POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Burkey
MEETING MINUTES
Vice Mayor Dan Doyle
Councilmember AnnaDobbins
Councilmember Jim Koogle
Councilmember Jeff Hansen
APRIL 21, 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
Present: Mayor Burkey, Vice Mayor Doyle, Councilmembers Dobbins, Koogle and Hansen.
Staff: City Manager Molly Haviland, City Attorney Scott Porter filling in for Baron Bettenhausen, City Planner Marie Jones, City Clerk Paul Andersen
II APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Staff requested addition of Item 9D, approval of a gangway and floating dock purchase agreement for the Arena Cove Pier project in an amount not to exceed $132,000, related to the Coastal Conservancy grant. City Attorney explained that state law allows addition of an item after agenda posting upon a four-fifths vote and findings that immediate action is needed and the need arose after posting. Staff noted bid information was received after the agenda had been posted and timely approval was necessary to keep the project moving.
Motion to add item 9D by item to the agenda by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Councilmember Hansen.
Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to approve agenda by Vice Mayor Doyle, Seconded by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
III MAYOR’S REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A) Mendocino County Sheriff Update - Deputy McNally reported that from March 1 through March 31 there were 46 calls for service within the City of Point Arena, including welfare checks, court order and restraining order violations, vandalism, trespassing, theft, suspicious circumstances, security checks, follow-up investigations, domestic disputes, civil complaints, citizen assists, and outside agency assists. In response to public questions, Deputy McNally clarified the statistics were for Point Arena only and noted that seasonal visitors and increased proactive patrols may affect activity levels. Lieutenant Lee added that Deputy McNally is now assigned nearly full-time to the South Coast area, including Point Arena and Manchester, which has improved local law enforcement coverage.
B) Point Arena Fire Safe Council - Jennifer Smallwood provided an update from the Point Arena Fire Safe Council.
She announced the next meeting will be held May 6 at 4:45 p.m. at the library, weekly radio check-ins continue Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on Point Arena repeater channel 13, and the next radio class will be held May 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the downtown park. Additional information will be provided at the upcoming meeting.
IV COUNCIL REPORTS
A) City-Related Meetings
B) Council Committee and Commission Reports
1) Mendocino Transit Authority - A report was provided regarding discussions about a potential project in Ukiah involving redevelopment of the courthouse site, which may include an MTA bus facility on the ground level with senior housing above. It was noted the project is still in early discussion stages. The Council was also informed that MTA will hold a 50th anniversary barbecue on July 12 at the Caspar Community Center, and that an in-person MTA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for June in Willits. 2) Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) – No report
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026
3) Economic Development & Finance Corporation (EDFC) – No report 4) California League of Cities – No report
5) Arena Cove Advisory Committee – City Planner Marie Jones provided on the status of the pier and campground grant projects, including permitting and engineering coordination with the California Coastal Commission. Several design concerns raised by the Coastal Commission regarding pier surfacing, fender piles, and pile refurbishment methods were resolved through discussions with engineers. Staff reported that wetland delineation for the campground project has been completed and the coastal development permit is expected to come before the Council in June. Final pier project designs and specifications have also been completed and submitted for final review, with the project remaining on schedule for completion by September.
6) Parks Committee – No report
V PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Public Comment Period)
Jeff Baldwin provided public comment opposing proposed sea otter translocation efforts in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. He cited concerns about impacts on sea urchin and abalone populations, referenced various conservation organizations’ positions, and urged continued restrictions on otter translocation to support recovery of recreational abalone diving and related coastal fisheries.
Elizabeth Harriosn requested code enforcement updates at meetings, similar to reports provided by the Point Arena Fire Safe Council. Staff noted this was previously discussed and will follow up. A request was also made regarding red curb painting.
Kevin Harrison requested an update on the City’s efforts to hire a Treasurer, as required by state law. He also asked about a reported unknown revenue entry in the transaction report, which staff noted would be addressed under the consent calendar and pulled for discussion. Kevin further requested that a balance sheet be reinstated with the transaction report to provide a clearer summary of the City’s financial status.
VI CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Manager Molly Haviland reported that the City is no longer at risk of bankruptcy and closed the prior fiscal year with positive revenue. She emphasized the continued need for careful financial management and rebuilding reserves, and noted ongoing staffing efforts to fill accounting, clerical, treasurer, and public works support positions. She acknowledged the impacts of prior budget reductions on staff workload and expressed appreciation for staff resilience.
She also provided updates on key projects, including the sewer rate study, Caltrans coordination, and implementation of new IT and accounting systems, noting ongoing challenges during transition. At the pier, a new technician is in training and efforts are underway to improve efficiency and recover costs through fee adjustments, training reimbursement strategies, and collection of overdue boat storage fees. She also noted the playground closure due to safety concerns and announced an April 30 ad hoc parks committee meeting to explore replacement options and funding.
VII CONSENT CALENDAR
A) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2026 B) Transaction Report – March 2026 – This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Kevin Harrison raised concerns regarding approximately $15,000 in unspent COPS funding, noting potential audit risk and asking whether the funds are properly tracked and segregated. Staff responded that COPS funds are fully expended over time, with no unused balance carried forward, and that expenditures are tracked through timesheets and monitored to ensure compliance and proper allocation, including support for law enforcement and code enforcement activities. The City Manager affirmed there is no surplus and that funds are appropriately accounted for.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026
C) Wastewater Report – March 2026
D) Department Reports – March 2026
Motion to approve Consent Calendar by Vice Mayor Doyle, Seconded by Councilmember Koogle. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
VIII PUBLIC HEARING
A) CDP #2026-01 – Caltrans Main Street/School Street Repaving & Sidewalk Replacement - The Caltrans Coastal Development Permit item was presented by City Planner Marie Jones, who outlined the scope of the project to repave Main Street, reconstruct sidewalks, upgrade ADA ramps, and improve intersections within multiple zoning districts. The project CEQA work was completed by Caltrans as lead agency, and Coastal Commission staff is recommending approval with conditions. Staff noted coordination over several years with Caltrans and referenced applicable general plan, Complete Streets policies, and regional safety plans guiding the review.
Staff summarized recommended special conditions addressing pedestrian and bicycle improvements, including Class III bike routes with shared roadway markings, sidewalk beveling for accessibility, maintaining existing sidewalk elevations where feasible, and retaining key pedestrian connections and crossings. Additional conditions address signage upgrades, intersection safety improvements, stormwater and environmental protections, and procedures for unanticipated cultural or biological resources.
Special attention was given to construction impacts, including requirements for a communication and phasing plan, limits on sidewalk disruption duration, coordination with local services, and provisions to maintain business and residential access during construction. Staff also raised the possibility of adding coordination with a future sewer project to avoid repeated excavation impacts.
Caltrans staff then presented the project, confirming it is a pavement preservation CAPM project with added sidewalk work, safety enhancements, and phased construction anticipated over two seasons. They noted funding constraints, design limitations under the CAPM program, and ongoing efforts to balance community requests with available scope.
Council and Caltrans discussed circulation constraints, turn-around limitations, traffic control during construction, sidewalk design constraints, tree protection measures, and stormwater considerations. Caltrans confirmed use of reversible traffic control, phased work areas, and arborist oversight where tree impacts may occur.
The public hearing was opened at xxx
Lena Bullamore expressed concern regarding previous Highway 1 striping work, describing the material as excessively thick and environmentally problematic as it deteriorated into roadways and gutters. Asked whether similar methods would be used again and requested clarification on prior testing and durability of the materials.
Lauren Sinnott spoke in support of the project and expressed approval of pedestrian safety improvements, including bulb-outs and crosswalk enhancements. Noted that parking in town is generally sufficient and suggested drivers can use nearby streets such as Mill Street or alternate turn-around locations. Also stated Caltrans has been responsive to her inquiries.
Tracy DuPont raised concerns about impacts to local businesses due to construction, particularly if the roadway project is followed shortly by wastewater improvements. Requested confirmation that an ADA-related sidewalk segment near Point Arena Gas would be removed from the plan to avoid safety issues with fuel deliveries and traffic circulation. Also requested review of a historic concrete fence at a residential property that could be affected by sidewalk demolition and urged coordination between utility and street projects.
Jennifer Smallwood supported traffic calming measures and suggested rumble strips near crosswalks, particularly near the library, to slow vehicle speeds. Referenced prior correspondence with Caltrans regarding the idea.
Jeff Gyving spoke in support of the project but reiterated concerns about the sidewalk extension toward City Hall, requesting clarification on project designation and timeline (EA reference noted as OL 270). Requested City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026
consideration of slip resistance on curb ramps due to wet-weather safety concerns. Emphasized need for coordination with sewer infrastructure projects to avoid repeated construction impacts.
Joel Chaban requested accommodations for an elderly tenant with mobility challenges during driveway and sidewalk construction. Asked how safe access would be maintained to nearby services such as the co-op during construction disruptions.
Phil Clark requested clarification on whether sidewalk removal would occur at or near his property and asked that impacts be minimized to preserve fencing and landscaping. Noted uncertainty regarding project boundaries and requested confirmation of limits of construction.
Kevin Harrison spoke in support of the project and raised questions regarding compliance with AB 413, including curb painting requirements (red curb zones and signage) at key intersections such as Mill Street, Port Road, and Riverside. Requested confirmation that regulatory signage and striping would be included in the project scope.
Paul Collins asked whether a statistical safety study had been conducted to justify sidewalk replacement.
Requested clarification on anticipated parking impacts during and after construction. Expressed concern that final impacts were not yet fully defined and requested further detail on design specifics.
Heather Stone raised concerns regarding stormwater drainage systems discharging into nearby waterways and potential impacts to fish-bearing streams. Requested review of existing drainage infrastructure and suggested coordination with environmental protections. Offered to meet with Caltrans staff for site review.
The public hearing was closed at 8:27pm.
The City Planner reported that all Caltrans-requested changes from the presentation were incorporated into the draft, with revisions shown in red under Item 2. Language was revised to make proposed Caltrans improvements advisory rather than mandatory, allowing further Council discussion.
She noted Special Condition 3 was updated to include curb repainting and required signage consistent with AB 413 requirements. Additional edits clarified phased construction impacts (approximately two to three storefronts at a time) and east-side sequencing.
The City Planner also advised that the project description was slightly revised after City Attorney review to remain consistent with noticing requirements, and she acknowledged minor mapping/numbering discrepancies between City and Caltrans plans.
Motion to continue the hearing until May 19, 2026 by Councilmember Hansen, Seconded by Vice Mayor Doyle.
Motion passed 4-1 with Councilmember Dobbins opposed.
IX REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
A) Sewer Rate Study Establishing Rate Schedule for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 to FY 2030-2031 – The City Manager reported on the City of Point Arena wastewater enterprise She noted the City currently serves approximately 155 parcels (about 105 residential and 50 non-residential customers) under a fixed charge per equivalent dwelling unit collected annually via the property tax roll. Sewer flows are not metered, and the last comprehensive rate study was completed in 2016, with the most recent rate increase in 2021. Staff further reported the enterprise fund is operating with a negative balance of approximately $66,000, which must be addressed to comply with municipal code requirements.
Allison Lechowicz of LT Municipal Consultants provided an overview of the rate study methodology and findings, explaining that the analysis evaluates both operating and capital needs, including infrastructure replacement, regulatory compliance, and repayment of interfund obligations. She noted current revenues of approximately $290,000 are insufficient to cover estimated annual expenses of roughly $360,000, resulting in a structural deficit. The study also incorporates allocations for capital improvement needs and presents multiple funding City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026
scenarios, including varying levels of grant reliance and cost recovery, as well as options to address the existing fund deficit over a five-year planning horizon.
She outlined several proposed rate options ranging from lower-increase scenarios that partially address the deficit to higher-increase options that fully fund operations, selected capital improvements, and begin rebuilding reserves. She emphasized compliance with Proposition 218 requirements, including the protest process, and noted that Council direction is requested to select a preferred rate option (or provide modifications), authorize initiation of the Proposition 218 process, and set a public hearing for June 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Council discussion followed regarding affordability, timing, and prioritization of capital projects.
Motion to continue meeting until 9:30pm by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Councilmember Hansen.
Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Council discussion followed regarding selection of a sewer rate option and related financial considerations for the wastewater enterprise fund.
Staff responded to a question regarding infrastructure financing, explaining that under Option 3, approximately 50% of capital improvements are assumed to be cash-funded, and those funds could instead be redirected to debt service if an infrastructure loan were pursued. Staff noted that under Options 1 and 2, additional rate increases would likely be required to support debt repayment. Public comment was received expressing concerns about affordability, fairness of usage-based billing, and questions regarding system efficiency and comparisons to other jurisdictions.
Following discussion, Council expressed support for Option 2 as the preferred rate structure to address operating deficits while limiting immediate rate impacts.
Motion to adopt Option 2 by Councilmember Hansen, seconded by Council Member Dobbins. Motion carried unanimously 5-0
Motion to authorize staff and LT Municipal Consultants to proceed with the Proposition 218 public hearing process by Councilmember Koogle, Seconded by Council Member Dobbins, motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to approve the Proposition 218 public hearing date of June 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Councilmember Koogle. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
B) Approval of Funding Request from the California Transportation Commission for Funding of the Windy Hollow Road Project – Assistant City Manager Paul Andersen reported that the proposed resolution is required to submit a funding application to the California Transportation Commission for the Windy Hollow Road Project. Approval would authorize submission of the application and allow the City to proceed with securing funding for the project.
Staff noted this is a routine annual action tied to the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
Andersen provided an update on the Capital Improvement Program, noting Windy Hollow Road has been delayed for several years but remains a priority project. Other referenced projects include the Port Road rehabilitation and intersection safety improvements at Main Street and Iverson Street. Staff noted the original 2022 estimate for Windy Hollow Road was approximately $750,000; however, current engineering estimates place the project cost at approximately $1.1 million, including planning and engineering. Funding sources are anticipated to total approximately $1.2 million, including $800,000 from the Local Partnership Program, $360,000 from MCOG, $40,000 from RMRA funds, and a potential additional $100,000 in MCOG funding in the upcoming fiscal year.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-05 by Councilmember Koogle, Seconded by Vice Mayor Doyle. Motion passed unanimously.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026
C) Consideration of a Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) Rate Increase and Direction Regarding Placement of a Measure on the November 2026 Ballot – Councilmember Hansen disclosed a conflict of interest due to ownership interest in a lodging business located at 160 Main Street and recused himself from participation in the item.
Staff presented a proposal for Council consideration of a potential increase to the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate and direction on whether to place the measure on the November 2026 general election ballot. Staff reported the City currently collects a 12% TOT on lodging stays of 30 days or less, with an additional 1% remitted to Mendocino County, for a combined 13% rate paid by visitors. For Fiscal Year 2024–25, TOT revenue was approximately $215,000. Staff outlined estimated revenue impacts of potential increases: approximately $18,000 annually for a 1% increase (totaling about $233,000) and approximately $36,000 annually for a 2% increase (totaling about $251,000). Staff clarified corrected revenue figures during the presentation and noted updated tables were provided to Council.
Staff explained that TOT increases require voter approval and would be placed on the next available general election ballot in November 2026 if directed by Council. The estimated cost of placing the measure on the ballot is approximately $3,000. Council discussion followed regarding fiscal needs, comparability with neighboring jurisdictions, and the impact on lodging affordability and competitiveness. Public comment included both support for increasing TOT to fund City services and concerns regarding fairness, enforcement of current TOT collection, and broader fiscal management.
Motion to approve a 2% increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax and direct staff to proceed with preparation of the necessary ordinance and ballot language for placement on the November 2026 general election ballot by Councilmember Koogle, Seconded by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
D) Approval of Proposal for New Gangway & Floating Dock - Staff reported that the City has received California Coastal Conservancy grant funding for the Arena Cove Pier rehabilitation project, which includes replacement of the gangway and installation of a floating dock. Paul Topper / Topper Marine Infrastructure was identified as the qualified vendor, and the Arena Cove Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval of the proposal dated April 14, 2026.
The total not-to-exceed cost is $132,000, including materials, labor, freight, taxes, and contingency, with payment terms of 30% deposit, 50% upon submittal approval, and 20% upon delivery within an estimated seven-month timeline. Staff noted the project is fully grant-funded and will not impact the General Fund.
Motion to approve proposal by Vice Mayor Doyle, Seconded by Councilmember Koogle. Motion passed unanimously 5-0
X ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 9:32 pm.
Approved at the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting.
Barbara Burkey, Mayor Paul Andersen, City Clerk