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 OCTOBER 2, 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, and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Council Members absent: Council Member Jason Greenough and Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore
Staff Members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Grants Administrator Bridget Lacey, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor, Public Works Maintenance Manager Jason Wylie, Public Works Director Dave Yeager and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Steve Huber: local fisherman spoke about the recent closure of all fishing of groundfish and would like people to give public comment to start the industry back up. He is concerned with the local impacts of this closure.
Dorothy Riley: spoke about nanotechnology and Cointelpro. She turther spoke about how mind control is impacting her life and that she is a subject of human experimentation. Wants Chief Griffin and Sheriff Scott removed from office.
Robert DeRego: spoke about the CDBG for low-income housing and that vacation rentals should be banned.
Andrea Spahn: spoke about the closure of fishing and asked for a letter to come from the Council stating their will be a disaster to our economy. Said anyone from the community, including those present at the meeting tonight can give public comment. The letter needs to be out by October 4t to get into the main book.
> Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Altman: nothing to report
Council Member Schellong: attended the Chamber of Commerce Bayside Realty Chamber Mixer, met with City staff to discuss more details on improvements on Lighthouse Cove RV Park, an 1 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
Economic Development meeting with City staff and stakeholders, Sea Cruise is this weekend and October 14 will be the Fallen Firefighter Award occurring in Sacramento, and October 27' will be the largest blood drive by Bicoastal Media, and that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Mayor Wright: GRMA Board of Directors meeting last week - the nominations for our members is coming up soon so a decision will need to be made.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Indigenous People's Day Proclamation
Mayor Wright read the proclamation aloud. Chairman Dale Miller of Elk Valley Rancheria spoke on behalf of the Rancheria and was glad to accept the proclamation. He stated the relationship between the Rancheria and the City has been very beneficial to both entities. Charlene Storr, Treasure of the Tolowa Nation spoke of the tribe's appreciation of the proclamation. Spoke of Crescent City being her home and that they have continued to honor native traditions. Spa-ghe Dowd from the Resighini Rancheria and spoke of his appreciation of the proclamation and is looking forward to working with the Clty. City Manager Wier spoke about the City's appreciation of the partnerships with local tribes and the City. Beachfront Park is a prime example of this partnership. He further stated acknowledging the terrible history is important for healing.
2. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
Council Member Schellong read the proclamation aloud and spoke about her work with Harrington House. Amy Carlson of Harrington House accepted the proclamation and spoke about Del Norte County being the leading county for domestic violence calls. Appreciated the recognition and that they will continue to work towards helping victims of domestic violence.
3. Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
Council Member Altman read the proclamation aloud, Mayor Wright presented the proclamation to Fire Chief Carey. Chief Carey gave some examples of fire prevention and what the fire department does to make sure the public is educated.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the December 6, 2022 and September 18, 2023 meeting minutes for the City Council.
5. Warrant Claims List
Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period September 9, 2023 through September 22, 2023.
6. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending September 23, 2023, paid September 29, 2023
7. Oregon Sewer Lift Station Emergency Repair
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-70, 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
2 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
8. Video Inspection of Sewer Lines and Manholes Notice of Completion • Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Video Inspection of Sewer Lines and Manholes Project by National Plant Services
9. Supplemental Agreements for COVID Relief Program STIP Funds and CRRSA Funds - Front Street Improvements
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-71, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER AS SIGNATORY FOR THE COVID RELIEF PROGRAM STATE
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (STIP) AND CORONAVIRUS
RESPONSE AND RELIEF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT (CRRSAA)
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) FUNDS
City Manager Wier stated that since Council Member Schellong will be recusing herself from the Warrant Claims on the consent calendar, there will not be a quorum to vote on that item. The Warrant Claims will be on the next City Council agenda for adoption.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 3-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough and Mayor Pro Tem Inscore being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 4, 6-9 as presented.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARING
10. Public Hearing to Close out Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00048 • Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Close public hearing
• Approve the final accomplishments under Community Development Block Grant contract #20-CDBG-CV1-00048; and
• Direct staff to submit final closeout documents to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Mayor Wright opened up the public hearing at 6:51 p.m. Grants Coordinator Lacey explained the CDBG CV1 funding which was intended on addressing community's needs. The Family Resource Center Food Bank was the first to be chosen for the Pacific Pantry Program. She explained the areas in Del Norte County served by this valuable program. Since the activity has been completed, the grant will need to be closed out. Council Member Schellong asked what happens to the disencumbered funds; Ms. Lacey stated it goes back to CDBG.
The following resident gave public comment:
Dorothy Riley: asked about the CDBG and Housing; what do people do when police brutality forces someone into homelessness. Asked about how Cointelpro keeps people from getting food, and how tech and society is being used to hurt marginalized people 3 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
Mayor Wright closed the public hearing at 6:57p.m.
There were no comments from the public
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 3-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough and Mayor Pro Tem Inscore being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the final accomplishments under Community Development Block Grant contract #20-CDBG-CV1-00048 and directed staff to submit final closeout documents to the Department of Housing and Community Development.
11. Public Hearing for 2023 and 2024 CDBG Notice of Funding Availability • Recommendation: Open public hearing
Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Close public hearing
• Direct staff to prepare an application for CDBG funding under the 2023 NOFA for OTC - Public Infrastructure - Storm Drain Project Phase II (F Street) $1,065, 485; and • Direct staff to prepare applications for CDBG funding under the 2024 NOFA for OTC - Public Infrastructure - Front Street (Play to Hwy 101) $3,000,000 and Competitive - Public Service - FRC Food Pantry - Food Bank $250,000
On a motion by Council Member Schellong and seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 3-0 polled vote, with Council Member Greenough and Mayor Pro Tem Inscore being absent, the City Council voted to table and reschedule the public hearing for the 2023 CDBG NOFA to October 16t meeting.
No public comments were made on the motion to postpone the item.
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing opened 6:59 p.m. Grants Coordinator Lacey explained the Notice of Funding Available which was released in September 2023 with approximately $36.5 million in funding to be awarded to waitlisted. Lori Adams of Adams Ashby spoke about the requirements for the process so the public is made aware of the services available. There were two applications that came in for consideration. The projects being brought forward are the public service activities and infrastructure activities. The individuals these programs serve are for the moderate to low-income people in the community. The project before the Council meets the necessary requirements. One requirement is the Housing Element needs to be in place, which staff is currently working on. None of the activities proposed this evening require that element.
Council Member Schellong asked if there were any other applicants; Ms. Adams stated she understood those were the only applicants. City Manager Wier asked Ms. Adams to clarify the CDBG rules - that the City can only submit two applications for this funding; Ms. Adams stated that yes, due to the recent changes only two can be submitted for funding. Allowed one Over the Counter and one Planning and Technical Service Program. Mayor Wright asked about the amount of the funding available; Ms. Adams stated that the maximum is now $250k when it used to be $500k. City Manager Wier stated that part of Front Street, B Street to G, was a CDBG project, however it was competitive and not an OTC grant. There is one now, that will come before the Council at the next Council meeting which is more storm drain improvements. This particular one gets on a wait list for future funding; Ms. Adams said the NOFA will be released in January as the changes on that one has changed as well. It's her understanding there will no longer be wait lists, 4 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
but a "first come first serve basis". The projects will need to be shovel ready; City Manager Wier stated that the City will be competitive as we will have a shovel ready project in time.
The following resident gave public comment:
Dorothy Riley: stated that she was told that in order for her to get food from the Food Bank, an ID was being requested of the person asking. Would like to have it changed to not require ID to receive food. Addressed mental health and stated that she would like law enforcement to be discussed further.
Meridith Mills of the Del Norte and Tribal Lands gave a presentation about the food pantry and mobile market. She gave a presentation on the services they provide as well as a brief history of the program. Council Member Schellong asked how it was determined that Del Norte was the third highest in food security; Ms. Mills stated that there are questionnaires that people complete that give that information regarding healthy foods. The proposal they would have to have $250k in funding to support both the Food Pantry as well as the Mobile Pantry. The sources of their food comes from Ocean Air Farms, Alexandre Dairy Farms, Rumiano Cheese, Woodhaven Farms, Story's Seafood, NorCal produce through Wild Rivers Market, and Prairie Companion Company Council Member Altman stated that he appreciated her passion for her job. Council Member Schellong asked if the food pantry is only open 8 hours a week; Ms. Mills stated they are open every week and gave the schedule; Tuesdays are the mobile market. Council Member Schellong asked about the about lack of public transportation; Ms. Mills stated that people said the one reasons they were having trouble accessing the resources was the lack of transportation to get it.
Council Member Schellong suggested Ms. Mills speak with Redwood Coast Transit Authority to discuss the transportation needs. Barry Walkley is the President of RHS and spoke of his appreciation of the Domestic Violence Awareness Proclamation. RHS has a special program called "Helping Hands" that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are those in our community who live alone, however, have assistance from RHS for life skills, etc.
He stated that the grant would allow them to purchase vehicles to help clients with medical appointments. The program can be increased to above 14 clients. He stated that they meet the requirement of low to moderate income persons - Helping Hands client base is 100% low to moderate income persons. He further stated that 100% of their clients live within the City limits and meet that requirement. Grants Coordinator Lacey that all proposed projects will be completed in 33 months, all projects meet the low to moderate income people, and there are no matching grant funds. Council Member Schellong stated that both programs are needed in this community and her participation in the Night to Shine event for the Regional Center clients. Stated that the Food Pantry is serving more people per capita and since only one can be selected, since they serve more people, she would like to have the Food Pantry selected. Council Member Altman stated that he wishes both programs could be selected, but he would like to see the Food Pantry be selected, however appreciates the Helping Hands. Especially appreciated the help given to those who lost entire refrigerators and freezers of food. Mayor Wright stated that since we live in a food desert, he supports funding the Food Pantry, although both programs are valuable.
The following resident gave public comment:
Dorothy Riley: spoke about being kidnapped by an illegal 5150. Spoke about being terrorized before being kidnapped and asked about the mental health of the FBI and police.
Mayor Wright closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
5 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Council Member Schellong, and carried on a 3-0 polled vote, with Council Member Greenough and Mayor Pro Tem Inscore being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City directed staff to prepare applications for CDBG funding under the 2024 NOFA for OTC - Public Infrastructure - Front Street (Play to Hwy 101) $3,000,000 and Competitive - Public Service - FRC Food Pantry - Food Bank $250,000.
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
12. CCPD Application for AKC Reunite K9 Officer Grant
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize staff to seek donations for the program and to apply for the AKC Re-unite Grant for the purchase of a Kg officer
Police Chief Griffin stated that this was previously approved to have a third K9 and recommended by the MeasureS Oversight Committee. The current cost of the K9 is approximately $17,000 trained twice a month and certified. Currently there is Lt. Kai in the program who will be 7 years old next year and there is a hard line for his retirement. The third K9 will have Officer Sperling as his handler. Sgt. Kostya is doing very well in the public and has been present at high school football games, the players have enjoyed seeing his skills. Mayor Wright asked for when Lt. Kai retires, does Sgt. Kostya promote; Chief Griffin stated that it follows military rules that the K9 needs to be a higher rank than their handler. Council Member Altman asked if the K9s all come from the same place; Chief Griffin stated that they all come from the same place which are hand selected from Germany and are given basic transition.
The following resident gave public comment:
Dorothy Riley: asked about dogs being used by Cointelpro, FBI, and police to abuse people and spoke about one viciously attacking her for four months coordinated with nanotechnology.
Robert DeRego: asked if it's the intention to have two K9s and asked if they are still trained to sniff for cannabis; Chief Griffin stated that yes, they are still trained to sniff cannabis because not all amounts are allowed; in regards to the number of dogs, Chief Griffin would like four but it is not feasible for the department. Once Lt. Kai retires, Sgt. Lopez is going to still manage the program but will take a break from having a K9.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 3-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough and Mayor Pro Tem Inscore being absent the City Council of the City of Crescent City authorized staff to seek donations for the program and to apply for the AKC Re-unite Grant for the purchase of K9 officer.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Legislative Matters - None
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported the following to the Council:
6 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
• Fallen Firefighters Memorial event in Sacramento is October 14th - Fire Chief Carey reported to the Council that this is the ultimate sacrifice in our line of work. There is a huge wall with fallen firefighters' names. Former Fire Chief John McFarland will present the flag to the Wakefield family at the event.
• CCPD Pink Patch Program - Chief Griffin reported on the Pink Patch Program that acknowledges Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He spoke about the recognition for CCPD receiving a gold standard rating from NIBRS.
• Pool Special Events - Halloween Splash and Swim Camp - Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor reported that on October 21st will be the Monster Splash and then the Swim Camp will be brought back and will be held during Thanksgiving break, with registration on October 23d in pool activities as well as out of pool activities at the Cultural Center. November 20 - 22 is when the Swim Camp will occur. Mayor Wright asked for the ages allowed - Swim Camp is ages 8 - 12; for the carnival, there will be pool capacity as the limits of swimmers. Council Member Schellong asked if the Cultural Center can be used at that time; Director Taylor stated that LRT is having their play at the same time.
• City Manager Wier reported to the Council about the Pacific Fishery Management Council and their upcoming meeting. Council Member Schellong asked if a motion needed to be made or a direction can be done to draft a letter; City Manager Wier stated that it is better to have it agendized so the whole Council can weigh in. City Attorney Rice stated that in the past, direction was given, but it is a fuzzy line and since there is time, it's preferred to have it on the agenda. City Manager Wier stated that the City has until the 12th by 5pm to submit a public comment. City Manager Wier asked for Council consensus for if this is for a special Council meeting for consideration, or at the next regular agenda; Council Member Schellong stated that the negative impacts of this is across the board; Council Member Altman was in support of having a meeting next week and is available for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It was Council consensus to have the meeting on the 9th at 6pm. • Assemblymember Wood was in town to get a briefing on the Smith River Complex on the Incident Management Team, CAO Neal Lopez, and City Manager Wier. He also experienced the Val Polyanin exhibit as well and appreciated the diversity of the art.
He will be looking into options for how to help with rehoming the art. • Sea Cruise will be this Friday.
Chief Griffin reported to the Council that Officer Fillippa has graduated from FTO and now is a solo officer; Officer Aguirre will be solo soon. There will be a Detective position in January 2024. Council Member Schellong asked Chief Carey how recruitment was going for volunteer firefighters; Chief Carey stated it was going very well as two have gone through the mini-academy and two more are going thru the academy.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Paltma
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
7 | Page
10/2/23 COUNCIL MINUTES