RIO DELL CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 2024  Mayor Garnes called the regular meeting of the Rio Dell City Council to order at 5:00 ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Garnes, Mayor Pro Tem Carter, Councilmembers  p.m.  Orr, Wilson, and Woodall  Others Present: City Manager Knopp, Interim Police Chief Landry, Water/  Roadways Superintendent Jensen, Senior Fiscal Assistant  Maciel, and City Clerk Dunham  Absent: Finance Director Sanborn, Community Development Director Caldwell, and Wastewater Superintendent Kelly (excused)  ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION  Conference with Legal Counsel = Potential/Anticipated Litigation = significant Exposure Conference with Labor Negotiator - Agency Negotiator City Manager - Employee Organizations: Rio Dell Employees Association and Rio Dell Police Officers Association  toLitigation - Gov't Code $54956.9(b): One Case  Gov't Code $54957.6  PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION  There was no public comment received. RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION  The Council recessed into closed session at 5:00 p.m.  RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION  The Council reconvened into open session at 6:13 p.m.  ORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS  Mayor Garnes announced that the City Council was in a Closed Session to discuss the above-listed items. She said there was nothing to report on the first closed session item. Concerning the second item, the City Council appointed Mayor Garnes and  Mayor Pro Tem Carter to a temporary Labor Ad Hoc Committee.  PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS  Mayor Garnes invited public comment on non-agenda matters.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 2  Danette Kellerman, Chairman for Recovery Humboldt and County Social Worker addressed the Council and presented a plaque to Interim Chief of Police Landry and the Rio Dell Police Department for going over and beyond to help a person who was having  ar mental health crisis. CONSENT CALENDAR  Mayor Garnes asked if any councilmember, staff, or member of the public would like to remove any item from the consent calendar for a separate discussion. Councimember A motion was made by Carter/Woodall to approve the consent calendar including the  Wilson removed Item 7. following items:  1) Minutes of the September 17, 2024 Regular meeting;  2) Approving Award of Bid to NorCal Pipe for the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES) Project Close Circuit TV (CCTV) Pipeline Inspection Project; 3) Approving Award of Bid for the 2024-25 Road Improvement Project to S.T. Rhoades for $96,962.25 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Construction Agreement in coordination with the City Attorney including 4) Adoption of Resolution No. 1621-2024 amending the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations for the Asphalt Street Resurfacing Project; 5) Approving Award of Bid for the 2024-25 Earthquake Road Repair Project to Kernen Construction for $85,375 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Construction Agreement in coordination with the City Attorney including 6) Adoption of Resolution No. 1622-2024 Amending the FY: 2024-25 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations for the December 2022 Earthquake  $23,037.75 for contingencies not to exceed $120,000;  $14,023 for contingencies not to exceed $100,000; and  Disaster.  Motion carried 5-0.  ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Recycling, Inc. DBA Agromin for SB 1383 Procurement  Authorize the City Manager to Sign an Agreement for Services with California Wood Councimember Wilson asked for clarification on SB 1383 procurement and said that he thought that HWMA was going to be taking the lead on wood waste disposal. City Manager Knopp explained that Rio Dell has an active waiver from most of the requirements associated with SB 1383 in terms of moving organics material to Dry Creek. He explained that Cal Recycle, under SB 1383, mandated that cities and counties annually procure a specific quantity of recovered organic waste products to meet their procurement targets. Since there is no organics processing facility locally, organic waste collection in    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 3  Humboldt County is currently scheduled to be shipped south to a facility near Ukiah. Although Rio Dell is not currently subject to waste collection requirements, the He further explained that it is cost-prohibitive to have a composted material trucked back to Humboldt County and Rio Dell for the procurement requirement and CalRecycle understands that and does not require that the material be redistributed back into the County or City. Staff is proposing to utilize the services of Agromin, Inc. to meet the new State requirements with the compost likely being distributed in the Central Valley farming City Manager Knopp said that the City is required to produce approximately 99 tons of compost by the end of the year and an additional 153 tons annually beginning next year until the State adjusts the procurement target. Under SB 1383, the City is required to purchase 100 tons of organics and have it distributed through a certification process This opportunity with the vendor is what most other jurisdictions are doing to fulfill that requirement. One of the problems associated with bringing material back into Humboldt County is that we would need a partner to do that and would add another level of bureaucracy to try and distribute the compost. The other factor is the cost of trucking the Councimember Wilson asked for clarification that nothing is being done with the City's existing organic material and asked how the material is identified as organic. City Manager Knopp explained that under SB 1383, the City is not required to collect this material and regardless of where it comes from, the City is obligated to purchase it. This is the cheapest and most effective way of meeting the City's requirement under SB 1383. The vendor is required to procure the material and distribute it with certification to a  procurement of organics is a requirement.  communities.  through CalRecycle.  material both ways.  qualified processing facility.  Councilmember Wilson asked how the amount of procurement is calculated.  City Manager Knopp said that it is based on population.  Mayor Garnes called for public comment on the agreement. No public comment was Wiison/Carter made a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign an agreement for services with California Wood Recycling, Inc. DBA Agromin for SB 1383 procurement.  received.  Motion carried 5-0.  REPORTS/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 4  City Manager/Staff Update  City Manager Knopp provided highlights of the staff update and said that staff is working on the development of an application for the latest round of CDBG funding to complete the He also reported that discussions are occurring on the development of some physical improvements to the Police Department including evidence storage, gun destruction, and safety improvements. Staff anticipates having the bid presented to the Council for Councimember Wilson asked if the gun destruction was the same guns the Council City Manager Knopp said that the guns in question were the same and the reason they were not destroyed before was because they wanted to make sure they were properly  ADA access portion of the Eel River Trail.  consideration and approval at an upcoming Council meeting. authorized to be destroyed a couple of years ago.  categorized.  SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/STUDY SESSIONS and Associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR)  Presentation by the County of Humboldt on the Draft Reginal Climate Action Plan (RCAP) John Ford and Megan Acevedo were present to provide a presentation on the Draft Ms. Acevedo began by providing the history of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) with the creation of a working group in 2019. A public draft was released in 2022 with a graph of the County-wide greenhouse gas emissions by jurisdiction. The CAP was not qualified at that time sO the refocus was put on drafting a qualified CAP with achievable measures. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) contract was modified to include the redrafting of The redrafting of the CAP included a 2022 greenhouse emissions inventory and identified Ms. Acevedo provided the forecast and targets to reduce greenhouse emissions and noted that emissions must be reduced by 218,088 metric tons by 2030. She then reviewed the structure of Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) strategies and overall approach including goals and actions. Key strategy areas included renewable energy, VMT reduction/EV's, sequestration, building ecdficatoncecatontation. and organic waste The recommendation was to provide comments on the draft RCAP, accept the draft RCAP for the EIR project description, and direct staff to develop options for the establishment of a  Climate Action Plan.  the CAP in October 2023 with the completion in June 2024.  the need for urban versus rural goals.  diversion.  Climate Committee.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 5  Councimember Wilson referred to the 2030 target in comparison to the 1990 levels related to greenhouse gas emissions and asked if the pulp mills were still in operation in Ms. Acevedo said that the pulp mills were in operation in 1990 and those emissions were not included in this inventory but the electrification for the industry was included. John Ford explained that they don't have the authority to regulate what comes out of the stack in industrial plants sO the RCAP only focuses on what the local jurisdiction has authority to regulate. Things from industrial stacks are regulated by the state. Anything that they can't regulate including agriculture is taken out of the inventory. What this has done is allow them to develop a much more realistic baseline by using the 2022 data. He explained that the other thing that is a big struggle is that the County of Humboldt is not a big greenhouse gas emitter and absorbs much more carbon that it emits. Unfortunately, the problem is getting rid of it with no way of doing that. Part of the objective of the CAP is to start to study that and work with the state to develop criteria by which to evaluate and by Councimember Wilson commented that the State continually imposes rules on rural communities that are beyond their control to fix and mandate to fix things that are not  1990, pointing out that these mills had a huge impact on emissions.  2045 achieve carbon neutrality.  broken.  SPECIAL CALL EMS/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion on Eel River Trail Non-Infrastructure Art Component  City Manager Knopp provided a staff report and said in 2021, Governor Newsom launched the Clean California initiative for $1.1 billion to revitalize California's streets and public spaces through litter abatement and local beautification projects. The City received two grants; one for the Gateway Beautification project and one for the Eel River Trail project He said that part of the grant requirement includes a non-infrastructure component that incorporates art installation. The City is under an agreement with Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) to develop and implement this portion of the project. RCAA developed a proposal with a conceptual drawing combining the seating requirement with a seat wall and bench structure situated at the Edwards Dr. trailhead. The proposal included art tiles permanently affixed to the structure painted by individual Rio Dell school kids depicting an aspect of the local river environment/Scotia Bluffs. The center of the structure would contain art created by a professional local area artist following a Denise Newman, from RCAA was present via Zoom to answer any questions regarding  which is currently under construction.  community selection process as required through the grant.  the project.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 6  Councilmembers expressed approval for the centerpiece art and art tiles on each side Mayor Pro Tem Carter said that she would like to see personal community engagement in Ms. Newman explained the procedure in moving forward with the project and said that they would narrow the art selection down to three artists and then engage the community in the final selection. She commented that the original art could be hung in City Hall with a high- Mayor Pro Tem Carter stressed the desire to have an in-person public forum for the artist Mayor Garnes asked if there would be a way to reach out to all kids that live in Rio Dell Ms. Newman explained that there are a limited number of tiles sO space may be an issue with inviting more kids to participate. She said that one potential option would be to make Interim Police Chief Landry noted that there are approximately 320 kids in Eagle Prairie Elementary and Monument Middle School and that bringing in Rio Dell kids who attend City Manager Knopp explained that this project does not encompass grades K-8 and only Ms. Newman said that currently, RCAA is working with Ms. Kiser's class at Eagle Prairie Elementary in the development of "legacy tiles" with a theme yet to be determined. Mayor Pro Tem Carter pointed out the potential for other art projects on Edwards Dr. Jonathan Brodeur, 521 View Ave. addressed the Council and asked how much money was available for art projects suggesting art projects on the green wall on Edwards Dr. and Mayor Garnes called for a point of order since the matter he was discussing was not on It was suggested the theme for the art tiles be focused on native plants and animals.  painted by school kids as opposed to hand prints.  the selection of the local artist.  resolution print produced for the outside structure.  selection.  and not just those who attend Eagle Prairie Elementary School.  the tiles smaller (2"x2").  other schools would not increase the number by much. a portion of the Eagle Prairie Elementary School.  including walls prone to graffiti.  the wastewater treatment plant wall.  the agenda.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page7  The consensus of the Council was to move forward with the top conceptual drawing with the art in the center and art tiles on each side and to approve the Draft Call for Artists and  Application submittal by RCAA.  Discussion on Potential 2025 Road Slurry Sealing Project  City Manager Knopp provided a staff report and said that periodically the cities and County conduct a regional slurry seal project. The City of Arcata is proposing to lead this year's project and to participate in the 2025 project, the City would need to submit a proposal by the end of October with the project being put out to bid in February 2025 and expected He explained that slurry seal is a maintenance treatment that prolongs the life of asphalt at a fraction of the cost of full road reconstruction. He indicated that pavement markings (striping) would be included in the project which is also a cost-effective addition to the City Manager Knopp reviewed three (3) potential areas for slurry sealing which included  work to begin around July 2025.  project. the following:  1) Center Street from Wildwood to Ireland (in front of the school facilities) at an initial cost estimate of $45,000. Work may need to include minor patch repairs 2) City Hall parking lot (east side) at an initial estimated cost of $13,000. Work will 3) Wildwood Avenue travel lanes (excludes center divider and parking lanes) at initial estimated cost of $80,000. Crack sealing work prior to this sealing is recommended with an additional cost of $20,000 to $30,000.  prior to work.  need to include some minor patch and pothole repair.  City Manager Knopp said that staff recommends hiring someone to do crack sealing prior to the slurry seal work and although aesthetically it would not be perfect in some areas, Water/Roadways Superintendent Jensen stated that all three options are needed but Interim Police Chief Landry asked if striping would only be done in those three areas. City Manager Knopp explained that the idea is to look at other areas for potential markings Councimember Orr noted that all three options are needed but definitely needed in front of Mayor Pro Tem Carter agreed on the importance of including Center St. for safety  overall it would save the City money.  aesthetically, slurry sealing Wildwood Ave. would not be perfect.  under this project. the school. purposes.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 8  Interim Police Chief Landry expressed the need for bike lanes on Ireland Ave. Councimember Woodall asked if the previous work to Center St. was a slurry seal. Water/Roadways Superintendent Jensen responded that Center St. was repaved Councilmember Wilson commented that the City Hall parking lot was not a big deal but acknowledged that the repairs were needed and supported all three options.  previously.  Mayor Garnes supported all three options as presented.  Interim Police Chief Landry reiterated the need to have bike lanes on Ireland Ave. for the City Manager Knopp explained that the entire roadway on Ireland Ave. needs to be reconstructed with engineering to determine bike lanes and other markings. Jonathan Brodeur commented that he is a licensed contractor and experienced in applying Mayor Garnes noted that the Council would need to make a commitment to get the project in the queue for next year and asked if this will become a budget item for next fiscal year City Manager Knopp said that the City will have to commit to the project now for a specific dollar amount down the road which would have to be incorporated into the budget. For the current budget the Council has committed approximately $100,00 for paving but the expenditures will exceed that amount sO a budget amendment would be necessary. if the Council makes this project a priority, the amount will exceed the current budget by  safety of kids riding bikes to school.  Thermoplastic striping.  or ifi it will come out of the current budget.  approximately $50,000.  ORDINANCESISPECIAL RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS  Second reading (by title only) and adoption of Ordinance No. 407-2024 Amending Chapter 13.20 "Water Wells" of the Rio Dell Municipal Code (RDMC) to clarify the County Department of Environmental Health administers the City's water well permitting process City Manager Knopp asked that this item be continued to the next regular meeting to allow Introduction and first reading (by title only) of Ordinance No. 409-2024 amending Section 17.30.360(4) of the Rio Dell Municipal Code (RDMC) Vacation Dwelling Unit Regulations appeal period to be consistent with Section 17.35.060 of the RDMC City Manager Knopp asked that this item also be continued to the October 15, 2024  the Community Development Director to present it.  regular meeting.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 9  COUNCIL REPORIS/COMMUNICATIONS  Mayor Pro Tem Carter reported on recent meetings and events and said that she attended a COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) board meeting with Nick Bown- Crawford and that they are doing some reorganization with disaster victims still trying to get assistance. Also, some of the organizations involved in the Earthquake Disaster Recovery efforts have left creating the need for reorganization of the group. She recommended anyone interested to attend the quarterly meeting with the next meeting She announced that she would be attending the Rio Dell-Scotia Chamber of Commerce meeting on Friday at noon in Scotia and a School Board meeting and Fire Directors She also reported that the Park Survey period is now closed with the required 10% participation received to make the survey statistically valid. The next step is to move on to She said that the Eel River Cleanup Event on Saturday was a success with 26 volunteers showing up to help. 4,000 Ibs. of trash were collected along with some positive press She also reported that spay and neuter vouchers are available at the Community Resource Center. She said that she would be seeking additional funding for the program and was on the phone with the McLean Foundation today regarding potential grant Councimember Orr reported on his attendance at an HCAOG meeting and said that the board received a presentation on the Last Chance Grade Project opting for the 6,000 foot tunnel option. He said that they connected with the local native people regarding the trees Councimember Wilson reported on his attendance at the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) meeting and announced that PG&E received a $1.3 billion loan to upgrade Diablo Canyon that was scheduled to be shut down this year. The plan now is to continue its operation until 2030. The reason is that they do not have enough electricity for the State of California. He noted that customers won't see the rate increase on their power bill identified as the Diablo Canyon upgrade but the increase will be included in the bundled rate. He said there was a lot of public opposition because part of RCEA's mission He said that it would come up again next year and that he would like to invite RCEA to come and provide a presentation to the City Council. He added that rather than putting him in charge of voting on the issue he would like a consensus of the Council.  scheduled for October 16 at 3:00 p.m. which is available via Zoom.  meeting on Thursday.  the analysis of the responses.  coverage.  funding.  and fill that have to be removed.  statement is to not include any nuclear power in their mix.    OCTOBER 1, 2024 MINUTES  Page 10  Councimember Woodall thanked Jonathan Brodeur for helping to put together the Eel River Cleanup Event and said that it was nice to see sO many members of the community Mayor Garnes agreed that it was a great event and fantastic to see sO many volunteers She said that she was appointed as an Alternate board member to LAFcO and participated as a board member at the last meeting which she found to be very interesting. She announced that she attended her first meeting as a board member of the Great Redwood Trail on September 18 and that it was nice to have Rio Dell at the table. She said that she would be attending a Seismic Safety Committee meeting on October 10th and the Annual League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach on She then announced that there would be another Eel River Cleanup Event on October 19, 2024, and invited anyone interested in volunteering to meet at City Hall at 9:00 a.m.  helping.  show up to help.  October 15-18th.  ADJOURNMENT  Amotion was made by Carter/Orr to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. to the October 15,  2024 regular meeting. Motion carried 5-0.  Debra Garnes, Mayor  Attest:  Karen Dunham, City Clerk