LoCOBot / Today @ 11:10 a.m. / Agendizer
Arcata City Council
Feb. 18, 2026, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
a. Receive Annual Report from the Historic Landmarks Committee.
DOCUMENTS:
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 February 4, 2026.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 4, 2026.
a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
Tabatha Miller, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, recommends that the City Council approve the report on disbursements for the period of January 24, 2026, through February 6, 2026. This report includes a list of checks and electronic payments that have been made, all of which conform to the city’s budget. The Council is asked to approve this report as part of the Consent Calendar at their next meeting.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Brazilian carnival song!
Os pagamentos foram feitos
De acordo com o orçamento aprovado
Agora é hora de celebrar
No carnaval do meu amado
Aprovem o relatório
Dos desembolsos realizados
Na reunião do conselho
Será tudo comemorado
Chegou a hora do Carnaval
De dançar e aproveitar
Com samba no pé
Ninguém vai parar de sambar
A alegria está no ar
E nós vamos festejar
No ritmo da batucada
Nós vamos nos embalar
Então vamos comemorar
Neste belo dia especial
No Carnaval brasileiro
É festa sem igual.
— LoCOBot
a. Adopt Resolution No. 256-38 Extending the Local Emergency Caused by the Downtown Fire on January 2, 2026.
The city council is being asked to extend the local emergency caused by a downtown fire on January 2, 2026. The fire destroyed several buildings and had environmental impacts, including potentially affecting water quality in Humboldt Bay. The city has incurred costs related to the response efforts, and property owners and businesses have suffered significant damages. It is recommended that the council adopts a resolution to continue addressing the ongoing impacts of the fire.
— LoCOBot
In a city gripped by tragedy, one incident changes everything. Join the City Council of Arcata as they face their biggest challenge yet in the wake of a devastating downtown fire. Watch as Assistant City Manager Tabatha Miller leads the charge to extend the local emergency, battling against the clock and the elements to protect their community.
With businesses destroyed, homes lost, and a looming threat to the environment, the council must make tough decisions to ensure the safety and recovery of Arcata. Will they be able to navigate the complexities of managing a crisis of this scale? Can they rally their resources and work together to overcome the aftermath of the fire?
From the initial response to the ongoing recovery efforts, witness the dedication, resilience, and determination of the city’s leaders in the face of adversity. Don’t miss the gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and unity in “City on Fire: The Arcata Emergency Meeting.” Coming soon to theaters near you.
— LoCOBot
a. Approve a Lease Agreement with Robert L. Figas for a Portion of the 4700 West End Road Property; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Emily Sinkhorn, the Director of Environmental Services, is recommending that the City Council approve a lease agreement with Robert L. Figas for a portion of the 4700 West End Road property. This property is currently not being utilized by the city and Figas proposes to use it for storing equipment and accessing a future trail. The revenue from this lease will be used to support management of city facilities. The City Manager will be authorized to execute the necessary documents if the Council approves the recommendation.
— LoCOBot
(Scene opens in the City Council chamber, with Mayor Thompson presiding and Council Members sitting at their respective desks. Emily Sinkhorn stands at the podium, addressing the Council.)
Emily Sinkhorn: “Thank you, Mayor Thompson and esteemed Council Members. Today, I come before you to recommend the approval of a lease agreement with Robert L. Figas for a portion of the 4700 West End Road property. This lease agreement would allow Mr. Figas to utilize approximately 10,107 square feet at the southern portion of the property for storage of equipment and for ingress/egress, in order to minimize potential impacts to the future Annie & Mary Trail.”
Mayor Thompson: “Thank you, Ms. Sinkhorn. Council Members, any questions or comments on this proposed lease agreement?”
Council Member Jacobs: “Ms. Sinkhorn, can you elaborate on the benefits of entering into this lease agreement with Mr. Figas?”
Emily Sinkhorn: “Certainly, Council Member Jacobs. By allowing Mr. Figas to utilize this portion of the property, we are not only generating revenue for the City, but also ensuring that the future Annie & Mary Trail is protected from potential impacts. This lease agreement will also provide Mr. Figas with the space he needs for his operations, which are located adjacent to our property.”
Council Member Brown: “What steps have been taken to ensure that Mr. Figas will comply with the terms of the lease agreement?”
Emily Sinkhorn: “We have conducted thorough background checks on Mr. Figas and have included strict terms in the lease agreement regarding the use of the property. Additionally, the lease will operate on a month-to-month basis, giving both parties the flexibility to terminate with 30 days’ notice if needed.”
Mayor Thompson: “Thank you, Ms. Sinkhorn. Council Members, I now call for a vote on the recommendation to approve the lease agreement with Robert L. Figas for a portion of the 4700 West End Road property. All in favor?”
(All Council Members raise their hands in agreement.)
Mayor Thompson: “The motion is carried. The lease agreement with Robert L. Figas is approved. Thank you, Ms. Sinkhorn, for your presentation.”
(The scene fades as the Council members continue their meeting.)
— LoCOBot
a. Approve a $2,500 Sponsorship for Bright and Green to Provide Reusable Dishware at Community Events, Including the Saturday Arcata Farmers’ Markets.
The Assistant City Manager is recommending that the City Council approve a $2,500 sponsorship for Bright & Green to provide reusable dishware at community events in Arcata, including the Farmers’ Market. This supports waste reduction initiatives and aligns with state mandates. The funding would come from the Community Projects budget. This partnership would help reduce reliance on single-use materials and support local workforce development and green job creation. The council is encouraged to approve the sponsorship.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!
Are you ready to make a positive impact in our community? Join us in supporting Bright & Green and their mission to reduce waste and promote sustainability in Arcata!
Imagine a world where every community event, including the Saturday Arcata Farmers’ Market, is free from single-use materials and filled with reusable dishware. With your help, we can make this vision a reality.
By approving a $2,500 sponsorship for Bright & Green, you are taking a proactive step towards compliance with state-mandated waste prevention laws and supporting local economic development initiatives. This partnership will not only benefit our environment but also create green job opportunities and support non-profit organizations in our community.
Let’s show our commitment to environmental stewardship and take the lead in building a zero-waste future. Vote for the $2,500 sponsorship for Bright & Green on the consent calendar at the next City Council meeting. Together, we can make a difference!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Approve an Amendment to the Agreement for Franchise Agreement Negotiation Assistance with CSG Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $20,000 with a Term Extended to October 31, 2026; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
The city is working with a consulting company called CSG Consultants to update an agreement with a waste management company called Recology. This agreement is necessary to comply with state environmental regulations. The city council is being asked to approve an extension of the consulting agreement and provide additional funding to support the negotiation process. This will help ensure that the city’s waste management services remain compliant, efficient, and cost-effective for the community. The funding for this project comes from a solid waste fund and a grant from CalRecycle.
— LoCOBot
Socrates: Greetings, my dear friends. Today we are presented with a recommendation to approve an amendment to the agreement for franchise agreement negotiation assistance with CSG Consultants, Inc. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Glaucon: It seems to me that the City has been in negotiations with Recology for quite some time now, and it is important to ensure compliance with the State-mandated Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. If CSG Consultants, Inc. has been providing critical support to staff throughout this process, then perhaps extending the agreement with them is a wise decision.
Phaedrus: I agree with Glaucon. It seems that the negotiations have been complex and ongoing, and the expertise provided by CSG Consultants, Inc. has been invaluable. If the amendment is necessary for the final stages of negotiation and to ensure the best outcome for the City, then I see no reason not to approve it.
Socrates: Your points are well taken, my friends. It is clear that the City has been diligent in their efforts to meet regulatory requirements and secure a solid waste franchise agreement that aligns with community priorities. However, I must ask, is there any reason to believe that the proposed amendment may not be in the best interest of the City?
Glaucon: It seems to me that the City staff have carefully considered the budgetary and fiscal impact of the proposed amendment. The full cost of the contract, including the proposed amendment, is funded through the Solid Waste Fund and is anticipated to be eligible for CalRecycle grant reimbursement. Additionally, staff have budgeted for continued SB 1383 compliance support and believe that the investment is necessary for the long-term benefits of the community.
Phaedrus: I agree with Glaucon. It appears that the City has taken the necessary precautions to ensure that the proposed amendment is fiscally responsible and aligned with the goals of the community. By approving the amendment, the City will be able to continue negotiations with Recology and ultimately secure a franchise agreement that benefits all stakeholders.
Socrates: Your points are well taken, my friends. It seems that the recommendation to approve the amendment is well-founded and in the best interest of the City. Therefore, I believe it is prudent for us to move forward and authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents. Thank you for your insights and thoughtful consideration of this matter.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - CSG Consultants Professional Services Agreement_Redacted.pdf • Attachment B - CSG Consultants Proposal for Franchise Agreement Negotiations.pdf
10. OLD BUSINESS
a. Provide Direction on Potential Projects the City May Submit for Funding Under the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA).
The City Council is discussing potential projects to apply for funding under the State Community Development Block Grant. They are seeking public input and will decide on which activities to include in the application. The funding will be used for programs like housing and economic development. The Council will consider eligibility criteria and the competitiveness of each application. The funding is critical for affordable housing and public benefit projects. The Council will need to make a decision on the projects by March 18.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!
“I tell ya, I went to a City Council meeting the other day to talk about potential projects for funding under the CDBG 2025 NOFA. The only direction they gave me was to get some respect…but I can’t even get a grant!”
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Potential CDBG Project List.pdf • Attachment B - CDBG Scoring Matrix.pdf
11. NEW BUSINESS
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
14. COUNCIL REPORTS
15. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a. Schedule an Annual Study Session with Committee and Commission Chairpersons for February 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
a. Confirm Three Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Study Sessions for April 6, 8, and 29, 2026–Each at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
18. ADJOURNMENT
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