City Council - Regular Meeting - May 07, 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 May 2025 as National Historic Preservation Month.
1. Natl Historic Preservation Month 2025.pdf
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Dr. Jeanette Cooper, a member of the City's Historic Landmarks Committee.
b.
Proclamation in Honor of Older Americans Month, May 2025.
1. Older Americans Month 2025 Proclamation.pdf
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Executive Director Maggie Kraft with the Area 1 Agency on Aging.
4. STAFF REPORTS
a.
Receive a Presentation from Cal Poly Humboldt Student Interns Regarding the Economic Strategic Plan.
Director of Community Development Loya introduced Cal Poly Humboldt students Anahi, Melanie, and Midalia, who had been working on precursors to the report that would be submitted to the City's consultants for the Economic Strategic Plan. They gave a presentation touching on opportunities including healthcare diversification, food sovereignty, marketing, and business support.
b.
Receive an Update Regarding the Local Road Safety Plan and Streets Project from City Engineer Netra Khatri.
City Engineer Khatri provided an update regarding the City's Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). He presented street project updates including several projects that had recently been completed or were still in progress.
c.
Receive an Update Regarding the Construction of Phase 1 of the Wastewater Treatment Project from City Engineer Netra Khatri.
City Engineer Khatri and Senior Project Manager Kadlecik provided an update regarding the construction of phase one of the Wastewater Treatment Facilities Improvements Project.
Project Manager Kadlecik explained that the project was eighty-two percent complete and reviewed the work that had been completed to date. She shared that the project closeout was projected for January to June in 2026.
d.
Other Staff Reports.
No further staff reports were received.
5. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED] Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Tricia Murphy (who provided a printed photo to the Council), an unidentified member of the audience, Richard Soderberg, Dave Meserve, Shawn Leon, Gregory Daggett, and an unidentified member of the audience.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and written communications [early - time limited] period.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor White removed item I from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
ATKINS-SALAZAR MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO ADOPT ITEMS A THROUGH L ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF [ITEM] I.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Joanne McGarry addressed the Council regarding Item K.
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:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt Items A through L on the Consent Calendar with the exception of I.
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 Special Meeting of April 9, 2025.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCSS_Apr09_2025 - English.pdf
c.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of April 16, 2025.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CMSM_Apr16_2025 - English.pdf
d.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 16, 2025.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Apr16_2025 - English.pdf
e.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report - Report on Cash Distributions 4.5.25-4.25.25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Cash Disbursements 4.5.25-4.25.25.pdf Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period
April 5
, 2025, through
April
25 , 2025.
f.
Approve an Amendment to the Contract for Phase 1 of the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrade Project with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $434,843; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report- Approve Contract Amendment to Carollo Engineers for Phase 1 of Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrade.pdf
2. Exhibit A - CM-O CM Amendment Request 20250211.pdf
Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Approve an amendment to the contract for Phase 1 of the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrade Project with Carollo Engineers, Inc., for construction and inspection services in the amount of $434,843; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents
g.
Approve Plans and Award Contract for Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project to Innovative Construction Solutions in the Amount of $406,514; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report- Approve Plans and Award Contract for Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project.pdf
2. Attachment A - Former LLI MIll Cleanup Proejct_BID SUMMARY.pdf Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act Categorical Exemption for the Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15330; Approve the project plans and award a construction contract for the Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project to Innovative Construction Solutions in the amount of $406,514; Authorize the City Engineer to approve change orders and increase the Contract amount by up to $81,302.80 (for a total not to exceed $487,816.80) to allow for any unforeseen contingencies and additional work as necessary; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Consent Calendar vote:
Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act Categorical Exemption for the Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15330; Approve the project plans and award a construction contract for the Former Little Lake Industries Mill Cleanup Project to Innovative Construction Solutions in the amount of $406,514; Authorize the City Engineer to approve change orders and increase the Contract amount by up to $81,302.80 (for a total not to exceed $487,816.80) to allow for any unforeseen contingencies and additional work as necessary; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
h.
Adopt Resolution No. 245-43 to Amend Management and Confidential Supplemental Compensation and Benefits.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Reso 245-43 Amending Supplemental Comp and Benefits for Management and Confidential .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 245-43 Mgmt and Conf Benefits.pdf Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council adopt Resolution No. 245-43, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Supplemental Compensation and Benefits Resolution – Management, Mid-management, Confidential, and Appointed Employees [to Reflect Revisions and Additions].
j.
Ratify Employment Agreement with David Loya for Director of Community Development for the Term of April 30, 2025, through April 29, 2028.
1. Staff Report - Ratify Employment Agreement with David Loya for Community Development Director.pdf
2. Attachment A - Community Development Director Contract.pdf Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council:
Accept the re-appointment of David Loya to the position of Director of Community Development; and Ratify the employment agreement with David Loya for the position of Director of Community Development, for the term of April 30, 2025, through April 29, 2028.
k.
Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Six-Month Lease of the Transit Building Office, Conference Room, and Shared Space to Occupational Medicine Specialist Doctor Eileen Moy.
1. Staff Report - Approve a Six-Month Lease of Transit Building Office and Conference Room to Occupational Medicine Doctor.pdf Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council authorize the City Manager to execute a six-month lease for the City of Arcata’s Transit Building vacant office, conference room and shared space, to Occupational Medicine Specialist Doctor Eileen Moy.
l.
Approve an Agreement with the County of Humboldt for Animal Shelter Services with a Term of Four (4) Years, and a Rate for Services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 in the Amount of $168,260; and Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
1. Staff Report - Approve County Animal Shelter Services Agreement for FY25-26 - FY28-29.pdf
2. Attachment A - Humboldt County Animal Shelter Services - Arcata 2025-2029.pdf Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council: 1) Approve an agreement with the County of Humboldt for the provision of animal shelter services with a term of four (4) years, ending June 30, 2029, and a rate for services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 in the amount of $168,260; and 2) authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement.
i.
Approve Signing on to a Digital Letter of Community Support Calling for the Right to Sanctuary and Safety for Migrants, Both Documented and Undocumented, in Humboldt County; and Authorize the Vice Mayor to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Approve Signing on to Letter of Community Support .pdf
2. Attachment A - Letter of Community Support Language.pdf Vice Mayor White shared her support for the letter.
ON MOTION BY WHITE, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED [ITEM] I. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
There being none, Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
Moved by:
White
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt I.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Provide Policy Guidance on the Short-Stay Vacation Rental Program.
1. Staff Report - SSVR Update.pdf
Director of Community Development Loya gave a presentation on the Short-Stay Vacation Rental (SSVR) Program. He reviewed exemptions and the current status of non-exempt and exempt permits. He explained that there were folks who were operating without a SSVR permit but paying the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). He touched on the unknown amount of people operating without the City's knowledge and noted that there was software that could help identify those who were out of compliance.
He presented policy questions including:
Should the limit be modified?
Are the exemptions still relevant?
Should the City opt in the 20 people operating with TOT? Should the City pursue software to pursue the illegal short-stay vacation rentals? Director Loya responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
BY GENERAL CONSENSES, THE COUNCIL DIRECTED STAFF TO KEEP THE EXISTING LIMIT, KEEP THE EXEMPTIONS THAT THE CITY HAD, ALLOW THE 20 PEOPLE OPERATING WITH TOT INTO THE PERMIT PROGRAM, AND TO CONSIDER THE SOFTWARE.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
There being none, Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
It is recommended that the Council receive a report on the Short-Stay Vacation Rental program, receive public comment, and provide direction to staff.
8. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Gerardo Hernandez, Rainer Shea, Eco Moran, Joanne McGarry, Roman Fierro (who provided three news article handouts to the Council), Amy, Ellen P., and an unidentified member of the audience.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and written communications [continued] period.
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenters
: White, Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer, and Stillman.
10. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a.
Confirm 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 CONFIRMED A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR MAY 8, 2025, AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
b.
Confirm 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 CONFIRMED A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR MAY 14, 2025, AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,