City Council - Regular Meeting - April 02, 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 in Recognition of Two-Spirit Celebration and Appreciation Day, March 20, 2025.
1. Two-Spirit Day Proclamation 2025.pdf
Councilmember Matthews read the proclamation and presented it to Andie Martin and Parker Vassal, co-leaders of the local Two-Spirit art group.
b.
Proclamation in Recognition of the 2025 Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival, April 17–20, 2025.
1. Godwit Days Proclamation 2025.pdf
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Mayor Stillman, who served as Chair for Godwit Days.
c.
Proclamation in Recognition of the Week of the Young Child, April 5–11, 2025.
1. Week of the Young Child 2025 Proclamation.pdf
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Rodney Oien, Executive Director of North Coast Children's Services.
d.
Proclamation in Recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 2025.
1. 2025 SAAM Proclamation.pdf
Councilmember White read the proclamation and presented it to Maria Sepulveda with the North Coast Rape Crisis Team.
4. STAFF REPORTS
No staff reports were received at this time.
5. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED] Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry, Scott McBain, Shawn Leon, Isaac, Eli, Pat Kanzler, Tricia Murphy, and an unidentified member of the audience.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and communications [early - time limited] period.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember White complimented staff regarding Item D.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar requested that Item E be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO ADOPT CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A, B, C, AND D.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
There being none, Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt Consent Calendar Items A, B, C, and D.
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 City Council Meeting of March 19, 2025.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Mar19_2025 - English.pdf
c.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report - Report on Cash Distributions 3-8-2025 to 3-21-2025.pdf
2. Attachment A - Cash Disbursements 3.08.25 to 3.21.2025.pdf Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period
March 8
, 2025, through
March
21 , 2025.
d.
Determine the Carlson Park Skate Spot Project Exempt from CEQA per Section 15303; Award the Contract to Primary Concrete for $92,500; Authorize Environmental Services Director to Increase Contract by 10%; and Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents.
1. Staff Report - Award Skate Spot Design and Build Contract to Primary Concrete for $92,500 .pdf
2. Attachment A - PRIMARY-CONCRETE_Proposal_CarlsonParkSkateSpot_Design-Build (staff report attachment).pdf
3. Attachment B - PRIMARY-CONCRETE_COST-Proposal_CarlsonParkSkateSpot_Design-Build_reduced size.pdf Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Determine the Carlson Park Skate Spot Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15303; Award the Design-Build Contract to Primary Concrete in the amount of $92,500; Authorize the Environmental Services Director to increase the contract by up to 10% for contingencies; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
e.
Adopt a CEQA Exemption for the 2025 Joint Slurry Project; Approve Plans and Award Contract to Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. for $614,160.20; Authorize City Engineer to Increase Contract by $350,756.62; and Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents.
1. Staff Report - Approve Plans and Award 2025 Joint Slurry Project Contract to Intermountain Slurry Seal. Inc. .pdf
2. Attachment A - 2025_Joint Slurry Project_BID SUMMARY.pdf On inquiry by Councilmember Atkins-Salazar, City Manager Perry explained that this was a maintenance project to extend pavement life, not a complete streets project.
Assistant City Engineer Caisse responded to comments and inquiries from the Council.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Colin Fiske.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED ITEM E: [ADOPT A CEQA EXEMPTION FOR THE 2025 JOINT SLURRY PROJECT; APPROVE PLANS AND AWARD CONTRACT TO INTERMOUNTAIN SLURRY SEAL, INC. FOR $614,160.20; AUTHORIZE CITY ENGINEER TO INCREASE CONTRACT BY $350,756.62; AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS]. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Approve Item E.
7. OLD BUSINESS
a.
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
Senior Planner Mateer gave a presentation regarding the proposed ordinance, he explained that the Density Bonus updates were being made to be more consistent with state law. He spoke about the addition of Inclusionary Zoning, he said it was identified in the Housing Element and again in the General Plan 2045. He noted that Inclusionary Zoning could be used as a method to provide opportunities for housing, and that it would be required if there were 30 or more dwelling units proposed at a project.
Director of Community Development Loya, Senior Planner Mateer, and Deputy City Attorney Goldstein responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
The Council deliberated regarding the Inclusionary Zoning portion of the ordinance and whether or not the threshold number should be changed.
Mayor Stillman opened the public hearing.
Public Comment
: Gregory Daggett asked if folks doing low-income projects were paying taxes and spoke in favor of more questions being asked about the finances of these projects.
Mayor Stillman closed the public hearing.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THE NUMBER SHOULD BE 60.
Director Loya explained the modification that the Council would be making was on packet page 65, section 9.32.050 - Exempt Residential Project(A)(2). He said that it currently read as 30 but would read as 60 if they introduced it that way. He noted that there would be a non-substantive change to add Attachment A and Attachment B headings for the Density Bonus and Inclusionary Zoning.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 1575, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING THE LAND USE CODE TO UPDATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ZONING WITH THE INDICATED AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE THRESHOLD FROM 30 TO 60 ON PACKET PAGE 65; WAIVED READING OF THE TEXT AND CONSENTED TO READ BY TITLE ONLY; AND ADOPTED THE CEQA DETERMINATION INCLUDED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SECTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1575. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
RECESS
:
The Council recessed from 7:31 p.m. to 7:38 p.m.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Matthews
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 with the indicated amendment to change the threshold from 30 to 60 on packet page 65; Waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only; and adopt the CEQA determination included in the Environmental Review section of Ordinance No. 1575.
b.
Consider Adopting Resolution No. 245-41, Authorizing an Interfund Loan from the Wastewater Fund to the Water Fund in an Amount Not to Exceed $3.5 Million.
1. Staff Report - Consider Resolution No. 245-41 Approving an Interfund Loan from the Wastewater Fund to the Water Fund .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution No. 245-41 Wastewater Interfund Loan to Water Fund.pdf Finance Director Miller gave a presentation touching on the recent actions regarding this particular loan, potential future actions if the loan was approved, and the projected numbers for the proposed steel waterline replacement project. She noted that there would only be working capital remaining in reserves after the funds for the project were expended and that the loan would be the piece to fill this in. She emphasized that, if approved, the Council would be committing to an action to ensure that the Wastewater Fund would be repaid.
Director Miller responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Gregory Daggett, and Mark Raymond.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 245-41 AUHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN FROM THE WASTEWATER FUND TO THE WATER FUND IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3.5 MILLION. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
White
Adopt Resolution No. 245-41, authorizing an interfund loan from the City of Arcata’s Wastewater Fund to the City’s Water Fund in an amount not to exceed $3.5 million.
8. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Appoint Three Members to the Planning Commission for Terms Expiring March 31, 2029.
1. 2025-4-2 Candidate List PC.pdf
The Council deliberated regarding the appointment process.
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar thanked Sheldon Heath for his service on the Parks and Recreation Committee, and for showing interest in other areas as well.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO REAPPOINT PETER LEHMAN, MATTHEW SIMMONS, AND DANIEL TANGNEY TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR TERMS ENDING MARCH 31, 2029.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Gregory Daggett.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Reappoint Peter Lehman, Matthew Simmons, and Daniel Tangney to the Planning Commission for terms ending March 31, 2029.
b.
Compliance with New Legal Obligations Re: Public Hearing on City Staff Vacancies and the City’s Recruitment and Retention Efforts to Comply with New Legal Obligations (Assembly Bill 2561/Government Code Section 3502.3).
1. Staff Report - Annual Public Hearing City Staff Vacancy Report for 2024.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution No. 245-40 Administrative Policy Re Compliance with Govt Code 3502.3.pdf Mayor Stillman opened the public hearing.
Human Resources/Administrative Services Director Vink provided a presentation explaining that a recent legal change created a requirement for the public employer to go over its staff vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts through an annual public hearing. She touched on the types of full-time positions at the City, its vacancy rate, the percentage of vacancies by bargaining unit, and the City's retention process. She discussed the City's recruitment and retention efforts and highlighted the City's best practices for vacancy planning.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Gregory Daggett asked where advertisements for these positions would be placed and how jobs were being generated. He spoke in favor of there being more blue-collar workers.
Mayor Stillman closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 245-40, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA TO ADOPT A POLICY TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 3502.3. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Matthews
Adopt Resolution No. 245-40, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata to Adopt a Policy to be in Compliance with Government Code Section 3502.3.
c.
Find Ordinance No. 1577 to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and Introduce Ordinance No. 1577, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Arcata Municipal Code Regulations Regarding the Board of Appeals.
1. Staff Report - Introduce Ordinance No. 1577 Amending Arcata Muni Code Regulations Regarding the Board of Appeals.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance No. 1577 Board of Appeals.pdf Building Official Bishop gave a presentation on the proposed ordinance noting that there were originally two boards, the Board of Permit Appeals and an Access Appeals Board. He said that inconsistencies were found in the permit appeals board that were being addressed to be consistent with Building and Health and Safety Codes. He explained that the second board existed due to past accessibility standards, and that by changing the language in the Board of Permit Appeals to be the Board of Appeals, it would cover the needs for both boards.
Mayor Stillman opened the public hearing.
There being no public comment, Mayor Stillman closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY WHITE, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL FOUND ORDINANCE NO. 1577 TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT; AND INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 1577, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TITLE II (ADMINISTRATION), CHAPTER 3 (BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES), AND ARTICLES (5 AND 6); WAIVED READING OF THE TEXT AND CONSENTED TO READ BY TITLE ONLY. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
White
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Find Ordinance No. 1577 to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and Introduce Ordinance No. 1577, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Arcata Municipal Code Regulations Regarding the Board of Appeals, Title II (Administration), Chapter 3 (Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces), Articles (5 and 6); Waive reading of the text, and consent to read by title only.
9. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Gregory Daggett, an unidentified member of the audience, Ren Romer, an unidentified member of the audience, Rainer Shea, Ellen P., Shannon Townsend, and Gracie Leal.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and written communications [continued] period.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenters:
Schaefer, Atkins-Salazar, White, Matthews, and Stillman.
11. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a.
Set a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for April 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SET A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR APRIL 9, 2025, AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
b.
Set a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for May 8, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SET A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR MAY 8, 2025, AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
c.
Set a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Study Session for May 14, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SET A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR MAY 14, 2025, AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
12. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
Mayor Stillman reported that the Council met on two closed session items during the special meeting earlier in the evening and there was nothing to report out.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,