CITY OF ARCATA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER APRIL 19, 2023
1 SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata was held on the above date at 5:16 p.m. as a hybrid meeting, via teleconference utilizing Zoom Video Communications and in person, with Vice Mayor Matthews presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on April 14, 2023. PRESENT:
Matthews, Atkins-Salazar, Stillman, White. ABSENT: Schaefer. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Diemer, Director of Community Development Loya.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one present to give public comment.
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
A. Interview Candidates to Fill Two Vacancies on the Economic Development Committee for Terms Ending September 30, 2024, and One Vacancy on the Planning Commission for a Term Ending March 31, 2027.
The City Council interviewed Christopher Alberts and Sophia Ross for two vacancies on the Economic Development Committee for terms expiring September 30, 2024, and Joel Yodowitz for one vacancy on the Planning Commission for a term expiring March 31, 2027.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
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 Communication and in person, with Vice Mayor Matthews presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on April 14, 2023. PRESENT:
Matthews, Atkins-Salazar, Stillman, White. ABSENT: Schaefer. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Diemer, Chief of Police Ahearn, Director of Community Development Loya. Finance Director Miller, City Engineer Khatri, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn, Assistant City Manager/Personnel Director Demello, Deputy Director of Environmental Services—Community Services Benvie, IT and Digital Media Specialist Carrillo, City Clerk Dory.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Vice Mayor Matthews read a statement acknowledging that Arcata (Goudi'ni) sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
FLAG SALUTE
Vice Mayor Matthews led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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CEREMONIAL MATTERS
A. Proclamation in Recognition of Bike Month, May 2023.
Councilmember White read the proclamation and presented it to Oona Smith from Humboldt County Association of Governments and Yael Torres from Fuente Nueva Charter School.
Ms. Torres spoke about the positive aspects of commuting by bicycle, and she and Ms. Smith listed events planned for Bike Month.
B. Proclamation Recognizing May 2023 as National Historic Preservation Month.
Councilmember Stillman read the proclamation and presented it to Dr. Jeanette Cooper, present on behalf of the Historical Sites Society of Arcata. Dr. Cooper gave a history of the Society and its purpose.
C. Proclamation in Recognition of World Tai Chi Day, April 29, 2023.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Glenda Hesseltine who said it was wonderful that the Council supported this because it inspired people to take care of their health.
D. Proclamation Declaring April 2023 Arts, Cultural, and Creativity Month.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Tina McKenzie who thanked the Council for acknowledging the value artists contribute to our lives every day.
E. Certificate of Appreciation for Jayne McGuire for her Eight Years of Service on the City of Arcata's Parks and Recreation Committee.
Vice Mayor Matthews read the Certificate of Appreciation and presented it to Jayne McGuire who thanked the Council for the recognition.
EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
James Becker announced there were currently 669 signers of a petition to make L Street a linear park from Samoa Boulevard to Alliance Road.
Gregory Daggett said he didn't see anyone at the City asking the tough questions about sea level rise and said some people were questioning development in the Gateway Area because it was in the sea level rise zone. He also raised a concern regarding the amount of time given to those commenting at the Planning Commission meetings.
Susan Ornelas distributed a chart showing Arcata's population and number of housing units from 1970 to the present. She spoke in favor of Senate Bill 9.
Fred Weis listed his goals as: 1) provide workforce housing in Arcata; 2) provide homeownership opportunities; and 3) create a linear park in the L Street corridor.
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Joanne McGarry alerted the City that there were more dogs than people on the Plaza.
Carey Phillips asked several questions and expressed concerns about the Residential Rental Inspection Program.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember White recused herself from the vote on item C.
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry requested item E be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Carol Graham requested item D be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR APRIL 19, 2023, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: D. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE SIDEWALK
RESTROOM FOR CARLSON PARK, AND AWARD CONTRACT TO ROMTEC IN THE AMOUNT OF $128,724.07, INCLUDING TAX, UTILIZING SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACT #081721-RMT; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS; AND E. APPROVE
THE PLAYGROUND LAYOUT AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR REDWOOD PARK
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND SURFACING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION TO MIRACLE RECREATION—PLAYPOWER, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $799,999.24,
INCLUDING TAX, UTILIZING SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACT #010521-LTS-3; AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY UP TO $16,000, (TWO PERCENT, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $815,999.24) TO ALLOW FOR ANY UNFORESEEN
CONTINGENCIES; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE (RECUSED ON ITEM C). NOES: NONE. ABSENT: SCHAEFER, ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
A. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
B. Ratify Employment Agreement with Emily R. Sinkhorn for Director of Environmental Services for the Term of May 3, 2023, through May 2, 2028.
C. Adopt Resolution No. 223-51, Approving an Application to the Clean California Local Grant Program for the Valley West Connectivity and Beautification Project; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
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D. Item VIII-D was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
E. Item VIII-E was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
F. Approve Amended and Restated Unsecured Note Between Open Door Community Health Centers and City of Arcata.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
E. Approve the Playground Layout and Award a Contract for Redwood Park Playground Equipment and Surfacing Purchase and Installation to Miracle Recreation—PlayPower, Inc., in the Amount of $799,999.24, Including Tax, Utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #010521-LTS-3; Authorize the City Manager to Increase the Contract Amount by up to $16,000, (Two Percent, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $815,999.24) to Allow for Any Unforeseen Contingencies; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry asked the Council to please consider access to Redwood Park because the road was narrow and didn't have sidewalks. Additionally, there was no bus service to the park.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED
THE PLAYGROUND LAYOUT AND AWARDED A CONTRACT FOR REDWOOD PARK
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND SURFACING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION TO MIRACLE RECREATION—PLAYPOWER, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $799,999.24,
INCLUDING TAX, UTILIZING SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACT #010521-LTS-3; AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY UP TO $16,000, (TWO PERCENT, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $815,999.24) TO ALLOW FOR ANY UNFORESEEN
CONTINGENCIES; AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
D. Approve the Purchase of One Sidewalk Restroom for Carlson Park, and Award Contract to Romtec in the Amount of $128,724.07, Including Tax, Utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #081721-RMT; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Carol Graham, a property owner next to Carlson Park, said she had previously requested she be contacted when plans for the Park were being discussed. She said she was surprised to see the large grant awarded for development of the Park as staff had not contacted her as requested.
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Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED
THE PURCHASE OF ONE SIDEWALK RESTROOM FOR CARLSON PARK, AND AWARDED A CONTRACT TO ROMTEC IN THE AMOUNT OF $128,724.07,
INCLUDING TAX, UTILIZING SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACT #081721-RMT; AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: SCHAEFER. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Receive a Presentation from GovInvest on Addressing Pension Unfunded Liability.
Finance Director Miller said this was the City's largest debt with the highest interest rate. She said staff would be looking for direction from the Council to move forward in addressing payment of this unfunded liability.
Ira Summer from GovInvest gave a presentation to the Council regarding its $29.6 million CalPERS pension unfunded accrued liability. Mr. Summer gave an overview of the City's current pension projections and provided scenarios for paying the current unfunded pension liability off earlier than 2042 which would result in measurable interest savings. He gave examples for the Council to consider so it could contemplate what direction it might give staff and how much money it would choose to set aside. Mr. Summer spelled out staff's recommendation to try to address the unfunded liability: 1) Pay $5 million on the miscellaneous plan; 2) Pay $2.5 million into a Section 115 pension trust; and 3) Make an actual 15-year Fresh Start with CalPERS, but make virtual 10- year Fresh Start payments.
Finance Director Miller explained to the Council where the $7.5 million could come from and indicated it was a good plan. She said she felt Arcata's funds were solid and Arcata could make these investments in its pension program. She recommended pulling funds from the general fund, water fund and wastewater fund to pay the $5 million up front to CalPERS, one-half from the general fund, and one-quarter each from the water and wastewater funds. She pointed out that in every fund there was a good solid amount of reserves. In addressing an appropriate fund reserve, she said that Arcata's general fund reserves were currently at $4.8 million (27 percent), which could cover three months of expenditures, but the Council might want to raise its reserves by $1.1 million to 30 percent or 3.6 months of expenditures. She recommended the Council consider taking $300,000 a year for the next five years from the retiree health insurance fund and use it to pay down the unfunded liability. She recommended going with the CalPERS Fresh Start to pay off the unfunded liability in 15 years, but target to pay it in 10 years to increase interest cost savings.
Councilmember Stillman said she liked the idea of putting funds into a section 115 pension trust and doing the 10-year pay down.
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Councilmember Atkins-Salazar said she liked putting money into the section 115 trust, and committing to the 15-year payment plan, but paying it off in 10 years.
Vice Mayor Matthews said she wanted to prioritize meeting the City's current commitments to its employees, and prioritize setting aside 30 percent of the operating revenue every year.
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Gregory Daggett cautioned against taking funds from the wastewater treatment plant.
Fred Weis suggested appointing a task force to review this.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
RECESS: The Council recessed from 8:00 to 8:06 p.m.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL ACCEPTED
THE PRESENTATION AND DIRECTED STAFF TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE RECOMMENDED PATH AS PUT FORTH IN THE PRESENTATION. AYES:
MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT:
SCHAEFER. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Appoint up to Two New Members to the Economic Development Committee for Terms Expiring September 30, 2024, and One New Member to the Planning Commission for a Term Expiring March 31, 2027.
STILLMAN MOVED AND WHITE SECONDED TO APPOINT CHRISTOPHER P.
ALBERTS AND SOPHIA ROSS TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FOR TERMS EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024.
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment. None was received. Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE.
AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE.
ABSENT: SCHAEFER. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO
VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPOINTED JOEL YODOWITZ TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM EXPIRING MARCH 31, 2027. AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: SCHAEFER.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
B. Public Hearing on Proposed Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24.
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Finance Director Miller presented the Master Fee Schedule for the Council's consideration and noted that all fees would become effective July 1, 2023. She explained that the goal was that fees for a service cover the cost of providing that service to the public. She explained that these were services provided to individuals, not the public at large. She said that an inflationary index of eight percent (8%) was used to determine increases to fees.
Vice Mayor Matthews opened the public hearing.
Gregory Daggett spoke against increasing fees, especially building permit fees.
Fred Weis spoke about the market rate fees and the high cost of the City's fee to appeal a Planning Commission decision to the City Council.
Joanne McGarry said it would be interesting to analyze what percentage of dogs in the community license fees were collected for.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 223-50, 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 2023/2024. AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: SCHAEFER.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
C. Consider Adopting a Revised Hiring and Recruitment Incentive Program Administrative Policy (increase to Lateral Police Officer Hiring Incentive); Approving a Retention Bonus for Current Police Officers; and Approving Police Department Physical Workplace improvements.
Assistant City Manager/Personnel Director Demello said that in 2020, the Arcata Police Department was fully staffed at 29 officers. Over the last year, several staff had left, leaving the Department with 19 officer positions filled—a 34 percent staffing deficit. She listed the status of several trainees and candidates, saying that the Department would likely have 5 of the 10 vacancies filled but it would be up to one year before they all would be on the street. She explained that lateral transfer officers only needed one to two months of field training. She said sponsoring a cadet in the academy cost $65,000, and they would not be on the street for at least nine months.
She said staff's proposal was to increase the hiring bonus for lateral transfer officers from $15,000 to $50,000 paid out over two and one-half years.
Assistant City Manager/Personnel Director Demello described the second proposal as being a retention bonus of $7,500 per year for three years. She said the first payment would be in June of 2024. Additionally, she said staff had been told in recent exit interviews that one draw to other agencies was the attractive working environment and tools. Therefore, staff was recommending a budget of $60,000 for improvements to the workspace in the Police Department.
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Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Leslie Johnson spoke regarding the recent spiking of drinks in Plaza bars and what she saw as the unfair treatment of survivors to corrupt roles. She said the police force was wasteful, ineffective and abusive. She requested drinking test strips be distributed in lieu of policing.
Gregory Daggett said there were not currently enough Police Officers in Arcata. He said a lack of officers could result in a lawsuit.
Fred Weis advocated for a budget increase to have more than 29 officers.
Joanne McGarry said there needed to be more police on duty and there needed to be an environment to make working in Arcata attractive to officers.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED A
REVISED HIRING AND RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE
POLICY (INCREASE TO LATERAL POLICE OFFICER HIRING INCENTIVE TO $50,000 PAID OVER TWO AND ONE-HALF YEARS); APPROVED A RETENTION BONUS FOR CURRENT POLICE OFFICERS ($7,500 ANNUALLY OVER THREE YEARS); AND APPROVED UP TO $60,000 FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENTS. AYES: MATTHEWS, ATKINS-SALAZAR, STILLMAN, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: SCHAEFER. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry encouraged creativity and forward thinking for problem solving, including helping the unhoused.
Gregory Daggett spoke against development in sea level rise areas.
Anthony Deluca spoke in favor of supporting local businesses and taking care of problems with the houseless.
Vice Mayor Matthews closed Oral and Written Communications.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
Councilmember White reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Homelessness and Housing Working Group; OurSpace homeless arts project at Arcata Playhouse; a clean-up at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary; Senator McGuire's press conference regarding Carlson Park; and a April 19, 2023
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Communidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA) proprietary budget process event. She announced she would be attending an upcoming meeting of the Board of Directors of Arcata House Partnership. She announced an upcoming Communidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA) proprietary budget process and also said CUNA would be tabling at the Decolonizing Economic Summit at Pierson Park in McKinleyville. She announced a clean-up at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary would be held on Earth Day, 2023.
Councilmember Stillman spoke in favor of including inspection of single-family rental units in Arcata. She would also like to see what could be done about houses that were empty and unfinished or boarded up and getting them in shape to be occupied. She reported on Godwit Days.
Vice Mayor Matthews announced April 28, 2023, would be the 20th Anniversary of Redwood Coast Energy Authority.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar reported on recent and upcoming events hosted by Arcata Main Street. She said she would be attending an upcoming meeting of Humboldt County Association of Governments. She reported on a run hosted by Justice for Josiah on the sixth anniversary of David Josiah Lawson's murder.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bridget Dory
City Clerk