City Council - Regular Meeting - July 15, 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
There were none.
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
There were none.
6. STAFF REPORTS
a.
Receive a Presentation from Arcata Fire District Staff and Consultants Regarding the District's Development Impact Fee Study.
Arcata Fire District (AFD) Chief Chris Emmons introduced AFD Assistant Chief Ross McDonald, AFD Business Manager Anali Gonzalaz, and Blair Aas with SCI Consulting Group, who presented to the Council.
RECESS
: The Council recessed from 6:29 p.m. to 6:31 p.m.
7. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS [EARLY - TIME LIMITED] Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public comment
: Brenda Perez, Candelaria Ramos, María Corral Rocha, Andrés Curreño, and Stevie.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the oral and written communications [early - time limited] period.
8. N/A
None.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Matthews requested that Items N and O be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY STILLMAN, SECONDED BY SCHAEFER AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL ADOPTED THE CONSENT CALENDAR [FOR JULY 15, 2026] MINUS [ITEMS] N AND O. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Stillman
Seconded by:
Schaefer
Adopt the Consent Calendar minus N and O
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 June 8, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCSS_Jun08_2026 - English.pdf
c.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting Study Session of June 15, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCSS_Jun15_2026 - English.pdf
d.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of June 17, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CMSM_Jun17_2026 - English.pdf
e.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 17, 2026.
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jun17_2026 - English(1).pdf
f.
Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
1. Staff Report - Report on Cash Distributions 6.6.26-7.3.26.pdf
2. Attachment A - Cash Disbursements 6.6.26-7.3.26.pdf
Moved by:
Stillman
Seconded by:
Schaefer
It is recommended that the Council approve the report on disbursements listing for the period June 6, 2026, through July 3, 2026
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 Emergency Procurement to Repair Culverts at 4700 West End Road Necessary .pdf
2. Attachment A - 4700 W End Culvert Repair.pdf
h.
Adopt Resolution No. 267-04 Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Annual Report on Stormwater Drainage Maintenance Fee for All Non-Tax-Exempt Parcels and Directing That Said Fee be Collected through the Property Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution No. 267-04 Approving FY 2026-2027 Stormwater Drainage Maintenance Fee Annual Report.pdf
2. Attachment A - FY 2026'2027 Stormwater Annual Report .pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution No. 267-04 Stormwater Fee to County.pdf
i.
Adopt Resolution No. 267-01 Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Annual Report on Measure A Special Tax for All Non-Tax-Exempt Parcels and Directing That Said Fee be Collected through the Property Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution No. 267-01 Approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Report on Measure A Special Tax .pdf
2. Attachment A - Measure A Annual Report Fiscal Year 2026-2027.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution No. 267-01 Measure A Property Tax Assessment 2026-2027.pdf
j.
Award a Contract to Ford Logging, Inc. DBA Pacific Earthscape for an Anticipated Amount Not to Exceed $290,000 for the 2026 Timber Harvest; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Award 2026 Timber Harvest Contract (Logging and Log Hauling) to Ford Logging Inc. (dba Pacific Earthscape).pdf
k.
Award 2026 Timber Sale Contracts to KP’s Custom Milled Redwood (Redwood Logs Greater Than or Equal to 10”) and CW Wood Products (Redwood Logs Less Than 16”); and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Award Bid for the 2026 Timber Sale of Redwood, Douglas-fir, and Western Hemlock Logs .pdf
l.
Adopt Ordinance No. 1587, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Title II of the Arcata Municipal Code Regarding Design Approval Authority for Public Improvement Projects.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Ordinance 1587 Amending Title II of the Arcata Municipal Code Regarding Design Approval Authority.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft_1587 Design Immunity.pdf
m.
Adopt Ordinance No. 1588, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Chapter 2 (Sewers) and Chapter 3 (Water) of Title VII (Public Works) of the Arcata Municipal Code to Align Collection Enforcement for Solid Waste, Wastewater, and
1. Staff Report - Adopt Ordinance No. 1588 Water and Wastewater Collections .pdf
2. Attachment A - Introduced Draft Ordinance 1588.pdf
p.
Award an Agreement with NorthPoint Consulting Group, Inc., for Construction Management Services for the First Street Lift Station Improvement Project for $159,843.10; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Approve First St Lift Station Project Management Agreement for $160,000 with NorthPoint Consulting Group.pdf
2. Attachment A - NP Proposal - Construction Management Services.pdf
3. Attachment B - First Street Lift Station Construction Phase Project Management Cost Estimate.pdf
n.
Adopt Resolution No. 267-03, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Approving the City of Arcata’s Administrative Policy Regarding Usage of Artificial Intelligence; and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
1. Staff Report - Adopt Resolution 267-03 Administrative Policy Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 267-03 Administrative Policy and Procedures Regarding Usage of AI.pdf City Manager Perry responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
The Council discussed proposed amendments to the policy.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Eddie Hurstin.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
The Council agreed to table the item and requested that it be brought back at the next meeting.
No Council action was taken on this item.
o.
Adopt Resolution No. 267-02 Authorizing Submission of a Local Authority Recommendation Form Requesting that Census Tract 06023001001 be Considered by the State of California for Opportunity Zone Designation.
1. Staff Report - Opportunity Zone 2.0 Designation .pdf
2. Attach A. Reso No 267-02.pdf
3. Attach B. OZ-2.0 Local Authority Recommendation Form Instructions.pdf
4. Attach C. Opportunity Zone Map.pdf
Deputy Director of Community Development Dart provided a presentation and responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
MATTHEWS MOVED AND STILLMAN SECONDED TO APPROVE ITEM O: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 267-02 AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A LOCAL AUTHORITY RECOMMENDATION FORM REQUESTING THAT CENSUS TRACT 06023001001 BE CONSIDERED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR OPPORTUNITY ZONE DESIGNATION.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
There being none, Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
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:
Stillman
Approve Item O:
Adopt Resolution No. 267-02 Authorizing Submission of a Local Authority Recommendation Form Requesting that Census Tract 06023001001 be Considered by the State of California for Opportunity Zone Designation.
10. OLD BUSINESS
a.
Approve an Amendment to the Contract with Smith Group, Inc., for an Amount Not to Exceed $225,000 for Professional Services for Planning, Community Outreach and Preliminary Concept Design for the Reconnect Arcata Project.
1. Staff Report - Amend Smith Group Contract to $225,000 for Professional Services for Reconnect Arcata Project.pdf City Engineer Khatri and Senior Project Manager Kadlecik provided a presentation.
Director Khatri and Project Manager Kadlecik responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public Comment
: Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public comment period.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY STILLMAN, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE,THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT WITH SMITH GROUP, INCORPORATED, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $225,000 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR PLANNING, COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PRELIMINARY CONCEPT DESIGN FOR THE RECONNECT ARCATA PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Stillman
Approve the amendment to the contract with Smith Group, Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $225,000 for professional services for planning, community outreach, and preliminary concept design for the Reconnect Arcata Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents.
11. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Introduce Ordinance No. 1592, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Chapter 5 (Residential Rental Inspection Program) of Title VIII (Building Regulations) of the Arcata Municipal Code.
1. Staff Report - Introduce Ordinance 1592 Amending Chapter 5 (RRIP) of Title VIII of the Arcata Municipal Code.pdf
2. Attachment A - DRAFT_1592 RRIP Amendments.pdf
Building Official Bishop provided a presentation and responded to inquiries and comments from the Council.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar opened the public hearing.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar closed the public hearing.
ON MOTION BY SCHAEFER, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS, AND WITH A FOUR-TO-ZERO VOICE VOTE WITH ONE ABSENCE, THE COUNCIL INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 1592, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING CHAPTER 5, RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INSPECTION PROGRAM, OF TITLE VIII, BUILDING REGULATIONS, OF THE ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE; WAIVED READING OF THE TEXT AND CONSENTED TO BE READ BY TITLE ONLY .
AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
RECESS
:
The Council recessed from 7:57 p.m. to 8:02 p.m.
Moved by:
Schaefer
Seconded by:
Matthews
Introduce Ordinance No. 1592, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Chapter 5, Residential Rental Inspection Program, of Title VIII, Building Regulations, of the Arcata Municipal Code.
b.
Approve Plans and Award a Contract in the Amount of $139,370 for the Redwood Park Improvements, Phase 2—Basketball Court Project to Hooven & Co. Inc.; Adopt a CEQA Categorical Exemption; and Approve Necessary and Associated Related Actions.
1. Staff Report-Approve Plans and Award Redwood Park Improvements Phase 2 Construction Contract to Hooven and Co. for $115,319.pdf
2. Attachment A - Redwood Park Phase 2 Bid Summary - Bid Tabulation.pdf
3. Attachment B - Redwood Park Phase 2 Plans.pdf
Director of Environmental Services Sinkhorn provided a presentation.
Director Sinkhorn responded to inquiries and comments from Council.
Vice Mayor Atkins-Salazar invited public comment.
Public Comment:
Joanne McGarry.
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 APPROVED THE PROJECT PLANS AND AWARDED A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE REDWOOD PARK IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 2 PROJECT TO HOOVEN & CO., INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $139,370; AUTHORIZED THE CITY ENGINEER TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY UP TO FIVE PERCENT ($6,968.50, FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $146,338.50) TO ALLOW FOR ANY UNFORESEEN CONTINGENCIES AND ADDITIONAL WORK AS NECESSARY; APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION IN FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OF $10,000 FROM THE OPEN SPACE, PARKS & TRAILS SPECIAL TAX FUND RESERVES; ADOPTED A CALIFORNIA QUALITY ACT (CEQA) CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FOR THE PROJECT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES, SECTIONS 15301; AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. AYES: ATKINS-SALAZAR, MATTHEWS, SCHAEFER, STILLMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE. ABSTENTIONS: NONE.
Moved by:
Stillman
Seconded by:
Matthews
Approve the project plans and award a construction contract for the Redwood Park Improvements, Phase 2 Project to Hooven & Co., Inc. in the amount of $139,370.00; Authorize the City Engineer to increase the contract amount by up to five percent ($6,968.50, for a total amount not to exceed $146,338.50) to allow for any unforeseen contingencies and additional work as necessary; Approve an additional budget appropriation in Fiscal Year 2026-27 of $10,000 from the Open Space, Parks & Trails Special Tax Fund reserves; Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption for the project pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents .
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
City Manager Perry provided a report.
14. COUNCIL REPORTS
Presenters
: Stillman, Schaefer, Matthews, and Atkins-Salazar.
15. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
16. CLOSED SESSION
There was none.
17. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
There were none.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,