Government Fortuna Fire

Fortuna Welcomes New Public Works Director, Adopts State Fire Hazard Map

The Fortuna City Council introduced a new Public Works Director and adopted a new fire hazard severity zone map during its brief meeting on June 16. The council also heard from a resident regarding water runoff issues and approved several routine items on its consent calendar.

Fortuna Appoints New Public Works Director

FORTUNA, CA – The Fortuna City Council officially welcomed Brian Isa as the city's new Public Works Director during its regular meeting on Monday, June 16. City officials introduced Mr. Isa, highlighting his extensive qualifications, which include degrees in biology and chemistry and a master's degree in community and regional planning. Isa previously served as the Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Eureka, bringing valuable local experience to his new role in Fortuna.

Council Adopts State Fire Hazard Zones

In a key decision aimed at enhancing community safety, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-775. This ordinance officially incorporates the fire hazard severity zone map as designated by the California State Fire Marshal. The map identifies areas with varying degrees of fire risk, which can influence building codes and fire prevention strategies within the city.

The council determined the ordinance was exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and held a brief public hearing before the roll call vote. A future public hearing to continue the discussion is tentatively scheduled for a council meeting in July.

Resident Raises Water Runoff Concerns

During the public comment period, a local property owner addressed the council regarding significant water issues on their property. The resident stated that the problems are related to a recently approved subdivision and road widening project on Rohnerville Road. They presented photographs to the council as evidence of the water runoff and requested that the city take action to resolve the situation.

Consent Calendar and Upcoming Events

In other business, the council approved a 16-item consent calendar, which included routine matters such as meeting minutes, monthly departmental reports, and city pay schedules. Notably, the council authorized the City Manager to award a contract for Phase 1 of the Carson Woods Road waterline project. One council member abstained from voting on two items related to employee compensation due to a potential conflict of interest involving family members; these items were voted on and approved separately.

The council also reminded the public of several upcoming community events, including the July 3rd festival, the annual rodeo, the auto expo, and the popular Hops in Humboldt festival.

Several inter-agency meetings were also announced, including a Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) meeting on June 26 and a Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCOG) meeting that has been rescheduled.