Isabella Vanderheiden / Friday, May 16 @ 3:04 p.m. / Agendizer
Eureka City Council to Revisit Controversial Homeless Camping Ordinance at Next Week’s Meeting
Officers with the Eureka Police Department’s Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) peer into an empty tent while conducting patrols on the Hikshari’ Trail. | Photos: Andrew Goff
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PREVIOUSLY:
- Eureka’s Homelessness-Related Laws Could Soon be Toughened Up a Bit. Here’s What Critics Say They Fear Will Happen, and What Cops and Other City Employees Say They Want to Do
- Eureka City Council Tables Decision on Controversial Ordinance That Would Increase Penalties Against Unhoused Residents
- After Another Tense Meeting, Eureka City Council Decides to Revisit Controversial Homeless Camping Ordinance Next Month
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At its meeting next week, the Eureka City Council will revisit a proposed ordinance that would increase penalties for people living in unauthorized homeless encampments in an effort to steer those struggling with substance abuse into treatment.
The city council took its first look at the controversial draft ordinance during a marathon meeting on March 18 that included three-and-a-half hours of impassioned public testimony from concerned residents and homeless rights advocates, many of whom accused the city of criminalizing homelessness. At that meeting, the council directed staff to incorporate some of the public’s feedback into the ordinance and bring it back for discussion in the near future.
The modified ordinance — linked here — clarifies certain aspects of the city’s Law Enforcement Alternative Diversion (LEAD) program, which redirects offenders to community-based rehabilitative services instead of jail, and sets a maximum capacity of 10 active clients and 10 waitlist clients, “except in outstanding or exigent circumstances,” to ensure staff isn’t overwhelmed. The updated ordinance clarifies that the LEAD program is administered by mental health and social work professionals, not law enforcement.
“Depending on the individual and what their needs are — whether it’s somebody who just needs an ID or somebody who needs substance use or mental health treatment — it’ll go to the appropriate staff member who will determine which diversion program is right for that individual and they will oversee them,” Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery told the Outpost. “Every one of these individuals is provided with an opportunity to receive services or receive shelter, and there are individuals who are either refusing to do that or don’t realize that it’s not in their best interest to refuse those services.”
When the city rolled out the LEAD program in 2020, staff had a hard time getting people to participate due to the lack of an enforcement mechanism, Slattery said. That’s why the ordinance seeks to increase the penalty from an infraction to a misdemeanor.
“When you have individuals who continue to be offered these services and they’re adamantly opposed to them, there has to be an accountability factor,” he said. “Right now, an infraction is not providing that accountability. This is for a very, very limited population. … The thought process that this is going to be blanketed across everybody who is unsheltered is ludicrous. We have nowhere near the staff necessary to do that.”
Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a call to California cities to adopt policies that restrict public camping, going so far as to draw up a model ordinance that outlines what he’d like to see banned. Slattery emphasized that the city’s draft ordinance takes a “much more compassionate” approach than Newsom’s proposal.
“That [model ordinance] didn’t need to be sent out for us to know what we’re doing,” he continued. “We’re not doing this because this is an eyesore to the community or because people don’t feel safe. We’re doing this for the betterment of our overall community and each individual community member. It’s not to say that you are a bad person or you are different than me or anything like that. We’re doing it to make this a better community for everyone.”
The Eureka City Council will review the updated ordinance at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20. The public comment period will be restricted to three hours, according to an announcement from the city. More information, including the full text of the ordinance, can be found in the agenda below.
Eureka City Council
May 20, 2025, 6 p.m.
A. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Proclamation-Humboldt Bay Marathon
2. Proclamation- National Search and Rescue Week
B. PRESENTATIONS
C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 2024 HOME Investment Partnership Program Grant Application
The Eureka City Council is considering applying for a grant to create affordable housing for seniors. The grant would be used to construct new units and rehabilitate existing ones. The project would be funded through a combination of loans, grants, and tax credits. The goal is to provide affordable housing for low-income seniors in the community. Additionally, a program would be set up to provide rent subsidies and security deposits for eligible households. The council is recommended to hold a public hearing and approve the application for the grant.
— LoCOBot
(Verse 1)
In the heart of Eureka City, where dreams come alive
We’re building homes for those in need, to help them thrive
With funds from the HOME Investment Grant, we’ll make a change
Creating a community that’s safe, clean, beautiful, and arranged
(Chorus)
Let’s hold a public hearing and make our voices heard
Adopt a resolution, let’s spread the word
For the 2024 HOME Grant, we’re reaching new heights
Building affordable housing, under the city lights
(Verse 2)
The Housing Authority of Eureka, a beacon of hope
Constructing new units, where seniors can cope
With LIHTCs and HOME funds, we’ll create a space
For those in need to find a home, in this special place
(Chorus)
Let’s hold a public hearing and make our voices heard
Adopt a resolution, let’s spread the word
For the 2024 HOME Grant, we’re reaching new heights
Building affordable housing, under the city lights
(Bridge)
With rental assistance and security deposits in hand
We’ll uplift our community, make it grand
The TBRA program will provide a helping hand
To those in need, across the land
(Chorus)
Let’s hold a public hearing and make our voices heard
Adopt a resolution, let’s spread the word
For the 2024 HOME Grant, we’re reaching new heights
Building affordable housing, under the city lights
(Outro)
Eureka City Council, leading the way
Building homes for those in need, day by day
Let’s make a difference, let’s come together
Creating a community that will last forever!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
DOCUMENTS:
2. Fire Station #3 Rehab Project Bid No. 2024-16 Acceptance
The Eureka City Council is discussing accepting the Fire Station #3 Rehab Project bid and authorizing the filing of a Notice of Completion. The project included upgrades to accessibility, adding new restrooms and rooms, and extending the building. The project was awarded to Adams General Contracting, Inc. for $634,370, with additional costs from change orders totaling $14,521.45. Staff recommends accepting the project as it has been completed in accordance with the plans.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!
Merv “The Beast” Tarkington:
Good morning, patriots! This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington coming to you live from the heart of Eureka City. Today, we have a crucial decision facing the City Council - the acceptance of the Fire Station #3 Rehab Project bid. Now, on the surface, this may seem like a routine procedure, but let me tell you, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
This project, awarded to Adams General Contracting, Inc., was initially approved for $650,000, but during the course of construction, six change orders were executed, resulting in an additional $14,521.45 being tacked onto the bill. Now, I don’t know about you, but that sounds like poor planning to me. How can we trust our tax dollars to a project that can’t stick to its budget?
And let’s not forget the location of this project - 2905 Ocean Street. That’s prime real estate, folks. Why wasn’t this project put out to bid for local contractors who understand the importance of our community? Instead, we have an out-of-town company swooping in and taking our hard-earned money.
But the biggest red flag here is the lack of oversight. How can the City Council claim that the work has been completed in substantial conformance with the Plans and Specifications when they had to tack on an extra $14,000 halfway through? It’s clear that our City Manager and Project Manager dropped the ball on this one.
So I urge you, fellow citizens, to stand up and demand accountability from our elected officials. Let’s not let this slip by unnoticed. Let’s hold the City Council’s feet to the fire and demand transparency and responsibility in our local government. This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington signing off, but remember - stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay proud.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
3. Request Fee Waiver for 2025 Kinetic Sculpture Race Day One and Overnight Stay
4. C Street Bicycle Boulevard - Award
The Eureka City Council is looking to award a construction project for a C Street Bicycle Boulevard. The project will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians by adding traffic calming elements and enhancing intersections. After receiving bids from contractors, RAO Construction Co. Inc. was chosen as the low bidder. The council is recommending to award the project to them for $2,180,180.00 and approve $2,344,000.00 for construction. The goal of the project is to provide a safe and stress-free transportation corridor for cyclists and pedestrians between shopping districts in Eureka.
— LoCOBot
In a world where transportation safety is a top priority, one city council must make a decision that could change the way residents travel forever.
Eureka City Council faces a critical vote on the C Street Bicycle Boulevard Project, a plan to construct a safe and efficient bicycle corridor through the heart of the city. Led by Project Manager Jay Wortelboer, the council must decide on awarding the construction contract to R.A.O Construction Co. Inc. for $2,180,180.00.
But as the city strives to create a complete and green street, tensions rise among council members as they debate the fiscal impact and the potential benefits of the project. With the fate of the C Street Bicycle Boulevard hanging in the balance, will the council come to a consensus or will the city remain divided?
As financial concerns clash with the vision of a safer and more accessible city, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Eureka City Council make the right decision for its residents, or will politics and personal agendas get in the way?
Find out in “C Street Bicycle Boulevard- Award,” a thrilling tale of decision-making, progress, and the fight for a better future. Coming soon to a city council meeting near you.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
5. Eureka Public Financing Authority Regular Meeting Schedule
This agenda item is about the Eureka Public Financing Authority establishing a regular meeting schedule to discuss funding for infrastructure and economic development projects. The Authority will also consider electing officers at a future meeting. This is to help the city maintain financial stability and engage with the public.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a high-energy radio advertisement!
🎙️🌟 Get ready to tune in to the high-energy action happening at the Eureka Public Financing Authority! 🌟🎙️
Are you ready to be a part of a financially stable and effectively run city? Then mark your calendars for the upcoming EPFA regular meeting schedule. The Eureka Public Financing Authority is here to help fund infrastructure and economic development projects that will benefit the entire community.
Join us as we establish a strong financial foundation for the future of Eureka! The EPFA will be holding meetings that run concurrent with the City Council, ensuring that all voices are heard and decisions are made with the best interests of the city in mind.
At the next City Council meeting, we will be discussing the issuance of Lease Revenue Bonds to finance the development of the City’s Operations Center and rehabilitate City Hall and the Municipal Auditorium. These projects are crucial for the continued growth and prosperity of Eureka.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something big! Get involved and help shape the future of our city by attending the upcoming EPFA meetings. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s work together to make Eureka the best it can be!
Tune in, take action, and be a part of the positive change happening in Eureka. Let’s make our city stronger, more vibrant, and financially sound. See you at the Eureka Public Financing Authority meetings! 🌟💰🏙️ #EurekaStrong #FinancialFuture #GetInvolved
— LoCOBot
G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
1. Bill No. 1040 C.S. Unlawful Camping, Sitting, Lying Ordinance
The Eureka City Council is considering a new ordinance that would prohibit unlawful camping, sitting, and lying in public spaces. The ordinance is not meant to solve homelessness, but to address behavior that is disruptive or harmful. The Council will discuss the ordinance at an upcoming meeting and consider input from the community and relevant social services. The goal is to improve access to support services for individuals in need and enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community.
— LoCOBot
Address to the Eureka City Council
Ye fine leaders o’ Eureka,
Gather ‘round and mak’ yer mark,
On Bill No. 1040 C.S. sae bold,
Unlawful camping, sittin’, lyin’, in the dark.
Tae waive full readin’, read by title only,
Introduce this ordinance, wi’ great might,
Repealin’ auld laws, bringin’ in the new,
For the City Council, guid and right.
Nae fiscal impact, guid tae hear,
Naughty included in budget, sae clear,
Yet an important step, tae tak’ forth,
For effective governance, we must steer.
Guid goals and visions, in yer sight,
Economic development, health, safety bright,
Community pride, we must uplift,
Wi’ this ordinance, a future is in sight.
At January’s meetin’, a directive gied,
Tae combine ordinances, takin’ heed,
March’s meetin’, tabled for the future,
Info on social services, wi’ great speed.
April’s meetin’, a decision made,
Bring back the ordinance, no delay,
Not a solution for homelessness alone,
But a tool for order, in every way.
Compassionate approach, aye we must ken,
Access to services, for all women an’ men,
Shelter, support, mental health too,
For our community, a guid amen.
Staff will update, as requested so,
On social services, they’ll bestow,
Modifications made, based on comment,
For a brighter future, let us cement.
So Eureka City Council, take the lead,
For a better tomorrow, we all need,
Bill No. 1040 C.S., a step sae bold,
Unlawful camping, sittin’, lyin’, in the hold.
— LoCOBot
I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. FY2025-26 Proposed Budget Introduction
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED
M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS
CLICK TO MANAGE