LoCOBot / Friday, Aug. 15 @ 10:35 a.m. / Agendizer
Arcata City Council
Aug. 20, 2025, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a. Certificate of Appreciation for Brian Kang for His 26 Years of Service to the City of Arcata.
DOCUMENTS:
a. Proclamation Recognizing September 7–13, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Week.
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 Special Meeting of July 30, 2025.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting Study Session of July 30, 2025.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of August 6, 2025.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 6, 2025.
a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
Tabatha Miller, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, has prepared a report on disbursements for the City Council meeting on August 11, 2025. The report lists checks and electronic payments made from July 26, 2025, through August 8, 2025. The Finance Director certifies that the payments were made in accordance with the budget approved by the City Council. It is recommended that the Council approves the report on disbursements by approving the Consent Calendar.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of 'The Moe Hogan Experience'!

Moe Hogan: Alright, folks, welcome back to The Moe Hogan Experience. Today we have a special guest, the author of this document about city council disbursements, Tabatha Miller. Tabatha, thanks for being here.
Tabatha Miller: Thank you for having me, Moe.
Moe Hogan: So, Tabatha, can you break it down for our listeners? What exactly are city council disbursements and why should we care about them?
Tabatha Miller: City council disbursements are essentially the checks and electronic payments made by the city to cover expenses that were approved in the city council budget. It’s important for transparency and accountability in government spending.
Moe Hogan: Ahh, I see, keeping the government in check, I like it. But, you know, some people say there’s a lot of shady stuff that goes on with city finances, like secret siphoning of funds or kickbacks. Have you ever uncovered anything like that in your work?
Tabatha Miller: Well, we take our responsibility to the taxpayers very seriously and ensure that all expenditures are properly accounted for and authorized. We have strict policies and procedures in place to prevent any misuse of public funds.
Moe Hogan: That’s good to hear, Tabatha. I like a straight shooter. Now, you mentioned the California Government Code earlier, and I believe it was Section 37208, right?
Tabatha Miller: Yes, that’s correct.
Moe Hogan: Let me just ask my producer to look that up real quick… Hey, Steve, can you check out Section 37208 of the California Government Code for me?
Producer Steve: Actually, Moe, it looks like there’s no such section in the California Government Code. Maybe you got the number wrong?
Moe Hogan: Ah, well, you win some, you lose some, am I right? Let’s take a quick break, folks, and when we come back, I’ll tell you all about my favorite dietary supplement. Stay tuned!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Approve the Arcata Community Forest Bike Skills Park Project.
The Director of Environmental Services is recommending that the City Council approve a project to create a Bike Skills Park in the Arcata Community Forest. The park would be located near existing trails and would provide a place for mountain bikers of all skill levels to practice and improve their abilities. The project has support from the Forest Management Committee and would be completed by City staff and volunteers following industry design standards. The project is in line with the City’s goals for recreational opportunities and environmental sustainability. The project has a minimal budget impact and is expected to be implemented during the dry season.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a science-fiction story!

The year was 2045, and the city of Arcata had become a haven for mountain bikers from all over the country. The Arcata Community Forest had become a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians to enjoy. But as the sport of mountain biking grew in popularity, so did the need for more advanced trails and features.
It was during a City Council meeting in the summer of 2025 that the approval for the Arcata Community Forest Bike Skills Park Project was granted. The project aimed to create a small skills-focused area at the top of the Peanut Butter and Jump Trails, designed to cater to riders of all skill levels. The park would feature technical elements such as rock gardens, wooden drops, skinnies, and rollers - all designed to help riders hone their skills and prepare for more challenging trails.
The idea for the Bike Skills Park had originally come from a high school student and their mountain bike coach, who saw a need for more beginner-friendly features in the area. With the support of the Humboldt Composite Mountain Bike Club and the Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association, the project quickly gained traction.
Construction of the skills park began in the fall of 2025, with City staff and community volunteers working together to bring the project to life. The site, located adjacent to Trails 9 and 4, had previously been used as a log landing for forest management activities. Now, it was being transformed into a playground for mountain bikers, filled with challenging obstacles and exciting features.
As the Bike Skills Park took shape, it quickly became a popular destination for riders of all ages. The sound of tires on dirt and the whoops of excitement echoed through the trees as bikers tackled the various elements of the park. Families came out to watch, cheering on their loved ones as they conquered new challenges and pushed their limits.
But as the sun began to set on the grand opening day of the Bike Skills Park, something strange happened. A low hum filled the air, and a strange light appeared in the sky above the forest. The ground began to tremble, and a rift opened up in the earth, revealing a portal to another world.
Out of the portal emerged a group of beings unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. They were tall and slender, with shimmering skin and glowing eyes. The beings approached the gathered crowd, their movements fluid and graceful, and extended a hand in greeting.
“We are the Galaxians,” they said in unison. “We have traveled from a distant galaxy to witness the skills of your mountain bikers. We have heard tales of your Bike Skills Park and wished to see it for ourselves.”
The people of Arcata were amazed and intrigued by the visitors from another world. They showed the Galaxians around the park, explaining the various features and obstacles and even offering them a chance to try out the trails for themselves.
To everyone’s astonishment, the Galaxians turned out to be incredible riders, effortlessly navigating the challenging elements of the park with skill and grace. They seemed to float over the jumps and glide through the rock gardens, leaving the spectators in awe of their prowess.
As the night wore on, the Galaxians and the people of Arcata shared stories and laughter, forging a connection that transcended the boundaries of worlds. And as the rift in the earth closed and the strange light faded from the sky, the residents of Arcata knew that they had made new friends from beyond the stars.
From that day on, the Arcata Community Forest Bike Skills Park became not only a hub for mountain biking but also a place where worlds collided and friendships were forged. And as riders of all species came together to test their skills and push their limits, the spirit of adventure and camaraderie continued to thrive in the heart of the forest.
— LoCOBot
a. Approve the Purchase of Three 2026 Hybrid Ford Police Interceptors and Award Contract to Harper Motors in the Amount of $178,372.44, Including Tax; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
The city council is recommending the purchase of three new Hybrid Ford Police Interceptors from a local vendor to replace damaged vehicles. The cost is $178,372.44 including taxes, and the city manager is authorized to execute the necessary documents. The purchase is budgeted for in the current fiscal year and aligns with upcoming emissions regulations. The council is advised to approve this recommendation.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a World War I infantryman's letter home to his sweetheart!

My Dearest Jane,
I am writing to you from the trenches, under heavy fire from German artillery. The situation is dire, but I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I love you and how much you mean to me.
I received a letter from Emily Sinkhorn, Director of Environmental Services, regarding the City Council meeting. They are recommending the purchase of three 2026 Hybrid Ford Police Interceptors from Harper Motors. The total cost is $178,372.44, including tax.
It warms my heart to think of you back home while I am here fighting for our country. Know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I hope to return to your loving arms soon.
With all my love,
Charles
— LoCOBot
a. Adopt an Addendum to the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail Connectivity Project; Adopt Resolution No. 256-04 Accepting a Public Access Easement; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
The City Council meeting is discussing the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail Connectivity Project, which aims to create a safe walking and biking route in the city. They are recommending adopting an addendum to the initial study, accepting a public access easement, and approving necessary actions. The project has been a priority for the council for many years and has received funding from various sources. The council is also considering the environmental impact and budget implications of the project. The recommended action is consistent with the city’s general plan and is supported by the Planning Commission.
— LoCOBot

Title: Trail of Love
Chapter 1: Emily’s Proposal
Emily Sinkhorn, the Director of Environmental Services, stood nervously in front of the City Council, presenting her proposal for the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail Connectivity Project. As she spoke about the importance of the project and its benefits to the community, she couldn’t help but steal glances at the Mayor, Luke Thompson.
Luke was a handsome, charismatic man with a passion for environmental conservation. Emily had admired him from afar for years, but she had never had the courage to confess her feelings. As she finished her presentation and the Council began to discuss her proposal, she felt a surge of nervous energy.
To her surprise, the Council unanimously approved her proposal, and Luke stood up to congratulate her on her hard work. He reached out to shake her hand, and as their eyes met, Emily felt a spark of connection between them.
Chapter 2: Working Together
In the weeks that followed, Emily and Luke found themselves working closely together on the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail project. They spent long hours in the office, pouring over documents and plans, but Emily found that she didn’t mind the long hours as long as she was working alongside Luke.
As they worked together, they discovered a shared passion for the environment and a deep connection that went beyond professional admiration. They shared stories about their childhoods, their hopes and dreams for the future, and their fears about the state of the planet.
One evening, as they were walking along the proposed trail route, Emily turned to Luke and confessed her feelings for him. To her delight, he confessed that he felt the same way. They embraced under the starlit sky, knowing that their love was as strong and enduring as the trail they were working to create.
Chapter 3: A Bright Future
As construction on the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail began, Emily and Luke’s relationship blossomed. They spent their weekends exploring the natural beauty of the area, hiking along the trails and picnicking in the meadows. They were inseparable, their love growing stronger with each passing day.
When the trail was finally completed, the City Council held a grand opening ceremony to celebrate. As they stood on the newly constructed bridge, looking out over the lush landscape, Emily knew that this trail would always hold a special place in her heart. It was not just a symbol of progress and environmental stewardship, but also a symbol of her love for Luke.
As they walked hand in hand along the trail, surrounded by friends and family, Emily felt a sense of deep contentment. She knew that no matter where life took them, as long as they were together, their love would continue to bloom like the wildflowers along the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail. And so, they walked off into the sunset, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that their love would always guide them home.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Arcata Annie Mary Trail Connectivity Project Addendum.pdf • Attachment B - Resolution No. 256-04.pdf • Attachment C - Public Access Easement.pdf
10. OLD BUSINESS
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Adopt a Section 15061(b)(3) Environmental Review Exemption Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and Adopt the City Council of the City of Arcata Action Amending the Trillium Creek Planned Development Permit.
The Director of Community Development is recommending to the City Council to amend the Trillium Creek Planned Development Permit by removing the affordable housing requirement. This recommendation is based on changes in affordable housing criteria over time, smaller lot sizes in the subdivision, and previous removal of affordable housing requirements in similar projects. The amendment is exempt from environmental review and will have a negligible budget impact. The Council is being asked to open a public hearing, receive a staff report and public comments, and then adopt the recommended action.
— LoCOBot

As the City Council meeting began, two Pokemon trainers stepped forward, each ready to duel for the approval of the Trillium Creek Planned Development Permit amendment.
Trainer A, representing the developers seeking relief from the affordable housing requirement, chose to send out a powerful Garchomp. Known for its speed and strength, Garchomp roared as it prepared to battle.
Trainer B, representing the community and environmental activists opposed to the removal of the affordable housing restriction, countered with a strategic choice - an Alolan Exeggutor. This Pokemon, with its long neck and towering height, was ready to defend the importance of affordable housing in the city.
The battle began with Garchomp launching a fierce Dragon Claw attack towards Alolan Exeggutor. However, Alolan Exeggutor used its height advantage to dodge the attack and countered with a powerful Dragon Hammer, hitting Garchomp hard.
Garchomp, feeling the impact of the attack, retaliated with a devastating Earthquake, shaking the ground beneath Alolan Exeggutor. The towering Pokemon struggled to maintain its balance but stood firm, ready for its next move.
In a surprising twist, Alolan Exeggutor unleashed Solar Beam, harnessing the power of the sun to strike Garchomp with intense energy. The attack was super effective, weakening Garchomp significantly.
With both Pokemon exhausted from the intense battle, the trainers called for a ceasefire. The City Council members took note of the passion and dedication shown by both trainers in their duel. After careful consideration and public comments, the Council ultimately decided to uphold the affordable housing requirement, understanding the importance of providing housing options for low and moderate-income households in the community.
Trainer B and Alolan Exeggutor emerged victorious in the Pokemon duel, securing a win for affordable housing advocates in the city of Arcata. The developers, while disappointed, understood the Council’s decision and vowed to work within the regulations to continue their sustainable development vision for Trillium Creek.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Introduce Ordinance No. 1582 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Arcata Municipal Code Relating to Dogs at Large, Service Animals, Dog Licenses, and Dog Impoundment, Title V–Sanitation & Health, and Title X–Public Property.
The City of Arcata is proposing a new ordinance that updates laws regarding dogs in the city. The changes include new rules for dog leash requirements, recognizing and accommodating service animals, and updating dog licensing fees. The ordinance also includes exceptions for service animals in certain areas and creates leash law exemptions for them. The goal is to bring the city’s laws in line with state and federal regulations. The City Council will discuss and possibly adopt the ordinance at a meeting on September 3, 2025.
— LoCOBot

The interview panel consisted of Mayor Johnson, City Manager Merritt Perry, and Contracts and Special Projects Manager Danielle Allred. The interviewee, Samantha, was nervous but determined to impress the panel with her knowledge and experience.
Mayor Johnson started off the interview by asking Samantha about her experience with municipal code ordinances and revisions. Samantha confidently discussed her background working with local governments and her experience in drafting and implementing similar ordinances in the past.
City Manager Perry then asked Samantha how she would handle any potential pushback from the community regarding the proposed updates to the city’s dog laws. Samantha explained her approach to engaging with community members, listening to their concerns, and finding compromise when necessary.
Danielle Allred followed up with a question about Samantha’s understanding of the budgetary and fiscal implications of the proposed ordinance. Samantha dove into a detailed analysis of the existing practice exempting service animals from dog licensing fees and how it would impact the city’s finances.
As the interview wrapped up, Mayor Johnson asked Samantha how she would prioritize the various policy implications of the ordinance if she were hired for the position. Samantha outlined her plan to work closely with city officials, stakeholders, and community members to ensure that all aspects of the ordinance were addressed effectively.
Impressed by Samantha’s thorough knowledge and thoughtful responses, the panel thanked her for her time and informed her that they would be in touch with their decision soon. Samantha left the interview feeling confident in her abilities and hopeful for the opportunity to work with the city of Arcata on such an important ordinance.
— LoCOBot
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
13. COUNCIL REPORTS
14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
15. CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
17. ADJOURNMENT