[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6303421,"mediaKeyId","2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7","parentId",2472755,"title","Neighbors press Eureka council to enforce syringe-exchange ordinance near Clara Mayberry Park; ask for clear policy definitions","audioSeconds",1125,"startMs",669000,"endMs",1794000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7&start=669&end=1794","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7/thumbnail_669000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6303421/Eureka/Humboldt-County/California/Neighbors-press-Eureka-council-to-enforce-syringe-exchange-ordinance-near-Clara-Mayberry-Park-ask-for-clear-policy-definitions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303421-c12ad373604e9df1a9bba51b87a95b8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453047&Signature=WKRKtlH6sIvBfjf3d4uWCsx-3eOCaBDRQnlEyYfVpboZbKda~~D5ZTnq8GRwaSUfW-Jkq6XPYOPFS~YY2prtAOyYOjiH-7MRMMdvo~h8Mq5k6eoOGlFuWw4IoPfZDXhbe-7cM4gZAkxQqKuDwARB7x4wDUsrU6WWamky0N9GwZcRQoe-K2DEMXJx20T-rcYpqQ22~8Ap3IXGWTbo6fxvMhuSdvVb~QJGRPlOT3VFFH4eu-Qoxte1fR5b0kcfUooL93W5sqjFeGYGMd3Z9p5VrGkcbd-JHZMRzVbcJqhjfy0FWW53RwIAXEspKm~dSy0S3JUbZzxsl2IqdGrLsVE~0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Access Humboldt","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple neighbors urged the council during the public-comment period on Feb. 4 to enforce an existing local syringe-exchange ordinance and to adopt clear administrative policy that distinguishes outreach from syringe distribution and that protects a 1,000-foot buffer around parks and schools.

Public commenters described a community meeting with Opendoor and Hatcher outreach staff at 1522 Third Street and said Hatcher personnel had indicated they were providing syringe services at that site. A frequent theme in public remarks was that the secretary of the ordinance as adopted in 2018 was intended to prohibit syringe-exchange programs — fixed or mobile — within 1,000 feet of parks and schools. A speaker who cited the March 2018 council discussion of ordinance language said the council did not include an exception for mobile syringe exchange near parks or schools and that the original intent should be followed today.

Speakers asked staff and council to write a policy incorporating defined terms and operational restrictions. Requests included that policy clearly state: a) “outreach” does not include syringe exchange or distribution of drug paraphernalia; b) mobile outreach workers must not possess or distribute syringes or other paraphernalia; c) mobile syringe exchange and paraphernalia distribution must not occur near parks, schools, child-care facilities or in residential neighborhoods regardless of property ownership; d) syringe service sites should be separated by at least three-quarters of a mile; and e) the city should require cleanup schedules, reporting on different types of paraphernalia distributed, and a complaints hotline with a short response target.

Several speakers asked that the city produce a written policy implementing the ordinance’s 1,000-foot restriction and clarifying definitions so residents and operators can understand where programs are permitted. One attendee said she had submitted a records request to city staff seeking related policy documents and had not yet received a reply. Another commenter suggested the council order a fuller impact study modeled on environmental-impact statements to analyze social impacts of the program on neighborhoods.

Council did not take formal action on Feb. 4; the record shows the concerns were raised in public comment. No staff report implementing or revising policy was adopted that evening. City staff and council members who fielded questions directed commenters to follow up with staff channels; at least one neighborhood representative said Opendoor agreed to provide weekly updates to neighbors while discussions continue.

Why it matters: The council-ordered ordinance and any implementing policy determine where syringe services and outreach may operate within city limits. Neighbors said they want clear, written definitions to preserve buffer zones and to ensure cleanup and accountability when services operate in or near residential neighborhoods.

What to watch: Whether the council or staff draft and publish a policy that clarifies the meaning of \"outreach\" versus \"syringe exchange,\" how mobile programs are treated, and whether the city establishes new operational rules and reporting requirements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Eureka City Council Meeting of 2025-02-04","oneSentenceSummary","Neighbors told Eureka City Council on Feb. 4 they believe a mobile syringe-exchange program operating near 1522 Third Street is in breach of a local ordinance that bars syringe-exchange programs within 1,000 feet of parks and schools.","taxTitle","Eureka, Humboldt County, California","taxId",61737,"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},6303430,"Eureka council rejects Flock Safety license-plate camera contract after hours of debate and public comment",11490,3076000,14566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7&start=3076&end=14566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7/thumbnail_3076000.jpg","/articles/6303430/Eureka/Humboldt-County/California/Eureka-council-rejects-Flock-Safety-license-plate-camera-contract-after-hours-of-debate-and-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303430-f2cb4b0a6f7b7d1e05f205b95620fb34/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453047&Signature=XurZ1NUcVnOSCdzzzcIoVJjiuGzbZ~og-nRAyw~2py7U1aPhMPnaQsN~qa1Z~yShaiuuAlwPR9D5T93RYqj6tvZS17LdqgYMu1QKGR-FmUqlk2vkV7U984NUBGLKjpqSpcFKgKlKwUgRGcuVPKkKBOTt6P6kGZ2lIbnoR9CZ5Ckpp29jnfIjU2q-S7-GS3W~LlYw6eG5HQv~Bb4RLsJKVGQxgeqciJJ9fSJIQm0urcWHGp605oH2QvbersSMoEKKmAhBXJG53xnK~CAlT0rutZ6cb2q4LJ6Rdfv8F9c9GmNF~QltcC5Ej-MJSU5b-9DLVvWVFk8ULae~17RxunQpeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eureka City Council voted 5-0 Feb. 4 to reject a proposed two-year contract with Flock Safety for 21 automated license-plate recognition cameras after an extended public hearing that drew more than two hours of comments and repeated questions from council members.

The vote follows presentations from Eureka Police Department Chief Stevens and a Flock representative and lengthy public comment. Chief Stevens told the council the department sought the technology as a “tool to help fight our crime within our city,” and said staff had revised a draft policy after consultation with the city attorney, the independent police auditor and the City’s civilian oversight board. A Flock representative told the council that captured images and records would be encrypted “end to end.”

Supporters of the technology argued ALPR systems can quickly identify stolen or wanted vehicles, narrow searches, and reduce manpower required for some time-sensitive investigations. Chief Stevens described cases where searching scattered private camera footage took hours and said ALPR hits could focus officers more quickly on a suspect vehicle. He and the Flock representative also described a 30-day default data-retention period and annual audits as safeguards.

Opponents, who filled the council chambers and provided extensive written and spoken testimony, urged the council to reject the contract. Speakers cited repeated concerns about the contract language that allows Flock to “access, use, preserve, and/or disclose” footage if Flock has a “good faith belief” it is necessary; the company’s national infrastructure and use of cloud providers; the possibility that data could be subject to out-of-state or federal subpoenas; and evidence from other jurisdictions that ALPR systems had led to misuses and provided limited crime-reduction benefit. Several public speakers also noted local and national lawsuits and reported incidents where Flock data had been misused by individuals with access.

Council members said they had serious reservations about privacy, statewide and out-of-state data-sharing risks, and the city’s ability to guarantee long-term protections if federal law or priorities change. City Attorney Luna told the council that Lexipol-based policy language and state law were referenced in the draft policy but that recent, staff-level suggestions had not been fully incorporated into the published policy due to the short timeframe between meetings. Deputy city staff and the chief described proposed annual auditing, training requirements, and a limit on retention, but council members said the safeguards were insufficient to mitigate the broad legal and policy risks raised in public comment and during council questioning.

After discussion, Council member Castellano moved to deny implementation of the ALPR program and to deny entering into a two-year contract with Flock Safety for 21 cameras and associated services. The motion was seconded and carried on a 5-0 roll-call vote.

What happened next: The council’s rejection leaves the department without the vendor service that had been proposed, but Chief Stevens said earlier in the hearing that staff would continue to explore crime-reduction tools and would work with the city attorney and oversight board on any future proposals. The council did not direct a specific follow-up action at the Feb. 4 meeting; several council members suggested additional staff review and community engagement would be needed before revisiting similar technology.

Why it matters: Council members, staff and dozens of residents framed the debate as a local test case of how small cities regulate surveillance technologies that are increasingly used nationwide. The decision leaves in place existing local camera arrangements and any Flock deployments by other agencies in Humboldt County, while ending the city-level procurement proposed on Feb. 4.

Votes at a glance: Motion to deny city implementation and a two-year contract with Flock Safety for 21 ALPR cameras — Mover: Council member Castellano; Second: not specified; Tally: Yes 5, No 0; Outcome: approved (denial motion carried).","Eureka City Council voted 5-0 Feb. 4 to reject a proposed two-year contract with Flock Safety for 21 automated license-plate recognition cameras after an extended public hearing.",{"_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},6303425,"Council authorizes $1.4 million for design and site work at Eureka Operations Complex",1200,1858000,3058000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7&start=1858&end=3058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472755-2f224e3793651c42d79b12d1966a71b7/thumbnail_1858000.jpg","/articles/6303425/Eureka/Humboldt-County/California/Council-authorizes-14-million-for-design-and-site-work-at-Eureka-Operations-Complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303425-156f42e04b35009c4599f7aa1a6e322d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453047&Signature=FTCEZO2DMt8I25~ucmby0PvOP7K7cVZ83FTnMiG1foRdX4R78Y2rxmSdh9JVE0FidBWA~k4nefalxAZyJ-zws8POzKngn7YKFnbX69bbHgPk0LKsyj6XYQeN55yNG2LqPLpV1QeBsxzWo2j5qEJggZhSFWNjMdL5zlYFVkmInhUm58mofx5~LF8lMRsgSJ23d~776O1YFBoT8yHiQeU7vAn4F0JYtMsiLPc~P72-326wL2UCPs1hMiXQhRTi805Mvqe-gCYJxkHYzVYZqAh483rouAjyFdHbWuIpaU4vc79OoGd0U8yH99nnGBnRpYVTZhr7c59WixksoCBRX~WaYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eureka City Council voted unanimously Feb. 4 to allocate $1,400,000 in fiscal year 2024–25 to continue design and preconstruction work for the Eureka Operations Complex, a consolidated public-works facility on a property the city purchased in 2024.

City project manager Katie Marcellon told the council the city already completed site acquisition, CEQA review (an initial study/mitigated negative declaration) and early concept work. The site at 3993 Broadway sits behind Pacific Motorsports and is outside the coastal zone; project materials note the current city corporation yard is in a tsunami-inundation zone and has soils prone to liquefaction. Marcellon said the team has revised the plan to move from a three-building concept to a two-building schematic and is now proposing a single, larger building for the initial phase to reduce cost and accelerate construction.

Marcellon outlined a project budget scenario the staff and finance director have been reviewing: a $21,000,000 target total budget with approximately $7,000,000 for site development (phase 1), $11,000,000 for buildings and $3,000,000 for design, permitting and utility connections. She explained that a construction-manager-at-risk contract with Swinerton Builders is in place for preconstruction services and that the requested $1.4 million will fund final construction documents, long-lead equipment (notably a generator with 48–52 week lead time), PG&E service upgrades including transformer and deposit allowances, and other design and permitting fees.

Council members asked for clarifications on noise buffering adjacent to Ocean View Cemetery, wash-bay containment, and the expected cost savings from the revised single-building approach; Marcellon said the single-building scenario reduced a prior two-building estimate that approached $28–30 million down toward the $21 million target. She confirmed the decant/wash bay will be plumbed and contained to sanitary sewer and built to the standards required by the city’s MS4 stormwater permit.

A resident asked whether hazardous material from wash-bay operations would be captured; Marcellon replied the facility is designed as a decontamination site and would use containment and treatment systems so effluent would not reach adjacent properties. After public comment and discussion, the council voted 5-0 to authorize the requested allocation to account 24047007024 for the project.

Why it matters: The operations complex is intended to relocate aging corporation-yard functions out of a tsunami and liquefaction hazard zone, consolidate fleet and maintenance operations, and provide room for future city infrastructure needs. The council’s approval completes the current funding step and allows staff to finalize construction documents and pursue a guaranteed-maximum-price (GMP) construction contract later in 2025.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with design development and construction documents, continue coordination with Swinerton Builders toward a GMP this spring/summer, and return to council for the GMP award and subsequent construction approvals.

Vote summary: Motion to authorize allocation of $1,400,000 for FY 2024–25 to account 24047007024 for the Eureka Operations Complex Project — Mover: not specified; Second: not specified; Tally: Yes 5, No 0; Outcome: approved.","The Eureka City Council approved a $1,400,000 budget allocation on Feb. 4 to continue design and site preparation for a consolidated public works operations complex at 3993 Broadway. Staff described a revised, single-building schematic that reduces overall project cost from prior estimates and preserves space for future phased expansion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors press Eureka council to enforce syringe-exchange ordinance near Clara Mayberry Park; ask for clear policy definitions

Eureka council rejects Flock Safety license-plate camera contract after hours of debate and public comment

Council authorizes $1.4 million for design and site work at Eureka Operations Complex