DEL CRESCEN CRESCENT CITY
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185720 CALIFORNIA MARBOR DISTRICT
County of Del Norte
City of Crescent City
Crescent City Harbor District
Joint Meeting Minutes
Veterans Hall
810 H Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
July 25, 2023 5:00 P.M.
• Call the meeting to order
Chairman Short called the meeting to order for the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors at 5:06 p.m.
Mayor Wright called the meeting to order for the City Council of Crescent City at 5:06 p.m.
Commissioner White called the meeting to order for the Crescent City Harbor District at 5:06 p.m.
• Roll Call.
Board of Supervisors present: Supervisor Joey Borges, Supervisor Chris Howard, Supervisor Dean Wilson, Vice-Chair Valerie Starkey, and Chairman Darrin Short
County staff present: County Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair, Clerk of the Board Kylie Goughnour, and County Administrative Officer Neal Lopez 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
City staff present: Finance Director Linda Leaver, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman
Harbor Commissioners present: Commissioner Brian Stone, Commissioner Gerhard Weber, Commissioner Wes White
Harbor Commissioners absent: Commissioner Harry Adams and President Rick Shepherd
Harbor staff present: None
Pledge of Allegiance led by Chairman Short
• Public Comment
The following residents addressed the Supervisors, Council Members, and Harbor Commissioners:
Linda Sutter: did not know this meeting was about wind farms. Gave a background of the failures of Tri-Agency.
Mario Westphal: asked that the Members of the Tri-Agency identify themselves; Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated he and Council Member Greenough represent the City. Stated that wind farms pose a lot of problems environmentally. He gave the information he has obtained through research on the Tri-Agency. It has no office, no staff, and the website has not been paid for and does not exist, also does not have a phone number. Said it is a slow walking disaster.
Lavonne Sparks: does not support the use of public funds to fund the Tri-Agency.
There have been no jobs brought to the County as promised.
Sam Strait: stated that there has not been one promise kept by the Tri-Agency. It has been a joke for several years. Does not support wind farms as being a choice.
Liz Freeman: does not support the proposed bail out of Tri-Agency. This has been a troubled agency and asked for them not to vote to use taxpayers' money to keep the Tri-Agency afloat.
Brandon Bieber: feels that the Tri-Agency is like money laundering as there has been no economic development.
Whitney Beacom: asked for the vote to be to dissolve Tri-Agency as a vote for Tri- Agency is a vote for wind farms. Asked for the group to please listen to their constituents. Asked for them to cease and desist and make the Tri-Agency no more.
1. Offshore Wind (OSW) Energy Presentations
• Bob Brown, SHN - Overview of California's OSW and Port Development • Redwood CORE Hub
Vice-Chair Starkey asked of those on the Tri-Agency Board could explain after the public spoke out against hearing the presentation on wind farm. Commissioner White stated that it had been decided that the Tri-Agency would use this as economic development. Vice-Chair Starkey asked for consensus to have public comment after the presentations; the group was in consensus. The public spoke out stating that they did not want to hear the presentations on wind farms. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that it was important to the Tri-Agency to have independent presentations. The public was very animated about having a presentation on wind farms and did not want it to have anything other than information, did not want a "sales pitch". . Bob Brown, of SHN, stated that his presentation would be informational only. He further reported that it is President Biden's plan to have 200k to 500k homes powered by wind farms. He gave an overview of what President Biden's plan is to match what the rest of the world is doing and Governor Newsom had the same direction for California. Mr. Brown went over what onshore wind turbines entailed as well as what offshore entailed. He then outlined what is being proposed for Humboldt currently regarding leases for wind farms that is being planned by the Federal government. He stated that Crescent City Harbor is not adequate for assembling but is adequate for manufacturing. The parts would potentially come from Asia. Within the presentation, Mr. Brown showed the assembly of the wind turbine and gave a detailed description of the pieces of the structure. Council Member Schellong asked what kind of economic development studies have been done in Humboldt to show the creation of jobs; Mr. Brown said a study is out there, however still in the beginning stages. Commissioner White asked for both presentations to be done before a question and answer session; the BOS and Council was in agreement to wait until they were both concluded before asking questions. Katerina Oskarrson, CORE Hub Executive in Residence was joined by Amy Jester Director of Policy, Advocacy & Civic Leadership for Humboldt Area Foundation, and Angel Martinez-Reyes Coordinator for CORE Hub. Ms. Oskarrson stated they are here to explain how they are working with Humboldt that if this is done, that it is done equally in Del Norte County. Due to climate change, they want to bring more resources to adapt to the changes already being seen by climate change, one of them being off-shore wind energy. She outlined what CORE does and the company's background. Policy outreach is mainly what her organization does. Ms. Jester addressed the group and explained what her main role was with CORE. She outlined what her organization does for community engagement and reported that other communities shared the same concerns that were expressed by the public at this meeting. Vice-Chair Starkey asked if they are working with CERF; Ms. Jester said there is no formal process yet for the CERF the California Center for Rural Policy is in conversations about. Supervisor Wilson asked if the zones were State or Federal; Mr. Brown stated it is Federal. Council Member Schellong asked if counties have the ability to not enter into these lease agreements; Ms. Jester stated that the lease agreements are between the developer and the Federal government; Council Member Schellong asked are we required to allow the agreements; Ms. Jester stated the State and Federal government are looking into where they can have off-shore wind and are looking for local government to agree, if it's not agreeable, she is not sure how the State and Federal government move forward Mr. Brown stated that for the last several years for the public to reach out to Washington DC but it's understood how difficult that is. The local agencies can reach out to speak on behalf of their constituents. Commissioner Stone explained the leases and how the individual developers could enter into a community benefit agreement and that would reduce the amount of money they would have to put into the project. He further said that Crescent City has already been designated as an area that will be asked to join the wind farms. Commissioner White said that we are not required, however, we would have a fight on our hands. Council Member Altman asked that since the large wind turbines hold up to 700 gallons of hydraulic fluid as well as 70 gallons of lubricating oils, are they expected to explode like they do on land; and asked what is the recovery method for removal? He further stated that he spoke to Congresswoman Hoyle about the cleanliness of our main water source. He is very concerned about the placement of these turbines that will be where tuna is, the transmission lines will be placed where our Dungeness crabs are, and where the whale migration path exists. Commissioner Stone said he has asked the question about the gear boxes breaking down and was told that it would not happen. He said the fishing industry is flourishing Mario Westphal: he explained that there are two projects that have been pulled on the East Coast due to the cost. He stated that on the East Coast, they were not constructed because rich landowners fought and won, therefore that is why they are focused on Del Norte and Humboldt counties. The cost ratio to benefit - it is too expensive to build therefore contractors are pulling out.
Linda Sutter: if you destroy the ocean, the earth will not survive. Stated that since the presentation included what the Governor and President wanted, made it appear, in her opinion, to be biased. Does not support off-shore wind turbines and feels it will kill the ocean.
Sam Strait: there is alot to learn from the current projects that are occurring on the East coast. Iwo of the major contractors have pulled out. One is paying a $50 million fine sc hey can negate the contract. Stated that he heard a lot of "ifs" from the presenters. He doesn't care how hard the government is going to push for this, if it's not practical, its not practical. They should fund it then, not the taxpayers.
No name given: he stated that we will lose everything we have on that ocean, no private fishing and no public fishing. They will not allow anyone to go out there because of their transmission lines. We need to take a stand
Liz Freeman: her husband was a commercial fisherman for years. We came here today to hear about the Tri-Agency, but heard a sales pitch on wind farms. How much taxpayer funding has been spent on this, is it all connected with the Tri-Agency. This was not a neutral presentation. Asks for a no vote on the Tri-Agency No name given: asked where the funding comes from for the wind farms; Ms. Jester said it is through philanthropy; and is listed on their website.
Kevin Hendrick: said that since it is Federal waters and Federal leases, there would be a fight on local governments hands if it is fought. Asked for the group to listen to the Community Engagement Agreements.
2. All three agencies: General discussion regarding the future of Tri-Agency, a shared vision for economic development, whether the agencies desire to purse economic development through the Tri-Agency JPA, and what financial commitment would be required for the agency to thrive.
Chairman Short asked if the Tri-Agency Board of Directors should address this question first; Council Member Schellong agreed that it should. Commissioner White stated that he has never seen it be a failure, the Tri-Agency inherited a debt. We should not be a lender of last resort and it has already been decided that will no longer happen. This is one of the poorest counties in the state of California and how do we fix that; it's difficult to find any economic development other than tourism. Tourism does not bring high paying jobs, therefore how do we find them is his focus. Did not intend for the wind power presentation to become a debate, just wanted to show the possibilities of them.
He said he is unsure to move forward with Tri-Agency, but does feel the community needs to move forward with economic development. Supervisor Wilson stated that he is not an advocate for off-shore wind, doubts it will come to fruition as it has not been successful to date. The cost associated with these is what makes them not viable. The subsidies are what makes it viable for the companies that build them. Said our community could be doing so much better than we are with the natural amenities we have. The Tri-Agency is broken; the City, County, and Harbor has agreed to a community economic development plan. We need to find how to make the tourist dollars improve in our community together as each agency. Stated that if Tri-Agency has a drive on tourism, etc it can be successful. Commissioner Stone stated that he had not anticipated a presentation on wind power; but the focus of this meeting is economic development and how we bring it to this community. Leadership in the past is not something that should be held against the current Tri-Agency Board. Instead of having three agencies going in separate direction, why not have one agency representing all three and moving forward to see what benefits the community.
Supervisor Starkey stated that she is not in support of Tri-Agency. What we were as a community 50 years ago is not who we are now. There are other avenues for us to go with economic development and the Tri-Agency has not produced much in the last 50 years. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that it is so much easier to say what we don't like then to talk about what can collectively be done for what we want. It is difficult to envision a future when the past is the way it is with Tri-Agency. If Del Norte County is going to find economic development then we need to find a way to do it. Supervisor Borges stated that we are here tonight to speak about Tri-Agency, yet we are speaking about wind energy which will destroy our resources. So a vote for Tri-Agency is a vote for wind farms; supports the fishing industry, is in opposition to wind farms. Supervisor Wilson stated that wind farms are going to be a negative for this community. Stated he asked to be on Tri-Agency because economic development is sorely lacking, there are many empty buildings. The bylaws have been changed so that the actions of the past will not be those of the future. Supervisor Borges stated that he's not talking about the past, he said there have been no plans for economic development presently.
Commissioner Weber stated that he doesn't want his representatives to be self absorbed, wants everyone to work together and have a method in which all three agencies can work together. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that the City, County, and Harbor all approved their CEDS and public engagement was always available and how the CEDS was created. A small percentage of the CEDS was wind power, however, there is so much more than needs to be done. All of it came from the public. Council Member Altman stated he agrees with Supervisors Borges and Starkey. Last September was very painful for each agency to provide these funds and now we are being asked for more money. Doesn't think we need to develop a separate agency just to have a roundtable, can do it together now. Would be easy to come together - would like for the Tri-Agency to be dissolved. Council Member Schellong stated that she sat on the Tri-Agency Board back in the 2000s and was told that it was one of the strongest economic drivers in the community. It was the Tri-Agency that had the Harbor built. She stated that these were high risk loans and some did get paid back. Does not support dissolving the Tri-Agency; has always been a proponent of public safety and economic development. Mayor Wright asked if our Tribal partners can be added; County Counsel answered in the affirmative. Supervisor Borges asked where the funds going to and what is the ask; where is it going to? Chairman Short stated the funding would be for a Director, Legal Counsel. Supervisor Howard stated that this meeting was important to hear the opinions of the electeds but also hear from the community. He stated that HAS199.com was a creation from the Tri-Agency. Hwy 199 has been concluded and the sewer connections were done. The airport as well as broadband was brought forward to the community from the Tri-Agency. The funds being requested, $70k from the County, $30k from the City, and $10k from the Harbor to have a Director, Legal Counsel, and administrative staff. Council Member Altman stated that he has a request for board action that said the need is $110k to hire staff to implement Phase 1 of the goals. The funds are to implement goals and why can't we do that as the three agencies all together to discuss instead of funding another agency. Chairman Short stated that the Tri-Agency has strong bonding authority which pools our funds that will back the goals each agency's goal. Council Member Altman stated that the ask of the City is $30k and the City doesn't have it - we need to consider greater goals, such as Animal Control, Dispatch, and Klamath Fire and Rescue. When the City can only paint one side of the Cultural Center, it really needs to be considered how to spend the money appropriately.
Supervisor Howard stated that all three agencies agreed on funding economic development; what is missing is additional vision and thought. Time needs to be spent on the CEDS. Chairman Short stated that the wind power discussion and the Tri- Agency aren't really tied together in his opinion and if it is, he doesn't like it. More discussion will need to be had. Tri-Agency has been a portal for the discussion around wind power, the Federal government is the one driving it, not local government. This could be a very powerful entity with all three on board. He stated that the USDA was the one that had the bad loans. That lending was a black mark on the Tri-Agency, but good things have been done and will be in the future. Commissioner Weber asked if the current bylaws can help us learn how this will be successful and will work. How can we be protected for this not happening again. County Counsel Campbell-Blair stated that there is a draft currently that states the Tri-Agency will not be a lender of last resort, but since the Tri-Agency is in limbo it has not been approved. Vice-Chair Starkey asked what effort has been made to involve the Tribes in this discussion; Counsel Campbell- Blair stated that letters were sent out, but only Elk Valley Rancheria is in attendance.
Commissioner White stated that every member of the board was in favor of having the Tribes involved
Mario Westphal: stated that what he is hearing that without the Tri-Agency, the three groups can't work together? Work together without creating another agency. Instead of saying "if you don't like us, vote us out" say "how can we better serve you".
Linda Sutter: stated that the five people who were making the decision for the past mistakes of the Tri-Agency are currently on the Tri-Agency Board and they were Brian Stone, Wes White, Chris Howard, Kelly Schellong, and Blake Inscore. All said they were not a part of the Tri-Agency when the bad decisions were made. Nothing has been done in the last year by the Tri-Agency Board.
Sam Strait: the audience is telling you that if a Tri-Agency is created, the public does not trust the decisions you will make. Does not see the successes that Supervisor Howard says have happened. Feels the taxpayers are being taken advantage of. There is no vision of the Tri-Agency other than "economic development" which is vague.
Alec Dompka: Rural Community & Economic Development Advisor for University of California Cooperative Extension Humboldt, outlined where he sees the Tri-Agency can help the community. It is a natural placement for local government agencies and pooling funds makes the best sense. It is a one-stop shop for economic development. It can help prioritize what works for all members; staffing Tri-Agency will allow pursuing CEDS and obtaining grants. CERF is a perfect example of how the Tri-Agency can work.
Liz Freeman: asked for the Boards to please vote no on keeping the Tri-Agency Kevin Hartwick: spoke about Jim Hooper as the one who authored the documents for the Tri-Agency. Because of the Tri-Agency, the small boat basin and all of the businesses in the Harbor were created. However, later years saw HAS199.com and then it lead to TEAMS. Mr. Hooper knew an economic development engine was needed in Del Norte County.
Elk Valley Rancheria Chairman Dale Miller: Elk Valley supports this community. The Constitution and Mission Statement includes the community and will always be here to support the community.
3. County: Make a commitment to continue to be a member of Tri-Agency, or direct staff to begin steps to withdraw and/or terminate the JPA.
On a motion by Supervisor Howard, seconded by Supervisor Howard, and carried on a 3-2 polled vote, with Supervisor Borges and Supervisor voting no, the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors made a commitment to continue to be a member of the Tri- Agency
4. City: Make a commitment to continue to be a member of Tri-Agency, or direct staff to begin steps to withdraw and/or terminate the JPA.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore made the motion to continue to be a member of the Tri-Agency and Council Member Schellong seconded the motion.
Mayor Wright stated that if the motion doesn't include the Tribes, his vote is a no. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that all agreed that the Tribal partners would be included but because Tri-Agency was not finalized. Mayor Wright asked for the motion to be amended to continue the Tri-Agency and for the Tribal partners be invited to participate On an amended motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Schellong, and carried on a 4-1 polled vote, with Council Member Altman voting no and Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City made the motion to continue to be a member of the Tri-Agency as already included in the 23/24 FY Budget and to formally make invitations to the Tribes to join.
5. Harbor: Make a commitment to continue to be a member of Tri-Agency, or direct staff to begin steps to withdraw and/or terminate the JPA.
On a motion by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner White and carried on a 3-0 polled vote with President Shepherd and Commissioner Adams being absent, the Harbor District Board of Commissioners made a commitment to continue to be a member of Tri-Agency and to invite the Tribes to be a part.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of Monday, August 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
ATTEST
Almer
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst