Arcata City Council
June 17, 2026

CITY OF ARCATA

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 4:30 p.m.

City Manager's Conference Room
736 F Street, Arcata
Special accommodations for the disabled who attend City meetings can be made in advance by contacting the City Clerk at 822-5953. Assistive listening devices are available. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.5, all writings or documents relating to any item on this agenda which have been provided to a majority of the City Council, including those received less than 72 hours prior to the City Council meeting, will be made available for public inspection in the agenda binder located on the counter in the lobby at Arcata City Hall, 736 F Street, during normal business hours, and on the City's website at www.cityofarcata.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Speakers wishing to distribute materials to the City Council at the meeting are requested to provide 10 copies to the City Clerk.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ How to Observe and Participate in the Meeting:

Observe:

Members of the public can attend the meeting in person for Agenda Item 4-a.

Public Comment Participation in Person:

Members of the public may attend the meeting in person and give public comment.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
During special meetings, public comment is only taken at the beginning of the meeting. Pursuant to the Brown Act Section 54954.3(a), the public comment period provides an opportunity for people to address the Council only on items that are listed on the Special City Council Meeting Agenda.

3. CLOSED SESSION
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property: Assessor's Parcel Nos. 507-251-039 and -040.

Agency Negotiator: City Manager Merritt Perry. Negotiating Party: Emran Essa. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
b. EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1): City Attorney.

4. OPEN SESSION—Commission Interviews
a. Interview Four Applicants for Two Vacancies on the Planning Commission with One Term Ending March 31, 2027, and One Term Ending March 31, 2028.

5. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property: Assessor's Parcel Nos. 507-251-039 and -040.

Agency Negotiator: City Manager Merritt Perry. Negotiating Party: Emran Essa. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
b. EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1): City Attorney.

6. ADJOURNMENT
June 17, 2026 - City Council Agenda

PLANNING COMMISSION
Two Vacancies: One Resident & One Planning

FOUR APPLICANTS
Resident Eduardo Cruz
Resident Justin Hawkins
Resident Sheldon Heath
Resident Wendy Starr

APPOINTMENTS
Planning Area:

Term ends
March 31, 2027
Resident:

Term ends
March 31, 2028

CANDIDATE LIST
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2026

City of Arcata | 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521 | (707) 822-5953 Fax: (707) 822-8018 | [email protected] City of Arcata
Commission/Committee Application Form
Person(s) seeking consideration for appointment to a commission or committee may complete the attached application and mail or deliver it to the City Manager’s Office at the address below. The City Council interviews and appoints all committee and commission members.

Please mark for which Commission/Committee this application is being submitted. (Please mark all that apply.)
 Planning Commission
 Economic Development Committee
 Energy Committee
 Forest Management Committee
 Historic Landmarks Committee
 Parks and Recreation Committee
 Public Safety Committee
 Transactions and Use Tax Oversight
Committee
 Transportation Safety Committee
 Wetlands and Creeks Committee
(Please type or print legibly in ink.)
General Information
Name:

Home Address:

Mailing Address:

Home Phone: ( ) Cell Phone: ( )
Best Form of Contact (email, phone, cell phone):
 Reside within City Limits OR  Live/Work in the Arcata Planning Area (To determine residency status, please consult the Arcata City Limits street address list and the Arcata Planning Area map at https://www.cityofarcata.org/329/Vacancies-Applications) Length of Time in the Arcata Area: Email Address:

Over 18 Years of Age:  Yes  No
Occupation or Former Occupation if Retired:

Employer (if any)
Work Address:

Work Phone Your Job Title:

Education (last year completed)
Eduardo Cruz
2 years
Server
Siam Orchid Thai Cuisine
Server
Current
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City of Arcata | 736 F Street, Arc : (707) 822-8018 | [email protected] Please feel free to use additional paper and/or attach your resumé to this application.

Organizations
Please state any organizations in which you are currently involved.

Reason for Wanting to Serve
Reasons for wanting to serve on this commission/committee.

Expertise
Please state expertise you would bring to this commission/committee.

If appointed, your name, appointment date, and term of office will be subject to public disclosure.

I certify under penalty of perjury fornia that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signed: Date :
4/22/2025
Associated Students of Cal Poly Humboldt (President);
University Senate (Senator and Parliamentarian);
Instructionally Related Activities Committee (Chair);
Student Fee Advisory Committee (Co-Chair);
University Resource and Planning Committee (Member);
California State Student Association (Systemwide Committee Member, Legislative Committee Member, and Board of Directors)
I am seeking to serve on a City of Arcata commission or committee because I am deeply committed to strengthening the connection between students and the broader Arcata community. As a student leader at Cal Poly Humboldt, I have seen firsthand how local policy decisions impact housing, safety, sustainability, and overall quality of life for students and residents alike. Also being born in Humboldt county makes me want to work for my community and make a lasting impact on this place I call home.

I want to bring a student-centered perspective into city decision-making spaces while also learning from community leaders and contributing to thoughtful, collaborative solutions. My goal is to ensure that decisions reflect the needs of both long-term residents and the large student population that calls Arcata home.

I bring experience in governance, budgeting, policy development, and community engagement. As President of Associated Students, I oversee a million dollar student fee budget (our AS and IRA budget), facilitate committee meetings, and work closely with university administration on issues of financial transparency and shared governance.

I also have experience analyzing policies, leading committees, and representing diverse student voices in decision-making processes. My background includes advocacy, public speaking, and building consensus across different key partners.

Additionally, I am passionate about sustainability, public safety, and equitable access to resources, which aligns with the focus areas of several Arcata committees Eduardo Cruz

City of Arcata
Commission/Committee Application Form
Person(s) seeking consideration for appointment to a commission or committee may complete the attached application and mail or deliver it to the City Manager's Office at the address below. The City Council interviews and appoints all committee and commission members.

Please mark for which Commission/Committee this application is being submitted. (Please mark all that apply.)
lvl Planning Commission
D Economic Development Committee
D Energy Committee
D Forest Management Committee
D Historic Landmarks Committee
D Parks and Recreation Committee
D Public Safety Committee
D Transactions and Use Tax Oversight
Committee
D Transportation Safety Committee
O wetlands and Creeks Committee
(Please type or print legibly in ink.)
Name: Justin Baum Hawkins
Home Address:

Mailing Address: __________________________ _
Home Phone: ,.___._________ Cell Phone
Best Form of Contact (email, phone, cell phone): _C_e_l_l/_E_m_a_il __________ _ ■ Reside within City Limits OR ■ Live/Work in the Arcata Planning Area (To determine residency status, please consult the Arcata City Limits street address list and the Arcata Planning Area map at https://www.cityofarcata.org/329N acancies-Applications) Length of Time in the Arcata Area: 6-
5 years Email Address:

Over 18 Years of Age: ■ Yes □ No
Occupation or Former Occupation if Retired: Environmental Engineer McBain Associates d.b.a Appl ied River Sciences
Work Addres
Work Phone -- Education (last year completed) BS Env. Engr.

Your Job Title: Engineer-in-Training
City of Arcata I 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 955211 (707) 822-5953 Fax: (707) 822-80181 [email protected]

Please feel free to use additional paper and/or attach your resume to this application.

Humboldt Bay Yacht Club
H.E.M.P. Humboldt Explores Masculinity and Privilege (Men's Peer Support Group) Reasons for wantin to serve on this commission/committee.

I joined the Wetlands & Creek Committee (WCC) to better understand and engage with my local government. During the Covid-19, I feel the urgency of connecting with my local • community in an active way, which now feels more pressing than ever. My experience with the wee helped me understand the procedural aspect of local governance and how it's shapes our community. By joining the Planning Commission, I hope to further deepen this understanding in a more active and engaged role. Ultimately, my goal is to find my place within the community where I can best facilitate the change and development that the community needs and is asking Wetlands & Creeks Committee:
- Chair (2024 - 2026)
--As chair; I facilitated regular meetings, coordinate with city staff, presented reports to the City --Council,
- Member (2021 - 2024)
--Participated in Ad-Hoc group discussing use of Measure A Funds --Developed and draft restoration grant for Jolly Giant Creek restoration efforts.

Environmental Engineer at McBain Associates d.b.a. Applied River Sciences -Aids in the management, design, and implementation of multi-million dollar restoration I certify un
Signed:
intment date, and term of office will be subject to public disclosure. f California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: 5/2/2026
3 Fax: (707) 822-80181 [email protected]

City of Arcata Rcc1:,111:o
Commission/Committee Application ~ 9 ,
026 c,
~NAGER• CATA
Person(s) seeking consideration for appointment to a commission or committee may complete thJ gn&ctred application and mall or deliver it to the City Manager's Office at the address below. The City Council interviews and appoints all committee and commission members.

Please mark for which Commission/Committee this application is being submitted. (Please mark all that apply.)
ltl'I Planning Commission
D Economic Development Committee
D Energy Committee
D Forest Management Committee
D Historic Landmarks Committee
D Parks and Recreation Committee
D Public Safety Committee
D Transactions and Use Tax Oversight
Committee
D Transportation Safety Committee
D Wetlands and Creeks Committee
(Please type or print legibly in ink.)
Name: Sheldon Heath
Home Address:

Mailing Address:

Home Phone: (-~-------- Cell Phone
Best Form of Contact (email, phone, cell phone): _c_e_ll_/e_m_ a_il __________ _ ~ Reside within City Limits OR ~ Live/Work in the Arcata Planning Area (To determine residency status, please consult the Arcata City Limits street address list and :he Arcata Planning Area map at https://www.cityofarcata.org/329/Vacancies.-Applications) Length of Time in the Arcata Area: 28 years Email Address:

Over 18 Years of Age: ~ Yes □ No
Occupation or Former Occupation if Retired: _G_M ________________ _ Employer (if any) Brio Baking Inc.=========-------- __ _ Work Phone:

Education (last year completed) ____ _
City of Arcata I 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521 1 (707) 822-5953 Fax: (707) 822-80181 citymgr@cityofarc~1a.org

Please feel free to use additional paper and/or attach your resume to this application.

Please state an or anizations in which ou are current! involved.

Humboldt Association of Tennis, Bread Bakers Guild of America, City of Arcata Parks and Rec Committee
Reasons for wantin to serve on this commission/committee.

I have seen firsthand how thoughtful civic planning shapes the quality of life in Arcata. I love this community, and I want to help guide its physical growth in a way that supports local businesses, protects our environment, and keeps Arcata an accessible and fun place to live for working families.

I bring 25 years of local business operations, budget management, an:::t team leadership. This experience has taught me how to find practical solutions to complex, systemic challenges.

My time chairing Parks and Rec meetings and coaching youth has taught me how to listen to individuals and the public and make difficult decisions.

If appointed, your name, appointment date, and term of office will be subject to public disclosur~.

I certify under penalty of perjury under the Jaws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signed: Date: 05/15/2026
City of Arcata I 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521 I (707) 822-5953 Fax: (707) 822-8018 I [email protected]

Sheldon He
Arcata, CA I
Professional Summary
Driven operations executive and artisan baker with 25 years of progressive leadership at Brio Breadworks. Expert in European-style bread baking, production management, and staff development. Proven record of managing 50 employees, distributing 2,000 loaves daily, and sustaining operational excellence while fostering innovation in product development, HR, and community engagement. Recognized by the Bread Bakers Guild of America as one of the top ten bakers in the nation (2011).

Professional Experience
General Manager & Vice President of Operations
Brio Breadworks, Arcata, CA I2007-Present 707.822.0791
• Lead a team of 25 and administer HR functions for 50 company employees. • Manage AP/AR, payroll (ADP), and financial reporting (QuickBooks). • Train 100+ bakers in traditional artisan methods.
• Developed signature products including the Belgian Porter & Red Onion sourdough. • Maintained 2,000-loaf daily output during COVID restrictions with zero shutdown days. • Oversaw workers' comp, health benefits, and CalSavers implementation.

Achievements:
• Selected among top ten U.S. bakers (Bread Bakers Guild of America, 2011). • Multiple "Best Bakery" awards from North Coast Journal readers. • Assisted with rollout of DPO for Brio Baking Inc.

Creamery Manager
Cypress Grove Chevre, Arcata, CA j 2005-2007 707.825.1100 • Managed 15-person production team ensuring quality control and HACCP compliance. • Reduced turnover by 50% through staff engagement and scheduling innovation. • Oversaw pasteurization, packaging, and order fulfillment operations. • Earned facility pasteurization license (State of California).

Varsity Head Tennis Coach
Arcata High School I 2009-2023 707 .825.2400
• Expanded the women's program from 6 to 21 players while promoting academic achievement.
• Led team to multiple league championships and 2019 NCS silver medal finish. • Organized community fundraising and local sports outreach initiativ~s.

Community Leadership
• Parks & Recreation Committee, City of Arcata (2009-2026) Chair (2019-2025) • Secretary, Humboldt Association of Tennis (Founding Member, 2018-Present) • Vice President, Brio Baking Inc. Board
• Member, 2025 Bakery Leadership Circle, Bread Bakers Guild of America Education
B.A. Political Science (Minor in Philosophy)
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 11998-2003
• Directed 36th Annual Humboldt International Short Film Festival with record attendance.

Skills
• Strategic Leadership & HR Management
• Payroll & Accounting (ADP, QuickBooks)
• Product Development & Quality Control
• Process Optimization & Team Training
• Public Engagement & Event Coordination

City of Arcata
Commission/Committee Application Form
Person(s) seeking consideration for appointment to a commission or committee may complete the attached application and mail or deliver it to the City Manager's Office at the address below. The City Council interviews and appoints all committee and commission members.

Please mark for which Commission/Committee this application is being submitted. (Please mark all that apply.)
lvl Planning Commission
D Economic Development Committee
D Energy Committee
D Forest Management Committee
D Historic Landmarks Committee
D Parks and Recreation Committee
D Public Safety Committee
D Transactions and Use Tax Oversight
Committee
D Transportation Safety Committee
D Wetlands and Creeks Committee
(Please type or print legibly in ink.)
Name: Wendy Starr
Home Address:

Mailing Address:

Home Phone: '---J.--------- Cell Phone:

Best Form of Contact (email, phone, cell phone): _c_e_ll_, t_e_x_t_, e_m_a_il _________ _ ~ Reside within City Limits OR □ Live/Work in the Arcata Planning Area (To determine residency status, please consult the Arcata City Limits street address list and the Arcata Planning Area map at https://www.cityofarcata.org/329/Vacancies-Applications) . Length of Time in the Arcata Area: 7 years Email Address:

Over 18 Years of Age: ~ Yes □ No
Occupation or Former Occupation if Retired: _P_o_p_u_l_a_ti_o_n_H_e_a_lt_h _________ _ Employer (if any) Partnership HealthPlan of California
Work Address:

Work Phone: Your Job Title: Community Health Liaison ----- Education (last year completed) Master's
City of Arcata I 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 955211 (707) 822-5953 Fax: (707) 822-80181 [email protected] Page 13 of 17 Please feel free to u~e additional paper and/or attach your resume to this application.

Please state an or anizations in which ou are current! involved.

Partnership HealthPlan of California - Collaborate with county health department leadership and community partners across a four-county region to support community health planning and population health initiatives.

County Health Departments (Humboldt, DelNorte, Lake, Mendocino) Ongoing cross-sector collaboration on Community Health Assessments (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPS) and regional health initiatives
Live Well Humboldt - Steering Committee member; Supporting community health data, planning, and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Reasons for wantin to serve on this commission/committee.

I want to serve on the planning commission because I see firsthand how planning decisions shape community health, access, and long-term well-being. Through my work with Partnership, • and in collaboration with local health departments, I engage in community health assessment • and planning efforts that highlight the critical connections between housing, transportation, land use, and health outcomes. I would bring a public health and systems perspective to the . Commission, with experience working across sectors to align priorities, use data to inform decision making, and engage diverse stakeholders. My goal is to contribute to thoughtful, • balanced planning decisions that support sustainable growth while also promoting equity, acces to services, and quality of life for all community members. I am particularly interested in • supporting planning efforts that consider the needs of the most vulnerable among us, in • balance with the economic resilience necessary for our community.

I bring expertise in community health, population health strategy, and cross-sector collaboration, developed through my work with Partnership, and in my work with local health departments across a four county region . My experience includes supporting Community Health Assessments (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPS) which require analyzing data, identifying priority needs, and aligning strategies across multiple stakeholders. I have a strong understanding of how social and environmental factors, such as housing, transportation, and access to services influence health outcomes. I also bring experience facilitating collaboration among public agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations, with a focus on practical, data-informed solutions. My background in healthcare operations and leadership has strengthened my ability to evaluate complex issues, consider multiple perspectives, and contribute to a thoughtful, balanced decision-making process.

If appointed, your name, appointment date, and term of office will be subject to public disclosure. y of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signed: Date : 4/1 S- /,x I f.:

City of Arcata I 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521 1 (707) 822-5953 Fax: (707) 822-8018 1 citymgr@cityofarcata. org Page 14 of 17 EXCERPT FROM TITLE II, CHAPTER 3, ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE 2—PLANNING COMMISSION
(Amd. Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
SEC. 2208. Creation, Powers and Duties. (Amd. Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018; Ord. 1516, eff. 8/16/2019) The Planning Commission is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be as specified in the State Planning and Zoning Law, Title 7 of the Government Code. These powers and duties are outlined as follows:

A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City staff on all matters pertaining to planning and the physical development of the City and surrounding areas.

B. To provide recommendations to the City Council regarding the preparation, adoption, amendment, administration, and implementation of the General Plan and its various elements, the Local Coastal Plan, and Specific Plans.

C. To provide recommendations to the City Council regarding preparation, adoption, amendment and implementation of the City's land use, zoning, subdivision, development review, design review, environmental review, and other related policies, ordinances, and standards.

D. To review and take action to approve, approve subject to conditions or modifications, or to deny various applications for development or use of land as provided in the City's zoning ordinances codified at Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code.

E. To review and make decisions or recommendations on Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and other environmental documents prepared for private and public projects.

F. To review and make decisions regarding the consistency of proposed acquisition or disposition of real property by the City with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans, as provided by state law.

G. To review and make decisions with respect to the consistency of proposed capital improvement projects and programs with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans, as provided by state law.

H. To exercise any other powers and duties as may be assigned by state law or by the zoning ordinances codified at Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code.

I. To conduct all powers, duties and functions of the Historic and Design Review Commission as codified in the City’s Land Use Code, Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code, including the implementation of the Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan.

SEC. 2209. Meetings. (Amd. Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
The Planning Commission shall hold regular meetings twice monthly as set by schedule established by the Commission.

SEC. 2209.1. Term. (Amd. Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018) The annual expiration date of a term for a Planning Commission member shall be March

31. SEC. 2210. Secretary.

The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall be the Secretary to the Commission.

SEC. 2211. Conflict of Interest Code.

The provisions of the City of Arcata Conflict of Interest Code, Title II, Chapter 8, shall apply to all members of the Planning Commission.

Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is recreated by Ord. No. 1292, effective 6/18/99, replacing Ord. Nos. 447, 657, and 1269. Its powers and duties shall be as specified in the State Planning and Zoning Law, Title 7 of the Government Code, and outlined as follows: A) To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council and staff on matters pertaining to planning and physical development of the City and surrounding areas; B) To provide recommendations to Council regarding the preparation, adoption, amendment, administration, and implementation of the General Plan and its various elements, the Local Coastal Plan, and Specific Plans; C) To provide recommendations to Council regarding preparation, adoption, amendment and implementation of the City's land use, zoning, subdivision, development review, design review, environmental review, and other related policies, ordinances, and standards; D) To review and take action to approve, subject to conditions or modifications, or to deny various applications for development or use of land as provided by the City Land Use and Development Guide, Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code; E) To review and make decisions with respect to Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and other environmental documents prepared for private and public projects; F) To review and make decisions regarding the consistency of proposed acquisition or disposition of real property by the City with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans, as provided by state law; G) To review and make decisions with respect to the consistency of proposed capital improvement projects and programs with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans, as provided by state law; H) To exercise any other powers and duties as may be assigned by state law or by the Land Use and Development Guide, Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code. The Commission consists of seven members with four-year staggered terms expiring March 31. The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall be Secretary.

Meets: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Location: Council Chamber Time: 5:30 p.m. City Liaison: David Loya, Director, Community Development

CONFIDENTIAL
Name / Address Appt Date Term Expires Home Phone Work Phone Fax E-mail Expertise/Occupation Hamm Ashton
Arcata CA 95521
10/16/2024 3/31/2028 Licensed architect; experience
with municipalities, Community
Land Trusts, housing
cooperatives, as well as workerAppointed 10/16/2024. Resident Planning Area Lehman Peter
Arcata CA 95521
1/4/2023 3/31/2029
(cell)
Research scientist/energy
engineer; expert on energy
systems/electricity grid/mitigating
climate change; manager of
Appt'd 1/4/2023, Reappt'd 4/2/2025 Resident Planning Area Simmons Matthew
Eureka CA 95501
1/4/2023 3/31/2029 Attorney; environmental law
background; co-founder Redwood
Coalition for Climate and
Environmental Responsibility
Appt'd 1/4/2023, Reappt'd 4/2/2025 Resident Planning Area Strickland Abigail
Arcata CA 95521
8/2/2023 3/31/2027 ( BS Env. Science & Mgmnt. ,
Planning and Policy; Trans
Analyst @ Coastal Com Appt'd 8/2/2023 Resident Planning Area Tangney Daniel
Arcata CA 95521
4/1/2009 3/31/2029 Teacher, Fortuna High School.

Principal designer, past builder.

Arcata Main Street. Appointed 4/1/2009. Reappt'd 7/24/2013, 8/2/17, new exp. by Council 5/16/18, reappt'd 3/17/2021, reappt'd
4/2/25
Resident Planning Area
Vacancy 3/31/2027
Amanda Hickey's Seat. Resident Planning Area
Vacancy 3/31/2028
Scott Davies' Seat. Resident Planning Area
Friday, June 12, 2026 Page 1 of 1
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