LoCOBot / @ 1 p.m. / Agendizer

Eureka City Council
April 15, 2025, 6 p.m.

A. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Proclamation - National Safety Telecommunicators Week April 14-20, 2024


2. Proclamation - Volunteer Appreciation Month


B. PRESENTATIONS

1. New Eureka Poet Laureate Announcement


2. Humboldt Economic Survey


C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Council Minutes

2. Letter in Opposition of AB 306

The Eureka City Council is considering sending a letter to oppose AB 306. The recommendation is to authorize the mayor to sign and send the letter. There is no financial impact mentioned. This item was placed on the agenda by the City Council for discussion and potential action.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

After a long day at the City Council meeting, Autumn E. Luna, the city attorney, couldn’t stop thinking about the agenda item that had been discussed. AB 306 was a bill that would greatly impact the city and its residents, and she was passionately opposed to it.

As she sat at her desk, drafting the letter to be sent to the state legislature, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. She knew that this bill would be detrimental to the community she had grown to love and protect.

Meanwhile, the handsome and charming Mayor Bergel was also grappling with his feelings about AB 306. As he read over the proposed letter, he felt a sense of duty to protect his city and its citizens. But he couldn’t deny the spark of chemistry he felt with Autumn, the brilliant city attorney who had drafted the letter.

As they worked together to finalize the letter, their bond grew stronger. They found themselves spending long hours in the office, discussing the implications of AB 306 and their shared passion for the city they both called home.

One night, as they worked late into the evening, Mayor Bergel couldn’t contain his feelings any longer. He took Autumn’s hand and gazed into her eyes, his heart pounding with emotion.

“Autumn, I know we come from different worlds, but I can’t ignore the way I feel about you,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Autumn’s heart raced as she looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his emotions reflected back at her. She had never felt such a strong connection with anyone before.

“Mayor Bergel, I feel the same way,” she whispered, her voice filled with longing.

In that moment, they both knew that their love was worth fighting for. And as they stood hand in hand, united in their opposition to AB 306, they knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.

As they watched the sun rise over the city they both loved, Mayor Bergel and Autumn Luna knew that their love story was just beginning, and that they would always be each other’s greatest allies in the fight for justice and a better future for Eureka City.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportLetter in Opposition_AB 306


3. Letter in Support of AB 476

The Eureka City Council is considering supporting AB 476 by sending a letter. There is no cost involved in this action. The council will discuss and vote on whether to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter.

— LoCOBot

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

Hello valued customers! Are you looking for a reliable, affordable vehicle that won’t break the bank? Look no further than our selection of quality used cars here at our dealership. Just like the Eureka City Council is recommending the authorization of Mayor Bergel to sign and transmit a letter in support of AB 476, we recommend you come in and take a look at our inventory.

With no fiscal impact and included in our budget, you can trust that you are getting a great deal on a pre-owned vehicle. Just like the council’s goals and strategic vision for the city, our goal is to provide you with a car that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to drive away in a reliable vehicle that won’t break the bank. Come in today and let us help you find the perfect used car for you. Drive with confidence knowing you made a smart choice, just like the Eureka City Council is making with AB 476.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportLetter in Support_AB 476


4. Emergency Digester Cleaning

The Eureka City Council is discussing an emergency cleaning of the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant sludge digesters. The Public Works Director is recommending an agreement with Synagro for biosolids cleaning services not exceeding $310,000. The digesters have had issues with clogging and need to be cleaned due to the unprecedented amount of solids and lack of normal operation. The Council is being asked to declare the emergency and authorize the agreement without competitive solicitation.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a megachurch sermon!

Dear congregation,

I come before you today with a heavy heart to discuss a matter of urgency within our city. The Eureka City Council has identified a critical situation at the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant regarding the sludge digesters. These digesters have become clogged and are no longer functioning properly, putting our city’s wastewater treatment process in jeopardy.

The Public Works Director, Kelly Allen, has recommended that we declare an emergency in regards to the cleaning of the sludge digesters and authorize an agreement with Synagro for biosolids cleaning services. This agreement would not exceed $310,000, but the cost is a small price to pay for the health and safety of our community.

As a financially sound city providing effective services, it is our duty to address this issue promptly and decisively. The digesters have not been cleaned in eight years, and the increased flow of solid waste due to wet winters and sewer collection system projects has put immense strain on the system. Without proper circulation within the digesters, we risk a catastrophic failure that could compromise our ability to treat wastewater and protect our environment.

The Operations staff have done everything in their power to keep the digesters running, but they are operating far from normal. We cannot afford to wait any longer to address this emergency. We must act now to prevent a potential disaster that could impact our entire city.

I urge you, my dear congregation, to join me in praying for wisdom and guidance for our city leaders as they make decisions regarding this critical situation. Let us come together in support of our Public Works Department and all those working tirelessly to resolve this emergency. May we act with compassion and urgency to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Together, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever. Let us stand united in faith and determination as we address the emergency digester cleaning at the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Amen.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


5. Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round 5 Grant

The Eureka City Council is considering applying for a grant to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community. The grant would provide funding for housing assistance and prevention programs, including rental assistance, shelter services, and support for homeless youth. The Council is being asked to authorize staff to apply for the grant and if approved, the City Manager would be allowed to enter into a grant agreement. The goal is to provide support for those in need and address homelessness challenges in the area.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!

Are you passionate about helping those in need in our community? Uplift Eureka is dedicated to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing housing assistance and outreach programs. And now, we have the opportunity to make an even greater impact with the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 5 grant.

With a grant funding amount of up to $2,000,000.00, Uplift Eureka can continue to provide essential services to those in need. This funding will support the implementation of various homelessness assistance projects, including rental assistance, housing relocation, stabilization, outreach, and more.

Join us in our mission to help those in need by supporting our application for the HHAP grant. Let’s make a positive difference in our community together. Contact us today to learn more about how you can get involved with Uplift Eureka and make a lasting impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE

H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS

1. Homeless Services Outreach Report

A report on Homeless Services and Resources provided by the City of Eureka is being presented to the City Council. The report highlights the efforts and collaborations the city has made to provide services and resources for community members experiencing homelessness. The recommendation is to receive the report with no fiscal impact. The report aligns with the Council’s goals of Effective Governance and Communication. It was requested at a previous City Council Special Meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Funkadelic song!

Verse 1:
In Eureka City, we’ve got a mission
To provide services with precision
For those who are struggling on the street
We won’t rest until they find a seat

Chorus:
Homeless Services Outreach Report
We’re here to support
No fiscal impact, it’s all in the budget
Effective governance, we won’t budge

Verse 2:
Collaborating with organizations
To offer resources and solutions
From shelters to job training
We’re dedicated to maintaining

Chorus:
Homeless Services Outreach Report
We’re here to support
No fiscal impact, it’s all in the budget
Effective governance, we won’t budge

Bridge:
Reviewed and approved by the council
We’re working together, it’s essential
To make sure every citizen is seen
And provided for, in a time of need

Chorus:
Homeless Services Outreach Report
We’re here to support
No fiscal impact, it’s all in the budget
Effective governance, we won’t budge

Outro:
In Eureka City, we stand tall
Doing our part to help all
With the Homeless Services Outreach Report
We’re making a difference, that’s our support.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


2. Humboldt Waste Management Authority Report

The Eureka City Council is receiving a report from the Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA) about their operations. HWMA is responsible for managing the Hawthorne Street Transfer Station, Household Hazardous Waste Facility, and Cummings Road Landfill. They are currently reviewing their rates for garbage and recycling services, and the Executive Director will provide updates on tipping fees and recycling programs which will help determine the upcoming rates.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

I tell ya, I went to a city council meeting the other day and they were talking about garbage and recycling rates. I felt right at home, ya know? I mean, I get no respect either!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS

L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED

M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS


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