City Council - Regular Meeting - June 03, 2026
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar read a statement acknowledging that Arcata sat on ancestral Wiyot land.
2. FLAG SALUTE
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Varley called roll.
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
a.
Proclamation in Recognition of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2026.
1. WOD Proc 2026.pdf
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Jeffrey Steinkamp, Humboldt Surfrider committee member.
b.
Proclamation in Celebration of the Fourth of July Jubilee, July 4, 2026.
1. Fourth of July 2026.pdf
Councilmember Stillman read the proclamation and presented it to the Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, Meredith Maier.
c.
Proclamation Designating June 7–13, 2026, as the Week of the Oyster.
1. Week of the Oyster Proclamation 2026.pdf
Councilmember Matthews read the proclamation and presented it to the Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, Meredith Maier.
d.
Proclamation Recognizing June 2026 as National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
1. Alzheimer's Awareness Proclamation 2026.pdf
Councilmember Schaefer read the proclamation and presented it to Northern California Alzheimer's Association volunteer Julie Perez.
e.
Proclamation Recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month.
1. Pride Month Proclamation 2026.pdf
Councilmember Matthews read the proclamation and presented it to Julie Tyler, Youth Mentor and Policy Specialist for Queer Humboldt.
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
There was none.
6. STAFF REPORTS
a.
Receive an Update Regarding the City's Excessive Residential Electricity Users Tax from Deputy Director of Environmental Services—Community Services Emily Benvie.
Deputy Director of Environmental Services—Community Services Benvie provided an update regarding the City's Excessive Residential Electricity Users Tax.
7. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED] Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public comment:
Carly Tambling, and Darius Eversol.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the oral and written communications [early - time limited] period.
8. N/A
None.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND SCHAEFER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR [FOR JUNE 3, 2026, AS PRESENTED, ITEMS A THROUGH M].
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn responded to inquiries and comments from the council THE MOTION PASSED ON A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. 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 City Council Special Meeting Study Session of May 13, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCSS_May13_2026 - English.pdf
c.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of May 20, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CMSM_May20_2026 - English(1).pdf
d.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 20, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_May20_2026 - English.pdf
e.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report - Report on Cash Distributions 5.9.2026-5.22.2026.pdf
2. Attachment A - Cash Disbursements 5.9.2026-5.22.2026.pdf Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period May 9, 2026, through May 22, 2026
f.
Award a Contract for the 2026 Digester Cleaning Project to Synagro-WWT, Inc. in the Amount of $462,885.80; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report- Award Construction Contract for 2026 Digester Cleaning Project to Synagro-WWT, Inc. in Amount of $462,885.80.pdf
2. Attachment A. Digester Cleaning Project Bid Summary.pdf
g.
Make a Continued Finding that Emergency Procurement to Repair Failed Culverts at 4700 West End Road is Necessary; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Continue to Find that Emergency Procurement to Repair Culverts at 4700 West End Rd is Necessary.pdf
2. Attachment A - 4700 W End Culvert Repair.pdf
h.
Approve an Amendment to the Contract with Civic Possible for the Economic Strategic Plan Update to Add $13,000 for Additional Scope – Not Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
1. Staff Report - Civic Possible Contract Amendment.pdf
2. Attachment A - CivicPossible_Workshop Facilition Proposal.pdf
i.
Approve the Purchase of Solar Trail Lights from Fonroche for the Arcata Annie and Mary Trail Project in the Amount of $99,544.54; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report - Approve Purchase of Solar Trail Lights from Fonroche in the Amount of $99,544.54.pdf
2. Attachment A - Fonroche Quote.pdf
j.
Adopt Resolution No. 256-67 Designating the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or City Engineer as the City’s Agents Authorized to Submit Applications for Federal Financial Assistance for Any Future or Existing Grant Program.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution No. 256-67 Designating City's Agents for Federal Financial Assistance Applications.pdf
2. Attachment A - OES-FPD-130_Designation-of-Applicants-Agent-Resolution No. 256-67_populated.pdf
k.
Adopt Resolution No. 256-71 Approving a Temporary Hiring Freeze for Vacant Positions to Address Fiscal Conditions, Reduce the Current Budget Deficit, and Preserve General Fund Reserves; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution 256-71 Approving a Hiring Freeze for City of Arcata Vacant Staff Positions.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 256-71 Temporary Hiring Freeze of Vacant Positions.pdf
l.
Adopt Resolution No. 256-68 Approving a Voluntary Retirement Health Incentive Program for City of Arcata Employees; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Reso 256-68 Approving the City of Arcata Employee Retirement Incentive Program.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 256-68 Voluntary Retirement Health Incentive Program.pdf
m.
Adopt Resolution No. 256-69 Approving A Corrected Letter of Agreement Between the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Association to Amend the 2024–2027 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Medical Benefits; and Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution 256-69 to Approve Letter of Agreement Between City of Arcata and Arcata Police Association.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 256-69 Approve Corrected Letter of Agreement Between City of Arcata and Arcata Police Association.pdf
3. Attachment B - Corrected Letter of Agreement Between City of Arcata and Arcata Police Association to Amend Article 10.pdf
10. OLD BUSINESS
a.
Hold a Hearing to Consider Abatement for the Properties Located at 4600 West End Road, Arcata, CA 95521, Assessor's Parcel No. 507-081-055; and Terminate Abatement Proceedings Due to the Property Owner Having Successfully Abated the Nuisance.
1. Staff Report - Hold Public Hearing to Consider Abatement for Properties at 4600 West End Rd .pdf Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar opened the public hearing.
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn presented.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL TERMINATED THE ABATEMENT PROCEEDINGS DUE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER HAVING SUCCESSFULLY ABATED THE NUISANCE. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Terminate the abatement proceedings due to the property owner having successfully abated the nuisance.
b.
Receive a Presentation on the Final Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) Feasibility Study and Potential Future Projects at the AWTF; and Provide Direction to Staff on a Preferred Alternative.
1. Staff Report-Receive a Presentation on the Final Arcata Wastewater Treatment Feasibility Study and Future Projects.pdf
2. Attachment A - AWTF SLR Adaptation Feasibility Study Final Report.pdf Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn provided a staff report.
Director Sinkhorn responded inquiries and comments from the Council.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public comment
Joanne McGarry, and Carly Tambling.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL DIRECTED STAFF TO PROCEED WITH ALTERNATIVE ONE (1) [AUGMENT AWTF LEVEES AND MAINTAIN AN ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE ENHANCEMENT MARSHES]. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
RECESS
:
The Council recessed from 7:52 p.m. to 7:58 p.m.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
For staff to proceed with Alternative One (1).
11. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Appoint One New Member to the Energy Committee for a Term Expiring on Either September 30, 2027, or September 30, 2028; Appoint One New Member to the Forest Management Committee for a Term Expiring March 31, 2029; and Appoint Two New
1. 2026-6-3 Candidate List EC, FMC, WCC.pdf
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
There being none, Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL APPOINTED ALEX FUKUCHI [TO THE ENERGY COMMITTEE] TO A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2028. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
STILLMAN MOVED TO APPOINT HUGH SCANLON [TO THE FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE] FOR MARCH 31, 2029.
THE MOTION DIED DUE TO THE LACK OF A SECOND.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL APPOINTED EAMON ENGBER [TO THE FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE] FOR A TERM ENDING MARCH 31, 2029. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL APPOINTED JULIE WEEDER TO A TERM ENDING MARCH 31, 2029, FOR THE WETLANDS AND CREEKS COMMITTEE. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Stillman
Seconded by:
Matthews
Alex Fukuchi to a term ending September 30, 2028.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Stillman
Appoint Eamon Engber for a term ending March 31, 2029.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Stillman
Appoint Julie Weeder to a term ending March 31, 2029, for the Wetlands and Creeks Committee.
b.
Hold a Public Hearing to Review the City of Arcata 2025 Updated Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
1. Staff Report - Public Hearing to Review City of Arcata 2025 Updated Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Plan.pdf
2. 2025 UWMP Draft.pdf
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn provided a staff report.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar opened the public hearing.
Public comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public hearing.
c.
Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Adopting Resolution No. 256-65 Adopting the City of Arcata 2025 Updated Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
1. Staff Report - Adoption of City of Arcata 2025 Updated Urban Water Management Plan and Water Contingency Shortage Plan.pdf
2. Attachment A - Final 2025 UWMP.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution 256-65.pdf
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn provided a staff report.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar opened the public hearing.
There being no public comment, Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY MATTHEWS, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 256-65 ADOPTING THE CITY OF ARCATA 2025 UPDATED URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Matthews
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt Resolution No. 256-65 adopting the City of Arcata 2025 Updated Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [CONTINUED]
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the oral and written communications [continued] period.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
There was none.
14. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenters
: Matthews, Schaefer, Stillman, and Atkins-Salazar.
15. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Future Agenda Item
: Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar and Councilmember Stillman expressed support for an agenda item regarding the potential Annexation of Grotzman Creek.
a.
Confirm a Special Meeting Study Session with the Planning Commission Regarding a Land Use Code Update for June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL CONFIRMED A SPECIAL MEETING STUDY SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGARDING A LAND USE CODE UPDATE FOR JUNE 8, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
b.
Schedule a Special Meeting Study Session to Discuss the City's Economic Strategic Plan on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL SCHEDULED A SPECIAL MEETING STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS THE CITY'S ECONOMIC STRATEGIC PLAN ON MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, AT 2:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
16. CLOSED SESSION
There were no additional closed session items.
17. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar reported that there was no Council action taken during the Closed Session item that took place just before the regular meeting.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,