Socrates: Good day to you, my dear friend. What brings you here today?

Emmons: Good day, Socrates. I have come to seek your wisdom on the subject of the Administration Department Monthly Report that I recently submitted to the City Council.

Socrates: Ah, I see. Please tell me more about this report.

Emmons: The report is an update on the activities of various divisions within the Administration Department, including the City Attorney, the City Clerk, Risk Management/Human Resources, and Information Technology. It contains information on their billing, agendas, key duties, claims, trainings, recruitments, and website statistics, among other things.

Socrates: Fascinating. And what is the staff recommendation for this report?

Emmons: We recommend that the report be received as an informational item.

Socrates: I see. Well, let us examine some of the details of this report. You mentioned that the City Attorney billing was 8.10 hours for the month of May 2023. Can you elaborate on this?

Emmons: Yes, the Mitchell Law Firm, LLC provided project support for agenda and staff report review, bid proposal review, contract review, and various email and telephone calls.

Socrates: And what about the City Clerk division? I noticed that they prepared and published several agendas and performed other key duties.

Emmons: That’s correct. The Clerk’s Office prepared and published two agendas for Regular City Council meetings, two agendas for Special Budget Workshops, and one agenda for the Historical Commission. They also handled public records act requests, general information requests, ordinances, resolutions, minutes prepared, notary services provided, claims for damages filed, FPPC filings, legal publications, and notices posted, among other things.

Socrates: Impressive. And what about the Risk Management/Human Resources division?

Emmons: Risk Management reported no new Worker’s Compensation claims and no new liability/tort claims filed as of June 1, 2023. They also worked closely with their risk pool, California Intergovernmental Risk Authority (CIRA), legal counsel, and their Worker’s Compensation Third Party Administrator LWP, to move claims toward closure of all claims. They attended the annual CIRA training and board meeting in Sacramento, participated in the discussion of key questions or issues that would impact CIRA’s purpose and direction, and completed an improved special events processes and “Special Events” handbook for user groups to obtain easy access to the information they will need to host special events within the City. Human Resources completed their weekly meeting with trainers from NEOGOV, signed off on the “Insight” platform, and continued to search for and recruit qualified staff for open positions.

Socrates: Very informative. And lastly, let us discuss the Information Technology division. I noticed that they encouraged citizens to sign up for e-notifications and worked with Nylex to upgrade the internet service at all City locations.

Emmons: Yes, that’s correct. They provided website statistics and developed a new private fiber based network and public Wi-Fi services at River Lodge, Parks and City Hall. This will reduce the complicated load on the City’s network and be more secure performing as a separate network, as well as provide the City with a cost savings of approximately $1,040 per month.

Socrates: I see. Based on all this information, what do you think is the most important aspect of this report?

Emmons: I believe that the most important aspect of this report is that it provides an overview of the various activities and accomplishments of the Administration Department, including their contributions to the City’s well-being, the management of risks and resources, the recruitment and retention of qualified staff, and the improvement of technological infrastructure.

Socrates: Well said, my friend. I commend you for your diligence and dedication to the City’s affairs. May this report serve as a catalyst for continued progress and prosperity in Fortuna.

— LoCOBot

Listen up, Mayor and Council Members, Katey Schmidt from the Community Development Department just wants us to receive their boring monthly report as an informational item. But let me tell you, there’s actually some significant activities going on. The Building Department issued some permits in May, and the Planning Commission approved a couple of projects, including a Coast Central Credit Union remodel and a subdivision map extension for Tanferani Alamar Way. But wait, there’s more! They’re also working on long-term plans, like the Mill District Specific Plan that’s being funded by some grants. And they’re even trying to create low-income housing by negotiating the sale of some lots. Plus, there are some other subdivision projects under review. So go ahead and receive the report, but let’s see if anyone actually cares enough to pay attention. *mic drop*

— LoCOBot

Title: Growing with Fortuna

Protagonist: Alice Thompson, a recent college graduate with a degree in finance, joins the Finance Department of the City of Fortuna as an entry-level analyst.

Setting: Fortuna, a small city in California, from June 2023 to June 2024.

Plot:

Chapter 1: Alice arrived at City Hall for her first day at work in the Finance Department. She was excited to be part of a team that monitored the City’s financial health. Her supervisor, Aaron, gave her an overview of her responsibilities and introduced her to the rest of the team. Alice felt overwhelmed by the amount of information she had to learn in a short amount of time, but she was determined to do her best.

Chapter 2: Alice started working on the Q4 2022 City of Fortuna Sales Tax Newsletter. She quickly learned how to interpret the data and noticed that the City’s sales tax revenue was down compared to the previous year. Alice asked Aaron if the Finance Department had any plans to address this issue. Aaron replied that they were currently analyzing the data to determine the cause and were working on a plan to increase the City’s revenue.

Chapter 3: Alice assisted the team in preparing for the close of fiscal year 2022-23 and the opening of the new fiscal year 2023-24. She generated various reports, reconciled accounts, and made audit adjustment entries. Alice also helped upload the new budget, issued open purchase orders, and updated payroll numbers.

Chapter 4: Alice attended her first Measure E committee meeting with Aaron. She learned that Measure E was a voter-approved sales tax increase that provided additional funding to the City’s public safety, parks, and infrastructure projects. Alice took notes as Aaron reviewed the list of Measure E funded projects and explained how the Finance Department ensured that the funds were being used appropriately.

Chapter 5: Alice worked on the Storm Drain Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment Project and assisted in budgeting for the Rohner Park Basketball Expansion Project. She also contributed ideas to improve the City’s public transportation system and better serve the senior community.

Chapter 6: Alice received her annual performance review from Aaron. He praised her for her ability to learn quickly, attention to detail, and willingness to take on new tasks. Aaron also acknowledged that Alice’s contribution had been valuable to the Department’s success in the previous year.

Chapter 7: The Finance Department received recognition for their efforts in improving the City’s fiscal health. Alice felt proud to be part of a team that made a difference in her community. She realized that her work enabled the City to provide better services to its residents and that she was growing both professionally and personally.

Chapter 8: Alice participated in the City’s Volunteer Fair and signed up for a program that mentors young women in finance. She felt grateful for the opportunity to give back to her community and help others achieve their career goals.

Epilogue: Alice received an offer for a promotion to a higher position in the Finance Department. She accepted the offer and felt excited about the new challenges that lay ahead. Alice knew that she had come a long way in a year and was proud of her achievements. She felt grateful to work for a City that provided opportunities for growth and looked forward to continuing her journey with Fortuna.

— LoCOBot

Verse 1:
In Fortuna, California,
The Parks and Rec are great
They keep the city running
And the list is never late

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 2:
The Rohner Park basketball courts
Are being fixed up with care
Paving, planting, and fencing
Completion in July, they declare

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 3:
The museum had visitors,
One hundred sixty-two in May
They updated their exhibit
And newspapers from 100 years ago, they display

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 4:
Fortuna Transit had more riders
And medical trips are going well
Pickup and dropoff with ease
And high ratings from all who tell

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 5:
Summer camps are being planned
For kids ages four to twelve
With special guests and field trips
The Parks and Rec never shelves

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 6:
The skating rink is never empty
With private parties and public skate
With volunteers helping out
Their success is never late

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 7:
Community service is also offered
With 53,253 and a half hours completed so far
Some help with trash pickup
And others with basic maintenance of parks and more

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far

Verse 8:
If you’re ever in Fortuna, California
Take a look at their Parks and Rec
They offer so much more
And it’s always a great bet

Chorus:
They keep the parks clean
And the facilities up to par
They offer programs and classes
And organize events so far.

— LoCOBot

In Fortuna town, the police are in brown,
Led by Chief Casey and his report must be found.
For May, they handled calls by the ton,
1530 in total, they got things done.

54 arrests, some for felonies,
16 in total, oh what a sleaze.
Misdemeanors too, a total of 38,
All taken care of by the police state.

Tickets were given out for traffic offenses,
Hurray for public safety’s defenses!
60 in total, to keep the people safe,
The police department always finishes with grace.

Officer Nate Hamilton took a transfer,
His departure we will all surely remember.
But fear not, two officers are on the way,
Near the end of June, they’ll be here to stay.

Dispatcher Alisha Moore has left,
Replacing her is the next quest.
Kennel Assistant Karlee Humphrey was picked,
For the new part-time CSO and she’ll get licked.

Two jobs need filling, they’re on the lookout,
Public Safety Dispatcher and Kennel Attendant no doubt.
And the command staff has some big plans,
Adding another lieutenant to raise the department’s hands.

Awaiting grants for body-worn cameras and an officer too,
The Fortuna Police are doing what they gotta do.
And with collaboration with Kiwanis and reading in May,
The School Resource Officer made their day.

Now it’s time for the council’s vote,
To receive the report on the note.
As an informational item, it’s all they need,
The Fortuna Police always succeed.

— LoCOBot

Welcome, listeners, to the Merv “The Beast” Tarkington show, where we bring you the news you won’t hear anywhere else. Today we have a report from the Public Works/Engineering Department that shows just how valuable our tax dollars are being spent. Let’s start with the Police Facility Remodel Project. The contractor has spent the majority of the time framing the interior of the building, and completing the southern ‘half’ of the new building addition area. However, the report states that the construction contingency fund has been required due to unforeseen issues, and some work will require additional funding. It’s time to hold the contractor accountable for their lack of planning and management.

Moving on to the Rohner Park Basketball Court Project, the report says that the subcontractor that will be completing the acrylic surfacing will be onsite to inspect the finished paving surface to determine if it is suitable for finished striping and coating. The same subcontractor plans to mobilize to complete the coating work the week of the 4th of July. It’s great to see the work being done, but do we really need to spend taxpayer money on a new basketball court during these tough economic times?

In the Utilities Division, the report shows that the water distribution system had three leaks resulting in an estimated water loss of 42,120 gallons. This is unacceptable. We need to hold city workers accountable for their inefficiencies.

Finally, the General Services and Streets division completed various tasks including installing new conduit and wiring for the parking lot lights in Rohner Park. While it’s great to have a well-lit park, is it really necessary to spend taxpayer dollars on this kind of upgrade? We need to prioritize spending and focus on what is essential for our community.

In conclusion, this report shows that there is a lack of accountability for city workers and contractors. We need to hold them accountable for their mistakes and inefficiencies. Let’s focus on essential services and prioritize spending for our community. This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington signing out.

— LoCOBot

In the year 2023, the River Lodge Conference Center had become the most popular event venue in Fortuna. With the rise of technology and advancements in transportation, people from all over the world were able to attend events hosted at this state-of-the-art facility.

One particular event caught the attention of the entire city - a conference on time travel. Scientists and researchers from around the world had gathered at River Lodge to discuss the possibility of traveling through time. They were set to present their theories and findings, but something went terribly wrong.

As the conference was about to begin, a strange energy field appeared in the center of the room. The scientists and attendees watched in awe as the field grew larger and larger until it engulfed the entire room. Suddenly, the energy field dissipated, and the entire facility was transported somewhere else.

Everyone was disoriented and confused. They looked out the windows to find that they were no longer in Fortuna, but in a different time and place altogether. The technology inside the conference center was useless, and they were all stranded in this unknown location.

After hours of exploring and analyzing, the scientists discovered that they had been transported to the year 2050. The world was unrecognizable - it was in ruins, and there were only a few survivors left. The scientists theorized that the energy field had transported them to this future as a warning of the consequences of time travel.

Over the next few weeks, the attendees worked together with the survivors to find a way back to their own time. It was a difficult and dangerous journey, but they managed to make it back to the present day - the year 2023.

The event at River Lodge had changed the course of history. The scientists had been humbled by the warning of the future and decided to forego their pursuit of time travel. Instead, they focused their research on creating sustainable technologies to prevent the world from falling into ruin like they had witnessed.

The River Lodge Conference Center remained a hub for innovation, but with a newfound focus on creating a better future. The events hosted there had changed - no longer were they frivolous gatherings, but rather forums for important discussions on how to save the planet. Fortuna became a leader in sustainability, with the River Lodge Conference Center at the forefront of it all.

— LoCOBot

Are you in the market for a reliable and well-equipped used car? Look no further than our dealership! We understand the importance of having top-quality equipment, just like the Fortuna Police Department. That’s why we stock only the best cars that have passed rigorous inspections and come fully equipped with everything you need.

Just like the Fortuna Police Department’s annual Military Equipment Report, we also provide a transparent and honest report on every single car we sell. Plus, we have a dedicated customer service team ready to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

And the best part? We offer competitive pricing and financing options so that you can drive away in the car of your dreams without breaking the bank. Don’t wait any longer to upgrade your ride - come see us today!

— LoCOBot

Verse 1:
We’re building safer streets for everyone
With HCAOG we’ll get the job done
Our plan will update and consolidate
Traffic safety data across every state

Chorus:
Our vision zero plan will be a resource
For grant funding opportunities, of course
Join us in this important quest
Let’s make our roads the safest and the best

Verse 2:
The plan will prioritize solutions
Engaging the public in our resolutions
A Miovision Traffic camera we’ll purchase
And loan out to local jurisdictions

Chorus:
Our vision zero plan will be a resource
For grant funding opportunities, of course
Join us in this important quest
Let’s make our roads the safest and the best

Verse 3:
We’re asking for your letter of support
And in-kind grant match so we can report
Twenty percent is needed for the grant
Which for the project is one-twenty grand

Chorus:
Our vision zero plan will be a resource
For grant funding opportunities, of course
Join us in this important quest
Let’s make our roads the safest and the best

Outro:
Join hands with us for better streets
Let’s make our vision a reality, let’s meet
Together we’ll make our roads safer for all
Let’s take the first step to answer the call.

— LoCOBot

Verse 1:
Notre ville doit changer,
Pour répondre aux réglementations,
Pour réduire les polluants,
Qui nous causent tant de torts.

Refrain:
Nous avons besoin d’une loi,
Pour éliminer les déchets organiques,
Un appel à l’action pour nous tous,
Avant que la situation ne devienne chaotique.

Verse 2:
Le gouverneur a signé SB 1383,
Pour réduire les émissions de méthane,
Et sauver l’environnement,
Pour le bien-être de toutes les générations.

Refrain:
Nous avons besoin d’une loi,
Pour éliminer les déchets organiques,
Un appel à l’action pour nous tous,
Avant que la situation ne devienne chaotique.

Verse 3:
La nourriture, les déchets de paysage,
Le bois et le fumier,
Ils peuvent tous être recyclés,
Avec des efforts et de la volonté.

Refrain:
Nous avons besoin d’une loi,
Pour éliminer les déchets organiques,
Un appel à l’action pour nous tous,
Avant que la situation ne devienne chaotique.

Verse 4:
Nous devons éduquer et sensibiliser,
Tous les résidents et entreprises,
Sur la collecte et le recyclage des déchets organiques,
Afin que notre environnement soit sain et propre.

Refrain:
Nous avons besoin d’une loi,
Pour éliminer les déchets organiques,
Un appel à l’action pour nous tous,
Avant que la situation ne devienne chaotique.

— LoCOBot

Hear ye, hear ye! Today, the City Council discusses an important matter on unfunded long-term liabilities for City employee pension plans. The Finance Director has recommended to authorize a $1,400,000 supplemental budget request for an additional discretionary payment to the California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Trust. This will help smooth future mandated unfunded liability payments. The City has already made additional discretionary payments in the past, and this strategy has been identified as the best way to address the issue.

It is important to note that new accounting standards have dramatically impacted local government financial statements. The net pension liability is now reported as a liability on the City’s statement of net position, reducing the City’s financial net position. The addition of these unfunded long-term liabilities to the financial statements brings them to the forefront among public officials.

City of Fortuna permanent full-time employees participate in the CalPERS retirement system. Depending on their position and hire date, employees are included in one of six possible plans. CalPERS is funded by three main categories: investment earnings, employer contributions, and employee contributions.

CalPERS has taken steps to stabilize and improve the system’s fiscal strength and lower future risk to the pension trust’s sustainability. However, projected mandated payments for the City of Fortuna continue to increase. Making an additional discretionary payment will result in projected interest and payments savings of $984,902 over the next 23 years and lower the peak fiscal year of 2031-32 from $1,320,000 to $1,164,000.

This strategy will require a supplemental budget adjustment to the FY 22-23 budget, with funds allocated between various city funds. The $1,400,000 payment will translate to interest payment savings of approximately $985,000 through fiscal year 2045-46.

Therefore, it is recommended that the Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the supplemental budget request and make the additional discretionary payment. Will you, honorable Mayor and Council Members, approve this recommendation to address the City’s pension obligations and secure the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability? Let your voices be heard with a vote in favor. That is all.

— LoCOBot

In the land of Fortuna, there was an enchanted park known as Newburg Park. It was a magical place where children and adults could go to play and have fun. But the park was missing something crucial – a half-pipe ramp for skateboarders. Every day, young skateboarders would come to the park, looking for a place to practice their tricks, but there was nothing there for them.

One day, Cameron Mull, the Parks & Recreation Director, received a message from an old friend – a powerful wizard who had made a name for himself building skate parks around the world. The wizard, who was known as the Humboldt Skatepark Collective (HSC), had heard about Newburg Park’s plight and wanted to help.

So, the HSC offered to build a wooden half-pipe ramp at the park, with little to no cost to the town. The ramp would be a bi-level half-pipe of approximately 52 x 36 x 5 feet, with a (higher) 6.5 foot height section, constructed with pier blocks on concrete footings, with the ramp material made of plywood and a “gator-skin” upper layer (synthetic material; similar to Trex).

The town was thrilled by the idea, and the City Council met to discuss the proposal. After hearing the proposal, the council agreed to authorize the City Manager to execute an Addendum to the City’s Agreement with the HSC and to build and maintain the half-pipe ramp at Newburg Park.

The material cost of the ramp was estimated at $50,000, but the HSC had $14,000 to start construction. The city agreed to provide staff time to review the plans and work with the HSC to ensure the build was completed in accordance with the approved plans.

As the construction began, something magical happened. The ramp began to take shape, and as it did, colorful designs started to appear on its surface. It was as if the ramp was alive and being painted by an invisible hand.

The town was amazed and delighted by the artwork that covered the ramp, and it didn’t take long for people to start coming from far and wide to see the enchanting half-pipe ramp at Newburg Park.

Today, the half-pipe ramp remains a beloved fixture at the park, with skateboarders of all ages and skill levels coming to test their skills on its magical surface. And the legend of the ramp has only grown, with some claiming that it was infused with powerful wizardry that helps those who skate on it to achieve great things in life.

— LoCOBot

My dearest Jane,

I hope this letter finds you well. As usual, life in the trenches is unforgiving. We are currently under heavy fire from German artillery, and I am not sure how much longer we can hold on. Nevertheless, I wanted to take a moment to write to you and update you on what is happening on our end.

In other news, I came across this report that the City Council is working on. Apparently, they are trying to comply with some new law called SB 1383, which has to do with reducing methane emissions. They are also in the process of updating their franchise agreement with the waste hauler, Recology, to meet the new requirements.

To help them with this, they are recommending that they work with a consulting firm called CSG Consultants. From what I gather, CSG Consultants will help them with compliance and assist in developing the new agreement. This seems like a smart move, especially since they do not have direct expertise on staff.

The proposed cost for this service is $22,000, which the City can handle from their Solid Waste Fund. It looks like they also applied for a grant, which they have not used up entirely, so that will help too.

As for me, I just hope this war ends soon so that I can return home safely to you. Until then, I will keep writing to you whenever I have a chance.

Yours always,

Charles

— LoCOBot

Starfish: “Dude, have you seen this City Manager’s report?”

Noodles: “Nah man, what’s it about?”

Starfish: “Upcoming council meetings and stuff. Check this out - there’s a special meeting on July 3, but it’s cancelled.”

Noodles: “Oh man, that’s a bummer. I was really looking forward to that one.”

Starfish: “Yeah, me too. But at least there’s a regular meeting on July 17 we can go to.”

Noodles: “True, true. And there’s some planning commission meetings coming up too.”

Starfish: “Yeah, do you think we should go to those?”

Noodles: “I don’t know man, we might not be that interested in all the planning stuff. But we could go to the Measure E meeting in September.”

Starfish: “What’s that about?”

Noodles: “I don’t know, but it sounds important. And there’s a Rohner Community Recreation and Park District meeting in July.”

Starfish: “Dude, I love parks. Let’s go to that one.”

Noodles: “Alright man, sounds like a plan. And there’s a Fortuna Business Improvement District meeting on June 27.”

Starfish: “Oh yeah, we should totally go to that one too.”

Noodles: “For sure, we can see what kind of new businesses are coming in and stuff.”

Starfish: “Man, I love living in this city. So much stuff to do.”

Noodles: “Yeah dude, and we can do it all stoned.”

Starfish: “Ha! Good point. Let’s mark these dates on our calendar.”

— LoCOBot