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
TUESDAY JUNE 20, 2023 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the closed session to order at 5:45 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Kelly Schellong, Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore, and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, Human Resources Manager Sunny Gonzales, Finance Director Linda Leaver and City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There were no comments from the public on the closed session agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
• Conference with Labor Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54957.6): Agency Representative: Eric Wier, Employee Association: Clerical Employees of Crescent city (CECC), Crescent City Management Employees Association (CCMEA).
Crescent City Employees Association (CCEA), Unrepresented Employees: Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Finance Director, Public Works Director, Economic Development and Recreation Director, Housing Director
Council Member Altman recused himself from the COMEA discussion due to a conflict of interest as his wife is a member of the unit.
Council Member Schellong recused herself from the CCEA discussion due to a conflict of interest as her son is a member of the unit.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported that there were no actions taken on closed session items, but will reconvene after the adjournment of the open session.
OPEN SESSION
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Call to order Mayor Wright called the open session to order at 6:07 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Kelly Schellong, Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore, and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Staff Members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Human Resources Manager Sunny Valero, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Fire Captain Everett Buell, Fire Captain Jason Borges, Fire Captain Beau Smith, Fire Chief Kevin Carey, Firefighter Bill Gillespie, Fire Captain Dana Reno, Crescent City Fire and Rescue Administrative Assistant Vanessa Duncan, Bill Barlow, Jerry, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor, and Sergeant Ed Wilson as Acting Chief
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 Greenough: nothing to report
Council Member Schellong: nothing to report. For the 4'h of July, encourages all veterans to come to the VFW and visit the trailer that will be set up on location.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore: will be travelling to Rikuzentakata, Japan for the presentation of the concept of the Sister City mural at a celebration event.
Mayor Wright: nothing to report
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Introduction of new Fire Captains, Everett Buell, Jason Borges, and Beau Smith City Manager Wier reported to the Council about how when he was just hired as the Interim City Manager, he learned of the news of Fire Chief Steve Wakefield's medical event. He further stated that former Fire Chief Bill Gillespie, who came on as Fire Chief in Chief Wakefield's absence, was the driving force to have a sustainable fire department. Fire Chief Carey introduced the new Fire Captains to the Council. Chief Carey spoke of the ongoing support from City staff and how much it's appreciated. He stated that the Battalion Chiefs all stepped up when Chief Wakefield had his medical event and kept the Department going. Chief Carey gave backgrounds of each Captain's experience; the Fire Captains all gave thanks to the Council for their support. Council Member Schellong spoke of her pride for the firefighters. Council Member Greenough stated that he is pleased with the hiring of the Fire Captains and being able to use Measure S funds to make it possible. Mayor Wright stated that this is a very big deal for the City. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that the job is fulfilling lifelong dreams for someone who has always wanted to be a firefighter and is coupled with giving such great service to our City. Council member Altman stated that pride in the Department has always been there. Feels that all of the thanks should not be given to the Council, it should be go to the community that came together to make this happen.
2. Introduction of new employees, Caleb Dean and Jeff King This item will be postponed as the employees were unable to make the meeting. 2 | Page
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CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the May 9, 2023, May 11, 2023, May 15, 2023, May 22, 2023 and June 5, 2023 meeting minutes for the City Council.
4. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period May 27, 2023 through June 9, 2023.
5. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending June 3, 2023, paid June 9, 2023.
6. Approval of MOU with Clerical Employees of Crescent City (CECC) for the Period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-42, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT
CITY AND THE CLERICAL EMPLOYEES OF CRESCENT CITY FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025
7. Wages, Benefits & Other Employment Terms and Conditions for Fire Department Career Fire Captains
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-43, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ESTABLISHING WAGES,
BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNREPRESENTED POSITION OF CAREER FIRE CAPTAIN EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023
8. Update Position Control
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-44, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE FY 2023-24
POSITION CONTROL
9. Amended Emergency and Fire Services Agreement with the Crescent Fire Protection District (2023)
Recommendation: Approve an Agreement Between the City of Crescent City and the Crescent Fire Protection District Regarding Emergency and Fire Response Services Amended (2023)
10. Safety Committee Stipends Budget Amendment
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-45, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
11. Approve a Standard Volunteer RV Park Camp Host Agreement and Volunteer RV Park Camp Host Eligibility Criteria
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-46, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A STANDARD VOLUNTEER RV
PARK CAMP HOST AGREEMENT AND VOLUNTEER RV PARK CAMP HOST
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Council Member Schellong asked for item number 4, 7, and 9 to be pulled from the consent calendar, the Council was in consensus. Would like an executive summary of the Agreement. 3 | Page
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There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Council Member Schellong and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 5, 6, 8, 10, &11 as presented.
Council Member Inscore amended his motion to include consent calendar item 3, Council Member Schellong amended her second.
On an amended motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Schellong, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar items 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 & 11 as presented.
Council Member Schellong recused herself from item number 4 due to a conflict of interest with her current employer.
There were no comments from the public.
Item 7 - Council Member Schellong asked if they can move up a tier every 12 months; City Attorney Rice answered in the affirmative. City Manager Wier stated they would move up based on a favorable review.
Item 9 - Council Member Schellong would like it to be explained briefly by City Manager Wier.
City Manager Wier stated that this Agreement sets the relationship between Crescent City Fire and Rescue and Crescent Fire Protection District. There is now a separate fund that will be used for departmental expenses that are left over when a firefighter reaches the maximum stipend.
The expenses are 50/50 between District and City.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted items 7& 9 on the consent calendar as presented.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, and carried on a 4-0-1 polled vote with Council Member Schellong being recused, the City Council of the City of Crescent City received and filed the warrant claims list for the period May 27, 2023 through June 9, 2023.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
12. Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Discussion
Recommendation: Hear staff report
Receive public comment
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• Further Council discussion
• Give direction to staff on additions or modifications to the Draft Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
City Attorney Rice reported to the Council that the draft before them was recommended by the Planning Commission. This item has been discussed for several years, however, at this time there was new regulations and legislation passed. The current Planning Commission was presented the item and made recommendations to the Council. She gave a PowerPoint Presentation which explained what ADUs and JADUs are, the different types, the regulations and requirements regarding them. The Planning Commission recommended to the Council that the term of the rental not be regulated but left up to the property owner. She explained the discretion the Council could make on this ordinance. City Attorney Rice explained the appeal process should the Council ever not approve an ADU or JADU. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked if the absolute minimum is 150 square feet per State Law; City Attorney Rice answered in the affirmative. He further clarified that State law requires that it be over 50%. Council Member Schellong stated that she would like to better understand what is exempt and non-exempt; would also like to further understand why zoning rules and connection fees aren't required to be followed She asked what the County is presently doing; City Attorney Rice stated that the County has not taken this matter on at this time. Council Member Schellong asked if the City would still incur expenses by connecting the ADU to services; City Manager Wier explained that if a connection is needed, charges can be assessed. City Attorney Rice stated that would be the case if they require a separate connection. Council Member Schellong is concerned with not charging connection fees and the WWTP becoming overwhelmed. Council Member Greenough stated that we are being dictated by State law. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated his biggest question is the length of stay, this should add to our available housing which is greatly needed in our community. It should be used for housing, not short-term rentals. Council Member Altman asked if there is no proportionate fee for connections, who would pay for it as the Planning Commission recommended not charging. City Attorney Rice stated that the taxpayers would have to pay for it.
Council Member Altman is concerned with properties being destroyed and does not want the taxpayer to shoulder the burden of not charging connection fees. His recommendation to the Council would for the City not pay the connection fees and also that time limits should be set.
Believes this is sorely needed for the community, however is concerned with damaged properties.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore agreed with the connection fee topic Council Member Altman brought up and would like the City Manager to look into a prorated cost for the owner to have a separate meter. City Attorney Rice stated that all ADUs can have fees assessed for a separate meter. City Manager Wier stated there is a capacity fee that does not have to do with the separate meter.
Then there are monthly charges that includes reading the meters and they will be charged to the owner. City Attorney Rice stated that the fees are directly related to how the ADU is connected.
Mayor Wright stated if someone has an 850 sq ft ADU with a main structure of 4 bedrooms would be no different from a 2400 square foot house regarding capacity, why would we charge different.
Rice stated it is planned to be reviewed and discussed.
The following residents addressed the Council:
James Quick: appreciated the Council's dialogue and questions asked. Suggested smaller than 4' easements so the fire department has plenty of room to rescue if needed be.
City Manager Wier asked to define an efficiency unit; City Attorney Rice stated it would be the same as what a JADU would require.
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Tamera Leighton: encouraged the City Council to contribute to the housing stock and not vacation rentals as housing is needed more. Would like the life of the property, not current situation be taken into concern regarding rules.
Mayor Wright asked if a tiny home, much like the one the High School built, could that be an ADU? City Attorney Rice stated it would have to meet the requirements of the building code.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that he is nearing retirement and is concerned with the housing market and that it is not affordable. City Attorney Rice stated that another item to consider is that if there would be the long-term occupancy is imposed, it doesn't have to be permanent and can be written into the ordinance as such. Council Member Greenough stated that if vacation rentals were allowed, the City would receive TOT; there are two sides and would like property owners to do with their property as they would like. Council Member Schellong stated that the decisions the Council makes on this will affect our community greatly. Agrees that property owners should do what they would like, however, there is a housing crisis that needs to be addressed. Council Member Greenough stated that with this ordinance as well as other projects upcoming will address the housing crisis. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked what the next steps would be; City Manager Wier stated that direction could be given for the connection fee, occupancy piece, setbacks, height, and maximum size. City Attorney Rice stated that the Council could, by consensus, give direction on what standards are required, and could also ask for additional time before introducing the ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that presently, State law dictates ADUs and the City would have to abide by those. Should be cognizant on making changes the Council feel strongly about. Council Member Schellong asked if a builder had built an ADU now, before the ordinance, would they have to go back and adhere to this ordinance; City Attorney Rice stated that would only apply to the non-exempt ADUs. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that he would like further discussion on connection fees and does not want the ordinance rushed.
Would also like duration to be discussed further as well. Council Member Altman stated that the current set back is 5' and he would like to see that stay the same. Is concerned with the expense of the connections and remembers that there may not be enough hookups for a large amount of ADUs. It would be a huge expense to the City if ADUs took off. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore that a better understanding of connection fees, capacity fees, and construction fees should be explained as some of these are one-time fees and some are not. City Manager Wier explained the difference between connection fees and capacity fees. Council Member Schellong stated that there is a 5- year plan available for people to pay the connection fee.
13. Public Safety Dispatch and Animal Control Service Agreement Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Appoint two Council Members to serve on a Public Safety Dispatch/Animal Control Agreement ad hoc committee
City Manager Wier stated that there are some details that need to be worked out between the City and the County's Dispatch service, therefore an ad hoc is being recommended. Counci Member Schellong stated that Sheriff Scott spoke to her for some background information on the past Agreement. She would like to serve on this committee; Council Member Greenough would like to also be on the committee. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that this will be a contentious issue and the Council Members who serve on the committee should be aware of the background He said the biggest responsibility the Council has to the community is to ensure that they receive the best quality service.
There were no comments from the public.
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On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried inanımousiv on a 5-0 polled vote.
Safety Dispatch/Animal Control Agreement ad hoc committee.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
• Legislative Matters - None
> City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported the following to the City Council:
• 200 A Street has been completely demolished and was a code enforcement case for the City for a very long time.
• Police Recruit Jordan Fillippa graduated the Police Academy at the top of his class and will have a ceremonial swearing in on July 10t Council meeting • The Planning Commission has recommended that the Council take on the topic of short-term rentals.
• Attended the DHS banquet that was a great success.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore is not in support of staff working on a short-term rental item at this time, current projects and the ADU ordinance need to be prioritized. Staff is already at capacity. The Council was in consensus. Council Member Schellong stated that the Planning Commission should focus on the vacant buildings; City Manager Wier stated that Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor has that on her list to work on. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated his one caveat on short-term rentals is to consider contracting it out to SHN. The Council was in consensus to have a proposal brought back to the Council for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. to the closed session.
The closed session adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Almar
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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