Paragon Coffee ribbon cutting Mayor Wright: CASA Crystal Ball would like the Council to have an item donated for auction
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
Mayor Wright read the proclamation aloud and presented it to North Coast Rape Crisis Team Executive Director Amanda LeBlanc who addressed the Council and reported on the services rendered to the community.
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2. Introduction of New Employee: Kristie Bates
Finance Director Leaver introduced Finance Technician Kristie Bates to the Council. Ms. Bates spoke to the Council and how she visited California as a youth and is thankful to be here in our community, working for the City.
3. Officer Connor Sperling FTO completion
Police Chief Griffin updated the Council on how Officer Sperling did very well on his training.
Officer Sperling thanked the Council and community for the Measure S funds which allowed him to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a police officer. Chief Griffin stated that the two cadets in the Academy are both doing very well.
4. Ben DeForge Promotion to EMOT 2
Public Works Director Yeager introduced Ben DeForge to the Council, an Electrical Operations Maintenance Technician. Director Yeager explained to the Council and public what the role of an EMOT is for the City. EMOT DeForge thanked the Council and expressed his appreciation for working for the City and how he intends to keep promoting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period March 11, 2023 through March 24, 2023.
6. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending March 25, 2023, paid March 31, 2023.
7. Budget-to-Actual Financial Reports for February 2023 • Recommendation: Receive and file the budget-to-actual reports for the month of February 2023
8. Amador Tank Phase 2 Rehabilitation
• Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with Elk Valley Rancheria, California
Approve plans and specifications for the Amador Tank Phase 2 Rehabilitation Authorize staff to advertise for bids for Amador Tank Phase 2 Rehabilitation
9. CCPD & CCFR Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 • Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-22, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
10. Letter of Appreciation for DHS Shop Class for Lighthouse Kiosk • Recommendation: Approve sending a letter of appreciation to the Del Norte High School Metal Fabrication class
Council Member Schellong asked for item 5, 9 to be pulled from the Consent Calendar; the Council was in consensus.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked for item 10 to be pulled from the Consent Calendar; the Council was in consensus.
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There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Inscore, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 6-8 as presented.
Council Member Schellong asked for item 5 to be pulled so she could explain that due to conflicts of interest with her current employment and some of the checks issued to clients she works with, she will be recusing herself from this item.
Council Member Schellong asked for an update on the CCPD expenditures and the schedule for patrol cars; Chief Griffin gave the update on the expenditures and schedule.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that he saw that DHS Metal Shop Teacher Jeff VanPelt was present in the audience and wanted to allow recognition for this item. City Manager Wier showed an example of the Lighthouse toppers that the students made for the kiosks for Beachfront Park.
Mayor Wright asked how these toppers are made; Mr. VanPelt explained how the cutter is used.
He stated he appreciated that the students were being asked to be involved in these community projects.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted items 5, 9, 10 of the consent calendar as presented, Council Member Schellong recused herself from item 5
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
11. Presentation of the Updated Tsunami Kiosk Walking Tour and Web Based Platform City Manager Wier explained that due to the Kamome Event that is upcoming, Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor suggested updating the Tsunami Kiosks. SeaReach has done an excellent job telling the story. Susan Juraz and Peter Reedijk of SeaReach gave an overview of the project including the self-guided tour portion. Mr. Reedijk went over the website portion of the walking tour. Council Member Schellong asked City Manager Wier if there was a revenue piece to this; City Manager Wier stated that there had been discussions for a sponsorship, it didn't work intially, however the option is still viable for an annual sponsorship.
City Manager Wier stated that through the involvement of community leaders through the years, this tour has become a great success. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that the Tsunami Memorial Fountain repair needs to be revisited especially since one of the kiosks is for that fountain.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS
12. Draft Tobacco Retail License Ordinance Discussion
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
Give direction to staff regarding contents of the draft tobacco retail license ordinance 3 | Page
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City Attorney Rice stated that per Council direction at the last meeting, this ordinance should mirror the County's ordinance. She went over the details of what the ordinance would include.
She stated that the City currently has 10 tobacco retail stores; there are two that have pharmacies, therefore if the Council approves this ordinance that prohibits stores with pharmacies to sell tobacco, there would be 8 stores total in the City that sell tobacco. The modifications to the ordinance were done in red and presented to the Council and in the public agenda. The ordinance states that July 1st is the deadline for retailers to have a Tobacco Retail License. Council Member Schellong asked about violations; in the appeal process could be a timely decision on the appeal.
City Attorney Rice stated that the timeline is listed under Administrative Citations and it is 15 days and is laid out. Council Member Altman asked about violations; City Attorney Rice stated that the TRL would only affect two businesses and explained the violation process.
Sunny Baker: Public Health Manager for Del Norte County Health and Human Services: spoke on behalf of the Public Health Department and gave support of a TRL.
Alison Eckart: Principal, Del Norte High School: spoke in support of the TRL to reduce the availability of tobacco to students
Amber Wier: Project Director, NorCal 4 Health spoke in support of the TRL and spoke of the other agencies/organizations who also support the TRL.
Sabina Renner: owner of Renner Petroleum: her gas stations sell tobacco, however, she does not advertise for the product. Asked if the next person who takes over her business if they would be able to take her Tobacco Retail License? Supports the TRL, but would like it to be transferable.
Jay McCubbrey: Tobacco Free North Coast, spoke in support of the Council's recent action regarding the TRL. Spoke in support of this TRL and spoke of other counties within the North Coast who are doing the same.
Mayor Wright asked if the County is the same for when a business closes; City Attorney Rice answered in the affirmative. His only concern is the transferability of the TRL. Council Member Altman agreed with Mayor Wright. He further stated that gas stations have changed companies several times. He stated that if this is passed, eventually, tobacco sales will completely be eliminated. Mayor Wright asked Council Member Altman would like to see the TRLs be transferable, he would. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that we are making a policy decision based on what may happen, branding of gas station doesn't necessarily mean ownership has changed He stated that if it was outlawed, there would be a lot of push back. Prohibiting a transfer would be agreeable if it was a health decision. Council Member Altman stated he agreed on some points, and stated that eventually this will eliminate tobacco from the City as some businesses may sell in the future due to several points, and then the non-transferable license will eliminate the sale of tobacco. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that this can be brought back to the Council for revision in the future should the need arise. Council Member Schellong stated she would like to see tobacco removed from our community for health purposes and if the availability is limited, it will have good outcomes. Council Member Altman stated that it sounded like favoritism to who gets to sell tobacco. Stated it is not supporting local business. Does appreciate knowing that this can be brought back to a future Council meeting for amendment. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated he would like to hear from local businesses on this matter. Mayor Wright stated he would like to see language that includes the State average for retailers; City Attorney Rice stated it is 2 retailers per 2500 people; could be done by way of attrition. Council Member Schellong asked what would be contained in the application to receive a TRL; City Attorney Rice explained what items would be required. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that he would be on board with the State average as long as the inmate population of PBSP was not included. Would like to keep the current retailers to sell tobacco; Mayor Wright stated that it would only be if the business sold. 4 Page
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On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City directed staff to bring a draft Tobacco Retail License Ordinance with additional language regarding State averages based on population City Attorney Rice asked for clarification if the limit is reached, is it the Council's desire to make them transferable. Council Member Schellong would like to see the option to keep it as is and an option to consider the population criteria. City Attorney Rice stated the motion was not needed after all.
13. Border Coast Regional Airport Authority Request for Funds for Runway Rehabilitation Project
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Consider BCRAA request for a $77,000 contribution to the Airport's Runway 18-36 Rehabilitation Project; take action as necessary and appropriate City Manager Wier stated that the $77k contribution is what is before the Council for approval for the Runway Rehabilitation Project. The Authority would be required to give the 5% match, BCRAA has requested each partner provide the 5%. Construction is set for next summer, they are looking for the commitment. City Manager Wier stated that there will be other budget priorities that are upcoming in the City's budget; this can be broken up into pieces for funding. Council Member Schellong is in full support of funding this and is fine with however the funding is decided. Would like to add the option to have a set aside for $10k a year for future projects for the airport. Council Member Altman is in support of contributing for this project for next fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore agreed with next year's budget and set aside for future partnership opportunities. Mayor Wright agreed with the Councilors. Council Member Altman asked if the $10k set aside was separate from the annual contribution the County makes and if it was used for the runway; Director Cooley stated that the money the County pays annually is for the Airport administrative fees (operating expenses). Mayor Wright asked if any other of the JPA members have committed to the funding; Director Cooley stated they have not.
There were no comments from the public.
The Council was in consensus to have the $77k in the 23/24 budget and other funding opportunites will be discussed.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated he would like to have a presentation from Director Cooley at a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS - None
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Legislative Matters - None
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported on the following items:
• Cookies with a Cop and Law Enforcement Administrators Del Norte (LEADN) awards • Chief Griffin reported that the ABC grant was submitted today; Cookies with a Cop came from Officer Valero - it is to connect children with law enforcement, ages 6-11. They will be instructed on how to speak effectively 5| Page
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with dispatch along with safety tips. State Farm, Lisa McKeown has given a donation for the "best decorated cookie" - the cookies will be donated by SeaQuake. LEADN Awards are back will be April 13t at 6:30 at the Crescent Elk Auditorium, encouraged the Council to be in attendance. Yurok Tribal Police Chief O'Rourke has asked for the Yurok Tribal colors be presented at this year's event.
• Front Street Update
• City Manager Wier stated that the funding sources - the Congressman Huffman funds are not tied to the $750k; is set to bid April 13t. The Clean California Grant is being worked on and will be on the April 17h agenda - will have the Cultural Center section of Front Street for discussion.
Kamome Event will be April 14'h
• Beachfront Park Community Workshops the next day: April 15th: 9am, Pump Track, 10:30, Kid Town expansion, last discussion will be the Cultural Center usage at 1:30 p.m.
Budget meeting with the Measure S Oversight Committee went well, part was before the Council this evening
• Big thank you to Elk Valley Rancheria for the Amador Tank project. • May 9th Budget Workshop
• April 10th - special closed session scheduled
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked if there was Council consenus to add the Tsunami Memorial Fountain to the 23/24 budget; Council was in consensus.
Mayor Wright would like to have a standard thank you letter for people who come and speak to the Council such as Gordon Clay, etc; the Council was in consensus.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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