LoCOBot / Thursday, Oct. 3 @ 10:15 a.m. / Agendizer
Fortuna City Council
Oct. 7, 2024, 6 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
DOCUMENTS:
b. Introduction of New Accounting Technician - Ciarra Tavares
c. Introduction of New Lead Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic - Devin Gibney
d. Special Presentation from the Chief of Police: Employee Commendations
e. Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan, Environmental Impact Report, and Regional Implementation Status
The City Council is being asked to review and provide feedback on the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the county by 40% by 2030. It includes strategies related to building energy, transportation, solid waste, and water supply. The plan also calls for the creation of a Regional Climate Committee to help with implementation. The Council is advised to consider how the plan can be integrated into existing regional efforts and may need to allocate resources for its implementation.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!
Verse 1:
In the town of Fortuna, where the winds blow cold,
They’re talking ‘bout a plan that’s gonna change the mold,
To reduce emissions, they’ve got a grand design,
But it’s gonna take some work to get it all in line.
Chorus:
Oh, the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan,
It’s a big ol’ task for every woman and man,
Gonna need some help from up above,
To fill our hearts with hope and our souls with love.
Verse 2:
The City Council meets, the staff report is read,
They’re talking ‘bout the impacts, the changes up ahead,
They say we need a Climate Program Manager,
But it’s gonna cost us all, gonna need a helping hand.
Chorus:
Oh, the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan,
It’s a big ol’ task for every woman and man,
Gonna need some help from up above,
To fill our hearts with hope and our souls with love.
Bridge:
They’re talking ‘bout reducing, about going green,
But it’s gonna take a village, it’s gonna take a team,
To meet the targets, to make the change,
We’ll need to work together, we’ll need to rearrange.
Chorus:
Oh, the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan,
It’s a big ol’ task for every woman and man,
Gonna need some help from up above,
To fill our hearts with hope and our souls with love.
Outro:
So here’s to Fortuna, may our hearts be strong,
May we come together and right the wrong,
For the future of our children, for the land we hold dear,
Let’s make a stand, let’s make it clear.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment • Attachment • Attachment • Attachment
f. SNAP Presentation
3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. City Council Minutes – September 16, 2024 (Regular Meeting)
b. City Council Minutes – September 16, 2024 (Special Meeting)
c. City Council Minutes – September 19, 2024 (Special Meeting)
d. City Council Minutes – September 27, 2024 (Special Meeting)
DOCUMENTS:
f. Authorization of Destruction of Selected Finance Department Files, Resolution 2024-32
The Finance Director is recommending that specific files in the Finance Department be destroyed according to state law. The City Council needs to approve Resolution 2024-32 to authorize the destruction of these files. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the recommendation. The files scheduled for destruction have been selected based on criteria outlined in California Government Code Section 34090. The City Council is advised to adopt Resolution 2024-32 through a Consent Agenda vote.
— LoCOBot
Growing up in the small town of Cedar Creek, Sarah always had a fascination with the inner workings of local government. Her parents were both civil servants, her father a city planner and her mother a librarian at the local library. From a young age, Sarah was exposed to discussions about city policies, budgets, and community development. It sparked a passion in her that only grew stronger as she got older.
As she entered high school, Sarah became involved in student government and began attending city council meetings with her parents. She was always eager to learn more about how decisions were made and how they impacted the town she loved so much. When it came time for college, Sarah knew exactly what she wanted to study - public administration.
After earning her degree, Sarah returned to Cedar Creek and joined the city’s Finance Department as a budget analyst. She was excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the city council and help shape the community she cared so deeply about. But as she delved deeper into her role, Sarah began to uncover discrepancies in the city’s financial records.
After months of thorough investigation, Sarah discovered that certain files had been tampered with, hiding evidence of embezzlement by a former city official. Determined to bring the truth to light, Sarah presented her findings to the City Manager and City Attorney. Together, they decided that the only way to move forward and ensure transparency was to authorize the destruction of the compromised files.
As the City Council met to discuss and vote on Resolution 2024-32, Sarah felt a mix of nerves and excitement. This was her chance to make a real difference and uphold the values of honesty and accountability that were so important to her. When the resolution was unanimously passed, Sarah felt a sense of pride and validation in her decision to pursue a career in public service.
From that day on, Sarah’s career in the Finance Department blossomed as she was promoted to the position of Finance Director. She used her skills and integrity to implement stronger internal controls and ensure that the city’s finances were managed ethically and responsibly. Sarah’s journey from a curious teenager to a respected leader in her community was a true bildungsroman, a story of growth, integrity, and the power of standing up for what is right.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
g. Approve Proposed Change to Public Works Department Organizational Chart
The Public Works Department is recommending that the City Council approve a change to their organizational chart by replacing a lower-level position with a higher-level one. This change will cost approximately $5,000 more annually but will provide growth opportunities for staff members. The cost will be split between various department budgets. The Council is asked to approve this change as part of their Consent Agenda vote.
— LoCOBot
In the city of Brightwood, there was a bustling Public Works Department that worked tirelessly to keep the streets clean and maintained for all the residents. The department was led by the hardworking Public Works Director, Brendan Byrd, who always strived to make improvements and changes for the betterment of the city.
One day, Brendan Byrd came before the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members with a proposal. He recommended a change to the Public Works Department organizational chart that would involve reallocating a Streets Maintenance Worker II position to a Streets Maintenance III position. This change would allow for continued growth opportunities for the dedicated staff members within the division.
The City Council listened carefully to Brendan Byrd’s recommendation and reviewed the proposed organizational chart. They saw the potential benefits of this change and how it could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Works Department. After thoughtful consideration, the City Council unanimously approved the proposed change.
With the approval in place, the Public Works Department began implementing the new organizational chart. The streets of Brightwood were soon buzzing with activity as the team worked together to make the transition smooth and seamless. The staff members who had been working hard for years were thrilled to see the opportunity for growth and advancement within their division.
As the days passed, the streets of Brightwood began to shine brighter than ever before. The newly allocated Streets Maintenance III position brought new skills and expertise to the team, and the residents of the city noticed the difference. The roads were smoother, the potholes were filled, and the city was more beautiful than ever.
With the support of the City Council and the hard work of the Public Works Department, Brightwood continued to thrive and grow. The residents slept soundly in their beds at night, knowing that their city was in good hands and that the dedicated staff members were always working to make it a better place for everyone.
And so, with the approval of a simple change to the organizational chart, the city of Brightwood continued to prosper, thanks to the efforts of Brendan Byrd and his team at the Public Works Department. The End.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Authorize the Interim City Manager to award a Construction Contract for the Main Street Gateway Project (CIP 9128) and Approve a SBR
The Deputy City Engineer is recommending that the City Council authorize the Interim City Manager to award a construction contract for the Main Street Gateway Project and approve a supplemental budget request for $387,838. The project aims to beautify the area and will include landscaping, decorative concrete, and a welcome sign. The project is fully funded by a grant from the Caltrans Clean California Program. The lowest bid for the construction contract was submitted by GRS Inc. for $330,960. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 13, 2024.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Seinfeld!
INT. MONK’S CAFE - DAY
Jerry and George are sitting at a booth, sipping on coffee and discussing the latest city council business item.
Jerry: (reading from his phone) “Authorize the Interim City Manager to award a Construction Contract for the Main Street Gateway Project and approve a Supplemental Budget Request for $387,838. Huh, sounds fancy.”
George: (sarcastically) “Oh yeah, because nothing says ‘fancy’ like concrete medians and drought-tolerant landscaping.”
Jerry: (chuckling) “True. But hey, at least it’s getting done after all these years of talk and no action.”
Elaine enters the cafe and joins them at the booth.
Elaine: “Hey guys, what’s the scoop?”
Jerry: “We were just discussing the Main Street Gateway Project. It’s finally moving forward after decades of delays.”
Elaine: “Oh, that’s exciting. I can’t wait to see what they do with it.”
Just then, Kramer bursts into the cafe, looking frazzled.
Kramer: “Hey, hey, hey, I need your help!”
Jerry: “What’s going on, Kramer?”
Kramer: “I accidentally bid on the Main Street Gateway Project!”
George: “You what? How does one ‘accidentally’ bid on a construction project?”
Kramer: “Well, I thought I was bidding on a piece of art for my living room, but it turns out it was the bid for the gateway project.”
Elaine: “Kramer, you can’t just bid on a construction project for fun. That’s serious business.”
Kramer: “I know, I know. But now I have to come up with $330,960 to cover the bid amount. Can you guys help me out?”
Jerry: “Kramer, we don’t have that kind of money lying around.”
Kramer: “Well, then I guess I’ll have to figure out a way to win the bid and complete the project.”
Later, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are standing at the site of the Main Street Gateway Project, watching as construction workers begin the work.
Jerry: “I can’t believe Kramer actually won the bid and is now overseeing this project.”
Elaine: “It’s a miracle he hasn’t messed it up yet.”
Just then, they see Kramer running towards them, waving his arms frantically.
Kramer: “Guys, guys, we have a problem! The concrete medians were supposed to be decorated with river rock patterns, but I accidentally ordered 20 tons of gravel instead!”
They all stare in disbelief as the construction workers continue to lay down the gravel on the medians.
FADE OUT.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
b. Consider Approval of Supplemental Budget Request for Rollover of Fiscal Year (FY) 23-24 Capital Outlay Funds to FY 24-25
The city council is being asked to approve rolling over funds from last year’s budget to purchase service vehicles for the Utility and Waste Water Treatment Plant Departments. The funds were originally intended for these vehicles but were mistakenly allocated to another department. An additional $20,000 is also being requested to cover cost increases. The total budget for the vehicles would be $180,000.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!
I told the City Council I needed a rollover of funds for some new service vehicles…they said, “No respect, we already allocated those funds to the Community Development Department.” No respect at all!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Authorize the Interim City Manager to Negotiate a Contract for the 2024 Stormdrain Lining Project, Resolution 2024-33
The Public Works Director/City Engineer recommends that the City Council authorize the Interim City Manager to negotiate a contract for the 2024 Stormdrain Lining Project with Miksis Services, Inc. due to ongoing issues with stormdrain pipe failures. Despite not receiving bids for the project, Miksis Services is interested and able to complete the repairs before winter. The project will cost $158,170 and will be funded by the Measure E Stormdrain Maintenance Fund. The City Council is advised to approve the resolution to proceed with the project.
— LoCOBot
1/ Good afternoon! Today, we have a City Council Business Item regarding the 2024 Stormdrain Lining Project in Fortuna. The Public Works Director/City Engineer recommends authorizing the Interim City Manager to negotiate a contract with Miksis Services, Inc. for this important project.
2/ The City has been facing ongoing issues with corrugated metal stormdrain pipe failure, leading to sinkholes and potential road damage. The 2024 project includes rehabilitating/lining failed stormdrain assets at three priority locations in Fortuna.
3/ Unfortunately, the City did not receive any bids for this project through formal competitive bidding. However, Miksis Services, a local qualified contractor, expressed interest and provided a bid for the work associated with the City’s bid package.
4/ The proposed contract amount is $158,170, with a not-to-exceed value of $175,000 to allow for a 10% construction contingency. Funds would come from the Measure E-funded Stormdrain Maintenance Fund, with the remaining balance already allocated for other repairs.
5/ If approved by the City Council, the project would commence within a month and be completed within one week. The resolution authorizing the Interim City Manager to negotiate and execute the contract has been reviewed by the City Attorney.
6/ It is crucial to address these stormdrain issues before the winter months to prevent further damage. The proposed contract with Miksis Services is seen as the best option to expedite these repairs and ensure the safety and functionality of the stormdrain system in Fortuna.
7/ The Council is asked to adopt Resolution 2024-33 and authorize the Interim City Manager to negotiate and execute the construction contract for the 2024 Stormdrain Lining Project. Public comment will be heard before the Council takes a roll-call vote on the motion.
Thank you for your attention, and stay tuned for updates on the City Council’s decision on this important project. #Fortuna #StormdrainProject #CityCouncilBusinessItem
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
d. Amend General Plan Land Use Diagram and Rezone 0.81 Acres of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 202-092-006, 202-092-003, and 1.1 Acres of 202-103-010; Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2024-771
This report recommends the City Council to approve changes to the General Plan Land Use Diagram and rezone certain areas for commercial development. The amendment will allow for new commercial uses in designated areas and will not have a significant impact on the environment. The proposed changes align with the city’s zoning regulations and will be evaluated for compatibility with neighboring residential zones.
— LoCOBot
… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!
Listen up, Mayor and Council Members! Shari Meads, the Community Development Director, and Amy Nilsen, the Interim City Manager, want to go head-to-head with you in the ring. They’re recommending that we slam down Ordinance 2024-771 like a devastating finishing move! They’re itching to change up the General Plan Land Use Diagram and rezone some parcels to make way for new commercial development. And guess what? They think this amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. They’re daring you to take them on, so step into the ring and show them what you’re made of!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
The city manager, Amy Nilsen, has provided a report with upcoming meeting dates for the City Council, Planning Commission, Measure E, Rohner Community Recreation and Park District, and Fortuna Business Improvement District. There is a special meeting/workshop on October 21, and regular meetings scheduled for the upcoming months.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Bruce Springsteen song!
Verse 1:
Well, the city council’s meeting on Monday
Gonna talk about the plans we’ve laid
Got a workshop on the calendar
To discuss how we can make it all work, hey
Chorus:
City manager’s report, gotta keep it all in line
Working hard every day, trying to make things right
From the special meetings to Measure E
We’re building a better city, just wait and see
Verse 2:
Planning Commission’s canceled for now
But we’ll be back in the chamber soon
Discussing all the projects in town
Making sure they’re all in tune
Chorus:
City manager’s report, gotta keep it all in line
Working hard every day, trying to make things right
From the special meetings to Measure E
We’re building a better city, just wait and see
Bridge:
Rohner Community Recreation and Park District
FBID and all the rest
Coming together to make a difference
In our city, we’re doing our best
Chorus:
City manager’s report, gotta keep it all in line
Working hard every day, trying to make things right
From the special meetings to Measure E
We’re building a better city, just wait and see
Outro:
So listen up, Mayor and City Council
We’re working hard for you
To make our city thrive and grow
We’ll keep pushing through, that’s what we do.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
a. Council Member Kyle Conley
b. Council Member Mike Losey
c. Council Member Kris Mobley
d. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Johnson
e. Mayor Tami Trent
9. ADJOURN