CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN
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
MONDAY APRIL 6, 2026 6:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:01 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, IT/GIS Technician Taylor Patch, Economic Development and Grants Manager Bridget Lacey (via Zoom), Recreation Director and Events Coordinator Kelly Feola, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Interim Aquatics Supervisor Rich Neely, Relief Pool Supervisor Hudson Williams, Finance Director Linda Leaver (via Zoom), and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
****Moment of silence for Mike Young***
City Manager Wier spoke about all of the work Mr. Young did around the world as well is in our community. Mr. Young started with the City as City Manager in the 1970s and continued working with the City in many capacities until 2017 when City Manager Wier started in his position. There were several projects Mr. Young worked on including opening Beachfront Park, Seawood Apartments, Pelican Bay State Prison's water and wastewater systems and Rumiano Cheese lactose operation. Many City staff members were greatly impacted by Mr. Young.
Mayor Wright called for a moment of silence.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Introduction of New Employees - Interim Aquatics Supervisor Rich Neeley and Relief Supervisor Hudson Williams
Recreation Director and Events Coordinator Feola introduced both Interim Aquatics Supervisor Rich Neeley and Relief Supervisor Hudson Williams to the Council. 1 | Page
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• Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler read the proclamation aloud; Mayor Wright presented the proclamation to Northcoast Rape Crisis Team Director Amanda LeBlanc. Director LeBlanc addressed the Council and went over the achievements of NCRCT this year. They recently received a grant that created a sexual assault forensic interview center. She spoke about needing community support as there is no funding for victim support in the proposed state budget and that is 50% of their budget.
Mayor Wright stated he would like to see a letter of support for NCRCT for a future agenda. • Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Council Member Shamblin read the proclamation aloud; Mayor Wright presented the signed roclamation to a member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CPAC). Sarah Carol ddressed the City Council about the CAPC's commitment to ensure the safety of children in De Norte. Melodee Mitchell invited the Council to the Children's Memorial Flag Raising ceremony this Thursday at 5pm at the Family Resource Center.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Mary Kwart, volunteer for the Bigfoot Trail Alliance: The trail starts in Red Bluff and ends at Battery Point Lighthouse. She would like the Council to write a letter of support for the Bigfoot Trail becoming a National Recreation Trail
Gloria Carone: would like the Council to consider revising the current Parking Ordinance to prohibit RV parking on the street.
Brandon Bieber: stated that Del Norte County has a high volume of sex offenders. He would like to see more done than a proclamation for this issue.
Mark Bower: spoke about knowing Mike Young and that he was an incredible man. Spoke about a vehicle vs. bicyclist today and would like to see more attention to this as there are more e-bike riders in town. Spoke to RVs being parked all around town and that they are dumping in the street.
Cate Classen: spoke about over development in the downtown area and how can the WWTP be able to handle all of the new connections.
Doug Dye: would like no new development until it is known if the WWTP can handle it. He would also like parking to be addressed for the new development. Asked City Manager Wier if the rumor is true that Battery Point Apartments is a total loss and unsalvageable. City Manager Wier stated that was not true.
Sam Strait: would like to see Crescent City stay small and rural.
Donna Westfall: requested an agenda item to create an ad hoc committee to oversee any projects for the WWTP.
Margaret Sargent: stated she submitted a proposal via email about a 5-year plan for the City.
David Garcia: spoke in support of the Downtown Master Plan and offers his support of the developers' plan. Commends the Council's work towards the vibrancy of Downtown. 2| Page
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Shawna Hyatt: stated that the Planning Commission meeting videos on YouTube is categorized "for children". She would like to see a limit to short-term rentals and the number of vacation rentals is a big reason why we have a problem with rentals. She would like an agenda item to develop a cap on them.
Mayor Wright asked Chief Griffin to speak on RVs and the electric bike accidents. Chief Griffin stated that they have received a report of one accident that involved an intoxicated person. For RVs, they are moved along, but they come back and there is nothing more CCPD can do about it. Stated a full ban on parking on the street would be unconstitutional, currently CCPD enforces any reported RVs parked in the street over 8 hours. He spoke in regards to CCPD's action taken to handle sexual assault cases by using new technology they have acquired and they have been very active in solving those cases.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period March 7, 2026 through March 20, 2026.
2. Council Minutes
Recommendation: Approve and adopt the March 16, 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 March 21, 2026 paid March 27, 2026.
4. Budget-to-Actual Summary as of February 28, 2026
Recommendation: Receive and file budget-to-actual summary of the City's major operating funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as of February 28, 2026
5. Establishing a Reduced Fee for Planning Commission Review of Murals • Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-24, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ESTABLISHING A
REDUCED FEE FOR PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF MURALS
6. Front Street Gateway Project Stover Engineering Task Order 22 Amendment 3 Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign the Front Street Gateway Design Project Amendment 3 to Stover Engineering Task Order #22 Sam Strait: is thankful the public showed up to the meeting. Spoke to item 6 and that the focus on Beachfront Park has been a priority of the Council.
Cate Classen: spoke about her concern with the gateway project and that it will make Crescent City "urban."
Margaret Sargent: stated the City cannot afford the pay raises. She would like a focus on behavioral health. She would like murals around walkways.
Jody Mangum: spoke about the gateway on Front Street and high-rise apartments.
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 1-6 as presented.
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PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
7. Letter of Support for the Partnership for the Performing Arts • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
. Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the City Council to sign a City/County joint letter of support for the Partnership for the Performing Arts Project for the Development of a Performing Arts Center in Del Norte County
City Manager Wier reported to the Council that this item has been before the Council multiple times and this item is to continue the support of the PPA project. Michelle Carrillo of ThinkPlace was present to speak about the project to the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler spoke in support of the Performing Arts Center and the impacts the Rails have had on local children. Mayor Wright stated that the only instrument he was introduced to as a youth was the recorder, his son is now playing saxophone. Council Member Greenough thanked Nick Rail and the Foundation for all of the work done around the community.
Sam Strait: spoke about fundraising efforts in the County when his son was a child.
Donna Westfall: spoke in support of this project.
Brandon Bieber: spoke in support of this project.
Cate Classen: would prefer money spent on consultants to be spent toward this type of project.
Mayor Wright asked City Manager Wier how RFPs are put out for projects; City Manager Wier stated it depends on the grant and those requirements; however, they are put out as widely as possible.
Margaret Sargent: spoke in support of the project.
City Manager Wier stated that the project is reaching a critical stage. They are working with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) on the project details. It is almost complete and getting close to being shovel ready, however there are still big funding gaps. Ms. Carrillo addressed the Council and advised that construction would be late 2027 to early 2028. To donate to the project, visit the Partnership for Performing Arts website.
Linda Sutter: asked about the design of the project for tsunami evacuation use. Spoke in support of the project but doesn't want tax money used for it.
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 approved and authorized the City Council to sign a City/County joint letter of support for the Partnership for the Performing Arts Project for the Development of a Performing Arts Center in Del Norte County.
8. Proposed Increases to Water Rates
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
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• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Waive full reading, read by title only and introduce Ordinance No. 862, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.16, WATER SERVICE RATES, OF TITLE 13, PUBLIC
SERVICES, OF THE CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR
RECEIVING AND TABULATING PROTESTS AGAINST WATER RATE INCREASES UNDER PROPOSITION 218
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-26, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2025-26
BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
City Manager Wier addressed the Council reporting that this has previously come before the Council. He gave a brief history of the water system and enterprise funds. City Manager Wier went over the Prop 218 process and the pieces that need to be in place first. Samantha Ryan of RCAC gave an overview of the water rate study. She went over the Prop 218 overview and stated that the utility rates must be aligned with the cost of the service. She went over the proposed rates, which are based on meter size. City Attorney Rice went over the Prop 218 process and how to submit protests. Any water customer of record, or an owner record of a parcel receiving water service can submit a protest. The protest should have a statement indicating that the identified property owner or customer of record is in opposition to the proposed water rate changes, contains the address or APN, and a printed name and signature of the property owner or customer submitting the protest. Each eligible parcel gets one protest vote, if three are received for the parcel, only one is counted. Council Member Shamblin asked why we waited 10 years to have a rate increase. City Manager Wier stated the last rate increase was in 2017; and because COVID hit, it wasn't the right time to raise rates.
Linda Sutter: stated that the water fund had $6mil and that is a surplus. Stated City staff is not being forthright on how much money is being received from water bills. Asked if the graph that shows Crescent City being the lowest in the area and if it was for water and sewer together.
Mark Bower: stated that people on fixed income are not going to be able to afford this. Spoke in support of raising the rates but needs to be a gradual increase.
Donna Westfall: spoke about the boarded-up businesses in the city, how few jobs there are in the community and raising rates will make our city continue to struggle. Asked for the City to find another way to generate revenue. Suggested selling treated wastewater as a source of revenue.
Asked for the rates to be held off until the ad hoc committee is created to be an oversight to the WWTP. Asked if the protest succeeds what will the City do then.
Jody Mangum: stated that it appears that the Water Fund is steady. Asked what is being paid for and stated that it looks like more lines for the new development.
Sam Strait: with water, sewer, and electricity increases, it is a huge burden on the public.
Margaret Sargent: spoke about the upcoming fight against the rate increase. She spoke about behavioral health and domestic violence cases.
Mayor Wright asked for clarification that the water is chlorinated separate from the WWTP; City Manager Wier stated that yes, the drinking water does not pass through the WWTP.
Roy Thompson: spoke about a water main break on Maiden Lane. Feels whoever put the system in should be who pays for it.
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Cate Classen: would like an audit to see where the money is coming from. Asked if the rate increase will pay for new hookups.
Council Member Greenough stated that there was a report for the annual audit a few Council meetings ago; City Manager Wier confirmed that they are done annually and was reported in a recent Council meeting. Council Member Greenough stated the audit is also on our website. The WWTP system is old and the State keeps changing the requirements on us. We still have to maintain the system so it's here for the future. At some point, inflation catches up with us and hard decisions need to be made. We have to maintain it to be responsible as it is our duty as stewards of the infrastructure. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that she agrees with Council Member Greenough. Things don't get better or cheaper in time. Passing the can down the road until it is more expensive is not a responsible thing to do to the community. A catastrophe will make for a much larger bill. Mayor Wright stated that the rate structure over the years is much more manageable. Council Member Greenough mentioned our Grant Writer who has done a great job bringing money into the community. Not everything can be covered by grants, but what can be covered by grants, we use them appropriately. City Manager Wier stated that a redundant well is being considered for grant funding and is not being considered with these rates. Looking at grants for these projects has been critical. The last major improvement project to the water system was back in 2000.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried n a 4-1 polled vote, with Council Member Altman voting no, the City Council of the City o rescent City waived full reading, read by title only and introduced Ordinance No. 862, Al
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.16, WATER SERVICE RATES, OF TITLE 13, PUBLIC SERVICES, OF THE CRESCEN/ CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-25, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING
PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING AND TABULATING PROTESTS AGAINST WATER RATE INCREASES UNDER PROPOSITION 218, and approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-26,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY.
Mayor Wright called a five minute recess at 8:38 pm. Meeting was reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
9. Proposed Increases to Sewer Rates
• 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. 863, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.30, SEWER CHARGES, OF TITLE 13, PUBLIC
SERVICES, OF THE CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-27, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR
RECEIVING AND TABULATING PROTESTS AGAINST SEWER RATE INCREASES UNDER PROPOSITION 218
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-28, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2025-26
BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
City Manager Wier reported to the Council a brief history of the WWTP. He explained that the City rates are higher than the County rates because the County only has the treatment portion as the 6 | Page
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cost of conveyance is put on their property tax bill. What is being discussed tonight is the operations and maintenance costs for the WWTP. The forgivable $50mil loan has nothing to do with the rate increases. The proposed rates are only to address the costs of operations and maintenance. City Manager Wier stated that the narrative that these rate increases are done only for the developers is not the case. Chris Fisher, Vice President of Willdan Financial Services, addressed the Council and gave an overview of the Sewer Utility Rate Study. He stated that the last increase was over 10 years ago and inflation has raised the operational costs. City Attorney Rice went over the Prop 218 process as she had outlined in the water rate item. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler responded to the comment that the Council needed to do their homework; she stated that one of the first items of business she had as a Council Member was to tour the WWTP. She further stated that the staff working at the WWTP are doing a tremendous job and deeply care about our community. Council Member Greenough stated that much like the water fund, the sewer fund is in the same boat. Something needs to be done about it. Council Member Shamblin stated that the rates could be reviewed in two-three years.
Linda Sutter: stated that the rate increase didn't have anything to do with the jobs being done by WWTP employees. Stated that the low-income apartment tenants don't pay for any water or sewer fees.
Donna Westfall: stated she was glad to hear that the $50mil grant didn't have anything to do with the rate increase. Stated that in 2007 there was only one bid for the WWTP improvements. She spoke about former Public Works Director not putting the bid out to the area and was told by someone the bid was "fixed"
Sam Strait: stated that the focus on redundancy instead of fixing the problem is curious.
Mark Bower: asked why the City waited 10 years to raise the rates? Asked for a smaller steady increase instead of a huge increase right away.
Jody Mangum: stated that a portion of the bill is supposed to be towards maintenance.
Cate Classen: stated that in years past, a high rate vortex system was recommended to help with storm water surge. She asked about the City being out of compliance; being that we are in the tsunami zone, does the WWTP need to be moved. She spoke about all of the new apartments and the hotel going in at the casino. She asked, how we are going to handle all of the new hookups?
Margaret Sargent: spoke about the proposal that she submitted to the Council.
Council Member Greenough asked about multi-family housing and people using the vouchers from the Housing Authority, how does the funding work when it comes to sewer and water rates; do they pay? City Manager Wier stated that the vouchers help with rent. The water/sewer funds are separate - the complexes pay for the connections. He explained how the large complex pays for the water/sewer - they do pay for their equitable fair share for the water/sewer rates. Council Member Shamblin asked for clarification on the future hookups; City Manager Wier stated that the WWTP has received some fines because the regulations have changed. The current system cannot treat the influx of stormwater in compliance with the new permit regulations. He further stated that the WWTP has the capacity to receive all of the new hookups for all of the new proposed developments.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried on a 4-1 polled vote, with Council Member Altman voting no, the City Council of the City of Crescent City waived full reading, read by title only and introduced Ordinance No. 863, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING 7 Page
4/6/26 COUNCIL MINUTES
CHAPTER 13.30, SEWER CHARGES, OF TITLE 13, PUBLIC SERVICES, OF THE CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-27, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR
RECEIVING AND TABULATING PROTESTS AGAINST SEWER RATE INCREASES UNDER PROPOSITION 218, and approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-28, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FY 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - None » Legislative Matters - None
City Manager Report and City Council Directives - City Manager Wier stated that Beachfront Park project is out to bid for the 13' of April. This project is funded by Prop 68. • Kamome Event - Director Feola outlined the upcoming Kamome Festival.
Mayor Wright asked if a letter of support for NCRCT can be on a future agenda; the Council was in consensus.
Council Member Shamblin asked for discussion about caps on short term rentals being on a future agenda; Council Member Greenough asked if researching that topic would take away from projects; City Manager Wier stated that it would take a significant amount of staff time to fully vet and implement.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 9:54.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA Doltma
Robin Altman
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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