Humboldt County
What your local boards and councils decided, from their own agendas and minutes.
After initially weighing a suspension, the council directed staff to implement the program right away following staff assurances about available personnel and public criticism from a rental property owner.
Council also approved $120,611 in GHD construction-management services for the grant-backed accessibility project.
At the June 2 meeting, multiple speakers urged the city to help fund a Regional Climate Action Plan coordinator or program manager position tied to implementation work.
Commissioners are scheduled June 11 to consider the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Harbor District Permit 2023-04 for Humboldt Bay Oyster Company.
The city approved an application for state grant funding to support DUI and drug-impaired driving enforcement, training, prevention and equipment, with no local match required.
Staff say the temporary traffic-calming pilot would use speed humps, markings and signs on 5th Street, with costs and a city match spelled out in the May 20 council packet.
The board unanimously rejected Eureka’s Cycle 7 appeal and directed staff to finalize the draft Regional Housing Needs Plan.
The board accepted Executive Director Brendan Byrd’s resignation, named a hiring committee and brought in recruitment support at its April 30 special meeting.
The board’s June 2 meeting turned into a public debate over privacy, data retention and oversight of the county’s automated license plate reader program.
Caltrans told the board the Indianola undercrossing is nearing completion, Eureka Slough bridge traffic has shifted north for repairs and South Broadway/Hilfiker signal work should wrap by late summer.
The council created a temporary ad hoc committee and appointed Mayor Pro Tem Carter and Mayor Garnes to review animal care and control options.
Council gave conceptual support to a new local effort focused on downtown vitality, housing, business support and city services after presenters said Fortuna needs a fresh economic vision.
City staff are recommending a professional services agreement with Placeworks for housing and safety element updates, including CEQA review.
The Planning Commission’s June 4 agenda includes a staff-backed rezoning that would change about 750 acres in the Rio Dell area to Timberland Production Zone.
The June 4 Planning Commission agenda also bundles other Samoa-area rental cases for approval, but recommends denials for Sandy Toes and Oceanview.
Council signaled support for a per-unit fee structure and simpler renewals for the residential rental inspection program, which staff said costs about $115,000 a year but brings in only about $31,000.
The council adopted a new fee schedule for 2026-27 that raises most building fees 2.9% and changes many permit charges to a valuation-based model.
After an April hearing and a 30-day extension, city staff say the violations remain unresolved and are asking council to authorize abatement and cost recovery.
The March 4 agenda includes old business to initiate adoption of Arcata’s comprehensive Local Coastal Program update, which the city says is exempt from CEQA under state guidelines.
Council signed off on the county climate plan, moved to fix failed culverts on West End Road and got a staff briefing on a possible 2026 Measure G renewal.
Council unanimously advanced Ordinance 1586, which would create a clearer path for cannabis consumption lounge permits and allow temporary consumption at special events.
Staff said the city is considering a 2026 ballot renewal for Measure G, along with an advisory question aimed at boosting road funding.
The March 18 vote came after extensive public comment, with the council elevating the resolution to hear it sooner and then approving it unanimously.
Council members reviewed changes to the city’s Local Coastal Program update, including a revised sea-level-rise map and tighter outdoor lighting standards, before the item returns March 18.
