City Council - Regular Meeting - April 15, 2026
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Mayor White read a statement acknowledging that Arcata sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
2. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor White led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Varley called roll.
4. AGENDA MODIFICATION
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL, ON NEW BUSINESS, MOVED ITEM D [HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ABATEMENT FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 4600 WEST END RD, ARCATA, 95521, ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 507-081-055; AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 256-55 ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE REGARDING 4600 WEST END RD.] TO THE TOP OF NEW BUSINESS. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
On New Business, Move Item D to the top of New Business.
5. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a.
Proclamation in Recognition of World Tai Chi Day, Saturday April 25, 2026.
1. World Tai Chi Day 2026.pdf
Councilmember Stillman read the proclamation and presented it to Doug Carroll, Tai Chi practicer of 30 years.
b.
Proclamation in Recognition of Bike Month, May 2026.
1. Bike Month 2026.pdf
Vice-Mayor Atkins-Salazar read the proclamation and presented it to Dalton Lee of Wildtrail Tours.
6. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
a.
Receive Annual Report from the Wetlands and Creeks Committee.
1. wcc annual report 2025_presented 2026.pdf
The Wetlands and Creeks Committee Chair, Emma Held, provided an oral version of the committee's annual report.
7. STAFF REPORTS
a.
Receive an Update Regarding the City's Paving Projects from City Engineer Netra Khatri.
City Engineer Khatri and Engineering Technician Hurley provided an update on the City's paving projects.
b.
Receive an Update Regarding the City's Steel Waterline Replacement Project from City Engineer Netra Khatri.
City Engineer Khatri and Senior Project Manager Luu provided an update on the City's Steel Waterline Replacement project.
8. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED] Mayor White invited public comment.
Public comment:
Isaac West, Olivia, an unidentified member of the audience, an unidentified member of the audience, and an unidentified member of the audience.
Mayor White closed the oral and written communications [early - time limited] period.
9. N/A
None.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor White invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Mayor White closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED THE CONSENT CALENDAR [AS PRESENTED FOR APRIL 15, 2026, ITEMS A THROUGH E]. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Stillman
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 City Council Meeting of April 1, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Apr01_2026 - English.pdf
c.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report - Report on Cash Distributions 3.21.2026-4.3.2026.pdf
2. Attachment A - Cash Disbursements 3.21.2026-4.3.2026.pdf Moved by:
Stillman
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period March 21, 2026, through April 3, 2026
d.
Adopt Ordinance No. 1584, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Repealing Article 12 (Public Safety Committee) in Chapter 3 (Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Forces) of Title II (Administration), of the Arcata Municipal Code.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Ordinance No. 1584.pdf
2. Attachment A - 1584 PSC Repeal Ordinance.pdf
e.
Approve the Purchase of Submersible Pumps and Controls from Xylem Water Solutions USA, Inc., in the Amount of $413,175.36; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report - Approve Purchase of Submersible Pumps and Controls from Xylem Water Solutions USA Inc.pdf
2. Attachment A - Xylem Quote Estimate.pdf
11. OLD BUSINESS
a.
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Resolution No. 256-52 Adopting Water and Wastewater Rate Adjustments for FY 2025-26 through 2029-30 and Finding that Adoption of the Rates is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
1. Staff Report - Resolution Adopting Water and Wastewater Rates and Making Related Findings.pdf
2. A. Resolution 256-52 Adopting Water and Wastewater Rates.pdf
3. B. Resolution 256-52 Exhibit A.pdf
4. C. Arcata Water and Wastewater Rate Study.pdf
5. D. Proposition 218 Notice of Public Hearing Proposed Water and Wastewater Rate Increases.pdf
6. E. City Presentation Water and Wastewater Rate Increases 2.4.2026.pdf
7. F. BWA Presentation - City of Arcata WWW Rate Study 2.4.2026.pdf Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Tabatha Miller provided a staff report and then responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
Mayor White opened the public hearing.
Mayor White invited public comment.
There being none, Mayor White closed the public comment period.
Mayor White directed the City Clerk to tabulate the protests and to then announce whether a majority protest existed.
City Clerk Varley stated that prior to the initiation of the public hearing on February 4, 2026, the City had received thirty-seven (37) protests and that since the public hearing had opened, the City had received thirty-one (31) protests in total. She reported that the number of protests received was clearly less than a majority protest.
Mayor White closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY ATKINS-SALAZAR, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 256-52 ESTABLISHING WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE AJDJUSTMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 THROUGH 2029-30; AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIRECTOR TO IMPLEMENT THE RATES, UPDATE THE MASTER SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES, MAKE NON-SUBSTANTIVE CORRECTIONS TO THE EXHIBITS, AND COMPLETE ALL BILLING SYSTEM UPDATES; AND FOUNDTHAT ADOPTION OF THE WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES WAS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Stillman
Adopt Resolution No. 256-52 establishing water and wastewater rate adjustments for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 through 2029-30; Authorize the City Manager, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director and Environmental Services Director to implement the rates, update the Master Schedule of Fees and Charges, make non-substantive corrections to the exhibits, and complete all billing system updates; Find that adoption of the water and wastewater rates is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
12. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Abatement for the Properties Located at 4600 West End Rd, Arcata, CA 95521, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-081-055; and Adopt Resolution No. 256-55 Ordering the Abatement of a Nuisance Regarding 4600 West End Rd.
1. Staff Report - Public Hearing to Consider Abatement of Nuisance at 4600 West End Rd, Adopt Resolution No. 256-55_.pdf
2. Exhibit A - 4600 West End Rd_CE1165_Notice of Nuisance_2.19.26__Redacted.pdf
3. Exhibit B - 4600 West End Rd_CE1165_Abate Nuisance Notice_3.30.26_Redacted.pdf
4. Attachment C - Resolution No. 256-55.pdf
This Item was originally placed on the Agenda as New Business, Item D. Due to an agenda modification at the beginning of the meeting, this item was moved to be considered at the beginning of New Business.
Building Official Bishop and Deputy Director of Environmental Services—Streets & Utilities Culbert presented.
Mayor White opened the public hearing.
Public Comment:
Robert Figas.
Mayor White closed the public hearing.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND STILLMAN SECONDED TO GRANT A LIMITED ONE-TIME EXTENSION OF THIRTY (30) DAYS.
The Council received comments from staff.
THE MOTION PASSED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Stillman
Grant a limited one-time extension of thirty (30) days.
b.
Introduce Ordinance No. 1586, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Arcata Municipal Code Relating to Cannabis Consumption Lounge Permits, Standards, and Restrictions.
1. Staff Report - Introduce Ordinance No. 1586, Amending the Municipal Code to Allow for Cannabis Consumption Lounges.pdf
2. Attachment A. Ordinance 1586 Cannabis Consumption.pdf
3. Attachment B. State of California BPC 26200.pdf
4. Attachment C. Consumption Lounge Regulations.pdf
5. Attachment D. Temporary Consumption Event License Regulations.pdf Director of Community Development Loya and Program Assistant Pepper provided a staff report.
Mayor White opened the public hearing.
Public comment:
Misha Blacker, Michael Bettencourt, and Jennifer Henson.
Mayor White closed the public hearing.
Director of Community Development Loya and Program Assistant Pepper responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 1586, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING THE ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGE PERMITS, STANDARDS, AND RESTRICTIONS, AND CONSENTED TO READING BY TITLE ONLY.
AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Introduce Ordinance No. 1586, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending the Arcata Municipal Code Relating to Cannabis Consumption Loung Permits, Standards, and Restrictions; and consent to read by title only.
c.
Public Hearing to Approve Annual Engineer's Report and Declare City's Intention to Continue to Levy and Collect Assessments of Three Existing Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts.
1. Staff Report - Public Hearing to Approve Engineer Report, Declare Intention to Continue to Collect on Assessment Districts.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2026-2027 MRBP Engineers Report and Resolution 256-44.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2026-2027 Windsong Engineers Report and Resolution 256-42.pdf
4. Attachment C - 2026-2027 Janes Creek Engineers Report and Resolution 256-43.pdf City Engineer Khatri provided a staff report.
Mayor White opened the public hearing.
There being no public comment, Mayor White closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED THREE RESOLUTIONS DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION TO CONTINUE TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS INCLUDING: THE MAD RIVER PARKWAY BUSINESS CENTER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, RESOLUTION NO. 256-44; THE JANES CREEK MEADOW LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, RESOLUTION NO. 256-43; AND THE WINDSONG LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, RESOLUTION NO. 256-42; AND APPROVED THE ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORTS. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Atkins-Salazar
Seconded by:
Matthews
Adopt three resolutions declaring the City’s intention to continue to levy and collect assessments including: the Mad River Parkway Business Center Landscape Maintenance Assessment District Resolution No. 256-44; the Janes Creek Meadow Landscape Maintenance Assessment District; Resolution No. 256-43; and the Windsong Landscape Maintenance Assessment District Resolution No. 256-42; and approve the annual Engineer's reports.
d.
Public Hearing to Consider Adopting Resolution No. 256-53, Updating the Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
1. Staff Report - Public Hearing and Possible Adoption of Resolution No. 256-53, Updating the Master Fee Schedule for FY 26-27.pdf
2. A. Resolution 256-53 Adopting Changes to the City’s Master Fee Schedule.pdf
3. B. FY 2027 Master Fee Schedule Proposed.pdf
Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Miller provided a staff report.
Director Miller responded to inquiries and comments from council.
Mayor White opened the public hearing.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Mayor white closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 256-53, UPDATING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27. AYES: WHITE, ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Matthews
Adopt Resolution No. 256-53, Updating the Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
13. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
Mayor White invited public comment.
Public comment:
Joanne McGarry, and Dan Shahin.
Mayor White closed the oral and written communications [continued] period.
14. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Perry provided a report.
15. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenters:
Stillman, Atkins-Salazar, Schaefer, Matthews, and White.
16. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a.
Confirm a Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Study Session for April 29, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL CONFIRMED A FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET STUDY SESSION FOR APRIL 29, 2026, AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
17. CLOSED SESSION
There was none.
18. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
There were none.
19. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,