CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN
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 SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called closed session to order at 5:01 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 and Contract Counsel Lauren Brown Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)): Meder v.
Crescent City (DNSC Case No. CV261007), Meder v. Crescent City (DNSC Case No.
CV251069), Crescent City v. Garland Donaldson (DNSC Case No. CV251065); Crescent City v.
Lounge Chair Investments (DNCS Case No. CVUJ-2022-1131) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(4)): One Conference with Real Property Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54956.8): Property: APN 120-280- 017; Negotiator: Eric Wier
Public Employee Appointment/Employment (Gov. Code Section 54957(b)): Title: City Attorney
There were no comments from the public.
Closed session adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called open session 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 1 Page
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Coordinator Kelly Feola, Public Works Director Dave Yeager and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rice reported that no actions were taken on closed session items.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation - Gordon Clay, Zero Attempts
Mayor Wright read the proclamation aloud and presented it to Gordon Clay of Zero Attempts. Mr.
Clay outlined the local statistics for suicide and encouraged everyone to make sure to ask people if they are ok and be prepared to listen.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
• Pump Track Event Presentation
Recreation Director and Events Coordinator Feola gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Pump Track event. The event was successful and all participants enjoyed themselves. Alot of the attendees came from Grants Pass and Medford, Oregon.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Sam Strait: Spoke about his recent trip to Germany
Ardette Esselstrom: spoke about the Rumiano project and the violations she had discovered. She gave the City a formal notice of apparent violations of the 2014 Use Permit governing Rumiano Cheese Factory.
Aaron Skroback, County resident: He stated that when the County Road crew dug out the culverts at his property, they damaged shrubs.
Kelly Feola: appreciated the proclamation for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and spoke about suicide prevention with local veterans. Gave thanks to first responders and presented two boxes from Operation Gratitude for CCPD and CCFR.
Thomas Beers: spoke about defects in the City's projects and he submitted a formal complaint.
Jody Mangum: spoke about construction of Battery Point Apartments and that it is currently in a nuisance state because it is still in a state of construction. Spoke about the possibility of an Al Data Center coming to Crescent City. Spoke about the water/sewer rates and how it aligns with the budget. Said that the City will be charging $9 million for a new water line.
Doug Dye: spoke about his submitted public comment regarding the Rumiano Cheese project He has a series of questions regarding the testing that needs to be done. Does not feel the zoning is appropriate for a factory.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period August 8, 2026 through August 21, 2026.
2. Council Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the August 17, 2026 meeting 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 August 22, 2026 paid August 28, 2026.
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 adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 1-3 as presented.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Public Hearing to Close Out Grant 22-CDBG-PL-20041 Storm Drain Master Plan • Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Close public hearing
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the final accomplishments under Community Development Block Grant contract # 22-CDBG-PL-20041; and
• Direct staff to submit final closeout documents to Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m.
City Manager Wier reported to the Council the close out of the grant that covered the Storm Drain Master Plan. This study can also be used for the Front Street project that will help evaluate the ecent major storm event that was a 200-vear event. Amber Shows of GHD gave a presentation on the Crescent City Storm Drain Master Plan that shows a long-term management plan of storm water. City Manager Wier explained that this Plan is a useful tool for future grant opportunities.
The following member of the public addressed the Council:
Jody Mangum: asked why this wasn't done before the water/sewer rate increase.
Mayor Wright closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m.
)n a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carrie inanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the fina ccomplishments under Community Development Block Grant contract # 22-CDBG-PL-2004 nd directed staff to submit final closeout documents to Department of Housing and Communit 3| Page
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City Manager Wier explained for clarification that storm drain system is completely separate from the sewer system. Ground water does not flow into the storm drain system. When the ground water rises, it gets into the sewer system.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
5. Short Term Rental Regulation Discussion
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion and direction to staff regarding the regulation of short-term rentals
City Manager Wier stated that as far as the housing stock is concerned, there are 981 single family units and 462 multi-family units. Currently staff have identified 53-54 short-term rentals within those numbers. There are 35 single-family and 18 multi-unit (duplex, quadplex) short term rentals. City Manager Wier stated that a couple of options for discussion would be TOT related services and/or regulations on short term rentals. There can also be a disclosure ordinance so staff can get the information from the short-term rental companies. Finance Director Leaver went over the research the Finance Department has done to find vacation rentals in the city limits. She explained that there are services that can get information from sites such as Airbnb and VRBO to find unregistered properties. This service can be anywhere from $4500 a year to $20k. Finance Director Leaver recommended the Council adopt an ordinance so staff can request addresses from VRBO and Airbnb and do the research themselves to see if the short-term rentals (STR) are registered. Council Member Shamblin asked how many STRs had on-site managers; Director Leaver stated staff does not have those numbers. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler supports adopting an ordinance so City staff can do the work to find out which ones are unregistered. Council Member Altman felt that this is a waste of time and property owners should not be over regulated. Council Member Shamblin said the neighborhoods are disappearing as a lot of the houses in town are STRs. He would like for TOT to be evaluated. Council Member Greenough stated that the numbers are so low on how many STRs we have, it doesn't make sense to spend money on this instead of other projects. He wants to see enforcement on licensing and insurance based on what we already have on file. He is in opposition to spending any more time on this subject. Mayor Wright asked what the trend is on vacation rentals; Director Leaver stated that the Planning Consultant looked at the last 5 years and it's been an average of 10 per year, but it's mostly for change in ownership, not new rentals.
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Roger Gitlin: stated that STRs should have a 24-hour person on site or have someone available to solve any issues. Feels a vote on this item is premature and more information is needed.
Jody Mangum: there are a lot of empty homes on Pebble Beach that are second homes for people. She spoke about people being able to own their own homes instead of apartments.
Sam Strait: stated it is not an easy task to have a vacation rental. He stated that companies buy up properties to have as a vacation rental and there is always someone who is a point of contact for the property. He does not support moving forward on this as the amount of money to get is not as much as it will cost to move forward
Mark Bower; stated that visitors to his rental bring money into the community and is not in support of limiting rentals.
Lori Collins: feels moving forward with this is a waste of taxpayer money. When you rent a STR, you already are charged for TOT. Does not support any regulations. 4 Page
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Bobbi Jo Bower: vacation rental owner and all contact information for vacation rentals can be found at City Hall with business license.
Lori Standing: spoke in opposition to the Council moving forward with this. She said as a vacation rental owner, they are not making a lot of money on the property and it supplements their income.
Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that it is not the intention to disallow STRs, just to have regulations to address problems. She would recommend passing an ordinance. Supports a 5% cap on STRs.
Council Member Altman reminded the Council this is giving direction to staff, not voting on an ordinance. Spoke in opposition of staff taking any more time on this item. Council Member Shamblin supports creating an ordinance to get the addresses of all STRs. Mayor Wright observed that the Council was not in consensus to move forward with any of the options presented.
NEW BUSINESS
6. CCPD Axon Dashcam Automated License Plate Readers
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the Police Department's use of Axon Automated License Plate Readers; provide additional direction regarding retention of ALPR data Chief Griffin explained the difference between these automated license plate readers and the Flock cameras. This item is to see what the public's interest is in the retention period for the information obtained by the ALPR. The national database for this includes stolen vehicles, kidnapping, serial killers, and any crime associated with the plate. There is a very strict rule to be able to search the system (ALPR location history) and can only be done by Chief Griffin and probable cause must be outlined specifically for the search. City Manager Wier asked for clarification that if an officer is driving around and a license plate that has been entered into NCIC that it would automatically notify the officer; Chief Griffin explained that yes, there is an alert and what the crime has been connected to the license plate. The officer would then call dispatch to confirm the plate. Chief Griffin suggested a retention period of 0-10 days. City Manager Wier further explained the difference between Axon and Flock is that with Axon, data belongs to CCPD.
For Flock cameras, the data is sent to Flock. Council Member Greenough asked what the retention was before; Chief Griffin stated he set it back to 0, however, initially it was 365 as a factory preset. Council Member Greenough asked why he didn't just go ahead and set it to 7-10 days; Chief Griffin stated the reason was because he wanted to hear what the community wanted as well as the Council. Council Member Greenough stated he agrees with Chief Griffin's recommendation to have a 7-day retention period. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that this is not a new thing and supports the service as it is a good tool for law enforcement. She supports the 7-day retention period; commented that this aligns with the recommendation of the ACLU. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked if the sharing of information includes sharing information with ICE; Chief Griffin stated that no, they are not authorized to work with ICE by state law. Council Member Shamblin stated the 7-day retention is a good balance between privacy and safety. Mayor Wright agrees with 7-day retention. Council Member Altman asked if the 10-year contract includes this; Chief Griffin answered in the affirmative.
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Heather Taggart: believes this supports accountability. 5 | Pa ge
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Jake Borja: Supports a 0-day retention period, asked when the retention was changed from 365 to 0 and stated Axon cameras can be tracked by Axon Hunter (bluetooth sniffers).
Sam Strait: asked what if someone buys a car that was used in the commission of a crime and they drive it back to their location and the plate is picked up on the ALPR. Does not support surveillance of individuals.
David Garcia: stated in this time of innovated technology, he spoke in support of this service.
Further stated that this is an effective tool for law enforcement.
Lori Collins: against Flock cameras and data collection.
Jody Mangum: spoke about wanting to see the children of the community protected from trafficking; and about an Al data center.
On a motion by Council Member Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Greenough, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the Police Department's use of Axon Automated License Plate Readers; provided additional direction regarding retention of ALPR data to 7 days.
7. Lighthouse Cove RV Park Project Contract Awards
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel
• Approve the Plans and Specifications for the Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel Project
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a construction contract with ACGC, Inc., the low bidder, for the Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel • Authorize the City Manager to approve and sign future change orders in an aggregate amount not to exceed $120,000 for the Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project
Approve the Plans and Specifications for the Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project • Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a construction contract with Sequoia Specialties, Inc., the low bidder, for the Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project • Authorize the City Manager to approve and sign future change orders in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30,000 for the Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project Public Works Director Yeager reported to the Council the bids that came in and outlined the two projects in detail. Council Member Shamblin asked what is the square footage of the cabins? City Manager Wier stated they are approximately 500 sq. ft. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked if the furnishings would be included in this budget; Director Yeager answered in the affirmative, with the exception of the consumables (linens, dinnerware, cookware, etc). The existing apartment will need a lot of updating.
The following member of the public addressed the Council:
Sam Strait: spoke about the City wanting to have an ordinance to restrict STRs and now the City is adding STRs to the RV Park. Stated that a private owner of a vacation rental does not have access to funding for upgrades.
Mayor Wright asked how long the City has owned the RV Park; City Manager Wier stated it was transferred to the City as part of a state lands grant in 1976. 6 | Page
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On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Shamblin and carried on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved the Plans and Specifications for the Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel Project, approved and authorized the City Manager to sign a construction contract with ACGC, Inc., the low bidder, for the Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel, authorized the City Manager to approve and sign future change orders in an aggregate amount not to exceed $120,000 for the Lighthouse Cove Apartment Remodel, approved the Plans and Specifications for the Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project, approved and authorized the City Manager to sign a construction contract with Sequoia Specialties, Inc., the low bidder, for the Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project and authorized the City Manager to approved and sign future change orders in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30,000 for the Lighthouse Cove Cabin Project.
8. CalTrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant
Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Direct staff to prepare an application for California Department of Transportation funding through the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program for the Redwood Highway Multi-modal Transportation and Land Use Plan (MTLUP) in the amount of up to $600,000 on behalf of the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission • Approve a letter to the California Department of Transportation endorsing the Redwood Highway Multi-modal Transportation & Land Use Plan (MTLUP) project City Manager Wier stated this item has come before the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission for the local match of $120,000. The commission will be considering official approval of the local match at a future meeting. This is to draft the application and authorize the DNLTC to apply for this grant for the 101. This will look at the safety of all users of the 101 corridor. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler spoke in support of this project as its focus is on safety. Council Member Greenough concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler.
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Sam Strait: asked for clarification that this is for planning and it'll cost $600k.
Mayor Wright asked what the project will entail; City Manager Wier explained that this for planning a long stretch of highway through town for traffic calming and possibly a lane reduction.
Doug Dye: stated that taking one of the northbound lanes off of 101 is not a good idea as will create a traffic backup during tourist season.
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 directed staff to prepare an application for California Department of Transportation funding through the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program for the Redwood Highway Multi-modal Transportation and Land Use Plan (MTLUP) in the amount of up to $600,000 on behalf of the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission and approved a letter to the California Department of Transportation endorsing the Redwood Highway Multi-modal Transportation & Land Use Plan (MTLUP) project.
9. Northcrest Corridor Plan - CalTrans Transportation Planning Grant Application in Partnership with Del Norte County and Del Norte Local Transportation Commission • Recommendation: Hear staff report
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• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
Approve a letter in support of the Northcrest Corridor Planning project for the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission's Grant application for funding under the California Department of Transportation Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program City Manager Wier explained the application for funding and how the City will work with the County along with DNLTCo. This particular project is for Northcrest Drive from 101 to Blackwell lane to improve pedestrian and bicycle routes.
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
Sam Strait: said there is no extra lane to remove on Northcrest.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
> Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports - None Legislative Matters - None
City Manager Report and City Council Directives - Mayor Wright asked for City Manager Wier to report on the Al Data Center that has been mentioned multiple times; City Manager Wier stated that although HumLabs is an Al research company, they have not approached the City about an Al Data Center. Mr. Wier stated that citing an Al Data Center within the City would be very challenging.
Director Yeager gave a detailed update on the Front Street Gateway project.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
PAltra
Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
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