LoCOBot / Yesterday @ 4:35 p.m. / Agendizer
Fortuna City Council
Feb. 2, 2026, 6 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Annual Measure E Report Presented by Measure E Committee Chair Sue Long
DOCUMENTS:
b. FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Review Presented by Finance Director Aaron Felmlee
The Finance Director recommends that the City Council receive the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Report and review it for any questions. The report includes a review of activities and projections for revenues and expenditures for the first half of the fiscal year. It also discusses a deficit in the General Fund from the previous fiscal year and an increase in department operating expenditures for the current fiscal year. The Council is not recommended to make any budget adjustments at this time.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!
“I tell ya, I just reviewed the mid-year budget report for this town. It’s so bad, even the numbers are asking for a raise!” - Rodney Dangerfield
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. City Council Minutes – 01-20-2026, (Special Meeting 5pm) and 01-20-2026 (Special Meeting 6pm)
DOCUMENTS:
January 20, 2026 Special Meeting Draft Minutes 5pm Meeting • January 20, 2026 Special Meeting Draft Minutes 6pm Meeting
The report is about the disbursements processed by the City of Fortuna. It shows the payments made to different vendors for various services and supplies. The total amount disbursed was $115,506.12 on January 21, 2026, and $92,195.74 on January 28, 2026. The report is for informational purposes only and recommends receiving it through a Consent Agenda vote.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!
Are you ready for some high-energy news, Fortuna? The city recently processed over $200,000 in disbursements, showing a commitment to progress and growth! From legal services to equipment repairs, the City of Fortuna is investing in its future.
Whether it’s supporting local businesses like Buddy’s Auto Center or investing in community events like the Al Gray Parade, Fortuna is on the move. With over $90,000 spent just in January, this city is not slowing down.
So let’s give a round of applause to Mayor and City Council for their dedication to keeping Fortuna thriving. Stay tuned for more updates on how your tax dollars are working for you! Fortuna, let’s keep the energy high and the momentum flowing. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the City of Fortuna!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Revise Measure E Committee Bylaws - Meeting Date Schedule, Resolution 2026-01
The City Council is being recommended to approve changes to the meeting schedule of the Measure E Committee by adopting Resolution 2026-01. The committee discussed and recommended changes to make the meeting dates more consistent. This change will not have any financial impact. The recommended action is to adopt the resolution on the Consent Agenda.
— LoCOBot
(Scene from a play titled “The Measure E Committee”)
[The scene opens in a dimly lit room, with a long table and chairs set up for a committee meeting. A group of individuals, including city officials and community members, are seated around the table, discussing the proposed changes to the Measure E Committee bylaws.]
Finance Director Aaron Felmlee: (clearing his throat) Thank you all for being here today to discuss the revisions to the Measure E Committee bylaws. As you know, these changes are crucial in ensuring the committee operates efficiently and effectively.
City Manager Amy Nilsen: (nodding) Yes, it’s important that we establish clear guidelines and responsibilities for the Measure E Committee. We want to make sure they have the proper support and resources to carry out their oversight duties.
Council Member Thompson: (leaning forward) I agree. The community is counting on us to uphold the integrity of Measure E, and these revisions will help us do just that.
[The discussion continues, with various committee members voicing their opinions and concerns about the proposed changes. As the meeting progresses, tensions rise and emotions run high.]
Community Member Rodriguez: (frustrated) I don’t understand why we need to change the meeting dates. The current schedule works just fine for us.
Finance Director Aaron Felmlee: (calmly) We believe that by aligning the meeting dates to the same day of the week, we can ensure consistency and make it easier for everyone to plan ahead.
Council Member Thompson: (firmly) The revised schedule will also allow for more thorough discussions and analysis of the committee’s oversight responsibilities. We need to prioritize transparency and accountability.
[The debate intensifies, with voices overlapping and tempers flaring. As the tension reaches its peak, City Manager Amy Nilsen steps in to diffuse the situation.]
City Manager Amy Nilsen: (raising her voice) Enough! We are all here to work towards a common goal - to serve the community and uphold the principles of Measure E. Let’s focus on finding common ground and moving forward together.
[A moment of silence settles over the room as the committee members take a breath and compose themselves. They eventually reach a consensus on the revised meeting dates, and the scene ends with a sense of unity and determination to fulfill their duties to the community.]
[The lights fade to black, signaling the end of the scene.]
END OF SCENE.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
d. Review and Approve Mayor’s Recommendation of Appointee to the Historical Commission and Park Commission
The City Council needs to review and approve the Mayor’s recommendations for new appointees to the Historical Commission and Park Commission. There is one vacant seat on each commission, and the recommended appointees are Noah Kiani for the Historical Commission and Polly Kinsinger for the Park Commission. These appointments would be for three-year terms until December 31, 2028. The Council is asked to vote on approving these appointments on the consent agenda.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a town crier's speech!
Hear ye, hear ye! The honorable Mayor and Council Members have a most important decision to make regarding the Historical Commission and Park Commission.
One seat on the Historical Commission and one seat on the Park Commission lie vacant, waiting to be filled by dedicated individuals. The City has received applications from Noah Kiani for the Historical Commission and Polly Kinsinger for the Park Commission.
If approved, Noah Kiani will serve on the Historical Commission until December 31, 2028, and Polly Kinsinger will serve on the Park Commission for the same term.
Therefore, it is recommended that the Council approve the Mayor’s appointments for these commissions. A motion to approve the appointments is on the table for a Consent Agenda vote.
Let us honor our community’s history and preserve our beautiful parks by supporting these appointments. May the Council make the right choice for the betterment of our beloved town.
Thank you, and may wisdom guide your decision-making process. That is all!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
e. Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate Professional Services Contracts with GHD, SHN, Ontiveros & Associates, Whitchurch Engineering, and Shobe Engineering to Provide Various On-Call Consulting Services
The city wants to hire four engineering firms to provide consulting services for various projects over the next three years, with the possibility of extending the contracts. These firms will assist with tasks like traffic engineering, public works projects, grant assistance, and environmental services. The city will negotiate the fees for each project with the firms, and the contracts will include an annual inflation adjustment of up to 3%. The city council is being asked to approve these contracts.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a pitch from a used car salesman!
Are you looking for reliable and professional consulting services for your city projects? Look no further! Our team has successfully provided on-call consulting services to the City of Fortuna for several years, and we are ready to continue our partnership.
With a team of experienced professionals from GHD, SHN, Ontiveros & Associates, Whitchurch Engineering, and Shobe Engineering, we offer a wide range of services including traffic engineering, public works/engineering, development services, environmental services, design drafting services, and surveying services. Our team is ready to tackle any project, big or small, with efficiency and expertise.
Our on-call process has proven to save time and money for the City of Fortuna, and we are committed to delivering high-quality results for every task order assigned to us. Plus, with annual inflationary adjustments capped at 3%, you can trust that our rates will remain competitive and fair.
So why wait? Authorize us to negotiate professional services contracts with GHD, SHN, Ontiveros & Associates, Whitchurch Engineering, and Shobe Engineering today and let us show you the difference our team can make in your city projects. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to work with the best in the business. Vote to approve our contracts on the consent agenda and let’s get started on making Fortuna a better place for everyone.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
f. Approval of EV Charging Station MOU and Lease Agreement with Redwood Coast Energy Authority and Associated Utility Easement Agreement with PG&E
The city is recommending the approval of an agreement to install an electric vehicle charging station in Fortuna, funded by grants from Redwood Coast Energy Authority. There will be no financial impact on the city, and the station will be connected to the PG&E grid. The city council is being asked to approve the resolution and agreements related to the installation.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!
Title: “The Mystery of the Phantom EV Charger”
[The gang is driving through Fortuna on their way to visit a friend when they notice a group of people gathered around an electrical vehicle (EV) charging station. Scooby-Doo barks excitedly and shuffles in his seat as they pull over to investigate.]
Velma: Jinkies! It looks like something strange is going on with that EV charging station.
Daphne: And look, there’s Deputy City Engineer Mat Nyberg talking to a group of people. Let’s go see what’s going on.
[Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo approach Mat Nyberg and the group of people gathered at the EV charging station.]
Fred: Hi, Mat! What’s going on here?
Mat Nyberg: Oh, hi, gang. We’re having some trouble with the EV charging station. It keeps turning on and off by itself, even though it’s not connected to the grid yet.
Velma: That’s strange. Maybe there’s a fault in the wiring.
Shaggy: Like, do you think it’s haunted or something?
Scooby-Doo: Reah, haunted!
Daphne: Well, let’s take a look at the station and see if we can figure out what’s going on.
[The gang inspects the EV charging station and notices some strange markings on the ground nearby.]
Velma: Look, these markings look like they were made by some heavy machinery. It’s as if someone was trying to dig something up here.
Fred: Let’s follow the trail and see where it leads.
[The gang follows the trail of markings through Rohner Park and eventually comes across a hidden underground facility.]
Daphne: What’s this?
Velma: It looks like a secret hideout. Let’s go inside and see what we can find.
[The gang enters the underground facility and discovers a group of individuals trying to sabotage the EV charging station.]
Fred: Hold it right there! We caught you red-handed.
Mystery Person: Oh no, we were just trying to prevent the EV charging station from opening.
Velma: But why?
Mystery Person: Because we don’t want to see Fortuna become more environmentally friendly. We prefer things the way they are.
[Fred calls Deputy City Engineer Mat Nyberg, who arrives with the authorities to arrest the culprits and secure the EV charging station.]
Mat Nyberg: Thanks for your help, gang. We would have never found out about this without you.
Velma: No problem, Mat. Just doing our part to solve mysteries and help the community.
[The gang waves goodbye as they drive off, knowing they’ve once again helped solve a mystery in Fortuna.]
The End.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-781 Amendments to the Fortuna Zoning Map
The city is proposing changes to the Zoning Map to align with the General Plan Land Use Element and the Mill District Specific Plan. This involves rezoning certain parcels to be consistent with the city’s development plans. The changes aim to facilitate future development projects and ensure that zoning regulations comply with the city’s overall plan. The public hearing and adoption of the proposed amendments are recommended to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a conversation between Beavis and Butt-head!
Beavis: Uh, hey Butt-Head, you know what’s zoning?
Butt-Head: Zoning? Uh, I think it’s like when you’re in the zone, you know? Like when you’re scoring touchdowns and stuff.
Beavis: Nah, man. Zoning is like when they tell you what you can and can’t do with your property. Like, you can’t build a taco stand in the middle of the street.
Butt-Head: Oh yeah, I remember that one time we tried to build a taco stand in that old lady’s yard. She was not happy.
Beavis: Yeah, she was all like, “This is not zoned for taco stands!” And we were like, “Uh, what’s zoning?” And then she chased us with a broom.
Butt-Head: Yeah, that was hilarious. Hey, did you hear about this thing with the city and some kind of map amendments?
Beavis: Uh, yeah, they’re like changing the zoning for some parcels to match the General Plan or something. It’s all about consistency and stuff.
Butt-Head: Yeah, and they have to like do public hearings and stuff. Boring. I just wanna build a taco stand wherever I want.
Beavis: Yeah, that would be cool. Hey, maybe we can get our property zoned for taco stands only! That would be awesome!
Butt-Head: Yeah, then we can be like taco kings or something. I’m gonna call the city planner and ask about that. Hey, where’s the phone? Let’s do this.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
b. Public Hearing: Consideration of the Approval of the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Joint Participation Agreement to Allow Full Delegation of the City of Fortuna’s 2022 and 2023 Allocation of the (PLHA) Funds to the County of Humboldt
The City of Fortuna is considering delegating its allocation of funds for affordable housing to the County of Humboldt. This program was established by the state government to address the housing shortage issue. The funds will be used for affordable housing, homelessness assistance, and first-time homebuyers’ programs. The City does not have the resources to implement the program, so they will delegate it to the County, which already has a housing assistance program in place. This decision will have no direct financial impact on the City. The City Council is recommended to hold a public hearing and approve the resolution for the delegation of funds.
— LoCOBot
Recipe Title: Delegation of Permanent Local Housing Allocation Funds
Ingredients:
- Resolution 2026-02
- Joint Participation Agreement
- City of Fortuna’s Year 2022 and Year 2023 allocation of PLHA funds
- County of Humboldt
- Affordable housing development and acquisition programs
- Homelessness assistance programs
- First-time homebuyers’ programs
- Rehabilitation programs for affordable and low-income housing
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine Resolution 2026-02, Joint Participation Agreement, and City of Fortuna’s Year 2022 and Year 2023 allocation of PLHA funds.
2. Stir in the County of Humboldt and mix well to ensure full delegation of funds.
3. Add affordable housing development and acquisition programs, homelessness assistance programs, first-time homebuyers’ programs, and rehabilitation programs for affordable and low-income housing. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
4. Simmer over a public hearing to discuss and approve Resolution 2026-02 certifying the Joint Participation Agreement for the full delegation of funds.
5. Serve hot to benefit the citizens of Fortuna.
6. Enjoy the delicious taste of collaboration in increasing and preserving the supply of affordable housing in the community.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Public Hearing: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 2026-782 Amendments to Title 17, the Zoning Regulations
The city of Fortuna is holding a public hearing to discuss changes to zoning regulations regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. These changes are necessary to comply with state laws and make it easier for homeowners to provide affordable housing solutions. The amendments will align the city’s regulations with current state standards and ensure that they comply with state requirements. The public hearing is part of the process for introducing and adopting these amendments.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a science-fiction story!
In the year 2026, the City of Fortuna found itself at the forefront of a housing revolution. With the adoption of amendments to the Zoning Regulations, the city was embracing a new era of affordable housing solutions known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). These units, recognized by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as a way to address the housing crisis, were becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide additional living spaces without the need for extensive new construction.
As the city prepared for a public hearing and first reading of the ordinance, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The changes to state law had made the development of ADUs and JADUs more streamlined and accessible, and the City of Fortuna was determined to comply with these new standards to ensure a brighter future for its residents.
However, as the public hearing approached, a series of mysterious incidents began to occur. Residents reported strange lights in the sky and unusual vibrations in the air. Some claimed to have seen shadowy figures moving through the night, their intentions unknown. Rumors spread throughout the city, with whispers of alien abductions and government experiments gone awry.
As the City Council gathered for the public hearing, tensions were high. The discussion of zoning regulations and housing amendments was overshadowed by the growing sense of unease among the residents. And then, just as the meeting was about to begin, a sudden power outage plunged the room into darkness.
In the silence that followed, a voice rang out, cold and mechanical. “We are the Zoners,” it said, echoing through the room. “We have come to ensure compliance with our regulations.”
Suddenly, a bright light filled the room, blinding the council members and residents. When their vision cleared, they found themselves surrounded by beings unlike anything they had ever seen before. Tall and slender, with metallic skin and glowing eyes, the Zoners stood before them, their presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
“We have observed your city,” the lead Zoner said, its voice resonating with power. “Your amendments to the Zoning Regulations are acceptable to us. You may proceed with your plans for ADUs and JADUs. But remember, we are always watching.”
And with that, the Zoners vanished as mysteriously as they had appeared, leaving the council members and residents in a state of shock and confusion. As the public hearing continued, the city moved forward with its plans for affordable housing, knowing that they were now under the watchful eye of beings from beyond the stars. And who knows what other surprises the future might hold for the City of Fortuna.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A • Exhibit to Attachment A • Attachment B • Attachment C
d. Fortuna Transit Operations and Alternatives
The City of Fortuna is considering options for its transit system, Fortuna Transit, which provides transportation services for seniors and disabled residents. The current system involves individualized rides, but changes are being proposed to improve scheduling, fleet maintenance, and funding. Options include continuing the current operations, hiring a dedicated Transit Supervisor, exploring outsourced transit services, or closing the transit service altogether. The staff recommendation is to authorize the hiring of a Transit Supervisor and open transit services to the general public. This decision will be made by the City Council after reviewing staff recommendations and public comments.
— LoCOBot
Once upon a time, in the city of Fortuna, there was a magical transit system that provided transportation to seniors and disabled residents. The Fortuna Transit, operated by the Parks and Recreation Department, was a lifeline for many in the community. But as time passed, the fleet of vehicles began to show signs of age and the funding for operations became a concern.
One night, as the moon shone brightly over the city, the Parks and Recreation Director, Kaylyn Stainbrook, sat down to address the issues facing Fortuna Transit. With a heavy heart, she knew that changes needed to be made to ensure the continued success of the transit system.
As she looked out her window, she saw a shooting star streak across the sky. Taking it as a sign, she decided to seek guidance from the Honorable Mayor and Council Members. She prepared a detailed report outlining the current state of Fortuna Transit and presented it to the city leaders.
After much discussion and consideration, the council members decided to authorize a new plan for Fortuna Transit. They chose Option B, which involved opening the transit service to the general public, eliminating a part-time dispatcher position, and hiring a full-time Transit Supervisor.
With the council’s approval, Fortuna Transit began to implement changes. They introduced a new scheduling application called RideCo, which streamlined the process for riders and staff. They also partnered with the Humboldt Transit Authority to explore new funding opportunities and improve connectivity with the Redwood Transit System.
As the days passed, Fortuna Transit saw a surge in ridership and revenue. The new Transit Supervisor worked tirelessly to grow the program, secure additional funding, and provide top-notch service to the community. The fleet of vehicles was gradually replaced with newer, more efficient models, ensuring the longevity of the transit system.
And so, the people of Fortuna could rest easy knowing that their beloved transit system was stronger than ever. Thanks to the vision and dedication of the city leaders, Fortuna Transit continued to be a beacon of hope and support for all who relied on its services. And as the stars twinkled above, the city slept peacefully, knowing that their transit dreams were in good hands. The end.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
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
CLICK TO MANAGE