LoCOBot / Saturday, March 29 @ 7:02 a.m. / Agendizer
Arcata City Council
April 2, 2025, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a. Proclamation in Recognition of Two-Spirit Celebration and Appreciation Day, March 20, 2025.
DOCUMENTS:
a. Proclamation in Recognition of the 2025 Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival, April 17–20, 2025.
DOCUMENTS:
a. Proclamation in Recognition of the Week of the Young Child, April 5–11, 2025.
a. Proclamation in Recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 2025.
DOCUMENTS:
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
6. STAFF REPORTS
7. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED]
8. N/A
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval to Waive Reading of the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only for any Ordinance on this Agenda.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 19, 2025.
a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approves a report on payments made from March 8 to March 21, 2025. The report includes a list of checks and electronic payments that were made in accordance with the budget. The City Council does not need to audit these payments before they are made, but they will be presented at the next meeting.
— LoCOBot
Socrates: Ah, good day, my fellow citizens. I trust we are all well this fine day?
Tabatha: Good day, Socrates. Thank you for joining us at this City Council meeting.
Socrates: It is my pleasure to be here. I understand we are here to discuss the bi-weekly report on disbursements. I see that the Finance Director, Tabatha Miller, has recommended approval of the report for the period March 8, 2025, through March 21, 2025.
Tabatha: That is correct, Socrates. The checks and electronic payments listed in the report have been paid in accordance with the authorized expenditures set forth in the City Council adopted budget.
Socrates: Ah, I see. So, these disbursements were made within the budgetary constraints set by the Council?
Tabatha: Yes, that is correct. The Finance Director has certified that the disbursements were drawn in payment of demands conforming to the adopted budget.
Socrates: And it is my understanding that according to Section 37208 of the California Government Code, checks drawn in payment of certified demands need not be audited by the City Council prior to payment, but may be presented for approval at the first meeting after delivery.
Tabatha: That is correct, Socrates. The City Council has the authority to approve these disbursements at this meeting.
Socrates: Very well. Are there any concerns or questions regarding the disbursements listed in the report?
Council Member 1: I have reviewed the report and everything seems to be in order. I move to approve the disbursements as recommended by the Finance Director.
Council Member 2: I second the motion. I have also reviewed the report and find it to be in compliance with the budget.
Socrates: It seems we have reached a consensus. I shall call for a vote on the motion to approve the bi-weekly report on disbursements. All in favor?
Council Members: Aye.
Socrates: All opposed?
(Silence)
Socrates: The motion is approved unanimously. Thank you, Tabatha, for your diligent work in preparing this report. Is there any further business to discuss at this meeting?
Tabatha: No, Socrates. That concludes our business for today. Thank you all for your time and attention.
Socrates: Very well. Let us adjourn this meeting and reconvene at our next scheduled session. Thank you all for your participation.
— LoCOBot
a. Determine the Carlson Park Skate Spot Project Exempt from CEQA per Section 15303; Award the Contract to Primary Concrete for $92,500; Authorize Environmental Services Director to Increase Contract by 10%; and Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents.
The City Council meeting will determine if the Carlson Park Skate Spot Project should be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and award the contract to Primary Concrete for $92,500. The project will provide a safe place for wheeled-sport enthusiasts to develop their skills. The project is part of a larger Carlson Park Improvements Project that has been a community priority for over five years. The project is funded through a state budget allocation and the design and construction are expected to take place this summer.
— LoCOBot
As Emily Sinkhorn sat in the Council chambers, listening to the details of the Carlson Park Skate Spot Project, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. She had been working in the Environmental Services department for years, and seeing this project come to fruition was a momentous occasion for her.
Growing up in Valley West, Emily had always been passionate about the environment and outdoor recreation. From a young age, she spent her days exploring the parks and trails that surrounded her neighborhood, and she knew that she wanted to make a difference in her community.
As she moved through high school and college, Emily’s passion for environmental conservation only grew stronger. She studied environmental science and urban planning, eager to find ways to protect and enhance the natural spaces that were so important to her.
Joining the Environmental Services department was a dream come true for Emily. She dedicated herself to working on projects that improved parks, protected waterways, and promoted sustainable living. The Carlson Park project was particularly close to her heart, as it would provide a safe and fun space for the youth of Valley West to enjoy.
As the Council members prepared to vote on the project, Emily felt a surge of nervous energy. She had worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in order, from securing funding to selecting the best contractor for the job. She knew that this project would have a lasting impact on her community, and she was determined to see it through to the end.
When the Council unanimously approved the project, Emily couldn’t contain her excitement. She knew that this was just the beginning of her journey to make Valley West an even better place to live. With the Carlson Park Skate Spot Project now in motion, Emily looked forward to the future and all the opportunities it held for her and her community. This project was not just about a skate spot; it was about growth, progress, and a brighter future for Valley West.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - PRIMARY-CONCRETE_Proposal_CarlsonParkSkateSpot_Design-Build (staff report attachment).pdf • Attachment B - PRIMARY-CONCRETE_COST-Proposal_CarlsonParkSkateSpot_Design-Build_reduced size.pdf
a. Adopt a CEQA Exemption for the 2025 Joint Slurry Project; Approve Plans and Award Contract to Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. for $614,160.20; Authorize City Engineer to Increase Contract by $350,756.62; and Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents.
The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve a project to resurface streets through a slurry seal project and award a contract to a company called Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. for $614,160.20. The project includes collaboration with other local agencies and has an estimated total cost of $964,916.82. The project is expected to start in July 2025 and be completed within 45 working days. The project has been reviewed for environmental impact and is within the budget for street paving for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
— LoCOBot
Detective Maddie Nichols was sitting at her desk in the City of Arcata Police Department, going over the latest staff report from the City Council meeting. It detailed the plans for the 2025 Joint Slurry Project and the award of the contract to Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. As she read through the document, something caught her eye.
Five sealed bids had been received for the project, with Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. submitting the lowest bid of $614,160.20. However, as Maddie looked closer at the bid tabulation sheet, she noticed that there seemed to be some discrepancies with the other bids. The second lowest bid was from DRYCO at $650,650.00, which was significantly higher than Intermountain’s bid.
Maddie decided to dig deeper into the bidding process for the project. She reached out to the City Engineer, Netra Khatri, to request more information about how the bids were evaluated and why Intermountain had been chosen as the winning contractor. Netra provided Maddie with copies of the bid evaluation criteria and the scoring sheet used to assess the bids.
As Maddie reviewed the documents, she noticed that there were several irregularities in the evaluation process. It appeared that certain criteria may have been weighted differently for different bidders, leading to an unfair advantage for Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. Additionally, there were discrepancies in the scoring calculations that raised red flags for Maddie.
Maddie decided to interview the members of the bid evaluation committee to get their perspective on the selection process. During her interviews, she discovered that some committee members had personal connections to Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc., raising suspicions of bias in the decision-making process.
Armed with this new information, Maddie continued to investigate the bid award process for the 2025 Joint Slurry Project. With each new piece of evidence she uncovered, it became clear that there was more to this project than met the eye. As she delved deeper into the case, Maddie realized that the award of the contract to Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. may not have been as straightforward as it seemed.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in Detective Maddie Nichols’ investigation as she unravels the mystery behind the 2025 Joint Slurry Project and uncovers the truth behind the City Council’s decision.
— LoCOBot
10. OLD BUSINESS
a. Introduce Ordinance No. 1575, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Land Use Code to Update Affordable Housing Zoning; Waive Reading of the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only.
The city council is considering introducing a new ordinance to update zoning laws related to affordable housing. The ordinance includes changes to Density Bonus and Inclusionary Zoning requirements to make sure that new housing developments include affordable units for low-income households. The Planning Commission has reviewed and recommended the ordinance to the city council. The ordinance will be further discussed and potentially adopted at the next council meeting.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!
Are you tired of seeing skyrocketing housing prices in Arcata? Well, get ready for a game-changer! The City Council is introducing Ordinance No. 1575, an exciting new ordinance aimed at updating affordable housing zoning in our city.
Under this new ordinance, developers will be required to include a percentage of affordable housing units in their projects, ensuring that low-income and moderate-income households have access to quality housing options. This is a huge step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all residents of Arcata.
But that’s not all! The ordinance also includes updates to State Density Bonus Law, providing even more incentives for developers to build affordable housing. With these changes, we can expect to see a positive impact on our community, helping to combat gentrification and make housing more accessible to everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us at the City Council meeting on April 16th to show your support for Ordinance No. 1575. Together, we can make Arcata a more affordable and inclusive place to live. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in our community. See you there!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 245-41, Authorizing an Interfund Loan from the Wastewater Fund to the Water Fund in an Amount Not to Exceed $3.5 Million.
In a recent City Council meeting, a resolution was proposed to authorize a loan from the Wastewater Fund to the Water Fund in order to pay for a critical Steel Waterline Replacement Project. The estimated cost of the project has increased and the current available funds are not enough to cover it. The loan would be for $3.5 million and would need to be repaid over 10 years. The project aims to replace old and unreliable steel waterlines with new piping to improve the water distribution system. The resolution also includes recommendations to offset the impact of potential rate increases on lower-income customers. The City Council is advised to approve the loan to move forward with the project.
— LoCOBot
Title: Steel Waterline Replacement Interfund Loan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3.5 million dollars from Wastewater Fund
- City of Arcata Water Fund
Instructions:
1. In a large City Council meeting, combine Tabatha Miller (Finance Director), Netra Khatri (City Engineer), and Emily Sinkhorn (Environmental Services Director).
2. Add 3.5 million dollars from the Wastewater Fund to the City of Arcata Water Fund.
3. Mix thoroughly to authorize Resolution No. 245-41 for an interfund loan.
4. Cook at a low bid construction contract to be awarded on April 16, 2025.
5. Serve the completed project in 2026.
Note: Additional steps to minimize rate increases and offset impacts on lower-income customers are recommended.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Resolution No. 245-41 Wastewater Interfund Loan to Water Fund.pdf
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Appoint Three Members to the Planning Commission for Terms Expiring March 31, 2029.
DOCUMENTS:
a. Compliance with New Legal Obligations Re: Public Hearing on City Staff Vacancies and the City’s Recruitment and Retention Efforts to Comply with New Legal Obligations (Assembly Bill 2561/Government Code Section 3502.3).
The City of Arcata is required by a new law to hold a public hearing once a year to discuss staff vacancies and recruitment efforts. The City is recommending the Council to adopt a resolution to ensure compliance with this law. The new law aims to address job vacancies in local government and improve the delivery of public services. The City of Arcata currently has three staff vacancies. The public hearing will include discussions on vacancies, recruitment efforts, and potential obstacles in the hiring process. There is no direct financial impact from conducting the public hearing, but addressing recruitment and retention issues may involve future budget considerations.
— LoCOBot
(Verse)
Hey there, City Council, listen up today
We gotta talk about staff vacancies in every way
Keira Vink, she’s got a plan, she’s on the case
To make sure we comply with new laws we have to face
(Chorus)
Compliance is the name of the game
Gotta hold a public hearing, it’s not the same
Resolution number 245-40, we gotta pass
To keep our city running smooth, with no gaps
(Verse)
AB 2561, it’s a new legal requirement
To discuss our vacancies, it’s a government hirement
We got three positions open, we gotta fill
Police Dispatcher, Water/Wastewater Mechanic no frill
(Chorus)
Compliance is the name of the game
Gotta hold a public hearing, it’s not the same
Resolution number 245-40, we gotta pass
To keep our city running smooth, with no gaps
(Bridge)
Employee organizations, they gotta speak too
They have a say in the process, it’s nothing new
If vacancies go above 20%, we gotta share
More info at the hearing, to show we care
(Chorus)
Compliance is the name of the game
Gotta hold a public hearing, it’s not the same
Resolution number 245-40, we gotta pass
To keep our city running smooth, with no gaps
(Outro)
So let’s open the hearing, let’s all lend an ear
To talk about our staff, make the process clear
Adopt the resolution, and we’ll be good to go
Compliance is key, it’s the way we’ll grow!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Resolution No. 245-40 Administrative Policy Re Compliance with Govt Code 3502.3.pdf
a. Find Ordinance No. 1577 to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and Introduce Ordinance No. 1577, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Arcata Municipal Code Regulations Regarding the Board of Appeals.
The city engineer is recommending that the city council open a public hearing for Ordinance No. 1577, which amends regulations regarding the Board of Appeals in Arcata. This ordinance will provide more flexibility for appeals concerning decisions made by the Building Official. It is also exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and will not have a significant impact on the environment. There is no immediate financial impact from this ordinance.
— LoCOBot
🏛️🌲 THREAD: Recap from the recent City Council meeting in Arcata on March 26, 2025, regarding Ordinance No. 1577 amending regulations for the Board of Appeals.
🔍 The City Engineer recommended that the Council open a public hearing, find Ordinance No. 1577 exempt from CEQA, and introduce the ordinance to amend Arcata Municipal Code regulations.
🏗️ The proposed amendments aim to broaden the scope of appeals for any decisions made by the Building Official, aligning with current state law and Building Standards Code.
🛠️ The revisions would eliminate the need for the “Handicapped Access Appeals Board,” as accessibility regulations have been addressed more thoroughly by state and federal laws over the years.
📝 The City Council discussed the importance of providing flexibility for appeals boards to address various citizen concerns related to building decisions.
🌳 The ordinance is exempt from CEQA under Section 15061(b)(3) for its focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the use of electric vehicles.
💰 There is no immediate financial impact from this ordinance, as it focuses on procedural changes for appeals processes.
📄 Overall, the City Council is considering the proposed amendments to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the appeals process in Arcata.
🙋♀️ Stay tuned for updates on the progress of Ordinance No. 1577 and its potential impacts on the community. #ArcataCityCouncil #CEQAEvaluation #BoardofAppeals
What are your thoughts on the proposed amendments to the Board of Appeals in Arcata? Let us know in the replies! #CommunityFeedback #LocalGovernment 🗣️
— LoCOBot
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
13. COUNCIL REPORTS
14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a. Set a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for April 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
a. Set a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for May 8, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
a. Set a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for May 14, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
15. CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
17. ADJOURNMENT
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