Stephanie McGeary / @ 4:11 p.m. / Agendizer

ARCATA CITY COUNCIL: Adding a Bike Lane to Part of H Street, Possible New Public Transit Bus Line on This Week’s Agenda

This section of H Street between 17th and 18th in Arcata might be getting a bike lane and losing some parking | Screenshot from Google Street View



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It’s all about bolstering transportation for bikes and buses at the Arcata City Council meeting this week, during which the council will discuss adding a bike lane to north H Street and possibly adding a new bus line to the city’s transit service. Woohoo! 

One of only two business items on the council’s agenda this week (the first being to appoint a new member to the planning commission) is to approve a design modification to the 2023 Arcata Annual Paving Project, which includes street improvements on H Street between Sunset Avenue and 11th Street, G Street between Fifth and Seventh Streets, and West End Road from Giuntoli Lane to the City limit. 

The council approved the project in June but directed staff to investigate an option to add a bike lane on H Street between 17th and 18th Streets. Initially, because of the narrow width of the street, plans for repaving that section of road included the addition of sharrows –- the road markings (also known as shared lane markings or SLMs) that indicate the road is shared with bicycles. 

Above: the initial paving plans that includes no bike lane. Below: the proposed alternative, including a bike lane. | Images from City of Arcata


Per the council’s direction, city staff scheduled a special Transportation and Safety Committee meeting to discuss the options for that chunk of H Street. The committee recommended eliminating parking on the west side of H Street, to make space to include an official bike lane on that block. According to the staff report, city staff contacted the property owners along H Street and invited them to the meeting.

Though there was not much public participation at the meeting, city staff said that the residents have been informed about the proposed changes and that most people seem to be on board. 

“The responses received to date are positive and staff have not received a strong opposition to the proposal yet,” the staff report states. 

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In other transportation-related business, the council will also receive a report from City Engineer Netra Khatri on adding a new bus route to the city’s public transportation system. There are no details or attachments included in the agenda, but Khatri told the Outpost that city staff is working toward potentially adding a new bus route that would run through the northern part of Arcata, connecting Cal Poly Humboldt to the Valley West and Valley East neighborhoods. 

Khatri said that the city is working with the Humboldt Transit Authority and Cal Poly Humboldt to identify what the best route options would be, and to try to obtain funding from the university for the service. The plan, Khatri said, is to add an additional bus line that runs every 30 minutes instead of once an hour, which is what is currently offered by Arcata Mad River Transit System. 

This item is just an update on the proposed plan and the council won’t be voting on anything. But Khatri said that the hope is to have the additional bus service up and running by the end of August when Cal Poly Humboldt’s fall semester begins. 

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To learn more about or to voice your opinion on these items, you can attend the Arcata City Council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at Arcata City Hall – 736 F Street. Scroll down to view the full meeting agenda and click here for directions on how to view and participate in the meeting!


Arcata City Council
Aug. 2, 2023, 6 p.m.

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

A. Roll Call


4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

A. Annual Report from the Energy Committee.


6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

7. N/A

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

A. Minutes of Jul 19, 2023 6:00 PM


B. 4228 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

Summary:

This is a report from the Finance Director to the Mayor and City Council Members about the disbursements made by the city between July 8 and July 21, 2023. The report recommends that the Council approve the disbursements. The Finance Director explains that according to the law, the Council doesn’t need to audit these payments before they are made, but they are being presented now. The report includes a list of the checks and electronic payments that were made during this period. These disbursements were made within the city’s budget.

Attachments to the report include a PDF showing the cash disbursements made during this time period.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Brazilian carnival song!

RELATÓRIO DA EQUIPE - REUNIÃO DO CONSELHO MUNICIPAL
02 de agosto de 2023

PARA: Excelentíssimo Prefeito e Membros do Conselho Municipal

DE: Tabatha Miller, Diretora de Finanças

PREPARADOR: Matthew Morgan, Gerente do Escritório de Finanças

DATA: 25 de julho de 2023

TÍTULO: Relatório Quinzenal de Desembolsos.

RECOMENDAÇÃO:
Recomenda-se que o Conselho aprove a lista de desembolsos para o período de 8 de julho de 2023 a
21 de julho de 2023.

INTRODUÇÃO:
De acordo com a Seção 37208 do Código do Governo da Califórnia, cheques emitidos para pagamento de
demandas certificadas pelo Diretor de Finanças da Cidade, como conforme com as despesas autorizadas
estabelecidas no orçamento aprovado pelo Conselho Municipal, não precisam ser auditados pelo Conselho
Municipal antes do pagamento, mas podem ser apresentados ao Conselho Municipal na primeira reunião
após a entrega.

DISCUSSÃO:
A lista de Desembolsos Anexa lista os cheques e pagamentos eletrônicos que foram pagos durante o
período acima mencionado. O Diretor de Finanças certifica que os desembolsos foram feitos para
atender às demandas conforme o orçamento aprovado e que essas demandas estão sendo apresentadas
ao Conselho Municipal em sua primeira reunião após a entrega dos cheques e pagamentos eletrônicos.
IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO/FISCAL:
Os desembolsos apresentados foram feitos para atender às demandas incluídas no orçamento aprovado.

ANEXOS:
A. Desembolsos em Dinheiro - 8 a 21 de julho de 2023. (PDF)

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Cash Disbursements—July 8-21, 2023.


C. 4225 : Approve the Response to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, "The Humboldt County Child Abuse Services Team," Authorize the Police Chief to Sign the Response, and Direct Staff to Forward the Response to the Presiding Judge of the Humboldt County Superior Court.

The Police Chief is recommending that the Council approve a response to a report by the Grand Jury about the Child Abuse Services Team. The response needs to be signed by the Police Chief and then sent to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. The report found that the Child Abuse Services Team is not well-known and that some responders to child abuse situations need more training. There is no cost associated with this response.

— LoCOBot

… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!

STAR TREK FAN FICTION: “The Investigation”

Stardate: 54788.3

Location: USS Enterprise-D

Captain Jean-Luc Picard stood at the front of the briefing room, looking out at his senior officers. He had just received an urgent message from Starfleet Command regarding the recent incident on Humboldt County. The message contained a report from the Grand Jury on the Child Abuse Services Team, or CAST, and the request for a response.

“Number One, please gather the senior staff. We have a matter of importance to discuss,” Picard said, his voice steady and commanding.

Within minutes, the rest of the senior officers filed into the briefing room – Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge, and Counselor Deanna Troi.

“I have just received a report from the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury regarding the Child Abuse Services Team. They have requested our assistance in investigating the matter,” Picard informed the team.

Riker spoke up, his voice filled with curiosity. “What exactly is the issue, Captain?”

Picard activated the view screen, displaying the report from the Grand Jury. He began to read the highlights of the report, detailing the discovery that CAST was a little-known and misunderstood organization. The report also highlighted the need for additional training for front-line responders to child abuse situations.

“This is a delicate matter, but one that must be handled with utmost care,” Picard said. “Given our experience in dealing with diverse communities and sensitive issues, Starfleet Command believes we are well-suited to assist in this investigation.”

Data, always eager to contribute, raised his hand. “Captain, I have analyzed the report, and based on the data provided, I believe that our expertise in cultural understanding and conflict resolution will be invaluable in this situation.”

Picard nodded, pleased with Data’s analysis. “Agreed, Lieutenant Commander. We will approach this investigation with empathy and respect, ensuring that the voices of those affected by child abuse are heard.”

Counselor Troi chimed in, her empathic abilities adding depth to the discussion. “Captain, I believe it’s essential for us to work closely with the local authorities and the CAST team. Our presence should offer support and reassurance to the officers who may be struggling with the challenges highlighted in the report.”

Picard admired his team’s commitment to justice and compassion. “Very well, Number One, I want you to coordinate with Starfleet Command and the local authorities to initiate the investigation. Counselor Troi, I would like you to evaluate the emotional state of the front-line responders involved. We need to ensure they have the necessary support during this investigation. Lieutenant Commander La Forge, I want you to analyze any technological gaps that may exist in the CAST team’s operations and suggest improvements. And Data, I want you to assist Commander Riker in compiling a comprehensive report that addresses the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations.”

Riker stood up, a determined look in his eyes. “Aye, Captain. We’ll get to work right away.”

As the senior officers left the briefing room, ready to embark on their mission to Humboldt County, Picard couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism. The USS Enterprise-D was not just a starship; it was a symbol of hope, justice, and exploration. And now, they had the opportunity to bring about positive change in an unexpected corner of the universe.

The crew of the Enterprise-D prepared to face the challenges ahead, determined to assist the Child Abuse Services Team and ensure that the innocent victims of child abuse found the justice and support they deserved.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. HCCGJ CAST Report and edits 6-20-23B. Civil Grand Jury Letter, CAST


D. 4218 : Approve the Annual Military Equipment Report per Assembly Bill No. 481.

This report is about the City Council meeting discussing the approval of the Annual Military Equipment Report. The report explains that there is a law called Assembly Bill 481 that requires law enforcement agencies to submit this report annually. The report includes information on the military equipment used by the Police Department, such as command vehicles, shotguns, and rifles. It also mentions that there were no complaints or concerns reported about the use of the equipment in the previous year. The report concludes by stating that there is no intention to purchase additional equipment in the next fiscal year. The report is in compliance with the requirements of Assembly Bill 481 and has been published on the Department’s website. It also mentions that there is no fiscal impact related to the report.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!

(Verse 1)
In a small town, hearts are breaking
As the city council meets tonight
A report is submitted, a heavy burden
Of military equipment’s rise

(Chorus)
Oh, this is a heartbreaking tale
Of a town consumed by fear
AB 481 brought a policy’s veil
And the pain is crystal clear

(Verse 2)
On that fateful day, a law was passed
Requiring a military equipment report
The police department had to comply
With laws that left their spirits torn

(Chorus)
Oh, this is a heartbreaking tale
Of a town consumed by fear
AB 481 brought a policy’s veil
And the pain is crystal clear

(Verse 3)
They listed the weaponry, their usage and cost
Beanbag shotguns and rifles in the air
But for the people, it felt like a loss
Their trust in the community began to wear

(Chorus)
Oh, this is a heartbreaking tale
Of a town consumed by fear
AB 481 brought a policy’s veil
And the pain is crystal clear

(Bridge)
No complaints were found, no audits astray
Yet the silence spoke volumes of a heavy toll
The hope for peace slowly slipped away
As they planned to purchase more to control

(Chorus)
Oh, this is a heartbreaking tale
Of a town consumed by fear
AB 481 brought a policy’s veil
And the pain is crystal clear

(Verse 4)
Now, the city council must decide
To approve the report and its chilling words
But the hearts of the people are wounded inside
For the trust they once had has been blurred

(Chorus)
Oh, this is a heartbreaking tale
Of a town consumed by fear
AB 481 brought a policy’s veil
And the pain is crystal clear

(Outro)
In the air, there’s a feeling of sorrow
As the council votes, the town stands still
This heartbreaking tale, it’s our reality to borrow
May justice prevail, and heal our broken will

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportStaff ReportStaff Report


E. 4233 : Approve the Purchase of One Equipment Trailer ($50,982.15, Including Tax and Freight) and Award Purchase Contract to Felling Trailers, Inc.; Approve the Purchase of One CB2.7 Utility Compactor/Roller ($75,556.02, Including Tax and Freight) and Award Purchase Contract to Peterson CAT; Approve the Purchase of One Lely Broadcast Spreader ($5,647.18, Including Tax and Freight) and Award Purchase Contract to Turf Star Western; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.

The director of Environmental Services is recommending that the City Council approve the purchase of an equipment trailer, a utility compactor/roller, and a broadcast spreader. These purchases are necessary to replace aging equipment and ensure that important services can continue in the community. The city has obtained quotes for these items from specific companies and the costs are within the budget for vehicle maintenance. The total cost for all three items is $132,185.35 and the money for these purchases is already available in the budget.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

Chapter 1: The Meeting

Emily Sinkhorn, the Director of Environmental Services, took a deep breath as she glanced at her watch. The City Council meeting was about to begin, and she was presenting a proposal for equipment purchases. It was a routine matter, but Emily couldn’t help feeling a sense of excitement. Little did she know that this meeting would change her life forever.

As Emily made her way to the front of the council chamber, her eyes locked with the mesmerizing gaze of a man sitting in the front row. He had a rugged charm, with a hint of mystery in his eyes. She couldn’t help but wonder who he was and what brought him to this meeting.

Unbeknownst to Emily, the man in the front row was Ethan Sullivan, a representative from Felling Trailers, Inc. He had come to present a quote for the purchase of an equipment trailer. His mind was focused on the business at hand, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something special about Emily.

Chapter 2: A Chance Encounter

After the meeting concluded, Emily made her way towards the exit, her mind still filled with thoughts of the mysterious man. As she stepped out into the corridor, she was surprised to find Ethan standing there, waiting for her.

“Excuse me, Miss Sinkhorn,” he said, his voice filled with a mixture of nervousness and determination, “I couldn’t help but notice you during the meeting. I was wondering if we could grab a cup of coffee sometime.”

Emily hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She had always been focused on her career, never really allowing herself to be distracted by romance. But something about Ethan’s presence intrigued her, and against her better judgment, she agreed to meet him for coffee.

Chapter 3: Coffee and Conversation

Over steaming cups of coffee, Emily and Ethan engaged in conversation that went beyond the scope of equipment purchases. They discovered a shared passion for the environment and a deep appreciation for their respective fields of work. As they talked, their initial attraction grew into a genuine connection.

Emily learned that Ethan was not just a representative from Felling Trailers, Inc., but also an environmental advocate who believed in sustainable development. Ethan, in turn, discovered that Emily’s dedication to her work stemmed from her desire to protect and preserve the natural beauty of their city.

Chapter 4: Love at the City Council

As Emily and Ethan’s relationship blossomed, they found themselves spending more and more time together. Each subsequent City Council meeting became an opportunity for them to steal glances at each other, their love hidden in plain sight.

One evening, as Emily presented yet another proposal to the City Council, she couldn’t help but include a subtle reference to their love story. She spoke passionately about the importance of investing in a sustainable future, emphasizing that love for the environment could bring people together in unexpected ways.

Ethan, sitting in the audience, smiled knowingly. He couldn’t be prouder of the woman he loved, and he knew that their romance would continue to flourish, just like the city they both worked so hard to protect.

Epilogue: A Future Together

Months passed, and Emily and Ethan’s love only grew stronger. They continued to work side by side, now not just for the benefit of their city but also for their shared future. Their once separate paths had converged on a common goal – to build a sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

And so, with the purchase of trailers, compactors, and spreaders long forgotten, Emily and Ethan looked towards a future where love and environmentalism could coexist harmoniously.

Their love story would be a testament to the power of connection and the importance of finding someone who shares your passions, both in the boardroom and in the deepest corners of your heart.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Equipment Quotes—Trailer, Compactor-Roller, and Broadcast Spreader


F. 4229 : Establish an Ad Hoc Revenue Advisory Committee.

The City Council is considering creating a committee to review potential new sources of tax revenue for the city. The committee would make recommendations to the Council on possible taxes to be presented to voters next year. The current budget relies on one-time funding sources, and the city needs additional revenue to continue certain programs and services. These programs include a community ambassador program, safe parking program, juvenile diversion counselors, mobile intervention services teams, and more. The Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee declined the request to review tax revenues, so a new ad hoc committee is being proposed. It is recommended that up to three members of the original committee, along with up to seven additional community members, be appointed to the new committee.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a recipe!

Recipe Name: Establishing an Ad Hoc Revenue Advisory Committee

Prepared by: Tabatha Miller, Finance Director

Ingredients:
- 1 Honorable Mayor
- Several City Council Members
- 3-7 Interested Community Members
- 1 Committee Purpose: Review potential City tax revenues and make recommendations
- Various Programs in need of funding

Instructions:

1. In a large City Council meeting, combine the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members.

2. In a separate document, prepared by Tabatha Miller, Finance Director, outline the need to establish an Ad Hoc Revenue Advisory Committee.

3. Mix together the recommendation to establish the committee, as well as the direction to staff to solicit interested community members for the committee.

4. In the introduction, explain that the request to review potential tax revenues was declined by the Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee (TUTOC) due to its inconsistent purpose.

5. Provide background and discuss the need for additional revenue to continue current services and programs.

6. Highlight the programs in need of funding, such as the Community Ambassador Program, Safe Parking Program, Juvenile Diversion Counselors, Mobile Intervention Services Teams, Valley West Neighborhood Support, Extreme Weather Shelter, Recruitment and Retention efforts for Police Officers, Increased street striping, overlay and pedestrian improvements, and Valley West Community Center/Police Office Space.

7. Emphasize the City Council’s priority project to develop a Homelessness Reduction Strategy and the need for an ongoing funding stream.

8. Mention the TUTOC’s conclusion that the requested assignment was outside their scope, but some members are willing to participate in a separate committee.

9. Recommend appointing up to three members from TUTOC and up to seven committee members for the proposed Revenue Advisory Ad Hoc Committee.

10. Attach the 7-20-2023 TUTOC Meeting Staff Report for reference.

11. Serve the proposal to the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members and await their decision.

Note: Adjust the number of committee members and programs as needed.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportStaff Report


9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

10. OLD BUSINESS

11. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appoint One New Member to the Planning Commission for a Term Expiring March 31, 2027.


B. 4230 : Approve Modification to the Design for the 2023 Arcata Annual Paving Project; and Authorize the City Engineer to Make Those Edits.

This report is about a project to improve the streets in Arcata. The city engineer is recommending that the city council approve a modification to the design of the project. The modification would include adding a bike lane to one of the streets. The city engineer has already talked to the property owners and they are mostly supportive of the idea. Adding the bike lane will not cost any extra money because it can be paid for with the existing project budget.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bedtime story!

Once upon a time, in the beautiful city of Arcata, there was an annual paving project that needed to be done. The city engineer, Netra Khatri, had designed plans for the project, which included street improvements on H Street, G Street, and West End Road. The plans had been approved, and the contract had been awarded to a contractor.

However, during a City Council meeting, it was suggested that a bike lane be incorporated on H Street between 17th and 18th Streets. The original plans showed sharrows instead of a bike lane due to the lack of available space and the need to accommodate existing parking.

After the Council meeting, the city staff scheduled a special Transportation Safety Committee (TSC) meeting to discuss the bike lane option. The property owners along H Street were invited to the meeting. At the TSC meeting, two options for including bicycle facilities were discussed, and the TSC recommended eliminating parking on the west side of H Street to make room for a bike lane.

The city engineer created alternative striping plans that included the recommended bike lane. These plans were shared with the residents in the affected block, and their responses so far have been positive. There has been no strong opposition to the proposed changes.

The city engineer conducted an environmental review for the project and determined that it qualified for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This means that the project involves restoring and rehabilitating existing streets and sidewalks, with no significant expansion of use.

In terms of the budget, no additional funds are needed as the approved contract amount has enough contingency to cover the cost of striping and any additional work required.

So, with all the necessary approvals and recommendations in place, the City Council was asked to approve the modification to the design for the 2023 Arcata Annual Paving Project and authorize the City Engineer, Netra Khatri, to make the necessary edits.

And they all lived happily ever after, with a beautiful new bike lane on H Street that made it safer and more enjoyable for cyclists in Arcata. The end.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Alternative Layout with Bike Lane


12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS

A. Receive a Report from City Attorney Nancy Diamond and Environmental Services Staff on the Status of the City's Electrification Ordinance Draft.


B. Receive a Report from City Engineer Netra B. Khatri on Adding a New Transit Route to the City's Transit System.


C. Other Council and Staff Reports.


14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

A. Confirm a Study Session with the Planning Commission on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber.


15. CLOSED SESSION

16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS

17. ADJOURNMENT


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