CITY OF ARCATA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER FEBRUARY 21, 2024
1 SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata was held on the above date at 5:30 p.m. with Mayor Matthews presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on February 16, 2024.
PRESENT: Matthews, Stillman, Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer (via teleconference), White.
ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Diemer, Director of Community Development Loya, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was given.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property: Assessor's Parcel Nos. 503-232-004, - 013, and -016. Agency Negotiator: Karen Diemer, City Manager. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
The Council met in closed session in the City Manager's Conference Room.
The Council returned to the Council Chamber at 5:58 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property: Assessor's Parcel Nos. 503-232-004, - 013, and -016. Agency Negotiator: Karen Diemer, City Manager. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
Mayor Matthews stated there was nothing to report out from the closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata was held on the above date at 6:03 p.m. as a hybrid meeting, via teleconference utilizing Zoom Video Communication and in person, with Mayor Matthews presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on February 16, 2024. PRESENT: Matthews, Stillman, Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer (via teleconference), White.
ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Diemer, Director of Community Development Loya, City Engineer Khatri, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn, Executive Assistant/Deputy City Clerk Varley, City Clerk Dory.
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Councilmember Schaefer confirmed that she was appearing at the meeting via teleconference due to illness and there was no one under the age of 18 in the room with her.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Mayor Matthews read a statement acknowledging that Arcata (Goudi'ni) sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Matthews led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
A. Proclamation Recognizing February 27, 2024, as Spay Day USA.
Councilmember White read the proclamation and presented it to Kim Class, from Companion Animal Foundation, who spoke about the history and importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats in the United States.
B. Proclamation in Recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness.
Councilmember Stillman read the proclamation and presented it to Elaine Reed and Sharon Sligh from Soroptimist International of Arcata who thanked the Council for bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking.
EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
An unidentified member of the audience urged the Council to take up the issue of a cease fire in Gaza.
Paul Pitino stated "cease fire" and "no judgment."
Joanne McGarry said the human rights situation in Gaza needed to be addressed by Arcata and asked that it be on a future agenda.
Dan Shahin begged the Council to put a cease fire resolution on an agenda.
Lisa Pelletier urged the Council to be more transparent with residents in regard to the General Plan update and zoning.
James Becker complained that at its February 13, 2024, meeting, the Planning Commission did not discuss Commissioner Mayer's suggestions regarding the General Plan update. He also asked questions about Class I trails in the General Plan update.
Laura Phelan-Shahin said she believed the community could come together and hear one another so that Jewish people and Palestinian people did not have to live with fear.
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Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Matthews removed item D from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry requested item D be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS
VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 21, 2024, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM D. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THREE 2025 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTORS AND AWARD CONTRACT TO HARPER MOTORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $173,634.11, INCLUDING TAX; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. AYES: MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
A. Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 7, 2024.
B. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
C. Adopt Ordinance No. 1567, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Arcata Municipal Code to Make Minor and Non-Substantive Corrections, Updates, and Clarifications; Waive Reading of the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only.
D. Item VIII-D was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
E. Adopt Resolution No. 234-33 Amending Resolution No. 156-09 Designating OneWay Streets and Alleys.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
D. Approve the Purchase of Three 2025 Ford Police Interceptors and Award Contract to Harper Motors in the Amount of $173,634.11, Including Tax; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn reported that City mechanics and other staff had researched hybrid and electric Interceptor vehicles over the last two years. She said that in 2022 the Council approved the purchase of an electric Interceptor. She said that production of the electric Interceptor was delayed a number of times and this year Ford canceled the electric Interceptor order as it did not have the ability to build the car. She said that hybrid and electric police vehicles would not be available for quite some time. She stated that as the Arcata Police Department was becoming fully staffed, it was currently having to put two patrol officers in a car February 21, 2024
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at one time, and once fully staff would likely have to put three officers in a vehicle. So due to the need to replace fleet vehicles and ensuring continued public safety operations, the City would need to purchase gas-powered vehicles at this time. She confirmed that staff had researched other cars, such as the Ford Taurus, but found it too small. Staff had also researched the Chevrolet Tahoe which was an even larger vehicle. She said no one at Ford had a date for when electric Interceptors may become available.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry suggested finding out what other Police agencies in California were purchasing, and also suggested patrolling the Plaza on foot rather than by car.
Korina Johnson said she would like to see the Police Department reinstate its bicycle patrols.
Patricia Cambianica stated there were visibility concerns with the Ford Interceptors. She recommended the City do more research into other vehicles, and also supported bicycle and foot patrols.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
WHITE MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO DO FURTHER RESEARCH ON OTHER OPTIONS AND BRING THIS ITEM BACK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A
FOUR-TO-ONE VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF THREE 2025 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTORS AND AWARDED A CONTRACT TO HARPER MOTORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $173,634.11, INCLUDING TAX;
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE
DOCUMENTS; DIRECTED STAFF TO CONTINUE TO SEEK MORE ENERGYEFFICIENT VEHICLES; AND INVITED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO COME TO THE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THIS AS SOON AS HE WAS AVAILABLE. AYES:
MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER. NOES: WHITE.
ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
THE MOTION BY WHITE DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Consider Parking Standards as Outlined in the General Plan Update.
Director of Community Development Loya said the General Plan update topic for discussion was citywide parking policies. He said the parking policies were related to the Smart Growth Policies in the General Plan 2020 and the idea was that Smart Growth Policies would help to reduce greenhouse gases. He explained that reducing greenhouse gases meant adoption of alternative transportation policies and investing in that infrastructure, and that translated into higher density developments. He said the staff report highlighted parking policies that showed the emphasis for February 21, 2024
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parking within the City. He said the intent of parking policies in the downtown was to remove the government requirement for parking that was potentially unnecessary.
Councilmember Schaefer suggested it would be good to commission an updated parking study.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Dan Shahin said that limiting those with lower incomes and limiting their ability to have a car might not be appreciated by everyone.
Colin Fiske, from the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, said the General Plan parking reforms would slowly transition Arcata to a more people-focused city, reduce housing costs, and reduce climate pollution. He urged the Council to support the proposed parking reforms.
Fred Weis gave examples of why he did not agree with reducing parking maximums. He gave a handout to the Council members.
Gregory Daggett said the reality was that people wanted parking in their buildings.
James Becker said he supported commissioning a parking study. He said that inadequate parking was a problem for seniors and those with disabilities.
Jennifer Kalt said she supported getting rid of parking minimums stating it had been an effective regulatory form for providing affordable housing.
Written communication was received from the Humboldt County Association of Governments in support of the smart growth principles included in the General Plan 2045, specifically to the new Transportation Element, Policy Land-6 and Policy Land-7.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar said she would support commissioning a parking study if it would make people more comfortable.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Approve the U.S. 101 and Sunset Avenue Interchange Project and Direct the Staff to File a California Environmental Quality Act Document Declaration as a Notice of Exemption with the Humboldt County Recorder’s Office for the Project.
City Engineer Khatri said the City had been working on this project for 10 years. He gave a history of the work done to date and the proposals for the project area. He described the current project and provided a schedule. He said the City had money for the final design and the goal was to seek construction funding for construction to start in 2025/2026. He said this project was a joint project between the City, Caltrans, and Cal Poly Humboldt.
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Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry asked that consideration be given to all kinds of vehicular traffic.
Paul Pitino noted he was a member of the City's Transportation Safety Committee for eight years and they had prayed for these intersections to be this way.
An unidentified member of the audience said they liked roundabouts and asked that Jolly Giant Creek be daylighted in the project area.
Colin Fiske, from the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, said: 1) There needed to be separate bicycle and pedestrian facilities; 2) The design should include more measures to slow traffic at the roundabouts; and 3) The slip lanes needed to be removed.
Gregory Daggett expressed his support of the roundabouts. He said that drivers would still be the problem.
Fred Weis said these roundabouts looked bad as there were 10 places where pedestrian paths crossed traffic lanes. He said he hoped to not see shared paths for bicycles and pedestrians.
John Emig said he thought the slip lanes should be reconsidered.
Korina Johnson suggested the path for bicycles and pedestrians be 20-feet wide. She suggested raised crosswalks that could act as speed tables.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
Councilmember White said she would like to see the bicycles separated from the vehicular traffic.
On inquiry by Councilmember Atkins-Salazar, City Engineer Khatri said there was a possibility to make some of the suggested improvements. He said he would have to get approval from first responders/emergency services to install raised crosswalks. He explained how the slip lanes were necessary to keep traffic from queuing on the freeway. He said the real estate was not available to have separated bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
Councilmember Schaefer said she would like to see alternatives to the slip lanes as designed and wondered how to slow traffic coming off the freeway.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE U.S. 101 AND SUNSET AVENUE
INTERCHANGE PROJECT AND DIRECTED STAFF TO FILE A CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DOCUMENT DECLARATION AS A NOTICE OF
EXEMPTION WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE FOR THE February 21, 2024
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PROJECT. AYES: MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
An unidentified member of the audience requested each Councilmember announce whether or not they supported a cease fire resolution.
Sam Neuwirth submitted a petition with almost 1,500 signatures gathered in support of a cease fire resolution.
An unidentified member of the audience read a brief history of the Middle East and Israel.
Tricia wondered if the City might consider sponsoring the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanction) movement.
Gregory Daggett expressed his disappointment that the City had not performed a noise study as part of the General Plan Update.
Joanne McGarry announced she had attended a forum on Free Speech vs. Hate Speech and recommended people view it on Access Humboldt. She asked the Councilmembers to sign the Charter for Compassion.
Dan Shahin asked the Council to please consider putting a cease fire resolution on a future agenda.
Fred Weis encouraged people to view the 3-D images of the possible buildout in the Gateway Area. He noted the Gateway form-based code had not been changed to support a linear park on L Street. He proposed all projects in the City go through Planning Commission review and approval.
Paul Pitino said "cease fire" and "no judgment."
Shannon Townsend spoke in favor of putting a cease fire resolution on the Council's agenda.
Sandra Martopia urged the Council to add a cease fire resolution for Gaza to its agenda.
Ryfry urged adoption of a resolution for a cease fire.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
Mayor Matthews reminded the public that the Council had considered a cease fire resolution on November 15 and it did not pass. She asked the Councilmembers if there was consensus for putting a peace resolution on an agenda.
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All five Councilmembers supported putting a peace resolution on an agenda.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
Councilmember Schaefer announced a workshop sponsored by the Redwood Coast Energy Authority on Heat Pumps and Water Heaters at the D Street Neighborhood Center on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Humboldt County Association of Governments.
Councilmember Stillman reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Humboldt Transit Authority. She announced the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Councilmember White reported on her attendance at the ribbon cutting for the new boat launch at the South I Street parking lot at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. She reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Housing and Homelessness Working Group. She said she would be attending an advanced CEQA conference and would be attending a Loan Committee Meeting for the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission. She said she would be attending the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Awards Dinner.
DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
A. Set a Date for a Study Session with City Committee and Commission Chairpersons.
This item was not addressed and was, therefore, continued to the next City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bridget Dory
City Clerk