Blue Lake vs. the Governator By Matt Kapko Eye Reporter The Arcata Eye November 25, 2003 Although Blue Lake’s budget concerns may now be the last thing on his mind, that could change. The City Council is sending a letter to California’s new governor, Arnold Swarzenegger, hoping to convince him that small towns like Blue Lake will suffer significantly if they lose funding previously obtained from vehicle licensing fees. One of Swarzenegger’s most prominent campaign promises in the recall election was to reverse the tripling of the state’s vehicle tax, an action take by former Gov. Gray Davis to deal with the state’s budget crisis. With Swarzenegger now in power, it appears likely that his promise will be fulfilled. Mayor Dave Nakamura, however, says it is a “misrepresentation” to say that the car tax was going to be tripled. He said the vehicle tax was only going back to the rate it was three to four years ago. Estimating the real cost of Swarzenegger’s plan as a $66,000 cut for Blue Lake, Nakamura said, “[that] is not even a drop in the bucket in Sacramento, but for us it’s a big deal.” Nakamura acknowledged that this is a positive issue for most of the electorate, however he thinks that is shortsighted. He asks, “If [Swarzenegger] cuts this, where’s the money coming from?” As he and others on the council recall, the state’s vehicle tax rate was cut by two-thirds when the budget was flush, just a few years ago. To help compensate for cities’ loss in revenues, the state said it would create a “backfill” to continue providing them with an adequate source of income, City Councilmember Sherman Schapiro said. With the state’s budget and financial future always in flux, City Manager Wiley Buck said, “Whatever you say today will be changed tomorrow.” He added that vehicle license fees pay for a third of the city’s police salaries. Odor easement lifted With the city recognizing that the Blue Lake Rancheria would never submit to an odor easement, it decided to exclude the Tribe from its requirement for one. The easement is intended to protect the city’s liability. It wants to avoid being held responsible for any odors emitted from the city’s sewer ponds, located adjacent to the Blue Lake Casino. The city has been holding the easement requirement over the Rancheria as a way to mitigate concerns it has with the casino. However, the city now realizes that “we’ve had our chance to deal with them,” said City Attorney Richard Platz. Schapiro added, “We have control over the [Tribe’s] projects in other ways.” Platz told the council, “The real, ultimate protection is you don’t have to grant the services.” The council voiced some minor apprehensions it has with the casino’s New Year’s Eve plans. It’s concerned that overflow parking and traffic may inhibit some residents’ routine. However, Platz reminded the council that the city has a Memorandum of Understanding that addresses all such issues, and that the city has little leeway in restricting traffic and parking around the Tribal land without adopting and enforcing a no-parking ordinance. Some on the council were less concerned than others. City Councilmember Brian Julian seemed more understanding of the casino’s planned festivities. “It’s not unusual for things to be a little nutty on New Year’s Eve,” he said. City dodged by Ultrapower Another of Blue Lake’s larger neighbors — Ultrapower — has announced plans to install 10 two-megawatt diesel generators at its plant, however it hasn’t yet formally introduced its plans to the city. Buck said the company has not contacted the city in any way to discuss its plans. He said the Planning Commission must approve the project before anything goes forward. “This just may be how they’re playing the game,” Wiley concluded. Community Survey Hoping to compile the community’s desires in a concise format, Blue Lake resident David Glen is finishing up a survey that is being offered to all residents of Blue Lake and outlying areas. Glen said he is in the final weeks of collecting replies. He expects replies from more than 200 households out of an estimated total of 800 that were offered the survey. He reminded that surveys are still available at City Hall and the Rancheria office. All responses are due by Dec. 5. Home