City Council

Point Arena City Council to Hold Public Hearing on LCP Amendment for Housing 

Point Arena City Council to Hold Public Hearing on LCP Amendment for Housing 

Para leer este comunicado de prensa en español, visite nuestra página web pointarena.ca.gov/housing y busque en “Enlaces del Proceso de Actualización de Vivienda.”

On Tuesday, March 26th, the Point Arena City Council will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on a second set of Local Coastal Program amendments updating many of the City’s housing-related policies and regulations.  A first set of amendments that addressed Accessory Dwelling Units was adopted by the City Council last September.

The amendments that are currently under review are intended to help stimulate more housing production in Point Arena, streamline the permitting process for residential development, implement various policies and programs in the City’s Housing Element, and make the City’s Zoning Code easier to use.

Community members are invited to attend, to share their thoughts, and to have a hand in shaping the future of our community.

What?             Point Arena City Council Public Hearing on LCP Amendments for Housing

When?            Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Where?           Point Arena City Hall & via Zoom
451 School Street
Point Arena, CA 95468

Zoom Link:      https://zoom.us/s/84888251095

 

To review the proposed LCP Amendments and other information on Point Arena’s Housing Update process, please see the housing page on the City’s website – pointarena.ca.gov/housing

March 21, 2024 in City Council

Point Arena City Council to Hold Special Meeting Focused on Housing

POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING FOCUSED ON HOUSING

 

Para leer este comunicado de prensa en español, visite nuestra página web pointarena.ca.gov/housing y busque en “Enlaces del Proceso de Actualización de Vivienda.”

 

The City of Point Arena is hosting a special City Council meeting focused on housing on Tuesday, May 9th at 5:00 PM. The event will be held both in-person and via Zoom. The agenda for the meeting includes the following:

  • Presentation of the Annual Progress Report on the City’s Housing Element
  • City Council Study Session on Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendments focusing on housing
    • Preview of the draft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Toolkit
    • Council discussion on restrictions in the ADU Ordinance related to short-term rentals
    • Review of draft amendments to simplify and streamline permitting regulations
    • Briefing on the status of remaining Housing Update amendments
    • Review of the timeline for public hearings and Council action on LCP Amendments

The City of Point Arena is committed to addressing the pressing need for affordable and accessible housing within the community. Residents are encouraged to attend and contribute their insights and suggestions to the discussion.

 

What?            Point Arena Community Housing Workshop
When?           Tuesday, May 9th at 5:00 PM
Where?         Point Arena City Hall & via Zoom
451 School Street, Point Arena
Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/s/84888251095

 

###

April 30, 2023 in City Council

Point Arena to Hold Third Housing Community Workshop

Para leer este comunicado de prensa en español, visite nuestra página web pointarena.ca.gov/housing y busque en “Enlaces del Proceso de Actualización de Vivienda.”

The City of Point Arena is hosting a Community Workshop on Tuesday, February 7th at 6:00 PM. The event will be held both in-person and via Zoom. At the workshop, the community will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss important issues related to housing in the city, including:

  • Results of the recent Community Housing Survey and Property Owner Survey
  • Updates to Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations
  • Updated zoning designation within city limits
  • Streamlining of the City’s permitting process
  • Potential development of multi-family housing on a city-owned parcel

Community members are encouraged to attend the workshop and provide feedback.

What:     Point Arena Community Housing Workshop

When:    Tuesday, February 7th at 6:00 PM

Where:  Point Arena City Hall & via Zoom
451 School Street
Point Arena, CA 95468

Zoom: https://zoom.us/s/84888251095

For more information, please contact Linda Ruffing at North Coast Community Planning (linda@nccplanning.com).

January 29, 2023 in City Council, Community

City Declares Local Emergency Resulting from Winter Storms

CITY OF POINT ARENA DECLARES EXISTENCE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY

The City of Point Arena has issued a Declaration of Local Emergency in response to ongoing storm events. It is forecasted that additional and continuing storms related to the series of atmospheric river systems threatens Point Arena by bringing heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, strong winds and wind gusts, falling debris, downed trees and extensive power outages.

Additional significant winter weather events are projected to impact Point Arena and the region into next week. Significant additional rainfall is forecast for the region along with moderate to high winds. Recent rainfall has left the soil very saturated making it more likely that trees will fall. Residents should be prepared for prolonged power outages and road closures.

Please avoid all nonessential travel as hazardous weather conditions will likely result in further downed trees and powerlines, as well as localized flooding. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, assume that downed powerlines are still energized, and stay out of the way of first responders and work crews.

Point Arena City Hall will be open from 9am to 4pm each day with full power until overall power is restored. Residents are encouraged to visit City Hall to charge electronics, use the internet, and receive storm updates. City Hall phone lines are down but calls can be received at 707-353-0004 or by email at admin@pointarena.ca.gov.

The Emergency Declaration ensures the City’s eligibility for State and Federal disaster assistance and funding for recovery efforts.

###

January 12, 2023 in City Council

City Council Vacancy Announced

The City of Point Arena is accepting applications for a vacancy on the City Council.

Application for Appointment to City Council

Why is there a Vacancy on Point Arena City Council?

The vacancy was created when only two people ran for three open seats at the November 8 2022 election.

The person selected will serve a term until the end of 2026 .

Qualifications for City Council

Qualified candidates must:

  • Be over the age of 18
  • Reside with the Point Arena city limits
  • Be a current registered voter in the City of Point Arena.
  • Be a United States Citizen

Process for Filling the Vacancy

The City Council will follow the process outlined below:

Application Period: Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. December 8, 2022.

City Clerk Transmission of Application Materials: The City Clerk will provide each City Council member with all applications at the close of the application period.

Review of applications: Councilmembers will review all applications and may conduct interviews.

At their December 13, 2022 meeting the City Council will appoint for the vacant seat.

Applying for the Council Appointment

Applications are available at Point Arena City Hall, 451 School Street, between the hours of 9am and 4pm Monday through Thursday. Point Arena City Hall is closed Fridays.  City Hall will also be closed November 24 & 25.

To be considered, a completed application must be received by the City Clerk at Point Arena City Hall, 451 School Street, Point Arena, CA by December 8 at 4:00 pm. Applications received after 4:00 pm will not be considered.

For more information, contact City Hall at 882-2122 or by email at admin@pointarena.ca.gov.

Application for Appointment to City Council

 

 

November 16, 2022 in City Council, Community

Filing Period for 2022 City Council Election Opens Monday July 18

The City’s of Point Arena’s 2022 General Municipal Election, consolidated with the Mendocino County Statewide General Election, will be held on November 8, 2022. Registered voters in the City of Point Arena will have the opportunity to elect three City of Point Arena councilmembers of the five-member City Council for a term of four years each. These seats are presently occupied by incumbents Vice Mayor Barbara Burkey, Councilmember Anna Dobbins and Councilmember Richey Wasserman.

The filing period for local residents interested in running in the 2022 Point Arena City Council election will open Monday, July 18, 2022, and close Friday, August 12, 2022 at 4p.m. If any incumbent councilmember does not file by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, the filing period for all non-incumbent candidates will be extended to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17.

Prospective City Council candidates must reside and be registered to vote in the city limits, 18 years of age, and a US citizen. Anyone wishing to run in the November 8, 2022 election  must secure the signatures of 5 to 10 registered City of Point Arena voters prior to filing the nomination paper. Each candidate is also required to file a Statement of Economic Interests, disclosing investments and interests in real property at the time the nomination paper is returned for filing. There is no charge for filing nomination documents.

For a fee, candidates may also prepare a statement to be included in the Official Sample Ballot, which is mailed to voters. Statements may include the candidate’s name, age, occupation and brief description of no more than 200 words stating their education and qualifications. The estimated fees range from $100 to $200 depending on language, statement length and formatting chosen by the candidate.

Nomination documents will be made available beginning July 18, 2022, the start of the nomination period, in the City Clerk’s Office, at City Hall, 451 School Street in Point Arena. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; City Hall is closed Friday, but staff are available by appointment.

Anyone wishing to lend their signature to a potential candidate’s nomination paper must be a registered voter residing in the City of Point Arena at the time the nomination paper is issued.

The top three vote-getters are expected to be sworn into office on December 13, 2022, prior to the regularly-scheduled City Council meeting.

More information may be obtained by calling 707-882-2122 or by email at admin@pointarena.ca.gov.

 

DATE OF ELECTION: Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

POSITIONS FOR ELECTION: City Council. Three positions. The incumbents are Barbara Burkey, Anna Dobbins, and Richey Wasserman.

TERM OF OFFICE: Four-year terms, beginning December 2022 and ending December 2026.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS: All candidates must be 18 years of age, a Citizen of the United States, and a registered voter residing within the city limits of Point Arena,

NOMINATION PERIOD: Opens: Monday, July 18, 2022. Closes: Friday, August 12, 2022 at 4:00 p.m., unless an incumbent does not file, then the period is extended to Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

NOMINATION PAPERS AND CANDIDATE GUIDES: Nomination papers and guides will be available at City Hall, 451 School Street, on the first day of the nomination period, Monday July 18, 2022. “Pulling” nomination papers will take approximately 20 minutes. Office hours at City Hall are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. City Hall is closed on Fridays. Nomination papers and the candidate guide are NOT available via email.

COST: There is no cost to be issued nominations papers or receive a Candidate’s Guide. There is no fee to file nomination papers. If a candidate chooses to submit a candidate statement in the County Ballot guide, a deposit of $150 (English only) or $300 (English & Spanish) is required.

###

July 12, 2022 in City Council, Community

New Councilmembers Appointed

NEW POINT ARENA CITY COUNCILMEMBERS APPOINTED

At their January 11 Special meeting, the Point Arena City Council appointed two new members to the City Council to fill vacancies resulting from resignation – Jim Koogle and Richey Wasserman. Both are long-time residents of Point Arena and have served on the City Council and numerous boards and commissions before.

In early September 2021, two members of the City Council resigned. At the September 28 City Council meeting, it was decided to call a Special Election for February 22, 2022. The nomination period for candidates for the two seats was November 1 to November 29. At the end of the filing period, only one candidate turned in nomination papers that were validated by the Registrar of Voters – Jim Koogle.

Because no more than one candidate ran for the two open seats and the City of Point Arena had no other items on the ballot, the County Elections Official determined that there would not need a Special Election to be held on February 22, 2022. Under this circumstance, State law allows an appointment “in lieu of election” as there were fewer candidates than open seats. The appointee will serve the remainder of the term which expires November 5, 2024.

At the December 14, 2021 meeting, the Council decided to open an application period for an appointment to the remaining vacant seat, with applications due by January 6, 2022. The only person to apply was Richey Wasserman. This Council seat would be up for election on November 8, 2022.

With the addition of Koogle and Wasserman, the Point Arena City Council roster is:

Mayor Scott Ignacio (scott.ignacio@pointarena.ca.gov)

Vice Mayor Barbara Burkey (barbara.burkey@pointarena.ca.gov)

Councilmember Anna Dobbins (anna.dobbins@pointarena.ca.gov)

Councilmember Jim Koogle (jim.koogle@pointarena.ca.gov)

Councilmember Richey Wasserman (richey.wasserman@pointarena.ca.gov)

###

January 12, 2022 in City Council

City Council Vacancy Announced

The City of Point Arena is accepting applications for a vacancy on the City Council.

Application for Appointment to City Council

Why is there a Vacancy on Point Arena City Council?

The vacancy was created when only one person ran for two open seats at the upcoming February 22, 2022 SpecialEelection. The person selected will serve a term until the end of 2022 and will need to run for reelection in the November 8, 2022 general election.

Qualifications for City Council

Qualified candidates must:

  • Be a United States Citizen
  • Be over the age of 18
  • Reside with the Point Arena city limits
  • Be a current registered voter in the City of Point Arena.

Process for Filling the Vacancy

The City Council will follow the process outlined below:

Application Period: Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. January 6, 2022.

City Clerk Transmission of Application Materials. The City Clerk will provide each City Council member with all applications at the close of the application period.

Review of applications. Council members will review all applications and may conduct interviews.

At a Special Meeting at 6 p.m. on January 11, 2021, the City Council will appoint for the vacant seat.

Applying for the Council Appointment

To be considered, a completed application must be received by the City Clerk at Point Arena City Hall, 451 School Street, Point Arena, CA. Applications received after 4:00 pm will not be considered.

The City Council will make an appointment to the City Council at a Special Meeting on January 11, 2022 at 6:00 pm.

December 15, 2021 in City Council, Community

2022 City Council Special Election

NOMINATION PERIOD OPENS FOR 2022 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL ELECTION
 
On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, a special municipal election will be held in the City of Point Arena to elect two new Councilmembers to replace recently resigned Councilmembers.
 
Official nomination papers for eligible candidates desiring to file for the above office may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk, 451 School Street in Point Arena beginning November 1, 2021, through November 29, 2021, during regular business hours as posted.
 
In order to be eligible to hold office as a member of the Council, a person must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age on or before Election Day and a registered voter of the City of Point Arena at the time nomination papers are issued for his or her candidacy and shall continue to reside in the City of Point Arena during the term of office.
 
For more information and to make an appointment to pick up papers, please contact Point Arena City Hall at 882-2122 or email admin@pointarena.ca.gov.
 
Point Arena City Hall is open from 9am to 4pm Monday-Thursday and closed Fridays.
November 2, 2021 in City Council, Community

Arena Cove & Pier Closed Temporarily

By a unanimous vote, the Point Arena City Council has enacted a temporary ordinance closing the Point Arena Pier and Arena Cove due to public health and safety concerns from the spread of the COVID19 virus. The Council will review the ordinance within the next 31 days.

The City Council found that continued parking and loitering at the Arena Cove parking lot and on Point Arena Pier poses a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Point Arena and that adequate regulation was necessary.

“Our number one priority is to make decisions that ultimately benefit the health and welfare of the people in our community,” Mayor Scott Ignacio said, “We hope that implementing these measures now will shorten the time it will take for our businesses and our public areas to reopen.”

The Ordinance is twofold:

  • Loitering or remaining in the parking lot, on the pier, or other outdoor premises adjacent to the parking lot or pier without any apparent business purpose — such as commercial fishing — is prohibited until further notice.
  • The parking of vehicles at the Arena Cove parking lot is prohibited, unless related to the activities of commercial fishermen, Arena Cove businesses, or vessels that have paid parking privileges. This includes all automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, vessels and any other motorized vehicles.

The City Council will review the ordinance within 31 days for its continued appropriateness.

The County received its first positive test for COVID-19 on the South Coast in Gualala at a visitor-serving facility. Despite the County Public Health Officer’s Shelter-In-Place Order of March 18, 2020 and follow-up letter of March 19, 2020, the South Coast has seen an influx of visitors from outside the area including at Arena Cove.

On March 24, 2019, the County Public Health issued an updated order that limits the use of parks in the County to those that are accessible by walking and biking from one’s place of residence.

March 26, 2020 in City Council, Community