CITY OF ARCATA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER NOVEMBER 02, 2022
1 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata was held on the above date at 6:00 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 October 28, 2022.
PRESENT: Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer, Matthews, Stillman, Watson (via teleconference). ABSENT:
None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Diemer, City Attorney Diamond, Assistant City Manager/Personnel Director Demello, Director of Community Development Loya, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn, Chief of Police Ahearn, Assistant City Engineer Caisse, Senior Planner Mateer, Deputy Director of Environmental Services—Community Services Benvie, Deputy Director Information Services Savage, City Clerk Dory.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Mayor Atkins-Salazar read a statement acknowledging that Arcata (Goudi'ni) sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Atkins-Salazar led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
A. Proclamation Recognizing November 15, 2022, as Zero Waste Day.
Councilmember Matthews read the proclamation and presented it to Ben **Winkler who said the organization was proud of the work they had been able to accomplish with Arcata.
B. Proclamation in Recognition of The Great American Smokeout, November 17, 2022.
Councilmember Stillman read the proclamation and presented it to Jay McCubbrey from Tobacco Free North Coast.
Josh spoke of the Great American Smokeout and the importance of support from friends and family in helping people kick the smoking habit.
C. Proclamation in Recognition of California Retired Teachers Week, November 6-12, 2022.
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Sharon Tecker, from the Humboldt and Del Norte Counties Chapter of the California Retired Teachers Association, who listed activities and organizations they supported.
EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Gregory Daggett announced that the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the development of the Craftsmen's Mall had been released by Cal Poly Humboldt. He also said that Arcata's policy of levee enhancement had negative environmental effects.
Cyril Oberlander, Board Chair of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, introduced Anisa Escobedo, the new Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.
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Fred Weis spoke out against the Westwood Gardens Apartments' infill project that had been approved by the Planning Commission.
Joanne McGarry said there were zero days left to procrastinate to make the community more climate resilient.
The following speakers spoke in support of the re-election of Brett Watson: An unidentified speaker and William.
Gerardo Hernandez spoke against the re-election of Brett Watson.
Adam spoke against the re-election of Brett Watson and spoke against the design of the Westwood Gardens Apartments' infill project that had been approved by the Planning Commission.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed Early Oral Communications.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Watson removed item F from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
STILLMAN MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2022, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM F. AWARD A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $215,340 TO SHN CONSULTING ENGINEERS & GEOLOGISTS, INC., FOR ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
SERVICES FOR PHASE ONE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY LEVEE EXPANSION PROJECT; 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 ROLL CALL VOTE: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
A. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 5, 2022.
B. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 19, 2022.
C. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
D. Declare a Continuation of the Local Emergency Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
E. Adopt Resolution No. 223-22 Accepting an Easement Deed for Public Sidewalk Purposes Over Assessor's Parcel No. 021-163-007 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Certificate of Acceptance.
F. Item VIII-F was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
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G. Sign on to the Letter of Support to Fund Senate Bill 907 that Provides Dedicated EBT Payment Support for Certified Farmers' Markets.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Award a Contract in the Amount of $215,340 to SHN Consulting Engineers & Geologists, Inc., for Engineering and Environmental Consulting Services for Phase One of the Wastewater Treatment Facility Levee Expansion Project; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Applicable Documents.
On inquiry by Councilmember Watson, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn described the work outlined in the contract stating it consisted of environmental compliance work.
City Manager Diemer asked that the Council add the following language to the recommended action:
". . . upon confirmation from the funding source."
STILLMAN MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO AWARD A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $215,340 TO SHN CONSULTING ENGINEERS & GEOLOGISTS, INC., FOR
ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR PHASE ONE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY LEVEE EXPANSION PROJECT;
AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS WITH FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE FUNDING AGENCY.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry requested all future items relative to the Wastewater Treatment Plant project not be placed on the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A FOUR-TO-ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. AYES: ATKINSSALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, STILLMAN. NOES: WATSON. ABSENT:
NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Adopt Resolution No. 223-21 Declaring City-Owned Properties to Be Surplus Lands Pursuant to the Surplus Lands Act.
Director of Community Development Loya said this action by the Council would declare four properties as surplus lands. He requested the Council adopt Resolution No. 223-21. He listed the properties as two lots of Belle Falor Court, the Happy Valley property and Little Lake property.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry requested that there be better communication to the public as to the location of the properties.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
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ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 223-21 DECLARING TWO PROPERTIES ON BELLE FALOR COURT (APN'S 507-251-039 AND -040), THE HAPPY VALLEY PROPERTY (APN 507-081-038), AND THE LITTLE LAKE PROPERTY (APN'S 503-232-013, -004, AND -016) SURPLUS LANDS PURSUANT TO THE SURPLUS
LANDS ACT, AND DIRECTED STAFF TO COMPLY WITH THE NOTICING
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SURPLUS LANDS ACT PRIOR TO INITIATING DISPOSITION OF THE PROPERTIES. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
B. Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Playhouse Arts and the City of Arcata for Comunidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA) Valley West Community Engagement; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn explained that this item was the second year of a Memorandum of Understanding for community engagement work being done by Communidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA). She said that the past year had seen tremendous community involvement in Valley West and CUNA was a integral part of making that happen. She noted that staff's recommended changes to the scope of work included a targeted focus on neighborhood and community leadership development in the area.
STILLMAN MOVED AND MATTHEWS SECONDED TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ARCATA PLAYHOUSE ARTS AND THE CITY OF
ARCATA TO CONTINUE THE WORK OF COMMUNIDAD UNIDA DEL NORTE DE ARCATA (CUNA) CONDUCTING VALLEY WEST COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Jacqueline Dandeneau, from Playhouse Arts, said they were thrilled to be working with CUNA in Valley West and thanked the Council for embracing this sponsorship.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, WATSON. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
The following persons spoke against the re-election of Brett Watson: Gerardo Hernandez and Zach.
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Anisa Escobedo, Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, announced upcoming events sponsored by the Chamber.
Glen Colwell requested a monthly crime report for Arcata be included on the Council agendas for the first meeting of every month.
Joanne McGarry suggested Ceremonial Matters take place before the regular Council meetings.
Fred Weis described how the Planning Commission did not have to approve the infill project for Westwood Gardens Apartments in its current form.
James Becker put in a pitch for the L Street linear park and said the potential for this park could be part of the Great Redwood Trail.
Dana Quillman spoke against what she felt Arcata was becoming. She cited her dissatisfaction with the Gateway Area Plan, the expansion of Cal Poly Humboldt, and the high cost of housing.
The following persons spoke in favor of the re-election of Brett Watson: Two unidentified speakers, Donnie and Ryan.
The following persons requested the Council either waive the appeal fees or initiate an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Westwood Gardens Apartments' infill project: Raelina Krikston, Adam, and Jane Woodward.
Anthony said Arcata should consider telling the University to develop student housing elsewhere.
Lorrie Waldorf requested the City postpone any work planned for the Alliance to Sunset trail, and to please put money into an unclimbable fence at the top and bottom of the trail, or compromise with a fence and gates to be locked at sunset. She noted the increase in crime in the Sunset neighborhood.
RECESS: The Council recessed from 7:50 to 7:55 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
A. Receive an Update from Emily Benvie, Deputy Director of Environmental Services-- Community Services, on Implementation of the Single-Use Disposable Foodware Regulation Ordinance.
Deputy Director of Environmental Services--Community Services Benvie gave the Council an update on the implementation of the single-use disposable foodware regulations ordinance. She explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fee/discount portion of the ordinance had been delayed to January 2023. She said that beginning in January, customers would be charged 25 cents per takeout order for a single-use container, and given a 25 cent discount on their order if they brought in their own container. She assured the Council and the public that all along the City had partnered with Humboldt County Environmental Health, Public Health, to be sure the ordinance was consistent with their requirements and restaurants' sanitation protocols. She said that enforcement of November 2, 2022
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the ordinance would be on a complaint-driven basis and the Environmental Services Department would use education methods to help bring businesses into compliance.
B. Other Council and Staff Reports.
Councilmember Stillman reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Humboldt Transit Authority. She asked if the Council wanted to agendize a discussion of the City trails and shortcut walkways, including the Alliance Road to Sunset neighborhood path.
Councilmember Matthews recognized the solidarity shown by the Eureka City Council for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Councilmember Schaefer reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Redwood Coast Energy Authority.
Councilmember Watson hoped that in the future the City Council would prioritize marginalized communities and empower them to work with the Council to find solutions.
Mayor Atkins-Salazar reported on a meeting of the Board of Directors of Arcata Main Street and the Halloween event on the Plaza.
Councilmember Watson clarified that pursuant to the Temporary Restraining Order, he is allowed to attend City Council meetings in person. He asked about homicides in Valley West. He encouraged everyone to vote on November 8.
DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SET THE TIME OF 6:00 P.M. FOR ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bridget Dory
City Clerk
**Corrected by Councilmember Matthews on November 16, 2022, to change the spelling of "Winkler" to "Winker."