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1. What is a Brownfield?

A brownfield site is a property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse efforts are complicated by the presence or perceived presence of petroleum, hazardous substances, or other contaminants. Common examples are vacant or underutilized properties, including gas stations, auto repair facilities, and older manufacturing sites.

2. What will the grants be used for?

The City of Eureka received an assessment grant totaling $300,000. The first grant is a community-wide grant set aside to assess properties potentially impacted by hazardous substances and petroleum. This grant will be used to inventory brownfield sites and conduct a limited number of environmental site assessments to determine if sites are contaminated. All work will be performed within the Balloon Track and Waterfront area in Eureka.

3. Why redevelop these sites?

Brownfield sites are often a blight on neighborhoods and can potentially impact the environment. Most brownfields produce little tax revenue and reduce local employment opportunities. Cleaning up and reinvesting in brownfield sites increases the local tax base, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, and improves and protects the environment.

4. Are there brownfield sites in Eureka?

Yes, like all cities throughout the United States, Eureka has a number of properties that are idle, vacant or underutilized, and may have contamination that is preventing reuse.

5. How are sites inventoried and prioritized?

Community-wide sites are inventoried using a variety of criteria including location, potential contamination, how reuse fits into the City's general plan, community expectations and needs, and other factors. The public is encouraged to help with the prioritization process by participating in community meetings and staying involved.

6. How do I participate?

We want to involve as many of our residents, property owners, business owners, and community organizations as possible throughout all stages of this work. If you would like more information, please email Erin McDannold or call 707-441-4177. 

Complete our Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant Feedback survey.

7. Am I required to get a Phase II done or can I just get a Phase I to find out if there might be an environmental issue on my property?

No.  Your project participation may be limited to a Phase I report and you may choose to forgo a Phase II or a Phase II may not be recommended by the Phase I report. 

8. Does a Phase I involve permitting or ground disturbance?

No permitting or ground disturbance occurs with Phase Is. Phase IIs require permitting and subsurface sampling/ground disturbance, but Phase IIs are not required in order to participate in the project.

9. How long does it take to complete Phase Is and IIs?

Individual Phase Is typically take one month to complete.  Individual Phase IIs may take up to 2 to 3 months to permit, execute, and report.

10. What are the regulatory risks associated with taking part in the City of Eureka Brownfields project?

If a Phase I recommends a Phase II and a Phase II is completed and contamination is found above regulatory action levels, then a State or Local agency may require further delineation of the impact. This could result in opening a regulatory case file and the current landowner would be named as a Responsible Party, along with any previous owners who caused or contributed to the contamination.

11. If a regulatory case file is opened as a result of the findings of a Phase II investigation, are there any funding sources available to cover costs?

Numerous grants and loans are available through State programs to address environmental impacts.  These grants, however, utilize a competitive selection process and funding is not guaranteed.

12. Will participating landowners increase their liability by participating?

You should consult with your legal counsel to evaluate your particular liability situation.  Participation in the project may increase your liability.  Commercial/industrial properties typically require a Phase I and possibly a Phase II investigation as part of any real estate transaction.  Participation in the project is free to eligible landowners/properties and therefore you could save these potential future costs by participating in the project.  Landowner environmental liability should decrease once properties are cleared by conducting either a Phase I or a Phase II.

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1. Where can I find information about ethics requirements for City officials?

The California Fair Political Practices Commission enforces state conflict-of-interest laws for City officials. More information can be found on their website.

2. Where can I find the Municipal Code?

The Eureka Municipal Code and the Charter of the City of Eureka can be found online. The Municipal Code is updated periodically and may not yet reflect recently adopted ordinances.

3. How do I file a claim against the City of Eureka?

Fill out the Claim for Money or Damages Against the City of Eureka (PDF) and mail it to 

City Clerk's Office
531 "K" Street 
Eureka, CA 95501-1146

You can also pick up a copy of the form at the City Clerk's Office.

4. I need a lawyer. Can the City Attorney help me?

The City Attorney is the lawyer for the City of Eureka as an organization. That means we work for the City Council, the City Manager, and other City staff. By law, the City Attorney is prohibited from representing residents, businesses, private individuals, or groups.

Go to our Legal Resources page for a list of referrals to lawyers who can help with landlord-tenant issues, business or neighbor disputes, family issues, personal injuries, etc.

5. How do I serve the City of Eureka with a lawsuit?

By law, lawsuits against the City of Eureka must be served on the Office of the Clerk. The City Attorney’s Office does not accept service of lawsuits against the City of Eureka.

6. How do I serve the City of Eureka with a subpoena?

In cases in which the City of Eureka is not a party to a lawsuit, subpoenas should be served on the specific City department that you are seeking records.

7. What agency do I contact to handle the following issues?

Non-Profit Legal Service Providers and Referral Agencies

• Legal Services of Northern California 
• Humboldt Mediation Services
• California Indian Legal Services
• Animal and pet conflicts: Animal Control Division, Humboldt Sheriff’s Office
• Landlord and Tenant conflicts: Housing Authority of the City of Eureka and County of Humboldt

8. Can the City Attorney's Office give me information about a criminal prosecution?

The City Attorney’s Office generally does not handle the prosecution of state Penal Code infractions or misdemeanors, which are handled by the County’s Office of the District Attorney. The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for enforcing the City’s own ordinances.

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1. What services are provided by the Facilities Division?

The Facilities Division provides corrective and preventative maintenance for over 80 City of Eureka buildings and facilities.

2. What are some of the major facilities under your responsibility?

Major facilities include City Hall, Eureka Police Department, Eureka Fire Headquarters, Municipal Auditorium, Adorni Recreation Center, Wharfinger Building, the Economic Development Association Plant and the Sequoia Park Zoo Entry Pavilion.

3. What service functions are provided by the Facilities Division?

Service functions include custodial, carpentry, plumbing, painting, building electrical, traffic system, electrical and festival or event site preparation.

4. Are all major City buildings accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes.  All significant public facilities are accessible including City Hall, Eureka Police Department, Eureka Fire Headquarters, Adorni Recreation Center, Municipal Auditorium and the Wharfinger Building.

5. What are the staff positions of the Facilities Division?

The Facilities Division is made up of nine regular full time positions and one 10-month regular part-time position.  The positions include a Harbor and Facilities Maintenance Manager, Facility Maintenance Specialist, Electrician, Facilities Maintenance Technicians, Senior Custodian and Custodians.

6. Does the City have a Street Tree Program?

The City has over 1,400 street trees and includes trees and landscaping as a component of any major city development project.  In 2002, the City Council passed a resolution establishing the City of Eureka as a “Tree Lined City.”

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1. Why must I license my dog?

Dog licenses are required by law.  Both California State Law and Eureka Municipal Code require that your dog has an active rabies vaccination and be licensed.  If you do not license your dog, you may be issued a citation, and you will incur extra fees and fines.  Dog licensing provides a central registry of rabies vaccinations, which is a critical resource in the event of dog bite incidents or in the case of a rabies outbreak.

2. My dog always stays in the house or yard. Does it have to be licensed?

Yes.  All dogs, regardless if they never leave the yard, must be licensed.  Dogs have a way of getting out through gates accidentally left open or by digging under fences.  Loud noises, such as fireworks, and natural disasters like an earthquake or fire may cause your pet to flee the safety of your property.  Having a dog license on its collar will help reunite your lost pet with you.

3. Why is it so much more for an un-spayed or un-neutered dog?

The licensing fees are based on your dog's ability to breed.  By not spaying or neutering your pet, you incur a larger portion of responsibility for pet overpopulation, and the need to maintain an animal shelter.  A dog's instinct to breed often overcomes the pet owner's ability to prevent it.

4. Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

Animal overpopulation is a huge problem in our community. Even well-intentioned breeders cannot predict what will happen to an animal after it has gone to a new home, and many of these dogs end up in the animal shelter. Many dogs are very difficult to place, either due to breed, size, temperament, health, or age. It is your responsibility to help prevent this problem.

Spaying/neutering also causes your dog to experience less stress, decreases the risk of many diseases and cancers, and may prolong your dog's life. It also creates a more obedient, even-tempered, less aggressive, and happier pet, which is less likely to run away.

If you need assistance accessing spay or neuter services for your pet, there are several local programs that may be able to defray most of the cost. For more information, please contact our office, your veterinarian, or visit the Humboldt Spay / Neuter Network website or call them at 707-442-7729.

5. How are my license fees used?

Licensing fees are used to help defray the monthly share of cost paid by the City of Eureka to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.

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1. How will by-ward elections work?

Voters will only vote for the City Council position up for election in their specific ward. All five current Council Members will continue to represent the ward that they were elected to until their term ends. At the end of their terms, the council members can run for re-election in the ward that they currently live in.

• Ward 1: Leslie Castellano, term ends November 2022
• Ward 2: Kati Moulton, term ends November 2024
• Ward 3: Natalie Arroyo, term ends November 2022
• Ward 4: Scott Bauer, term ends November 2024
• Ward 5: Kim Bergel, term ends November 2022

2. How do I find out what Ward I live in?

Residents can check the 2020 Ward Map (PDF). If you do not have access to a computer, contact the City Clerk's Office at 707-441-4175 or in person at Eureka City Hall: 
531 K Street
City Clerk's Office, Second Floor

3. How do I find my polling location?

Voters should check their sample ballot for any changes to the location of their polling place. Voters can also find their polling location online.

4. Why do I have a new polling location?

The City of Eureka consolidates its elections with the County of Humboldt, who administer all City elections. The County of Humboldt also administers the elections for special districts that along with the City have district/ward geographical boundaries. Due to the changes, many precincts have changed for City voters and some voters who reside within a small precinct area may have a "mail only" option for voting.

5. What’s the difference between by-ward elections and previous City ward elections?

Previously, councilmembers had to live within the geographical boundaries of their wards, but all registered voters in the City could vote for the candidate. As of 2018, voters in each ward select one Council representative who must live in that ward.

6. Why the change?

In 2016, Council placed a question on the ballot asking voters if they wanted to change the ward/at large election method to a by-ward election. Voters approved the Charter Amendment, (Measure P) by 57.6% of the vote, changing the election method to a by-ward system.

7. Why did the Wards change?

The previous wards had been created in 1976. Populations within those wards were uneven, requiring new ward boundaries to be drawn. The new wards are based on the latest (2010) U.S. Census data and are within 2% of the population mean.

8. Who created the ward boundaries?

Council appointed a Ward Redistricting Committee comprised of one representative from each of the 5 wards and two members appointed at large by the Mayor. City Geographic Information System (GIS) staff presented several scenarios for the Committee to study and comment on. Based on the Committee's recommendation, Council approved the new Ward geographical boundaries and numbered the wards in a counter-clockwise manner.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. Are paper job applications available?

The City of Eureka only accepts online job applications for Full-Time positions. If you are interested in a Temporary/Part-Time position with a specific Department, you can contact that Department to inquire about any current opportunities and you will then be instructed to complete a paper job application to apply for that Temporary/Part-Time position opening.

2. Why can’t I attach my resume to a job application online?

Only certain positions require an attachment to be submitted with the job application. When an attachment is required, the application will specify the type of document that is needed and any other document attached will not be considered.

3. When will I know about the status of my submitted job application?

You will receive an email within one week from the closing date of the job posting containing information about the status of your submitted job application. That message will come to the email address you used to create your governmentjobs.com account.

4. What type of benefits do I have as a full-time City employee?

CalPERS retirement, 80 percent City paid health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, City paid life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, free family membership at the Adorni Recreation Center, free enrollment at Little Saplings Preschool for children and grandchildren of City employees, reduced rate for after school programs, free family membership to Sequoia Park Zoo and more!

5. What does “BLUE” mean on my pay stub?

This is a health insurance deduction.

6. What does “PRS-EC” mean on my pay stub?

This is a CalPERS deduction that the employee pays which is 3% of the employer's portion.

7. What does “CAI” mean on my pay stub?

This is a continental supplemental insurance deduction.

8. What does “DD” mean on my pay stub?

In lieu of Social Security, payroll deductions go into a 457 supplemental retirement plan with MissionSquare Retirement (formally ICMA) for all temporary/part-time employees.

9. I need to take time off for a personal serious medical condition or to care for a family member with a serious medical condition, what do I do?

First, inform your supervisor of the need for time off due to a serious medical condition. You do not need to provide details. Then, reach out to Human Resources and they will inform you of your applicable benefits.

10. My family is welcoming a new child, what do I need to do?

First, inform your supervisor of your need for future time off work and then reach out to Human Resources who will inform you of your applicable benefits.

11. What do I do if I am injured on the job?

If your injury requires immediate attention, go straight to the emergency room and let them know it is a Worker's Compensation injury so you do not get billed. When you are able, complete the Employee Claim form and submit to your supervisor or Human Resources in order to initiate a Worker's Compensation claim. 

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1. Why are grants needed?

Grants are an important source of funding for City parks and trails projects.  The City of Eureka has limited financial resources that it is able to dedicate to improvement projects.  A majority of the services that the City provides its citizens are funded by various taxes and fee revenue.  This general fund fluctuates every year due to the economy and a number of other external factors.  When City revenue is less than City expenditures, there is less funding available to provide services, and reductions are made to keep the City’s budget balanced.  Grant programs help fill the funding gap for projects which the City’s general fund revenue cannot support and provide opportunities that would otherwise be fiscally impossible.  Grants can also provide economic benefit to communities as local companies and businesses are most often utilized for the project in areas such as design services, construction and / or providing supplies.

2. How do grants work?

Grant funding opportunities are provided by outside agencies such as Federal, State, Local, and Private Organizations through a competitive application process.  Each grant opportunity has its own unique project guidelines respective to the funding organization’s desired outcomes.  Funding organizations seek out the strongest and most impactful projects which utilize funding to their best ability.  Through the highly competitive and complex application process, applicants must propose their plan, how the money will be spent, and how it is going to serve the desired outcomes of the funding agency.  Grants are symbiotic between the funder who wants to support a public cause and the recipient who can carry out the project if awarded funding.  Grant funding awards do not need to be repaid.

3. Why can’t grant money be used for other needed projects around the city like paving streets or updating sewer or water infrastructure?

Due to grant parameters, grant funds can only be utilized for the grant project as outlined and approved by the governing grant agency or organization.  Grants require a detailed budget and accounting for all money awarded.  Any deviation from the approved project not only jeopardizes any current projects but can affect the ability to receive grant funding in the future.  Grant funding is not a blank check for the City to use at its own discretion.

4. How are projects chosen? My neighborhood park could really use some improvements.

City staff are aware of parks that need improvement and are actively seeking grant opportunities to fund these costly projects.  There are a number of factors that are considered when selecting a project in need of funding.  Some of the questions that staff ask when reviewing grant opportunities to pursue include:

• Which park meets the grant criteria such as neighborhood park deficiency or income demographics?
• What is the most competitive project for this grant?
• What is needed to submit a proposal or application and can it be done by the submission deadline? Is community outreach needed? A conceptual design? An equipment list?
• When does the project need to be completed? Is it feasible for what the project entails?

Unfortunately, not all projects that the City would like to complete are a good fit for the grant opportunities available at the time.  City staff are persistent and continue to search for project funding.  Some projects take a little longer to fund but their completion is just as exciting and magical.

5. What can I do to help?

There are a number of ways that community members can be part of the process.

• Share your thoughts and be an active participant in the community outreach process.  Attend a meeting or complete an online survey to let staff know what is important to you about a project.  Your input, along with others from the community, is what helps drive a project’s conceptual design.
• Tell a friend or neighbor about the project and upcoming community outreach opportunities in your neighborhood.  Social media is an easy, efficient way to do this.
• Volunteer to help during the project.  City staff will share any opportunities where volunteers are needed.  It could be preparing a space for work to begin, painting or spreading wood chips, it all depends on the project.
• Spend some time and enjoy it!  Once a project is complete, using the park on a regular basis helps deter negative activities such as vandalism and graffiti.  This also helps create a positive, safe environment and changes the general perception of the park.
• Help protect our new community investment by communicating any issues you encounter to City staff.  For maintenance or equipment concerns, contact Community Services at 707-441-4241.  For safety concerns or to report criminal activity, contact the Eureka Police Department at 707-441-4060.  We want to take care of our investment so it can be shared with future generations.

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1. What is Measure H?

The Eureka City Council unanimously placed Measure H on the November 3, 2020 local ballot to maintain voter-approved locally controlled funding for vital City services.

2. Why was Measure H placed on the ballot?

It is more important than ever to continue investing in and supporting our own local economy and unique needs. Continuing Measure H will preserve local control over local needs for public safety, emergency response, roads, and other vital services that keep our community a great place to live and raise a family as well as help attract and retain local jobs. 

3. How does Measure H address road safety and repair?

Measure H builds on Eureka’s ability to improve our streets and roads. Without extending Measure H, Eureka will not be able to bring in additional state and federal matching funds for critical local improvements that makes our roads and sidewalks safer for drivers and pedestrians, including first responders, who need to reach people quickly in an emergency.

4. Will Measure H help address and prevent homelessness?

Yes. Like many cities, homelessness has been a growing problem in Eureka. Especially with the pandemic, continuing Measure H funding will speed up efforts to connect those in need with local services, including emergency shelter, while keeping our neighborhoods and public spaces safe and secure for all residents.

5. How does Measure H address emergency services and preparedness?

When you dial 911, every second counts. The City’s top priority is keeping or community safe. Continuing Measure H maintains emergency response services and helps ensure our paramedics, firefighters, and public safety officers continue to be ready to help when you need them the most.

6. What other City Services will Measure H address?

In recent community outreach and engagement, residents identified top priorities the City should maintain if Measure H is extended, including, among others:

• Maintain 911 fire, paramedic, and police emergency response and preparedness
• Repair potholes and maintain safe roads 
• Support local businesses and jobs
• Maintain youth and senior services
• Support city and community health services
• Continue homelessness prevention programs

7. What does Measure H cost?

Measure H would continue the existing, voter-approved local sales tax at a 1.25 cent rate. Measure H is not applied to prescription medicine or food purchased as groceries, and out-of-town visitors to our City also pay the cost. Half of Eureka’s sales tax revenue comes from visitors. Measure H is not a tax on your property or home.

8. Is Measure H fiscally accountable?

Yes. Measure H continues to require community and fiscal accountability, including financial audits and an independent citizens’ oversight committee to review Measure H funds to ensure they are spent responsibly on public priorities. Measure H will continue to be spent locally to benefit residents, and none can be taken by the state.

9. When is the election?

Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Check your registration or get registered to vote.

10. Where can I get more information about Measure H?

The City will continue to keep the community informed about Measure H. If you are a member of a community organization that would like to receive a presentation on Measure H please contact City Administration at 707-441-4144. You can also find additional Measure H background and voting information in the links below.

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1. How many park facilities are there in the City of Eureka?

There are six community park facilities which include Cooper Gulch Park, Halvorsen Park, Hartman / Kennedy ball fields, Sequoia Park, Sequoia Park Garden, and Sequoia Park Zoo.  There are seven neighborhood park facilities including Carson Park, Clara Mae Berry Park, Hammond Park, Highland Park, Lundbar Hills Park, Ross Park, and 20 / 30 Park.  The historic Myrtle Grove Cemetery is also part of the park facilities program which encompasses a total of nearly 140 acres of parkland. There are also two dog parks, Eureka Dog Park and Del Norte Street.

2. What types of athletic fields exist in the City park system?

Most of our City parks have open multi-use grass areas.  League standard softball fields are available at Cooper Gulch Park and at Hartman / Kennedy ball fields.  Smaller practice fields exist at Carson Park, Hammond Park, Highland Park, Ross Park, and 20 / 30 Park. 

3. Does the City of Eureka have a redwood forest park?

Yes.  Sequoia Park is a 60 acre facility that features walking and bicycle trails through the redwood forest, meadows, duck pond, and two small creeks.  The park includes two playgrounds, open turf grass, picnic tables, a restroom, group picnic area and a gazebo bandstand.  The Sequoia park property also includes the Sequoia Park Garden and Sequoia Park Zoo.

4. When was Sequoia Park established?

The land of Sequoia Park was donated to the City of Eureka in 1894 by Bartlin and Henrietta Glatt as the last large stand of redwood trees in the City.  Although logging did occur within the park, some of the original 40 acres of old-growth forest is still standing in the park gulch areas.

5. Are facilities at Sequoia Park accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes.  Sequoia Park has designated parking locations, an accessible sidewalk to picnic sites, an accessible restroom and a total of over a mile of wheelchair and baby buggy accessible asphalt paved trails.  One trail is the old maintenance road that runs through the forest behind the Zoo and the second is the Sequoia Creek Trail that heads west from the Duck Pond through meadows and loops back along a forested creek.

6. Does the City have other open space areas?

The Parks Division maintains 42 landscape sites throughout the City including the Old Town Gazebo Square, Clarke Plaza and the Sacco Amphitheater.

7. Does the City provide other outdoor athletic areas?

Yes.  Cooper Gulch Park includes a nine-hole Disc Golf Course, a hiking trail along Cooper Creek and a Skate Park.  The 18-hole Eureka Municipal Golf Course is located on Fairway Drive at the south end of F Street.

8. How do I reserve a park / recreation facility?

Parks, athletic fields, and buildings can be reserved for your use by emailing the Community Services Department or by calling 707-441-4241.

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1. I want to film in the city .. who do I talk to?

Please contact the City Manager's Office at 707-441-4144.

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1. Did I miss the exemption period if I missed the application due date?

No, we accept applications year-round.

2. Does my exemption last forever?

No, it expires June of every year and requires a new affidavit to be submitted.

3. Does my exemption expire a year after it is approved?

Please note the exemption period is always July 1^st through June 30^th of the following year. Therefore, no matter what month you submit the exemption, it always expires on June 30^th. Every household seeking an exemption must submit a new form prior to June 1^st every year to prevent a lapse in exemption.

4. Can I use the affidavit from a previous year and change the date range myself?

No. The affidavit is a legally binding document enforceable by the Eureka Municipal Code. Eureka Community Services will provide a new and updated form each exemption year which is subject to modifications to improve and streamline the program.

5. Can I use this program if my property is vacant?

No, Please contact Recology to place your service on hold due to vacancy.

6. I do not use my Recology bins and I am not exempt. Can I receive a refund or prorate?

No. Enforceable by Eureka Municipal Code, unless exempt through this program, every household in Eureka has mandated curbside waste and recycling service by Recology. Once approved for exemption, billing will cease for the exemption period.

7. Can I be exempt but still have a green waste bin?

No, if you apply for exemption, you are opting out of any service with Recology.

8. I generate a lot of waste and it is cheaper to self-haul it than pay Recology. Can I be exempt?

No. This exemption program is specifically for households who generate such a small amount of waste that weekly curbside service is unnecessary and in turn are contributing to positive waste diversion efforts for our community. If you generate a significant amount of solid waste per week, you are not eligible for an exemption.

9. Why does Eureka have mandatory waste and recycling service?

Waste and recycling must be regulated to the extent necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, to conserve disposal capacity, to meet state laws and to ensure cost effective public service.

10. My property was exempt and then a tenant moved in and set up service. After they move out, does my exemption resume?

No, the exemption is voided as soon as service is reinstated.

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1. What is the purpose of this project?

The general intent of Old Growth, New Adventures is to preserve the park's natural and cultural resources, improve amenities and create an inclusive, unique, and safe park experience that reflects the spirit of Sequoia Park and Eureka.

2. How did this project get started?

In the fall of 2017, a community-driven design process made possible by Redwood Capital Bank began. The project has been gathering community input on all aspects of Sequoia Park including the Upper Meadow (playground, pathways, roadways, parking, etc.), Duck Pond and surrounding areas, and the overall trail systems.

3. What are the project goals for Phase 1?

The Sequoia Park Playground and Upper Meadow

• Established Entryways
• Expanded play space with new play structures of all ages and abilities
• Improved pathways, roadways, and additional parking

4. What is the funding strategy?

The first phase of the project will be the playground and Upper Meadow, once the community-driven design is finalized a total cost will be determined. Fundraising efforts will range from local donations to state funding grant opportunities. Additional park phases will follow as funds become available.

5. How can I contribute to Sequoia Park?

Thanks to an initial sponsorship of $10,000 from the Rotary Club of Old Town Eureka, The Humboldt Area Foundation has set up the Sequoia Park and Playground Improvement Fund. This fund provides a mechanism for private donations to support the construction of the new Sequoia Park Playground and Upper Meadow. It also gives businesses, residents, neighborhood groups and park advocates a chance to build community, foster stewardship, and make a difference in Sequoia Park.

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1. How did this come to fruition?

In 2017-2018, an extensive community input process was conducted with an outpouring of community support and feedback, made possible by Redwood Capital Bank who provided the funds for Greenway Partners to create preliminary designs. A community fundraising campaign will be launching soon to carry the remaining phases to the finish line.

2. Why is this project so important?

Community feedback has indicated that outdated and broken amenities such as old restrooms and playground equipment are in dire need of replacement. Furthermore, there is limited ADA access in and around the park which limits the ability for all to enjoy this special space. The beloved open green space will be improved with new grass and irrigation for lounging in the sun and playing games as our community has enjoyed for over a century. The swings will be updated with more seating options including the addition of inclusive seats and a seat where you can sit across from your child! All improvements were carefully vetted to ensure this project enhances what is loved, restores what is broken, and provides what is missing.

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1. How are street pavement maintenance projects paid for?

For the City of Eureka, and most public agencies, Gas Tax funding is typically the main source of funds for road maintenance. Gas Tax is paid at the pump per gallon and is distributed to the State, Counties and Cities.

2. Is there enough Gas Tax Funds to maintain the road system of most cities?

Typically, no. Gas taxes were increased in 2017 to counter act the declining value of the dollar after not having been indexed to account for inflation. To bridge this gap in funding, many cities have passed local tax measures to fund maintenance and preservation of their transportation infrastructure. In November of 2020, voters of the City of Eureka passed Measure H which supports additional funds for road maintenance and repair throughout the City.

3. How much does it cost to pave a road?

Good question but hard to answer. It depends on many factors. A simpler way to look at it is this: The City’s road infrastructure would require approximately 6.87 million dollars per year to maintain it at today’s current condition. In other words, approximately 6.87 million dollars per year is needed to not allow the overall road network to deteriorate any worse than it is!

4. How is the City’s street network condition measured?

Every five to seven years, the City (and all cities in the County), have every road surveyed for condition, called a Pavement Condition Survey or Index (PCI). This gives every road (each will be broken into many sections) a score from 1-100. 80-100 is “Good”, 50-70 is “Fair”, 25-50 is “Poor” and 0-25 is…well you can guess. With this we can estimate what a road of a 30 PCI ranking (a lot of construction $ to improve) vs. a road with a 75 PCI ranking (a lower $ to preserve).

5. What is the City’s overall Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ranking?

In 2023 it was 61 (fair) and is expected to lower by two to three points per year, based on the past budget.

6. Are the City of Eureka’s streets doomed to be horrible?

No!!! For the first time in many years, the future looks very bright for road maintenance in the City of Eureka! Thanks to the voters of the City who passed Measure H in November of 2020, there is a promising future. The City averaged about $500,000 per year in Gas Tax funds for road construction previously, which only met a portion of the approximate three million dollars needed every year. With Measure H, the projected funds for road maintenance is approximately three million dollars per year.

7. What is the process of road selection for receiving pavement maintenance?

There are a number of factors that go into a decision to perform road maintenance on a roadway. They include, (in no particular order): Road condition, traffic volume, length of roadway needing repair, type of repair required, and underground utility (water / sewer / power…) issues. Historically with a very limited budget, the City was limited to work on (largely) the highest traffic volume streets in order to extend the dollars as far as possible. With a more stable budget, road maintenance will include a combination of reconstruction (high cost / high work effort / lowest condition roadway), pavement grinding and patching (moderate cost / moderate effort / moderate condition roadway), and pavement preservation (lower cost / lower effort / better condition roadway).

8. What is the paving plan now that there are additional maintenance dollars?

The City published a paving priority list for the next five years as part of the annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This is a guideline to identify the streets that are of high priority for the next five years. As part of this list, the City is committed to setting aside a portion of the dollars to repair lower volume streets as part of these annual projects. These projects, as well as the priority list, will be somewhat fluid as final details will be determined once engineering design takes place for each roadway.

9. How soon will the work start?

Typically projects are designed & bid in the winter, construction will kickoff in the and wrap up in the fall.