POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM: VII A
MEETING DATE: 1/11/2022
TITLE
State of the City Review
RECOMMENDED ACTION
A) Current State of the City
B) Review of Status of Approved Goals from 2021
C) Discussion of Near-Term Goals for 2022
D) Direct Staff
ANALYSIS
Since 2015, the Point Arena City Council has held a series of workshops to discuss and set priority goals for the City of Point Arena and its residents. The first workshop was held in 2015 and utilized a professional facilitator.
Out of that meeting, the first list of goals was generated. The list was reviewed and modified in 2017, 2019 and 2021. During that time, many of the priority goals have been achieved and new issues or opportunities have arisen.
This year, city staff would like to present the current “State of the City” by reviewing the past year’s accomplishments and discussing the goals to accomplish in 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
Undetermined at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
2021 Year in Review with Completed Goals
Proposed 2022 Project List
2021-2022 Adopted & Completed Goals
CITY MANAGER SIGNATURE
_________________________________
Paul Andersen, City Manager
CITY OF POINT ARENA
451 School St. | PO Box 67 | Point Arena, CA 95468
(707) 882-2122 | pointarena.ca.gov
Review of Council Accomplishments 2021
Highlights:
• Embarked on major construction projects on Mill & Center Streets and at Arena Cove, totaling approximately $1,946,531.
• Adopted Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget of $1,056,106
• Began feasibility studies for the Veteran’s Building and Point Arena Sewer System
ORDINANCES
239 – Adopt 2019 Uniform Building Code – Ensures that all development in the city limits adheres to current best practices and standards. 240 – Restrict Overnight Camping on Public Property – in response to complaints regarding camping and other activities at the downtown park and parking lot, the City worked with the Sheriff’s Department to craft an ordinance that addressed the issue while protecting rights guaranteed by recent court rulings. 241 – Farm Stays in Agriculture Exclusive Zoning District -- Amends the Local Coastal Program to allow “farm stays” in the Agriculture Exclusive zoning district. This revision was originally requested by the Coastal Commission in order to resolve code violations at B. Bryan Preserve.
RESOLUTIONS
• Declared ongoing State of Emergency due to COVID 19 (2021-01; 2021-29; 2021- 32)
• Adopted updated tsunami inundation maps for evacuation planning and public safety (2021-02)
• Designated the City Manager as the authorized representative of the City to execute documents pertaining to state or federal funded projects (2021-03) • Authorized submission of Community Development Block Grant for Coronavirus relief (2021-04; 2021-09)
• Established banking signature authority for the City of Point Arena (2021-05) • Opposed the use of seismic air guns in oil exploration (2021-06)
• Accepted the dedication of a public trail easement on property located on Bluff Top Road (2021-07;2021-08)
• Established procedures for removing encampments on public property (2021-10) • Outlined funding for road projects for 2021-2022 (2021-11) • Revised Master Fee Schedule for City services (2021-12) • Established the interim City Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 (2021-13) • Awarded bid for the Arena Cove Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project to Granite Construction in the amount of $492,594 (2021-14)
• Authorized City Manager to file an application for funding for a study of Veterans Hall (2021-15)
• Established a zone for overnight camping in vehicles, subject to approval by the County of Mendocino (2021-16)
• Urged residents and visitors of Point Arena to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid19 (2021-17)
• Awarded contract for Mill Street Improvement Project to Granite Construction in the amount of $1,087,236 (2021-18)
• Awarded contract for Center Street Improvement Project to Granite Construction in the amount of $268,552 (2021-19)
• Establishes a line of credit with Redwood Credit Union for interim project funding (2021-20)
• Establishes the GANN Limit for fiscal year 2021-2022 (2021-21) • Adopts the final Fiscal Year 2021-2022 City Budget (2022-22) • Awards contract for pier pilings repair to Daniel Steel & Machine in the amount of $98,149 (2021-23)
• Establishes the use of virtual meetings during a State of Emergency (2021-25) • Calls for a special election on February 22, 2022 to elect two Councilmembers (2021-26)
• Establishes an agreement between the County and the four cities to provide mutual aid during emergencies whenever possible (2021-27) • Amends the City’s Local Coastal Program to allow for farm stays in the Agriculture Exclusive zoning district (2021-28)
• Extends the use of virtual meetings during a State of Emergency (2021-30; 2021- 33)
• Designates City Manager as authorized signatory for FEMA projects (2021-31) • Cost of Living Adjustment – Implements a cost of living adjustment for City employees (2021-34)
AGREEMENTS
• Accounting Services by JJACPA, Inc.
• Planning & Engineering Services by SHN
• Architectural Services by Alameida Architecture (Veteran’s Building Study) • Business Loan Servicing by Economic Development Financing Corporation
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS/USE PERMITS
CDP 2020-04 – Change in use of portions of an existing building from a restaurant to a brew pub located at 265 Main Street.
CDP 2021-01 – After-the-fact Coastal Development Permit for a replacement well to serve an existing well located at 240 Port Road.
CDP 2021-02 – Conversion of commercial structure to a single-family residence located at 340 Main Street.
CDP 2021-05 – After-the-fact removal of 19 trees and proposed removal of 32 trees and 52,000 SF of brush vegetation to achieve defensible space around the Point Arena PG&E Substation located at 43402 & 43351 Eureka Hill Road.
OTHER ACTIONS
• Creation of Poet Laureate position
• Submittal of parks grant applications
• Updated Tsunami Inundation Maps
• Cost of Living Adjustment for staff
• Mutual Aid Agreement
• Calling Special Election
• Establishing Line of Credit with RCU
• Inflow & Infiltration Sewer Study
• Veteran’s Building Feasibility Study
• Updated Master Fee Schedule
• Established business loan program
• Receipt of $100,000 American Rescue Plan grant
Review of Administrative Actions 2021
• Transitioned to new City Manager
• Conduct survey residents and business owners about effects of COVID19 • Participated in the Redwood Coast Economic Summit
• Participated in the ICMA City Manager Conference
• Participate in Mendocino County Continuum of Care
• City Managers-Health Officer COVID Group
• Wastewater Generator research
• Management of Arena Cove Parking Lot, Pier Pilings and Mill/Center Streets Improvement Projects
• County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Participate in County Emergency Operations Center COVID calls • Participate in MCOG Technical Advisory Committee
• Participate in Mendocino-Lake City Managers’ Group
• Local Road Safety Plan
• Pier maintenance and staffing
• Applied for projects under State Parks Per Capita Grant • Brought accounting functions “in-house”
• RFP for new accountant
• RFP for Planning & Engineering
• Updated City Fee Schedule
• Analyzed Pier operation and governance
• Reviewed and updated fee schedule
• Finalized projects for Prop 68 park funding & submit applications • Finalized 2% TOT Grant Application
City of Point Arena 2022 Project Goals
(Draft)
ADMINISTRATION
• Continue Veterans Hall Feasibility Study – at some point this winter, a decision will need to be reached about the overall size of the project. • Veterans Building transfer – continue and finalize negotiations for the transfer of the building to the City.
• More comprehensive budget document – include better narrative and charts. • Directional signage – sign at Iverson/Main, Arena Cove Park and downtown park. • Disaster planning – ongoing collaboration with County on disaster plans. • Personnel Manual Review – has not been updated with new labor rules since 2014.
• Low-Income Housing Developer – discuss potential housing projects in Point Arena, potentially on city-owned land.
• Sign ordinance revisions – complete
• “What’s Happening in Point Arena” column/mailing/posting • Document storage at firehouse/cloud
PIER
• Subsurface Survey for Pilings project and State Lands – State Lands Commission requires a marine survey as part of our lease agreement. Underwater survey of pilings for the piling replacement project.
• Complete Arena Cove & Pier Pilings projects
• Explore harbor district – reactivate discussion and planning • Pave Pier deck
• Begin discussion of Pier rehabilitation with Boating & Waterways – Pier at its life span, need to address deferred maintenance of Pier structure including floating dock, railings and hoists
• Replace doors and restroom window frames
• Replace Green Shed roll-up door
• Replace/upgrade lighting on deck
• Fireworks & Harborfest
WWTP
• Continue Wastewater I&I Study – study should be completed this year with potential to apply for funding for sewer line rehabilitation. • Sewer rate study – analysis of funding needs for wastewater. • Repave driveway at wastewater plant
• Finalize generator purchase
• Begin Wastewater Ordinance revision
• Hire another OIT
• Sewer line connection to Veterans Building
• Revise Capital Improvement Program
• Weatherproof Garage
PUBLIC WORKS
• Identify LPP roads project for 2022-2023
• RFP for On-Call Contractor
• CalTrans signage/speed limits – modify speed limits on north end of town. • CalTrans Maintenance Agreement – agreement is out-of-date. • Windy Hollow drainage
• Paint downtown restroom inside/out
• Main-Iverson intersection – improve line-of-sight.
• Rehab milk barn at downtown park for maintenance equipment/storage • Rehab upstairs at fire house for records storage
• Install cameras at downtown parking lot
• Acquire small vehicle
• Parking analysis
PARKS
• Installation of swing set and amenities at downtown park • Installation of dog park – Prop 68-funded
• Remediate drainage problems in downtown park – Prop 68-funded • Fix downtown park pathway and add new lighting – Prop 68-funded • Rehab of Rock Wall restrooms – Prop 68-funded
• Installation of swing set and amenities at Arena Cove Park • Arena Creek Maintenance Agreement – with CA Fish & Wildlife for routine maintenance of Arena Creek, especially at Cove
• Trail system – develop comprehensive trail plan and submit for grant funding • Murals – locate appropriate place for a large mural and secure grant funding
PLANNING
• LCP Update – funding is available to update the Local Coastal Program, which is currently 15 years old.
• ADU Ordinance – bringing the zoning code into state conformance. • Highway Commercial zoning update – modifications to allow multi-family housing. • Code Enforcement
CITY OF POINT ARENA
GOALS 2021-2022
Adopted January 2021
Highlighting =
Completed
New Goal or Project
Ongoing or Significant Progress Toward Completion
Some Progress Made
Administrative Projects
Yet to Begin (No Highlighting)
Governance / Roles & Relationships/ Structure
▪ Conduct survey residents and business owners about effects of COVID19 within 6 months
▪ Councilmember training in policymaking & community leadership ▪ Building & Code Enforcement
▪ Survey citizens and business owners for a shared vision ▪ Continue document organization and record retention
▪ Upgrade computer equipment
▪ Procurement Ordinance
▪ Document storage offsite
Fiscal Management
▪ Increase revenue through grants
▪ Use our resources wisely
▪ Create Operating Reserve
▪ More Detail in Budget
▪ City profit & loss statements
▪ Bring accounting functions in-house
▪ RFP for new accountant
▪ Full Cost Recovery for planning projects
▪ Update City Fee Schedule
Community Outreach & Communication
▪ Spanish translation of City documents
▪ Create an Ad Hoc Committee on Equity & Inclusion
▪ Add Links to Website
▪ Increase pride among Point Arena residents
▪ Create a regular “What’s happening in the City of Point Arena” column or email with regular posts to the Community about meetings, events and emergency information.
Planning & Community Development
▪ Explore current state of water and sewer availability ▪ Keep small town charm and make our town more attractive ▪ Get more affordable and obtainable housing in the City limits ▪ Local Coastal Plan amendments for efficiency
▪ Conduct a reasonable “Code Enforcement process”
▪ Monitor solid waste issues
▪ Secure funding for private sewer lateral repair
▪ ADU LCP Amendment
▪ HWC Zone modification
▪ LCP update for housing development and administrative actions
▪ Utilize Old Firehouse & City Hall
▪ Some buildings are not up to the fire code; find funding (CDBG) ▪ Senior home rehab funds
▪ RV Parking Ordinance
Housing
▪ Explore loans for repairs/upgrades to existing housing ▪ Find funding and implement Senior Housing Project (Ad Hoc) ▪ Implement adopted policies of the 2019-2027 Housing Element ▪ Use of City land for housing
▪ Work with school district for housing
▪ Secure partnership with senior/low & moderate income housing developer
Wastewater Treatment
▪ Install backup generator at WWTP
▪ Explore installing solar panels at wastewater ponds
▪ Complete engineering for sewer line repairs
▪ Prepare sewer line connection for west of School Street ▪ 2 licensed operators
▪ 3 total operators
▪ WWTP rate study
▪ Evaluate Capital Improvement Program
▪ Communications upgrade
▪ Purchase or get a long-term lease on a spray field
▪ Review Wastewater Ordinances
Arena Cove Pier
▪ Improve signage to Pier & Arena Cove
▪ Finish implementation a formal bookkeeping & billing system ▪ Analyze Pier operation and governance
▪ Improve appearance of Arena Cove
▪ Operate more like a business
▪ Install signage, picnic benches at Arena Cove Parks per Coastal Conservancy guidelines (800 Port Road)
▪ Reduce operating costs
▪ Replace restroom doors & window frames
▪ Rebuild storage shed on pier
▪ Review and update fee schedule
▪ Cost recovery for service to individuals
▪ Complete the FEMA Repair projects
▪ Communications upgrade
▪ Arena Creek Stream Rehabilitation and Mitigation
City Parks & Recreation
▪ Explore feasibility of RV park at “Rock Wall” property ▪ Further improve the “Fisherman’s Park” downtown
▪ Repair Park Shed for equipment storage
▪ Fix the drainage at north downtown park entrance
▪ Explore development of the “Rock Wall Property”
▪ Disc Golf Course Development at community park
▪ Finalize projects for Prop 68 funding & submit application ▪ Security cameras
▪ Install directional map for community park
▪ Complete Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan
▪ Install signage for the Downtown Community Park
▪ Build a skate park
City Facilities
▪ Remodel city offices for easy access by the city and the community
▪ Acquire Veteran’s Building and land from County and pave the entire parking lot
▪ Better organize City’s records
▪ Make major tenant improvementsto the building as time and money allow
▪ Acquire another small vehicle
▪ Firehouse record storage
▪ Explore forms of Alternative Energy/Wind
▪ Revise Vets Building Assessment
▪ Firehouse apartment
Economic Development / Downtown
▪ Work with PAMA for project implementation
▪ More Parking
▪ Streetlight at Bus Stop
▪ Way-finding Signage
▪ Traffic flow and turnaround
▪ Finalize 2% TOT Application
▪ Caltrans directional signs for Arena Cove & Pier signs ▪ Welcoming intersection
▪ RV parking downtown
▪ Put artwork in empty buildings
Economic Development / General
▪ Identify projects to be included in a Community Development Block Grant application
▪ Secure state and/or federal funding for economic development, housing and infrastructure
▪ Work toward improved technology infrastructure
▪ Utilize revolving loan fund for specific established goals ▪ Capitalize on Gateway designation to obtain federal, state and local grants to implement projects
▪ Finalize guidelines for City’s revolving Loan Fund
▪ Rework Sign Ordinance
Streets, Roads & Sidewalks
▪ Brush Control along Port Road & Windy Hollow
▪ Mill Street Engineering and Construction Project
▪ Repave last half of Mill Street
▪ Caltrans sidewalk repair
▪ Work with Caltrans for Main Street & School Street “upgrade” ▪ Windy Hollow Road reconstruction/repair
▪ Windy Hollow Road cost sharing
▪ Center Street drainage
▪ Mill Street reconstruction
▪ Assess all City streets
▪ Caltrans Contract revision
▪ Sidewalk repair program
▪ New sidewalk construction
▪ Get new speed limits established
Public Safety
▪ Mental health and drug abuse system for South Coast
Organizational Capacity & Personnel
▪ Utilize resources from other jurisdictions
▪ Prioritize projects for a manageable Staff workload.
▪ Personnel Manual Review
▪ More efficient scheduling
▪ Cross-training of all workers