Isabella Vanderheiden / Yesterday @ 4:53 p.m. / Agendizer
Fortuna City Council Looks to Cannabis Sales, Manufacturing to Boost Local Revenue
Fortuna City Hall. | Image via Google Maps
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More than seven years after California launched its legal cannabis market, it looks as though the City of Fortuna is finally ready to lift its ban on dispensaries and cannabis manufacturing facilities inside city limits.
At Monday’s meeting, the Fortuna City Council will consider a $49,750 supplemental budget request, brought forth by the Community Development Department, to prepare a cannabis ordinance that would allow retail sales and commercial cannabis manufacturing in town. City staff are optimistic that lifting the ban on cannabis sales would provide a “potential new revenue source” for the city, even though the local cannabis industry has struggled to stay afloat for years.
“Allowing cannabis retail activity will generate new revenue for the City,” the staff report states. “Therefore, it is anticipated that the project will essentially pay for itself within an undetermined period.”
Over the years, the Fortuna City Council has made it abundantly clear that it doesn’t want people growing or peddling the devil’s lettuce anywhere near the Friendly City, citing concerns over crime, stench and federal illegality.
Several months after recreational sales opened in 2018, former Fortuna Mayor Sue Long told the Outpost that the city’s ban on commercial cannabis activity protected the city from “any kind of craziness” associated with the budding legal industry. “We can just sit back and watch and see what happens,” she said, adding that a future city council could choose to revisit the issue in the future.
Well, folks, the future is here!
Reached for additional comment, Fortuna City Manager Amy Nilsen told the Outpost that the city council directed staff to develop a cannabis ordinance earlier this year, though she didn’t say what inspired the proposal. The supplemental budget request will pay for a professional services agreement with Land Logistics, Inc., which will help staff develop a draft cannabis ordinance.
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You can check out the rest of the agenda, complete with supporting documents and clever riffs from Gennie AgendaBot, below. The Fortuna City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at Fortuna City Hall.
Fortuna City Council
May 5, 2025, 6 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
2. PROCLAMATIONS
DOCUMENTS:
3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. City Council Minutes – April 21, 2025 (Special Meeting)
b. City Council Minutes – April 21, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
DOCUMENTS:
d. Approve the Grant Funds from the State Coastal Conservancy for the Acquisition of 237 Acres of Lower Eel River Wetlands and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute all Grant Agreement Documents Resolution 2025-11
The City Council is being asked to approve grant funds from the State Coastal Conservancy to acquire 237 acres of wetlands along the Lower Eel River. The City will use the funds to create a park on 7.2 acres of the property and transfer the remaining land to the Wiyot Tribe for conservation. The City will also need to provide some funding and may request additional budget support for park development. The process and documentation for acquiring the land is detailed in the attachment. The Council is recommended to approve the resolution for this project.
— LoCOBot

In a world where nature is disappearing at an alarming rate, one city stands up to protect its precious wetlands.
Join the City of Fortuna as they embark on a journey to acquire 237 acres of Lower Eel River Wetlands. With the help of the State Coastal Conservancy, this small town is granted the opportunity to preserve this vital piece of land for generations to come.
But the path to conservation is never easy. City Manager Amy Nilsen must navigate negotiations and execute grant agreement documents to secure the funds needed for this monumental project.
As the future of the wetlands hangs in the balance, tensions rise as the City Council must make a decision that will impact the community and the environment.
Will they approve Resolution 2025-11 and protect the wetlands, or will greed and neglect prevail?
Find out in this gripping tale of environmental stewardship and the fight to save a piece of natural paradise. Don’t miss “Conservation City: The Battle for the Wetlands.” Coming soon to a theater near you.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
e. Review and Approve Mayor’s Recommendation of Appointees to the Planning Commission
The City Council needs to review and approve the Mayor’s choices for new members of the Planning Commission. There are two vacancies – one regular seat and one alternate seat. The recommended applicants are Diana (Tina) Christensen for the regular seat and Colt Amen for the alternate seat. Their terms would last for four years if approved. The Council needs to vote on the Mayor’s recommendation as part of the Consent Calendar.
— LoCOBot

Oh, dear Mayor and Council Members fair,
I bring to you a matter of great care,
The Planning Commission seeks your hand,
To fill two seats in our fair land.
Diana Christensen, a name so bright,
To fill the Regular Seat with delight,
And Colt Amen, brave and true,
For the Alternate Seat, here’s what we do.
Their terms, four years to serve,
With diligence and nerve,
If you approve, their work will thrive,
Until December thirty-one, twenty-nine arrives.
So now, before you stand,
The Mayor’s recommendation in hand,
A motion to approve, let it be,
For the betterment of our community.
With this, I bid you adieu,
And leave the decision up to you,
Review and consider with due care,
The future of our city, so rare.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
f. Approve Police Lieutenant Jason Kadle as an Authorized Signer for the City of Fortuna with US Bank
The City Council needs to approve Police Lieutenant Jason Kadle as an authorized check signer for the City of Fortuna with US Bank. Currently, the city has five authorized signers for checks to ensure they can always be processed in a timely manner. Jason Kadle, who was recently promoted to Police Lieutenant, needs approval to become one of the authorized signers. It is recommended that the Council approves his request.
— LoCOBot

Chère honorable maire, membres du conseil
Écoutons cette chanson, elle parle d’un choix
Le lieutenant Kadle, il faut l’approuver
Comme signataire autorisé, une nouvelle clé
Les chèques de la ville, ils ont besoin
De deux signatures, c’est la règle, c’est bien
Jason Kadle, promu récemment
Il attend l’approbation, la décision importante
Les cinq signataires déjà en place
Matt Eberhardt, Aaron Felmlee, Amy Nilsen, Siana Emmons, l’espace
Ils continueront, mais Jason les rejoindra
Pour signer les chèques, la responsabilité, voilà
Conseil municipal, action recommandée
Approuver Jason Kadle, c’est la volonté
Pour la ville de Fortuna, avec US Bank
Un nouveau signataire, un nouvel élan
Alors votez pour, sur l’agenda des consentements
Jason Kadle, autorisé, un moment important
Pour la ville de Fortuna, pour son futur
Jason Kadle, signataire, un geste d’honneur
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
The Fortuna Sunrise Rotary has donated a hydration station with a pet bowl to be installed at the River Lodge. It will be a great addition for people using the nearby walking trail. The city council is being asked to approve the donation, which will not have a negative impact on the city’s budget.
— LoCOBot

Dear beloved congregation,
Today, I stand before you with exciting news of a recent donation that will benefit our community in a tangible and practical way. The City Council has approved the donation of a hydration station from Fortuna Sunrise Rotary to be installed at River Lodge. This hydration station will not only provide a much-needed amenity for those utilizing the nearby walking trail, but it also includes a pet bowl for our furry friends to stay hydrated as well.
This generous donation is a reminder of the power of community partnerships and the impact that we can make when we come together for the greater good. The Fortuna Sunrise Rotary saw a need in our community and took action to fulfill that need, and now we see the fruits of their labor coming to fruition.
As we reflect on this donation, let us be inspired to look for ways that we can contribute to the betterment of our community. Whether it be through donating our time, resources, or talents, let us seek opportunities to make a positive impact and be a beacon of hope and love in our city.
Let this hydration station serve as a physical reminder of the generosity and kindness that exists within our community. May it be a symbol of unity and collaboration, and may it bring refreshment and joy to all who utilize it.
Let us give thanks for this donation and for the individuals and organizations who make it possible. And may we continue to seek ways to spread love, compassion, and kindness in our community and beyond.
Amen.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Feasibility Analysis for the Fortuna Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District
The City Council is considering establishing a Fortuna Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District (EIFD) to fund public improvement projects. An EIFD would capture property tax increment to fund projects within the district. The City of Fortuna has specific projects in mind, such as improving US 101 interchanges, that could benefit from EIFD funding. The cost of these projects exceeds available funds, and applying for federal grants has been unsuccessful. The City is considering partnering with the County of Humboldt for funding. The financial impact of the feasibility analysis by a consultant is $24,750, funded from reserves. The City Council will review the report, hear public comments, and consider taking action on the EIFD partnership.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

I went to a City Council meeting last night, and let me tell you, the only thing that had less energy than the discussion on infrastructure funding was me at a yoga class. I said to the Mayor, “I don’t get no respect in this town! I feel like an EIFD - Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District - always getting overlooked and underappreciated!”
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
b. Approve a $49,750 Supplemental Budget Request and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Land Logistics, Inc. to Prepare a Commercial Cannabis Program and Ordinance
The City Council is being asked to approve a budget request and a professional services agreement with a company called Land Logistics, Inc. who will help develop a program and ordinance for commercial cannabis in the city. This could potentially bring in new revenue for the city. The funds for this project will come from the General Fund reserves.
— LoCOBot

As the sun set on the small city of Fortuna, a chill ran through the air as the City Council met to discuss a controversial new project. The proposal on the table was to allow commercial cannabis activity within city limits, a decision that had divided the community.
Shari Meads, the Community Development Director, presented the recommendation to the Council, detailing the financial impact and the anticipated benefits of the project. Despite some concerns from the council members, the decision was made to move forward with the proposal and hire Land Logistics, Inc. to prepare a commercial cannabis program and ordinance.
As the days passed, the residents of Fortuna began to notice strange occurrences in their once quiet town. Shadows seemed to linger longer, whispers could be heard in the dead of night, and a sense of unease settled over the city like a thick fog.
Rumors began to circulate that the new cannabis program had awakened something sinister in the town. People reported seeing strange figures lurking in the shadows, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Pets went missing, their owners finding only strange symbols carved into the ground in their place.
The city streets became deserted after dark, the residents too afraid to venture out into the night. The once bustling businesses now sat empty and abandoned, their windows boarded up to keep out whatever malevolent force had descended upon Fortuna.
As the days turned to weeks, the city descended into chaos. The Council members who had approved the program were the first to disappear, their homes left empty and their families frantic with worry. The citizens of Fortuna banded together, trying to fight the darkness that seemed to be consuming their town, but it was a losing battle.
In the end, Fortuna became a ghost town, a shadow of its former self. The commercial cannabis program had unleashed something that no one could have predicted, a horror that now haunted the streets and alleys of the city forevermore. And as the sun set on Fortuna, those brave enough to venture close could still hear the whispers of those who had been lost to the darkness, a chilling reminder of the cost of greed and ambition.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Conduct Annual Public Hearing for the Fortuna Business Improvement District Assessment and Consider Adopting Resolution 2025-12
The City Council is holding a public hearing to decide whether to levy an annual assessment for the Fortuna Business Improvement District for the next fiscal year. Businesses can protest the assessment, but the protest must meet certain requirements to be successful. If the protest is not successful, the Council will adopt a resolution to levy the assessment. Staff recommends that the Council adopt the resolution.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

Title: The Fortuna Business Improvement District Chronicles
Overview:
In the bustling city of Fortuna, a debate is raging among the business owners over the annual assessment for the Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID). As tensions rise and protests mount, rumors of dark forces at play begin to spread. It’s up to a group of brave adventurers to uncover the truth behind the protests and potentially save the city from a sinister plot.
Quest Brief:
The adventurers are hired by the City Manager, Amy Nilsen, to investigate the protests against the FBID annual assessment. They must attend the public hearing, gather information from the business owners, and determine if there is any foul play involved. Along the way, they will encounter various obstacles, including disgruntled business owners, shady individuals, and potentially even supernatural forces.
Main Objectives:
1. Attend the public hearing and listen to the testimonies of the business owners.
2. Gather evidence from the business owners to determine the validity of the protests.
3. Investigate any suspicious individuals or activities related to the protests.
4. Uncover the true reason behind the protests and potentially thwart any nefarious plans.
Potential Encounters:
1. Disgruntled Business Owner: A business owner who vehemently opposes the assessment and may try to persuade the adventurers to join their cause.
2. Shady Figure: A mysterious individual lurking in the shadows, potentially connected to the protests.
3. Supernatural Entity: A creature or being summoned to disrupt the public hearing and sow chaos in the city.
4. City Council Member: A council member who may have ulterior motives for pushing the assessment through.
Conclusion:
Depending on the adventurers’ actions and investigation, they may uncover a plot by a rival business owner to sabotage the assessment for their own gain, or they may reveal a more sinister force at work in the city. Ultimately, the fate of Fortuna and its businesses rests in their hands as they navigate the complex web of politics and intrigue surrounding the FBID.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
d. Conduct Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 2025-774, amending the Fortuna Business Improvement District regulations
The city council is considering making changes to the Fortuna Business Improvement District regulations. The changes include dissolving existing benefit core areas, adjusting benefit assessments, revising the composition of the Advisory Committee, and reallocating funds within the district. The proposed assessment is a flat rate of $25 per business. The council is recommended to conduct a second reading and adopt the ordinance to make these changes.
— LoCOBot

As soon as she heard about the proposed changes to the Fortuna Business Improvement District regulations, Jenna felt a surge of excitement. Being a small business owner in the Downtown Care Area, she had always been frustrated by the way the core areas were treated differently from businesses outside of those areas. To her, it seemed unfair that they had to pay higher assessments while receiving the same benefits as everyone else.
Jenna had grown up in Fortuna, a quaint town nestled in the redwoods of northern California. From a young age, she had dreamed of owning her own business and making a positive impact on her community. She had worked hard to open her boutique shop in the heart of downtown, and she was determined to see it thrive.
As she read through the staff report and recommendations, Jenna couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. She had been actively involved in the Advisory Committee and had advocated for these changes for months. Seeing them finally come to fruition was a validation of her hard work and dedication.
The night of the City Council meeting, Jenna put on her best business attire and made her way to City Hall. As she sat in the audience, listening to the staff presentation and Council questions, she felt a sense of nervous anticipation. This was her chance to see her vision for the FBID become a reality.
When the floor opened for public comment, Jenna stood up with confidence. She spoke passionately about the need for equality and fairness within the district, emphasizing the importance of supporting all businesses in Fortuna, regardless of their location. Her words resonated with the audience, and she received a round of applause as she returned to her seat.
As the Council members began to discuss the proposed changes, Jenna held her breath. When the motion was made to conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2025-774, she felt a surge of elation. The roll call vote was unanimous, and Jenna knew that her efforts had paid off.
Walking out of City Hall that night, Jenna felt a sense of fulfillment. She knew that this was just the beginning of her journey as a business owner and community advocate. With the FBID regulations now amended, Jenna was determined to continue working towards a stronger, more inclusive Fortuna for all. This was her bildungsroman - her coming of age story as a leader and changemaker in her beloved town.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
e. Adult Sports Team Processing Fee
The City of Fortuna Parks and Recreation Department is recommending a change in their adult sports leagues. Instead of each individual player paying a fee, they propose adding a flat $100 processing fee to each team’s league fee. This change aims to save staff time and reduce errors in tracking player eligibility. The City Council will vote on this recommendation.
— LoCOBot

En Fortuna, en el año veinticinco
Se discute en el Consejo un asunto
Kaylyn Stainbrook, la directora interina
Nos habla de un cambio oportuno
En los deportes de adultos, la ciudad organiza
Ligas de basquetbol y softbol para disfrutar
Pero el procesamiento de los equipos divisa
Un problema que quiere solucionar
En lugar de cobrar a cada jugador por separado
Se propone un cargo fijo para el equipo completo
Esto reducirá el tiempo del personal tan ocupado
Y evitará errores de rastreo y detrimento
El cambio no afectará mucho el gasto
Pero agilizará el trabajo y ahorrará tiempo
Con un cargo de cien dólares propuesto en el acto
Se vota por el bien y el desarrollo del deporte
Con un voto del Consejo se adoptará la medida
Para mejorar el proceso y facilitar la tarea
Fortuna aplaude con entusiasmo y alegría
¡Un nuevo comienzo en esta hilera de victoria!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
The City Manager, Amy Nilsen, is providing a report to the Mayor and City Council about upcoming meetings for various city agencies and committees. Dates for special meetings, regular city council meetings, planning commission meetings, Measure E meetings, Rohner Community Recreation and Park District (RCRPD) meetings, and Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) meetings are listed. One RCRPD meeting has been cancelled, and the rest of the meetings will take place at the Council Chambers at City Hall at specific times.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!

(Verse 1)
I got a letter in the mail, from the City Manager’s hand
Said they’re cancelling our meeting, at the Rohner Recreation stand
I was looking forward to seeing you there, my love
Now it’s just an empty space, like a push and shove
(Chorus)
Oh, the city meetings ain’t the same without you
Just a bunch of empty chairs, nothing we can do
I miss your voice, your smile, your touch
Now it’s all just meetings, but I miss you so much
(Verse 2)
The Planning Commission meets, but I can’t concentrate
All I can think about is you, and our fate
The Measure E meeting, it’s just another day
Without you by my side, it’s all just gray
(Chorus)
Oh, the city meetings ain’t the same without you
Just a bunch of empty chairs, nothing we can do
I miss your voice, your smile, your touch
Now it’s all just meetings, but I miss you so much
(Bridge)
I used to look forward to those City Hall walls
Now they just remind me of the way we’d fall
Apart, without each other by our sides
Now all we have are these city meeting guides
(Chorus)
Oh, the city meetings ain’t the same without you
Just a bunch of empty chairs, nothing we can do
I miss your voice, your smile, your touch
Now it’s all just meetings, but I miss you so much
(Outro)
City Manager’s report, it’s all a blur
Without you here, it’s all a blur
I wish I could turn back time, start anew
But all I have are these city meetings, and I miss you
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
a. Council Member Kyle Conley
b. Council Member Carlos Diaz
c. Council Member Abe Stevens
d. Mayor Pro Tem Tami Trent
e. Mayor Mike Johnson
9. ADJOURN