LoCOBot / Thursday, Aug. 28 @ 4:35 p.m. / Agendizer
Fortuna City Council
Sept. 2, 2025, 5 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. City Council Minutes – August 18, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
DOCUMENTS:
The report provides information on the disbursements made by the City of Fortuna and the Successor Agency for the dates of August 20th and August 26th, 2025. The total disbursements were $141,404.81 and $161,064.51, respectively. The report includes a detailed list of payments made to various vendors for services and supplies. The recommendation is to receive the report as an informational item through the Consent Agenda vote.
— LoCOBot

City of Fortuna and Successor Agency Disbursement Report Recipe
Ingredients:
- Water Meters - Utilities
- Re-key CDD Door
- Key Copies - Parks
- Legal Advice - Land Use
- Franchise Agreement Negotiation Services
- Water Pump/Belt/Hose/Clamps - WWTP
- Monthly K9 Training - Blitz/Cain
- Park Deposit Refund
- Feasibility Survey Service
- ArcGIS Annual Subscription
- Smartpoint Meter Radios
- Wireless Command Link - Utilities
- Hand Soap - PD
- Hacksaw/Sawzall/Blades - Parks
- Bleach/Fly Trap - City Hall
- Supplies - Utilities
- Misc Loose Hardware - WWTP
- Janitorial Supplies - PD
- 4th Quarter End 6.30.25 TOT Allocation
- Equipment Fuel
- Propane - WWTP
- Department Supplies
- Vehicle Fuel & Oil
- Janitorial Supplies
- Vehicle Repairs
- Building Repair and Maintenance
- Weed Abatement
- Tree Trimming & Removal
- Network Support
- Tools & Small Equipment
- Engineering Services
- Legal Services
- Professional Services
- Personnel Services
- Telephone
- Utility - General & Electric
- Sports Leagues
- Regulatory Compliance
- Equipment Lease
- SWMP Implementation
- Illegal Dumping
- Street Light Maintenance
- Certification
- Lab Supplies
- Equipment Repair
- Bio solids Management
- General Contracting
Instructions:
1. Receive staff report of disbursements processed for the City of Fortuna and the Successor Agency (Fortuna Redevelopment Agency).
2. Review Disbursements Detail Report for August 20, 2025 and August 26, 2025.
3. Process payments for various services and supplies including water meters, legal advice, park deposits, feasibility surveys, ArcGIS subscriptions, meter radios, janitorial supplies, equipment fuel, and professional services.
4. Ensure all disbursements are accounted for and recorded accurately.
5. Make necessary adjustments to budget allocations based on payment amounts.
6. File all reports and documentation for future reference.
Enjoy the smooth operation of the City of Fortuna and Successor Agency with these disbursements!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Ducks Unlimited - Bingo Permit Application
The Humboldt Ducks Unlimited organization wants to host a bingo fundraiser at the River Lodge Conference Center on September 12, 2025. They have followed all the necessary steps and requirements outlined in the Fortuna Municipal Code, and the Interim Chief of Police recommends approving their application. The City Council should approve the permit for a duration of three years. The event will be open to the public and follow all regulations regarding prize limits and operating hours.
— LoCOBot

Verse 1:
Humboldt Ducks Unlimited, they’re on a mission
To raise funds for conservation, that’s their ambition
They want to host Bingo games at River Lodge
But first they need approval from the City of Fortuna
Chorus:
B-I-N-G-O, let the games begin
Humboldt Ducks Unlimited, gonna raise some funds
From noon to midnight, they’ll be having fun
With a maximum prize limit of $250, they’ll get the job done
Verse 2:
Melita Evans, she’s leading the charge
Making sure all the requirements are large
They’ve got the permit application all in check
Now it’s up to the Council to give them the green light
Chorus:
B-I-N-G-O, let the games begin
Humboldt Ducks Unlimited, gonna raise some funds
From noon to midnight, they’ll be having fun
With a maximum prize limit of $250, they’ll get the job done
Bridge:
The chief of police has the authority
To ensure everything is done with integrity
Inspecting the premises, checking the records
Making sure everything is in accordance with the law
Chorus:
B-I-N-G-O, let the games begin
Humboldt Ducks Unlimited, gonna raise some funds
From noon to midnight, they’ll be having fun
With a maximum prize limit of $250, they’ll get the job done
Outro:
So let’s give a round of applause
To Humboldt Ducks Unlimited, they deserve some applause
For their efforts in conservation and fundraising
Bingo nights at River Lodge, gonna be amazing!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
3. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
a. City of Fortuna Revenue Generation Ad Hoc Committee Update and Discussion
The City Council is discussing ways to generate revenue to improve city services and employee wages. They are considering options such as a sales tax measure and reviewing the financial status of the River Lodge Conference Center. The Ad Hoc Committee recommended pursuing a sales tax measure and provided options for the future of the River Lodge, including investing more in the facility or leasing it to a third party. The Council will need to make a decision on the preferred option for the River Lodge Conference Center.
— LoCOBot

Title: The River Lodge Renaissance
Protagonist: Olivia Everhart, a young and ambitious event planner with dreams of revitalizing her small town’s struggling River Lodge Conference Center.
Olivia Everhart had always believed in the power of community and the importance of preserving local landmarks. Growing up in Fortuna, she had fond memories of attending events at the River Lodge Conference Center with her family. However, as she got older, Olivia noticed that the once vibrant venue was starting to lose its luster.
After graduating from college with a degree in event management, Olivia returned to her hometown with a mission - to breathe new life into the River Lodge and make it the premier event space in the region. When she heard about the Revenue Generation Ad Hoc Committee and their discussion on the future of the River Lodge, Olivia knew she had to get involved.
With her background in event planning and her passion for community development, Olivia quickly became an integral part of the committee. She poured over financial reports, analyzed revenue trends, and brainstormed ideas with her fellow committee members on how to turn the River Lodge around.
As she delved deeper into the data, Olivia realized that the key to success lay in increasing revenue while minimizing expenses. The committee’s three proposed options - using General Fund dollars, investing in upgrades, or leasing to a third party - all had their merits, but Olivia was determined to find a solution that would benefit both the River Lodge and the community.
After weeks of research and meetings, the committee presented their findings to the City Council. Olivia stood before the council members, her voice steady and her eyes filled with determination, as she argued for a bold new vision for the River Lodge. She proposed a hybrid approach - investing in upgrades to make the venue more competitive while also exploring partnerships with local businesses to increase marketing and event bookings.
To Olivia’s delight, the City Council approved her proposal, giving her the green light to embark on her mission to revitalize the River Lodge. With a newfound sense of purpose and a team of dedicated volunteers by her side, Olivia set to work. She negotiated deals with local vendors to upgrade the sound system, remodel the interior, and pave the parking lot. She launched a marketing campaign to promote the reimagined River Lodge as the go-to destination for weddings, conferences, and community events.
As the months passed, Olivia’s hard work paid off. The River Lodge began to attract a steady stream of bookings, and revenue started to climb. The once-dreary venue was now a bustling hub of activity, filled with laughter, music, and celebration. The community rallied behind Olivia, proud of what she had accomplished and grateful for the renewed sense of pride in their town.
Years later, as Olivia looked back on her journey, she couldn’t help but smile. The River Lodge Conference Center was no longer just a building - it was a symbol of resilience, community spirit, and the power of one person to make a difference. And Olivia Everhart was just getting started on her next adventure, knowing that with passion and determination, anything was possible.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
4. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Authorize the City Manager to Award the River Lodge Exterior Staining Project to Hamanaka Painting Co. and Establish a Maximum Contract of $158,000
The Public Works Director is recommending that the City Manager award a contract to Hamanaka Painting Co. for staining and sealing the River Lodge exterior, with a maximum contract amount of $158,000. The project is important for maintaining the structure and improving aesthetics for events. The bidding process resulted in Hamanaka Painting Co. as the selected contractor. The project is funded through Measure E Funds, with a total cost of $190,000. The City Council is advised to approve the project to avoid delays and potential cost increases.
— LoCOBot

(Verse 1)
In 1998, the River Lodge was built,
But now its exterior needs a little tilt,
The redwood siding has faded away,
It’s time to bring it back to a brighter day,
(Chorus)
Let’s stain the River Lodge, make it new,
Preserve its beauty for the world to view,
Hamanaka Painting Co. will do the job right,
For $158,000, let’s make it shine bright!
(Verse 2)
The elements have taken their toll,
Moisture, dry rot, and mold take their toll,
But with a fresh coat of stain and seal,
The River Lodge’s beauty will surely reveal,
(Chorus)
Let’s stain the River Lodge, make it new,
Preserve its beauty for the world to view,
Hamanaka Painting Co. will do the job right,
For $158,000, let’s make it shine bright!
(Bridge)
From the CIP in 2021, it was planned,
Now it’s time to take action and stand,
The bid was awarded, the project is near,
Let’s make the River Lodge look crystal clear,
(Chorus)
Let’s stain the River Lodge, make it new,
Preserve its beauty for the world to view,
Hamanaka Painting Co. will do the job right,
For $158,000, let’s make it shine bright!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. STUDY SESSION
a. Cannabis Policy Study Session
The City Manager is recommending the City Council receive a presentation from HdL Companies about cannabis regulations in California. The Council will consider whether to continue prohibiting commercial cannabis or to create a program to regulate it. HdL Companies is a respected authority on cannabis policy and will provide information during the study session. The Council will then decide on next steps regarding commercial cannabis in the city.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a pitch from a used car salesman!

Are you looking to increase revenue for your city without raising taxes? Look no further than the potential of legalizing and regulating commercial cannabis businesses. Our team at HdL Companies has helped cities across California navigate the complex regulatory environment of the cannabis industry, and we’re here to help you do the same.
By developing a program that permits and regulates commercial cannabis businesses, you have the opportunity to generate additional general fund revenue for your city. With our expertise and guidance, you can ensure that these businesses operate safely and responsibly while contributing to the economic growth of your community.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to capitalize on the growing cannabis industry. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you develop a successful cannabis ordinance and regulatory program. Let’s work together to maximize the potential of commercial cannabis in your city.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
9. 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
10. ADJOURN