LoCOBot / @ 12:10 p.m. / Agendizer

Arcata City Council
Oct. 15, 2025, 6 p.m.

1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS

5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE

a. Annual Report from the Transportation Safety Committee.

6. STAFF REPORTS

a. Receive an Update from the Deputy Director of Community Development, Jennifer Dart, Regarding the City of Arcata's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Methodology.


a. Receive a Presentation from Bartle Wells Associates on the Results of the City of Arcata Water and Wastewater Rate Study.

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 October 1, 2025.

a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 1, 2025.

a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.

Tabatha Miller, the Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, recommends that the City Council approve the report on disbursements for the period of September 20, 2025, through October 3, 2025. This report includes a listing of checks and electronic payments that have been made in accordance with the city’s adopted budget. The Council is asked to approve this report as part of the Consent Calendar at their next meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

“I tell ya, I never get any respect. They don’t even audit my checks before they pay ‘em out. They just hand ‘em over like I’m some kind of budget rockstar.”

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Cash Disbursements 10.6.pdf


a. Approve the D Street Linear Park Exercise Equipment Enhancement Project.

The Director of Environmental Services is recommending that the City Council approve the D Street Linear Park Exercise Equipment Enhancement Project. The project will replace and expand outdated exercise equipment at the park, create an ADA-accessible picnic area, and include more durable surfacing. The improvements will provide more recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and will be completed by City staff with minimal ground disturbance. The project qualifies for a Class 4 environmental review, as it involves minor alterations to existing parkland. The funding for the project is already included in the Parks Fund budget for the fiscal year. The Council is asked to approve the project at their upcoming meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between Beavis and Butt-head!

Beavis: Uh, hey Butt-head, have you ever used one of those exercise equipment thingies at the park?

Butt-head: Uh, yeah Beavis, like, once. I think it was the uh, pull-up bar or something. It was pretty cool.

Beavis: Yeah, I think I remember trying to do a pull-up on one of those. It was hard. I kept slipping off.

Butt-head: Yeah, that sounds about right, Beavis. But hey, I think they’re gonna put in some new exercise stuff at the D Street Linear Park.

Beavis: Whoa, really? That’s cool. Maybe we should go check it out when they’re done.

Butt-head: Yeah, I guess. I mean, it’s just like, some new workout station and stuff. But it might be fun to try out.

Beavis: Yeah, I could totally see us, like, getting super ripped at the park with all that new equipment.

Butt-head: Uh, yeah, maybe. Or we could, like, just sit on the bench and watch other people use it.

Beavis: Huh huh, yeah. That’s a good idea too. Let’s go do that. Uh huh huh huh.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. D Street Exercise Equipment Concept Design.pdfB. Combination Product Sheet.pdfC. Leg Lift Product Sheet.pdf


a. Approve a Letter of Support Urging the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to Approve a Modification to the Conditional Use Permit Held by Ridgefield Events.

The City Manager is recommending that the City Council approve a letter supporting the Humboldt County Planning Commission’s decision to modify the Conditional Use Permit held by Ridgefield Events. This modification will allow Ridgefield Weddings & Events to offer weekend packages, with potential positive effects on the City of Arcata. The Council is urged to approve the letter to align with community values and support local businesses. There is no budget impact and the Council is asked to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!

(Verse 1)
I saw that letter sitting on your desk
A plea for support, a final request
To let Ridgefield Events offer more
But it’s tearing at my heart, down to the core

(Chorus)
Oh, the city council’s decision weighs heavy on my soul
I know it’s just a letter, but it’s taking its toll
To see Ridgefield Events thrive while I’m left behind
Leaves me feeling empty, oh so blind

(Verse 2)
I know they say it’s good for the town
But all I feel is my world crashing down
Weekend packages for happy brides
While I’m left here with tears in my eyes

(Chorus)
Oh, the city council’s decision weighs heavy on my soul
I know it’s just a letter, but it’s taking its toll
To see Ridgefield Events thrive while I’m left behind
Leaves me feeling empty, oh so blind

(Bridge)
I drive by that venue every day
And the pain just won’t go away
I see the joy in their eyes, the love so true
But all I feel is the ache of missing you

(Chorus)
Oh, the city council’s decision weighs heavy on my soul
I know it’s just a letter, but it’s taking its toll
To see Ridgefield Events thrive while I’m left behind
Leaves me feeling empty, oh so blind

(Outro)
So I’ll drive away from this town
With the letter of support weighing me down
And maybe someday, I’ll find peace
But for now, I’ll let the heartache never cease.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A – Letter of Support.pdf


a. Award a Contract in the amount of $115,190 to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. for CEQA/NEPA Services for the Roger’s Garage Affordable Housing Project; Authorize a 10% Increase for Contingencies; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.

The Community Development Director recommends awarding a contract to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. for CEQA/NEPA services for the Roger’s Garage Affordable Housing Project. The City released a Request for Proposals and HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. provided the best response. The contract price may be increased by up to 10% for contingencies. The work will be funded by the applicant or Community Development Block Grant Program Income. The City Council is recommended to approve the contract award.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a fantasy story!

In the city of Arcata, a magical aura surrounded the Roger’s Garage Affordable Housing Project. The city council had just awarded a contract to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. to conduct all necessary environmental studies for the project. Little did they know, there was more to this project than met the eye.

As the consultants from HELIX began their work, they started to notice strange occurrences. Plants seemed to grow faster in the area designated for the affordable housing complex, and animals were unusually drawn to the site. The lead consultant, a young wizard named Elara, couldn’t shake the feeling that something magical was at play.

One night, as Elara was reviewing the environmental impact report, she noticed strange symbols hidden within the text. Intrigued, she decided to investigate further. Using her magic, she uncovered a powerful enchantment surrounding the project site. It seemed that the land itself was alive, and it was calling out for help.

Elara gathered her team of consultants and together they delved deeper into the mystery. It was revealed that the land was once home to a powerful enchanted forest, but it had been destroyed to make way for the Roger’s Garage. The spirits of the forest were angry and sought to reclaim their home.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Elara proposed a new plan to the city council. Instead of building the affordable housing complex, she suggested creating a sustainable magical forest in its place. The council was hesitant at first, but Elara’s passion and conviction won them over.

With the help of her team and the spirits of the enchanted forest, Elara began to work her magic. Trees sprung up overnight, flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, and animals returned to frolic in the new magical forest. The once barren land was transformed into a lush paradise, and the city of Arcata was forever changed.

The Roger’s Garage Affordable Housing Project had become something far greater than anyone could have imagined. It was now a sanctuary for all creatures magical and mundane, a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the land.

As the city council gathered to celebrate the completion of the project, Elara smiled, knowing that she had truly made a difference. The magic of the enchanted forest would live on for generations to come, a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. And so, the Roger’s Garage Affordable Housing Project became a legend in the city of Arcata, a tale of magic and wonder that would be told for years to come.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportA. CEQA-NEPA Serivces Proposals Scoring Summary.pdfB. HELIX Cost Proposal.pdf


10. OLD BUSINESS

a. Initiate Adoption of the Comprehensive Update to the City’s Local Coastal Program - Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Guidelines Section 15265.

The City Council is being asked to make updates to the Local Coastal Program, which has not been updated since 1994. The Coastal Commission staff has recommended changes that need to be addressed before adoption. The Council is being recommended to continue the hearing to March 4, 2026, to allow for collaboration between City and Coastal staff. This update will establish policies for development and land use in the coastal zone. The update is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The recommended action will have minimal financial impact.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!

Merv “The Beast” Tarkington: Welcome back, folks, to the Merv “The Beast” Tarkington Show, where we’re not afraid to tell it like it is! Today, we’re diving into a hot topic from the City Council meeting - the update to the City’s Local Coastal Program.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear about the government getting involved in land use and development decisions, I start to get a little worried. Who are these bureaucrats to tell us what we can and can’t do with our own land? It’s just another power grab by the elites who think they know better than us regular folks.

And let’s talk about this so-called “sea level rise resiliency and adaptation.” I don’t know about you, but I’m not buying into the fear mongering about climate change. The earth has been changing for millions of years, and we’re supposed to believe that we can stop it by restricting land use? Give me a break!

And don’t even get me started on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These environmental regulations are nothing more than a way for the government to control every aspect of our lives. We don’t need their permission to use our own land!

So, my recommendation to the City Council is this: reject this update to the Local Coastal Program. Stand up for property rights and individual freedom. Let’s not let the government dictate what we can do with our own land. Stand strong, Arcata, and say no to government overreach!

That’s all the time we have for today, folks. Tune in next time for more hard-hitting conservative commentary from yours truly, Merv “The Beast” Tarkington. Stay strong, stay free, and God bless America!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - LCP Letter from the Arcata Fire District Board.pdf


11. NEW BUSINESS

a. Consider Approving a Memorandum of Understanding for the Fall 2025 to Spring 2027 Choose Humboldt Campaign; and Consider Approving a $5,000 Contribution to Financially Support the Campaign.

The City Council meeting is discussing supporting the Choose Humboldt campaign, which encourages people to shop locally. The campaign includes a Shop Humboldt Passport with rewards for supporting local businesses. The council is being asked to approve a $5,000 contribution to fund the campaign. The funds would come from the Community Projects account. It is recommended that the council approves the contribution and supports the campaign.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Robert Burns poem!

Ode tae the City Council Members Fair,
Listen tae Tabatha Miller’s care,
A memorandum tae consider, aye,
For the Choose Humboldt Campaign by day.

Humboldt Made, they come the plea,
For a contribution tae be free,
$5,000 they be askin’ for,
Tae support the cause and much more.

Shop, dine, and explore local pride,
When we choose local, we stride,
United we stand, strong and true,
Growin’ together, through and through.

Humboldt Made, frae 2010,
Supportin’ businesses - a gem,
Networking and collaboration strong,
A sustainable economy all along.

Marketers, advocates, they be,
Helpin’ businesses succeed, ye see,
Artisans, makers, small and grand,
Thriving in Humboldt’s fair land.

Phase One of the Campaign, Shop Humboldt Passport,
Branding refreshed, aye, a new sort,
Digital app rewardin’ those who shop,
Encouragin’ local buys, do not stop.

Increase awareness, strengthen the local store,
Foundation for campaigns, we’ll adore,
Supportin’ with funds, the City of Arcata,
Together we’ll grow, strong and beta.

Aye, consider the recommendation,
Support the campaign, with a celebration,
Choose Humboldt, Choose local, aye,
For a better future we’ll all hae.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment A - Choose Humboldt Funding Proposal - ACC.pptx.pdfAttachment B - Draft Arcata of MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU).pdfAttachment C - Choose Humboldt Campaign Funding Proposal _ACC.pdf


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


Lately on LoCO

© 2025 Lost Coast Communications Contact: news@lostcoastoutpost.com.