LoCOBot / @ 12:05 p.m. / Agendizer

Arcata City Council
Dec. 20, 2023, 6 p.m.

2. REGULAR MEETING

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

A. Roll Call


4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

7. N/A

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

A. Minutes of Dec 6, 2023 6:00 PM


B. 4324 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve the list of payments made from November 25, 2023, through December 8, 2023. These payments have already been certified as conforming to the authorized budget. The Finance Director will present the checks and electronic payments at the next City Council meeting. The payments were made from the budget that was already approved.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an Elizabethan sonnet!

O Honorable Mayor and Council Members fair,
I bring tidings this eve from the Finance aisle,
A report on disbursements you should bear,
From the period November to December’s smile.

‘Tis recommended that this list be approved,
Checks and payments made within the budget’s realm,
By Finance Director’s hand, they are proved,
And presented to you in this Council’s helm.

Fear not, good sirs and madams, for this behest,
Of checks drawn and demands paid, all in a row,
The Finance Director has deemed them best,
No need for prior audit, you should know.

These disbursements drawn are in good accord,
With the budget you have so wisely adored.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Cash Disbursements 11-25-23 to 12-8-23


C. 4323 : Adopt Ordinance No. 1565, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Adding Sections 7472.5(F) and 7492.6, Bypass, to Chapter 2, Sewers, of Title VII, Public Works, of the Arcata Municipal Code; Waive Reading of the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only.

This report is about a proposed ordinance for the City Council of Arcata. The ordinance is meant to update the sewer use rules in the city to comply with federal regulations. The changes include adding sections about Reports of Changed Conditions and Bypass to the sewer code. The purpose of these changes is to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the sewer system, protect public health, and ensure the city’s compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The Council is being recommended to adopt this ordinance.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Pokemon duel!

In the city of Arcata, a Pokemon battle is about to take place. The two trainers, Emily Sinkhorn and Mayor Johnson, stand ready with their teams of Pokemon.

Emily Sinkhorn sends out her first Pokemon, a powerful Blastoise, who stands tall and readies its water cannons. Mayor Johnson counters with a fiery Charizard, the flames on its tail flickering with intensity.

The battle begins as Blastoise launches a powerful Water Gun attack, drenching Charizard in a deluge of water. Charizard retaliates with a blazing Flamethrower, the flames licking at Blastoise’s tough shell.

Not backing down, Blastoise uses its Hydro Pump attack, sending a torrent of water crashing towards Charizard. The fire type Pokemon dodges the attack with an agile swoop and counters with a powerful Fire Blast, engulfing Blastoise in flames.

Seeing her Pokemon in trouble, Emily realizes that she needs a strategy change. She recalls Blastoise and sends out her next Pokemon, a sturdy Venusaur. The grass type Pokemon absorbs the sunlight and unleashes a devastating Solar Beam, directly striking Charizard.

Mayor Johnson, determined to win, commands Charizard to use its powerful Dragon Claw attack. The monstrous dragon swoops down and slashes at Venusaur, leaving deep claw marks on its plant-like body.

Venusaur, not giving up, summons a powerful earthquake with its Earthquake attack. The ground shakes and trembles beneath Charizard’s feet, momentarily stunning the fire type Pokemon.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Venusaur launches a barrage of Razor Leaf attacks, the sharp leaves swirling through the air and striking Charizard repeatedly. Charizard, weakened and struggling, attempts one final Flamethrower, but its flames sputter out.

With a final blow, Venusaur finishes the battle with a powerful Vine Whip attack, knocking Charizard out cold. The crowd erupts into cheers as Emily Sinkhorn emerges victorious.

Reflecting on the battle, the City Council members praise Emily’s strategic moves and applaud her for her skillful Pokemon training. Emily graciously thanks everyone and expresses her gratitude for the Council’s support.

With the battle over, the City Council returns to their meeting to discuss the adoption of Ordinance No. 1565, a Pokemon-themed addition to the city’s sewer code. The trainers and their Pokemon join the Council members, their duel serving as a reminder of the power and unity found in Arcata.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Arcata Ordinance No. 1565


D. 4328 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-23, 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 1/1/24 Change in State Minimum Wage & Update to California Paid Sick Leave & Update to City Step Increase Policy).

In this staff report, the Assistant City Manager is recommending that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 234-23, which amends the City’s compensation and benefits for part-time, temporary, and seasonal personnel. The resolution includes changes to reflect the increase in California’s minimum wage to $16.00 per hour starting on January 1, 2024, an update to the California Paid Sick Leave policy, and a revision to the city’s step increase policy for hourly employees. These changes will impact the salaries and benefits of hourly employees and are expected to have a fiscal impact of $21,900 for the remainder of the current fiscal year. The attached resolution and the previous step increase policy are included for reference.

— LoCOBot

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

Starfish: Dude, have you read this city council meeting report thing?

Noodles: Nah, man. What’s it about?

Starfish: It’s all about increasing the minimum wage and updating the sick leave policy.

Noodles: Oh, that’s cool. So they’re gonna give people more sick leave?

Starfish: Yeah, they’re increasing it from 24 hours to 40 hours per year for hourly employees.

Noodles: Nice! That’ll be a big help for a lot of people.

Starfish: Totally, man. And they’re combining all the different categories of hourly employees into one policy. No more separate rules for part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers.

Noodles: That makes a lot of sense. It’ll be easier to understand and enforce.

Starfish: Yeah, exactly. And they’re also changing the step increase policy. Now, instead of being based on the number of hours worked, it’s based on how long you’ve been in the position.

Noodles: That’s interesting. So, even if you start at a higher step, you’ll still be eligible for an increase after six months?

Starfish: Yeah, that’s what it looks like. They’re trying to make it fair for everyone, regardless of where they start.

Noodles: I dig it, man. It’s all about recognizing people’s experience and dedication.

Starfish: Absolutely. And they mention the budget impact too. It’s gonna cost the city an additional $21,900 for the rest of this fiscal year.

Noodles: That’s not too bad. They probably factored that into their budget.

Starfish: Yeah, but they do mention that departments might need to make adjustments to their budgets to cover the extra costs.

Noodles: Makes sense. Gotta keep everything in balance, you know?

Starfish: Definitely, dude. Overall, it seems like a pretty good plan. Gives workers more benefits and keeps things fair.

Noodles: Yeah, man. It’s nice to see the city looking out for its employees.

Starfish: For sure. We should keep an eye on how it all plays out.

Noodles: Definitely. And maybe we should go to one of these city council meetings sometime. See how it all comes together.

Starfish: Good idea, man. We can bring some snacks and make it a whole thing.

Noodles: Sounds like a plan, bro. Let’s make it happen.

Starfish: Awesome. I’ll look up when the next meeting is. Let’s get involved, man.

Noodles: Heck yeah, let’s be a part of the change, dude.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-23 Hourly Class & PayB. Hourly Employee Step Increase Policy (previous)


E. 4325 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-22 Approving an Update to the City’s Existing Policy for Installing Speed Tables, Humps and Lumps for Residential and Local Streets.

The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve an update to the City’s policy for installing speed tables, humps, and lumps on residential and local streets. The current policy was adopted over 15 years ago and needs to be updated to better address speeding issues and determine when speed humps should be installed. The update includes changes to the criteria for installing speed humps and adds flexibility for evaluation and acceptability. It also includes a process for recommending speed humps as part of larger transportation projects or for streets leading to City parks. The update has been reviewed by the Transportation Safety Committee and will not have any impact on the environment or the budget.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a nursery rhyme!

In the city council meeting,
A resolution was their greeting,
To update the policy on speed control,
For residential and local streets, their goal.

Way back in 2007,
A policy was set, oh so green,
But after 15 years had passed,
They knew some changes had to be amassed.

The current guidelines were too strict,
And didn’t give flexibility, they did predict,
So they reviewed other jurisdictions’ ways,
To create a policy that would truly amaze.

They added definitions and clarity,
To make the policy easy to see,
Speed humps were just one measure,
Other devices too were given pleasure.

They changed “must” to “may” and “shall” to “should”,
To give the Engineering Department some wiggle room, they understood,
Special circumstances and unusual situations,
Were added to account for different relations.

The policy now includes more choices,
For when speed humps are the voices,
Not just from resident requests alone,
But also for transportation projects shown.

The Transportation Safety Committee had their say,
To ensure the policy would pave the way,
For easy and safe transportation design,
With no harm to the environment, so fine.

No budget impacts were projected,
From this policy update so selected,
Resolution No. 234-22 was approved,
For a safer city, the council moved.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-22 Lumps and Humps Policy Update_12-14-23


F. 4329 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-24, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Declaring the City-Owned Property at 5540 West End Road Surplus Land.

The city council is considering a resolution to declare a piece of city-owned property as surplus land. This is because of a change in the law that requires public agencies to prioritize affordable housing development on surplus lands. The property in question is located at 5540 West End Road and is currently being leased by the Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society. The society has expressed interest in purchasing the property, but the city needs to go through the proper process before selling it. The city hopes that selling the property will generate funds for economic development purposes. The cost of implementing the resolution is estimated to be less than $10,000.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a fantasy story!

Once upon a time in the magical city of Arcata, a city council meeting was held on a cold winter’s night. The honorable Mayor and City Council Members gathered in the grand hall, awaiting a report from David Loya, the Director of Community Development.

David Loya stood before them, a look of anticipation on his face. He had prepared a recommendation for the council, and he was excited to present it. The recommendation was to adopt Resolution No. 234-24, a resolution declaring the city-owned property at 5540 West End Road as surplus land.

He explained that the Surplus Lands Act had been amended to promote affordable housing development on public agency-owned lands. The property in question, despite not being zoned residential, must still be declared surplus to comply with the Act. This declaration would allow the city to pursue the disposition of the property according to their long-held plans.

The property at 5540 West End Road had been acquired by the city for economic development purposes. The Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society had been leasing the property since 1996. Their original long-term lease had expired in 2016, and they had offered to purchase the property, but the transaction was not completed.

Since then, the Society had operated on a month-to-month extension of their lease. Now, it was necessary to declare the property surplus in order to sell it or enter into a new long-term lease agreement.

The council members listened intently, understanding the importance of this decision. The property sale would allow the city to reinvest the proceeds into economic development purposes, benefiting the community as a whole.

After David Loya finished his presentation, the council members discussed the implications of the resolution. They acknowledged that complying with the Act was an unfunded state mandate, but they agreed that it was a necessary step for the city’s progress.

Finally, the council members cast their votes, unanimously adopting Resolution No. 234-24. The resolution was declared, and the property at 5540 West End Road was officially declared surplus land.

Little did they know, their decision would set off a chain of events that would alter the course of Arcata’s history. As the resolution was adopted, a mystical energy surged through the council chamber, engulfing the room in a warm glow.

The next morning, as the sun rose over Arcata, a group of magical beings appeared at the property at 5540 West End Road. They were fairies, dwarves, elves, and other creatures from the fantastical realms. They had been drawn to the surplus land by the council’s decision.

The magical beings saw an opportunity in this land to create a sanctuary, a place where nature and magic could thrive. They began to transform the property, using their powers to create a beautiful forest, sparkling waterfalls, and enchanted gardens.

Word spread throughout Arcata about the mystical sanctuary that had appeared overnight. People from all walks of life came to visit, marveling at the wonders that lay within the property. The sanctuary became a place of healing, where the burdens of everyday life could be left behind, and the magic of the world could be embraced.

The Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society, no longer needing the property, happily agreed to sell it to the magical beings for a symbolic price. They knew that the sanctuary would be cherished and protected by its new owners.

As the years passed, the sanctuary of 5540 West End Road became known far and wide as a haven of magic and wonder. Visitors flocked to Arcata, eager to experience the enchantment for themselves. The city flourished, not just economically, but spiritually and culturally.

And so, thanks to the city council’s decision to declare the property surplus land, the citizens of Arcata found themselves living in a world where the realms of fantasy and reality intertwined, bringing about a harmony that would continue to enchant generations to come.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-24 SLA HGMS


G. 4330 : Ratify Employment Agreement with Richard "Bart" Silvers for Chief of Police for the Term December 10, 2023, through December 9, 2028.

This report is about the City Council meeting for December 20, 2023. The city manager is recommending that the council approve the employment agreement with Richard “Bart” Silvers for the position of Chief of Police. Silvers has over 22 years of experience with the City of Arcata and has held various positions within the police department. His salary will be $5,304.38 bi-weekly. The cost for the position has already been budgeted for in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

Title: The Chief’s Heart

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

On a chilly December evening, the Arcata City Council sat at the long conference table, the room buzzing with anticipation. The topic of discussion was the ratification of a new employment agreement with the city’s Chief of Police. Karen Diemer, the City Manager, addressed the council, confidently presenting her recommendation.

As the council members listened intently, their eyes focused on the preeminent document, their thoughts soon wandered beyond the confines of the meeting room. One person in particular, Councilwoman Angela Collins, found her attention drifting to the man who would soon become the city’s Chief of Police - Richard “Bart” Silvers.

Chapter 2: A Shared Past

Angela’s mind wandered back to that fateful day in 2001 when Chief Silvers first joined the Arcata Police Department. Fresh out of the police academy, he had caught everyone’s attention with his dedication and relentless pursuit of justice. Angela, then a young patrol officer, had been assigned to train him, and before long, they became the best of friends.

As the years passed, their professional relationship grew stronger, and Angela’s admiration for Chief Silvers grew into something more. Yet, fearful of risking their friendship, she buried her feelings deep within her heart.

Chapter 3: A Pleasant Surprise

As the council unanimously approved the employment agreement, applause filled the room. Chief Silvers stood up to address the council, his commanding presence capturing everyone’s attention. But Angela noticed something different in his eyes - a flicker of vulnerability.

After the meeting adjourned, Angela approached Chief Silvers as he gathered his belongings. Surprised to see her, he greeted her with a warm smile. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as if they were rekindling an old flame.

Chapter 4: A Walk Down Memory Lane

As they reminisced about their past, Angela couldn’t ignore the chemistry between them. The connection they had once shared was resurfacing, stronger than ever.

Chief Silvers confessed that he too had hidden his feelings for Angela over the years. He had always admired her strength and passion for justice. Together, they explored the possibility of starting a new chapter in their lives, shedding the fear that had held them back for far too long.

Chapter 5: A Promise of Forever

In the following months, as Chief Silvers settled into his role as Arcata’s Chief of Police, he and Angela embarked on a beautiful love story. Their shared experiences, both personal and professional, laid the foundation for an unbreakable bond.

Their commitment to each other grew deeper with each passing day. As they confronted the challenges and joys of their respective careers, their love only grew stronger. And on a starry night, under the glow of a full moon, Chief Silvers got down on one knee and promised to protect Angela’s heart for eternity.

Epilogue: Love in Arcata

Richard “Bart” Silvers and Angela Collins celebrated their love with a joyous wedding ceremony in the charming town of Arcata. Surrounded by their friends, family, and the community they both served, they promised to continue their journey together, hand in hand.

Under Chief Silvers’ leadership, the Arcata Police Department flourished, and the city experienced a newfound sense of security and harmony. His dedication to justice became intertwined with his devotion to Angela, as they carved out a life filled with love and purpose.

And so, in Arcata, love bloomed, not just in the hearts of individuals but also in the very fabric of the community. Richard “Bart” Silvers and Angela Collins taught everyone that sometimes, the greatest love stories unfold when two hearts find the courage to let go of fear and embrace a future filled with love, trust, and adventure.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Chief of Police Employment Agreement


9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

10. OLD BUSINESS

11. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appoint One New Member to the Energy Committee for a Term Expiring September 30, 2026, and One New Member to the Parks and Recreation Committee for a Term Expiring March 31, 2025 or 2026.


12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS

A. 4326 : Receive the Quarter 1 Fiscal Year 2023-24 Financial Report from Tabatha Miller, Finance Director.

The City Council received a financial report from the Finance Director for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-2024. The report includes information on the city’s budgets, expenses, and revenues. It provides an overview of the city’s financial activities for the quarter. The report is part of an ongoing effort to inform the Council, city administration, and the public about the city’s financial situation. It does not have an immediate impact on the city’s budget, but the information can be used for future decision-making.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an insane conspiracy theory!

Insane Conspiracy Theory:

The Quarter 1 Fiscal Year 2023-24 Financial Report is actually a coded message from an alien species attempting to take over the City of Arcata. Tabatha Miller, the Finance Director, is not a human but a shape-shifting extraterrestrial working undercover to assist the invasion. The “constructive feedback” requested from the City Council is a secret code that activates hidden alien technology within the city, allowing them to control the minds of the residents.

The unaudited financial results mentioned in the report are not accurate financial figures but rather a disguised communication method used by the alien species to relay their plans to their home planet. The projected impacts on fund balances and working capital for the City’s Enterprise Funds are actually signs of their sinister influence over the city’s economy and resources.

The mention of the Mid-Year Update as a presentation to the City Council is a cover-up for a secret meeting between the alien species and high-ranking government officials. These meetings involve the exchange of advanced technology and strategic plans for the complete takeover of the city.

The attachments provided in the report are not innocent PDF documents but encrypted messages intended for other alien cohorts stationed in different parts of the world. These messages contain instructions on how to coordinate their efforts in infiltrating other cities and governments.

In conclusion, the seemingly innocuous Quarter 1 Financial Report is a masterfully crafted disguise for an alien invasion plan. The City of Arcata is at the mercy of an otherworldly force, and only a select few individuals can see through the deception and attempt to thwart their nefarious plans.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. FY 2024 Q1 Budget Status Report


B. Receive an Update on the Arcata Police Department from Bart Silvers, Chief of Police.


14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

15. CLOSED SESSION

A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-461-002. Agency Negotiator: Karen Diemer, City Manager. Property Negotiator: Scott Ferriman, President, Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.


B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-382-012. Agency Negotiator: Karen Diemer, City Manager. Property Negotiator: Steve Morris. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.


16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS

A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-461-002. Agency Negotiator: Karen Diemer, City Manager. Property Negotiator: Scott Ferriman, President, Humboldt Gem and Mineral Society. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.


B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-382-012. Agency Negotiator: Karen Diemer, City Manager. Property Negotiator: Steve Morris. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.


17. ADJOURNMENT


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