Stephanie McGeary / @ 1:57 p.m. / Agendizer

Arcata City Council Will Consider Applying for $1.5 Million HOME Grant to Support Its Rental Assistance Program

Arcata City Hall on a sunny day | File photo: Stephanie McGeary

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If you’re one of the many people in Arcata who receives rental assistance through the City, you’ll be happy to know that you may be able to receive assistance for a while longer. The Arcata City Council will consider applying for a grant to fund its Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program that, if awarded, would expand rental assistance to recipients for three more years.

The program is funded through the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s HOME Investment Partnership Program, designed to help cities and counties create and retain affordable housing. The City of Arcata established its rental assistance program – which provides financial assistance with rent, security deposits and utility deposits for households at or below 60 percent of the county’s area median income – in 2020, after it was awarded a $1 million HOME grant in 2020. 

Since launching the program, the City has helped 85 households secure or maintain stable housing and 59 of those households are still currently receiving assistance. The current grant expires on Oct. 31, 2024, which would leave the current recipients without any subsidy. Luckily, earlier this year, the HOME Program announced another round of funding availability, with applications due on April 9. To be eligible for a second grant, applicants must have spent at least 50 percent of their current grant by the April 9 due date. According to the staff report, Arcata has already spent $347,492 of existing grant funds and has commitments for another $305,207, which will place the City over the threshold by the deadline. 

If approved by the council, city staff will apply for up to another $1.5 million in HOME grant funding, which will be used to continue the City’s rental assistance program and maintain support for the households currently receiving assistance for three more years. 

But what about when that funding dries up? Well, according to the staff report, the long-term plan is to transition as many households as possible to the Section 8 program, which provides more stable, long-term rental assistance. 

“Since Tenant-Based Rental Assistance funding is sporadic, staff will work to transition as many households off the program and into more stable subsidy programs as possible before funding expenditure deadlines,” the staff report states. 

The Arcata City Council will discuss this and other important issues – including appointing two new members to the Planning Commission and closing out two community block grants – at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 20 at 6 p.m.  The council will hold a special meeting at 4:30 p.m to discuss labor negotiations, which will be in closed session, and to interview the Planning Commission applicants, which will be open to the public.  

You can find directions on how to view and participate in the meeting at this link, and scroll down for the full agenda below!


Arcata City Council
March 20, 2024, 6 p.m.

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

A. Roll Call


4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

A. Proclamation Recognizing Two-Spirit Day of Appreciation and Celebration, March 19, 2024.


B. Proclamation in Recognition of Girl Scout Week, March 10–16, 2024.


C. Proclamation in Recognition of American Red Cross Month, March 2024.


5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

7. N/A

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

A. Minutes of Mar 6, 2024 6:00 PM


B. 4380 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

The finance director is recommending that the city council approve the disbursements made between February 24, 2024, and March 8, 2024. These disbursements are payments made for expenses that have been approved in the city’s budget. The report includes a list of checks and electronic payments that have been made during this period. The city council does not need to audit these payments before they are made, but they are presented at the council’s first meeting after they have been made.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Twitter thread!

1/ Good evening, everyone! Tonight, at the City Council meeting, Finance Director Tabatha Miller presented the bi-weekly report on disbursements for the period of February 24, 2024, through March 8, 2024.

2/ The Finance Director recommends that the Council approve the disbursements listing, as the checks and electronic payments were made in accordance with the authorized expenditures set forth in the City Council adopted budget.

3/ Pursuant to Section 37208 of the California Government Code, checks drawn for certified demands by the Finance Director do not require prior Council audit but may be presented at the next meeting.

4/ The Disbursements Listing provided confirms that the payments made were within the adopted budget, as stated by the Finance Director.

5/ Here’s a link to the Cash Disbursements Report for the period of 2-24-24 to 3-8-24: (PDF attachment)

6/ As always, transparency and accountability are crucial in managing the city’s finances. It’s great to see the Finance Director and her team ensuring that all disbursements are in line with the approved budget.

7/ Thank you to Finance Office Manager Matthew Morgan and the entire finance team for their diligent work in preparing this report and ensuring proper financial oversight.

8/ That’s all for tonight’s report on disbursements. Stay tuned for more updates on city council meetings and important financial matters in our community. Thank you for joining the conversation! #CityCouncilMeeting #FinancialReport

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Cash Disbursements Report 2-24-24 to 3-8-24


C. 4379 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-38, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Class and Pay Resolution—Compensation & Benefits for Hourly Rated Part-Time, Temporary, and Seasonal Personnel (to Reflect a New Position of Program Coordinator).

The City of Arcata is proposing a new position of Program Coordinator for hourly part-time, temporary, and seasonal personnel. The Program Coordinator will have more responsibilities and independence compared to the Program Specialist position. The City Council is being asked to approve the resolution to add the Program Coordinator position at a salary grade of PT142. The funding for this position will come from the current budget, and any additional costs will be included in the following year’s budget.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

CAMPAIGN TITLE: The Arcata Adventure

CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:

The city of Arcata is in need of a Program Coordinator to assist in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. As adventurers in the land, you are called upon to help find the perfect candidate to fill this important role. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for handling advanced responsibilities and making important decisions to support the growth and development of the city of Arcata.

As you journey through the city, you will encounter different challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of finding the perfect Program Coordinator. From navigating through bureaucratic red tape to facing off against rival candidates who seek to sabotage the hiring process, your party will need to use all their skills and abilities to succeed.

Along the way, you will uncover secrets about the city of Arcata and its inhabitants, as well as the importance of good governance and community development. Your actions will have a direct impact on the future of the city, as the Program Coordinator will play a vital role in shaping its growth and prosperity.

Do you have what it takes to navigate the political landscape of Arcata, uncover the truth behind the hiring process, and find the perfect candidate for the job? The fate of the city rests in your hands.

Are you ready to embark on The Arcata Adventure?

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-38 Hourly C&P Program CoordinatorB. Program Coordinator Job Description


D. 4382 : Reappoint Dennis Halligan, Ken Hoffman and Jack Naylor to the Forest Management Committee for Three-Year Terms Ending March 31, 2027; Reappoint Deborah Coles, Jolly Earle and Sheldon Heath to the Parks and Recreation Committee for Three-Year Terms Ending March 31, 2027; and Reappoint Bob Brown, Chris McAuliffe, and Steven Railsback to the Wetlands and Creeks Committee for Three-Year Terms Ending March 31, 2027.

The city council is recommending that three members each be reappointed to the Forest Management, Parks and Recreation, and Wetlands and Creeks Committees for another three-year term. The staff believes that these members have valuable experience and knowledge in their respective areas, making them valuable assets to the committees.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between two very stoned people named Starfish and Noodles!

Starfish: Yo Noodles, did you see this report about reappointing people to committees?

Noodles: Yeah man, I saw that. They want to reappoint a bunch of people to different committees.

Starfish: Yeah, like Dennis, Ken, and Jack to the Forest Management Committee.

Noodles: And Debbie, Jolly, and Sheldon to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Starfish: And don’t forget Bob, Chris, and Steven to the Wetlands and Creeks Committee.

Noodles: Dude, I wonder if they’re gonna be chill about it. Like, do they even wanna be on those committees still?

Starfish: Yeah man, I hope they’re down for it. They must know a lot about those stuff if they wanna be on the committees for so long.

Noodles: Yeah, true. Maybe they’re like really into trees and stuff, or parks, or wetlands.

Starfish: Yo, maybe we should join a committee too. Like, the Snack and Munchies Committee.

Noodles: Haha, that would be awesome. We could be in charge of making sure everyone has enough snacks at meetings.

Starfish: And maybe we could have like, munchie breaks in between discussions.

Noodles: Dude, that would be so cool. We should totally suggest that at the next city council meeting.

Starfish: Haha, yeah man. Let’s do it. Snack and Munchies Committee, here we come!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


E. 4383 : Reappoint Wendy Ring, Korina Johnson and Genevieve Serna to the Transportation Safety Committee (TSC) for Three-Year Terms Ending March 31, 2027.

The city engineer is recommending that the city council reappoint Wendy Ring, Korina Johnson, and Genevieve Serna to the Transportation Safety Committee for another three-year term. The three members have shown experience and valuable contributions to the committee.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a town crier's speech!

Hear ye, hear ye! I bring news from the recent City Council meeting held on March 20, 2024!

It is with great honor that I announce the recommendation to reappoint Wendy Ring, Korina Johnson, and Genevieve Serna to the Transportation Safety Committee for three-year terms ending on March 31, 2027.

These esteemed individuals have been serving on the Transportation Safety Committee and have shown dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety of our city’s transportation systems. Their expertise and knowledge in this policy area have proven to be invaluable, and it is only fitting that they continue their service to the community.

Therefore, I urge the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members to consider this recommendation and reappoint Wendy Ring, Korina Johnson, and Genevieve Serna to the Transportation Safety Committee for another term. Let us continue to work together to keep our city safe and thriving.

That is all for now, my good citizens. Thank you for your attention and may we strive towards a brighter and safer future for our beloved town!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


F. 4350 : Approve an Amendment to Extend the Agreement with Humboldt Waste Management Authority for Receiving and Processing Green Waste and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.

The city council is being asked to extend an agreement with Humboldt Waste Management Authority for receiving and processing green waste. This agreement helps divert organic material from landfills and supports the city’s Zero Waste Action Plan. The cost for these services is covered by the city’s solid waste and wastewater accounts. The agreement is being extended for another year, and the city is working towards implementing mandatory curbside collection of organics by 2026 to meet state waste diversion requirements.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an Elizabethan sonnet!

Oh, fair city council, hear this humble plea,
Extend the green waste agreement we hold dear,
For composting green waste is duty free,
And benefits our land, our earth, our sphere.

Since 2007, we’ve diverted waste,
To Steve Morris Logging, where it’s composted well,
But changes in industry now make haste,
To alter costs that we must now foretell.

With SB 1383, mandates new,
Organic waste collection must take flight,
To Cold Creek Compost, materials flew,
To meet the goals and regulations right.

So let us extend this agreement true,
And keep our city clean and green in view.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. HWMA Agreement for Green Waste Drop Off Processing 11.12.20B. HWMA and City of Arcata Greenwaste Amendment No. 1 January 2022C. HWMA and City of Arcata Amendment No. 2 Arcata Greenwaste


9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

10. OLD BUSINESS

11. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appoint Two New Members to the Planning Commission for Terms Expiring March 31, 2028.


B. 4381 : Authorize a Grant Application to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program.

The City is asking the City Council to approve a grant application for up to $1.5 million to continue funding a program that helps low-income households with rental assistance. The current funding will end in October 2024, so the city needs to apply for another grant to keep the program running for three more years. The program has helped many households, including seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans, to secure safe and stable housing. It is important for the City Council to approve the grant application to prevent households from facing homelessness.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a corrido!

En la Ciudad se reúnen,
el alcalde y su consejo,
para hablar de un programa
que ayuda al pueblo inmerso.

David Loya y Jennifer Dart,
con Nick Brichta a la par,
piden una subvención
para el programa popular.

Se trata de asistencia
para renta de vivienda,
que ayuda a las familias
en su lucha diaria intensa.

Desde el año veinte-nueve,
este programa existe ya,
ayudando a ochenta y cinco
hogares sin cesar.

Con un millón de dólares
han podido sobrevivir,
pero el dinero se agota
y es momento de pedir.

Un nuevo subsidio HOME
por un millón quinientos mil,
para tres años más de ayuda
a los que hoy necesitan mil.

Es importante el apoyo
para estos hogares vulnerables,
pues muchos son ancianos,
discapacitados y veteranos admirables.

Con un 60% de ingresos
del área del condado local,
se considera la asistencia
para cada hogar especial.

Con un 30% de ingresos
o un 10% del total,
se calcula la renta justa
para no perder ni un real.

Es crucial la continuación
de este programa vital,
para evitar la sobrecarga
y el problema del desigual.

Se espera transicionar
a más hogares al programa Section 8,
para una asistencia más estable
y un futuro más revuelto.

Con un 50% del gasto
del subsidio actual cumplido ya,
la Ciudad está preparada
para una nueva solicitud que irá.

La esperanza es que el gobierno
apruebe esta petición,
para seguir ayudando a aquellos
que luchan en la confusión.

Así que aplaudemos al consejo
por su apoyo a la comunidad,
y que sigan trabajando juntos
por un futuro de prosperidad.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-39


C. 4362 : Public Hearing to Approve the Annual Engineer's Report and Declare the City's Intention to Continue to Levy and Collect Assessments of Existing Assessment Districts to include Mad River Parkway Business Center Landscape Maintenance Assessment District, Windsong Subdivision Landscape Maintenance Assessment District and Janes Creek Meadow Landscape Maintenance Assessment District.

The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve the continuation of levying and collecting assessments for existing assessment districts for maintenance of landscaping and lighting. The three assessment districts are Mad River Parkway Business Center, Windsong Subdivision, and Janes Creek Meadow. The Engineer’s Reports provide details on the cost of maintenance, assessment of costs on each parcel of land, and methods for determining assessments. Failure to approve the assessments would result in a reduction of funds for maintenance. The Council will review the reports and resolutions at a public hearing on March 20, 2024.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bildungsroman!

Title: The Maintenance Assessment

As a young city engineer, Netra Khatri had always been fascinated by the intricate workings of municipal infrastructure. From the way streets were laid out to the maintenance of public landscaping and lighting, she saw it all as a puzzle waiting to be solved. Now, as she prepared to present the annual Engineer’s Report to the City Council, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

The Mad River Parkway Business Center Landscape Maintenance Assessment District, Windsong Subdivision Landscape Maintenance Assessment District, and Janes Creek Meadow Landscape Maintenance Assessment District were all part of her responsibility. These three assessment districts were crucial for the upkeep of the city’s public spaces and she took her role in ensuring their continued funding very seriously.

As Netra sat in the council chambers, surrounded by the city’s leaders and fellow staff members, she could feel the weight of her recommendations. She knew that failure to approve the continued assessments would have a direct impact on the city’s public spaces. The thought of neglected landscaping and darkness where there should be light filled her with a sense of urgency.

As she presented the reports, detailing the costs, improvements, and maintenance plans for each district, Netra spoke with confidence and conviction. She knew that the work her team had put into these assessments was crucial for the city’s well-being. She hoped that the council would see the importance of their continued support.

After the presentations were complete, the council members asked questions and discussed the proposed resolutions. Netra listened carefully, addressing each concern with knowledge and poise. She could feel herself growing more confident with each question answered, each point clarified.

Finally, the council voted to approve the Engineer’s Reports and adopt the resolutions for each district. Netra felt a sense of pride and fulfillment wash over her. She had successfully navigated the complex world of municipal assessments and come out on top.

As she left the council chambers that evening, Netra couldn’t help but smile. She knew that this was just the beginning of her journey as a city engineer. With each new challenge and project, she would continue to grow and learn, shaping not only the city’s landscape but also her own future. The maintenance assessment was just the first of many steps in her bildungsroman, a story of growth, determination, and success. And Netra was ready to embrace it all.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. 2024-2025 MRBP - Engineers Report and ResolutionB. 2024-2025 Windsong - Engineers Report and ResolutionC. 2024-2025-Janes Creek Meadows - Engineers Report and Resolution


D. 4377 : Public Hearing on Community Development Block Grant Accomplishments and Closeout.

The City Council is holding a public hearing to discuss the accomplishments of two Community Development Block Grants related to COVID safe outdoor events and homeless services. The grants funded programs that helped the community during the pandemic. The City is required to close out the grants by submitting final reports to the state. The City spent all the grant funds and program income related to these activities. The public can review the information before the hearing. No significant impact on the environment or budget is expected from closing out the grants.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of 'The Moe Hogan Experience'!

Moe Hogan: Welcome back to The Moe Hogan Experience, where we dive deep into the mysteries and secrets of the world! Today, we have a very special guest with us, the author of this document about the City Council meeting. So, tell us, what exactly is this Community Development Block Grant all about?

Author: Well, the Community Development Block Grant is a federal program that provides funding to local governments to support community development activities. In this case, the City of Arcata received grants for the COVID Safe Outdoor Events Program and the Arcata House Partnership Homeless Services Program.

Moe Hogan: Ah, I see, so it’s all about helping the community and making a difference. That’s great to hear. Now, you mentioned some specific numbers in the document - like $572,910 for the Arcata House Partnership. That’s a lot of money! How was that used exactly?

Author: The grant funds were used to purchase commercial kitchen equipment for the Arcata House Partnership, allowing them to better serve the community and assist an average of 700 people per month. It really made a significant impact on the services they were able to provide.

Moe Hogan: Wow, that’s really impressive. It’s good to see the money being put to good use. Now, I heard you mention something about a circus tent and outdoor events. That sounds interesting. Can you tell us more about that?

Author: Yes, the grant also funded the COVID Safe Outdoor Events Program, which supported approximately 60 outdoor events during COVID by purchasing a circus tent, stage, generator, and speakers. It was a creative way to provide safe entertainment for the community during a challenging time.

Moe Hogan: Fascinating stuff, really fascinating. Now, before we wrap up, I just wanted to ask my producer to look up something for me. I heard that there were some concerns about the funding, and I want to make sure we have all the facts straight. Producer, can you check on that for me?

Producer: Actually, Moe, it looks like everything was accounted for properly in this case. The City of Arcata Community Development Department did a great job managing the funds and meeting the grant requirements.

Moe Hogan: Well, there you have it folks, straight from the producer himself. Looks like everything is in order. Thank you to our guest for shedding some light on the Community Development Block Grant, and stay tuned for a word from our sponsor about a fantastic new dietary supplement that has changed my life! Stay curious, my friends.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS

14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

A. Set a Date for a Study Session with Committee Chairpersons.


B. Set a Date for a Goal Setting Study Session.


C. Set a Date for a Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Study Session.


15. CLOSED SESSION

16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS

17. ADJOURNMENT


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