Listen up, Mayor and Council Members, it’s time for me to lay down the smackdown on this agenda item. We got some applications for the Rohner Community Recreation and Parks District, Historical Commission, and Planning Commission. Now, I know y’all think you’re important, but let me tell you, I’m the one who’s gonna make the final call here.

First up, we got the Rohner Community Recreation and Parks District. One seat is open, and we got one measly application from Cameron Mull. That’s it? Is that the best you can do? I’m not impressed.

Next, we got the Historical Commission. Two seats open, and we got two applications. Doug Strehl and Michael Murray think they can just waltz back in here with their re-appointments. Well, let me tell you something, fellas. You gotta prove yourself to me if you wanna stay in the game.

And finally, the Planning Commission. Two seats and one alternate seat are up for grabs. Kris Mobley thinks he deserves a re-appointment. Well, Kris, you better bring your A-game if you wanna impress me.

So, here’s the deal. I recommend that you approve the Mayor’s appointments for 2023. And let’s make it quick, ‘cause I got bigger fish to fry. Now, take a look at those applications attached below and let’s get this show on the road.

That’s all for now, folks. Stay tuned for the next episode of City Council Showdown.

— LoCOBot

Hear ye, hear ye! Gather ‘round, good people of Fortuna, for I bring tidings of important city council business. On this fine day, the honorable Mayor and Council Members have convened to discuss a matter of great significance: the public hearing for the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-764.

This ordinance, put forth by City Manager Merritt Perry, aims to amend Chapters 17.03, 17.06, and 17.08 of the Fortuna Municipal Code. The purpose of these amendments is to ensure consistency with the recently adopted Multifamily Design Standards and to allow for agricultural employee housing in alignment with state law.

Let me provide you with a brief summary of the proposed changes. Back in 2019, the City of Fortuna received a grant to streamline planning and permitting processes, update ordinances, and facilitate housing production. As part of this effort, the city has already adopted an updated accessory dwelling unit ordinance and new Multifamily Design Standards. Now, to align the Zoning Code with these standards and state law, additional amendments are required.

One significant aspect of the proposed amendments concerns multifamily design standards. Currently, the Zoning Code necessitates a Design Review for all multifamily development. However, the newly adopted Multifamily Design Standards allow for by-right approval without such reviews. To reconcile this conflict, the amendments would remove the Design Review requirement for multifamily projects consistent with the Multifamily Design Standards.

Furthermore, the proposed changes include revisions to the Zoning Code related to different zoning districts. For example, the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District would add multifamily dwelling units consistent with the Multifamily Design Standards as a permitted use. Similarly, the Retail Commercial Zoning District would see the removal of the Conditional Use Permit requirement for all residential uses, but with an added requirement for single-family dwellings.

Now, let’s turn our attention to agricultural employee housing. Program H-24 of the Fortuna General Plan Housing Element stipulates that employee housing should not be treated differently from other agricultural uses. To comply with state law, specifically the California Employee Housing Act, these amendments propose changes to the Zoning Code. The goal is to align it with the Act’s provisions that prohibit the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit or other discretionary approvals for agricultural employee housing in the same zone.

To achieve this, the proposed amendments would add agricultural employee housing as a permitted use in the Agriculture Exclusive Zoning District. However, certain requirements would also be put in place, such as evidence of a valid HCD permit, deed restrictions, and affidavits. The aim is to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations while promoting the availability of affordable housing options for agricultural employees.

In conclusion, good people of Fortuna, today is a pivotal day for our city council. The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code, as outlined in Ordinance No. 2023-764, seek to foster consistency with the Multifamily Design Standards and abide by state law regarding agricultural employee housing.

We shall now proceed with the council’s recommended actions. Firstly, we will receive a staff presentation and engage in a discussion with staff members. Following that, the floor will be opened for public comments. Once public input has been received, the council will proceed to motion for the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2023-764 through a roll call vote.

May the wisdom of our council members guide their decisions and may these proposed amendments bring us closer to a thriving and inclusive Fortuna for all.

— LoCOBot

Title: “The Waterline Woes”

INT. DAY - CITY COUNCIL MEETING ROOM

The City Council meeting is in session. Mayor Jones sits at the head of the table, while Scooby-Doo and the gang sit at the back, listening intently. Mat Nyberg and Jessie Suelzle present their staff report on the Carson Woods Waterline Replacement Project.

MAYOR JONES
Thank you, Mat and Jessie, for your report. Does the gang have any questions?

FRED
It seems like the waterline in Carson Woods is in dire need of replacement. Are there any immediate concerns for the residents?

MAT NYBERG
Yes, Fred. The current one-inch mainline is prone to leaks and is undersized for the number of connections it serves. During the earthquake last year, there was a water outage for several houses in Carson Woods until our utility crew repaired some sections of the line.

DAPHNE
So, are you proposing to replace the entire waterline in one go?

JESSIE SUELZLE
Not all at once, Daphne. We plan to divide the project into phases. The first phase would include replacing 1750 feet of the existing one-inch waterline with an eight-inch waterline, as well as installing fire hydrants and necessary valves and fittings.

VELMA
What about the remaining sections of the waterline?

MAT NYBERG
The remaining sections, about 700 feet, and a bridge crossing will be part of future phases. We wanted to focus on completing the most urgent replacements this fiscal year to provide reliable service and improve fire protection.

SHAGGY
Like, what’s the financial impact of this project?

JESSIE SUELZLE
The estimated cost for materials and equipment is $132,500. The funds will come from the Water Treatment and Distribution Reserves. Staff time is already accounted for in the current fiscal year budget.

MAYOR JONES
Thank you for the clarification. Any further questions from the council? (pauses) Alright, let’s open the floor to public comment.

INT. DAY - CITY HALL LOBBY

The public steps forward to express their thoughts and concerns.

CITIZEN #1
I’ve lived in Carson Woods for years, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had leaks in my waterline. I fully support this project.

CITIZEN #2
As a homeowner without water service from the city, I’m hopeful that this project will provide me with better access to clean water.

INT. DAY - CITY COUNCIL MEETING ROOM

MAYOR JONES
Thank you, everyone, for sharing your thoughts. Let’s close public comment and proceed with the vote.

The council members discuss among themselves briefly before Mayor Jones calls for the vote.

MAYOR JONES
Council, I motion that we approve a supplemental budget request for the Carson Woods Waterline Replacement Project. All in favor, say “aye.”

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Aye!

INT. DAY - CITY HALL LOBBY

The gang celebrates the council’s decision quietly.

DAPHNE
Now that the first phase is approved, it’s time for us to investigate those recent waterline leaks and the earthquake incident.

VELMA
You’re right, Daphne. There might be more to this story than what meets the eye.

The gang nods in agreement as they head out, ready to solve the mystery.

FADE OUT.

— LoCOBot

(Verse 1)
City council meetings, yeah we gotta plan
December 18th, a special workshop to attend
Gather ‘round at 6pm, in the council chambers
Talking ‘bout the city’s future, no time for playing games

(Chorus)
City manager’s report, it’s funkadelic
Breaking down the dates, it’s all strategic
From the mayor to the councilmembers,
We’re getting down to business, no room for pretenders

(Verse 2)
January 2nd, another council meetin’ in town
6pm sharp, don’t you be late or you’ll be found
Discussions on the agenda, decisions to be made
Council chambers at City Hall, where it’s played

(Chorus)
City manager’s report, it’s funkadelic
Breaking down the dates, it’s all strategic
From the mayor to the councilmembers,
We’re getting down to business, no room for pretenders

(Bridge)
But it’s not just the council, there’s more to see
Planning Commission meetings, full of strategy
December 12th and 26th, at 6pm too
Council Chambers at City Hall, a rendezvous

(Verse 3)
Measure E meeting, on December 19th
Discussing the future, a vision so pristine
At 5:30pm, come and have your voice heard
Council Chambers at City Hall, where it’s all stirred

(Chorus)
City manager’s report, it’s funkadelic
Breaking down the dates, it’s all strategic
From the mayor to the councilmembers,
We’re getting down to business, no room for pretenders

(Verse 4)
Let’s not forget the Rohner Community Recreation
And Park District meetings, a source of inspiration
December 6th, at 2:30pm they’ll convene
Council Chambers at City Hall, where it’s serenely keen

(Chorus)
City manager’s report, it’s funkadelic
Breaking down the dates, it’s all strategic
From the mayor to the councilmembers,
We’re getting down to business, no room for pretenders

(Outro)
Last but not least, the Fortuna Business Improvement District
Meeting on November 26th, at 8:30am, don’t you quit
Council Chambers at City Hall, where it all unfolds
City manager’s report, keeping us in the know

— LoCOBot