CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT MAYOR PRO TEM CANDACE TINKLER
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN COUNCIL MEMBER JASON GREENOUGH
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 JUNE 1, 2026 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called closed session to order at 5:30 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, and City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman
Conference with Real Property Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54956.8): Conference with Real Property Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54956.8): Property: APN 120 280-017; Negotiator:
Eric Wier
There were no comments from the public on closed session items.
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, IT/GIS Technician Taylor Patch, Finance Director Linda Leaver, Economic Development and Grants Manager Bridget Lacey (via Zoom), Recreation Director and Events Coordinator Kelly Feola, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, Police Lieutenant Anthony Lopez, and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported no actions were taken on closed session items. 1 | Page
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CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• National Night Out Proclamation
Mayor Wright read the proclamation aloud and presented it to Police Chief Griffin. Chief Griffin detailed the event's activities.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Linda Sutter: spoke in opposition to the rate increase as most of the residents of Crescent City receive financial assistance.
Mario Westphal: opposes the rate increase. Stated that the first year will see a 105% rise in the rates. Urges to explore other rate structures and budgetary adjustments.
Sam Strait: Stating that by raising rates, people will move away to an affordable community. The population will be replaced by newcomers who will sign up for housing assistance.
Donna Westfall: spoke in opposition to the rate increase and spoke about allegations of past corruption. She then handed the City Clerk a stack of protests.
Doug Dye: spoke about his public comments from the last meeting and that he clarified said that he opposed "high density apartments" and on page 3 that it was not the Downtown Revitalization Project, but the "Redwood Downtown Project".
David Olkowski: spoke in opposition to the rate increases and how it will affect his income. Stated the water rate increase will affect those who grow food.
Janelle Kovald: spoke in support of the rate increase as deferred maintenance needs to be funded.
Roy Thompson: spoke in opposition to the rate increase as it is unaffordable.
Steve Lyon: spoke in opposition to the rate increases and how they escalate so much so fast.
In anary make in op andion art rate in ease and it ere eare ear for hookup fees.
Eric Port: spoke in support of the increase as it will end up costing more down the line.
David Garcia: spoke about a proposal to increase TOT with the increased revenues going to the sewer and water funds.
Rev. Rebecca Dyke: spoke on behalf of the Housing Team for True North Organizing Network.
They are in support of the rate increase structure in the interest of long-term health of the infrastructure.
Gloria Carone: spoke about the apartments that are planned to be built across from the Catholic Church and that on street parking is already difficult in the area. 2 | Page
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Philip Dyke: spoke in support of the rate increases as deferred maintenance is necessary for the WWTP.
Naomi Pena: stated that capacity increase should be considered in the design for improvements because the population is increasing.
Margaret Ann Sargent: stated that the Prop 218 process is unconstitutional.
Cate Classen: spoke about the City receiving grants; creating a community for those who live here not to focus on tourism.
David Wells: stated he does not believe that the Council knew about the apartments being built off of E St. Spoke in opposition on the rate increases and how it will negatively affect those on social security.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period May 2, 2026 through May 15, 2026.
2. Council Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the May 18, 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 May 16, 2026 paid May 22, 2026.
4. List of Proposed Local Street Projects for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1)
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-38, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 TO BE FUNDED BY SB1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
5. Consolidation of the General Municipal Election for 2026 • Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-39, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY DECLARING THE DATE OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF 2026, SPECIFYING THE OFFICES TO BE FILLED, AND REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION OF THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 CRESCENT CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION
6. Budget Amendment for Additional HCD HOME Grant Funds for the Valhalla Townhomes Project
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-40, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
7. Budget Amendment for HAP Revenue/Expense
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-41, A RESOLUTION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CRESCENT CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
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Sam Strait: spoke about the number of items on the consent calendar and that it doesn't allow for the public to obtain more information.
Linda Sutter: stated that it is her understanding that things on the consent calendar were items that were discussed at a previous meeting that the public was not able to attend.
Margaret Ann Sargent: stated that 3r° and J Street needs to be investigated and that it is a swamp area.
Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler clarified that all of the staff reports on the consent calendar are available to the public at the same time they are made available to the Council.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, 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 1-7 as presented.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Public Hearing: Sewer Rate Increases
• Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment and written protests
• Close public hearing
• Receive preliminary count of water rate protests from the City Clerk
1. If the preliminary count meets the threshold for a successful protest: continue the item to the June 15" meeting to allow time for the City Clerk to validate and tabulate the submitted protests
2. If the preliminary count does not meet the threshold for a successful protest:
Waive full reading, read by title only and adopt 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
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
City Manager Wier reported on the history of the sewer fund and that it's in a structural deficit. It is at a point that we need to raise rates and to do so significantly to have a sustainable Sewer Fund. He explained that the Sewer Fund revenue can only pay for sewer items - it does not go towards the General Fund or the Water Fund. Council Member Greenough asked for the website to be pulled up to show where the information has been placed for public viewing. The website was broadcast for the public to show where the information is contained. Council Member Greenough also asked where the audited numbers can be found from last year; City Manager Wier pulled up the Finance Department page on the website and showed the public where the information is found. Council Member Greenough stated to the public that the City is not being deceptive and that as soon as information is obtained, it is pushed out to the public. City Manager Wier stated that anyone can make an appointment with him to answer any questions. Chris Fisher of Wildan Financial went over the Sewer Rate Study in detail. Council Member Greenough asked if the rate increase includes a "rainy day" fund. Chris Fisher explained the capital reserve that is $1 million. It is not a rainy day fund, it is strictly for capital reserves. City Manager Wier stated the 180-day operating reserve sounds like a lot, however, it is the cash on hand as of June 30th. debt service payment is due a month later for $1.7million. City Manager Wier asked Mr. Fisher if these rates are consistent with other utilities; Mr. Fisher stated that flexibility was already looked 4| Page
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at - the sacrificing would be the reducing of the reserves at the risk of not having the funds needed. The rate structure is consistent.
Donna Westfall: spoke about alleged corruption back in 2007 and would like to see the City receive restitution instead of raising rates.
Sam Strait: There has been a lot of money spent on Beachfront Park and other projects, however, there is no other solution other than to raise rates.
Linda Sutter: stated that for the consent calendar, the public would like to speak on several of the items. Spoke of her concern that if the rates are raised, people will lose their homes.
Shawn Michael Hubert: stated that a few years ago, a flat sewage rate was discussed as well as a water usage rate, however it never happened.
David Sedwick: stated that the costs being implemented slowly was not the Council's fault, it was the electorate that put forward a referendum that stopped the rate increase. Spoke in favor of the rate increase.
Naomi Pena: would like someone to follow up on a better way to raise money for the WTP.
Cate Classen: spoke about her Facebook page and that information is desired as well as effective communication from the public to the City. Would like to see grant funding for the WWTP instead of rate increases.
Jody Mangum: NGOs get a lot of governmental money. Spoke about the cost of operations by Jacobs Engineering.
Anonymous: stated that we are the poorest County in the state of California and Eureka is not a comparable city. Would like the rates reworked.
David Olkowski: all of the other towns used as comparable cities have a better economy than us.
Spoke about the water main break on Elk Valley and applauded City staff for fixing it so fast.
Spoke in opposition to the rate increase.
Roy Thompson: asked the Council to take into consideration how this will impact the community.
Dave Wells: asked if low income rate payers get the same bill or do they get a cut rate? Asked if a 5-year projection was presented to the Council about all of the low income housing to be built.
Margaret Ann Sargent: asked the Council to reflect on what has happened in the past and to look into behavioral health. Stated giving a list of only APNs is unconstitutional.
Council Member Greenough asked City Manager Wier to address the large apartment complex and sewer rates. City Manager Wier explained that they will pay their fair share. He further explained using a consumption based rate is challenging. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that we are bound by law changing the rates based on specific individuals; City Manager Wier stated that the City's Sewer Fund cannot subsidize any category of people. Council Member Greenough explained that there is not one Council Member who is not listening to the public. They are public servants that have a duty to take care of this piece of infrastructure. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated she is concerned for small businesses and that they may not be prepared for this rate increase.
Would like the Council and community work together to have some help the small businesses with a business plan.
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Mayor Wright asked the public if there were any protests that needed to be turned in, there were no additional protests submitted.
Mayor Wright closed the public hearing at: 8:37 p.m.
City Clerk Altman reported to the Council that the number of protests required for a successful protest was 1,799. The Clerk received 19 protests this evening before the close of the public hearing. The total raw number of sewer protests received by the Clerk was 1,444. The protest failed.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, 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 adopted 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
Mayor Wright called for a recess at 8:40 p.m.; meeting called back to order at 8:50 p.m.
9. Public Hearing: Water Rate Increases
• Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment and written protests
• Close public hearing
• Receive preliminary count of water rate protests from the City Clerk
1. If the preliminary count meets the threshold for a successful protest: continue the item to the June 15* meeting to allow time for the City Clerk to validate and tabulate the submitted protests
2. If the preliminary count does not meet the threshold for a successful protest:
Waive full reading, read by title only and adopt 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
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing at 8:51 p.m.
City Manager Wier went over the infrastructure for the City's water supply. Samantha Ryan of RCAC went over the Water Rate Study in detail. Council Member Shamblin asked about the 6" meter that it only effected a few customers; Ms. Ryan stated there are 4 6 meters.
Sam Strait: this is a huge failure of government and how much money has been spent on other projects and that the ratepayer has to pay more because the infrastructure needs it.
Mike Rickter: asked for the Council to reconsider the percentage that will be raised initially; asked for a 50% increase instead of 105%.
Anonymous: agreed with the previous comment and asked for a lower percentage on the initial rate and that this increase will cause people to lose their homes.
David Olkowski: asked for a shorter amount of time for a water shutoff for a vacation. Encouraged the Council to promote septic systems.
Margaret Ann Sargent: this puts landowners at risk.
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Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked City Manager Wier to explain that different rate structures have been discussed; Mr. Wier went into detail about how the rate structure works. Council Member Greenough explained that the reason for the rate increase is to have the funds in the event that something breaks.
Mayor Wright asked the public if there were any protests that needed to be turned in, there were no additional protests submitted.
Mayor Wright closed the public hearing at 9:33 p.m.
City Clerk Altman reported to the Council that the number of protests needed for a successful protest is 2,021. The Clerk received a total of 20 protests at the meeting before the close of the public hearing making the total number of protests received 1,449. The protest has failed.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Tinkler, 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 adopted 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.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
10. Military Equipment Use Policy Adoption
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Waive full reading, read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 864, AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY CONFIRMING
APPROVAL OF THE CCPD MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY
City Attorney Rice went over the ordinance and process required to pass.
Anonymous: asked if there was a list of the equipment received by CCPD; Chief Griffin explained the list and where it can be found. Stated nothing changed since the last meeting.
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 waived full reading, read by title only and adopted Ordinance No. 864, AN ORDINANCE OF THÉ CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY CONFIRMING APPROVAL OF THE CCPD MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY.
11. Adoption of 2025 California Building Standards Codes • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Waive full reading, read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 865, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION, OF THE CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES
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City Attorney Rice stated that new building codes recently went into effect and needed to be applied. If we don't have the most current code, citations cannot be issued. This will allow for better enforcement.
Margaret Ann Sargent: stated it should be reviewed how this impacts property owners.
Anonymous: AB 548 makes violations of State Housing Law a crime and people need their due process rights.
Hoyt Mitchell: asked where are the numbers that show this is required.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, 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 adopted Ordinance No. 865, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING TITLE 15, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION, OF THE CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES.
NEW BUSINESS
12. Retired Annuitant Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Official - Extra Help Position • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-42, A RESOLUTION OF THE_CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING ROBERT MINGES TO
THE RETIRED ANNUITANT POSITION OF BUILDING INSPECTOR/CODE
ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL - EXTRA HELP
City Attorney Rice went over the need to have Dan Minges continue as an extra-help position of Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Official to help with the transition with the recently hired Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Official. Council Member Shamblin asked if this was included in the budget presented at the Workshop; it was.
Hoyt Mitchell: stated there are a lot of businesses that will not pass the Fire Code.
Anonymous: doesn't seem like the legislature should be taking part of this; says it should only be the Mayor.
On a motion by Mayor Wright, 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 and adopted Resolution No. 2026-42, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
APPOINTING ROBERT MINGES TO THE RETIRED ANNUITANT POSITION OF BUILDING INSPECTOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL - EXTRA HELP.
13. Technical Assistance Planning Grant Amendment No. 2 for the Design of WWTP otating Biological Contactor (RBC) Capital Upgrade, Membrane Bioreactor (MBR Replacement and Biosolids/Digester Optimization Projec
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
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• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-43, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 2
WITH THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROJECT NUMBER C-06-8558-110 AND RBC CAPITAL
UPGRADE, MBR MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT, AND BIOSOLIDS/DIGESTER
OPTIMIZATION PROJECT
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-44, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
City Manager Wier went over the need for this upgrade to the WWTP.
Margaret Ann Sargent: asked why grants weren't sought after first.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-43, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 2 WITH THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROJECT NUMBER C-06-8558- 110 AND RBC CAPITAL UPGRADE, MBR MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT, AND BIOSOLIDS/DIGESTER OPTIMIZATION PROJECT and approved and adopted Resolution No 2026-44, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY.
14. Ranney Collector Generator and Particle Meter Repairs • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-45, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Public Works Director Yeager went over the project in detail.
There were no comments from the public.
On a motion by Mayor Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler, and carried unanimously Oon a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-45, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY.
Due to the meeting running late, Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked to continue the last item until the next meeting; the Council was in consensus.
15. Ad Hoc Committee Appointments
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Mayor to appoint and Council to confirm the appointment of two Council Members to each of the following ad hoc committees: the Lighthouse Cove RV Park ad hoc 9 | Page
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committee, the Fred Endert Municipal Pool ad hoc committee, Planning Fees ad hoc committee, and Beachfront Park ad hoc committee
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - None Legislative Matters - None
City Manager Report and City Council Directives - Forest Moon was a success.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
Metna
Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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