02-22-2022 Second City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE SECOND REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022 (ZOOM)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ladwig called the Zoom virtual meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Ladwig, Grover, Kelly, and West. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Eli Naffah, City Administrative Tech Anton Souza. Approximately (12) participants were present online at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Gov. Code Section 54956.9: City of Trinidad v. Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast/Mike Morgan (Humboldt Co. Superior Court Case No. CV2100112 IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Nothing to report.
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Grover/West) approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VI. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Paula Levine – Trinidad Area, Water Customer
Submitted a letter to the City Clerk for the record. PWA has been hired to located areas within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed adequate for placing additional water storage containers. Ex-resident Jim Baker noted that the County may be able to offer land for free in that area, and I suggest we consider that before considering negotiating with upland property owners. Also suggest putting detailed updates on this project on future meeting agendas, and increasing public outreach.
Mike Morgan – Trinidad
TOT Increase must be submitted to the voters for approval. STR closures in 2020 and 2021 cost the city of tens of thousands of dollars, and should require all city officials to resign.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA - None
X. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Second Reading of Ordinance 2021-01; Amending requirements for Election of Chair of the Planning Commission.
Mayor Ladwig explained that upon approval of the second reading, the ordinance will become effective in 30 days.
Council comments included:
Kelly: Agree that rotation is encouraged, but should not be mandated. Grover agreed.
By consensus, the Council adopted the second reading.
2. Discussion/Decision regarding Appointment to Fill the Council Vacancy through December 2022.
Mayor Ladwig explained that the Council must fill a vacancy left upon resignation of Tom Davies, effective December 31. Two residents applied; Mike Morgan and Jack Tuttle.
Jack Tuttle: Moved here 2 years ago with wife and daughter, from the central valley. Wife’s family is local.
Feel honored to participate and contribute to the City. Been working in the solar industry for 15 years.
Kelly: Any specific areas of interest with the City?
Tuttle: Listening to all the water challenges we’re having, I’m very interested in that topic along with alternative and sustainable energy.
02-22-2022 Second City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Public comments/questions:
Mike Morgan – Trinidad
I started volunteering for the City on the Planning Commission. That was a good way to start. Have you ever been elected to a position, served on a board, or ran meetings? I’m also confused about the filing deadline and why it was extended? Who contacted you to join the Council? A letter was apparently sent to Tuttle.
Concerned with the filing deadline being extended. It should not have been extended.
Tuttle: I currently serve on a non-profit board that serves solar industry growth. I’m aware of what it will take to be on this Council. I’ve been looking into volunteering for a while.
City Manager Naffah explained that a letter was sent to all residents, but not businesses, asking them to consider serving on Council and Committee vacancies.
City Attorney Russ Gans explained that there are only 2 obligations to fill the seat, either by appointment, or by holding an election. If an appointment is made, it must be made in open session and the Council is entitled to encourage participation.
Public comment included:
Sherry Provolt – Trinidad
I received letters that Naffah mentioned encouraging volunteers apply. I don’t know much about the closed session litigation, but is it a conflict to have a Councilmember in litigation with the City? Gans noted that it wouldn’t preclude his service, but would require his recusal during discussions of that topic.
Aaron Hakenen – Trinidad
I’d like to hear from both candidates regarding consensus building.
Kelly: Mr. Morgan, what are your areas of focus, and what would you prioritize? Morgan: Because of my hotel, I would prioritize support of STR’s, and also the General Plan update.
Community relations and supporting senior citizens are also important. Our community has both sides, and finding common ground by having all sides represented on the Council will be very helpful. I also believe we should end the unnecessary litigation.
Tuttle: I echo what Morgan said. I look at both sides. I was raised conservatively, but work in a liberal industry. Finding balance is important, and making good decisions by listening to all information is key.
Motion (Grover/Kelly) to appoint Jack Tuttle to fill the vacancy through November 2022. Passed unanimously.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- TOT Increase Update
- Water Advisory Committee status
ADJOURNMENT: 7:20pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Steve Ladwig
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor