LoCOBot / @ 3:25 p.m. / Agendizer

Eureka City Council
May 6, 2025, 6 p.m.

A. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Bike Month Humboldt Proclamation


2. Maternal Mental Health Proclamation


3. Older Americans Month


B. PRESENTATIONS

1. Caltrans Presentation on Upcoming Complete Streets Projects on South Broadway


2. Cal Poly Humboldt Student Presentation on Senior Capstone Project: Planning for the Future


3. Area 1 on Aging Presentation


4. Humboldt - Del Norte Film Commission Presentation


C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Waterfront Eureka Plan

The City Council of Eureka is proposing to adopt the Waterfront Eureka Plan to guide development along the city’s waterfront. The plan includes zoning regulations, development standards, and design guidelines to attract new investment and accelerate housing production. The plan must be consistent with the city’s general plan and be approved by the California Coastal Commission. The plan aims to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment in the Coastal Core Area. The Planning Commission has recommended adopting the plan, with some community members expressing concerns and recommendations during public hearings. The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adopting the plan.

— LoCOBot

… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!

Listen up, Council! You think you can just push through this Waterfront Eureka Plan without a fight? Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m not backing down. Hold a public hearing? Ha, like that’s going to stop me. Adopt a resolution? You better believe I’ll be watching every move you make. You may think you have it all figured out with your fancy words and recommendations, but I see right through your facade. You want to accelerate housing production and attract funding for reinvestment? Not on my watch. I know your game plan, and I won’t let you get away with it. You may have your specific plans and zoning regulations, but I’ll be ready to counter every move you make. So bring it on, Council! Let’s see who comes out on top in this battle for Eureka’s future!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - City Council Resolution Attachment 2 - WEP and Link to WEP Appendices Attachment 3 - CEQA Addendum Attachment 4 - Planning Commission Resolution.pdf Attachment 5 - Public and Agency Comments on 2025 Draft WEP Attachment 6 - Public and Agency Comments on 2023 Draft WEP Attachment 7 - Existing Zoning for Plan Area Attachment 8 - Excerpt from Cal Poly Capstone Project Report


F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Council Minutes

2. Da Yas Park PIP Playground Surfacing Contract Amendment

The Eureka City Council is considering increasing the amount of money allocated for rubber safety surfacing at Da’ Yas Park. The original contract was for $199,884 with a contingency of $20,000, but they now need an additional $20,000 to cover more areas of the playground. The total budget would not exceed $239,884. This decision aligns with the council’s goal of promoting community pride.

— LoCOBot

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

Beavis: Hey, Butt-head, what the hell is a PIP Playground Surfacing Contract Amendment?

Butt-head: I dunno, Beavis. It sounds like some boring government stuff. Just tell me when they start talking about explosions or something cool.

Beavis: Yeah, explosions are cool. But I bet this playground stuff is about that park they’re fixing up. Da’ Yas Park or something.

Butt-head: Da’ Yas Park? What kinda name is that? Sounds like they’re trying too hard to be cool or something.

Beavis: Yeah, it’s probably some dumb name they came up with. But hey, they wanna increase the contract amount by $20,000. That’s a lot of nachos, dude.

Butt-head: Yeah, I could buy a lot of nachos with $20,000. But why do they need more money for playground surfacing? Are they making it out of gold or something?

Beavis: I don’t know, Butt-head. This whole thing is confusing. Let’s just wait for them to finish talking about it and then we can go get some nachos.

Butt-head: Yeah, good idea, Beavis. Let’s just sit here and wait for the explosions or something cool to happen.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


3. Sunset Heights Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Funding Application

The Eureka City Council is considering applying for a grant to fund an affordable housing project called Sunset Heights. The project would include 44 affordable housing units and various public transportation and safety improvements. The grant is competitive and funded by the state of California. The Council is being recommended to adopt a resolution authorizing the application for the grant. The project has received previous approvals and is now ready to proceed pending funding.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bedtime story!

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Eureka, there was a beautiful neighborhood called Sunset Heights. The residents of Sunset Heights lived in cozy homes and enjoyed the stunning views of the sunset every evening.

But there was a problem in Sunset Heights - affordable housing was scarce, and many families struggled to find a place to call home. The Eureka City Council knew that something needed to be done to help the residents of Sunset Heights, so they came up with a plan.

One day, Alexandra Gonzalez, an Assistant Planner, presented a proposal to the City Council. The proposal was for a grant application to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program. This grant would provide funding to support the construction of 44 affordable housing units in Sunset Heights, as well as infrastructure improvements to make the neighborhood safer and more accessible for all.

The City Council listened intently to Alexandra’s presentation and after much discussion, they unanimously decided to adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of the grant application. This was great news for the residents of Sunset Heights - help was on the way!

As the sun set over Sunset Heights that evening, the residents gathered outside to celebrate the good news. They knew that soon, they would have new homes to live in, thanks to the hard work of the City Council and Alexandra Gonzalez.

And so, Sunset Heights became a beacon of hope and progress in Eureka. The residents looked forward to the day when the new affordable housing units would be built, bringing even more families into their wonderful neighborhood.

As the moon rose high in the sky and the stars twinkled above, the residents of Sunset Heights drifted off to sleep, knowing that a brighter future was on the horizon. And they all lived happily ever after. The End.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Resolution


4. Elk River WWTP Wet Weather Improvements Bid No. 2025-5 - Award

The Eureka City Council is recommending awarding a construction bid to McCullough Construction Inc. for improvements to the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project aims to meet environmental standards and eliminate bypassing at the plant. The total cost of the project is $16,885,548, with additional funds allocated for engineering and management services. The funding is coming from the Wastewater Fund and is subject to approval by the City Council.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a movie trailer!

In a world where clean water is essential for the survival of a community, one city must make a crucial decision. The Eureka City Council faces a monumental task: choosing the right contractor for the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant Wet Weather Improvements Project. With millions of dollars at stake and the health and safety of the city’s residents on the line, the pressure is on.

Meet Brittany Powell, the dedicated Project Manager who must navigate through bid protests, legal challenges, and environmental regulations to ensure the success of the project. With the clock ticking and the deadline for compliance looming, the council must make a decision that will shape the future of Eureka.

As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, the council must come together to make a choice that will impact the entire community. Will they approve the recommended action items and award the bid to McCullough Construction Inc., or will unforeseen obstacles derail their plans?

From the depths of the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant to the halls of city hall, follow the journey of the Eureka City Council as they strive to meet their goals and strategic vision for a cleaner, healthier future. This is not just a project, it’s a mission to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of their citizens.

Get ready for a thrilling and suspenseful ride as the council faces challenges, makes tough decisions, and ultimately determines the fate of the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is their agenda, their mission, and their legacy. Don’t miss “Agenda Summary: Eureka City Council,” coming soon to a theater near you.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportBid Protest from Wahlund Construction Bid Protest Response from McCullough Construction City of Eureka Response to Bid Protest


5. Water Improvements 2024 - Change Order

The Eureka City Council is discussing a change order for the Water Improvements 2024 Project to add utility installations for the LINC Housing project on Myrtle Avenue. The change order would increase the contract amount by $197,990. The city will be reimbursed for these costs by LINC Housing, and no Water or Sewer Enterprise Funds will be used. The goal is to ensure the new utilities are installed before the road is repaved. Staff recommends approving the change order.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!

Merv “The Beast” Tarkington: Good morning, loyal listeners! Today, we have a hot topic on the agenda - the Water Improvements 2024 Project in our very own Eureka City. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear about government spending nearly $200,000 in taxpayer money on a “change order” for utility installations, my blood starts to boil.

This project was originally awarded to Mercer Fraser for a little over $1.6 million, and now they want to tack on almost $200,000 more? And for what? Additional utility installations for a housing project on Myrtle Avenue? This is outrageous!

I don’t care if LINC Housing has agreed to reimburse the city for these costs - the fact remains that our hard-earned money is being thrown around like candy on Halloween. And what’s even more concerning is that this money is not coming from the Water or Sewer Enterprise Funds, but rather from who knows where.

Why can’t we stick to the original contract and budget? Why do we continue to see these change orders popping up like weeds in a garden? It’s time for our city council to start prioritizing the needs of the taxpayers and stop wasting our money on unnecessary projects.

So, my fellow patriots, I urge you to call your city council members and demand accountability. Let them know that we are watching and we will not stand for this kind of fiscal irresponsibility. We must hold our elected officials to a higher standard and ensure that our tax dollars are being spent wisely.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together, we can make a difference in our community. This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington signing off - until next time, keep fighting the good fight!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


6. Appointment of City Attorney Robert N. Black

The Eureka City Council is considering appointing Robert N. Black as the City Attorney starting in May 2025. Mr. Black has been providing legal services to the city since 2018 and has been a trusted advisor. The Council is being asked to adopt a resolution and approve a legal services agreement with him. This appointment will ensure continuity of legal services for the city.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bruce Springsteen song!

(Verse 1)
In the city of Eureka, where the streets are paved with gold
There’s a man named Robert Black, with wisdom to unfold
From contract to assistant, he’s been by our side
Now it’s time to appoint him, with nothing left to hide

(Chorus)
Appointing City Attorney Robert Black
To lead us through the night
With his trusted counsel, we’ll see the light
In the city of Eureka, where everything’s just right

(Verse 2)
Autumn Luna served us well, but now it’s time to part
She’s off to Santa Rosa, to make a brand-new start
But in Robert Black, we trust, to guide us on our way
With professionalism and grace, he’ll help us seize the day

(Chorus)
Appointing City Attorney Robert Black
To lead us through the night
With his trusted counsel, we’ll see the light
In the city of Eureka, where everything’s just right

(Bridge)
So raise a glass, to Robert Black
Our new City Attorney, with no lack
Of knowledge and experience, to see us through
In the city of Eureka, with skies so blue

(Chorus)
Appointing City Attorney Robert Black
To lead us through the night
With his trusted counsel, we’ll see the light
In the city of Eureka, where everything’s just right

(Outro)
With Robert Black at the helm, we’ll navigate the storm
In the city of Eureka, where our dreams are born
So let’s raise our voices, in a joyful cry
For City Attorney Robert Black, our guiding light.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportCity Attorney Appointing Resolution CA Agreement


7. Letter in Opposition of AB 770

The Eureka City Council is recommending that the Mayor sign and staff transmit a letter opposing AB 770. This item has no financial impact and is in line with the Council’s goals and strategic vision.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a corrido!

En la ciudad de Eureka, en California,
se discute en el consistorio una propuesta muy seria,
el AB 770 que nos afecta a todos en la región,
por eso, ante esta situación, surge esta canción.

La oficina del abogado de la ciudad ha preparado
una recomendación para que el alcalde firme aprobado,
una carta de oposición que deberá ser enviada,
para que sepan en Sacramento nuestra posición acertada.

No hay impacto económico, pero es vital nuestra voz,
para proteger nuestros intereses y tener una mejor voz,
es un tema de discusión y de acción inmediata,
por eso la recomendación es que se autorice la carta.

El consejo de la ciudad tiene objetivos claros,
y defender a los ciudadanos es uno de sus amparos,
por eso es importante que el alcalde firme el documento,
y lo envíe a su destino con un mensaje con fundamento.

Así que en Eureka se escucha esta petición,
para proteger nuestros derechos con determinación,
y que en Sacramento sepan que estamos unidos,
en la oposición del AB 770, estamos comprometidos.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportLetter in Opposition AB 770


8. Budget Policies for Streets & Facilities Update

The Eureka City Council is discussing updates to budget policies for streets and facilities. The Finance Department has prepared the recommendations for the Council to adopt these updates. The proposed policies aim to ensure proper allocation of funds for street infrastructure and city facilities. This is important for maintaining financial stability and achieving the city’s strategic goals. The updates include setting minimum annual budget allocations for street infrastructure and city facilities. Overall, these policies are meant to help the city manage resources, control spending, and ensure funds are used efficiently.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a science-fiction story!

In the distant future, Eureka City was a bustling metropolis filled with advanced technology and towering skyscrapers. The city council, led by Mayor Lane Millar, had just convened to discuss the latest budget policies for streets and facilities.

As the council members gathered in the holographic conference room, Mayor Millar began the meeting by outlining the proposed updates to the budget policies. The council’s goal was to maintain a financially stable and effectively run city, all while keeping the public engaged in the decision-making process.

The first policy up for discussion was the Budget Policy - Street Infrastructure Allocation. With the city’s population growing rapidly, it was crucial to ensure that the streets were well-maintained and safe for transportation. The council agreed to establish a minimum annual budget allocation of $2.0 million for street infrastructure needs, to ensure that the city remained connected and accessible to all.

Next, they discussed the Budget Policy - Capital Spending for City Facilities. In a city as advanced as Eureka, it was essential to have state-of-the-art facilities that catered to the needs of both residents and visitors. The council decided to allocate a minimum of $1.0 million annually for the maintenance, improvement, and development of city facilities, making sure that they were safe, accessible, and functional.

However, as the meeting progressed, an unexpected twist occurred. Suddenly, the city’s automated defense system alerted the council to a potential threat approaching Eureka City. A fleet of alien ships had been detected on the outskirts of the city, heading towards the central core.

In a panic, the council members turned to Mayor Millar for guidance. With quick thinking, Mayor Millar activated the city’s emergency protocols, instructing the city’s defense systems to prepare for a potential attack. The council worked together, allocating additional resources and funds to bolster the city’s defense mechanisms.

As the alien ships drew closer, Eureka City sprang into action. The city’s advanced technology and well-maintained infrastructure allowed them to fend off the alien threat, protecting the residents and ensuring the city’s safety.

With the crisis averted, the council reconvened to revisit the budget policies. The events of that day had highlighted the importance of proper resource allocation and financial sustainability in ensuring the city’s survival in the face of unexpected challenges.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council unanimously approved the updated budget policies, recognizing the critical role they played in maintaining Eureka City’s status as a thriving and resilient metropolis. And with their sights set on the future, the council vowed to continue working together to build a brighter tomorrow for all who called Eureka City home.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report2.68 Budget Policy - Street Infrastructure Allocation 2.69 Budget Policy - Capital Spending for City Facilities


G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE

H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS

1. Capital Improvement Program 2025

The Eureka City Council is discussing the Capital Improvement Program 2025, which is a plan for various projects over the next five years. The program aims to improve the city’s infrastructure and facilities to provide better services and promote economic development. Projects in the program include things like buildings, information technology, and parks. The city plans to fund these projects through various sources like grants and taxes. The council is asked to receive a report on the program and adopt it. The program is an important tool for managing and budgeting for essential public improvement projects.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!

Title: Scooby Doo and the Case of the Haunted City Hall

[The episode begins with the Mystery Inc. gang driving through the streets of Eureka City. They notice that the city hall looks older than usual and is covered in cobwebs. Fred decides that they should investigate the mysterious activity surrounding the city hall.]

Velma: “According to the city council’s agenda, the city hall is supposed to undergo renovations as part of the Capital Improvement Program 2025. But it looks like no one has been working on it at all.”

Shaggy: “Like, maybe someone doesn’t want the renovations to happen. And they’re trying to scare everyone away from the city hall!”

[Scooby Doo nods in agreement while munching on a Scooby Snack.]

[Daphne spots a figure lurking in the shadows near the city hall.]

Daphne: “Look, guys! There’s someone over there!”

[Fred leads the gang towards the figure, but it quickly disappears into the darkness. They enter the city hall and are greeted by eerie noises and flickering lights.]

Fred: “Let’s split up and search for clues. We need to get to the bottom of this mystery.”

[As the gang splits up, Scooby and Shaggy hear a strange noise coming from the basement. They cautiously make their way down the stairs and discover a secret entrance to a hidden room.]

Shaggy: “R-R-Raggy, I think we found the culprit’s lair!”

[Scooby and Shaggy explore the hidden room and find blueprints for the city hall renovations. They also find evidence that someone has been sabotaging the construction work.]

Scooby: “Ruh-roh, Raggy! Rook at rhis!”

[Meanwhile, Velma, Daphne, and Fred uncover more clues on the upper floors of the city hall. They piece together the mystery and realize that the figure they saw earlier was trying to prevent the renovations from happening for their own gain.]

Velma: “It all makes sense now. The culprit wanted to stop the renovations so they could claim the funds for themselves.”

[Daphne spots the figure again and the gang chases after them. They corner the culprit and reveal their true identity.]

Fred: “And the culprit is… Jesse Willor, the City Engineer!”

Jesse: “I would’ve gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling kids!”

[The gang hands Jesse over to the authorities and the city hall renovations are completed successfully. The citizens of Eureka City celebrate the completion of the Capital Improvement Program 2025.]

Velma: “Another mystery solved, thanks to the Mystery Inc. gang!”

[The episode ends with Scooby and Shaggy enjoying a well-deserved meal at a local diner.]

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


2. General Fund Five Year Financial Forecast


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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