New Arcata council sworn in tonight, first meeting Wednesday

By The Times-Standard - Tuesday, December 14, 2004

ARCATA -- A new City Council will take the helm tonight.

Paul Pitino and Harmony Groves will assume seats on the council dais after long-time members Connie Stewart and Bob Ornelas take their leave, and Michael Machi will be sworn in for his second term.
The swearing-in starts at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall.

The new City Council, still shy a member due to the recent resignation of former Councilwoman Elizabeth Conner, will then hold its first meeting Wednesday.

The council will discuss the possible development of a homeless services plan to help the city deal with a burgeoning homeless population.

"Homeless individuals and families have perhaps the most immediate housing need of any group," said the city's 2004 Housing Element, a document required by the State Department Of Housing and Community Development for the disbursement of housing money. "They also have one of the most difficult sets of housing needs to meet, due to both the diversity and complexity of the factors that lead to homelessness, and the community opposition to siting facilities that serve homeless clients."

The city has received several complaints about the homeless population near the Arcata Plaza and its impact on surrounding businesses. In addition, homeless advocates frequent City Council meetings and demand better services.

The council will also hear a report from Arcata Main Street on a proposal to form a business improvement district. The aim is to attract and improve commerce in what would become the business district. Members of the district would be assessed a fee to fund its efforts.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 736 F St.