Hank Sims / Today @ 2:25 p.m. / Agendizer
The Eureka Police Department is Looking to Place Automated License Plate Readers in Locations Across Town
The Eureka Police Department is looking to level-up its crimefighting technology.
On Tuesday, the department will ask the City Council to approve a deal that would lead to the installation of 21 permanent automated license plate-reading cameras at locations around the city, mainly along its major thoroughfares.
Once installed, these cameras would passively collect license plate information for every car that passes, sending an alert to police when they find a license plate on a “hot list” — a list of stolen vehicles, for example, or of vehicles associated with a suspect in serious crime.
The proposed contract, which initially runs for two years, would be with a company called FLOCK Safety, a leader in automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. Here’s an instructional video about how their system works:
The cost of the program is not included in the staff report, but Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery told the Outpost this morning that it’s in the neighborhood of $74,000 for the first year and $60,000 for subsequent years. It would be funded from the police department budget.
Why does the EPD want this technology? In the staff report associated with the item — find it here — Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens makes a couple of cases for it. For one, he writes, out-of-town criminals, or people running from the law, often use the Highway 101 corridor as a north-south route to avoid the better-policed Interstate 5. But there are plenty of situations where the ALPR cameras can be used to solve hometown crimes, he says:
Our community has experienced recent brazen robberies of commercial businesses as well as residential burglaries. We also continue to see large scale retail theft occurring at most of our major department stores. Those responsible for such crimes often use a vehicle to travel to and flee from the crime scene. Moreover, they often engage in criminal offenses involving multiple jurisdictions. Often times these vehicles are often stolen or are a part of a criminal investigation where the make, model, color, or license plate is already known to investigators. Identifying such vehicles, via fixed ALPR, as they enter our city provides law enforcement an opportunity to intervene before additional crimes are committed and potentially apprehend wanted persons or recover stolen property.
Since ALPR technology has been seen by some as an unreasonable invasion of privacy — the Electronic Frontier Foundation has run a pretty high-profile campaign — Stephens takes pains to note that the system will not be used for speeding or parking violations; that it is not hooked up to facial recognition software, or any other type of biometric database; and that routine information from the system will be maintained for only 30 days, and access to it will be tightly controlled and only allowed for certain, specified purposes.
Those purposes are among the items spelled out in a written ALPR policy that the department would adopt, as is required by state law.
The Eureka City Council usually convenes at 6 p.m., but this week there’s a special meeting immediately before the regular one. That meeting will be about a new policy to regulate development in the city’s gulches and greenways, and it starts at 5 p.m. Find details about it at this link.
The regular meeting of the City Council, which will include discussion of the ALPR contract, starts at 6 p.m. As usual, both meetings will take place in Eureka City Hall (531 K Street). Remote participation instructions at this link.
Full documentation on all the items up for discussion at Tuesday’s regular meeting can be found below, along with the usual summaries and creative fiction by GENNIE, the Outpost’s public meeting bot.
Eureka City Council
Oct. 1, 2024, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Proclamation-Domestic Violence Awareness Month
DOCUMENTS:
B. PRESENTATIONS
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2024 Grant Application
The Eureka City Council is considering applying for a grant to fund a construction project that would provide new affordable housing units in the city. The project would involve demolishing existing housing and rebuilding multi-family units. The grant would also provide funding for tenant relocation assistance. The council is discussing whether to hold a public hearing and submit an application for the grant.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Bruce Springsteen song!
(Bruce Springsteen’s “Community Dreams”)
In the heart of Eureka City Council
There’s a plan to make our city well
With a grant application in hand
We’re building a community grand
Kristen Raymond’s got the facts
About the CDBG 2024 act
We’re aiming for a more livable place
Where everyone can find their space
Hold a public hearing, take a stand
To make Eureka the best in the land
We’re building homes for those in need
A safe, clean, beautiful city indeed
Housing Authority’s on the move
With a plan to improve and groove
The Green Phase at 2330 Hiler Street
Will bring new homes that can’t be beat
Developing neighborhoods with care
Providing affordable housing that’s fair
For Low- and Moderate-Income folks
Ensuring everyone’s dreams provoke
We’ll demolish the old to build anew
Creating a neighborhood that’s true
With Tenant Protection Vouchers in hand
We’ll help our residents understand
The future looks bright for Eureka town
As we strive to knock down
Barriers to affordable living
And keep on giving and giving
So let’s sing this song of hope and dream
For Eureka City, where we all gleam
With a vision of community
We’ll make our dreams a reality
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
DOCUMENTS:
2. Council Meeting Cancelation
This document is about the City Council of Eureka discussing the destruction of certain records in the Human Resources Department. The recommendation is to adopt a resolution for the destruction of approved records. There is no fiscal impact and this is a routine yearly process. The California Government Code allows for public agencies to destroy certain old records. The Human Resources Department is requesting approval to destroy specific records according to the City’s records retention policy.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an insane conspiracy theory!
Conspiracy Theory: The Eureka City Council is secretly working with an underground organization to erase all evidence of a hidden government experiment involving mind control. The “destruction of records” in the Human Resources Department is just a cover-up for the removal of any information related to the experiment. The Council’s yearly routine process is actually a code for the systematic elimination of all traces of the project, including the medical histories, volunteer packets, and employee files that could potentially incriminate them. The Strategic Vision mentioned in the agenda is just a front to maintain a facade of normalcy, while behind the scenes, they are actively working to ensure that no one ever finds out the truth about their sinister activities.
— LoCOBot
4. State of California, Department of Parks Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways Grant
The Eureka City Council is accepting grant funding from the State of California for the removal of abandoned vessels on the city’s tideland properties. The grant will provide $28,000 for this purpose, with a 10% match required from the city. The goal is to increase community pride by beautifying public spaces and providing safe boating opportunities. The Council needs to adopt a resolution to accept the grant funding.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!
VERSE 1:
In a small town by the bay
Where the waters gently sway
The council gathered ‘round
To discuss the grant they found
To remove the abandoned boats
And clean up the harbor’s moats
But little did they know
The heartache that would soon show
CHORUS:
Oh the tears that flow
In Eureka, don’t you know
The sacrifice they made
In the name of a clean bay
But behind the smiles they wear
Is a sadness they can’t share
For the love lost at sea
In Eureka, can’t you see
VERSE 2:
The grant was accepted with pride
For the sake of the tide
But as they removed each wreck
They couldn’t help but reflect
On the dreams once held
By those abandoned vessels
Now lost to the depths
Leaving only regrets
CHORUS:
Oh the tears that flow
In Eureka, don’t you know
The sacrifice they made
In the name of a clean bay
But behind the smiles they wear
Is a sadness they can’t share
For the love lost at sea
In Eureka, can’t you see
BRIDGE:
They say beauty comes with a price
But no one warned about the sacrifice
Of letting go of what once was
Leaving only memories in the dust
CHORUS:
Oh the tears that flow
In Eureka, don’t you know
The sacrifice they made
In the name of a clean bay
But behind the smiles they wear
Is a sadness they can’t share
For the love lost at sea
In Eureka, can’t you see
OUTRO:
So as the harbor gleams
And the sun’s last rays beam
Remember the price they paid
For the beauty they made
In Eureka, don’t you know
The love lost at sea will forever show.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. Annual Lateral Replacement Project 2024 - Award
The City Council is considering awarding a contract to replace sewer pipes in Eureka. The project aims to reduce costs for property owners by allowing them to pay a set fee instead of hiring a contractor. The City has received bids for the project and is recommending awarding it to Mercer-Fraser Company for $847,500. The total project cost is estimated at $1,000,000, with funding coming from in-lieu fees and sewer enterprise funds.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a World War I infantryman's letter home to his sweetheart!
My Dearest Jane,
I hope this letter finds you well. As I sit here in the trenches under heavy fire from German artillery, my thoughts are consumed by you. The chaos of war surrounds me, but your love gives me strength.
I wanted to share with you some news from back home. The Eureka City Council recently discussed the Annual Lateral Replacement Project for 2024. The recommendation was to award the project to Mercer-Fraser Company for the amount of $847,500. This project aims to replace sewer laterals throughout the city to ensure the efficient operation of our sanitation systems.
The city has created a program to help property owners manage the cost of lateral repair by allowing them to choose to replace their lower lateral at a set fee. This will help reduce the financial burden on individuals and ensure that our city remains financially sound and provides effective services to its citizens.
I long for the day when I can return home to you, my love. Until then, know that you are always in my thoughts and that your love gives me the strength to face the challenges of war.
With all my love,
Charles
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
The Eureka City Council is considering a resolution to destroy certain outdated and no longer useful police department records. This is in line with the City’s Records and Retention Policy. The recommendation is to adopt a resolution for the destruction of these records, with no fiscal impact. The Police Department has compiled a list of records to be destroyed, which includes purged reports from 2013. The goal is to optimize city operations by getting rid of unnecessary paperwork.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!
Merv “The Beast” Tarkington: Good morning, patriots! This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington coming to you live from the heart of the fight against government overreach. Today, we have a breaking story out of Eureka that will make your blood boil.
The Eureka City Council is considering adopting a resolution to destroy certain records in the Police Department. That’s right, folks. They want to erase any evidence of their overreach and abuse of power. But we won’t stand for it!
This is just another example of the liberal elites trying to cover up their tracks and stomp on the rights of law-abiding citizens. We cannot let them get away with this. We must hold them accountable for their actions.
We cannot trust these bureaucrats to decide what information should be destroyed. Who knows what they are trying to hide? We demand transparency and accountability in our government.
So, I urge all of you listening to call your city council members and demand that they reject this resolution. We must protect our rights and hold our government officials to the highest standards.
Stay tuned, patriots, as we continue to fight for freedom and justice. This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington signing off. Keep the faith and keep fighting for what is right!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Resolution 10-1 Destruction • 2013 Purge LIst
7. Fire Station #3 Renovations
The Eureka City Council is considering renovating Fire Station #3. They received one bid for the project and recommend awarding it to Adams Commercial General Contracting, Inc for $634,370. The total budget for the construction is $650,000. The project involves accessibility upgrades, adding new restrooms and an exercise room. The council aims to improve governance and communication, as well as community pride.
— LoCOBot
In Eureka City, so bold and bright
The Fire Station #3, a wondrous sight
Renovations are coming, a project in store
To keep our firefighters safe, that’s for sure
Bid No. 2024-16, Adams Commercial wins
The low bidder, the project begins
For $634,370, the work will be done
With a 2.5% contingency, in case of a run
Council goals in sight, effective governance our aim
Building community pride, a part of the game
Communication is key, as we move ahead
In Eureka City Council, our city is led
So let’s support our firefighters, keep them strong
As we renovate Fire Station #3, where they belong
For safety and security, we stand tall
In Eureka City, we answer the call!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
8. A Resolution Caling for Support of Proposition 4: Climate Bond Funding
The Eureka City Council is considering a resolution to support Proposition 4, which is about providing funding for climate-related projects. The council is being asked to review and adopt the resolution in order to improve the city’s infrastructure resiliency. This resolution is a response to a previous directive from the council to explore funding options. No additional fiscal impact is expected as the proposal is already included in the budget.
— LoCOBot
Wha can deny the need tae lend a han’
Tae Proposition 4, oor ain Climate Bond?
Fae Safe Drinking Water tae Wildlife Prevention,
We maun act noo, wi’oot hesitation.
Drought Preparedness, Clean Air in oor sights,
We maun all come thegither, niver tae fight.
The City o’ Eureka, we maun tak’ a stand,
Tae improve oor infrastructure, protectin’ the land.
So let us review and adopt this resolution,
Fae Autumn E. Luna, wi’ a clear solution.
Wi’ no fiscal impact, aye, it can be done,
Fae included in budget, the victory’s won.
Oor Council goals, a vision sae clear,
Tae make Eureka a place we a’ hold dear.
Tae improve oor community, resiliency in mind,
Let’s support Proposition 4, for the good o’ mankind.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
1. Bil No. 1025-C.S. - Ordinance Amending Chapter 51, Solid Waste Section 51.29
The Eureka City Council is considering a new ordinance, called Bill No. #1025-CS, which aims to reduce methane emissions from landfills and rescue edible food. The ordinance requires businesses that handle food to donate excess edible food and follow new waste management guidelines. This is in response to a state mandate to reduce environmental impact. The council will discuss and potentially approve this ordinance to meet California’s requirements.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!
I tell ya, I went to a City Council meeting once, and they were talking about a new ordinance for solid waste. They’re making businesses donate all their excess edible food! I guess even the dumpster diving raccoons in my neighborhood are getting a fancy meal now.
— LoCOBot
I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. FLOCK Safety Automated License Plate Recognition cameras and technology
The Eureka Police Department is seeking approval to install 21 Automated License Plate Recognition cameras throughout the city to help solve crimes and prevent criminal activity on major roadways. This technology scans license plates and compares them to a list of stolen vehicles or wanted individuals. The data collected is used for investigations and is not connected to personal information. The goal is to have the cameras installed and the technology implemented by January 2025. The City Council is being asked to approve a two-year contract with FLOCK Safety for this technology.
— LoCOBot
Deep in the heart of Eureka City, where the streets were lined with historic buildings and the scent of saltwater wafted through the air, Chief of Police Brian Stephens had a groundbreaking proposal for the City Council. The topic at hand was the implementation of FLOCK Safety Automated License Plate Recognition cameras and technology throughout the city.
As Chief Stephens stood before the council, he outlined the benefits of the ALPR technology. He explained how the cameras would be strategically placed at all points of ingress and egress, as well as main interior thoroughfares, to help combat the recent surge in criminal activity that had plagued the community. With a somber tone, he spoke of the brazen robberies of commercial businesses and residential burglaries that had been occurring with alarming frequency.
The ALPR technology, Chief Stephens assured the council, was not an invasion of privacy. It did not collect personal information or track individuals. Instead, it focused solely on gathering data about vehicles, such as license plate numbers, to aid in solving crimes. The system adhered to all state laws and automatically deleted data after 30 days.
The council members listened intently as Chief Stephens explained how the ALPR technology had been successfully implemented by other law enforcement agencies in the area, including the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and the Fortuna Police Department. They had seen a decrease in criminal activity and an increase in the successful resolution of cases thanks to the technology.
After much deliberation, the City Council approved the implementation of the ALPR technology and authorized the two-year contract with FLOCK Safety. The cameras would be installed, policies would be put in place, and training would be completed by January 2025.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, Chief Stephens felt a sense of relief. The FLOCK Safety ALPR technology would be a valuable tool in the fight against crime in Eureka City. With their new system in place, the police department would be better equipped to protect the citizens and bring criminals to justice.
And so, as the night fell over Eureka City, a new era of law enforcement began, guided by the watchful eyes of the Automated License Plate Recognition cameras, ensuring the safety and security of the community for years to come.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
2. Community Connection EV Charging Grant Award
The Eureka City Council has been awarded a grant to create new electric vehicle charging sites, but they do not have enough funding to match the grant. They are recommending to reject the grant and try to secure funding through other grants instead. The Council is concerned about the financial impact and wants to ensure they can meet the funding requirements in the future.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a conversation between two very stoned people named Starfish and Noodles!
Starfish: Hey man, did you hear about this grant for electric vehicle charging sites?
Noodles: Oh yeah, I think I remember something about that. Isn’t there like, not enough funding for it or something?
Starfish: Yeah, it says here that there’s not enough money for the match required for the grant.
Noodles: Whoa, that’s a bummer. What are they gonna do about it?
Starfish: It looks like they’re recommending rejecting the grant and trying to find other sources of funding for it.
Noodles: Makes sense. It would be irresponsible to assume they’ll have $400,000 available for the match.
Starfish: Exactly. Plus, if they reject the grant, it won’t affect their chances of getting it in the future.
Noodles: True. Well, hopefully they can figure something out. It would be cool to have more EV charging sites in the city.
Starfish: Yeah, for sure. It’s important for the environment and all that. Let’s hope they can make it happen. 🌟🍜
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
1. EPD Staffing and Patrol
L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
CLICK TO MANAGE