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Local nonprofit appeals planning department after delayed permit and disputed refund
Summary
A Ukiah nonprofit, Quadruple Threats, told the council it was charged a $1,000 fee and then denied clear guidance and a timely refund after withdrawing a minor‑use permit application for a thrift‑store operation; the city said it will follow up through the city manager’s office.
Quadruple Threats, a nonprofit that recently moved operations to Ukiah, urged the City Council on Wednesday to intervene after what its founder said was a months‑long, confusing permitting process and an unreturned $1,000 payment.
Founder Ayaz Murray told the council he sought clearance from the Community Development Department to operate a small thrift store as an adjunct to the nonprofit’s services. Murray said staff initially told him no permit would be necessary, then later requested a deposit and subsequently required a discretionary review. He said later staff informed him that the department could not refund the deposit because the money is no longer managed there.
‘‘Information provided to me has been shown to be incorrect time and time again,’’ Murray said, asking the council to review his appeal, order a refund of the $1,000, and ensure staff follow and clearly explain the city code. Murray also said language in a rejection letter — phrased ‘‘elsewhere in the city’’ — felt derogatory to American Indian residents and asked the council to review tone and clarity in staff communications.
Mayor Crane said the city manager’s office will take the appeal and follow up with the speaker. No council action was taken during the meeting; the item was recorded during the public comment period and the mayor directed staff to respond to the appellant.
Murray said the permit process and inconsistent guidance prevented the nonprofit from operating the thrift store, which he said was intended to raise minor funds for snacks and basic items for program participants.
