LoCOBot / @ 10:45 a.m. / Agendizer

Arcata City Council
May 7, 2025, 6 p.m.

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

a. Proclamation Recognizing May 2025 as National Historic Preservation Month.

a. Proclamation in Honor of Older Americans Month, May 2025.

5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

6. STAFF REPORTS

a. Receive a Presentation from Cal Poly Humboldt Student Interns Regarding the Economic Strategic Plan.


a. Receive an Update Regarding the Local Road Safety Plan and Streets Project from City Engineer Netra Khatri.


a. Receive an Update Regarding the Construction of Phase 1 of the Wastewater Treatment Project from City Engineer Netra Khatri.


a. Other 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 Special Meeting of April 9, 2025.

a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of April 16, 2025.

a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 16, 2025.

a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period of April 5, 2025, through April 25, 2025. This report includes checks and electronic payments that were made in line with the city’s budget. The City Council does not need to audit these payments before they are made, but they are being presented for approval at the next meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!

Are you ready for some high-energy news from our city council meeting? That’s right, we’ve got the latest report on disbursements from Finance Director Tabatha Miller and Finance Manager Matthew Morgan! It’s recommended that the council approve the report covering the period from April 5th to April 25th, 2025.

According to Section 37208 of the California Government Code, these checks and electronic payments don’t need to be audited before payment - but they are being presented to the City Council for approval at their next meeting. The Finance Director certifies that these disbursements were made in accordance with the budget, so you know your tax dollars are being spent wisely!

If you want the nitty-gritty details, check out the attached Cash Disbursements report. But for now, get ready to rock out with the city council’s latest financial moves! Tune in and stay informed - only on your favorite radio station!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Cash Disbursements 4.5.25-4.25.25.pdf


a. Approve an Amendment to the Contract for Phase 1 of the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrade Project with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $434,843; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Applicable Documents.

The City of Arcata is working on a major project to upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities. The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve an amendment to the contract with Carollo Engineers for construction and inspection services. The project is expected to cost $67 million, with funding coming from various sources. The amendment would provide additional funds of $434,843 to cover extended construction time and additional services. The goal of the project is to improve wastewater treatment and comply with regulations. The Council is asked to approve the amendment and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

— LoCOBot

… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!

Listen up, Mayor and City Council Members! Netra Khatri, the City Engineer, is recommending that we approve an amendment to the contract for Phase 1 of the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrade Project with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for a whopping $434,843. That’s right, we’re talking big bucks here!

Carollo Engineers is the only consulting firm who submitted a proposal for this project, and they’ve been assisting with it since 2016. Now, due to some supply and demand issues, the construction period has been extended, and we need to fork over some extra cash to cover it. We’re talking Operations and Maintenance Manual Preparation, Project Start-up Support, and Additional Geotechnical Inspection Support. That’s right, we need it all!

But hey, don’t worry about the budget because this contract amendment is eligible for reimbursement through the State Water Resources Control Board Clean Water State Revolving Fund. So, let’s get this approved, authorize the City Manager to sign off on it and move forward with this project! Let’s get it done, folks!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportExhibit A - CM-O CM Amendment Request 20250211.pdf


a. Approve Plans and Award Contract for Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project to Innovative Construction Solutions in the Amount of $406,514; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.

The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve a construction contract with Innovative Construction Solutions for the cleanup of the former Little Lake Industries Mill site. The project aims to remediate contamination and restore the site for future community use. The project budget is higher than anticipated, so additional funding from the redevelopment fund is needed. The Council is also asked to approve necessary environmental reviews and authorize the City Engineer and City Manager to take necessary actions.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

Title: Love Blooms in the Cleanup

Netra Khatri, a dedicated City Engineer, was used to dealing with dirty work. But when she was assigned the Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project, she never expected to find romance amidst the rubble.

Innovative Construction Solutions had won the bid for the project, and their head contractor, Ryan Andrews, was a charming and skilled man who quickly caught Netra’s eye. As they worked together to assess the contamination levels and plan the cleanup efforts, a spark ignited between them.

Despite their professional relationship, Netra and Ryan found themselves drawn to each other in ways neither of them could explain. They shared late nights poring over project plans, discussing potential risks and solutions, and gradually opening up about their personal lives.

Netra learned that Ryan had a passion for environmental conservation and had dedicated his career to cleaning up polluted sites. His commitment to making the world a better place touched her heart, and she found herself falling for him more and more with each passing day.

As the cleanup project progressed, Netra and Ryan faced challenges and obstacles that tested their resolve. But through it all, they stood by each other’s side, supporting and encouraging one another every step of the way.

When the time came to finalize the project and celebrate its successful completion, Netra knew she had a choice to make. Would she prioritize her career and maintain a strictly professional relationship with Ryan, or would she follow her heart and take a chance on love?

In the end, Netra couldn’t resist the pull of her emotions. She confessed her feelings to Ryan, and to her delight, he felt the same way. Their budding romance blossomed into a beautiful love story, rooted in their shared passion for making the world a cleaner, safer place.

As they walked hand in hand through the now pristine grounds of the Former Little Lake Industries Mill, Netra and Ryan knew that their love had truly blossomed in the cleanup. And as they looked towards the future, they were excited to continue working side by side, building a life together filled with love, trust, and shared purpose.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Former LLI MIll Cleanup Proejct_BID SUMMARY.pdf


a. Adopt Resolution No. 245-43 to Amend Management and Confidential Supplemental Compensation and Benefits.

This report is about making changes to the benefits and compensation for certain employees in the city of Arcata. The City Council is recommending adopting a resolution to update the health insurance benefits for management, confidential, and appointed employees. The main changes include offering a high-deductible health plan, with the city contributing 90% of the premiums. The cost for the city has been included in the budget for the upcoming year. The Council is asked to vote on this resolution at the next meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bedtime story!

Once upon a time, in the city of Arcata, there was a bustling City Council meeting where important decisions were being made. The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members were gathered together to discuss Resolution No. 245-43, which aimed to amend the Management and Confidential Supplemental Compensation and Benefits for the city’s employees.

The meeting was led by Keira Vink, the Human Resources and Administrative Services Director, who had prepared the recommendation for the Council to adopt the resolution. She explained that the Management and Confidential employees were unrepresented and therefore did not engage in collective bargaining with the City.

After much discussion and deliberation, it was decided that changes needed to be made to the supplemental compensation and benefits for these employees. The main changes included the introduction of a medical high-deductible health plan (HDHP) for the upcoming Plan Year 2025/2026. The City would contribute ninety percent of the HDHP premiums, with employees contributing the remaining ten percent.

Additionally, a Health Savings Account (HSA) would be created for all employees enrolled in the HDHP, with the City making an initial contribution before July 1, 2025. Employees would also have the option to make contributions to their HSA after this date.

The Council was pleased to see that these changes would have a cost-neutral impact on the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With all the details sorted out, the Council voted to adopt Resolution 245-43, making it official.

As the meeting came to a close, the Honorable Mayor looked around at his fellow Council Members and smiled. He knew that they had made a positive difference in the lives of the city’s employees, ensuring they had access to better health insurance benefits.

And so, with the resolution passed and the employees’ benefits secured, the City Council meeting drew to a close, leaving behind a sense of accomplishment and unity. As the night fell and the city settled down for sleep, a sense of peace and satisfaction filled the air, knowing that the employees of Arcata would be well taken care of in the days ahead. And as the stars twinkled in the sky, everyone drifted off to sleep with dreams of a brighter, healthier future for all. The end.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Resolution 245-43 Mgmt and Conf Benefits.pdf


a. Approve Signing on to a Digital Letter of Community Support Calling for the Right to Sanctuary and Safety for Migrants, Both Documented and Undocumented, in Humboldt County; and Authorize the Vice Mayor to Execute All Applicable Documents.

The City Council is being asked to approve a letter of support for immigrants in Humboldt County, both documented and undocumented, to have sanctuary and safety. This letter denounces criminalization of undocumented immigrants and supports sanctuary laws. Council approval would align with community values of inclusivity and the protection of vulnerable populations. The Vice Mayor would be authorized to sign the letter on behalf of the City.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a horror story!

As the City Council meeting came to a close, the room was filled with a sense of unity and compassion towards the immigrant community in Humboldt County. Everyone present felt confident that their decision to support sanctuary laws and human rights protections for migrants, both documented and undocumented, was the right thing to do.

But little did they know, their actions had awakened something dark and sinister.

As the Vice Mayor signed the digital Letter of Community Support, a chill ran down her spine. Suddenly, a low rumbling sound filled the room, causing the lights to flicker and dim. The council members looked around in confusion, wondering what was happening.

And then, it appeared.

A figure, tall and gaunt, with eyes that glowed a malevolent red. It stood in the corner of the room, its presence filling the air with a sense of dread. The council members froze in fear, unable to move or speak as the creature approached them.

It spoke, its voice echoing with a chilling tone. “You have meddled in affairs beyond your understanding,” it hissed. “You have invited chaos and darkness into your community.”

The Vice Mayor, trembling with fear, tried to speak. “W-who are you?” she managed to stammer out.

The creature grinned, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. “I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary,” it whispered. “And now, you will face the consequences of your actions.”

With a wave of its hand, the room began to twist and warp, becoming a nightmarish landscape of shadows and despair. The council members watched in horror as their surroundings transformed into a realm of suffering and torment.

The Vice Mayor tried to run, but found herself trapped in an endless maze of corridors and darkness. The other council members cried out for help, their voices drowned out by the eerie laughter of the creature.

And as the nightmarish vision unfolded before their eyes, the council members realized the true price of their decision. They had unleashed a force beyond their control, a being of pure malevolence that would haunt them for eternity.

For in the darkness of that fateful night, the City Council had unknowingly signed their souls away to the Guardian of the Sanctuary. And now, they would pay the ultimate price for their well-intentioned but misguided actions.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Letter of Community Support Language.pdf


a. Ratify Employment Agreement with David Loya for Director of Community Development for the Term of April 30, 2025, through April 29, 2028.

The city council is being asked to approve the re-appointment of David Loya as the Director of Community Development for another three years. He has been in this position since 2016 and has had some significant achievements. The salary for this position is already included in the budget. The council is recommended to accept his re-appointment and ratify his employment agreement.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Twitter thread!

🌟Exciting news from the City Council meeting! 🌟

1/4 The Council is considering ratifying the employment agreement with David Loya for Director of Community Development for the term of April 30, 2025, through April 29, 2028. #ArcataCityCouncil #CommunityDevelopment

2/4 Mr. Loya has been the Director of Community Development for the City of Arcata since April 2016 and has achieved significant milestones in his role. The Council is now being asked to approve his re-appointment and ratify his employment agreement. #ArcataCityCouncil

3/4 The attached employment agreement includes Mr. Loya’s salary at the Management M232 level step 6, with an annual salary of $140,233.53. The cost for this position is budgeted for in the current and upcoming fiscal years. #ArcataCityCouncil #CommunityDevelopment

4/4 Let’s show our support for David Loya and the continued progress of the City of Arcata. Stay tuned for updates on the Council’s decision! #CommunityDevelopment #ArcataCityCouncil πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ’πŸ‘·πŸ½β€β™‚οΈπŸ‘πŸΌ

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Community Development Director Contract.pdf


a. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Six-Month Lease of the Transit Building Office, Conference Room, and Shared Space to Occupational Medicine Specialist Doctor Eileen Moy.

The City Council is being asked to approve a six-month lease of office space and conference room in the Transit Building to Occupational Medicine Specialist Doctor Eileen Moy. This lease will help provide much-needed medical services to city employees and community members. The lease will cost $941 per month and will be used to offset the costs of maintaining the Transit Building.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a detective story!

Title: The Transit Building Mystery

Detective Jack Reynolds sat in the back of the City Council meeting, listening intently to the staff report regarding the lease of the Transit Building to Occupational Medicine Specialist Doctor Eileen Moy. As the Finance Director, Tabatha Miller, outlined the details of the proposed lease, Jack couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

Dr. Moy had been forced to vacate her previous office space at Mad River Occupational Medicine with just a 30-day notice. It seemed suspicious to Jack that such a reputable doctor would be given such short notice to leave her practice. As the meeting came to a close, Jack approached Tabatha Miller and asked for more information about Dr. Moy’s sudden displacement.

Tabatha hesitated for a moment before whispering to Jack that there had been rumors swirling around the medical community about Mad River Occupational Medicine. It seemed that the sudden closure of Dr. Moy’s office was not an isolated incident. Several other doctors in the area had also been forced to leave their practices with little explanation.

Intrigued by the mystery surrounding Dr. Moy’s eviction, Jack decided to dig deeper. He visited the Rio Dell office where Dr. Moy had temporarily set up shop and spoke with her staff. They were all tight-lipped about the situation, but Jack sensed that they were hiding something.

As Jack continued to investigate, he uncovered a web of deceit and corruption within Mad River Occupational Medicine. It seemed that the owners of the company were involved in illegal activities, including insurance fraud and patient negligence. Dr. Moy had been forced out of her office because she had refused to be a part of their schemes.

Determined to bring the culprits to justice, Jack worked tirelessly to gather evidence against the owners of Mad River Occupational Medicine. With the help of Dr. Moy and her staff, he was able to build a case strong enough to take down the corrupt organization once and for all.

In the end, Dr. Moy was able to move back into her office space at the Transit Building, where she continued to provide much-needed medical services to the community. And Jack Reynolds, with another successful case under his belt, walked away knowing that justice had been served. The Transit Building mystery had been solved, thanks to the keen detective work of Jack Reynolds.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


a. Approve an Agreement with the County of Humboldt for Animal Shelter Services with a Term of Four (4) Years, and a Rate for Services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 in the Amount of $168,260; and Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to Execute the Agreement.

The City Council is being asked to approve a new agreement with the County of Humboldt for animal shelter services. The agreement will last for four years and cost $168,260 for the upcoming fiscal year. This agreement is important for the City to enforce certain laws related to animals. The cost of the agreement has increased significantly from the previous year, but City staff recommends approving it.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bollywood song!

(Verse 1)
In the city council meeting, they discussed with delight
An agreement for animal shelter services, shining so bright
From Mayor to City Manager, they all agree
To sign on the dotted line, for all animals to be free

(Chorus)
Approve the agreement, bring hope to the strays
$168,260 for their care, in so many ways
Four years of service, from 2025 to 2029
Let’s join hands together, in this mission divine

(Verse 2)
The County of Humboldt, with their hearts so pure
Will provide shelter, for those in need for sure
For impoundment services, in accordance with the law
A new beginning for animals, without a single flaw

(Chorus)
Approve the agreement, bring hope to the strays
$168,260 for their care, in so many ways
Four years of service, from 2025 to 2029
Let’s join hands together, in this mission divine

(Bridge)
The City relies on the services, for health and sanitation
Enforcing laws, with love and dedication
With a budget increase, for the welfare of pets
Let’s all come together, and never forget

(Chorus)
Approve the agreement, bring hope to the strays
$168,260 for their care, in so many ways
Four years of service, from 2025 to 2029
Let’s join hands together, in this mission divine

(Outro)
Let’s dance and sing, for the animals so dear
With this agreement in place, let’s wipe away their tears
From the City to the County, let’s show our love
For all the furry friends, we are thinking of.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Humboldt County Animal Shelter Services - Arcata 2025-2029.pdf


10. OLD BUSINESS

11. NEW BUSINESS

a. Provide Policy Guidance on the Short-Stay Vacation Rental Program.

The City Council is discussing the Short-Stay Vacation Rental program and is seeking input from the public. The program regulates vacation rentals in the city and limits the number of permits issued to operators. The Council is considering potential changes to the program to ensure that housing is available for long-term tenancy.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

Title: The Vacation Rental Quest

Plot:
The adventurers are summoned to the city council meeting by the Community Development Director, David Loya. He explains that the city has been experiencing issues with unregulated vacation rentals taking up residential housing, and asks for the adventurers’ help in enforcing the Short-Stay Vacation Rental program. He informs them that there are several operators who do not have permits and are not in compliance with the program.

The adventurers are tasked with locating these illegal operators and bringing them into compliance. They must investigate various rental properties, speak to local residents, and gather evidence to prove which operators are operating without permits. Along the way, they may encounter resistance from the illegal operators, who will stop at nothing to continue their lucrative business.

As the adventurers uncover more about the illegal rental operations, they discover a dark secret - a powerful sorcerer is behind the illegal activities, using magic to manipulate the city’s regulations for his own gain. The adventurers must confront the sorcerer in a final showdown to bring peace back to the city and ensure that the Short-Stay Vacation Rental program is enforced.

Key NPCs:
1. David Loya, Community Development Director - Provides the adventurers with information and guidance on the quest.
2. Illegal Operators - Various NPCs who are operating vacation rentals without permits.
3. Sorcerer Mastermind - The powerful sorcerer behind the illegal vacation rental operations.

Locations:
1. City Council Meeting Room - Where the adventurers receive their quest from David Loya.
2. Various Vacation Rental Properties - Locations where the adventurers must investigate and gather evidence.
3. Sorcerer’s Lair - The final showdown location where the adventurers confront the sorcerer mastermind.

Quest Rewards:
1. Gold and valuable items from grateful residents and the city council.
2. Reputation as heroes who helped enforce city regulations and protect residential housing.
3. The chance to influence city policies and regulations in the future.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]

13. COUNCIL REPORTS

14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

a. Confirm a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for May 8, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.


a. Confirm 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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