TOMORROW in EUREKA CITY COUNCIL: A Bike Lane Proposal for Myrtle Avenue, Community Ambassadors and More Money Than We Thought We'd Have

Hank Sims / Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 @ 3:09 p.m. / Agendizer

TOMORROW in EUREKA CITY COUNCIL: A Bike Lane Proposal for Myrtle Avenue, Community Ambassadors and More Money Than We Thought We’d Have

File photo: Andrew Goff.

Couple of interesting items on the Eureka City Council meeting agenda this week, including a brief update on city finances, bike lane improvements to Myrtle Avenue, the introduction of a city “ambassador” program and more. Let’s preview it real quick, here.

Improved Bike Lanes on Myrtle Avenue

They’re planning some work on Myrtle Avenue in the near future — sewage line replacement, repaving, etc. — so at the same time, why not take this opportunity to look at how this main thoroughfare might be rejiggered to meet the city’s “Complete Streets” policy?

In particular, suggests the staff report by City Engineer Jesse Willor: How about we upgrade those sort of cramped bike lanes along Myrtle into “buffered bike lanes,” which are separated from car traffic. Like this:

Buffered bike lane. Photo: Seattle Department of Transportation, via Flickr. Creative Commons license.

Buffering those lanes on Myrtle would almost certainly result in greater use, due to the reduced Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) — yes, that’s a metric — that would-be bicyclists experience along that route. Also, it would connect to the similarly buffered bike lanes soon to be built along Sixth and Seventh Streets. Also, it would connect to the envisioned Bay-to-Zoo Trail. There’s probably Caltrans money available to perform the work.

Is there a downside? Well, yes. The work would run between West Avenue and Harrison Avenue — right up to the edge of the city limits — and that road is only so wide. If they’re going to fit the bike buffers in, they will have to remove the one lane of parking that currently runs along the south side of Myrtle. The city’s Transportation Safety Commission has already signed off on doing away with that lane.

Would the loss of parking discomfit many people? It doesn’t really seem so: The staff report says that a parking study showed occupancy rates of “between zero and 17 percent” in those spots, making that stretch a good candidate for reconsideration of how we use it. For a random point-in-time count, check the Google satellite view above. There are only three cars parked along the half-mile stretch at the time these shots were taken — two near the corner of East, both of which could be easily accomodated on East itself, and one near the Shell station at the corner of McFarlan, which could again easily park on the side street.

But this is Eureka, where a subset of the citizenry fairly worships parking spots as if they were strange pagan idols, so we shall see.

Ambassador Program

You know that “community ambassador” program they instituted up in Arcata a while back? Green-vested citizens take a part-time with the city to clean up junk on the Plaza, help tourists get where they need to go, keep an eye on things and generally just serve as an official presence wherever they’re needed. Our Stephanie McGeary wrote a nice story about them last year.

Well, what if we had that — or something like that — in Eureka, too? Staff will be presenting the council with a few different models of programs like this as they’ve been implemented in other communities.

Budget: Good!

The city’s finance department is wrapping up the books on the 2022-2023 fiscal year, and it has noticed something: Revenues are up! In total, the city took in some $700,000 more than it had expected to in its budget.

Expenditures were up too, but not as much. The net result is that the city seems to have ended the fiscal year with a $1.47 million budget surplus, which is some $75,000 more than it had expected.

What to do with the extra cash? Staff is recommending that it give that amount to next year’s participatory budgeting program, where citizens can directly choose small, worthy projects in their neighborhood that the city could fund.

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All that and more at Tuesday’s Eureka City Council meeting — 6 p.m. in Eureka City Council chambers at City Hall, 531 K Street. Remote viewing/participating instructions at this link. Full agenda, plus straight and creative summaries from the LoCOBot, below.

Eureka City Council

Dec. 19, 2023, 6 p.m.

A. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

B. PRESENTATIONS

C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Eureka Police Department Equipment Ordinance

The Eureka City Council is discussing a proposal about the use of military equipment by the Eureka Police Department. The recommendation is to hold a public hearing and introduce a new ordinance that will allow for the use of military equipment. There is no expected impact on the city’s budget. The goal of this proposal is to ensure a safe and equitable community. The Chief of Police or an authorized representative must obtain approval from the City Council before requesting, acquiring, or using military equipment. The new law aims to increase transparency and oversight of law enforcement’s use of military equipment. The City Council must approve a written policy that addresses various topics, including the type and purpose of the equipment, training requirements, and mechanisms for public complaints. The Council must also consider factors such as cost-effectiveness and previous compliance with the policy before approving the use of military equipment. The suggested motion is to waive full reading and introduce the proposed ordinance.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a stage play!

INT. EUREKA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

The room is crowded with concerned citizens, journalists, and members of the City Council. Assistant City Attorney Robert Black and Police Chief Jarvis sit at a table at the front of the room, preparing to present their agenda item. The room falls silent as the Mayor calls the meeting to order.

MAYOR:
Alright, ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the discussion on the Eureka Police Department’s equipment. Assistant City Attorney Black and Police Chief Jarvis are here to present their recommendations. Assistant City Attorney Black, you have the floor.

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY BLACK:
Thank you, Mayor. Ladies and gentlemen of the City Council, today we are presenting a recommendation to hold a public hearing and introduce Bill No. 1033-C.S., “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Eureka Adding Eureka Municipal Code Chapter 104, Sections 104.01 through 104.08 for the Military Equipment Use to Title IX General Regulations.” This ordinance aims to address the recent California Assembly Bill 481, requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain approval for the use of military equipment.

Murmurs spread throughout the room as the citizens and council members digest this information.

MAYOR:
Thank you, Assistant City Attorney Black. Chief Jarvis, would you like to add anything?

POLICE CHIEF JARVIS:
Yes, thank you, Mayor. This ordinance will provide necessary guidelines and oversight for the acquisition and use of military equipment by our police department. It’s important for us to ensure transparency and accountability in order to maintain trust with our community.

COUNCIL MEMBER 1:
Just to clarify, what exactly do you mean by “military equipment”?

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY BLACK:
Good question. The term “military equipment” refers to various items that are commonly utilized by law enforcement agencies across the country. This includes unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, armored vehicles, command post vehicles, and less-lethal devices such as pepper balls and tear gas. It’s important to note that the term doesn’t necessarily mean the equipment was used or obtained directly from the military.

COUNCIL MEMBER 2:
And how will this ordinance impact our budget?

POLICE CHIEF JARVIS:
There will be no fiscal impact as a result of this ordinance. The costs associated with the acquisition, training, and maintenance of any military equipment will be included within our existing budget.

The council members nod, seemingly satisfied with the response.

MAYOR:
Thank you, Chief Jarvis. Are there any other questions or concerns from the council or the audience?

COUNCIL MEMBER 3:
I move that we waive the full reading, read by title only, and introduce Bill No. 1033-C.S., “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Eureka Adding Eureka Municipal Code Chapter 104, Sections 104.01 through 104.08 for the Military Equipment Use to Title IX General Regulations.”

The audience murmurs in agreement, and the council members raise their hands in support.

MAYOR:
All in favor of the motion? (pause) Motion carried. Thank you all for your input. This concludes our discussion on this agenda item.

The meeting continues with the remaining agenda items as the citizens and journalists disperse, discussing the implications of the upcoming ordinance.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report • Bil_No. 1033_Military_Equipment_Use_Ordinance • Military_Equipment • AB 481 EPD Military Equipment

F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Council Minutes

DOCUMENTS:

20231205_Minutes Regular

2. Da’ Yas Park Restroom Building Purchase

The Eureka City Council is discussing purchasing a new restroom building for Da’ Yas Park. They are considering awarding a contract to Public Restroom Company in the amount of $350,484. They may also increase the contract amount by up to $10,500 for any unexpected costs. The goal is to improve the park and make it more enjoyable for the community. The city is part of a cooperative purchasing agency called Sourcewell, which helps them find the best deals for materials and services. The proposed restroom building will be constructed off-site and then delivered and installed at the park. The project has been approved and is in compliance with the necessary regulations.

— LoCOBot

… or, as Schoolhouse Rock!

(Verse 1)
In Eureka City, we’ve got a plan
To upgrade Da’ Yas Park, make it the best in the land
With a new restroom building, it’s gonna be grand
But we need your support, so please understand

(Chorus)
We’re asking for action, not just information
To award a contract for the restroom’s creation
Public Restroom Company, they won the bid
With a price of 350,484, let’s get this project rid!

(Verse 2)
But wait, there’s more, we need your permission
To increase the contract amount, just a small addition
Up to 10,500, for any unforeseen contingencies
So the total won’t exceed 360,984, it’s just a safety guarantee

(Bridge)
The Community Services Director will take the lead
Executing all contract documents, speed is what we need
And don’t you worry about the budget, we’ve got it covered
No fiscal impact, it’s included in the budget, discovered

(Verse 3)
Why are we doing all this, you may ask
It’s for community pride, it’s a worthy task
Da’ Yas Park deserves the best amenities
With a new restroom building, it’ll bring joy and remedies

(Outro)
So let’s support this recommendation, let’s make it real
Eureka City Council, it’s time for you to seal the deal
Da’ Yas Park will soon shine bright, for all to see
Thanks to your support, it’s a win for our community!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report

3. Bid No. 2022-13 Acceptance- Elk River Estuary Enhancement Project

The Eureka City Council is discussing a project called the Elk River Estuary Enhancement Project. It involves restoring habitat and improving public access to an area of land. The project was awarded to Figas Construction and the total cost is around $3,650,903. The work for this project has been completed, and the council is being asked to officially accept it.

— LoCOBot

… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!

STAR TREK: ENHANCING THE ELK RIVER ESTUARY

Captain Kathryn Marsolan stood before the crew of the USS Enterprise, her voice projecting over the comm system. “Attention, everyone. We have received a distress call from the Eureka City Council. They require our assistance with the Elk River Estuary Enhancement Project. It seems there has been a setback, and they need our expertise to get things back on track.”

The crew exchanged intrigued looks, eager to embark on a new mission. Captain Marsolan continued, “This project involves restoring the tidal marsh habitat and improving public access in the estuary. It is funded by various state and federal grants. Our task is to assess the situation and provide any assistance required.”

The crew swiftly prepared for the mission, gathering necessary equipment and conducting research on the Elk River Estuary. They discovered that Figas Construction had been awarded the bid for the project but had encountered unforeseen challenges during the excavation and earthwork tasks. The project’s total cost had increased, and they now required additional support to complete the restoration work.

As the USS Enterprise neared Eureka City, their sensors detected the sprawling estuary. Ensign Johnson, the ship’s helmsman, directed them towards the designated landing zone. The crew marveled at the picturesque beauty surrounding them.

Captain Marsolan, accompanied by Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura, disembarked the ship and made their way to the city council chambers. They were greeted by Mayor Anderson and Katie Marsolan, the project manager.

“Captain Marsolan, thank you for coming to our aid,” Mayor Anderson said, extending a hand. “We are facing challenges with the Elk River Estuary Enhancement Project, and we believe your expertise can be of great assistance.”

Captain Marsolan shook the mayor’s hand and replied, “We are here to offer any support we can, Mayor Anderson. Our goal is to empower and engage communities for a healthy future.”

Inside the council chambers, the crew of the USS Enterprise reviewed the project’s details and challenges. They assessed the progress made by Figas Construction and identified areas where their intervention could help expedite the restoration work.

Commander Spock analyzed the project’s plans and specifications and found ways to optimize the workflow. Lieutenant Uhura communicated with state and federal agencies to coordinate additional resources and funding.

Meanwhile, Captain Marsolan and Katie Marsolan discussed potential partnerships and collaborations that could enhance the project’s long-term success. They explored options for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the estuary thrived for years to come.

Days turned into weeks as the crew of the USS Enterprise worked tirelessly alongside the Eureka City Council and Figas Construction. Together, they overcame the setbacks, making groundbreaking progress in the restoration of the Elk River Estuary.

Finally, the day arrived when the project could be deemed a success. Captain Marsolan stood before the Eureka City Council once more, this time with a smile of satisfaction on her face.

“Mayor Anderson, Council Members, I am pleased to inform you that the Elk River Estuary Enhancement Project is now complete,” Captain Marsolan declared. “With the combined efforts of the USS Enterprise crew, Figas Construction, and the Eureka City Council, we have restored the tidal marsh habitat and improved public access across 114 acres.”

The council members erupted into applause, relieved and grateful for the successful completion of the project. They knew that the Elk River Estuary would now flourish, becoming a sanctuary for diverse marine life and a beloved destination for the community.

As the crew of the USS Enterprise bid farewell to Eureka City, they carried with them the satisfaction of knowing that they had made a tangible difference. Their mission to enhance the estuary had not only empowered and engaged the community but had also strengthened their bond with the people of Eureka.

And as the USS Enterprise ventured towards new frontiers, its crew remained committed to the goal of creating a healthy and thriving galaxy, one planet at a time.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report

4. Council Meeting Cancelation

5. Chief of Police At-Wil Appointment

The Eureka City Council is discussing the appointment of Brian Stephens as the new Chief of Police. The City Manager has recommended his appointment and the Council needs to approve it. Brian Stephens has worked for the Eureka Police Department for 25 years and has shown leadership and dedication. The City Manager has negotiated an At-Will Employment Agreement with Brian Stephens, which includes an annual salary of $164,326. The agreement also includes other terms and conditions of employment. The decision needs to be reviewed and approved by different departments within the city government.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a chanson!