CITY OF ARCATA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER SEPTEMBER 04, 2024
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 Matthews presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on August 30, 2024. PRESENT:
Matthews, Stillman, Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer, White. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Perry, Director of Community Development Loya, Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn, City Engineer Khatri, Finance Manager Morgan, IT and Digital Media Specialist Carrillo, City Clerk Varley.
I. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Mayor Matthews read a statement acknowledging that Arcata sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
II. FLAG SALUTE.
Mayor Matthews led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. CEREMONIAL MATTERS.
A. Proclamation Recognizing September 21, 2024, as the International Day of Peace.
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Carol Woods from the Humboldt Branch of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom who thanked the Council for the proclamation.
B. Proclamation in Recognition of Coastal Cleanup Month, September 2024.
Councilmember Stillman read the proclamation and presented it to Sable from Northcoast Environmental Center who shared that the center was excited to celebrate the 45th year of coastal cleanups, they shared that there was a full list of cleanups posted on the center's website.
C. Proclamation Recognizing September 2024 as CommUnity Pride and Peace Month.
Councilmember White read the proclamation.
D. Proclamation in Recognition of Queer Community and Culture Awareness Month, September 2024.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Æpryl Nikolai from Redwood Pride who shared that the show would take place Sunday, October 20, 2024, an hour earlier than previously scheduled and that their social media would be updated to reflect that.
VI. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS.
City Manager Perry reported on a tour of the Craftsman Mall project that City Engineer Khatri took him on. He said that he also went on a tour of the Gateway Area. He shared that City Manager Diemer would have her last day on September 13, 2024.
Councilmember White reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDAC), and a loan committee meeting for RREDAC. She shared that there would be a ribbon cutting for Carlson Park on September 13, 2024, that Community Hoop Nights would be happening for the entire month of September, and that the Out of the September 4, 2024
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Darkness Community Walk would take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She reported on her attendance of a statewide emergency response event through the Community Emergency Response Team.
Councilmember Stillman reported that Humboldt Transit Authority was in discussions about potentially creating a North Star Express. She shared that the Activity Guide for the Arcata Recreation Division had just been published in the Mad River Union. She reported that she had heard about increased instances of dumping in the community and shared a reminder that Recology provided two free large pickups a year.
Mayor Matthews reported on her attendance at the I Block Party on September 3, 2024. She shared that Cannifest would be happening during the upcoming weekend on Saturday September 7 and Sunday September 8. She encouraged the community to support local businesses and reported on her attendance as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar reported on her attendance at the South Arcata Multi-Modal Safety Improvements Plan workshop. She shared that Director of Community Development Loya had been invited to present for the Coastal Commission on sea level rise and thanked staff and the community for their efforts on the issue. She said that there would be a Chamber Mixer on Thursday, September 5, at Coast Central Credit Union and that there would be a Young Professionals Mixer on September 6.
Councilmember Schaefer shared that she was on a subcommittee dedicated to the search for a new Executive Director for Redwood Coast Energy Authority. She reported on her participation in the Reflections event hosted by equity arcata and shared that equity arcata had its first board meeting with the new City Manager. She spoke about an upcoming Oaxacan writer's visit, and said that the writers would be doing events such as a reading at North Town Books on September 18, 2024. She reported that College of the Redwoods, Cal Poly Humboldt, and Temple Beth El would be hosting a community conversation regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict on September 18, 2024. She shared that there would be a Home Away From Home potluck on September 8 at the D Street Community Center. She said that she had signed up to do a week without driving through the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities and encouraged others to participate.
VII. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Steve Davis said he was attending the meeting in hopes that the City would continue to support the arts.
He proposed the idea of art buffets with funds raised in support of the Community Ambassador program.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
VIII. MEETING OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ARCATA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.
A meeting of the Successor Agency to the Arcata Community Development Agency was held on September 4, 2024, at 6:29 p.m. as a hybrid meeting, via teleconference utilizing Zoom Video Communications and in person, with Board Chairperson Matthews presiding. Notice of this meeting was posted on August 30, 2024. PRESENT: Matthews, Stillman, Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer, White. ABSENT:
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None. STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Perry, Director of Community Development Loya, Secretary/Clerk Varley.
A. SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR.
STILLMAN MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2024, AS PRESENTED.
Board Chairperson Matthews invited public comment.
No public comment was received.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, MATTHEWS, WHITE. NOES: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
1. Approve the Secretary and Clerk of the Board's Filing of the 2024 Notice of Biennial Review, Conflict of Interest Code, with the City of Arcata; and Ratify the Determination that No Amendment is Required.
ADJOURNMENT.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. and the City Council meeting resumed.
IX. CONSENT CALENDAR.
STILLMAN MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2024, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM C. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1569, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCATA AMENDING THE LAND USE CODE, TITLE IX, PLANNING AND ZONING, OF
THE ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE GATEWAY AREA CODE AND ZONING DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY; WAIVE READING OF THE TEXT AND CONSENT TO READ BY TITLE ONLY.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
There was no public comment.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: MATTHEWS, STILLMAN, ATKINS-SALAZAR, SCHAEFER, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
A. Approve the City Council Meeting of August 21, 2024.
B. Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
C. Item IX-C was moved to Items Removed from Consent Calendar.
D. Adopt Ordinance No. 1571, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata, Amending Chapter 5, Residential Rental Inspection Program, of Title VIII, Building Regulations, of the Arcata Municipal Code; Waive Reading of the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only.
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E. Approve the City Manager's Filing of the 2024 Local Agency Biennial Notice, Conflict of Interest Code, with the City of Arcata; and Ratify the Determination that No Amendment is Required.
X. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR.
C. Adopt Ordinance No. 1569, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Land Use Code, Title IX, Planning and Zoning, of the Arcata Municipal Code to Adopt the Gateway Code and Zoning Districts Throughout the City; Waive Reading the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only.
Councilmembers Stillman and Atkins-Salazar recused themselves and left the Chamber at 6:33 p.m.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
There was no public comment.
ON MOTION BY WHITE, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A THREE-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH TWO ABSENCES, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 1569, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA
AMENDING THE LAND USE CODE, TITLE IX, PLANNING AND ZONING, OF THE
ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE GATEWAY CODE AND ZONING DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY; WAIVED READING OF THE TEXT AND CONSENTED TO READING BY TITLE ONLY. AYES: MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: STILLMAN (RECUSED), ATKINS-SALAZAR (RECUSED). ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Councilmembers Stillman and Atkins-Salazar reentered the Chamber at 6:34 p.m.
XII. NEW BUSINESS.
A. Review Proposed Concepts for K Street Improvements and Provide Direction as Appropriate.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar recused herself due to owning a business on K Street and left the Chamber at 6:34 p.m.
City Engineer Khatri explained that he and Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn would present an overview of options for improvements to K Street. He shared a project location map, and noted that K Street was one of the streets that had higher instances of traffic. He said that the project would have a limit of Samoa to 11th Street only and that the inception of the project started during the planning phase of the Gateway Area Plan and General Plan with the consideration of a one-way couplet for K and L Streets. Once the idea for the couplet was removed, he explained that the Council and Planning Commission asked staff to look at different options for improvements to K Street.
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Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn explained that K Street was an arterial street with no bicycling facility. She said that public engagement had included a presentation that City Engineer Khatri gave the Planning Commission in 2023, the Local Road Safety Plan, and the Dan Burden walkability assessment in 2023. She noted that there had been targeted outreach by a community survey and workshop in the Spring of 2024, and door-to-door engagement during the last week of August 2024. She explained that all options being presented to the Council had the elimination of parking to accommodate bicycling facilities. She gave an overview of the four project options. She shared that Option D had received the most support but had to be modified due to the effective street width being 38 feet instead of 40. She said that materials for a Class IV bike facility could vary and that removable bolted delineators could be used temporarily to test it out.
City Engineer Khatri noted that the difference between Option D and Modified Option D was that on the left-hand side for the modified option, there would be no bike lane.
On inquiry by Councilmember White, City Engineer Khatri said that there were no changes proposed for sidewalks and that the project would run curb face to curb face.
On inquiry by Councilmember Schaefer, City Engineer Khatri clarified that some sidewalks were six and a half feet and that Option D was not possible due to a limited right-of-way.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Colin Fiske, with Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities (CRTP), spoke in favor of enhanced safety on K Street and requested Class IV bike lanes on both sides of the street, corner bollards, high visibility crosswalks, and green paint.
Wendy Ring spoke in favor of Class IV bike lanes being placed on both sides of the street.
Susan Paul shared that she owned two businesses on K Street and spoke in favor of more speed signs, emphasized that her businesses would not succeed without parking, and noted that there was a dedicated bike lane one block away.
Jeff shared that he and his wife, Shelise, were owners of Humboldt Houseplants on K Street and that their business relied on parking. He said he was curious to know how many business owners had been contacted and spoke in favor of further conversation.
Shelise spoke in favor of improving safety on K Street. She explained that the street was typically full by 10:00 a.m. during events and that they received customer complaints regarding it.
Amber from Slice of Humboldt Pie explained she was notified about the project around 4:00 p.m. on September 4, 2024. She emphasized that she would lose her business if parking was cut back and spoke in favor of considering other options.
Joanne McGarry spoke in favor of the Transit Center being moved to a more visible spot in the community with routes running through K Street.
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Andy Salazar said that he had a business on K Street and requested increased parking access on the East side of the street. He spoke in favor of Option D without the removal of all parking.
An unidentified speaker spoke against Option D and requested the Council choose an option that would not remove parking on both sides.
Kelsey Martin with CRTP spoke in favor of extended corners, no parking, and enhanced safety.
James Becker requested that the Council modify Option D and spoke in favor of not eliminating parking.
Patricia Cambianica spoke in favor of keeping the bike path on the West side of the street buffered, painted crosswalks, flashing crosswalks, and revisiting Dan Burden's recommendations.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
RECESS: The Council recessed from 7:29 p.m. to 7:32 p.m.
Councilmember Stillman spoke in favor of moving bike traffic onto L Street.
Councilmember Schaefer spoke in favor of increasing the sight line at intersections.
Councilmember White said she was disturbed that some of the businesses were just finding out. She asked to revisit Dan Burden options and spoke in favor of more engagement with the businesses.
On inquiry by Councilmember Schaefer, City Engineer Khatri said there had been concern regarding a two-way bike lane on one side due to crossing conflicts.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn said that a two-way bike lane could be considered beyond a quick-build project, but that K Street may not be an ideal location.
Mayor Matthews said the problems she saw on K Street included enforcement. She requested more directional signage for the trail on L Street and asked for more opportunity to engage with business owners and residents on K Street.
Councilmember Schaefer asked if timed parking on K street had been explored.
Mayor Matthews spoke in favor of a parking study.
Councilmember Stillman suggested adding parking to L street.
Mayor Matthews requested more time to talk to business owners, and look into options for increasing safety.
Councilmember Schaefer spoke in favor of narrowing the road as recommended by Dan Burden.
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Councilmember White confirmed with the other councilmembers that the Council was requesting more time, conversation regarding a traffic study, and more engagement with businesses.
City Engineer Khatri recommended Option A with sight improvements. He requested to move forward with the first recommendation.
The Council discussed options for increased sight visibility and requested more time to conduct community outreach.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL DIRECTED STAFF TO BRING THIS ITEM BACK TO A FUTURE MEETING.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar reentered the Chamber at 7:59 p.m.
XIII. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS.
Mayor Matthews invited public comment.
Joanne McGarry requested to make the Earth flag more prominent and thanked Mayor Matthews for representing the community at the Democratic National Convention. She spoke in favor of a new resolution in opposition of the United States funding Israel.
Mayor Matthews closed the public comment period.
XIV. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS.
A. Confirm a Study Session with the Planning Commission on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL CONFIRMED A STUDY SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024, AT 5:30 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
B. Discuss Scheduling for the October 2, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL AGREED TO HAVE A LIGHTER AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING ON OCTOBER 2, 2024, WITH CONSIDERATION FOR ROSH HASHANAH BEGINNING AT SUNSET.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhea Varley
City Clerk