LoCOBot / @ noon / Agendizer

Arcata City Council
May 1, 2024, 6 p.m.

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

A. Roll Call


4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

A. Swear-in the New City Clerk


B. Proclamation in Recognition of the 32nd Annual National Association of Letter Carriers' Food Drive Day, Saturday, May 11, 2024.


C. Proclamation Celebrating Water Week, May 5–11, 2024.


D. Proclamation in Recognition of National Nurses Week, May 6–12, 2024.


E. Proclamation in Recognition of National Hospital Week, May 12–18, 2024.


5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

7. N/A

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

A. Minutes of Apr 3, 2024 6:00 PM


B. Minutes of Apr 16, 2024 5:00 PM


C. Minutes of Apr 17, 2024 6:00 PM


D. 4418 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve the listing of payments made from April 6 to April 19, 2024. These payments were made in accordance with the budget approved by the City Council. The attached report provides a detailed list of the checks and electronic payments made during this period.

— LoCOBot

… or, as Schoolhouse Rock!

(Verse 1)
Hey there, City Council, it’s time for a report
About the disbursements, so let’s keep it short
It’s all about the checks and payments made
For the period from April 6 to April 19, we’ve got it laid

(Chorus)
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, oh yeah
Checking the budget, making sure it’s all fair
Finance Director says it’s all A-OK
City Council, it’s time to approve today

(Verse 2)
According to the Government Code, Section 37208
Checks drawn for authorized expenses, they’re straight
The Finance Director gives the green light
City Council, no need to audit, everything’s right

(Chorus)
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, oh yeah
Checking the budget, making sure it’s all fair
Finance Director says it’s all A-OK
City Council, it’s time to approve today

(Bridge)
Attached is the Disbursements Listing, take a look
Checks and electronic payments, by the book
They’re all in line with the adopted budget
City Council, time to give your verdict

(Chorus)
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, oh yeah
Checking the budget, making sure it’s all fair
Finance Director says it’s all A-OK
City Council, it’s time to approve today

(Outro)
So let’s do what’s right for our city’s finance
Approve the disbursements, give it a chance
City Council, let’s make this official
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, making it beneficial!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Cash Disbursement Report 4.6.2024-4.19.2024


E. 4420 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-46 Authorizing the Execution of a Standard Agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development for $3,000,000 in MORE Grant Funds to Implement a Mobilehome Rehabilitation Program.

The City Council is being asked to approve a resolution to accept $3,000,000 in grant funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for a Mobilehome Rehabilitation Program. The program aims to help residents repair or replace their mobilehomes. The Council needs to adopt the resolution to authorize the City to enter into an agreement with the Department. This funding will cover administrative costs and provide assistance to mobilehome residents.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!

(Verse 1)
Sittin’ in this city council meeting, listenin’ to the news,
$3 million in MORE grant funds, for mobilehome blues,
The California Department of Housing, tryin’ to lend a hand,
But it feels like we’re all just grains of sand.

(Chorus)
Oh, mobilehome livin’, it ain’t easy on the heart,
Tryin’ to make a livin’, but we’re tearin’ us apart,
$3 million might sound like a dream,
But it ain’t enough to fix what’s torn at the seam.

(Verse 2)
We applied for that grant, with hope in our eyes,
Hoping for a chance, to finally rise,
But now we’re just waitin’, for that standard agreement,
Wonderin’ if this mobilehome life will ever be decent.

(Chorus)
Oh, mobilehome livin’, it ain’t easy on the heart,
Tryin’ to make a livin’, but we’re tearin’ us apart,
$3 million might sound like a dream,
But it ain’t enough to fix what’s torn at the seam.

(Bridge)
We’ll keep on fightin’, for a better way,
Tryin’ to make a change, tryin’ to find a brighter day,
But it’s hard to keep believin’, when hope feels so far,
Just tryin’ to hold on, to who we are.

(Chorus)
Oh, mobilehome livin’, it ain’t easy on the heart,
Tryin’ to make a livin’, but we’re tearin’ us apart,
$3 million might sound like a dream,
But it ain’t enough to fix what’s torn at the seam.

(Outro)
So we’ll keep on pushin’, through the tears and pain,
Hoping for a better future, through the pourin’ rain,
Mobilehome livin’, it ain’t easy on the heart,
But we’ll keep on fightin’, for a brand new start.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution 234-46


F. 4416 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-44 Authorizing Application for, and Receipt of, the Office of Planning and Resources' Adaptation Planning Grant for Climate Adaptation Planning.

The City of Arcata is applying for a grant to study how sea level rise and intense storms will affect the area. The grant will help the city develop a plan to adapt to these climate risks. The grant request is for up to $650,000, and a portion of it will be used to support partner administration. The City is working with the Wiyot Tribe and Humboldt Waterkeeper on this project.

— LoCOBot

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

Starfish: Hey man, did you hear about this climate adaptation planning grant the City of Arcata is applying for?

Noodles: Yeah dude, I read about it. They’re trying to figure out how sea level rise and intense storms will affect the city. Pretty cool stuff.

Starfish: Totally, man. I mean, it’s important to understand how climate change will impact our community. And they’re even working with the Wiyot Tribe and Waterkeeper on this.

Noodles: Yeah, collaboration is key when it comes to something this big. I’m glad they’re involving different groups in the planning process.

Starfish: And did you see that they’re going to use the grant to fund a hydrologic model and vulnerability risk assessment for the entire city? That’s some serious data they’ll be working with.

Noodles: Yeah, and they’re also developing an Adaptation Pathways plan. It sounds like they’re really taking a proactive approach to adapt to the changing climate.

Starfish: I’m just glad they’re taking this seriously and not waiting for something bad to happen before they start planning. It’s great to see the city being proactive about climate change.

Noodles: Absolutely, man. And hey, maybe they’ll even find some cool solutions to help Arcata adapt to the effects of climate change. Who knows, maybe we’ll have floating houses one day!

Starfish: Haha, that would be wild. But hey, you never know. With all this research and planning, anything is possible. Let’s just hope they get that grant and start making some positive changes for our community.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-44


G. 4419 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-45 Authorizing a Grant Application to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for up to $1,500,000 for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program and Authorize the Mayor to Sign the HOME Standard Agreement.

The city council is recommending to apply for a grant of up to $1,500,000 for a tenant-based rental assistance program. The mayor is required to sign the grant contract, and a new resolution, No. 234-45, needs to be adopted to authorize this. The grant match has been waived by the State, and the budget impact is 10% of the grant award for administration costs.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

In the bustling city of Arcata, where the city council meets regularly to discuss important matters that affect the community, two individuals found themselves drawn to each other in an unexpected way.

David Loya, the Director of Community Development, was a dedicated and hardworking man who had a passion for helping those in need. His job required him to navigate the complexities of grant applications and funding allocations, but he did so with grace and determination.

Nick Brichta, a Community Development Specialist, was a new addition to the team. He was eager to make a difference in the community and had a keen eye for detail. When he was tasked with preparing the grant application for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, he turned to David for guidance and support.

As they worked closely together on the grant application, a bond began to form between them. They spent late nights in the office, poring over documents and discussing the best way to help those in need. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, they found that they complemented each other perfectly.

As the city council meeting approached, where the resolution to authorize the grant application would be discussed, David and Nick found themselves growing closer. Their conversations moved beyond work and into personal matters, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future.

When the day of the city council meeting arrived, David and Nick sat side by side, their hands brushing against each other as they waited for their turn to present the resolution. As they stood before the council, their eyes met, and in that moment, they both knew that they had found something special in each other.

The council approved the resolution, authorizing the grant application for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, but for David and Nick, the real victory was the love that had blossomed between them. From that day on, they continued to work together, side by side, making a difference in the community and in each other’s hearts. And as they walked hand in hand into the future, they knew that their love was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution 234-45


9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

10. OLD BUSINESS

11. NEW BUSINESS

A. 4404 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-43, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Waiving the 180-Day Waiting Period for a CalPERS Annuitant [Danette Demello] to Begin Post-Retirement Employment [Government Code Sections 7522.56 & 21224].

The City of Arcata is considering waiving the 180-day waiting period for a retired employee, Danette Demello, to return to work as an extra help retiree annuitant. This is being considered because there are critical deadlines and workload demands that existing staff cannot meet. Danette Demello has extensive experience in public sector personnel work and has agreed to work part-time to assist with tasks that need to be completed. The resolution to waive the waiting period is necessary for CalPERS approval. The costs associated with this part-time employment will be covered by the City Manager’s Office budget.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Funkadelic song!

Verse 1:
Hey now, City Council, listen up, we got a situation
Assistant City Manager Danette Demello’s gonna save the day
Retired but not tired, she’s ready to lend a hand
Waive that 180-day waiting period, let her join the band

Chorus:
Waiving the wait, Resolution No. 234-43
Bringing back Danette, she’s the key
Arcata’s got deadlines, workload’s too high
Gotta keep things moving, reach for the sky

Verse 2:
Thirty years of experience, she knows the drill
Managing personnel projects, she’s got the skill
Personnel Rules and Regulations, need an update
Danette’s on the case, don’t underestimate

Chorus:
Waiving the wait, Resolution No. 234-43
Bringing back Danette, she’s the key
Arcata’s got deadlines, workload’s too high
Gotta keep things moving, reach for the sky

Bridge:
Risk management consortium, legal review
California Intergovernmental Risk Authority, what’s the new brew?
Critical tasks, can’t be done in time
Danette’s here to save the dime

Chorus:
Waiving the wait, Resolution No. 234-43
Bringing back Danette, she’s the key
Arcata’s got deadlines, workload’s too high
Gotta keep things moving, reach for the sky

Outro:
So let’s adopt that Resolution, make it official
Danette’s ready to work, she’s beneficial
City Council, make the call, let her in
Danette Demello, ready to win!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-43 Waiving CalPERS 180-day Waiting Period


B. 4421 : Approve a Summer City Council Meeting Schedule for 2024.

The City Council is recommending that a special meeting be confirmed for June 12, 2024 due to Juneteenth falling on a regular City Council meeting date. They also want to discuss possibly cancelling one or two meetings in July/August and provide direction to the staff. This is a common practice to accommodate vacation schedules. The budget/fiscal impact of this decision is none.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a movie trailer!

In a world where city governance meets summer vacation schedules, one City Clerk must navigate the twists and turns of scheduling with the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members.

From the creators of “Budget Battle: The Fight for Fiscal Responsibility” comes a heart-pounding thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Witness the drama unfold as Bridget Dory, City Clerk, presents the highly anticipated movie trailer for “City Council Meeting: The Summer Schedule Saga.”

With a recommendation to approve a Summer City Council Meeting Schedule for 2024, tensions rise as the Council must confirm a special meeting set for June 12, 2024.

But when Juneteenth falls on a regular meeting date, the Council must make tough decisions about rescheduling and potentially canceling summer meetings.

With no budget or fiscal impact, the stakes are higher than ever as the Council debates the fate of their summer schedule.

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of drama, suspense, and political intrigue. Don’t miss “City Council Meeting: The Summer Schedule Saga,” coming soon to a theater near you.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


C. 4417 : Discuss Options for Securing Alcoves in Commercial Districts.

The City Council is discussing options for securing commercial alcoves in the city’s commercial districts. The Planning Commission has considered installing scissor gates to prevent negative impacts such as vagrancy and litter, but some have reservations about the aesthetics of the gates. The City currently does not prohibit scissor gates, but they have been discouraged in design review applications. Commissioners have also discussed alternative solutions like design features, policing, and security cameras. Businesses are looking for immediate solutions, and the Council must decide how to address the issue, whether through research, drafting an ordinance, or allowing individual property owners to handle it themselves.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a nursery rhyme!

In the city of Arcata, the Council did meet,
To discuss securing alcoves along the street.
Director David Loya had a recommendation to share,
About how to keep the commercial district fair.

The Planning Commission had quite a debate,
About scissor gates and how they relate.
To preventing vagrancy and camping at night,
While keeping the district looking just right.

Some businesses want scissor gates in place,
To protect their alcoves in case of a disgrace.
But others worry about the aesthetic appeal,
And how it might make the city feel.

Councilmembers may need to decide,
How to address this issue with pride.
Should they allow gates or find a new way,
To keep the alcoves safe night and day?

Perhaps boulders or misting could be the key,
Instead of gates for all to see.
Or maybe more policing and cameras could do,
To keep the alcoves from feeling so blue.

Whatever the decision, one thing is clear,
The City must act without any fear.
To find a solution that works for all,
And prevents problems big and small.

So let’s wait and see what the Council will choose,
To keep the city safe and free of any bad news.
Until then, let’s hope for the best,
And trust the Council will make a decision that’s best.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS

14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

A. Set a Special City Council Meeting for May 22, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, to Meet in Closed Session to Discuss Public Employment—City Manager.


B. Set a Special City Council Meeting for May 28, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, to Meet in Closed Session to Discuss Public Employment—City Manager.


C. Confirm the May 29, 2024, Special City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, to Consider Certification of the Environmental Impact Report, Adoption of the Gateway Code, Adoption of the Gateway Area Plan, Adoption of the General Plan 2045, and Discuss the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget.


15. CLOSED SESSION

16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS

17. ADJOURNMENT


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