CITY OF FERNDALE – HUMBOLDT COUNTY CALIFORNIA – U.S.A.
AGENDA – REGULAR MEETING
Location: City Hall
834 Main Street
Ferndale, CA, 95536
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Posted: April 10, 2026
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
5. CEREMONIAL
6. MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
7. STUDY SESSION
8. PUBLIC COMMENT. (This time is for people 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 item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately under “Call Items.”)
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a. Approval of Minutes of March 18, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting .................................................................................................... Page 5 b. Acceptance of Checkbook Register for March 1-31, 2026 ...................... Page 8
10. CALL ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
11. PRESENTATION
12. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Second Reading and Adoption of Draft Ordinance 2026-03 adopting the County of Humboldt Local Agency Management Program and associated onsite wastewater treatment system standards, and delegating implementation and enforcement to the County of Humboldt Division of Environmental Health, by title only .................... Page 13
13. BUSINESS
a. Resolution 2026-04 Authorizing the Adoption of the Humboldt County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and City of Ferndale Annex 2025 Update ............................................................................................. Page 42 b. Re-appointment of Members to Serve on the Russ Park Committee ...... Page 90 c. City Auditor Contract Approval .............................................................. Page 93
14. CORRESPONDENCE ........................................................................................ Page 101
15. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
16. REPORTS
a. City Manager Report ............................................................................... Page 106 b. Commission and Committee Reports
i. Planning Commission Minutes .................................................... Page 114 ii. Drainage Committee Minutes ...................................................... Page 115 c. Minutes from Joint Power Authorities (JPAs) and Reports i. Humbolt County Association of Governments (HCAOG)
February 2026 .............................................................................. Page 117 ii. Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA) January
2026.............................................................................................. Page 120 iii. Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) February
2026............................................................................................. Page 127
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 20, 2026 at 6:00pm April 15, 2026
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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
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Section 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.
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 15, 2026
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City of Ferndale, Humboldt County, California, U.S.A.
DRAFT Action Minutes for City Council Meeting of March 18th, 2026 Mayor Randall Cady called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Those present did the flag salute. Present were Council Members Leonard Lund, and Skip Jorgensen, along with City staff: Interim City Manager Kristene Hall, Chief of Police Ron Sligh, and City Planner Michelle Nielsen
Report out of Closed Session: None.
Ceremonial: None
Modifications to the Agenda: None
Report out of Study Session: None
Public Comment: A citizen requested the council consider releasing the easement the city has on his property.
Consent Calendar: None
Call Items Removed from Consent Calendar: There were four items on the Consent Calendar for approval. There were no comments from the Council or Public MOTION: to approve the consent calendar.
(Lund/Jorgensen) Unanimous
Presentation: None
Public Hearing:
Second Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-02 Amending Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 to Amend Accessory Dwelling Unit Provisions to comply with State Law, by title only City Planner Michelle Nielsen explained that we are changing our ADU ordinances to be compliant with state law. There were no further issues or questions on this ordinance change.
MOTION: To Approve Second Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-02 Amending Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 to Amend Accessory Dwelling Unit Provisions to comply with State Law, by title only
(Lund/Jorgensen) Unanimous
Business:
Introduction and First Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-03 adopting the County of Humboldt Local Agency Management Program and associated onsite wastewater treatment system standards, and delegating implementation and enforcement to the County of Humboldt Division of Environmental Health
City Planner Michelle Nielsen explained that due to our recent move to County Public Health services we need to adopt the county’s Local Agency Management Program to comply with State OWTS Policy and to delegate implementation and enforcement to the Division of Environmental Health, County of Humboldt. Adoption of Ordinance 2026-03 would establish the Humboldt County LAMP’s OWTS Policy Tier 2 standards as a permitting pathway for qualifying properties that meet Tier 2 requirements for the treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater. It will also bring the city into compliance with state OWTS policy. The only April 15, 2026
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modification: reducing the distance from the existing sewer (from 300 feet to 200 feet) for a site to be eligible for OWTS use evaluation.
MOTION: To Approve Introduction and First Reading Draft Ordinance 2026-03 adopting the County of Humboldt Local Agency Management Program and associated onsite wastewater treatment system standards, and delegating implementation and enforcement to the County of Humboldt Division of Environmental Health
(Lund/Jorgensen) Unanimous
2025 General Plan and Housing Element Progress Report
City Planner Michelle Nielsen explained that the state mandates that all cities and counties submit an annual report on the status of the General Plan and progress of its implementation to their legislative bodies, the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the office of Housing and Community Development by April 1 of each year. This agenda item is to provide input, including public comment, on the General Plan Annual Progress Report, accept for filing, and direct staff to submit to the state. Planner Nielsen gave a detailed summary of changes the city has made in the last year to become compliant with the housing element updates.
MOTION: To approve the General Plan and Housing Element Progress Report for filing to the state.
(Jorgensen/ Lund/) Unanimous
Resolution 2026-03 Authorizing the City Manager to Pursue a Grant Application Through the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) for the Ferndale Community Dog Park Project City Manager Kris Hall presented the council with a new grant opportunity to build a dog park adjacent to Firemen’s Park city using State park grant funds. She outlined the vision of the fully fenced park including a large and small dog area, possibly benches and water stations. She is seeking the donation or lease of a parcel of land, about a half-acre, abutting Firemen’s Park from the Hadley Foundation. Estimates for the park are between $130-140,000. Councilman Jorgensen requested that the entrance to the park be by the basketball courts so dog owners would not be forced to go through the picnic and playground area to access the park. Councilman Lund voiced support for the project, and noted that he thought volunteer participation in maintenance was very likely. Public works would help to maintain the space as well. Chief Sligh noted that it would be nice for law enforcement to have an area to send dog owners with their dogs.
MOTION: To Approve Resolution 2026-03 Authorizing the City Manager to Pursue a Grant Application Through the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) for the Ferndale Community Dog Park Project
(Lund/Jorgensen) Unanimous
Correspondence: City Manager Hall reminded Council of the CalTrans Meeting on 3/26/26.
Council Comments:
Councilman Jorgensen noted that at the RCEA meeting their was discussion regarding who would oversee the Climate Manager, RCEA or HCAOG, he asked fellow council if they had any opinion and there was not one expressed by any member. Councilman Lund noted that at his recent RREDC meeting several businesses expressed they are struggling. Also noted that the Redwood Region Logging Conference was moved to our fairgrounds from Redwood Acres is a big win for our city. Mayor Cady thanked staff.
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Reports:
City Managers Report: Acting City Manager Kristene Hall gave quick update that we received the Our Energy Application grant, this will reimburse the city for the money spent to apply.
Chief of Police Report: Chief Sligh gave an update on recent hire who is in the academy and background being performed on another potential candidate.
Mayor Cady thanked the staff, public, and fellow council members, and Adjourned the Meeting at 6:49pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Boop
Deputy City Clerk
April 15, 2026
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MARCH 2026 Deposit Recap 3.04.26 3.20.26 3.25.26 3.31.26 TOTALS RETAIL TAX 10,698.48
T&U TAX 13,476.87
HIGHWAY USER TAX/VEHICLE LICENSE FEES 3,494.76
RMRA 2,941.44
BUSINESS LIC 431.25
ANIMAL LIC 20.00
BUILDING RENTS 3,019.82
PERMITS 745.59
TOT 3,833.99
SWRCB - REIMBURSEMENT #6 15,110.75
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-STREETS & ROADS
SEPTIC DUMPS / SEWER REVENUE 2,196.00
REFUNDS/REIMBURSEMENTS 2,223.41
ENGINEERING FEES/DEPOSITS 1,626.25
HUMBOLDT CTY - COPS 27,636.13
ST CA - POST
DONATIONS
POLICE SERVICES 681.49
SMALL MISC
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 -
3,494.76 2,941.44 24,175.35 57,524.68 -
\\192.168.254.148\city docs\CITY DOCS CITY CLERK\Meetings\City Council\2026\4. 04.15.26\Monthly Deposit Recaps FY 25.26 April 15, 2026
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Section 10
CALL ITEMS
These are items pulled from the consent agenda
for discussion and a separate motion.
Section 11
PRESENTATIONS
Section 12
PUBLIC HEARING
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Meeting Date: April 15, 2026 Agenda Item Number: 12.a
Agenda Item Title: Public hearing, for second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2026-03 amending City Ordinance 03-05 and adopting by reference the County of Humboldt Local Agency Management Program and associated onsite wastewater treatment system standards, and delegating implementation and enforcement to the County of Humboldt Division of Environmental Health.
Presented By: City Planner
Type of Item: X Action X Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action Voice Vote X Roll Call Vote
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Hold a public hearing to conduct a second reading to adopt Ordinance 2026-03, amending the Sewer Ordinance (Ordinance 03-05). Ordinance 2026-03 proposes to adopt the County of Humboldt Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) and associated onsite wastewater treatment system standards by reference, and delegating implementation and enforcement to the County of Humboldt Division of Environmental Health (DEH).
DISCUSSION
Domestic wastewater for most properties in Ferndale is handled by the City’s sewer system. However, on the outskirts of the City there are a few developed properties that use an onsite wastewater treatment system, also referred to as septic or sewage disposal system, to treat and dispose domestic wastewater.
Currently, Ferndale does not have onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) regulations that comply with the state’s OWTS Policy. When a city or county lacks compliant OWTS regulations, these systems are subject to state permitting and standards. Ferndale’s high groundwater conditions make it extremely challenging to meet the state OWTS standards and requirements (referred to as Tier 1), meaning a property owner may not be able to obtain a state permit to site and operate an OWTS. This means properties on the outskirts of Ferndale must connect to the City’s sewer system. For some of these properties, connecting to the sewer system may require the property owner to extend the existing sewer line a significant distance at their expense. For these properties, adding or expanding uses that generate additional wastewater (e.g., bedrooms or ADUs) is restricted. Additionally, should a system fail, property owners may not have the option to repair the OWTS and would be required to connect to the City’s sewer.
In 2013, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted statewide standards governing the permitting and operation of OWTS, known as the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS Policy). The state’s adopted OWTS Policy is the mandatory standard for the development and management of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
The SWRCB OWTS Policy accounts for California’s diverse range of geological and climatic conditions and does not establish a single set of criteria for OWTS because that would be too restrictive. To accommodate California’s extreme variance in local conditions, local agencies may submit management programs, “Local Agency Management Programs” (LAMPs) for approval by the applicable Regional Water Board, and upon approval, then manage the installation of new and replacement OWTS under that program. Local Agency Management Programs approved under Tier 2 provide an alternate method from Tier 1 programs to achieve the same policy purpose, April 15, 2026
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which is to protect water quality and public health.1
Beginning in 2014, the County of Humboldt began developing a LAMP to comply with the OWTS Policy – Tier 2. In 2017, after a multi-year process that included public meetings and formal review by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB), the Board of Supervisors adopted the Humboldt County LAMP, which was approved by the NCRWQCB in 2018. In approving the Humboldt LAMP, the NCRWQCB found that it complies with the state’s OWTS Policy for Tier 2. The County’s approved LAMP governs the siting, design, permitting, operation, and maintenance of OWTS. Additionally, it authorizes the County of Humboldt, Division of Environmental Health (DEH), to manage and regulate septic systems rather than subjecting these systems to direct State oversight and the more restrictive Tier 1 standards.
Ordinance 2026-03 proposes to adopt Humboldt County’s LAMP and associated standards for onsite wastewater treatment systems, and to delegate implementation and enforcement to the Division of Environmental Health, County of Humboldt. Adoption of Ordinance 2026-03 would establish the Humboldt County LAMP’s OWTS Policy Tier 2 standards as a permitting pathway for qualifying properties that meet Tier 2 requirements for the treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater. Importantly, adoption of Ordinance 2026-03 will also bring the City into compliance with state OWTS Policy. The proposed ordinance directly references the LAMP and associated OWTS standards, with one modification: reducing the distance from the existing sewer (from 300 feet to 200 feet) for a site to be eligible for OWTS use evaluation. DEH reviewed the draft ordinance, including the OWTS eligibility distance reduction, and advised that they had no suggested changes. Before the City began drafting Ordinance 2026-03, DEH consulted with NCRWQCB on this approach. In response to a February 2026 query from DEH about this approach, NCRWQCB advised that if Ferndale adopted the LAMP by reference, entered into a memorandum of agreement with DEH, and delegated administration to DEH, the NCRWQCB did not need to approve the City’s ordinance. The City was notified on March 11, 2026, that the NCRWQCB has no concerns with the ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Adoption of the proposed ordinance text is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the Class 8 exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 – Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment. The Class 8 exemption is appropriate because the Ordinance benefits the City and its residents by enhancing environmental protections for onsite wastewater disposal in accordance with State OWTS Policy.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The public hearing notice has been published and distributed in accordance with State law: a public hearing notice was sent to the Ferndale Enterprise for publication in the April 2, 2026, edition of the Ferndale Enterprise. On April 2, 2026, the same public hearing notice was also posted at City Hall and the bulletin board in the post office, and on the City’s website.
ATTACHMENTS
A – Ordinance 2026–03
B – Draft Ordinance 03-05, Sewer Ordinance, with Ordinance 2026-03 incorporated 1 https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/owts/docs/adopted_owts_policy.pdf, OWTS Policy – Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, accessed March 10, 2026.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2026-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 03-05 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE
THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT LOCAL AGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM STANDARDS; DELEGATING
IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT TO THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH; AND MAKING RELATED FINDINGS
The City Council of the City of Ferndale (hereafter “City”) does ordain as follows:
Section 1. Findings and Purpose.
(1) The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design,Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (“OWTS Policy”), which establishes the State standard for onsite wastewater system siting, design, operation, and maintenance. Moreover, all California cities and counties must comply with the OWTS Policy.
(2) The OWTS Policy authorizes local agencies to develop and implement Local Agency Management Programs (LAMPs) upon approval by the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. (23 Cal. Code Regs. § 2924; State Water Board OWTS Policy.) (3) After a multi-year process that included public meetings and formal review by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (“NCRWQCB”), on November 7, 2017, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopted the Humboldt County Local Agency Management Program (“LAMP”). On February 8, 2018, after conducting a public hearing, the NCRWQCB approved Resolution R1-2018-0005 approving the LAMP for the County of Humboldt.
(4) In approving the Humboldt County LAMP, the NCRWQCB found it complies with the State’s OWTS Policy (Tier 2), which allows the County of Humboldt to manage and regulate septic systems instead of direct State oversight. (4) The County of Humboldt Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health (“County Environmental Health”) is authorized to maintain and administer the approved LAMP that governs the siting, design, permitting, operation, and maintenance of OWTS within the County of Humboldt.
(5) The City Council enacts this Ordinance for the management of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems in order to promote the health, safety, and well-being of residents of the City of Ferndale by providing them a means to prevent water pollution, nuisances, and threats to public health.
(6) In addition, this Ordinance is intended to bring the City of Ferndale into compliance with the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance April 15, 2026
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of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems and applicable policies and regulations of the State Water Resources Control Board.
(7) The City Council finds that adopting Humboldt County’s LAMP and associated OWTS standards by reference, and delegating day-to-day administration and enforcement to County Environmental Health, will promote uniform, technically current, and enforceable OWTS regulations within the City; protect public health, water quality, and the environment; and avoid duplicative local programs. (8) The City Council further finds that amending City of Ferndale Ordinance 03-05 will establish binding and enforceable public health and sanitation standards applicable to private property. (Gov. Code §§ 36931–36937)
Section2. Authority. This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the City’s police powers under Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution and applicable state laws governing the enactment of municipal ordinances.
Section 3. Adoption by Reference, Scope, and Definitions. (1) Adoption by Reference. Except as modified in section 3(1)(a) herein, the City hereby adopts by reference the County LAMP, including any OWTS manuals, technical standards, procedures, and appendices referenced therein, as may be amended from time to time by the County of Humboldt and approved by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, as the City of Ferndale’s OWTS regulations. (a) Humboldt County Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Regulations and Technical Manual, issued and effective November 7, 2017, the subparagraph titled “Eligibility”, page 1, the first sentence is hereby modified as follows:
A site that is greater than 200 feet from a public sewer can be evaluated for OWTS use.
(2) Scope. The LAMP and associated OWTS standards adopted by reference in Section 3(1) apply to all OWTS activities within the City limits, including but not limited to siting, design, installation, modification, repair, replacement, operation, monitoring, inspection, and abandonment of OWTS.
(3) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Ordinance, termsshall have the meanings set forth in the OWTS Policy and the County of Humboldt LAMP.
Section 4. Delegation of Administration and Agreements. (1) Delegation. The City hereby designates and authorizes County Environmental Health to administer, implement, and enforce the LAMP and associated OWTS standards within the City, including plan review, permitting, inspections, compliance actions, and monitoring oversight.
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(2) Agreements. The City Manager, or their designee, is authorized to execute any intergovernmental or service agreements, amendments, or renewals with the County of Humboldt necessary to carry out this delegation, including cost-recovery provisions.
Section 5. Permits and Fees.
(1) Permits. No person shall install, construct, alter, repair, replace, operate, or abandon an OWTS within the City without first obtaining required approvals or permits from County Environmental Health in accordance with the LAMP. (2) Fees. Applicants shall pay permit, inspection, monitoring, and related fees established by the County of Humboldt for OWTS services under the LAMP, as such fees may be amended from time to time consistent with applicable law.
Section 6. Enforcement and Remedies.
(1) Enforcement. County Environmental Health is authorized to take any enforcement action authorized by the LAMP, County code, or applicable state law for violations occurring within the City, including notices of violation, administrative orders, permit suspensions/revocations, and referrals for civil or criminal enforcement as permitted by law.
(2) City Remedies Preserved. The City retains independent authority to enforce violations of this Ordinance as City code violations, in addition to any County or state remedies.
Section 7. Incorporation by Reference and Availability. The County of Humboldt LAMP and associated OWTS standards adopted by reference are incorporated as though fully set forth herein. One copy of the current LAMP shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection and shall be available on the City’s website by link to the County’s LAMP repository.
Section 8. Relationship to Other Laws. Nothing in this Ordinance alters any obligation to comply with state law, the OWTS Policy, the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements, or any conditions imposed by a Waste Discharge Requirement where applicable.
Section 9. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City Council finds adoption of this Ordinance is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to the Class 8 exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 – Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment. The Class 8 exemption is appropriate because the Ordinance benefits the City and its residents by enhancing environmental protections for onsite wastewater disposal in accordance with State OWTS Policy. The City Manager, or designee, is directed to file a Notice of Exemption within five (5) days of adoption.
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Section 10. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and cause it to be published or posted as required by Government Code section 36933. The City Clerk shall cause Ferndale City Ordinance 03-05 to be amended, and to make any non-substantive renumbering or formatting changes necessary for formatting consistency of Ordinance 03-
05. Section 11. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, such invalidity has no effect on the other provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof.
Section 12. Limited Repeal. Any provision of the Ordinance 03-05 that is inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
INTRODUCED and FIRST READING CONDUCTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ferndale, California, on this 18th day of March 2026, by the following ROLL CALL vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Randy Cady, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Kristene Hall, City Clerk
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SECOND READING CONDUCTED, PASSED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ferndale, California, on this _____ day of _____________2026, by the following ROLL CALL vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Randy Cady, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Brenda Taylor, City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. 03-05
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE REGULATING THE USE OF
PUBLIC SEWERS AND DRAINS, THE INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION OF
BUILDING SEWERS, SEWER LATERALS AND PUBLIC SEWER MAIN
EXTENSIONS, REPEALING ORDINANCES 38, 172, 179, 184, 189, 245, 258, 283, 310, and 93-01.
Table of Contents
...... Article 1 Short Title, Purpose and Scope......................................................... 1 ...... Article 2 Statutory Authority / Enforcement Authority................................... 2 ...... Article 3 Administration and Enforcement...................................................... 2 ...... Article 4 Definitions........................................................................................ 3 ...... Article 5 General Provisions............................................................................ 5 ...... Article 6 Public Sewers ................................................................................... 6 ...... Article 7 Building Sewers, Lateral Sewers & Connections............................. 9 ...... Article 8 Lateral Testing Upon Sale ................................................................ 12 ...... Article 9 Public Sewer Construction ............................................................... 13 ...... Article 10 Permits & Fees ................................................................................. 15 ...... Article 11 Sewer Service Charge....................................................................... 18 ...... Article 12 Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
...... Article 13 Severability....................................................................................... 18 ...... Article 14 Effective Date................................................................................... 18 ...... Article 15 Posting Requirement......................................................................... 19 ...... Article 16 Enacting Date and Signatures........................................................... 19
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
ARTICLE 1: SHORT TITLE, PURPOSE AND SCOPE
§1.01 This ordinance shall be known and cited as the “Sewer Ordinance”. §1.02 Purpose: This ordinance is intended to provide rules and regulations for the use and construction of sanitary sewer facilities installed, altered or repaired within the city. This ordinance shall not apply retroactively and, in the event of an alteration or repair made, shall apply only to the new materials and methods used.
§1.03 Scope: The following rules and regulations regarding sewer construction and disposal of sewage and drainage of buildings and connection to the sewage works of the City are hereby adopted. All future sewer construction shall be performed as required in this ordinance.
§1.04 The provisions adopted in this ordinance shall not be exclusive but shall be cumulative and complementary to any other provisions of Ferndale City ordinances and County, State and Federal laws. Nothing in this ordinance shall be read, interpreted or construed so as to limit any existing right or power of the City.
§1.05 Upon the effective date of this Ordinance, Ordinances 438, 172, 179, 184, 189, 245, 258, 283, 310 and 93-01 are hereby repealed.
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ARTICLE 2: STATUTORY AUTHORITY / ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
§2.01 Government Code 38900 et seq, and Health and Safety Code 5471 et seq, give the city legislative body authority to construct, establish, and maintain drains and sewers and to set fees, tolls, rates, rentals or other charges including water, sewer standby or immediate availability charges, for services and facilities furnished by it, either within or without its territorial limits, in connection with its water, sanitation, storm drainage, or sewerage system.
ARTICLE 3: ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
§3.01 Violation.
3.01.1 Violation of this ordinance shall be declared a public nuisance, using those abatement procedures as listed in Ferndale’s “Nuisance Ordinance.”
a. Summary Abatement (immediate or emergency need)
b. Administrative Abatement (non-emergency need)
3.01.2 Any person found to be violating any provision of this or any other ordinance, rule or regulation of the City shall be served by the City with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for satisfactory correction.
3.01.3 Written notice shall be presented no less than two or more than seven working days. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in this notice, permanently cease all violations.
3.01.4 All persons shall be held strictly responsible for any and all acts of agents or employees under the provisions of this or any other ordinance, rule or regulation of the City.
3.01.5 Violations
a. Violation of discharge or contamination must cease immediately upon notification.
b. Construction and easement violations must be corrected in a timely manner or within stated deadlines.
§3.02 Public Nuisance. It is hereby declared that whenever any area in the City is provided with a sewage system, the further maintenance or use of cesspools or other local means of sewage disposal may be declared a public nuisance. §3.03 Disconnection.
3.03.1 As an alternative method of enforcing the provisions of this or any other ordinance, rule or regulation of the City, the City shall have the power to disconnect the user or subdivision sewer system from the sewer mains of the City.
3.03.2 Upon disconnection, the City Engineer shall estimate the cost of disconnection from and reconnection to the system. The user shall April 15, 2026
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deposit the estimated cost of disconnection and reconnection before being reconnected.
3.03.3 The City shall refund any part of the deposit remaining after payment of all costs of disconnection and reconnection.
3.03.4 During any period of disconnection, habitation of the premises is prohibited.
§3.04 Liability for Violation. Any person violating any of the provisions of the ordinances, rules or regulations of the City shall become liable to the City for any expense, loss or damage occasioned by the City by reason of such violation. §3.05 Cost Recovery. All recovery costs incurred by the City shall be sought as restitution to the City and its citizens for enforcement and correction in the interest of public health and safety. Cost recovery to the City is not intended to be a fine or punishment. Cost recovery shall be accomplished as provided in Ferndale’s “Nuisance Ordinance.”
§3.06 Protection from Damage. No unauthorized person shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, system, or equipment which is a part of the City sewage works. §3.07 Powers and Authorities of Inspectors. The officers, inspectors, managers and any duly authorized employees of the City shall be permitted to enter any and all buildings, industrial facilities and properties for the purposes of inspection, re-inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, testing or otherwise performing such duties as may be necessary in the enforcement of the provisions of the ordinances, rules and regulations of the City.
ARTICLE 4: DEFINITIONS
§4.01 Definitions. Whenever words or phrases used in this ordinance are not defined in the code of this state, such definitions are incorporated in this section and shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases used in this ordinance. For the purpose of this ordinance, additional terms shall have the meaning indicated in Chapter 1 of that certain plumbing code entitled “Western Plumbing Official’s Uniform Plumbing Code,” adopted by the City of Ferndale.
4.01.1 Applicant: the owner of the premises or his agent making application for a permit for a sewer installation on his own property.
4.01.2 Building: any structure inhabited or used by human beings.
4.01.3 Building Sewer: that portion of any sewer beginning at the plumbing or drainage outlet of any building or industrial facility and running to the property line or to a private sewage disposal system.
4.01.4 City: the City of Ferndale and its officials.
4.01.5 City Engineer: the Engineer appointed by and acting for the City Council or City Manager and shall be a Registered Civil Engineer.
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4.01.6 City Inspector: the inspector acting for and appointed by the City Council or City Manager, or the City Manager himself or herself.
4.01.7 City Manager: the person or persons appointed by the Council to administer and enforce the rules and regulations of the City.
4.01.8 Contractor: an individual, firm, corporation, partnership or association duly licensed by the State of California to perform the type of work to be done under the permit.
4.01.9 Council: the City Council of the City of Ferndale.
4.01.10 County: the County of Humboldt, State of California.
4.01.11 Garbage: solid wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.
4.01.12 Multiple Dwelling: a building for residential purposes containing more than one kitchen or having facilities for the occupancy of more than one person or families, including but not limited to the following:
hotels, motels, auto courts, trailer courts, apartment houses, duplexes, rooming houses, boarding houses and dormitories.
4.01.13 Permit: any written authorization required pursuant to this or any other regulation of the City for the installation of any sewage works.
4.01.14 Person: any human being, individual, firm, company, partnership, association and private or public and municipal corporations, the United States of America, the State of California, districts and all political subdivisions, and governmental agencies.
4.01.15 Sewage: a combination of water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments.
4.01.16 Sewage Treatment Plant: any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
4.01.17 Sewage Works: all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.
4.01.18 Sewer: a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
a. Building Sewer: that portion of any sewer beginning at the plumbing or drainage outlet of any building or industrial facility and running to the property line or to a private sewage disposal system.
b. Combined Sewer: a sewer receiving both surface runoff and sewage.
c. Lateral Sewer: the portion of a sewer lying within a public street connecting a building sewer to the main sewer.
d. Main Sewer: a public sewer designed to accommodate more than one lateral sewer.
e. Outside Sewer: a sanitary sewer beyond the limits of the City not subject to the control or jurisdiction of the City.
f. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS): underground structures designed to treat and dispose of domestic wastewater on-site, typically for homes and businesses in areas without centralized sewer systems
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g. Public Sewer: a sewer lying within a street and which is controlled by or under the jurisdiction of the City.
h. Sanitary Sewer: a sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface and ground waters are not intentionally admitted. i. Storm Sewer: a sewer which carries storm and surface or ground waters and drainage but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.
j. Side Sewer: the sewer line beginning at the foundation wall of any building and terminating at the main sewer and includes the building sewer and lateral sewer together.
4.01.19 Single Family Unit: defined to mean and refer to the place of a residence for a single family.
4.01.20 Storm Drain: see Storm Sewer.
4.01.21 Street: any public highway, road, street, avenue, alley, way, public place, public easement or right of way.
ARTICLE 5: GENERAL PROVISIONS
§5.01 City Inspector: The City Council or City Manager shall employ a fit and qualified person or persons to perform the duties of inspecting installations, connections, maintenance and use of all side sewers, public sewers and facilities in the City, to be known as the City Inspector with full authorization to enforce this Ordinance.
§5.02 Permits and Fees: No public sewer, side sewer, building sewer or other sewerage facility shall be installed, altered or repaired within the City until a permit for the work has been obtained from the City and all fees paid in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance.
§5.03 Violation Unlawful: Following the effective date of this ordinance it shall be unlawful for any person whose building is required to be connected to a public sewer to connect to, construct, install or provide, maintain and use any other means of sewage disposal from said building except by connection to a public sewer in the manner provided.
§5.04 Relief on Application.
5.04.1 When any person by reason of special circumstances is of the opinion that any provision of this ordinance is unjust or inequitable as applied to their premises, they may make written application to the City Council stating the special circumstances and requesting suspension or modification of the offending provision.
5.04.2 The City Council may, by resolution, suspend or modify the offensive provision to be effective as of the date of the application and continuing during the period of the special circumstances.
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§5.05 Relief on Own Motion: The City Council may, on its own motion, find that by reason of special circumstances any provision of this regulation and ordinance should be suspended or modified. Details of the specific circumstances must be fully stated in the motion.
ARTICLE 6: PUBLIC SEWERS
§6.01 Requirements.
6.01.1 Disposal of Wastes: It shall be unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited in an unsanitary manner upon public or private property within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any human or animal excrement, garbage or other objectionable waste.
6.01.2 Treatment of Wastes Required: It shall be unlawful to discharge to any stream or watercourse any sewage, industrial wastes or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with provisions of this ordinance and County, State and Federal law.
6.01.3 Unlawful Disposal: Except as provided in this ordinance, it is unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, seepage pit or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.
6.01.4 Occupancy Prohibited: No building, industrial facility or other structure shall be occupied until the owner of the premises has complied with all inspections, rules and regulations of this Ordinance.
6.01.5 Sewer Required: Owners of buildings abutting on a street where there is now or may be a public City sewer, are required, at their expense, to connect the building to the public sewer in accordance with this ordinance, within ninety (90) days after date of official notice, provided that the public sewer is within one hundred (200) feet of the nearest point of the building.
6.01.6 Drainage into Sanitary Sewers Prohibited: No leaders from roofs and no surface drains for rainwater shall be connected to any sanitary sewer. No surface or storm water, seepage, cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters shall be permitted to enter any sanitary sewer by any device or method.
6.01.7 Types of Waste Prohibited: Except as provided here, no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following waters or wastes to any public sewer:
a. Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
b. Any water or waste which may contain more than 100
milligrams per liter of fat, oil or grease.
i. (This section added by Ord. 07-03 on 8/13/07)
Businesses must have a sample point approved by the
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City downstream of the grease trap and prior to entering the collection system.
ii. One preliminary sample will be collected by the City from this point and taken to a lab approved by the City. iii. Businesses that have samples return with results in compliance with the ordinance will be required to have a sample taken every two years.
iv. Businesses that have samples return with results above the allowed limit will be responsible for costs incurred to make any changes necessary to be in compliance and take subsequent samples every 6 months until they are in
compliance and then every 2 years thereafter.
v. The City will absorb 50% of the cost of the preliminary test. All tests subsequent to the preliminary test will be at the business’s expense. (End of section added by
ordinance 07-03, August 13, 2007)
c. Any gasoline, benzine, naptha, fuel oil or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.
d. Any garbage that has not been shredded to such a degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half inch in any dimension.
e. Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, manure, or any other solid or viscous substance capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works.
f. Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5 or higher than
9.0 or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the sewage works.
g. Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poisonous substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constituting a hazard to humans or animals, or creating any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant.
h. Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is required to handle these materials at the sewage treatment plant. i. Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance.
j. Any septic tank sludge.
6.01.8 Interceptors.
a. Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the City Engineer, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes, containing grease in excessive April 15, 2026
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amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand and other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for buildings used for residential purposes. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the City Engineer and shall be so located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.
b. Maintenance of Interceptors. All grease, oil, and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at his expense, in continuously efficient operation at all times.
6.01.9 Preliminary Treatment of Wastes.
a. The admission into the public sewers of any waters or wastes having the following shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer:
i. A 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand greater than 300
milligrams per liter or
ii. Containing more than 350 milligrams per liter of
suspended solids or
iii. Containing any quantity of substance having the
characteristics described in Section 601.8 or
iv. Having an average daily flow greater than two percent of the average daily flow of the City.
b. Where necessary, in the opinion of the City Engineer, the owner shall provide, at his expense, such preliminary treatment as may be necessary to:
i. Reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand to 300
milligrams per liter and the suspended solids to 350
milligrams per liter or
ii. Reduce objectionable characteristics or constituents to within the maximum limits provided for in Section 601.7 or
iii. Control the quantities and rates of discharge of such waters or wastes.
c. Plans, specifications and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted for the approval of the City Engineer and no construction of the facility shall begin until approvals are obtained in writing. d. Maintenance of Pretreatment Facilities. Pre-treatment systems shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
6.01.10 Control Manholes. When required by the City Engineer, the owner of any property served by the side sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the side sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessible and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the City Engineer.
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The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained so as to be safely accessible at all times.
6.01.11 Measurements and Tests. All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in Sections 601.7 and 601.9 shall be determined in accordance with standard methods and shall be determined at the control manhole provided for in Section 601.10, or upon suitable samples taken from control manholes. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the side sewer is connected.
6.01.12 Special Agreements. No statement contained in this Article shall be construed as preventing any special agreements or arrangements between the City and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the City for treatment subject to payment by the industrial concern and subject to such terms and conditions as might be required by the City to compensate for the costs of handling treatment and disposal.
6.01.13 Swimming Pools. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge the contents of a swimming pool into a sanitary sewer.
ARTICLE 7: BUILDING SEWERS, LATERAL SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS. §7.01 Requirements.
7.01.1 Permit Required.
a. In accordance with this ordinance, no person shall construct a building sewer, lateral sewer or make a connection with any public sewer without first obtaining a written permit from the City and paying all fees and connection charges as required. b. Design and Construction shall be in accordance with the requirements of the City and in accordance with standard City specifications.
7.01.2 Separate Sewers.
a. No two adjacent buildings fronting on the same street shall be permitted to join in the use of the same side sewer.
b. Every building or industrial facility must be separately connected with a public sewer if such public sewer exists on the street upon which the property abuts or in an easement which will serve said property.
c. However, two or more buildings located on property belonging to the same owner may be served with the same side sewer provided the property cannot be subdivided into two smaller legal-sized lots.
7.01.3 Old Sewer Connection: Old Building Sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, upon April 15, 2026
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examination and test by the City Inspector, to meet all requirements of the City.
7.01.4 Cleanouts: Cleanouts in building sewers shall be provided in accordance with the rules, regulations and ordinances of the City. All cleanouts shall be maintained watertight.
7.01.5 Sewer too Low: In all buildings hereafter constructed in which any building sewer is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building sewer shall be lifted by artificial means, approved by the City Engineer, and discharged to the public sewer at the expense of the owner.
7.01.6 Connection to Public Sewer: The connection of the building sewer into the lateral sewer shall be made in strict accordance with standard City specifications and at the applicant’s expense. The connection to the lateral sewer shall be made in the presence of the City Inspector and under his supervision and direction. Any damage to the lateral sewer shall be repaired at the cost of the applicant to the satisfaction of the City Inspector.
7.01.7 Maintenance: Maintenance of Building Sewers shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property served.
7.01.8 Testing: All building sewers and lateral sewers shall be tested in strict accordance with standard City specifications.
§7.02 Excessive Infiltration.
7.02.1 Testing. (See Sewer Testing Procedures)
a. As part of any Capital Improvement Program to repair and rehabilitate portions of the main sewer, testing and inspection of building sewers, lateral sewers and connections served by the main sewer being repaired or rehabilitated shall be conducted under the direction of the City Inspector.
b. Testing and inspection of the building sewer, lateral sewer and connections shall be conducted using one or more of the following methods:
i. Visual inspection
ii. TV inspection
iii. Smoke testing
iv. Flow monitoring
v. Air pressure testing
vi. Exfiltration testing
vii. Or similar inspection or testing methods as approved by the City Engineer.
7.02.2 Responsibility for Repair/Replacement of Building Sewers, Lateral Sewers and Connections.
a. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to repair and/or replace any building sewer which has been found through testing and/or inspection to exhibit conditions which would April 15, 2026
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permit infiltration to enter the sewer system at a greater rate than the allowance under City standard specifications.
b. It shall be the responsibility of the City to repair and/or replace any and all lateral sewers and connections found to contribute to infiltration at a rate greater than allowed under City standard specifications on City property.
7.02.3 Notification to Property Owner.
a. A permit shall be obtained from the City and work initiated to repair and/or replace any building sewer found to be a source for infiltration pursuant to this ordinance within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a Notice to Repair Building Sewer issued by the City.
b. Such notice shall be mailed by certified US Mail to the property owner as appearing on the latest available property ownership listing from the County Assessor’s Office.
c. Work to repair and/or replace the building sewer shall be completed within ninety (90) days of the receipt of the Notice to Repair Building Sewer, unless a written extension is granted by the City Inspector.
7.02.4 Inspection and Retesting of Building Sewers.
a. Upon completion of the repair and/or replacement of the building sewer, a re-inspection and testing of the sewer lateral shall be conducted by the City Inspector.
b. The building sewer shall be tested in accordance with the City standard specifications.
c. Upon approval, a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion shall be mailed to the property owner by the City.
7.02.5 Failure to Repair/Replace Constitutes a Violation – Remedies. a. The failure to repair and/or replace a building sewer subject to correction under Section 7.02.2 within the time period given in the Notice to Repair Building Sewer shall be deemed a violation of City ordinance and is subject to the enforcement provisions as set forth in Article 3, sections 3.01 through 3.07, inclusive, of this ordinance.
b. In addition to the remedies set forth above, the City Council may direct the Director of Public Works to make the required repair and/or replacement of a building sewer for which the property owner has declined or otherwise failed to correct within the period specified in this ordinance, and to have the cost of said corrective work placed as a lien against the subject property on the property tax roll.
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ARTICLE 8: LATERAL TESTING UPON SALE
§8.01 Transfer of Property and Testing. (This section changed by Ordinance 08-01 adopted 3/10/08)
8.01.1 Whenever any property is to be sold or transferred to or vested in any other entity, the sewer lateral(s) to the property shall be tested for infiltration and all necessary repairs or replacements performed to prevent all infiltration.
a. This test will be set up by a licensed contractor, paid for by the property seller or buyer, and signed off by the City Manager or authorized representative. Test requirements are available at City Hall.
8.01.2 An inspection card signed by an authorized City Inspector must accompany title transfer proceedings. It is the responsibility of the property buyer or seller to repair, replace and conform to all infiltration requirements prior to transfer of property connected to the city sewer system.
8.01.3 Exceptions: This section shall not apply to:
a. Condominium or cooperative apartment buildings;
b. To all buildings where the City Manager, or authorized representative, determines that testing and repair or replacement of lateral(s) has been performed to City standards within the last three (3) years.
c. To all buildings where the City Manager, or authorized representative, determines that new sewer construction has been inspected and passed within the last three (3) years.
i. This determination shall be made by a test performed by City staff. Except for standard permit costs, there will be no charge to the property owner for this test. In the event that the test fails, refer to §8.03.
(End section changed by Ordinance 08-01 adopted 3/10/08) §8.02 Sewer Lateral Testing.
8.02.1 The property owner or his/her appointed contractor shall obtain a plumbing permit for sewer lateral testing prior to commencing with the testing procedure.
8.02.2 Testing methods and procedures shall conform to standard testing specifications (Sewer Testing Procedures) adopted by the city, copies of which are on file in the City Clerk’s office.
8.02.3 All conditions and access shall be made ready prior to scheduling an inspection. If an inspection is scheduled and cannot be performed because of inadequate condition or access to the sewer lateral, the city may recover costs.
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§8.03 Failure of Test.
8.03.1 Should the lateral fail the test, the lateral shall be either repaired or replaced and retested.
8.03.2 A plumbing permit will be required in order to perform the necessary repairs or replacement.
8.03.3 This process shall continue until the lateral passes the required test. §8.04 Lateral Certification. Once the lateral has successfully passed the testing procedure, the City Inspector witnessing the test will sign the permit inspection card as approved.
ARTICLE 9: PUBLIC SEWER CONSTRUCTION
§9.01 Requirements.
9.01.1 Permit Required. In accordance with this ordinance, no person shall construct, extend or connect to any public sewer without first obtaining a written permit from the City and paying all fees and connections charges and furnishing bonds as required. The provisions of this Section requiring permits shall not be construed to apply to contractors constructing sewers and appurtenances under contracts awarded and entered into by the City.
9.01.2 Plans, Profiles and Specifications required.
a. The application for a permit for public sewer construction shall be accompanied by three (3) complete sets of plans, profiles and specifications, complying with all applicable ordinances, rules and regulations of the City, prepared by a Registered Civil Engineer showing all details of the proposed work based on an accurate survey of the ground.
b. The application, together with the plans, profiles and specifications shall be examined by the City Engineer who shall within twenty (20) days approve them as filed or require them to be modified as he deems necessary for proper installation. c. After examination by the City Engineer, the application, plans, profiles and specifications shall be submitted to the City Council at its next regular meeting for its consideration. When the City Council is satisfied that the proposed work is proper and the plans, profiles and specifications are sufficient and correct, it shall order the issuance of a permit predicated upon the payment of all connection charges, fees and furnishing bonds as required by the City Council. The permit shall prescribe such terms and conditions as the City Council finds necessary in the public interest.
9.01.3 Subdivisions.
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a. The requirements of §8.01 of this ordinance shall be fully complied with before any final subdivision map shall be approved by the City Council.
b. The final subdivision map shall provide for the dedication for public use of streets, easements or rights of way in which public sewer lines are to be constructed.
c. If a final subdivision map of a tract is recorded and the work of constructing sewers to serve the tract is not completed within the time limit allowed in the permit, the City Council may extend the time limit or may complete the work and take appropriate steps to enforce the provisions of the bond furnished by the subdivider.
9.01.4 Easements or Rights of Way.
a. In the event that an easement is required for the extension of the public sewer or the making of connections, the applicant shall procure and have accepted by the City Council a proper
easement or grant of right of way having a minimum width of ten (10) feet sufficient in law to allow the laying and maintenance of such extension or connection.
9.01.5 Persons Authorized to Perform Work.
a. Only properly licensed contractors and City personnel shall be authorized to perform the work of public sewer construction within the district. All terms and conditions of the permit issued by the City to the applicant shall be binding on the Contractor.
9.01.6 Compliance with Local Regulations.
a. Any person constructing a sewer within a street shall comply with all state, county or city laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the cutting of pavement, opening, barricading, lighting and protecting of trenches, backfilling and repaving and shall obtain all permits and pay all fees required by the department having jurisdiction prior to the issuance of a permit by the City.
9.01.7 Design and Construction Standards.
a. Minimum standards for the design and construction of sewers within the District shall be in accordance with the Standard Specifications heretofore or hereafter adopted by the City, copies of which are on file in the City Clerk’s office.
b. The City Engineer, with the consent of the City Council, may permit modifications or may require higher standards where unusual conditions are encountered.
c. Three (3) complete sets of “as-built” drawings showing the actual location of all mains, structures, Y’s and laterals shall be filed with the City before final acceptance of the work.
9.01.8 Completion of Sewer Required.
a. Before acceptance of any sewer line by the City and prior to the admission of any sewage into the system, the sewer line shall be tested and shall be complete in full compliance with all April 15, 2026
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requirements of the Standard Specifications and to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer.
ARTICLE 10: PERMITS AND FEES
§10.01 Requirements.
10.01.1 Permit Required. No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connection with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenances or perform any work on any lateral or building sewer without first obtaining a written permit from the City.
10.01.2 Application for Permit.
a. Any person legally entitled to apply for and receive a permit shall make such application on forms provided by the City for that purpose. He shall give a description of the character of the work, the location, ownership, occupancy and use of the premises. The City Engineer may require plans, specifications, drawings and such other information as he may deem necessary. b. If the City Engineer determines that the plans, specifications, drawings, descriptions or information furnished by the applicant is in compliance with the ordinances, rules, regulations of the City, he shall issue the permit applied for upon receiving the required fees as fixed by the City.
10.01.3 Agreement.
a. The applicant’s signature on an application for any permit shall constitute an agreement to comply with all of the provisions, terms and requirements of this and other ordinances, rules and regulations of the City, and with the plans and specifications he has filed with his application, if any, together with such corrections or modifications as may be made or permitted by the City, if any.
b. Such agreement shall be binding upon the applicant and may be altered only by the City upon the written request for the alteration from the applicant.
§10.02 Fees and Charges.
10.02.1 Connection Fees. In addition to any other charges established by the ordinances, rules and regulations of the City, there shall be collected, prior to connection to the sanitary sewerage system of the City, a special connection charge as follows:
a. Existing Facilities Connection Charge: A charge computed on a basis of a percentage, as set by the Sewer Fee Ordinance, of the estimated cost of construction of any main public sewer necessary to provide service to any parcel, unit or lot, or part of the property to be served, lying within the present boundaries of April 15, 2026
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the City. Said charge shall be deemed to be said property’s share of the cost of the existing sewer facilities of the City to be used by said property and toward the cost of which said property has made no payment.
b. Special Connection Charge: For any parcel, unit or lot, or part of said property which abuts on or can be directly served by any existing sewer main or sanitary sewer facilities of the City constructed pursuant to special agreement, wherein the City has agreed to reimburse to the party making the original installation a share of the cost of original construction attributable to parcels of property later connecting to said main or facilities, special connection charges in addition to any other charges established by the City, which must be paid prior to the issuance of a permit for sewer connection, are hereby established as follows:
i. Where private facilities consist of collection mains together with trunk mains and/or any other sanitary
sewerage facility, an additional special connection charge shall be collected in a sum to be computed by the City
Engineer as the property’s share of the cost of the sewer mains and other sanitary sewer facilities of the City,
constructed pursuant to special agreement, to be used by the property.
ii. These additional costs shall be equivalent to the prorated share of the cost of the installation made pursuant to the special agreement.
c. Lateral Service Connection Charges: In addition to any other charges established by the ordinances, rules and regulations of the City, there shall be collected, prior to connection to the sanitary sewerage system of the City, a charge, as set by the Sewer Fee Ordinance.
d. Special Connection Charges: In addition to any other charges established herein, the City may establish special connection charges for any sewer connection when, in the opinion of the City Council the circumstances of such connection necessitates the establishment of unusual conditions or necessitates the payment of charges over and above those established to recover additional cost to the City.
e. Sewer Permit and Inspection Charges: Permit and inspection charges are established by the Sewer Fee Ordinance:
i. Single Family Residence
ii. Trailer Courts and Multiple Dwellings
iii. Commercial, Industrial, Church, School, Public and Other Users. If property is to be developed for
commercial and industrial uses, the City Engineer may
require a special analysis of the effect of the installation on the sewage effluent, at the applicant’s expense.
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iv. Public Sewer Construction Permit
v. Alteration of Existing Sewer Installation.
10.02.2 Bond – Public Sewer Construction. Prior to the issuance of a permit for public sewer construction, the applicant shall furnish to the City a faithful performance bond or cash in the amount of the total estimated cost of the work; said bond to be secured by a surety or sureties satisfactory to the City. This cash deposit or faithful performance bond shall be conditioned upon the performance of the terms and conditions of the permit and shall guarantee the correction of faulty workmanship and the replacement of defective materials for a period of one (1) year after the date of the acceptance of the work.
10.02.3 All Work to be Inspected. All sewer construction work shall be inspected by an Inspector acting for the City to insure compliance with all requirements of the City. No sewer shall be covered at any point until it has been inspected and passed for acceptance. No sewer shall be connected to the City’s public sewer until the work covered by the permit has been completed, inspected and approved by the City Inspector. If the test proves satisfactory and the sewer has been cleaned of all debris accumulated from construction operations, the Inspector shall issue a certificate of satisfactory completion.
10.02.4 Notification. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by permit to notify the City Inspector that said work is ready for inspection. Such notification shall be given not less than forty-eight (48) hours, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays excluded, before the work is to be inspected. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work to make sure that the work will stand the tests required by the City before giving the above notification.
10.02.5 Condemned Work. When any work has been inspected and the work condemned and no certification of satisfactory completion given, a written notice to that effect shall be given instructing the owner of the premises, or the agent of such owner, to repair the sewer or other work authorized by the permit in accordance with the ordinances, rules and regulations of the City.
10.02.6 Outside Sewers.
a. Permission shall not be granted to connect any lot or parcel of land outside the City unless a permit is obtained. The applicant shall first enter into a contract in writing whereby he shall bind himself, his heirs, successors and assigns to abide by all ordinances, rules and regulations in regard to the manner in which such sewer shall be used and the manner of connecting, and also shall agree to pay all fees required for securing the permit and a monthly fee in the amount set by the City for the privilege of using such sewer.
b. Subject to Council approval. The granting of such permission for an outside sewer shall require City Council approval.
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c. Special Outside Agreements. Where special conditions exist relating to an outside sewer, they shall be the subject of a special contract between the applicant and the City.
d. Street Excavation Permit. A separate permit must be secured from the County or any other person having jurisdiction thereover by owners or contractors intending to excavate in a public street outside the City for the purpose of installing sewers or making sewer connections.
10.02.7 Liability. The City and its officers, agents and employees shall not be answerable for any liability or injury or death to any person or damage to any property arising during or growing out of the performance of any work by any such applicant. The applicant shall be answerable for, and shall save the City and its officers, agents and employees harmless from any liability imposed by law upon the City or its officers, agents or employees, including all costs, expenses, fees and interest incurred in defending or in seeking to enforce this provision. Applicant shall be solely liable for any defects in the work performed in compliance with this Ordinance, or any failure which may result.
10.02.8 Time Limit on Permits. If work under a permit is not commenced within six (6) months from the date of issuance or if after partial completion, the work is discontinued for a period of one (1) year, the permit shall become void and no further work shall be done until a new permit shall have been secured. A new fee shall be paid upon the issuance of said new permit.
ARTICLE 11: SEWER SERVICE CHARGE
§11.01 Monthly Rates. The monthly service sewer charge shall be fixed by the Sewer Fee Ordinance of the City Council at such sum as it may determine necessary to maintain the system. Fees will only be terminated if the sewer is disconnected from the city sewer system and capped per City standards. §11.02 Separate Fund. The City shall maintain a separate sewer fund. No portion of the sewer fund shall be used by the City except to reimburse the City for direct sewer-related costs.
ARTICLE 12: ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
§12.01 Purpose and Findings.
12.01.1 The Ferndale City Council enacts this Ordinance for the management of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) in order to promote the health, safety, and well-being of residents of the City of Ferndale by providing them a means to prevent water pollution, nuisances, and threats to public health.
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12.01.2 In addition, this Ordinance is intended to bring the City of Ferndale into compliance with the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems and applicable policies and regulations of the State Water Resources Control Board.
12.01.3 The City Council finds that adopting the Humboldt County Local Agency Management Plan (LAMP) and associated Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) standards by reference, and delegating day-to-day administration and enforcement to County of Humboldt Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health (“County Environmental Health”), will promote uniform, technically current, and enforceable OWTS regulations within the City; protect public health, water quality, and the environment; and avoid duplicative local programs.
12.01.4 The City Council further finds that amending City of Ferndale Ordinance 03-05 will establish binding and enforceable public health and sanitation standards applicable to private property. (Gov. Code §§ 36931–36937)
§12.02 Adoption by Reference. The City of Ferndale hereby adopts by reference the Humboldt County LAMP, including any OWTS manuals, technical standards, procedures, and appendices referenced therein, as may be amended from time to time by the County of Humboldt and approved by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, as the City of Ferndale’s OWTS regulations, except as modified in section 12.02.1.a.
12.02.1 Humboldt County Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Regulations and Technical Manual, issued and effective November 7, 2017, the subparagraph titled “Eligibility”, on page 1, the first sentence is hereby modified as follows:
a. A site that is greater than 300 200 feet from a public sewer can be evaluated for OWTS use.
§12.03 Scope. The Humboldt County LAMP and associated OWTS standards adopted by reference in section 12.02 shall apply to all OWTS activities within the City limits, including but not limited to siting, design, installation, modification, repair, replacement, operation, monitoring, inspection, and abandonment of OWTS.
12.04 Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Ordinance, terms shall have the meanings set forth in the OWTS Policy and the County of Humboldt LAMP.
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§12.05 Delegation of Administration and Agreements.
12.05.1 Delegation. The City hereby designates and authorizes County Environmental Health to administer, implement, and enforce the LAMP and associated OWTS standards within the City, including plan review, permitting, inspections, compliance actions, and monitoring oversight.
12.05.2 Agreements. The City Manager, or their designee, is authorized to execute any intergovernmental or service agreements, amendments, or renewals with the County of Humboldt necessary to carry out this delegation, including cost-recovery provisions.
§12.06 Permits and Fees.
12.06.1 Permits. No person shall install, construct, alter, repair, replace, operate, or abandon an OWTS within the City without first obtaining required approvals or permits from County Environmental Health in accordance with the LAMP.
12.06.2 Fees. Applicants shall pay permit, inspection, monitoring, and related fees established by the County of Humboldt for OWTS services under the LAMP, as such fees may be amended from time to time consistent with applicable law.
§12.07 Enforcement and Remedies.
12.07.1 Enforcement. County Environmental Health is authorized to take any enforcement action authorized by the LAMP, County code, or applicable state law for violations occurring within the City, including notices of violation, administrative orders, permit
suspensions/revocations, and referrals for civil or criminal enforcement as permitted by law.
12.07.2 City Remedies Preserved. The City retains independent authority to enforce violations of this Ordinance as City code violations, in addition to any County or state remedies.
ARTICLE 13: SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the final decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
ARTICLE 14: EFFECTIVE DATE:
This ordinance becomes effective thirty (30) days after the date of its enactment.
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ARTICLE 15: POSTING REQUIREMENT:
The City Clerk shall cause publication of this ordinance within 15 days after passage in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the city, and posted in at least three public places in the city.
ARTICLE 16: ENACTING DATE AND SIGNATURES:
Passed, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Ferndale at a regular meeting on March 4, 2004 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
_____________________________ ____________________________ Frances Scalvini, City Clerk Elizabeth Anderson, Mayor
First Reading: December 4, 2003
Second Reading: January 6, 2004
Third Reading: February 5, 2004
Fourth Reading March 4, 2004
Amended by Ordinance 07-03 8/13/07
Amended by Ordinance 08-01 3/10/08
Amended by Ordinance 2026-03
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Section 13
BUSINESS
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Meeting Date: April 15, 2026 Agenda Item Number: 13.a
Agenda Item Title: Approve and adopt by resolution the Humboldt County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update
Presented By: City Planner
Type of Item: X Action Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action X Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-04 approving and adopting the Humboldt County Operational Area Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), 2025 Update Volume 1 and the City of Ferndale Annex in Volume 2
2. Direct staff to transmit a copy of the resolution to the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services;
DISCUSSION
Local hazard mitigation plans (LHMPs) must be updated every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA funding, and FEMA encourages multi-jurisdictional planning to leverage resources. To qualify for FEMA funding, jurisdictions must have an officially adopted and FEMA-approved mitigation plan. The Humboldt County LHMP, with its various planning partners and jurisdiction-specific annexes (like the City of Ferndale’s), is an example of this multi-jurisdictional collaborative approach. Ferndale’s annex is included in Volume 2 of the Humboldt County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan and is incorporated into the City's Safety Element as Attachment B.
The initial multi-jurisdictional plan, developed in 2007 and updated in 2019, identified resources, information, and strategies to reduce risks from natural hazards and called for regular updates. In January of 2025, a coalition of 23 Humboldt County cities and special districts began updating the Humboldt County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan. The 23-member coalition of partners involved in this program included unincorporated Humboldt County, the cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Trinidad, and 18 special service districts.
The planning area for the hazard mitigation plan is defined as the Humboldt County Operational Area. The update is designed to lessen the impacts of specified natural hazards. The multijurisdictional approach allows for pooling of resources and the creation of a uniform hazard mitigation strategy that can be consistently applied to the defined planning area and used to ensure eligibility for specified grant funding success.
The HMP’s hazard identification and profiling addresses the following hazards of concern within the planning area:
1. Dam failure 6. Landslide
2. Drought 7. Tsunami
3. Earthquake 8. Wind
4. Extreme Temperature (Hot and Cold) 9. Winter Weather
5. Flooding 10. Wildfire
The plan presents the information in a unified framework to ensure a comprehensive plan covering the entire Humboldt County Operational Area. All participating local jurisdictions were responsible for assisting in developing the hazard and vulnerability assessments and the mitigation action strategies for their respective jurisdictions and organizations. Additionally, the plan is aligned with the goals, objectives and priorities of the state’s multi-hazard mitigation plan.
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The previous LHMP was approved on March 11, 2020, and expired on March 10, 2025. The 2025 update was developed from December 2024 through June 2025; it underwent public review in May 2025; and is now ready for local adoption. The next resubmission is due December 9, 2030. In November 2025, Cal OES reviewed and approved the 2025 HMP update; the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2025 HMP on December 9, 2025; and FEMA approved the HMP on December 19, 2025.
Once the hazard mitigation plan is adopted by all jurisdictional partners, the partnership will be eligible, collectively and individually, to apply for hazard mitigation project funding: adoption is a FEMA requirement for eligibility to apply for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants (e.g., Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)) that can fund local priorities such as hardening critical facilities, stormwater/flood projects, and seismic resilience.
The HMP is considered a living document; as awareness of additional hazards develops and new strategies and projects are conceived to offset or prevent losses due to natural disasters, the hazard mitigation plan will be evaluated and revised on a continual 5-year time frame. The next update is due before December 9, 2030.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) The proposed project/planning activity is exempt from the provisions of the CEQA Guidelines pursuant to Title 14 of the California Administrative Code, Section 15061(b)(3) (the Common Sense Exemption), and Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), each on a separate and independent basis. The LHMP identifies hazard risk and offers a mitigation strategy of possible future actions the County and planning partners may take to reduce hazard risk depending on funding and staffing availability. Some of the mitigation actions may be implemented through regulatory mechanisms and some through education programs, interagency coordination, or public participation.
Environmental factors were considered in preparation of the LHMP and are considered throughout the document.
The Common Sense exemption applies because it can be seen with certainty that the adoption of the LHMP and its' incorporation into the General Plan by reference, will not have a significant effect on the environment. The LHMP is a planning study which informs the County and its planning partners of vulnerabilities to natural hazards and potential future actions to mitigate risks. Adoption of the LHMP is exempt from CEQA under Section 15262 because its adoption is not a commitment to any future mitigation action, nor is it a decision to approve, adopt, or fund any of the potential mitigation actions identified. No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply to this activity.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution 2026-04 of the Ferndale City Council adopting the Humboldt Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update
B. City of Ferndale Jurisdictional Annex, Section 7, Volume 2 of the Humboldt Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan
C. Link to Volume 1 of the Humboldt Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update:
https://humboldt.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15009729&GUID=E631D992-53C3-4575-9E99- 330C5DD025D0
D. Volume 2 of the Humboldt Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update (all sections):
https://humboldt.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15009728&GUID=A1D3148F-C4D3-4236-A451- BE573FB9E123
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ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION 2026-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION
OF THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN AND CITY OF FERNDALE ANNEX 2025 UPDATE
WHEREAS, all of Humboldt County has exposure to natural hazards that increase the risk to life, property, environment and the County’s economy; and
WHEREAS, pro-active mitigation of known hazards before a disaster event can reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property; and
WHEREAS, The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) established new requirements for pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation programs; and
WHEREAS, a coalition of Humboldt County, Cities, Towns, Tribes and Special Districts with like planning objectives has been formed to pool resources and create consistent mitigation strategies within the Humboldt County Operational Area; and
WHEREAS, the coalition has completed a planning process that engages the public, assesses the risk and vulnerability to the impacts of natural hazards, develops a mitigation strategy consistent with a set of uniform goals and objectives, and creates a plan for implementing, evaluating and revising this strategy; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Ferndale :
1. Adopts in its entirety, Volume I: Area Wide Elements and Volume II: Section 7 City of Ferndale Jurisdictional Annex.
2. Will use the adopted and approved portions of the HMP to guide pre- and post-disaster mitigation of the hazards identified.
3. Will coordinate the strategies identified in the HMP with other planning programs and mechanisms under its jurisdictional authority.
4. Will continue its support of the Steering Committee and continue to participate in the Planning Partnership as described by the HMP.
5. Will help to promote and support the mitigation successes of all HMP Planning Partners.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ferndale in the County of Humboldt, State of California, at a regular meeting held on the 15th day of April, 2026 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
___________________________________
Randy Cady, Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Brenda Taylor, City Clerk
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Humboldt County Operational Area
Hazard
Mitigation
Plan
VOLUME 2
Planning Partner Annexes
July 2025 Draft
ATTACHMENT B
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7. City of Ferndale Annex
This section presents the jurisdictional annex for the City of Ferndale. The jurisdiction’s governing body passed a formal resolution to participate in the update of this multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plan update. The City of Ferndale's priorities have been updated to prioritize wildfire hazards, given the recent increase in wildfires, and to promote private mitigation efforts that advise homeowners and property owners on the risks of local natural hazards, 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. The governing body passed a formal resolution to participate in this multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan update. Since the last plan update, the City has responded to multiple severe hazard events that underscore vulnerabilities in local infrastructure and communications. None of these events resulted in a FEMA disaster declaration, but they highlighted gaps in preparedness, which reinforces the importance of building local capacity. Strengthening interagency coordination, improving resource availability, and addressing risks are central goals of this update. These priorities are reflected in the actions selected during this plan update.
7.1. Planning Process
7.1.1. Contact Information
A key part of hazard mitigation planning is engaging the whole community. This plan was developed by planning consultant IEM, with input from the participating jurisdictions, including the City of Ferndale, the stakeholders and the public. The City of Ferndale was represented during the planning process by the individual listed in Table 119.
Table 119: City of Ferndale Point of Contact
Name Job Title Jurisdiction/Agency Preferred Contact Info (Email and/or Phone)
Jay Parrish City Manager City of Ferndale [email protected] .ca.us
7.1.2. Stakeholder Engagement
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based organizations that work directly with and/or provide support to underserved communities and vulnerable populations, were invited to be involved in the planning process. and are recognized in Table 120. Stakeholders were invited to the stakeholder meetings through emails, calendar invites and phone calls. Additionally, they were encouraged to complete and share a public survey to gather more information. Lastly, all stakeholders were provided the opportunity to review the draft plan and provide feedback.
Table 120: Stakeholders Invited to Participate
Name Job Title Agency or
Organization
Preferred Contact Info
(Email and/or Phone)
Stakeholder Type
Jay Parrish City manager City of
Ferndale
[email protected]
ale.ca.us
1. Local and
regional agencies
involved in hazard
mitigation activities
Michelle
Nielsen
Contract City
planner
City of
Ferndale
michellen@planwestp
artners.com
1. Local and
regional agencies
involved in hazard
mitigation activities
California
Department of
Transportation
2. Agencies that
have the authority
to regulate
development
Steven
Baker
Fire Chief Orick VFD [email protected] 3. Neighboring communities,
including special
districts
Cal Poly
Humboldt
Emergency
Management
[email protected] 4. Representatives
of businesses,
academia and
other private
organizations
Environmental
Protection
Information
Center
[email protected]
g
5. Representatives
of nonprofit
organizations,
including
community-based
organizations
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7.1.3. Public Outreach
Continued public involvement was imperative to the overall success of the plan’s implementation. The update process provided an opportunity to solicit participation from new and existing stakeholders, publicize mitigation success stories and seek additional public comment. The plan’s maintenance and update will include continued public and stakeholder involvement and input through attendance at designated committee meetings, web postings, press releases to local media and public hearings. Figure 13 illustrates how the public was encouraged to participate in the survey. The City of Ferndale utilized a variety of communications channels, including emailing community stakeholders that could share the survey to residents.
Figure 13: Public Outreach Methods
Public feedback was incorporated, as appropriate, into the City of Ferndale’s risk assessment and the list of mitigation action ideas. The city reviewed these ideas during the Mitigation Action Workshop to determine what should be included in the updated list of mitigation actions for this plan update. This process is reflected in the area-wide actions that Ferndale selected for inclusion in the update.
7.1.3.1.VULNERABLE POPULATION OUTREACH
Some Ferndale residents may be disproportionately affected by natural hazard events for reasons other than proximity to high-risk areas. Vulnerable and underserved residents in Ferndale may have less access to information and resources to help mitigate risk and increase preparedness for emergencies. To better understand the risks and vulnerabilities the city residents face, this planning update developed a bilingual public survey that collectively identified ways to support, enhance and broaden capacity and resilience at the individual and social network level. Figure 14 displays how the city advertised the survey specifically to vulnerable populations. Some of the outreach methods included resources such as the post office public boards, as underserved populations may not have access to the internet.
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Figure 14: Public Outreach to Vulnerable Populations
7.1.4. Plan Integration
7.1.4.1.INTEGRATION INTO LOCAL PLANNING MECHANISMS
This section identifies where such integration is already in place and where there are opportunities for further integration in the future. The successful implementation of this plan will require constant and vigilant review of existing plans and programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities that promote a safe, sustainable community. Existing planning mechanisms into which this plan has been integrated are listed in Table 121.
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Table 121: Previous Plan Integration for the City of Ferndale Plan Name Description
Safety Element The city recently completed an update of its Safety Element (SE). The SE encompasses policies and programs for
developing a hillside development ordinance, maintaining coordination with local agencies and disseminating
information to residents, among other activities.
The plan must also identify the local planning mechanisms where the updated hazard mitigation information and actions may be integrated in the future. The plan must describe each participant’s process for integrating information from the mitigation strategy into their identified planning mechanisms. Table 122 displays how each community will integrate the hazard mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms in the future.
Table 122: Future Types of Plan Integration for the City of Ferndale Type of Plan Integration Method
Safety Element Upon adoption of the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, integrate into the City of Ferndale’s Safety Element by amending the Safety Element of the Ferndale General Plan.
7.2. Risk Assessment
This plan must develop a comprehensive risk assessment to systematically identify the specific hazards and vulnerabilities that are of the most concern for each jurisdiction, which are displayed in Table 123 and Table 124. For further information about these hazards, including extent, please refer to Volume 1 of this HMP.
Ferndale will not be profiling dam failure or extreme temperatures due to the extremely low risk.
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Table 123: City of Ferndale Hazards
Type of Hazard
Event
Jurisdiction
Impact?
(Yes/No)
If Not, What Is the Rationale for Omitting the Hazard?
Dam Failure No Scott Dam, which creates Lake Pillsbury on the Eel River, is located more than 100 miles southeast of the city. Over this distance, water surges created by dam failure would disperse considerably before reaching the Planning Area. Although the failure of this dam would increase water levels
downstream, it is expected that the levels would remain below the 100-year flood level, and damage would be minor.
The county maintains an emergency response plan for Scott Dam. The Eel River does not pass through Ferndale and is approximately 2–3 miles away from the city.
Drought Yes N/A
Earthquake Yes N/A
Extreme
Temperatures
No Based on the UCLA Heat Maps at
https://sites.google.com/g.ucla.edu/uclaheatmaps/map,
There were 114 excess visits to the emergency room for
heat-related problems. This data set indicates that the Ferndale area had a low to medium number of daily excess emergency room visits. There were 20 heat days between
2009 and 2018 in Humboldt County.
Flooding Yes N/A
Landslide Yes N/A
Tsunami Yes N/A
Wildfire Yes N/A
Wind Yes N/A
Winter
Weather
Yes N/A
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Table 124: City of Ferndale Risk Assessment
Type of Hazard
Event
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
People
Impact
Property
Impact
Economy
Impact Category
Drought Low High High Low Medium
Earthquake High High High High High
Flooding High High Medium High High
Landslide Medium Medium Low Medium High
Tsunami Low Low No impact Low Low
Wildfire High Urban:
High
High High High
Wind Low Low Low Low Low
Winter Weather Low Low Low Low Low
*Note: The process used to assign risk rankings is described in Volume 1.
7.2.1. Historical Events and Impacts
The following section lists past occurrences of natural hazards for which specific impacts and damages were recorded in the City of Ferndale. Other hazard events that broadly affected the entire planning area, including the City of Ferndale, are listed in the risk assessments in Volume
1. 7.2.1.1.HISTORICAL EVENTS
Ferndale has experienced a relatively calm weather pattern in recent times, with no recorded storm events directly affecting it. However, the broader northern Humboldt coastal region has experienced several storm events documented by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) National Storm Events Database, which can be reviewed in the Humboldt County Annex.
While Ferndale may have avoided the brunt of these storms, neighboring areas have seen varying impacts, ranging from high winds to heavy rainfall. Ferndale’s proximity to the coast means it can still feel the effects of these weather systems, even when it does not directly experience severe weather.
The NCEI database does not always capture localized hazard data. To address this gap, the City of Ferndale has documented additional significant events, the impacts of which are detailed below.
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DROUGHT
• 2021, 2022: The Board of Supervisors issued a drought proclamation and in 2022, the governor issued an executive order (EO) for drought in Humboldt County.
EARTHQUAKE
• Dec. 5, 2024: Business interruption.
• Jan. 1, 2023: Both roadways in and out of Ferndale were damaged, restricting transportation and response in the event of an emergency, although the damaged roadway segments were outside the city.
• Dec. 20, 2022: Both roadways in and out of Ferndale were damaged, restricting transportation, although the damaged roadway segments were outside the city.
FLOODING
• November, 2024: In Ferndale, water from the river flooded fields near the town and created temporary lakes.
• February, 2024: One neighborhood in Ferndale, Frog Alley, may have received the worst of the damage, flooding seven times this winter alone.
LANDSLIDE
• Feb. 24, 2024: Large masses of earth and rock cascaded down onto the beach below, blocking access to parts of the beach and posing a potential threat to nearby properties near Centerville Beach, although this landslide was located outside the city. • December, 2022: A slow-moving landslide occurred due to a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
TSUNAMI
• No events have occurred since the previous plan.
WILDFIRE
• No events have occurred since the previous plan.
WIND
• January, 2020–December, 2024: Eighteen wind events have occurred, 14 of which occurred in January, 2021. They caused power outages and downed trees on multiple roadways.
Some roof damage was reported.
WINTER WEATHER
• February, 2023: Snow accumulation, no damages reported.
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7.2.2. Jurisdiction-Specific Vulnerabilities
Table 125 provides information on several key vulnerabilities affecting the jurisdiction.
Table 125: City of Ferndale Vulnerabilities and Impacts Hazard Vulnerabilities and Impacts
Drought Vulnerabilities: A significant vulnerability during a drought is the limited availability of potable water from the Del Oro Water Company, particularly affecting elderly and low-income residents who may struggle to find enough water. Additionally, the prolonged drought increases fire risks at the urban-wildland interface in the southern part of the city, posing a threat to residential areas and critical infrastructure essential for community safety.
Impacts: The impacts on residents can include health issues such as dehydration, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with chronic conditions. For critical infrastructure, heightened fire risks can lead to economic disruptions as wildfires threaten utilities and emergency services, making it difficult to protect residents and maintain essential resources. Furthermore, the strain on local agriculture can have a negative impact on the community’s economy and food security.
Earthquake Vulnerabilities: The City of Ferndale is located in the Big Lagoon Bald Mountain, Russ, Cascadia, Little Salmon, and Mad River-Trinidad fault zones, and entire city including the critical infrastructure and people are vulnerable to strong to violent peak ground acceleration. The city’s historic district and historic properties are vulnerable assets. These features are also a significant economic asset for the city, residents and local businesses. Many of these buildings were not built to modern seismic standards and their close proximity increases the risk of widespread damage. Additionally, critical infrastructure like roads and bridges could be compromised, hindering emergency response and the evacuation of elderly and disabled individuals. The City of Ferndale’s entire population of 1,382 people are vulnerable to earthquake.
Impacts: The impacts of an earthquake can include injuries to residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with disabilities. Damage to local businesses and critical infrastructure would disrupt services, while the destruction of historic sites could negatively affect the community’s identity and tourism, leading to economic strain.
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Hazard Vulnerabilities and Impacts
Flooding Vulnerabilities: Flooding from Francis Creek which runs through the heart of the city, along the Eel River to the north and east of the city, as well as pluvial flooding issues concern Ferndale. Inadequate urban drainage systems lead to localized flooding whenever it rains. Large portions of the city are in the moderate risk (0.2%) flood sone or highrisk (1%) flood zone. This situation poses a risk to all residents, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities, who may struggle with accessibility. Critical infrastructure is also vulnerable.
Roads, utilities and emergency routes can be compromised during flooding, hindering evacuation and emergency response. Essential services like the wastewater treatment facility near Francis Creek may be damaged, threatening public health.
Impacts: Flooding can result in injuries, property damage and displacement for residents, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The disruption of critical infrastructure can lead to power outages and water service interruptions, isolating communities and complicating emergency response efforts. Long-term economic impacts may strain local businesses as flooding deters customers and disrupts operations.
Landslide Vulnerabilities: Ferndale’s Russ Park area is particularly susceptible to landslides, posing risks to people such as residents along Mattole Road, especially the elderly and disabled who may struggle to evacuate.
Critical infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, is also at risk, with potential damage complicating emergency responses and access to essential services.
Impacts: Landslides can lead to injuries or fatalities for residents unable to evacuate effectively, resulting in displacement for affected families. Disruptions to critical infrastructure can impede transportation and emergency response, while damage to utilities can threaten public health and safety, straining community resources.
Tsunami Vulnerabilities: While Ferndale is outside the mapped tsunami hazard areas, SR 211 at Fernbridge is subject to tsunami hazards, and SR 211 serves as a primary evacuation route in and out of Ferndale.
Additionally, individuals residing outside the city and exposed to or displaced by a tsunami event may seek shelter in Ferndale.
Impacts: The impacts of a tsunami could be severe for residents, leading to injuries and potential loss of life, especially among those unable to evacuate quickly. Critical infrastructure, including utilities and emergency services, may be compromised, hindering recovery efforts and overwhelming local shelters and resources.
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Hazard Vulnerabilities and Impacts
Wildfire Vulnerabilities: The southern portion of the city marks the urban– wildland interface, which is surrounded by private timberlands that are in the county’s jurisdiction. Russ Park, a city park located within city limits, is part of the urban–wildland interface.
Another vulnerability specific to Ferndale is the older section of downtown Ferndale, including the Main Street Historic District. The narrow streets and unpaved alleys make it challenging to maneuver and position response vehicles to be most effective in fighting a fire.
Structure fires in this older section—where many buildings date from the late 1800s to the 1930s—are particularly concerning. These buildings were constructed to older building standards and fire codes, are closely spaced and feature non-fire-resistant construction materials with no internal sprinklers or other fire safety systems in place. Additionally, the Main Street Historic District and other properties are listed on the federal and state registers of historic places, and Main Street is designated as a historic district by the National Park Service. These designations increase the regulation and cost of retrofits.
Impacts: Wildfires can have a severe impact on residents, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, who may find evacuation challenging. This threat can lead to injuries, property loss and significant stress in the community. For critical infrastructure, wildfires can disrupt utilities and emergency services, isolating communities and delaying recovery efforts. Local businesses may also suffer economically due to evacuations and damage.
Wind Vulnerabilities: Wind events can damage historic resources in the city.
Additionally, they damage and uproot trees in neighborhoods, including those in Russ Park. Older buildings may not withstand high winds, putting vulnerable populations, like the elderly, at risk during severe weather events. Additionally, weak or dead trees can fall, causing injury and property damage. Power lines and communication systems are also susceptible to wind damage, which can lead to power outages.
Impacts: Wind events can result in injuries from debris or falling branches, especially for the elderly and disabled. Critical infrastructure can experience power outages, disrupting emergency services and isolating communities. Damage to utilities and transportation routes can complicate recovery efforts and lead to long-term economic challenges for local businesses.
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Hazard Vulnerabilities and Impacts
Winter Weather Vulnerabilities: Critical infrastructure, such as roads and public transport, can be compromised during winter storms, making navigation difficult for emergency vehicles and residents. Power outages from downed lines can disrupt heating and essential services.
Impacts: Winter weather can lead to significant impacts on both residents and critical infrastructure. Residents may suffer injuries from slips and falls, particularly among seniors. Isolation during severe conditions can worsen mental health for vulnerable groups. Road closures and travel difficulties can hinder emergency response, delaying medical assistance. Disruptions to public transport may isolate communities, complicating access to essential services, while utility strains can lead to power outages, affecting local businesses and the economy.
7.2.2.1.DEVELOPMENT CHANGES
Table 126 summarizes development trends in the City of Ferndale since the preparation of the previous hazard mitigation plan, as well as expected future development trends.
Table 126: Recent and Expected Future Development Trends Type of
Development Recent Development Future Development
Overall Vulnerability
(Increased, Decreased,
No Change)
Residential 15 units (2020 to 2024) 10 to 15 units No change: The city’s designated historic
district is a vulnerable
asset.
Commercial None 0–2 No change
Industrial None None No change
7.3. Capability Assessment
Local mitigation capabilities are essential for reducing the impact of hazards on communities.
Local authorities can effectively mitigate hazards by leveraging existing authorities, policies, programs and resources. The City of Ferndale performed an assessment of its existing capabilities for implementing hazard mitigation actions. The capability assessment is evaluated upon a multifaceted approach, including the following:
• Planning and Regulatory Capabilities
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• Administrative and Technical Capabilities
• Financial Capabilities
• Education and Outreach Capabilities
7.3.1. Planning and Regulatory Capabilities
Table 127 and Table 128 summarize the City of Ferndale’s planning and regulatory capabilities, including plans, policies, codes and ordinances that prevent and reduce the impacts of hazards.
Table 127: Plans
Plans
Does the Plan
Address
Hazards? (Y/N)
How Can the Plan Be Used
to Implement Mitigation
Actions?
When Was It Last
Updated? When Will It
Next Be Updated?
General Plan Yes
Assembly Plan:
Yes
The general plan could
identify hazard areas of
concern (especially as new
hazards are identified) and
possible priorities. The
general plan could identify
potential collaborative
projects that involve the
county (such as the Salt
River) or other entities.
Last Update: 11/2024
Next Update: 07/2027
Recovery Plan Yes The city’s Emergency
Handbook includes
procedures for restoring
essential functions in the
event of an emergency.
Last Update: 12/2022
Next Update: 2027
Capital
Improvement
Plan
No N/A N/A
Climate Change
Adaptation Plan
In Progress N/A N/A
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Plans
Does the Plan
Address
Hazards? (Y/N)
How Can the Plan Be Used
to Implement Mitigation
Actions?
When Was It Last
Updated? When Will It
Next Be Updated?
Community
Wildfire
Protection Plan
(CWPP)
Yes The CWPP is a collaborative
plan that includes Ferndale.
The municipal code could be
amended to include
provisions to outlining
specific preventative
measures like zoning
regulations, building code
upgrades, infrastructure
improvements, public
awareness campaigns and
land use planning strategies
that can be proactively taken
to reduce the potential
impact of future disasters, all
while coordinating efforts
across different city
departments.
Last Update: 01/2019
Next Update: 2028
Economic
Development
Plan
No N/A N/A
Land Use Plan Yes Programmatically identify
high-risk areas and establish
a land use policy to regulate
the development of those
areas.
Last Update: 11/2024
Next Update: 07/2027
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Plans
Does the Plan
Address
Hazards? (Y/N)
How Can the Plan Be Used
to Implement Mitigation
Actions?
When Was It Last
Updated? When Will It
Next Be Updated?
Local Emergency
Operations Plan
Yes Programmatically identify
high-risk areas, then outline
specific preventative
measures like zoning
regulations, building code
upgrades, infrastructure
improvements, public
awareness campaigns and
land-use planning strategies
that can be proactively taken
to reduce the potential
impact of future disasters, all
while coordinating efforts
across different city
departments
Last Update: 01/2025
Next Update: 02/2030
Stormwater
Management
Plan
Yes Prioritize stormwater
projects. Private
development projects that
trigger stormwater
management review: the
project for consistency with
the adopted plan and ensure
the project incorporates its
proportional share to the
infrastructure projects
identified in the adopted
plan.
Last Update: 10/2022
Next Update: 2035
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Plans
Does the Plan
Address
Hazards? (Y/N)
How Can the Plan Be Used
to Implement Mitigation
Actions?
When Was It Last
Updated? When Will It
Next Be Updated?
Transportation
Plan
No “Transportation Plan” as
used herein is interpreted to
mean a general plan
circulation element. A
modern circulation element
can identify appropriate
evacuation routes out of the
city during an event. A
circulation element can also
identify if infrastructure
improvements are needed
and prioritize any necessary
improvements to ensure the
safe evacuation of the city.
Last Updated in 1967
Next Update: Not
scheduled and is
dependent upon
availability of funding
Substantial
Damage Plan
Yes The response to this
question outlines the city’s
strategy for addressing
damage in the event of an
emergency. This is part of
the Ferndale Emergency
Handbook.
Last Update: 12/2022
Next Update: 2027
Debris
Management
Plan
No N/A N/A
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Table 128: Regulations and Ordinances
Regulation or
Ordinance
Does This
Effectively Reduce
Hazard Impacts?
Is It Adequately
Administered and
Enforced?
When Was It Last
Updated? When Will It
Next Be Updated?
Building Code Yes Yes. California
Building Standards
Code (CBSC), which
is based on the
International Code
Council (ICC) codes.
The CBSC includes
various model
codes, such as the
California Building
Code, Residential
Code, Plumbing
Code, Mechanical
Code and Electrical
Code. These codes
are updated every
three years, most
recently in the
2022 version,
effective January 1,
2023.
Last Update: 01/2022
Next Update: 2027
Flood Insurance
Rate Maps
Yes Yes Last Update: 11/2016
Next Update:2028 and is
dependent on availability
of funding
Floodplain
Ordinance
Yes Yes Last Update: 05/2008
Next Update: 2028 and is
dependent on availability
of funding
Subdivision
Ordinance
Yes Yes Last Update: 10/1999
Next Update: 12/2025
Zoning Ordinance Yes Yes Last Update: 10/2024
Next Update: 12/2025
Natural Hazard
Specific Ordinance
N/A N/A N/A
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Regulation or
Ordinance
Does This
Effectively Reduce
Hazard Impacts?
Is It Adequately
Administered and
Enforced?
When Was It Last
Updated? When Will It
Next Be Updated?
Acquisition of Land
for Open Space and
Public Recreation
Use
N/A N/A N/A
Prohibition of
Building in At-Risk
Areas
N/A N/A N/A
7.3.2. Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Table 129 and Table 130 summarize the City of Ferndale’s administrative and technical capabilities, including its staff and their respective skills and the available tools to support mitigation actions.
Table 129: Administrative Capabilities
Administrative
Capability
Status
(Non-Vacant,
Vacant)
Is Staffing
Adequate?
Is Staff
Trained on
Hazards?
Is Coordination
Effective?
Chief Building Official Vacant N/A N/A N/A
Grant Writer Vacant N/A N/A N/A
Civil Engineer Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
Community Planner Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
Emergency Manager Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
Floodplain
Administrator
Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
Geographic Information
System (GIS)
Coordinator
Vacant N/A N/A N/A
Planning Commission Non-Vacant Yes Yes No
Fire Safe Council Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT)
Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
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Administrative
Capability
Status
(Non-Vacant,
Vacant)
Is Staffing
Adequate?
Is Staff
Trained on
Hazards?
Is Coordination
Effective?
Active Organizations
Active in Disaster
Non-Vacant Yes Yes Yes
Table 130: Technical Capabilities
Technical
Capability
Utilized?
(Y/N)
How Has the Capability
Been Used to Assess or
Mitigate Risk in the Past?
How Can the Capability Be
Used to Assess or Mitigate
Risk in the Future?
Hazard Data and
Information
Yes Data have supported
applications for grant
funding related to hazards,
but they were not
successful. The city’s
experience is that the
results of cost-benefit
analyses often do not
position city grant
applications to be
competitive.
Data can be added to grant
applications to improve
community planning, reduce
the exposure of people and
property to hazards and
undergird land use
regulations that aim to
minimize exposure. This type
of data may help identify
issues sooner rather than
later. The city is interested in
developing a Comprehensive
Implementation Plan (CIP) to
support the implementation
of hazard mitigation actions
that diminish hazards.
However, at this time, the
city does not have sufficient
funding or revenue sources
to support CIP development
and implementation.
GIS Yes Historically, GIS has been
utilized to identify risks and
support community
planning efforts, such as the
preparation of the 2024
Safety Element update.
Same as above
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Technical
Capability
Utilized?
(Y/N)
How Has the Capability
Been Used to Assess or
Mitigate Risk in the Past?
How Can the Capability Be
Used to Assess or Mitigate
Risk in the Future?
Mutual Aid
Agreements
Yes Police department
coordination and response:
Ferndale, Rio Dell, Fortuna
and CHP responding to
traffic incidents and
earthquakes. To
summarize, they
collaborate to address a
common issue.
The Emergency Response
Committee (ERC) meets
monthly. ERC members
include the city manager, the
fire chief, the executive
director of the fairgrounds,
the school district
superintendent and
representatives from public
works, the police department
and both schools. The ERC
discusses risk issues, fosters
open communication and
information sharing, remains
of what others are doing and
facilitates collaboration.
7.3.3. Financial Capabilities
Table 131 summarizes the City of Ferndale’s financial capabilities, which refer to the resources to fund mitigation actions. Discussing the funding and financial capabilities of the city is crucial in determining the types of projects that are feasible given their costs.
Table 131: Financial Capabilities
Funding Resource Utilized?
(Y/N) What Types of Activities?
Can Be Used
to Fund
Future
Mitigation
Actions?
Can Be Used
as a Local
Match for a
Federal
Grant
Capital
Improvement
Project Funding
No N/A Yes Yes
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Funding Resource Utilized?
(Y/N) What Types of Activities?
Can Be Used
to Fund
Future
Mitigation
Actions?
Can Be Used
as a Local
Match for a
Federal
Grant
General Funds Yes Yes
Flood hazard mitigation for
Francis Creek; the city is in
the process of increasing the
height of the berm at the
city’s wastewater treatment
plan; the city’s general funds
have supported the
development and adoption
of drainage master plans
and to implement
improvements. In all cases,
general fund support for the
implementation of
mitigation actions is subject
to the availability of funding
and the city’s other financial
obligations.
Yes Yes
Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program
(HMGP/404)
No N/A Yes Yes
Building Resilient
Infrastructure
and Communities
(BRIC)
No N/A N/A N/A
Flood Mitigation
Assistance (FMA)
No N/A N/A N/A
Community
Development
Block Grant
(CDBG)
No N/A N/A N/A
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Funding Resource Utilized?
(Y/N) What Types of Activities?
Can Be Used
to Fund
Future
Mitigation
Actions?
Can Be Used
as a Local
Match for a
Federal
Grant
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Services (NRCS)
Programs
No N/A N/A N/A
U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers
(USACE)
Programs
Yes The city holds an active
permit from USACE for the
annual removal of
vegetation in the Francis
Creek channel, which is used
for flood mitigation.
Yes No
Property, Sales,
Income or Special
Purpose Taxes
Yes Yes
Offset costs associated with
the maintenance of city
drainage facilities. It is likely
that the use of the city’s
special tax is restricted to
drainage (stormwater)
projects. The city does not
anticipate having surplus
property.
Yes Yes
Stormwater
Utility Fee
No N/A N/A N/A
Fees for Water,
Sewer, Gas or
Electric Services
Yes Yes
The city has collected fees
for sewer service, but the
use of these funds is
restricted and highly
regulated. Collected sewer
fees are used for sewer
maintenance and other
activities directly associated
with the city’s wastewater
treatment plan and the
collection system.
Yes Yes
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Funding Resource Utilized?
(Y/N) What Types of Activities?
Can Be Used
to Fund
Future
Mitigation
Actions?
Can Be Used
as a Local
Match for a
Federal
Grant
Impact Fees from
New
Development and
Redevelopment
Yes No No No
General
Obligation or
Special Purpose
Bonds
No N/A N/A N/A
Federal-Funded
Programs
No N/A N/A N/A
State-Funded
Programs
No N/A N/A N/A
Private Sector or
Nonprofit
Programs
Yes No No No
7.3.4. Education and Outreach Capabilities
Table 132 summarizes the City of Ferndale’s education and outreach capabilities, which refer to programs and actions that can communicate information about and encourage risk reduction.
Table 132: Education and Outreach
Education and Outreach
Capability
Used?
(Y/N)
Does It
Incorporate
Hazard
Mitigation?
Notes
Community Newsletter(s) No N/A N/A
Hazard Awareness
Campaigns (such as
Firewise, Storm Ready,
Severe Weather Awareness
Week, School Programs)
Yes Yes N/A
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Education and Outreach
Capability
Used?
(Y/N)
Does It
Incorporate
Hazard
Mitigation?
Notes
Public Meetings/Events Yes Yes The Emergency Response
Committee meets monthly
(school representatives
attend) to discuss risk issues,
continue to foster open
communications and sharing
information, to be aware of
what others are doing and to
facilitate collaboration.
Emergency Management
Listserv
Yes Yes N/A
Local News Yes Yes N/A
Distributing Hard Copies of
Notices (e.g., Public
Libraries, Door-to-Door
Outreach)
Yes No N/A
Insurance Disclosures/
Outreach
No N/A N/A
Organizations that
Represent, Advocate for or
Interact with Underserved
and Vulnerable
Communities
Yes No Ferndale Volunteer Fire
Department (FVFD),
Ferndale Senior Resource
Agency and numerous
community churches. Aside
from FVFD, it is presently
not known if and/or to what
extent these organizations
incorporate natural hazard
mitigation resources in their
materials.
Social Media No N/A N/A
Other? (Please Describe) The city
website
Yes N/A
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7.3.5. Opportunities to Expand and/or Improve Capabilities The capability assessment findings were reviewed to identify opportunities to expand, initiate or integrate capabilities to further hazard mitigation goals and objectives. These opportunities are included in Table 133. Where such opportunities were identified and determined to be feasible, they are included in the action plan.
Table 133: Opportunities to Expand and/or Improve
Capability Type Opportunity to Expand and/or Improve
Planning and
Regulations
The city’s financial resources to undertake the development of local planning efforts are limited.
Administrative and
Technical None
Financial The city’s capacity to identify appropriate grants and to apply for them is limited.
Education and
Outreach
Residents have a high degree of shared responsibility and are civically minded; there may be opportunities to improve education and outreach on this topic at community events.
7.4. National Flood Insurance Program
The City of Ferndale has been a participant in the NFIP since 1993. Details of NFIP policies in the City of Ferndale are in Table 134. Continued compliance with NFIP standards is expected for the City of Ferndale. Additional NFIP information is in Table 135 through Table 137.
Table 134: City of Ferndale NFIP Details
Community
Name
Community
Number
Total Premium +
FPF 12
Total Policy
Count Total Coverage Total Losses
Ferndale, City
of
060445 $3,205 5 $1,178,000 3
Table 135: Floodplain Management
Question Response
Who is the floodplain manager? Is this
their primary or secondary role?
The city manager serves as the floodplain
manager, and this is a secondary role.
12 FPF: Federal Policy Fee
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Question Response
Does the floodplain manager have
adequate training and capacity for their
role? If not, what else is needed?
Yes
How does the community enforce its
floodplain rules? Does enforcement
include monitoring compliance and
acting to correct violations?
The city enforces its floodplain regulations for
new development that is subject to the floodplain
ordinance. Because there is little new
development in Ferndale, most enforcement
likely happens through the FEMA insurance
process. FEMA has never contacted the city.
When was the community’s most
recent Community Assistance Visit
(CAV)?
02/2025
Were any violations noted on the
community’s most recent CAV?
The city has never had a CAV.
Is there an upcoming CAV? If no, is one
needed?
Upcoming CAV: No
Is one needed: No
When was the most recent floodplain
management ordinance adopted?
05/2008
Does your community participate in the
Community Rating System (CRS)? If so,
describe the steps the community has
taken to achieve the CRS goals.
No
Does the community’s floodplain
management ordinance include any
higher standards? If so, please list.
No
Who is responsible for permitting? The floodplain administrator, an engineer contracted to provide this expertise.
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Question Response
How does the community issue
development permits in the special
flood hazard area?
5. Permit Requirement: A development permit is
required before any construction or
development, including manufactured homes,
in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
6. Application Process: Applications must be
submitted on forms provided by the City of
Ferndale and include the following
information:
› Plans: Drawn to scale, showing location,
dimensions and elevation of the area,
structures, storage and utilities.
› Utilities: Proposed locations of water
supply, sanitary sewer and other utilities.
› Grading Information: Existing and proposed
contours, fill and drainage facilities.
› Floodway Location: If applicable, the
location of the regulatory floodway.
› Base Flood Elevation: Information as
specified in other sections of the ordinance.
› Elevation Details: Proposed elevation of the
lowest floor (including basement) and
floodproofing elevation for nonresidential
structures.
7. Certification Requirements:
› Nonresidential Floodproofing: Certification
from a registered civil engineer or architect
that the building meets floodproofing
criteria.
› Crawl-Space Foundation: Location and net
area of foundation openings as required by
the ordinance.
8. Watercourse Alteration: Description of any
alterations or relocations of watercourses due
to the proposed development.
Does the community maintain elevation
certificates?
Yes
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Question Response
Does the community track the number
of buildings in the special flood hazard
area? If yes, are there any trends?
Yes
Describe: The development pattern is for infill
development and low levels of greenfield
development. Little to no development is
occurring in areas subject to flooding.
How many repetitive loss (RL)
structures does the community have?
(List number and type of structure)
0 How many severe repetitive loss (SRL)
structures does the community have?
(List number and type of structure)
0 Have any RL/SRL properties been
mitigated since the last plan update?
No
Who is responsible for making
substantial damage/substantial
improvement determinations?
Floodplain administrator
How does the substantial
damage/substantial improvement
process work in your community?
This a duty of the floodplain administrator so this
is accomplished through implementation of the
city’s floodplain ordinance.
Is there sufficient staff and training to
make substantial damage/substantial
improvement determinations?
Yes
How are substantial
damage/substantial improvement
requirements messaged to the public
before and after an event?
Information is disseminated through the city’s
website and public meetings.
Have any substantially
damaged/substantially improved
structures been mitigated since the last
plan update?
No
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Question Response
How will the community remain in
compliance with the NFIP moving
forward?
(Simply stating “the community will
continue to comply with the NFIP” will
not meet FEMA’s planning
requirements)
Using available information and data, the city
could develop a GIS resource that provides flood
hazard information at the property level. Since
the city’s floodplain ordinance has not been
updated for some time, it could have the current
ordinance audited by a qualified professional to
ensure it is current. In both cases, the city’s ability to implement such actions requires is constrained
by available funding and capacity.
Table 136: Floodplain Mapping
Question Response
How does the community support map
change requests? This could be requests
during the Risk MAP process or through
Letters of Map Amendment or Revision.
This is a duty of the floodplain administrator.
When did the latest Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) become effective?
12/2016
When was the latest FIRM adopted? 12/2016
Is the FIRM and Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
report in an accessible location? How would
the public get access to their flood map
information?
Yes
Through City Hall
Does the community use any Risk MAP
products? If so, describe.
No
Does the community collect updated
floodplain data or modeling? Is this shared
with partners and with FEMA?
Yes
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Table 137: Flood Insurance and Outreach
Question Response
How does the community educate the
public on floodplain management and
the availability of flood insurance, in and
out of the floodplain?
Not to any great extent.
How does the community engage with
insurance agents on flood insurance?
This would be done by private parties engaging
their insurance agents.
Does the community (or state) have
flood hazard disclosure laws?
Yes
How familiar is the public with their
flood insurance options?
Do not know.
How many properties have flood
insurance in the community?
5 Are there any areas where flood
insurance is lacking?
No
7.5. Mitigation Strategy
The City of Ferndale has adopted the same goals and prioritization process as Humboldt County, which is in Volume 1. Previous mitigation actions and their statues are in Table 138, while new mitigation action items and those carried forward from the previous plan are in Table 139.
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7.5.1. Previous Mitigation Actions
Table 138: 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.
For the last 3 to 4 years, there has been no
Eel Valley presence. Fortuna Elementary
secured a grant for planning and
coordination, but there have been no
meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ferndale now has a CERT and a police
department that collaborate. The city
would like to continue with Eel River
Valley efforts if there is an opportunity.
Defer.
FRN2 Maintain and update the city’s
emergency operations plan,
prepare emergency response
procedures and implement actions
and projects outlined in the
emergency operations plan.
Responsibility of Emergency
Response Committee (ERC).
ERC meets monthly. ERC members include
the city manager, the fire chief, the
executive director of the fairgrounds, the
school district superintendent and
representatives from public works, the
police department and both schools.
Specialists, such as the local fire inspector
and representatives from the Del Oro
Water Company, make routine monthly
presentations. Defer.
FRN3 Support and actively participate in
the plan maintenance protocols
outlined in Volume 1 of this hazard
mitigation plan.
Defer.
FRN4 Coordinate with the County and
Rio Dell to stabilize the Blue Slide
Road hillside and road surface from
Ferndale to Rio Dell.
It is always important to recognize county
responsibility and support, such as mutual
aid.
When the bridge at Fernbridge is closed,
emergency response over Blue Slide Road
is critical. Defer.
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Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN5 Adopt a long-term capital
improvement plan (CIP), which
provides the city with the financial
capability to fund capital projects
that could include hazard
mitigation projects.
Deferred. The city would like to establish a
CIP, especially for preferred projects.
However, grant money is needed to
develop and implement a CIP. Carry
forward.
FRN6 Improve hillside stability in
landslide-prone areas within city
limits, such as Bluff Street and
Wildcat Road, by enhancing
drainage, planting soil-protecting
plants and installing retaining walls
where necessary.
This is an ongoing drainage project.
Observations indicate that the hills and
associated vegetation in the southern
portion of the city and surrounding areas
have temporary storage capacity and
generate excess runoff. Defer.
FRN7 Direct the building inspector to
perform seismic retrofits of critical
facilities, such as the public works
facility, and undertake any
necessary work.
Completed. To ensure public safety,
including for buildings open to the public,
it is standard practice following
earthquakes for the building inspector to
inspect buildings and tag them with yellow
or red tags accordingly.
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.
Completed and deferred since this is an
ongoing process. The hazard mitigation
plan was integrated into the city’s safety
and housing elements. However, updates
to the city codes for seismic
setbacks/structural setbacks and hillside
development standards are deferred.
FRN9 Maintain National Incident
Management System and Incident
Command System training for city
staff.
The city manager has received training and
uses the online state system for incidents.
The city manager is responsible for
determining whether to declare a city
emergency or contact Humboldt County to
request an emergency declaration. Defer.
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Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN10 Obtain and distribute current
information about local natural
hazards, risk and emergency
preparedness, including creating
and maintaining up-to-date
website information.
Completed. The city’s website has natural
hazard information.
FRN11 Continue to maintain good
standing and compliance under the
National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) through the implementation
of floodplain management
programs that, at a minimum,
meet the NFIP requirements:
• Enforce the flood damage
prevention ordinance.
• Participate in updates to
floodplain identification and
mapping.
• Provide public
assistance/information on
floodplain requirements and
impacts.
Completed. The city has maps and a
floodplain manager.
FRN12 Where appropriate, support the
retrofitting, purchase or relocation
of structures located in hazard
areas, prioritizing those that have
experienced repetitive losses
and/or are situated in high- or
medium-risk hazard areas.
Defer.
FRN13 Raise the elevation of the
Wastewater Treatment Plant’s
lagoon levee to a level above the
Francis Creek Flood elevation to
address inundation issues.
Completed. Project is in the planning
phase. Project should be completed in
about 3 years.
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Mitigation
Action Description Status
FRN14 Undertake the Arlington Avenue
Flood Mitigation Project to address
factors contributing to localized
flooding and private structure
inundation.
Completed. The project is a cooperative
effort with Humboldt County and is in the
planning and construction phase. Upon
completion, it will provide
detention/retention capacity for
stormwater runoff. Construction is
expected to be completed by December,
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
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Meeting Date: April 15, 2026 Agenda Item Number 13.b
Agenda Item Title Consider Reappointment of Members to Serve on the Russ Park Committee
Presented By: City Manager
Type of Item: x Action Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action x Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider Russ Park Committee Recommendation and Reappoint Members to Serve on the Russ Park Committee for another term.
BACKGROUND:
Two members of the Russ Park Committee have terms that are expiring. Both members would like to continue their term. Staff posted the Russ Park Vacancy and invited applications from interested citizens.
The Russ Park Committee unanimously recommended that the City Council reappoint Patt Sweeney and Sammantha Melton to the Russ Park Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Patt Sweeney Request for Reappointment
2. Sammantha Melton Request for Reappointment
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From: patt sweeney
To: Kris Hall
Subject: Russ park Committee
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 5:41:16 PM
Hello Kristine,
For the last 4 years, I've served on the Russ Park Committee taking on a variety of tasks. In 2025 alone, I volunteered over 77 hours doing trail maintenance and many more hours attending committee meetings and co-leading the sale of Russ Park t-shirts.
My term is set to expire in April of 2026. I'm writing to express my interest in continuing to assist in the park for another 4 years. If the Ferndale City Council and Russ Park Committee support this, I will continue to volunteer my time to ensure the trails remain clear, safe and the Park continues to be the special place that it is.
If you have any questions or need any more information from me, please reach out.
Sincerely,
P.S.
Patt Sweeney
707 845-5996
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Meeting Date: April 15, 2026 Agenda Item Number 13.c
Agenda Item Title City Auditor Contract Renewal
Presented By: City Manager
Type of Item: x Action Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action x Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION
Approve renewal of contract with Joseph Arch, CPA of JJACPA, Inc., to provide Annual Auditing Services for the City and direct the City Manager to sign the contract extension for one additional year.
DISCUSSION:
On February 19, 2025, the City Council voted to approve the contract with Joseph Arch, CPA of JJACPA to provide annual auditing services for FY 2024-25 for Ferndale. The new contract would be to provide annual auditing services for FY 2025-26. The city has trusted the professional services of Joseph Arch for over 10 years, and we are asking to extend the auditing contract for another year.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
General Fund, Professional services (10145052)
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed contract for Auditing Services from Joseph Arch, CPA of JJACPA April 15, 2026
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1102 South Main Street, Suite 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 ● phone (707) 964-6325 7080 Donlon Way, Suite 204, Dublin, CA 94568 ● phone (925) 556-6200 www.jjacpa.com ● fax: (707) 252-6226
March 19, 2026
City of Ferndale
Attn: Kristene Hall, City Manager
834 Main Street
P.O. Box 1095
Ferndale, CA 95536
Dear Kristene:
We are pleased to confirm our understanding of the services we are to provide the City of Ferndale (City) for the year ended June 30, 2026.
Audit Scope and Objectives
We will audit the financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information, and the disclosures, which collectively comprise the basic financial statements of the City as of and for the year ended June 30, 2026. Accounting standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) provide for certain required supplementary information (RSI), such as management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A), to supplement the City’s basic financial statements. Such information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. As part of our engagement, we will apply certain limited procedures to the City’s RSI in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). These limited procedures will consist of inquiries of management regarding the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management’s responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We will not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient appropriate evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
The following RSI is required by GAAP and will be subjected to certain limited procedures, but will not be audited:
1) Management’s Discussion and Analysis
2) Budgetary Comparison Information
We have also been engaged to report on supplementary information other than RSI that accompanies the City’s financial statements. We will subject the following supplementary information to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to April 15, 2026
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the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS, and we will provide an opinion on it in relation to the financial statements as a whole in a report combined with our auditor’s report on the financial statements:
1) Combining and individual nonmajor fund financial statements.
In connection with our audit of the basic financial statements, we will read the following other information and consider whether a material inconsistency exists between the other information and the basic financial statements, or the other information otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work performed, we conclude that an uncorrected material misstatement of the other information exists, we are required to describe it in our report. 1) Introductory Section
2) Statistical Section, if applicable
The objectives of our audit are to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion about whether your financial statements are fairly presented, in all material respects, in conformity with GAAP; and report on the fairness of the supplementary information referred to in the second paragraph when considered in relation to the financial statements as a whole. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements, including omissions, can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment of a reasonable user made based on the financial statements.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements We will conduct our audit in accordance with GAAS and will include tests of your accounting records and other procedures we consider necessary to enable us to express such opinions. As part of an audit in accordance with GAAS, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
We will evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management. We will also evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and determine whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We will plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether from (1) errors, (2) fraudulent financial reporting, (3) misappropriation of assets, or (4) violations of laws or governmental regulations that are attributable to the government or to acts by management or employees acting on behalf of the government.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, combined with the inherent limitations of internal control, and because we will not perform a detailed examination of all transactions, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements may not be detected by us, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with GAAS. In addition, an audit is not designed to detect immaterial misstatements or violations of laws or governmental regulations that do not have a direct and material effect on the financial statements. However, we will inform the appropriate level of management of any material errors, fraudulent financial reporting, or misappropriation of assets that comes to our attention. Our responsibility as auditors is limited to the period covered by our audit and does not extend to any later periods for which we are not engaged as auditors.
In connection with this engagement, we may communicate with you or others via email transmission. As emails can be intercepted and read, disclosed, or otherwise used or communicated by an unintended third party, or may not be delivered to each of the parties to whom they are directed and only to such parties, we cannot guarantee or warrant that emails from us will be properly delivered and read only by the addressee. Therefore, we specifically disclaim and waive any liability or responsibility whatsoever for interception or unintentional disclosure of emails transmitted by us in connection with the performance of this engagement. In that regard, you agree that we shall April 15, 2026
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have no liability for any loss or damage to any person or entity resulting from the use of email transmissions, including any consequential, incidental, direct, indirect, or special damages, such as loss of revenues or anticipated profits, or disclosure or communication of confidential or proprietary information.
We will also conclude, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the government’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
Our procedures will include tests of documentary evidence supporting the transactions recorded in the accounts, tests of the physical existence of inventories, and direct confirmation of receivables and certain assets and liabilities by correspondence with selected customers, creditors, and financial institutions. We will also request written representations from your attorneys as part of the engagement and they may bill you for responding to this inquiry.
We may, from time to time and depending on the circumstances, use third-party service providers in serving your account. We may share confidential information about you with these service providers but remain committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your information. Accordingly, we maintain internal policies, procedures, and safeguards to protect the confidentiality of your personal information. In addition, we will secure confidentiality agreements with all service providers to maintain the confidentiality of your information and we will take reasonable precautions to determine that they have appropriate procedures in place to prevent the unauthorized release of your confidential information to others. In the event that we are unable to secure an appropriate confidentiality agreement, you will be asked to provide your consent prior to the sharing of your confidential information with the third-party service provider. Furthermore, we will remain responsible for the work provided by any such third-party service providers.
Our audit of the financial statements does not relieve you of your responsibilities.
Audit Procedures—Internal Control
We will obtain an understanding of the government and its environment, including the system of internal control, sufficient to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and to design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks and obtain evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinions. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentation, or the override of internal control. An audit is not designed to provide assurance on internal control or to identify deficiencies in internal control. Accordingly, we will express no such opinion. However, during the audit, we will communicate to management and those charged with governance internal control related matters that are required to be communicated under AICPA professional standards.
We have identified the following significant risks of material misstatement as part of our audit planning:
In accordance with GAAS, management override of controls is considered a significant risk, and revenue recognition is presumed to be a significant risk. Accordingly, we have identified management override of controls and revenue recognition as significant risks for this audit. These risks will be addressed through the design and performance of targeted audit procedures.
Audit Procedures—Compliance
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, we will perform tests of the City’s compliance with the provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and agreements. However, the objective of our audit will not be to provide an opinion on overall compliance and we will not express such an opinion.
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Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements Our audit will be conducted on the basis that you acknowledge and understand your responsibility for designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, including monitoring ongoing activities; for the selection and application of accounting principles; and for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America with the oversight of those charged with governance.
Management is responsible for making drafts of financial statements, all financial records, and related information available to us; for the accuracy and completeness of that information (including information from outside of the general and subsidiary ledgers); and for the evaluation of whether there are any conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the government’s ability to continue as a going concern for the 12 months after the financial statements date or shortly thereafter (for example, within an additional three months if currently known). You are also responsible for providing us with (1) access to all information of which you are aware that is relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements, such as records, documentation, identification of all related parties and all related-party relationships and transactions, and other matters; (2) additional information that we may request for the purpose of the audit; and (3) unrestricted access to persons within the government from whom we determine it necessary to obtain audit evidence. At the conclusion of our audit, we will require certain written representations from you about the financial statements and related matters.
Your responsibilities include adjusting the financial statements to correct material misstatements and confirming to us in the management representation letter that the effects of any uncorrected misstatements aggregated by us during the current engagement and pertaining to the latest period presented are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements of each opinion unit taken as a whole.
You are responsible for the design and implementation of programs and controls to prevent and detect fraud, and for informing us about all known or suspected fraud affecting the government involving (1) management, (2) employees who have significant roles in internal control, and (3) others where the fraud could have a material effect on the financial statements. Your responsibilities include informing us of your knowledge of any allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the government received in communications from employees, former employees, grantors, regulators, or others. In addition, you are responsible for identifying and ensuring that the government complies with applicable laws and regulations.
You are responsible for the preparation of the supplementary information in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). You agree to include our report on the supplementary information in any document that contains, and indicates that we have reported on, the supplementary information.
You also agree to make the audited financial statements readily available to users of the supplementary information no later than the date the supplementary information is issued with our report thereon. Your responsibilities include acknowledging to us in the representation letter that (1) you are responsible for presentation of the supplementary information in accordance with GAAP; (2) you believe the supplementary information, including its form and content, is fairly presented in accordance with GAAP; (3) the methods of measurement or presentation have not changed from those used in the prior period (or, if they have changed, the reasons for such changes); and (4) you have disclosed to us any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the measurement or presentation of the supplementary information. With regard to publishing the financial statements on your website, you understand that websites are a means of distributing information and, therefore, we are not required to read the information contained in those sites or to consider the consistency of other information on the website with the original document.
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Other Services
We will also prepare the financial statements of the City in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America based on information provided by you.
We will perform the services in accordance with applicable professional standards. The other services are limited to the financial statement services previously defined. We, in our sole professional judgment, reserve the right to refuse to perform any procedure or take any action that could be construed as assuming management responsibilities.
You agree to assume all management responsibilities for the financial statement preparation services and any other nonattest services we provide; oversee the services by designating an individual, preferably from senior management, with suitable skill, knowledge, or experience; evaluate the adequacy and results of the services; and accept responsibility for them.
Engagement Administration, Fees, and Other
We understand that your employees will prepare all cash, accounts receivable, or other confirmations we request and will locate any documents selected by us for testing.
The audit documentation for this engagement is the property of JJACPA, Inc. and constitutes confidential information. However, we may be requested to make certain audit documentation available to state and federal agencies and the U.S. Government Accountability Office pursuant to authority given to it by law or regulation, or to peer reviewers. If requested, access to such audit documentation will be provided under the supervision of JJACPA’s personnel. Furthermore, upon request, we may provide copies of selected audit documentation to these agencies and regulators. The regulators and agencies may intend, or decide, to distribute the copies of information contained therein to others, including other governmental agencies.
The timing of our audit will be scheduled for performance and completion as follows:
Begin Complete
Document internal control and preliminary tests 7/7/26 7/9/26 Mail confirmations 7/31/26 7/31/26
Trial Balance sent to JJACPA 10/13/26 10/13/26
Perform year-end audit procedures 10/20/26 10/22/26
Issue audit report 11/30/26 11/30/26
Joseph Arch is the engagement partner and is responsible for supervising the engagement and signing the report or authorizing another individual to sign it.
Our fee for services will be at our standard hourly rates plus out-of-pocket costs (such as report reproduction, word processing, postage, travel, copies, telephone, confirmation service provider fees, etc.) except that we agree that our gross fee, including expenses, will not exceed $19,000. Our standard hourly rates vary according to the degree of responsibility involved and the experience level of the personnel assigned to your audit. Our invoices for these fees will be rendered each month as work progresses and are payable on presentation. In accordance with our firm policies, work may be suspended if your account becomes 30 days or more overdue and may not be resumed until your account is paid in full. If we elect to terminate our services for nonpayment, our engagement will be deemed to have been completed upon written notification of termination, even if we have not completed our report. You will be obligated to compensate us for all time expended and to reimburse us for all out-of-pocket costs through the date of termination. The above fee is based on anticipated cooperation from your personnel and the assumption that unexpected circumstances will not be encountered during the audit. If significant additional time is necessary, we will discuss it with you and arrive at a new fee estimate before we incur the additional costs.
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Reporting
We will issue a written report upon completion of our audit of the City’s financial statements. Our report will be addressed to management and those charged with governance. Circumstances may arise in which our report may differ from its expected form and content based on the results of our audit. Depending on the nature of these circumstances, it may be necessary for us to modify our opinions, add a separate section, or add an emphasis-ofmatter or other-matter paragraph to our auditor’s report, or if necessary, withdraw from this engagement. If our opinions are other than unmodified, we will discuss the reasons with you in advance. If, for any reason, we are unable to complete the audit or are unable to form or have not formed opinions, we may decline to express opinions or withdraw from this engagement.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to the City of Ferndale and believe this letter accurately summarizes the significant terms of our engagement. If you have any questions, please let us know. If you agree with the terms of our engagement as described in this letter, please sign the attached copy and return it to us.
Very truly yours,
]]TVcT? \ÇvA
JJACPA, Inc.
1102 S. Main Street, Suite 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
April 15, 2026
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RESPONSE:
This letter correctly sets forth the understanding of the City of Ferndale.
Management signature:
Title:
Date:
Governance signature:
Title:
Date:
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Section 14
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence Files are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 4pm.
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VIA ELECTRONIC FILING
March 20, 2026
Re: Programming Notice
To Whom It May Concern:
Optimum Communications, Inc. (“Optimum” or “the Company”) hereby notifies your office of the following programming changes to Optimum TV lineups.
Effective April 21, 2026, TruTV will be removed from California Optimum channel lineups. Content similar to what was offered on TruTV can be found via:
• The HBO Max app
• The Stremio app, which offers free TV shows, movies and sports. • Alternative channels carried on Optimum TV lineups, including TBS, Comedy Central, MTV, TNT, and USA Network.
Customers are being notified of these changes via bill messages or inserts. As always, customers can find Optimum’s current channel lineup information on our website at https://www.optimum.net/pages/channellineups.html.
Additionally, Effective April 30, 2026, the Too Much For TV subscription video on demand service monthly subscription rate will increase from $12.95 to $14.99 to align the service with current market rates. Existing customers will receive 30-day advanced notice of any change to their monthly price (unless the customer elects to make a change to their video service or package, in which case the adjustments will be disclosed at the time the customer requests the change). As always, updated pricing information is made available on the Optimum website at www.Optimum.com/pricing-packages.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jim Campbell
Vice President, Government Affairs
April 15, 2026
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From: Dolf, Benjamin
To: Kristene Hall
Cc: Kalson, Mario
Subject: Rabies Positive Bat from Ferndale
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026 3:13:23 PM
Attachments: image001.png
Hello Kris,
I wanted to let you know that a bat that was submitted to us for rabies testing came back positive. It came from McKinley Avenue in Ferndale, it was caught by cat. We’ve contacted the cat’s owner who is working on finding out the cats vaccination status. If it’s current on vaccine, it would get a booster and a 30-day home quarantine. If not current, it’s a booster and 6-month quarantine period.
This is just a courtesy notification we often give to City’s when an animal tests positive for rabies in city limits – no action needed. I don’t think we’ve talked much about our rabies program, let me know if you’d like more information. Have a good weekend, and don’t pick up any bats!
Benjamin W. Dolf, R.E.H.S.
Supervising Environmental Health Specialist, Consumer Protection Program DHHS Division of Environmental Health :: 100 H St. Eureka, CA 95501 :: (707) 268-2210 April 15, 2026
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Section 15
COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
Section 16
REPORTS
City Manager’s Report
Commissions and Committee Reports
Minutes from JPAs and Reports
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City Managers Report
for APRIL 2026 City Council Meeting
CITY MANAGER (March 12, 2026 – April 9, 2026)
Grant Updates
• Arlington Ave Drainage Project:
Continuing to work with Brett Vivyan from GHD on this Grant. We are currently working with State Water Resources to research funding avenues for a better way to address the downstream drainage problems. Unfortunately, Brett was unable to attend the April meeting, however, we have already confirmed a presentation and update for the May City Council Meeting.
• Raising of the Berm:
No updates on this grant currently. We are still in line for funding when it becomes available.
• Per Capita:
To date we have not yet received the reimbursement funds. I, as well as Rick Hill, have sent several emails to Kevin Glaudel at State Parks to get an estimate of when the city may see these funds. Unfortunately, we have not received any emails returned. I will continue to send emails to receive the grant fund reimbursements in the approximate amount of $169,400. • Our Energy Microgrid:
The city was approved for the $25,000 Planning Grant reimbursement. I will continue to check in on this grant to see where the city’s standing is as far as an actual microgrid project.
This will likely not be for several months.
• State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP):
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) officially approved our request for the Francis Street Paving Project as part of their 3/19-3/20 meeting. Though our project is approved, it is not budgeted until FY 29/30, but we will take the win and appreciative of the funding!
• Ferndale Dog Park Project (SPP):
I have a meeting scheduled on April 21st with the new executive director of the WDH Foundation which manages the Hadley property that we are hoping to secure a lease or land donation from. I had a meeting with Rick Hill who will be the grant coordinator to look at the potential site and we looked at different options including an entrance closer to the Basketball Courts. The site entrance will likely be determined by where the leased or donated land will be. If or when the land is secured, we will start community engagement meetings to better understand what the public would like to see. There will be several community meetings scheduled during the duration of the grant. Once a concept is decided it will be brought to council for approval.
• SB1383:
I am currently working on the best way to offer composting bins to the public through a reimbursement program. I am hoping to have this implemented soon.
PGE Undergrounding:
Our last meeting was held on Monday, March 30th at 10:00am. We remain caught up on our tasks. PGE is in the process of designing and determining a site where the transformer box will be placed.
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Russ Park
I plan on attending the Russ Park Meeting on April 14th. This is one of the meetings I have not yet attended. It appears they will be discussing and working out details on the May 16th Volunteer Day.
Fireman’s Park
The bathrooms are now completed. I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 2nd and had the honor of cutting the ribbon (the ribbon was actually toilet paper!) The city thanked the Spirit of Ferndale and all the volunteers that showed up tirelessly over the last couple months to complete this needed project. What an honor it is to serve such a great community!
Community Center
The Community Center continues to run fairly smoothly. We received our Health Inspection from the county. We need to make a couple of improvements and will be working on those over the next few months. I also met with Dennis DelBiaggio and we looked at the bathrooms for submittal of a potential grant. Dennis and I both agree that the path forward might be to redesign them to make them more accessible and potentially more separate from the children’s center. I will be speaking with our City Engineer to get his recommendations as well. There are three of the four-bathroom areas that are in great/dire need of upgrades and remodeling.
Regular Meetings:
• Daily Meeting with Lauren Boop, Finance Director
• Daily Meetings with Brenda Taylor, City Clerk
• Daily Meetings with Ron Sligh, Police Chief
• Daily Meetings with Mayor Cady
• Weekly meetings with Public Works.
• Weekly meetings with Planners and Engineer
• Monthly Meetings
o City Council Meetings (March 18th)
o Planning Commission (April 1st)
o Drainage Committee (April 2nd)
o Emergency Response (Second Thursday of the Month)
o Department Heads (Second Tuesday of the Month)
o City Managers’ Meeting (Last Thursday of the Month)
o Chamber of Commerce (April 6th)
Other.
STREETS & ROADS COMMITTEE:
The Streets and Roads Committee met on March 25th. It was a great meeting, and we were able to sit down and discuss some of the big issues, which is obviously the conditions of the streets and numerous potholes. City Planner Michelle Nielsen and City Engineer Brian Ontiveros were present and discussed the upcoming SB1 projects list that will be coming to the council in May.
The committee came up with the addition of two potential projects to add to the list. We also discussed the vision zero project which includes the use of temporary “speed humps” on 5th Street. The committee also discussed quarterly meetings and we scheduled our next meeting for July.
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CIRA:
We are continuing to work with CIRA on developing some much-needed city policies. There is a CIRA conference in May that I will be attending. The conferences are fully funded by CIRA so there is no additional cost to the city. CIRA usually has these conferences twice a year.
CITY CLERK HIRING:
We have hired a new City Clerk, Brenda Taylor. She officially started on March 25th and has started working full-time on April 6th. Brenda previously worked as a City Clerk in a similar sized city in Idaho. We are happy she has joined the team, and we look forward to getting her up to speed on everything. The City Clerk wears many hats so it will be a lengthy training process, but I think she is up for the challenge.
STAFF: We continue to be fortunate with a dedicated and hard-working staff that keep everything going. Both the Admin office and the Police Dept have been a little short staffed, however, we both have hired new employees and are back up to fully staffed offices.
Health Insurance has been a challenge for all the City’s. There has been a 35% increase that is affecting most cities locally and throughout California. This is a big hit, and we will continue to look at this as it all unfolds.
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STAFF REPORTING MARCH 2026
CITY CLERK ACTIVITY
Meeting Activities:
• Met with City Manager to discuss agenda items.
• Attended, Wrote Agenda, and Compiled Packets for:
o Planning Commission Meeting 04/1/2026
o Drainage Committee Meeting 04/02/2026
• Transcribed and drafted meeting minutes
• Uploaded meeting videos for all above listed meetings. • Complied meeting agendas and public notices for Posting • Uploaded meeting packets to City Website.
• Meetings with Community Center & Town Hall Renters to go over Facility Projects
Currently Training on all Projects as follows:
• Assisting the public at the counter, via telephone, and email, answering questions and information requests.
• Communications with contract Engineers and City Planner about agenda items before the City Council, Planning Commission, and Drainage Meetings. • Processing Building Permits, Encroachment Permits, and Parade 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
• Processed Community Center & Town Hall Rental
FINANCE OFFICER ACTIVITY
Tasks:
• Answered phones and assisted citizens at City Hall
• Processed Payroll/Payroll Tax Payments
• Processed Accounts Payable
• Processed Accounts Receivable
• Completed Quarterly Duties
• Entered Monthly Deposits into Accounting CS
• Reconciled Monthly Debits and Credits for both GL and Russ Park accounts • Delivered and received mail correspondence
• Posted all notices, meetings, etc. to City Bulletin Board at Post Office • Reviewed ERMA and HR bulletins
• Provided necessary documents to Kris for City Council Meeting • 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
• Sent Late Notices for all open invoices
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• 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 • Communicated with grant contacts and performed steps to continue projects • Assisted with TDA Audit for FY 24/25
• Set up for and drafted City Council minutes as Deputy City Clerk • Attended Department head meeting and gave budget update • Purchased and distributed items requested by Department Heads • Reviewed resumes, attended interviews for City Clerk Applicants • Entered new employees into system
• Set up for CalTrans Meeting 3.26.26
• Attended CIRA Training on Risk Management
CITY PLANNER ACTIVITY
General Planning Services
Task 1 Response to Public Information Request:
• Shaw House Inn Design Review Query: reviewed proposal and information submitted by applicant; the City’s historic designation registration; and consulted Secretary of the Interior's standards for the treatment of historic properties. Prepared memo requesting additional information for review of the project (e.g., revised plot plan and documentation supporting structures to be added qualify for a CEQA exemption). • Prepared a response to the Humboldt County’s Assessor’s query about ADU size limits.
Task 2 CEQA Compliance
No actions for the reporting period.
Task 3 Community Planning – Reporting, Other Planning Activities Reviewed and annotated Vision Zero Injury & Collision Data Analysis Summary prepared HCAOG retained consultant for the Humboldt region memo and forwarded to City Engineer.
Reviewed General Plan Safety Element adopted in 2024 for alignment with the 2025 local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP). Preparing City Council staff report for the adoption of the 2025 multijurisdictional LHMP and Ferndale Annex.
Coordination with City Manager on draft resolution for grant funds to support Ferndale dog park.
Task 4 Meetings and Hearings, and Materials:
• Communications and coordination with the City Manager and City Clerk for the March and April 2026 City Council and Planning Commission meetings, various assigned tasks, and projects.
• Coordination with City Manager for 26/27 FY budget and 7th Cycle Housing Element; and information from Humboldt County OES regarding FEMA funding. Coordination with City Engineer on current planning projects.
• Prepared the monthly planner’s report for the March 18 City Council meeting. • City Council meeting – Prepared for, attended, and presented at March 18 meeting. • Planning Commission meeting – No actions for the reporting period. • HCAOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) – Reviewed March 2 meeting agenda and coordinated with City Manager on McKinleyville CSD agenda item. Attended March 2 meeting (in-person).
• Streets and Roads Committee – Attended March 18 meeting (in-person), includes oneway drive time from Eureka. • Regional Climate Action Plan – No actions for the reporting period.
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Task 5 GIS Mapping
No actions for the reporting period.
Task 6 Grant Writing/Funding Coordination
No actions for the reporting period.
Planning Applications and Pre-Application Consultations • Updated Pre-App form to better communicate that the service is provided on a time + material basis. Also, added details so applicants can better communicate with the City delivery of service and their project.
• Finalized updated Pre-App request form.
Ferndale Repertory Theatre (FRT) Window Replacement Design Review and Permit • Prepared email outlining how to proceed with window replacement/rehab project. • Reviewed information submitted by the applicant’s general contractor and sent email reply.
• Prepared staff report for Design Review Permit, and documentation supporting CEQA categorical exclusion for April 1, 2026, PC hearing.
General Plan Annual Progress Report
• Drafted General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) including City Council March 18 staff report. Filed General Plan APR, including completed mandatory Governor’s Office of Climate and Land Use Innovation survey. Filed Housing Element APR.
Housing Element Update/Reporting
• Preparing all required tables (Excel worksheets) for the City’s 2025 Housing Element APR
• Updating Table D (this table reports the City’s progress on implementing the programs in the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element).
• Researching vacancy rate data (6th Cycle HE - Program 4). • Reviewed City of Eureka's appeal of HCAOG RHNP for the region.
Special Planning Projects
RTIP/STIP project administration
• No actions for the reporting period.
Updates to ADU Ordinance in Response to November 2025 HCD Letter of Technical Assistance
• Prepared March 18 ADU ordinance second reading staff report. Submitted adopted ordinance to HCD using their online portal.
Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) Ordinance
• Coordination with Division of Environmental Health and North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board on review of draft ordinance.
Prepared staff report for March 18 City Council meeting
CITY ENGINEER ACTIVITY
• Phone calls / emails with the City Manager and staff regarding various City items. • Streets and Roads Committee
o Meet with the Streets and Roads Committee to discuss current and future projects • PG&E Undergrounding project.
o Site visit to look at bridge crossing at Francis Creek o Monthly Zoom Meeting with PG&E
• Regional Vision Zero Action Plan.
o Work with City staff on Project Design
Reimbursable Project Services:
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• Nunes Grading
o Correspondence with City Staff.
• Westfall Lot Line Adjustment Project
o Correspondence with City Staff.
o Project approval letter.
WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
• Monthly samples prepared and sent to North Coast Labs • Operators perform lab tests daily to measure efficiency of plant • Cleaned filters...Due to high pond flow recoveries.
• 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… • Monthly report on generator uses for air quality.
• Front gate chain oiled each Monday
• Inspect manholes throughout town weekly
• Repair UV lamps and prepare for improvements on bank ALPHA • Weekly maintenance performed on UV banks
• Maintained Plant flows through flooding event.
• Weed removal project at pond……
• Dewater for total of 38 hours. Sludge dried at old site • Maintenance on filters, clean nozzles
• Operators cleaned walls and catwalk.
• Removal of duck weed from clarifiers on weekly basis. • Pulled and serviced all pond pumps with xylem person
• Maintained Aqua dams around pond through flood conditions. • Hydro Jett Main ST for Tuya’s restaurant
• Billed, Steve’s Septic, Taylor and Wyckoff a total of 5706.00 Dollars for the month of MARCH 2026 . 23 total dumps for total of 31,700 gallons. • Total flow through plant. MARCH was 12.9 MGD. Of that .417 MGD average flow to Francis Creek and …018 MGD was pumped to retention pond.
• 1 inch of Rain in MARCH 2026
PUBLIC WORKS
• Continued with monthly and daily duties. Such as cleaning and maintenance of city's bathrooms, mowing of city owned properties, cleaning of storm drains, keeping streets clear of debris and the maintenance of city's facilities. • Install beacon light on lawn mower. All small equipment now has beacon lights. • Install grip tape on foot bridge at Francis st.
• Restripe rear parking lot off main st.
• City manager office repainted, new lights, and switch covers. • Toilet sloan valves were rebuilt in two toilets at children’s center. • Met with J&G Landscaping about irrigation system rehab at town hall. • Replace broken boards on picnic tables and benches at Fireman’s Park. • Talked to Chris at coast guard housing about helping them patch potholes on their roads. • Helped Hubner’s clean up debris from their trimming project on Bluff st. • Install new swings and new chains at Fireman’s Park.
• Repair damaged end cap and reseal end of gutter at scout hall.
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• Change worn parts in toilet at community center to fix a leak and running toilet. • Secure crawl space cover at town hall.
• Clean decks and sharpen blades on mowers.
• Took old dull chain saw chains to get sharpened at wildwood saw.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Applicant Levi Haberman completed a background investigation and was offered a position of Police Officer. He is scheduled to start early April. The Foggy Bottom’s Milk Run took place in March. Officers and CERT Members provided traffic control for the event, and organizers estimated they had around 2000 participants this year.
CERT: The CERT Team participated in training with the fire department. The training was conducted by the Old Creamery Building and CERT deployed their trailer for the exercise.
Police Statistics – March 2026
SERIOUS CRIMES Number Cleared
Homicide 0
Rape (Attempted) 0
Robbery 0
Larceny 1 1
Assault 0
Burglary 0
Vehicle Theft 0
TOTAL 1
SECONDARY CRIMES 5
Calls for Service 294
Reports Written 9
Traffic Citations 16
Other Citations 0
Parking Citations 2
Warnings 23
ARRESTS 1
AGENCY ASSISTS 8
TRAFFIC COLLISIONS 1
April 15, 2026
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CITY OF FERNDALE, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA
Minutes for Planning Commission Meeting of January 7, 2026 Call to Order —Chair Jerry Rocha called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Commissioners Jorgen von Frausing-Borch, Stuart Altschuler, and Mia Rudynski were present along with City Clerk Kristene Hall. Those in attendance pledged allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call– Commissioner Josh Smith was absent
DESIGN REVIEW PERMITS:
None
PUBLIC HEARING
Resolution 2026-01, recommending that the City Council make all of the required findings, and adopt an ordinance repealing and replacing section 7.21 of Article 7 of Ordinance 02-02, the Zoning Ordinance, to ensure consistency with current state law:
City Clerk Hall explained that the HCD has contacted all out of compliance cities to update their ADU ordinances to comply with state law with the goal of making more affordable housing, and restricting ADU use as short term rentals. Hall stated that laws have continuously been changing on ADU policies since 2018 and the city has been unable to update the current standards, however, the city has known about the compliance issues and has been following the state guidelines already. This change will make the official change and bring the city into compliance.
Hall added that the City Council had approved an urgency ordinance at their December meeting to start the process.
MOTION: Approve Resolution 2026-01 Recommending the City Council adopt an Ordinance to Repeal and Replace Section 7.21 of the Zoning Ordinance to ensure Consistency with State Law.
(Altschuler/von Frausing-Borch) Unanimous
BUSINESS
Building Permits Issued: No Comments
CORRESPONDENCE: None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: None
STAFF COMMENTS: None
Adjournment: Chair Rocha adjourned the meeting at 6:20
Respectfully submitted,
Kristene Hall, City Clerk
April 15, 2026
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MINUTES
CITY OF FERNDALE – HUMBOLDT COUNTY U.S.A.
DRAINAGE COMMITTEE MEETING
Minutes
December 4th, 2025
Chair Tom Stephens opened the meeting at 2:30 pm. Those present were Tom Stephens, John Maxwell, Jim Bass, Michael Sweeney, Councilman Philip Ostler, Interim City Manager Kristene Hall, and Deputy City Clerk Lauren Boop
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of September 9th, 2025 Meeting Minutes (Becker/Bass) Unanimous PUBLIC COMMENT: None
BUSINESS:
A. Arlington Street Drainage Project Update:
Brett Vivyan of GHD came to discuss the status of the “Ferndale Water Quality and Drainage Improvement Project,” a State Water Board funded grant the city is in the process of completing. He summarized the project for the committee and discussed issues to get the grant complete. There has been a delay getting final approval of the project from the Ferndale Fairgrounds Board, and it was determined a meeting is needed with City of Ferndale Staff and Humboldt County Public Works’ head Tim Madsen, County Supervisor Rex Bohn, and the Fair Board to get on the same page in regards to the scope and results of the proposed project, and to finalize MOU provisions.
B. Recent Storm Activity
Chair Tom Stephens noted there was 2.28 inches of rain “pretty much overnight” and the Francis Creek reached a height of 7.1 feet. He further noted another hour of rain could have seen flooding. The creek monitoring system is still non-operational.
C. East Side Drainage
Joseph Alexander provided his large excavator and cleared the affected area. Chair Tom Stephens noted that the area is draining well.
D. Mattole Road Culvert Maintenance
The culvert on Mattole Road is currently being investigated for repair by Humboldt County Public Works. The committee agreed this may help in mitigating the flooding on Francis Street.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
COMMENTS: Chair Tom Stephens requested update on any City of Ferndale action on the 218 Process and Francis Street Drainage situation. City Manager Hall told him Prop 218 is not the process needed to raise Drainage rates to address issues in city, but she will have a joint meeting where Ryan Plotz, city counsel, City Council, and the Drainage Committee can discuss next steps to address the issue. City April 15, 2026
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Manager Hall also told Chair Tom Stephens the city will not be addressing any flooding issues on Francis Street until more information is gathered and any action from the concerned parties moves forward.
ADJOURN: Chair Tom Stephens adjourned the meeting at 3:43 pm Respectfully Submitted,
Deputy City Clerk Lauren Boop
April 15, 2026
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Item 5a
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 19, 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Eureka City Hall, Council Chambers
531 K Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Present:
Mayor Mike Johnson (Chair) City of Fortuna
Supervisor Mike Wilson (Alternate, via Zoom) County of Humboldt Mayor Kim Bergel City of Eureka
Mayor Pro Tem Bryce Kenny City of Trinidad
Mayor Kimberley White City of Arcata
Councilmember Skip Jorgensen City of Ferndale
Councilmember Julie Woodall (Alternate) City of Rio Dell Mayor John Sawatsky City of Blue Lake
Policy Advisory Committee Members:
Tatiana Ahlstrand Caltrans
Natalie Arroyo Humboldt Transit Authority
Absent:
None
Staff:
Brendan Byrd Executive Director
Amy Eberwein Administrative Services Officer
1. Call to Order
Chair Johnson called the meeting of February 19, 2026, to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
None
3. Adjournment of the HCAOG Board; Convening of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC)
The PAC convened to include representatives from Caltrans and Humboldt Transit Authority.
4. Consent Calendar
Motion was made (Sawatzky/Kenny) to approve the following consent items:
a. Meeting Record – January 15, 2025
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HCAOG 2 PAC Item 5a – 3/19/2026
b. FY 2026-27 Transportation Development Act Local Transportation Fund Apportionment c. Humboldt Transit Authority FY 2025-26 Local Transportation Fund Claim d. Consultant Selection for Pavement Management Program 2026 Update Motion was approved unanimously.
5. Items Removed from Consent Calendar – None
6. Action Items
a. Draft FY 2026-27 Overall Work Program (OWP) and Budget Motion was made (Kenny/Jorgensen) to recommend that the HCAOG Board approve the Draft FY 2026-27 OWP and Budget and direct staff to forward to Caltrans for review and comments.
Motion was approved unanimously.
b. SB 125 Formula Transit Funding Revised Regional Allocation Motion was made (White/Sawatzky) to approve the revised SB 125 transit funding allocation and direct staff to submit to CalSTA.
Motion was approved unanimously.
c. Adoption of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Certification of Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report
Motion was made (Bergel/White) to accept the addition of all new major transit stops with the exception of the stop located in the City of Fortuna.
Motion was approved with Kenny and Sawatzky voting no.
Motion was made (Wilson/Bergel) to reinstate the Funding Consistency Analysis Policy into the RTP.
Motion was approved with Jorgensen and Kenny voting no.
Motion was made (Kenny/Sawatzky) to adopt Resolution 26-03 certifying Addendum #3 to the Final Environmental Impact Report prepared for the Humboldt RTP 2013-14 update.
Motion was approved unanimously.
Motion was made (Sawatzky/Arroyo) to adopt Resolution 26-04 adopting the Regional Transportation Plan Variety in Rural Options of Mobility 2026-2046.
Motion was approved unanimously.
7. Reconvening of the HCAOG Board
Motion was made (Sawatzky/Jorgensen) to reconvene as the HCAOG Board and approve the PAC recommendations.
Motion was approved unanimously.
8. HCAOG Staff and Board/PAC Member Reports
a. HCAOG Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Brendan Byrd discussed the following:
• The RNHA Methodology was approved by Housing and Community Development.
There will be a supplementary appeal and comment period, and an appeal hearing will take place at the next HCAOG Board Meeting on March 19th.
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HCAOG 3 PAC Item 5a – 3/19/2026
• McKinleyville Community Services District has submitted a formal request for consideration of a member seat on the TAC. This item will be taken to the TAC and Board at the March meetings.
b. Caltrans Report
Tatiana Ahlstrand shared the following updates:
• Broadway Complete Streets Project work is almost completed. Final steps will take place in June including the signal at Hilfiker.
• The remaining tasks needed to open Indianola are the removal of 4 median crossovers between NB and SB 101 and electrical work. This work is planned for completion by June. The electrical work and traffic signal installation at Airport Road is scheduled to begin in June.
• The guidelines for the Prop 4 Urban Greening program were released last week.
Funding will be awarded in 2 competitive cycles, with just over $46M available in the first round (and $100M in total over the next couple of cycles). Solicitations for Round 1 open Spring 2026.
• Headquarters announced awards for Round 3 of the Clean CA grant program and 8 applications in District 1 were funded, with 5 of those in Humboldt County. The program predominately funded litter abatement and workforce development efforts.
• A draft engagement strategy and existing conditions for the District Transit Plan will be released at the end of February/early March. Engagement will begin in April and continue through July.
• This year’s Annual Caltrans Tribal Summit for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties will be held in Eureka on May 27th at the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria. Save the dates are going out and more information will be coming soon.
c. Board/PAC Member Reports
Natalie Arroyo shared the following updates:
• HTA is working on outreach and scheduling to achieve 30-minute headways and streamlining stops.
• There was an increase in ridership, cash payments, and use of the Jack Pass in 2025.
• HTA has moved to a 4-day work week for all employees.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
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1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stacy Atkins-Salazar, City of Arcata, Chair
Michelle Lewis-Lusso City of Blue Lake, Vice Chair
Leslie Castellano, City of Eureka
Randall Cady, City of Ferndale
Steve Madrone, County of Humboldt
Frank Wilson, City of Rio Dell
Minutes
Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Eureka City Council Chamber
Present: Stacy Atkins-Salazar, Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Leslie Castellano, Steve Madrone, Frank Wilson.
Absent: Randall Cady
Staff: Eric Keller-Heckman, Tony Heacock (via Zoom), Helder Morais, Hilary Schwartz
Legal Counsel: Nancy Diamond
1. Call to Order and Roll Call at 5:30 PM
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar called the meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM. A quorum was present and acting.
2. Consent Calendar
a. Approve Minutes from the November 13, 2025, HWMA Board of Directors Meeting
b. Review and Approve Draft September 2025 Financial Reports c. Review and Approve Draft October 2025 Financial Reports d. Review and Approve Recommendations for BBW & Associates, Inc. as the Successful Proposer for Registered Professional Forestry Services e. Receive Overview of SB 707 (Durazo) and Receive Full Updated Legislative Text of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar inquired if there were any requests to pull items from the Consent Calendar, and there were no requests.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment, and no public comment on the Consent Calendar was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
Motion: Director Lewis-Lusso motioned, and Director Madrone seconded, to approve items a) through e) of the Consent Calendar as delivered
Action: Approve the Motion as made by Director Lewis-Lusso and seconded by Director Madrone
Ayes: Unanimous
Noes: None
Absent: Director Cady
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2 3. Oral and Written Communications
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment regarding items not on the agenda. No public comment was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
4. Receive Presentation on Mattress Recycling
Director Morais presented an update and overview of mattress recycling at the Hawthorne Street Transfer Station. Director Morais reviewed the history of the mattress recycling program, which began in 2016 when the HWMA began accepting mattress free of charge, and was expanded to include commercial mattresses in 2018. Director Morais continued by providing an operational overview of the program. Mattresses are received by Tip Floor staff, stored in a designated staging area, sorted by condition, loaded onto the trailers provided by the Mattress Recycling Council, and transported by trailer to the processing facility. Less than 5% of the mattresses received at the Hawthorne Street Transfer Station are deemed unrecyclable.
Common challenges have been addressed over the duration of the program, including educating the public about how to keep mattresses clean and utilize the HWMA’s Mattress Recycling Program, as well coordination between Tip Floor staff, Scalehouse staff, and customers at the time of disposal. The popularity of the Mattress Recycling Program has grown from about 400 mattresses collected monthly at the program’s inception to a current rate of about 700 mattresses collected monthly. During calendar year 2025, about 8,300 mattresses were collected and recycled free of charge.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar thanked staff for their presentation and service to the community. Director Madrone inquired about diversion data regarding the impact of the Mattress Recycling Program on the illegal dumping of mattresses in Humboldt County.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman explained that precise diversion data could not be provided because illegal dumping of mattresses was not tracked prior to the Mattress Recycling Program. Illegally dumped mattresses were simply classified as solid waste at that time. However, the State of California reports that over 400,000 pounds of mattresses have been diverted statewide annually, and the HWMA’s program is the second largest in Northern California.
Director Madrone expressed support for the concept of free dumping as a way for jurisdictions to address the issue of illegal dumping and cleanup costs. He acknowledged that the practice is not common, and not always effective, but that jurisdictions do have the authority to provide free dumping and hoped the discussion would be taken up at the state level. Executive Director Keller-Heckman affirmed the Authority’s long-standing efforts to reduce costs associated with ethical solid waste disposal. HWMA was one of the first rural waste management jurisdictions to adopt programs such as mattress and carpet recycling over a decade ago. It is central to HWMA’s mission statement to provide solid waste disposal services at the lowest possible cost so that residents are able and encouraged to do the right thing with their materials.
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3 Director Castellano expressed support for the issues raised by Director Madrone regarding illegal dumping, and thanked staff for their efforts to recycle mattresses. She inquired if more education was needed regarding the importance of keeping used mattresses clean to enhance recyclability. Director Morais explained that when the components of mattresses are wet or soiled, they cannot be recycled as effectively.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman added that in the decade that HWMA has participated in the mattress recycling program, the rate of unrecyclable dirty mattresses has fallen from around 50% to around 5% in 2025 due to multijurisdictional education and outreach. Director Castellano inquired if 700 mattresses a month represented a high rate of mattress recycling per capita. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that in 2024, the Authority was the second largest rural collector in California. He credited the growth in the program to the impact of offering valuable services to residents at no or very low cost.
Director Castellano inquired about the cost of operating the program. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that in theory, the program is structured to cover all costs of mattress collection. From time to time, staff or disposal costs may be higher than anticipated and the Authority absorbs those costs. An analysis of the net costs of operating the program will be brought before the board at a subsequent meeting.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman added that staff had engaged in extensive cost analysis and that former Executive Director Duffy had worked diligently with the Mattress Recycling Council at the outset of the program to ensure the Authority’s costs would be fully recovered. Subsequently, the contract price is adjusted annually per the Producer Price Index.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment. No public comment was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
5. Receive Update on Organics in Humboldt County
Executive Director Keller-Heckman gave a presentation to the board entitled Organics Overview and Update. Executive Director Keller-Heckman reviewed SB1383, the 2016 legislation that requires jurisdictions to divert and collect organic material, engage in edible food recovery, and comply with capacity planning and reporting requirements.
HWMA’s work began with a request from the Humboldt County Solid Waste Local Task Force in 2021 to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for regional organics compliance services. Edgar & Associates was identified as the winning proposer and the costs of the study were shared between the jurisdictions. The report outlined critical steps such as a compliance roadmap, processing and collection strategies, and potential fee structures.
The original timeline for organics processing identified that out-of-county processing would be utilized while in-county processing was being developed. HWMA amended its Joint Powers Agreement to secure flow control over organic material and jurisdictions quickly updated relevant ordinances. An RFP for out-of-county processing services was developed, circulated, and ultimately, awarded to Cold Creek Compost with an original anticipated start date of July 2025. Jurisdiction began negotiating franchise hauler April 15, 2026
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4 agreements and the HWMA Board tasked staff with developing long-term plans for incounty organics processing. This resulted in the development of an RFP for an in-county processing feasibility study in late 2024. The first release of the RFP in May 2025 received no qualifying proposals, and staff took input from the jurisdictions, the HWMA Board, and potential proposers to streamline the RFP and reign in the scope of the proposal. The RFP was re-released and again received no qualifying proposals. After seeking guidance from other jurisdictions who had already released similar RPFs, staff removed language from the RFP related to locating potential local properties for an organics facility. The RFP was released for a third time in October 2025, and staff is currently evaluating proposals.
Jurisdictions began preliminary franchise negotiations in 2023 by developing new agreements to incorporate SB1383 requirements and industry standards. Monthly meetings were held with jurisdiction staff, consultants, and franchise representatives, and the agreements are anticipated to be finalized in March of 2026. HWMA staff has participated in these meetings to ensure progress and a continued focus on finalizing these agreements. This process has taken significant time and effort by all parties.
In late 2023, in concert with several local jurisdictions, HWMA applied for an organics infrastructure grant. HWMA as lead agency was awarded $2.7 million dollars in May 2024 from CalRecycle for facility improvements and processing equipment upgrades to retrofit the old Eureka Recycling Center into an organics processing facility for Humboldt County. Request for Bid (RFB) documents were approved by the HWMA Board in late 2024 for new floor construction, replacement doors, and processing equipment. At the time of the applications, it was believed that infrastructure improvements would be finalized and franchise agreements would be executed by early 2025 with doors opening at the new facility in July 2025.
With delays in securing franchise contracts, HWMA pulled back the construction bid documents until a better timeline could be established. The grant award and funding level is directly tied to the projected tons of organic material diverted by the project. With HWMA unable to show any progress or tons diverted 16 months into the grant period, CalRecycle issued a Stop Work Notice on November 14, 2025, freezing the funding and placing the project under CalRecycle review. HWMA and jurisdictions met with CalRecycle representatives on November 25, 2025, and walked them through the timeline to date, the efforts made, and the issues and setbacks in relation to why grant activity had failed to progress. At that time, HWMA formally asked to file an extension request and to update the proposed work plan. HWMA staff submitted the extension request and modified work plan on December 11, 2025. Additionally, HWMA sent letters to our area’s legislative representatives and CalRecycle division directors imploring them to consider granting the extension request for these critical grant funds. The extension request is still under review by CalRecyle as of today.
The current status of the grant is a holding pattern until a new Notice to Proceed is issued.
Staff has continued to move forward with smaller projects, including finalizing the Transfer Station permit revisions with final documents to be submitted to the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) next week. Several RFPs and RFBs are ready for release pending approval of the extension request. HWMA staff has coordinated with several April 15, 2026
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5 potential proposers to ensure the July 1, 2026, target deadline can still be attained. If CalRecycle choses to reallocate the grant funds, that decision will have a significant impact on the target deadline and HWMA’s overall ability to execute this project.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar thanked staff for their efforts on this complicated project.
Director Wilson requested clarification of the grant period. Executive Director KellerHeckman responded that while the current grant period ends in April 2026, the Authority cannot collect the amount of tonnage required by grant without the extension. Director Wilson expressed skepticism about the timeline of organics collection in Humboldt County, and Executive Director Keller-Heckman reiterated that although the process has been much slower than anticipated, jurisdiction staff believes they have turned a corner in the franchise negotiations and now expect full execution by March 2026.
However, if the Authority does not retain the grant funding, it will be difficult to execute the rollout of organics collection as currently envisioned.
Director Castellano thanked staff for the update and echoed Director Wilson’s concerns about the grant. She inquired if CalRecycle had provided a timeline for their response.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that he believes the Authority will receive a response from CalRecycle within approximately one week. Director Castellano inquired if there was an appeal process if the extension was denied.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that he was not aware of an appeal process but would inquire and return to the board with that information. He thanked jurisdiction staff who had signed on to the Authority’s letter to CalRecycle and joined him in the meeting with CalRecycle representatives on November 25th, adding that their participation had contributed to the positive tone of the meeting. Director Castellano requested clarification of the July 1st target deadline, and Executive Director KellerHeckman confirmed that July 1, 2026, was when the Authority planned to begin receiving organic material at the Hawthorne Transfer Station for delivery to the out-ofcounty processor.
Director Madrone requested clarification regarding what costs the grant would cover if CalRecycle approved the extension. Executive Director Keller-Heckman explained that the grant covers infrastructure only, such as floors, doors, and equipment, and the costs associated with the program going forward would be borne by a new organic waste processing fee that will be developed within the Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget in advance of the July 1st start date. Director Madrone noted that the planned infrastructure upgrades are a part of the short-term plan to transport organic material outof-county until an in-county processing facility comes online and inquired about the availability of organics collection trucks. Executive Director Keller-Heckman indicated that to his knowledge, Recology had procured of all but one of the necessary trucks to commence organics collection in all jurisdictions. Executive Director Keller-Heckman concurred with Director Madrone’s observation that many jurisdictions face similar challenges implementing SB1383 requirements, and that like HWMA, other CalRecycle grantees have asked for, and received, extensions of their grant periods.
Director Madrone inquired about the long-path to a local organics processing facility and what methodologies had been successful in other communities. Executive Director Keller-Heckman clarified that HWMA would be transporting organic material to a April 15, 2026
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6 compost facility, as opposed to a facility utilizing an anaerobic digester, and that Humboldt County likely generates enough organic material to eventually support its own composting facility given enough time to plan and fund the project. He affirmed that the pathway outlined by Edgar & Associates’ organic services report is still sound although the anticipated timeline has been extended; in order for jurisdictions to comply with SB1383 requirements, out-of-county processing will be necessary for approximately 3-5 years while the funding, design and permitting of an in-county facility is developed. He expressed hope that the organics feasibility study would jumpstart long-term planning.
Director Madrone expressed support for the long-term planning process as well as home composters. Executive Director Keller-Heckman affirmed that all the jurisdictions were developing options for home composters who want to opt out of the organics collection service.
Director Castellano inquired if Trinidad and Fortuna were still considering joining the Authority. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that he had recently spoken with Fortuna City Manager Nielsen and that he would be appearing before her council in the next month or two to discuss the potential benefits of joining the Authority for Fortuna and its residents. While the City of Trinidad has experienced turnover in the City Manager position, the Trinidad City Council and staff were very supportive of joining the Authority when Executive Director Keller-Heckman visited with them in 2024.
Director Castellano inquired if there were ways that board members could support the franchise negotiations. Executive Director Keller-Heckman stated that his participation in the negotiations is primarily in a listening capacity, but he has observed that the jurisdictions’ consultants are doing a tremendous job and that jurisdiction staff seems more confident about the process than they have in a long time. He confirmed that city managers have the most information about the status of specific jurisdiction’s franchise negotiations.
Director Castellano inquired about the status of the organics feasibility study RFP.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman confirmed that staff is currently reviewing the proposals that were received and he plans to update the board at the February meeting.
Director Madrone expressed support for jurisdictions to join the Authority now and endeavor to preserve the organics grant funding opportunity, despite some lingering resistance. Executive Director Keller-Heckman reminded the board that the jurisdictions are negotiating complex contracts that will outlive most of the HWMA’s current staff and elected officials. He praised the efforts of the jurisdictions and their staff to get these critical, long-term contracts right on behalf of their constituents and residents.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment. No public comment was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
6. Standing Item: Board Member Reports
Director Wilson updated the board on the cost proposal stage of Rio Dell’s franchise negotiation, including the impact of services such as bulky item pick up. He expressed April 15, 2026
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7 skepticism about the success of organics collection but indicated he would keep the board appraised as negotiations progress.
Director Lewis-Lusso updated the board on the appointment of new City Manager Short by the Blue Lake City Council and reported that the City had narrowly avoided a special election to recall a Blue Lake City Council member.
Director Castellano requested an update on the proposed property purchase that was addressed in Closed Session in 2025 as a future agenda item. She also requested that the board continue its previous discussion of strategic planning once more information about local organics collection and processing become available. Director Castellano inquired if other board members were interested in creating an ad hoc committee with HWMA leadership to guide decision-making in the next year.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar confirmed that there appeared to be consensus among the directors to address strategic planning opportunities at a future meeting. Executive Director Keller-Heckman indicated that he would place the potential creation of an adhoc strategic planning committee on the February meeting agenda for board discussion.
General Counsel Diamond added that if board members have specific ideas about an ad-hoc committee, they should contact Executive Director Keller-Heckman so that he may incorporate their ideas into the agenda item.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar thanked her fellow directors and HWMA staff for welcoming her as a new director and board chair. She acknowledged the awkwardness of assuming the position of board chair without being elected and expressed her willing to serve until next election cycle or support an agenda item to hold elections sooner than planned. Directors Wilson and Madrone thanked Chairperson Atkins-Salazar for her willingness to assume the chair upon her appointment to the board.
7. Standing Item: Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Keller-Heckman had nothing further to report.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar adjourned the meeting to at 6:54 pm.
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Board of Directors Draft Meeting Minutes
Wharfinger Building, Bay Room (downstairs)
1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501
Thursday, February 26 2026
3:30 PM
Attendance
Present
Renee Contreras-DeLoach (Alt. Dir.) Michael Gerace, Chair Skip Jorgensen Elise Scafani
Sarah Schaefer, Vice Chair (left at 4:50 p.m.) Mike Wilson Absent
Carlos Diaz Jason Ramos
Jack Tuttle Frank Wilson
Sheri Woo
Staff and Others Present
Name Title
Ken Beals Information Technology Technician
Lori Biondini Business Planning & Finance Director
Elizabeth Burks (via teleconference) Executive Director Scott Burnham NewGen Strategies & Solutions
Ronnie Chausse Interim Finance Manager
Alanna Daley NewGen Strategies & Solutions
Nancy Diamond Legal Counsel
Richard Engel Power Resources Director
Lori Taketa Board Clerk
Eileen Verbeck Deputy Executive Director
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Open Session (Call to Order)
2. Ceremonial Item
2.1. Proclamation Honoring 15 Years of Dedicated Service by Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District Director Sheri Woo
Vice Chair Schaefer and other Directors expressed appreciation to Director Woo for her long service on the RCEA Board. Director Woo, attending this meeting as a member of the public and not as a voting Board member, thanked and praised the Directors and staff for their efforts during her long tenure.
5. Staff Reports
5.1. Executive Director’s Report
Deputy Executive Director Verbeck reported that the US Department of Energy (DOE) contacted the Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty (TERAS) partners to resume negotiations on the TERAS grant under certain conditions including removing community benefits and associated costs and prohibiting use of solar as an energy source. The partners agreed to resume discussions. The Directors thanked Deputy Executive Director Verbeck for her professionalism in working with Tribal partners and the DOE.
6. Consent Calendar
6.1. Approve Minutes of January 22, 2026, Board Meeting.
6.2. Accept Disbursement Report for December 2025, and Financial Reports for This Fiscal Year Through December 2025.
6.3. Receive Federal Activity Report.
6.4. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Employment of Executive Director with Elizabeth Burks.
6.5. Approve First Amendment to Commercial Lease Agreement for 633 3rd Street, with Rent in the Sum of $8,144.97 per Month and a Term Ending May 31, 2027, and Authorize the Executive Director to Execute All Applicable Documents Pending Review by RCEA Legal Counsel.
6.6. Adopt Resolution 2026-2 Approving a Revised RCEA Records Retention Policy and Schedule.
6.7. Accept RCEA Racial Justice Plan Progress Report.
6.8. Appoint Carol Schmitt as an At-Large Community Advisory Committee Member with a Term expiring March 31, 2028.
6.9. Receive Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District’s Notice of Withdrawal from RCEA Joint Powers Authority.
6.10. Approve Amended and Restated Northern Rural Energy Network Memorandum of Agreement.
No member of the public nor the Board requested discussion of these items.
M/S: Schaefer, Scafani: Approve all Consent Calendar items.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Contreras-DeLoach, Gerace, Jorgensen, Scafani, Schaefer, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Diaz, Ramos, Tuttle, F. Wilson, Woo. Abstain:
None.
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Due to impending loss of quorum, the agenda was rearranged to discuss New Business before Old Business.
8. Old Business
8.1. Sandrini Battery Storage Community Benefits Fund
Provide feedback and give direction to staff to:
1. Engage with EDP Renewables to achieve agreement in principle on how funds will be expended and
2. Develop a formal proposal for Board approval at a future meeting for a community benefits endowment.
The Directors did not discuss this matter due to loss of quorum. It will be included in the Board’s March meeting agenda.
9. New Business
9.1. Cost of Service Rate Design Study Update and Rate Adjustment Consideration Scott Burnham described the cost-of-service study NewGen Strategies and Solutions performed on RCEA using this and next fiscal years as test years. Mr. Burnham explained the study’s process and goal of determining how much it costs to provide electricity and programs to RCEA customers, and the remaining work of dividing those costs among RCEA’s customer classes. Over the two test years, keeping RCEA’s current lower-than-PG&E rate, RCEA would collect roughly 7% less than actual costs.
While collection rates are close to actual costs for residential customers, rates for small, medium, and large commercial, industrial and agricultural customers do not match actual costs. Maintaining the same reduced rate compared to PG&E rates and spending down reserves to maintain this rate discount would steadily drain RCEA’s financial reserves, which are needed to maintain stable electricity provider operations. Staff recommended conducting significant community outreach to discuss whether and how much customer programs RCEA should offer, and to understand commercial, industrial and agricultural customer needs. Staff proposed doing this as part of updating RCEA’s strategic plan, last revised in 2019. In the meantime, staff proposed continuing to charge slightly less than PG&E while closely monitoring the number of days of operating expenses held in reserve. Should the reserve amount fall below 180 days cash on hand target as specified by RCEA’s Reserve Policy, staff would consult the Board on whether to increase rates as an interim measure before adopting rates based on cost of service.
The Directors discussed how the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) inflates RCEA customer costs. The PCIA is a charge PG&E adds to RCEA customer bills to make back what they paid to buy power on the customer’s behalf while they were with PG&E. In other states with community choice aggregators, PCIAs have an end date. But in California, the charge does not sunset and sometimes increases based on its underlying formulas, as it did recently. RCEA’s and other California CCAs’ advocacy efforts are focusing on finding out how the PCIA is calculated to determine whether the process unfairly benefits PG&E and the state’s other investor-owned utilities. The Directors supported staff’s recommended approach of continuing to offer slightly lower rates than PG&E while tracking April 15, 2026
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RCEA’s financial reserves. Staff will notify the Board and request action should the reserves fall below the target levels. There was no public comment on this agenda item.
9.2. California Community Power’s Hydrostor Willow Rock Energy Storage Service Agreement Power Resources Director Engel described California Community Power (CC Power) and how the joint powers authority allows small CCAs like RCEA to procure a share of larger and sometimes more innovative projects with the pooled CCA funds. The Willow Rock compressed air energy storage project offers an alternative instead of relying only on batteries for the long-duration storage capacity procurement mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission. The project has a negative net present value but is still a better value than procuring more battery storage, due to tariff risks imported batteries face.
The Directors inquired about the project site footprint. Concern was expressed about impacts to the surrounding communities, tribes and environment. There were no public comments.
M/S: M. Wilson, Schaefer: Approve Resolution 2026-3 Authorizing Participation in California Community Power’s Procurement of Hydrostor’s Willow Rock Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage Project.
The motion passed with the following vote. Ayes: Contreras-DeLoach, Jorgensen, Scafani, Schaefer, M. Wilson. Noes: Gerace. Absent: Diaz, Ramos, Tuttle, F. Wilson, Woo. Abstain: None.
9.3. Harbor District Waterfront Facility Improvement Program Grant Contracting Opportunity Due to lack of time, staff did not report on this item and the directors did not request discussion or clarification of information provided in the published staff report. There was no public comment.
M/S: Schaefer, Jorgensen: Approve entering into a grant subrecipient agreement with the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreational and Conservation District to perform outreach and community engagement services for the Waterfront Facility Improvement Program grant and authorize the Executive Director to execute the Agreement once finalized and any associated documents necessary to secure the grant subaward, pending review by RCEA legal counsel.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Contreras-DeLoach, Gerace, Jorgensen, Scafani, Schaefer, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Diaz, Ramos, Tuttle, F. Wilson, Woo. Abstain:
None.
10. Future Agenda Items
This item was not discussed at the meeting due to loss of quorum. Member of the public Walt Paniak submitted written comment requesting Board discussion of biomass pollution standards if current standards are relaxed.
Chair Gerace adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m. due to loss of quorum.
Lori Taketa
Clerk of the Board
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Section 17
ADJOURN
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