Dezmond Remington / Wednesday, June 4 @ 7:46 a.m. / Agendizer
Tired of Hearing Only a Few Viewpoints, Arcata is Considering Contracting With Survey Company
File photo.
At any given meeting of Arcata’s city council, there are usually the same four to five people speaking about the same one to two things during the public comment section. Week in and week out, the same few people show up and address the city council about the same few problems — anyone showing up expecting a representative slice of Arcata’s population would leave surprised, and it can be hard to know what matters to a larger slice of the 18,000 people that live there. But that might not always be the case.
Arcata’s government is considering contracting with FlashVote, a survey company that several other California municipalities use to poll their citizens. The company claims it can have answers to questions within 48 hours of launching a poll, targeted across a wide swath of denizens and demographics. City manager Merritt Perry will report on the topic at today’s city council meeting.
“It seems like one of the interesting things about FlashVote is that you can get input from a lot of communities, rather than just those that show up to a city council meeting,” Perry said in a phone interview with the Outpost yesterday. “If you show up to a city council meeting, you might think there’s only one or two items that are very important to people, but I think there are actually a lot of people interested in a variety of topics and lots of different priorities.”
Arcata has used more traditional survey methods in the past, such as cold-calling people or sending out press releases asking people to take surveys, but that can be time-consuming and expensive, and are often skewed by response bias. Perry said one survey Arcata conducted last year cost between $30,000-$40,000. A three-year contract with FlashVote would run closer to $39,000 and would include six surveys a year, in Spanish if desired. Residents are invited to join a panel that receives up to six surveys a year and vote anonymously.
The old ways wouldn’t be tossed out entirely; FlashVote would be a supplement to those.
FlashVote isn’t clear on how they get contact information to reach out to people, but Perry thinks they may use voter rolls for demographic information.
Perry said he didn’t have one specific thing he wanted to get an opinion on, but he’s bullish about how it might be used to learn what people think about city projects and what they want out of their government.
“We’d like to serve the many,” Perry said, “And not just the noisy.”
The Arcata City Council meets at 6 p.m. at Arcata City Hall. (Special, mostly closed-session meeting begins at 5 p.m. Agenda here.) Full agenda or the regular meeting below.
Arcata City Council
June 4, 2025, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a. Proclamation in Recognition of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2025.
DOCUMENTS:
a. Proclamation Designating June 8–14, 2025, The Week of the Oyster.
a. Proclamation Recognizing June 2025 as National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
DOCUMENTS:
a. Proclamation Recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month.
DOCUMENTS:
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
a. Annual Report from the Parks and Recreation Committee.
6. STAFF REPORTS
a. Receive a Presentation Regarding FlashVote from City Manager, Merritt Perry.
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 May 14, 2025.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of May 21, 2025.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 21, 2025.
a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
The Assistant City Manager/Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve a report on disbursements for the period of May 10, 2025, through May 23, 2025. The report includes a list of checks and electronic payments made during that time. The Finance Director has certified that the payments were within the approved budget. The Council is asked to approve the report on disbursements at their next meeting by approving the Consent Calendar.
— LoCOBot
It was a quiet Thursday evening in the small town of Willow Creek, California. The City Council meeting had just concluded, and Tabatha Miller, the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, was preparing to head home for the night. But as she gathered her things and began to shut down her computer, she noticed something strange in the Disbursements Listing report she had just presented to the Council.
There, listed among the checks and electronic payments made during the two-week period, was a series of payments that she didn’t recognize. Large sums of money had been withdrawn from the city’s accounts, but there was no record of what they had been used for. Tabatha’s heart raced as she realized that something was seriously wrong.
She immediately called the Mayor and the City Council Members back to the meeting room, explaining her concerns about the mysterious disbursements. The group quickly decided to launch an investigation into the matter, appointing Tabatha as the lead detective.
As Tabatha delved deeper into the financial records, she discovered a pattern of fraudulent activity stretching back several months. Someone within the city government had been siphoning off funds for their own personal gain, using fake invoices and falsified paperwork to cover their tracks.
With the help of the local police department, Tabatha began to piece together the puzzle, following a trail of clues that led her to an unexpected suspect - the City Manager himself. It turned out that he had been embezzling money from the city’s budget, using the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle of expensive cars, fancy dinners, and luxury vacations.
Arrested and charged with fraud and theft, the City Manager’s downfall sent shockwaves through the town of Willow Creek. But Tabatha Miller, the unlikely detective, was hailed as a hero for uncovering the corruption and bringing the culprit to justice.
And as she sat in her office, reviewing the final report on the case, Tabatha couldn’t help but feel proud of herself for solving the mystery and saving her city from financial ruin. The bi-weekly report on disbursements may have seemed like a mundane task at first, but it had turned into the biggest case of her career - and one that would be remembered for years to come.
— LoCOBot
a. Adopt Ordinance No. 1578, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Chapter 3, Water, of Title VII, Public Works, of the Arcata Municipal Code.
Doug Culbert, the Deputy Director of Environmental Services, is recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1578 to update regulations related to backflow prevention and cross-connection control for the City of Arcata’s drinking water system. The ordinance will bring the city into compliance with new state regulations and establish rules and procedures to protect the public water supply from contamination. The update will have minimal impact on the city’s budget and has been budgeted for in the current fiscal year. The Council is recommended to waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
Hey there, City Council, we’ve got a recommendation
To adopt Ordinance No. 1578, a crucial regulation
Doug Culbert, Deputy Director, he’s got the details
Updating our water code to keep our system safe and sound
(Chorus)
Cross-connection control, it’s the name of the game
Preventing contamination, keeping our water tame
From backflow prevention to CCCPH regulations
We’re keeping our water clean for future generations
(Verse 2)
Back in ‘95, Ordinance No. 1239 made a change
But now we need to update to comply with the state’s range
The CCCPH regulations set the new standards high
And we’re here to ensure our water stays pure, oh my
(Chorus)
Cross-connection control, it’s the name of the game
Preventing contamination, keeping our water tame
From backflow prevention to CCCPH regulations
We’re keeping our water clean for future generations
(Bridge)
The City’s Cross Connection Control Program in place
Protecting our water, it’s a vital space
With new roles and responsibilities, we’ll be compliant
And ensure our water stays safe and giant
(Chorus)
Cross-connection control, it’s the name of the game
Preventing contamination, keeping our water tame
From backflow prevention to CCCPH regulations
We’re keeping our water clean for future generations
(Outro)
So City Council, let’s make the right decision
Approve Ordinance No. 1578 for the safety of our mission
Let’s keep our water pure and free of contamination
With cross-connection control, we’ll be a shining nation!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Adopt Ordinance No. 1579, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Adding Article 11 to Title IV, Chapter 2, Making it Unlawful for Any Person in the City to Sell, Offer, Distribute, or Provide Nitrous Oxide to Any Person.
The city council is recommending the adoption of a new ordinance that would make it illegal to sell, offer, distribute, or provide nitrous oxide in the city of Arcata. Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is being misused as a recreational drug, especially among young people, causing serious health risks. The ordinance aims to address this issue by regulating the sale and possession of nitrous oxide. If adopted, the ordinance would go into effect on July 4, 2025, with no significant impact on the city’s budget.
— LoCOBot
Once upon a time, in the magical city of Arcata, a new ordinance was being introduced to the City Council. Merritt Perry, the City Manager, stood before the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members, accompanied by Rhea Varley, the City Clerk. The ordinance in question, No. 1579, aimed to make it unlawful for any person in the city to sell, offer, distribute, or provide nitrous oxide to any person.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” had been misused as a recreational inhalant, causing harm to the residents of Arcata. Its unregulated sale and misuse, particularly by the youth, had become a pressing public health concern. The City Council believed it was crucial to address the availability and misuse of nitrous oxide by enforcing comprehensive regulations.
In a city where magic flowed through the very air, the misuse of nitrous oxide was seen as a threat to the harmony and well-being of its inhabitants. Nitrous oxide, with its intoxicating effects, posed dangers to those who used it irresponsibly. The City Council knew it had to take action to protect its citizens.
As discussions unfolded during the City Council meeting, a mysterious figure watched from the shadows. Cloaked in a dark hood, the figure listened intently to the arguments being made for and against the ordinance. Unbeknownst to the council members, this figure had a vested interest in the outcome of the vote.
The figure, known as Elara, was a powerful enchantress who had been studying the effects of nitrous oxide on the residents of Arcata. She knew that the misuse of the gas was causing harm, but she also understood its potential for good when used properly for medical or culinary purposes.
As the council prepared to vote on the ordinance, Elara stepped forward from the shadows. Her presence was met with surprise and curiosity from the council members. With a wave of her hand, she cast a spell that enveloped the room in a shimmering light.
“I understand your concerns about nitrous oxide,” Elara began, her voice echoing with magic. “But perhaps there is another way to approach this issue.”
She proposed a compromise, suggesting that the city regulate the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide more carefully rather than outright banning it. By implementing strict guidelines for its use and monitoring its sale, Arcata could harness the magic of nitrous oxide for good while preventing its misuse.
The council members were intrigued by Elara’s proposal. They saw the wisdom in her words and decided to amend the ordinance accordingly. With Elara’s guidance, the City Council crafted new regulations that balanced the need for safety with the potential benefits of nitrous oxide.
And so, in the magical city of Arcata, a new era of responsible nitrous oxide use began. Thanks to the wisdom and guidance of Elara, the residents were protected from harm while still being able to enjoy the magic of laughing gas in a safe and controlled manner. And as for Elara, she continued her work as a guardian of magic, ensuring that the balance between wonder and responsibility was upheld in the enchanted city.
— LoCOBot
a. Adopt Resolution No. 245-50, Approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Report on Measure A Special Tax for All Non-Tax-Exempt Parcels and Directing That Said Fee be Collected through the Property Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
The city council is recommending that a special tax of $37 per year per parcel be approved to fund parks, trails, and open spaces in the city. The tax was approved by voters in 2020 and is set to continue until ended by voters. The revenue from this tax will go towards maintenance, acquisition, and improvements of the city’s outdoor spaces. The council is suggesting that Resolution No. 245-50 be adopted to collect this fee through property tax rolls for the fiscal year 2025/26.
— LoCOBot
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today I come before you to share an important report from our city council regarding the Measure A Special Tax. This tax, approved by voters in November 2020, is a crucial source of funding for the stewardship and maintenance of our city’s parks, trails, forests, and open spaces.
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the earth and to care for God’s creation. This Measure A tax allows us to fulfill that calling by providing the necessary resources to protect and enhance our natural surroundings.
The revenue generated from this tax funds a wide range of projects, including park improvements, trail construction, and habitat restoration. These projects not only benefit our community, but also serve as a testimony to our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to support Resolution No. 245-50 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Annual Report on Measure A Special Tax. By doing so, we are not only fulfilling our civic duty, but also living out our faith in a tangible way.
Let us continue to be faithful stewards of God’s creation, working together to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for our city. May we be guided by the principles of love, compassion, and responsibility as we make decisions that impact our environment and our community.
In closing, let us pray for wisdom, discernment, and unity as we move forward in support of this important measure. May our actions reflect the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to care for one another and for the world He has entrusted to our care.
Amen.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Measure A Annual Report 25 • Attachment B - Resolution No. 245-50 Measure A Property Tax Assessment 25
a. Approve the Purchase of In-Car Cameras for Police Vehicles Including Implementation, Hardware, and a Five-Year Subscription Service from Motorola in the Amount of $164,934; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
The City Manager is recommending that the City Council approves the purchase of new in-car cameras for police vehicles from Motorola. The current cameras are old and need to be replaced. The new cameras will work with the existing body-worn cameras used by the Arcata Police Department, and will ensure transparency, effectiveness, and accountability. The total cost is $164,934, to be paid over five years. The Council is asked to authorize the purchase and allow the City Manager to sign all necessary documents.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!
Are you ready to support our local police department in keeping our community safe and secure? The City Council is proposing to approve the purchase of thirteen Motorola M500 in-car cameras for police vehicles, ensuring that our officers have the latest technology to document their interactions on the job.
With a total cost of $164,934, this investment will not only provide reliable video documentation but also integrate seamlessly with the existing Motorola body-worn camera platform. This means greater transparency, operational effectiveness, and accountability for our dedicated law enforcement officers.
So let’s show our support for our police department by approving this essential purchase. Contact your City Council members today and urge them to vote in favor of this proposal. Let’s keep our community safe and secure with the latest in-car camera technology from Motorola. Vote yes for our police and our community’s safety!
— LoCOBot
a. Approve an Amendment to the Contract for the Isaacson Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (STI) Improvement Project-Phase 2 with R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc. in the Amount of $83,793; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Applicable Documents.
The City Council is being asked to approve additional funding for a project to improve transportation infrastructure in the city, focusing on pedestrian accessibility and safety. The project is funded by a grant and the additional funds will be used to complete further sidewalk improvements in the area. It is recommended that the Council approve the funding and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!
CAMPAIGN TITLE: The Quest for Pedestrian Connectivity
CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW:
The city of Arcata is undergoing a massive infrastructure improvement project known as the Isaacson Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (STI) Improvement Project-Phase 2. As adventurers in the realm of Arcata, your party is called upon to explore the city and assist in ensuring the safety and accessibility of pedestrian pathways. As you delve into this quest, you will encounter obstacles, puzzles, and challenges that will test your skills and teamwork. Will you be able to navigate the city and complete the project in time, or will chaos reign in the streets?
QUEST OBJECTIVES:
1. Investigate the current state of pedestrian pathways in Arcata and identify areas in need of improvement.
2. Discover the source of any disruptions or obstacles affecting pedestrian connectivity in the city.
3. Assist the city engineers in implementing the necessary improvements to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.
4. Defend the city against any threats or creatures that may try to disrupt the construction efforts.
LOCATIONS TO EXPLORE:
1. Sorrel Place multi-family housing development: A bustling residential area where many residents rely on pedestrian pathways to access transit services and other key destinations.
2. City streets and sidewalks: Navigate through the busy streets and sidewalks of Arcata, encountering various challenges along the way.
3. Construction sites: Assist the R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc. in completing sidewalk improvements and infrastructure upgrades throughout the city.
CHARACTERS TO INTERACT WITH:
1. Netra Khatri, City Engineer: A dedicated engineer leading the STI Improvement Project, seeking your assistance in completing the project successfully.
2. David Caisse, Assistant City Engineer: A skilled engineer working alongside Netra Khatri to ensure the project’s completion.
3. Mara Grow, Administrative Specialist: A helpful ally who provides information and support to your party throughout the quest.
4. R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc. workers: Hardworking laborers who rely on your guidance and protection as they work on improving the city’s infrastructure.
REWARDS:
1. Gold and treasure: Discover hidden loot and rewards as you navigate through the city streets and complete construction tasks.
2. Experience points: Gain valuable experience points as you overcome obstacles and challenges, leveling up your characters’ skills.
3. Reputation and fame: Earn recognition for your heroic deeds in assisting the city of Arcata with its infrastructure improvements.
Are you ready to embark on the Quest for Pedestrian Connectivity and help ensure the safety and accessibility of Arcata’s streets? Gather your party and prepare to explore the city in this thrilling Dungeons and Dragons campaign!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Approve Sponsorship in an Amount Equivalent to the Plaza Event Fees of $2,575 for the Arcata Chamber of Commerce’s 4th of July Jubilee to be Held on the Arcata Plaza on July 4, 2025.
The city is recommending that the City Council approve a sponsorship of $2,575 for the Arcata Chamber of Commerce’s 4th of July event. The event is important for the community and brings people together for a day of celebration. The city has set aside money to support events like this, and the funds for this sponsorship would come from that budget. The Council is asked to vote on this sponsorship as part of the Consent Calendar.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!
Title: Scooby Doo and the Mystery of the Missing Fireworks
[The gang is driving the Mystery Machine through the city of Arcata, excited to attend the 4th of July Jubilee on the Arcata Plaza. As they approach, they notice a sense of excitement in the air and the colorful decorations lining the streets.]
Velma: Looks like this is going to be a great event, guys!
Shaggy: Like, I can’t wait to dig into some of that festival food!
Fred: Let’s find a parking spot and then we can start exploring.
[As they park the Mystery Machine and start walking towards the Plaza, they see a group of people gathered around a poster advertising the event.]
Daphne: What’s going on over there?
[The gang walks over to the crowd and sees the poster has been torn and has a note attached to it.]
Scooby: Ruh-roh, what does it say?
[Velma picks up the note and reads it out loud.]
Velma: “Attention citizens of Arcata. The fireworks for tonight’s jubilee have been stolen. Find them before it’s too late!”
Fred: Looks like we have a mystery on our hands, gang. Let’s split up and search for clues.
[The gang splits up and starts searching the area for any signs of the missing fireworks. Scooby and Shaggy head towards the food vendors, while Fred, Velma, and Daphne investigate the stage area.]
Scooby: Like, I don’t see any clues here, Scoob. Just lots of delicious food.
Shaggy: Let’s keep looking, maybe we’ll find something by the beer garden.
[Meanwhile, Fred notices something unusual near the stage.]
Fred: Look at this, guys. It’s a set of footprints leading towards the back of the stage.
Velma: And it looks like they lead to that dark alley over there. Let’s follow them.
[The gang follows the footprints into the alley and finds a group of suspicious-looking individuals unloading boxes from a truck.]
Daphne: Those must be the stolen fireworks!
Fred: We need to call the police and stop them from setting them off.
[The gang quickly alerts the police, who arrive and apprehend the thieves before they can set off the stolen fireworks. The fireworks are returned to the event organizers just in time for the jubilee.]
Mayor: Thank you, Mystery Inc., for solving the mystery of the missing fireworks and saving our 4th of July celebration.
[The crowd cheers and applauds as the fireworks light up the night sky, and the gang celebrates their successful mystery solving.]
Velma: Another mystery solved by Mystery Inc.!
Scooby: Scooby-Dooby-Doo!
— LoCOBot
10. OLD BUSINESS
a. Consider Approving an Amendment to the Bike Share Program Contract with Tandem Mobility, LLC for Two Additional Stations in the City Limits for an Added Amount Not to Exceed $20,000 per Program Year.
The City Engineer is recommending that the City Council approve an amendment to the existing Bike Share Program contract with Tandem Mobility, LLC to add two additional bike stations in the city limits for an added cost of $20,000 per year. The current contract was awarded in 2021, and the program has been successful with 40 bikes, 1,618 active users, and an average of 2,596 rentals per year. The new stations will be funded through various sources and will increase accessibility to the bike share program. This amendment is exempt from environmental review and has no additional budgetary impact. The City Council is advised to approve the amendment during the upcoming meeting.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a town crier's speech!
Hear ye, hear ye! The City Council Meeting report for June 4, 2025, hath been delivered by the honorable City Engineer, Netra Khatri. The recommendation before thee is to consider approving an amendment to the Bike Share Program contract with Tandem Mobility, LLC for two additional stations within our fair city limits, for an added amount not to exceed $20,000 per program year.
Let it be known that the City of Arcata currently enjoys a thriving bike share program, with 40 bikes in circulation and 1,618 active users. The program hath seen a significant increase in usage over the years, with an average of 2,596 rentals per year. The proposal before thee seeks to add two new stations to expand this beloved program even further.
In the past, our bike share program hath faced challenges, including a temporary discontinuation due to unforeseen circumstances. However, through the partnership with Tandem Mobility, we hath been able to resurrect and improve upon this valuable service for our community and the students of Cal Poly Humboldt.
The proposed locations for the new stations have been carefully chosen to provide convenient access to high-traffic areas, including residential developments, bus stops, and transportation hubs. These new stations will enhance the accessibility and reach of our bike share program, further promoting sustainable and eco-friendly modes of transportation within our city.
Therefore, I implore thee, honorable Mayor and City Council Members, to heed the recommendation before thee and approve this amendment to the Bike Share Program contract. Let us continue to support and invest in initiatives that promote a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for our beloved city of Arcata. Thank you for your attention and consideration. May the wheels of progress keep turning in our fair city!
— LoCOBot
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Appoint One New Member to the Board of Appeals.
DOCUMENTS:
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
13. COUNCIL REPORTS
14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a. Confirm a Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission for June 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
a. Schedule a Joint Study Session with the Board of Directors for the Arcata Fire District for July 30, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
15. CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
17. ADJOURNMENT
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