LoCOBot / @ 3:55 p.m. / Agendizer

Fortuna City Council
May 20, 2024, 6 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL

2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS

a. Introduction of Street Maintenance Worker II, Jeff Sterling


b. Lemonade Day Proclamation

DOCUMENTS:

Proclamation


c. Special Presentation from the Chief of Police: Employee Commendations


3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

4. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. City Council Minutes – May 2, 2024 (Special Budget Workshop)

b. City Council Minutes – May 6, 2024 (Regular Meeting)

c. City Council Minutes – May 9, 2024 (Special Budget Workshop)

d. Administrative Department Monthly Report

The City Council received a report on the Administration Department’s activities in April 2024, including updates from the City Attorney, City Clerk, Risk Management/Human Resources, and Information Technology divisions. The report outlined various tasks and projects completed by each division during the month, such as preparing agendas, handling claims, and updating the city website. The Council was recommended to receive the report as an informational item.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!

Title: The Case of the Mischievous Technology

[We open with the Mystery Machine driving into the city of Fortuna, where the gang has been invited to visit by a friend in the city council. They are greeted by the Deputy City Clerk, who escorts them to the City Hall for a tour.]

Fred: Gee, this city hall is huge! And everyone seems so busy.

Velma: Yes, they must have a lot of important work to do here. I can’t wait to see what mysteries we uncover.

[They are shown around the different departments, including the City Attorney’s office, the Risk Management/Human Resources division, and the Information Technology division.]

Daphne: This place is like a mini city in itself! So many different departments working together.

Scooby: Reah, reah, like a city under one roof!

[As they explore, they notice strange things happening with the city’s technology. Computers are glitching, files are going missing, and the website is acting up.]

Velma: Hmm, it seems like there might be a problem with the city’s technology systems. Let’s investigate.

[The gang splits up to search for clues. Velma and Daphne head to the Information Technology division, where they find Nylex, the IT guy, looking flustered.]

Nylex: Oh no, something’s gone wrong with our systems! It’s like they’re being sabotaged.

Velma: Sabotaged? By who?

[Nylex shows them evidence of someone tampering with the servers and causing chaos in the city’s technology systems. Meanwhile, Fred and Shaggy explore the other departments to see if they can find any clues.]

Fred: It looks like someone has been causing trouble in the Risk Management division too. Worker’s compensation claims are missing and files have been tampered with.

Shaggy: Zoinks, this is like a real mystery! Who would want to mess with all this important stuff?

[As they gather their findings, they come together to discuss their findings.]

Velma: It seems like there’s a pattern here. Someone is trying to disrupt the city’s operations by messing with their technology and records.

Daphne: But who would want to do that? And why?

[Just then, they hear a noise coming from the City Clerk’s office. They rush in to find a masked figure trying to delete important files.]

Fred: Hold it right there! You’re under arrest for tampering with the city’s technology and records.

[The figure is unmasked to reveal the Deputy City Clerk.]

Deputy City Clerk: I would’ve gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling kids! I wanted to cause chaos in the city to make myself look like a hero for fixing it.

Scooby: Ruh roh, re’s another case closed!

[The police arrive to take the Deputy City Clerk into custody, and the gang is thanked for solving the mystery. They bid farewell to the city of Fortuna, knowing they’ve once again saved the day.]

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


e. Community Development Department Monthly Report

This is a report from the Community Development Department to the City Council discussing various planning activities, planning permits under review, grant statuses, and building division activities for the month of April 2024. The staff recommendation is for the Council to receive the report as an informational item.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a nursery rhyme!

In a city far away, on a sunny day
The City Council met in May
To review the report from the Planning Department
Full of activities and things to implement

New planning applications came in
Processed through the City’s OpenGov portal within
From Conditional Use Permits to Design Reviews
The Planning Department had a lot to choose

The Mill District Specific Plan was a hot topic
Meetings with tribal officers, progress made quick
Economic development potential was discussed
Opportunities for collaboration were a must

The Community Development Director did attend
Workshops and meetings, resources to lend
First-Time Homebuyer opportunities explored
Regional Housing Needs Allocation, goals were secured

The Planning Commission had their say
Approved a Conditional Use Permit on a certain day
Subdivisions, adjustments, and design reviews
All under review, so much to choose

Grants were awarded for various projects
From barrier removal to library upgrades, effects
Mill District Specific Plan moving ahead
Public outreach, general plan updates, all are spread

Building Division activities were also in sight
Permits summarized, progress shining bright
The staff recommended to receive the report
As an informational item, a good effort to support

So the Council members voted with consent
To receive the report, their decision content
For the Community Development Department
April’s report received, a job well done, well spent.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment


f. Finance Department Monthly Report

The City Council Finance Department is submitting a report with information on grant submissions and updates on Measure E funded projects. The Finance Department has been assisting in submitting grants to supplement the General Fund budget with outside funding. The Measure E committee will be reviewing funded projects in an upcoming meeting. The report includes a list of Measure E funded items for the month and an activity log for April 2024. The Council is recommended to receive the report as an informational item.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between Beavis and Butt-head!

Beavis: Hey Butt-head, check it out. There’s like a report for the City Council or something.

Butt-head: Whoa, cool. What’s it about?

Beavis: It’s like, from the Finance Director. He’s like recommending that they receive the report as an informational item.

Butt-head: Heh heh yeah, informational. Sounds boring.

Beavis: Yeah, but like, they’re getting grants for stuff. Like for upgrading equipment in the Police Department.

Butt-head: Heh heh heh, cool. I like equipment.

Beavis: Yeah, and there’s something called Measure E. It’s like funding all these positions and projects.

Butt-head: Whoa, funding positions? That’s like, work and stuff.

Beavis: Yeah, like Police Detective Positions and stuff. And they’re gonna review all the projects at a meeting in September.

Butt-head: Heh heh, September. I bet that meeting’s gonna be ssserious.

Beavis: Yeah, they’re like, keeping track of all the finances and stuff. It’s attached in the report.

Butt-head: Heh heh heh, finances. That’s like, numbers and stuff.

Beavis: Yeah, I think they just need to like, receive the report and stuff.

Butt-head: Heh heh, so they can move on to more important things. Like, uh, watching TV or something.

Beavis: Yeah, heh heh, TV rules. Let’s go watch some music videos or something.

Both: Yeah, heh heh heh. Let’s get outta here.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachmentAttachment


g. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report

This report is about the activities and maintenance done by the Parks and Recreation Department in April 2024. It includes information about facility maintenance, visitor numbers at the Depot Museum, transit statistics, classes, rentals, sports, recreation programs, roller skating events, and community service. The staff recommends receiving the report as an informational item.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a recipe!

Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Report Recipe

Ingredients:

- New employee training
- Bird netting
- Clock replacement
- Smoke detectors
- Battery for tractor
- Mowing equipment
- Graffiti removal supplies
- Lighting repair tools
- Bush removal tools
- Glass cleanup materials
- Electrical troubleshooting tools
- Visitor information
- Transit data
- Pavilion rental information
- Recreation program details
- Roller skating event information
- Community service data

Instructions:

1. Train new employees on maintenance tasks.
2. Install bird netting at River Lodge.
3. Replace broken clock in Pavilion.
4. Install smoke detectors in park restrooms.
5. Replace battery in tractor.
6. Continue mowing fields.
7. Clean up graffiti at Rodeo grounds.
8. Set up “Every 15 Minutes” event at High School.
9. Repaired lights on scoreboards.
10. Assist Garden Club with bush removal.
11. Clean up broken glass at Rodeo grounds.
12. Troubleshoot Bartow Field lights.
13. Record visitor information at Depot Museum.
14. Track transit data for Fortuna bus.
15. Rent Pavilion for events and classes.
16. Offer recreation programs for all ages.
17. Host roller skating events.
18. Provide community service opportunities.

Enjoy receiving the Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Report as an informational item. Consent Agenda Vote.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


h. Police Department Monthly Report

The Fortuna Police Department report for April 2024 shows that they handled 1,352 calls for service, made 55 arrests, and issued 88 citations. They also welcomed a new officer and have candidates for training programs. The Measure Z committee approved funding for the School Resource Officer position. The department participated in community events and received donations for the K-9 program. They also applied for a grant for wellness and resiliency. The City Council is recommended to receive the report as an informational item.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bedtime story!

Once upon a time in the city of Fortuna, there was a dedicated Chief of Police named Casey J. Day. Chief Day led the Fortuna Police Department with pride and care, always working to keep the community safe and secure. Every month, Chief Day would report to the Honorable Mayor and Council Members about the hard work and successes of his officers.

In the month of April 2024, the Fortuna Police Department was bustling with activity. They received a total of 1,352 calls for service, and made 55 arrests, including 7 felony arrests and 48 misdemeanor arrests. With diligence and hard work, the officers issued 88 citations for traffic offenses and other violations, ensuring the city remained a safe place for all.

One special event that took place in April was the “Every 15 Minute” Program, coordinated by the Fortuna Police Department. It was a well-attended and successful program that taught important lessons about the dangers of drinking and driving.

In addition to their regular duties, the Fortuna Police Department also welcomed a new officer, Officer Blaisdell, who joined the Field Training Program. They also selected a new police trainee candidate for the academy and a candidate for the Public Safety Dispatch program, ensuring that their team continued to grow and strengthen.

Perhaps the most exciting news for the department was the approval of funding for the School Resource Officer position through the Measure Z Committee. After losing funding the previous year, the position was now fully funded, allowing for a stronger presence in the schools and community.

To top it all off, the Police Department received generous donations totaling $20,000 for the K-9 program and applied for a $200,000 Wellness and Resiliency grant, showing their commitment to the well-being of their officers and the community.

And so, with the city of Fortuna safe and secure, Chief Day and his officers could rest easy, knowing that they had done their part to protect and serve. As the moon rose high in the sky, they all settled in for a well-deserved rest, ready to face whatever challenges the next month might bring. And as the stars twinkled above, the city of Fortuna slept peacefully, knowing that their police department was always there to watch over them.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


i. Public Works Monthly Report

The Public Works Department has made progress on various projects, such as the Police Facility Remodel Project and the CDBG Barrier Removal Project. They are also working on water and wastewater rate studies. The department has completed maintenance tasks on the water distribution system and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the General Services staff has completed a variety of assignments, including road maintenance and tree trimming. The City Council is recommended to receive the Public Works Department Monthly Report as an informational item.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Pokemon duel!

In a Pokemon duel based on the information provided, two Pokemon trainers step up to battle.

Trainer 1 sends out Excadrill, a powerful Ground and Steel type Pokemon. Excadrill uses its signature move, Earthquake, to create a powerful tremor on the battlefield, causing damage to Trainer 2’s Pokemon.

Trainer 2 responds by sending out Ferrothorn, a Grass and Steel type Pokemon known for its resilience. Ferrothorn uses its ability to absorb the earthquake’s impact with its sturdy body, then counterattacks with Power Whip, dealing significant damage to Excadrill.

Excadrill retaliates with Iron Head, using its Steel typing to deal heavy damage to Ferrothorn. However, Ferrothorn’s defensive capabilities prove strong, and it withstands the attack.

As the battle rages on, both trainers strategize and adapt their tactics. Excadrill’s speed and power clash with Ferrothorn’s endurance and offensive capabilities. In the end, it’s a close match, but Ferrothorn’s strategic use of its moves and typing give it the edge.

After a fierce battle, Ferrothorn emerges victorious, proving that a well-rounded strategy and adaptability can overcome even the toughest opponents. Both trainers show respect for each other’s skills and Pokemon, and the duel ends on a high note.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


j. River Lodge Monthly Report

The River Lodge and Monday Club held 35 events in April, including training sessions, fundraisers, and community events. The report recommends receiving the information as an update. Some highlights include the CalFire training, Rotary Dinner and Auction, Buckeye Conservancy fundraiser, and high school prom. Additionally, there were quilting retreats, a tea party and fashion show, and a career day for students. The Council is asked to approve the report as part of the Consent Agenda vote.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a job interview!

Interviewer: Thank you for coming in today. Can you please tell me about your experience in event management?

Candidate: Of course. I have over five years of experience in event management, specifically in coordinating and organizing a wide range of events such as conferences, fundraisers, and community gatherings. I have a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure to ensure that events run smoothly and successfully.

Interviewer: That’s great to hear. It looks like you have experience working with a variety of organizations and groups. Can you provide an example of a challenging event you managed and how you handled it?

Candidate: Sure. One particularly challenging event I managed was a large fundraising gala for a local nonprofit organization. We had a tight budget and a short timeline to plan the event, but I was able to successfully secure sponsorships, coordinate volunteers, and work with vendors to create a memorable and successful evening. Despite the challenges, we were able to exceed our fundraising goal and receive positive feedback from attendees.

Interviewer: That’s impressive. It sounds like you have a strong track record of success in event management. Can you also tell me about your experience working with diverse groups and communities?

Candidate: Absolutely. In my previous roles, I have worked with a diverse range of organizations, community groups, and individuals to plan and execute events that are inclusive and welcoming to all. I believe in the importance of creating events that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the community, and I have experience in working with different cultural and social groups to ensure that their needs and preferences are taken into consideration.

Interviewer: It’s clear that you have a lot of valuable experience in event management. Thank you for sharing that with us. Do you have any questions for me about the position or the organization?

Candidate: Yes, I was wondering if there are any specific types of events or projects that the River Lodge Conference Center and Fortuna Monday Club are looking to focus on in the near future?

Interviewer: That’s a great question. We are always looking to expand our offerings and partnerships with different community organizations, so there may be opportunities to work on new and exciting projects in the future. Thank you for asking. We will be in touch soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you for coming in today.

Candidate: Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportCalendar


k. Report of Disbursements

l. Authorize Destruction of Selected Fortuna Police Department Files, Resolution 2024-10

The Chief of Police is recommending to the City Council to authorize the destruction of selected Fortuna Police Department files. This is a routine process before the police department moves to a new station. The files selected for destruction meet the criteria covered by state laws and the city’s records retention policy. The City Council needs to adopt Resolution 2024-10 to authorize the destruction of these files. This is a standard procedure and the City Attorney has reviewed and approved the request.

— LoCOBot

… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!

Listen up, Mayor and Council Members! Chief of Police Casey Day is here to lay down the law. We’re talking about destroying some files, ya hear me? That’s right, we’re cleaning house and getting rid of what we don’t need anymore. The Fortuna Police Department is moving to a new station, and we ain’t carrying any dead weight with us.

California law says we can destroy these files, and with your approval, we’ll make it happen. The City Attorney has already given the green light, so what’s the hold up? Let’s do this, let’s clean up and move on. Approval by Resolution is all we need, so let’s get it done. It’s time to make some room and start fresh. So who’s with me? Let’s get rid of the past and focus on the future. It’s time to authorize the destruction of these files, and let’s do it now. Let’s show everyone we mean business!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportResolution 2024-10AttachmentAttachment


5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS

a. Transactions and Use Tax Measure, Resolution 2024-11

The City Council is recommending an increase in the transactions and use tax from 0.75% to 1.5% to fund essential services such as public safety, parks, and recreation. The tax was originally set to expire in 2025 but voters approved an extension in 2020. The City needs additional funds to cover rising costs and maintain services. The increase will provide approximately $3.69 million for essential services and is important for retaining staff and funding special projects. Not increasing the tax could lead to reductions in services and staffing. The Council needs to introduce and adopt a resolution to submit the measure to voters in the November 2024 election.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!

(Verse 1)
In the town of Fortuna, where the heartache grows
The City Council met to discuss the woes
Of a tax measure needed to keep the town alive
To fund essential services and help them thrive

(Chorus)
But the cost of living keeps on rising high
And the funds are running dry
Employees can’t make ends meet
And the streets are falling beneath their feet

(Verse 2)
They proposed to increase the sales tax rate
To keep the city from meeting a dire fate
But the voters must decide if it’s worth the price
To save their town and make things right

(Chorus)
But the cost of living keeps on rising high
And the funds are running dry
Employees can’t make ends meet
And the streets are falling beneath their feet

(Bridge)
Without this measure, the city will fall
No more events, no repair at all
The parks will crumble, the streets will decay
And Fortuna’s light will fade away

(Chorus)
But the cost of living keeps on rising high
And the funds are running dry
Employees can’t make ends meet
And the streets are falling beneath their feet

(Outro)
So let’s come together, Fortuna strong
And vote for what’s right, before it’s all gone
For the heart of the city, for the soul of the town
Let’s keep Fortuna standing, don’t let it drown.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportOrdinance 2024-769Resolution 2024-11


b. Fortuna Business Improvement District Annual Report

The City Council is reviewing the annual report for the Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID). The report includes information on events and activities held in the area, as well as financial details. Staff recommends accepting the report with modifications, such as removing core areas and changing the assessment to a flat rate of $25 per business. No fiscal impact is expected. The Council will discuss and vote on these recommendations at an upcoming meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an Elizabethan sonnet!

Oh Merritt Perry, City Manager true,
Thou bringst to Council fair Fortuna’s report,
Of businesses and events they do pursue,
In FBID, where funds and goals comport.

Established in the year of ninety-one,
FBID seeks to benefit the town’s stores,
With parades, movies, markets, all for fun,
And music in the public square outdoors.

But now the staff do recommend a change,
To de-designate core areas, they say,
And levy a flat fee, not wide in range,
To simplify and fund events in play.

So Council must decide on this request,
To keep or change, which course they like the best.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachmentAttachmentAttachment


6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

1. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Merritt Perry provided a report on upcoming meetings for the City Council, Planning Commission, Measure E, Rohner Community Recreation and Park District, and Fortuna Business Improvement District. The dates and times for each meeting were listed.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a science-fiction story!

As City Manager Merritt Perry sat at his desk reviewing the upcoming meeting dates for the city council, planning commission, Measure E, Rohner Community Recreation and Park District, and Fortuna Business Improvement District, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something strange was happening in the city of Fortuna. There had been reports of mysterious lights in the sky, strange occurrences in the forests surrounding the city, and whispers of a secret government facility hidden deep within the mountains.

As he prepared to deliver his verbal report to the council, Merritt Perry’s mind raced with questions. What was really going on in Fortuna? Were these just rumors and speculation, or was there something truly otherworldly happening in their midst? And most importantly, how would he address this in his report without causing panic among the residents?

At the special meeting/workshop scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2024, Merritt Perry decided to broach the subject. As he began to speak, he noticed a few council members exchanging nervous glances. He took a deep breath and began to outline the strange occurrences that had been reported in and around the city.

To his surprise, instead of dismissing his concerns, the council members leaned in, intrigued. One council member, Dr. Elizabeth Stone, a renowned astrophysicist, spoke up and revealed that she had been studying the strange lights in the sky. She believed they could be evidence of extraterrestrial activity.

The room erupted in a frenzy of questions and theories. Could Fortuna be a hotspot for alien activity? Was the secret government facility somehow connected to these mysterious events? And most importantly, what should they do next?

As the discussion continued, Merritt Perry realized that this was just the beginning of a larger investigation into the unknown. The upcoming meetings suddenly took on a new urgency as the city grappled with the possibility that they were not alone in the universe. And as he looked out the window at the darkening sky, Merritt Perry couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets Fortuna held, waiting to be uncovered.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS

a. Council Member Kyle Conley


b. Council Member Mike Losey


c. Council Member Kris Mobley


d. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Johnson


e. Mayor Tami Trent


9. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, City Negotiator: City Manager Merritt Perry, Employee Organization: Fortuna Police Employees Association in accordance with Section 54957.6 of the Government Code.


b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, City Negotiator: City Manager Merritt Perry, Employee Organizations: Fortuna Employees Association, and the Unrepresented/Management group in accordance with Section 54957.6 of the Government Code.


10. REPORT OUT AND ADJOURN


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