CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Blake Inscor Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman
Duncil Member Jason Greenous Council Member Kelly Schellong Council Member Isaiah Wright
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 FEBRUARY 5, 2024 6:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Inscore called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Kelly Schellong, Council Member Isaiah Wright, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman, and Council Member absent: Council Member Jason Greenough
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Inscore
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Black History Month Proclamation
Council Member Wright read the aloud and stated he will accept the proclamation.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Last Chance Grade EIR Public Comments
Jamie Matteoli, Caltrans Project Manager, reported the project timeline to the Council that has been since 2015. He detailed each alternative that is being contemplated for Last Chance Grade.
Alternative X would have a retaining wall plus large-scale hillside/slide drainage. This is lower in cost and quicker to construct. Alternative F would be a tunnel that would largely avoid landslides.
It is higher in cost and would take longer to construct. He further gave directions on how to submit comments to the draft document. Council Member Schellong asked that although Alternative F is more expensive, she wanted to know the time difference between the two; Mr. Matteoli stated that the tunnel can take 8 years, but that the road can still be accessed during the tunnel construction. The other option will take 5 years. Mayor Pro Tem Altman asked if modern tunnel boring will be used; Mr. Matteoli said it would be standard excavating tools - it does not use a tunnel boring machine due to the diameter of the machine. Mayor Inscore asked who ultimately 1 Page
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makes the choice on what option to choose; Caltrans makes the final decision. Mayor Inscore encouraged the community to go back and watch the meeting as the presentation was very informative on the project and its alternatives.
There were no comments from the public.
2. Advanced Air / Border Coast Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) Economic Impact Presentation
Levi Stockton, President and Founder of Advanced Air, reported to the Council the service areas Advanced Air provides. He stated that there has been a pilot program with Southwest Airlines that has provided them with well-trained pilots. Council Member Schellong stated that she is encouraged with the new service and believes there will be better communication with the Airport Director Ryan Cooley. Mayor Inscore asked for explanation on the connection through LAX to get to Hawthorne back to Crescent City. Mr. Stockton stated that a shuttle would pick up the passenger curbside and take them to Hawthorne. Airport Director Cooley reported to the Council the Economic Impact Study that was done in September 2023 for what the airport will be bringing to the community. This would include both Del Norte and Curry Counties in the impact report as they are the ones that are a part of the JPA. He gave a report on how many visitors come to our area and how much they spend while in our community. Council Member Schellong stated that having this economic impact will be helpful when budget time comes and the discussion of funding the airport is held. Mayor Inscore stated that with the change of air service, communication with the public is very important and the Chamber of Commerce should be included in the conversation. Director Cooley stated that he has been in touch with Chamber Executive Director Vosburg and has put her in touch with Advanced Air representatives.
3. Pebble Beach Drive Emergency Closure Update
City Manager Wier reported to the Council on the recent degradation of Pebble Beach Drive due to the recent storms. He stated that the road could collapse at any time where the slide has affected the soil underneath. Public Works Director Yeager has been in discussions with Caltrans and emergency contractors to get repairs done. Director Yeager will be meeting with geotechnical consultants for the best route to take on the slide's repair. City Manager Wier stated that the permanent fix for Pebble Beach Drive would be $30 million, the City would be responsible for 3% which is $1 million. Since this is not allocated by Congress, the City would have to come up with the entire $30 million up front and then be reimbursed. Council Member Schellong asked about the EO funding and what the geotechnical dollar amount was, even though it is reimbursable; City Manager Wier stated that he does not have an estimate as the slide is growing - the preliminary estimate is $3 million which is subject to change due to the changing nature of the slide.
4. Spring Swim Camp
Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor gave a report to the Council about the Spring Break Swim Camp and stated the last one was very successful. She showed a brief PowerPoint Presentation that showed pictures of last year's event which will be very much like what this year's event will be. There will be more organizations involved this year to include the fire department and police department. The Marine Mammal Center and the Redwood/National Parks will also be approached to be included in the education piece for the attendees. Mayor Inscore asked how much it is to attend the five-day camp, Director Taylor stated it is $75 as there has been some funds received to help lower the price.
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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Donna Westfall: asked for a presentation for the public on the expansion project of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. She also reported on her queries about the WWTP over the years and her being sued by the City.
Linda Sutter: spoke about the recent Tri-Agency meeting and the lack of leadership.
Dorothy Riley: spoke about propaganda being done against her and that she would like to have the nano-technology removed from her. She would like to have brain-to-computer interface done on the FBI.
Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Schellong: attended the Zoom for Last Chance Grade put on by Caltrans, neeting with Caloes regarding the significant storms, attended the Chamber Dinner anc congratulated the City for the Del Norte Pride Award and Debbie Stover for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Attended the Front Street ribbon cutting.
Mayor Inscore: attended the Homeless Ad Hoc committee for next steps for the shelter, working on the upcoming Kamome Festival; attended the Beachfront Park design team.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period December 30, 2023 through January 12, 2024.
6. Council Meeting Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the December 18, 2023 and January 16, 2024 meeting minutes of the City Council.
7. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending December 16, 2023, paid December 22, 2023 and for the period ending December 30, 2023, paid January 5, 2024.
8. Budget-to-Actual Financial Reports for of December 2023 • Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly budget-to-actual financial reports of the City's major operating funds for Fiscal Year 2023-24 as of December 31, 2023
9. Quarterly Cash and Investments Report as of December 31, 2023 • Recommendation: Receive and file quarterly cash and investments report as of December 31, 2023
10. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Appropriations Limit Correction • Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-07, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY SELECTING THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT FACTORS FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2023- 24 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
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11. Battery Point Density Bonus Agreement for Affordable Housing Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Density Bonus Agreement with SSF Battery Point LP for the Battery Point Apartments Development Project
12. Declaring an Emergency Due to Continuous Slide Activity and the Failure of Pebble Beach Drive
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-08, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY DUE TO CONTINUOUS SLIDE ACTIVITY AND THE FAILURE OF PEBBLE BEACH DRIVE BETWEEN 7TH AND 8TH STREET AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACT PURSUANT TO PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION Council Member Schellong asked for item 11 to be pulled for discussion; Mayor Inscore asked for item 12 to be pulled for public comment. Council Member Schellong also asked for item 5 to be pulled from the consent calendar so she could recuse herself. The Council was in consensus to pull these items.
There were no comments from the public on items 6-10 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 6-10 as presented.
There were no comments from the public on item 5 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, seconded by Council Member Wright, and carried on a 3-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent and Council Member Schellong being recused due to a conflict of interest, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved item number 5 of the consent calendar as presented.
Regarding item 11 - Council Member Schellong stated she was concerned with the lack of parking as it is in the school district and will move cars onto the street. City Attorney Rice stated that under the State's density bonus law, if a developer proposes a certain amount of affordable housing, they are entitled to concessions under the law and parking is included in that. If it is 100% affordable, they get 4 concessions - they have chosen parking, and the City is required to approve it unless the concession is found to have a specific adverse impact upon (1) public health and safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid that impact. The planning commission did not make this finding and granted the concession. Thus, that question is not before the Council this evening. The developer felt the parking was sufficient and pointed out that if there is too much parking, it causes other problems, such as tenants storing additional vehicles, etc.
There were no comments from the public on item 11 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member Schellong, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and authorized the City Manager to sign the Density Bonus Agreement with SSF Battery Point Apartments Development Project
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Item 12 - Mayor Inscore stated it is important to understand why an emergency declaration is necessary; City Manager Wier stated this allows the City to get a contractor asap to get the repairs done. Would it have been done for usual practice, not in an emergency, it is a long process and there are specific requirements needed that take time to accomplish. City Attorney Rice stated that anything over $15k would require an RFP and due to the activity of the slide, we do not have the time it would take for an RFP. Council Member Schellong asked if there was funding that could be sourced since we do not have the $3million; City Manager Wier stated that once the exact costs are known, it will be reported to the Council.
Linda Sutter: asked if it was going to take a long time to get the slide fixed and asked why it didn't take Brookings as long as it's going to take Crescent City. Mayor Inscore stated that the challenge that is being faced is the funding being available - the City would have to fund it all up front and then being reimbursed.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Wright and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY DECLARING AN EMERGENCY DUE TO
CONTINUOUS SLIDE ACTIVITY AND THE FAILURE OF PEBBLE BEACH DRIVE BETWEEN 7TH AND 8*H STREET AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACT PURSUANT TO PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION 22050
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
13. Last Chance Grade Project Draft EIR/EIS
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the resolution of the Last Chance Grade Project as outlined in the recently released Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR/EIS) Council Member Schellong stated that the letter is rather benign, Mayor Pro Tem Altman and Council Member Wright wanted the tunnel option and would make their comments known during the public comment period. Mayor Inscore stated that there is consensus that the Council would like the tunnel and asked if staff could indicate their preference in the letter. Council Member Schellong likes that the highway can still be used during the tunnel construction.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Wright, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the resolution of the Last Chance Grade Project as outlined in the recently released Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR/EIS) with the updated verbiage to include the Council's support of the tunnel option (Alternative F). 5 | Page
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14. Lighthouse Cove RV Park Fee Increases and Special Projects • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-09, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ESTABLISHING FEES AT THE LIGHTHOUSE COVE RV PARK, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 12, 2024
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING FY 2023-24 POSITION
CONTROL
• Direct staff to return with design plans for a restroom remodel at Lighthouse Cove RV Park
Director Taylor stated that discussions for a real business plan for the RV Park occurred to place the Park in a positive light. There is a projected decline in the working capital, the ad hoc committee was approached to discuss the current rates of the Park. The priorities of the committee were the rates to remain competitive, the restrooms, the apartment remodel, Park enhancements and Park security. The apartment to be remodeled to be used as a short-term rental. There would be substantial work that would need to be done to the inside in order for it to be rented. Currently it is not ADA accessible, however, grant funding is being sought for that project. The restroom remodel would include improving the grading in the ADA showers, to remove the block partitions to give more discreet spaces; road paving was discussed but there is not sufficient working capital to complete. The current state of the roads are not appealing to visitors, therefore should be considered for pavement. For the high seasons - Memorial Day to Labor Day, there will be a security guard on site. The Guard would be there from 10pm - 6am.
She stated that bike lockers can be acquired to keep bicycles locked away and secured for the visitors. She stated that with a rate increase, it will have to be reviewed on an annual basis. The Park Attendant position will be removed to be able to get the bike locker and security for the Park.
Council Member Wright stated that the people he had visiting said they really liked the bathrooms and the fee restructure would not prevent him from staying there. Council Member Schellong asked if there was a less expensive option for the bike locks. Mayor Pro Tem Altman asked if every 2nd floor apartment need to have an elevator; Council Member Schellong stated that it's because the lower level on other apartments are made available. Mayor Inscore stated the most important thing to travelers to RV Parks are the condition of the bathroom. He further stated that while staying at a KOA Resort at Mt. Rushmore, the roads were all gravel and if the City considered draining, gravel could be a good choice for the roads. The bathrooms need to be priority to be in good condition. Mayor Pro Tem Altman asked about the bathroom that was going to go downtown was $100k; City Manager Wier stated that yes, it would be $100-150k.
Tom Kaul: asked if portable toilets were considered; Mayor Inscore stated that yes, not for the Park, but other areas, and the cost is from $100-150k.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-09, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ESTABLISHING FEES AT THE LIGHTHOUSE COVE RV PARK, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 12, 2024
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, and carried on a 3-1 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent and Council Member Schellong voting no, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING FY 2023-24 POSITION CONTROL
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Council Member Schellong stated that she didn't like to see a position removed to fund other items, especially when there are already not enough people manning the Park. Director Taylor stated that the position needs to be removed to allocate funds elsewhere.
Council was in consensus to direct staff to bring design plans for the RV Park bathroom remodel to Council for further action.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
> Legislative Matters - None
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported the following to the Council:
Two new service trucks with cranes were delivered to the PW crew • Front Street has several blocks finished and is now open Spring Swim Camp is upcoming
• There will be an event to commemorate the 60t anniversary of the tsunami • The Forest Moon event will take place the first week in June Planning Commission meeting this Thursday will have another housing complex up for discussion
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Inscore adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Baltie
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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