By Sylvia Jutila

The Fortuna City Council on Monday, July 19 issued a proclamation recognizing the 20-year anniversary of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). Dean Glaser read the proclamation and noted that one in five people will become disabled sometime in their life and there is a likelihood of 50 percent of families having one disabled family member. The proclamation was presented to Cindy Calderon of Tri-County Independent Living in Eureka.

Cheryl Nicholson, Assistant City Manager, did a presentation on risk management, the steps to analyze a situation, then review and revise. She pointed out that it is essential for the city to consider all possibilities and make every attempt to mitigate risks. It was a humorous presentation with very serious overtones.

In the Oral Comments part of the meeting, Frank Hizer brought up some parking issues in front of his shop. Three items were pulled from the consent calendar for clarification. The most interesting is the Public Works report on the progress of the co-generation potential for the sewage treatment plant. The systems are not all in place, but getting close. The plant will produce enough electricity from the methane gas to cover part of the energy costs of running the plant.

There were two business items. One was to approve the Historical Commission by-laws, and they have not been updated since 1994. The Council praised the work of the Historical Commission, especially with regard to the Depot Museum. The second item was to amend policies having to do with providing city utility services to areas outside of city limits.

The State has made new regulations so city policies need to be updated. If someone outside of city limits wants services, that property will be annexed into the City pending final decision by with LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Comission). LAFCO is charged with preventing urban sprawl and protecting agricultural land. Both items were approved.

Duane Rigge announced that the EIR and CEQA documents are finished for the General Plan Update. Copies can be downloaded from the Friendly Fortuna website or purchased at Horizon Business or Color Impressions. A 45-day review period started July 20 and ends Sept. 8.

There will not be a public hearing but community members are welcome to submit voiced or written comments. The EIR addresses the impact of the General Plan Policy Document. The Policy Document has been on the website for one year. The EIR could be approved as early as October and then the Council can approve the Policy Document. The actual General Plan can be amended up to 4 times a year. Copies of the EIR are available at Fortuna City Hall, Fortuna Library and the Humboldt County Library in Eureka.

All council members praised city workers, Fortuna Police and the Rodeo Association for the outstanding week long Rodeo event. There were an estimated 4,500 people on the rodeo grounds on Friday night and there were no problems.

There is still compost available at the City Yard for gardeners. Call the City to make arrangements. It's free. AutoXpo this coming weekend is expected to be another great event for the City. Council member Doug Strehl pointed out that the Fortuna Depot Museum will have a display at the Humboldt County Fair.