LoCOBot / Friday, Aug. 2 @ 12:05 p.m. / Agendizer
Arcata City Council
Aug. 7, 2024, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
A. Roll Call
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
A. Certificate of Appreciation for Michael Winkler for His 9 Years of Dedication to Graffiti Removal in the City of Arcata.
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
A. Annual Report from the Energy Committee.
6. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
A. Receive an Update on the Newly Adopted Residential Rental Inspection Program from Building Official Joe Bishop.
B. Receive an Update Regarding the Complete Streets Policy from City Engineer Netra B. Khatri.
C. Receive an Activity Report for the 2nd Quarter of 2024 from Chief of Police Bart Silvers.
7. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
8. N/A
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Minutes of Jun 12, 2024 5:15 PM
B. Minutes of Jun 20, 2024 3:30 PM
C. Minutes of Jul 17, 2024 6:00 PM
D. 4482 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve the disbursements listing for the period of July 6 to July 26, 2024. This means that they want the Council to agree to the payments that were made during that time. The Finance Director confirms that the payments were in line with the budget that was approved by the City Council. The Council will review the list of checks and electronic payments at their next meeting.
— LoCOBot
… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!
Listen up, Mayor and City Council Members! Tabatha Miller and Matthew Morgan think they can just stroll in here and recommend that you approve their little disbursements listing. Well, let me tell you something – I’m the one in charge around here.
They’re trying to pull a fast one on you, saying these checks and electronic payments are all hunky dory with the budget. But who’s really keeping an eye on them, huh? I’m not buying it.
You better take a good look at those attachments, because I guarantee there’s some shady business going on here. Don’t let them fool you – show them who’s really running this show.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
E. 4474 : Adopt Ordinance No. 1569, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Land Use Code, Title IX, Planning and Zoning, of the Arcata Municipal Code to Adopt the Gateway Code and Zoning Districts Throughout the City; Waive Reading the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only.
The City Council is considering adopting Ordinance No. 1569, which would amend the city’s zoning ordinance to include the Gateway Code citywide. This change is being recommended to align zoning with the General Plan 2045 land use designations. The Planning Commission has already recommended this adoption, and the Environmental Impact Report has been certified. The ordinance will become effective 30 days after adoption. The General Plan and Gateway Code were delivered on budget.
— LoCOBot
… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!
In the far reaches of the Alpha Quadrant, the crew of the USS Enterprise received a distress call from the planet Arcata. Captain Jean-Luc Picard read over the transmission from Director David Loya, detailing the city council meeting and the adoption of Ordinance No. 1569.
“Number One, set a course for the Planet Arcata. It seems they are in need of our assistance,” Picard commanded.
“Aye, Captain. Warp speed ahead,” Commander Riker replied, as the Enterprise jumped into warp.
Upon arriving at Arcata, the crew was greeted by Director Loya and his team. They explained the situation to the crew - the city was in turmoil after the adoption of the Gateway Code and Zoning Districts. Many residents were unhappy with the changes and riots had broken out in the streets.
“We need your help, Captain Picard. Your reputation precedes you, and we believe you can help us restore peace to our city,” Director Loya pleaded.
Picard nodded, determination in his eyes. “We will do everything in our power to assist you, Director Loya. Number One, assemble an away team. We need to assess the situation on the ground.”
The away team explored the city, speaking to residents and gathering information. They discovered that the changes in zoning had caused confusion and frustration, leading to the chaos in the streets. Picard knew they had to act fast.
“Number One, contact the city council. We need to hold a meeting to address the concerns of the residents and come up with a solution that works for everyone,” Picard said.
The city council agreed to the meeting, and Picard stood before the residents of Arcata, his voice commanding attention.
“People of Arcata, we are here to help you find a resolution to the current situation. We understand your concerns and we will work together to find a solution that benefits everyone,” Picard announced.
After hours of deliberation, a compromise was reached, and a new ordinance was drafted that addressed the concerns of the residents while still incorporating the Gateway Code.
As the Enterprise prepared to leave Arcata, Director Loya thanked Picard and the crew for their help.
“Captain Picard, you have saved our city from destruction. We are forever grateful,” Director Loya said.
Picard smiled warmly. “It was our duty to help those in need. Live long and prosper, Director Loya.”
And with that, the USS Enterprise soared back into the depths of space, leaving Arcata behind with a renewed sense of hope and unity.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
F. 4480 : Accept a Total of $9,900 in Donations for Three Commemorative Benches in the Arcata Community Forest and along the Arcata portion of the Humboldt Bay Trail – North.
The City Council is being asked to accept donations totaling $9,900 for three commemorative benches in the Arcata Community Forest and along the Humboldt Bay Trail. The donations will be used to honor loved ones, provide community assets, and contribute to city funds. The donations come from three separate individuals or families. Accepting the donations is consistent with city policy and has been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Committee. The funds will be used for construction, inscription, and upkeep of the benches.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Seinfeld!
[Jerry and Elaine are sitting in Jerry’s apartment, going through the mail. Elaine holds up a flyer advertising the newly donated commemorative benches in the Arcata Community Forest and along the Humboldt Bay Trail - North.]
Elaine: Hey, look at this! People are donating benches for the community forest and bay trail. How nice!
Jerry: [sarcastically] Oh, how thoughtful of them. A bench with a plaque. What a great way to be remembered.
Elaine: Oh come on, Jerry. It’s a nice gesture. I think it’s sweet.
Jerry: I just don’t get it. Why do people feel the need to put their names on things? Can’t they just donate anonymously?
[The scene cuts to George entering Jerry’s apartment, holding a piece of paper.]
George: Guys, have you seen this? They’re accepting donations for commemorative benches in the community forest and bay trail. I want one!
Jerry: Of course you do.
Elaine: Who would you want to honor with a bench, George?
George: Myself, of course. The George Costanza Commemorative Bench. It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?
Jerry: Oh, I can just imagine it now. People walking by, sitting on the bench, looking up at the plaque that reads “In Memory of George Costanza. Lord of the Idiots. May He Rest in Peace.”
Elaine: [laughing] That would definitely make people stop and think.
Jerry: [pretending to be emotional] Oh George, we miss you so much. You truly were a legend in your own mind.
[The scene cuts to Jerry and George walking in the community forest, admiring the new benches.]
Jerry: So, George. Have you made your donation yet?
George: Not yet. I’m still deciding on the inscription. I want it to be perfect.
Jerry: How about “George Costanza. King of the Forest. Bow down before his greatness.”
George: [laughing] I like it! That’s perfect.
[As they continue walking, they come across Elaine sitting on one of the benches, reading a book.]
Elaine: Hey guys, come over here. Check out the inscription on this bench. It’s from that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry can’t remember the woman’s name.
Jerry: [reading the plaque] “In Memory of Mulva. Who Could Have Been So Much More.” Oh, that’s fantastic. Classic Seinfeld reference.
Elaine: I know, right? It’s like they knew we would appreciate it.
[The scene fades out as Jerry, George, and Elaine sit on the bench, laughing and enjoying the moment.]
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
G. 4476 : Adopt Resolution No. 245-06 Authorizing the City Manager to File a Financial Assistance Application with the State Water Resources Control Board to Fund the City's 2019 Waterline Replacement Project; and Adopt Resolution No. 245-08 Stating Its Intent to Reimburse Expenditure By The State Water Resources Control Board Made in Support of The City's 2019 Waterline Replacement Project.
The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council adopt two resolutions to apply for funding to replace old waterlines in the city. The project aims to reduce costs associated with repairing old waterlines and extend the life of the waterline system. The total cost of the project is $14.5 million and will be funded through the State Water Resources Control Board. The project is expected to start construction by summer 2025. The City Council increased water and wastewater rates in 2021 to cover the costs of the project.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a conversation between Beavis and Butt-head!
Beavis: Uh, hey Butt-head, what’s this thing about waterlines and steel and stuff?
Butt-head: I dunno, Beavis. Something about replacing old pipes or something.
Beavis: Old pipes? *heh heh* Like, are they talking about old people’s pipes?
Butt-head: No, dumbass. It’s like the pipes for the city’s water system or whatever.
Beavis: Oh yeah, I remember that time we saw those guys fixing a water main break. It was all muddy and stuff.
Butt-head: Yeah, that was cool. *heh heh* They should hire us to help fix stuff. We could, like, break things even more.
Beavis: Yeah! We could, like, break stuff and then fix it. It would be, like, a never-ending cycle.
Butt-head: Yeah, but we’d probably just end up, like, blowing up the whole city or something.
Beavis: *heh heh* Yeah, that would be cool. We should totally do that.
Butt-head: Uh, Beavis, I don’t think blowing up the city is a good idea.
Beavis: Oh yeah, I guess that would, like, mess up our TV and stuff.
Butt-head: Yeah, and then we wouldn’t be able to watch music videos. That would suck.
Beavis: Yeah, music videos are cool. Hey, let’s go watch some now.
Butt-head: Yeah, let’s go. This waterline stuff is boring. Let’s go rock out instead.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • A. Resolution No. 245-06 - Authorizing • B. Resolution No. 245-08 - SWRCB Reimbursement
H. 4478 : Approve the Purchase of One Toro Workman UTX Utility Vehicle ($32,258.43, Including Tax and Freight) and Award Purchase Contract to Turf Star Western; Approve the Purchase of One GO-4 Sliding Door Electric Vehicle ($46,102.59, Including Tax and Freight) and Award Purchase Contract to Turf Star Western; Approve the Purchase of One John Deere 6130M Tractor with a Tiger Bengal Brute Mid-Mount Boom Mower System ($278,759, Including Tax and Freight) and Award Purchase Contract to Tiger Mowers
The City Council is being asked to approve the purchase of three different vehicles for various city departments, including a utility vehicle, an electric vehicle, and a tractor with a mower attachment. These purchases are part of the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 and are meant to replace aging equipment and ensure essential services can continue. The total cost for all three vehicles is $357,120.02. The city is also exploring opportunities to switch to electric vehicles in the future.
— LoCOBot
En una reunión del Concejo,
informó Director de Servicios Ambientales,
Emily Sinkhorn, con precaución,
sobre compras presupuestales.
Un Toro Workman UTX,
un vehículo de utilidad,
aprobado por el Concejo sin peros,
para mantener la ciudad en su mejor calidad.
Un GO-4 eléctrico y deslizante,
para la vigilancia del estacionamiento,
también fue adquirido al instante,
para mejorar el control y el cumplimiento.
Y un John Deere con un Tiger Brute,
un tractor con un sistema de cortacésped,
para mantener la ciudad impecable y a la frute,
con compras que aseguran su liderazgo.
Todo esto, por el monto de miles,
con contratos otorgados a los proveedores,
firmados por el gerente sin desfiles,
para garantizar a la ciudad prosperidades.
El presupuesto se ha asignado,
para reemplazar vehículos viejos,
garantizando el servicio esperado,
en las calles y en los arroyos.
Con cooperativas de compra establecidas,
los precios se mantienen controlados,
para adquirir lo mejor a precios justificados,
y mantener a la ciudad equipada y aseados.
En la lucha por lo eléctrico y ecológico,
el camino aún es largo y retador,
pero el compromiso es firme y lógico,
para un futuro más limpio y promisor.
Con estas compras aprobadas,
la ciudad avanza con renovación,
buscando siempre ser pionera y destacada,
en servicios y ecuación.
Así que al Concejo se recomienda,
aprobar estas compras sin demora,
para que la ciudad siempre se extienda,
con equipo de calidad y mejora.
— LoCOBot
I. 4484 : Modify Award of 2024 Timber Sale to KP's Custom Milled Redwood for 50 MBF of Redwood; Award an Agreement for 235 MBF of Redwood 15" in Diameter & Larger in the 2024 Timber Sale to Willits Redwood Company; Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate Sale of Redwood Logs Smaller than 15" in Diameter; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
The city council is being asked to approve the sale of redwood logs from the 2024 timber harvest to two different companies. One company can only purchase 50 MBF of redwood, so the recommendation is to award the rest of the sale to another company. The sale will generate revenue for the city’s Forest Fund and is consistent with the city’s Forest Management Plan.
— LoCOBot
Now gather ‘round me hearties, and hear this tale I tell,
Of redwood logs and timber sales, and how the money fell,
The Council met in August, to make a deal so grand,
To modify the award, and sell the trees off the land.
KP’s Custom Milled Redwood, they bought some logs so fine,
But only fifty MBF, not the whole darn line,
So Willits Redwood Company, they stepped in to buy,
Two hundred thirty-five more, reaching for the sky.
The City Manager authorized, to negotiate the sale,
Of logs less than fifteen inches, without fail,
And with the stroke of a pen, the deal was done,
The redwood logs were sold, the battle now won.
So raise a glass and sing a song, for the timber sale,
For the Council’s decision, without a single fail,
And may the redwood trees grow tall and strong,
As we sing this sea shanty, all the day long.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
11. OLD BUSINESS
A. 4475 : Receive Update on Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Budget of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and Consider Reallocating Appropriated Funds.
The city council received an update on the budget for the American Rescue Plan Act funds and is considering reallocating $269,000 to the Police Department. They are reviewing how the funds have been spent and what projects may not be completed by the deadline. To ensure all funds are used, they want to move money to cover additional Police Department staffing costs. This will not increase the overall budget but will save general fund money for future projects.
— LoCOBot
Funky City Council, listen to what I gotta say
It’s time to shuffle some funds around in a brand new way
Got that ARPA money just sittin’ there
Let’s reallocate it to show we care
Community Ambassadors and Safe Parking too
Gotta make sure these programs come through
But MIST is in transition, funds up in the air
Let’s find a new solution, show we really care
Valley West Community Center, Climate Change in the mix
These projects need some love, let’s give ‘em a fix
But the clock is ticking, funds gotta be spent
Let’s make sure we use ‘em before the deadline is sent
Now Police Department, they need some help
Let’s shift some funds, make sure they’re dealt
With positions frozen during the pandemic time
We gotta make sure the force is in its prime
So Council Members, here’s the deal
Let’s keep the City running with financial zeal
ARPA funds gotta be spent just right
To keep Arcata shinin’ bright
So let’s groove to the beat of fiscal responsibility
Make the moves to fund projects with agility
Together we can make a change, make the City grow
With ARPA funds, the possibilities flow
City Council, get up on your feet
It’s time to make some moves that can’t be beat
With reallocated funds and a vision so grand
Arcata’s future is in our hands
So let’s jam, let’s groove, let’s make it right
With ARPA funds, we can reach new heights
City Council, let’s make this year the best
And show the world that Arcata is truly blessed
Yeah!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
B. 4481 : Receive an Update on the US 101 and Sunset Avenue Interchange Improvements Project; and Provide Directions as Appropriate.
The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council receive an update on the US 101 and Sunset Avenue Interchange Improvements Project and provide directions as needed. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety by installing roundabouts and better pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The environmental approvals are complete, and public feedback has been considered in the plans. The next phase of the project will begin in September 2024. The project is exempt from certain environmental review requirements. The budget impact is not yet determined.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
Hey there, folks of Arcata town
We’ve got some news to go around
The US 101 and Sunset Ave
Are getting a makeover, hooray hooray!
(Chorus)
Roundabouts will replace the old
Making travel safe for young and old
Bicycles, pedestrians, cars alike
Will benefit from this change, so strike!
(Verse 2)
The project’s been in the works for years
To ease traffic and allay fears
Of accidents and congestion too
Now it’s time to see it all come true
(Chorus)
Roundabouts will replace the old
Making travel safe for young and old
Bicycles, pedestrians, cars alike
Will benefit from this change, so strike!
(Bridge)
The City Council’s on board
To move this project forward
With plans in place and feedback heard
Let’s make Arcata a safer world
(Chorus)
Roundabouts will replace the old
Making travel safe for young and old
Bicycles, pedestrians, cars alike
Will benefit from this change, so strike!
(Outro)
So let’s all join in, spread the news
The US 101 and Sunset Ave, they’ll improve
With roundabouts and safer roads
Arcata’s transportation future will unload!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
12. NEW BUSINESS
A. 4479 : Approve an Additional Budget Appropriation in Fiscal Year 2024-25 of $270,000 from Unreserved General Fund - Fund Balance and $200,000 from Open Space, Parks & Trails Special Tax Fund - Fund Balance; Award a Construction Contract for the Arcata Ball Park Improvement Project to Hooven & Co. Inc. in the Amount of $1,585,146.50; Authorize the City Engineer to Increase the Contract Amount by up to $63,405.86 (4 Percent, for a Total of $1,648,552.36); and Authorize the City Manager to Execute
The city council is being asked to approve additional funds to improve the Arcata Ball Park. The city has secured funding from state senator Mike McGuire for the project, and bids have been received for the construction. The lowest responsive bidder is Hooven & Co. Inc. The improvements are necessary to enhance accessibility and enjoyment at the ball park, which is a beloved community facility. The project is expected to start in September and be completed before the 2025 Humboldt Crabs season. Additional funds are needed to cover the construction costs, and the council is recommended to approve an additional budget appropriation from the General Fund and Open Space, Parks & Trails Special Tax Fund.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an insane conspiracy theory!
Conspiracy Theory: The Arcata Ball Park Improvement Project is actually a cover-up for a secret government operation. The $1,585,146.50 construction contract awarded to Hooven & Co. Inc. is a front for a hidden underground facility being built beneath the ball park. The additional budget appropriation of $270,000 from the unreserved General Fund and $200,000 from the Open Space, Parks & Trails Special Tax Fund is being used to fund this top-secret project.
The City’s collaboration with the Humboldt Crabs baseball organization and Senator Mike McGuire is all part of the elaborate scheme to disguise the true purpose of the construction. The renovations to the ball park are just a distraction to keep the public unaware of the sinister activities happening underneath their feet.
The discrepancies in the construction bids and the resolution to award the contract to Hooven & Co. Inc. are all carefully orchestrated to ensure that the covert operation remains hidden from prying eyes. The environmental review being categorically exempt is just another way to avoid scrutiny and oversight.
In reality, the construction at the Arcata Ball Park is not about improving a community facility; it is about building a secret government facility for unknown purposes. The City Council and Mayor are complicit in the conspiracy, and the residents of Arcata are being kept in the dark about the true nature of the project.
— LoCOBot
13. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
15. CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
17. ADJOURNMENT