Isabella Vanderheiden / Monday, Jan. 5 @ 1:43 p.m. / Agendizer
Eureka City Council to Revisit Controversial Police Drone Proposal at This Week’s Meeting
Photo by Jason Mavrommatis via Unsplash.
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Should the Eureka Police Department use drones to aid in law enforcement operations?
At this week’s meeting, the Eureka City Council will consider a proposal that, if approved, would allow EPD to research the use of a drone, or “unmanned aerial system,” program to assist the department during critical incidents. The proposal, submitted by EPD Chief Brian Stephens, emphasizes that the department is seeking the council’s permission to look into a drone program, not to implement one.
“At this stage, EPD is not requesting approval to acquire or deploy drones, but only to conduct research into available technology, costs, training, operational needs, and community impact,” the staff report states. If EPD’s request is granted, the proposal would be subject to additional review by the city council, as well as the Community Oversight on Police Practices (COPP) board and OIR Group, the city’s independent police auditor.
The council was set to discuss the proposed drone program back in October, but the item was removed from the agenda on the morning of the meeting. The city’s press release did not indicate why the item was pulled, but it may have had something to do with a call to action issued by Demilitarize HumCo, which called the proposal “another step toward militarized policing” and asserted that the drones could potentially “monitor residents’ daily lives, track movements, and collect data on all civilians.”
Stephens, however, maintains that the use of drones would “enhance officer and community safety by providing real-time situational awareness and supporting de-escalation during critical incidents.”
EPD has borrowed the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office’s drone to search for missing people or to assist in negotiations during mental health crises involving potentially armed individuals. A little over a year ago, the department used a drone to communicate directly with a distraught person who was threatening to jump off the Eureka water tower. EPD has also used drones during standoff situations to search structures for armed barricaded suspects before sending in officers.
Still, the proposal raises a lot of questions. For starters, what exactly would these drones be capable of? Commercial drones — including those available at Costco or Walmart — are often equipped with high-resolution cameras and built-in mics, but would these drones come with more advanced technology, like thermal sensors and facial recognition software? How many drones would EPD have in its arsenal? And how much would this investment cost the city?
Stephens couldn’t say. He told the Outpost that the department can’t conduct any research into the use of drones until it receives direct approval from the city council. However, he did note that failing to invest in innovative technology could “[take] away opportunities to solve crimes faster, respond to emergencies smarter, and protect those who rely on us the most.”
“From the phones we carry (mini computers in our pockets) to social media, online banking, bill paying, research, medical records, and the way we receive our news, technology shapes how we live, connect, and stay informed. Policing is no different,” Stephens wrote in an emailed response to our inquiry. “For the Eureka Police Department to meet the expectations of our community, we must be equipped with the tools and technology that allow us to respond effectively, share critical information, and keep both our officers and residents safe.”
“When we fail to invest in technology, we’re not just limiting innovation — we’re limiting safety,” he added.
Demilitarize HumCo is, once again, calling on the community to oppose EPD’s request to research the drone program. A draft letter posted to the organization’s website claims that the “proposal endangers resident privacy by enabling constant, citywide surveillance, fundamentally changing how public space is experienced and monitored. … The risks to personal freedom and community trust are significant and long-lasting.”
While the details of the proposed program are still unclear, there is nothing in the staff report that indicates drones would be used for “constant, citywide surveillance.”
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What else is on deck for Tuesday’s meeting? Find the full agenda, with our Agendabot’s item summaries, below.
The Eureka City Council will meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street. Want to watch/participate remotely? Instructions here.
Eureka City Council
Jan. 6, 2026, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Home for the Holidays Awards
2. Web Accessibility Presentation
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
DOCUMENTS:
2. City Attorney Services Agreement
DOCUMENTS:
3. Mayor's Appointments to Boards and Commissions
This document is about approving the Mayor’s appointments to various Boards and Commissions in the city. The recommendation is to approve the appointments, which have term dates listed for each person appointed. The document also includes information about the fiscal impact and the council’s goals/strategic vision of effective governance.
— LoCOBot
Come gather ‘round, ye councilmen bold
To decide on the Mayor’s appointments we hold
For the boards and commissions of this fair city
All with terms set to last long and gritty
Art & Culture Commission, Monica and Susan
Their reappointment has been chosen
To bring creativity to every street
Their passion for art can’t be beat
Design Review and Economic Development
Kassidy, Jade, Chris, Aubrey, and Rebecca sent
To ensure the city’s growth and design
Will be top notch and oh so fine
Energy Committee and Finance Advisory
With George and Jack, their wisdom soary
To keep our city running smooth
Their expertise, we highly approve
Historic Preservation and Housing Authority
With Bruce, Renee, Kali, and Bonnie in a flurry
To maintain the past and build the future
Their dedication, we can’t refute
Open Space, Parks & Rec, and Personnel Board
Melody, Sarah, Carol, Shelley, and Jack onboard
To keep our green spaces clean and well
Their care for the city’s beauty, they excel
Planning Commission and Transportation Safety
With Delo, Meredith, and Caroline, so sprightly
Their vision for the city’s growth and safety
Their commitment, unmatched greatly
So let’s raise a toast to these appointed few
For their service to the city, so true
May they guide us with wisdom and care
As we sail through the challenges we share
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
4. Pavement Rehabilitation 2024 Bid No. 2024-17 - Acceptance
The Eureka City Council is recommending accepting the Pavement Rehabilitation 2024 Project, which includes road rehabilitation and pedestrian improvements on certain streets. The project was awarded to Mercer-Fraser Company and funded through Measure H, Gas Tax, and other sources. The total construction cost for the project was $2,313,772.61. Staff recommends accepting the project and filing a notice of completion.
— LoCOBot
As the sun began to set over Eureka City, a sense of unease began to settle over the streets that had just been renovated as part of the Pavement Rehabilitation 2024 Project. The fresh asphalt and painted lines seemed to gleam ominously under the fading light.
Jay Wortelboer, the Project Manager, had felt a sense of relief as the project had finally come to completion. But as he walked through the now deserted streets, a feeling of dread began to gnaw at him. It was as if the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
As he passed by Harris Street, he could have sworn he heard a faint whispering coming from the newly painted bike lanes. Brushing it off as his imagination, he quickened his pace, wanting to get back to the safety of his office.
But as he reached the intersection of H Street and Oak Street, he was stopped dead in his tracks. Standing in the middle of the road was a figure, silhouetted against the dim light of the street lamps. It was a cyclist, their body unnaturally twisted, their eyes empty and staring.
Jay’s breath caught in his throat as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. The figure began to move towards him, their movements jerky and unnatural. Panic surged through Jay as he turned to run, only to find more figures emerging from the shadows, their movements coordinated and sinister.
As he ran through the deserted streets, the whispers grew louder, echoing off the freshly paved pavement. The once pristine roads now seemed to warp and shift, creating a maze of nightmares that Jay couldn’t escape.
Finally reaching his office, Jay slammed the door shut behind him, trying to catch his breath. But as he looked out the window, he saw the figures standing outside, their empty eyes fixed on him. And then, in unison, they began to move towards the building, their movements synchronized and haunting.
Jay knew then that the Pavement Rehabilitation 2024 Project had awoken something dark and malevolent in the city. And as the figures closed in on his office, their whispers filling the air, he realized that he was now a part of a horror story that he could never escape from.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. C.A.P.E. Division Allocations
The Eureka City Council is considering reclassifying positions within the Human Resources department to better support a new program called C.A.P.E. The recommendation is to de-allocate one position and allocate another position to better manage and staff the new program. This change will not have a significant impact on the budget. The goal of the program is to provide resources and opportunities for all members of the community, regardless of their income or living situation. The proposal is to improve outreach and support for the community.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!
CAMPAIGN TITLE: The C.A.P.E. Quest
CAMPAIGN SUMMARY:
The City Council of Eureka has approved a resolution to reclassify positions within the C.A.P.E. Division of the Finance Department. As a result, a new Program Coordinator position has been created to help expand the community access project and provide more resources and opportunities to all residents of Eureka. However, as the new Program Coordinator takes on their role, they discover that there are dark forces at play in the city that threaten to disrupt the harmony and peace that the C.A.P.E. Division works so hard to maintain. It is up to a group of brave adventurers to uncover the truth behind these forces and protect the city from harm.
SETTING:
The campaign is set in the bustling city of Eureka, where the C.A.P.E. Division is based. The city is known for its diverse population and strong sense of community, but recent events have thrown this peace into disarray.
QUESTS AND MISSIONS:
1. Investigate strange occurrences around the city that seem to be connected to the new Program Coordinator position.
2. Uncover the true intentions of a mysterious group that seeks to undermine the work of the C.A.P.E. Division.
3. Protect key figures within the division from harm and prevent them from being manipulated by outside forces.
4. Discover the source of the dark magic that is seeping into the city and find a way to stop it before it’s too late.
NPCS (Non-Player Characters):
1. Emily Kitna, Deputy Director of Human Resources - oversees the reclassification of positions within the C.A.P.E. Division.
2. Program Coordinator - the newly appointed staff member who unwittingly becomes entangled in a sinister plot.
3. City Council Members - trusted leaders of the city who support the work of the C.A.P.E. Division.
4. Mysterious Figures - shadowy individuals who seem to be working against the C.A.P.E. Division and have their own agenda.
REWARDS:
1. Advancement in rank within the C.A.P.E. Division.
2. Access to powerful magical items that can aid in the fight against dark forces.
3. Recognition and praise from the city for saving them from impending disaster.
4. The opportunity to shape the future of Eureka and ensure that all residents have access to the resources they need.
Are you ready to join the quest and protect the city of Eureka from harm? The fate of the community rests in your hands.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
6. Authorize Phase 2 Architect for Eureka Operations Complex
The City Council of Eureka is considering authorizing a contract with an architect for the Phase 2 design of the Eureka Operations Complex. The project aims to construct public works facilities and ensure safety from natural disasters. The current architect firm has struggled to stay within budget, so the Council is looking to hire a new firm, Nichols Melburg and Rossetto, for the Phase 2 design services. The recommended amount for the contract is $585,000, and the Council will need to approve this authorization.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a text thread between three teenage mean girls!
Kaylee: Ugh, did you guys see this boring agenda for the Eureka City Council? Like, who even cares about designing a stupid Operations Complex?
Brianna: Right? Like, can we talk about something actually interesting for once? This is a total snooze fest.
Madison: I know, right? Who even reads this stuff? I’m sure the only people who care are those nerdy engineers and architects.
Kaylee: Seriously, like do we really need to know all the details about the construction costs and design alternatives? I’d rather gossip about who’s dating who.
Brianna: Totally, like who cares about budget allocations and fiscal impacts? Let’s talk about something juicy instead of this lame city council agenda.
Madison: Agreed, let’s talk about something actually important and interesting. This agenda is giving me major eye roll vibes. Can we just move on to more exciting topics already?
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
H. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
I. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
1. 2025 California Building Standards Code
The city council is recommending to update the Eureka Municipal Code to align with the new 2025 California Building Standards Code. This update does not have a significant impact on the environment and the council is advised to waive the full reading and adopt the ordinance.
— LoCOBot
… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!
Listen up, City Council! The Chief Building Official, Brendan Reilly, is here to present a recommendation that will update our building standards code. We’re talking about amending the Eureka Municipal Code to align with the 2025 California Title 24 Code of Regulations Building Standards Code. And guess what? It’s time to waive full reading, read by title only, and adopt Bill No. 1052-C.S. Don’t bother discussing it, just do what we say!
And for all you environmental worriers out there, relax. This update won’t have a significant effect on the environment, so we’re good to go. So, City Council, it’s time to show some effective governance and prioritize health & safety. Waive that reading, adopt that ordinance, and let’s get building!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Bill No. 1052-C.S. • Attachment 2 - Track Changes Edits to Existing Ordinance
2. Amendment to Eureka Municipal Code 92.02 (California Fire Code Amendments)
The City Council is considering a change to the Eureka Municipal Code related to updates to the California Fire Code. The proposed amendment aims to make it easier to keep the code current without needing to update it every three years. The change will not have a significant impact on the environment. The staff recommends waiving the full reading and adopting the new amendment.
— LoCOBot
In the bustling city of Eureka, where magic and technology coexist in harmony, the City Council convened for an important discussion on an amendment to the Eureka Municipal Code regarding the California Fire Code. The Department of Development Services had prepared a recommendation to waive full reading and adopt Bill No. 1053-C.S., which would amend Title 9, Chapter 90, Section 92.02 of the Municipal Code.
As the council members gathered in the grand chamber, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The council’s goal of effective governance and ensuring the health and safety of the city’s inhabitants was at the forefront of their minds. The discussion began, with the council members delving into the details of the proposed amendment.
It was explained that every three years, the California Building Standards Commission released an updated Building Standards Code for jurisdictions to adopt. The Humboldt Bay Fire Joint Powers Authority’s local amendments to the Fire Code were codified in Eureka Municipal Code Section 92.02. However, the current wording of the section tied it to a specific edition of the California Fire Code, requiring triennial updates.
To streamline the process and ensure accuracy without the need for frequent updates, staff recommended replacing the year-specific reference with a cross-reference to the section of the Eureka Municipal Code where the City adopted the California Building Standards Code. This approach would keep Section 92.02 current with each code cycle and eliminate the need for frequent amendments.
As the discussion continued, the council considered the fiscal impact, environmental implications, and the staff’s recommendation to waive full reading and adopt the ordinance. It was determined that the Text Amendment was not likely to have a significant effect on the environment, as it simply updated code references to align with existing Municipal Code sections.
After careful consideration, a council member made the motion to waive full reading, read by title only, and introduce Bill No. 1053-C.S. The motion was seconded, and the council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance, amending Title 9, Chapter 90, Section 92.02 of the Eureka Municipal Code.
With the amendment now in effect, the city of Eureka continued to thrive under the vigilant eye of the City Council, ensuring the safety and well-being of all who called Eureka home. And so, the magic and technology of the city intertwined once more, creating a harmonious balance in the enchanted streets of Eureka.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Bill No. 1053-C.S. • Attachment 2 - Track Changes Edits to the Existing Ordinance
J. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. Request to Begin Research of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Program
The Eureka City Council is considering starting a program to use drones for the Police Department. They want to research how drones can help with safety and emergencies in the city. The Police Chief will present a proposal to the community for feedback before deciding whether to implement the drone program. This research phase will not cost any money.
— LoCOBot
… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!
As the Eureka City Council discussed the potential implementation of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program, a familiar figure appeared on their viewscreen. Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the starship Enterprise was requesting a meeting with Chief of Police Brian Stephens to discuss the advantages of utilizing UAS technology for law enforcement.
Chief Stephens was surprised and intrigued by the unexpected contact from Starfleet. He quickly arranged a meeting with Captain Picard, who beamed down to Eureka to explain the benefits of incorporating UAS into the police department.
Picard spoke passionately about the capabilities of Starfleet’s advanced UAS technology, highlighting its ability to enhance officer safety, provide real-time situational awareness, and aid in de-escalating critical incidents. He emphasized that, just like in space exploration, collaboration and innovation were key to success in law enforcement.
Inspired by Picard’s words, Chief Stephens and his team began researching the best UAS equipment and software for their department. They identified funding sources, assessed training requirements, and developed comprehensive operational policies in line with Starfleet and Federation guidelines.
With the approval of the City Manager, Chief Stephens presented a full program proposal to the Community Oversight on Police Practices board and the Independent Police Auditor. Their feedback was positive, recognizing the potential benefits of implementing a UAS program in Eureka.
After incorporating community and oversight input, Chief Stephens returned to the City Council with a formal request to implement the UAS program. The Council approved the request, excited to see how this cutting-edge technology would enhance public safety in their city.
As the first UAS was deployed in Eureka, Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise watched from orbit, proud to see the principles of cooperation and progress being upheld on Earth. The future of law enforcement in Eureka was looking brighter with the guidance of Starfleet and the spirit of exploration leading the way.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
4. Mayor Pro-Tem
K. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
L. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
M. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
CLICK TO MANAGE