POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Burkey
Vice Mayor Dan Doyle
Councilmember Anna Dobbins
Councilmember Jim Koogle
Councilmember Jeff Hansen
MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 16, 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 Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
III PUBLIC HEARING
A) Proposition 218 Public Hearing and Adoption of Wastewater Service Rates for Fiscal Years 2026-27 Through 2030-31
Mayor Burkey announced the public hearing on the proposed adoption of wastewater service rates for Fiscal Years 2026/27 through 2030/31.
Utility Rate Consultant Allison Lechowicz presented the rate study, explaining that the sewer fund currently has a negative fund balance of approximately $66,000 and that rate increases are necessary to maintain operations, repay interfund obligations, and fund future capital improvements and equipment not covered by grant funding. She noted that sewer rates were last adjusted in 2021 and that the proposed single-family residential rate would increase from $69.12 to $91.85 per month. She also reported that the proposed rates remain comparable to neighboring agencies.
Ms. Lechowicz reviewed the Proposition 218 protest process, stating that 82 written protests would be required to prevent adoption of the proposed rates. At the time of the hearing, the City had received 15 protests, including returned notices. She also explained that the noticed rates represent the maximum allowable rates, and the Council may adopt lower rates in future years if appropriate.
The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:10 p.m.
Lauren Sinnott expressed support for the proposed rate increase, recognizing the challenges of maintaining the City's wastewater system and encouraging continued progress on related infrastructure projects.
Jim Soldani acknowledged the Council's difficult position, encouraged the City to continue pursuing grant funding to offset future costs, and urged the Council to keep future rate increases as low as possible.
There being no further comments, the public hearing was close at 6:15pm.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2026
Motion to adopt wastewater service rates for Fiscal Years 2026/27 through 2030/31 by Councilmember Hansen, Second by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
IV MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A) Mendocino County Sheriff Update – no report.
B) Point Arena Fire Safe Council – no report.
C) City-Related Meetings – no report
D) Council Committee and Commission Reports
1) Mendocino Transit Authority – Vice Mayor Doyle reported that the MCOG meeting primarily focused on budget development for the upcoming fiscal year. He noted concerns over declining federal grant funding and shared that MCOG Executive Director Jacob King reported a projected budget deficit.
2) Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) – no report. 3) Economic Development & Finance Corporation (EDFC) – no report. 4) California League of Cities – no report.
5) Arena Cove Advisory Committee – Vice Mayor Doyle reported on a recent meeting regarding the Rock Wall property and the proposed campground concept. He noted that development of a campground is not required to receive grant funding for the Pier Improvement Project. A community workshop is scheduled for July 10 to gather public input on future uses of the property. He added that, based on discussions with City Planner Marie Jones, pursuing a Coastal Development Permit for a campground would preserve the option for future consideration without obligating the City to construct one. He also reported that the City's new Pier Technician has been performing well, providing regular updates on launch schedules and supporting recreational boating operations following the close of the commercial salmon season.
6) Parks Committee – no report.
Mayor Burkey also recognized Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Paul Andersen for 10 years of dedicated service to the City of Point Arena and presented him with a commemorative gift on behalf of the City Council in appreciation of his commitment and contributions to the community.
V PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Public Comment Period)
Denise Green expressed concern about the loss of public access to the General Store parking lot, noting its importance for downtown businesses, community events, and visitors. She encouraged maintaining public access until the property is redeveloped and urged the Council to support the community's needs and well-being.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2026
VI CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Manager Haviland reported that she and Mayor Burkey recently attended a municipal finance training offered by the California League of Cities, which provided valuable information on local government finances. She announced that the downtown public restroom is currently closed during the week but will be opened on weekends during the tourist season while the City evaluates operations and addresses ongoing vandalism. She invited community feedback on ways to reduce vandalism. She also reported that staffing remains limited due to the temporary leave of the City's Chief Plant Operator, acknowledged Patrick Hillscan for covering additional duties, and commended Ed Christensen for his work at the Pier and assisting with streets and parks.
VII CONSENT CALENDAR
A) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026 B) Transaction Report – May 2026
C) Wastewater Report – April & May 2026
D) Department Reports – May 2026
E) Resolution No. 2026-08 Approving an Extension of Professional Services Agreement with Marie Jones Consulting
F) Lease Agreement with Coastal Seniors for Use of the Veterans Memorial Building Motion to approve consent calendar by Second by Vice Mayor Doyle, Second by Councilmember Hansen. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
VIII REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
A) Approval of Interim Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget Pending Adoption of Final Budget City Manager Haviland presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, providing an overview of the City's revenue sources, major expenditures, and financial outlook. She reported that the City's finances remain stable but noted ongoing challenges, including limited staffing, increasing operating costs, and the need to strengthen financial management. She highlighted plans to recruit an accountant, administrative support, and part-time public works assistance as funding allows. The presentation also reviewed enterprise fund challenges, including wastewater and pier operations, anticipated revenue from recent fee adjustments, and potential future revenue opportunities. The City Manager emphasized the importance of building financial reserves, adhering to the City's fee schedule, and completing major grantfunded infrastructure projects.
During Council discussion, members reviewed the costs of operating the City's recycling center, utility expenses for the wastewater and pier enterprises, and the need to maintain adequate revenues to support essential services. Staff noted that the recycling center currently operates City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2026
at an estimated annual deficit and may return to the Council for consideration of future operational changes.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-09 adopting the interim budget by Councilmember Dobbins, Second by Councilmember Hansen. Motion passed unanimously 5-0 Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-10 establishing annual GANN Limit by Councilmember Dobbins, Second by Councilmember Hasnsen. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
B) Introduction of Ordinance No. 247 Increasing Transit Occupancy Tax and Adoption of Resolutions Calling an Election, Requesting Election Services, and Directing Preparation of an Impartial Analysis
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Andersen presented Ordinance No. 247, which would place a measure before voters to increase the City's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12% to 14%, effective April 1, 2027, if approved by a majority of voters at the November 3, 2026 General Election. He explained that April 1 aligns with the beginning of a new TOT reporting quarter and noted the election is estimated to cost approximately $3,000, with the increase projected to generate approximately $35,000 annually in additional revenue.
During public comment, Tracy DuPont asked the Council to review how revenues from the previous TOT increase had been allocated, noting that funding for tourism promotion had been discussed when the prior measure was approved. Lauren Sinnott expressed support for the proposed increase, stating that the additional tax would have minimal impact on visitors while providing additional revenue for the City.
The City Attorney advised that Council Member Hansen should recuse himself from consideration of the ordinance due to his ownership of a lodging business. Council Member Hansen recused himself from discussion and voting.
Motion to introduce Ordinance No. 247 by Vice Mayor Doyle, Second by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed 4-0 with Councilmember Hansen recused.
Motion to adopt Resolution Nos. 2026-11, 2026-12, and 2026-13, calling the election, consolidating it with the Mendocino County General Election, and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis, by Vice Mayor Doyle, Second by Councilmember Dobbins.
Motion passed 4-0 with Councilmember Hansen recused.
-
IX ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 7:12 pm.
Approved at the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting.
________________________________ ________________________________ Barbara Burkey, Mayor Paul Andersen, City Clerk