MINUTES OF
EUREKA CITY COUNCIL
August 18, 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: None
CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 P.M.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation (6 cases)
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) REGULAR SESSION - 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Scott Bauer
G. Mario Fernandez (Teleconference)
Leslie Castellano
Kati Moulton
Kim Bergel
ABSENT: Renee Contreras-DeLoach
Councilmember Fernandez participated by Teleconference with a qualifying reason.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION: No report out of Closed Session.
A) MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A.1 Proclamation-Overdose Awareness Month – Councilmember Moulton presented the proclamation for Overdose Awareness Month.
City Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
B) PRESENTATIONS
B.1 Cottage Industries in Eureka – Economic Development Project Manager Sarah West presented a report on Cottage Industries.
C) BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS: None
D) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Joanne McGarry
Pat
Dave Startare
Phyllis Coy
E) COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
Councilmember Castellano attended several meetings including Humboldt Waste Management Authority and the Art and Culture Commission.
Councilmember Moulton has no travel to report, attended the HBF badge pinning ceremony, HBF board meeting, and Friday Night Market. She announced the 9/11 stair climb for first responders. Public is welcome to observe. School is back in session, drive safe
Councilmember Bauer attended HBF Board Meeting. He reminded the public that personal attacks against the council is not acceptable. Please be respectful.
Councilmember Fernandez - attended Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Bingo, and the League of California Cities Governance and Transparency Policy Committee has concluded for the year.
Mayor Bergel attend the room dedication at Tri City for former TSC Commissioner Charlie Bean. She also went on a tour at the Waste Water Treatment Facility, a cultural food event at Alice Birney, Coast Guard Picnic, ribbon cuttings, Friday Night Market, Thursday night concert and Humboldt Bay Fire ride along. Volunteered and walked the Humboldt Bay Marathon.
F) PUBLIC HEARINGS
F.1 Appeal of Planning Commission's Conditional Approval of the Stanton Vacation Rentals (VRM-26-1) - Assistant Planner Taylor Rayburn provided a report. Deputy Director Caitlyn Castellano and Direct Cristin Kenyon provided information. Appellants Kathleen Stanton and Chris Morse and Chris Hamer, Attorney for the Appellant presented their response to Council.
Public Hearing Opened at 8:09 PM
The following individuals addressed the Council regarding this subject matter:
Frank Delmar
Mark Matteoli
Substitute motion: Leslie Castellano, moved, seconded by Kati Moulton, to Retain and revise Condition K to clarify that three vacation rentals are approved and the vacation rental use of the remaining two units is denied, without requiring any particular City Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
alternative use, provided the use is otherwise lawful, and revise Condition F to establish a maximum occupancy consistent with the three approved vacation rentals.
Option B: Remove Condition K, as requested by the appellant, and modify the Planning Commission's findings to allow all five dwelling units to operate as vacation rentals. motion fails
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano
Noes: G. Mario Fernandez, Scott Bauer, Kim Bergel
Absent: Renee Contreras-DeLoach
First motion: Scott Bauer moved, seconded by G. Mario Fernandez, Adopt Resolution No. 2026-51 of the City Council finding the project exempt from CEQA and upholding the Planning Commission's conditional approval in part, while modifying the approval to Remove Condition K, as requested by the appellant, and modify the Planning Commission's findings to allow all five dwelling units to operate as vacation rentals maximum of 12 Adult, motion carried
Ayes: G. Mario Fernandez, Scott Bauer, Kim Bergel
Noes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano
Absent: Renee Contreras-DeLoach
G) CONSENT CALENDAR - Kati Moulton moved, seconded by Scott Bauer to approve the Consent Calendar, motion Carried
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, G. Mario Fernandez, Scott Bauer Noes: None
Absent: Renee Contreras-DeLoach
G.1 City Council Minutes - Approve the minutes of the August 4, 2026 Regular Council meeting as submitted.
G.2 Designate the Director of Engineering to Execute Agreements with Caltrans for State and Federal Transportation Funds - Adopt Resolution No. 2026-52 of the City Council of the City of Eureka authorizing the Director of Engineering to execute agreements with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to claim, accept, and use Federal and State Funds
G.3 Eureka Flood Reduction and Seal Level Rise Project - Accept the State Coastal Conservancy grant of $1,755,463; and Adopt Resolution No. 2026-53 of the City Council approving grant funds from the State Coastal Conservancy to Flood Reduction and Seal Level Rise project and authorize the Director of Public Works as the agent of the City of Eureka to sign and fill all required documentation.
City Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
G.4 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) - Accept JAG Grant funded by Department of Justice in the amount of $15,064.00.
G.5 Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant - Adopt Resolution No. 2026-54 of the City Council to Accept the proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant in the amount of $518,820.
G.6 First Slough Fish Passage Project Bid No. 2024-4 -Project Acceptance - Accept the First Slough Fish Passage Project; Bid No. 2024-4 and authorize the filing of a ’Notice of Completion’ at the Office of the County Recorder
H) LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE:
By consensus, Council approved Councilmember Castellano’s request to send a letter of support for SB1125 Water Rate low income assistance program.
I) ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
I.1 Salary Schedule Update - July 2026 - Human Resources Director Will Folger provided a report. No one from the public addressed the Council regarding this subject matter.
Leslie Castellano moved, seconded by Kati Moulton, Adopt Resolution 2026-55 of the City Council approving City salary/pay rate schedule for all Regular Full-time, Regular Part-time, and Temporary position titles and classifications reflecting previously approved 3% COLA, salary adjustments for various positions and establishing pay rates for new classifications, motion Carried
Ayes: Kati Moulton, Leslie Castellano, G. Mario Fernandez, Scott Bauer Noes: None
Absent: Renee Contreras-DeLoach
J) REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
J.1 Complete and Green Streets Performance Measures Report - City Engineer Jesse Willor provided a report. No one from the public addressed the Council regarding this subject matter.
J.2 Housing Element Update: Report on Public Engagement - Item pulled and not discussed
K) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
By consensus, Council approved Councilmember Castellano’s request to direct staff to analyze Utility assistance in hardship crises funding, rounding up options on utility bill for residents to donate; etc. and report finding/options to Council.
City Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
L) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
L.1 EPD Quarterly Report - Police Chief Brian Stephens provided the EPD Quarterly Report.
M) PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT: 9:27 PM
APPROVED:
__________________________________
Kim Bergel
Mayor
Attest:
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Pamela J. Powell
City Clerk