POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Burkey
MEETING MINUTES
Vice Mayor Dan Doyle
Councilmember Anna Dobbins
Councilmember Jim Koogle
Councilmember Jeff Hansen
MARCH 17, 2026 6:00 PM
CITY HALL, 451 SCHOOL ST.
& VIA TELECONFERENCE
https://zoom.us/j/88269848341
REGULAR SESSION – 6:00 P.M.
I CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
II APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion to approve agenda by Vice Mayor Doyle, Second by Councilmember Koogle. Motion passed unanimously 4-0 with Councilmember Hansen absent
III MAYOR’S REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A) Mendocino County Sheriff Update - Sheriff’s Deputy McNally presented the February activity report, noting 42 calls for service in Point Arena and 156 across the South Coast. Incidents in Point Arena included vandalism, suspicious circumstances, security checks, mental health assists, investigations, a stormrelated hazard (tree down on Eureka Hill Road), DUIs, disturbances, a domestic dispute, civil matters, illegal camping, and other miscellaneous calls. In response to Council inquiry, the Lt. Lee explained that illegal camping typically involves individuals parking overnight near roadways or driveways and is generally addressed through education and voluntary compliance. No new issues were reported at the City Park or adjacent private property since the prior month, and a previously scheduled civil standby with the property owner did not occur. Public comment raised concerns about youth operating electric bicycles and similar devices on streets and sidewalks. The Deputy and Lieutenant indicated these are generally treated like bicycles and should not be ridden on sidewalks, with enforcement focused on education rather than citations. The Lieutenant noted coordination with City staff regarding camping concerns on private property, emphasizing limitations without owner cooperation, and encouraged residents to report ongoing issues. Additional comments highlighted safety concerns and encouraged direct communication with youth; the Sheriff’s Office agreed that outreach and education are the preferred approach.
B) Point Arena Fire Safe Council – Jennifer Smallwood reported that a radio training class held March 7 at the library was well attended, with additional radios distributed and participants able to practice using them, and noted continued expansion of the communication network with strong community interest.
Work is also underway on a Firewise Community initiative, including plans for a community event to educate residents on fuel reduction and wildfire preparedness and to encourage broader participation, as the program requires community involvement. The next Fire Safe meeting will be held on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:45 p.m., and weekly radio check-ins have been rescheduled to Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. to improve accessibility
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2026
IV COUNCIL REPORTS
Mendocino Transit Authority – Vice Mayor Doyle announced that no meeting was held last month due to a lack of quorum; however, it was noted that Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) offers an 800 number (707) 462-3881) to assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers with coordinating transit services.
Mendocino Council of Governments – Councilmember Hansen was not present, but it was announced that a meeting regarding the sea level rise study and MCOG participation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, providing an opportunity for public input on funding priorities, including projects on Port Road and the Stornetta Flats.
Economic Development & Finance Corporation – Mayor Burkey reported that loan funds are nearly fully deployed and additional capital is being pursued to support continued lending activity.
California League of Cities – Mayor Burkey reported that at the recent California League of Cities Redwood Empire Division quarterly meeting held in Ukiah, members received a legislative update on state-level bills addressing issues such as housing, homelessness, and copper theft, as well as a presentation from Senator Mike McGuire on the state budget and its impacts, including concerns about funding instability for coastal health centers and potential reductions in health coverage statewide. Discussion highlighted the importance of supporting local providers such as RCMS and Coast Life Support District, including awareness of an upcoming bond measure to sustain emergency medical services. The meeting also covered Proposition 4 funding opportunities, including potential grants related to stream protection, coastal flood management, home hardening, defensible space, and neighborhood parks, though limited direct applicability was noted for local wastewater projects; staff indicated they will review guidance materials provided by Cal Cities to identify potential funding opportunities relevant to Point Arena.
Arena Cove Advisory Committee – The next meeting is scheduled for 5pm on April 14, 2026 at City Hall.
Parks Committee – no report.
V PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Public Comment Period) – A member of the public raised two items: first, a follow-up on the green waste project, noting they have not received a response after a prior inquiry and requesting an update on when green waste can be brought in for use; and second, concerns regarding electric scooters on sidewalks, stating that while the youth involved are not acting maliciously, the activity presents safety risks and may constitute a city nuisance, and suggesting that the City’s enforcement officer be made aware of existing ordinances.
Elizabeth Harrison extended holiday greetings and raised three items for consideration. She requested that the City resume town hall meetings, noting that the community would benefit from expanded opportunities for dialogue beyond standard public comment periods. She also reiterated a request for red curb painting, indicating it has been an ongoing concern. Lastly, she asked for an update on code enforcement activities, referencing recent cleanup efforts on Port Road and inquiring whether similar efforts are continuing.
Jennifer Smallwood expressed support for holding town hall meetings, noting they would provide an City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2026
opportunity for open dialogue among residents, property owners, and agencies to discuss community issues, including encampments and related safety concerns. The speaker emphasized the value of having all parties present to share information, clarify expectations, and work collaboratively toward community solutions.
VI CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
The City Manager thanked Council and the community for their participation and provided an update on City priorities. She noted the City is still recovering from near-bankruptcy and continues to operate with limited staff and resources, with a focus on maintaining fiscal stability, meeting required reporting obligations, paying insurance premiums, and supporting grant compliance. Major ongoing projects include the Windy Hollow project, sewer inflow and infiltration improvements, and implementation of a new accounting system requiring significant staff time.
She also highlighted the PLHA Home Repair Loan Program for eligible home improvements, and announced participation in the March 25 North Coast tsunami drill at 11:00 a.m., encouraging residents to sign up for emergency alerts. Upcoming events include Point Arena Cleanup Days on June 6–7 and a proposed citywide garage sale the prior weekend. The City Manager provided a brief update that the green waste program remains in development and efforts are ongoing to move it forward later in the year.
VII CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve Consent Calendar by Councilmember Koogle, Second by Vice Mayor Doyle. Motion passed unanimously with Councilmember Hansen absent.
VIII REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS – All items under this section are for discussion and possible action.
A) Professional Services Agreement with LT Municipal Consultants for Sewer Rate Study -- The City Manager introduced consideration of a professional services agreement with LT Municipal Consultants for preparation of a sewer rate study. Consultant Alison Lechowicz, Principal at LTMC, was present and provided an overview of her firm’s experience and proposed scope of work. Staff noted the City has not completed a sewer rate study since 2016, and that operating, maintenance, and capital costs have increased significantly since that time. The study is intended to develop a compliant and sustainable rate structure consistent with Propositions 218 and 26, including a financial plan, cost-of-service analysis, and a five-year rate adjustment plan. Staff also noted challenges in accessing water use data, which is not City-owned, and the need to transition from the current ESDbased billing methodology to a more accurate and equitable allocation method. The total cost of the study is $12,720, with $8,000 funded through an INI grant and the remainder temporarily funded by the General Fund pending potential reimbursement.
Ms. Lechowicz reviewed the proposed methodology, including use of industry standards and comparable agency data to estimate flows, validation through mass balance analysis, and