Isabella Vanderheiden / @ 1:07 p.m. / Agendizer

TONIGHT IN CITY COUNCIL: 220 Eureka Property Owners Owe Nearly $108K in Unpaid Garbage and Recycling Fees

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After a string of contentious, marathon meetings, the Eureka City Council is in store for a light agenda this week, with just one action item on the docket: A public hearing on unpaid garbage and recycling fees. 

Nearly 220 Eureka property owners collectively owe $107,893.56 in unpaid garbage and recycling fees to Recology Humboldt County, with debts ranging between $3.90 and $11,743.78 per parcel, according to the Report of 2024 Fees for Garbage and Recycling Collection. Of the entries on that list, 17 parcels have accrued more than $1,000 in delinquent fees. Some of the parcels listed are home to vacant storefronts, such as the former Party City location on Broadway, while others include addresses for local businesses, single- and multi-family homes.

Property owners whose accounts have been delinquent for more than 60 days were sent a final notice from Recology, which was followed by a mailer from the city notifying them of tonight’s public hearing and a pending city council resolution that could result in a lien against their property.

“Delinquent accounts that are not paid within 20 days of confirmation by the City Council shall constitute a special assessment as a lien against the property taxes,” the staff report states. “The amount due and $1 per APN charge will be assessed on each property. The assessment would be acquired by filing a lien with the County Auditor to collect the amount owed to the franchise hauler with annual property taxes.”

As always, residents will have a chance to speak on the item during the public comment period. If you can’t make it to tonight’s public hearing in person, click here for instructions on how to attend via Zoom.

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Other than that, the city council will consider a few items on the consent calendar and receive a report on the local Child Care Needs Assessment. Find the full agenda, with our Agendabot’s item summaries, below. The Eureka City Council meets at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street, Eureka.


Eureka City Council
June 3, 2025, 6 p.m.

A. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Child Care Needs Assessment


B. PRESENTATIONS

C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Public Hearing and Resolution Confirming and Ordering Special Assessments for Unpaid Garbage and Recycling Collection Fees

The Eureka City Council is having a public hearing to address unpaid garbage and recycling collection fees. The Community Services Department is recommending that the Council hold a hearing to hear objections or protests, adjust fees if necessary, and adopt a resolution for fee collection. If fees remain unpaid, they will be added to property taxes as a special assessment. Property owners have been notified and have the opportunity to present objections at the hearing. The Council will file liens against properties with unpaid fees.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!

EPISODE TITLE: “Trash Trouble in Eureka City”

SCENE 1:
The gang is driving through Eureka City, on their way to visit Velma’s cousin who lives there. As they drive through the city, they notice piles of trash and recycling overflowing on the streets. Velma explains to the rest of the gang that there seems to be a problem with garbage and recycling collection in the city.

SCENE 2:
They arrive at Velma’s cousin’s house, only to find out that he has received a notice of a special assessment for unpaid garbage and recycling fees. Velma’s cousin is in disbelief, as he claims to have paid his bills on time. The gang decides to investigate the situation further.

SCENE 3:
The gang splits up to gather more information. Velma goes to the Community Services Department to speak with Robin Praszker, who prepared the agenda for the City Council meeting. Robin explains to Velma that there have been several delinquent accounts for garbage and recycling collection in the city, leading to the need for a special assessment.

SCENE 4:
Meanwhile, Shaggy and Scooby visit the franchise hauler to gather more information about the delinquent accounts. They end up getting lost in a maze of garbage bins, but eventually stumble upon a clue - a receipt for a large sum of money paid by someone who isn’t a resident of Eureka City.

SCENE 5:
After regrouping, the gang puts the pieces of the puzzle together. They realize that someone has been deliberately tampering with the garbage and recycling collection accounts, paying off certain accounts to avoid detection while leaving others unpaid. This has caused chaos in the city and led to the special assessment.

SCENE 6:
With this new information, the gang heads back to City Hall to confront the culprit. They attend the City Council meeting where the special assessment is being discussed, and unveil the mystery behind the delinquent accounts. The culprit is revealed to be a former employee of the franchise hauler, who was trying to sabotage the system for personal gain.

SCENE 7:
The City Council votes to dismiss the special assessment and make things right for all the innocent residents who were affected. The culprit is taken into custody by the authorities, and the city can finally go back to normal with proper garbage and recycling collection services.

SCENE 8:
As they drive out of Eureka City, Velma’s cousin thanks the gang for their help in solving the mystery. The gang shares a laugh and continues on their journey to their next adventure, leaving behind a cleaner and happier Eureka City.

THE END

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report25-6-3 Special Assessment Resolution Report of 2024 Fees for Garbage and Recycling Collection


F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Council Minutes

2. Lateral Replacement Project 2025

The City of Eureka is looking to replace around 70 sewer pipes and has chosen Mobley Construction as the contractor for the job. The project is estimated to cost $1,075,000, with $875,000 coming from fees paid by property owners and the remaining $200,000 covered by the city’s funds. The project has been reviewed and recommended for approval by city staff.

— LoCOBot

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

Are you tired of dealing with costly repairs and managing contractors for your sewer laterals? Look no further than Mobley Construction for all your lateral replacement needs! With our competitive pricing and high-quality work, we make the process smooth and hassle-free for property owners in the City of Eureka.

Our team has been awarded the Annual Lateral Replacement Project 2025, providing a cost-effective solution for property owners to ensure their sewer systems are up to code. With over 70 sewer laterals to be replaced, you can trust Mobley Construction to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Don’t let the stress of sewer lateral replacement weigh you down - choose Mobley Construction for all your construction needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you save time and money on your lateral replacement project.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


3. Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant - Wet Weather Improvements Project 2025 - Construction Management Services - Award

The Eureka City Council is recommending to award a contract to Rinehart Engineering, LLC for construction management services for the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant Wet Weather Improvements Project. This project aims to eliminate secondary treatment bypassing at the plant to comply with regulations. The funding for the project will come from a planned debt issuance from the Wastewater Fund. The City Council has already awarded a construction contract for the project.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an insane conspiracy theory!

Conspiracy Theory: The City of Eureka’s Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant (ERWWTP) project is not actually about improving wastewater treatment, but rather a front for a secretive government experiment. The project, funded by a planned debt issuance of $13 million, is being used to cover up the development of advanced mind control technology. Rinehart Engineering, LLC, the selected proposer for construction management services, is actually a front company for a shadowy government organization involved in mind control research.

The Cease and Desist Order issued by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is just a cover story to explain the need for the project. In reality, the goal is to create a system that can manipulate the thoughts and actions of the city’s residents. The construction work at the ERWWTP is just a facade for the installation of mind control devices hidden within the infrastructure.

The City Council’s approval of the project and the awarding of the construction contract to McCullough Construction Inc. are all part of the government’s plan to control the population through subliminal messaging and psychological manipulation. The budget for the project is intentionally inflated to cover up the true purpose of the experiment and prevent any unwanted attention.

In the end, the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant project is not about improving the city’s infrastructure, but rather a sinister plot to turn the citizens of Eureka into unwitting test subjects in a government mind control experiment. Stay vigilant, Eureka residents, for the truth is being hidden right under your noses.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


4. Remove Parking Indentures Between 3011 G Street and the Properties at 3005 G and 611 Harris Streets

This is a proposal to remove parking agreements between three properties in Eureka. The city staff recommends that the City Council approve the removal because they have met the necessary conditions, and state law no longer enforces minimum parking requirements in that area. The Planning Commission has already recommended the removal, and the properties are close to a major transit stop. The removal will allow for a garage project to move forward.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between two very stoned people named Starfish and Noodles!

Starfish: Hey Noodles, have you seen this agenda for the Eureka City Council meeting?

Noodles: Dude, I can’t even read right now. What’s it about?

Starfish: It’s about removing parking indentures between some properties on G Street and Harris Street.

Noodles: Parking indentures? What even is that?

Starfish: I think it’s like a parking agreement between different properties. They want to remove it to build a new garage.

Noodles: Ohh, gotcha. So, they need approval from the Planning Commission and City Council?

Starfish: Yeah, exactly. The Planning Commission already recommended it, and now it’s up to the City Council to approve it.

Noodles: Man, this is some serious stuff. But I guess it makes sense with the new law about parking requirements near transit stops.

Starfish: Yeah, it’s all about effective governance, man. They gotta follow the rules.

Noodles: Totally, man. I’m just glad I’m not the one making these decisions. Let’s just stick to enjoying our high for now.

Starfish: Agreed, dude. Let’s just chill and let the City Council handle the parking stuff. Peace out.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Planning Commission Resolution 2025-06 Attachment 2 - Parking Indentures


5. Destruction of Records

The Eureka City Council is considering a resolution to request the destruction of 134 police personnel records that are 5 or more years old. This is in accordance with government codes and City policy on records retention. There is no financial impact associated with this request.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

As Jacqueline Tagaropoulos, the Police Analyst for the Eureka Police Department, prepared the agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of bittersweetness. The destruction of records was a routine task, but it also marked the end of an era for many of the officers whose files were to be destroyed.

Among the 134 personnel records slated for destruction, one stood out to Jacqueline - that of the handsome and mysterious Detective Ryan Matthews. She remembered him well from her time working closely with the department, his piercing blue eyes and rugged good looks leaving a lasting impression on her.

As the meeting began, Jacqueline found herself unable to focus on anything but the impending decision to destroy Ryan’s file. She knew that once those records were gone, there would be no turning back. And with each passing moment, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was losing something precious.

When the agenda item finally came up for discussion, Jacqueline’s heart raced as she listened to the council members debate the merits of destroying the records. She knew she had to speak up, to make her voice heard in defense of Ryan’s file.

But as she stood to address the council, her eyes met Ryan’s across the room. And in that moment, Jacqueline knew that she couldn’t let go of the memories they shared. She couldn’t let his file be destroyed, not when their love story was still waiting to be written.

With a new sense of determination, Jacqueline made her case to the council, pleading with them to preserve Ryan’s file and the memories it contained. And as the council members deliberated, Jacqueline felt a glimmer of hope that they would see things her way.

In the end, the council voted to preserve Ryan’s file, citing his exemplary service to the department and the community. And as Jacqueline walked out of the meeting, she knew that she had saved more than just a piece of paper - she had saved a piece of her heart.

And as she looked up at the stars twinkling overhead, Jacqueline knew that the future held endless possibilities for her and Ryan. Their love story was just beginning, and she couldn’t wait to see where it would take them next.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportResolution_2025


6. New Finance Classifications

The Eureka City Council is considering adding new job classifications to the Finance Department to better manage the city’s finances. They are proposing to create positions for Financial Systems & Compliance Administrator, Contract Compliance Specialist, and Procurement Specialist I/II. These new positions will help with staffing projects and recruitment challenges. The costs for these positions are already included in the budget and the council is being asked to approve the new classifications.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a town crier's speech!

Hear ye, hear ye! Citizens of Eureka, lend me your ears as I bring forth important news regarding the City Council’s agenda.

Tonight, the City Council will be discussing a proposal from the Human Resources Department, prepared by Emily Kitna, the Human Resources Manager. The recommendation on the table is to adopt a resolution to add new classifications to the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan.

The proposed additions include the roles of Financial Systems & Compliance Administrator, Contract Compliance Specialist, and Procurement Specialist I/II. These positions are crucial for the efficient functioning of the Finance Department, which oversees various financial responsibilities of the City, such as managing investments, payroll, accounts payable, debt financing, and revenue billing.

To address staffing needs and recruitment challenges, the department is looking to reallocate existing positions and create new ones. The goal is to enhance the department’s capabilities and bring necessary expertise in-house rather than relying on external contractors.

The proposed compensation for these new positions is in line with the City’s overall compensation plan, ensuring fairness and consistency across the board. The costs associated with these new classifications are already included in the budget for the upcoming fiscal years.

In conclusion, the City Council will be considering these important changes to bolster the Finance Department and better serve the citizens of Eureka. Let us support their decision to modernize and improve our city’s financial operations. Thank you, and may Eureka continue to thrive under the guidance of our dedicated public officials. That is all for now, goodbye!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportResolution_New Finance Classifications Contract Compliance Specialist Financial Systems & Compliance Administrator Procurement Specialist


7. Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account for Fiscal Year 2025/26

The Eureka City Council is recommending a list of road maintenance projects to be funded by the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The funds for these projects come from new vehicle registration fees and fuel taxes. The projects include pavement rehabilitation and improvements to various streets in the city. The City must report after the fact on which projects were completed to ensure the funds are spent appropriately. The projects are scheduled to begin in the spring/summer of 2025 and be completed by the fall of 2025.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

“I tell ya, I went to a City Council meeting the other day. They were talking about the road maintenance and rehabilitation account for the upcoming fiscal year. Even the projects have a fiscal impact! I don’t get no respect, I tell ya!”

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportResolution - RMRA FY 25-26


G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE

H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS

J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS

L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED

M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS


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