Dezmond Remington / Today @ 1:25 p.m. / Agendizer
A New Mayor Will be Chosen Tonight at Arcata City Council
File photo.
Alex Stillman’s reign as mayor of Arcata is ending. Tonight, a special city council meeting will convene to decide on a new mayor and a new vice mayor — and we already know who it’ll be.
Both of the new appointees will serve for one year, until next December when the process will repeat again. Both positions are mainly ceremonial, and don’t exercise the same authority an official in a “strong mayor” system does; many of the most important executive functions of City Hall are fulfilled by the city manager.
Under Arcata’s municipal laws, in addition to their regular functions as a city councilmember (and a raft of more minute duties), a mayor can:
- Act as chair for every city council meeting;
- Set agendas;
- Declare special meetings;
- And “facilitate discussion, gauge direction, and listen for majority support prior to calling a vote,” according to the city officials’ protocol manual.
The mayor does not possess any veto power. Mayors are allowed to make and second motions under California law, but, according to the protocol manual, Arcata tradition discourages this.
Vice mayors step in as a replacement if the mayor is unable to attend a meeting, or if they resign the position.
Tonight’s discussion about who to elect to the position of mayor is unlikely to be a rancorous or long one: It’ll be Vice Mayor Kimberley White. The city council takes turns taking the helm. The vice mayor becomes the mayor, and the member with the most continuous experience on the council is appointed to the vice mayor position (unless they’re currently the mayor). If there’s a tie for longevity, whoever got the most votes when they were elected gets the spot.
Doing it a different way requires the assent of a majority of the council.
Councilmembers will also decide tonight how to split up posts on the 14 different boards, committees and commissions they serve on.
The meeting is tonight at 5:30 in the council chambers at City Hall, 736 F Street. It’ll also be on Zoom and streamed live on YouTube.
Arcata City Council
Dec. 11, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
The report is about the city’s spending for the period of November 8, 2025, to November 21, 2025. The Assistant City Manager/Finance Director recommends that the City Council approve the report on disbursements. The report includes a list of checks and electronic payments made during that time that were in line with the city’s budget. The City Council is asked to approve the report at their next meeting.
— LoCOBot
Once upon a time, in the mystical city of Auroria, the City Council was gathered for their bi-weekly meeting. The room was filled with the hum of magical energy as the council members took their seats. Tabatha Miller, the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, rose to present her report on disbursements.
“Dear Mayor and esteemed council members,” Tabatha began, “I bring to you the report on disbursements for the period of November 8, 2025, through November 21, 2025. It is recommended that the Council approve this report listing the checks and electronic payments that have been made.”
As she spoke, a shimmering light surrounded the report, showcasing the checks and payments that had been made during the specified time frame. The Council members murmured among themselves, studying the information presented before them.
“It is certified that these disbursements were drawn in payment of demands that align with our city’s adopted budget,” Tabatha continued. “Therefore, I recommend that the Council approve this report on disbursements by adding it to the Consent Calendar.”
The Mayor nodded, his eyes flashing with magical energy. “I move to approve the report on disbursements for the period of November 8, 2025, through November 21, 2025. Do I have a second?”
A council member raised her hand, her own eyes glowing with ancient wisdom. “I second the motion,” she said.
With a unanimous vote, the Council approved the report on disbursements, allowing the magical energy within the room to settle and dissipate. The checks and payments had been accounted for, ensuring that the city’s budget remained balanced and in order.
As the meeting concluded, Tabatha gathered her papers and made her way back to her office. Little did she know, her meticulous attention to detail in managing the city’s finances had caught the eye of a powerful sorcerer who lurked in the shadows.
Impressed by Tabatha’s dedication and skill, the sorcerer approached her with an offer to join his ranks and harness her financial prowess for his own nefarious purposes. Tabatha, sensing the dark energy emanating from the sorcerer, refused, knowing that her loyalty lay with the city of Auroria and its residents.
Undeterred, the sorcerer unleashed a wave of dark magic, trapping Tabatha within a swirling vortex of shadows. But just as all hope seemed lost, the Council members, sensing the disturbance in the magical balance, joined together in a powerful spell to banish the sorcerer from their midst.
With a blinding flash of light, the sorcerer was vanquished, and Tabatha was freed from his grasp. From that day on, she was hailed as a hero of Auroria, her name synonymous with bravery and integrity.
And so, the city of Auroria continued to thrive under the watchful eye of the City Council, united in their commitment to protect their realm from dark forces and uphold the values of honor and justice for all who called it home.
— LoCOBot
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Elect a Mayor and Vice Mayor Pursuant to Arcata Municipal Code Section 2020.
The City Manager is recommending that the City Council elect a new Mayor and Vice Mayor for a one-year term, as required by the Arcata Municipal Code. This decision is made at a special meeting held annually in December. There is no financial impact with this action. The Council should follow the guidance outlined in the City Council’s Protocol Manual when selecting the Mayor and Vice Mayor.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!
The city of Arcata is in turmoil as the time has come to elect a new Mayor and Vice Mayor. The citizens are divided on who should lead their city, and tensions are high as election day approaches. Rumors swirl around the city, with whispers of corruption and backdoor deals being made to secure the coveted positions.
As the adventurers arrive in Arcata, they are immediately thrust into the chaos surrounding the election. They witness passionate speeches from candidates, heated debates between supporters, and even a few skirmishes breaking out in the streets. It is clear that whoever is elected will have a difficult road ahead in uniting the city.
The adventurers soon learn that dark forces are at work behind the scenes, hoping to manipulate the election for their own nefarious purposes. A powerful sorcerer is secretly pulling the strings, using mind control spells to sway the opinions of key voters and ensure their chosen candidate wins.
It is up to the adventurers to uncover the sorcerer’s plot and put a stop to their meddling. They must navigate the political intrigue of Arcata, gathering evidence and allies to help them take down the sorcerer before it’s too late. Along the way, they will face challenges both physical and mental, as they interrogate suspects, decipher clues, and engage in epic battles to protect the democratic process.
In the end, the adventurers must make a difficult choice: do they reveal the sorcerer’s actions to the public, potentially causing even more chaos and division in the city? Or do they confront the sorcerer quietly, risking their own lives to protect the election and ensure that the will of the people prevails?
As the dust settles and a new Mayor and Vice Mayor are elected, the adventurers can only hope that their actions have helped to restore peace and order to the once tumultuous city of Arcata. But they know that in the world of politics, the struggle for power is never truly over.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Arcata Municipal Code, Title II, Chapter 1.pdf • Attachment B - Excerpt from City Officials
a. Consider Council Member Assignments to Regional Boards, Committees, and Commissions, and as Liaisons for 2026.
The City Council is reviewing which council members should represent them on various regional boards and committees in 2026. They will decide whether to continue sending representatives and make new appointments. The selection is based on availability, experience, interest, and time served on the council. There is no cost associated with this decision.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!
Are you ready to make a difference in our community? The City Council is looking for dedicated individuals to represent our city on regional boards, committees, and commissions for 2026! This is your chance to have a real impact on key decisions that shape our city’s future.
City Manager Merritt Perry and City Clerk Rhea Varley are calling on all energetic, motivated citizens to step up and take on this important responsibility. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it loud and clear in these regional meetings.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in our city’s future. Contact City Hall today to learn more about how you can get involved and be a part of the change our community needs. Together, we can make a difference!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Committee Commission Liaison Appointments 2026 with blanks.pdf
7. ADJOURNMENT
CLICK TO MANAGE