CITY OF FERNDALE – HUMBOLDT COUNTY CALIFORNIA – U.S.A.
CLOSED SESSION
Location: City Hall
834 Main Street
Ferndale CA 95536
Date: April 16, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm
Posted: April 10, 2025
We welcome you to the meeting. Members of the Public may comment on any closed session item. A person addressing the City Council will be limited to five (5) minutes unless the Mayor of the City Council grants a longer period. The public will be asked to leave the area once the meeting is adjourned to the closed session. If any action is taken while in the closed session, the Mayor will report the action to the public.
This City endeavors to be ADA compliant. Should you require assistance with written information or access to the facility, or a hearing amplification, please call 786-4224 24 hours prior to the meeting.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Mayor
2. Public Comment on Closed Session Items
3. Adjourn to Closed Session
4. Closed Session Business Items
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: one case.
b. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: Health Inspector
c. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
d. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Ryan Plotz, City Attorney Unrepresented employee: City Manager
5. Adjourn to Regular Meeting
April 16, 2025
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CITY OF FERNDALE – HUMBOLDT COUNTY CALIFORNIA – U.S.A.
AGENDA – REGULAR MEETING
Location: City Hall
834 Main Street
Ferndale, CA, 95536
Date: April 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Posted: April 10, 2025
We welcome you to the meeting. Members of the Public may be heard on any business item on this Agenda before or during the City Council consideration of the item. The public may also directly address the City Council on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda during the public comment time; however, the City Council generally cannot discuss or take action on an item not on the agenda.
A person addressing the City Council will be limited to five (5) minutes unless the Mayor of the City Council grants a longer period. While not required, we would appreciate it if you would identify yourself with your name and address when addressing the Council.
This City endeavors to be ADA compliant. Should you require assistance with written information or access to the facility, or a hearing amplification, please call 786-4224 24 hours prior to the meeting.
BEFORE SPEAKING ON ANY ISSUE, PLEASE WAIT TO BE
ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE MAYOR BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE PODIUM.
City Council Meetings are recorded, and the video may be requested. The video will be sent digitally through Dropbox. A Disc and/or usb drive can also be requested for a fee.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Mayor
2. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL – Mayor Cady; Councilman Lund; Councilwoman Fisk-Becker; Councilman Jorgensen; and Councilman Ostler
4. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – A Closed Session was held prior to tonight’s City Council Meeting. Mayor will report out on any action.
5. CEREMONIAL
6. MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
7. STUDY SESSION – None
8. PUBLIC COMMENT. (This time is for persons who wish to address the Council on any matter not on this agenda and over which the Council has jurisdiction. PLEASE FILL OUT A SPEAKER CARD and give it to the City Clerk before the start of the meeting. Speakers will be called in the order received or at the discretion of the Mayor. Public Members who do not fill out a speaker card may speak if there is time remaining. Items requiring Council action not listed on this agenda may be placed on the next regular agenda for consideration, unless a finding is made by at least 2/3rds of the Council that the item came up after the agenda was posted and is of an urgent nature requiring immediate action. This portion of the meeting will be approximately 30 minutes total for all speakers, with each speaker given no more than five minutes. Speaker time may be reduced if many speakers have signed up.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR. (All matters listed under this category are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. Unless a specific request is made by a Council Member, staff or the public, the Consent Calendar will not be read.
There will be no separate discussion of these items. However, if discussion is required, that April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 2 _______________________________________________________________ item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately under “Call Items.”)
a. Approval of Minutes of March 19, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting .................................................................................................... Page 6 b. Acceptance of Checkbook Register for March 1-31, 2025 ...................... Page 8 c. Acceptance of Financial Statements for March 1-31, 2025 (Will be incorporated into May Packet)
10. CALL ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
11. PRESENTATION
12. PUBLIC HEARING
13. BUSINESS
a. Consider Approval of Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement................................................................................................ Page 13 b. Fireman’s Park Bathroom Replacement Project Proposal....................... Page 14 c. Status report on the 2025 update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) ...................................................................................................... Page 18 d. Ferndale Town Hall Garden Proposal ...................................................... Page 28
14. CORRESPONDENCE ........................................................................................ Page 31
15. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
16. REPORTS
a. City Manager Report ............................................................................... Page 34 b. Commission and Committee Reports
i. Planning Commission Meeting .................................................... Page 41 ii. Russ Park Meeting ....................................................................... Page 43 c. Minutes from Joint Power Authorities (JPAs) and Reports i. Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG)
February 2025 .............................................................................. Page 45 ii. Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA) March
2025.............................................................................................. Page 47 iii. Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) February 2025 ........ Page 50
17. ADJOURN
This notice is posted in compliance with Government Code §54954.2. The next Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council will be held on May 21, 2025 at 6:00pm April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 3 _______________________________________________________________ Section 1
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Section 2
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
Section 3
ROLL CALL
Section 4
CLOSED SESSION REPORT OUT
Section 5
CEREMONIAL
Section 6
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Section 7
STUDY SESSIONS
April 16, 2025
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PUBLIC COMMENT
This time is for persons who wish to address the Council on any matter not on this agenda and over which the Council has jurisdiction.
Items requiring Council action not listed on this agenda will be placed on the next regular agenda for consideration, unless a finding is made by at least 2/3rd of the Council (three of the five members) that the item came up after the agenda was posted and is of an urgent nature requiring immediate action.
This portion of the meeting will be approximately 30 minutes total for all speakers, with each speaker given no more than five minutes. Please state your name and address for the record. (This is optional.)
Section 9
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under this category are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
Is there anyone on the Council, Staff or the public that would like to pull an item off the Consent Agenda for scrutiny? Those items will be considered separately under “Call Items.” April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 5 _______________________________________________________________ City of Ferndale, Humboldt County, California, U.S.A.
DRAFT Action Minutes for City Council Meeting of March 19, 2025 Vice Mayor Leonard Lund called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Those present did the flag salute. Present were Council Members Jennifer Fisk-Becker, Skip Jorgensen and Phillip Ostler, along with City staff: Police Chief Ron Sligh, City Planner Michelle Nielsen, and City Clerk Kristene Hall.
Report out of Closed Session: Vice Mayor Lund stater there was a Closed Session held prior to tonight’s regular meeting. Lund reported there was no action taken.
Ceremonial: None
Modifications to the Agenda: None.
Report out of Study Session: None
Public Comment: None
Consent Calendar: There were three items on the Consent Calendar for approval. There were no comments from the Council or Public
MOTION: to approve the consent calendar. (Ostler/Jorgensen) Unanimous Call Items Removed from Consent Calendar: None
Presentation: None
Public Hearing: None
Business:
2024 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report: City Planner Michelle Nielsen provided a PowerPoint giving the Council and the public an overview of the General Plan annual progress report. Nielsen explained that government code mandates that all cities and counties submit an annual report on progress in its implementation to their legislative bodies, the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, and Housing and Community Development (HCD). Nielsen added this reporting is due by April 1 of each year. Nielsen went over the updated elements. Nielsen explained the city has made good progress towards meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and the progress the city has made. Nielsen also went over the timeline for adoption for both the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and the Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP).
Councilman Jorgensen questioned building permit totals, bike and pedestrian improvements, and planned developments.
MOTION: to Accept the General Plan Annual Progress Report for filing and submit to the State.. (Jorgensen/Ostler) Unanimous
Overview of 2025 Zoning Ordinance Amendments: City Planner Michelle Nielsen provided a PowerPoint and gave the Council and Public an overview of proposed zoning ordinance amendments. Nielsen explained that California law requires the city’s zoning map and ordinance be consistent with the General Plan, especially its Land Use and Housing elements. Nielsen added that the city’s adopted Land Use Element includes changes that are not currently reflected in the Ferndale zoning map or ordinance. Nielsen added that a review of the implementation April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 6 _______________________________________________________________ programs in the adopted housing element also shows there are updates to the zoning regulations that have yet to be completed as well. Nielsen stated that these zoning updates will be advanced in three groups and are scheduled to be completed by March 2026. Nielsen provided a summary of each group. Nielsen explained that Group A will start at the Planning Commission with an overview and discussion on April 2, 2025.
Councilwoman Fisk-Becker questioned the Single Room Occupancy zoning and the responsibility of applying for grants for infrastructure improvements.
Vice Mayor Lund mentioned the Planning Commission kick off meeting of the zoning amendments on April 2, 2025.
Overview of Staff Discussions with Blue Lake and Trinidad regarding Police Services: Police Chief Ron Sligh stated that he and the City Manager had met several times over the last couple months with the City of Blue Lake and City of Trinidad to discuss the possibility of providing police services. Sligh stated both he and the city manager were interested to find a mutually beneficial solution to the cities policing needs. Sligh added at this time, he and the city manager did not feel this was a good benefit for the city with the added responsibility and also feels the distance could be problematic.
A member of the public stated he was glad that the city has decided not to provide this service.
Vice Mayor Lund stated he was glad that the city had tried to assist even if it did not work out.
Correspondence: None
Council Comments: Councilman Jorgensen questioned the number of vacation rentals that were currently doing business in Ferndale. Jorgensen also thanked staff for providing the tax information requested at the last meeting. Jorgensen also questioned when the streets and roads committee was meeting.
Reports:
City Managers Report: None
Other Reports: None
Vice Mayor thanked the staff, public, and fellow councilmembers, and Adjourned the Meeting at 6:59 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Kristene Hall
City Clerk
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 10 _______________________________________________________________ MARCH 2025 Deposit Recap 3.04.25 3.21.25 3.31.25 TOTALS RETAIL TAX 13,343.97
T&U TAX 17,399.31
HIGHWAY USER TAX/VEHICLE LICENSE FEES 3,153.57
RMRA 2,720.12
BUSINESS LIC 55.00
ANIMAL LIC
BUILDING RENTS 4,396.70
PERMITS 2,395.76
TOT 5,327.73
HEALTH INSPECTIONS 125.00
HCAOG - LTF/TDA #1 32,000.00
PARSAC - GRANT / OTHER
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-STREETS & ROADS
SEPTIC DUMPS / SEWER REVENUE 5,112.00
REFUNDS/REIMBURSEMENTS
ENGINEERING FEES/DEPOSITS 1,643.45
HUMBOLDT CTY - COPS 45,287.03
ST CA - POST
DONATIONS
POLICE SERVICES
SMALL MISC 23.03
DRAINAGE FEES -
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-PROPERTY TAXES -
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-SEWER -
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-INTEREST INCOME -
STATE - CAL TRANS - STREET SWEEP -
RUSS PARK DONATION FUND REIMBURSEMENTS -
3,153.57 33,463.40 96,365.70 -
S:\CITY DOCS CITY CLERK\Meetings\City Council\2025\04. 4.16.25\March Deposit Recaps 24.25.xlsx April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 11 _______________________________________________________________ Section 10
CALL ITEMS
These are items pulled from the consent agenda
for discussion and a separate motion.
Section 11
PRESENTATION
Section 12
PUBLIC HEARING
Section 13
BUSINESS
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 12 _______________________________________________________________ Meeting Date: April 16, 2025 Agenda Item Number 13.a
Agenda Item Title Consider Approval of Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement
Presented By: City Manager
Type of Item: X Action Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action X Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement
DISCUSSION:
City Attorney Ryan Plotz will give an oral report on this agenda item.
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 13 _______________________________________________________________ Meeting Date: April 16, 2025 Agenda Item Number 13.b
Agenda Item Title Fireman’s Park Restroom Proposal
Presented By: City Manager
Type of Item: Action X Discussion Information
Action Required: X No Action Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and File
DISCUSSION: The current public bathroom in Firemen’s Park is close to Francis Creek and the sewer system was installed many decades ago when Francis Creek was a little farther away and the bank was less eroded. In the last ten years or so the Creek has migrated a little closer and the earthquakes during this time have settled the ground in such a way that we now find the whole building and cement slab has tilted several inches toward the creek. In discussions with the contractor, it was stated that at this point, it would be less expensive to take the old restroom down, redesign, and move the collection system to the north side of the road that goes to the Children’s parking area. Then run a new collection lateral all the way to Berding Street next to the Children’s Center.
The Spirit of Ferndale group has discussed they may take on the building of the new restroom as a volunteer project, The city would have the responsibility to take on the collection system redesign. It is a big project, however, a necessary one. This seems to be the best way to get the job done while being more affordable.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Unknown at this time, however, it is estimated that it will be half the cost than if we must do it on our own.
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 17 _______________________________________________________________ Meeting Date: April 16, 2025 Agenda Item Number: 13. c
Agenda Item Title: Status report on the 2025 update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) Presented By: City Planner
Type of Item: Action x Discussion x Information
Action Required: x No Action Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council is requested to receive and file the status report on the 2025 update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The City Council may provide comments and direction on the draft mitigation action plan (Attachment A).
BACKGROUND
This briefing aims to inform the City Council on the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) development process. The City is participating in the County-led multijurisdictional update that is underway. The 2025 HMP update ensures the City and the region complies with federal and state regulations while enhancing community resilience.
A HMP is prepared and adopted by a jurisdiction to identify, assess, and reduce the long-term risks to life and property based on natural and human-cause hazards. It is also a federally required document: the Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 mandates that communities update their HMP every five years to remain eligible for FEMA funding and disaster assistance. A FEMA-approved and adopted plan are required to receive funding through state and federal grant programs.
The initial plan, developed in 2007, identified resources, information, and strategies to reduce risks from natural hazards and called for regular updates. The plan was last updated in 2019, but expired in March 2025. As before, Humboldt County and a partnership of local governments are developing a hazard mitigation plan to reduce risks from natural disasters in the Humboldt County Operational Area—defined as the unincorporated county, incorporated cities, and special purpose districts planning partners authorized to govern, develop, or regulate.
The 2025 HMP update fulfills the requirement for the HMP to updated every five years.
The HMP consultant plans to have the draft plan ready to submit to CalOES in late May 2025. The CalOES review process will be followed by submittal and approval by FEMA scheduled to occur in July 2025.
TIMELINE OF ACTIONS
Jan – Feb 2025
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Identify and profile hazards, including geographic impact, past occurrences, likelihood of future events, and climate change considerations.
March 2025 Mitigation Actions Development: Draft mitigation actions covering multiple hazards, including earthquakes, flooding, landslides, wildland and urban fires.
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 18 _______________________________________________________________
MITIGATION ACTIONS
The draft mitigation actions in Attachment A have been prepared for the 2025 HMP. There are a total of twenty multi-hazard actions, some of which are targeted measures for earthquakes, flooding, landslides, and wildfire, including structural fire. The priority rating is calculated by the consultant’s spreadsheet based on the following series of questions:
• Will the actions result in life and/or property
safety?
• Does it benefit underserved populations?
• Will future benefits exceed cost? • Does it have a positive impact on the natural environment?
• Is the action technically feasible? • Does it impact more than one community lifeline?
• Does it align with the County's strategic plan? • Would this action take 5 years or less? • Does it reduce more than one hazard?
While 14 of the draft actions are indicated to be high priority, the City’s ability to implement mitigation actions will be based on funding availability and potential beneficial impact on community safety. The County’s HMP consultant advised there are no penalties or consequences to a city that does not complete mitigation actions listed in its HMP.
For comparison, Attachment B contains the mitigation actions from the 2019 HMP and the status of implementation. A number of actions in 2019 HMP are ongoing in nature; therefore, actions of this nature are proposed to be carried forward into the 2025 HMP.
CONCLUSION
No formal action is required at this time. Staff will keep the City Council informed on progress and key milestones as the HMP update moves forward.
ATTACHMENTS:
A – DRAFT 2025 Ferndale Mitigation Action Plan
B – 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan (Table 21), City of Ferndale Previous Mitigation Actions April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 19 _______________________________________________________________ Attachment A
DRAFT 2025 Ferndale Mitigation Action Plan
# Action Description Priority* Lead Agency Hazards Mitigated Potential Funding Source(s) Estimated Cost**
Estimated Timeline† New &/or Existing
Asset
Vulnerable Population
Benefit?(Yes, No)
Community Lifelines Benefit?
1 Integrate 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan
and 2025 Local Responsibility Area Fire
Hazard Severity Map into the Safety
Element of the City's General Plan.
Adopt 2025 State Fire Marshall's Local
Responsibility Map into the City's
municipal code.
High Ferndale Planning Drought, earthquake,
flooding, landslides,
tsunami, wildfire, wind,
winter weather
general funds staff time Short-term Existing yes Safety and security - Community Safety
2 Explore becoming a Firewise
Community to improve community
preparedness for wildfires.
High Ferndale City
Manager and
Planning.
wildfire Humboldt County Fire Safe
Council
low Medium Term New yes Safety and security - Community Safety, Transportation
3 Develop and adopt a hillside
development ordinance requiring
applicants to have technical studies
prepared by qualified engineers or
geologists (at their expense) for new
construction. Due to the landslideprone nature of the City's hillside areas, site-specific hazards and mitigation
measures identified in the technical
study must be integrated into project
design and construction to reduce
landslide risks. The ordinance should
also address regulations regarding the
removal of significant vegetation and
mature trees, as these may contribute
to hillside stability.
High Ferndale Planning
and the City
Engineer
earthquake, landslides general fund and staff time low Medium Term Existing Yes Safety and security - Community Safety
4 To improve community resiliency and
continuity of essential government
services during emergencies, install a
switch (and associated electrical) that
will automatically start the generator
during power outages at the City police
station.
High Ferndale City
Manager
Earthquake, flooding,
landslides, tsunami,
wildfire, wind, winter
weather
HMGP low short-term Existing Yes Safety and Security,
Communications
5 Install a solar system with a battery
backup system at City Hall to improve
community resiliency and continuity of
essential government services during
emergencies.
High Ferndale City
Manager
Earthquake, flooding,
landslides, tsunami,
wildfire, wind, winter
weather
HMGP Medium Medium term Existing Yes Safety and Security, Communications, Energy
6 To improve community resiliency
during emergencies, install electrical
vehicle chargers: one at city hall for a
City vehicle, and one charger at the
public lot on Main Street.
High Ferndale City
Manager
Earthquake, flooding,
landslides, tsunami,
wildfire, wind, winter
weather
STate of Calif. ZEV Funding,
e.g., Clean Transportation
Program, CALeVIP, etc.
Low Medium term Existing Yes Safety and Security,
Communications, Energy
7 Procure and install an electronic
message sign to display alerts and
information local hazard conditions to
improve community safety during
hazardous conditions and during
High Ferndale City
Manager and City
Council
Earthquake, drought,
flooding, landslides,
tsunami, wildfire, wind,
winter weather
HMGP Medium Short term New Yes Safety and Security,
Communications
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 20 _______________________________________________________________ Attachment A
DRAFT 2025 Ferndale Mitigation Action Plan
# Action Description Priority* Lead Agency Hazards Mitigated Potential Funding Source(s) Estimated Cost**
Estimated Timeline† New &/or Existing
Asset
Vulnerable Population
Benefit?(Yes, No)
Community Lifelines Benefit?
8 At Russ Park install a public kiosk with
information about trails, and install
wayfinding signage throughout the
park.
Medium Ferndale City
Manager
Earthquake, landslides,
wildfire, wind, winter
weather
Per Capita grant short-term Existing Yes Safety and Security, Communications, Health and
Medical
9 Preserve the location and flow of the
Salt River to ensure continuous
functionality of the City's wastewater
treatment plant, and continue to
support the HCRCD's Salt River
Restoration Project.
High Humboldt County
Resource
Conservation
District
Flooding Grants/loans from the
Regional Water Quality
Control Board; bonds
High Long-term Existing Yes water systems, hazardous
materials
10 For Russ Park. Phase 1: consult with
CalFire and Ferndale Fire Protection
District on fire safe vegetation
management and other possible
improvements to reduce potential
urban-wildfire interface hazards. Phase
2: Implement CalFire and Ferndale Fire
Protection District recommendations to
reduce potential urban-wildfire
interface hazards.
High Ferndale Public
Works
Wildfire, wind California Forest
Improvement Program
Phase 1: Low.
Phase 2: Medium
Phase 1: Short-term. Phase 2:
Medium-term
Existing Yes Safety and Security - Fire Service,
Government Service, Community
Safety; Transportation
11 To reduce ponding that may contribute
to flooding, remove debris from City
stormwater ditches that impedes
efficient drainage. Support County
efforts to remove debris from
stormwater ditches outside City limits
to reduce ponding that may contribute
to flooding.
High Within City Limits:
Ferndale City
Manager and
Ferndale Public
Works
Flooding Drainage impact fee and
parcel special assessment
Medium Medium-term Existing Yes Safety and Security - Government Service, Community Safety,
transportation
12 Seek grant funding to support the
acquisition and enhancement of the
Christie Pond property to serve as a Cityowned stormwater detention pond to reduce flooding in the City, especially in
northeast neighborhoods.
Medium Ferndale City
Council, Drainage
Committee,
Planning, and the
City Engineer
Flooding Calif. State Parks Land and
Water Conservation Fund
(LWCF) grants; HMPG
high Medium term New Yes Safety and Security - Government Service, Community Safety
13 Reduce structure fire risks by amending
the Zoning Ordinance to enumerate
non-reflective Class A metal roofing as a
roofing material type to eliminate the
need for applicants to secure an
exception from the Planning
Commission to install this type roofing
material. By specifying this type of
roofing material in the Zoning
Ordinance's development standards,
the permitting process will be
streamlined to encourage use of this
fire safe roofing material.
Medium Ferndale Planning
and the City
Engineer
Wildfire, Wind General funds staff time Short-term Existing yes Safety and Security - Fire Service and Community Safety
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 21 _______________________________________________________________ Attachment A
DRAFT 2025 Ferndale Mitigation Action Plan
# Action Description Priority* Lead Agency Hazards Mitigated Potential Funding Source(s) Estimated Cost**
Estimated Timeline† New &/or Existing
Asset
Vulnerable Population
Benefit?(Yes, No)
Community Lifelines Benefit?
14 Coordinate with the County and Rio
Dell to stabilize Blue Slide Road hillside
and road surface from Ferndale to Rio
Dell.
Medium City Manager and
City Engineer
Earthquake, winter
weather, landslides,
flooding
STIP, Humboldt County
Measure O sales tax
High Long-term Existing Yes Transportation, Safety and
Security
15 Develop and adopt a long-term capital
improvement plan (CIP), which provides
the City the financial capability to fund
capital projects that could include
hazard mitigation projects.
Medium Ferndale City
Council, Drainage
Committee, and the
City Engineer
Earthquake, drought,
flooding, landslides,
tsunami, wildfire, wind,
winter weather
HMGP Low Medium-term New yes Safety and Security,
Transportation, Water Systems,
Communications
16 Direct Building Inspector to perform
seismic retrofits of public buildings and
critical facilities and undertake work as
necessary.
Medium City Building
Inspector and City
Manager
Earthquake, landslides HMGP High Long-term Existing Yes Safety and Security, Communications, Transportation,
Water systems
17 Provide comprehensive information on
local natural hazard preparedness and
mitigation on the City's website.
Explore organizing and hosting
community workshops and establishing
a hazard information center.
High Emergency
Response
Committee and City
Manager
Earthquake, drought,
flooding, landslides,
tsunami, wildfire, wind,
winter weather
General fund staff time Short-term Existing Yes Safety and Security, Communications
18 Continue to maintain good standing
and compliance under the NFIP through
implementation of floodplain
management programs that, at a
minimum, meet the NFIP requirements:
o Enforce the flood damage prevention
ordinance.
o Participate in floodplain identification
and mapping updates.
o Provide public assistance/information
on floodplain requirements and
impacts.
High Ferndale Flood Plain
Manager
flooding General fund staff time short-term Existing yes Safety and Security, Shelter 19 Structures and facilities located in highor medium risk natural hazards within City limits, support retrofitting,
purchase or relocation of structures,
prioritizing those that have experienced
repetitive losses.
High City Manager Earthquake, flooding,
landslides, wildfire
HMGP High Long-term Existing Yes Safety and Security, Shelter; Transportation
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 22 _______________________________________________________________ Attachment A
DRAFT 2025 Ferndale Mitigation Action Plan
# Action Description Priority* Lead Agency Hazards Mitigated Potential Funding Source(s) Estimated Cost**
Estimated Timeline† New &/or Existing
Asset
Vulnerable Population
Benefit?(Yes, No)
Community Lifelines Benefit?
20 Promote private mitigation efforts that
advise homeowners and property
owners on the risks of local natural
hazard, provide technical assistance as
feasible, maintain a publicly accessible
library on reduction hazard techniques,
recruit community groups for projects,
facilitate networking for businesses,
support the creation of a
demonstration model of mitigation
techniques, and educate the public
about the benefits of multi-hazard
design.
High Emergency
Response
Committee and City
Manager
Earthquake, drought,
flooding, landslides,
tsunami, wildfire, wind,
winter weather
HMGP Low to medium Medium-term New Yes Safety and Security, Food, Hydration, Shelter, Energy,
Communications
Will the actions result in life and/or property safety? Does it benefit underserved populations? Will future benefits exceed cost? Does it have a positive impact on the natural environment? Is the action technically feasible? Does it impact more than one community lifeline? Does it align with the County's strategic plan? Would this action take 5 years or less? Does it reduce more than one hazard?
** high ($500,000 or more), medium ($100,000 - $500,000), low (under $100,000), none or staff time † long-term (5+ years), medium-term (3-5 years), short-term (1-2 years), other (indicate with a year range) * The priority rating is calculated by the
consultant’s prepared spreadsheet and
is based on the following questions:
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 23 _______________________________________________________________ 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan (Table 21)
City of Ferndale Previous Mitigation Actions
Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN1 Continue involvement in Eel River Valley Emergency Preparedness Team to enhance emergency
preparedness in the Eel River Valley.
Deferred: Previously
supported by grant secured
by Fortuna Elementary, but
the team has not met since
COVID. There is now a
standing and active Ferndale
CERT. If there is an
opportunity, Ferndale would
support reforming the Eel
River Valley Preparedness
Team.
FRN2 Maintain and update the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, prepare emergency response procedures, and
implement Emergency Operations Plan actions and
projects. Responsibility of Emergency Response
Committee (ERC).
Completed: Ferndale’s ERC
meets monthly. Participants
include Ferndale City
Councilmember, City
Manager, Public Works,
Police Department, the Fire
Chief of Ferndale Volunteer
Department, Humboldt
County Fairgrounds
Executive Director, principals
from both schools, and the
school district
Superintendent. The ERC
routinely receives
presentations pertaining to
emergency response and
safety from local specialists.
FRN3 Support and actively participate in the plan
maintenance protocols outlined in Volume 1 of this
hazard mitigation plan.
Completed.
FRN4 Coordinate with the County and Rio Dell to
stabilize Blue Slide Road hillside and road surface from Ferndale to Rio Dell.
Completed: Ongoing
coordination and support
(provided in a manner similar
to mutual aid) is always
important to the City,
although most of the
roadway is in the County
jurisdiction. If the bridge at
Fernbridge is closed, Blue
Slide Road emergency
response and evacuation is
over Blue Slide Road, making
it a critical lifeline.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 24 _______________________________________________________________ 2 Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN5 Adopt a long-term capital improvement plan (CIP),
which provides the City the financial capability to fund capital projects that could include hazard mitigation
projects.
Deferred: City would like to
develop a CIP for adoption,
especially to facilitate
prioritizing
infrastructure/public works
projects. However, the City
does not have funding to
develop CIP and implement
prioritized infrastructure
projects. As a deferred action
that continues to be of
interest, this action will be
carried forward in the 2025
HMP.
FRN6 Improve hillside stability in landslide-prone areas within City limits, e.g. Bluff Street and Wildcat Road, by improving drainage and planting plants that protect
soil and installing retaining walls where needed.
Completed: addressing
stormwater runoff and
drainage in the landslideprone hillsides within City
limits is an ongoing effort by
the City. Because this is an
on-going City effort, this
action will be carried forward
in the 2025 HMP.
FRN7 Direct Building Inspector to perform seismic retrofits of critical facilities, such as the public works facility and undertake work as necessary.
Completed: after
earthquakes the Building
Inspector performs
inspections of City and
privately owned buildings,
and tags buildings
accordingly (e.g., yellow, red
tag) to ensure buildings are
safe for the public to access.
This action will be carried
forward in the 2025 HMP.
FRN8 Integrate the hazard mitigation plan into other plans, ordinances and programs that dictate land use
decisions in the community, including the Housing
Element and Land Use Element Updates. Update City
Land Use Code for seismic setbacks/structural
requirements and hillside development standards.
Deferred and completed. The
HMP prepared in 2019 was
integrated into the City’s
Housing Element (adopted in
2019) and Safety Element
(adopted in 2024). The
provision for updating the
Land Use Code for seismic
setbacks/ structural
requirements and hillside
development standards is
deferred and will be carried
forward in the 2025 HMP.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 25 _______________________________________________________________ 3 Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN9 Maintain National Incident Management System and
Incident Command System training for City staff.
Completed: City manager has
receiving training and uses
the State’s online incident
reporting and management
system for incidents. The City
Manager continues to be
responsible for deciding
whether to have the City
Council declare a city
emergency or to be part of
an emergency declared by
Humboldt County.
FRN10 Obtain and distribute current information about local natural hazards risk and emergency preparedness
including creating and maintaining current website
information.
Completed: City’s website
has this information. Upon
adoption of the 2025 HMP,
the website will need to be
updated. Therefore, this
action will be carried forward
in the 2025 HMP.
FRN11 Continue to maintain good standing and compliance under the NFIP through implementation of floodplain
management programs that, at a minimum, meet the
NFIP requirements:
• Enforce the flood damage prevention ordinance.
• Participate in floodplain identification and mapping
updates.
• Provide public assistance/information on floodplain
requirements and impacts.
Completed: City has NFIP
maps and City has Flood
Plain Manager. This action
will be carried forward in
the 2025 HMP to ensure
continuous NFIP
compliance.
FRN12 Where appropriate, support retrofitting, purchase or relocation of structures located in hazard areas,
prioritizing those that have experienced repetitive
losses and/or are located in high- or medium-risk
hazard areas.
Completed: earthquakes are
a citywide hazard; the City
supports property owners
retrofitting to mitigate
earthquake hazard and
reduce exposure. Landslides
and flooding hazards, on the
other hand, are localized and
the City supports property
owners who want to retrofit,
purchase or relocate
structures to mitigate
potential exposure to these
hazards.
FRN13 Raise the elevation of Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Lagoon Levee to level above Francis Creek Flood
elevation to address inundation issues.
Completed: this project is in
the planning phase, and this
phase is about 65%
complete. 100% completion
of the planning will be
reached soon. Project
construction is estimated to
take approximately 3 years.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 26 _______________________________________________________________ 4 Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN14 Undertake Arlington Avenue Flood Mitigation Project to address factors contributing to localized flooding
and private structure inundation.
Completed: project is near
the end of the planning
phase. The construction
phase is anticipated to be
completed by the end of CY
2025.
FRN15 Undertake Washington Street Flood Mitigation Project to address factors contributing to localized flooding
and private structure inundation.
Completed.
FRN16 Integrate Hazard Mitigation Plan into the Safety
Element of the City’s General Plan.
Completed in 2024.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 27 _______________________________________________________________ Meeting Date: April 16, 2025 Agenda Item Number 13.d
Agenda Item Title Ferndale Town Hall Gardens Proposal
Presented By: City Manager
Type of Item: Action X Discussion Information
Action Required: X No Action Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and File
DISCUSSION:
The Town Hall occupies a prominent place in our civic life. It should be a an ascetically pleasing area that gives residents and visitors a consistently well-tended feeling throughout the seasons.
It guides people along highway 211 downtown and can be a welcome that is more positive.
There have been several individuals and organizations that have mentioned that they are interested in helping to address this garden area with a new low maintenance design and to give City Hall a dressing up and to be the focal point that it should be. I have had conversations with representatives of the Village Club and the Garden Club, and they are supportive and want to participate and start as soon as possible in the landscaping, plant selection, and location of the plantings to achieve a welcoming and harmonious setting that will advertise our beautiful city.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Unknown at the time, but the feeling is that donations will cover the need.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 28 _______________________________________________________________ April 16, 2025
_______________________________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 29 _______________________________________________________________ April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 30 _______________________________________________________________ Section 14
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence Files are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 4pm.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 31 _______________________________________________________________
April 7, 2025
Bertha Russ Lytel Foundation
P.O. Box 893
Ferndale, CA 95536
Re: Painting of the Ferndale Library Grant Request
Honorable Board Members
The Friends of the Library has made great efforts to ensure the Ferndale Library is a beautiful landmark on Main Street. The City of Ferndale appreciates their hard work and ambitions to ensure this building is a true gem. The city supports the Friends of the Library grant request for the painting of the library building. This will also include caulking, cleaning, repairing and replacing damaged metal flashing.
As always, the entire community benefits from the good will and funding from the Bertha Russ Lytel Foundation. We thank you for considering this request.
Sincerely,
Jay Parrish
City Manager
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 32 _______________________________________________________________ Section 15
COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
Section 16
REPORTS
City Manager’s Report
Commissions and Committee Reports
Minutes from JPAs and Reports
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 33 _______________________________________________________________ City Managers Report
for April 2025 City Council Meeting
CITY MANAGER (March 13, 2025 – April 10, 2025)
• The county recently released the Updated Draft Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan, Behind the scenes, the County’s consultant is preparing revisions to the initial draft EIR. Michelle and I continue to go to monthly meetings. Michelle should be giving an update on this at our meeting. • Numerous discussions with Brett regarding the drainage project and the raising the berm project at the wastewater lagoon.
• Met with PG&E representatives of the Undergrounding Rule 20a program to go over the Francis Street project. This was a Zoom meeting and was an introduction to a new team from PG&E. We have sent them all the previous documents to bring them up to speed on this project. We received an email that informed us that we continue to be active in projects, and our credits are intact to use for our project. Remember that our Undergrounding rule 20a project is up Francis Street from Eugene Street to end of Francis Street. We have had zoom meetings to work on that project. Brain and I toured the whole project with them and spent two or three hours talking and giving our opinions and listening to their design parameters. I have received a message from them that they have engineers working on the drawings for the project. • Salt River meeting with Williamson Act director and County Counsel regarding a way to have a funding program that would be supported by the City, County, and property owners to supply enough funding to maintain Salt River to stabilize the location of the watershed so that property boundaries remain stationary and healthy. The second meeting discussing the best way to raise funds for the purpose of this needed goal. County Counsel still looking into alternatives. We meet once a month. The county attorney is reporting on financial resources and necessary steps it would require working through a flood control district. Jill Demers the executive director of RCD wrote a letter to Watershed Council asking to participate in a meeting with the RCD executive committee and the Ferndale City Council to be determined in the next month where potential funding of maintenance will be one of the topics discussed. • HMP- Hazardous Mitigation Plan. Michelle from Planwest and I have attended numerous meetings regarding our local plan and are quickly moving toward sending our updated plan to the county for inclusion in our county plan. We are trying to get the county’s plan done sometime around July and sent to the state for approval. We sent Ferndale’s plan in on April 4th. • Several meetings with representatives of Spirit to consider helping the city to replace our public bathrooms at Firemen’s Park with a different design and collection system that would allow us to reposition the bathrooms farther away from Francis Creek and the collection system will be the City’s funding responsibility. There are several advantages to this replacement that would make this project advantageous to the city and Firemen’s Park. Michael should be giving a informational report on their ideas for the new public bathroom at the council meeting. • HWMA agenda review. This is a meeting once a month to review the JPA as a technical committee made up of staff from each city and the county. The Executive Director for HWMA conducts these meetings.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 34 _______________________________________________________________ • Emergency Response committee. Fire Department, Schools, Fair Board, Cert, Police department, and City Manager. Monthly meetings. These meetings have been especially important and give each organization input on how we respond to different emergencies and knowledge of how we all can collaborate better by all knowing what each organization is contributing to the overall responses. We will be meeting here at City Hall, and we will have Ryan Derby of the County OES here as a special guest.
• Setting up a meeting with Casey of GRS for a tour of some potential paving projects now that the sun is finally coming out, I am hoping to do something the beginning of next week. • Musical sculptures are close to completion in Fireman’s Park which is near the children’s playground area in memory of Betty Deihl in what we are calling Harmony Park. The weather has not dampened our enthusiasm for this project, although it has certainly delayed and stifled our progress. We have had meetings with Susan Deihl and family members to participate in the design and landscaping ideas. The community enjoyed over fifty years of Betty’s talent and ability to conduct hundreds of entertaining musical events with thousands of talented local community residents over the decades. I am hoping to talk with Susie in the next few days about design for low maintenance, design, and signage area around the musical instruments. The contractor is waiting for some back-ordered parts. They should have received those parts within the last few days.
• Several conversations with Casey from GRS about touring the town and developing some priority projects on paving improvements. Casey thought as soon as the weather improves, we can organize that tour with the Street and Road committee. Casey responded that he was out of town, but the week of April14th might work for us.
• Letter to potential donors for improvements to the library and that the city as owner needs to approve of the changes and are supportive of the projects. • Interaction with Per Capita personnel and the Russ Park Committee chairmen regarding new signs obtained for the Eugene trail and possible Kiosks. • Landscaping of the City Hall to improve the image as a long-term aesthetically pleasing part of our city
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 35 _______________________________________________________________ STAFF REPORTING MARCH 2025
CITY CLERK ACTIVITY
Meeting Activities:
• Meetings with City Manager regarding work activities and council agenda. • Met with Mayor to discuss agenda items.
• Attended, Wrote Agenda, and Compiled Packets for:
o City Council Meeting 03/19/2025
o Planning Commission Meeting 4/2/2025
o Drainage Committee Meeting 03/06/2025 (Attended by Lauren) • Transcribed and drafted meeting minutes
• Uploaded meeting videos for all above listed meetings. • Posted all meeting agendas and public notices
• Uploaded meeting packets to City Website.
• Continued Meetings with Mayor and City Manager regarding City Business • Meeting with FSRA Board 03/11/2025
• Meetings & Conversations with Attorney regarding City Business • Meetings with Community Center Renters to go over Facility Projects
• Assisted the public via telephone and email, answering questions and information requests. • On-going communications with contract Engineers and City Planner about agenda items before the City Council, Planning Commission, and Drainage Meetings. • Processed Building Permits
• Communications with the Building Inspector to review plans and discuss finals on projects. • Pick up and distribute City correspondence.
• Organized and filed paperwork.
• Processed checks, created revenue spreadsheet, and ready deposit for bank drop-off. • Responded to Public Records Act requests.
• Maintained minutes, resolution, ordinance, and agenda binders. • Read weekly ERMA bulletins.
• Processed Monthly Reports to Assessor’s office and Construction Industry Research Board • Organization Planning for Community Center.
• Completed reporting to County for Possessory Interest • Completed reporting for Census Survey
FINANCE OFFICER ACTIVITY
Tasks:
• Answered phones and assisted citizens at City Hall
• Assisted with the rollout of the city’s administration of the Community Center • Processed Payroll/Payroll Tax Payments
• Processed Accounts Payable
• Processed Accounts Receivable
• Reconciled Monthly Debits and Credits for both GL and Russ Park accounts in accounting software
• Delivered and received mail correspondence
• Reviewed ERMA and HR bulletins
• Provided necessary documents to Kris for City Council Meeting April 16, 2025
_______________________________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 36 _______________________________________________________________ • Set up chairs and tables for various meetings at Town Hall • Provided necessary documents to Stacey and Kris for month end • Billed customers for Septic Dumps and Health Inspections • Assisted the City Manager in the application and reporting for various grants • Updated notes in Finance Clerk Duties Manual on all new tasks and duties learned
CITY PLANNER ACTIVITY
General Planning Services
Task 1 Response to Public Information Request:
• Following up on public query about development standards for a prospective ADU near Valley Lumber.
Task 2 CEQA Compliance
• No Planning actions.
Task 3 Community Planning – Reporting, Other Planning Activities • Completed Calfire public contact information form for released Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire severity map; and reviewed State law requirements for LRA map. • Technical assistance meeting with Calfire representatives regarding posting requirements of LRA maps because map for Ferndale shows only moderate or lower fire severity rating. • Prepared press release/website posting announcing the availability of Ferndale's LRA map; and coordinated with City Manager and City Clerk on requirements.
Task 4 Meetings and Hearings, and Materials:
• City Clerk – Coordination for prospective Pre-App, and for printing the General Plan Land Use Map; consultation with Clerk on vacation rental regulations; the current Zoning Ordinance of findings for variance, use permit, special permit, and prospective updates to findings (if needed). Coordination with HCD to fix City Clerk's access to HCD’s APR filing portal.
• City Council – For the March 19, City Council meeting, prepared and coordinated for City Planner Report (reporting period February 1-28, 2025). Planner attended City Council meeting, and gave presentation for General Plan and Housing Element APRs and zoning amendments agenda items. (Includes roundtrip driving time.) • Planning Commission – No March 2025 Planning Commission meeting. • City Manager – Drafted summaries on the current status of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update and Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP)
• City Engineer – Communications about HMP, and Pre-Apps recently completed by Planner. • Coordination with City Manager and Clerk for publicizing the availability of the consultant’s Hazard Mitigation Plan survey.
• HCAOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) – Prepared for TAC meeting by reviewing agenda and attended March 6 meeting (in-person).
Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) and Working Group: Attended (virtually) County-hosted public workshop for RCAP Draft Environmental Impact Report.
Task 5 GIS Mapping
• Coordination for preparation of a City map for CERT, and prepared map.
Task 6 Grant Writing/Funding Coordination -No Action
April 16, 2025
_______________________________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 37 _______________________________________________________________ Planning Applications and Pre-Application Consultations Detlefsen Pre-App
• Prepared and sent reply to filed Pre-App.
• Discussed Pre-App with City Engineer and subdivision’s ongoing requirements that are applicable to development of the property. Reviewed 2009 subdivision materials.
Hadley Garden Pre-App
• Reviewed Pre-App submittals, 2020 application materials, Ferndale Zoning Ordinance and the Land Use Element of the General Plan. Compared Pre-App plant list to lists of California native plant.
• Prepared Pre-App response and sent to requestor.
General Plan Review Fund Housing Element Update/Reporting General Plan Annual Progress Report
Prepared March 19 City Council staff report and PowerPoint for General Plan Annual Progress Report.
Filed 2024 Housing Element and General Plan APRs with State agencies.
Housing Element Update/Reporting
• Updating Table D of the Housing Element Annual Progress Report form (Table D reports on the status of the programs in the adopted housing element progress).
Special Planning Projects
Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Implement 6th Cycle Housing Element, Land Use Element, and Safety Element
• Prepared press release/website posting announcing the April 2 PC study session. • Prepared April 2 Planning Commission staff report for agenda item. 2025 Update of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (led by the County of Humboldt) Attended (in-person) consultant’s workshop to facilitate completion of mitigation actions workbook.
Completed consultant’s hazard mitigation plan workbook for mitigation actions. risk assessment workbook.
Consultation with City Manager and City Engineer on potential mitigation actions to include in mitigation actions.
Research, Report, and Coordination for Drainage Fee
• No Planning actions in March 2025
CITY ENGINEER ACTIVITY
General City Engineering Services:
• Phone calls / emails with the City Manager and staff regarding various City items. o Look at Wildcat slide with Jay
o Review Hazard Mitigation Plan with City Staff
• Drainage Committee
o Attend March meeting
• PG&E Undergrounding Project
o Site walk with PG&E representatives to look at undergrounding locations • Fireman’s Park BBQ
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 38 _______________________________________________________________ o Perform inspections
Reimbursable Project Services:
• Cory-Detlefsen LLA2406
o Notice of LLA review.
o Record of Survey Review
• Fournier Building Permit – Arlington Ave.
o Discussion with Building Official and Contractor
WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
• Monthly samples prepared and sent to North Coast Labs • Operators perform lab tests daily to measure efficiency of plant • Cleaned filters.
• Started storage building at old site.
• Monthly eSMR (electronic State Monthly Report) prepared and submitted • Monthly no spill verification report completed on CIWQS website • Continuous monitoring and adjustments to sludge blanket. • Flood watch on pond…
• Front gate chain oiled each Monday
• Inspect manholes throughout town weekly
• Repair UV lamps.
• Weekly maintenance performed on UV banks
• Overhauled Bank c UV lamps
• Service and maintain Aqua dams around pond.
• Dewater for total of 24 hours. Sludge dried at old site • Maintenance on filters, clean nozzles
• Surveyed laterals for Corolla
• Operators cleaned walls and catwalk.
• Removal of duck weed from clarifiers on weekly basis
• Prepare pond for max capacity.
• Rewired UV lamps # D
• Repaired air system for controls.
• Pulled Influent pump #3 and repaired.
• Billed RotoRooter, Steve’s Septic, Taylor and Wyckoff a total of $3,522,00 for the month of MARCH 17 total dumps for total of 24,400gallons.
• Total flow through plant. MARCH was 27.2 MGD. Of that .914 MGD average flow and 9.6 MGD was pumped to retention pond.
• Service UV lamps.
• 8.55 inches of Rain in MARCH 2025
PUBLIC WORKS
• Continued with monthly and daily duties. Such as, cleaning and maintenance of city's bathrooms, mowing of city's owned properties, cleaning of storm drains, keeping streets clear of debris and the maintenance of city's facilities.
• Installed new water filter at Main St bathroom.
• Met with Mobley regarding Flagpole repair.
• Hung new TV at City Hall.
• Installed new bulbs at Library.
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 39 _______________________________________________________________ • Installed new bagger on lawnmower.
• Trimmed trees at entrance to park
• Filled pot holes in City Parking Lot
• Performed maintenance on lawn equipment.
• Replace burned out bulbs at town hall.
• Located buried culvert on Lower Mattole Rd. Attempts will be made to clear to improve drainage
• Stabilized grease trap at Community Center.
• Contacted Pest Control for ants at both Community Center and Scouts Hall. • Contacted Redwood Appliance regarding ovens at Community Center
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The department provided traffic control and extra patrol for the Foggy Bottoms Milk Run. The run had a good turnout, and the weather cooperated for the event.
CERT: The team conducted refresher training using the AED Machine. Several members assisted with traffic control for the Foggy Bottoms Run.
Police Statistics – March 2025
SERIOUS CRIMES Number Cleared
Homicide 0
Rape (Attempted) 0
Robbery 0
Larceny 1
Assault 0
Burglary 0
Vehicle Theft 0
TOTAL 1
SECONDARY CRIMES 3
Calls for Service 213
Reports Written 16
Traffic Citations 3
Other Citations 0
Parking Citations 1
Warnings 13
ARRESTS 1
AGENCY ASSISTS 16
TRAFFIC COLLISIONS 3
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 40 _______________________________________________________________
CITY OF FERNDALE, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA
Minutes for Planning Commission Meeting of January 8, 2025 Call to Order —Chair Jerry Rocha called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Commissioners Josh Smith, and Stuart Altschuler were present along with City Planner Michelle Nielsen and City Clerk Kristene Hall. Those in attendance pledged allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call– Commissioner von Frausing-Borch was absent.
Ceremonial-Mia Rudynski was sworn in as a new Planning Commissioner. Commissioner Rudynski took her place on the dais.
Modifications to the Agenda – None.
Approval of Previous Minutes – There were no comments from the Commission or Public.
Motion: To approve the minutes of December 4, 2024, Regular Planning Commission Meeting. (Altschuler/Smith) Unanimous
Public Comment- There were no public comments
DESIGN REVIEW PERMITS:
5045 Shaw Ave: City Clerk Kristene Hall went over the staff report. The applicants were present.
The applicants explained the reason they were wanting to build the fence which was to keep their dog more contained and help deter deer.
MOTION: to approve the construction of a fence in the front and side yards. (Altschuler/Rudynski) Unanimous
PUBLIC HEARING:
Cory/Detlefsen LLA: City Planner Michelle Nielsen went over the staff report. Nielsen explained that the applicant is seeking approval of a lot line adjustment that would add approximately 4,030 square feet of area to her parcel. Nielsen added that the Planning Commission does not act on, nor approve the lot line adjustment, but allows for the public hearing process so interested citizens can comment as well as the Commission being the first body of appeal should the applicant or interested person file an appeal. Nielsen also explained that the project conforms with City standards and compliance. Commissioner Altschuler questioned where access would be (Fern or Vanston) for the Detlefsen property. Nielsen stated likely through Fern but that would be a separate issue once it starts to be developed. Commissioner Rudynski questioned if a deed would be issued as well as a situs address. Nielsen stated a deed would be required and is part of the conditions of approval. City Clerk Hall stated a new situs address would be issued when requested. Rudynski also questioned if any of the referral agencies had any objections or concerns. Nielsen stated no comments were received other than those listed in the table in the staff report.
Chair Rocha opened the public hearing.
There were no comments.
Chair Rocha closed the public hearing.
BUSINESS:
Building Permits Issued November 28, 2024-December 31, 2024: No Comments April 16, 2025
_______________________________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 41 _______________________________________________________________ Correspondence: None
Commissioner Comments: None
City Planners and City Clerk’s Staff Reports: City Planner Nielsen stated there will be upcoming meetings regarding Zoning Amendments.
Adjournment: Chair Rocha adjourned the meeting at 6:18pm Respectfully submitted,
Kristene Hall, City Clerk
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 42 _______________________________________________________________ Russ Park Committee Meeting
March 11th 2025
6:30 pm
Ferndale City Hall
834 Main St
Ferndale, CA 95536
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER /ROLL CALL
Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm. Patt Sweeney, Laura Wright, Ken Mierzwa, and John Miller are present.
2. MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
There are none.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT (FOR ITEMS NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA) No public comment.
4. BUSINESS
A. Approval of January minutes*
John moves to approve and Laura seconds, the motion passes unanimously.
B. Friends of Russ Park update
Nothing new.
C. Tee shirts
Patt led a discussion on designing and printing Russ Park tee shirts. The committee suggested reaching out to the Friends of Russ Park to ask if they would be willing to cover costs, and Ken agreed to initiate that conversation.
D. Berry Run Trail planning and signs
Nothing new pending discussion with the City grant writer. Recent frequent and heavy rainfall has precluded scheduling trail construction, although the lower proposed segment has been flagged and GPS’d.
E. Art in the Park update
No updates.
F. Schedule volunteer day.
The 2025 volunteer day was set for May 3rd, 9:00 to 11:00 am. Samm has offered to design flyers.
G. Progress report on trail maintenance
Trails are generally in good condition despite recent rains. John will prepare a list of supplies currently needed to maintain trails, for example wood and screws to repair sections of stairs.
H. Russ Park Strategic Master Plan updates
Nothing new to report at this time. Future edits/updates will need to include the new trail.
I. Regional open space meetings and communications
The Providence Healthcare hike is confirmed for March 15th at noon.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm
April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 43 _______________________________________________________________ April 16, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
_____________________________________________________________ 44 _______________________________________________________________ Item 4a
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Regional Transportation Planning Agency
Humboldt County Local Transportation Authority
Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies
611 I Street, Suite B
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 444-8208
www.hcaog.net
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING RECORD
February 20, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Eureka City Hall, Council Chambers
531 K Street, Eureka CA 95501
Present:
Mayor Mike Johnson (Chair) City of Fortuna
Councilmember Kat Napier City of Blue Lake
Councilmember Skip Jorgensen City of Ferndale
Supervisor Steve Madrone County of Humboldt
Mayor Kim Bergel City of Eureka
Councilmember Stacy Atkins-Salazar City of Arcata
Policy Advisory Committee Members:
Natalie Arroyo Humboldt Transit Authority
Tatiana Ahlstrand Caltrans
Absent:
Mayor Pro Tem Bryce Kenny City of Trinidad
Councilmember Robert Orr City of Rio Dell
Staff:
Debbie Egger Interim Executive Director
Amy Eberwein Administrative Services Officer
1. Call to Order
Chair Mike Johnson called the meeting of February 20, 2025, to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. Adjournment of the HCAOG Board; Convening of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC)
The PAC convened to include representatives from Caltrans and Humboldt Transit Authority.
3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items - None
4. Consent Calendar
Motion was made (Madrone/Bergel) to approve the following consent items:
a. Approval of Meeting Records – January 16, 2025
April 16, 2025
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b. FY 2025-26 Transportation Development Act Local Transportation Fund (LTF) Apportionment
Adoption of Resolution 25-02 approving the FY 2025-26 LTF apportionment. c. County of Humboldt FY 24-25 Local Transportation Fund (LTF) Claim Adoption of Resolution 25-03 approving the County of Humboldt’s FY 24-25 LTF claim. d. City of Rio Dell Local Match Contingency Fund Request Authorized funding for the City of Rio Dell’s Traffic Circulation Study in the amount of $7,250.
Motion was approved unanimously.
5. Items Removed from Consent Calendar – None
6. Action Items
a. Draft FY 2025-26 Overall Work Program (OWP) & Budget Motion was made (Madrone/Napier) to approve the Draft FY 2025-26 OWP Budget and to forward the draft to Caltrans for their review and comments.
7. Reconvening of the HCAOG Board
Motion was made (Jorgensen/Atkins-Salazar) to reconvene as the HCAOG Board and approve the PAC recommendations.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. HCAOG Staff and Board/PAC Member Reports
a. HCAOG Executive Director’s Report
• Interim Executive Director Debbie Egger discussed the current workload for staff and upcoming tasks and projects.
b. Caltrans Report
• Jeff Pimentel discussed the progress of the Indianola Undercrossing Project. c. Board/PAC Member Reports
• Natalie Arroyo discussed the upcoming delivery of Humboldt Transit Authority’s first hydrogen bus and preparation for its use. The EaRTH Center project has passed the design review stage.
• Supervisor Madrone discussed HCAOG’s involvement in Measure O, and the status of Scenic Drive and the Little River Bridge project.
9. Closed Session
a. Closed Session: Executive Director Recruitment
The Board moved into closed session to discuss updates on the Executive Director Recruitment process.
b. Closed Session: Reports
Chair Johnson reported that the Board made the following vote during closed session:
Motion was made (Madrone/Bergel) to direct the Interim Executive Director to enter into contract negotiations with the person who was selected to fill the Executive Director role.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:17 p.m.
April 16, 2025
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meredith Matthews, City of Arcata, Chair
Michelle Lewis-Lusso City of Blue Lake, Vice Chair
Leslie Castellano, City of Eureka
Randall Cady, City of Ferndale
Michelle Bushnell, County of Humboldt
Frank Wilson, City of Rio Dell
Minutes
Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM
Eureka City Council Chamber
Present: Meredith Matthews, Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Leslie Castellano, Randall Cady, Frank Wilson.
Absent: Michelle Bushnell
Staff: Eric Keller-Heckman, Hilary Schwartz, Helder Morais Legal Counsel: Nancy Diamond
1. Call to Order and Roll Call at 5:30 PM
Chairperson Matthews called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. A quorum was present and acting.
2. Consent Calendar
a. Approve Minutes from the February 13, 2025, meeting of the HWMA Board of Directors.
b. Review and approve December 2024 Financial Reports
Chairperson Matthews inquired if the Directors would like to pull any items from the Consent Calendar, and no requests were received. Chairperson Matthews opened the floor to public comment, and no public comment on the Consent Calendar was received.
Motion: Director Cady motioned, and Director Castellano seconded, to approve the items a) through b) of the Consent Calendar as delivered.
Action: Approve the Motion as made by Director Cady and seconded by Director Castellano.
Ayes: Unanimous
Noes: None
Absent: Director Bushnell
3. Oral and Written Communications
Chairperson Matthews opened the floor to public comment regarding items not on the Agenda. No comment was received.
Chairperson Matthews closed the floor to public comment.
4. Receive Presentation Outlining Independent Auditor’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 47 _______________________________________________________________ Executive Director Keller-Heckman discussed the annual audit of the Authority’s financial statements, a tool by which the Board and the general public may measure the fiscal health of the Authority. The annual financial audit investigates the Authority’s assets and discusses internal controls and reporting procedures of Authority staff, which can help guide the Board in establishing priorities for future budgets.
Brett Jones, a member of the Authority’s audit firm, JJACPA, and the engagement manager of the Authority’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 financial audit, gave a presentation via Zoom regarding his firm’s independent audit findings. The auditors identify risks, material misstatements, and weaknesses in internal controls, and design procedures to address those risks by conducting tests of various transactions and account balances. The auditors also obtain an understanding of the Authority’s relevant internal control procedures in order report any findings related to risk or material weakness. Mr. Jones stated that in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 audit there were no findings of risk identified and no conditions or events that raised substantial concern about the Authority’s ability to continue as a going concern. As such, JJACPA issued an unmodified opinion, the highest opinion they can give.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman advised that staff had reviewed the enclosed documents and agreed with the content of the audit as presented and thus recommended that the Board receive the presentation outlining the independent auditor’s report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Chairperson Matthews opened the floor to public comment regarding the independent auditor’s presentation. No comment was received.
Chairperson Matthews closed the floor to public comment.
Motion: Director Wilson motioned, and Director Lewis-Lusso seconded, to Receive Auditor’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and direct staff file the final financial statements as delivered.
Action: Approve the Motion as made by Director Wilson and seconded by Director Lewis-Lusso.
Ayes: Unanimous
Noes: None
Absent: Director Bushnell
5. Receive Presentation on 2024 HWMA Activities in Review Executive Director Keller-Heckman presented an informational high-level review of calendar year 2024 activities in three divisions of the Authority’s operations - Solid Waste, Programs, and Hazardous Waste.
The HWMA Solid Waste division handled 63,000 tons of solid waste and 4,400 tons of green waste, while serving over 133,000 customers at the Hawthorne Street transfer station in 2024. The HWMA Programs division accepted 8,212 tires in 2024, and the disposal fees for 7,632 tires were covered by grant funding. Additionally, the HWMA Programs division accepted 8,900 mattresses, 101 tons of carpet, 280 tons of treated wood waste, and 9 tons of Christmas trees in 2024.
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_____________________________________________________________ 48 _______________________________________________________________ The HWMA Household Hazardous Waste facility is the only facility of its kind in Humboldt County and serves both residential and business customers. The HWMA Household Hazardous Waste facility collected 165 tons of hazardous material, distributed 5,200 sharps containers free of charge, and served over 8,500 community members in 2024. Also of note, HWMA staff diverted 264 tons of salvaged metal and 295 tons of mixed stream recycling in 2024. Finally, HWMA’s facilities were open to the public a total of 359 days in 2024.
Director Castellano inquired about e-waste, and Executive Director Keller-Heckman clarified that the Authority is not currently accepting e-waste due to limitations in the Hawthorne Street transfer station solid waste permit. Director Castellano asked if grant funding was generally reliable. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that while some grants, such as the tire grant, are competitive, the grant programs have generally been underfunded, which has allowed the Authority to secure grant funding in several consecutive years without significant gaps in funding. Chairperson Matthews requested that the 2024 Year in Review data be posted on the Authority’s website, including outreach materials.
Chairperson Matthews opened the floor to public comment regarding the 2024 HWMA Year in Review presentation. No comment was received.
Chairperson Matthews closed the floor to public comment.
6. Standing Item: Board Member Reports
Director Castellano reported that Executive Director Keller-Heckman would be making a presentation at the second April meeting of the Eureka City Council and encouraged other member agencies to invite him to do the same at their meetings. She expressed interest in strategic planning meetings related to composting and recycling.
7. Standing Item: Executive Director’s Report
None received.
8. Adjourn
Chairperson Matthews adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 5:43 p.m.
April 16, 2025
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_____________________________________________________________ 49 _______________________________________________________________ Redwood Coast Energy Authority
633 3rd Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 269-1700 Toll-Free (800) 931-7232 Fax: (707) 269-1777 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.redwoodenergy.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
Wharfinger Building, Bay Room February 27, 2025
1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501 Thursday, 3:30 p.m.
Chair Scott Bauer called a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority to order on the above date at 3:32 p.m. Notice of this meeting was posted on February 21, 2025.
PRESENT: Chair Scott Bauer, Michael Gerace, Skip Jorgensen, Alt. Dir. Cheryl Kelly, Alt.
Dir. Heidi Moore-Guynup, Elise Scafani, Sarah Schaefer, Frank Wilson, Alt. Dir. Mike Wilson.
ABSENT: Jerry King, Sheri Woo.
STAFF AND OTHERS PRESENT: Business Planning and Finance Director Lori Biondini, Executive Director Elizabeth Burks, Regulatory and Legislative Policy Manager Faith Carlson, Power Resources Director Richard Engel, The Energy Authority California Account Director Jaclyn Harr, Board Clerk Lori Taketa, Deputy Executive Director Eileen Verbeck.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Fortuna resident Dorre Howard submitted written comment opposing RCEA’s biomass contract with Humboldt Sawmill Company.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4.1 Approve Minutes of January 23, 2025, Board Meeting.
4.2 Approve Disbursements Report.
4.3 Accept Financial Reports.
4.4 Adjust RCEA Finance Committee Term Appointment Dates to End on February 28, 2026, to Simplify Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Meeting Scheduling.
M/S: Schaefer, Moore-Guynup: Approve Consent Calendar items.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Bauer, Gerace, Jorgensen, Kelly, Moore-Guynup, Scafani, Schaefer, F. Wilson, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: King, Woo. Abstain: None.
Chair Bauer confirmed that a Community Choice Energy (CCE) quorum was present.
OLD CCE BUSINESS
6.1. Energy Risk Management Semi-Annual Report
Business Development and Finance Director Biondini described how the CCE program’s risk management reports are semiannual to inform the Board’s annual budget setting and midyear budget adjustment discussions. CCE revenues are higher than expected. Net power costs are less than forecast, largely because the Sandrini solar project now fulfils a large part of RCEA’s electricity needs at a fixed price. Power Resources Director Engel reported that PG&E’s electricity generation rate was higher than forecasted while the power charge indifference adjustment (investor-owned utility customer exit fee) was lower than forecasted, April 16, 2025
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resulting in higher RCEA revenues. The two-year cash projection is improved. Uncollected customer debt since the pandemic totals more than $7.9 million. Staff Dir. Engel explained how RCEA and PG&E handle customer debt and how RCEA budgets for uncollectible debt.
There were no public comments on this item.
M/S: M. Wilson, Jorgensen: Accept Energy Risk Management Semi-Annual Report.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Bauer, Jorgensen, Kelly, Scafani, Schaefer, F. Wilson, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: King, Woo. Abstain: None. NonVoting: Gerace, Moore-Guynup.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment
Deputy Executive Director Verbeck reported on proposed adjustments to the June 2024 Board-adopted budget, which was written when electricity market forecasts were less favorable, and program funding had not yet been received. Since the budget’s adoption, projected net revenues increased from negative $1.8 million (a budget shortfall) to positive $13.8 million, primarily due to initial receipt of Northern Regional Energy Network (NREN) funding and receipt of Sandrini Solar Project construction delay damages. Considering the improved net revenue projections, staff proposed reinstating funding for operations and programs that were cut in June, including unfreezing vacant staff positions, increasing electric vehicle rebate funding, and funding a cost-of-service rate analysis. The Finance Committee supported staff’s recommendation to: 1) keep renewable volumes currently in RCEA’s portfolio; and 2) not sell renewable energy products in excess of the state standards. These actions will not increase customer costs and will keep RCEA’s electricity portfolio at 82% renewable plus carbon free resources. With the proposed budget adjustments, RCEA should reach its reserve goal by early next fiscal year. Following the Board-adopted Reserve Policy, the Board may allocate funds in excess of the reserve target for bill credits or other programs after the reserve goal is maintained for 12 months. The directors expressed interest in investing reserves to generate funds for customer programs and to shelter the agency from market and policy volatility. There was interest in using reserve funds for a local bond to develop locally-owned and controlled resilience projects. Directors expressed hope that changing to cost of service rate setting would lead to customer bill savings and opt-ins. There were no public comments on this item.
M/S: Gerace, Moore-Guynup: Approve proposed changes to the RCEA Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Bauer, Gerace, Jorgensen, Kelly, Moore-Guynup, Scafani, Schaefer, F. Wilson, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: King, Woo. Abstain: None.
9.2. Federal Activity Update
Regulatory and Legislative Policy Manager Carlson reported on numerous, recent executive actions and their impacts on RCEA’s work. Staff expect slower implementation for energy efficiency rebates and incentives, slowed and higher-priced renewable energy development due to tariffs, and more difficulty for Humboldt County and other rural areas when pursuing federal funding. The Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty project is the most impacted RCEA project. Federal funding has been paused for the project’s microgrid development in April 16, 2025
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areas with unreliable or nonexistent electricity service. Executive Director Burks expressed to staff that the agency stands firm in its core values and mission. The directors requested updates on federal actions, their impacts and possible Board and staff action at each meeting, encouraged each other to share information from their contacts and to cooperate in enlisting strategic support at the regional and state levels. There were no public comments.
STAFF REPORTS
11.1 Executive Director’s Report (Information only)
Executive Director Burks interviewed all staff members and several Board directors as part of her onboarding process. Sheri Woo is now serving as Board Vice Chair. The April 24 Board meeting will focus on affordability issues. RCEA received 131 customer phone calls in January. Over half the callers wanted to discuss their high electricity bills. Twenty out of 25 callers who asked to opt out of RCEA service decided to remain after learning about what RCEA does and how to read their electricity bill. Staff postponed the CCE weighted vote discussion to March so the requesting director could be present. There were no public comments.
Chair Bauer adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m.
Lori Taketa
Board Clerk
April 16, 2025
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ADJOURN
April 16, 2025
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