CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Blake Inscor Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman
ouncil Member Jason Greenoug
suncir Member Isaiah Cruncil 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 DECEMBER 4, 2023 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Inscore called the closed session to order at 5:02 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Kelly Schellong, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman, and Mayor Blake Inscore
Council Member absent at roll call: Council Member Isaiah Wright Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, and City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There were no comments from the public on closed session items.
Council Member Wright arrived at 5:04 p.m. to join the closed session already in progress.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Real Property Negotiator: Eric Wier (Gov. Code § 54956.8) • APN 118-360-007-000
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9) • Linda Sutter v. Tri-Agency EDA, et al. (Del Norte Superior Court Case No. CVPT-2023- • Crescent City v. Lounge Chair Investments, et al. (Del Norte Superior Court Case No.
CVUJ-2022-1131
Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9(c)): 8 cases
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported no actions were taken on closed session items.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Inscore called the open session to order at 6:03 p.m. 1 | Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
Roll call Council Members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Finance Director Linda Leaver (via Zoom), Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor, and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Inscore
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Dorothy Riley: spoke about Cointelpro and paid protagonists; spoke about a false narrative being spoken against her and an incident that happened at UC Davis and where she was accused of sexual harassment. She spoke about how she was a hostage of the FBI. • Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Wright: nothing to report
Council Member Greenough: nothing to report
Council Member Schellong: attended the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation Energy Reduction event held by students; downtown economic development meeting to come up with a new vision; Downtown Divas are having a Ladies Night on the 7h, the VFW will have a free event for children with Santa Mayor Pro Tem Altman: RCTA meeting spoke about rate increase study to meet grant standards that won't go into effect until summer; there will be an electric bus for local routes only; the Williams location will have upgrades to infrastructure to maintain the electric buses. The transit center is moving forward across from the Cultural Center.
Mayor Inscore: attended the DNSWMA meeting, the LAFCO and CalLAFCO meeting, process of rebranding for CalLAFCO; met with stakeholders for the Center for the Performing Arts; Congressman Huffman reported the funds that will be available for Front Street; attended the Economic Development meeting which included discussions on the Cultural Center; spoke about Kamome Festival 2024. Thanked the community for coming out for the Christmas Light Parade and congratulated City staff for all of the hard work put into the event.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Police Chief Commendation for CHP Sgt. Rick Borges and Sgt. Brandy Gonzalez Chief Griffin stated that Borges served 26 years and Gonzalez served 22, they both have been very involved in the community and made this a very safe community. Chief Griffin stated that they both helped him throughout his career and they both have been instrumental in his career as Chief. CHP Commander, Lt. Roach, stated that these officers have been spectacular for their community, they protected people and treated people with respect. Sgt. Borges thanked Chief Griffin and stated it has been his privilege to work in the community he grew up in. Appreciates Chief Griffin's support during his career. Sgt. Gonzalez stated that it has been a blessing working with Chief Griffin and stated that our community is amazing and supportive. Mayor Pro Tem Altman thanked them both for their service and confirmed that Trunk or Treat will continue even after Sgt. Gonzlez's retirement. Council Member Schellong congratulated the officers for their services. Mayor Inscore gave a humorous story about the one ticket he has received in over 50 years was given by Sgt. Borges. He appreciates the job CHP does. 2 | Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
• Kim Smith Retirement
City Manager Wier thanked Mr. Smith for his 21 years of service to the City and gave a PowerPoint presentation that gave an overview of his career with the City. Mr. Smith stated that he has thoroughly enjoyed working for the City and it is because of the people who work there. Mayor Inscore stated that it is due to Mr. Smith's work on Safety is one of the main reasons the City has obtained the RMAP award annually.
• Service above Self Proclamation
Mayor Inscore read the proclamation aloud and presented it to Cindy Henderson and Debra Wakefield for their service to our community during the Smtih River Complex Fire. He stated that both Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Wakefield have been vital for the emergency response for this community. He stated that Mrs. Henderson made a community that was vulnerable to disasters to one that is strong. During the Smith River Complex Fire, City Manager Wier reached out to both Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Wakefield and they immediately responded to the call to help the community get through the disaster. Mrs. Henderson spoke about her pride in all of the workers of the EOC, the volunteers, City and County staff. Mrs. Wakefield stated that the leadership and collaborative effort between the City and the County was what made the EOC work as well as it did. Council Member Schellong stated she had never worked an EOC before, but in her work with the EOC got to see both of them in action and it encouraged her to do a great job. Mayor Inscore stated he had seen Steve and Debra Wakefield coming by his house together as a part of the fire department all of the time. He said that people in the community have always expressed great legacy that they have left behind and the care they gave when they arrived on scene to an event.
He also stated he has learned quite a bit from Mrs. Henderson in regards to the response to a disaster.
Mayor Inscore took a five-minute recess at 6:45; called the meeting back to order at 6:53 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period November 4, 2023 through November 17, 2023.
2. Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the November 20, 2023 meeting minutes for the City Council.
3. Payroll Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll report for the period ending November 18, 2023, paid November 22, 2023.
4. 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Calendar
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-83, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING THE 2024
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
5. Code Enforcement Legal Services Budget Amendment
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-84, 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
3 | Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
6. Budget-to-Actual Financial Reports for October 2023
• Recommendation: Receive and file budget-to-actual financial reports of the City's major operating funds for Fiscal Year 2023-24 as of October 31, 2023
7. Storm Drain Master Plan Professional Services Agreement • Recommendation: Ratify the City Managers execution and approval of a revised Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc. to implement the Storm Drain Master Plan Project
Council Member Schellong asked for item 1 to be pulled from the consent calendar; the Council was in consenuss.
There were no comments from the public on items 2-7 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Wright and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted items 2-7 of the consent calendar as presented.
Mayor Inscore stated that Council Member Schellong would be recusing herself from item 1 of the consent calendar due to a conflict.
There were no comments from the public on item number 1 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Wright, and carried on a 4-0-1 polled vote with Council Member Schellong being recused, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted item 1 of the consent calendar as presented.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
8. California Community Schools in Del Norte - Lisa Howard and Jeff Harris • Recommendation: Receive presentation
Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Take action as necessary and appropriate
Del Norte Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Harris addressed the Council about the California Community Schools and the benefits it will provide to students. Stated that once services are up and running in the community, DNUSD will be coming to the City for a partnership.
Dorothy Riley: stated that one of the reason she went to school was to help children; she is concerned with brain to computer interface technology on children. It is one of the greatest health issues of our time. Spoke of times she rode the school bus and suffering through brain injury.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
9. Phase 2 of Cultural Center / Joint Visitor's Center Evaluation • Recommendation: Hear staff report
4 | Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comments
• Further Council discussion
• Direct City staff to bring back for Council approval an amendment to the Greenworks Agreement and associated budget amendment in the not to exceed net cost to the City of $62,770 for Phase 2 of the Cultural Center evaluation to become a joint visitor City Manager Wier addressed the Council and gave a presentation on the Regional Redwood Discovery Center. The inspiration for the park is Castle Rock, Elk Creek, Redwood Forest, beachgrass dunes and Tolowa art. Mike Abbate' of Abatte Designs and subcontractor of Greenworks gave an overview of what the Discovery Center would look like as well as a detailed overview of the scope of work. City Manager Wier stated that the maximum net cost to the City for this project is $62,700 as there is a regional partnership contribution by Redwood Park Conservancy in the amount of $25k, State/National Park in the amount of $25k and the Chamber of Commerce - the amount proposal for a contribution goes before the Board next Friday. City Manager Wier explained that the amount of visitors has been steadily increasing, and getting to them into one building would really positively impact our economy. Due to the community engagement and the partnerships, this is a strong project. Council Member Schellong asked once the project is completed, will the City still be the owner of the building; City Manager Wier stated that the City will still maintain ownership. Mayor Pro Tem Altman asked regarding the design of the exterior building if a heartier wood was being considered for the siding instead of something that requires an annual staining; City Manager Wier stated that yes, this is something that will have to be considered as what is presently on the building is Redwood and that will not be readily available. Mr. Abatte stated that the bones of the building needs to be evaluated first and then the exterior will need to be evaluated for sustainability and redwood is not sustainable. Council Member Greenough stated that his time on the Cultural Center 2x2, there were many discussions on how to better utilize the building. He feels this is a key element as a resource for not only visitors but for residents as well. Mayor Inscore stated that he remembers Council Member Greenough's suggestion to have the Tsunami Memorial Fountain to be located at the Cultural Center. Feels it is a great addition to the project. Mayor Inscore asked if this project is close to the $62k and for Finance Director Leaver's opinion on use of the General Fund. He further asked of Mr. Abatte about the schedule of the project. Mr. Abatte stated that the schedule of the project for Phase 1 will be done three weeks before the grant is due. City Manager Wier stated that in regards how to pay for this project he will turn it over to Director Leaver for the budget-to-actual numbers; Director Leaver stated that the fiscal year audit is being wrapped up, the GF reserve is $350k. City Manager Wier stated there is $30k in Economic Development. EDA also has a grant opportunity with a 20% match that will come before the Council in the next couple of meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that we estimated $170k and the actuals are $350k; City Manager Wier confirmed that amount.
Dorothy Riley: stated that an employee of the Cultural Center threatened to call the police on her when she was protesting sex trafficking. She further stated that she could expose a great more than Edward Snowden did. Stated that music is what created a false narrative about her life.
Darrin Short: stated that Mr. Simonson, who built the Cultural Center, really wanted it to be the center of the community. Does not want the community center aspect of the building be taken away when it becomes the Welcome Center. Supports the proiect, but does not want to lose the community use aspect.
Roger Gitlin: asked for clarification on the financial ask of this particular agenda item. Mayor Inscore explained the financing of the project and broke down the numbers - he said the action tonight was for the $62k and to move forward with the partners. 5 | Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
Mayor Pro Tem Altman wanted to address Supervisor Short's comment; he stated that in order to accommodate all of the partners that the event center part of it would go away. The historical underuse of the area was taken into consideration as well as the deterioration of the kitchen.
There are some sentimental feelings towards the event center. Mayor Inscore stated that there is a part of a consideration that there will be a meeting space within the design. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that previous discussions were that due to the amount of space needed for the partners, events would not be feasible. City Manager Wier stated that the larger space would be a rotating exhibition hall that can serve many purposes. Council Member Schellong explained what the Cultural Center looked like when it was first created and the designer, Leland Simonson, only wanted the best for the community and would be supportive of this idea.
Tom Caul: stated that where he is from, they use tents to expand the building's space and suggested that sort of use for the Cultural Center.
Council Member Schellong asked Mayor Inscore if he expected the Chamber to also provide funding for this project; Mayor Inscore stated that he believes they have the resources to make a contribution and he will be making that recommendation to the Board. Council Member Greenough asked for clarification that if the Chamber makes a contribution that the City's net cost would lower; City Manager Wier answered in the affirmative.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Schellong, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City directed City staff to bring back for Council approval an amendment to the Greenworks Agreement and associated budget amendment in the not to exceed net cost to the City of $62,770 for Phase 2 of the Cultural Center evaluation to become a joint visitor center
10. Tsunami Landing Plaza Design Option and Hours of Operation • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
• Direct City staff to pursue design options to provide more versatility of use by creating better access and more space for events
• Direct City staff to pursue time-of-use restrictions
City Manager Wier stated that the current use of the Tsunami Landing Plaza is not conducive to City staff time as well as for the public enjoyment. He stated that because Beachfront Park is closed in the evening, and because of that, cleanup is not necessary before the public can use the space. The community has complained about the area, therefore staff is asking Council to direct staff to modify the hours of use for the Plaza which would require a small change in the ordinance. City Manager Wier gave an overview of the Plaza and explained that removing the walls and making it a level space would be fairly easy to do. This can be a self-regulated area and can be used for community events. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that during the Christmas Tree Lighting event, he thought about the fountain being there, you wouldn't even be able to see the stage and Santa and it would need to be envisioned. He spoke of his concern of the children playing in the water in the space of where the fountain had been as it was not safe. He does not feel it should be a fountain, but for the monument to be relocated with a plaque as the sculpture is a nice piece of art and doesn't fit the space. He further stated that due to the walls being there, it makes it even more difficult for City staff to clean the area. Would like to see an ordinance change to match Beachfront Park. Council Member Greenough stated that he is in favor of removing the walls to make the space more usable for events. Would like for the fountain to remain a fountain and fully restored. Would like to start with having the walls removed and limit 6 Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
the hours of use of the space. Council Member Wright agrees with the ordinance change and to have the walls removed. Council Member Schellong is in favor of removing the walls and change the hours of use. Stated that the people who she has spoken to and have lived here a long time would like to see the fountain remain in that spot. Especially since it is a memorial, it is important for it to stay where it is. Mayor Inscore suggested having more public engagement on how to revitalize downtown. Agrees that the sculpture was designed to be a fountain and supports that idea. Would like to change the ordinance and treat this like a public space with time restrictions.
He agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Altman that it is not a safe spot for children to be running around The Council was in consensus for staff to bring back an estimate of what it would cost to remove the walls and the ordinance change as soon as possible. Council Member Wright asked if the ordinance needed to have s specific area; City Attorney Rice stated that the ordinance currently reads "all City parks" - this would be consistent with adding it as an additional park. Mayor Inscore asked if it could be clarified that it be established by way of resolution; City Attorney Rice stated that the enforcement aspect comes from the violation of the ordinance, therefore needs to be in that form. There was unanimous consensus from the Council to change the hours and to revisit the design of the plaza.
Darrin Short: wants the Tsunami Memorial Fountain put back in place as soon as possible; would like to see the use of the plaza and removing the walls happen as the Council agreed.
Dorothy Riley: stated that there are so many vacant buildings that they should be considered to be used to house the unhoused.
11. 2024 Boards and Committee Appointments
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Confirm the Mayor's appointments 2024 Boards and Committees Mayor Inscore stated that the Boards and Committees that were no longer active have been removed from the list. Council Member Schellong asked about the ad hoc committees; City Manager Wier stated that those will be decided on an as needed basis. Council Member Greenough asked for someone else to be appointed for the PBSP Citizens Advisory Commission; Council Member Schellong volunteered to be the alternate. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that the League of California Cities representative needed to be discussed; Mayor Inscore stated that it is important to continue to attend the meetings to network and see what other cities are doing.
A good example of the benefits is the fact that at one meeting that was attended the discussion of a tax measure was held and got onto our radar. There is value if the Council Member appointed can make it - they are on Fridays and never up here. Council Member Wright stated that he is available on Fridays to be appointed to the Redwood Empire Division. Mayor Inscore would like to find out from Sara Sanders if someone needs to be elected because the officers are voted on.
Clarification is needed to see if it needs to be one person or can be three people to attend different meetings. Council Member Schellong asked about the Animal Control/Dispatch was not on the list: City Manager Wier stated that since it is an ad hoc, those appointed members will remain, but are not on the list. For the Redwood Empire Division appointee, it will be moved to December 16th meeting.
Dorothy Riley: would like to see Boards and Committees include Cointelpro, FBI, and police brutality. Would like to see gaslighting as a part of this list. Spoke about the records she received from her public records request.
7 | Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Wright and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City confirmed the Mayor's appointments to the 2024 Boards and Committees with Council Member Greenough being replaced by Council Member Schellong as the alternate to the Pelican Bay State Prison Citizens Advisory Commission
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Legislative Matters - None
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported on the following City events:
• Christmas Tree lighting was a success
• Chipotle is breaking ground
• The Planning Commission discussed the new family units being built at their last meeting
• The City will be seeking an EDA Grant and USDA Grant for a new vehicle for the fire department
Council Member Greenough asked for an update on the jetty and the dangers; City Manager Wier stated that Director Yeager has been trying to work with the Army Corps of Engineers.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Inscore adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTES
plena
Robin Altman'
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
8 Page
12/4/23 COUNCIL MINUTES