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Recreation volunteers say they are stepping down and returned committee accounts
Summary
Jessica Nielsen, a five-year recreation-committee volunteer, announced she and co-organizers are resigning and have handed administrative accounts back to the committee, citing lost trust and the need for mutual respect between volunteers and officials.
Jessica Nielsen, who said she has served on the recreation committee for five years, told the Eureka City Council at its public-comment period that she and Janelle Nielsen are stepping down and returning the committee’s administrative resources.
"For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jessica Nielsen. ... After much thought and many tough conversations, we have decided that it is in the best interest of both the recreation committee and the city of Eureka to step aside and let new volunteers take the lead," Nielsen said, adding that the pair returned email accounts, social-media platforms and other materials to the committee.
Nielsen outlined the months of planning, fundraising and volunteer coordination behind events including the Silver Jubilee, the Polar Blast Bash, memorial banners and community holiday activities, saying volunteers give evenings and weekends to run the programs. Several council members and attendees thanked the volunteers for their work in short remarks after her comments.
Council members who spoke publicly praised the committee’s contributions to community life and encouraged a constructive transition. The council did not take formal action on the resignation itself; Nielsen framed the decision as a voluntary handoff intended to let new volunteers lead future events.
The council and staff said they would support the committee’s transition and follow up on any outstanding logistical matters, such as access to the committee drive and documentation the outgoing volunteers said they had provided.
