Regular City Council Meeting - April 2, 2024
View Agenda - Watch Entire Meeting
The land that Eureka rests on is known in the Wiyot language as Jaroujiji. Past actions by local, State and Federal governments removed the Wiyot and other indigenous peoples from the land and threatened to destroy their cultural practices. The City of Eureka acknowledge the Wiyot community, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. This acknowledgement demonstrates the City’s commitment to dismantle the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism.
Report Out of Closed Session - Watch
No report out of closed session.
Mayor Bergel presiding; Councilmember Moulton, Councilmember Fernandez, Councilmember Bauer, and Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach present in chambers. Absent: Councilmember Castellano was absent until 7:00 p.m. and joined the meeting in person at that time.
A. Mayor’s Announcements - Watch
A.1. Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Watch
Read by Councilmember Moulton, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Presented to North Coast Rape Crisis Team.
Executive Director Amanda LeBlanc remarked that North Coast Rape Crisis Team is in danger of funding cuts next year that affect any organization that assists victims of crime. Calling on community to help fund to keep the services available, will have fundraising information on the website, is committed to maintaining 24-hour services. One of the first times that this funding is at risk of being cut, is relying on community for support.
Mayor's Reports
Mayor Bergel attended the Town Hall hosted by State Senator McGuire, spoke with Supervisor Arroyo.
Highlighted some benefits for the City from the voter-enacted Measure H. These include funding the EPOA contract, catching up on deferred infrastructure maintenance, more road funds which makes the Pothole Blitz possible, expanding Economic Development, incorporating Uplift, CAPE and CARE into the General Fund, increased Community Services staffing, improvements to parks, playgrounds, and trails. Finance Advisory Committee has always been the oversight body, and they report annually and those meetings are noticed and open to the public. Updates on projects for housing on City-owned lots: LINC project is waiting on tax credits and then will be fully funded. Met with people from Wiyot Tribe and those projects are moving forward. The Earth Center project, working with HTA and a third project and will come before Council in the coming months, and Rural Communities will be hosting a public meeting in the summer to discuss the Sunset Heights property.
Went to wind energy meeting, and attended Sons of Italy dinner and meet centenarian Evo Fanucchi, who will be the Grand Marshal of the Rhododendron Parade and was in the 1944 film The Fighting Seabees starring John Wayne.
Seven people shared public comment. One commenter spoke about being glad for street repairs, asked for repairs to sidewalks in Old Town and around the zoo, one commenter spoke about their beliefs about Measure H, commenters spoke about concerns about motorized bikes and scooters being safe in the community, commenters asked for ceasefire resolution from Council, and commenter appreciated the recent Q&A session for business groups about mental health and homelessness.
F.1. Approve City Council regular minutes of March 19, 2024 Council meeting
F.2. Fee Waiver for 2024 Humboldt Math Festival
Agenda Summary - Fee Waiver - 2024 Humboldt Math Festival
F.3. Systemwide Sewer Evaluation Project 2024 - Award
Agenda Summary System Wide Sewer Evaluation
F.4. First Slough Fish Passage Project - Award
Agenda Summary First Slough Construction Award
F.5. FY2024-25 CIP Budget Appropriations
Agenda Summary - FY2024-25 CIP Budget Appropriations
FY2024-25 CIP Project Budget Allocations Detail with Prior-year Budget Rollovers
Motion to Council
Council voted to approve the consent calendar; one absent, four yes votes, motion carries.
H. Ordinances & Resolutions - Watch
H.1. Tirsbeck Local Coastal Program Amendment - Watch
Attachment 1 - Bill No. 1034-C.S. for IP
Attachment 2 - Resolution to transmit
Presented by Senior Planner Castellano.
This are the final components to the Tirsbeck Local Coastal Program amendment. Previous actions on this matter occurred when Council adopted three resolutions at the public hearing held at the last Council meeting, on March 19. Council adopted the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the entire project, approving the surplus property and alley easement vacation for the Notch within 2000 Broadway, and approving the Land Use Map amendment to change the land use designation from industrial to commercial on 936 W Hawthorne. Council also introduced Bill No. 1017-C.S. to amend the Implementation Plan map to change the zoning designation from industrial to commercial on 936 W Hawthorne.
The entire project resolves a clouded title issue with 2000 Broadway, and allows 936 W Hawthorne to have consistent land use and zoning designations as 2000 Broadway to allow both parcels under the same ownership to be redeveloped together with commercial uses.
Recommendation to Council to adopt Bill No. 1034-C.S, an ordinance amending the Implementation Plan map of the Local Coastal Program to change the zoning designation at 936 W Hawthorne St and adopt a resolution of City Council directing staff to transmit an application to the Coastal Commission to change the Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan map designations at 936 W Hawthorne.
Council Questions
No questions from Council.
Public comment for this item
No public comment for this item.
Motion to Council
Council voted to adopt the bill and adopt the resolution; motion carries with one absent and four Yes votes.
H.2. Bill No. 1035 Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Commission - Watch
Presented by City Clerk Powell
This is the second reading and adoption of Bill No. 1035, the amendment to the Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Commission, this changes the commission from a nine-member board to a five- to seven-member board. Currently the commission will be held at a seven-member board.
Council Questions
No questions from Council.
Public comment for this item
No public comment for this item.
Motion to Council
Council voted to adopt the bill; motion carries with one absent and four Yes votes.
I. Reports & Action Items - Watch
I.1. Eureka Cultural Arts District Memorandum of Understanding - Watch
Presented by Economic Development Project Manager Asbury and City Attorney Luna
Began in 2015 when AB 189 authorized the California Arts Council (CAC) to establish state-designated cultural districts. Then-Executive Director of The Ink People presented the idea to the Art & Culture Commission, advocated for partnership between City and The Ink People to apply for designation. Agreed and began the process of cultural asset mapping. Began city-wide, and use the state definition of a cultural district, a high concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues that serve as a main anchor of attraction. This was brought before the Art & Culture Commission several times to refine the boundary. When the map was finalized by the Commission and then approved by City Council in 2017, submitted the application to the CAC with The Ink People as the lead agency and the City of Eureka and Eureka Main Street as partners.
Eureka was one of 22 semi-finalists. Briefly combined with the Creamery District in Arcata, but uncouple at the direction of the CAC. Eureka was awarded the designation, and Arcata will probably be awarded designation with this next round.
Eureka is one of 14 designated cultural districts. When designation was awarded, it came with a small amount of funding, $5,000. That funded banners along 4th and 5th Streets, and built a website. In 2023 the CAC recertified the 14 cultural districts. The recertification is for another five years of the designation, and an award of $671,000 to be disbursed over three years.
This led to the desire to create a more formal structure for how to administrate the cultural district and the awarded funds.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) adds the Wiyot Tribe as a partner. The MOU also creates a leadership council that will oversee the district and the administration of the projects, and also participating in state-wide efforts, coordinating with other cultural districts, and partnering with the CAC.
After the MOU is signed, the priorities will be marketing the district, expanding cultural and creative activities through funding and support, and funding and supporting long-lasting signifiers, such as murals and monuments.
City Attorney Luna shared that this is a somewhat unique situation where there are four organizations all pulling together to give life to a cultural district that wouldn’t otherwise exist. This MOU is the scaffolding for the cultural arts district, it does not have a home of its own without cooperation. These four organizations who are committed to the same thing can ensure that the money that was given by the State can be then distributed back into the community equitably, and hopes that this MOU reflects that. It has been vetted by all of the member organizations. Two of the four member agencies have already approved this, and the Wiyot Tribe will be taking this to their first April meeting.
Council Questions
Councilmember Fernandez appreciates how the MOU is laid out and the discussion of how the leadership board will work, asked what is role of the City in this. Answer: City Attorney Luna believes that in the beginning of the process there was a requirement of the state that a local agency be involved in the application process, along with a business group and an arts group. The state was looking for those configurations.
Councilmember Fernandez confirmed that applicants for funds do not need to be part of the partner groups. Answer: City Attorney Luna confirmed that, the idea is not to restrict funds to the members of the MOU.
Public comment for this item
Two people shared public comment. One commenter asked about potential conflicts of interest with The Ink People and the members of Council present, one commenter spoke about the funders for The Ink People, and one commenter shared appreciation for The Ink People and support for this MOU.
Council Comments
Councilmember Moulton commented, was employed by The Ink People when then-Executive Director Libby Maynard started this project, and noted that she had felt as though The Ink People should be Eureka’s official arts organization and that there are over 150 different projects that run through the organization, and they are the backbone of so may great things. Delighted to see her vision come to fruition, and the Wiyot Tribe being a part of this is a large part of what she wanted to see, very glad to see this partnership come together, it will do a lot of good in the community.
Councilmember Fernandez spoke about a comment regarding his ties to The Ink People, had volunteered as an organizer with Grassroots Humboldt and written some pieces for them as well. Asked City Attorney Luna to discuss the conflicts of interest policy and whether in violation of the policy. Answer: City Attorney Luna explained that this is not a funding agreement, the monies have been given to the cultural arts district from the state, and this is not a decision to give City funds to the district. The financial concerns raised in public comment do not apply here. City Attorney Luna also pointed out that the leadership council that is created by this MOU will be making their decisions openly and publicly, and this MOU is a model for transparency. Councilmember Fernandez noted that item 6.B. declares the leadership council as a Brown Act body, and the MOU also defines what standards they will be held to.
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach commented that she is excited about the cooperation with the Wiyot Tribe, appreciative of staff and everyone who has put this together, and it is very exciting to now have access to these funds to benefit the community, and excited to see what will come out of this.
Motion to Council
Council voted to approve the MOU; motion carries with one absent and four Yes votes.
Note: Councilmember Castellano joined the meeting after this item concluded.
I.2. Mixed Neighborhood Overlay Development - Watch
Presented by Development Services Director Kenyon
As requested by Council, staff has provided additional information on the potential development of a Mixed Neighborhood Overlay. If developed, and adopted by Council, the overlay could then be applied by Council to a site or sites within the City to add objective design or form-based standards that would apply in addition to a site’s base zoning district. The purpose of the additional standards would be to help ensure additional residential density and neighborhood-serving commercial uses within or adjacent to predominately single-family neighborhoods are designed to be compatible with those neighborhoods.
The older neighborhoods of Eureka have some good examples of different housing types intermixed with single-family homes, like duplexes and townhomes. The different housing options blended with single family homes get to density thresholds to support transit and corner stores, but it doesn’t feel dense in the same way that a large, internally focused apartment complex.
This overlay would be exploring how to gently blend density into or adjacent to single family neighborhoods. The neighborhood around the Jacobs campus would be one of a selection of neighborhoods explored when designing the overlay.
Council Questions
Councilmember Fernandez asked what an overlay does, in a broad sense. Answer: Director Kenyon explained that it adds additional standards or additional allowances on top of the existing base standards. Every property in the City has a zoning district, such as service commercial or residential-low, and this would be adding some design standards on top of that. Councilmember Fernandez confirmed that the overlay doesn’t re-zone, it doesn’t up-zone, it doesn’t change the zoning, and that it helps set standards around what the designs might be, within that particular overlay area or that particular zone. Director Kenyon confirmed, the base zones are focused on what uses are allowed, and give a broad brush of what is allowed, such as 22 dwelling units per acre. 22 dwelling units per acre and look and feel very different depending on how it’s oriented to the street, how big the parcels are, how big the buildings are. This overlay would be dealing with those design-related items.
Councilmember Fernandez noted that the Jacobs site was mentioned in the agenda summary, and that it would be used as a model. Answer: Director Kenyon said staff would direct the consultant hired for this to look at a number of neighborhoods, and the Jacobs neighborhood would be one of them. Councilmember Fernandez asked what would be the other neighborhoods reviewed. Answer: Director Kenyon will be looking at other areas where there is existing neighborhood commercial zoning next to single family, looking at the areas where transitioning from commercial to low-density residential, other single-family neighborhoods. Councilmember Fernandez asked if that would be Henderson Center area. Answer: Director Kenyon confirmed yes, and expanding out from there.
Councilmember Fernandez asked if Director Kenyon could speak more to why staff would be utilizing a consultant and not going in-house.Answer: Director Kenyon said that it is partly to save staff time and consultants would have expertise in areas that staff would be relying on, such as graphic design skills. Form-based code needs to incorporate graphics, and would want to create mock-up visuals as communication tools. The consultants also have CEQA lawyers to help advise staff, and assist with community outreach, similar to the Waterfront Eureka plan. Having a consultant on that was helpful specifically for the outreach and graphics. Will also be relying on subject matter expertise with writing the code, that process is difficult and time-consuming work.
Councilmember Fernandez clarified that this overlay sets the guidelines for how the buildings might be developed, and this just creates the policy and does not place the overlay on any locations. Answer: Director Kenyon confirmed that this first step is to develop the overlay, and then it would be brought to Council to adopt into the zoning code. It would not yet apply anywhere. Separately, Council could act to apply it in the future, as saw fit. Councilmember Fernandez asked if the City would be soliciting public input in that process with the consultant. Answer: Director Kenyon confirmed that.
Councilmember Fernandez asked if the City has used overlays in any other capacity. Answer: Director Kenyon explained that the current zoning code does not allow for neighborhood markets, but there are some neighborhood markets that existed before that code went into effect in those residential areas. The City created a Neighborhood Market overlay that would allow for a market at a site, but comes with standards to ensure that a market is compatible in a neighborhood, such as limiting to certain types of markets, and sets performance standards. The City applied that overlay to the existing markets to legalize them, and it could be applied elsewhere if Council desired or if a property owner wanted to apply it in the future. The City also as a Qualified overlay that does not have set standards the way the Mixed Neighborhood overlay would; standards specific to a site are adopted when the Qualified overlay is adopted. Council used this most recently for the Crowley site to set specific standards when up-zoning it to service commercial, but the site has wetlands and is vulnerable. The Qualified overlay was used to impose additional regulations and limits on what could be developed there.
Councilmember Moulton noted the mentioned pressure on staff and that hiring a consultant would relieve some of that, and asked if there are any concerns about adding this process, noted that in previous discussion of this item, Director Kenyon had said that adding this will push other items, and asked if hiring the consultant would mitigate that. Answer: City Manager Slattery clarified that Council provides direction to staff, and any items or tasks Council adds will make staff re-prioritize. Staff won’t be able to say specifically what this would delay, but adding this would be additional workload for staff. There have been items coming up that have taken priority; things pop up all the time. Emergencies happen and priorities get changed. It is up to Council to determine the direction that staff goes. City Manager Slattery is personally concerned about the Local Coastal Program (LCP), it is of vital importance to City. Because of a number of items that have come up, it has been pushed back.
Councilmember Bauer appreciates Councilmember Moulton bringing up the matter of staff workload capacity. Noted that City Manager Slattery brought up his concerns about the LCP and how it has been put off for a long time. Councilmember Bauer raised concerns about not only staff’s focus, but the focus of Council as well. Adding another thing that might delay other tasks is a struggle, and leads to the question of if this is the time to take this on
Councilmember Castellano noted that she was traveling from Sacramento and apologized for being late. Asked if staff could speak if this or what was putting a delay on the LCP. Answer: City Manager Slattery said that LCP is a huge priority for the City and it has been for a long time. It is somewhat out of our control. The City has tried to work with the Coastal Commission and follow their guidance and provide them the information they want. That has delayed that process significantly, and the delays are not just due to items that have come up. Clearly because of the Housing Element and associated lawsuits related to that, that has caused problems and other items being raised to a higher priority. Cannot say specifically that this would delay the LCP update, but it is additional work that was not planned previously. Having a consultant on board will help significantly. Sees this as similar to the work that went into securing a grant of $50 million. It is beneficial, and also was a lot of work behind the scenes. Council has to weigh, is the benefit worth that. Director Kenyon also noted that having many different projects is a very exiting part of the job, but also the department only has five full-time planners, and staff is constantly moving from item to item to meet needs and priorities. Councilmember Castellano asked if there was a way of lightening the overlay development. Answer: Director Kenyon said that staff can balance, and fit the size of the outreach to meet what is within the department’s capacity. City Manager Slattery also said that it is important to note that this is a tool that would like to use throughout the city, and would need to get input from throughout the city and not one geographic area
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach noted that this is in response specifically to the Jacobs site, noted that the agenda summary discusses that this overlay could be applied to the Jacobs site regardless of the outcome of the initiative, asked if this is a response to the anxiety of the upheaval of that site and the uncertainty around who the purchaser is. Noted that the property has not changed hands yet, and is still under the ownership and control of the school district, asked if that was the motivation for this overlay. Answer: Councilmember Moulton said that when Council received the staff report after the town hall, the short answer was that there was no consensus of what people wanted to see as far as uses, but there was a consistent response for the desire of public participation and transparency. Of the options that staff brought back, this was option that best answered that desire. If the City were to re-zone the site, that work could go out the window in the case that the initiative passed. The initial reason to bring this up was to capture the energy from that town hall, and to turn it into something actionable. Clearly something will happen with the Jacobs campus, but this option is useful throughout the city. It may not be urgent.
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach noted that the concerns around Jacobs site may not be something that the City can address entirely, because that property is still under the ownership of Eureka City Schools. Believes that the concerns about transparency were a perceived lack of transparency on their part. Asked how does the overlay interact if the initiative were to pass. Answer: Director Kenyon explained that the initiative is focused on what uses are allowed at the Jacobs site. The initiative says that if the initiative passes, in addition to the public facilities uses that are allowed, all of these other uses have to be allowed, and that 40% of the site needs to be reserved for high-density residential housing. That is looking at what uses are allowed, and does not talk at all about the form that any development takes. This overlay is focused on form and not use. Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach asked if this overlay would prevent what the initiative is trying to do, or does it direct it, or would it still allow the zoning in the initiative. Answer: Director Kenyon explained that it would still allow all same uses, but discusses what building looks, and the building could be occupied by those uses. Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach asked to clarify some of the allowed uses. Answer: Director Kenyon noted that there are a great many uses that could be allowed under this initiative; retail could be allowed, a bar could be allowed, a four-story apartment complex could be allowed.
Public comment for this item
Six people shared public comment for this item. One commenter spoke about the City no longer owning the parking lot next to City Hall and that they believe that the lot is owned by Security National, and noted that the lot is barricaded and not usable. One commenter asked specific questions that had not been answered in the Council discussion, the Mayor asked them to email their questions so staff can follow up. One commenter spoke in opposition to the overlay and believes that would not be allowed with the initiative. One commenter spoke about another person and their process of trying to get a lot line adjustment, and being frustrated by the requirements. [Note: for more information about lot line adjustments and the process that is required to change lot lines, please email the Planning department with questions or to schedule a meeting.] One commenter likes the idea of an overlay, and cautioned Council to not potentially chill the potential to add housing through infill. One commenter noted that they don’t know the intentions of the entity who is purchasing the property, but does want to keep the ball fields.
Council Comments
Councilmember Castellano thinks that the public would like more opportunity talk about these things, and that this is a great way to do it. Does have concerns about staff time, but will trust that staff can prioritize needs; doesn’t believe that this should take priority over what is staff is already doing. Is supportive of the overlay moving forward; sees confusion in the community about this. Sees opportunities for different kinds of developments and new ways of thinking about neighborhoods, and this could be a way of thinking about how to use form-based code in a neighborhood setting to give different innovative opportunities for place-making. Encourages approaching this in a way that is manageable for staff, in parts as needed.
Councilmember Moulton noted that the property exchange has not closed, was brought up in the recent 2x2 meeting with the school board members. Is also curious about who is buying the property and what they will do with it. Ultimately what they do with the property needs to fit in the neighborhood, and that is what hearing most from constituents. Creating an overlay will create a set of rules of how things can fit it without limiting uses. Agrees with Councilmember Castellano and while would like to see this move forward, will trust staff to prioritize their time. In favor of moving forward without putting a fire under it. It needs to be done, it is a tool will be useful all over the City, it would answer the need for public participation, it would answer the need for people to be able to say what they want to have in their neighborhoods, not just at Jacobs but all over the City. It does not need to come in front of other more pressing things.
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach commented, initially did not like the reaction to the sale of a property of changing the zoning or applying an overlay, is not comfortable setting that kind of precedent. Noted that the property has not changed hands yet, and the intentions of the new owner aren’t known yet. Sees the years of issues with the property as broken trust on the school district’s part. Doesn’t know if this is the appropriate response from the City right now. Would like to push for education about what the public would be voting on. Would like to be aware of the impacts this would have on a separate governmental entity. Does appreciate the ability to use this tool across the City.
City Attorney Luna requested the opportunity to comment, to make sure that that the record is clear that what is being asked is for directed to move forward with development of an overlay that would have to come back to Council later to be added to the zoning code. City Attorney Luna wanted to make sure that it is clear to the public that zoning codes are not being changed tonight, and that staff is asking Council to authorize some money and additional staff time on a project that was not before staff prior to now. No decisions or changes to the zoning code are being made tonight.
Councilmember Fernandez agrees with Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach that there are concerns and that Council may not be able to address the anxiety about the unknowns for these neighborhoods. Does believe that this could address some concerns of neighbors. Noted that this only approves the development of the overlay and that it may be a number of months before this process is finished. The time that the development will take will buy time to determine if this is in the best interest of the Jacobs site. If it does not work for Jacobs it would still behoove the City to have this overlay. Discussed this in the recent 2x2 meeting with school board members and the superintendent, there were concerns but no requests to not move forward. Noted that the City could have had these discussions much earlier if were allowed to be included in the process and if the prior superintendent had been responsive to the requests from the City. At a minimum this would afford more opportunity for public discussion and provide the city a tool for defining future development.
Councilmember Moulton asked to clarify that this overlay and any zoning that the City imposes on the Jacobs lot would not affect Eureka City Schools. Answer: City Attorney Luna said that the overlay would not conflict with the initiative, the school district does not have to comply with zoning codes as long as what is built there is related to schools. If they wanted to build a non-school related project, that would have to comply with zoning codes. State agencies do not need to comply with City zoning codes. Councilmember Moulton also responded to a point from Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach, this was brought up in response to community concerns, but would not say that this is in response to the ballot initiative or even the sale, but a response to the fact that something is going to change, and residents are concerned that their wants and desires that have been disregarded for many decades are going to go unheard. This is in response to folks wanting to makes sure that their voices are heard.
Councilmember Castellano commented that they think of an overlay as a specialty tool that the City doesn’t have, and would like to have that available.
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach sees that this is an overlay that will be applied to Jacobs and does not agree with that end, and will vote no.
Motion to Council
Council voted to direct staff to develop an overlay zone at their best timing; one No vote and four Yes votes, motion carries.
I.3. Capital Improvement Program 2024 - Watch
Capital Improvement Program Report 2024
Presented by City Engineer Willor
City Engineer Willor thanked key staff members. Engineering Technician Savannah Andrews has been working on make the document more usable, Administrative Technician Latisse Devlin put the documents together, and Assistant Engineer Albert Figueroa assisted in the project.
A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a short-term plan that identifies capital projects and provides a planning schedule and options to finance the plan. This is the playbook for how the City will move forward with implementing projects. The CIP provides orderly implementation of the goals of the General Plan and Strategic Visioning documents, allows staff to make sure the goals and standards are being brought into the projects of the City. The CIP provides orderly and timely basis for sound budget decisions to plan and finance future needs. Staff is not looking the immediate, but also five years down the line and beyond that to anticipate needs, to be in a better position to be able to fund items as they come up. Also allows for the maintenance and replacement of the City’s infrastructure.
Eureka is a historic city, first incorporated in 1856. This is a large driver for a lot of the projects that are contemplated in the CIP. As a historic city, Eureka has a lot of aging infrastructure; aging roads, utilities, and facilities all across the City. That is a major driver for what is included in the CIP.
The infrastructure is in constant need of maintenance and upkeep, and previous years’ funding allocations were insufficient to meet those needs, which has led to deferred maintenance. This is an issue for municipalities across the country and across the world.
Sat down with Public Works Director Gerving and listed out the projects in the Completed and In-Progress projects, these is $110 million of projects. That gives an indication of how much work is happening in the City at this time.
View the presentation of completed and in-progress projects:
Council Questions
Mayor Bergel asked how the new 14th Street culvert, if there will be impacts the road that was just paved there. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that a lot of the new pavement on 14th Street does not go all the way to the curbs, it will be repaved from curb to curb. The entire crossing will need to be dug out to replace that culvert. The sidewalks on the north side of the street will also be replaced, the existing sidewalk is in bad shape.
Mayor Bergel asked about how sidewalks are prioritized, noting that there was previous public comment about the condition of sidewalks in Old Town. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that it is a challenge; the City has a small amount of money for a large project. The most effective way is hire contractor that has adequate grinding equipment that can do the work of the entire budget in a couple of days. The City focuses on the sidewalks that are under the City’s responsibility first, and use consultant who can do the work quickly, and can deal with the dust effectively.
Councilmember Fernandez asked how the priority of street reconstruction is determined. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that the department first focuses on the streets that have the most impact for most users, those will be the principal arterial streets. When planning the projects, will try to then fit projects close together depending on construction methods, then try to add in overlays in residential areas to maintain pavement before it gets too bad and then requires a more expensive treatment in order to repair.
Councilmember Fernandez asked how to determine the prioritization of pothole repairs. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that it is a challenge with the number of potholes across the entire city, and have already over average annual rainfall for the year which makes it more challenging. The department takes calls, and gets crews allocated to make the repairs. The weather preventing the use of hot mix patches means that to make a repair in the wet weather it has to be a cold patch, which will not last long. Going into a dryer period means that the crews are out repairing as much as possible while the weather supports it.
Councilmember Fernandez asked how storm drain repairs are prioritized. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that storm drain repairs are a bit different. Funding is minimal, try to go after larger projects that will also address these, utilizing grant funds as able, then repairing on a case by basis. Maintenance of storm drains will happen as soon as crews are available, but repairs must wait on weather. The best way to get the repairs done is to try to align with maintenance projects for better use of funds.
Councilmember Fernandez asked about the grant funding for the repair of drains, asked if there are matching mechanisms for that grant funding. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that there are not a lot of grants available to only fix a culvert, but if a multi-benefit project can meet a granting agency’s need, often will have to fit into funding group. Can be challenging, but try to do that the best we can.
Councilmember Bauer thanked staff for the report, and noted that $110 million worth of work is a lot Noted that being an old city costs a lot of money and is glad that we are able to take care of stuff now. Asked about the solar installation at the water treatment plant and the zoo, how many megawatts it would produce, and if it could power the facilities. Answer: City Engineer Willor doesn’t know the wattage. The solar installation is designed to take on full capacity of both the zoo and water treatment facilities.
Councilmember Moulton asked who the electric vehicle charging stations are for. Answer: City Engineer Willor explained that they are public facilities for public use in the public right of ways. The City worked with Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) to put projects together. RCEA operates the completed facility and will be responsible for most of the maintenance after complete. Councilmember Moulton asked if the revenue from the meters would offset cost of station. Answer: City Engineer Willor said that there is a there is a meter and that RCEA is the account holder, and that it is a public service that is provided. City Manager Slattery noted that the construction was grant funded.
Councilmember Castellano asked if there are any plans to include Tesla charging stations at the electric vehicle charging stations. Answer: City Engineer Willor is not sure, just had first kickoff meeting with funding agency. It is a very new grant, and just getting started with it. City Manager Slattery believes that currently have level two stations, asked if grant includes level three charging station with fast charging. City Engineer Willor doesn’t have that information, it is a new thing, and can present the grant to council.
Public comment for this item
One person shared public comment, noted that uneven sidewalks, or large cracks or bumps in sidewalks can be dangerous for people, specifically people using wheelchairs or strollers, asked if funding could be diverted for sidewalk repair. Asked that Complete Streets policy included in street maintenance plans.
Council Comments
Councilmember Castellano encouraged access for Tesla vehicles at electric vehicle charging stations, noted that many tourists who visit drive Teslas and would like to encourage visiting Old Town or Henderson Center while charging vehicles. Noted that there will be a budgeting discussion for the Capital Improvement Program as well, and invites the public to come back for that part of the process.
Councilmember Bauer noted that to fully electrify all vehicles, personal and City included, 9,000 stations are needed in Humboldt County, and that we have a long way to go. Would like Counil and the City to think about how to capture State gas tax funds. The City receives a small portion of those funds and noted that the real engines of commerce are cities, and city roads deserve more attention and care than they get.
Mayor Bergel shared her appreciation and excitement for the Capital Improvement Program.
Motion to Council
Council voted to receive the report and adopt the program; unanimous Yes votes, motion carries.
J. Future Agenda Items - Watch
Councilmember Bauer would like for City to explore purchasing different power sources, and would like to explore if the City could feasibly pay for Repower Plus, a fully renewable power source. Noted that it would cost more money, but would like to be able to drive change in the community. Response: Council reached consensus.
K. City Manager Reports - Watch
City Manager Slattery shared that there is a Special Council Meeting to discuss Strategic Visioning Update tomorrow.
Nick Bown-Crawford, Executive Director of Humboldt Made presented to Council about Friday Night Markets. The markets will kick off on Friday, May 31, with the Forest Moon Festival. The Markets had one hundred thousand cumulative attendees throughout the summer of 2023, with 60 local bands and hundreds of local vendors. Many of the vendors do not have brick and mortar stores and rely on markets like these. Humboldt Made partnered with The Ink People, dedicated the Romano Gabriel stage area to the Dream Maker program participants last year, will be doing again this year and adding two more stages. Will be continuing partnership with Eureka Mission, volunteers from Eureka Mission help to run the whole market. Will be continuing partnership with the City of Eureka through Public Works and the bollards in Old Town and EPD for public safety, and partnership with Eureka Main Street and the Economic Development department. Vendor applications are open now for the markets, and more information about the markets is at fridaynight.market and more information about the Forest Moon Festival is located at forestmoonfestival.org.
Council Questions & Comments
Councilmember Moulton noted that at their business in Old Town, sees a spike in foot traffic right before the markets begin, and notes that it’s an event that seems to draw a lot of locals, and that it’s lovely to see.
Executive Director Bown-Crawford noted that they can see some tracking, and last year had about 1.6 million digital impressions on social media posts about the markets. Also started doing attendee surveys, and see lots of people traveling from Redding and Crescent City to attend the markets. Just about every town in Humboldt attend the markets.
Councilmember Fernandez wants to encourage cosplaying [dressing up in costume] for the Forest Moon Festival.
Executive Director Bown-Crawford noted that when cosplaying, to please do so within the intellectual property regulations of Lucasfilm, and that can be found on forestmoonfestival.org.
Councilmember Castellano noted that Eureka Main Street is working on incentive programs to help support people who are visiting outdoor events to come in to local businesses, exploring ideas of how to accomplish, and is excited to explore this idea more with Humboldt Made.
Executive Director Bown-Crawford says that is a great program to run though Friday Night Markets with the number of attendees.
M. Council Reports & City Related Travel Reports - Watch
Mayor Bergel noted that May is Mental Health Month, will host event, Embracing Humanity. There will be two panels, a professional panel and lived-experience panel, and keynote speaker Joe Roberts. Hosted at City Hall in Council Chambers on May 4, from 10:00a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and more information will be published soon. Please note that the venue has changed, is now at City Hall. Zoom will be available.
Councilmember Castellano traveled to Burbank for the CalCities Housing, Community, and Economic Development Policy Committee meeting, reporting back on two items that the committee decided on; the committee voted affirmatively to support expedited permitting for health clinics in cities where there are none or too few, and the committee voted negatively on permitting thrift stores, the committee wanted cities to retain implementation deciding power. Also attended community safety meeting hosted by Eureka Main Street, attend Senator McGuire’s Town Hall, Eureka Main Street meeting, and went to Sacramento, not on City-related business, to support actions that Redwood Coast Regional Center is supporting at the state level. Is hosting Town Hall in Council Chambers on Tuesday April 30 at 5:30 p.m. and will focus on strategies for neighborhoods to build connectivity.
Councilmember Moulton attended Eureka City Schools two-by-two meeting with two members of the school board and the superintendent, appreciate their attempts to create well-rounded student and they will be working on portrait of an educator. Arts Alive is this weekend in Old Town. Attended Joint Powers Authority and Chamber of Commerce meetings, will participate in the Forest Moon Festival as a business and encourages people to join in.
Councilmember Fernandez attended CalCities conference in Burbank, the Government Transparency and Labor Relations Committee, discussed many topics, the main piece of legislation regarding divestments did not make it out of committee. Was disheartened to hear about vandalism at Carson Park and is glad that it is being investigated. Redwood Region Economic Development Committee meeting was cancelled, also attended Eureka City Schools two-by-two meeting and discussed the Jacobs property and what an overlay means, noted that Eureka High students are performing Spamelot this weekend and next weekend at 7:30, attended two-by-two with Wiyot tribe representatives, discussed project plans for housing development at 5th and D Streets and potential for elder tribes dinner next year, and also attended Town Hall with Senator McGuire.
Councilmember Bauer also traveled to CalCities in Burbank for Environmental Quality Committee meeting, they spent two hours debating SB 1999 which failed. This was an item from the power companies wanting to bill a flat rate to their customers, and they want that amount to be a large amount, SB 1999 would make rate much lower, worth checking out to see if that is something the City should support. Also attended Senator McGuire’s Town Hall. Attended Redwood Coast Energy Authority board meeting, attended Cooper Gulch clean-up day. It was a successful clean up, and did not find much trash. Removed invasive species, and will try to do another one in May. Will probably try to host a Bay to Zoo Trail community forum in the next couple of months to talk about the plans, information about that will come soon.
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach was not able to go to Burbank but did receive the materials for the meetings. Noted that the Legislative Analyst’s office is now projecting a $73 billion budget deficit for the state budget. This will be addressed by delays, deferrals, program reductions, and fund shifts, meaning some payouts will take longer, some programs will be cut back, some funds shifted from one to another or delayed for however long. At this time there are no discussions of if this will affect funds already promised. This will mainly effect Health and Human Services and education. Attended the wind energy conference, attended dinner with City Manager Slattery, and attended conference the next day. Encourage watching the presentation from Rob Homlund, attended Measure Z meeting, went on a ride-along with EPD Officer Couch, went to community safety meeting with CSET and CARE hosted by Eureka Main Street, attended Senator McGuire Town Hall, and got to speak with Senator McGuire about how Humboldt County is one of a handful of counties that do not name Safely Surrendered children when they are surrendered. Got to meet US Congressmember Huffman and State Assemblymember Gipson, will be attending Chamber of Commerce two-by-two meeting.
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