Isabella Vanderheiden / Today @ 12:11 p.m. / Agendizer
TONIGHT IN CITY COUNCIL: Vero Fiber’s Plans to Bring High-Speed Internet to Eureka, Food Waste Rules, and More!
Photo: Andrew Goff
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With one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history well underway — and all of the anxiety that comes with it in full, nail-biting effect — you’ve probably forgotten about tonight’s Eureka City Council meeting. Fret not, dear reader, your Lost Coast Outpost has you covered.
During a presentation at tonight’s meeting, staff from Vero Fiber Networks, a Colorado-based internet service provider, will tell the council about the company’s plans to reliable broadband services to Humboldt County. Last month, Vero broke ground on Eureka’s fiber-optic network at Hodgson and L streets, near Sequoia Park. Over the coming weeks and months, Vero plans to bring “super-fast, high-speed” fiber throughout Eureka.
If the name “Vero” rings a bell, that’s probably because it’s the same company constructing the “Digital 299” broadband infrastructure project, a 300-mile fiber optic line that will be installed along State Route 299 between Eureka and Redding. Once the fiber optic cable is fully constructed – likely sometime next year – local providers will have the opportunity to bring high-speed internet service to remote communities via access points, or “points of presence,” along the project’s path.
The folks at Vero will surely have more to say on both projects at tonight’s Eureka City Council meeting. In the meantime, you can check out Vero’s local Facebook page at this link.
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What else is happening at tonight’s meeting? The council will discuss an amendment to a 2023 state mandate – SB 1383: California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy – that requires cities to adopt new rules for the collection of trash, recycling and compost. The amendment would require “edible food generators” (grocery stores, food distributors, restaurants, etc.) to register with the County of Humboldt Division of Environmental Health.
You can check out the rest of the agenda, including creative interpretations of the document from our beloved AgendaBot Gennie, below. The Eureka City Council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street.
Eureka City Council
Nov. 5, 2024, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Proclamation, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
DOCUMENTS:
2. Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Appreciation Week
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. North American Mental Health Services
2. Vero Broadband Introduction
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
2. New Classification: Senior Outreach Worker
The Eureka City Council is proposing a new position called Senior Outreach Worker to support the city’s social services functions. This position will assist with the Uplift Eureka program and the upcoming Homeless Services Resource Center. The recommendation is to add this position to the city’s Classification and Compensation Plan, with funding coming from the 24/25 budget and external grants. This position will work closely with existing social services teams and can lead to career growth in the field.
— LoCOBot
… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!
Listen up, Eureka City Council! Will Folger, Director of Human Resources, is recommending a new classification: Senior Outreach Worker. As the Uplift Eureka program grows, we need this position to support our Social Services functions and open a Homeless Services Resource Center. This role will work closely with existing teams and offer a stepping stone for those seeking a career in Social Services. So, are you ready to step up and approve this resolution, or are you going to let this opportunity slip through your fingers? Make the right choice and join us in uplifting our community!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Resolution_Senior Outreach Worker • Senior Outreach Worker
3. CalRecycle Grants Resolution
The Eureka City Council is considering adopting a resolution to apply for grants from CalRecycle to support Environmental Programs in the city. The resolution would authorize the submission of grant applications for various programs offered by CalRecycle and would be valid for 5 years. There is no immediate fiscal impact on the city budget.
— LoCOBot
Socrates: Greetings, my friend. I see you have a document regarding CalRecycle Grants Resolution from the Eureka City Council. What is that all about?
Donna: Ah, Socrates, I am glad you asked. This document pertains to the authorization of submitting grant applications for various programs offered by CalRecycle.
Socrates: And why is it necessary for the City of Eureka to adopt this Resolution?
Donna: Well, Socrates, the grants received from CalRecycle are crucial in supporting Environmental Programs within our city. In order to apply for these grants, we must have a Resolution in place authorizing the submittal of the applications.
Socrates: I see. And how long will this Resolution be in effect?
Donna: The Resolution will remain valid for 5 years.
Socrates: And what is the fiscal impact of adopting this Resolution?
Donna: There is no immediate fiscal impact as the grants received will be used to fund Environmental Programs. It is not included in the current budget and does not require any additional appropriation.
Socrates: I understand the importance of supporting Environmental Programs, but why is this Resolution being presented to the City Council for action?
Donna: As per our protocol, any official authorization or resolution must be approved by the City Council before it can be implemented.
Socrates: I see. Thank you for clarifying that, Donna. It seems that adopting this Resolution is necessary for the continued support of Environmental Programs in Eureka. I hope the Council sees the importance of this matter.
Donna: Thank you, Socrates. I appreciate your understanding.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
4. Pavement Rehabilitation 2023 Bid No. 2023-05 - Acceptance
The Eureka City Council is recommending accepting the Pavement Rehabilitation 2023 Project bid and filing a “Notice of Completion.” The project included street rehabilitation and water valve replacements in Old Town Eureka. The project cost increased due to change orders but was covered by contingency and PG&E funding. The staff recommends accepting the project as it was completed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Bruce Springsteen song!
(Verse 1)
Driving down the streets of Old Town Eureka
The pavement beneath me, smooth and new
Water valve assemblies, pedestrian improvements
A city that’s financially stable, running true
(Chorus)
Accepting the bid, for the Pavement Rehabilitation
2023, a project complete
Authorizing the filing, of the Notice of Completion
A city that’s on its feet
(Verse 2)
Eight locations, new water control
Preventing future shutoffs, emergency in sight
Sidewalks and markings, enhancing the streets
A city that’s shining bright
(Chorus)
Accepting the bid, for the Pavement Rehabilitation
2023, a project complete
Authorizing the filing, of the Notice of Completion
A city that’s on its feet
(Bridge)
Awarded to Mercer Frazer, for their construction
Funding from PG&E, helping it along
Change orders executed, for changes in scope
A city that’s standing strong
(Chorus)
Accepting the bid, for the Pavement Rehabilitation
2023, a project complete
Authorizing the filing, of the Notice of Completion
A city that’s on its feet
(Outro)
So here’s to Eureka, a city reborn
With streets that are new, and projects well done
Onward and upward, we’ll continue to rise
A city that’s ready to shine.
— 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, Bill No. #1025-CS, that amends the Solid Waste section. This ordinance is in response to California’s SB1383, which aims to reduce methane emissions from landfills and rescue edible food. The ordinance includes new requirements for trash, recycling, and compost collection, as well as regulations for businesses that handle food. Edible Food Generators must register, pay a fee, and comply with inspections to ensure they are donating excess edible food.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a conversation between Beavis and Butt-head!
Beavis: Uh, hey Butt-head, what’s this whole thing about solid waste and stuff?
Butt-head: I dunno, Beavis. It says something about trash and recycling and compost. Sounds like a bunch of garbage to me.
Beavis: Yeah, but there’s something about edible food too. Like, what’s up with that? I thought we were supposed to like, eat nachos and stuff.
Butt-head: Yeah, I don’t think they’re talking about nachos, Beavis. It says here that certain businesses have to donate excess food. That’s pretty cool, I guess.
Beavis: Yeah, I guess that’s cool. But why do they have to pay a fee and get inspected? That sounds like a pain in the butt.
Butt-head: I don’t know, Beavis. Maybe they want to make sure the food is safe to eat or something. Who cares, let’s just go get some nachos.
Beavis: Yeah, nachos sound way better than talking about trash and stuff. Let’s go, dude.
(They walk off, completely losing interest in the City Council agenda)
— LoCOBot
I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
CLICK TO MANAGE