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Residents raise soil contamination concerns and press council to act on CalPERS divestment
Summary
During public comment speakers alleged unpermitted dirt transfers from Albee Stadium with possible lead contamination and urged the council to send divestment letters to CalPERS and support safe passage for an aid boat to Gaza; staff invited affected residents to seek resolution through the community services department.
Several members of the public used the council’s public-comment period to raise environmental and foreign-policy concerns.
Thomas Stewart of Eureka asked three direct questions about soil moved from Albee Stadium to a nearby soccer field: whether soil was being transferred, whether the city or contractor had permits to move it, and whether the soil had been tested for contamination. Stewart alleged recent truckloads of dirt contained debris and that a person using a metal detector had found lead. He said he would not leave the meeting without answers and provided a state agency contact, urging officials to investigate to prevent harm.
City staff acknowledged the comment and later told the council they will work with Recology and other departments to resolve individual cases; staff said returned notices are handled and that liens may be removed where debts predate a property sale.
Other commenters urged the council to take stronger action related to the Israel–Gaza conflict. Joanne McGarry and Karpani referenced a relaunch of the Golden Rule peace boat and a small humanitarian flotilla; they asked the council to support safe passage for the vessel. Multiple commenters also asked the council to send letters to CalPERS requesting divestment from companies they say enable violence in Gaza; one caller described the situation in Gaza as a 'holocaust' and urged the council to act immediately.
Mayor and staff responses were procedural: staff advised public commenters how to follow up with city departments for local issues, and council members agreed to request more information from staff about CalPERS investments and related options at a future meeting.
The council did not take immediate policy action on the international-issue requests during the meeting, but several members signaled interest in receiving staff reports and background information.
