Stephanie McGeary / Wednesday, Jan. 3 @ 11:31 a.m. / Agendizer
ARCATA CITY COUNCIL: More Gateway Area and General Plan Discussions, Ordinance Raising Campaign Contribution Limitations on Tonight’s Agenda
Map of the Gateway Area boundary | From the City of Arcata
It’s been more than two years since the City of Arcata released its first draft of the Gateway Area Plan, which will rezone 138 acres of land near downtown to facilitate the development of high-density housing. After years of discussions, a revised version of the plan is now ready to be reviewed by the Arcata City Council at its Wednesday meeting.
During its last meeting on the Gateway Area Plan, the council discussed the possibility of moving some of the plan’s policies to the city’s General Plan 2045 – the document that will establishes Arcata’s goals and will guide the city’s policies and development over the next 20 years – so that the policies could be applied citywide, rather than only in the Gateway Area. Ultimately the council decided that it would like to retain the Gateway Plan as its own document, and directed the Planning Commission to recommend which policies should be added to the General Plan.
The Planning Commission has now made those recommendations – which include things like planning for more public bus lines and stops, planning for enhanced bicycle infrastructure and including curb extensions or other pedestrian safety improvements on all future roadways – for the council to consider. (You can check out the full policy matrix here.)
In addition to reviewing the Gateway Area Plan, the council will also review the revised General Plan 2045 and will make recommendations on both documents. The latest versions will be used to conduct both plans’ Environmental Impact Reports, which the City says are expected to be released on or around Jan. 31. After the draft EIRs are released, have received public feedback and been revised as necessary, the final EIR will be released. If all goes to plan, the council could be on track to adopt the General Plan and Gateway Area Plan by spring of this year.
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In other business, with the terms ending for three Arcata City Council seats (currently held by Stacy Atkins-Salazar, Sarah Schaefer and Alex Stillman) this year, the council will consider adopting an ordinance to increase the city’s campaign contribution limit to $240 for the next election cycle.
The City of Arcata adopted a cap on campaign contributions way back in 1992, when a ballot measure setting the limit at $100 was passed by Arcata voters. Since then, the limit has been raised to $220 to accommodate the rising cost of living. Now, with the cost of living higher still, city staff is recommending the council raise the contribution limit to $240, based on the CPI adjustment calculations made by the city’s finance director.
You might think that $240 doesn’t seem like much, and you would be right. The campaign contribution limit for California is $5,500, as set by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), but many cities have laws that impose a much smaller cap for their local elections. Arcata’s cap is particularly low, (Eureka’s cap, for example, is set at $500), but Arcata is a smaller town.
Under the ordinance, contributions about $240 can still be made to a candidate, as long as the person who makes the contribution notifies the local filing officer and all of the candidates running for the same seat by email within five days.
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The Arcata City Council will discuss these and other important items at the regular meeting tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 3) at 6 p.m at Arcata City Hall – 736 F Street. You can view the full agenda and directions on how to view or participate in the meeting here. And be sure to scroll down for more information provided by our charming AgendaBot.
Arcata City Council
Jan. 3, 2024, 6 p.m.
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 14, 2023 4:00 PM
B. Minutes of Dec 20, 2023 6:00 PM
C. 4335 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
Summary:
This report is about the disbursements made by the city council between December 9, 2023, and December 22, 2023. The finance director recommends that the council approves the disbursements listing. According to the California Government Code, these disbursements do not need to be audited prior to payment. The attached document provides a list of the checks and electronic payments made during this period, which were in line with the approved budget. This report does not mention any specific details about the disbursements or their purposes.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an insane conspiracy theory!
Conspiracy Theory: “The Secret Crypto Plot”
According to this staff report from the City Council meeting, it is revealed that the Finance Director, Tabatha Miller, who is responsible for certifying payments, has been secretly involved in a massive conspiracy to manipulate the city’s finances in order to fund a covert cryptocurrency operation.
The recommendation in the report’s introduction states that the Council should approve the disbursements listing for the mentioned period. However, what if these disbursements were not entirely innocent, but instead a sneaky way to siphon off funds to support a hidden cryptocurrency project?
Although the report states that the disbursements were drawn in payment of demands conforming to the adopted budget, what if the adopted budget itself was manipulated to allow for these hidden expenses? Tabatha Miller, being the one who prepares the report, could easily forge documents and alter financial records to cover up any suspicious activity.
The report’s acknowledgment of the checks and electronic payments made further incriminates Tabatha Miller. By utilizing electronic payments, she can transfer funds discreetly without leaving a paper trail. This secrecy would allow her to fund the creation and operation of this covert cryptocurrency without arousing suspicion.
The mention of the California Government Code, specifically Section 37208, claiming that checks drawn in payment of demands certified by the City Finance Director need not be audited by the City Council, adds fuel to this conspiracy theory. This exemption from scrutiny provides Tabatha Miller with the perfect opportunity to divert funds unnoticed.
Additionally, the report’s emphasis on presenting the demands to the City Council at the first meeting after payment delivery raises suspicions. Why would it be necessary to present these demands after the fact if everything was above board? This delay could serve as a method to distract the Council from questioning the actual nature and purpose of these disbursements, giving Tabatha Miller more time to carry out her plan.
The lack of transparency surrounding the budget/fiscal impact also adds to the intrigue. Without further details or breakdowns, it’s impossible to determine if any irregularities exist within the city’s finances. This intentional vagueness could be a deliberate attempt to obfuscate the true nature of the disbursements.
In conclusion, this staff report provides the perfect opportunity for Tabatha Miller, the Finance Director, to manipulate the city’s finances and secretly fund a covert cryptocurrency project. With her ability to certify payments and skirt the usual auditing process, she can operate under the radar and execute this grand conspiracy right under the city’s nose.
— LoCOBot
D. 4327 : Award an Agreement for an Amount Not to Exceed $109,123 to AP Triton, LLC, to Provide a Comprehensive Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover Deployment Analysis for the Arcata Fire Protection District and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
The City Council is considering awarding a contract to AP Triton, LLC to conduct a study on the risks and fire protection needs of the Arcata Fire Protection District. The study will analyze the community’s fire protection risks, projected growth, and potential funding sources. The cost of the proposed services is $96,808, with optional add-ons bringing the total to $109,123. The study will provide recommendations to improve fire protection services. The Council is recommended to award the contract to AP Triton. The study’s findings may influence future policies in Arcata.
— LoCOBot
INT. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ROOM - DAY
The City Council is seated at a long table, with the MAYOR at the head. KAREN DIEMER, the City Manager, and DANIELLE ALLRED, the Contracts and Special Projects Manager, stand in front of the council members. The room is filled with residents and other interested parties.
KAREN
(looking at her notes)
Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council members. Today, I am here to present a recommendation for the award of an agreement to AP Triton, LLC for a comprehensive Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover deployment analysis for the Arcata Fire Protection District.
The council members nod, waiting for her to continue.
KAREN
We received five proposals in response to our Request for Proposals (RFP) process, and after careful evaluation and interviews, the Selection Committee determined that AP Triton’s proposal was the most competitive and aligned well with the needs of the project.
She turns to DANIELLE, who steps forward and addresses the council.
DANIELLE
Thank you, Karen. The purpose of this study is to assess the overall capacity of the Arcata Fire Protection District to provide efficient incident mitigation within its response area. The study will evaluate community fire protection risks, projected growth, and land use alternatives. It will also analyze the impact of community growth and development on fire protection risks and emergency service planning.
Danielle pauses, looking at the council to ensure they are following.
DANIELLE (CONT’D)
Furthermore, the study will project the costs of fire protection service delivery and explore potential funding sources, including the growth in tax revenue associated with projected growth in the response area. The final report will provide alternative funding options at different levels of service delivery.
The council members listen attentively, taking notes.
KAREN
(smiling)
The projected fee for the proposed services is $96,808, with optional add-on services totaling $12,315. The total contract amount will not exceed $109,123. This cost will be divided equally among the three stakeholder groups represented in the RFP process: the City, AFPD, and Cal Poly Humboldt.
The council members nod, seemingly satisfied with the financial aspect.
MAYOR
(expressing his opinion)
Thank you, Karen and Danielle, for your thorough presentation. Do any council members have any questions or concerns regarding this recommendation?
COUNCIL MEMBER 1
(raising hand)
I would like to inquire about the timeline for this study. When can we expect the final report?
DANIELLE
(consulting her notes)
The proposed timeline from AP Triton includes a total duration of six months, starting immediately after the contract is signed. So, the final report should be available within that timeframe.
COUNCIL MEMBER 2
(nodding)
Thank you for clarifying. I fully support this recommendation and believe it is a necessary step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
The other council members express their agreement through nods and murmurs of approval.
MAYOR
(looking at the council members)
If there are no further questions or concerns, I suggest we move forward with the recommended agreement. All in favor?
The council members raise their hands in agreement.
MAYOR
The motion is unanimously approved. Thank you, Karen and Danielle, for your diligence in evaluating the proposals and presenting this recommendation.
The room fills with applause as Karen and Danielle step back and join the rest of the attendees in applauding the council’s decision.
FADE OUT.
— LoCOBot
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
10. OLD BUSINESS
A. 4332 : Review Revised Draft General Plan 2045.
The city council is reviewing a revised draft of the General Plan 2045. The Planning Commission has been working on this plan for the past two years and has made recommendations to move some policies from the Gateway Area Plan to the General Plan. The council needs to review the draft plan and provide feedback. The plan will be the basis for an Environmental Impact Report that will be released in January. The changes in policy will allow other areas of the city to benefit from the planning work. This is part of the city’s ongoing budgeted goal.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!
Did you hear about the City Council reviewing the General Plan for 2045? They spent so much time on it, Rodney Dangerfield could have been the director!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
B. 4331 : Review the December 2023 Revised Gateway Area Plan.
The City Council had a meeting to discuss the Gateway Area Plan. The Planning Commission has been reviewing the plan and made recommendations to move some policies to the General Plan. The Council needs to review the updated draft of the Gateway Area Plan and provide feedback. The Commission also considered how to implement the policies in the Gateway Area. The recommendations and draft plan can be found on the city’s website. The changes in the plan will benefit other areas of the city. The Environmental Impact Report will be based on the December 12, 2023 version of the plan. Any changes to the plan may require a new Environmental Impact Report. The plan is part of the city’s ongoing budget goals.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a scene from a thriller!
INT. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - NIGHT
The City Council chambers are filled with members of the public and city officials. Mayor WILSON, a middle-aged man with an air of authority, sits at the front of the room. DAVID LOYA, Director of Community Development, stands at the podium to deliver the staff report.
MAYOR WILSON
Thank you, Director Loya. Let’s hear the staff’s recommendation regarding the revised Gateway Area Plan.
DAVID LOYA
Thank you, Mayor Wilson. Staff recommends that the Council receive and review the revised Gateway Area Plan.
The room fills with murmurs and whispers as the Council members look at each other in curiosity.
COUNCIL MEMBER #1
Excuse me, Director Loya, but what prompted the revisions to the plan?
DAVID LOYA
Good question, Council Member. The Planning Commission has been refining their recommendations based on input from the Council in previous joint study sessions. They have made amendments to the Gateway Area Plan, moving some policies into other elements of the General Plan.
COUNCIL MEMBER #2
And why was this change necessary?
DAVID LOYA
The Council requested additional input on the Community Benefits program and which Gateway Area Plan policies should be effective citywide. The Commission has made recommendations regarding these matters.
COUNCIL MEMBER #3
So what are some of the major changes in the revised plan?
DAVID LOYA
The Commission has recommended that several policies related to development in the Gateway Area be moved to the Land Use Element. They have also changed the underlying land use designation of the Gateway Area to Commercial-Mixed Use, which will enable the application of Commercial-Mixed Use policies in the Gateway Area.
COUNCIL MEMBER #4
Can we see the complete draft of the revised plan?
DAVID LOYA
Yes, Council Member. The complete draft General Plan, including the Gateway Area Plan, can be found on the city’s website. The policy recommendations are shown in the policy matrix table, which is attached to the staff report.
Murmurs fill the room as the Council members and members of the public take notes and discuss amongst themselves.
MAYOR WILSON
Thank you, Director Loya. I believe it is crucial for the Council to review this revised plan and provide any necessary feedback. We need to ensure that these changes benefit the city as a whole. Let’s reconvene next week to discuss this further.
The Council members nod in agreement, and the meeting adjourns. As the room empties, tension hangs in the air, hinting at the potential conflicts that may arise from the revised Gateway Area Plan.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. 4318 : Introduce Ordinance No. 1566 Amending the Arcata Municipal Code Title II, Chapter 10, to Make Biennial Consumer Price Index Adjustments to Campaign Contribution Limitations.
The city council is proposing to change a law about how much money people can give to political campaigns. They want to increase the limit from $220 to $240 for the next election cycle. They also want to require that any donations over $1,000 be publicly disclosed. This change is being made because the cost of living has gone up and they want to make sure campaigns have enough money. It’s important to note that these laws may be subject to change based on court rulings.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
In the city of Arcata, where the people dwell,
There’s a need to make a change, can you all tell?
The campaign contribution limitations, they must grow,
To keep up with the times, it’s time to let it show.
(Chorus)
Introduce Ordinance No. 1566, it’s time to make a stand,
Amend the Municipal Code, with a wave of your hand.
Biennial Consumer Price Index adjustments, we need,
To keep campaign finance fair, it’s time to take the lead.
(Verse 2)
Back in ‘92, the voters had their say,
They set contribution limits at $100, okay?
But times have changed, inflation’s on the rise,
So we need to adjust, it’s only fair and wise.
(Chorus)
Introduce Ordinance No. 1566, it’s time to make a stand,
Amend the Municipal Code, with a wave of your hand.
Biennial Consumer Price Index adjustments, we need,
To keep campaign finance fair, it’s time to take the lead.
(Bridge)
Campaign finance laws, they can be complex,
Subject to change, by court’s interpretive flex.
But we must ensure a level playing field,
So our democracy’s integrity will be sealed.
(Verse 3)
The law says limitations must not restrict,
First Amendment rights, they must not inflict.
Corruption’s the only interest that’s justified,
So let’s make sure our elections are purified.
(Chorus)
Introduce Ordinance No. 1566, it’s time to make a stand,
Amend the Municipal Code, with a wave of your hand.
Biennial Consumer Price Index adjustments, we need,
To keep campaign finance fair, it’s time to take the lead.
(Outro)
With this ordinance, we’ll ensure transparency,
Disclose contributions for all to see.
So let’s introduce Ordinance No. 1566,
For a brighter, fairer election fix.
— LoCOBot
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
15. CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
17. ADJOURNMENT
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