Isabella Vanderheiden / Yesterday @ 1:32 p.m. / Agendizer
(UPDATE) Fortuna is Looking to Buy Up Nearly 244 Acres of Undeveloped Property to Improve Public Access to Eel River
The proposed purchase agreement includes 243.2 acres of undeveloped land along the Eel River in Fortuna. | Image: City of Fortuna
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UPDATE: Soon after we published this story, Fortuna City Manager Amy Nilsen informed us that 229.6 acres of wetlands on the west side of the Eel River will be returned to the Wiyot Tribe. The 7.2-acre parcel on Riverwalk Drive will be turned into a park, with plans to build a dock for river access.
The value of the parcels will be determined through independent appraisals. Altogether, the city has secured $1.89 million in state and federal grants to buy the land.
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Original post: The City of Fortuna is looking to purchase nearly 244 acres of undeveloped land along the Lower Eel River to improve public access and preserve riparian habitat.
At next week’s meeting, the Fortuna City Council will review a purchase agreement for two swaths of land — 236 acres on the west side of the Eel River and another 7.2 acres on Riverwalk Drive, behind Eel River Brewery — to further the city’s long-held goals of expanding riverside recreation opportunities.
“The City of Fortuna has long sought to improve public access to the Eel River corridor, preserve riparian habitat, and expand opportunities for open space, recreation, and natural resource stewardship through the purchase of property along the Lower Eel River,” the staff report states.
A view of the 7.2-acre site, looking south. | Photo: City of Fortuna
The properties, currently owned by Troy Elbert Land and Trudy Marilyn Ehmke, will be purchased using grant funds, assuming the council signs off on the proposal. Staff has secured funding through the California River Parkways Grant Program to cover the cost of the 7.2-acre site. Acquisition of the 236-acre site is hinged on a grant award from the California Coastal Conservancy, which would cover the fair market value purchase price. The city is being asked to put down a $10,000 deposit.
The purchase agreement for the 236-acre site includes a funding contingency requirement that ensures “no General Fund contribution is made toward the purchase price.” The agreement also requires the city to “ultimately transfer long-term ownership or stewardship to a qualified conservation organization.”
The Outpost reached out to Fortuna City Manager Amy Nilsen via email to find out how much the parcels are worth, but she did not respond to our immediate request for comment. We’ll update this post when we hear back.
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What else is goin’ on at Fortuna City Council next week? Check out the agenda below!
Fortuna City Council
March 2, 2026, 6 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
2. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
DOCUMENTS:
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. City Council Minutes – February 2, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
DOCUMENTS:
This report provides information on the disbursements made by the City of Fortuna for the month of February 2026. The total amount of disbursements processed was $93,064.47, with payments going to various vendors for services and supplies. The report is recommended to be received by the City Council as an informational item only.
— LoCOBot
… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!
Captain’s Log, Stardate 45623.4
The USS Enterprise has been assigned to investigate a mysterious disappearance of an entire city on the planet Fortuna. Starfleet received a distress call from the city’s mayor reporting that the entire population, as well as the city itself, had vanished without a trace. Our mission is to determine what happened and, if possible, rescue any survivors.
As we approached Fortuna, we scanned the planet’s surface for any signs of life or unusual activity. However, our sensors detected nothing out of the ordinary - no life forms, no energy signatures, nothing.
Upon beaming down to the city, our away team found it eerily deserted. Buildings stood empty, cars were abandoned in the streets, and there was no sound except for the faint rustling of the wind. It was as if the inhabitants had simply vanished into thin air.
After a thorough investigation of the city, we discovered a hidden underground facility that seemed to be the source of the mysterious disappearance. Inside, we found a series of disbursement reports, detailing large sums of money being transferred out of the city’s accounts.
It became clear that a group of rogue individuals had used advanced technology to siphon the entire city and its population into a parallel dimension, using the funds to finance their operation. The disbursement reports were the key to unraveling the mystery and ultimately saving the city.
With the help of the Enterprise’s science officer, we were able to reverse the process and bring Fortuna back to its rightful place in our dimension. The inhabitants were confused but unharmed, and grateful for their rescue.
As we departed Fortuna, the city’s mayor thanked us for our swift action and promised to increase security measures to prevent such a disaster from happening again. The crew of the Enterprise returned to space, knowing that they had once again saved the day and upheld the values of the Federation.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Receive and File Assembly Bill 2561 Status and Vacancies Report
This report is about a new law requiring public agencies to report on job vacancies and recruitment efforts. The City of Fortuna has to report on vacancies in different employee groups, such as the Fortuna Employees Association and the Police Employees Association. The report shows that vacancy rates have decreased due to successful recruitment efforts. The City is also making efforts to attract and retain staff, including implementing a 34-hour work week trial and increasing salaries for police officers. The recommended action is for the Council to receive and file the report.
— LoCOBot
As the City of Fortuna delved into the details of Assembly Bill 2561, little did they know that amidst the chaos of annual vacancy reporting, there was a love story waiting to unfold. Siana L. Emmons, the hardworking Human Resources Director, found herself at odds with the charming and mysterious Amy Nilsen, the City Manager who seemed to have a hidden agenda of her own.
Despite their initial differences and clashes in opinion on how to handle the vacancies report, Siana and Amy couldn’t deny the growing attraction between them. As they worked together to compile the data and navigate the complexities of recruitment and retention efforts, their professional relationship soon turned into something much more intimate.
Siana found herself drawn to Amy’s confidence and determination, while Amy was captivated by Siana’s dedication and compassion for the employees of the City of Fortuna. As they spent late nights in the office pouring over spreadsheets and discussing policy changes, their feelings for each other continued to grow.
But their budding romance was not without its challenges. With the pressure of meeting the reporting deadlines and the scrutiny of the public eye, Siana and Amy had to navigate the complexities of their newfound relationship while still fulfilling their duties to the City.
As the deadline for the report approached, Siana and Amy found themselves at a crossroads. Would they be able to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal desires? Or would they have to choose between their careers and their hearts?
In the end, love prevailed. Siana and Amy’s dedication to each other and to the City of Fortuna only strengthened their bond, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected love stories can arise from the most unlikely of circumstances.
And as they presented the Annual Vacancy Report to the Honorable Mayor and Council Members, Siana and Amy stood side by side, knowing that they had not only fulfilled their duties to the City, but had also found something truly special in each other.
The Council members may not have expected a romance to blossom amidst the chaos of Assembly Bill 2561, but for Siana and Amy, it was a love story worth fighting for. And as they walked hand in hand out of the Council chambers, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, they knew that together, they could conquer anything.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
d. Review and Approve Mayor’s Recommendation of Appointee to the Park Commission
The city is looking to fill a vacancy on the Park Commission, and the Mayor has recommended Jim Rizza for the position. The appointment would finish out the term of a commissioner who resigned. The City Council is being asked to approve the Mayor’s appointment at their upcoming meeting.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a heartbreaking country/western song!
(Verse 1)
There’s an empty seat on the Park Commission
A reminder of a friend who’s gone
We received just one application
But it’s not the same, it feels so wrong
(Chorus)
Oh, the memories we shared in that park
Will never be the same
Without you by my side, it’s so dark
I’ll never be able to fix this pain
(Verse 2)
Jim Rizza, the new appointment
But he’ll never fill your shoes
Your absence leaves a gaping hole
Nothing will ever be as good as you
(Chorus)
Oh, the memories we shared in that park
Will never be the same
Without you by my side, it’s so dark
I’ll never be able to fix this pain
(Bridge)
I miss the way you cared for our community
The passion you brought to every meeting
Now all that’s left is a vacant seat
A reminder of the loss we’re still feeling
(Chorus)
Oh, the memories we shared in that park
Will never be the same
Without you by my side, it’s so dark
I’ll never be able to fix this pain
(Outro)
Rest in peace, my dear friend
Your legacy will never fade
Every time I visit the park
I’ll think of you and the memories we made.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Public Hearing for Second Reading and Adoption of Amendments to Title 17, Zoning Regulations, Ordinance 2026-782
The city of Fortuna needs to amend their zoning regulations to comply with state law regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs. Changes to state law have made it necessary for the city to update their regulations to align with current standards. The proposed amendments aim to ensure compliance with state law and simplify the process for homeowners to add ADUs or JADUs to their properties. The city council is recommended to hold a public hearing to adopt the proposed amendments.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a pitch from a used car salesman!
Are you looking for affordable housing solutions that don’t require the purchase of additional land or significant new infrastructure? Look no further than our selection of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)! These units provide independent living spaces for family members or renters, supporting aging in place and enabling extended families to live nearby while preserving privacy.
Recent changes to state law have simplified the development of ADUs and JADUs, making them an even more attractive option for homeowners. Our Ordinance 2026-782 ensures compliance with current State law for ADUs and JADUs, giving you peace of mind that you’re investing in a legal and compliant housing solution.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore our selection of ADUs and JADUs. Contact us today to learn more about how these units can benefit you and your family. Don’t wait, take advantage of this affordable housing solution today!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A • Exhibit A to Attachment A • Attachment B • Attachment C
b. Approve a Hiring Freeze Exception for a Community Development Director/City Engineer
The City Manager is recommending that the City Council approve an exception to the hiring freeze to fill the vacant position of Community Development Director/City Engineer. The position has been vacant since August 2025, and the duties are essential to the city’s operations. The position includes responsibilities such as long-range planning, zoning, housing, building inspection, and traffic engineering. The City needs to fill this position to avoid delays in housing projects, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory compliance. No additional funding is required as the position is already budgeted for. It is important for the Council to approve this exception to ensure the city can continue its development projects effectively.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
In the city of dreams, where progress gleams
A position stands vacant, calling for schemes
The Community Development Director, City Engineer
Essential and critical, we need them here
(Chorus)
Oh Mayor, oh Council Members
Listen to our plea, don’t let us falter
Exception to the freeze, recruit with ease
For the growth of our city, for the future we seize
(Verse 2)
The responsibilities are vast, planning and engineering
Building inspections, traffic controls intervening
Map approvals, sewer determinations
We need a leader for our city’s aspirations
(Chorus)
Oh Mayor, oh Council Members
Listen to our plea, don’t let us falter
Exception to the freeze, recruit with ease
For the growth of our city, for the future we seize
(Bridge)
The delays can’t wait, projects at stake
Economic development, housing make
We need a guiding hand, a City Engineer
To pave the way, make our city clear
(Chorus)
Oh Mayor, oh Council Members
Listen to our plea, don’t let us falter
Exception to the freeze, recruit with ease
For the growth of our city, for the future we seize
(Outro)
With your approval, we’ll move ahead
Recruit the best, fill the position instead
For the progress of our city, let’s make it right
Together we’ll soar, reach new heights.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
c. Approve Two Purchase and Sale Agreements for Acquisition of 7.2 Acres at 1320 Riverwalk Drive and Approximately 236 Acres in the Eel River Corridor; Adoption of Related CEQA Findings; Resolutions 2026-04 and 2026-05
The City Manager recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of 7.2 acres of land and approximately 236 acres in the Eel River corridor to expand public access, preserve habitat, and support conservation efforts. The acquisitions are funded through grant programs and have benefits such as protecting environments and providing public access to the river. The council will vote on resolutions to approve the agreements, and the City Clerk will file necessary paperwork. The fiscal impact is minimal as the acquisitions are mostly funded through grants.
— LoCOBot
Ode to City Council on the Acquisition of Land
Oh, honored Mayor and Council Members wise,
Listen to this humble poet’s cries,
For the purchase of land, so fair and wide,
Shall bring joy and pride to our riverside.
Amy Nilsen, City Manager true,
Has recommended a course to pursue,
To acquire 7.2 acres by the Eel River’s flow,
And 236 acres in the corridor to show.
Resolution 2026-04, with Troy Elbert Land,
Shall secure the purchase and the hand,
Of 1320 Riverwalk Drive, a parcel untamed,
To fulfill our parks and natural goals proclaimed.
And Resolution 2026-05, with the same sellers’ deed,
Shall secure the larger parcel in need,
Of preservation and open space pristine,
For the future generations to convene.
The benefits of these acquisitions grand,
Are abundant and will forever stand,
To protect the land and habitat in need,
And provide access for all to heed.
Let the purchase be fair and just,
And the land preserved without any rust,
For the City’s parks and natural resource goals,
Shall be achieved as the river rolls.
So, let us approve these resolutions with grace,
And ensure the land’s rightful place,
In the hands of the City and its people fair,
To cherish and protect with love and care.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Resolution 2026-04 • PSA for 7.2 Acre Property • Resolution 2026-05 • PSA for Remainder Property
d. Approve a Zoning Map Amendment for Assessor’s Parcel Number 040-172-009 from Retail Commercial to Commercial Thoroughfare, and Find the Project Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Ordinance 2026-783
The report is about changing the zoning of a property from Retail Commercial to Commercial Thoroughfare and finding it exempt from environmental review. The property is located on Main Street and the change is recommended to align with the existing land use and allow for ambulance services. The City Council is asked to adopt the ordinance for the zoning change.
— LoCOBot
Once upon a time in the bustling city of Fortuna, there was a small parcel of land located on Main Street. This parcel had seen many changes over the years, from being a family residence to a pest extermination business. But now, it was time for a new chapter in its story.
The City Ambulance, led by the honorable Abe Fockaert, had big plans for the parcel. They wanted to rezone the land from Retail Commercial to Commercial Thoroughfare, allowing them to provide ambulance services to the community. This would mean extending the existing commercial corridor and bringing new life to the area.
The city council, led by Mayor and Council Members, gathered to discuss the proposed zoning map amendment. Senior Planner Katey Schmidt presented the project information, outlining the benefits of this change and how it aligned with the city’s General Plan Land Use designation.
After much discussion and consideration, the council made a unanimous decision to adopt Ordinance 2026-783, approving the zoning map amendment. They found the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, knowing that it would bring great benefits to the community.
As the moon rose high in the sky and the stars twinkled above, the city of Fortuna embraced this new chapter in its history. The parcel on Main Street was ready for its transformation, ready to serve the people in a whole new way.
And so, with the council’s decision made, the City Ambulance began their preparations to provide vital services to the community. The residents of Fortuna could rest easy knowing that help was just around the corner, thanks to the zoning map amendment that brought positive change to their city.
As the night grew quiet and the city settled into a peaceful slumber, the parcel on Main Street awaited its new purpose with anticipation. And so, the story of Fortuna continued, filled with hope and progress for a bright future ahead. Goodnight, Fortuna. Goodnight, city council. And goodnight to all who call this place home. The end.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
e. Approve a Hiring Freeze Exception for a Part-Time/On-Call Public Safety Dispatcher
The city is asking the council to approve hiring a new part-time/on-call public safety dispatcher position to help fill shifts at the police department. This position is important for maintaining coverage during emergencies, employee leave, and special events. The position is currently vacant, and the city is requesting an exception to the hiring freeze to fill it. This will not require any additional funding and will actually save money on overtime costs. It is important for public safety and the efficient operation of the police department.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!
I tell ya, I heard about this hiring freeze exception for a part-time Public Safety Dispatcher position. They’re calling it a highly specialized position that requires significant training and certifications. Sounds like they’re looking for a superhero, not a dispatcher!
— 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