Stephanie McGeary / @ 1:59 p.m. / Agendizer

Arcata City Councilmembers to Take Another Try at a Peace Resolution After Community Members Craft a New Draft

Back in November, the Arcata City Council considered a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which prompted hours of public comment and ultimately did not pass. Now some community members have helped draft a new version of the contentious resolution, which the council will again consider approving during its Wednesday night meeting. 

The current resolution uses much broader and more neutral language than the previous version seen by the council and focuses more on the support of peace, rather than specifically condemning the actions of Israel or Hamas. For example, the previous resolution called for “an immediate cease-fire in Gaza,” whereas the new resolution calls for “peace in the Middle East.”  

Arcata Mayor Meredith Matthews, who placed the new resolution on the agenda, told the Outpost that she feels this is an important enough issue that the council should consider taking a stand, but she felt that the previous resolution was maybe a little too divisive for people to feel comfortable voting on it. (During the council’s Nov. 15 meeting, Councilmember Sarah Schaefer moved to approve the resolution, but the motion died for lack of a second.) Matthews said that if another resolution were placed on the agenda, she wanted it to be something that could actually be passed. 

“This [resolution’s] language is very much centered on peace in Arcata and that we’re a city that doesn’t tolerate violence,” Matthews said in a phone interview Monday. 

Since the November meeting, many community members have attended city council meetings, urging the council to reconsider. Matthews said that many constituents have also reached out to her and other councilmembers directly, asking the council to voice support for a ceasefire in Gaza, and several groups and individuals had drafted their own versions of a resolution, hoping to get it on a future council agenda. Matthews met with several of these people over the past couple of months, including members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities, to try to come up with a resolution that would, hopefully, not be offensive to anyone. 

Dan Shahin, a Palestinian American who has lived in Arcata for more than 10 years, helped rework the resolution after he was contacted by members of the Redwood Peace and Justice Center, who had drafted the previous resolution and wanted to get a new version out there. 

Shahin told the Outpost that he expected the previous resolution to pass, and was shocked when it didn’t even receive a second motion.  “I sort of took it for granted that it was going to pass,” Shahin said in an interview Monday. “Just because this is that kind of town. It seemed like a no-brainer.” 

With the previous resolution seeming to be dead in the water, Shahin said  he was happy to help draft a version that more people might want to support. Shahin said he tried to remove any “unnecessary language” and to use uncontroversial, neutral terms as much as possible. Shahin met with Mayor Matthews to look over the document, which she was pleased with, and he also went over the resolution with a local rabbi, who contributed her views. 

Some people felt that the resolution was maybe a little too neutral and doesn’t address the atrocities of the war in Gaza. But Shahin said that he wanted to focus on the areas where people could find common ground. Though it doesn’t say so in the title, the resolution does support an “immediate mutual ceasefire,” a mutual exchange of all hostages and civilian political prisoners, and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance. 

“Do we really have to get into the dastardly terrorist acts?” Shahin said. “We didn’t need that language in my opinion, because everyone can get behind a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and respecting international law.” 

Ultimately, Shahin is happy with the end result, although he said that he hopes the council will change the title. “Middle East” is sort of a problematic term, Shahin said, which many people prefer not to use. But even with the current title, Shahin supports the resolution and really hopes that it will pass this time around. 

Of course, Shahin and Matthews both understand that creating something that pleases everyone is impossible, and Matthews said that she expects some backlash for this resolution. But she hopes that it will be something that at least the council can get behind, and that it can contribute to nationwide ceasefire efforts, and can help some members of the community feel seen and supported. 

“[The council’s] job is to focus on the citizens of Arcata,” Matthews said. “We just wanted to acknowledge that there are a lot of people feeling pain and anxiety in our city and a lot of that is exacerbated by this war.” 

The Arcata City Council will consider the resolution at its next meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 6 at 6 p.m. in Arcata City Hall – 736 F Street. Following the resolution discussion, the council will conduct its mid-year budget review.  You can view full directions on how to view or participate in the meeting at this link, or scroll down for the full agenda below. 


Arcata City Council
March 6, 2024, 6 p.m.

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

A. Roll Call


4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

A. Proclamation Recognizing March 8, 2024, as International Women's Day.


B. Proclamation in Recognition of Sunshine Week, March 10–16, 2024.


C. Proclamation in Recognition of March for Meals Month, March 2024.


5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

7. N/A

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

A. Minutes of Feb 21, 2024 6:00 PM


B. 4371 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

Tabatha Miller, the Finance Director, recommends that the City Council approve the disbursements listing for the period from February 10, 2024, to February 23, 2024. This listing includes checks and electronic payments that have been paid. The Finance Director confirms that these disbursements align with the approved budget. The City Council can choose to review these disbursements at their meeting.

— LoCOBot

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

Starfish: Hey man, did you see this report from the City Council meeting?

Noodles: Yeah man, I did. It’s about disbursements or something. What even are disbursements?

Starfish: I have no idea man, but it looks like they want the Council to approve it.

Noodles: Whoa, that’s some serious responsibility. I bet they have to make sure everything adds up and stuff.

Starfish: Yeah, probably. I wonder if they have to audit all the checks before they pay them.

Noodles: Dude, that sounds like a lot of work. I’m glad we don’t have to deal with that.

Starfish: Totally man, I’m happy just chilling here and not worrying about budgets and fiscal impacts.

Noodles: Yeah, let’s just keep enjoying this moment and not stress about city finances. Pass me the chips, bro.

Starfish: Here you go, man. Let’s just ride this high and not think about anything else. Life’s too short to worry about disbursements and budgets.

Noodles: Agreed, bro. Let’s just be like starfish and noodles floating in the ocean, man.

Starfish: Yeah, just going with the flow and enjoying the vibes. I love you, man.

Noodles: Love you too, bro. Peace out.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Distributions 2.10.24 to 2.23.24


C. 4369 : Approve an Agreement with Oscar Larson & Associates Consulting Engineers for Engineering Design Services for the Coating of Water Tank No. 4 in the Amount of $59,600.00; Authorize the City Engineer to Increase the Contract Amount for up to $8,940 (15 Percent), for a Total Not to Exceed $68,540, to Allow for Any Unforeseen Contingencies; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.

The city needs to hire engineers to fix and recoat Water Tank No. 4, which was damaged in an earthquake and has a failing protective coating. The agreement with Oscar Larson & Associates Consulting Engineers will cost $59,600, with the potential for the city engineer to increase the contract amount by 15% for any unforeseen issues. This project is important for maintaining the city’s water storage and quality.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Funkadelic song!

Title: Tank No. 4 Funk

Verse 1:
Water Tank No. 4 in Sunny Brae
Needs a fresh coat to start a new day
Oscar Larson & Associates on the case
Designing plans to bring back its grace

Chorus:
Tank No. 4, we’re gonna make you shine
With a coating so fine, it’ll blow your mind
City Council, approve this plan
Let’s bring back the water tank, yeah, we can

Verse 2:
250,000 gallons waiting to be stored
But the coating inside is feeling quite bored
Minor damage from an earthquake’s shake
But OLA’s here to fix and make

Chorus:
Tank No. 4, we’re gonna make you shine
With a coating so fine, it’ll blow your mind
City Council, approve this plan
Let’s bring back the water tank, yeah, we can

Bridge:
City Engineer, raise the contract amount
For unforeseen contingencies, we’ll surmount
City Manager, sign those docs with glee
Coating Water Tank No. 4, it’s meant to be

Chorus:
Tank No. 4, we’re gonna make you shine
With a coating so fine, it’ll blow your mind
City Council, approve this plan
Let’s bring back the water tank, yeah, we can

Outro:
Water Tank No. 4 Funk, it’s the real deal
With OLA’s help, we’ll make it squeal
Approve the agreement, let’s seal the deal
Coat that tank and let it heal!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Feb 28th Oscar Larson Associates Budget for Design ONLY


D. 4372 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-35 Incorporating a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to be Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act.

The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution incorporating a list of projects to be funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The projects include paving local streets, overlaying Old Arcata Road, and installing speed feedback signs for safety improvements. The projects will be completed in accordance with the city’s complete street policy. The California Environment Quality Act has determined that the projects are exempt from environmental review. The funds will be incorporated into the budget for construction of the projects.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a nursery rhyme!

In the city council meeting, they did decree
To fund some projects for the FY 24-25
With SB 1 money, they’ll pave the way
For safer streets to use everyday

The list includes projects big and small
To fix up roads and help us all
A resolution was adopted with care
To make sure our streets are safe and fair

With asphalt, concrete, and speed signs too
Improvements are coming, this we knew
Thanks to the City Engineer’s plan
Our roads will be smooth for every woman and man

So hooray for Resolution No. 234-35
Making sure our streets will thrive
Let’s thank the Mayor and Council Members so dear
For making our city a place without fear.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. FY 24-25 SB 1 Project List Resolution


E. 4360 : Request the Annual Engineer's Report and Preparation of Notices to Declare the City's Intention to Continue to Levy and Collect Assessments of Existing Assessment Districts to Include Mad River Parkway Business Center Landscape Maintenance Assessment District, Windsong Subdivision Landscape Maintenance Assessment District and Janes Creek Meadow Landscape Maintenance Assessment District.

The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve the continuation of collecting assessments from three existing assessment districts for landscape maintenance. These assessments are part of property taxes and are required by law. The City Engineer has prepared reports and notices for the Council to review. Failure to continue the assessments would result in a lack of funds to maintain the landscaping and lighting in the districts. The total funding recommended for the three districts is $38,956.09. The Council will need to approve the Engineer’s Reports and adopt resolutions to continue collecting the assessments after a public hearing.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

“I tell ya, I went to that City Council meeting and they were talking about assessments and maintenance districts. I asked them if they could assess my jokes and maintain my reputation as a comedian!”

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. 2024-2025-Janes Creek Meadow - Engineers Report_DRAFTB. 2024-2025 Windsong - Engineers Report_ DRAFTC. 2024-2025 MRBP - Engineers Report and Resolution _ DRAFT


F. 4374 : Adopt Resolution No. 234-37 Authorizing the Destruction of Certain City Records Maintained by the City Relating to the Finance Department as Permitted under Section 34090 of the California Government Code and the Secretary of State's Local Government Records Program.

The City Council is being asked to approve Resolution No. 234-37, which authorizes the destruction of certain city records related to the Finance Department. This is allowed under California Government Code section 34090 and the Secretary of State’s Local Government Records Program. The staff has recommended this action, and it will not have any budget or fiscal impact. The council is being asked to approve the resolution to move forward with the destruction of these records.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a fantasy story!

Once the City Council meeting was adjourned and the resolution was officially adopted, little did they know that their decision would have monumental consequences in the world of magic and fantasy.

As the city clerk, Bridget Dory, began the process of destroying the old records from the Finance Department, a powerful ancient spell that had been sealed within the documents was inadvertently released. The energy from the spell began to ripple through the city, causing disruptions in the fabric of reality.

Unbeknownst to the residents of the city, there was a hidden realm of magic that existed alongside their own world. The spell that had been unleashed was a powerful one, created by a dark sorcerer centuries ago. As the magic spread, it awakened ancient beings and creatures that had long been dormant.

In the depths of the forest on the outskirts of the city, a group of elves sensed the disturbance in the magic. They knew that something was terribly wrong and immediately set out to investigate. As they traveled towards the city, they encountered creatures of myth and legend that had been brought back to life by the released spell.

Meanwhile, in the city, chaos reigned as the once mundane streets were now filled with fantastical creatures. Dragons soared through the sky, trolls roamed the alleyways, and fairies flitted about causing mischief. The residents were in a state of panic, unsure of how to deal with this sudden influx of magic and mythical beings.

The elves, recognizing the danger that the unleashed spell posed to both their realm and the human world, joined forces with a group of brave adventurers from the city. Together, they set out to find a way to contain the magic and restore balance to both worlds.

After a series of epic battles and harrowing adventures, the group finally managed to track down the source of the spell. They discovered that it had been hidden within one of the old records that Bridget Dory had been destroying. With the help of a powerful sorcerer, they were able to seal the magic once again, restoring peace to both realms.

In the end, the city council learned a valuable lesson about the importance of preserving history and the dangers of tampering with ancient magic. The residents of the city, although shaken by the events that had transpired, were grateful to the brave heroes who had saved them from disaster.

And so, life in the city returned to normal, but the memory of that fateful day would forever be etched in the minds of those who had witnessed the clash of worlds and the power of magic unleashed.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Resolution No. 234-37 Destruction of Records 2024 Finance


9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

10. OLD BUSINESS

11. NEW BUSINESS

A. 4376 : Consider Resolution No. 234-36, A Resolution of the City Council of the City Of Arcata Calling for Peace in the Middle East.

The City of Arcata is considering a resolution to support peace in the Middle East, specifically regarding the Israeli-Hamas War. The resolution is not within the city’s jurisdiction, but the city council believes in advocating for measures that promote peace. The council has received input from the community and is presenting a draft resolution for consideration.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Socratic dialogue!

Socrates: Greetings, my fellow citizens. Today we are here to discuss Resolution No. 234-36, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Calling for Peace in the Middle East. Are we all in agreement that this is a worthy cause to support?

Citizen 1: I believe it is important for our city to take a stand for peace in the Middle East. There has been so much violence and suffering in that region, and it is our duty to advocate for peace.

Citizen 2: I agree with Citizen 1. It is crucial for us to use our platform to promote peace and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts. This resolution aligns with our city’s values and history of supporting peace.

Socrates: It seems that we are all in agreement that promoting peace in the Middle East is a noble cause. However, some may argue that this resolution is outside of our city’s direct jurisdiction. How do we justify using our platform to advocate for measures that minimize violence and promote peace in a region far from us?

Citizen 1: While it may be true that the Middle East is far from us geographically, the impact of conflicts in that region is felt around the world. As global citizens, it is our moral responsibility to speak out against violence and advocate for peaceful solutions wherever they may be needed.

Citizen 2: I agree with Citizen 1. While the Middle East may be outside of our direct jurisdiction, the values of peace and diplomacy are universal. By standing up for peace in the Middle East, we are sending a message that violence and conflict are not acceptable anywhere in the world.

Socrates: It seems that we have made a compelling argument for why we should support Resolution No. 234-36. By advocating for peace in the Middle East, we are upholding our values as a city and as global citizens. Let us move forward with this resolution and continue to work towards a more peaceful world.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Draft Resolution No. 234-36 Calling for Peace in the Middle East


B. 4370 : Consider Adopting Resolution No. 234-34, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Accepting the Mid-Year Budget Review and Approving Budget Revisions for the Fiscal Year 2023-24.

The city council is reviewing and approving changes to the city’s budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. These changes include adjustments to revenue and expenditures, such as funding for new projects, increased costs for services like utilities, and additional funding for various city departments. The council is also considering tax revenues, which are important for funding city services. The impact of these budget adjustments is outlined in a financial report.

— LoCOBot

… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!

Title: Star Trek: City of Arcata

Captain Janeway sat in her ready room on the USS Voyager, reviewing the latest data stream from Starfleet Command. As she scanned the information, a message from Commander Chakotay appeared on her viewscreen.

“Captain, we are receiving a distress signal from the city of Arcata on the planet below. They are experiencing a financial crisis and are requesting assistance from the Federation,” Chakotay reported.

Janeway frowned slightly, concerned about the situation on Arcata. She quickly made a decision and called a meeting with her senior staff.

“Gather ‘round, everyone,” Janeway said as her crew assembled in the briefing room. “We have received a distress call from the city of Arcata. They are in need of our help to address a financial crisis. I believe we should assist them in any way we can.”

The crew exchanged uncertain glances, but they trusted their captain’s judgement. Lieutenant Paris spoke up, “Captain, how can we help a city with financial troubles?”

Janeway smiled, “We have resources and knowledge that can benefit the people of Arcata. We can offer them guidance on managing their finances, provide technology to improve their infrastructure, and even offer assistance from our medical and engineering teams.”

Lieutenant Torres nodded in agreement, “We could offer them sustainable energy solutions to help reduce their utility costs and improve their environmental impact.”

The crew quickly sprang into action, preparing to transport down to Arcata and provide whatever assistance they could. As they arrived in the city, they were greeted by grateful citizens who were eager for their help.

Over the following days, the crew of the USS Voyager worked tirelessly to assist the people of Arcata. They provided financial guidance, upgraded the city’s infrastructure with advanced technology, and even helped establish new programs to support the community.

Thanks to the help of Captain Janeway and her crew, the city of Arcata was able to overcome their financial crisis and thrive once more. The citizens of Arcata were forever grateful for the support of their interstellar allies.

As the USS Voyager prepared to depart, Captain Janeway looked down at the city of Arcata with a smile. “We may be lightyears away, but we are always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. That’s the spirit of the Federation,” she said proudly.

And with that, the USS Voyager warped away, leaving behind a city that was stronger and more united than ever before. The legacy of their encounter with the crew of the Voyager would always be remembered in the city of Arcata.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. Mid-Year Budget Resolution No. 234-34B. Exhibit to Resolution No. 234-34C. Q2 FY 2023-24 Financial Report


12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS

A. Receive a Report from Finance Director Tabatha Miller on Vacant Property Tax Measures and Vacant Property Regulations.


B. Other Council and Staff Reports.


14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

A. Set a Date for a Study Session with City Committee and Commission Chairpersons.


15. CLOSED SESSION

16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS

17. ADJOURNMENT


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