Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Directives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council agrees to place invocation policy and pool financial review on future agendas
Summary
After public comment and council discussion, members agreed by consensus to ask staff to return with the harbor commission invocation resolution for consideration and to agendize a study of pool operations and revenue options.
The Crescent City Council reached consensus to place two council-directed items on a future agenda: (1) further information and possible consideration of an invocation resolution after a public commenter requested the council add a non‑denominational invocation similar to the harbor commission’s recent action, and (2) a study of the municipal pool’s finances to explore ways to increase revenue and potential cost efficiencies that could support public safety funding.
Roger Gitlin addressed the council during public comment to request that the city consider adopting a short, nondenominational invocation similar to one recently adopted by the harbor commission. He said the harbor’s resolution invoked a brief prayer and asked the council to consider returning the harbor’s language for council review. Councilmembers asked for the harbor resolution and additional background to be placed on a future agenda; City Attorney Rice and staff said the item would be presented in two parts (information first, then potential action if council so decides) and that the council should clarify whom they would invite to give invocations if adopted.
Separately, Council member Julie asked the council to place an item on a future agenda to bring in an expert to review pool operations and identify efficiency and revenue opportunities without closing the facility. Julie said she would prefer exploring options that could free revenues for public safety needs and pointed to prior studies of the pool conducted in 2018. City Manager Weir said he has access to the prior study and staff will provide background materials for the agenda discussion; the council indicated consensus to direct staff to prepare the item.
Both directives were recorded as consensus items rather than formal votes. Council did not adopt any policy at the meeting; staff will return with background information and the harbor commission resolution for the invocation discussion and with materials and options for the pool operational review for council consideration.
