CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN SAI WERE STEVE SHANEL REASON GENOLOM
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 17, 2026 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the closed session to order at 5:32 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Steve Shamblin, Mayor Pro Tem Candace Tinkler, and Mayor Isaiah Wright Council Member absent: Council Member Jason Greenough
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Counsel Lauren Brown (via Zoom), and City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d) (1)): Crescent City v. Donaldson, et al (DNSC Case No. CVCV25-1065; Meder v. Crescent City (DNSC Case No. CVCV25-1069); Aguirre v. Crescent City (DNSC Case No. CVCV25-1182) Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2)): one case There were no comments from the public.
City Attorney Rice explained that due to the location of a property she owns within the city limits near the property at issue, she will need to recuse herself from the Meder v. Crescent City case and the potential litigation matter. Special Counsel Lauren Brown of Civica Law will report to the Council in the closed session meeting room.
Closed session adjourned at 5:59 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 Steve Shamblin, Mayor Pro Tem Candace Tinkler, and Mayor Isaiah Wright Council Member absent: Council Member Jason Greenough
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, IT/GIS Technician Taylor Patch, Finance Director Linda Leaver (via Zoom), Economic Development and Grants Manager Bridget Lacey (via Zoom), Housing Authority Executive Director Megan Miller, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Recreation Director and Events Coordinator Kelly Feola, Lifeguards Finch 1 | Page
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Anderson, Trinity Enos, Donovan Hintz, Ezra Jensen, and Declan Williams, Police Officer Zachary Turkins, Police Officer Colton Maxwell, Police Officer Daniel Sanders, Police Officer Jordan Filippa, Police Sergeant Anthony Lopez, Sergeant Ed Wilson, Relief Pool Supervisor Keith Biddlecom and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Manager Wier reported the Council will be returning to closed session after the open session to discuss one more item.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Introduction of new employees: Trinity Enos, Declan Williams, Finch Anderson, Ezra Jensen, Donavan Hintz
Recreation Director and Events Coordinator Feola introduced the new lifeguards to the Council.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
• Visitors Bureau Annual Marketing Report
Lynnette Braillard of LuLish presented the Visitors Bureau Annual Marketing Report to the Council. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cindy Vosburg addressed the Council as well. She requested during Budget Workshops to consider giving more to the Visitors Bureau so more can be done to market Crescent City.
• CCPD Calls for Service Presentation
Chief Griffin gave a presentation to the Council going over the calls for service for CCPD and detailed the categories with examples.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Linda Sutter: spoke about what is classified as low-income in Del Norte County. Stated that at the Planning Commission meeting it was reported that an income of $112k a year is poverty level and questioned its legitimacy.
Sam Strait: spoke about going to the BCRAA meeting and that the Chair would not allow for public comment. Said the other Board Members didn't speak up about not allowing public comment.
Said the airport does not have the income to support itself.
Roger Gitlin: stated that adding more rental housing is not what is needed, the focus should be on home ownership.
Margaret Sargent: stated she agreed with Mr. Gitlin's comments. Spoke about different ways to heip the homeless community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period January 24 2026 through February 6, 2026.
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2. Council Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the February 2, 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 February 7, 2026 paid February 13, 2026.
4. Pelican Bay State Prison Citizens Advisory Commission Appointment • Recommendation: Mayor to appoint and Council to confirm the Mayor's appointment to the Pelican Bay State Prisons Advisory Commission
5. Budget-to-Actual Summary as of December 31, 2025
• Recommendation: Receive and file budget-to-actual summary of the City's major operating funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as of December 31, 2025
6. Quarterly Cash and Investments Report as of December 31, 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file quarterly cash and investments report as of December 31, 2025
Mayor Wright asked for item 4 to be pulled for further discussion; Council was in consensus.
There were no public comments.
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 1-3, and 5-6 as presented.
For item 4 on the consent calendar, Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler explained that after seeing the dates of the meetings for the PBSP Citizens Advisory Commission, she will not be able to attend as she has a scheduling conflict. Mayor Wright did not make an alternative appointment.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS
7. Amendment No. 1 to PHLA/PIP 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 City Manager Wier reported to the Council the project description and the need for the amendment to the loan agreement. The reason the project is before the Council again is because there has been a slight change to the plans; City Manager Wier detailed those changes. The amendment is changing the amount of units from 27 to 36. He further explained what constitutes affordable housing. CEO Community Systems Solutions Michael Bahr went over the apartments and how they are divided up from low to moderate income.
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Linda Sutter: disagreed with the household income that was listed as low income. Said there is no incentive to bring businesses to Crescent City, however, there is a lot of low-income housing being built for people to move here to live.
Margaret Sargent: suggested that incentives for those who already live here be considered.
Sam Strait: stated that the income being used to categorize low-income people is too high. Feels that a low-income apartment complex downtown does not meld well with the idea that those residents would be able to afford to shop downtown.
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, approved and authorized the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the PLHA/PIP Loan Agreement between the City of Crescent City and Community System Solutions.
8. Signs Regulations Update (Muni Code Chapter 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. 861, 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
City Manager Wier reported to the Council that the ordinance before them tonight reflects their direction and that this is only for the C2 Zone only. City Attorney Rice reminded the Council that this ordinance has been before them several times to approve the Planning Commission's recommendations. City Attorney Rice went over the changes recommended by the Council and what is now contained in the ordinance for introduction. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that taxpayers' money has been used to hire an urban planner and they have spoke in opposition to digital signs. She highly recommends listening to the consultant and she spoke in opposition to off-site advertising. Council Member Shamblin stated that regarding off-site advertising, after reading more into it, he is not in favor. Council Member Altman spoke in opposition to Council Member Shamblin and Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler's sentiments and would not like for this item to conclude and for the debate to discontinue. These changes should have been made at the beginning and would like to see the Council support the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Mayor Wright stated he would like to see the introduction to be to amend the ordinance to only have offsite advertising on digital signs; City Attorney Rice stated that yes, however the motion needs to be very specific.
On a motion by Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the Council waived full reading, read by title only and introduced Ordinance No. 861, 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 with the amendment that off-site advertising be limited to digital signs only.
Sam Strait: stated there are more businesses off of the 101 corridor and doesn't understand why le Council would disallow digital signs. Seems it is not supporting business. Feels that Crescer ity proper should also be considered to be able to use these sian:
Roger Gitlin: asked for the Council to table this item until Council Member Greenough is present. 4 | Page
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Linda Sutter: said signs that announce suicide, murder, missing persons and alcohol addiction are allowed, but signs for businesses are not.
Mayor Wright stated that off-site advertisements are not allowed for regular signs; would like to have the digital portion done and to have the off-site advertisement discussed at a future meeting, including outside of the C2 Zone (schools, etc.).
NEW BUSINESS
9. Updates to Employee Wages, Terms & Working Conditions • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt:
1. Comprehensive Compensation Study Prepared by Evergreen Consulting
2. Resolution No. 2026-04, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING AND SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CRESCENT CITY MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
Resolution No. 2026-05, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CRESCENT CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
4. Resolution No. 2026-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CLERICAL EMPLOYEES OF
CRESCENT CITY FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, Resolution No. 2026-07, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND SIDE LETTER
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE
CRESCENT CITY POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
6. Resolution No. 2026-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND SIDE LETTER
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE
CRESCENT CITY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
7. Resolution No. 2026-09, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
ESTABLASING COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR
UNREPRESENTED, CONFIDENTIAL CLASSIFICATIONS
8. • Resolution No. 2026-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING SPECIAL PAYS AND WAGES FOR
CONTRACT EMPLOYEES
9. Resolution No. 2026-11, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2025-26 BUDGET AND
POSITION CONTROL
10. Resolution No. 2026-12, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT 5 | Page
2/17/26 COUNCIL MINUTES
AGREEMENT OF WILLIAM "BILL" GILLESPIE FOR THE RETIRED
ANNUITANT POSITION OF INTERIM FIRE CHIEF
City Manager Wier went over the process of the compensation study and the outcome. Mark Holcome, Project Manager tor Evergreen Consulting gave a presentation of the process anc esults of the study. City Manager Wier thanked City employees and explained the roll of each o the employee groups. Staff understand that the $800k cost of to implement the study's recommendation is not something the City can afford. Employee groups negotiated and the result are the MOUs before the Council for adoption. The increase for the employees in general is a minimum 2% increase. CCPD, however, would see a 12% increase to be in better competition with the salaries offered at the Del Norte Sheriff's Office. The increase to salaries for City employees as a whole would cost $423k. City Manager Wier stated that the MOUs the employee groups agreed to, put us in a good position for fiscal responsibility. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler thanked Finance Director Leaver and all of the employees for the negotiations. She further stated this has been an ongoing discussion with Council and is not being presented all at once.
Council Member Altman stated he would be recusing himself from item two as his spouse is a part of the CCMEA.
Linda Sutter: stated that if the valuable employees are not being paid properly because the City cannot afford it, to reduce the administrator's salaries to pay the salaries the employees deserve so they can afford to live.
Sam Strait: stated that the City is 5% under market value right now and that can change over the period of time. Inflation will occur and there will always be a problem catching up with market Margaret Sargent: spoke about the balance of improving the beautification of the area with making sure the employees are compensated correctly.
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, approved and adopted the Comprehensive Compensation Study Prepared by Evergreen Consulting, Resolution No. 2026- 05, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING
A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CRESCENT CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, Resolution No. 2026-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CLERICAL EMPLOYEES OF CRESCENT CITY FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, Resolution No. 2026-07, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AND SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CRESCENT CITY POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, Resolution No. 2026-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND SIDE LETTER
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CRESCENT CITY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30 2027, Resolution No. 2026-09, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR UNREPRESENTED, CONFIDENTIAL CLASSIFICATIONS, Resolution No. 2026-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING SPECIAL PAYS AND WAGES FOR CONTRACT EMPLOYEES, Resolution No. 2026-11, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2025-26 BUDGET AND POSITION CONTROL, Resolution No. 2026-12, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 2/17/26 COUNCIL MINUTES
CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT OF WILLIAM "BILL" GILLESPIE FOR THE RETIRED ANNUITANT POSITION OF INTERIM FIRE CHIEF.
Council Member Altman left the room for the vote for item #2, the CCMEA MOU.
On a motion by Council Member Shamblin, seconded by Council Member, and carried on a 3-0 vote with Council Member Greenough being absent and Council Member Altman recusing himself, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026- 04, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING
A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AND THE CRESCENT CITY MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027.
Council Member Altman returned to the dais after the vote was taken.
Mayor Wright called for a recess at 8:22 p.m.; the meeting was reconvened at 8:27 p.m.
10. Utility Box Art Agreements
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Pacific Power Utility Box Art Agreement and the Dirt & Glitter Utility Box Art Agreement City Manager Wier reported to the Council that this project is to have murals painted on utility boxes owned by Pacific Power. Dirt & Glitter will be responsible for painting the murals. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked if Del Norte County youth be involved; City Manager Wier replied in the affirmative. Mayor Wright stated that they have to use local youth as it's a part of the Klamath Promise Neighborhoods Grant. Economic Development and Grants Manager Lacey stated that any local youth from 14-24 can participate in this program to paint the murals. Council Member Shamblin spoke in support of the project.
Linda Sutter: suggested to use thick clear coat over the painting to protect from the sun and the weather.
Margaret Sargent: suggested the placement of more benches as utility boxes are often sat on.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, approved and authorized the City Manager to sign the Pacific Power Utility Box Art Agreement and the Dirt & Glitter Utility Box Art Agreement.
11. Amendment No. 6 to Professional Services Agreement with Greenworks, PC Recommendation: Hear staff report
Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
Further Council discussion
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to the Professional Services Agreement with GreenWorks, PC, increasing the contract amount by $50,800
City Manager Wier stated the City has worked with this consultant for a few years now on several projects. He further explained that due to some changes, and the project being stretch over 4 7 Page
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years now, there is a demonstrated need to increase the compensation to make the project work as planned. Council Member Shamblin stated he was not in support of the consultant coming back after giving a fixed price asking for more funding.
Sam Strait: asked if the Council is considering what will come out of the City's pocket in maintenance costs. Would have preferred seeing the 5% gap in employee compensation closed instead of catering to tourists.
Margaret Sargent: suggested working with another consultant for a lower price. Was not in favor of the basket behind the Cultural Center and wanted to know who chose that design.
On a motion by Council Member Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to the Professional Services Agreement with GreenWorks, PC, increasing the contract amount by $50,800.
12. Sutter Coast Hospital Carestar Grant
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-13, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY2025-26 • Approve and authorize the City Manager and Chief of Police to sign the MOU regarding grant funds between Sutter Coast Hospital and the Crescent City Police Department
Chief Griffin reported to the Council that CCPD has been working with Sutter Coast Hospital and this item is to fund a rapid response vehicle to assist in emergencies. He showed pictures of what the vehicle would look like and that it would also be able to be used to assist in outlying areas such as Brookings, etc. Council Member Shamblin asked for the expense; Chief Griffin stated to fully outfit the van as shown in the photos, it will be $110k with money left over for crime scene supplies. Council Member Shamblin stated that it sounds like this will be used in mental health incidents to transport patients; Chief Griffin stated that the vehicle will be used for that as well as to provide emergency responses and communications for incidents that involve threat to life or in cases of possible harm to other personnel on scene. Chief Griffin stated that if people are not transported via ambulance, they would be transported in patrol units. He further reported that City Mechanic Bill Huffman stated maintenance service will be done by City staff.
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried on a 4-0 polled vote with Council Member Greenough being absent, the Council approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-13, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY and approved and authorized the City Manager and Chief of Police to sign the MOU regarding grant funds between Sutter Coast Hospital and the Crescent City Police Department.
Margaret Sargent: supported this purchase.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - None Legislative Matters - None
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City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier reported to the Council that the Chief Griffin and his officers are doing a tremendous job serving our community.
Mayor Wright asked about memorial benches and trees; City Manager Wier stated it is on our website, but that Mayor Wright could call Community Development Specialist Heather Welton to start the process.
Mayor Wright asked for an item to come before the Council to discuss off-site advertising, no changes to the ordinance, just discussion. Council was in consenus for a future agenda.
Mayor Wright adjourned to closed session at 9:00 p.m.
The Council returned from closed session at 9:17 p.m.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported that there was no action to report from closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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