MINUTES OF
EUREKA CITY COUNCIL
March 17, 2026
The City Council of the City of Eureka met in REGULAR Session on the above date, 5:00 P.M. Closed Session, 6:00 P.M. Open Session, at the Eureka City Hall, Council Chambers, 531 “K” Street, Eureka.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 P.M.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation (1 Case)
Pursuant to 54956.9(d) (2) California Government Code
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
City of Eureka vs. Zephyr Hospitality LLC, et al.
Humboldt Co. Superior Court Case CV2502596
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) REGULAR SESSION - 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Kim Bergel
Renee Contreras-DeLoach
Scott Bauer
Leslie Castellano
Kati Moulton
ABSENT: G. Mario Fernandez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION: No report.
City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
A) MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A.1 Rhododendron Parade - Dylan Feierabend with Old Town Rotary shared about upcoming Rhododendron Parade, April 25th.
Mayor Bergel encouraged Boards and Commissions participation. Reminded public that on March 24th at 5:30pm a workshop on running for office will be held at City Hall.
Shared that frequent Public Commenter Harry Wilcox passed away, appreciated his participation. Mayor Bergel also attended Wings for a Cure, PacOut Green Team events, Foggy Bottoms Milk Run, and that planning for the upcoming Town Hall continues, it will be held May 9th 10am-1pm. Attended NAMI Board meeting, attended One Gala After Another. Did interview with JPR out of Portland. Mayor Bergel continues to work on Red-light District Ladies Monument. Damien Lewis, 14 years old is missing, if you seem him, call EPD. Reminded public that the Perilous Plunge is Saturday March 21st.
B) PRESENTATIONS
B.1 Sequoia Park Zoo - Jim Campbell-Spickler, Zoo Director Jim Campbell-Spickler presented.
B.2 Humboldt Bay Fire JPA Annual Report - Chief Citro presented annual report.
B.3 Eureka Police Department Annual Report - Chief Stephens presented the required Use of Military Equipment and Security Camera annual reports along with the Department’s Report for 2025.
C) BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS: None
D) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Ryan Willington
Jeremiah Fisk
Nick Saris
E) COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach, visited HBF station 3, met with Guidance Counselor at High School, met with church groups, attended Harbor 2x2, and met with fishing captains within the Humboldt Bay.
City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Councilmember Bauer, traveled to attend Redwood Empire meeting in Ukiah and was unable to attend JPA meeting.
Councilmember Moulton, had no travel to report. Attended Arts Alive, attended HBF 2x2 and risk management seminar. Shared a thank you and goodbye to North Coast Big Brother, Big Sister. encouraged others to find volunteer opportunities to work with youth.
Councilmember Castellano, attended EMS meeting, Cultural Art's District was discussed, also attended HTA, HWMA meetings. Congratulated Cassandra Hesseltine on Oscar event. Will travel next week for CalCities meeting in Costa Mesa.
F) PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
G) CONSENT CALENDAR, Scott Bauer moved, seconded by Renee ContrerasDeLoach, motion carried.
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, Scott Bauer, Renee Contreras-DeLoach Noes: None
Absent: G. Mario Fernandez
G.1 Council Minutes – Approve Minutes of March 3, 2026 meeting as submitted.
G.2 Eureka Rhododendron Parade - Sponsor the Eureka Rhododendron Parade coordinated by Eureka Old Town Rotary
H) LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE:
By Consensus, Council approved Councilmember Bauer’s request to submit a letter of support for AB 1708.
By Consensus, Council approved Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach request to submit a letter of support for AB 1574.
I) ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
I.1 2026 Inland Zoning Code Update - Director Cristin Kenyon provided a report.
No members of the Public addressed the Council on this matter.
City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Leslie Castellano moved, seconded by Kati Moulton, Waive full reading, read by title only, and adopt Bill No. 1057-C.S. Ordinance No. 973 C.S.., “An ordinance of the City of Eureka adopting the 2026 Inland Zoning Code Update by amending various sections of Eureka Municipal Code (EMC) Title 15, Chapter 155 (the Inland Zoning Code); adding Sections 155.314 (Large Site Development) and 155.348 (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) to EMC Title 15, Chapter 155; and repealing EMC Title 15, Chapter 159 (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities).”, motion Carried.
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, Scott Bauer, Renee Contreras-DeLoach Noes: None
Absent: G. Mario Fernandez
J) REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS:
J.1 2040 General Plan Annual Progress Report for the Year 2025 - Director Cristin Kenyon provided a report.
No members of the Public Addressed the Council on this Matter.
J.2 Housing Element Annual Progress Report for the Year 2025 - Director Kenyon provided a report.
No Members of the Public Addressed the Council on this Matter.
J.3 1.14 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy - Finance Director Lane Millar provided a report.
The following members of the Public addressed the Council on this Matter; Anonymous
Leslie Castellano moved, seconded by Scott Bauer, Adopt Policy No. 1.14, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, with the following amendments that, revisions and corrections be done, bring policy back by second meeting in April. In addition, hold Ad Hoc meeting with Councilmembers Kati Moulton and Leslie Castellano.
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, Scott Bauer, Renee Contreras-DeLoach Noes: None
Absent: G. Mario Fernandez
Scott Bauer moved, seconded by Kati Moulton to table Policy No. 1.14, motion fails.
City Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, Scott Bauer, Renee Contreras-DeLoach Noes: None
Absent: G. Mario Fernandez
Kati Moulton moved, seconded by Scott Bauer to extend meeting to 10:15pm, motion carries.
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, Scott Bauer, Renee Contreras-DeLoach Noes: None
Absent: G. Mario Fernandez
K) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
By Consensus, Council approved Councilmember Castellano’s, request for an update on Martin Slough.
L) CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
L.1 City Manager Slattery provided an update on the Ops Complex update.
M) PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED: None
ADJOURNMENT: 9:58PM
APPROVED:
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Kim Bergel
Mayor
Attest:
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Shannon Fazio
Deputy City Clerk