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
MONDAY MARCH 4, 2024 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Inscore called the closed session to order at 5:03 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Kelly Schellong, Council Member Isaiah Wright, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Altman, and Mayor Blake Inscore
Council Member absent at roll call: Council Member Jason Greenough 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.
CLOSED SESSION
• Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (GC 54956.9(d)(1)): Sutter v.
Tri-Agency, et al. (CVPT-23-1261); Rebecca Bohannon v. City of Crescent City (CVCV-23-1284); Crescent City v. Lounge Chair Investments, et al. (CVUJ-22-1131); Crescent City v. Vonnie Von Bargen, et al. (CVCV-24-1011) • Conference with Legal Counsel Potential Litigation - Government Claim (GC 54956.9(d)(2)): Claim of Joyce Manning, et al.
• Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation - Code Enforcement (GC 54956.9(d)(4)): Three Cases
• Public Employee Performance Evaluation (GC 54957) - City Manager and City Attorney
Council Member Greenough joined the closed session already in progress at 5:08 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Inscore called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 1| Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
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, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Housing Authority Executive Director Megan Miller, Economic Development and Recreation Director Ashley Taylor and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Inscore
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported the following action was taken in closed session:
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 rejected the claim of Joyce Manning, et. al. filed on February 7, 2024 CEREMONIAL ITEMS - None
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Donna Westfall: spoke about her public records request - stated that on item 15, the report was not given to her as listed in the answer. Spoke about the possibility of a rate increase and that the fire chief and captains have had increases. She further stated that the public would like to see the streets being fixed. Spoke about complaints to the Grand Jury regarding the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Greg Bianchi: spoke about Ms. Westfall's public records request and the expansion cost of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Spoke about complaints issued to the Grand Jury regarding the same. Taxes are out of control and inflation is on the rise.
Sam Strait: stated that the Council says one thing and does another. Spoke about driving down A Street and that the car in front of him was zig zagging due to the potholes.
Greg Bianchi: asked if the pumping station going to be fixed soon as if the rates are going to be raised, fixes should be done. He spoke about the possibility of reusing treated water from the Plant.
Bill Shaner: spoke about the potential sewer rate increase and the needed maintenance; asked what is causing the possibility of an increase.
Jim Conley: asked for a resolution to recognize June 8th when the USS Liberty was attacked, recognizing those who were lost.
Gabe Stutman: asked for a Black History Month Proclamation and gave suggestions on what to add to it.
Chad Bastwell: spoke about the inclusion agenda.
2 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
Molly Cogner: spoke about it being Women's Month and the feminist movement.
Fred Leuchter: spoke about 24 protocols that the City should look into and referenced a book that listed them.
Robert Derego: spoke about how he appreciates the option to participate in the meeting via Zoom and is hopeful the City keeps that option open.
Sunny Valero: spoke about negative comments being given and to disregard them. • Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Mayor Inscore asked to move this item to the end of the meeting since the public comment period ended up taking a great deal of time to get through; the Council was in unanimous consensus.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period February 10, 2024 through February 23, 2024.
2. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending February 24, 2024, paid March 1, 2024.
3. Budget-to-Actual Financial Reports for January 2024
• Recommendation: Receive and file budget-to-actual financial reports of the City's major operating funds for Fiscal Year 2023-24 as of January 31, 2024
4. GSRMA Board of Directors City Representative Vote
• Recommendation: Vote for the City of Crescent City to be the city district representative on the GSRMA Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term
5. RFP for Wastewater Sludge Collection, Hauling and Disposal from the Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Recommendation: Authorize the publication of a Request for Proposals ("RFP") for the collection, transportation, and disposal of the wastewater sludge from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
6. Declaring the Continuance of an Emergency Due to Continuous Slide Activity Along Pebble Beach Drive
• Recommendation: 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 7* and 8' Streets per Public Contract code § 22050
Council Member Schellong asked for item 1 to be pulled from the consent calendar.
No public comments were received on the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altman, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 2-6 as presented.
3 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried on a 4-0-1 polled vote with Council Member Schellong recusing herself, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted item 1 of the consent calendar as presented.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS
7. Beachfront Park 60% Design Presentation / Review
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Provide comments/ direction to staff and/or consultant team regarding the contents of the 60% Design of Phase 1 of the Beachfront Park General Development Plan The GreenWorks team went over what portions of Beachfront Park will be developed. Mr. Abbate went over a proposed design for the entryway to Beachfront Park which involves wave forms. He further explained how the wave shapes will be found all over the Park. Anya Moucha of Greenworks went over the Kamome and Redwood Tree portion of the Park and its detail aspects, the waterfront plaza and amphitheater, the fish and canoe interpretive piece. She then detailed the pump track which anticipated construction will start this Fall. Council Member Schellong liked the hollowed-out tree aspect. Is concerned with the number of plants in the Park and what maintenance it will take for upkeep. Mr. Abbate stated that these plants will be native plants and City staff has been addressed for the viability of planting these. Council Member Schellong asked if aluminum is a good choice for the coast; Mr. Abbate stated that aluminum does not rust and long-term maintenance is best. Council Member Schellong asked if there will be tie-downs in the concrete for vendor tents; Mr. Abbate stated that yes, there will be tie-downs. Council Member Schellong asked if fishing and logging would be also represented in the Park; Mr. Abbate stated that the wave structures representative of the fishing industry and explained the native Tolowa plants. Council Member Schellong asked if the Council and public will have a say so in another design from the wave pieces; Mr. Abbate stated that they received this direction from the meetings this is the 5t or 6*h design plan, and it needs to be finalized. Council Member Greenough stated he is pleased with the design and is looking forward to it coming to fruition.
Sam Strait: asked if there has been any thought on the cost of maintenance of the Park; is this for tourists or City residents as most of the focus seems to be on the side of tourists.
8. FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Direct staff to prepare an application under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) personal protective equipment in the amount of $467,529.59
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Crescent City and the Crescent Fire Protection District to facilitate a cooperative effort to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and accessories for Crescent City Fire & Rescue personnel under a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant
4 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
City Manager Wier stated that both Fire Department Administrative Assistant Vanessa Duncan and Fire Chief Kevin Carey had put a lot of work into this MOA. This is a grant application that will acquire 46 SCBAs and is a split between the City and the District, costing the City $11k in a match. He also stated that another piece for approval for the Council is the MOA that has already been approved by the District. It has been recommended to have a joint application. Council Member Greenough was impressed by the amount of SCBAs that would be obtained for a low cost. Mayor Pro Tem Altman asked if the share with the District was 50%; City Manager answered in the affirmative.
There were no public comments.
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 staff to prepare an application under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) personal protective equipment in the amount of $467,529.59 and approved and authorized the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Crescent City and the Crescent Fire Protection District to facilitate a cooperative effort to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and accessories for Crescent City Fire & Rescue personnel under a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant
NEW BUSINESS
9. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Update
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
• Direct staff to reallocate ARPA funding
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET AND POSITION CONTROL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY Finance Director Leaver gave an overview of how the FY 2023-24 Budget has come together.
One of the major expenses of the City are wages and benefits. There was a City-wide net decrease of approximately $300k (3% of total wages and benefits budget). For the General Fund, the sales tax increased $115k, TOT increased $153k, and interest increased $53k. In the General Fund there was a decrease OF $100,497 across all departments. For the fire department there was a revenue increase of $86,061 and an increase in expenses of $60,871 from mutual aid. The police department had very little increases that were from public outreach, K9 supplies, investigation expenses, generator maintenance. Code Enforcement contract expense will increase $5,940, Streets revenues are projected to decrease $9,896 due to a decrease in projected gas tax revenue from the State. Parks expenses are recommended to increase a total of $3,202, with a decrease in wages and benefits offset by an increase in contracts for janitorial services and relocating the dog park fence. Cultural Center revenue is recommended to increase $10,000 for the Chamber of Commerce's contribution toward the Cultural Center feasibility study.
Pool - the original budget for the pool assumed the HVAC and flooring projects would occur this fiscal year, requiring an 8-week closure. The budget reduced revenues and also staffing for part- time lifeguards. These projects are now anticipated to occur in the next fiscal year, so the midyear budget update recommends an increase in revenue of $21,500, an increase in expenses of $35,934, and an increase to the position control for additional lifeguard hours. Overall for the General Fund, the total revenue increase is $434,779 and the total expense increase was $8,407.
The current required reserve is $2.5million. At the end of the year, the General Fund will be at 5 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
$3.7million should all expenses/revenues be as expected. Staff's recommendation is to not spend the $700k reserve and to not do anything with it until we know what is going to be done about Pebble Beach Drive. Council Member Schellong asked if recruitments are being done for the vacancies; City Manager Wier stated that the City has hired an HR firm that will be helping with upcoming recruitments. Council Member Schellong stated an on-staff HR member would be better for the employees and to not continue on with a consultant. Council Member Schellong asked if the moving of the dog park fence be covered by the grant; City Manager Wier stated that the requirements doing it internally would be better for us. Director Leaver went over the RV Park budget - the new fee structure will show an increase in the anticipated revenue. For the Sewer Fund, sees an increase of revenue of $50k due to connection fees. The Water Fund saw an increase in connection fees. Revenues increased $38k in interest revenue and operating expenses increased $80,551. In regard to the AMR meter project, there is a request to add $270k to the budget to keep them going. She reported on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which was COVID-19 relief funding.
Sam Strait: asked if the HVAC project will stay at $1.5million; City Manager Wier stated that the estimates from the engineering firms, they are huge ranges which includes the changing out of certain components. It will be bid as a dehumidification project. Mr. Strait stated that the pool is popular but is a drain on the City's finances.
Mayor Inscore asked City Manager Wier to have the 5-Year Plan to be made easier to read for constituents. He further stated that sewer rates haven't been raised in 10 years unlike everything else.
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City directed staff to reallocate ARPA funding and approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
BUDGET AND POSITION CONTROL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
10. Prohousing Incentive Program Application
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2024-17, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION
FOR AND RECEIPT OF PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM FUNDS
City Manager Wier stated that this item is needed for our Prohousing Designation. The Prohousing Designation Program provides incentives to cities and counties in the form of additional points or other preference in the scoring of competitive housing, community development, and infrastructure programs.
There were no public comments.
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 approved and adopted Resolution No. 2024-17, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR AND RECEIPT OF PROHOUSING INCENTIVE
PROGRAM FUNDS
11. Council Member Travel to San Francisco
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
6 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize up to $750 for the Mayor to attend a meeting in San Francisco with Consul General of Japan, California Senate Leader McGuire, Rikuzentakata, Japan Mayor Sasaki, and other State or Federal representatives on April 10, 2024 City Manager Wier stated that Mayor Inscore has been invited to this meeting. The delegation is coming here to Crescent City for the Kamome Event. They arrive on April 10th and have a dinner with the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco first. This is not an additional allocation; it is a part of the Sister City budget.
Sam Strait: its his understanding that Mayor Inscore is spending $750 to have dinner with a group that will be traveling back to Crescent City with him; he doesn't understand the value of Mayor Inscore attending. Mayor Inscore explained that the meeting is with California officials and representatives of Rikuzentakata. Asked if Mayor Inscore would be doing international affairs that's the job of the feds, not local government. Feels the business can be transacted here in Crescent City instead of traveling to San Francisco for a ceremonial item. Feels the money can be spent filling a pothole instead of a nice hotel and expensive dinner. What is the benefit.
Council Member Greenough stated that this meeting will strengthen the relationship between the two cities; supports the Mayor's trip. Mayor Pro Tem Altman stated that like our City Council changes with new people, so does our Sister City. It is important to familiarize ourselves with the new regime and focus on emergency response and disaster recovery. Council Member Wright asked if anyone else from Del Norte County was invited; Mayor Inscore stated that Supervisor Howard was invited but is not able to attend. Council Member Schellong stated that if this was just to go to San Francisco for a dinner, she would vote no. Would like to know what the agenda for the meeting entails. Does not think it is for disaster preparedness and recovery. Stated that the economic development aspect is important to keep the relationship intact.
Robert Derego: said it's not a lot of money but agrees with Mr. Strait. The City should focus closer to home. International relationships are above a local Council. Asked if Senator McGuire and Assembly Member Wood have accepted their invitations; Mayor Inscore stated he cannot speak for them and is not sure if they have accepted.
Sunny Valero: spoke in support of anything involving our Sister City. Wants the City to be good working partners with Rikuzentakata.
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 authorized up to $750 for the Mayor to attend a meeting in San Francisco with Consul General of Japan, California Senate Leader McGuire, , Rikuzentakata, Japan Mayor Sasaki, and other State or Federal representatives on April 10, 2024
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Legislative Matters - None
Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Schellong: attended PBSP Citizens Advisory Committee for Mayor Pro Tem Altman which included the Prison Paws Graduation; congratulated the Crescent City Jaycees who hosted 56 teams. On Sunday, CCPD, DNSO, CHP, CCFR, CalFire all chipped in and lined 7 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
the streets with lights flashing welcoming in a young man who came home from a life-threatening condition. Thanked all agencies for helping with moment's notice.
Mayor Inscore: the Army Corps of Engineers were in town regarding the jetty, it was a productive meeting to include a planning meeting. Communication improvement was discussed at length.
Google has designated the jetty as a "historical monument" and therefore drawing tourists to it.
Will be traveling to Fresno in the morning to attend the Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting regarding the recent groundfish closure. There are a lot of people from our area that are going that are in the fishing industry to include Supervisors Howard and Borges.
City Manager Report and City Council Directives -
Chief Griffin reported on the recent graffiti incidents in the City. There has been an arrest made and the case is being finalized. Due to the storms, the graffiti cannot be painted over until the rains subside. City Manager Wier stated that the Del Norte/Humboldt Film Commission recognized CCPD for the Film Friendly Award for the Forest Moon Event. Chief Griffin further stated that the Law Enforcement Administrators Del Norte awards ceremony will be on Thursday, March 14t at 7:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center. Chief Griffin reported that CCPD has been recognized by Lexipol for Gold Standard for the training the officers have done. He also has implemented an app for Lexipol that pushes out training bulletins. Council Member Schellong asked about the Detective position; Chief Griffin stated that Detective Miller and Officer Pearson attended a conference about child abduction. Child Abuse Response Training will be attended by Detective Miller in Klamath with Volunteer Gloria Bobertz. City Manager Wier stated that Chief Griffin is doing a great job with the Department and a lot of the gear he was explaining was funded by Measure S.
• Update on upcoming City Events: Economic Development and Recreation Director Taylor reported on the following events:
• Easter Egg Adventure will be March 16th for $3 a child; includes a rec swim, egg hunt in KidTown and games.
• Spring Swim Camp (March 25-29, 2024) - this is the second swim camp that is five days long for $75 a child. Very similar to the last Camp that was held at the pool.
• 60th Anniversary of the 1964 Tsunami (March 28, 2024) - Ms. Taylor stated that the Harbor planned a much larger event, therefore the City will be joining theirs at 4pm with a walking tour.
• Kamome Festival (April 12-13, 2024) - this year will be a two-day event, first day will be activities for school age children 4* and 5" grade with first responders doing activities for the children. DNACA is offering an event at Elk Valley Casino that will include our delegation from Rikuzentakata. The following day will be event at the Cultural Center that will have performances from local organizations. A showing of the documentary Kamome will be done that evening.
Forest Moon (May 31- June 1, 2024) - will be very similar to last year's event.
There will be the new additional of the concert in the park with DNACA as well as the movie in the park, a showing of The Return of the Jedi along with vendors.
Council Member Schellong asked what will be done to remember the lives that were lost during the tsunami; Director Taylor stated that the walking tour will have remembrance as well as a candle-lighting. The walking tour is open to the community; however, the groups will be limited in size.
City Manager Wier stated that Sgt. Murtaugh will be arriving March 18th ', he is our newest K9. He further reported that the Front Street grant was submitted, and we are in good shape to receive it. Regarding Pebble Beach Drive repair, it is still on the Governor's desk - the exact scope needs 8 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES
to be decided. The next Measure S Oversight Committee meeting will be on March 27. The RMAP application has been submitted. There has been a request to hear Dennis Powers, author of "The Raging Sea", of a presentation at the next Council meeting. The Council was in unanimous consensus to have it on the next agenda. Roger Gitlin spoke about the upcoming presentation and how valuable it will be. Mayor Inscore stated that having a gathering Tuesday morning for those who may not be available for Monday night's meeting. Mr. Gitlin stated that would be a possibility.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Inscore adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Palmar
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
9 | Page
3/4/24 COUNCIL MINUTES