Isabella Vanderheiden / @ 3:21 p.m. / Agendizer

THIS WEEK IN CITY COUNCIL: Changes to Eureka’s Sewer Lateral Ordinance, a New Mayor Pro-Tem, and More!

Eureka City Hall | Photo by Andrew Goff


The Eureka City Council will meet tonight for its final meeting of the year. The council is in store for a relatively light agenda, with just a few ordinances and action items up for consideration. Let’s take a look!

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The city council will consider an amendment to the city’s Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance that, if approved, would give eligible property owners more time to make city-mandated repairs to private sewer lines. 

The ordinance, adopted by the city council in 2019, shifted the responsibility of maintenance and replacement of lower laterals – the section of sewer pipe that runs from the property line of a building to the sewer main under the street – to the property’s owner. Under the ordinance, property owners are responsible for blockages occurring anywhere in the lateral.

Graphic: City of Eureka


However, after the ordinance was adopted, city staff started seeing issues with follow-through, largely due to the cost of lateral replacement. The city council amended the ordinance in 2022 to give property owners the choice of either working directly with a contractor or paying a “fee in lieu” to the city – currently set at $8,000 – that would allow staff to handle the lateral replacement on the property owner’s behalf. 

A few other issues have cropped up in the last two years. To ensure the ordinance is “both workable and effective,” staff is seeking an additional amendment that would grant exceptions to some property owners who may need a little more flexibility.

“This proposed change includes a change to the exceptions section allowing the City Engineer to determine that repairs required by the ordinance may be postponed to later date,” according to the staff report. “The reason for this revision stems from complications or extenuating circumstances that arise with some laterals that are physically complex or situated in dynamic settings, such as Caltrans right-of-way.”

Broadway is a perfect example, said Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery. 

“When you’re dealing with a sewer lateral that’s in the middle of a street’s right-of-way – along with the timing that it takes to get an encroachment permit and all the other stuff – it’s preventing certain properties from being [sold],” Slattery told the Outpost, adding that “extenuating circumstances” vary on a case-by-case basis.

The amendment would allow the city engineer to postpone lateral repairs to a date uncertain – but no more than five years from the inspection date – if the delay is determined to be “in the city’s best interest.”

A copy of the amended ordinance can be found at this link.

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What else is on the agenda, you ask?

The council is expected to adopt an ordinance that would finalize the zoning amendment required for the Harris Medical Center project, a multi-use housing development and medical facility slated for the former Apostolic Faith Church on Harris Street, near Henderson Center. The council advanced the item at its last meeting on Dec. 3, expressing broad support for the project.

The city council will also appoint one of its members to the position of Mayor Pro-Tem, which is currently held by First Ward representative Leslie Castellano. 

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You can check out the rest of the agenda, including creative interpretations of the document from our AgendaBot Gennie, below. The Eureka City Council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street.


Eureka City Council
Dec. 17, 2024, 6 p.m.

A. MAYORS ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Proclamation- Former Mayor-Light Up Eureka Support


B. PRESENTATIONS

C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Council Minutes

2. Mayor and Council Memberships on Boards, Commissions, Committees, Sub-committees, and Ad-Hoc Committees

The Eureka City Council is discussing re-appointing council members to various boards, commissions, and committees. They found that after the 2024 general election, there is no need to appoint new council members. Council members were asked if they wanted to resign or change their appointments, but none did. It is recommended that council members be re-appointed to their current positions for a two-year term. This decision will not have any fiscal impact.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a pitch from a used car salesman!

Are you looking for a reliable and experienced individual to serve on various important boards, commissions, and committees within the Eureka City Council? Look no further! Our re-appointment recommendation for Councilmembers ensures continuity, stability, and expertise in decision-making processes.

With no fiscal impact and all Councilmembers willing to continue their service, you can trust that your community’s best interests are at the forefront of every decision. Our Councilmembers have a strong strategic vision and are committed to achieving the city’s goals.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to work with dedicated individuals who have the experience and passion to make a difference. Contact us today to learn more about our Councilmembers and how they can contribute to the success of our city.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportMayor and Council Membership on Boards and Commissions 2025


3. Mayor's Appointments to Boards and Commissions

The City Council is being asked to approve the Mayor’s appointments to various boards and commissions in Eureka. These appointments have specific term dates and include both reappointments and new appointments to different committees related to city development and services.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a sea shanty!

Come gather ‘round, ye Council fine
For a tale of appointments divine
The Mayor’s choices, bold and true
To Boards and Commissions through and through

Lori Goodman, with grace and art
Reappointed to play her part
Ken Davlin, on Appeals he’ll stand
With a steady and guiding hand

Alisha Watson, new in the fold
On COPP, her story will unfold
And James, Mark, and Dino too
Their dedication, tried and true

For economic growth and development clear
Jade and Calder and Madeleine steer
On Energy, Chris and Beth will lead
With wisdom and care, their mission they’ll heed

Dennis, Bill, Dave, and James
On Finance they’ll not play games
Samantha, a guardian of history
On Preservation, a lasting mystery

Mark and Kristen, on Housing they serve
Ensuring all have what they deserve
Jack, on Open Space and Parks
Guiding us through nature’s marks

Michael and Steven, on Planning they’ll plan
For a future bright for every woman and man
Allison, Shanthi, Robert, and Mark
On Transportation, they’ll leave a mark

So raise your voices, sing with glee
For the Mayor’s Appointments, hear the decree
To Boards and Commissions, they’ll lend their might
Making Eureka City shine so bright!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


4. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Final Allocation

The Eureka City Council is discussing how to allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support pandemic recovery efforts and address economic impacts. They received a total of $6,389,600 and are proposing updates to the budget to ensure all funds are used by the end of FY2024-25. The council is considering amending the budgets and allocating any unused funds to the Public Works Operations Complex project. This will help support the city’s financial stability and engagement with the public.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Robert Burns poem!

Oh the American Rescue Plan Act,
An important matter to date,
Eureka City Council must now decide,
How to allocate funds far and wide.

Lane Millar has prepared a report,
For Finance Department to sort,
Recommendations for action are made,
To keep our city’s finances well-laid.

Budgets must be amended,
To incorporate updates recommended,
A Resolution to approve the allocation,
Of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund’s nation.

No Fiscal Impact, it seems,
But amendments must be part of our dreams,
For a financially stable city and
An effectively run land.

The funds were received with care,
To support our city beyond compare,
Efforts for pandemic recovery,
And addressing economic quandary.

Guidelines were updated,
For the City’s foundation to be rated,
And now a final update is due,
To ensure all funds are fully through.

Projects must be seen to completion,
To benefit our city’s mission,
Any extra funds to be transferred with care,
To the Public Works Operations’ fare.

For detailed information, please do see,
Attachments for transparency,
For ARPA Allocation updates,
And expenditures to date,

Eureka City Council must now decide,
On the American Rescue Plan Act, far and wide.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Resolution Approving the Obligation and Allocation of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act - Copy.docx Staff ReportARPA Allocation December 2024 Update Summary of ARPA Expenditures as of December 2024


5. Line of Credit with Tri Counties Bank

The Eureka City Council is considering getting a line of credit with Tri Counties Bank to help with their financial management strategy. This line of credit would allow the city to access short-term funds without needing to take money out of their investment portfolio. The council is recommending appropriating funds for the loan origination fee and legal expenses, as well as adopting a resolution authorizing the line of credit. The goal is to optimize investment returns and maintain financial stability. The line of credit is designed for short-term use and will not create long-term debt obligations.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a detective story!

Detective Jack Thompson sat in the back of the Eureka City Council meeting, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any signs of trouble. As the Finance department presented their recommendation for a line of credit with Tri Counties Bank, Jack couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease wash over him.

The recommendation seemed innocent enough on the surface - just a routine financial decision to help the city manage its funds more efficiently. But Jack had a gut feeling that there was more to this than met the eye.

As the council members debated the recommendation, Jack noticed a flicker of something in Lane Millar’s eyes - the man who had prepared the agenda summary. It was a subtle shift, but Jack was trained to pick up on these things. There was something off about Millar, something that set off alarm bells in Jack’s mind.

After the meeting adjourned, Jack decided to do some digging. He followed Millar to his office and managed to sneak a peek at the Tri Counties Bank Line of Credit Term Sheet. What he found sent a chill down his spine.

The term sheet outlined a series of complex financial transactions that seemed to be designed to conceal a much larger scheme. Jack couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he knew that this line of credit was just the tip of the iceberg.

As Jack delved deeper into the case, he uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that reached all the way to the top levels of city government. It seemed that someone was using the line of credit as a cover for embezzling funds from the city coffers.

As Jack raced against the clock to gather evidence and expose the truth, he found himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The perpetrators were determined to silence him at any cost, but Jack was equally determined to see justice served.

In the end, Jack’s instincts proved to be right. The line of credit was indeed being used as a front for a massive financial scam. With the help of his keen investigative skills and unwavering determination, Jack was able to bring the perpetrators to justice and save the city from financial ruin.

And as Jack sat back and watched the sunrise over Eureka, he knew that his work was far from over. There were always more mysteries to solve, more crimes to uncover. But for now, Jack Thompson had earned a well-deserved rest.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportResolution - Line of CreditTerm Sheet - City of Eureka


6. Council Meeting Cancellation


G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE

H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

1. Canvass of Returns

The city council will discuss the results of the recent municipal election in Eureka, including the election of certain officers and a ballot measure. They will consider adopting resolutions to officially accept the election results and install the newly elected officials. There will be no immediate financial impact from these decisions.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a recipe!

Title: Canvass of Returns Resolution

Ingredients:
- 1 Resolution of the City Council accepting the Canvass of Returns for the General Municipal Election
- 1 Resolution of the City Council declaring the election results
- 1 Installation of Officers
- Katie Moulton for Ward 2
- Scott Bauer for Ward 4

Instructions:
1. In a large City Council meeting, present the Resolution of the Canvass of Returns prepared by Pam Powell for action.
2. Discuss and vote on the adoption of the Resolution to accept the Canvass of Returns and declare the results of the General Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024.
3. Follow up with a second Resolution accepting the Canvass of Returns for submitting Ballot Measure F relating to amending the City’s General Plan.
4. Proceed with the Installation of Officers by swearing in Katie Moulton for Ward 2 and Scott Bauer for Ward 4.
5. Discuss any potential fiscal impacts and address any budget concerns.
6. Reflect on how these actions align with the Council’s goals and strategic vision.
7. Enjoy the successful completion of the Canvass of Returns process for the Eureka City Council.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportResolution Declaring Results and Canvass of Returns Measure F Resolution Declaring Results and Canvass of Returns Officers


2. Amending Speed Limits in the Eureka Municipal Code

3. Harris Medical Center Project

The Eureka City Council is considering a project to convert a former church site into a medical center. The project includes an urgent care facility, residential units, a cafe, and other amenities. The council has already approved certain aspects of the project and is now being asked to approve a zoning change. The recommendation is to adopt an ordinance to reclassify the site from Residential Low to Henderson Center. This change would allow for the development of the medical center.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

Title: Love’s Healing Touch

As Deputy Development Services Director of Eureka City Council, Caitlin Castellano had seen her fair share of projects come and go. But none had ever stirred her heart quite like the Harris Medical Center Project proposed by Dr. Deepak Stokes.

From the moment Dr. Stokes walked into the council chambers, Caitlin couldn’t help but feel a spark of attraction. His passion for providing healthcare to underserved communities, his dedication to revitalizing the old church into a state-of-the-art medical facility, it all spoke to her on a deeper level.

As they worked together on the project, Caitlin and Dr. Stokes found themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected. Late nights spent pouring over plans turned into dinners filled with laughter and shared dreams.

But as their feelings for each other grew, so did the obstacles standing in their way. With the city council’s approval hanging in the balance, Caitlin and Dr. Stokes must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and personal desires.

Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges they face? Can they find a way to build a future together, both personally and professionally?

In a story of love, healing, and second chances, Caitlin and Dr. Stokes will discover that sometimes, the best projects are the ones that touch the heart. And in the end, they’ll learn that love truly is the greatest healer of all.

Join Caitlin and Dr. Stokes on their journey of love, growth, and triumph in “Love’s Healing Touch.”

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Bill No 1042-C.S.


4. Lateral Ordinance in the Eureka Municipal Code - 2024

The Eureka City Council is considering making changes to a municipal code regarding sewer laterals. The proposed changes would give the City Engineer the authority to postpone repairs in certain circumstances. This revision is needed to address complications that arise with complex or difficult-to-access sewer laterals. The goal is to ensure that the ordinance is effective and workable for all property owners.

— LoCOBot

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

Beavis: Uh, hey, Butt-head, what’s a lateral ordinance?

Butt-head: I dunno, Beavis, maybe it’s, like, when you gotta lift weights using just one arm or something.

Beavis: Oh yeah, that sounds hard. Like, lateral, man. We should try it.

Butt-head: Yeah, maybe. But, like, this ordinance thing is, like, about sewers or something.

Beavis: Oh yeah, I remember that one time we tried to fix the toilet and it, like, exploded.

Butt-head: Yeah, that was cool. Hey, this dude Jesse Willor wants to, like, change the sewer ordinance.

Beavis: Does that mean we have to, like, do something about our sewer?

Butt-head: I don’t know, Beavis. It says here they wanna, like, waive the reading and introduce some bill or something.

Beavis: Uh, yeah, that sounds kinda boring. I’d rather, like, watch TV or something.

Butthead: Yeah, TV’s cool. Let’s, like, go find some nachos. This ordinance thing can, like, wait.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportSewer Lateral Ordinance Revisions_Bill No 1041-CS


I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS

1. Mayor Pro-Tem


2. Influencing Neighborhood Character through Design Standards

The Eureka City Council is discussing how to influence the character of neighborhoods through design standards. They are considering adopting objective design standards for multifamily housing to comply with state laws and ensure consistent development. The report focuses on the current design standards, the implications of adopting new standards, and the trade-offs associated with different approaches. The council will also discuss whether to modify the existing discretionary design review process.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a corrido!

En la ciudad de Eureka, se discute con fervor
sobre el diseño de vecindarios con gran valor.
El Consejo Municipal se reúne con la intención
de influir en el carácter con las normas de construcción.

Cristin Kenyon, directora de Servicios de Desarrollo,
prepara un informe para brindar consejo,
sobre cómo mantener el encanto y la esencia
de Eureka, con diseños atractivos en presencia.

En la agenda se destaca la política del Plan General
que busca eliminar obstáculos en el panorama urbano.
Se recomienda recibir el informe y proporcionar dirección,
para mantener un entorno amigable de negocio en acción.

Las metas del Consejo y la visión estratégica
se centran en modernizar reglas y pautas con táctica.
Evaluar y modificar regulaciones de desarrollo,
para ofrecer una gama diversa de opciones de alojamiento.

Se habla de leyes estatales que obligan a adoptar estándares objetivos,
para mantener el control local y evitar obstáculos nocivos.
Se discuten normas de diseño para proyectos multifamiliares,
con el fin de lograr desarrollos atractivos y solidarios.

Se plantean diferentes enfoques para los estándares de diseño,
considerando los beneficios y desventajas en su gestión.
Decisiones importantes se deben tomar con sabiduría,
para garantizar un entorno urbano de gran valía.

En resumen, el objetivo es preservar la esencia de Eureka,
con normas de diseño claras y efectivas, de manera justa.
El Consejo abre el debate y espera la opinión,
para seguir construyendo una ciudad en constante evolución.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Existing Design Standards for Multi-Family Housing Attachment 2 - Objective Standards Gap Analysis


J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS

L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED

M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS


Lately on LoCO

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