POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Burkey
Vice Mayor Dan Doyle
Councilmember Anna Dobbins
Councilmember Jim Koogle
Councilmember Jeff Hansen
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 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 Hansen.
Motion passed 4-0.
III MAYOR’S REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A) Mendocino County Sheriff Update -- For April 2026, the Sheriff's Department responded to 103 calls for service within the patrol area, including 37 in Point Arena.
Incidents included vehicle theft, vandalism, trespassing, disturbances, DUI investigations, and other routine law enforcement activities. Lieutenant Lee attended via Zoom, provided an update on efforts to address a transient-related issue within the city, and stated his intention to attend Council meetings in person every other month when possible. The Council thanked Sheriff's Department staff for their continued service to the community.
B) Point Arena Fire Safe Council -- Jennifer Smallwood provided a Fire Safe/Firewise update, announcing an upcoming GMRS radio class and a ham radio study group beginning in July. She reported that Point Arena has achieved Firewise community status, highlighted the success of a recent community outreach event, and noted that grant funding has been secured to support Firewise implementation and vegetation management efforts. Councilmembers thanked Smallwood for her continued leadership in wildfire preparedness and community education.
IV COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
A) City-Related Meetings – Mayor Burkey stated the City participated in a Cultural Awareness Training at City Hall on June 4, 2026, in collaboration with Connect Tribal Native Wellness. The all-day training focused on fostering respect, healing, and meaningful engagement with Native communities through trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. Participants learned about the historical experiences of local tribal communities and explored ways to strengthen relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Appreciation was expressed to Nicole Ponsler, Bernadette Smith, and the Connect Tribal leadership team for providing this valuable opportunity to support ongoing collaboration and positive partnerships with local tribal communities. The Mayor also reminded Council Members of the requirements of SB 827, which mandates that all elected and appointed officials complete a minimum of two hours of fiscal and financial training.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2026
B) Council Committee and Commission Reports
1) Mendocino Transit Authority – Vice Mayor Doyle reported that the board discussed transit service changes, including connections to the SMART train via Route 95, a proposed grant-funded transit hub and senior housing project near the new courthouse, and ongoing budget challenges related to uncertainty in federal funding.
2) Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) – no report. 3) Economic Development & Finance Corporation (EDFC) – no report. 4) California League of Cities -- The next Redwood Division meeting of the California League of Cities is scheduled for Friday May in Fort Bragg. 5) Arena Cove Advisory Committee – no report.
6) Parks Committee – The committee reviewed and refined survey questions for children, teachers, and potentially older youth as part of the playground planning process. Discussion focused on gathering input from younger children, as the existing playground primarily serves that age group, while also exploring options and needs for older children in future planning efforts.
V PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Public Comment Period)
Jennifer Smallwood announced the upcoming community potluck scheduled for June 1 at 135 Port Road and invited residents to participate. She also commented on the City's complaintbased code enforcement process and suggested consideration of a hybrid approach that would allow staff to proactively address visible code violations. Additionally, questions were raised regarding the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting and its relationship to the City's sewer project. Staff explained that LAFCO is currently conducting its periodic Municipal Service Review, which evaluates City services, including basic information about the sewer system, and that the review is not directly related to the sewer project itself.
VI CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Manager Molly Haviland reminded Council Members to confirm attendance for the required SB 827 fiscal training and informed the public that two City Council seats will be on the November ballot, with candidate filing open from July 13 through August 7. Staff reported that Requests for Proposals for accounting, treasurer, and administrative assistant services are being finalized and are expected to be released by the end of the month. An update was provided on the June 6 Community Cleanup Day, including volunteer opportunities, accepted materials, and e-waste recycling. Staff also reported ongoing training on the City's new accounting software and noted that budget and transaction reports will be presented at the next meeting following completion of data reconciliation City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2026
efforts. Additional budget training is scheduled in preparation for the City's mid-June audit.
The City Manager also encouraged businesses operating within City limits to obtain a City business license and noted that additional information regarding the green waste program will be provided at a future meeting.
VII CONSENT CALENDAR
A) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2026 B) Transaction Report – April 2026 (not included)
C) Department Reports – April 2026
D) Resolution 2026-06 Requesting CalTrans Encroachment Permit for Independence Parade on July 5, 2026
Motion to approve consent calendar by Councilmember Hansen, Second by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
VIII PUBLIC HEARING
A) CDP #2026-01 – CalTrans Main Street/School Street Repaving & Sidewalk Replacement (Continued from April 21, 2026 City Council Meeting) -- City Planner Marie Jones presented revisions to the permit conditions based on comments received at the previous hearing, public input, and discussions with Caltrans representatives. The revisions addressed construction timing, coordination with the City's planned sewer replacement project, business access during construction, sidewalk repairs, signage and striping, and drainage improvements.
Caltrans representatives explained that the project remains dependent on state funding and that delays could jeopardize the availability of funding and existing right-of-way easements. While Caltrans expressed a willingness to coordinate with the City's future sewer replacement project, representatives noted that project schedules, funding cycles, and easement deadlines limit their ability to commit to a specific construction year. Caltrans also requested modifications to several permit conditions to provide greater flexibility during construction while maintaining access to downtown businesses.
During public comment, several residents spoke on the project. Comments included support for moving forward with the ADA improvements, concerns regarding potential conflicts with future sewer and water infrastructure projects, questions about construction impacts on downtown businesses, and concerns about potential impacts to private property and sewer connections. Caltrans responded that any damage caused by construction activities would be addressed through established state procedures and emphasized that the project is intended to improve accessibility while minimizing disruptions.
Council discussion focused on the importance of coordinating the sidewalk project with future sewer and water infrastructure improvements to avoid repeated excavation of City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2026
Main Street and reduce impacts on businesses and residents. After discussion, a motion to approve the Coastal Development Permit with the proposed revisions failed for lack of a second.
Motion to continue the public hearing until July 21, 2026, to allow additional information and coordination regarding the City's sewer replacement project before taking final action by Vice Mayor Doyle, Second by Councilmember Hansen. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
IX REPORTS & ACTION ITEMS
A) Resolution 2026-07 Accepting Donation from Good Buy Clothes for the Fisherman’s Playground Replacement Project -- The City Manager presented a donation acknowledgment from Goodbye Clothes for a $1,000 contribution toward the City's playground replacement project. Staff recommended that the Council formally accept the donation, express its appreciation to the donor, and authorize the creation of a dedicated account to receive and track playground replacement project funds.
Motion to approve Resolution 2026-07 by Vice Mayor Doyle and Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
X ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 7:23pm.
Approved at the June 16, 2026 City Council meeting.