POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Burkey
Vice Mayor Dan Doyle
Councilmember Anna Dobbins
Councilmember Jim Koogle
Councilmember Jeff Hansen
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 21, 2026 6:00 PM
CITY HALL, 451 SCHOOL ST.
& VIA TELECONFERENCE
https://zoom.us/s/84888251095
REGULAR SESSION – 6:00 P.M.
I CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers present. Councilmember Hansen participated remotely due to medical issues.
II APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion to approve agenda by Councilmember Koogle, Second by Vice Mayor Doyle.
Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
III MAYOR’S REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A) Mendocino County Sheriff Update - Lieutenant Lee reported 39 incidents/calls for service in the Point Arena area since the previous report, including investigations, security checks, trespassing, harassment, thefts, welfare checks, traffic stops, and other calls. He noted that overall activity was relatively low and that reported call types are based on information initially received by dispatch and may differ from what deputies ultimately find on scene.
Lieutenant Lee also discussed Sheriff’s Office coverage of recent special events, noting that staffing was increased based on attendance in previous years. The events were relatively quiet, allowing deputies brought in from the Ukiah and Willits areas to be released as activity declined.
Kevin Harrison requested increased Sheriff’s presence in Point Arena, including more interaction with residents. He noted the City’s approximately $100,000 annual contribution and expressed concern that the current level of service does not reflect that investment.
Lieutenant Lee agreed that increased community presence and interaction are important. He noted that current staffing shortages have limited those efforts but said several new deputies are expected soon, which should allow the Sheriff’s Office to devote more time to visible community policing in Point Arena and other coastal communities.
Point Arena Fire Safe Council – Jennifer Smallwood reported that grant-funded weedpulling tools and reflective house numbers are available to residents. The group is also seeking licensed local chipper contractors to assist with fuel-reduction projects on the coast.
Point Arena has officially received Firewise USA recognition, and residents were encouraged to contact their insurance providers regarding potential benefits. Upcoming activities include neighborhood fuel-reduction efforts, ham radio study sessions, weekly GMRS radio checkins, and continued work on Zone Zero and other Firewise requirements.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
IV COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
A) City-Related Meetings – Mayor Burkey Staff reported plans to attend a Coastal Commission “Coastal Act 101” informational webinar and an upcoming town hall with Assemblymember Chris Rogers in Gualala, where potential funding opportunities will be discussed.
B) Council Committee and Commission Reports
1) Mendocino Transit Authority - MTA continues to work through budget shortfalls as part of its year-end budget process. MTA also celebrated its 50th anniversary in July, including recognition of a longtime driver for 45 years of service. Electric buses were showcased at the event; however, their current range is insufficient to provide service to Point Arena. 2) Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) – No meeting in July. 3) Economic Development & Finance Corporation (EDFC) – Mayor Burkey reported that the EDFC Executive Committee met and reported that funding remains available for business loans.
4) California League of Cities – Mayor Burkey reported that the next quarterly League of California Cities meeting will be held in August in Arcata. 5) Arena Cove Advisory Committee – did not meet.
6) Parks Committee – did not meet.
V PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Public Comment Period)
Kevin Harrison commented on the importance of shared values, formal laws, and informal social norms in shaping the culture of communities and government. He expressed concern that the current federal administration has disregarded established laws and norms, stating that such actions can contribute to a breakdown in the rule of law and affect expectations for conduct at all levels of government.
Jennifer Smallwood commented on the need for a more compassionate and community-based approach to people experiencing homelessness or living in vehicles or temporary shelter. She encouraged greater communication and cooperation within the community to address these issues rather than relying primarily on law enforcement or short-term assistance.
VI CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Manager Molly Haviland marked her one-year anniversary with the City and provided updates on several ongoing activities. The annual City audit is underway, the RFP for accounting services is nearing completion, and staff continues implementation of the new Black Mountain accounting system. She reported that the City remains financially stable and has recovered approximately $19,000 in past-due planning and boat storage fees.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
Additional updates included an upcoming HazMobile event at Arena Cove, installation of new Prop 68-funded trash receptacles, a $5,000 PG&E grant for playground replacement, and a $6,300 cybersecurity grant. Recruitment for a clerical assistant is underway. Brad Nierman has also been retained as interim Chief Plant Operator to provide wastewater treatment plant coverage during the current operator’s leave.
VII CONSENT CALENDAR
A) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2026 B) Transaction Report – June 2026
C) Wastewater Report – June 2026
D) Department Reports – June 2026
E) Resolution 2026-15 Memorandum of Understanding with Revival Community Church for Management and Operation of the Point Arena Community Garden Item VII E was tabled.
Motion to approve consent calendar by Vice Mayor Doyle, Seconded by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
VIII PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) Coastal Development Permit #2026-04 – Wastewater Treatment and Sewer Line Upgrades
City Planner Marie Jones presented the Coastal Development Permit for improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment and collection system. The project includes replacement of the plant’s electrical and control systems, installation of a permanent standby generator and automated headworks screening system, and replacement of more than one mile of sewer mains and associated laterals along Port Road, Emerson Avenue, Main Street, and School Street. The improvements are intended to replace aging infrastructure and reduce infiltration and inflow into the wastewater system.
Although primarily a repair and maintenance project, a Coastal Development Permit is required due to the project’s proximity to Arena Creek and sensitive environmental resources. Biological studies identified wetlands and other sensitive habitat near the project area. The project has been designed to avoid those resources, including relocating the proposed generator farther from Arena Creek and the Shining Willow Grove. A special condition also requires propane rather than diesel fuel for the standby generator to reduce potential environmental impacts in the event of flooding.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
Jones reported that the project is consistent with applicable zoning and Coastal Act requirements and is not expected to adversely affect traffic, parking, public access, visual resources, or sensitive habitat. Special conditions are included to protect wetlands and biological resources and address any unanticipated discovery of cultural resources during construction.
The public hearing was opened at 6:48pm.
Lauren Sinnott, 310 Main Street, asked how the sewer improvements would affect her property, including lateral connections and gravity flow. Stacy Lynch of Ben Engineering explained that individual laterals connect to the sewer main and confirmed that Ms. Sinnott’s property is served by a gravity-flow system that would be maintained with the proposed improvements.
Tom White, 760 Bluff Top Road, expressed support for the project but asked whether the approximately 40-year-old pipeline between the wastewater treatment plant and evaporation ponds had been evaluated for replacement. He expressed concern that failure of the line could damage Bluff Top Road and asked whether its location and condition had been determined. The project engineer stated that the line is outside the current project scope but agreed to discuss the issue with City staff and investigate further.
Jennifer Smallwood, 135 Port Road, asked for clarification regarding the extent of sewer main and lateral replacement proposed along Port Road. Staff clarified that the existing Port Road main would be replaced but would not extend through to Main Street, and that at least two laterals are shown for replacement. Ms. Smallwood also expressed concern that a portion of the existing road and sewer line may be located on her private property without a City right-of-way and asked how this would be addressed before replacement work occurs. Staff noted that the property boundaries were not shown on the project map and advised that the property-rights issue is a legal matter that would need to be addressed separately from the Coastal Development Permit.
Lauren Sinnott, 310 Main Street, asked how affected property owners could participate in the design process, particularly regarding the location of new sewer laterals and potential impacts to yards and driveways. Staff encouraged property owners to communicate their concerns and preferred lateral locations as the design progresses. Stacy Lynch of Ben Engineering stated that the project is still early in the design process and that the City and engineer would work directly with affected property owners to determine appropriate locations for the new laterals before the design is finalized.
The public hearing was closed at 7:10pm.
Motion to adopt CDP 2026-04 by Vice Mayor Doyle, Seconded by Councilmember Koogle.
Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
B) Coastal Development Permit #2026-01 – CalTrans Main Street/School Street Repaving & Sidewalk Replacement (Continued from May 19, 2026 City Council Meeting) City Planner Marie Jones reported that the primary outstanding issue was coordination of the Caltrans project with the City’s future sewer replacement project. Because sewer construction funding cannot be pursued until final design is complete and may not be available until 2028 or later, the City and Caltrans recommended proceeding with the Caltrans project rather than risking the loss of available funding. Caltrans construction is anticipated to begin as early as 2027 and continue through 2028, potentially into 2029. The existing condition requiring coordination with the sewer project “to the degree feasible” was recommended to remain.
Council discussed treatment of the high curbs and sidewalks along Main Street. City Planner Jones explained that sidewalks would be beveled where feasible while maintaining existing storefront elevations. Council also discussed ways to minimize future damage to the new sidewalks when sewer laterals are installed. Caltrans indicated that interlocking pavers would not be acceptable but agreed that strategically located control joints could allow individual sidewalk panels to be removed and replaced with less impact. A new special condition was added requiring coordination between Caltrans and the City’s engineer to locate control joints based on planned sewer lateral locations.
City Planner Jones noted that the final Coastal Development Permit would incorporate the conditions and revisions made during the hearing and would be provided to Caltrans and submitted to the Coastal Commission following City action.
The public hearing was opened at 7:26pm.
Lauren Sinnott, 310 Main Street, spoke in strong support of the project and encouraged Council approval. She expressed support for the proposed coordination between the Caltrans and sewer projects and noted that Caltrans’ plans to complete sidewalk work in sections would help limit the duration of impacts to individual businesses.
The public hearing was closed at 7:29pm.
Vice Mayor Doyle expressed concern about proposed bulb-outs, particularly one near the Post Office, which he said could reduce parking and vehicular access. While he was not in favor of the bulb-outs, he stated that he would not hold up the overall project because of them. City Planner Marie Jones clarified that any future changes within the Caltrans right-of-way would require Caltrans approval and an encroachment permit.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
Councilmember Hansen reiterated his opposition to proceeding with the Caltrans and sewer projects separately, expressing concern that two periods of construction would unnecessarily impact downtown businesses and their customers. He stated that construction on Main Street is likely to present unforeseen challenges and believed greater effort should be made to coordinate the two projects to minimize disruption to local businesses and residents.
Councilmember Dobbins expressed support for proceeding with the Caltrans project, citing the risk that delaying the project could jeopardize funding for needed highway and sidewalk improvements. She noted that the improvements would benefit residents, businesses, and visitors and suggested that the City explore opportunities to expedite funding for the sewer project rather than delay the Caltrans work.
Mayor Barbara Burkey expressed support for the project, noting that the City’s sidewalks are unsafe and improvements are needed. She favored a phased construction approach, beginning outside the downtown core and moving inward, which could provide additional time to secure sewer project funding. She also supported the proposed control joints to minimize future sidewalk removal and acknowledged that construction would impact downtown businesses but believed the long-term safety and accessibility improvements justified proceeding.
Caltrans Project Manager Tony Symanovich acknowledged concerns about impacts from the Caltrans and sewer projects but stated that combining the projects would not necessarily reduce those impacts significantly, since both sewer and sidewalk work must still be completed. He stated that Caltrans would coordinate construction with the City and individual businesses to minimize disruptions where possible. He also emphasized the importance of proceeding within the current funding timeline, noting that future funding for the sidewalk improvements is uncertain.
Mr. Symanovich and City Planner Marie Jones reviewed several special conditions, including construction sequencing and timing, future project requests, and correction of a reference to a “high visibility sidewalk” to “high visibility pedestrian crosswalk.” Caltrans also requested removal of a condition regarding preservation of historic date stamps in existing sidewalks; City Planner Jones recommended retaining the requirement where such stamps are present.
Motion to approve CDP #2026-01 by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Councilmember Koogle. Motion passed 4-1 with Councilmember Hansen opposed.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
C) Coastal Development Permit 2025-04 and Use Permit 2025-01 – Arena Cove Campground City Planner Marie Jones presented the proposed Arena Cove project, which includes a seasonal May-through-October, 10-site low-cost campground at the Rockwall property with three future tiny homes, an RV camp host site, and six campsites. Other improvements include replacement of the existing restroom with an elevated restroom and shower facility; replacement and expansion of the Green Shed; relocation of the standby generator and propane tank; new signage, fencing, landscaping, and pedestrian improvements; and legalization of off-season boat storage.
Jones explained that a Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared and comments from state and federal agencies were incorporated into the proposed conditions. Environmental protections include an on-site campground host, restrictions on pets, generators and amplified sound, habitat protection measures, native landscaping, and protections for the Point Arena Mountain Beaver and other sensitive resources. She reported that the project, as conditioned, is consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program and supports coastal recreation, low-cost visitor accommodations, and coastaldependent uses. Two well-attended community meetings were held, with wildfire remaining the primary outstanding community concern.
She emphasized that approval of the Coastal Development Permit and Use Permit would authorize the project but would not obligate the City to construct or operate the campground. The Coastal Conservancy currently has funding available for most project components, estimated at more than $1 million, but not the tiny homes, allowing the City to potentially begin with campsites and add tiny homes later. Council also discussed future tiny-home storage, historic equipment on the property, generator placement, and pedestrian improvements along the Rockwall property.
The public hearing was opened at 8:32pm.
Phil Clark, 125 Main Street, expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns that the proposed campground and landscaping would reduce space currently used as a dog park and limit parking available for annual events. He also questioned where campground visitors would park given existing parking limitations in town and stated that he did not believe the project was necessary.
Lauren Sinnott, 310 Main Street, expressed support for the project, noting that the campground would provide a lower-cost lodging option for visitors and could bring additional business to the community. She stated that other areas are available for walking dogs and encouraged the Council to move forward with the project.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
Denise Green expressed opposition to the campground, citing concerns about costs, management, and the loss of space for boat storage and event parking. She emphasized the importance of City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
maintaining recycling services and also requested clarification on whether campground approval was necessary to preserve funding for the pier project.
Richey Wasserman, Port Road, expressed strong support for the campground, noting that the property has long been considered for this type of use. He stated that the campground would provide an affordable option for visitors, particularly bicyclists traveling through the area, and could generate revenue for the City. He also supported relocating the recycling area regardless of whether the campground proceeds.
Jeff Gyving, School Street, expressed mixed feelings about the campground, recognizing the benefit of providing low-cost visitor accommodations. His primary concern was preserving the City’s recycling program, and he requested that the recycling center not be removed until a firm commitment is made to relocate it elsewhere in Point Arena.
Kevin Harrison requested clarification on whether funding for the pier project is contingent upon approval of the campground permit. He also asked whether the proposed restriction on amplified sound would apply to community events such as the Fish Festival or Fourth of July activities. He additionally raised concerns about potential future offshore oil development near Point Arena.
Jennifer Smallwood expressed support for the campground, particularly beginning with tent camping before adding tiny homes. She recommended limiting landscaping along Port Road to maintain visibility into the campground for safety and discourage unauthorized camping or other activity during the off-season.
The public hearing was closed at 8:50pm.
City Planner Marie Jones clarified that the Coastal Conservancy would not deny funding for the pier project if the campground does not proceed, although completion of the campground could be viewed favorably. She emphasized that the Council was considering whether to permit the campground, not whether to construct it, which would require a future decision. She also stated that the recycling center would not be relocated until an alternative location is identified and suggested adding a gate for off-season security. Jones explained that the amplified-sound restriction is intended for campground operations and would not prohibit occasional community events such as fireworks.
Councilmember Dobbins clarified that the area is not an established dog park and expressed concern about off-leash dogs potentially disturbing the Point Arena Mountain Beaver and other visitors. The speaker supported requiring dogs to remain leashed in public areas.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – July 21, 2026
Mayor Barbara Burkey supported relocating the recycling center and requested that drainage from the boat wash station be redirected away from Arena Creek and into the bioretention area. She also supported propane fire rings rather than wood fires and an automatic irrigation system for new landscaping. Mayor Burkey stated that she could support approval of the CDP while remaining concerned about adding another major project to staff’s workload. City Planner Marie Jones noted that the CDP could be vested through implementation of one permitted improvement, allowing the remaining project to proceed at a later date.
Mayor Barbara Burkey noted that parking at the Rockwall property is already managed during major events, with attendants controlling where vehicles are parked. She believed event parking could continue to be accommodated with the proposed landscaping.
Motion to extend meeting for 15 minutes by Vice Mayor Doyle, Second by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-15 by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Vice Mayor Doyle. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-16 by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Vice Mayor Doyle. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
IX ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned at 9:06pm.
Dated: September 15, 2026