[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6316646,"mediaKeyId","2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd","parentId",2376510,"title","Fortuna council certifies supplemental EIR and adopts Mill District plan; zoning ordinance moved to second reading","audioSeconds",807,"startMs",1191000,"endMs",1998000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd&start=1191&end=1998","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd/thumbnail_1191000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6316646/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Fortuna-council-certifies-supplemental-EIR-and-adopts-Mill-District-plan-zoning-ordinance-moved-to-second-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316646-302b92561c33ad348e8fc854f909f7b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915997&Signature=NUZnz8~VmA~XtMVb7yqcNYR14Ec-z7XBR5o9Ep7lTSgs3Q7XkjQZdsHjmqTrS-FygLuXsnfcvitkBez~VsPsT6~Nr30F3wYat3ZM2g-4a6yqfFKSwQP9lnGzLB4kP9TNOQwlaOulRX6h5-Kioi5q8PshJ2pOefwk5IDT~RyDr7eCS1JWUfYa8-Lecygb-1t7kv5Qoq7tYGW1-LCA3f-NPVEWMVa~kPhU21AHVIyJLfn8D6xI-A9ICpSsAZAGV0Uwaqhjhbm5NZIBSnsANckKoS4gobZvbqw5EfW5UtQ5As5fFGS5DSV63XIutLCjeWthVeUXQmWGHtCDMON37bu2-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fortuna CA","date","2025-02-19T17:05:12Z","article","The Fortuna City Council on Feb. 24 certified a supplemental environmental impact report (EIR) for the Mill District Specific Plan, adopted amendments to the General Plan land use element and design guidelines, and introduced a zoning ordinance to implement a Mill District qualified zone. Council members voted in favor of the EIR certification and the general-plan amendments; the zoning ordinance was introduced and the public hearing continued to March 3 for a required second reading.

The supplemental EIR and plan would guide redevelopment of the roughly 62-acre former Palco mill site, now marketed by the owner as the \"Fortuna Mill Commerce Center,\" allowing a mix of residential, industrial, manufacturing, tourism and commercial land uses while adding measures to protect riparian areas along Strong's and Mill creeks. Community Development Director Sherry Meads and PlanWest Partners staff summarized the plan structure, which is organized into chapters covering guiding principles, land uses, circulation and infrastructure, financing, and implementation steps. The council adopted a set of implementing design guidelines alongside the plan.

The EIR analysis found that most topic areas showed no substantial change from the prior 2010-era EIR for the general plan, but it identified areas requiring mitigation and additional policy direction. Staff and the consultant emphasized air-quality and transportation; the EIR treatment retains development limits previously analyzed until further air-quality work is completed and treats vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) impacts as significant and unavoidable for the general plan but noted the specific plan could reduce some citywide VMT by concentrating jobs and housing. The EIR package also includes mitigations that feed into a proposed citywide growth and development policy and new Mill District focus-area policies to encourage complete-streets principles and minimize additional vehicle trips.

Council adopted Resolution 2025-03 certifying the final supplemental EIR, adopting findings of fact, a statement of overriding considerations, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program. Council then adopted Resolution 2025-04 approving the General Plan land-use amendments, the Mill District Specific Plan, and implementing design guidelines. The Council subsequently introduced an ordinance to amend Fortuna Municipal Code section 17.02.030 to add the Mill District Q zone; the ordinance was continued for second reading to the council meeting on March 3.

Supporters argued the specific plan offers a framework to revitalize a long-idle industrial site and to coordinate infrastructure and financing. Staff noted the specific plan includes a chapter summarizing estimated public-improvement costs and options for how new development would bear proportionate shares of those costs. The draft also incorporates changes requested by the Great Redwood Trail Agency to ensure proper trail characterization and coordination.

Opposition or major public objections were not recorded in the transcript during the public-comment period on this item; the public hearing was opened and no public speakers were recorded prior to the motions. Council members asked no substantive follow-up questions during the presentation.

Next steps: the council will return March 3 for the ordinance second reading and any final zoning action. Future development proposals in the Mill District will be reviewed against the specific-plan performance measures and the mitigation monitoring program adopted with the EIR.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fortuna City Council Meeting of 2025-02-18","oneSentenceSummary","The Fortuna City Council on Feb. 24 certified a supplemental environmental impact report and adopted amendments to the General Plan to implement the Mill District Specific Plan and design guidelines; the implementing zoning ordinance was introduced and continued to March 3 for a required second reading.","taxTitle","Fortuna City, Humboldt County, California","taxId",72151,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6316627,"Council prioritizes cannabis ordinance, downtown design guidelines and municipal code updates",620,2410000,3030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd&start=2410&end=3030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd/thumbnail_2410000.jpg","/articles/6316627/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Council-prioritizes-cannabis-ordinance-downtown-design-guidelines-and-municipal-code-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316627-71ac73b3286b2d7c7cef4c5c729ba28d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915997&Signature=Gq-acBuT93TLP48g1Szd3U6T8QqnBGIQFbYzUC2I70q1uzRbXrJTEK4sfHR-7kTErP1zm4eGBQK5Gzpci4QNYS5TP3avwJW2bTe0Jn8qwH~AigTAfMb-0ba5YmVI-KcJmr9Wfy~-9HbSilSpnNW32P4ws8UNRw0~rzfJce9iuXEefHMvwDlLb8mu2v0wG3vi3C~dzkt60RTKRIWEPZPpcJc94qvYSjuXKQ8QgMmm3KKlZrr5r2qNASvHhXiQ6X6pYbWNTu~QcH~W~V9tZamYNpTvHWL1SgTMgXwDd5hTaR2VOnxD7uj6xciHJjv8u1bEJvMn~5VJkRsFpdsoBDf2Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fortuna City Council on Feb. 24 voted to prioritize three long‑range planning activities for the Community Development Department: (1) a cannabis ordinance, (2) design‑review and historic‑preservation guidelines for downtown Main Street, and (3) updates to the municipal code.

Community Development Director Sherry Meads asked the council to select one to three priorities for ordinance development given limited staff resources. Several councilmembers said revenue generation was an important consideration. Councilmember King said cannabis ordinance work should be the top priority because it could generate new revenue. Others favored design review and municipal code updates to make downtown more attractive to businesses; public commenters also urged municipal code modernization and clear design-review guidelines to help attract and guide development.

Councilmember Connolly moved and the council approved the three priorities by voice vote. Staff said individual workshops on the selected topics would be scheduled in the coming months (likely April–June) to solicit detailed feedback and return code amendments or ordinance drafts for council consideration.

Public comments during the discussion emphasized updating the municipal code and adopting design-review guidelines so developers and business owners have clear standards. The police department also called for municipal code updates to aid enforcement.

Staff will proceed to schedule workshops, scope work and return ordinance drafts for council action. The city manager indicated workshop timing may begin after March 3 to avoid conflicts with pending hearings and budget work.","Council directed staff to prioritize three long‑range planning projects — a cannabis ordinance, design‑review/historic preservation guidelines for downtown Main Street, and municipal code updates — citing revenue potential and downtown revitalization.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6316632,"Council appoints Caitlin Stainbrook interim Parks and Recreation director amid director medical leave",203,2168000,2371000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd&start=2168&end=2371","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd/thumbnail_2168000.jpg","/articles/6316632/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Council-appoints-Caitlin-Stainbrook-interim-Parks-and-Recreation-director-amid-director-medical-leave","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316632-2c181d830795624271add134cd83e87b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915997&Signature=K9mWYA1dvjaHqFw-3mZxvumrMmMypQmaMYvszxyKxG7HI7gEjqMR2H9mh35FCriqQyqBY6dPkNAKh4K6mBJGsBKFJiEuqYBAMoP0~Rur7R~-3fQiFIS83qgoOvjHGqBgmkICkP1WF~KIufPDPgKb1SUbueqpphmYWOhjv9LVboe4la7bq6RmiiBmZjKgJMg9ZyFel5QLaCH9pXgiZXP7-53hyk1Ra5cQIrkIIO5ysQt3E3Whd5LqK4MTU5V-C8KY2pUJB6xqjOr4KibXQ2hwyiij1-Kn6VK2js-Wm3CSajfWaVyZLNZAeOgdmm5DuVO0Zm4UivMu39zBR7p5TiiWNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fortuna City Council on Feb. 24 approved an interim appointment of Caitlin Stainbrook as interim Parks and Recreation director, retroactive to Feb. 10, 2025, to cover the department while Director Heather Stevens is on medical leave. The appointment was approved by roll call.

Assistant staff told council that, in addition to standard recreation programming, the Parks and Recreation director is responsible for grant development, the Fortuna transit system, coordinating community programs such as summer camps and facility management for Monday Club and the River Lodge. Staff reported that Stainbrook has been filling the role in recent weeks and recommended her appointment to preserve program continuity while Stevens is on leave. The expected return date was estimated at six to eight weeks but staff said that could change.

Council approved the appointment; no public comment was recorded on the matter.","The City Council appointed Caitlin Stainbrook as interim Parks and Recreation director effective Feb. 10, 2025, until the current director returns from medical leave. Staff said Stainbrook has been filling the role in recent weeks and emphasized continuity for transit, facility management and grant work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6316637,"Fortuna police finalize one‑year wellness contract supported by employee association; department announces annual awards",326,786000,1112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd&start=786&end=1112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd/thumbnail_786000.jpg","/articles/6316637/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Fortuna-police-finalize-oneyear-wellness-contract-supported-by-employee-association-department-announces-annual-awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316637-9e58f937ce93bc2f29a4db9504bc452a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915997&Signature=WBZu49Gz-IsEY~ahlcRmJVoCJish-zgfsYtcpzj6hVwF-D2b6G4W~TJzXF4xRVIQRiNgHprhDW8hyCMNw0p-XfFPMn415B27Z077z~ruIDq1IOubRdeSAHcH0A6XhwNptQ9lcWANDVKKqJ7boylcOdQJwvGxRJfWQlJ~wXjNn5MR~eC6HpBLs~b04hRhv-EEvK7ANq-steqsd30eQ2OqrxX8MStW8cbKWFY7Z0dg2rshCeBuGRu9Blu8NTj6w1JSv4CUrvXaPPK5VqDdsloWzai-txhTH2B4qytVE~~lqjdCcW~6nDMNyCCh~X2sx0RUy5sSkyGPy7fBKv4bT~yZoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fortuna Police Department reported on Feb. 24 that it executed a one‑year contract with a clinician network specializing in first‑responder wellness and resiliency, enabling access for officers and their families and expanded peer‑support coordination with allied agencies.

Lieutenant (unnamed in transcript) told the council that the department researched wellness options used by nearby agencies and chose a service that offers clinicians experienced with first responders. The contract was possible after the Fortuna Police Employees Association contributed about $1,800 from its own funds to cover a shortfall, the lieutenant said; association president Justin Grama described the contribution as a membership decision and emphasized the service’s importance following recent critical incidents and staff losses.

Justin Grama, president of the Fortuna Police Employees Association, described past gaps in proactive support and said the new arrangement provided immediate, on‑scene and follow‑up support for a recent incident where an officer received direct peer and clinician assistance. Grama urged ongoing consideration of continuing the contract beyond one year.

During the consent calendar discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Trent read a list of annual department awards: Officer John Geer, sworn officer of the year; Dispatcher Tanya Cadel, professional staff member of the year; Sergeant Gabe Charlton, Chief’s Award; Officer Logan Mitchell, Top Cop; Detective Brian Taylor, Mentorship Award; Angela Connolly, Community Service Award. The council approved the consent calendar and expressed appreciation for the department’s work.

The department’s memo identified the wellness contract as funded from a state grant (described as “state funds in the form of a grama” in the transcript) plus the employee association contribution; the transcript did not specify the grant name or the total contract value.","The Fortuna Police Department executed a one‑year contract with a first‑responder wellness provider supported by a roughly $1,800 contribution from the Fortuna Police Employees Association. Council recognized multiple employee awards announced during the consent-calendar discussion.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6316642,"Fortuna finance director reports mid‑year budget improvement; projects modest surplus for FY24‑25",514,70000,584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd&start=70&end=584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2376510-13e7093510102334ebd74e26c90fecfd/thumbnail_70000.jpg","/articles/6316642/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Fortuna-finance-director-reports-midyear-budget-improvement-projects-modest-surplus-for-FY2425","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316642-7c1df70a9e9f96609b79d727b060bc86/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915997&Signature=BNhb2ECLiQO196dJ~DeBZPs5-xZfs4biSdEhYrKOaEH6pH0~nwt9eXnCA72rGLgwTR0ERUEthxnzm~H8bGJ7P3LNqDf2JPhV5N2YtqFAkrGUrBE9fNjCzcOdLJ5sCLVOaXWxJw60QLnPFbP6bPepftT8dj7qGybpLzg1XDA6VC1SygZ~XSDCN1UUaKaj0FI313AJsNSFa10NGdA4FVUrNLCsLJS8IL2LqeV8Fx8AgG3bmkGhYDNxC0~AWcNsBOsAeUWgGBmPfXakaK6S81ksi28DXfKMnz5WT7MCmnMEtL5XdVduaUOJoenIj2jlSgNkdX7MK5W9C-lu~fNuM~KXiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Aaron Felmy presented the City of Fortuna’s mid‑year budget review for fiscal year 2024–25 on Feb. 24, reporting that the general fund closed fiscal year 2023–24 with a net surplus of $11,391 and that mid‑year projections for the current year now show an estimated $30,515 surplus rather than the previously adopted $90,533 deficit.

Felmy said the FY23‑24 surplus was driven primarily by a roughly $350,000 increase in investment income compared with the prior year, while one‑time COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act funds that had provided roughly $1 million per year in FY20–22 and FY22–23 were no longer available. He also explained that a large discretionary one‑time CalPERS payment in FY22–23 reduced salary and benefits in that year and therefore depressed FY22–23 expenditures compared with FY23–24.

On revenue assumptions, staff reported that HDL, the city’s sales-tax consultant, revised sales‑tax projections downward relative to the adopted budget, but property tax projections were modestly increased. Transient occupancy tax (TOT) showed slight declines; franchise-fee increases reflect higher PG&E rates. Felmy noted investment yields were at historic highs (about 4.5%) compared with a 15‑year average just over 1% and cautioned that yields are likely to decline later in the year.

On the expenditure side, departments generally are projected to finish close to adopted budgets; two previously adopted supplemental budget requests—the City Hall remodel ($95,000) and on‑call planning services ($65,000)—account for much of the projected increase in department operating expenditures. After accounting for those, staff said the general fund would be within the adopted budget.

Felmy outlined the next steps for budget work: Measure E committee department presentations on March 18, committee finalization April 1, a council special budget workshop in late April, a second workshop in early May to review enterprise funds, and a target budget adoption date of June 2, 2025. He told the council staff was not recommending mid‑year budget adjustments and that any supplemental budget requests would be brought forward as separate agenda items.

Council members asked no substantive questions during the presentation. The council received the report.","Finance Director Aaron Felmy told the City Council that the general fund ended FY23‑24 with an $11,391 surplus and that mid‑year projections for FY24‑25 now show an estimated $30,515 surplus. Staff did not recommend amending the adopted budget at mid‑year and outlined next steps for the FY25‑26 budget calendar.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fortuna council certifies supplemental EIR and adopts Mill District plan; zoning ordinance moved to second reading

Council prioritizes cannabis ordinance, downtown design guidelines and municipal code updates

Council appoints Caitlin Stainbrook interim Parks and Recreation director amid director medical leave

Fortuna police finalize one‑year wellness contract supported by employee association; department announces annual awards

Fortuna finance director reports mid‑year budget improvement; projects modest surplus for FY24‑25