LoCOBot / @ 2:23 p.m. / Agendizer

The Ferndale Fairgrounds’ Grandstands are in a Perilous State of Disrepair, So the Board of Supes is Holding an Emergency Meeting Tomorrow to Discuss Possible Solutions

Horse racing at the Humboldt County Fair. Photo: Redwood Coast, via Flickr. Creative Commons license.

The Humboldt County Fair happens in August. The fair’s main source of revenue is horse racing. The place people sit to watch the horse racing is in the grandstands along the racetrack.

Problem? As reported in the North Coast Journal yesterday, it is now late June — two months away from the fair’s opening day, give or take — and we’re just finding out that those grandstands are not technically safe to sit in, and it’s going to take a million bucks worth of work to temporarily shore them up.

So the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors is holding an emergency meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at 1 p.m. to talk about what can be done. (The Fairgrounds are county property.)

According to a staff report, an engineering firm surveyed the damage at the fairgrounds following the Dec. 20 earthquake, and found that though the stands can hold the weight of the people expected to sit upon it, it would likely crumble in the event of an earthquake.

The structural engineering inspection determined that the building currently appears adequate to support vertical loads, but not lateral (seismic) loads of the type that need to be taken into account for occupant safety. Even though there is a limited window of time where the structure might be occupied, the risk of doing nothing and allowing occupation is not acceptable.

What to do? Staff estimates that they can shore it up on a sort of an emergency basis for $1 million, if the money can be found and if people can be found to do the work before the fair opens. That’s not even taking into account a long-term fix, which is more in the neighborhood of $2.3 million, according to the report.

What if they can’t get this done by mid-August? Well, that will be discussed too. 

Full meeting agenda, along with an AI-written megachurch sermon on the topic, can be found below.


Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
June 29, 2023, 1 p.m.

A. ROLL CALL

B. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

C. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. California State Library: Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant for the Arcata Library

The City of Arcata wants to make improvements to the Arcata Library. They received a grant for $225,833 from the California State Library and the City is providing $12,917 in matching funds. The library is asking the Board of Supervisors to approve $100,000 in match funds from the Library Fund. The improvements will focus on making the library more accessible for people with disabilities. The project will involve upgrades to the interior, including restrooms, as well as the installation of a new drinking fountain and an ADA accessible parking stall. Construction is expected to start in summer 2024. The funding for this project is already included in the library’s budget for the next fiscal year. It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the match funds.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

Title: The Quest for Arcata’s Lost Treasures

Campaign Overview:
The County of Humboldt is facing a critical situation as the Arcata Library is in need of vital infrastructure improvements to ensure the safety and accessibility of its patrons. The Board of Supervisors has received a Building Forward Library Infrastructure grant to support the project. However, to fully implement the grant, the library needs to secure matching funds. Your party of adventurers is tasked with embarking on a quest to find the lost treasures of Arcata, which will provide the necessary funds and resources for the library’s renovation.

Quest Objectives:
1. Find Clues: Your party must gather information and investigate ancient tomes, libraries, and historical sites throughout the County of Humboldt to uncover the location of the lost treasures.
2. Overcome Challenges: Along your journey, you will face various challenges and obstacles including puzzles, riddles, traps, and encounters with magical creatures. Overcoming these challenges will lead you closer to the treasure.
3. Retrieve the Lost Treasures: Once you have gathered all the necessary clues, your party will embark on a dangerous expedition to retrieve the lost treasures of Arcata.
4. Return the Treasures: Once the treasures are recovered, your party will need to safely transport them back to the Arcata Library to secure the much-needed matching funds.

Campaign Setting:
The campaign takes place in the County of Humboldt, a diverse land filled with vibrant forests, picturesque coastal areas, and enchanting small towns. The party will embark on a journey that will lead them through various locations including ancient ruins, mystical libraries, and hidden caves.

Key NPCs:
1. Library Director: The head of the Humboldt County Library who tasks the party with finding the lost treasures and securing matching funds for the Arcata Library.
2. Town Elders: Wise individuals residing in different towns who possess information about the lost treasures.
3. Mythical Creatures: Guardians of the lost treasures who will challenge the party in combat and provide clues upon defeat.

Rewards and Consequences:
1. Rewards: Successfully retrieving the lost treasures will secure the matching funds needed for the Arcata Library, ensuring its renovation. The party will be hailed as heroes and receive recognition from the Board of Supervisors and the Arcata community.
2. Consequences: Failure to secure the matching funds within a specified time will result in the loss of the grant and a setback for the Arcata Library, jeopardizing its ability to provide services to the community.

Conclusion:
Through their bravery and cunning, the party of adventurers will overcome challenges, navigate treacherous terrain, and ultimately secure the lost treasures of Arcata. Their success will not only provide the much-needed matching funds for the library’s infrastructure improvements but also preserve a vital and beloved community institution for future generations.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportHUMBOLDT COUNTY LIBRARY - Arcata Library— Award Letter.pdfBuilding Forward Budget_Arcata Library_Feb2023.xlsxBuilding Forward Implementation Plan_Arcata Library_FEB2023.xlsxResolution_CountyofHumboldt_City of Arcata.docxAC Verification of Funds - Arcata.pdf


D. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

1. Ferndale Fairgrounds Grandstands

This document is a summary of a meeting agenda for the County of Humboldt. The subject of the meeting is the Ferndale Fairgrounds grandstands, which were damaged during an earthquake. The recommendation is for the Board of Supervisors to hear an update on the current status of the grandstands and take appropriate action. The source of funding for repairs is unknown. A structural engineering firm has determined that the grandstands can support vertical loads but not seismic loads, so temporary shoring is needed to ensure occupant safety. Options for protecting the public during earthquakes are also being examined. The county is exploring funding options for repairs, and the estimated cost is around $2.3 million. The staff is seeking direction from the Board regarding which option to pursue. The meeting is considered an emergency meeting as repairs need to be completed before the fair begins in August. The County of Humboldt Fair Association is involved in the discussion. No previous action or referral is mentioned.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a megachurch sermon!

Sermon Title: Rising Strong in the Face of Uncertainty

Introduction:
Good morning, church! Today, I want to address a pressing matter that affects our community. As many of you may already be aware, our beloved Ferndale Fairgrounds grandstands have suffered significant damage due to a recent earthquake. This emergency meeting has been called to discuss the current status of the grandstands and determine the necessary actions. But in the midst of this uncertainty, I want to remind you of the strength and resilience that can be found in our faith.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Body:
1. The Reality of Our Situation:
The earthquake that hit our county has caused destruction and displacement. It has revealed vulnerabilities in our structures, including the Ferndale Fairgrounds grandstands. As we gather here today, we must acknowledge the seriousness of this situation and the potential risks it poses to our community.

2. Accepting the Need for Action:
While it may be tempting to overlook or delay the necessary actions, it is crucial that we face the truth. The structural engineering inspection has shown that the grandstands are inadequate to withstand future seismic events, putting lives at risk. We cannot ignore this reality or turn a blind eye to the potential consequences. It is our responsibility to take appropriate action to safeguard the well-being of our community.

3. Embracing Temporary Solutions:
The urgency of the situation calls for swift action. Our public works department has identified a conceptual temporary shoring solution that may stabilize the grandstands to an acceptable safety level for public occupancy. This solution can be implemented by local contractors, if available. While it may not be a permanent fix, it allows us to ensure the safety of those who will visit the grandstands during this year’s fair.

4. Exploring Long-Term Solutions:
While temporary solutions provide immediate relief, we must also consider the long-term future of the Ferndale Fairgrounds grandstands. The full cost of repair, estimated at over $2 million, presents a financial challenge. We must also consider whether receiving reimbursement from California’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) will impact our ability to invest in more permanent structural mitigation. This decision requires careful consideration and guidance from the Board as we move forward.

Conclusion:
As we face this uncertain situation, let us remember that our faith provides us with the strength to rise above adversity. The earthquake may have caused damage, but it has also revealed an opportunity for resilience and growth. Let us come together as a community, supporting one another in prayer and action, as we navigate these challenges. With God’s guidance, we can rebuild, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community for generations to come.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in the face of uncertainty, grant us the wisdom and courage to make the right decisions for our community. Provide us with the resources and support we need to rebuild and strengthen our infrastructure. Help us to remember that with You, all things are possible. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report



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