CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore
Count Member in Amber listening ember ason Grenough
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 NOVEMBER 6, 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 Jason Greenough (via Zoom*), 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, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Senior Fleet Mechanic Bill Huffman, Fire Chief Kevin Carey and Police Chief Richard Griffin *Council Member Greenough announced that he was attending via Zoom because he is taking care of his wife and that his wife, Angela Greenough, was the only other person over 18 in the room with him.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Dorothy Riley: read a statement from President John Kennedy that spoke about a subversive agency within the government. She also spoke about Edward Snowden about another government agency that has brain to computer interface and nanotechnology. Spoke about Cointelpro, the FBI, and local police.
• Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Altman: attended the Redwood Coast Transit Authority (RCTA) meeting, wherein it was announced that the $7.3million grant was obtained; and attended City Safety Officer Kim Smith's retirement ceremony.
Council Member Greenough: nothing to report; pleased to hear about the funding for the transit hub.
Council Member Schellong: attended the RCTA meeting; toured the City's Corp Yard and learned a lot about areas in need of improvement; attended the Hmong New Year celebration this last weekend; and reported that this Saturday is Veterans Day and encouraged everyone to come out to celebrate our veterans.
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Mayor Pro Tem Inscore: attended the Cal LAFCo Annual Meeting and Board of Directors meeting; attended the Tri-Agency meeting; met with the City Manager, City Attorney Rice, Finance Director Leaver and Council Member Schellong regarding the rate study; met to discuss the Cultural Center; Downtown Economic Development meeting for how the downtown will be revitalized; ay meng and to man Never alato the Bese
Mayor Wright: nothing to report
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Veterans Day Proclamation
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore read the proclamation aloud and presented it to David Cooper, Lt. Col., USMCR (retired). He stated that he is the Commander of the VFW. Del Norte County has shown a tremendous honor and regard for local veterans. Invited the community to the parade on Saturday, November 11", starting at 10am with a luncheon immediately following at the VFW.
2. Adoption Day Proclamation
Mayor Wright read the proclamation aloud and presented it to Melodee Mitchell, of Loved Based Education for Adoptive Families. Ms. Mitchell thanked the Council for acknowledging Adoption Awareness Month. She explained the organization she works for as an adoption wrap-around service and explained what services and support they offer for adoptive families. She also gave her personal background of being a foster child in Del Norte County and her first foster parent.
Mayor Wright gave his personal story and that he and his wife have adopted two of their foster children. Ms. Mitchell stated that on November 28th at 5:30 pm at Lighthouse Cove Inn will be an Adoption Appreciation Celebration dinner honoring local adoptive families and the Council is invited.
3. New City Employee Introduction - Bill Huffman
City Manager Wier stated that Mr. Huffman is not a new employee, but an employee who got a promotion. Public Works Director Yeager introduced Senior Fleet Mechanic Bill Huffman to the Council and gave a brief account of his background. He also stated that Mr. Huffman was a big piece to the Smith River Complex Fire event and assisted in several areas. Mr. Huffman thanked the Council for the opportunity to work for the City and that he intends to do a great job.
4. Police Chief Commendation - Tom Kinney, California Auto Image Chief Griffin reported to the Council the community service that Tom Kinney, of California Auto Image, has done for the community. Mr. Kinney and his crew at one point helped get a suspect in cuffs and off of the Chief. The crew went back to work and didn't look for any acknowledgment just wanted to help. He has donated several hours of work and refuses a lot of payment. Mr.
Kinney thanked the Chief for the honor and that he is looking forward to retirement.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Council Meeting Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve the October 9, 2023 and October 16, 2023 meeting minutes for the City Council.
6. Warrant Claims List
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• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period October 6, 2023 through October 20, 2023.
7. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending October 21, 2023, paid October 27, 2023
8. Acceptance of Cal Fire Grant for Turnouts
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-74, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE CITY BUDGET FOR FY 2023-24 AND APPROVING THE CAL FIRE COOPERATIVE FIRE PROTECTION GRANT AGREEMENT #7fg23027
9. Change Order for Chemical Tank Construction at the WWTP • Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Change Order No. 1 with LNL Design and Construction for the completion of the installation of 4 chemical tanks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
10. Wastewater Treatment Plant Fuel Expenses Incurred During the Smith River Complex Fire
Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-75, 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. Updated Resolution for 2023 CDBG Application
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-76, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-72
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-77, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR
FUNDING AND THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ANY
AMENDMENTS THERETO FROM THE 2023 FUNDING YEAR OF THE STATE
CDBG PROGRAM FOR AMENDED PROJECT AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
AMOUNTS
12. Quarterly Cash and Investments Report as of September 30, 2023 Recommendation: Receive and file quarterly cash and investments report as of September 30, 2023
Council Member Schellong asked for item 6 to be pulled from the consent calendar as she has a conflicts through her current employer (BiCoastal Media). The Council was in unanimous consensus to pull item 6 from the consent calendar. Council Member Schellong then stated that she would also like to pull item 9 she has a conflict of interest because LL Construction is one of her clients at Bicoastal Media
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore asked for items 8 & 11 pulled from consent; Council was in consensus.
There were no comments from the public on items 5, 7, 10 & 12 of the consent calendar. on a motion by Council Member Inscore, seconded by Council Member Schellong, and carrie inanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted thi consent calendar consisting of items 5, 7, 10 &12 as presented.
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On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried unanimously on a 4-0 polled vote, with Council Member Schellong being recused, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved items 6 and 9 on the consent calendar as presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that in regard to item 8, he wanted to point out that Measure S funds made this possible. He further stated that it is because of the City residents who voted for MeasureS. Fire Chief Carey thanked the Council for their work and City staff with the hours of discussion on MeasureS funds. He also stated on behalf of Crescent City Fire and Rescue, he is thankful for all who were honored in the proclamations. He said that he is very impressed with his Administrative Assistant - this was the first grant she applied for and put in all the right information to ensure it was obtained.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Schellong, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2023-74, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FY 2023-24 AND APPROVING THE CAL FIRE COOPERATIVE FIRE PROTECTION GRANT AGREEMENT #7FG23027.
Item 11 - City Attorney Rice provided some clarification on this item; the resolution adopted included a line for general administration dollars; HCD has since made some changes in the way they calculate general administration dollars, therefore the numbers on the resolution were now incorrect. HCD has also since clarified that the City is not required to breakdown the general administration dollars and that a lump sum is allowed for the resolution. The resolution presented at this evening's meeting does not separate out the general administration dollars it only includes the total project award amount.
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 approved and adopted Resolution No. 2023-76, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-72.
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 approved and adopted Resolution No. 2023-77, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING AND THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO FROM THE 2023 FUNDING
YEAR OF THE STATE CDBG PROGRAM FOR AMENDED PROJECT AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AMOUNTS.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS
13. Tsunami Memorial Fountain Rehabilitation Project
Recommendation: Hear staff report
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• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Direct City staff to rehabilitate the Tsunami Memorial Fountain as proposed in the staff report (or as otherwise directed by the Council)
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-78, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2023-24
BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Public Works Director Yeager reported to the Council four options for the Tsunami Memorial Fountain placement and design. Staff requests direction on what to do with the fountain, and Director Yeager gave the following options: resurrect the fountain: weld the bronze connection points, install spray heads, re-energize electrical and water pump, repour higher seat wall to create gathering bench and refresh interior surfacing, or do thematic seat-wall surface treatments. The deadline to get this all done will be March 27, 2024. Director Yeager said that a plumber did come out to inspect the pipes but could not do a pressure test due to the condition of the concrete. The lines, otherwise, looked fine. Council Member Schellong asked about not having lights; Director Yeager stated that it was filled with concrete, therefore electrical cannot be installed. Council Member Schellong stated that she doesn't want to see the fountain operational without having lighting. City Manager Wier said the original design had the imbedded lighting, however that piece was removed about 25 years ago and that there are lights in the plaza. Council Member Schellong stated that the fountain is not only important as it honors those who were lost in the tsunami, but also it holds a lot of memories for those who grew up here. She does not want anyone to be able to sit around the fountain to protect the sculpture. Is in favor of all of the ideas. City Manager Wier asked for clarification that if she wanted to see it restored to its original location or if she wanted to include the tile; Council Member Schellong stated she would approve the full amount and would like to have it become beautiful again. City Manager Wier stated that due to the expense, if tile was going to be added, it would need to come before the Council again. Mayor Wright stated he didn't see the plaza as the final placement of the memorial. Would like to see it get back up for the anniversary and move forward with other plans at a later date; would like to see it at Beachfront Park. Council Member Altman stated he wanted to see the memorial repaired and does not want anyone to be able to sit around it. Questioned where the funds would come from for further improvements or repairs. City Manager Wier stated that the $5k approved by the Council will be for the welds to get the memorial back in place and weld the rods to the piece.
Council Member Greenough asked to hear from Finance Director Leaver to see if all of this is possible - stated that the TOT was affected due to the wildfires. Director Leaver reported to the Council that when the budget was adopted, there would be $107k unallocated funds. There have been several budget adjustments since then. The budget-to-actual for 2023 will be at the next Council meeting. Right now the estimate of the unallocated fund balance is $350k. City Manager Wier stated that this budget to actual is due to vacancies. This does not include any of the impacts for the Smith River Fire - TOT and sales tax will be affected, the amount is unknown at this time and won't be available for a few months. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that the fountain has been neglected for years. Since this is a memorial, it's important to get it fixed. Feels there is a better home for it in Beachfront Park and stated there could be some grant funding that can help pay for the repairs. Wants to spend the $5k to get it welded back together to be ready for the 60t anniversary of the event. Is not supportive of spending $50k right now to put it back in the plaza. Wants to see a long-term plan with that amount of money to include it in Beachfront Park. Mayor Wright wanted to see all memorial pieces to be in Beachfront Park - would like to see the welding done now. Having a water feature is not important to him at this time. Wants to get it back in place in time for the anniversary. Council Member Greenough stated that grant funding was obtained to redo the facade of the Cultural Center, maybe this could be placed there as a walk-up at the Cultural Center. Needs to be in a 5 | Page
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place of prominence to honor those who perished
The following residents addressed the Council:
Jill and Harley Munger: stated that having tiles done is a two-year project. There is no way it could be done by March. It would also be done by volunteers. Supports placing the memorial at the Cultural Center.
Mayor Wright asked about the placement of the fountain at the Cultural Center and if it would clash with the native design pieces to the area; City Manager Wier stated that the development planner can give input on the idea and have it brought back to the Council. Council Member Altman echoed the importance of making sure that the fountain is done in time for the anniversary.
Director Yeager stated that the way it will be reinstalled will make it secure. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore suggested having some public engagement to hear what the public would like to see for the memorial.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City directed staff to use the $5,000 budgeted amount to get the Tsunami Memorial Fountain repaired and put back in place in the plaza before the 60th anniversary. No action was taken on the resolution.
NEW BUSINESS
Since the selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore usually is last on the agenda, Mayor Wright moved the item after the letter of support.
15. Letter of Support for Israel
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Direct staff to send the letter of support to the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest
Council Member Greenough thanked the Council for wanting to take a stand against terrorism and placing this on the agenda.
The following residents addressed the Council:
Ashley Delaine: is disgusted that the Council wants to send this letter of support to Israel. She spoke about the innocent civilians that have been killed by Israel. She further stated that Hamas was created by Israel. Condemned the letter and stated that their constituents do not want this letter sent. They do
Meekum Makenzie Barr: his grandparents were Jewish, and he does not support this letter. He spoke about the stories coming from Gaza and that his grandmother would never support Israel exterminating Palestinians. By sending this letter of support, he opined this will place Crescent City on the wrong side of history.
Christine Mitchell: stated that she is very passionate about this issue; hates what Hamas has done to the Israelis, but Israel is committing war crimes and are killing innocent civilians. Over 30% killed were children. Does not support Hamas, but Israel has been committing genocide long before this. Does not support this letter.
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Michael Duval: this letter should be trashed, too much has come to light after the initial attack. It is inappropriate at this time for a City Council to address this issue when we don't know all if the information. The City Council should not have this legacy; requests the letter not be sent. If a letter is sent, it should address peace on earth and decrying civilian casualties.
Jill Munger: is a member of Temple Beth Shalom. Agrees with a few things Michael said. She said she is in conflict with what is happening with the good people of Palestine and the good people of Israel. Wishes the two governments could come together. This is not the time to send the letter. Liked what it said a month ago, and she is not in support of what Israel is doing now, and other Jewish people feel the same thing. Asks for the Council to wait on sending the letter as it is too heated of a topic at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated he did weigh in on the contents of the letter with Council Member Greenough, however after hearing from Ms. Munger, he agrees that since the writing of the letter, things have changed in the conflict. Said listening to the people who understand the things that you may not. Council Member Greenough stated that this isn't a political issue for him, he wants to denounce genocide. Council Member Altman stated he didn't know why this would be on a City Council agenda.
Roger Gitlin: thanked Council Member Greenough for bringing this item to the Council. As a Jewish man, he feels very strongly about sending this letter. Wants the letter passed in its current form.
Council Member Greenough stated that he understood that it isn't happening in our community.
Further stating that this is not a political issue, but to show the world where Crescent City stands on genocide. Mayor Pro Tem Inscore stated that supporting or not supporting this letter should not indicate our support of Israel or of Jewish religion. He further said that it is important to take a step back and suggests everyone does as well. He suggested that if Council Members want to send the letter, they can do so on their own accord. Council Member Schellong agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Inscore and does not feel it is the Council's role to speak on behalf of the City when our constituents are conflicted. Mayor Wright said two weeks ago, this was a different scenario. He stated it is his opinion that there is no support for this letter. Council Member Greenough gave his opinion of how this current situation is much like 9-11. He read the letter aloud.
Council Member Greenough made the motion to send the letter of support to the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest; motion failed for lack of a second.
Council Member Greenough spoke in dissatisfaction with the Council not agreeing to send the letter of support.
14. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Select a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore to serve for the next year City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Altman reported to the Council what the duties of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are as well as the voting procedure for appointment. Mayor Wright stated that he is fine with no longer continuing as Mayor since his duties have increased outside of the Council; and that he appreciated his time in the role. He further stated that the person selected for Mayor should be someone who does not get easily fired up.
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Council Member Schellong nominated Mayor Pro Tem Inscore to serve as Mayor; he accepted the nomination.
Council Member Greenough nominated Council Member Altman to serve as Mayor; Council Member Altman declined the nomination.
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 appointed Blake Inscore to serve as Mayor for the next year.
Mayor Wright nominated Council Member Altman to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore; he accepted the nomination.
On a motion by Mayor Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Inscore, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City appointed Ray Altman to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the next year.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Legislative Matters - City Manager Wier stated that the School District would like to give Manen ter stated a presentation to the Council at the next meeting; the Council was in unanimous consensus to add it to the next meeting agenda.
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported to the Council the following:
Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor reported to the Council the Monster Splash event that was held at the Fred Endert Pool. Council Member Schellong asked for an update on the heating of the pool; Director Taylor stated that EMOT Dan Borges fashioned something for a repair and will be opening the pool tomorrow. She also reported that Swim Camp is up and coming.
Front Street is still progressing, but weather has hampered it a bit. It will be back paved by the end of November.
Thursday - Planning Commission meeting to discuss DANCo project.
Building projects - Chipotle is still progressing and about to get building permits secured. They need special inspectors for the geotechnical aspect of the building.
Dollar Tree will be moving into the Walgreens building.
Measure S Oversight Committee meeting will be November 14h at the WWTP.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday November 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
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Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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