City Council - Regular Meeting - February 19, 2025
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Mayor Stillman read a statement acknowledging that Arcata sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
2. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Stillman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a.
Proclamation Recognizing February 25, 2025, as Spay Day USA.
1. Spay Day Proc 2025.pdf
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation.
b.
Proclamation in Recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness.
1. Human Trafficking Awareness 2025.pdf
Vice Mayor White read the proclamation and presented it to Sharon Sligh, President of Soroptimist International of Arcata, Inc., and to Katrina "Tina" Taylor with EPI (Empower, Protect, and Invest).
4. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
a.
Receive Annual Report from the Planning Commission.
1. PC 2024 Annual Report.pdf
Scott Davies, Chairperson of the Planning Commission, gave an oral version of the Commission's annual report to the Council in the form of a poem.
5. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
a.
Receive an Arcata Police Department 2024 Year-End Activity Report from Lieutenant Todd Dokweiler.
Lieutenant Dokweiler presented an annual update for the Arcata Police Department. He reviewed the department's statistics and spoke about the Arcata Community Outreach Team, the Community Ambassadors, and the department's additional programs.
b.
Receive an Arcata Fire District 2024 Year-End Report from Fire Chief, Chris Emmons.
Fire Chief Emmons provided a 2024 year-end report for the Arcata Fire District. He noted the recent shift in administration at the fire district and reviewed statistics for the 2024 calendar year. He highlighted that response projections had greatly increased over time.
c.
AGENDA MODIFICATION
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL DID EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS BEFORE THE LAST STAFF REPORT AND COUNCIL REPORTS. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
White
DO EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS BEFORE THE LAST STAFF REPORT AND COUNCIL REPORTS.
d.
Receive an Update from City Engineer, Netra Khatri, Regarding the US 101 and Sunset Avenue Interchange Project.
This item was moved to after Early Oral Communications.
e.
Other Council and Staff Reports.
This item was moved to after Early Oral Communications.
6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
John Friedenbach, Michiko Mares, Patricia Atwood, Shawn Leon, Jeffrey Robinson, Shea Freedomhowler, Rose Gale-Zoellick, and Rainer Shea.
Mayor Stillman closed the early oral communications period.
7. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS [AGENDA MODIFICATION]
a.
Receive an Update from City Engineer, Netra Khatri, Regarding the US 101 and Sunset Avenue Interchange Project.
City Engineer Khatri and Senior Project Manager Kadlecik provided an update regarding the US 101 and Sunset Avenue Interchange Project. Director Khatri shared the potential solution of a proposed slip lane being removed while adding the option to install landscaping that could be changed in the future to become a slip lane if needed.
b.
Other Council and Staff Reports.
Presenters:
Schaefer, Atkins-Salazar, White, Matthews, and Stillman.
RECESS
:
The Council recessed from 7:45 p.m. to 7:52 p.m.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry addressed the Council regarding Items F and H, and an unidentified member of the audience addressed the Council regarding Item H.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED THE CONSENT CALENDAR [FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2025, AS PRESENTED, ITEMS A-I]. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt the Consent Calendar.
a.
Approval to Waive Reading of the Text and Consent to Read by Title Only for any Ordinance on this Agenda.
b.
Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of February 5, 2025.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CMSM_Feb05_2025 - English.pdf
c.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 5, 2025.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Feb05_2025 - English.pdf
d.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report-Report on Cash Distributions 1.25.2025-2.7.2025.pdf
2. Attachment A-Cash Disbursements 1.25.2025 to 2.7.2025.pdf Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period January
25 , 2025, through
February 7, 2025
.
e.
Approve Project & Award a Contract of $156,980 for Hyland St. Improvement Project to R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc.; Authorize City Engineer to Increase Contract by up to $15,698 (10%); and Authorize City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report-2025 Aprove and Award Hyland St Project to RAO.pdf
2. Attachment A-BID SUMMARY_Hyland St Improvements.pdf
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Approve the project plans and award a construction contract for Hyland Street Improvement project to R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $156,980.00; Authorize the City Engineer to increase the contract amount by up to 10 percent ($15,698 for a total amount not to exceed $172,678.00) to allow for any unforeseen contingencies or additional work; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
f.
Approve Plans & Award Contract of $481,870 to R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc. for Isaacson S.T.I. Improvement Project-Phase 2; Authorize City Engineer to Increase Contract by up to $731,870; and Authorize City Manager to Execute all Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report-Isaacson STI Impvt Proj-Phs 2- Approve Plans+Award to RAO; Auth City Eng Increase Amt +City Mgr Execute Docs.pdf
2. ATTACHMENT A - BID SUMMARY_Isaacson STI Phase 2.pdf
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Approve the project plans and award a construction contract for the Isaacson Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (STI) Improvement Project-Phase 2 to R.A.O. Construction Co., Inc., in the amount of $481,870.00; Authorize the City Engineer to increase the contract amount by up to $731,870.00 to allow for any unforeseen contingencies or additional work; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
g.
Approve an Annual Proclamation Designating February as Black History Month and an Annual Proclamation in Recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness in the City of Arcata; and Add Both Proclamations to the Council-Approved List.
1. Staff Report -Proclamation Approval .pdf
2. Attachment A-Black History Month Proclamation for Annual Approval.pdf
3. Attachment B-Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation for Annual Approval.pdf Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Approve an annual proclamation designating February as Black History Month in the City of Arcata; Approve an annual proclamation in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness in the City of Arcata; and Add the proclamations to the Council-Approved List.
h.
Adopt Resolution No. 245-32 Accepting a Public Utility Easement on a Portion of Assessor's Parcel No. 502-031-057; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report-Adopt Resolution 245-32 Accepting a Public Utility Easement on a Portion of Assessor Parcel No. 502-031-057.pdf
2. Attachment A-RESOLUTION 245-32.pdf
3. Attachment B-Easement Deed Exhibit A.pdf
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 245-32 accepting a Public Utility Easement on a portion of Assessor's Parcel No. 502-031-057; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents
i.
Approve the Purchase of One Trailer Mounted Master Mix Asphalt Recycler in the Amount of $79,902.45; Award Purchase Contract to Stepp Manufacturing Co.; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Approve the Purchase of one Asphalt Recycler and Award Purchase Contract to Stepp Manufacturing Co.pdf
2. Attachment A - Asphalt Recycler Quote - Stepp Manufacturing Co. .pdf Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Approve the purchase of one Trailer Mounted Master Mix Asphalt Recycler in the amount of $79,902.45 (including tax and freight); Award purchase contract to Stepp Manufacturing Co.; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
9. OLD BUSINESS
a.
Adopt Resolution No. 245-33 Establishing and Approving an Interfund Loan Policy.
1. Staff Report-Adopt Resolution No. 245-33 Establishing and Approving an Interfund Loan Policy.pdf
2. Attachment A-Resolution No. 245-33 Interfund Loan Policy.pdf
3. Attachment B-Proposed City of Arcata Interfund Loan Policy.pdf Finance Director Miller explained that interfund loans were often used in governmental accounting and finance. She noted the best practices that needed to be followed when enacting an interfund loan policy, including that funds could not be used to solve ongoing structural deficits, amongst other requirements. She explained that the adoption of the policy would not approve the loan discussed at the February 5, 2025, City Council meeting.
Director Miller responded to inquiries from the Council.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 245-33 ESTABLISHING AND APPROVING AN INTERFUND LOAN POLICY. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt Resolution No. 245-33 establishing and approving an Interfund Loan Policy.
10. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Public Scoping Hearing on Potential Projects the City May Submit for Funding Under the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA).
1. Staff Report-Review Potential CDBG Projects List for 2025 Application.pdf
2. Attachment A-Potential CDBG Projects List.pdf
Director of Community Development Loya explained that this was an opportunity for the public to have input on potential projects. He said that the Community Development Block Grant program indicated that the Notice of Funds Availability would be released in the summer.
Director Loya responded to inquiries from the Council.
Mayor Stillman opened the public hearing.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry spoke in favor of increasing public benches and public bathrooms around the City. She requested a reevaluation of the City's trash receptacles.
Mayor Stillman closed the public hearing.
b.
Review and Approve Revisions to the City Officials’ Protocol Manual; and Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 245-34 Establishing Format and Procedures for the City Council Meeting Agenda.
1. Staff Report-Review and Approve Revised City Official's Protocol Manual.pdf
2. Attachment A-2025.02.19 Draft Protocol Manual Redline Version.pdf
3. Attachment B-245-34 Council Agenda Outline.pdf
City Manager Perry explained that this item had been added to the agenda at the request of a few council members. He explained that there were three proposed changes which were to move Council Reports to the end of the meeting, to eliminate "Items Removed from Consent Calendar", and to change public comment to two minutes for all items.
The Council deliberated regarding the potential changes.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL AGREED TO KEEPING STAFF REPORTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING WHILE MOVING COUNCIL REPORTS TO WHERE THEY USED TO BE AT THE END; TO REMOVE THE "ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR" CATEGORY; TO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD TIME ALLOTMENTS; AND TO HAVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED AT THE END OF THE MEETING.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Paul Pitino, and Joanne McGarry.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE CHANGES AS DISCUSSED; TO LEAVE IT THE WAY IT CURRENTLY WAS WITH TWO MINUTES AT THE BEGINNING FOR EARLY ORAL OR THREE MINUTES COULD BE TAKEN AT THE END, AND UP TO THREE MINUTES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE MAYOR FOR ALL AGENDA ITEMS; TO MOVE COUNCIL REPORTS TO THE END AND KEEP STAFF REPORTS AT THE BEGINNING; AND APPROVED THE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
White
Approve the changes as discussed; to leave it the way it currently is with two minutes at the beginning for early oral or three minutes can be taken at the end, and up to three minutes at the discretion of the Mayor for all agenda items; to move Council Reports to the end and keep Staff Reports at the beginning; and approve the Consent Calendar item.
c.
Introduce Ordinance No. 1575, An Ordinance of The City Council of The City Of Arcata Amending The Land Use Code To Update Affordable Housing Zoning, Waive Reading of the Text And Consent to Read by Title Only.
1. Staff Report-Land Use Code Amendments for Affordable Housing .pdf
2. Attachment A-Ordinance No. 1575.pdf
Director of Community Development Loya explained that this item dated back to discussions on the General Plan process. He shared that it was before the Council as a public hearing, and that the contents were largely what was recommended at the last study session. He said the Planning Commission passed Resolution No. 25-01, recommending what was shown in the packet, but that the legal team needed more time to review the ordinance. He recommended opening the public hearing and continuing it to March 19.
The Council agreed by general consensus that continuing the public hearing to April 2, 2025, would be best.
Mayor Stillman opened the public hearing.
There being none, Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL CONTINUED THE PUBLIC HEARING TO APRIL 2, AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Continue the public hearing to April 2, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
11. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry, Luta Belcher, Jeffrey Harris, Tamar Krigel, an unidentified member of the audience, and Sarai.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and written communications period.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,