Isabella Vanderheiden / Monday, March 31 @ 3:19 p.m. / Agendizer
THIS WEEK IN EUREKA CITY COUNCIL: Residents Appeal Planning Commission Approval of Short-Term Rehabilitation Facility Planned for Henderson Center
Photo: Andrew Goff
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After a month of tumultuous, marathon meetings — one of which exceeded seven hours — the Eureka City Council is in for a bit of a reprieve this week. There are just a few reports and action items listed on Tuesday’s agenda, including an appeal to a recent Planning Commission decision and a couple of updates on city-led projects.
Let’s take a look at that agenda!
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Street view of the proposed residential treatment facility. | Photo: City of Eureka
Last month, the Eureka Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit, submitted by the North Coast Substance Abuse Council, for a “non-medical” residential rehab facility on Harris Street, just down the street from the old Spotlight Video near Henderson Center. Four residents are appealing the decision, claiming that the proposal is “dangerous” and incompatible with the rest of the neighborhood.
“I feel as though it’s a terrible location for this facility— Perhaps outside of a neighborhood with kids and small businesses,” according to one letter submitted by an anonymous resident. “Henderson Center has done a great job in the last few years encouraging shopping, dining and a safe environment for children. … We all rely on their services and should they have to move, they would have to move out of OUR area, our tight Henderson Center community to another location!!!!! IT would be a tragedy.”
The three buildings on the 0.30-acre site would be used for short-term housing (up to 30 days) for people recovering from substance abuse, individual/group counseling sessions and offices for staff. The facility would accommodate a live-in manager, up to 12 residents and four employees at a given time. The site will not provide detox services, and residents will be drug tested three times a week to ensure eligibility for the program, as stated in the staff report.
“The program requires a medical assessment and clearance from a doctor before being admitted to determine a resident’s eligibility for the service,” the staff report continues. “Background checks will be performed prior to entering the program, and sex offenders and arsonists will not be admitted … Residents will be contractually required to abide to strict rules … Residents may leave the site only with pre-approval by the live-in manager, and they must specify their intended activities and for how long.”
In an effort to address concerns about unsupervised outings, commissioners imposed two conditions. Condition A would require the applicant to submit a progress report one year after operations begin to ensure compliance and address community concerns. Condition B would upgrade the facility’s level of service from a Level 3.1 to a Level 4 treatment program, which represents the highest level of care. (You can find an outline of the four levels of care at this link.)
But that second condition was actually a mistake. The staff report notes that the commission’s error “resulted in a condition that directly contradicts its intent to limit the facility to the least intensive treatment level.” As such, staff is asking that the city council modify the condition to restrict the level of care to a Level 3.1 to ensure the program “operates as originally proposed.”
Five concerned residents submitted an appeal to the Planning Commission’s decision, though one person didn’t have standing to appeal, according to the staff report. The appellants’ filing included a petition with 75 signatures and two letters: one from the principal of St. Bernard’s Academy and one from the owner of Shafer’s Ace Hardware.
About a dozen other residents submitted letters opposing the treatment facility, with many expressing concerns about its proximity to a nearby jewelry store, potential impacts to neighborhood property values and a decrease in foot traffic in Henderson Center.
The city council will review the project proposal and consider the appeal. Staff is recommending that the project be approved.
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What else is on deck for Tuesday’s meeting, you ask?
The council will receive an update on the city’s Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project, which aims to modernize the city’s existing water metering system with a cellular-based technology. The project, which began in 2023, is about 95 percent complete. The city council will also receive an update on different projects happening at city parks.
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
April 1, 2025, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Gretchen Ziegler, Zoo Director Emeritus Proclamation
2. Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
3. Week of the Young Child Proclamation
4. Evidence and Property Technicians Appreciation Week
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Eureka City Parks Update
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Appeal of North Coast Substance Abuse Council Non-Medical Care Housing Facility Conditional Use Permit (UP-24-1)
The Eureka City Council is reviewing an appeal for a substance abuse treatment facility to be located on Harris Street. The facility will provide residential therapy services for up to 12 people and focus on housing and behavioral health support. The Planning Commission has already approved the Conditional Use Permit with certain conditions, but there has been an appeal from some community members raising concerns about the intensity of the treatment program and its compatibility with the surrounding area. The Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the appeal and make a decision on whether to approve the project with modifications. The staff recommends limiting the facility to a less intensive treatment level to address community concerns.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an insane conspiracy theory!

Conspiracy Theory: The North Coast Substance Abuse Council is actually a front for a secret government experiment aimed at mind control and population manipulation. The proposed housing facility is not for substance abuse treatment, but rather for housing individuals who have been subjected to mind-altering experiments. The Council’s ties to the California Department of Health Care Services are a cover-up for their true intentions of using residents as test subjects for unethical medical trials. The City Council’s approval of the project, despite community opposition and concerns, is a result of government officials being coerced or manipulated by higher powers involved in this sinister plot. The conditions placed on the facility are designed to control and monitor the residents for the government’s nefarious purposes. The exemption from CEQA and the rushed approval process are all part of a larger conspiracy to hide the true nature of the project and its potential impact on society. Be wary of this seemingly innocent housing facility - it may be harboring dark secrets and serving a more sinister agenda.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - City Council Resolution • Attachment 2 - Appeal of Planning Commission Decision Filed by Appellants • Attachment 3 - Planning Commission Staff Report, Resolution 2025-3, and Comment Letters
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
DOCUMENTS:
2. Da'Yas Park Improvement Project (Public Restroom Company)- Bid No. 2024-10
The Eureka City Council is recommending accepting a bid from the Public Restroom Company for a project at Da’ Yas Park. The project involves installing a new restroom building at the park. The City used a cooperative purchasing method to secure the building. The project has been completed in accordance with the plans and specifications. The Council is asked to authorize the filing of a “Notice of Completion” for the project.
— LoCOBot

En la ciudad de Eureka,
se habla del parque Da’ Yas
Donde se aprobó un proyecto
para que todo mejore más
El contrato de baños públicos
es parte de la iniciativa
Unir esfuerzos para lograr
una meta tan bonita
El contrato fue otorgado
a la empresa del retrete
Por la cantidad de $350,484
un acuerdo bien concreto
Construyeron el edificio
fuera del lugar designado
Luego lo instalaron en el parque
de manera coordinado
Todo se hizo en conformidad
con las reglas y la visión
Por eso recomendamos
aceptar esta remodelación
Con orgullo comunitario
queremos avanzar
En el hermoso parque Da’ Yas
la mejora celebrar
Autorizamos la presentación
de un aviso al Condado
Para que se sepa que aquí
se ha hecho un buen trabajo
Con este proyecto concluido
y un paso más avanzado
Seguimos construyendo juntos
un futuro más mejorado.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
3. City Council Policy and Procedures
DOCUMENTS:
The Eureka City Council is considering adopting a new policy called Telematics to use technology to make city vehicles safer and more efficient. The policy aims to save costs, improve safety, and reduce expenses by using telematics systems in all city vehicles. The policy also outlines roles and responsibilities for Fleet Services, User Departments, and Staff to ensure the policy’s objectives are met. Overall, the policy is expected to bring significant savings, improve fleet utilization, and enhance safety measures.
— LoCOBot
… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!

Captain Kathryn Janeway of the USS Voyager sat in her ready room, reviewing the latest agenda summary from Eureka City Council. As a Starfleet captain, she was always interested in the advancements of different civilizations and their policies.
“Telematics to ensure safe and efficient operation of city vehicles,” she mused to herself. “Sounds like a smart move.”
She called in her first officer, Commander Chakotay, to discuss the proposal. Together, they brainstormed ideas on how Starfleet could implement a similar policy for their own fleet of ships. With the help of Lieutenant Torres from Engineering, they came up with a plan to install telematics systems on all Starfleet vessels to monitor their performance and ensure optimal efficiency.
As they presented their proposal to Admiral Janeway back at Starfleet Command, she was impressed by their ingenuity and forward-thinking approach. She immediately approved the plan and tasked Captain Janeway with overseeing its implementation across the entire fleet.
With the new telematics systems in place, Starfleet saw a significant increase in operational savings, improved fleet utilization, and enhanced safety measures. Data collected through the telematics provided valuable insights into each ship’s performance, allowing Starfleet to make better decisions on maintenance, fuel economy, and overall efficiency.
The crew of the Voyager was proud to be at the forefront of this technological advancement, knowing that their efforts would not only benefit their own ship but the entire Starfleet as well. As they continued their journey home through the Delta Quadrant, they were confident that they were making a difference in the future of space exploration.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. 2024 Participatory Budget Program Update
The Eureka City Council is updating their Participatory Budget Program for 2024. They are recommending approving a new process and a submission from the Eureka Theater in Ward 5. They also recommend allowing the Youth Council to select and approve applications for Ward 3. The program aims to empower residents in selecting local projects. There were some challenges with low participation, but they are now moving towards an application-based model. Residents and non-profit agencies can submit project ideas for funding, with the Economic Development Commission reviewing and approving them. The goal is to ensure that funds go to the community as intended.
— LoCOBot

Socrates: Greetings, my fellow citizens. Today we are gathered to discuss the 2024 Participatory Budget Program Update. As we review the recommendations presented by Suzanne Ross-Mantle, let us engage in a dialogue to explore the implications and merits of these proposals.
Citizen 1: I am intrigued by the suggestion to move to an application-based model for allocating the remaining funds in the current Participatory Budgeting cycle. It seems like a more structured and efficient way to identify and select projects for funding. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Citizen 2: I agree. It appears that transitioning to an application-based model will not only streamline the process but also ensure that projects chosen for funding align closely with community priorities. By involving residents and non-profit agencies in the decision-making process, we can enhance transparency and community engagement.
Socrates: It is evident that the application-based model holds promise in enhancing community involvement and project selection. However, we must also consider the potential challenges and limitations of this approach. What are some concerns that arise from this proposed change?
Citizen 3: One concern that comes to mind is the need to ensure fairness and equity in the application review process. How can we guarantee that all submissions are evaluated objectively and that funding decisions are made based on merit rather than personal biases or influences?
Socrates: A valid concern indeed. It is essential that mechanisms are in place to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and uphold the integrity of the selection process. The role of the Economic Development Commission as the reviewing body should be clearly defined, and safeguards put in place to uphold impartiality and transparency.
Citizen 1: Another aspect of the update that caught my attention is the proposal to involve the Youth Council in reviewing and approving funding applications for the Third Ward. This presents a unique opportunity to empower young leaders and foster community engagement among our youth. How do you envision the impact of this decision on the Participatory Budgeting program?
Citizen 2: Engaging the Youth Council in the decision-making process not only provides valuable experience for our future leaders but also ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in project selection. By empowering the youth to participate in shaping their communities, we can cultivate a sense of ownership and pride among the younger generation.
Socrates: It is inspiring to see our youth being given a voice in the allocation of resources and the shaping of their neighborhoods. By fostering intergenerational collaboration and mentorship, we can strengthen community bonds and promote a culture of civic responsibility. Let us reflect on these recommendations and consider their implications for the future of our Participatory Budget Program.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Participatory Budgeting - Project Submission - Ward 5 - Eureka Theater.pdf • PB Project Submission Form.pdf • Staff Report
The Eureka City Council is considering a resolution to destroy certain outdated records from the Human Resources Department. The recommendation is to adopt the resolution, and there is no financial impact. This is in line with the City’s goal of optimizing operations. The records in question have met the retention schedule outlined in the City’s Records and Retention Policy and Procedure.
— LoCOBot

In the mystical city of Eureka, where magic and technology coexist, the City Council was gathered to discuss an important matter - the Destruction of Records in the Human Resources Department. Will Folger, the head of the department, stood before the Council, prepared to present his recommendation.
As the Council members listened attentively, Will explained the need to adopt a Resolution for the Destruction of Certain Records that were no longer useful or relevant. The City’s Records and Retention Policy stated that certain records could be destroyed according to a set schedule, in order to optimize city operations.
The Council members nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of clearing out outdated documents to make room for new information. It was a routine procedure, but necessary for the efficient functioning of the city.
However, as the discussion continued, a dark cloud seemed to settle over the room. Unbeknownst to the Council, there was a sinister force at work in Eureka. A group of rogue sorcerers, known as the Shadow Coven, had been plotting to sabotage the city’s operations.
With a wicked gleam in their eyes, the members of the Shadow Coven had infiltrated the Human Resources Department, intent on preventing the destruction of the records. They believed that the information contained within those files could be used to their advantage in their quest for power.
As the Council prepared to vote on the Resolution, chaos suddenly erupted in the chamber. The lights flickered, and a powerful gust of wind swept through the room. The Council members looked around in confusion, only to see the shadowy figures of the Shadow Coven members materialize before them.
“You will not destroy those records!” one of the sorcerers hissed, his eyes glowing with malice. “They contain secrets that could be of great use to us. We will not allow you to erase them from existence.”
The Council members gasped in shock and fear, realizing the danger they were in. But Will Folger, with a determined expression on his face, stepped forward. “We will not be intimidated by your threats,” he declared. “The records will be destroyed, as per the Resolution.”
With a wave of his hand, Will summoned a barrier of light to protect the Council members from the dark magic of the Shadow Coven. A mighty battle ensued, as spells clashed and forces of light and darkness collided in a spectacular display of power.
In the end, the Council emerged victorious, as the Shadow Coven was vanquished and their plans thwarted. The records were destroyed, and the city of Eureka was safe once more.
And so, the tale of the Destruction of Records in the Human Resources Department became a legend in Eureka, a reminder of the constant battle between good and evil, and the importance of protecting the secrets that lurked within the shadows.
— LoCOBot
G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. Award Contract for Bid No. 2024-20 Bay to Zoo Trail Consultant
The Eureka City Council is considering awarding a contract to Bender Rosenthal, Inc. for professional services for the Bay to Zoo Trail project. The trail will connect the waterfront to the zoo and has received grant funding. The recommendation is to authorize the contract for $285,000 and negotiate applicable contracts. The project has reached various milestones, and Bender Rosenthal, Inc. was chosen as the selected proposer. The next step is for the City Council to approve the contract.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!

Title: Scooby-Doo and the Mystery of the Vanishing Trail
[The episode begins with the Mystery Inc. gang, including Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred, driving the Mystery Machine through Eureka City. They have heard about the Bay to Zoo Trail project and are eager to check out the new trail.]
Velma: I can’t wait to see the Bay to Zoo Trail! It’s supposed to connect the waterfront to the zoo.
Daphne: It sounds like such a cool project. I bet the trail has some amazing views!
Fred: Let’s make sure to stay on the lookout for any mysterious happenings. You never know what we might encounter.
[As they approach the trail, they notice Bender Rosenthal, Inc. working on the right-of-way services for the project.]
Shaggy: Like, look at all those survey markers and construction equipment. This place is buzzing with activity!
Scooby-Doo: Ruh-roh, Raggy. I hope we don’t get in the way of the construction.
[As the gang explores the trail, they overhear some of the construction workers talking about strange occurrences on the site.]
Worker 1: Did you hear about the disappearing property owner?
Worker 2: Yeah, apparently one of the property owners adjacent to the trail just vanished into thin air.
Velma: That sounds like a mystery we need to solve, gang. Let’s investigate!
[The gang splits up to gather clues. Velma and Fred interview the construction workers while Daphne and Shaggy search for clues along the trail. Scooby-Doo, as always, follows his nose and sniffs out something suspicious.]
Scooby-Doo: Rikes! I smell something funny over here!
[The gang reunites at the spot where Scooby-Doo found the clue. They discover a hidden trapdoor leading underground.]
Fred: Looks like we’ve stumbled upon a secret passage. Let’s see where it leads.
[The gang descends into the underground tunnel, where they find the missing property owner tied up and gagged.]
Velma: Jinkies! It looks like someone didn’t want this property owner interfering with the construction.
Daphne: But who would go to such lengths to stop the Bay to Zoo Trail project?
[Just then, a figure in a construction worker uniform appears, revealing themselves to be the mastermind behind the disappearance.]
Mastermind: You meddling kids have ruined my plans for the trail! I’ll make sure you never see the light of day again!
[The gang springs into action, using their wits and courage to outsmart the mastermind and save the day. With the mystery solved, the construction on the Bay to Zoo Trail can continue without any further interruptions.]
Fred: Another mystery solved, gang. Let’s head back to the Mystery Machine and enjoy the rest of our day exploring Eureka City.
Scooby-Doo: Scooby-Dooby-Doo!
[The gang laughs and heads back to the Mystery Machine, ready for their next adventure.]
— LoCOBot
2. Endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
The Eureka City Council is being asked to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which aims to stop the exploration and expansion of fossil fuels and phase out existing production. The initiative includes three pillars: Just Transition, Non-proliferation, and Fair Phase Out. The Energy Committee recommends that the Mayor endorse this global campaign.
— LoCOBot

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Eureka, there was a special meeting taking place at the City Council. The agenda for the night was to discuss and approve the Mayor endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. The Engineering – Energy Committee, led by Kelly Allen, had put together a recommendation for the council to consider.
As the council members gathered around the table, they listened attentively as Kelly Allen presented the recommendation. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative was a global campaign to stop the exploration and expansion of fossil fuels and to transition to renewable energy sources. The three pillars of the initiative focused on just transition, non-proliferation, and fair phase-out of existing fossil fuel production.
The council members took a moment to reflect on the importance of this initiative in the fight against climate change. They knew that endorsing this treaty was a critical step towards creating a more sustainable future for their city and the planet.
After much discussion, the council unanimously agreed to approve the Mayor to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. They recognized the importance of taking action to protect the environment for future generations.
As the meeting came to a close, the council members felt proud of their decision to support such an important cause. They knew that by endorsing this treaty, they were making a positive impact on the world around them.
And so, as the city of Eureka settled down for the night, the council members could rest easy knowing that they had taken a step towards a cleaner, greener future. The stars twinkled above, shining brightly in approval of their decision. And as the night drew to a close, the city slept soundly, knowing that they were making a difference in the fight against climate change.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
3. Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Project Update
The Eureka City Council is receiving an update on the progress of the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project which started in 2023. The project involves changing over water metering equipment citywide to cellular based meter technology. Dead meters and estimated billing have been causing issues, leading to manual readings. The project is 95% complete with an estimated cost of $3.5M. The project aims to improve efficiency and transparency for customers through a real-time read system and a customer portal. Future tasks include completing meter box replacements and rolling out the customer portal.
— LoCOBot

(Scene opens at a City Council meeting, with the Eureka City Council seated at a long table facing the audience. Brian Issa, the Public Works representative, stands at a podium, presenting an update on the Automated Meter Reading project.)
Brian: (clearing his throat) Good evening, esteemed members of the City Council. I am here today to provide you with an update on the progress of the Automated Meter Reading project that we initiated in 2023. This project involves the complete changeover of water metering equipment Citywide from the radio-read system to cellular-based meter technology.
(Council members nod in acknowledgment as Brian continues to explain the challenges faced during the project.)
Brian: Beginning in 2020, we encountered a significant issue with dead equipment and estimated billing. Our meters were failing at an alarming rate, necessitating manual readings and causing disruptions in our billing process. In response, we switched to billing every other month and focused on replacing the dead equipment to alleviate the strain on our staff.
(He goes on to discuss the decision to complete the project in-house with the Water Distribution crew, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and increased coordination it offers.)
Brian: To streamline the equipment swap process, we have implemented automation using iPads and bar code scanners. This has allowed us to reduce errors and provide a more efficient service to our customers. As of March 1, 2025, the project is 95% complete, with the remaining 600 meters requiring attention.
(He outlines the projected costs and timeline for the completion of the project, emphasizing the advantages of the new cellular system.)
Brian: The move to a real-time read system offers numerous advantages, including a customer portal for real-time water usage monitoring and leak detection. This will lead to greater water conservation, reduced staff time, and a more cost-effective system overall.
(As Brian concludes his presentation, the Council members nod in approval, recognizing the progress made on the project.)
Council Member 1: Thank you, Brian, for your thorough update. It’s clear that the Automated Meter Reading project is on track to improve our services and operations significantly. We look forward to its successful completion.
(Council members applaud as Brian steps away from the podium, signaling the end of the presentation on the AMR project.)
(Blackout)
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
1. Human Resources Benefit Update
L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS