Isabella Vanderheiden / Saturday, Aug. 3 @ 11:52 a.m. / Agendizer
NEXT UP AT EUREKA CITY COUNCIL: New Rules for Owners of Vacant and Neglected Buildings, EPD’s Involvement at Cal Poly Humboldt Protest, and More!
Photo: Andrew Goff
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The City of Eureka is looking to tighten up rules for empty buildings around town.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the city council will take its first look at a draft Vacant Building Ordinance that, if approved, would impose new rules on owners of commercial and residential properties that have been unoccupied for more than 30 days. The ordinance would discourage property owners from allowing empty buildings “to remain vacant indefinitely” to address concerns surrounding neighborhood blight and safety hazards.
“Vacant buildings are a major cause and source of blight in residential and nonresidential neighborhoods, especially when the owner of the building fails to actively maintain and manage the building to ensure that it does not become a liability to the neighborhood,” according to the draft ordinance. “Vacant buildings, substandard or unkempt buildings, and long-term vacancies discourage economic development and dampen the appreciation of property values.”
By requiring property owners to maintain vacant buildings – some of which have sat empty for decades – the city also hopes to reduce fire hazards and increase the local housing supply.
Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery said the city has been considering a vacant building ordinance “for a very, very long time.” The city council has made various amendments to its existing ordinance over the years, but staff felt it was “time to revamp it completely.”
“The city has a provision that allows [buildings] to be vacant and boarded – as long as they’re not a safety hazard or anything like that – and the owner can just pay an ongoing fine,” Slattery said. “We’ve found that people do that for long periods of time, [but] it’s not taking care of some of the issues that we have throughout town.”
Under the draft ordinance, property owners would be required to “actively maintain and monitor” vacant buildings. That means looking after the lawn, taking care of trash and graffiti, fixing peeling paint and making sure the building meets the standards outlined in the city’s building code. If the building is not maintained for 30 days or more, the owner will be fined.
There are a few exceptions to the proposed rules. If there is an active permit and the owner “is progressing diligently to complete the repair, rehabilitation, or demolition, as evidenced by commencement and continuation of permitted work and related inspections,” they’re in the clear.
The enforcement process would be complaint-driven, though Slattery noted that the city would take action “however we find out about it.”
“If we know that the property is vacant for more than 30 days, that will trigger [the ordinance],” he said. “There could be an instance where we don’t know about it for six months, and then when we find out about it. At that point, they will have 30 days of it being on notice … and then that’s when all the provisions start.”
And what happens if the property owner doesn’t take any action?
“It’s $1,000 a month for the first year that you’re in violation of all this,” Slattery said. “If it’s vacant for 10 months out of that one calendar year, you’ll have a $10,000 property tax bill. That could lead to, obviously, problems with maintaining ownership of that property.”
City Attorney Autumn Luna sought feedback on the ordinance from staff with Code Enforcement, Development Services and Humboldt Bay Fire. That process was “really hard,” Slattery said, because staff wanted to encourage, rather than punish, property owners.
“Staff really want to use the carrot instead of the stick, and it’s very difficult to do something like that because there’s a lack of funding sources and resources to really make a difference,” he continued. “A lot of the cases that we’ve seen have been people that have the wherewithal to take care of the situation, and they’re choosing not to. … I think [this ordinance] is punitive to the point that those people who felt it was financially feasible for them to continue to neglect those properties will likely change that.”
The City of Eureka will still have carrots, Slattery added. There are a few programs for businesses still in place, including the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and Facade Improvement Rebate programs.
The city council will review the draft ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting. The ordinance is slated for final approval later this month.
DOCUMENT: Vacant Building Ordinance
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Police officers clash with protesters inside Siemens Hall at Cal Poly Humboldt on April 22. | Screenshot of video by Ryan Hutson for Redheaded Blackbelt.
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The Eureka City Council will also receive a report from the city’s Independent Police Auditor, OIR Group, regarding law enforcement’s response to the pro-Palestine protest that erupted at Cal Poly Humboldt earlier this year.
The 26-page review provides a detailed account of the April 22 events on campus, which began as a peaceful sit-in to protest the war in Gaza and devolved into a violent altercation between law enforcement and students.
“[T]hose peaceful intentions were soon overshadowed by some protestors’ involvement in vandalism of University property and their decision to barricade entrances and exits, prompting University administration to request a law enforcement intervention,” according to OIR’s review. “The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in a clash between protestors and law enforcement that was broadcast in real-time on livestreams.”
The Eureka Police Department was among several local agencies to respond to the University Police Department’s call for mutual aid. Although EPD was not the lead agency that responded to the protest, several EPD officers “found themselves on the front line of the incident” because they were the “only responding team equipped with shields that were required for effective crowd management.”
Eureka’s leadership asked OIR Group to examine the events of April 22 to get a better idea of EPD’s involvement in the larger law enforcement response. That review found the planning and execution of law enforcement’s initial response sorely lacking. However, the review commends EPD as far more prepared than UPD.
“EPD’s role in the law enforcement response to the April 22 protest at Cal Poly was limited and, at least initially, claimed no responsibility over the planning and on-scene command,” the report says. “The officers and supervisor who arrived first at the University were thrust into a difficult task with little or no chance of success. … Their use of force to get out of that situation was measured and justified.”
The Eureka City Council will discuss the findings of OIR Group’s review at Tuesday’s meeting. A copy of the report can be found at this link.
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Those are the big-ticket items, folks! Find the full agenda, with our Agendabot’s item summaries, below. The Eureka City Council will meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street. Remote viewing/participating instructions can be found here.
Eureka City Council
Aug. 6, 2024, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. HCAOG - Housing Marketing Survey & Regional Housing Trust Fund
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
DOCUMENTS:
2. Annual Water Supply and Assessment
The Eureka City Council will be discussing the annual water supply and assessment report prepared by Brian Issa from the Public Works department. The report shows that the city’s water supply is in good shape and water usage is decreasing thanks to smart metering and conservation efforts. The council will review the report but no action or decisions are needed.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!
Merv “The Beast” Tarkington: Welcome, fellow patriots, to another episode of the Merv Tarkington show, where we expose the liberal agenda and fight for the true American values that made this country great. Today, we’re diving into the annual water supply and assessment report from the Eureka City Council’s Public Works department.
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear the words “state law” and “water supply assessment” in the same sentence, my conservative alarm bells start ringing. We all know that the government loves to use environmental regulations as a guise to control every aspect of our lives. They want to tell us when and how we can use our own water!
But luckily for us, the City of Eureka’s water supply is in good shape, thanks to the hardworking folks at the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water Authority. Sure, they may be a government entity, but at least they’re keeping the taps running!
And speaking of running, our water usage is actually going down, thanks to smart metering and good old-fashioned American conservation efforts. It’s a win-win for both our wallets and the environment. Who needs the heavy hand of government when we can take care of our own resources?
So, my fellow conservatives, let’s keep an eye on these sneaky bureaucrats and their so-called “reports.” And remember, we don’t need their regulations to tell us how to take care of our own water supply. Stay vigilant, stay conservative, and stay tuned for more truth bombs on the Merv Tarkington show.
— LoCOBot
3. Board and Commission Appointments
4. Annual Lateral Repair Project 2023 Bid No. 2023-15 - Acceptance
The Eureka City Council is recommending accepting a project to repair sewer laterals in the city. The project aimed to lower costs for property owners by replacing a large group of laterals at once. The total cost of the project was $643,196.14 and was awarded to a construction company. The City staff recommends accepting the project and filing a “Notice of Completion” at the County Recorder’s office.
— LoCOBot
Detective Jane Parker sat in on the Eureka City Council meeting, her keen eyes scanning the room for any signs of deception or foul play. She had been assigned to monitor the proceedings regarding the Annual Lateral Repair Project Bid No. 2023-15, and she knew that there was more to this seemingly mundane project than met the eye.
As Jay Wortelboer, the Project Manager, presented his proposal for the acceptance of the bid, Jane couldn’t help but sense a hint of unease in his voice. There was something off about the way he spoke, as if he was hiding something significant.
The fiscal impact section raised a red flag for Jane. The fact that there was no fiscal impact listed seemed suspicious, especially considering the high cost of the project. Where was the money coming from, and why was it not being accounted for?
As the discussion continued, Jane’s suspicions only grew. The mention of a court ordered consent decree piqued her interest, and she made a mental note to look into the details of this decree. There was a possibility that it could be connected to some sort of corruption or illegal activity.
After the meeting concluded and the project was approved, Jane wasted no time in beginning her investigation. She carefully reviewed the project details, looking for any discrepancies or anomalies that could point her in the direction of the truth.
As she dug deeper, Jane discovered a web of deceit and corruption surrounding the Annual Lateral Repair Project. It became clear that certain city officials had been embezzling funds meant for the project, using them for their own personal gain.
With the help of her colleagues in the police department, Jane conducted a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and building a case against the corrupt individuals involved. In the end, justice prevailed, and those responsible for the fraud were brought to justice.
The Eureka City Council may have thought they could get away with their deception, but they underestimated the tenacity and determination of Detective Jane Parker. She had uncovered the truth hidden beneath the surface, and she would stop at nothing to make sure that justice was served.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. Letter in Support of AB 2564
The City Council is discussing a letter of support for a bill called AB 2564, which is meant to help low- or moderate-income seniors postpone property tax payments on their homes. The bill would ensure the program’s funding and make it more accessible to eligible participants. The bill has passed through various committees and is supported by the State Controller. The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter in support of this bill.
— LoCOBot
Autumn E. Luna sat alone in her office, the dim light casting eerie shadows on the walls. The city council meeting had ended hours ago, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her bones. As the city attorney, it was her job to prepare the agenda summary for the upcoming meeting, but something about the topic of AB 2564 sent a chill down her spine.
She read over the recommendation to authorize Mayor Bergel to sign a letter in support of the bill, but her mind kept drifting back to the history of the Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Postponement Fund. Something about its suspension during the Great Recession and the subsequent revival with tighter eligibility criteria didn’t sit right with her. And now, with Assembly Bill 2564 on the table, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding.
As she delved deeper into the details of the bill, Autumn felt a sense of dread creeping up her spine. The program was supposed to help vulnerable seniors, blind individuals, and those with disabilities, but the funding was running thin. The State Controller, Malia M. Cohen, was pleading for additional funds to maintain a $15 million balance in the fund, citing the risk of turning away eligible applicants and causing harm to those who relied on the program for assistance.
Autumn couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something dark and sinister lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly innocuous bill. She glanced around her office, the shadows seeming to move and shift in the dim light. Was it her imagination playing tricks on her, or was there truly something malevolent at play?
As she prepared to leave for the night, Autumn couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. The city council meeting was scheduled for the next day, and she knew that she would have to present the agenda summary to the council members. But as she made her way through the empty halls of City Hall, the sense of dread only grew stronger.
That night, as Autumn tossed and turned in her bed, she was plagued by nightmares of shadowy figures and whispered voices. She awoke in a cold sweat, the echoes of her dreams still lingering in her mind. Determined to unravel the mystery that surrounded AB 2564, she delved deeper into the history of the program and the implications of the bill.
But the more she researched, the more she realized that there was something deeply wrong with the program. The funding issues were just the tip of the iceberg – there was a dark, malevolent force at play, one that threatened to consume everything in its path. And as the city council meeting approached, Autumn knew that she was running out of time to uncover the truth.
On the day of the meeting, Autumn stood before the council members, the weight of her discovery heavy on her shoulders. As she presented the agenda summary and the recommendation to support AB 2564, she knew that she had to speak up. She had to warn them of the darkness that lurked within the program, the danger that threatened to harm those vulnerable individuals who relied on its assistance.
But as she opened her mouth to speak, a sudden chill ran down her spine. The shadows in the room seemed to shift and swirl, coalescing into a formless, malevolent shape. The whispers grew louder, echoing in her mind like a sinister chorus.
And then, with a sudden, deafening roar, the darkness descended upon the council chambers, engulfing everything in its inky embrace. The council members screamed in terror as Autumn watched in horror, knowing that she had unleashed something truly evil with her discovery.
As the shadows consumed everything in their path, Autumn realized too late the true nature of AB 2564. It wasn’t a simple bill to support a struggling program – it was a gateway to a realm of darkness and despair, a curse that would haunt the city and its inhabitants for generations to come.
And as the city council chambers fell silent, consumed by the darkness that now ruled over Eureka City, Autumn knew that she had doomed them all with her pursuit of the truth. She had unleashed a horror beyond imagining, a nightmare from which there was no escape. And as the shadows closed in around her, she could only pray for forgiveness for her unwitting role in the city’s descent into darkness.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
1. Bil No. 1038-C.S. Vacant Building Ordinance
The Eureka City Council is considering a Vacant Building Ordinance to address issues with empty buildings in the city. The ordinance aims to discourage owners from keeping buildings vacant for too long and to improve the community. The City Attorney’s office received feedback from various city departments and made revisions based on recommendations from the Economic Development Commission. The ordinance is recommended for introduction and approval by the City Council.
— LoCOBot
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Eureka, there was a problem that had been lurking in the shadows for far too long. Vacant buildings dotted the landscape, standing empty and unused, creating an eyesore and a sense of unease among the residents. The City Council knew that something had to be done to address this issue and bring new life back to these abandoned structures.
One bright and sunny day, the City Attorney, Autumn E. Luna, presented a new plan to the City Council. It was called the Vacant Building Ordinance, and it aimed to breathe new life into the empty buildings that had been left behind. The ordinance would give owners of vacant buildings a gentle nudge to bring their properties back to life, not only to address blight concerns but also to help alleviate the city’s housing shortages.
The City Council, in alignment with their goals of Economic Development, Health & Safety, and Community Pride, eagerly listened to the recommendations of the City Attorney. They knew that this ordinance could make a significant impact on the city and its residents, creating a more vibrant and thriving community.
After much discussion and input from various departments within the city, the City Council unanimously agreed to introduce Bill No. 1038-C.S. “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Eureka Repealing and Replacing Title 15, Chapter 150, Sections 150.095 Through 150.097 with Sections 150.095 Through 150.100 Pertaining to Vacant Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Buildings.”
And so, with the introduction of the Vacant Building Ordinance, the city of Eureka took a step towards a brighter future. The owners of vacant buildings now had a roadmap to bring their properties back to life, contributing to the economic development, health, and safety, and community pride of the city.
As the sun set over the horizon, the residents of Eureka drifted off to sleep, knowing that their city was on the path to a better tomorrow, thanks to the efforts of their City Council and the introduction of the Vacant Building Ordinance. And they all lived happily ever after.
— LoCOBot
I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. OIR Group Review of Incident at Cal Poly Humboldt
DOCUMENTS:
2. Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)
The city council will discuss creating an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), which is a way to use tax money to fund public projects in a specific area. The EIFD would not create new taxes but would use a portion of future tax revenue to pay for projects. The council will receive a report on how EIFDs work and what types of projects they can fund.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Brazilian carnival song!
Carnaval na cidade de Eureka
Todos se unem para festejar
A cidade quer melhorar
Com o EIFD vamos inovar
Financiamento para infraestrutura
Projetos de comunidade inteira
Sem impacto fiscal, só melhorias
Com o EIFD, a cidade brilha
Vamos criar um futuro melhor
Com investimentos no seu valor
Capturando a receita futura
Para projetos de grande altura
Vem com a gente, vamos dançar
Carnaval da cidade a brilhar
Com o EIFD, vamos transformar
Eureka vai se renovar!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
CLICK TO MANAGE