CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Mayor Blake Inscore Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman
Council Member Jason Greenough 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
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2024 6:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Inscore called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Kelly Schellong, Council Member Isaiah Wright, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman and Mayor Blake Inscore
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Grants Coordinator Bridget Lacey (via Zoom), Fire Battalion Chief Joe Gregorio, Fire Battalion Chief Darrin Short, Fire Chief Kevin Carey, and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Inscore
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Police Chief Commendation - AC Field
Chief Griffin gave a background for Mr. Field where he started in the Marine Corps and then starting working at the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office and then onto the Del Norte District Attorney's Office. He is retiring and Chief Griffin wanted to give him credit for all of the assistance he gave CCPD as an Investigator with the DAs Office. Investigator Field expressed his thanks to the community, Chief Griffin, City Council and the City Manager. He wanted to give special thanks to his wife for being there for him throughout his career of 28 years. City Manager Wier stated that Investigator Field was one of the first people he met when he came back to Crescent City and he is steadfast and strong. As City Manager, Mr. Wier has been able to have Investigator Field's expertise on cases. Council Member Schellong thanked Investigator Field for all of his years of service.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. City Marketing Update - Lynnette Braillard (LuLish) & Ashley Taylor (City Economic / Recreation Director)
Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor announced that Lynnette Braillard of LuLish will be presenting to the Council. Ms. Braillard gave a marketing update for FY23 to date 1| Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
on the Fred Endert Municipal Pool, Lighthouse Cove RV Park as well as Economic Development For Lighthouse Cove RV Park a new logo was discussed. For the Fred Endert Municipal Pool, a simple modernization new design was chosen. She further reported that the Pool's website has been up and running and the schedule will be up soon. For Economic Development, City marketing and identity branding is in progress. She presented the new logo designs to the Council for them to review. She detailed the results from the Lighthouse Cove RV Park website showing where visitors are coming from. Council Member Schellong asked if previous year vs current year is really showing a decline; Ms. Braillard stated that no, it is just the current year. She further stated that Lighthouse Cove RV is featured on the Visit Del Norte website under stay and camping sections. LuLish will also do marketing for the Kamome Festival for this year and also for the Forest Moon Festival. Marketing has also been done in the 101 Things to Do in Western & Coastal Oregon publication. Council Member Greenough stated that when he was travelling out of the area, there were billboards on the wall at Rogue Valley Airport that had advertisements for other areas, but not Crescent City. Suggested those billboards be used to market Crescent City. Ms.
Braillard stated that advertising has been sought, however there have been a lot of staff changes at Rogue Valley Airport and it didn't come to fruition. However, through the Visitors Bureau, a marketing campaign is being done for travel through Advance Airlines.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Donna Westfall: spoke about if ratepayers are paying for expansion; there has not been a rate increase since 2007. Asked if connection fees need to be increased. Went into City Hall to view how many sewer connections from 2007 and how much it cost in total. Stated if anyone is interested in Prop 47, she has the material.
Sam Strait: stated that when government reaches a certain expense, and the public can no longer afford it. He feels that Crescent City has reached that point.
Josefina Barrantes: spoke about the Tri-Agency Economic Development Agency and how the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors have removed language from the JPA regarding wind energy. Would like the Council to adopt the same action as the Crescent City Harbor Commission which does not have the wind energy exclusion.
• Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - None
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period January 27, 2024 through February 9, 2024.
3. Council Meeting Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the February 5, 2024 meeting minutes of the City Council.
4. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending February 10, 2024, paid February 16, 2024.
2| Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
5. Plan Review Services Professional Services Agreement • Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Professional Services Agreement with BPR Consulting Group, LLC for Plan Review Support Services
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-11, 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
6. Contract Amendment to Regional Early Action Planning Grant Subaward Agreement • Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Regional Early Action Planning Grant (REAP) Subaward Agreement between the City of Crescent City and the County of Del Norte for Housing Planning Services for the period August 16, 2023 through June 30, 2024
7. Position Control Amendment Adjusting the Salary Range of the Fire Chief Position • Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-12, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE BUDGET AND POSITION CONTROL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
8. Community Corrections Partnership Funds
Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-13, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 23- 24 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Council Member Schellong asked for items 2, 5, and 7 to be pulled from the consent calendar, the Council was in consensus to pull the items. She explained she would be recusing herself from item 2, but would like items 5 and 7 to be pulled for discussion.
There were no comments from the public from items 3, 4, 6, and 8 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Wright and carried on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted items 3, 4, 6, and 8 of the consent calendar as presented.
There were no comments from the public on item 2 of the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, and carried on a 4-1-0 polled vote with Council Member Schellong recusing herself, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted item 2 of the consent calendar as presented.
Item 5 - Council Member Schellong asked about the fees from this project and how it will assist the City; City Manager Wier stated that with the backflow of projects the City has, and City staff not having the availability to do it, this will help as it will be a two-week turnaround time and being developer friendly is very important. The fees are 70% of the building permit fees. Council Member Schellong asked if this will not be covering the developer's plans that the City will be reviewing; City Manager Wier stated this is just for the remainder of this year. It will always be cash positive for the City.
Sam Strait: asked if there was a quick turnaround to allow developments to build and shouldn't the public have a say so in the process; Council Member Schellong stated that this plan check service is to be quicker than how City staff can do. Mayor Inscore stated that this has already went through public hearings.
3 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Greenough and carried on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted item 5 of the consent calendar as presented.
Item 7 - Council Member Schellong stated that she has heard from a lot of people in the community about this item and feels it shouldn't be on consent. Mayor Inscore asked if the Council had any questions on the staff report, there were none.
Sam Strait: stated that a lot of community members are decrying paying someone $200k a year.
He understands that not all of the money comes from the City, but that someone who makes $200k in salary and benefits would need another $40k. Stated that since there are only 25 fire calls a year and most calls are health related.
Darrin Short; Battalion Chief, Crescent City Fire and Rescue: wanted to make the point that if any of the Battalion Chief's cannot cover the Chief's shift, the Chief will cover it. He sleeps away from his family at the beginning of the week and his days off are still filled with dealing with firefighters.
Works on his days off, he supports this increase. Modern fire departments do not only respond to fires; and your Fire Chief has to deal with it in a legal and safe manner.
Council Member Schellong stated she was on the Fire 2x2 and that this is a big ask. She stated that Chief Carey is worth double, he has increased volunteers for the Department, and has taken steps to be a Fire Marshall. He is also a Paramedic which brings a lot of value to the City. She stated that there are 2,000 calls a year handled by a volunteer fire department with three Fire Captains. Council Member Wright stated that when his son had a medical emergency, the first people to show up were firefighters which is priceless. Council Member Greenough stated you can't put a dollar figure on great leadership. He struggles with the change in the salary, but isn't sure who can take his place. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated he fully supports this change. Mayor Inscore stated that the legacy that was left behind by former Fire Chief Wakefield, it has given everyone the impression that Fire Chief's have to respond to all calls. The fire department provides a great service in not just responding to fire calls. Mayor Inscore outlined the Fire Department 5-Year Master Plan in detail by explaining that it was created to make sure there was the best level of service for the community. He further stated that the $200k annual includes salary and benefits, not just the salary.
Sam Strait: stated he doesn't disagree with this item, just the discrepancies in which the fire department operates. Such as the problem with dispatch putting calls out the way they should be pushed out - such as non-emergency calls being sent to the fire department.
Kevin Hawkins: stated that Fire Chiet Waketield living and breathing the fire department is no different from Chief Carey's passion. There are going to be calls when they weren't needed, but it's better not to be needed than to not be sent when needed.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, seconded by Council Member Wright and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-12, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE BUDGET AND POSITION CONTROL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
PUBLIC HEARING
9. Public Hearing to Close Out Grant 20-CDBG-12012
• Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
4 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
• Close public hearing
• Approve the final accomplishments under Community Development Block Grant contract #20-CDBG-12012; and
• Direct staff to submit final closeout documents to Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Mayor Inscore opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
City Manager Wier reported to the Council how many people in need the Pacific Food Pantry had served in Crescent City. During the Smith River Complex Fire, they served 707 houses with emergency food. Sarah Campbell, of Pacific Pantry thanked the City and said it was rewarding to work for this program.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Inscore closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the final accomplishments under Community Development Block Grant contract #20-CDBG- 12012 and directed staff to submit final closeout documents to Department of Housing and Community Development.
10. Public Hearing: Application to HCD for Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Funds and Adoption of the 2020-2023 PLHA Plan
• Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Close public hearing
• Discuss the 2020-2023 PLHA Plan and application
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-14, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION
AND ADOPTING OF THE PLHA PLAN FOR THE PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING
ALLOCATION PROGRAM
Mayor Inscore opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
City Manager Wier reported to the Council that housing is desperately needed in our community.
He further stated that these funds need to be used for housing. Local developers are oftentimes sought after for more housing, and if that were to happen, it would come back before the Council.
Council Member Schellong asked if these funds would be available for a developer to have business/residential units downtown. City Attorney Rice stated that yes, as long as there is a residential component, however these funds are geared more towards low-income residents at affordable housing. She stated further that you get more points with those types of development.
Council Member Schellong asked if there is going to be something other than low income as there are a lot of community members who do not qualify for the low-income, however cannot afford the higher rents. City Manager Wier stated that workforce housing will be sought as well.
Sam Strait: stated that California does not have low income or moderate housing, so is perplexed as to why this is being entertained.
5 Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
Grants Coordinator Lacey stated that in regards to moderate income level, this program will serve up to 120% of the area median income. Not only low income is being served, but up to moderate income as well. It will be 60% area median income or below, but it doesn't exclude the developers that are still wanting to provide for median or moderate-income levels. With mixed use with the amount provided, it will cover only two-family apartments. It will likely work with a bigger project if they only had two units that were low to moderate income. Mayor Inscore stated that this doesn't have to be used for the next apartment complex but could potentially be used for ADUs. There are creative ways to use this fundings rather than a developer getting tax credits.
Mayor Inscore closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m.
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 approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-14, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ADOPTING OF THE PLHA PLAN
FOR THE PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PROGRAM
CONTINUING BUSINESS
11. Public Comment Letter to Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) Regarding Groundfish Closure
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a comment letter related to the groundfish closure and authorize the submittal to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) at the March 2024 meeting
• Consideration of sending a Council representative to the March PFMC meeting City Manager Wier stated that this is another opportunity for the City to speak to the groundfish closure. Commercial fishing had to cease here, but 20 miles to the north, fishing was open. The letter is asking them to look at the methodologies on how the data is collected. For the consideration of the Council to send a Council Member to the March PFMC meeting in Fresno, Supervisor Howard has been selected by the County. Council Member Schellong asked why we are sending the same letter that was sent before; City Manager Wier stated that the ask is now a little more refined. Mayor Inscore stated they made the decision before taking public comments, now everyone is lining up to give comments. Mayor Inscore stated he would be willing to go as long as public comment can be taken.
Sam Strait: asked if it was required to have a Council Member to attend as it makes more sense to have someone with the background and knowledge speak for the City.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and authorized the Mayor to attend the March PFMC meeting, to have a presentation prepared ahead of time, in the not-to-exceed amount of $1,500 for travel and authorized the Mayor to sign a comment letter related to the groundfish closure and authorized the submittal to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) at the March 2024 meeting.
12. Declaring the Continuance of an Emergency Due to Continuous Slide Activity Along Pebble Beach Drive
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
6 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Declare by a 4/5 vote that there is a need to continue the emergency action for the continuous slide activity along Pebble Beach Drive between 7th and g' Streets per Public Contract code § 22050
City Manager Wier stated this is an ongoing issue and the emergency needs to be declared on a monthly basis to secure funding. This is going to position us correctly for repairing the slide.
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 declared by a 4/5 vote that there is a need to continue the emergency action for the continuous slide activity along Pebble Beach Drive between 7h and g'h Streets per Public Contract code § 22050
NEW BUSINESS
13. 2023 CDBG Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Amendment #1 Application: $3.3 Million for Front Street Project (Play Street to L Street) Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-15, 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 AND/OR 2024 FUNDING YEAR OF
THE STATE CDBG PROGRAM
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the 2023 CDBG Application Certifications and Statement of Assurances
City Manager Wier gave a PowerPoint presentation that showed the different phases of the construction of Front Street. Funding was received from 2020 Storm Drain Improvement Project CDBG, Measure S/ARRA funding, then Community Funding/ CRRSAA funds. For Front Street, Play to L Street, there will be CDBG funding available for this section. The Clean California Grant will take care of pedestrian improvements. Council Member Greenough asked what is difficult with this part of the project; City Manager Wier stated that there was heavy flooding and the storm drain aspect is very important. CDBG has funding first come first serve if shovel ready, the City is eligible for this funding. City Manager Wier stated that bridge financing may be necessary; if we cannot find a loan, we would have to turn it down. Mayor Inscore asked for this to be a specific item for our Budget Workshop, specifically the matter of a bridge loan.
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 approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-15, 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 AND/OR 2024 FUNDING YEAR OF THE STATE CDBG PROGRAM and approved and authorized the City Manager to sign the 2023 CDBG Application Certifications and Statement of Assurances
14. Zoning Map Amendment - 1405 California Street
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
7 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Introduce, waive full reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 840, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR 1405 CALIFORNIA
STREET AND THE CITY'S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
SHN Contract Planner Ethan Lawton presented to the Council this particular item is before the Council from the Planning Commission. He stated that this rezoning request is for a development at 1405 California Street. This has gone through a public hearing at the Planning Commission level. He further reported that this will allow the City to meet it's moderate housing requirement Amending the General Plan map seems to fit the need of the community which is more housing.
Council Member Schellong asked for clarification of the action being 40 units yet it is actually for 56; Planner Lawton stated that the 40 units would be Phase II. Phase I being what has already been completed, the zoning change would allow for Phase I! to be built.
Kevin Hawkins: stated that the three-bedroom projected values in our area will fall into HUD category. The more of these projects that are encouraged, the lower rent will be in our community.
Mayor Inscore stated that one piece of housing is the struggle that school district has had to retain and recruit teachers when they can't find housing, and hospital staff who cannot stay in our area due to lack of housing
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 introduced, waived full reading, read by title only and introduced Ordinance No. 840, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR 1405 CALIFORNIA STREET AND THE CITY'S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
15. Tri-Agency Economic Development Authority JPA
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Options:
• Approve the revised Joint Powers Agreement for the Tri-Agency Economic Development Authority as approved by the County Board of Supervisors • Approve the revised Joint Powers Agreement for the Tri-Agency Economic Development Authority as approved by the Harbor Commission • Approve the revised Joint Powers Agreement with modifications as directed by the City Council
City Attorney Rice gave a background on the Tri-Agency, it was established by the State and covers the County/Harbor/City. This was derived from the tsunami event to help with economic development. It was known as an intermediary loan program, however in 2011 Tri-Agency defaulted on the loan. Ultimately the decision was made to not forgive the debt and Tri-Agency was put into the position they would have to pay off the loan whether or not they continued to work as an Agency. In 2022, the City, County, and Harbor agreed on a plan to divvy up the debt.
In 2023, the three agencies decided on a set amount to make Tri-Agency a viable agency. It was decided to have the local Tribes be involved and for the Tri-Agency to no longer be a "lender of last resort". City Attorney Rice stated that the Board of Supervisors approved the revised JPA that included a clause that the Tri-Agency will not support advocating for wind energy. The Harbor Commission approved the JPA, but did not include the wind energy aspect. The Agreement will not be effective until all three entities agree on one Agreement. Council Member Schellong stated 8 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
that the Tri-Agency was also responsible for building the Harbor. Was curious why each entity chose their own JPA; City Attorney Rice stated that the BOS had made revisions and it was approved by the Board, and the Harbor approved the revisions but not with the wind energy. The Authority shall not support or pursue the activities that support the creation of off-shore energy.
Sam Strait: stated that one of the concerns of the public was the effect on fishing from the off- shore wind energy. He stated that wind energy on the Atlantic Coast has been a complete disaster.
Darrin Short: stated that he and Supervisor Borges were advocating for our local fishermen and this language is what they felt would protect them. Wind farms in Ireland have attracted crabs to their cables, they froze and it killed that industry.
Kevin Hendrick: asked the Council to approve the version the Harbor Commission approved. Said precluding the Tri-Agency from these discussions will not prevent them from happening. He said the reason why the Harbor took the language out is that they felt the fishermen needed ot have a voice at the table in regards to off-shore wind
Council Member Wright asked about the exclusion in the JPA if it was the City Council; Mayor Inscore stated that it is only the Tri-Agency. Council Member Greenough stated he didn't understand why the County wouldn't want to have a discussion on wind energy. Wind energy may be a large-scale economic benefit for our community. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that a lot of the confusion came that when the Tri-Agency came together to continue the entity. He stated he doesn't understand how wind energy has become such a big focus of Tri-Agency. He doesn't believe that they will have enough money to put in all of the infrastructure for wind energy here in Del Norte County or Humboldt as well. Council Member Schellong stated she doesn't think having a statement in the JPA saying it is not supported means anything. She is not a fan of wind energy as it will absolutely affect our fishing industry. Does not want that verbiage in the JPA. Mayor Inscore stated his focus is on the JPA, not wind energy. He stated the reason why the Tri-Agency talked about wind energy is because they couldn't do anything else due to the debt. Two Harbor Commissioners brought the wind energy discussion forward. He further stated that each member agency has a vote in the Tri-Agency's work plan and therefore if wind energy is decided to not be in the work plan, it will not be. Does not feel the wind energy exemption needs to be in the JPA.
Darrin Short: wanted to clarify that the Tri-Agency will not be disbanded, they will be unfunded.
On a motion by Council Member Schellong, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the revised Joint Powers Agreement for the Tri-Agency Economic Development Authority as approved by the Harbor Commission
16. Municipal Code Update: Sign Regulations (Ch. 17.39) • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Waive full reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 839, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER 17.39, SIGNS, OF TITLE 17, ZONING, OF THE CRESCENT
CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
Planner Lawton stated that City Council directed staff to bring this to the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission held several meetings to discuss and adopted this on January 11t and recommends this version to the Council. He went over the revisions to the ordinance in detail - 9 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
one revision is to remove "any one commercial establishment may obtain a temporary sign permit under these regulations no more than three times in one calendar year." Council Member Schellong asked who the City's Community Development Director; Planner Lawton stated that has been contracted to Bob Brown of SHN Engineering. Mayor Inscore stated that he would like to see it revised to "Community Development Department" instead of "Director". City Attorney Rice agreed with Mayor Inscore, however, the term Community Development Director is used quite a bit throughout the code. Fixing it in this one spot won't work; should be done in definitions.
Council Member Schellong asked for clarification on revision 6, "allow wind-blowing signs with a use permit"; Planner Lawton stated that what she was referring to was being removed. She further asked about sandwich boards and asked where they could be placed; Planner Lawton stated that it is a review period cannot just be placed anywhere. Council Member Greenough left the meeting at 9:16 p.m. Council Member Schellong was in opposition to charging a large fee for a conditional use permit for a business trying to draw customers in; Planner Lawton explained what conditional use permits are in comparison to other permits. Planner Lawton further stated these revisions are recommended by the Planning Commission, however the City Council does not have to accept the revisions. Council Member Schellong stated she does not approve of someone having to have a conditional use permit for $360+ just to advertise they are selling tacos. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that the Planning Commission put a lot of work into this ordinance and he would like that to be taken into consideration. Mayor Inscore stated he would like to see a mechanism to modify the $360+ fee; there are several signs that are against the code within the City limits and no enforcement. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that a year ago the Council directed staff to make a more relaxed sign ordinance and asks if this particular ordinance is not as relaxed; Council Member Schellong stated her only issue is the expense of $360 for a sign; Mayor Inscore agreed with a concern over the cost. City Attorney Rice stated that there is a lot of staff time and expenses that come with issuing a conditional use permit. Mayor Inscore stated he would like to see the fees associated with a conditional use permit to come back to the Council; City Manager Wier stated that the fee schedule will come back before the Council. Discussion over a ministerial permit was held at length. Mayor Pro Tem Altman asked if this more relaxed ordinance, we didn't specify back a year ago that we didn't specify for the banner to not have a fee. Mayor Inscore stated that the conditional use permit should be a ministerial permit not to go through the Planning Commission. Council Member Schellong asked if the OTC ministerial permit be less than $360; City Manager Wier stated that would have to be brought back before the Council. voting no, the City Council of the City of Crescent City waived full reading, read by title only and CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER 17.39, SIGNS, OF TITLE 17, ZONING, OF THE
CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
17. Comprehensive Compensation Study RFP
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize staff to release the Comprehensive Compensation Study Request for Proposals
City Manager Wier stated that CCPOA brought forward this matter and wanted to see a compensation study done. There have been a lot of changes over the last eight years regarding wages. The Association Presidents have agreed to the RFP before the Council and they will 10 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
continue to be a part of the process and will help select the firm. He stated that it is his feeling that this study will show that we are low on the pay scale. Council Member Schellong asked if the job descriptions would be changed; City Manager Wier stated that job descriptions will not be changed.
Sam Strait: said he does not feel that matching entry-level jobs making $20 an hour is something the City will be able to do.
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 authorized staff to release the Comprehensive Compensation Study Request for Proposals.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
> Legislative Matters - None
Mayor Inscore stated that Council Member Greenough asked for discussions to be had with Senator McGuire and Assembly Member Wood asking if there are any state revolving loan funds available to small cities during these difficult economic times. Mayor Inscore stated that since conversations about Pebble Beach Drive will be had with Senator McGuire, it would be a good time to bring up that question. Council Member Schellong asked for an update on the Kamome Festival, Forest Moon Festival and any economic development.
City Manager Report and City Council Directives - Three wrestlers going to State for the Del Norte High School Wrestling Team.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Inscore adjourned the meeting at 9:57 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
11 | Page
2/20/24 COUNCIL MINUTES