CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT MAYOR PRO TEM CANDACE TINKLEF
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN COUNCIL MEMBER JASON GREENOUGI
COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE SHAMBLIN
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 JANUARY 20, 2026 6:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Steve Shamblin, Mayor Pro Tem Candace Tinkler, and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Finance Director Linda Leaver (via Zoom), Interim Fire Chief Bill Gillespie, Economic Development and Grants Manager Bridget Lacey Feola and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation
Mayor Wright read the proclamation aloud. Susan Daughtery of the Soroptimists, International, Del Norte chapter thanked the Council for recognizing this topic and their continued support. • Introduction of New Employees: Keith Biddlecom, James Queen, and Michael St.
Pierre
Recreation and Events Coordinator Feola introduced new Aquatics Relief Supervisor Keith Biddlecom to the Council; Mr. Biddlecom thanked the Council for the opportunity. Public Works Director Yeager introduced Engineering Project Manager James Queen and Maintenance Worker Michael St. Pierre to the Council.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There were no comments from the public.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period December 27, 2025 through January 9, 2026.
2. Council Minutes
Recommendation: Approve and adopt the January 5, 2026 minutes of the City Council of the City of Crescent City.
3. Payroll Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending January 10, 2026 paid January 16, 2026.
4. November Budget-to-Actual
Recommendation: Receive and file the Budget-to-Actual financial reports for the month of November 2025.
5. Budget Amendment - Engine 5111 Vehicle Accident Repairs Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-03, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET
There were no comments from the public on the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member 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 1-5 as presented.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
ADJOURN TO THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Mayor Wright adjourned to the Successor Agency to the Dissolved Redevelopment Agency at 6:12 p.m.
(Minutes in the next meeting of the Successor Agency)
RECONVENE AS THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Wright reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:13 p.m.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
7. Downtown Specific Plan - Phase 1 Summary Report
Recommendation: Hear staff report
Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
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• Approve the Downtown Specific Plan - Phase 1 Summary Report from Crandall Arambula P.C., Urban Planners
City Manager Wier reported to the Council the plans behind the Plan and the process it went through to get to where it is now. Don Arambula, of Crandall Arambula explained the various details of the Downtown Plan which will include retail, residential, and lodging. He further stated that the main part of improvements will be on 3rd Street. Council Member Greenough asked for clarification of "intervention" in regard to the City; Mr. Arambula suggested to invest in infrastructure and develop other actions to improve facades by going after grants to fund those.
City Manager Wier explained that this project needs to be cohesive with the Front Street Gateway Monuments project. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that she participated in the planning meetings representing the Council and feels that the community came together. Council Member Shamblin stated if we have the retail and infrastructure, it would be a great draw for visitors. Mr. Arambula stated that when you build the right thing, it draws people in. Council Member Greenough stated having people living downtown will encourage more shoppers in the area.
The following residents addressed the Council:
Sam Strait: asked how feasible this is for such a small town as ours. Stated most residents don't have the income to support more retail downtown. Being so close to Oregon with no sales tax, we lose a lot of revenue.
Kelly Feola: there were many members of our community that had a part in creating the plan.
There were multiple businesses who were included and Economic Development and Grants Manager Lacey led them on the design plan.
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the Downtown Specific Plan - Phase 1 Summary Report from Crandall Arambula P.C., Urban Planners.
Before the vote was polled, Council Member Greenough asked about funding; City Manager Wier stated that a lot of the consultants' time has been donated and the rest of it has been paid for by the previously awarded economic development funds from The California Endowment as well as defederalized CDBG program income. For Phase 2, staff has been in contact with EDA and are being told funding could be at any time. There are some economic development funds available in this year's budget and staff intends on retaining Mr. Arambula to help navigate the funding process.
8. Front Street Gateway Monuments
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the Front Street concept gateway designs and authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals for fabrication and construction
City Manager Wier explained that this project goes hand in hand with the previous agenda item.
Mr. Arambula of Crandall Arambula, P.C. Urban Planners, went over the gateway project in detail.
Gill Williams, of Greenworks, went over the proposed gateway structure architectural details.
Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked if what is being presented is the final design; Mr. Williams stated that the verbiage on the sign needs to be decided tonight. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated she does not like the reference to Sea Ranch, was 62 years ago and doesn't want to copy that. Would have liked to see more reference to the ocean. Council Member Greenough asked if the verbiage going to be decided tonight or continued; City Manager Wier stated that it is the intention of staff to make 3 | Page
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the determination tonight such as Beachfront District or Beachfront. Council Member Greenough prefers "Beachfront" and likes "Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea". Mr. Williams stated that it has been discussed before; Mr. Arambula stated that phrase can always be included in the banners. Council Member Shamblin agreed that a banner needs to say "Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea". Council Member Altman and Mayor Wright both agreed that Beachfront is a better choice.
Executive Director Cindy Vosburg: stated that she also agrees that "Beachfront" is her choice.
Ernie Perry: would like caution to be used in it's placement and the sign needs to be simple and quick. Stated that something needs to be down the other end of town, outside of the City limits.
Roger Gitlin: asked if there will be lighting on the archway; Gil stated it would be upward lighting.
Linda Perry: stated that Google Maps encourage people to not drive through town as the quicker route is through Elk Valley Rd.
Council Member Greenough stated he'd like to see multiple archways along 101. City Manager Wier stated that discussions will need to be held with CalTrans. Council Member Altman stated that he would like a schedule on fabrication; City Manager Wier stated that is what is next in the process and explains the proposal part of the project.
The Council was in consensus to choose "Beachfront" as the language on the sign.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the Front Street concept gateway designs and authorized the City Manager to solicit proposals.
9. Signs Regulations Update (Muni Code Chapter 17.39)
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Give direction to staff on the Planning Commission's recommended updates to the City's sign regulations
City Manager Wier stated that this item is up for discussion to craft the ordinance the way the Council would like. He further stated how the current ordinance is written and that digital signs are not allowed. City Attorney Rice stated that this is a commercial speech matter under the free speech analysis and that traffic safety and overall aesthetics are substantial interests of the government. A better way of limiting the number of signs is to create a distance requirement for traffic safety. City Manager Wier went over what the C2 district consists of; Hwy 101 N and S, Northcrest, Washington Blvd, and Hwy 101 N leading out of town. City Manager Wier went over the distance of each stretch of road. He also stressed that there is the possibility to have one of these signs at every business and due to research Mr. Arambula did, that would actually hurt businesses. Dr. John Kirk, owner of Tsunami Lanes and the digital sign in question, addressed the Council. He explained the value the sign has for his business as he can advertise events at the bowling alley, as well as other businesses. Further stating that there is blight around town that takes away from the aesthetics of town and does not feel this sign is a part of that. Asks for the Council to preserve an adequate 3rd party advertising policy. Council Member Altman asked if the one sign can be approved and not allow any other signs; City Manager Rice stated that the short answer is no, the current sign is not being lawfully operated. An ordinance would have to be adopted to allow it and then the Council would need to repeal it.He further stated that after reading Mr. Arambula's plan, having these signs will mess up the downtown plan. Further asked about the fees; if someone has to go through the process to permit the sign and pay the fees, when 4 | Page
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someone else dictates what you can put on the sign, doesn't that mean the sign now belongs to the one who determines what can be written on it. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that she thought when the decision of two signs, that it would mean this one would be approved. City Attorney Rice stated it was partially correct; however, the no-offsite advertising is what is not being allowed. Dr.
Kirk stated he would like to have that as a revenue source, however, it is not allowed. Council Member Greenough stated he would not like to micro-manage businesses and tell them what they can and cannot say on their signs. Feels there is more and more regulations being added to our businesses. Council Member Shamblin stated signs could go through the Planning Commission and get a variance and believes there isn't a big demand for the digital signs. Council Member Greenough spoke in support of having the signs and advertising. Council Member Altman asked for clarification on where it states that the off-site advertisements are allowed; City Attorney Rice stated that was the recommendation of the Planning Commission, but the Council gave different direction. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked for Mr. Arambula's opinion on the matter; Mr. Arambula stated that in the discussions of a gateway, having digital clutter takes away from the aesthetic of Crescent City as this is not like Vegas. People come here to see the redwoods and ocean. He stated there can be an outright ban, or well thought out regulations that are very tight. Dr. Kirk stated that regulations can be put in the sign ordinance to limit the amount of signs. Council Member Greenough asked why Downtown isn't being included in this; City Manager Wier explained that this discussion is specifically the C2 Zone. Mayor Wright stated that we have a contract with a company that is designing a downtown plan where digital signs would not work with the design. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler proposed that one can be every 2,000 feet. Council Member Altman asked to approve off-site advertising. Mayor Wright stated it should be on a different side of the street from another digital sign; City Manager Wier stated that if there were a second sign from the bowling alley, the sign would be at Front Street. Mayor Wright stated that he would be agreeable to 1,500 and no more than 2 on N and S 101 to allow 1 sign on Washington and approve off-site local advertising. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that allowing off-site advertising doesn't improve business. Supports the small sign at the bowling alley, not off-site advertising, but would support local events. Mayor Wright would like to have off-site advertising only restricted to Del Norte County businesses, events, etc. Council Member Altman stated he feels this is no different from billboards. Council Member Greenough is not in support of limiting the amount of signs as he doesn't see a problem with a lot of signs right now. Feels this is a tool to help the business survive. Council Member Shamblin reiterated he would like to see this go through the Planning Commission for a variance and it can be heard one by one. City Attorney Rice stated staff would recommend limiting the distance and that would limit the amount of signs.
Mayor Wright recommended the distance to be 1,500 and Council Member Altman agreed. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler and Council Member Shamblin supported 2,000. Council Member Greenough does not want any regulations on the amount of signs. Council Member Greenough, Council Member Altman, Council Member Shamblin, and Mayor Wright approve off-site advertising Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler does not support off-site advertising. Mayor Wright would like the size of what is at the bowling alley is what the size limit should be. 32 square feet, 1750 distance.
Roger Gitlin: does not feel that we will be confused with Vegas and feels Dr. Kirk has spent a lot of money to improve Crescent City. Supports off-site advertising.
Ernie Perry: says the issue is size, proliferation and content. One way to regulate size and proliferation is to use the maximum of 32 square feet per parcel and limit it to the C2 district.
Cindy Vosburg: there are already advertising laws in place that prohibit sex, drugs, and alcohol.
Patty Adams: applauds pro-business and Dr. Kirk and his wife are what we need in this community.
Jim Kirk: if anything should be regulated, he would recommend limiting the size and how bright the signs are. Said that the places one can advertise are limited and encourages off-site advertisements on these digital signs.
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Daniel Schmidt: agrees with Mr. Gitlin. Stated that as the Triplicate offers advertising at no charge, he believes Dr. Kirk would do the same.
Dr. James Standring: has been wanting to have a sign for his office as well and is trying to work with SHN.
Linda Perry: the two non-profit organizations that she's involved in were very excited when Dr.
Kirk put up the sign because they would be able to advertise events. Would like traffic safety to be considered.
Kenny Lee: supports Dr. Kirk and stated he has invested a lot into our community.
Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler expressed that this has never been about being against Dr. Kirk's sign.
She does not support the compromises outlined by Mayor Wright.
Council Member Altman, Council Member Shamblin and Mayor Wright were in consensus to add the following to the ordinance: a limit of 1,750 feet between signs, sign size limited to 32 square feet, and to allow off-site advertising.
10. Amendment No. 1 to PLA/PIP Loan Agreement - Project Description Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the PLHA/PIP Loan Agreement Between the City of Crescent City and Community System Solutions This item was pulled from the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
11. Illegal Fireworks Enforcement
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Appoint two Council Members to an ad hoc committee to work with staff and other local agencies to discuss enforcement and community outreach regarding the use of illegal fireworks
• Take action as necessary and appropriate
City Manager Wier reported the need for an appointment to this ad hoc committee to continue to discuss illegal firework enforcement. He stated that the next meeting will be this Thursday, January 22nd at 11:00 am. Council Member Shamblin volunteered, and Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler agreed to serve.
On a motion by Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City appointed Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler and Council Member Shamblin to an ad hoc committee to work with staff and other local agencies to discuss enforcement and community outreach regarding the use of illegal fireworks.
12. Grant Application for the Sister Cities International U.S. - Japan Global Impact Grant Recommendation: Hear staff report
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• Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Direct staff to submit an application for the Sister Cities International U.S. - Japan Global Impact Grant
City Manager Wier went over the grant and the opportunity for Crescent City to become a hub to host disaster preparedness events. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that this would be a good event to have in off-season; City Manager Wier stated this would happen in the Fall. Council Member Greenough suggested sending invitations to cities up the Pacific coast.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City directed staff to submit an application for the Sister Cities International U.S. - Japan Global Impact Grant.
13. Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project Notice of Completion • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Crescent City Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project (Contract #2025-1074.1) Public Works Director went over the MeasureS Paving project that covered 56,620 square feet of repair area with 1320 tons of asphalt concrete.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Wright thanked the community for supporting Measure S and continuing the support as these streets would not have been completed without it.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City authorized the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Crescent City Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project (Contract #2025-1074.1)
Council Member Greenough left the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
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Legislative Matters - City Attorney Rice stated a bill has been passed that requires additional training for Council Members.
• City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported on the following:
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
POSTED:
Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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