CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR RAY ALTMAN MAYOR PRO TEM ISAIAH WRIGHT
COUNCIL MEMBER DARAN DOOLEY COUNCIL MEMBER JASON GREENOUGH
COUNCIL MEMBER CANDACE TINKLER
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 MAY 19, 2025 6:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Altman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Daran Dooley, Council Member Candace Tinkler, Mayor Pro Tem Isaiah Wright, and Mayor Ray Altman
Council Member absent at roll call: Council Member Jason Greenough Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Grants Manager Bridget Lacey (via Zoom), Assistant Public Works Manager Jason DuBois, Police Recruit Colton Maxwell, Police Recruit Caleb Natelborg, IT/GIS Technician Taylor Patch, Fire Chief Kevin Carey, and Police Chief Richard Griffin Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Altman
Council Member Greenough joined the meeting already in progress at 6:01 p.m.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
New Police Recruits Introduction - Colton Maxwell and Caleb Natelborg Police Chief Griffin introduced Police Recruits Maxwell and Natelborg who will be attending the June Police Academy. Both recruits expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve their community.
• New Employees Introduction - Jason Dubois and Damien Camper City Manager Wier introduced Public Works Sr. Maintenance Worker Jason Dubois. Mr. Dubois addressed the Council stating he is a military veteran and glad to be able to serve his community.
Mr. Camper was unable to be in attendance; however, City Manager Wier gave some background on Mr. Camper.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
• Del Norte Humboldt Film Commission Report
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Cassandra Hesseltine, Film Commissioner of the Del Norte Humboldt Film Commission reported how the Commission promotes local spots for films. Council Member Tinkler asked Commissioner Hesseltine what Crescent City can do better to promote films. Commissioner Hesseltine suggested removing the film fees. Also, if there are pieces of equipment the filming company can borrow instead of bringing is another way to help for incentivizing more films to be done here.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Sam Strait: spoke about the expansion of the fire department and how at the Budget Workshop the Fire Chief had asked for a Fire Lieutenant. Further questioned needing more housing when it appears that the population is declining.
Iya Mahan, Del Norte Tribal Lands Food Council: the grand opening of the Farmers Market at the Bank of America property will be Wednesday, June 4" and she welcomes all to attend.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period April 19, 2025 through May 2, 2025.
2. Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve and adopt the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes of the City Council.
3. Payroll Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending May 3, 2025 paid May 9, 2025.
4. City of Crescent City MeasureS Oversight Committee Appointment Recommendation: Confirm the Mayor's appointment of PJ Estlund to the City of Crescent City MeasureS Oversight Committee with terms ending in May of 2027
5. List of Proposed Local Street Projects for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1)
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2025-17, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TO BE FUNDED BY SB1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
6. Beachfront Park Phase 1A Notice of Completion
• Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Crescent City Beachfront Park Improvements Phase 1A Project (Contract #2024-1056.1)
7. Budget Adjustment for Electricity
Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2025-18, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 24-25 BUDGET OF
THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
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8. Task Order Amendment for FY 24-25 SHN Planning Services • Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Task Order 13 Amendment 1 with SHN Consulting Engineers & Geologists for planning services for FY 24-25
Mayor Altman asked for item 4 to be pulled from the consent calendar as the applicant was present at the meeting. Item 5 is being requested by staff to be pulled from the agenda altogether to be discussed at a future meeting. The Council was in consensus.
Sam Strait: asked for the Council to consider making the consent calendar even shorter. He was thankful items 4 and 5 were pulled from consent.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, seconded by Council Member Greenough, 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 1-3, 6-8 as presented.
Council Member Tinkler stated she was not at the May 2nd meeting, however, did read the minutes thoroughly as well as the items on consent.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, seconded by Council Member Tinkler, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and authorized the City Manager to sign Task Order 13 Amendment 1 with SHN Consulting Engineers & Geologists for planning services for FY 24-25.
Mayor Altman received consensus from the Council to remove item 5 from the agenda to be placed on a future agenda for consideration.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
9. Agreement for Design of Gateway Monuments
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Greenworks, P.C., to include additional refinement to the gateway features on Front Street
City Manager Wier gave a presentation on the Gateway designs. Gil Williams of Greenworks spoke about the branding of Beachfront Park and creating a similar energy downtown. Council Member Greenough asked about the parking area for the transit center and feels the banners along Front Street aren't conducive to having the transit center there, would not want that design.
Don Arambula explained the design of the transit center as he has a lot of experience in designing them. If there was a bus only lane and an exclusive waiting area, that will remove a lot of conflict for buses. City Manager Wier stated that staff has had discussions with Joe Rye of Redwood Coast Transit Authority. Council Member Greenough asked if there was a spot for ticketing and a person there for security purposes. City Manager Wier stated that the restroom is multifunctional - it's a restroom, a place for drivers to rest, as well as a ticketing booth. Council Member Tinkler 3 | Page
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stated she has done some research on Crandall Arambula and supports their design after seeing their work and encourages her fellow Council Members to support these gateway features.
Council Member Greenough expressed concern with the gateway being made of wood due to the weather and other wooden buildings in the City that require a lot of maintenance. Mr. Arambula stated that his firm is very familiar with rough climates. Visitors come to see things that reflect the Redwoods, therefore, a wood structure is geared more toward that market having wood elements.
Council Member Tinkler formerly worked at the Redwood National Parks and this design is similar to what they used, and it just gets better with time.
Sam Strait: said there is nothing on Front Street other than Beachfront Park and doesn't think this will draw people in to walk when there is nothing to do.
Roger Gitlin: feels signs should pull you off 101; would like to see them illuminated. Would like to know what the verbiage will be on both sides of the sign. Asked if it was considered to make the sign a walkway for pedestrians and what is the clearance of the sign; will fire trucks be able to pass through. Gil Williams stated that the signs are illuminated; verbiage hasn't been determined yet; there are no plans on having the sign to be used as a walkway; the ultimate height will be determined, this is just a concept design. It does meet the clearance requirements. City Manager Wier explained the work being done with the Tolowa Cultural Committee.
Grant Werschkull: is very excited about the project. Is an avid walker and bicyclist and sees more bicyclists in Beachfront Park. There are also a lot of people walking down there.
On a motion by Council Member Tinkler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Greenworks, P.C., to include additional refinement to the gateway features on Front Street.
10. Appointment of Director of Recreation and Events Coordinator • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2025-19, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING KELLY FEOLA
DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND EVENTS COORDINATOR AND APPROVING
AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
City Manager Wier reported to the Council the City's desire to have more events to drive economic development. He went over the qualifications and attributes of the applicant.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, seconded by Council Member Tinkler, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2025-19, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING KELLY FEOLA DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND EVENTS COORDINATOR AND APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.
11. Military Equipment Use Policy
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
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: Receive the Military Equipment Use 2024 Annual Report Waive full reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 856, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
CONFIRMING APPROVAL OF THE CCPD MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY City Attorney Rice explained the reason behind this annual requirement. Chief Griffin reported to the Council the State requirements and what information has to be listed every year for any equipment utilized by the CCPD. Chief Griffin stated the annual report is listed as an attachment in the staff report.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City waived full reading, read by title only and introduced Ordinance No. 856, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY CONFIRMING APPROVAL OF THE CCPD MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY.
12. Letter of Support for Legislative Efforts to Protect the North Fork Smith River • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for legislative efforts to protect the North Fork Smith River
Grant Werschkull of Smith River Alliance gave a presentation on the negative effects of strip mining to the North Fork of the Smith River. Council Member Greenough asked if there were any proposed mining company coming into our region; Mr. Werschkull stated that Homeland Mining has purchased the claim in the region - Red Flat - the headwaters of Hunter Flat.
Sam Strait: stated that there is no substantial fear for nickel mining in Del Norte County. This has no impact on the City.
Darrin Short: stated that when he was on the Council in 2017, the Council supported this proposal.
This actually would have halted any development that is near the watershed. Suggested the Council research the item before signing a letter of support.
Mr. Werschkull stated that there was a proposal prior for the North Fork of the Smith in Oregon that didn't have anything to do with the southern part of the Smith. That proposal went through a year of hearings. In 2017, the EPA unanimously designated the North Fork of the Smith River as outstanding resource water. The reason this would have an impact on Crescent City is because this is where our drinking water comes from.
Council Member Dooley asked about affecting development and why more power should be given to the Federal government; cautious about sending a letter. Council Member Tinkler spoke in strong support of protecting our resources. Has lived near mining camps and witnessed firsthand the pollution that came with it. Council Member Greenough agreed with researching the topic further before committing to a letter of support. Mayor Pro Tem Wright stated his understanding that Oregon has already protected the North Fork. Council Member Greenough would like more time to read about the topic.
Sam Strait: said that mining in most areas has been significantly regulated. Said there is no mining in Del Norte County that would be economically sound.
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Darrin Short: stated that discussions that were held after they signed the letter in 2017 was not the same as what was previously explained about the topic.
Mayor Altman clarified that even though this could potentially happen in Oregon, it is where our drinking water originates, therefore it could have a direct impact to Del Norte County.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Wright, and carried on a 4-1 polled vote, with Council Member Tinkler voting no, the City Council of the City of Crescent City voted to continue the item to a future meeting.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
> Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - Council Member Tinkler: will be working on developing exhibits for the airport to include binoculars. She stated that she will not be using City funds for these exhibits, she intends to search for grants. Stated that Roki Sasaki, pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers lived in Rikuzentakata in 2011 when the tsunami hit and she would like to invite him here to see his home's Sister City.
• Legislative Matters - None
> City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported the following to the Council:
• Budget will be adopted the 2nd week of June
• Beachfront Park Phase has been approved by the Coastal Commission. • Coastal Stories/PBS Documentary - PBS flew in today and will be doing a documentary on the Tolowa story and will interview local elders. • Forest Moon - the event will be on Friday May 30th starting at 4:30pm in Beachfront Park to be followed by the First Friday event.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Altman adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the Flynn Center, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Alma
Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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