City Council - Regular Meeting - September 03, 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 September 21, 2025, as the International Day of Peace.
1. International Day of Peace 2025 Proclamation.pdf
Councilmember Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Linda Evans from Humboldt Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
b.
Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as CommUnity Pride & Peace Month.
1. CommUnity Pride Peace Proclamation 2025.pdf
Vice Mayor White read the proclamation and presented it to Ken Hamik.
c.
Proclamation in Recognition of Queer Community and Culture Awareness Month, September 2025.
1. Queer Community and Culture Awareness Month Proclamation 2025.pdf Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Æpryl Nikolai with Redwood Pride.
4. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
a.
Annual Report from the Energy Committee.
1. Energy Comm Annual Report 2024_presented 2025_FINAL.pdf Chair Michael Winkler presented an oral version of the Energy Committee's annual report.
5. STAFF REPORTS
a.
Receive an Update from City Engineer Netra Khatri Regarding the City’s South Arcata Multimodal Safety Improvement Plan (SAMSIP).
City Engineer Khatri introduced Todd Tregenza and Rosanna Southern with GHD who provided a report regarding the progress of the South Arcata Multimodal Safety Improvement Plan (SAMSIP).
b.
Receive an Update from Lieutenant Luke Scown Regarding the City's Community Ambassador Program.
Lieutenant Scown provided an update regarding the Community Ambassador Program.
6. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED] Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Dan Hauser, Shannon Townsend-Bettis, an unidentified member of the audience, Tricia Murphy, Doug Jackson, Abraham, Joanne McGarry, Shawn Leon, and an unidentified member of the audience.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and written communications [early - time limited] period.
RECESS
: The Council recessed from 7:29 p.m. until 7:34 p.m.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Matthews requested that Items F and J be pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Vice Mayor White requested that Item G also be pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Mayor Stillman requested that Item D be pulled for further discussion.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
There being none, Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED [CONSENT CALENDAR] ITEMS A, B, C, E, H and I. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Atkins-Salazar
Adopt Items A, B, C, E, H, and 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 August 20, 2025, Special City Council Meeting.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CMSM_Aug20_2025 - English.pdf
c.
Approve the Minutes of the August 20, 2025, City Council Meeting.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Aug20_2025 - English.pdf
e.
Adopt Ordinance No. 1582, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Arcata Municipal Code Relating to Dogs at Large, Service Animals, Dog Licenses, and Dog Impoundment, Title V–Sanitation & Health, and Title X–Public Property.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Ordinance No. 1582, Amending the Municipal Code Relating to Service Animals and Dog Licenses.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ord. 1582 RE. Service Dogs and License Fee Exemptions (As Amended Before Introduction).pdf
h.
Approve a Purchase Contract with Municipal Maintenance Equipment for One Rapidview Lateral Launch System in the Amount of $174,073.73, Including Tax, Delivery, and On-Site Training; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Approve Purchase Contract with Municipal Maintenance Equipment for Rapidview Lateral System for $174,073.73.pdf
2. Attachment A - Municipal Maintenance Equipment Rapidview Lateral Launch System Quote.pdf
i.
Adopt Resolution No. 256-08 Amending Resolution No. 178-33 Designating Streets Subject to Stop Signs.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution No. 256-08, Amending Resolution No. 178-33 Designating Streets Subject to Stop Signs.pdf
2. Attachment A - Res. No. 256-08.pdf
d.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report - Report on Cash Distributions 8.9.25-8.22.25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Cash Disbursements_8.9.25-8.22.25_Redacted.pdf MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO APPROVE [ITEM] D [BI-WEEKLY REPORT ON DISBURSEMENTS].
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
There being none, Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSTENTION. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: STILLMAN (RECUSED).
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period August 9, 2025, through August 22, 2025.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Approve D.
f.
Approve the Project Plans and Award a Construction Contract for the Arcata Annie & Mary Trail Connectivity Project to Granite Construction Company in the Amount of $7,111,503; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report - Approve Project Plans and Award Construction Contract for Annie and Mary Trail Project.pdf
2. Attachment A - Annie and Mary Trail Connectivity Project Bid Summary.pdf
3. Attachment B - Arcata Annie and Mary Trail Connectivity Project Plans.pdf
4. Attachment C - Additive Alternative 1 - Frank Martin Ct Culvert Plans.pdf Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn presented to the Council regarding the Annie and Mary Trail Connectivity Project.
Director Sinkhorn responded to comments and inquiries from the Council.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO APPROVE ITEM F ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR [APPROVE THE PROJECT PLANS AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE ARCATA ANNIE & MARY TRAIL CONNECTIVIY PROJECT TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN AN AMOUNT OF $7,111,503; AND APPROVE NECESSARY AND ASSOCIATED RELATED ACTIONS].
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: An unidentified member of the audience.
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
Approve Item F on the Consent Calendar.
g.
Approve a Grant Application to the Ocean Protection Council Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program to Develop an Adaptation Pathways Approach Focused on Arcata’s Local Coastal Element Zone 1.
1. Staff Report - Approve Grant Application to the Senate Bill 1, Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program. .pdf
2. Attachment A - C-8-2_Adaption_Zones.pdf
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: An unidentified member of the audience.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE GRANT APPLICATION. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Matthews
Approve the grant application.
j.
Adopt Resolution No. 256-09 Amending Resolution No. 234-33 Designating One-Way Streets and Alleys.
1. Staff Report - Approve Res. 256-09 Amending One-Way Streets and Alleys Res. 234-33.pdf
2. Attachment A - 256-09 One-Way Streets and Alleys_.pdf
3. Attachment B - CARLSON-PARKING-FIgure 1.pdf
City Engineer Khatri presented to the Council regarding parking at Carlson Park and the proposed one-way street to allow for four additional parking spots.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Laura, Scott Hagerty, an unidentified member of the audience, an unidentified member of the audience, and Colin Fiske with the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
City Engineer Khatri received comments from the Council.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED ITEM J [ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 256-09 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 234-33 DESIGNATING ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS]. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Approve Item J.
8. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Review and Determine if Approval Will be Granted for the Special Event Permit Application from Playhouse Arts for the Sunny Brae Porchfest on October 5, 2025.
1. Staff Report - Review and Make Determination to Approve Playhouse Arts Porchfest Special Event on October 5, 2025.pdf
2. Attachment A - Porchfest Major Special Event Application.pdf Deputy Director of Environmental Services—Community Services Benvie gave a presentation regarding the history of Porchfest and the upcoming event.
Neroli Devaney and Jackie Dandeneau with Playhouse Arts presented to the Council.
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Heal McKnight.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
Neroli responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY WHITE, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FROM PLAYHOUSE ARTS FOR THE SUNNYBRAE PORCHFEST ON OCTOBER 25, 2025, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THE CITY STAFF MIGHT INCLUDE IN THE PERMIT DEEMED NECESSARY. AYES: STILLMAN, WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
White
Approve the special event permit application from Playhouse Arts for the Sunnybrae Porchfest on October 25, 2025, and any amendments the City staff might include in the permit deemed necessary.
9. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Ella, Paul Pitino, an unidentified member of the audience, Jony, C.J., an unidentified member of the audience, an unidentified member of the audience, an unidentified member of the audience, Lucas, Sarah May, Amy Scott, Alice Finen, Ronnie Colby, Ryfry, Amy Gaskill, Sherri, Sarai, Ramira, Tamar Krigel, Rick Toledo, and Karpani.
Mayor Stillman closed the oral and written communications [continued] period.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenters
: Schaefer, Atkins-Salazar, White, and Stillman.
11. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a.
Schedule a Joint Study Session with the Board of Directors of the Arcata Fire District to Receive the Standards of Coverage Report on September 10, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Arcata Station Classroom, 631 9th Street, Arcata.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SCHEDULED A JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ARCATA FIRE DISTRICT TO RECEIVE THE STANDARDS OF COVERAGE REPORT ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2025, AT 3:00 P.M. IN THE ARCATA STATION CLASSROOM, 631 9TH STREET, ARCATA.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,