CITY OF ARCATA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER JUNE 22, 2022
1 A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata was held on the above date at 6:01 p.m., as a hybrid meeting, via teleconference utilizing Zoom Video Communications and in person, with Mayor Atkins-Salazar presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on June 17, 2022. PRESENT: Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer, Matthews, Watson. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Diemer, City Attorney Diamond, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn, Director of Community Development Loya, Finance Director Starzhevskiy, Chief of Police Ahearn, City Engineer Khatri, Natural Resources Technician McDowall, Senior Planner Freitas.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Atkins-Salazar led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
A. Recognition of Former City Council Member and Three-Term Mayor Jim Test.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar read a history of Jim Test's service on the City Council and his gifts to the community.
Alex Stillman gave a history of Jim Test's contributions to the built history of Arcata and service on Arcata Main Street.
Dan Hauser spoke of his privilege of working with Jim Test for a number of decades and spoke of Mr. Test's dedication to Arcata and Humboldt County.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar spoke of working with Jim Test at Arcata Main Street.
Councilmember Schaefer spoke of Mr. Test's support of young people in the community.
Connie Stewart relayed her history of serving with Mr. Test while on the City Council and spoke of his dedication to the community.
REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
A. Annual Report from the Forest Management Committee.
Michael Furniss, Vice-Chair of the Forest Management Committee, gave an oral version of the Committee's Annual Report.
EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry suggested there be more bus stops near City recreation sites.
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Fred Weis suggested requesting Cal Poly Humboldt contribute funding to increase the staffing in the Community Development Department. He also said the community had been waiting for the form-based code. He provided the Council the current status of the timeline for the Gateway Area Plan.
Jane Woodward submitted written comments. She made requests of staff regarding review dates for the form-based code, grant deadlines and extensions, and the scheduling of items on future Planning Commission agendas.
Lulu Michelson expressed her support for the Gateway Plan as a tool to manage growth and its necessary need for housing. She advocated for thoughtful growth focused on equity in the building community.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed Early Oral Communications
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Atkins-Salazar removed item D from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Councilmember Watson removed items B, E, F, I, J, K, L and M from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED ITEMS A. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 18, 2022; C. DECLARE A
CONTINUATION OF THE LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO THE
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC; G. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A BODY WORN CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $208,261.00 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS; AND H. ACCEPT $7,300 IN DONATIONS FOR COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES IN THE ARCATA COMMUNITY FOREST, ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR JUNE 22, 2022.
AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
A. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 18, 2022.
B. Item VII-B was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
C. Declare a Continuation of the Local Emergency Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
D. Item VII-D was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
E. Item VII-E was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
F. Item VII-F was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
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G. Approve the Purchase of a Body Worn Camera System in the Amount of $108,261.00 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
H. Accept $7,300 in Donations for Commemorative Benches in the Arcata Community Forest.
I. Item VII-I was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
J. Item VII-J was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
K. Item VII-K was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
L. Item VII-L was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
M. Item VII-M was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
B. Bi-Weekly Report on General Warrants.
Councilmember Watson asked several questions regarding warrants on the list, which Finance Director Starzhevskiy answered.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO RECEIVE THE BIWEEKLY REPORT ON GENERAL WARRANTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
D. Award a Construction Contract for the Countywide Accelerated Cure Slurry Project 2022 to DRYCO, in the Amount of $607,477.28; Authorize the City Engineer to Increase the Contract Amount by up to $121,495.46 (20 Percent, for a Total of $728,972.74) to Allow for Any Unforeseen Contingencies and Additional Work as Necessary; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Councilmember Watson said that he felt a 20 percent contingency was too high.
On inquiry by Councilmember Watson, City Engineer Khatri explained that, generally, the smaller a contract amount was, the larger the percentage of contingency. He requested the Council's motion read: "Award a Construction Contract for the Countywide Accelerated Cure Slurry Project 2022 to DRYCO in the Amount of $607,342.80, authorize the City Engineer to Increase the Contract Amount by up to $121,468.56 (20 percent, for total of $728,811.36) to allow for any unforeseen contingencies and additional work as necessary."
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO AWARD A
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE COUNTYWIDE ACCELERATED CURE SLURRY PROJECT 2022 TO DRYCO IN THE AMOUNT OF $607,342.80, June 22, 2022
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AUTHORIZE THE CITY ENGINEER TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY UP TO $121,468.56 (20 PERCENT, FOR A TOTAL OF $728,811.36) TO ALLOW
FOR ANY UNFORESEEN CONTINGENCIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK AS NECESSARY; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A THREE-TO-ONE VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS. NOES: WATSON. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
E. Award a Contract for the 2022 Timber Harvest (Logging & Log Hauling) to Redwood Forest Products in the Amount of $247/Thousand Board Feet (MBF) for Logging, $65.25/MBF for Trucking Redwood Logs to Arcata, California, $87/MBF for Trucking Douglas Fir Logs to Korbel, California, and an Option for $2,000 to Install Four Temporary Road Crossings; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn said this item was to award the bid for a logging contract in the Jacoby Creek Forest. She went over the bid results for the Council and recommended the bid be awarded to the lowest bidder, Redwood Forest Products. She said the City expected a net increase in forest revenue this year as the log prices were higher, and trucking costs were lower than staff had anticipated.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE 2022 TIMBER HARVEST (LOGGING & LOG HAULING) TO REDWOOD FOREST PRODUCTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $247/THOUSAND BOARD FEET (MBF) FOR LOGGING, $65.25/MBF FOR TRUCKING REDWOOD LOGS TO ARCATA, CALIFORNIA, $87/MBF FOR TRUCKING DOUGLAS FIR LOGS TO KORBEL, CALIFORNIA, AND AN OPTION FOR $2,000 TO INSTALL FOUR TEMPORARY ROAD CROSSINGS; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
F. Award a Contract for the Arcata Public Safety Radio System Upgrade to Day Wireless Systems in the Amount of $1,057,716; Authorize the City Manager to Increase the Contract Amount by up to Five Percent (5%) ($52,886) for Contingencies; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents.
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Contracts and Special Projects Manager Allred said this item was to award a contract to replace existing radio infrastructure for all locations, as well as in-vehicle and hand-held radios. She said it was decided to do a complete replacement of the City's equipment. She also said the system included both analog and digital equipment so it could be completely compatible with surrounding agencies' equipment.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO AWARD A CONTRACT
FOR THE ARCATA PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM UPGRADE TO DAY WIRELESS SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,057,716; AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY UP TO FIVE PERCENT (5%) ($52,886) FOR CONTINGENCIES, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
I. Adopt Resolution No. 212-73, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Class and Pay Resolution—Compensation & Benefits for Hourly Rated Part-Time, Temporary, and Seasonal Personnel (to Add Administrative Aide Classification).
Assistant City Manager/Personnel Director Demello explained that this resolution would add a new classification to the hourly salary schedule of Administrative Aide. She answered a few questions from Councilmember Watson.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 212-73, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING THE CLASS AND PAY RESOLUTION—COMPENSATION &
BENEFITS FOR HOURLY RATED PART-TIME, TEMPORARY AND SEASONAL PERSONNEL (TO ADD ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE CLASSIFICATION).
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
J. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Arcata and Full Cycle Compost to Enable Compost Operations at the Bayside Park Farm, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
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Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn said this was a proposed action to approve a nocost Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Full Cycle Compost for use of the City's compost equipment at Bayside Park Farm Earth Tubs.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO APPROVE A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF ARCATA AND
FULL CYCLE COMPOST TO ENABLE COMPOST OPERATIONS AT THE
BAYSIDE PARK FARM, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry said she was pleased to see this MOU to utilize resources owned by the City.
Jane Woodward asked what could be done to increase composting at that site. She also asked if residents could compost at that site.
One of the owners of Full Cycle Compost responded that they offered a weekly drop-off service for $4 a week.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
K. Adopt Resolution No. 212-74 Approving an Application for Grant Funds from the California Coastal Commission’s LCP Local Assistance Grant Program for Conducting a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Hazard Scenario Planning for Coastal Resiliency.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn said this grant application was to continue the City's sea level rise assessment and adaptation planning, and adoption of the resolution would authorize the grant application. She noted that the City may submit multiple applications to this funding source, and this one was for environmental services to expand its vulnerability assessment on Arcata's shoreline.
In response to a statement by Councilmember Watson, Director Sinkhorn said the City was coordinating it's response with the other entities in the county on the Grand Jury's inquiry regarding sea level rise.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 212-74 APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION LCP LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT
PROGRAM FOR CONDUCTING A SEA LEVEL RISE VULNERABILITY
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ASSESSMENT AND HAZARD SCENARIO PLANNING FOR COASTAL
RESILIENCY.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry said it was important to ask for funds to continue research regarding sea level rise. She advocated for retreat of the Wastewater Treatment Plant from its current location.
Scott McBain, owner of property at Seventh and J Streets, offered to monitor Jolly Giant Creek for the City.
Jane Woodward agreed with looking at implications of sea level rise on the wastewater treatment plant and reviewing at Phases 2 and 3 of the plant upgrades.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
L. Adopt Resolution No. 212-70 Authorizing Application for the Regional Early Action Planning Grant in the Amount of $33,000.
Director of Community Development Loya recommended the Council adopt Resolution No. 212-70 authorizing an application for up to $33,000 from the Regional Early Action Planning Grant.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 212-70 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR THE REGIONAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,000.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
An unidentified member of the audience asked if some of the money could be dedicated to community engagement and education on form-based codes and what might be the timeline for that engagement.
Jane Woodward asked what the money would be used for.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
Director Loya explained that the grant funds would be used for racial equity work for a scope of work with consultants who were in the process of proposing a plan for how to use the special engagement fund. In addition, it would fund additional work that would arise out of the engagement associated with the form-based code.
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THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
M. Approve Amendment No. 3 to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Arcata and Humboldt Trails Council to Add a New Section Regarding Shared Use of a Flail Mower, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn said this request was to approve an amendment to a Memorandum of Understanding with Humboldt Trails Council for shared use of a flail mower. She said the MOU outlined ownership and utilization of this mower.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
ARCATA AND HUMBOLDT TRAILS COUNCIL TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL
SECTION REGARDING SHARED USE OF A KUBOTA FLAIL MOWER, AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE
DOCUMENTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry asked if the mower was gas powered and if there could be an electric mower in the future.
Michael Proulx, Humboldt Trails Council, recommended adoption of the amended MOU and shared use of the mower.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Consider Initiating Amendments to the Short Stay Vacation Rental Program.
Director Loya brought up the following for discussion. 1) Did the regulations still need to require signs at the property, visible from the street, with 24-hour contact information? 2) Should the Council define the distance between units? Staff had heard concerns from neighbors that there were too many units in their neighborhood. 3) Should the Council consider a limit on the number of units allowed per parcel. Additionally, should the Council might want to regulate the number of units one permit holder can have. 4) The Council might want to discuss the concept of exemptions. A suggestion was to consider making a percentage cap or number of units cap.
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Councilmember Matthews suggested limiting the number of permits to two percent of the housing stock and re-evaluating that limit at periodic intervals. She agreed with staff's recommendation to raise the permit fees to offset the cost of staff time to process the applications.
WATSON MOVED TO GET RID OF THE EXEMPTIONS AND LOWER THE CAP TO
75. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Councilmember Schaefer questioned how the Council could stop people from having so many units on a parcel that they essentially created their own hotels. She said she was interested in issuing permits by unit rather than by parcel. She said she was in favor of removing the requirement for the posting of a 24-hour contact number. She said she would like to explore the exemptions and the creation of a set number of units in the City.
Director Loya responded that he would research hotel regulations.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar said she supported charging the permit fees per unit rather than per parcel. Councilmembers Matthews and Schaefer agreed.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar and Councilmember Matthews suggested raising the limit to 150 permits.
Director Loya said currently there was a total of 153 permits.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL AGREED TO REMOVAL OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR POSTING OF A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER IN FRONT OF THE UNITS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry recommended short-stay rental units be energy efficient and possibly be all electric.
Chris Richards recommended determining the level of demand for short-stay units and suggested that might help in determining the cap.
Paul Pitino requested the City allow AirBNB to collect and remit the transient occupancy taxes, rather than requiring the operator to do it.
Alex Stillman recommended the City review Palm Springs' ordinance for vacation rentals as the renters must sign an agreement to abide by the regulations.
Jane Woodward said the City's Economic Development Committee had recommended a cap at 100 without any exemptions. She recommended the fee be per permit and not parcel.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
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BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SAID IT WOULD LIKE STAFF TO RESEARCH COLLECTION OF TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAXES.
RECESS: The Council recessed from 8:11 to 8:19 p.m.
B. Consider Draft General Plan Engagement Report and General Plan Update Review Process.
Senior Planner Freitas reported that staff had worked to engage the public through large meetings, targeted meetings, walking tours, town hall meetings, open house meetings, etc. She said the themes that came out of those meetings reinforced support for infill development, alternative transportation opportunities, and walk-ability. The work had reinforced the need for and support to insure racially equitable outcomes in the work. She said the most work in the future would focus on design—how additional housing and development would guide the look, feel and function of the city going forward.
Director Loya noted that the document would be amended as future engagement was conducted in the work on the General Plan update. He said staff was looking for the Council's input on the process, how engagement was structured, and the timeline. He drew the Council's attention to a working outline of the work to date and an explanation of the process. He confirmed for the Council that this was a legislative process, an action to make law, and the Council was the decision-making body. He then spoke about the relationship of the timeline and the deadlines of the various grants. Director Loya said that when draft elements of the General Plan were released, the Planning Commission and all the City's committees were reviewing them simultaneously. He outlined the process for the Council and spoke about alternative processes.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar recused herself from the discussion on this item and left the Council Chamber at 8:50 p.m.
Vice Mayor Schaefer proceeded to preside over the meeting.
Vice Mayor Schaefer invited public comment.
Gerardo Hernandez, a student analyzing the Gateway Plan for the Northcoast Environmental Center, said the Gateway Area Plan could create more equitable housing and more units. He requested the Council implement the Plan.
Sherri Starr said regarding the Strategic Infill Redevelopment Plan, there was overwhelming concern from the public. She reviewed the raw data she felt should be included in the report.
Scott McBain said the community needed to focus on key issues in the Plan and provide better quantitative information to the Council. He asked the Council to consider hiring a firm to conduct a public survey and other outreach.
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Chris Richards reported on his analysis of public participation of formal, open government meetings on the Strategic Infill Redevelopment Plan.
Steve Davis said he was hopeful the Cal Poly Humboldt students would have a place to continue their studies, and that additional faculty homes would be completed.
Joanne McGarry said there were people who really cared about how the Gateway Area would look and exist.
Fred Weis said the 3-D modeling should have been provided by now. He said this plan was not what the Planning Commission wanted and the Council was being misled.
Jane Woodward gave a suggestion for scheduling a study session with the Planning Commission, asked when the draft form-based code would be produced, asked about grant deadlines and possible extensions, and recommended that requests from the Planning Commission for agenda items be fulfilled.
Pat Carr said Arcata had a lack of availability of housing, said the climate crisis would become more severe, and said it was imperative the City move rapidly in order to develop housing in an infill fashion.
Written comment was received as follows:
Fred Weis presented an amended schedule of work.
Scott McBain presented a list of public participation to date.
The Redwood Coalition for Climate and Environmental Responsibility submitted an email that spoke to current crises the Plan affected—affordable housing. climate and safe roads, and urged the Council to adopt staff's recommended timeline and process for review.
Jane Woodward submitted comments regarding timing of a form-based code, grant deadlines, scheduling of Planning Commission agenda items, separation of Planning recommendations from committees' recommendations, and topics of discussion at a study session with the Planning Commission.
Vice Mayor Schaefer closed the public comment period.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar returned to the Council Chamber and proceeded to preside over the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing on Proposed Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022/23, Public Hearing on Proposed Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2022/23, Consideration of Adopting Both Resolution No. 223-02 Updating the City of Arcata Master Fee Schedule and Resolution No. 223-01 Adopting the City Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23.
Finance Director Starzhevskiy highlighted updates to the budget post the June 7 study session.
She said the appropriations limit had been adjusted from $16.6 million to $18.3 million. She explained adjustments to bank service charges; an increase to the county-wide slurry project June 22, 2022
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revenue and expenditures of $536,000; an adjustment to the radio project transferring revenues of $200,000 from the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund to the General Fund; a correction to remove $38,000 from the Redwood Park Design which was double-counted; inclusion of recommendations for ARPA funding of $200,000 to Arcata Main Street, $4,500 to the Film Commission, $10,000 for Wiyot Tribe support, $25,000 to Arcata Community Pool; and corrected to $4.4 million ARPA funding allocations resulting in $7,000 remaining for allocation.
Finance Director Starzhevskiy gave her recommendations: 1) Add $611,000 to General Fund reserves, and if there were additional savings above that, spend those additional dollars of $542,000 to complete the radio replacement project and Terrace Avenue road repair.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 223-02 , A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA
UPDATING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FOR VARIOUS FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/23; ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 223-01, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 2022;
AND SHOULD GENERAL FUND RESERVES NET REVENUES EXCEED THE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022 ESTIMATES OF $611,162, ALLOCATE ANY AMOUNT ABOVE THAT (UP TO $617,000 MAXIMUM) TO FUND BOTH THE CITY'S RADIO REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND TERRACE AVENUE ROAD REPAIR.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Written comment was received from Peggy Martinez requesting increased funds for A&MRTS in order to increase services; and Patrick Swartz on behalf of the Northern Humboldt Recreation and Park District (Arcata Community Pool) requesting $100,000 for replacement of the ventilation system and repair of the pool pump, locker room benches, hot tub and spa, all delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, a voicemail was received from Michael Langdon asking for budget considerations for seniors' use of the Arcata Community Pool.
Joanne McGarry expressed her concern about the change in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Arcata Main Street.
Steve Davis spoke about the services the budget provided for Arcata residents.
Patrick Swartz, Northern Humboldt Recreation and Park District (Arcata Community Pool) said the Board of Directors requested the City increase its funding from $25,000 to $100,000 to come from ARPA funds for which the Special District, itself, did not qualify. He said the pool was in desperate need of the funds for the pool's recovery from the pandemic.
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WATSON MOVED TO USE RESERVE FUNDS TO INCREASE THE FUNDING TO THE ARCATA COMMUNITY POOL TO $100,000. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
THE ORIGINAL MOTION PASSED ON A THREE-TO-ONE VOICE VOTE. AYES:
ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS. NOES: WATSON. ABSENT:
NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
B. Accept the Certification of the Verification of Sufficient Signatures on the Petition for the "Initiative to Enact Ordinance Requiring That Earth Flag is Flown at Top of Flagpole" for the November 2022 Election Ballot, Adopt the Ordinance or Refer it to the Ballot for a Vote, and Determine if the City Council Wishes to File Arguments.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar said the Council needed to accept the verification of the certification of signatures on a ballot measure to fly the Earth flag at the top of all City-owned flagpoles.
Further, the Council had two choices in regard to the measure: adopt the ordinance as proposed or refer it to the ballot in November. And if it wanted to oppose the measure, it could write an argument against the measure.
WATSON MOVED TO THE ORDINANCE NOW. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
SCHAEFER MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO SUBMIT THE
ORDINANCE TO THE VOTERS OF ARCATA AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECT5ION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Dave Meserve said he would like to see the measure go onto the ballot and that the measure's purpose was to raise awareness of the importance of the earth. He also said the measure meant no disrespect to the American flag or veterans.
Joanne McGarry agreed that the measure meant no disrespect to any other flags. She said rearranging the flags would frame the U.S. flag and she hoped the measure would be on the ballot in November.
Steve Davis said he was pleased to know the voters would have an equalizing vote.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
C. Adopt Resolution No. 212-72 Calling for a General Municipal Election to be Held November 8, 2022, and Consider Appointing a Subcommittee to Draft Arguments in Favor of the Utility Users Tax (UUT) Measure.
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City Clerk Dory told the Council that at this time it needed to declare an general municipal election to be held November 8, 2022, and request the County of Humboldt conduct the election. Additionally, the Council could consider appointing a subcommittee to draft an argument in favor of the Utility Users Tax measure.
ON MOTION BY WATSON, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A
UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPOINTED MAYOR ATKINSSALAZAR AND COUNCILMEMBER SCHAEFER TO BE ON THE SUBCOMMITTEE. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY WATSON, AND WITH A
UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 212-72 CALLING FOR A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 8, 2022, AND APPOINTED A SUBCOMMITTEE OF COUNCILMEMBER SCHAEFER
AND MAYOR ATKINS-SALAZAR TO DRAFT ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE UTILITY USERS TAX MEASURE. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment. None was received. Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed oral and written communications.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
A. Receive an Update from Emily Sinkhorn, Director of Environmental Services, on the City of Arcata’s Wastewater and Water Infrastructure Planning.
WATSON MOVED TO BRING THIS ITEM BACK AS A REGULAR AGENDA ITEM.
THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO TABLE THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT AGENDA. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar confirmed that this item would be on the next agenda as a regular agenda item.
B. Other Council and Staff Reports
Councilmember Matthews reminded the public of the upcoming Oyster Festival and reported on the ribbon cutting for the micro-grid project at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport.
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Councilmember Watson said he had gathered a lot of evidence of lies by staff and asked for an agenda item to discuss it. The remainder of the Council declined to agendize this topic.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar reported she attended a presentation by the Redwood Coast Montessori School eighth grade on climate change and the Gateway Area. She further thanked the Police Department and Environmental Services Department for cleaning up the front of the Safe Parking Program. She announced the City was hiring several part-time employees for the Ambassador Program. She said she, too, attended the micro-grid ribbon cutting at the airport.
She also said she had received correspondence of awful behavior during Pride Month and declared there was no place for any type of hate or harassment in Arcata.
Councilmember Watson requested agenda items: 1) The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary and Friends of the Arcata Marsh; 2) Door Dash fees
Mayor Atkins-Salazar responded that she and City Manager Diemer would be meeting with the Friends of the Arcata Marsh to discuss FOAM's requests. She said those requests would then come back to the Council.
City Manager Diemer responded that during the COVID-19 pandemic when restaurants were not offering dining in, the state had allowed cities to place limits on the amount that food delivery services could charge restaurants. She said those regulations had changed and she didn't think the City could now make findings to extend those limits as restaurants were now able to offer dining-in services.
DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
A. Confirm the City Council Will Hold a Study Session with the Planning Commission to Discuss the Gateway Area Plan on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber and via Teleconference.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar confirmed the Council would reschedule the July 12, 2022, study session with the Planning Commission on the Gateway Area Plan.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bridget Dory
City Clerk