POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Burkey
Vice Mayor Dan Doyle
Councilmember Anna Dobbins
Councilmember Jim Koogle
Councilmember Jeff Hansen
MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 15, 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 Dobbins arrived at 6:05pm
II APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The City Manager noted that Item VII.B, Transaction Reports, includes the June and July reports; the August report will be included on the October agenda. Item VIII.A, Mendocino County Hazard Mitigation Plan, was rescheduled to October to allow for participation by the Mendocino County Office of Emergency Services (OES).
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 – Trespassing, Unlawful Camping, and Use of Letter of Agency
The City Manager provided background regarding the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office guidance on trespassing and unlawful camping on public and private property. Residents were encouraged to report incidents to the Sheriff’s Office through 911 for emergencies or dispatch for non-emergency matters so incidents are documented. The City Manager also noted that code enforcement is complaint-driven and that residents may submit complaints to City Hall, including anonymously. Sergeant Juntz explained that, for private property, the property owner or authorized agent generally must initiate the trespassing complaint and provide authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to take enforcement action.
Sergeant Juntz explained that deputies generally warn individuals to leave when trespassing is reported and may arrest individuals who refuse to leave or return after being warned. He also clarified that CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) records document calls for service and can be used to verify reported incidents, although the location of an incident may depend on the information provided to dispatch. The discussion also covered measures such as fencing, posting signs, and clearing vegetation as deterrents to trespassing, and the City Manager stated that the City would post the complaint form and related materials online. Sergeant Jentz agreed to clarify whether a letter of agency is required for the Sheriff’s Office to access and enforce trespassing violations on City property.
B) Point Arena Fire Safe Council
Jennifer Smallwood provided an update for National Preparedness Month, reminding residents to report volunteer hours, materials moved, and related expenses to maintain the City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – September 15, 2026
community’s Firewise status and noting that Firewise residents may be eligible for insurance discounts. The Council also reported on a recent El Niño preparedness meeting held at the library, which focused on preparing for potential winter flooding, including clearing ditches and gutters, maintaining drainage on dirt roads, and protecting homes from water intrusion. Residents were encouraged to sign up for County emergency alerts and consider flood insurance, particularly because damage from rising water and sewage backup may not be covered by standard homeowners insurance. The Council also highlighted the Halter Project as a resource for animal preparedness. A combined GRMS and ham radio class is scheduled for October 7 at the Grange, and the South Coast Communities Active in Disasters group is being organized to coordinate local government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and other organizations in disaster response and recovery.
IV COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
A) City-Related Meetings
B) Council Committee and Commission Reports
1) Mendocino Transit Authority – did not meet.
2) Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) – Councilmember Hansen reported that Caltrans recently presented three options for addressing flooding on Stornetta Flats and will begin a study next year. The options include constructing a raised viaduct from the north side of the bridge toward the high point beyond the slough, constructing a new road adjacent to the existing roadway and vacating the current road once completed, or rerouting traffic down Windy Hollow Road, across the river to the casino, and west along the ridge to the high point beyond the slough. Jeff also reported that he had spoken with representatives from Caltrans and MCOG regarding potential safety funding for flashing lights and other improvements at the crosswalk near the library. 3) Economic Development & Finance Corporation (EDFC) – Mayor Burkey reported that nearly all available loan funds have been committed. The organization is seeking to replenish its reserves through a CDBG grant, which would allow it to resume providing financing to individuals seeking to start or expand businesses. 4) California League of Cities – Mayor Burkey reported attending a recent meeting of the Redwood Empire Division in Arcata, where the City of Eureka presented information on its trail system connecting Arcata and Eureka. She noted that the presentation highlighted the economic benefits of providing safe and accessible recreational trails, including increased economic activity for local communities. She also noted that the trail system has transformed the two communities and has been supported by significant grant funding and investment, with plans for further expansion in the coming years
5) Arena Cove Advisory Committee – did not meet.
City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – September 15, 2026
6) Parks Committee – no meeting.
Mayor Burkey also reported that she secured an alternate seat on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) representing the City of Point Arena. She will attend the upcoming CALAFCO conference to learn more about LAFCo and how to effectively represent the City. She explained that LAFCo oversees special districts and reviews their operations and effectiveness in fulfilling their missions.
V PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (Public Comment Period)
Jennifer Smallwood, 135 Main St. commented on a recent code enforcement case involving trees planted in the right-of-way and encouraged the City to consider similar cooperative approaches in other code enforcement matters, particularly when property owners may need assistance addressing violations.
Sandra Regan, owner of Poppy Girl Patisserie, praised the Point Arena Farmers Market at the Cove and shared information about Goodbuy Clothes, which provides monthly donations to local nonprofit organizations. She also highlighted the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s free food distribution, held every other Wednesday at the casino from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Paul Collins, 265 Main Street, raised concerns regarding an incident involving a fiber line and water main that resulted in the closure of his business. He questioned the communication and utility-marking issues that led to the incident and expressed concern about potential impacts on local businesses when Caltrans begins work on Main Street next year.
Elise Hopps, 150 Main Street, requested that the Main Street sidewalk project be placed on the agenda for each Council meeting throughout the planning and construction process. She asked that updates include the project schedule, construction phases, traffic and pedestrian access, parking, business access and visibility, anticipated disruptions, changes to the plans, and other issues affecting Main Street businesses.
VI CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
The City Manager thanked Council and the community and reported that Linda Lawson has joined the City as a clerical assistant, allowing staff to focus on larger projects. The City received approximately 13 proposals for municipal accounting services, which will be reviewed this week.
Staff is addressing approximately $23,000 in theft and damage at the wastewater treatment plant and coordinating with the Sheriff’s Department regarding the incident. The middle-mile broadband project on Main Street resumed after a stop-work order related to inadequate public notice, with continued City monitoring.
The FY 2024-25 audit is complete and awaiting final reports. The City is preparing for the FY 2025-26 audit following selection of an accountant. New downtown trash cans have been installed, with additional cans planned for Arena Cove. The CalRecycle composting grant is City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – September 15, 2026
nearing completion, with final reporting underway. Information on paid compost and green waste pickup will be posted on the City’s website.
VII CONSENT CALENDAR
A) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of July 21, 2026 B) Transaction Report – July & August 2026 (modified to June & July 2026) C) Wastewater Report – June & July 2026
D) Department Reports – August 2026
E) Resolution 2026-17 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Caltrans Transportation Funding Agreements
F) Resolution 2026-18 Amendment to Task Order No. 1 with Lumos & Associates for Additional Engineering Services for the Windy Hollow Road Rehabilitation Project G) Reallocation of Proposition 68 Funds for Fisherman’s Playground Replacement Project
Motion to approve consent calendar by Councilmember Hansen, Seconded by Councilmember Dobbins. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
VIII REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
A) Adoption of the 2026 Mendocino County Hazard Mitigation Plan and City of Point Arena Planning Partner Index
The item was postponed until the October 20, 2026 City Council meeting.
B) Proposed Parking Modification – Port Road at Main Street Assistant City Manager Paul Andersen presented a proposal to address longstanding visibility concerns at the Port Road and Main Street intersection by establishing a 10- to 15-foot red curb/no-parking area on Main Street. The proposal was consistent with the City’s 2022 Local Road Safety Plan and Coastal General Plan and had been reviewed and approved by Caltrans. Staff noted that the restriction was intended as an interim improvement until the planned Main Street sidewalk and roadway project. Existing faded curb markings downtown would also be refreshed.
Council discussed the appropriate length of the no-parking area. Staff proposed 15 feet as a compromise between improving visibility and preserving downtown parking.
Motion to establish a 15-foot red curb/no-parking area at the corner of Main Street and Port Road by Councilmember Dobbins, Seconded by Mayor Burkey. The motion failed on a 3-2 roll-call vote, with Councilmembers Hansen, Koogle, and Doyle voting City of Point Arena
City Council Meeting Minutes – September 15, 2026
no and Councilmember Dobbins and Mayor Burkey voting yes. As a result, the proposed 15-foot no-parking area was not authorized.
IX ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned at 7:07pm.
Dated: October 20, 2026
____________________________________ __________________________________ Barbara Burkey Paul Andersen
Mayor City Clerk