Hank Sims / Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 @ 11:08 a.m. / Agendizer
AGENDIZED! Rezoning Eureka’s Bayfront, Participatory Budgeting Results, Restoring Fish Passage Up as Far as the High School, and More at Tonight’s Eureka City Council Meeting
Eureka City Hall, where all the action will be. File photo: Andrew Goff.
We’re all sort of easing back into post-holiday life, and that goes double for the Eureka City Council, which in addition to presumably coming off sugar hangovers like the rest of us is also slowly bringing its two new members — G Mario Fernandez and Renee Contreras de Loach — up to speed. Fairly light agenda, in other words.
A couple of interesting items: City staff will be introducing a project to restore fish passage all the way up First Slough, a branch of Eureka Slough that travels through Cooper Gulch and all the way up toward the high school. The city put a big new fish-friendly culvert underneath Myrtle Avenue in 2019 — remember that, when Myrtle was all tore up for a while? — and the current proposal would remove barriers to fish passage in the Gulch and the Ross Park neighborhoods.
So they’ll be talking about that. They’ll also be continuing their revamp of the Coastal Land Use Plan that the city will eventually take to the Coastal Commission. Tonight they’ll be talking about changing the zoning status on a good amount of the city’s waterfront property. As it stands, according to the staff report, there are about 206 acres of the waterfront zoned for “Coastal Dependent Industrial” uses — meaning, that you can only build industry there, and what’s more you can only build industry that is somehow dependent on the water.
Problem is: Even with the current excitement around offshore wind and the like, there is way more land zoned for Coastal Dependent Industrial than anyone will likely find a use for. (Side note: This has been an issue for a long time all around the bay, not just in Eureka. See this Ryan Burns story from 2016 about the county looking to move some land on the peninsula out of CDI in order to spur development.) Most of the CDI zoning is a relic of the days when there were tons of industrial uses along the waterfront.
So city staff is proposing to take about 60 percent of those 206 acres and change the zoning on those parcels to allow for other uses — housing, maybe, or retail, or even industry that is not dependent on coastal shipping or fishing or something. And this will be discussed tonight.
What else? The results from the city’s first experiment in participatory budgeting are in. A panel of citizens was given $75,000 to spend on things to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and this panel has reached a consensus. They’d like to give the bulk of it — $45,000 — to citizens in need, in the form of rent and utility assistance for people who are down on their luck. The other $30,000 they divvy up this way:
- $10,000 for a public workshop on Tiny Home Villages and/or authorized campsites for the homeless.
- $10,000 for “rectangular rapid-flashing beacons,” or “RRFBs”, to be installed in the crosswalk at California and Wabash, to improve safe crossing there.
- Another $10,000 for a traffic-calming mural to be constructed on the ground at the intersection of Summer and 14th streets, by Mission Linen.
Those are the big-ticket items, to my eye! But the council will also do the annual ritual where it chooses which of its members serve as liaisons to various intergovernmental committees and commissions and such, which can sometimes be a hoot, I guess.
As for the rest of the meeting: Gennie, the Outpost’s agenda-running robot, will lay it all out for you below.
The Eureka City Council meets at 6 p.m. in Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street, Eureka. Zoom instructions here.
Eureka City Council
Jan. 3, 2023, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. National Mentoring Month - January 2023
DOCUMENTS:
2. Mental Health Initiative
B. PRESENTATIONS
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Lundbar Hils Southwood Unit #6 Development Agreement
EUREKA CITY COUNCIL is considering a proposal to extend a development agreement for Lundbar Hills Southwood Unit No. 6, which will add 56 lots for housing. This agreement will lock in existing regulations and policies for 10 years, making it easier to develop the land. The Planning Commission has recommended the City Council approve the agreement. They will make a decision after a public hearing.
— LoCOBot
Verse 1:
We got a plan for Lundbar Hills Southwood Unit No. 6,
A Development Agreement approved by the City Council.
Let’s get this project done and get our housing needs met,
We’ll make sure the plans are done, and our goals are set.
Chorus:
Let’s get this development underway,
And bring more housing to the bay.
Eureka City Council will make sure that it’s done right,
So let us continue to build and make this our sight.
Verse 2:
The CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration was written long ago,
We just need to make sure we keep the regulations in tow.
The Vesting Tentative Map we must extend,
So that the final map can be approved in the end.
Chorus:
Let’s get this development underway,
And bring more housing to the bay.
Eureka City Council will make sure that it’s done right,
So let us continue to build and make this our sight.
Bridge:
We got the City Council to extend the map and
discuss the Development Agreement.
Now we can build the housing we need,
so let’s get it done, and make our dreams come true.
Chorus:
Let’s get this development underway,
And bring more housing to the bay.
Eureka City Council will make sure that it’s done right,
So let us continue to build and make this our sight.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Bil No. 1024-C.S. (Revised) • Attachment 2 - Proposed Development Agreement • Attachment 3 - Planning Commission Resolution 2022-29 • Attachment 4 - Planning Commission Resolution 2007-01 (Revised) • Attachment 5 - Findings and Conditions, as Approved by Council in February 2007 • Attachment 6 - Planning Commission Resolution 2021-27 • Attachment 7 - Approved Vesting Tentative Map • Attachment 8 - Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program • Attachment 9 - Public Comments (Revised)
2. 2022-23 FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE
The Eureka City Council will discuss a fee schedule update for the 2022-23 school year. This update includes changes to fees for Community Services, Community Services - Sequoia Park Zoo, and Public Works - Finance/Engineering - Water and Sewer. There will be a public hearing before the council makes a decision and there will be no fiscal impact.
— LoCOBot
Good morning, church family!
Today, my sermon is about being financially responsible. We all know that money can be a source of stress and worry in our lives, but it doesn’t have to be.
Let’s take a look at the Eureka City Council’s agenda for the 2022-23 fee schedule update. The City Council has a goal of being financially responsible. They have assessed opportunities for revenue generation and proposed fee and wording changes for services in the community services, community services- Sequoia Park Zoo, and public works departments.
It is important to note that the City Council has calculated the actual cost of providing services and materials in each department and is proposing these changes accordingly. This is a great example of financial responsibility.
The Bible is filled with verses about money and our responsibility to use it wisely. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” This verse reminds us that it is important to be responsible with our finances and not to become too reliant on borrowing.
The Bible also tells us that our money can be a great blessing. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” This verse reminds us that our financial resources can be used to bless and help others.
My friends, being financially responsible is a key part of being a good steward of what God has given us. We should strive to make wise choices with our money and use it to bless others.
Let’s pray.
Father, we thank you for the blessing of money and for the responsibility of managing it wisely. Guide us in making wise decisions with our finances that honor and glorify You. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Resolution - Fee Schedule 22-23 1-3-23 • FY22-23 City of Eureka Fee Schedule Update 1-3-23
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
DOCUMENTS:
The Eureka City Council is discussing a resolution to approve the destruction of out-of-date and no longer useful public records in accordance with the California Government Code and the City’s Records and Retention Policy. The Office of the City Attorney has created a list of records to be destroyed. This agenda item does not have a fiscal impact.
— LoCOBot
Corrido
Eureka, la ciudad de la bahía,
está llena de historia y más allá.
El 3 de enero de 2023
la ciudad decidió destruir algunos documentos.
Christine López, la abogada,
presentó una recomendación
para destruir los documentos
que ya no eran de utilidad.
El gobierno de California
autorizó esta ley
y la ciudad de Eureka
estuvo de acuerdo.
Esta medida no tendrá
ningún impacto fiscal
y la ciudad aprobó la resolución
junto con los documentos adjuntos.
Todos los departamentos
estuvieron de acuerdo
en la destrucción de los documentos
y la ciudad los destruyó.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Resolution For Destruction of Records 2023 • Attachment 1 - 2023 Records for Destruction
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Request for Proposals – Consultant Services Contract
The Eureka City Council is looking to award a contract to GHD, Inc. in order to make improvements to the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant in order to comply with a Cease and Desist Order from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. The City Council is asking for an appropriation of $300,000 in Wastewater Reserve funds to account for the initial phase of work. If the contract is awarded to GHD, Inc. they will be tasked with conducting necessary studies, completing preliminary and final design, as well as bid phase services and conducting necessary meetings and workshops with City Staff. The City Council will review and vote on the contract award recommendation.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a science-fiction story!
It was the year 2029, and the residents of Eureka City were facing an environmental disaster. For years, the city had been operating an outdated wastewater treatment plant that had been bypassing secondary treatment in order to save money. But recently, Eureka City had been issued a cease and desist order from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and was now mandated to fully treat all wastewater before releasing it into the environment.
The City Council had been scrambling to find a solution, and had finally settled on hiring a consulting firm to help them improve the wastewater treatment plant. The consulting firm they chose was GHD, Inc., and the City Council had just approved their $995,000 contract.
But there was one catch: the RWQCB had mandated that the City had to achieve full compliance by July 1st of 2028. This meant that the City had to complete all necessary improvements to the wastewater treatment plant by then, or face hefty fines.
The City Council was confident that GHD, Inc. could help them meet this deadline, but they were still worried. What if the improvements weren’t enough? What if the RWQCB imposed even stricter regulations?
Little did the City Council know, their worries were about to become a reality. As GHD, Inc. began their work on the wastewater treatment plant, they discovered that a complete overhaul of the plant would be required in order to meet the RWQCB’s regulations. It would be an expensive and time-consuming process, but it was the only way to ensure compliance.
The City Council was faced with a difficult decision: go ahead with the expensive overhaul, or risk facing hefty fines from the RWQCB. In the end, the Council decided to go ahead with the overhaul, appropriating an additional $300,000 in wastewater reserve funds to cover the costs.
Now, it was up to GHD, Inc. to complete the improvements in time. It was an ambitious task, but they were determined to meet the RWQCB’s deadline and save Eureka City from the environmental disaster that loomed ahead.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
The Eureka City Council is discussing a reorganization of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. This reorganization includes de-allocating one Deputy City Engineer and allocating one additional Special Projects Manager and one additional Project Manager. The Inflow and Infiltration Manager will be reclassified to Associate Civil Engineer. This reorganization would require an additional budgetary appropriation of $110,000 annually.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an Elizabethan sonnet!
Though ‘tis a challenge to find the right staff,
For the City’s engineering division,
We have proposed a reorganization plan
To provide the projects due deference and respect.
We will deallocate one Deputy City Engineer
And allocate an extra Special Projects Manager,
As well as an additional Project Manager
To ensure our goals are met and ever seen.
We will reclassify the Infiltration Manager
To an Associate Civil Engineer,
And make sure the pay equity is correct
For a salary range of GC169.
Though the changes may cost us a bit of dough,
This plan will ensure our division’s success;
It’s a must for the City’s future to grow,
For with it, our vision will never regress.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Resolution_Engineering Reorg 2023.docx • Associate Civil Engineer 2023.pdf
G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. First Slough Fish Passage and Habitat Connectivity Project Presentation
The City of Eureka is presenting a project to restore fish passage and coastal habitat to First Slough, a tributary finger of the Eureka Slough. The project will make it easier for salmon to migrate upstream and also replace existing culverts at 14th Street and M Street. The City is coordinating with tribal officials regarding cultural resources and has invited the Cooper Gulch neighborhood group to learn about the project.
— LoCOBot
Chanson:
Nous sommes pour la conservation
La protection de l’environnement
Nous devons protéger la vie marine
Le passage des poissons à First Slough
Refrain:
Oh, Eureka City, Eureka City
Nous voulons la sécurité des poissons
Oh, Eureka City, Eureka City
Nous protégerons la nature pour toujours
Nous allons construire un passage
Pour les poissons qui nagent dans l’eau
C’est pour la conservation, c’est pour la nature
Pour le bien de la vie marine, nous allons l’assurer
Refrain:
Oh, Eureka City, Eureka City
Nous voulons la sécurité des poissons
Oh, Eureka City, Eureka City
Nous protégerons la nature pour toujours
Les poissons pourront nager librement
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
2. Participatory Budgeting Fiscal Year 2022-23
The Eureka City Council is directing staff to implement projects and programs focused on housing and traffic safety, which were chosen by members of the community through a Participatory Budgeting process. The top five projects that will be implemented are rental assistance, utility assistance,a tiny home/authorized encampment workshop, RRFBs California x Wabash, and an intersection mural at Summer X W 14th. These projects will cost a total of $75,000 and will be implemented at various points throughout the year.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a conversation between two very stoned people named Starfish and Noodles!
Starfish: Wow, man. That’s a lot of information. What do you make of it?
Noodles: Well, it looks like the city council is recommending that staff implement some projects and programs that were prioritized by members of the community.
Starfish: Yeah, I see that. It looks like they’re focusing on housing and traffic safety.
Noodles: Right. And it looks like they have five projects they want to implement that have been voted on by the community.
Starfish: What kind of projects are they?
Noodles: Well, there’s rental assistance, utility assistance, a tiny home/authorized encampment workshop, RRFBs California x Wabash, and an intersection mural summer x W. 14th.
Starfish: That’s pretty cool. It’s awesome that the city is listening to the community and implementing these projects.
Noodles: Yeah, definitely. Maybe it will make a difference.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
3. Coastal Land Use Plan, Review Session 4
The Eureka City Council is reviewing the Coastal Land Use Plan at this meeting, which is the fourth document review session. They are looking for feedback on the draft Land Use and Development Chapter and the reclassification of coastal dependent industrial sites. They are discussing the policies and regulations that will be put in place to protect the coastal zone and the land use designations for the coastal zone. They will be submitting the new LUP Coastal Element to the Coastal Commission for certification and amending the Coastal Zoning Code.
— LoCOBot
… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!
It was a crisp winter morning in Eureka City as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew of the USS Enterprise arrived to attend the City Council meeting. They had been summoned by the City Council to offer their expertise in the matter of the Coastal Land Use Plan, which had been a subject of debate in the city for months.
As the crew entered the council chamber, they were greeted by a warm applause. The Mayor of Eureka City welcomed them and thanked them for coming. After the pleasantries were exchanged, the council began to discuss the plan.
Cristin Kenyon, the Principal Planner, introduced the plan. She explained that the plan was to replace the outdated 1997 General Plan, and that it would include portions of the existing 2040 General Plan, as well as additional policies necessary to carry out the California Coastal Act.
The crew of the USS Enterprise listened intently as Kenyon went through the document, discussing the seven sections of the plan: Community Places, Land Use Designations, Community Form and Character, Coastal Core Area, Coastal-Dependent Development, Agriculture, and Public Works.
As the discussion continued, Captain Picard and Commander Data offered their opinions and insights. Picard offered his opinion on the importance of protecting the coastal resources, while Data discussed the technical aspects of the plan and its potential effects on the local ecosystem.
The City Council was impressed with the crew’s knowledge and thanked them for their input. After the meeting, the crew of the USS Enterprise departed, satisfied that they had made a difference in the city.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Draft Land Use and Development Chapter (REVISED) • Attachment 2 - Draft CDI Land Use Reclassifications
4. Mayor Pro-Tem
5. Mayor and Council Memberships on Boards, Commissions, Committees, Sub-committees, and
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
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