In a package of administrative actions on Nov. 18, the Angels Camp City Council approved staff recommendations on multiple funding, contract and district‑management items aimed at supporting downtown businesses, special‑district governance and city operations.

CDBG microenterprise grant: Council authorized city staff to apply for a $1.5 million CDBG microenterprise grant intended to support small businesses and reactivate vacant storefronts in the historic district. Planning staff (Amy Augustine) explained that the city will train multiple staff members to simultaneously submit the application when the federal window opens to improve its chances; council approved a motion to authorize the application and the city to pursue the funding.

Professional services change order: The council approved a $3,000 change order (resolution 25‑89) to Augustine Planning & Associates to update and submit the CDBG application. City staff noted that contracting with the existing planning contractor for the application updates was substantially less expensive than hiring an external grant writer.

Greenhorn Creek LLD governance and insurance: Staff reported that the informal Greenhorn Creek Landscape & Lighting District No. 2 board dissolved after the district sought confirmation of insurance coverage from the city’s pooled insurer (Risk Management Authority). Staff said RMA initial guidance indicated board members might not be covered; options included requesting an RMA endorsement, formally recognizing the LLD as a commission (which would likely secure coverage), hiring a staff person funded by LLD assessments, or leaving day‑to‑day responsibilities with the city. Council voted to adopt a resolution to formalize and temporarily appoint LLD members as a commission and to pursue an ordinance to make the arrangement permanent, directing staff to work on process and membership.

Safe Streets grant forfeiture and repurposing match funds: The council voted to forfeit a $160,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant because the core intersection improvements at Stanislaus/Oneida/San Joaquin were completed before the federal grant was executed and therefore cannot be charged to the award. Calaveras Council of Governments (COG) had provided the $40,000 local match; COG staff indicated they would support reallocating that $40,000 to other city street or sidewalk improvements. The council approved a motion to forfeit the federal award and repurpose the $40,000 match for the city’s pavement management program.

Risk pool JPA amendment: The council approved an amendment to the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority joint powers agreement (resolution 25‑94) to remain in the pooled insurance program. Staff warned of a Dec. 1 deadline to approve the JPA to avoid coverage risk. Council asked staff and the city attorney to give early notice to the RMA on potentially litigious matters so the RMA can review claims early in the process.

City administrator recruitment strategy: Council reviewed proposals from executive search firms and staff options to recruit a permanent city administrator; members favored engaging a search firm with broad outreach and recommended Pickham & McKinney as a leading option. Council adopted a resolution (25‑93) identifying recruitment strategies and authorized staff to proceed with a professional recruitment process geared toward a candidate start by April 1, 2026.

Context: Many council members said they remain committed to improving downtown economic conditions and that several of the council actions (grant application, repurposed COG funds, LLD stabilization) were intended to support that outcome. Staff was directed to return with follow‑up reporting, monitor grant opportunities and keep downtown merchants updated about funding and code enforcement results.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution 25‑88: Authorize application for $1,500,000 CDBG microenterprise grant — Approved (motion/second, roll call: unanimous recorded)
- Resolution 25‑89: Change order $3,000 to Augustine Planning & Associates to prepare CDBG application — Approved
- Resolution to formalize Greenhorn Creek LLD commission (temporary appointment + ordinance process) — Approved
- Forfeit Safe Streets grant and repurpose $40,000 COG match for pavement management — Approved
- Resolution 25‑94: Approve amendment to RMA JPA — Approved
- Resolution 25‑93: Identify recruitment strategies for city administrator and authorize professional recruitment outreach — Approved

Attributions: Project and grant descriptions, costs and procurement options were provided by staff (Amy Augustine, Steve Williams and others). The council instructed staff to prioritize downtown‑focused grant work and to provide regular updates on LLD governance and CUP enforcement.