Dezmond Remington / Thursday, May 14 @ 1:21 p.m. / Agendizer
The Hot Topic at Next Week’s Arcata City Council Meeting: Some Guy’s Messed-Up Backflow Prevention Device
This will (probably) fly over City Hall next month! By Funcrunch - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Not a ton happening during next week’s Arcata City Council meeting, but there are a few things worth looking forward to.
Nuisance Abatement
The council has been nice to Bob Figas, the owner of a parcel at 4600 West End Road with janky backflow prevention assembly. It failed an annual test in February, and despite the city telling him to get it fixed, it apparently still doesn’t work right.
The council will decide if they’re going to go through with abatement proceedings — use city time and money to fix it, and recoup the losses by putting a lien on the property — or end the process altogether and forget about it. The likelihood of the council choosing the second option is very low. The out-of-operation backflow prevention assembly could let large amounts of sediment into the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District’s supply.
Last month, the council granted a 30-day extension to the deadline on repairing the assembly after Figas told them he’d have it fixed shortly. The city sent Figas multiple notices declaring that a nuisance existed on his property (three of them since February) to no avail.
Figas said last month that he was having issues finding a plumber with the correct tools for the job.
Rental Inspection Program
The city has, since 2023, been inspecting many of the 1,623 rental properties in Arcata for livability and safety issues. About 300 of them don’t need to be inspected by the city because another government entity does it; another 150 aren’t inspected for other reasons, like being inside a mobile home park or because it’s a short-term rental.
Of the 1,200 properties that do need to be inspected, Arcata has completed 588 of them. 34 inspections resulted in code enforcement, most of it for missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, improperly installed electrical work, missing water heater straps, and missing address numbers. Most of the owners corrected the problems, according to the staff report.
The city is losing money on the program. Though it’s meant to be revenue-neutral, it costs more to run it than the city earns from the fees it charges for registering with the program. City staff and the council will discuss raising the fees and charging owners per unit, instead of per parcel, as well as levying a special tax on owners that pay the fees late.
The council will receive a more detailed update on the program on Wednesday.
Pride Flag
A resolution to proclaim June as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + Pride Month” in Arcata is on the consent calendar, which, if it passes, will also entail flying the pride flag above City Hall for the duration of the month.
It’s a way for the city to show its continuing support for LGBTQ+ rights “amidst the rise of anti- LGBTQ+ and anti-trans legislation and hateful actions that persist,” says the staff report. It will use the Two-Spirit and Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag.
Arcata City Council
May 20, 2026, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a. Proclamation in Honor of Kinetic Sculpture Racing, May 23, 2026.
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
6. STAFF REPORTS
a. Receive an Annual Report from the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.
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 6, 2026.
a. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 6, 2026.
a. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
The Assistant City Manager/Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve the report on disbursements for the period of April 25, 2026, through May 8, 2026. This report lists the checks and electronic payments that have been made in accordance with the city’s budget. The City Council does not need to audit these payments before they are made, but they are presented at the first meeting after they are made. The Council is asked to approve this report as part of the Consent Calendar vote.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
In the city council meeting, where decisions are made
Tabatha Miller presents, the report she has laid
Checks and payments, all in order and right
Approved by the council, under the budget’s light
(Chorus)
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, oh so clear
City’s finances managed with utmost care
From April 25 to May 8, all in line
We trust in Tabatha, our finance director so fine
(Verse 2)
Section 37208 of the Government Code in play
No need for audit, council’s trust on display
Checks and payments, all verified and true
City’s budget intact, thanks to the work of few
(Chorus)
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, oh so clear
City’s finances managed with utmost care
From April 25 to May 8, all in line
We trust in Tabatha, our finance director so fine
(Bridge)
The city’s in good hands, with Tabatha at the helm
Her recommendations, always under the city’s realm
Let’s approve this report, without hesitation
City’s finances safe, under her administration
(Chorus)
Bi-weekly report on disbursements, oh so clear
City’s finances managed with utmost care
From April 25 to May 8, all in line
We trust in Tabatha, our finance director so fine
(Outro)
So let’s sing and dance, in celebration and delight
City’s finances secure, under Tabatha’s foresight
Bi-weekly report approved, without any delay
City council united, in harmony and sway
— LoCOBot
a. Make a Finding that it is Necessary to Continue Emergency Procurement to Repair Failed Culverts at 4700 West End Road; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
City Engineer Netra Khatri is recommending that the City Council continue emergency procurement to repair failed culverts at 4700 West End Road. The culverts have collapsed, causing sinkholes and posing a risk to public safety. The repairs are urgent to prevent further deterioration. The project has started, with culvert installation planned to begin soon. The proposed action qualifies for an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. There are currently no funds allocated for the repair, so reserve funds will be used. The Council is asked to make a finding that the emergency repairs are necessary and authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!
Welcome back, patriots! This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, and you’re listening to Righteous Radio, the voice of truth in a world of liberal lies. Today, we’ve got a doozy of a report from the City Council meeting, and let me tell you, it’s a perfect example of government waste and incompetence.
According to the staff report, City Engineer Netra Khatri is recommending that the Council authorize emergency procurement to repair failed culverts at 4700 West End Road. Now, why is this an emergency, you ask? Well, apparently, these culverts have failed, creating sinkholes that pose a risk to public safety and nearby infrastructure.
But here’s the kicker, folks: there’s no money allocated in the budget for this repair! That’s right, they want to dip into reserve funds to cover the cost of this so-called emergency. And you know what that means, don’t you? That’s your hard-earned tax dollars being wasted on a problem that could have been prevented if the city had just done its job in the first place.
And get this, they’re using some loophole in the California Environmental Quality Act to fast-track this project without proper oversight. It’s just another example of bureaucrats cutting corners and putting the environment at risk in the name of expediency.
So, what’s the bottom line here, folks? The City Council needs to wake up and smell the coffee. They need to stop wasting our money on pet projects and start prioritizing the needs of the community. It’s time to hold these elected officials accountable and demand transparency and fiscal responsibility.
I urge all of you to contact your City Council members and demand answers. Let them know that we’re not going to stand for this kind of nonsense any longer. And remember, patriots, stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay tuned to Righteous Radio for the truth that the mainstream media won’t tell you. This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, signing off. God bless America!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • A. Work Progress (1).pdf • B. Work Progress (2).pdf
a. Approve a Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 1821, California Public Records Act: Agency Response Time; and Authorize the Mayor to Sign the Letter.
The City Manager is recommending that the City Council approve a letter supporting Assembly Bill 1821, which clarifies response deadlines for public records requests. The bill changes the deadline from “calendar days” to “business days,” making it easier for local agencies like Arcata to process requests. The City has seen a significant increase in public records requests and does not have a full-time employee dedicated to handling them. The Council is asked to approve the letter of support and authorize the Mayor to sign it.
— LoCOBot
(Chorus)
Oh, the City Council met on a stormy night
To discuss a bill that would shed some light
On public records and their timely release
So let’s approve and let the ink increase
(Verse 1)
The California Public Records Act, you see
Promotes the public’s right to transparency
Assembly Bill 1821, a shift to business days
For responses to requests, in so many ways
(Chorus)
Oh, the City of Arcata, with requests on the rise
Needs this clarification to avoid any ties
To deadlines that include weekends and more
Let’s support this bill, and open up the door
(Verse 2)
With requests for emails and files galore
The City Clerk and staff can’t take much more
The volume and complexity continue to grow
But with this bill, they’ll have room to show
(Chorus)
So let’s approve the letter, let’s make it clear
That we stand for transparency, without any fear
The Mayor will sign and we’ll move ahead
Supporting AB 1821, with no dread
(Outro)
So here’s to the City Council, oh so wise
For supporting this bill with no compromise
Let’s raise our voices, let the shanty ring
For Assembly Bill 1821, let the records sing!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
a. Adopt Resolution No. 256-64 Proclaiming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + Pride Month in the City of Arcata and Authorizing the Two-Spirit Pride Flag to be Flown on the Flagpole at Arcata City Hall During the Month of June.
The City of Arcata is recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution to proclaim June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and fly the Two-Spirit Pride Flag at City Hall during that month. This is to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and honor their diversity. The decision was made in response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ community members. The City’s budget can cover the cost of the flag.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!
SCOOBY DOO EPISODE: MYSTERIOUS PRIDE FLAG
[The gang is driving through the city of Arcata, heading towards City Hall for a tour of the historic building. As they arrive, they notice a large crowd gathered outside, holding signs promoting LGBTQ+ rights and equality.]
VELMA: Looks like there’s a protest or rally happening here today.
DAPHNE: Maybe we should go check it out and show our support.
SHAGGY: Like, I’m all for equal rights, man!
[As they approach the crowd, they see City Manager Merritt Perry addressing the crowd, talking about the importance of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity with the community. Suddenly, a mysterious figure appears and snatches the Two-Spirit Pride Flag from the flagpole at City Hall.]
FRED: Jinkies! Someone just stole the Pride flag!
VELMA: It must be someone who doesn’t support LGBTQ+ rights. We need to catch them and retrieve the flag.
SCOOBY: Ruh-roh! Let’s split up and find clues!
[The gang splits up to search for clues, with Scooby and Shaggy heading towards the park while Velma, Fred, and Daphne investigate the surrounding buildings. Scooby and Shaggy stumble upon a hidden alleyway where they find the mysterious figure holding the stolen flag.]
SHERIFF STONE: Well, well, well. Looks like we caught ourselves the Pride flag thief.
SHAGGY: Like, it’s Sheriff Stone!
SCOOBY: Reah, it’s Relmiff Tone!
SHERIFF STONE: That’s right, and I would’ve gotten away with it too if it weren’t for you meddling kids!
[The gang reunites and confronts Sheriff Stone, who admits to stealing the flag to make a political statement against LGBTQ+ rights. The gang retrieves the flag and returns it to City Hall, where a ceremony is held to raise it once again.]
MAYOR: On behalf of the City of Arcata, we proudly proclaim June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and stand in solidarity with our Two-Spirit community members. Thank you to the Mystery Inc. gang for their bravery and quick thinking in solving this mystery.
[The crowd cheers as the flag is raised, and the gang celebrates their successful mission.]
VELMA: Another mystery solved by Mystery Inc.!
DAPHNE: And another case of standing up for what’s right.
FRED: Let’s continue to support equality and justice wherever we go.
SCOOBY: Raggy, right on!
[The gang shares a group hug as the sun sets on Arcata, highlighting the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and love for all.]
THE END.
— LoCOBot
10. OLD BUSINESS
a. Hold a Hearing to Consider Abatement for the Properties Located at 4600 West End Road, Arcata, CA 95521, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-081-055; and Adopt Resolution No. 256-55 Authorizing the City to Abate Nuisance Conditions and Recover Costs.
The City Council is recommending holding a hearing to address ongoing property violations at a specific address. The property owner has not resolved the issues identified in a previous notice of nuisance, and the Council may decide to authorize the City to enter the property and take action to abate the nuisance. The costs incurred for this action will be recoverable as a lien against the property. The Council is advised to open a hearing, listen to testimonies, and adopt a resolution authorizing the abatement of the nuisance.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Brazilian carnival song!
No ritmo do carnaval
Vamos abater o problemas
Na propriedade sem igual
4600 West End Road, em Arcata
Abre o ouvido, prefeito e vereadores
Nós temos uma recomendação
Para resolver esses dissabores
E acabar com essa confusão
Emily Sinkhorn, diretora exemplar
Do Departamento de Serviços Ambientais
Vem nos falar sobre resolver
Esses problemas e detalhes
Abrigado pela preparação
De Doug Culbert, nosso subdiretor
Vamos resolver essa situação
Com resolução e muito ardor
Chegou a hora de agir
E tomar uma decisão
Resolve a situação, sem fugir
E acabar com essa confusão
Abre a audiência, escuta a todos
E decide com coragem
Abater os problemas é o mundo
Para trazer de volta a paisagem
Vamos juntos, Arcata querida
Resolver o que incomoda
Com a resolução preferida
E acabar com essa moda
No ritmo do samba e da alegria
Vamos abater a desordem
Com ação e harmonia
E trazer paz, sem alarde
Viva o carnaval, viva a alegria
Vamos resolver essa situação
Abater o problema com maestria
E trazer de volta a satisfação
Arcata, sua beleza precisa voltar
Com resolução e determinação
Vamos juntos a situação enfrentar
E trazer de volta a sua perfeição!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Second Notice to Abate Nuisance_May52026.pdf • Attachment B - Resolution No. 256-55.pdf
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Receive an Update on the Current Status of the City’s Residential Rental Inspection Program and Next Steps.
The city engineer is updating the city council on a program to inspect rental properties to make sure they meet health and safety standards. They have identified some issues with the program, such as low fees and exemptions for certain properties. They are proposing changes to the program, such as raising fees and requiring annual self-certification. The council will discuss these changes and provide direction to staff.
— LoCOBot
The City of Arcata had been plagued with concerns about the safety and well-being of its residents for years. With an aging rental housing stock and substandard dwelling units, the City Council knew they had to take action to protect their citizens. And so, the Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP) was born.
As the City Engineer, Netra Khatri oversaw the implementation of the program with the help of Building Official Joe Bishop. Together, they worked tirelessly to ensure that every rental property in Arcata met the minimum health and safety standards set by the City.
Over the years, they inspected hundreds of properties, issuing corrections for missing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, improperly installed electrical work, and other safety hazards. Most property owners were compliant, making the necessary changes to ensure the safety of their tenants.
But as they delved deeper into the program, Netra and Joe began to notice something unsettling. There were properties that seemed to resist compliance, their owners ignoring the warnings and refusing to make the necessary corrections. No matter how many times they were issued citations, these properties remained unchanged.
One property, in particular, caught Netra’s attention. It was an old Victorian house at the edge of town, its windows boarded up and its lawn overgrown. Despite numerous attempts to contact the owner, no one ever responded. The house seemed to have a dark and foreboding presence, sending shivers down Netra’s spine whenever she drove by.
One night, as Netra was reviewing the latest inspection reports, she received a call from the police. They had received reports of strange noises coming from the old Victorian house and wanted her to investigate. Reluctantly, Netra grabbed her flashlight and headed to the property, her heart pounding in her chest.
As she entered the house, a cold chill ran down her spine. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the walls seemed to whisper to her, their peeling paint revealing a disturbing message written in blood. Netra’s breath caught in her throat as she realized what had been happening in this house.
The spirits of those who had lived and died in this house were restless, angry at being forgotten and neglected. They had lashed out at anyone who dared to enter, seeking revenge for their mistreatment. Netra knew she had to act fast, before it was too late.
With a trembling hand, she reached for her phone and called Joe, urging him to meet her at the property. Together, they worked to appease the spirits, making the necessary repairs and renovations to bring the house back to its former glory. And as they did, the whispers faded, and the darkness lifted, leaving behind a sense of peace and closure.
But Netra knew that the work was far from over. The City of Arcata still had many properties in need of inspection and correction, and she was determined to ensure that every resident had a safe and livable place to call home. And as she drove away from the old Victorian house, she knew that she had faced her fear and emerged stronger for it, ready to continue the fight for the safety and well-being of her community.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
14. COUNCIL REPORTS
15. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a. Cancel the July 1, 2026, City Council Meeting.
a. Confirm a Special Meeting Study Session with the Planning Commission Regarding a Land Use Code Update for June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
18. ADJOURNMENT
CLICK TO MANAGE