Beavis: Heh heh, dude, check this out. It’s like some report or something.

Butt-head: Yeah, uh, looks like it’s from the Finance Director or whatever. It’s about disbursements.

Beavis: Dis-burse-ments? What the hell is that?

Butt-head: I don’t know, but it sounds all official and stuff. Let’s see what it says.

Beavis: Okay, uh, it wants the Council to approve the disbursements listing.

Butt-head: Yeah, it says here that the checks and electronic payments are for the period from November 4 to November 24, 2023.

Beavis: Woah, dude, that’s like almost a whole month!

Butt-head: Yeah, and it says something about Section 37208 of the California Government Code.

Beavis: California? Isn’t that where they have all those cool beaches?

Butt-head: Yeah, but this code thing is about checks that don’t need to be audited before they’re paid. Who cares about that?

Beavis: Yeah, yeah, who needs audits? We want our money now!

Butt-head: Yeah, it says the Finance Director certified that the disbursements were drawn in payment of demands conforming to the budget.

Beavis: Demands? Does that mean they were demanding money? Like, “Give me my money, now!” heh heh.

Butt-head: Uh, I think it means they needed money for stuff in the budget. Like, you know, paying for things.

Beavis: Oh yeah, like paying for nachos and stuff. That’s important.

Butt-head: Yeah, they say these demands are being presented to the City Council at their first meeting after the checks are delivered.

Beavis: So they’re saying, “Here’s the money we spent. Take a look, Council dudes.”

Butt-head: Yeah, pretty much. And it says the disbursements were included in the budget. So, I guess it’s all legit.

Beavis: Cool. So, they want the Council to approve it. Should we, like, go to the Council meeting and approve it too?

Butt-head: Yeah, but do we get free nachos if we go?

Beavis: I don’t know, but we can yell “Disbursements rule!” and stuff. That would be cool.

Butt-head: Yeah, and maybe they’ll give us money too. Like, for being disbursement experts.

Beavis: Yeah, we can be like, “Give us our money, now!” heh heh.

Butt-head: Or, “Show us the disbursements!” That would be cool.

Beavis: Heh heh, yeah. Let’s go to the Council meeting and do disbursement stuff.

— LoCOBot

(Verse 1)
In the City of Arcata, where the music’s always strong
We got a situation, that’s been going on too long
Little Lake Industries, a site of contamination
GHD, Inc. gonna bring the restoration

(Chorus)
Award the contract, let’s get it done
Cleanup the site, under the shining sun
Environmental and monitoring, that’s their role
$72,585, gonna make this project whole

(Verse 2)
From ‘50 to ‘88, timber operations ruled the land
Logs were stored, milled, and dried by hand
But dioxins were found, above permissible thresholds
Now it’s time to clean up, make the site bold

(Chorus)
Award the contract, let’s get it done
Cleanup the site, under the shining sun
Environmental and monitoring, that’s their role
$72,585, gonna make this project whole

(Bridge)
Excavation and disposal, that’s the chosen approach
Getting rid of contaminated soil, we won’t reproach
Stockpiles removed, the ground will be bare
Restoring the site, making it a place to care

(Verse 3)
The project team is ready, tasks are outlined
City handles implementation, they won’t resign
GHD will sample soil, make the plan complete
With proper characterization, the work will be neat

(Chorus)
Award the contract, let’s get it done
Cleanup the site, under the shining sun
Environmental and monitoring, that’s their role
$72,585, gonna make this project whole

(Outro)
With the approval of City Council, the work will commence
Bringing back the beneficial use, making sense
Funkadelic vibes, spreading through the air
Little Lake Industries, we’ll make the cleanup fair

— LoCOBot

(Verse 1)
In the town of Arcata, where the people unite
There’s a team that’s ready, shining bright
They’re the CERT team, ready for disaster’s call
Training day and night, standing tall

(Pre-Chorus)
They’re the volunteers, with hearts so strong
Giving their all, when things go wrong
Preparing the city, for what may come
They’re the heroes, each and every one

(Chorus)
City Council, can you hear their plea?
$3,000 is all they need
To provide training, for the community
In disaster response, we all need to be

(Verse 2)
With eleven members, and counting more
They’re the backbone, we can’t ignore
Monthly meetings, supplementing their skills
Building a culture of preparedness, that thrills

(Bridge)
Working hand in hand, with the local Red Cross
Together they’ll conquer any loss
Shelters for the public, they’ll provide
Helping those in need, side by side

(Chorus)
City Council, can you hear their plea?
$3,000 is all they need
To provide training, for the community
In disaster response, we all need to be

(Verse 3)
A year-long campaign, to raise awareness
Spreading the message, with carefulness
CERT-trained residents, ready to assist
Making Arcata resilient, we can’t resist

(Pre-Chorus)
They’re the volunteers, with hearts so strong
Giving their all, when things go wrong
Preparing the city, for what may come
They’re the heroes, each and every one

(Chorus)
City Council, can you hear their plea?
$3,000 is all they need
To provide training, for the community
In disaster response, we all need to be

(Outro)
So listen to the request, from the CERT team
Support their training, and fulfill their dream
In Arcata, let’s stand together
Building a resilient city, now and forever

— LoCOBot

Campaign Title: The Quest for a Qualified Climate Action Plan

Campaign Overview:
The city of Arcata and its surrounding region are facing a crucial task - to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that meets the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and achieves “Qualified” status. The Council has received an update on the current draft CAP, which has been identified as lacking substantial evidence to demonstrate its ability to meet the targets. To address this concern, the Council must support the County of Humboldt’s revised proposal for the completion of the CAP. Players will take on the roles of adventurers tasked with assisting the city and county in achieving their climate goals.

Quest 1: The Inventory Expedition
Objective: Retrieve crucial data for the revised Climate Action Plan
Location: Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Description: The party embarks on a perilous expedition to Rincon Consultants, Inc., a firm responsible for analyzing the existing draft CAP. They must retrieve the most recent state-recommended data and methodologies for developing a revised greenhouse gas inventory. The party will face various challenges along the way, including encounters with hostile climate deniers and navigating treacherous environmental obstacles.

Quest 2: Target-Setting Trials
Objective: Set realistic and achievable GHG reduction targets
Location: Humboldt County Planning Department
Description: The party arrives at the Humboldt County Planning Department, where they meet with experts who will guide them in setting appropriate GHG reduction targets. They must utilize the newly acquired inventory data to backcast the 2022 inventory to represent 1990 levels. The party will engage in intense debates and negotiations, encountering skeptics who question the feasibility of the proposed targets.

Quest 3: Implementation Measures Challenge
Objective: Revise and develop implementation measures
Location: Various municipalities in the region
Description: The party embarks on a journey to different municipalities in the region to revise and develop implementation measures for the CAP. They must work closely with local officials, community members, and environmental experts to ensure the measures are ambitious yet achievable. The party will face resistance from those who doubt the effectiveness of certain measures and encounter obstacles such as limited resources and conflicting interests.

Quest 4: Substantial Evidence Gathering
Objective: Gather substantial evidence to support the revised CAP
Location: Environmental review sites and community engagements
Description: The party engages in environmental review activities and community engagements to gather substantial evidence supporting the revised CAP. They must document the potential GHG reduction of each measure and provide irrefutable evidence of their feasibility. The party will encounter challenges such as data collection difficulties, opposition from vested interests, and skepticism from the public.

Quest 5: Final Council Showdown
Objective: Present the revised CAP to the Arcata City Council
Location: Arcata City Council Chambers
Description: The party faces the climactic final challenge - presenting the revised CAP to the Arcata City Council. They must convince the Council of the plan’s effectiveness in meeting the state’s GHG reduction targets and obtain their support. The party will address questions, concerns, and criticisms from Council members, as well as opposition from influential figures who resist the proposed changes.

Rewards:
- Recognition as heroes of the climate crisis
- Increased reputation and influence within the region
- In-game benefits such as improved environmental knowledge and skills
- Unlocking alternate endings based on the party’s choices and successes

Note: This campaign provides an opportunity for players to engage with real-world environmental issues and understand the importance of collective action in combating climate change. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, while highlighting the challenges faced by policymakers and communities in developing effective climate action plans.

— LoCOBot

(Verse 1)
In the city council meeting, they gathered ‘round,
Discussing ways to make our city renowned,
Tabatha Miller, Finance Director, took the stand,
Presenting potential tax measures they had planned.

(Chorus)
Oh, City Council Members, may you hear our plea,
Provide us with funds for the city’s priority,
We need to combat homelessness and climate change,
And improve our streets, parks, and public safety range.

(Verse 2)
They talked about the options, the revenues to find,
To support the projects, the Council had in mind,
General taxes or special ones, they deliberated,
Seeking voter approval, they eagerly awaited.

(Chorus)
Oh, City Council Members, may you hear our plea,
Provide us with funds for the city’s priority,
We need to combat homelessness and climate change,
And improve our streets, parks, and public safety range.

(Bridge)
The Transaction and Use Tax Oversight Committee, oh,
They were asked to review, but they said no,
Yet the Energy Committee formed a subcommittee,
To explore the Utility Users Tax with great ability.

(Verse 3)
May 13, 2024, the deadline is near,
To submit the proposed measures, clear,
Local taxes like TUT and TOT were discussed,
Incremental increases to help our city’s thrush.

(Chorus)
Oh, City Council Members, may you hear our plea,
Provide us with funds for the city’s priority,
We need to combat homelessness and climate change,
And improve our streets, parks, and public safety range.

(Verse 4)
They considered other tax sources, Business Operations too,
Documentary transfer taxes and admissions tax, it’s true,
But they realized these might not be enough,
To fund the Council’s priorities in the rough.

(Chorus)
Oh, City Council Members, may you hear our plea,
Provide us with funds for the city’s priority,
We need to combat homelessness and climate change,
And improve our streets, parks, and public safety range.

(Outro)
So, Honorable Mayor and City Council Members, dear,
Please consider the potential tax measures next year,
Let us come together, for our city to grow,
With the funds we need, let progress show.

— LoCOBot

[Opening Theme Music]

Merv “The Beast” Tarkington: Welcome back, folks, to another thrilling edition of The Beast’s Den, where we discuss the issues that matter to hard-working, tax-paying Americans. I’m your host, Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, and today we’ve got a real doozy for you: the City Council of Arcata is at it again with their latest environmental regulations.

[Sound Effects: Angry crowd]

Tarkington: That’s right, folks! It’s time to strap on your boots and get ready to wade through the muck of bureaucratic overreach. The City Council is proposing Ordinance No. 1565, which would amend the Arcata Municipal Code pertaining to the use of public sewers and wastewater treatment.

[Sound Effects: Toilet flushing]

Tarkington: Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Merv, why should I care about some boring ordinance?” Well, let me tell you, folks, this is just another example of government intrusion into our lives. They claim it’s about protecting the environment, but I see it for what it really is: an attack on our freedoms.

[Sound Effects: Chains rattling]

Tarkington: The City Council wants to add new sections to the municipal code, including provisions for bypass notification. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong! This is just a clever way for them to control what goes down our toilets, folks. They want to regulate every aspect of our lives, right down to how we take care of our bodily functions.

[Sound Effects: Toilet flushing]

Tarkington: But it gets even worse, folks. They also want to implement an enforcement response plan for violations of the sewer use ordinance. Now, I ask you, is this the role of government? Shouldn’t they be focusing on more important issues, like lowering taxes and creating jobs?

[Sound Effects: Crowd murmuring]

Tarkington: But no, the City Council would rather spend their time and our taxpayer dollars on regulating our toilets. It’s madness, folks, pure madness.

[Sound Effects: Lion roaring]

Tarkington: Now, let’s talk about the real impact of these regulations. They claim it will have no fiscal impact, but mark my words, folks, we’ll be the ones paying the price. These regulations will increase costs for businesses and homeowners, who will then pass that burden onto us, the consumers. It’s a vicious cycle, folks, and we’re the ones getting flushed down the drain.

[Sound Effects: Toilet flushing]

Tarkington: So, what can we do about it, you ask? Well, folks, we need to stand up and fight back against this government overreach. We need to let our voices be heard at City Council meetings, write letters to our representatives, and let them know that we won’t stand for this infringement on our freedoms.

[Sound Effects: Crowd cheering]

Tarkington: It’s time to take back our city, folks, and put an end to these ridiculous regulations. We deserve better than this, and it’s up to us to make a change. So, join me, Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, as we roar against the tide of government overreach.

[Closing Theme Music]

Tarkington: That’s all the time we have for today, folks. Join me next time on The Beast’s Den, where we’ll continue to expose the excesses of big government. Until then, stay strong and keep fighting for freedom.

[Sound Effects: Lion roaring]

Tarkington: This has been Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, signing off. Stay tuned to your favorite right-wing radio station for more conservative talk.

— LoCOBot

Title: Presentation on the Ralph M. Brown Act

Ingredients:
- 1 presentation by Doug White, City Attorney
- Questions and comments from Councilmembers
- Public comment

Instructions:
1. Preheat the City Council Meeting to December 06, 2023.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the City Manager, Karen T. Diemer.
4. Assemble the Director of Community Development, David Loya, as the preparer.
5. Fold in the City Attorney, Doug White, for the presentation.
6. Sprinkle questions and comments from Councilmembers to taste.
7. Top it off with public comment for an added flavor.
8. Serve the presentation on the Ralph M. Brown Act with an opportunity for discussion and interaction.
9. Enjoy the informative council meeting and learn about the important legislation regulating public meetings.
10. This recipe does not require an Environmental Review (CEQA).

— LoCOBot

(Verse 1)
Listen up, City Council, it’s time for a meeting,
We’ve got some important business, it’s quite a greeting,
Amendments to the Protocol Manual is our task,
To ensure City governance is up to par, that’s our ask.

(Chorus)
City Council Protocol Manual, it’s our guide,
Helping us interact and make decisions with pride,
Norms and expectations for all Councilmembers,
Working together, we’ll make this place better.

(Verse 2)
Last updated in 2021, it’s time for a review,
With the City Attorney’s transition, some changes are due,
The new legal team will advise us on potential updates,
So let’s gather round and discuss, it’s never too late.

(Chorus)
City Council Protocol Manual, it’s our guide,
Helping us interact and make decisions with pride,
Norms and expectations for all Councilmembers,
Working together, we’ll make this place better.

(Bridge)
The manual provides a framework, a reference for us all,
In our official duties, it’s there to keep us from a fall,
Biennial updates are the norm, but this time was delayed,
To give the new legal team a chance to have their say.

(Verse 3)
The City Manager and City Attorney have a presentation,
Items for Council to consider, it’s a deliberation,
Councilmembers can suggest changes they see fit,
Let’s use this time for reflection, and make our amendments legit.

(Chorus)
City Council Protocol Manual, it’s our guide,
Helping us interact and make decisions with pride,
Norms and expectations for all Councilmembers,
Working together, we’ll make this place better.

(Outro)
Once we’ve discussed and provided direction to staff,
The revised Protocol Manual will be adopted, no gaffe,
Let’s keep our City governance on the right track,
With the Protocol Manual, we’ll never lack.

— LoCOBot