Hank Sims / @ 12:21 p.m. / Agendizer

AGENDIZED, PART II: Organic Waste, Building Codes and a Declaration of Emergency in Fortuna

If tonight’s Eureka City Council meeting is quiet, Fortuna’s is even more so. Only two non-consent calendar items to deal with, and they’re both fairly boilerplate things that all local jurisdictions have been doing lately: updating building codes to conform with new state law, and demonstrating that they’re attempting to make progress on keeping organic material out of the landfill.

Apart from that, City Manager Merritt Perry will give his usual report to the council, and the council will ratify Perry’s declaration of a state of emergency following the recent earthquakes.

The Fortuna City Council meets at 6 p.m. at Fortuna City Hall — 621 11th Street. Full agenda below.


Fortuna City Council
Jan. 3, 2023, 6 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL

2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS/INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES

3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

4. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. City Council Minutes – December 19, 2022 (Regular Meeting) December 13, 2022 (Special Meeting)

b. Report of Disbursements

c. Proclamation of the City of Fortuna Confirming the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Earthquake Damage, December 20, 2022

The City of Fortuna has declared a local emergency after an earthquake hit the area on December 20, 2022. The City Manager has proclaimed a state of emergency and the City Council needs to ratify the declaration to allow additional resources to flow to the city. This ratification will also help the City to more effectively respond to the earthquake and potentially obtain reimbursement for the response, although there is no direct cost impact.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Robert Burns poem!

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna was affected by a major earthquake on December 20, 2022,
resulting in significant damage to City infrastructure and other property; and

WHEREAS, the City Manager has determined that the incident requires an immediate response
to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the City’s citizens and property;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Fortuna declares the existence of a local
emergency due to the earthquake damage caused December 20, 2022.

Signed by Merritt Perry, City Manager

Aye, the quake has done us harm,
It’s gi’en us cause tae alarm.
The City Manager’s proclamation,
Declares ‘tis a local emergency situation.

The Council must ratify the cause,
To protect the folk of Fortuna’s shores.
Aye, ‘tis a state of emergency,
That requires the Council’s decree.

The City Manager’s proclamation,
Will help tae protect our nation.
The Council’s review is needed,
To help us get back up on our feet.

Aye, the quake has done us harm,
But we shall get through it, arm in arm.
The City Manager’s proclamation,
Will help us through this difficult situation.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportProclamation


d. Edible Food Recovery Regional Participation

The City of Fortuna is working to comply with California Senate Bill 1383, which requires cities to reduce their organic waste in order to prevent pollution. In order to do this, the City needs to develop an Edible Food Recovery Program, which Humboldt County Public Works has agreed to lead if they receive assurances from the City that it will participate in the costs and development of the program. This Consent Item is asking the City Council to authorize the City Manager to sign a letter to Humboldt County, committing to participate in the program. Doing this will help the City avoid fines of $10,000 per day for not meeting the requirements of SB 1383. The City will need to pay approximately $11,000 for their share of the program costs.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an Elizabethan sonnet!

To keep our town from such a steep fine,
And keep it safe from the State’s ire,
We must to Humboldt County incline,
And promise them we will not tire.

We must make sure that all is fair,
And share our finances as best we can,
To develop a program that will keep us where
We must comply with the State’s plan.

We must pay for a consultant to make
A plan that will put us in compliance,
And when we speak, we must not mistake
For we must take every chance for adherence.

We must be sure that all is done
To keep our town in the State’s good graces,
And when the job is finally won,
We can all be thankful for these efforts in our spaces.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportDraft Letter


5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS

a. Second Reading: Organic Waste Disposal Ordinance Revision

The City of Fortuna is proposing to revise an ordinance about organic waste disposal to comply with a state law known as SB 1383. The law sets targets to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills, and also sets a goal to rescue edible food and redirect it to people in need. The City needs to make changes to its waste collection and recycling programs to meet the requirements of SB 1383, and the Council is holding a public hearing and conducting a second reading of an ordinance to implement the changes.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bruce Springsteen song!

Verse 1:
We’ve been working hard to make a change
A plan for the future to rearrange
As California moves to combat climate change
Organic waste must meet the range

Chorus:
We’ve got to make a change, today
We’ve got to work together and stay
To reduce emissions and find a way
To make sure organic waste is here to stay

Verse 2:
We must take action to make it right
And find a way to make it tight
To keep our planet in its fight
For organic waste, no more delay

Chorus:
We’ve got to make a change, today
We’ve got to work together and stay
To reduce emissions and find a way
To make sure organic waste is here to stay

Verse 3:
We must work hard and find a way
To help our planet for the day
Reduce the waste that’s thrown away
To make sure our future is safe

Chorus:
We’ve got to make a change, today
We’ve got to work together and stay
To reduce emissions and find a way
To make sure organic waste is here to stay

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportOrdinance 2022-757


b. Public Hearing: First Reading to Consider, Repealing and Replacing Title 15, Building and Construction; Division I, Generally; Chapter 15.10, Building Codes with the 2022 California Building Codes as Mandated by the California Building Standard Commission and Department of Housing and Community Development, Ordinance 2023-758

This ordinance is proposing that the City of Fortuna repeal and replace the current building codes with the 2022 California Building Codes. It also proposes a few local amendments to the codes, such as setting permit expiration dates, engineering requirements for commercial buildings, and boundary and topographic survey requirements. The ordinance would also set up penalties for violations of the codes and fees for work done without the proper permits.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a science-fiction story!

The Mayor and City Council of Fortuna had been concerned about the aging infrastructure in the city and the potential for an accident should it fail. Since the city was a leader in technological advances, the decision was made to update the City’s Building and Construction codes to the latest California Building Codes and Ordinance 2023-758 was drafted. The Mayor and City Council held a public hearing to consider the repeal and replacement of the existing codes with the new codes.

The public hearing was well attended by citizens, engineers, contractors, and architects. After a thorough discussion, the City Council approved the proposed ordinance with the exception of a few administrative amendments. The amendments included establishing terms and procedures for permit expiration, engineering of commercial buildings to allow waiver by the Building Official, property survey waiver by the Building Official, and violation penalties.

The updated codes were implemented on January 1, 2023 and the effects were immediately seen. The infrastructure of the city had become much more efficient and resilient and the citizens were pleased. As a result of the new regulations, the city saw an influx of new businesses and residences, as people were now more confident in the safety of the city.

Unfortunately, the city’s newfound prosperity did not last for long. Just one month later, a mysterious force descended upon the city, rendering the updated building codes useless. They called themselves the Architects of Fate and claimed to have been sent from the future to protect the city from a disaster unlike anything seen before.

The Architects of Fate explained that the updated building codes had made the city vulnerable to an impending disaster that was sure to come. They said that the only way to protect the city was to replace the current codes with ones from the distant past. The Architects of Fate then replaced the current codes with ones from the 1950s, ensuring the city’s safety.

The citizens of Fortuna were amazed by the Architects of Fate and the protection they provided. The Mayor and City Council thanked the Architects of Fate for their intervention and promised to never forget their sacrifice.

And from then on, the citizens of Fortuna would never forget the importance of keeping the building codes up to date.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

1. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

The City Manager’s Report provides the dates of upcoming City Council, Planning Commission, Measure E, and Rohner Community Recreation and Park District meetings. The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The next Planning Commission meeting is on Tuesday, January 10th at 6:00 pm in the same location. The next Measure E meeting is on Wednesday, January 18th at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers. Lastly, the next Rohner Community Recreation and Park District meeting is on Wednesday, January 4th at 2:30 pm in the Council Chambers.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!

Welcome to Merv “The Beast” Tarkington’s Right-wing Radio Talk Show! Today, we’re discussing the upcoming council, planning commission, measure E, and Rohner Community Recreation and Park district meetings.

First up, let’s talk about the upcoming council meetings. It’s important for citizens to stay informed about their local government and attend these meetings. It’s our civic duty to stay up to date on the issues and make sure our voices are heard.

Next up, let’s talk about planning commission proceedings. These meetings are an opportunity for citizens to have a say in the development of their city. It’s important to attend these meetings if you want to have a say in the future of your city.

Moving on, we have the upcoming Measure E meetings. These meetings are key for those who want to stay informed on the funding that is being allocated to their city. It’s important to attend these meetings so you can see where your tax dollars are going.

Finally, we have the upcoming Rohner Community Recreation and Park District meetings. These meetings are great for anyone who is interested in learning more about the recreational activities and parks in their city. It’s important to stay informed about the opportunities for recreation in your city and these meetings are a great way to do it.

That’s all for today’s show. Be sure to check out the City Manager’s report for more information on these meetings. Thanks for listening and have a great day!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


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


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