Agenda packet — Trinidad City Council, September 13, 2022

City Council Meeting Agenda: 09-13-2022 Page 1
Posted: Friday, September 09, 2022

NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022, at 6:00 PM
at the Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA.

NO CLOSED SESSION
In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20 and for your convenience, this meeting will also be held via videoconference, hosted on the Zoom platform. Learn more about Zoom here: https://zoom.us PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment may be submitted via email in advance of the meeting, or in an orderly process during the meeting. If you do not have access to email and you would like to provide a written statement, please deliver your comment to 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad CA, by 2:00pm on the meeting day. Email public comments to [email protected]
HOW TO PARTICIPATE: You are invited to participate in person at the Trinidad Town Hall, or by Zoom. The City will publish a direct link to the Zoom teleconference, along with the participant code, on the City Calendar page online at http://trinidad.ca.gov/calendar
To phone in, dial 1-888-278-0296, Conference Code: 685171 Meeting ID: 820 6076 9455 Passcode: 009162 PLEASE NOTE that live meeting logistics will be prioritized. The quality of the Zoom teleconference meeting cannot be guaranteed. Technical challenges experienced by either the participant or the City will not interrupt or halt progress of the meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION – No closed session scheduled.

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 07-12-2022 cc, 08-23-2022 cc2
VI. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
VII. STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
VIII. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
At this time, members of the public may comment on items NOT appearing on the agenda. Individual comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less. Comments should be directed to the Council as a whole and not to individual Council Members or staff. Council and staff responses will be minimal for non-agenda items.

IX. CONSENT AGENDA All matters on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and are enacted in one motion. There is no separate discussion of any of these items. If discussion is requested by any Council member, that item is removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately. A single opportunity for public comment on the Consent Agenda is available to the public.

1. Staff Activity Report – August 2022

2. Financial Statements – July 2022

3. Law Enforcement Report – August 2022
City Council Meeting Agenda: 09-13-2022 Page 2
XII. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Discussion/Decision regarding Appointment of Two (2) Councilmembers to Mediation Between the City and Tsurai Ancestral Society.

2. Presentation/Discussion regarding the Circulation Element of the General Plan Update.

3. Presentation/Discussion regarding Housing Element Zoning Ordinance Update (LEAP Grant Task).

4. Discussion/Decision regarding Proclamation 2022-01; Declaring September 19-23, 2022 as Septic Smart Week and Introducing Septic Sue.

5. 2022 General Election Calendar Update.

XIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:

JULY 12, 2022 CC
AUGUST 23, 2022 CC2
Supporting Documentation follows with: 8 PAGES
Minutes will be uploaded to the packet upon completion prior to Tuesday, September 13 meeting.
07-12-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ladwig called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Ladwig, West, Tuttle in-person. Kelly by videoconference. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Eli Naffah, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Grant Administrator Becky Price-Hall. Approximately (8) participants were present online at the beginning of the meeting.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION – No closed session scheduled.

IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.

VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 05/10/2022 cc, 05/24/2022 cc2, 06/14/2022 cc, 06/28/2022 cc2 will be approved at a future meeting.

VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
West: HCAOG discussed railroad, rails to trails, and funding for cities to work on mandatory housing projects.

Tesla battery mini-grid being discussed for the Arcata-Eureka airport.

Kelly: Nothing to report.

Tuttle: Attended the RCEA meeting.

Ladwig: Attended HTA meeting. Discussed grant to convert all vehicles to clean-energy, and improve new fueling stations to meet zero emissions goals. Invited Council to discuss Tsurai Management Team meeting Friday.

VIII.STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet. Stormwater project concluding, Cell towers are off Trinidad Head, and major water leak on Berry Road has been repaired.

The City will be transitioning from Coleman Engineering as Plant Operator to City Staff, between July and August.

Introduced Lt. Miller who summarized June reports/statistics for the Trinidad Area, and introduced Josh McCall who will be taking over Commander duties for the north county area.

Resident Anita Thompson asked about response time for infractions, if the reports be written with meaningful words instead of codes.

IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR - NONE
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) X. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Staff Activity Report – June 2022

2. Financial Statements – May 2022

3. Law Enforcement Report – June 2022

4. Resolution 2022-12; Authorizing Application for Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) Grant Funds in the amount of $24,024.

5. Authorize the City Manager to Sign Agreement for Services with SHN to Complete Remaining Grant Tasks Necessary for a Comprehensive Update of the Local Coastal Program LCP-21-01.

6. Designate Voting Delegates for League of California Cities Annual Conference in September.

7. City Manager Contract Renewal
Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve consent agenda item 6 as submitted. Passed unanimously. 07-12-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
XI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Discussion/Decision regarding Drinking Water System Emergency Intertie Agreement MOA Between the City of Trinidad and Westhaven Community Services District.

Grant Administrator Becky Price-Hall explained that as directed by Council on December 14, 2021, staff has negotiated an Emergency Intertie Agreement (Agreement) between the City and Westhaven Community Services District (WCSD) for Council and WCSD Board approval. This Interim Agreement includes provisions for constructing and operating the Emergency Intertie through the useful life of the intertie facilities. Design, permitting, and construction of the Emergency Intertie is being funded by Multi-benefit Drought Relief Program (MBDRP) funding from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Grant Agreement 4600014620, executed June 20, 2022.

The emergency intertie will consist of a water line connecting two water systems that allows one water system to provide water to another system during an emergency, provided water is available from the supplying agency. The Emergency Intertie facilities include pipes, valves, fire hydrants, a pump station and possibly a back-up generator. When the project agreements are in place, initial project tasks include design, environmental documentation and permitting, with construction of the emergency intertie scheduled for summer 2023. This project has been funded by DWR to address immediate and near-term impacts of the drought, and the grant has tight timelines so getting the project underway soon is important. For this reason, City staff is requesting authorization for the Mayor to sign this Interim Agreement with WCSD.

City and WCSD have been working together on the Emergency Intertie Agreement and project logistics. City and WCSD representatives have met several times and worked together to draft the Agreement. Participants were Mayor Ladwig and WCSD board chair David Hankin, WCSD board member Antonio Llanos, City and WCSD staff, engineers, and the City Attorney. WCSD will be the implementing agency for the Emergency Intertie construction project. The City will be the Grant Administrator. City Staff, contract City Engineer GHD, and contract City Planner SHN will be responsible for review and concurrence during all phases of the project.

The Agreement is being presented as interim so the grant funded Emergency Intertie Construction Project can get started. The following agreement items have not been completed: finalizing definition of emergency situation, Exhibit C Schedule & Responsibilities, and final review by both parties. It is anticipated that the final agreement will be available for Council review and approval in August.

Price-Hall explained the logistics for operating the intertie, and under what types of circumstances it would (or would not) occur. It is only for emergency use which will be defined, not for ongoing use or to add new service connections outside City limits.

There were no Council or public comments.

Motion (West/Tuttle) to authorize the Mayor to sign the Interim Emergency Intertie Agreement between City of Trinidad and WCSD to construct, operate and maintain an emergency intertie. Passed unanimously.

2. Accept Letter of Resignation and Adopt Resolution 2022-13; Acknowledging the Public Service of David Grover.

Mayor Ladwig read the Resolution aloud. Councilmembers thanked Grover for his service. Resident Anita Thompson also shared her gratitude for Grover’s service on the Council and Advisory Committees.

Motion West/Tuttle to Accept Letter of Resignation and Adopt Resolution 2022-13; Acknowledging the Public Service of David Grover. Passed unanimously.

3. 2022 General Election Calendar Update and Notice of Election.

City Clerk Adams highlighted the following benchmarks with the upcoming election:

July
• Second Reading of Amended Occupancy Tax Ordinance
• Adopt Resolution Directing Staff to Prepare Occupancy Tax Increase Ballot Measure • Publish Election Notice for (3) Upcoming November Council Seats & Sales Tax Election • Candidate Nomination Period opens.
07-12-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
August
• Filing period for City Council Candidate nominees closes in early August (date to be specified at the regular meeting in June).
• Prepare Impartial Analysis, and Arguments For/Against the Occupancy Tax Increase Measure.

September
• Coordinate and prepare ballot details (candidate statements, ballot proofs, etc.) with County Elections office.

October
• Publish notification of (3) upcoming Planning Commission vacancies November
• General Election, Tuesday, November 08, 2022.

December
• When County Elections results are certified, swear in new Council members, appoint Mayor, and redistribute or confirm Committee/Commissionership assignments.

No Council or Public comments. Information item only.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Tsurai Management Team Appointment.
- Final Intertie Agreement
- Circulation Element
- Sign Ordinance.
- Underground Utility Feasibility
ADJOURNMENT: 7:15pm.

Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Steve Ladwig
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
08-23-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1

MINUTES OF THE SECOND REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2022 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ladwig called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Ladwig, West, Tuttle in-person. Kelly was absent. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Eli Naffah, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Deputy Clerk Anton Souza, Project Manager Jennifer Hakenen, City Planner Trever Parker, .

Approximately (6) zoom participants were present online at the beginning of the meeting, and (6) present in the audience.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve the agenda as amended, moving Discussion 4 to first on the agenda. Passed unanimously.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 10, 2022 cc, May 24, 2022 cc2, June 14, 2022 cc, June 28, 2022 cc2, July 19, 2022 scc closed session.

Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve minutes as submitted. Passed 3-0.

V. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
West: HTA converting to hydrogen bus fleet, and beautification projects underway. Trails Advisory Committee met and discussed improving trail access and signage throughout the City, including up Trinidad Head.

Ladwig: RREDC
VI. STAFF REPORTS
VII. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Jim Belak – Trinidad
Galindo/Van Wycke Street resident concerned with paving today. Should get timely notices out to residents.

Mike Morgan – Trinidad
Submitted public comments in writing, included in the public record. Stop wasting tax dollars on the lawsuits.

Support businesses, not knocking them down.

VIII. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Financial Statements – June 2022

2. Law Enforcement Report – July 2022

3. Voting Delegate Bylaw Amendment Recommendations for the League of CA General Assembly Meeting.

4. Master Services Agreement Task Orders 3 & 4, Bypass Flow Telemeter Integration, and LSAA Compliance Reporting.

Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.

VI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Discussion/Decision regarding Terms of Drinking Water System Emergency Intertie Agreement MOA Between the City of Trinidad and Westhaven Community Services District.

City Manager Naffah explained that as directed by Council on December 14, 2021, staff has been working to develop an Emergency Intertie Agreement (Agreement) with Westhaven Community Services District (WCSD) for Council and WCSD Board approval. On July 14, Council authorized the Mayor to sign the Interim Agreement (July version). The WCSD Board did not approved this version in July. The City and WCSD met again on August 9 and discussed several additional items requested by WCSD. An amended Interim Agreement was drafted for review and approval by the WCSD Board and City Council. The WCSC Board 08-23-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
unanimously approved this amended interim agreement on August 17. This amended Interim Agreement (August 12 version) is being presented to City Council for review and possible approval.

The Interim Intertie Agreement includes provisions for constructing and operating the Emergency Intertie through the useful life of the intertie facilities. Design, permitting, and construction of the Emergency Intertie is being funded by Multi-benefit Drought Relief Program (MBDRP) funding from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Grant Agreement 4600014620, executed June 20, 2022.

The amended agreement includes revisions regarding 1) inclusion of a clarification regarding conservation measures to be implemented during activation of the emergency Intertie and 2) construction cost sharing.

Conservation Measures: Intertie Agreement item 8.d describes emergency notifications during activation of the emergency intertie. The amendment provides the reference to the WCSD Ordinance Section 6 and City of Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan stage 4 which would be implemented during activation of the emergency intertie.

Cost Sharing: The Intertie Agreement item 3 outlines what would happen if the cost of construction exceeded the grant budget. “In the event that costs exceed the budgeted funds for the construction contract provided through the MBDRP Grant, the parties will reduce scope of project while still accomplishing objectives and/or seek additional funding. If there is still a funding shortfall, the clause specifies how the additional costs” would be shared. The version approved by Council on July 12 specified a 50%-50% spilt of construction costs.

WCSD has proposed a cost sharing proportionally. The rational is because the Westhaven water system is smaller than the Trinidad water system, Westhaven proposed apportioning construction cost overruns based on respective annual water sales:
“…the additional funds required to complete construction (construction contract only) shall be apportioned between the City and District 50%-50% according to their respective most recent relative annual water sales.

Thus, for example, if City annual water sales revenue were twice that of District, then the sharing of cost overruns would be 66.66% City: 33.33% District.”
Using the proposed proportional cost sharing based on annual water sales, in a hypothetical situation sharing costs during the current year, last years’ annual water sales would be used to calculate the %: City of Trinidad would pay approximately 59%, and Westhaven would pay approximately 41%, based on last year’s annual water sales.

Hypothetical
situation for
cost sharing
this year.

FY 21-
22 Water
Sales
Total
water
sales
Proportional
share of
cost
overruns
during FY
22-23
City $318,925 / $537,384 = 59.35%
WCSD $218,459 / $537,384 = 40.65%
08-23-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
The amended Agreement is being presented as interim so the grant funded Emergency Intertie Construction Project can get started as soon as both WCSD and City have approved the interim agreement. This amended interim agreement is a first step, leading to the final version of the agreement. It is anticipated that the final agreement will be available for WCSD Board and Council review and approval in September or October.

Public comment included:

Paula Levine – Trinidad Water Customer
40 years is way too long for this agreement. The City will tie into Humboldt Bay Water before then. “Emergency” should be carefully defined.

Mike Morgan – Trinidad
60/40 split sounds more reasonable. They have the most to gain here. Why are they trying to get the City to pay more now? How much is the difference? We should have that information before committing.

Council comment included:

Ladwig: This is not an agreement for regular use. It is for emergency situations only. It also will increase the fire protection in Westhaven.

West: When will we get more details? It would be helpful to know more before finalizing the details, but I’m ok with the agreement as proposed.

Motion (West/Ladwig) to authorize the Mayor to sign the amended Interim Emergency Intertie Agreement between City of Trinidad and WCSD to construct, operate and maintain an emergency intertie. Passed unanimously.

2. Discussion/Decision regarding Appointment of Councilmember to the Tsurai Management Team.

The Tsurai Management Team (TMT) has two representatives from the City Council. Jack West is one representative, but the other position has become vacant. Ideally the Council can appoint another representative since Jack is unavailable to attend the upcoming TMT meeting on August 26th from 10 am-12 pm.

There was no public comment.

Motion (Tuttle/West) to appoint Ladwig as the City’s representative to the Tsurai Management Team. Passed unanimously.

3. Discussion/Decision regarding Appointment of Two (2) Councilmembers to Mediation Between the City and Tsurai Ancestral Society.

Continued to the next meeting when the full Council is present.

4. Conduct Short-Term Rental License Lottery for Applicants on the Waitlist through October 2021.

Discussed first on the agenda, City Manager Naffah explained that the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance calls for a wait list and lottery to fill vacancies. There are currently two vacancies in the Urban Residential (UR) zone.

The City will follow the procedure stated in the STR Ordinance:

The City will randomly draw a name from the waiting list for the appropriate type of license and zone. If the property meets the applicable location standards, that owner will have 45 days to submit a complete STR License application, along with any other associated license or permit applications (Use Permit, OWTS Operating Permit, etc.) that may be required. If the property owner does not obtain an STR License within 90 days, or if the property does not meet the applicable location standards, the City will draw another name from the waiting list for that zone and STR type.
08-23-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Mayor Ladwig spun the wheel and drew the following numbers associated with the names on the wait list from a professional bingo wheel, in the following order:

1. Jason Gabriel

2. Sherry Provolt

3. Kim Elliott

4. Lisa Koerner

5. Randy and Kathy Patterson

6. Alex and Rachel Thompson
Public comment included:

Sherry Provolt – Trinidad Property Owner
I do not approve of this process. I support families in the community. I have been on the STR waitlist for 5 years. First come, first serve is the most appropriate process.

City Manager Naffah explained that in the event the first 2 waitlist applicants do not secure a license within the time allowed, or meet the minimum requirements following receipt of the license (such as minimum nights rented in the application cycle), the next number in line will receive the opportunity to submit an application.

Should the first two applicants receive a license and meet the minimum requirements to keep their license, the remaining names will go back into the pool for the next lottery in the future.

5. 2022 General Election Calendar Update.

City Clerk Adams presented the current election calendar and provided the following update:

City Council Seat Election: As of August 23, all of the preparation deadlines have been met. Four (4) Candidates for Three (3), 4-Year Terms have met the eligibility requirements to have their names appear on the November 08 ballot. The list of candidates, along with their ballot designations is as follows:
- Jack Tuttle, Appointed Incumbent
- Cheryl Kelly, Appointed Incumbent
- Kati Breckenridge (undesignated)
- Michael J. Morgan, Business Owner
Because there are no wards or districts in Trinidad, the top 3 vote receivers win the seats.

Occupancy Tax Increase Ballot Measure P: The following documents have been received by their respective deadlines and preparations are underway in partnership with Humboldt County Elections to draft the Voter Information Pamphlet, and November 08 Ballot:
- Resolution 2022-10; Submission of the Occupancy Tax Increase Ballot Measure to the Electorate - Ordinance 2022-03; Redraft of Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 3.20 regarding Tourist Occupancy Tax - City Attorney Impartial Analysis
- Argument For Measure P
- Argument Against Measure P
- Rebuttal to Argument For Measure P
- Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure P
All of the documents will be published in a quick link file on the home page of the City’s website as soon as it is completely up and running.

Information item only. No decision was made.

ADDITIONAL CLOSING PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED
Jim Belak – Trinidad
Galindo Street traffic has been heavy over the past several weeks. Signage on Edwards Street is confusing.

There is a Harbor sign on Edwards that is hidden behind a tree. Please revisit signage so traffic isn’t diverted to Galindo.
08-23-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Paula Levine – Trinidad Water Customer
Regarding PWA Task Order #3, see written comments submitted, included in the public comment packet. PWA states that the City has been out of compliance with LSAA since the Plant has been in operation. I’m not happy with PWA. It has been a one-way street. The Council doesn’t listen. Let someone other than PWA do the job.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Redraft the lottery process for STR Waitlist
- Underground Utility Feasibility.
- Election Documents Online
ADJOURNMENT: 7:01pm.

Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Steve Ladwig
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Staff Activity Report – August 2022
City Manager’s Report September 13, 2022 Meeting
Cell Site Landscaping:

New native landscaping will be added to the former cell phone towers site in mid-October with plants that are native to the area.

Trinidad Chamber Event:

The Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce is planning a Fisherman’s Feast on the afternoon of the 8th of October. Several live bands will provide entertainment. This is different and smaller than what occurred in the past, so no city streets will be closed.

CalRecycle Grant:

The City has been awarded a $20,000 grant from CalRecycle to implement SB 1383 which addresses food waste/organic waste reduction.

Undergrounding of Utilities:

PG & E has a little over $3,000 dedicated to undergrounding of electric power lines in the city.

More details of the process, potential costs, and possible additional funding will be addressed at a future City Council meeting.

CalCities Conference:

I represented the city last week at the Annual CalCities Conference held in Long Beach. Over 2,000 attendees came from the 479 cities that are League members. I will share some highlights from the training sessions and information from various vendors at future Council meetings.

Water System:

Thursday’s reading at Luffenholtz Creek was at 1.92 cfs which is nearly double the readings from a year ago. As a result, there are no mandatory requirements, but water customers are voluntarily encouraged to conserve water. Improvements to the Water Plant’s Telemetry will be taking place soon to help the water system staff have access to real time readings.

The city continues to fix water leaks, one larger on Scenic Drive and one smaller at Saunders Plaza were addressed since our last Council meeting.

Coleman Engineering is now on a time and material contract similar to their original contract with the city. Two city staff members are now assisting in the water plant operation.

The City Planner has researched zoning requirements to allow large untreated water holding tanks. The city will be sending letters to the potential vacant sites.

The City Engineers are further studying the existing treated water tanks area for the location of the new proposed 300,000 gallon steel tank.

The Water Resource Control Engineer from the State Water Resources Control Board will be visiting the water plant in early October.

STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Background Info: In light of the drought affecting the State, there has been concern among residents regarding how the City of Trinidad is responding to the Governor’s Order calling on all Californians to do their part by reducing consumption.

The City Manager is updating the Council with regular Luffenholtz Creek flow readings, which seem to be better overall compared to this time last year. To put into perspective how Trinidad’s water consumption is measuring up to the demand to reduce consumption, here are some very basic statistics for analysis:

July 2019 282,552 cubic feet
July 2020 275,612
July 2021 251,168
July 2022 198,081
August 2019 307,500
August 2020 273,992
August 2021 269,771
August 2022 227,681
September 2019 238,316
September 2020 302,614
September 2021 227,831
September 2022 ?
October 2019 188,075
October 2020 230,430
October 2021 203,176
October 2022 ?
November 2019 211,649
November 2020 198,813
November 2021 204,438
November 2022 ?
Comparing July and August individually on a year-by-year basis, total consumption (total water flowing through meters in cubic feet, or Water Sold) has decreased.

We will monitor consumption in the months ahead and report this information to the Council for review, comparison, and questions at each Council meeting through the drought and low-flow months ahead.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Financial Statements – July 2022

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 3

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

3. Law Enforcement Report – August 2022

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Discussion/Decision regarding Appointment of Two (2) Councilmembers to Mediation Between the City and Tsurai Ancestral Society.

AGENDA ITEM: Council Appointment for Mediation
Date: August 23, 2022
________________________________________________________________________ ANALYSIS:

The City of Trinidad v. Tsurai Ancestral Society lawsuit is in mediation. The City Attorney is requesting that the City Council appoint two Council Members to represent the City along with the City Manager. Two vacancies exist since Richard Clompus and Dave Grover have resigned from the City Council. The next scheduled mediation dates are September 19-20.

ACTION:

Appoint two Council Members to the mediation of the City of Trinidad v. Tsurai Ancestral Society lawsuit.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Presentation/Discussion regarding the Circulation Element of the General Plan Update.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
September 13, 2022
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item: General Plan Update – Circulation Element
Circulation Element
City staff have responded to the 80 Coastal Commission comments/questions specifically on the October 2019 version of the Circulation Element that were received in September 2020 as well as more general comments received in July 2019. In addition, staff have updated the document where new information is available. The Planning Commission have also recently reviewed those comments and responses and edits to the document in January through April 2021 and again in July through August 2022 with a new set of figures. Knowing this will have to go back to Coastal Commission staff for another round of review and comments, the Planning Commission did not recommend approval to the City Council yet, but the element is ready to be resubmitted to Coastal Commission staff.

Note that you have been provided with a “clean” copy of the document without the tracked edits and comments and responses, because it was getting difficult to read with so many edits. But a “track changes” version is available upon request.

Other General Plan Updates
Staff and the Planning Commission have also reviewed and responded to Coastal Commission staff comments on the Introduction Chapter, Land Use Element, and Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element, which have previously been sent to the City Council for review. Staff have also prepared written responses to several letters submitted by Coastal Commission staff regarding the general plan update. All four of the chapters/elements they have reviewed thus far are ready to be resubmitted.

Figures for the Introduction Chapter, Land Use Element, Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element and Circulation Element (Figures 1-14) have been recently updated.

The Planning Commission and staff have also drafted a Community Design Element, and it is ready to submit to Coastal Commission staff for review and comment once it has been reviewed by the City Council in the next month or two. One of the primary issues with that will likely be how to differentiate private and public views, because the Coastal Act only protects public views, and private view protection policies and regulations may need to be separate from the LCP.

I am currently working on updating the 2012 draft Noise Element and plan to bring that to the Planning Commission in the next month or two.

The Cultural and Historical Resources Element will be updated as a task under the LCP Update Grant recently received from the Coastal Commission. Staff is preparing letters to send out to the Tribal entities to request their input and coordination with City staff on that task.

The Safety Element will be updated as a task under the Coastal Hazards Planning Grant from the OPC, which is also just getting underway with stakeholder outreach.

Attachments
Draft Circulation Element of the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan.

Recommended Action:

Discuss the Circulation Element, including figures 11-14, and take public comment. Direct staff to make any desired changes prior to resubmitting to Coastal Commission staff for review and comment.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 1
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022

CIRCULATION, PUBLIC SERVICES & ENERGY ELEMENT
A. Introduction

1. Background

2. Purpose
B. Existing Conditions

1. Roads and Traffic

2. Energy, Greenhouse Gasses and Climate Change

3. Public Services

4. Issues of Local Significance

5. Relationship to Regional Circulation Plans
C. Traffic

1. Patterns

2. Volume

3. Truck Traffic

4. Intersections

5. Traffic Policies
D. Parking
E. Alternative Modes of Transportation

1. Public Transit and Regional Transportation

2. Active Transportation
F. Energy
G. Air Quality and Green House Gasses
H. Public Services

1. Solid Waste, Reduction and Recycling

2. Stormwater System

3. Transmission and Utility Facilities

4. Wastewater Disposal / Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

5. Water Service
A. INTRODUCTION

1. Background
The Circulation Element is a required element of the City’s General Plan. Government Code Section 65302(b) states that a circulation element shall consist of: “…the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and ports, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan.” The California General Plan Guidelines describe the circulation element as “a strategy addressing infrastructure needs for the circulation of people, goods, energy, water, sewage, storm drainage, and communications.” Recent changes also require a circulation element to address environmental justice considerations related to circulation—"such as access to transportation systems, air quality related to transportation, delivery routes and transit options for nutritional food access, and promotion of physical activity”. In addition, a City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 2
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 circulation element must: "plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner that is suitable to the rural, suburban, or urban context of the general plan." All users include "bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors." Public facilities and services are required to be addressed in a General Plan but are not one of the seven required elements. Instead, these topics are often included in the Land Use or Circulation Element. In this case, public facilities (such as the school and town hall) are discussed in the Land Use Element and public services, including water, solid waste and utilities are included within this Circulation Element.

Similarly, energy does not require its own element, but is also closely linked with land use and circulation issues and is included in this element as section F. According to the General Plan Guidelines, an Energy Element should address both energy efficiency and energy conservation along with energy generation facilities. Further, more recent regulations require local jurisdictions to do their part to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and include policies for complying with GHG reduction targets, which has been included with air quality in section G.

2. Purpose
The Circulation Element discusses transportation issues in Trinidad. It briefly describes the existing circulation system and traffic characteristics, and it provides goals, objectives, and policies that will help to control traffic volume and reduce traffic issues in Trinidad. Because the City is compact and generally built-out, the focus of the transportation policies is to maintain a safe environment for vehicle and non-motorized transportation (e.g. pedestrians and bikes) and encourage alternative modes of transportation to help minimize the adverse effects associated with single-occupant, fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The main goal of the energy policies is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with state standards. The focus of the public service policies is to provide information and guidance regarding the adequacy, distribution, and expansion of the City’s public services to ensure provision of adequate services into the future while conserving natural resources.

B. EXISTING CONDITIONS

1. Roads
Located 15 and 25 miles north of Arcata and Eureka respectively, Trinidad and the surrounding roadway system are comparable to that of many rural communities.

Trinidad residents are dependent on a single highway (U.S. Highway 101) for access to major services, employment, and commercial areas. Highway 101 also facilitates visitor access to Trinidad. Scenic Drive and Westhaven Drive provide access to areas south of the City. Stagecoach Road and Patricks Point Drive provide access to the north.

However, Hwy 101 is the only access for traveling more than a few miles north or south, City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 including to the closest towns; this is true for autos, pedestrian, and bicycle modes of transportation. There are also no east-west connections, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and private commercial timber land to the east. This condition puts Trinidad and the surrounding communities at risk of being cut off in a disaster that compromises Hwy 101; a tsunami for example could cut off both north- and southbound routes.

In the City, there are approximately 6.27 miles of paved, impermeable roadway. The majority are narrow, local streets, with the exception of Trinity, Main and Edwards Streets that wind through the Mixed Use and Commercial district and provide access to the Harbor and beaches. These heavily traveled streets should be kept well maintained, and where necessary, improved, particularly for bicycles and pedestrians. It should also be recognized that wider, straighter streets often result in faster traffic speeds, which is an issue of local concern. Certain locations could be appropriate for traffic calming improvements (such as street intersection bulb-outs) and plantings, should funding become available, but any loss of parking would need to be analyzed.

Most of the roads around the City are minimally improved and inadequate to handle significantly more traffic. Some streets have no curbs or sidewalks—this is to preserve the small town character desired by the residents and sought after by visitors. These undeveloped portions of rights-of-way have advantages; there are high absorption and drainage potentials for surface runoff from adjacent paved areas. There are also disadvantages, such as confusion over where parking is allowed, particularly where landscaping and other encroachments narrow the roadway, or where informal driveways are established. Improvements on these streets should focus on safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

Many roads in the Trinidad area embody the character of this unique coastal area, due to the spectacular views of the ocean that can be seen while driving, biking or walking down these roads. Scenic Dr., Stagecoach Rd., Patrick’s Point Dr., and Edwards Street are four such roads that exemplify the scenic beauty of the Trinidad Planning Area (see Figure 4). Although these routes have no official scenic designation, they still provide a public resource and enhance the town character.

Roadways tend to have a uniform classification system, which is defined below and shown on Figure 11.

Highway: A high-speed, limited access roadway serving primarily regional and county-wide travel. California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) controls the design, operation, and maintenance of highways. Highway 101 provides the primary access into Trinidad.

Arterial: A medium-speed, medium capacity roadway that provides travel and access within the City and access to highways. Trinidad does not have any roads that would be considered arterials.

Primary Collector: A relatively low-speed, street that provides access within and between neighborhoods. Primary Collectors usually serve short trips and are intended for collecting City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 trips from local streets and distributing them to Arterial streets or the Highway. Main, Trinity, and Edwards Streets are the Primary Collectors in Trinidad.

Secondary Collector: A relatively low-speed street that provides a connection between Arterials and Major Collectors and direct access to parcels. They handle a lower volume of traffic than Primary Collectors.

Local Street: A low-speed, low-volume street that provides access to adjacent land. Local streets are designed for trips within neighborhoods and to Collector and Arterial streets, and not to serve through-traffic.

Access Road: A small road, such as a service road, that provides access to a limited area where cars or public are not normally allowed. The roadway on Trinidad Head is an example.

2. Energy, Greenhouse Gasses and Climate Change
The State of California has taken significant steps to combat climate change through legislation. The ones most pertinent to local jurisdictions institute mandatory limits on GHG emissions starting with AB 32, passed in 2006, which set a goal of reducing emissions in California to 1990 levels by the year 2020, which was met ahead of schedule in 2016. The bill also directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish a mandatory reporting system to track and monitor emission levels and requires CARB to develop various compliance options and enforcement mechanisms.

Subsequent Executive Orders have set additional GHG emission goals and limits.

These include B-30-15 which sets a goal of reducing GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and S-3-05 which sets a goal of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

The City has participated in Humboldt County’s Regional Climate Action Plan (CAP), which explores locally-oriented strategies to reduce emissions from vehicle travel, electricity consumption, natural gas use and other sources of GHGs. Since 1990, transportation has been one of the fastest-growing sources of GHG emissions in CA. It is the largest sector emitting CO2, the most prevalent GHG, which is especially true in Trinidad, where there is no industry or power generation or other large producers of GHG. This is exacerbated by the fact that Trinidad is fairly isolated with few services and is also a destination community. With few connecting corridors, automobiles are the dominant means of transportation. For this reason, GHG emissions in Trinidad are closely tied to traffic patterns and is therefore included within the Circulation Element.

3. Public Services
The City’s provision of public services can affect land use and development patterns in and around the City. Most residents have expressed a desire to maintain Trinidad’s small-town, rural character. This indicates that public services should be kept to a minimum that adequately serves the needs of residents and encourages limited sustainable growth. Services provided by the City of Trinidad include land use regulation, administrative responsibilities associated with being an incorporated City, operation of the City water system, police protection (currently the City contracts with City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 the Sherriff’s Office for police services), street maintenance, cemetery maintenance, and a storm drain system.

The City also provides support for the Volunteer Fire Department, the Trinidad Branch of the Humboldt County Library and other local services. Private companies own the electric, gas, telephone, cellular, and cable services, though they are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. Public facilities, such as buildings and parks are discussed in the Land Use Element; trails are primarily discussed in the Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element. Increasing land use conflicts and issues along with new State requirements have resulted in a recent increase in the development of additional land use related ordinances. Several committees have been formed to review and advise on important topics. Other major expenditures of the City have been mostly limited to police protection, improving local streets and the City stormwater system, analyzing and updating the water supply system, and responding to increased State regulations.

4. Issues of Local Significance
Traffic in the City of Trinidad is unique in that it experiences heavier, peak periods during weekends and during the summer when there are a high number of tourists rather than during traditional commuter peak hours. Many of the visitors travel by car from outside Trinidad for fishing and vacation during summer and peak fishing seasons.

This influx of people can, at times, place a burden on Trinidad's roads, and parking facilities—particularly on Main, Trinity and Edwards Streets. Speeding throughout town and blind driveway intersections on Edwards Street are current issues of significant concern in town.

Though much of Trinidad’s traffic is generated by tourism, which is inherently auto based, Trinidad is small enough that it is generally a very walkable community for both residents and visitors with a few exceptions. One of these is Edwards Street, which does not have sidewalks along most of its length. There is also a general consensus that a problem exists with the Freeway entrance/exit area, where seven access ways converge, and not every direction has a stop sign. Solutions that have been discussed, but not decided upon, include a redesign of the intersection into a round-about, additional stop signs, traffic lights, and increasing the amount of directional signage.

Parking is an issue that tends to come and go as being perceived a problem. When the sport fishing industry was more prevalent, prior to recent restrictions and shorter seasons, trucks with boat trailers would park all over town, leading to a lack of available parking for residents and other tourists. One of the areas with the most congestion is at Trinidad Elementary School when parents are dropping off and picking up their children.

Saunder’s Shopping Center and around the Eatery restaurant also get congested at times. Special events such as the Fish Festival also cause traffic congestion and parking problems. Opening days of fishing or crabbing seasons or holiday weekends can also cause truck or vehicle congestion, especially in the Harbor Area. For the most part, parking is not considered a major problem except during special events and City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 summer holidays. However, it does seem to be becoming more of an issue as tourism to Trinidad has increased. A parking study…
In Trinidad, maintenance of the street system is an ongoing problem. The Pavement Management System Plan (2000) exists to address street management. The document outlines the pavement surface condition of roads in Trinidad, recommends repair actions, gives estimated repair costs, and prioritizes each section. This document, which is to be regularly updated, reflects both the needs and desires of the residents, as well as availability of funding.

Residents also expressed interest in other road and traffic issues in the City, including:
 lack of enforcement of traffic and parking laws
 bicycle and pedestrian safety on Scenic Drive
 coastal trail connections
 pedestrian access around the City entrance, including the freeway underpass and Westhaven drive
 issues with speeding and how to slow traffic on City streets  Truck traffic and other large vehicles on local streets  concern about overnight parking/camping in the City, particularly on Edwards  lack of visibility and parking spaces defined for the various users and modes of transportation (e.g. RV’s, boat trailers, etc.) along Edwards Street  public transportation improvement
 conveying adequate information, including directional signage for tourists, while avoiding proliferation of signage
 walking tour of Trinidad with benches and trail markers  infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation Trinidad Rancheria and CalTrans are currently working on a project to construct an interchange or other improvements on Highway 101 that would provide improved access to and connectivity within the Rancheria. This is an environmental justice issue for the Rancheria, but also has the potential to impact the City. An interchange will not only affect traffic patterns in and around town, but also facilitate development on the Rancheria property which will have implications for the City of Trinidad.

Another issue that relates to circulation outside City limits is emergency access to the east. Due to factors such as severe winter storms and geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis, Trinidad could potentially be cut off from other population centers and services both north and south on Hwy 101. The only available routes to the east are logging roads, and there is interest by residents in obtaining emergency access, which would require coordination with the property owner.

In addition to traffic issues, Trinidad residents express a strong desire to make the community more sustainable long-term. This includes energy efficiency and local selfreliance, such as local, community production of foods. There is also a desire to limit growth and the provision of public services. Water supply is limited and could be a significant issue facing Trinidad in the future if droughts increase due to climate change.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022

5. Relationship to Regional Circulation Plans
There are several regional and county planning documents that should be considered when planning for traffic circulation in and around the City. An example of such a document is the Humboldt County General Plan Circulation Element (2017) and background documents (e.g. “Moving Goods and People” (2002)). This also includes the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) regional planning efforts, including: the current versions/updates of the Regional Transportation Plan, Regional Transportation Improvement Program; the Regional Pedestrian Plan; the Regional Bicycle Plan; the Regional Trails Master Plan and the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan and the Transit Development Plan. Because of Trinidad’s small size, it does not have a large impact on these regional planning efforts.

However, Trinidad should continue to participate in HCOAG, and this Circulation Element is consistent with these plans and documents.

C. TRAFFIC

1. Patterns
The traffic-carrying function of Trinidad streets is well established. One main route provides access between the freeway interchange and the boat harbor: Main to Trinity to Edwards Streets. All other city streets primarily provide access to residential lots. The location of existing and planned land uses do not require non-residential related traffic on these local streets, but commercial trucks sometimes use local streets (see more below). As mentioned in a previous section, much of the traffic in Trinidad is generated from outside City limits; residents from the surrounding areas depend on Trinidad shops and the elementary school. A significant number of tourists and visitors also enter the City for its many scenic, coastal and recreational resources.

Hwy 101 is the only paved route that connects Trinidad with towns to the north or south, which limits alternative transportation options. A coastal trail exists, but it currently requires crossing a river and traveling by beach or crossing the Highway 101 bridge, which provides no barrier between traffic and pedestrians or bikes. In addition, most residents commute south at least 10 miles to McKinleyville, Arcata or Eureka. According to the 2020 American Communities Survey (ACS) (which has a large margin of error for a town as small as Trinidad) 67.3% of Trinidad residents drove alone to work, 11.1% carpooled with one other person, 2.3% used public transportation, 0% biked, 2.9% walked to work, and 16.4% of the population worked from home. Just over 11% of people took less than 10 minutes to get to work, but 39.2.6% drove for 30 minutes or more, which likely means driving to Eureka. Reducing these vehicle miles traveled (VMT) would reduce energy consumption and thus, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Volume
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Traffic counts on Highway 101 at the Trinidad exit are recorded by CalTrans and posted on their website (https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/census). South of the Trinidad exit the most current (2020) average daily traffic (ADT) count was approximately 8,900 and on the north side of the Trinidad exit, ADT was 4,800, indicating that almost half the northbound cars get off the freeway in Trinidad. Similarly, peak month ADT south of the Trinidad exit was 12,500 and north was 6,600; peak hour ADT south was 1,200 and south was 690. Traffic counts since 2013 have fluctuated slightly year to year, but overall have not changed significantly. A 2017 CalTrans Project Study Report-Project Development Support prepared for the US-101/Trinidad Area Access Improvements (Trinidad Rancheria interchange project) estimates ADT in 2040 as 14,500 vehicles or 20,510 with full Trinidad Rancheria Master Plan buildout.

Traffic counts were recorded in 2009 by the contract city planners for major City streets in Trinidad, In addition to City streets, data was also collected from Stagecoach Road, Patrick's Point Drive, the east side of Frontage Road, Westhaven Drive, Fox Farm Road, Trinidad Scenic Drive and other county roads that provide access into the City from the surrounding County areas. The 2009 traffic count data is listed below in ADT.

Projections for 2040 ADT are included as available from the 2017 CalTrans Report.  Edwards St: ~1,290
 Main St: ~3,170 (4,706 in 2040)
 Trinity St: ~2,500
 Westhaven Dr.: ~865 (1,509 in 2040)
 Scenic Dr.: ~870 (1,357 in 2040)
 Patrick’s Pt. Dr.: ~1,600
The Humboldt County Pedestrian Needs Assessment (2003) revealed five main trip generators in the City: (1) the Shopping Center which currently houses the major grocery store, Post Office and other services; (2) the elementary school; (3) public beaches, Trinidad Head and coastal trail system; (4) Trinidad Pier and Harbor; and (5) the RV Parks.

Traffic counts performed by the County of Humboldt and the contract city planners from May 27, 2010, to July 5, 2010, were analyzed. The vehicle volumes provide information regarding direction and volume of traffic, peak hours, and average daily traffic during the early summer. Although the data does not provide an entire year’s worth of information, summer traffic scenarios, trends, and conditions can be speculated. One traffic counter was located at the entrance to Trinidad and the other, on Edwards Street, southwest of Van Wycke Street. This portion of Edwards Street provides the only vehicular access to the harbor, beach and Trinidad Head.

At the entrance to Trinidad, peak vehicle trips going east or west on Main Street ranged from 240 to 348 per hour during the peak hours. The peak hours varied, but noon or 4 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 p.m. were the most frequent peak times during the week, possibly corresponding with the lunch hour and tourist activity. Peak traffic during the weekends occurred most frequently at 1 p.m. with a traffic average of 332 vehicle trips per hour. Total vehicle trips for the entire data collection period averaged 3,392 per day.

The Harbor launch, Trinidad Pier, and Launcher Beach are important access points to Trinidad Bay for fishermen. The only other large boat launches with ocean access can be found 23 miles south in Eureka or 60 miles north in Crescent City. Traffic data was collected from May 27, 2010 to July 5, 2010 to capture the salmon sport-fishing season.

During that time period, the most harbor traffic occurred over the weekend of May 29- 30, the opening weekend of salmon season; there were over 2,000 vehicle trips per day. The majority of cars were passenger cars; pick-up trucks were the second most prevalent vehicle.

3. Truck Traffic
Currently, Trinidad does not have defined truck routes or signs directing truck traffic.

There are occasional truck traffic problems, mainly centered on Edwards Street. But residents also complain when trucks utilize local streets such as Ocean and View. Truck noise, hours, size, and speed are the major complaints. It can be presumed that much of the truck traffic crossing through town is serving businesses such in the Harbor area, and along Trinity and Main Streets, particularly for the shopping center. There are limited places in the City for trucks to turn around, even on main routes. So trucks serving businesses on Main and Trinity will often use Ocean and/or View for one direction of travel. Excluding traffic counts, traffic destination studies have not been performed.

4. Intersections
As noted earlier, the intersection at the entrance of town has been identified as a problem for all users, including vehicles and pedestrians, due to the number of accessways that converge here and the fact that not all of them have stop signs. There have also been issues noted with the intersection of Main, Stagecoach and Trinity, and Trinity and Edwards Streets, mainly due to speeding vehicles. Intersections will be impacted if and when large-scale development, or large subdivisions, or even incremental increased development come to fruition in the greater Trinidad are. Impact studies should be required for large development or changes in land use designations and modifications made to intersections as needed to protect public safety as necessary.

Several intersections were also analyzed in the Trinidad Walkability Study. Overall, because of its small size, most areas of Trinidad are accessible on foot. However, there are still some existing limitations. Not surprisingly, the main entrance intersection was identified as the one with the most problems. In addition, there are areas of low connectivity that make it difficult for pedestrians to get directly from one place to another. Solutions may include establishing walkways, traffic-calming measures, City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 directional signage, and/or additional sidewalks, trails, and connectors, especially through residential areas. Installing benches on trails for respite may increase trail use as a viable alternative for avoiding exposure to dangerous intersections. Several policies focus on increased vehicular safety, traffic calming and slower speeds, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access.

5. Roads and Traffic Policies
Goal CIRC-1: Provide and maintain a safe roadway system for the efficient transport of goods, control of congestion, and preservation of the characteristics and small-town atmosphere of the City.

CIRC-1.1 Ensure that all road maintenance and improvements are constructed in accordance with standards established or approved by the City Engineer.

Program CIRC-1.1.1: Maintain a Pavement Management System Plan and update this plan annually or as needed to ensure roadway improvements are designed to improve circulation in Trinidad and to meet the projected travel demands.

CIRC-1.2 New and redesigned intersections and roadways shall be designed and constructed to include adequate and safe access for all users of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

Program CIRC-1.2.1: Construct traffic calming improvements at major intersections and along collector streets as needed to slow traffic speeds and protect pedestrians and bicycles.

Program CIRC-1.2.2 Seek funding to make improvements at the entrance to town to improve traffic flow and public safety at that large intersection. A roundabout is one option that should be considered.

Program CIRC 1.2.3 Apply special paving at major intersections and crosswalks along primary collectors as needed to create a visual focal point and slow traffic speeds. (CD-9.5)
CIRC-1.3 Design new and, when necessary, retrofit existing streets to improve walkability, bicycling, and transit integration; strengthen connectivity; and enhance community identity through improvements to the public right-of-way such as sidewalks, street trees, parkways, curbs, street lighting, and street furniture. (CD-9.6) CIRC-1.4 In order to preserve the residential, small-town character of Trinidad, minimize paving and street improvements such as vertical curbs, paved gutters and sidewalks in undeveloped rights-of-way on local streets except when necessary for drainage, public safety, or access.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-1.4.1 Install sidewalks only where necessary for pedestrian safety on local streets to retain the present undeveloped rights-of-way and preserve their rural character
CIRC-1.5Ensure that roadway widths and conditions, including alleys and private accessways, are maintained to provide adequate access for all users, including emergency vehicles.

Program CIRC-1.5.1 Encroachments into public rights-of-way, such as landscaping and other private improvements, shall be required to be removed or reduced when needed for public purposes.

Program CIRC-1.5.2 Install thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping to delineate travel lanes on City streets.

Program CIRC-1.5.3: Adopt regulations as needed to ensure roadways and alleyways be kept free of obstructions to ensure unimpeded access at all times.

CIRC-1.6 Designate and maintain an appropriate truck route through town that provides adequate access to commercial facilities while minimizing impacts on the community. Truck routes shall minimize the use of local streets to the extent feasible.

CIRC-1.7 Ensure streets provide safe routes to schools and other destinations for children and families walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation.

CIRC-1.8 New development shall minimize vehicle miles traveled where feasible.

Program CIRC-1.8.1 To the extent feasible, encourage mixed use development, compact development patterns, and active modes of transportation.

CIRC-1.9 Any new development that generates significant amounts of auto or truck traffic should have direct access to a primary or secondary collector.

Program CIRC-1.9.1 Review large development proposals for direct and cumulative effects on Trinidad roadways and intersections and encourage the County to do the same. During the development review process, City staff will determine whether traffic studies need to be carried out and the scope of such studies.

CIRC-1.10 Any new lots in the City shall have at least 25 feet of frontage on a publicly dedicated road. Gated communities that restrict public access shall not be allowed within City limits.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 CIRC-1.11 Private rights-of-way serving as access to more than one dwelling shall not restrict public access by placement of a gate, signage or other obstacles.

Other Traffic Initiatives
 Participate in the review process for any future proposal for a new Hwy 101 interchange. Request that CalTrans keep the City informed of any proposals and provide pertinent background information and studies.
 Maintain open communication with Trinidad Rancheria and Humboldt County to ensure the City is informed of upcoming projects and allowed to provide input on development proposals.
 Decrease individual reliance on vehicles by participating in regional programs and otherwise encourage the reduction of vehicle miles traveled in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
 Promote Car Pool or Ridesharing programs through outreach and education D. PARKING
Parking in Trinidad is provided both by on-street parking as well as off-street parking for residences and commercial areas. ADA accessible parking is also available for visitors and residents. Commercial establishments require parking for both employees and customers. On-street parking is needed for residents and visitors alike. On-street parking is not significantly restricted in Trinidad. Other than standard red curbs at driveways and intersections, a few areas have red curbs or striping where the road is too narrow to accommodate parking. Bulb-outs have been installed as traffic calming measures along Main and Trinity Streets, which reduces curb space for parking. In addition, there are two 20 minute and two ADA accessible on-street spaces near Trinidad Elementary and Town Hall, and the south side of Edwards between Ocean Avenue and Trinidad Street is also designated as 20-minute parking. No parking is allowed along most of the south side of Edwards Street west of Trinity in order to maintain coastal views and safe pedestrian access. Although the Edwards Street rightof-way is 60 ft. wide, much of that is undeveloped, unstable, culturally sensitive, and not available for parking. It is recognized that incremental parking restrictions have resulted in an overall loss of public and street parking over the years. However, in most areas at most times, the utilization rate of on-street parking in Trinidad is less than 50%. There are areas of undeveloped rights-of-way, such as along Hector Street, that could be used for additional public parking if and when needed.

Off-street parking includes parking lots, aisles, access drives, driveways, garages, and carports. Generally, two off-street parking spaces are required for residences within City limits. The number of spaces required for businesses is based on square footage. The Mixed Use zone along Main, Trinity, and Edwards Streets includes a mix of parking requirements depending on the type of uses. A parking-in-lieu fee has also been City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 allowed in this zone by the zoning ordinance if parking requirements cannot be met onsite. This system has not been very successful, but it is important to allow alternatives for meeting parking standards in order for these already developed lots to be able to accommodate mixed uses.

Parking comes and goes as a significant community issue but seems to have become more of a problem in recent years. While fishing has declined from its peak decades ago, boat trailers still take up a substantial amount of parking in the harbor area in the summer. And tourism in Trinidad has increased over the years, adding to the parking pressure in town, particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But day users from within Humboldt County recreate in Trinidad year-round, and the town can become somewhat congested any time the weather is good. A Parking Committee report in 1999 made the following recommendations:
 An alternative to parking, such as a payment of in-lieu fees, should continue to be an option.
 Parking spaces are also needed for other types of vehicle storage, such as boats and recreational vehicles.
 More visitor parking is needed—especially near public access points.  Consider time limits, such as designating a 2-hour parking limit along the south side of Edward Street, but impacts to adjacent residential areas need to be considered.
 Street improvements on the East side of Hector Street should be required to provide additional public parking when the land is developed.

A Parking Study completed in 2021 found that…
Parking spaces can result in an increase of impermeable surfaces within the city and increased surface runoff. Sometimes they also conflict with septic system area requirements and slope stabilization. Parking in the City needs to be carefully managed to maximize efficiency and equitability.

GoalCIRC-2: Develop and maintain adequate parking to meet the reasonable needs of all land uses, residents and visitors while providing coastal access, retaining the City’s characteristics, and discouraging unnecessary automobile usage.

Parking Policies
CIRC-2.1 Ensure that all new developments provide adequate parking to meet their needs.

Program CIRC-2.1.1: Allow flexibility in parking requirements to maximize efficiency. This may include, but is not limited to such things as, tandem parking, inlieu policies, or dual purpose parking that can fulfill multiple needs.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-2.1.2 Regulate and limit the location and width of driveways and curb cuts to minimize the removal of on-street parking spaces to the extent feasible.

CIRC-2.2 Facilitate public access by providing safe and well-located public parking.

Program CIRC-2.2.1 Limit encroachments into public rights-of-way that restrict onstreet parking, including landscaping, structures, and vehicle or other storage.

Program CIRC-2.2.2 If feasible, provide parking for tourists in centralized locations that encourage walking around town by pursuing easements and agreements for use of underutilized spaces on developed property to provide additional parking, including those not currently developed as parking areas.

Program CIRC-2.2.3 Provide time-limited public parking areas along the south side of Edwards Street, or other areas, when found necessary to improve public access to trails and vista points. (CONS-10.19).

CIRC-2.4 As part of an application for new development in the Harbor Area, the City shall require the property owner to identify suitable public parking for coastal access. (LU-7.5)

CIRC-2.5 Wherever appropriate and feasible, public facilities, including parking areas or facilities, shall be distributed throughout an area so as to mitigate against impacts, social and otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the public of any single area.

Other Parking Initiatives
 Conduct circulation and parking studies as needed to stay abreast of potential new opportunities and problems.
 Consider partnering with landowners inside or near the City limits with large vacant or underutilized parcels, parking lots or shuttles (such as the Trinidad Rancheria) to accommodate parking for special events such as the Fish Festival and / or during times of peak use.
 Increase enforcement of parking regulations as staff time and budget allows.

E. ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022

1. Public Transit and Regional Transportation
Prior to the establishment of bus service in Trinidad in 1975, there was no real means of transportation for those that did not have access to an automobile, since there are no alternative routes to Hwy 101 for pedestrians or bicyclists to get to McKinleyville or other destinations south. Today, the Trinidad area is the northernmost stop of the Redwood Transit System that connects areas south to Rio Dell. Trinidad is also a stop on the Redwood Coast Transit Smith River/Arcata route. This gives residents some options for taking the bus, though stops in Trinidad are not frequent. According to the 2020 ACS,

2.3% of Trinidad residents use public transit as a way to travel to work, though this data is unreliable in a town as small as Trinidad due to a large margin of error. This low ridership problem has been attributed to the infrequent bus trips and the number of stops/time involved in a ride between Trinidad and Eureka. In talking with residents, many say they would ride the bus if it were more convenient. Transit schedules have improved over past few years. Improving public transit to and from Trinidad is important for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as required by State laws. However, the City has little control over the regional transit system.

The Redwood Transit System is operated by the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA).

HTA is a joint powers authority (JPA), established in 1975, between Humboldt County and the cities of Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad. A JPA is an entity where two or more public authorities work together to exercise a power common to them. HTA provides riders with affordable fixed-route and dial-a-ride transportation options that allow access through much of Humboldt County. HTA is funded primarily through fares and Transportation Development Act funds from the JPA members.

Based on Trinidad demographics, transportation for seniors or disable persons is especially important since Trinidad has a large senior population. According to an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) research brief by the Public Policy Institute, Understanding Senior Transportation: Report & Analysis of a Survey of Consumers 50+, “transportation is an essential part of the community infrastructure that individuals need to gain access to the goods, services, and social contacts that support their day-to-day existence and quality of life.” Transportation equates to mobility, independence, self-sufficiency, accessibility and safety. Transportation enables many senior adults to live independently and to stay connected with family, friends, and community resources. Alternatives to public transportation exist, however these options, such as taxis and dial-a-ride, are not nearly as cost-effective and can be costprohibitive. This is an environmental justice issue.

The Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) is a JPA composed of the seven incorporated cities (Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad), and the County of Humboldt. It is the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) as well as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). The agency is largely responsible for programming State highway, local street and road improvements, public transportation resources, and the roadside call box program. HCOAG also bears responsibility for preparing and implementing the Regional City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Transportation Plan (RTP). HCOAG’s mission statement is: “To develop, operate, and maintain a well-coordinated, balanced, countywide multimodal transportation system that is safe, efficient, and provides good access to all cities, communities, and recreational facilities, and into adjoining regions. A balanced multimodal transportation system includes but is not limited to a highway, public transit, aviation, marine, railroads, recreation, bicycle, pedestrian, and utility systems.”
GoalCIRC-3: Facilitate a safe, effective, and sustainable public transportation system that interconnects the public, institutional, residential, commercial, and recreation areas of Trinidad to the rest of Humboldt County.

Regional Transit Policies
CIRC-3.1 Work with Humboldt Transit Authority (or other provider) to improve and expand regional bus service to best provide those transit needs that can be reasonably met, with particular emphasis on the needs of the elderly, disabled, low income, and college students.

Program CIRC-3.1.1 Maintain Trinidad’s membership in the HTA JPA.

Program CIRC-3.1.2 Continue to support the Redwood Transit System to ensure the continuation and financial stability of regional transit services.

Program CIRC-3.1.3 Support installation of an additional bus stop in or near the Harbor Area.

Program CIRC-3.1.4 Coordinate with HTA to improve the existing bus stops in Trinidad by installing sheltered stops, bike racks, bike lockers and ADA facilities.

CIRC-3.2 Promote transit ridership as a means to reduce VMT, energy use, and GHG emissions.

Program CIRC-3.2.1 As feasible, implement a community program to subsidize transit passes for residents and employees in Trinidad.

Program CIRC-3.2.4 Support HTA’s efforts to replace fossil fuel powered buses with electric and/or other zero-emissions buses.

Other Regional Transit Initiatives
 Encourage the bus service to expand hours and increase trips between the towns so more individuals can utilize the service.
 Support a commuter route so the existing Trinidad-Eureka trips have consolidated stops and take less time.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022  Promote expansion of HTA’s dial-a-ride service for the elderly and disabled to include Trinidad.
 Encourage HTA to support access to social services and mitigate the impacts of any service changes to social service clients.
 Support establishment of a new bus stop at the Trinidad Harbor.

2. Active Transportation
The community desires transportation alternatives to the automobile and the same time, solutions to present-day congestion. Citizens want traffic in residential neighborhoods to be slower, less disruptive and less dangerous to pedestrians. Feasible alternatives to traditional automobiles are bicycle and pedestrian ways, including trails, paths, sidewalks, bike lanes and similar facilities.

The City implemented a previous General Plan policy suggesting that the City mark out its trail system. This was partially completed through the placement of trail markers on many of the trails so a uniform method for trail identification is implemented on all these trails. The City has expanded on this process though identifying additional trails connections on Figure 10 and Figure 12 and developing additional public access policies in the Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element. The City has also developed a Trails Policy that sets forth additional guidance for repair and maintenance of trails and protection of sensitive resources as well as describing trail amenities. The Trails Policy supplements, but is not a part of, the LCP. Trails issues tend to generate substantial public interest in Trinidad. Many trails in Trinidad traverse environmentally sensitive habitat areas, unstable slopes, and culturally sensitive areas, and so must be carefully managed.

To improve pedestrian safety, the City has installed and improved sidewalks along Main and Trinity Streets. Traffic calming measures, such as bulb-outs, have been installed in several locations as well as high-visibility cross-walks. However, most of Edwards Street, the other primary collector street through town, does not have sidewalks. The City restricted parking on the south side of Edwards Street west of Trinity in order to create a pedestrian walkway. A sidewalk on Galindo and a boardwalk at the bottom of Edwards were also added to provide access to the Harbor area. However, pedestrians still report feeling unsafe on Edwards and confused as to the appropriate pathway.

Trinidad is on the Pacific Coast Bike Route, and many bicyclists come to Trinidad. But the City has little in the way of bicycle infrastructure. Bike paths, bike racks and bike lockers are needed infrastructure.

HCOAG maintains a Regional Bicycle Plan for Humboldt County as well as Regional Pedestrian Plan and Regional Master Trails Plan, which are updated periodically, and the City participates in. The 2018 Regional Bicycle Plan designates a Class III route City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 (shared road with signs) along Westhaven Drive to the Harbor Area via Main, Trinity and Edwards, with an alternate route along Galindo and lower Van Wycke. Scenic Drive and Patrick’s Point Drive are also designed as Class III bike routes (see Figure 12). .

Participating in and prioritizing projects in these regional plans could help qualify those projects for grant funding. The following are general policies related to pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Additional related policies are also found in the Recreation section of the Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element.

GoalCIRC-4: Provide a multi-modal, safe, active transportation-friendly environment that allows Trinidad residents and visitors reasonable access to the City and its views, but also preserves the characteristics of Trinidad and the surrounding area.

Active Transportation Policies
CIRC-4.1 Provide for and develop pedestrian and bicycle facilities, such as benches and secure bicycle parking, to serve the transportation and recreational needs of all residents and visitors.

Program CIRC-4.1.1 Encourage the placement of secure, weather-protected, bicycle parking and/or storage facilities at existing bus stops, businesses, public buildings and in new non-residential development.

Program CIRC-4.1.2 The level, design and quality of service for pedestrians and bicycles should be increased when needed on collector streets. If sidewalks and bike lanes are infeasible, the City should consider shared lane markings (e.g. sharrow). Road resurfacing projects should provide improved access and safety for bicycles.

CIRC-4.2: Review new development along and adjacent to designated pedestrian and bicycle routes to ensure it is consistent with established rights-of-way and compatible with the safety and capacity of the corridor.

Program CIRC-4.2.1 New development, other than single-family residences, near coastal access points shall be required to provide bicycle parking.

CIRC-4.3 Provide safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to all areas of the City so that visitors are encouraged to park vehicles in a centralized area and bike or walk.

Program CIRC-4.3.1: The level, design and quality of service for pedestrians and bicycles should be increased when expanding roadway capacity for motorized circulation. If road expansion is infeasible, the City should consider shared lane markings (sharrow). Road resurfacing projects should provide improved access and safety for bicycles.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-4.3.2: Continue to maintain trails, improve connections and update the City’s Trails Policy, where necessary, to encourage pedestrian and / or nonmotorized vehicular access to appropriate areas open to the public.

Program CIRC-4.3.3 Pursue opportunities to provide transportation corridor linkages for pedestrian trails and bike routes as well as scenic recreational routes. In particular, consider linkages to the California Coastal Trail, Hammond Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Route. (CONS-10.8.3)
Program CIRC-4.2.4: Utilize published design standards, such as the Caltrans Highway Design Manual or equivalent for the design and construction of pedestrian and bicycle paths. All new hard surfaced walkways shall be ADA accessible.

Existing hard surfaced walkways should be improved to be ADA accessible when funding is available or when development projects occur on adjacent parcels.

CIRC-4.4 Design new and, when necessary, retrofit existing streets to improve walkability, bicycling, and transit integration; strengthen connectivity; and enhance community identity through improvements to the public right-of-way such as sidewalks, street trees, parkways, curbs, street lighting, and street furniture. (CD-9.6) Program CIRC-4.4.3 Install sidewalks only where necessary for pedestrian safety on local streets to retain the present undeveloped rights-of-way and preserve their rural character
CIRC-4.5 Promote horseback riding as a form of recreation and transportation by providing equestrian trails, where feasible.

CIRC-4.6 The CA Coastal Trail within the City shall be maintained and enhanced to provide a continuous, non-motorized public trail along the City’s coastline, connecting with contiguous trail links in adjacent, unincorporated Humboldt County. (CONS-10.9) Other Active Transportation Initiatives
 Participate with HCOAG to complete periodic assessments of pedestrian and bicycle needs as background information to prioritize allocation of funds consistent with the goal of increasing the safety, functional efficiency, interconnectivity, and capacity of pedestrian and bike routes.
 Continue to participate in regional alternative transportation planning with the Humboldt County Association of Government.

F. ENERGY
Energy consumption and production are closely linked to the physical development of land. In Humboldt County, there are three major types of demand for energy— electricity, fuel for heating, and fuel for transportation. Land use development policies City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 strongly impact how much energy is consumed, and zoning and development strategies can affect the ability to develop and transport future energy resources. The county generates much of its own electricity at the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Humboldt Bay Generating Plant, using mostly imported natural gas; some natural gas and biomass fuels are produced within the County. According to the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) biomass, natural gas, and petroleum each comprise about a third of the total primary energy consumed in County.

While biomass is renewable, it is not “clean” in the sense that still produces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In order to reduce GHG emissions (also see next section), the City desires to transition to sustainable energy consumption by reducing energy use and utilizing renewable sources. There are several potential local, clean, renewable energy resources that are as yet mostly untapped, including wind, wave, solar and micro-hydroelectric. Conservation and increased efficiency are also ways in which to essentially boost energy capacity by reducing demand.

In 2003, RCEA was formed as a JPA, representing seven municipalities, including Trinidad, and Humboldt County. As a JPA, RCEA is governed by a board composed of a representative from each jurisdiction. RCEA’s mission statement is:

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient, and renewable resources available in the region for the benefit of the Member agencies and their constituents.

As the regional energy authority, RCEA implements prioritized energy sustainability strategies on a regional basis through RePower Humboldt, a Comprehensive Action Plan for Energy. This action plan is maintained by the RCEA Board and updated regularly. The City will also implement energy sustainability strategies through policies, programs, and other initiatives contained herein.

This Energy section promotes self-sufficiency, independence, and local control in energy management and supports diversity and creativity in energy resource development, conservation, and efficiency. This strategy can reduce the drain on the County's resources for energy, stimulate local businesses and the economy, and help the City meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Goal CIRC-5 Reduce overall energy use and dependence on non-renewable energy resources.

Energy Policies
CIRC-5.1 Require new development to minimize energy consumption and maximize efficiency.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-5.1.1 Ensure that, at a minimum, new development complies with the most current version California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Program CIRC-5.1.2 Encourage passive heating and cooling in the siting and design of new buildings.

Program CIRC-5.1.3: Obtain assistance from community resources (such as RCEA) when reviewing commercial buildings during the design and approval process to incorporate energy-efficient design suggestions into the plans.

CIRC-5.2 Encourage energy efficiency, use reduction, and conservation in existing development; and set an example by improving the City’s own energy efficiency and conservation wherever feasible.

Program CIRC-5.2.1: Work with the RCEA to conduct energy audits on all City facilities and add recommended energy improvements into the City’s capital improvement program utilizing RCEA to take maximum advantage of utility incentive programs to minimize project costs.

Program CIRC-5.2.2: When replacing appliances and equipment, purchase or operate Energy Star® products for City operations and promote these products in the community.

Program CIRC-5.2.3: Coordinate with the RCEA to educate and encourage property owners to conduct energy audits to reduce energy consumption through utilization of free programs sponsored by utilities and other incentives.

CIRC-5.3 Encourage small-scale, onsite renewable energy such as wind, solar, and micro-hydro in new and existing development, when it is consistent with environmental and scenic considerations, and set an example by utilizing renewable energy in City facilities where feasible. (CD-6.2)
Program CIRC-5.3.1: Conduct renewable energy feasibility studies for City facilities and incorporate feasible alternative energy projects into the City’s capital improvement program. Update feasibility studies periodically as the renewable energy incentive and technology landscapes change and as new grant opportunities arise.

Program CIRC-5.3.2: Adopt a solar access ordinance that streamlines the approval process for solar projects, and which would require development applications to be reviewed for site orientation, and ensure that the development will not adversely impact solar access of neighboring properties by shading.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-5.3.3: Allow alternative energy facilities for onsite use as an accessory use in all zones within the City consistent with habitat values and aesthetic considerations.

Program CIRC-5.3.4: Investigate micro-hydro opportunities in Luffenholtz Creek to provide energy for the water treatment plant (the City’s largest municipal energy consumer).

CIRC-5.3 Transition transportation systems and buildings from fossil fuels to renewable fuels and energy.

Program CIRC-5.3.1: Implement a public education program on the benefits of and incentives for purchasing electric and other zero-emission vehicles. And, when feasible, replace existing City-owned vehicles with electric vehicles.

Program CIRC-5.3.2: Facilitate installation of additional public charging stations for electric vehicles and an alternative fuel station as these technologies become more widely available.

Program CIRC-5.3.3: Prohibit the use of propane in new development and require electrification of existing buildings as part of substantial remodels or additions. To the extent feasible, provide or facilitate incentives to convert existing propane appliances to electric (e.g. space heating, water heating, dryer and cookstoves).

Other Energy Initiatives
 Encourage and provide incentives where feasible for construction of buildings and energy saving measures beyond Title 24 requirements for residential and commercial projects.
 Consider encouraging LEED certification for new and renovated commercial structures and Green Point rating for residential dwellings. Provide information, technical assistance, and other incentives as appropriate when available.  Work with RCEA to provide information, marketing, training and education to support renewable energy development.
 Engage in community outreach to inform people of financial aid options and longterm benefits of utilizing alternative energy sources. Provide incentives as available for installation and utilization of alternative energy sources.

G. AIR QUALITY AND GREENHOUSE GASSES
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Air quality in Humboldt County is generally better than in other parts of the state. Local measurements by the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCAQMD) reveal that the county currently meets all federal standards for air quality and all state standards except for one pollutant – airborne particles that are 10 microns in diameter and smaller (PM10). Continued review and refinement of national and state standards may require additional control technologies. Emissions of PM10 come from a number of sources including fuel combustion, industry, agriculture and construction, but primarily road dust in the summer, and wood smoke in the winter. Natural sources include wildfires, sea salts, and windblown dust.

Because Trinidad does not have any industrial or agricultural land, stationary sources of emissions are not really an issue. Area-wide and mobile source emissions are addressed through General Plan policies that target specific sources. Transportation policies have been designed to reduce area-wide PM10 levels by reducing both the number of vehicle miles traveled and the number of vehicle trips. But because Trinidad is small and isolated, the City’s ability to reduce reliance on vehicles is limited. Grading and road maintenance policies also work to reduce particulates in dust. Incentives for energy efficient building construction will help reduce emissions related to residential and commercial energy consumption, including woodstove emissions.

California is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs) but is also a leader in GHG reduction strategies.. The State met its goal under Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 in 2016. Subsequent Executive Orders have set additional GHG emission goals and limits.

These include B-30-15 setting a goal of reducing GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and S-3-05 setting a goal of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The City is a participant in Humboldt County’s regional Climate Action Plan (CAP), which explores locally oriented strategies to reduce emissions from vehicle travel, electricity consumption, natural gas use and other sources of GHGs in order to meet or exceed state standards.

The 2020 California GHG Emissions Inventory (CARB 2020) analyzed emissions from 2000 to 2018 with some notable results:
 California statewide GHG emissions dropped below the 2020 GHG Limit in 2016 and have remained below the 2020 GHG Limit since then.
 Transportation emissions decreased in 2018 compared to the previous year, which is the first year over year decrease since 2013.
 Since 2008, California’s electricity sector has followed an overall downward trend in emissions. In 2018, solar power generation has continued its rapid growth since 2013.
 Emissions from high Global Warming Potential gases increased 2.3 percent in 2018 (2000-2018 average year-over-year increase is 6.8 percent), continuing the increasing trend as they replace Ozone Depleting Substances being phased out under the 1987 Montreal Protocol.

In working to meet State GHG goals, local governments can directly influence:

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 • Energy. The energy used in local government buildings, equipment, and infrastructure as well as the amount of energy used by community businesses and residents through building codes, conservation programs, and other mechanisms (see previous section for more information).
• Waste and Recycling. Local government’s own waste and recycling activities and the carbon footprint of their jurisdiction’s waste and recycling operations through collection system adjustments and promotion of waste reduction and recycling. • Water and Wastewater Systems. Water use in municipal operations and through community-wide water conservation and reclamation program efforts. • Transportation. Increases in the carbon efficiency of government fleets and local transportation planning processes to increase the use of transit, carpooling, biking, and walking. New development can be planned and distributed in a carbon-efficient way.
• Design. Siting and design of new developments in a way that reduces greenhouse gases associated with energy, water, waste, and vehicle travel.

CEQA now requires public agencies to identify the potentially significant effects on the environment specific to energy use and GHG emissions of projects they intend to carry out, or approve, and to mitigate significant effects whenever it is feasible to do so.

Therefore, the General Plan must include feasible policies and mitigations to offset the GHG emissions associated with the Plan. Participation in and compliance with the Regional CAP would allow streamlining for project-level CEQA analyses.

Goal CIRC-6 Improve air quality with a focus on PM10, ensure attainment of state and federal air quality standards, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet state goals.

Air Quality and GHG Policies
CIRC-6.1 Minimize PM10 emissions from new and existing development.

Program CIRC-6.1.1 Review new project proposals for consistency with NCAQMD regulations and guidelines.

Program CIRC-6.1.1: Ground disturbing construction and grading shall employ fugitive dust control strategies to prevent visible emissions from exceeding NCAQMD standards and prevent public nuisance.

Program CIRC-6.1.2: Minimize unstabilized dirt and gravel driveways and accessways in all new development and encourage stabilization of existing ones to minimize fugitive dust emissions while balancing the need to minimize impervious surfaces and hydrologic modification.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 CIRC-6.4 Reduce vehicle miles traveled by encouraging alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips.

Program CIRC-6.4.1: Promote purchase of electric bicycles through education and installation of charging stations, and implement a bike share program if feasible.

Program CIRC-6.4.1: Promote carpooling and carshare programs by disseminating information on local and regional options. If feasible, provide a forum for community members to seek and offer rides.

Program CIRC-6.4.1: Work with Trinidad Elementary to promote carpooling and/or expand bus services.

CIRC-6.5 Continue to participate in, and implement, to the fullest extent feasible, the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan to achieve state GHG reduction goals.

H. PUBLIC SERVICES
The purpose of this section is to identify the essential public facilities, buildings, and services and to describe policies and programs that will ensure that the existing and future population of Trinidad is provided the best and most appropriate level of public services and infrastructure. Included in this section are policies regarding solid waste and recycling services, the City’s storm water system, transmission facilities, wastewater management and water service.

1. Solid Waste, Reduction and Recycling
The City contracts with Humboldt Sanitation and Recycling for curb-side garbage and recycling pick-up within the City. Most refuse is transferred to a municipal transfer station and then hauled out of state where it is disposed of, for example, at the Dry Creek landfill in Oregon. There is no local landfill since the Cummings Road landfill reached capacity and closed in 2005.

In 1989, the state passed Assembly Bill (AB) 939 that mandated cities and counties to reduce their waste by 25 percent by 1995 and 50 percent by the year 2000. In June of 1992, a Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE) (not to be confused with a General Plan Element) was adopted by the City as a further fulfillment of AB 939. This document continues to serve as a guide for implementing waste reduction strategies to meet the required 50% diversion rate. Because Trinidad is a small town, these amounts are significantly affected by what is happening on the survey dates, such as a construction/demolition project. Annual diversion rates have ranged from 52% to almost 70% over the past 10 years; large construction projects can significantly affect the City’s waste volume and diversion percent. The City Clerk is currently responsible for ensuring City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 the requirements under the SRRE are met. The Humboldt County Regional CAP calls for further waste reduction and diversion measures to meet state GHG emission goals.

One recurring problem has been the dumping of yard wastes over bluff tops and the banks of streams in the City. These yard wastes can affect bank stability, cause erosion, and introduce invasive plant species and pests into the natural environment.

There are more beneficial ways of disposing of green waste. Some communities utilize this yard waste as a soil amendment available to the community, after it is collected, chipped and composted. There are also commercial operations that take green waste for composting, chipping, and resale. Further, SB 1383 (2016) regulations require jurisdictions to adopt and enforce an ordinance or other enforceable mechanism to implement relevant provisions concerning regulation of organic waste collection services, generators of organic waste, waste haulers, and generators and processors of edible food. The City is participating with other jurisdictions to implement these requirements on a regional basis. Increased recycling of green waste should reduce the likelihood of it being dumped inappropriately.

Goal CIRC-7: Protect public health, conserve natural resources, and enhance the natural environment of Trinidad and the surrounding areas by reducing waste generation, properly disposing of waste, and encouraging recycling and reuse of resources.

Solid Waste & Recycling Policies
CIRC-7.1 Minimize waste generation from new and existing development.

Program CIRC-7.1.1: Continue to comply with state waste reduction and recycling goals and requirements by maintaining the Source Reduction and Recycling Element (or Integrated Waste Management Plan) to accomplish, in order of importance, source reductions, followed by reuse and repair, recycling, composting, materials recovery, environmentally safe energy recovery, environmentally safe transformation, and as a last resort, landfill disposal. As part of this program, identify and implement incentives and penalties to encourage waste reduction and recycling.

Program CIRC-7.1.2: Adopt an ordinance requiring 75% of lumber waste division to green waste facilities for any new development.

Program CIRC-7.1.3: Require new building projects to submit a waste management plan and divert, recycle or salvage at least 50% of non-hazardous construction materials.

CIRC-7.2 Increase waste diversion by promoting recycling and composting.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-7.2.2: As feasible, provide no- or low-cost compost bins to residence and business owners and provide composting incentives to businesses.

Program CIRC-7.2.3: Require on-site areas for recycling in commercial, office, multifamily residential developments, and all municipal facilities.

Program CIRC-7.2.4: Investigate options for an appropriate, screened, permanent location for a recycling center that will accommodate the greater Trinidad community and those without access to curbside recycling..

CIRC-7.3 Maintain appropriate regulatory mechanisms and provide an adequate level of service to encourage and enforce appropriate waste management.

Program CIRC-7.3.1: Continue to contract for solid waste disposal and recycling services in a manner that meets the needs of the residents, and with the solid waste disposal service provider that gives residents the most access to services and is feasible with budget constraints. Coordinate with solid waste contractor to expand yard waste service.

Program CIRC-7.3.2 Develop an effective waste management ordinance and revise as needed to meet waste reduction and recycling goals.

Program CIRC-7.3.3: Develop waste management requirements for event permits (based on Arcata model).

Program CIRC-7.3.4 Coordinate with other jurisdictions and regional providers to manage organic waste efficiently and in compliance with state law.

Program CIRC-7.3.3 Continue to participate and implement measures in the regional CAP to minimize waste generation.

Other Waste Reduction Measures
 Work with local business to promote recycling opportunities and to educate people regarding recycling options and composting methods.
 Consider partnering with the school, park / museum or community garden as community composting resources.

2. Stormwater System & Management
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation falls on impervious surfaces and runs directly into adjacent water bodies without infiltrating into the soil and causing changes to the natural hydrologic processes. A number of pollution constituents can be mobilized City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 in stormwater runoff. Of particular concern in Trinidad are sediment, bacteria, oils and heavy metals.

The Trinidad Head Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS)/State Water Quality Protection Area (SWQPA) is a 297-acre area located around Trinidad Head and the Bay. ASBS’s are designated because they host an unusual variety of aquatic life and or unique species. Trinidad Head ASBS, one of 31 in the state, was designated in part due to the existence of bull kelp beds. Due to the area’s designation as an ASBS, the bordering coastal watersheds are also considered a Critical Coastal Area by the CA Coastal Commission. Because of the potential for polluted stormwater to adversely affect these important ecosystems, the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Ocean Plan prohibits all discharges to an ASBS unless an exception is granted by the SWRCB.

The City previously had an old and incomplete stormwater drainage system, not all of which is well-documented. Some stormwater was routed to the north toward Mill Creek, but most of the City’s stormwater was discharged through an outfall located on Launcher Beach. Some areas, such as Wagner Street, have no curbs or drain inlets, so drainage is generally south towards the bluff areas or towards Parker Creek.

Stormwater from the Cal Poly Humboldt Telonicher Marine Lab (Marine Lab) was routed adjacent to the City’s stormwater system and discharges to Trinidad Bay near the City’s outfall. The Harbor Area generates stormwater runoff from the structures and parking areas.

In 2004, the SWRCB issued cease and desist discharge orders to the City, the Marine Lab and the Rancheria for their stormwater discharges into Trinidad Head ASBS. The Marine Lab received an exception for its discharge of seawater used in the labs and tanks. The Rancheria has eliminated discharge from the pier via construction of a new concrete pier with its own stormwater capture and treatment system and will be modifying the parking lot to add detention swales, raingardens and pervious pavement to eliminate that discharge.

Over the past decade, the City has eliminated its stormwater discharge via a phased stormwater improvement project that uses various Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to capture, treat, redirect and/or infiltrate stormwater runoff throughout the City. The City was able to remove its outfall on Launcher Beach and the stormwater is now infiltrated through a series of bioswales, treatment chambers, and infiltration pipes under City streets and the Harbor parking area (Figure 13). The system now incorporates stormwater from the Marine Lab as well. Several technical studies were completed to support that project, which will be useful for other applications as well, including detailed geotechnical and groundwater studies and development of a groundwater model for the City. One of the benefits of these reports is that they indicate where infiltration LID types are appropriate, and where infiltration could impact slope stability, groundwater levels and septic systems. Outside of the stormwater project area, more studies are needed prior to allowing new infiltration due to the potential for high groundwater and slope stability impacts.

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Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 The term LID refers to systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes and result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater in order to maintain hydrologic function, and to protect water quality and associated aquatic habitat. LID techniques include the use of rain gardens (bioretention), vegetated swales (bioinfiltration), pervious pavement and/or pavers, and green roofs. Maintaining existing vegetation and planting new vegetation as a buffer to improve the quality of the stormwater discharged from the site should always be considered for construction projects. Projects reducing direct stormwater discharge into the ASBS region and bacterial contamination in the bay and beach waters should be encouraged in appropriate areas.

Policies governing water quality and sediment management can be found in the Conservation Element.

GOAL CONS-8: Manage stormwater and the City’s stormwater system to maintain hydrologic function, protect water quality and sensitive areas, provide for the safety and enjoyment of citizens, and adequately serve development consistent with the certified LCP.

Stormwater Policies
CIRC-8.1 Manage, maintain, and improve the City’s stormwater system where needed to accommodate the needs of existing and planned development.

Program CIRC-8.1.1 Ensure system components, including drain inlets and filters are inspected and maintained annually or as needed to ensure proper function.

CIRC-8.2 To the extent feasible, ensure City stormwater infrastructure can accommodate potential increases in rainfall frequency and intensity during storm events due to climate change. Periodically reevaluate the stormwater system as new information becomes available. (CONS-1b-13)
CIRC-8.3 Avoid construction of new stormwater outfalls and discharges. (CONS-1b12 partial) CIRC-8.4 Minimize the area of impervious surfaces in new and existing development to the maximum extent practicable. Development shall be planned, sited, and designed to maintain or enhance onsite infiltration of runoff where appropriate and feasible. (CONS-1b.9)
CIRC-8.5 New development shall utilize Low Impact Development techniques to manage stormwater, preserve hydrologic function, and maximize on-site infiltration of runoff, to the extent practicable, except where it may negatively impact OWTS or slope stability. For development where infiltration is precluded by site conditions, appropriate BMPs shall be implemented, such as retention and filtration to attenuate peak flows and reduce the discharge of polluted runoff. (CONS-1b.11)
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 30
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-8.5.1 Site specific studies shall be required in LID Zone C prior to installation of infiltration types of LID.

Program CIRC-8.5.2 As funding allows, develop and/or promote existing incentives, regulations, design guidelines and/or educational materials that provide guidance to residents about LID methods for new and existing development that appropriately manage stormwater in a manner that does not negatively impact bluff stability or leachfields. (CONS-1b.11.2)
Program CIRC-8.5.3 Utilize the most recent version of the Humboldt Low Impact Development Stormwater Manual as guidance for determining the most appropriate LID options for each site considering any site constraints. (CONS1b.11.3)

3. Transmission and Utility Facilities
Private companies own the electric, gas, telephone, cellular and cable services, though they are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has a facility (a substation) within the City. Many of the overhead utility lines in town have already been undergrounded either through requirements for new development or utilizing available funding from PG&E for such activities in scenic areas. However, overhead lines still exist in many places, where they can impact views, and their maintenance can impact sensitive habitat. Propane fuel is provided by individual, private propane tanks, as there are no natural gas lines in the City. Propane is a fossil fuel that generates GHG and should be phased out over time in favor of renewable electricity and other energy sources.

Cable and high-speed internet are provided to City residents. There was previously a cellular installation utilized by several providers located on Trinidad Head. However, that site has been phased out due to impacts to the sensitive environment of Trinidad Head, and the cellular providers have constructed replacement facilities elsewhere. Some solar photovoltaic systems have been installed on private residences, and the City has implemented measures to help streamline the process for such installations to the extent possible under current regulations. But the City needs to adopt new regulations consistent with the CA Solar Rights Act. There has been some interest in generating electricity from wave energy offshore, and a large offshore wind energy project is in the planning stages (outside of Trinidad’s jurisdiction). There is a significant amount of wind in Trinidad year-round, and wind energy may be a good source of alternative energy if it can be installed without causing nuisance from noise and view blockage. Interest has also been expressed in micro-hydro power on local creeks that does not divert a significant amount of water and can provide a reliable source of power in the winter when traditional power lines are often compromised. This should only be considered when negative impacts to aquatic resources can be avoided.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 31
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Goal CIRC-9: Ensure that the transmission of utilities meets consumer needs and energy efficiency goals consistent with the character of the City.

Transmission and Utility Policies
CIRC-9.1 Coordinate with utility companies to ensure compatibility between land uses and planned transmission facilities to the extent possible.

CIRC-9.2 Ensure that utility companies obtain any necessary permits, including Coastal Development Permits, for installation, maintenance and repair of utility infrastructure that does not fall under an exemption.

CIRC-9.3 Utility lines, cables and supporting infrastructure should not obstruct the coastal views, both public and private, for which Trinidad is known.

Program CIRC-9.3.1: The City should seek funding and otherwise take advantage of any programs that would accomplish undergrounding existing above-ground utility lines in town.

4. Wastewater Disposal / Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems The City of Trinidad does not have a centralized sewer system, and instead relies entirely on individual on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), generally in the form of septic systems. It has been suggested that Trinidad will need to eventually build a sewage treatment plant, because lots in Trinidad are relatively small for OWTS, bacterial pollution is a problem in and around the City, and many of the City’s systems are old, inadequate or malfunctioning when compared to current standards. However, residents and property owners inside and outside the City resist the idea of a sewertreatment plant due to potential growth-inducing impacts in the area. Further, the high cost, and the presence of the ASBS likely make that possibility infeasible.

Because septic systems are the most feasible type of OWTS available at the present time, land uses are limited to those types that can best be adapted to the service constraints of septic systems. Technological advances such as pre-treatment units may allow for improved wastewater treatment from higher densities or from land uses with higher strength discharges than are currently allowed. But water quantity will still be an issue in many parts of the City, as excessive discharge via leachfields can impact bluff stability. The types of permitted commercial and residential uses and densities are limited to those recommended in this General Plan and subsequent Zoning Ordinance provisions.

The State has adopted a statewide OWTS Policy that provides uniform design and construction standards and some maintenance oversight near waterbodies declared “impaired” under the Clean Water Act. Locally, those include Trinidad State Beach (Mill Creek), Luffenholtz Beach (Luffenholtz and Joland Creeks) and Moonstone Beach (Little River). The County Division of Environmental Health serves as the City’s Health City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 32
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Department and oversees construction permitting for new and modified OWTS. The County has recently updated its OWTS policies and regulations, which have been approved as a Local Agency Management Program under the State’s OWTS Policy.

However, it is the City that issues CDPs as needed for new OWTS, modifications and repairs. In addition, the City has adopted a regulatory OWTS Management Program that requires all systems to be periodically inspected and maintained. It also requires system upgrades at the time of property transfers and improvements if the system doesn’t meet current standards.

GoalCIRC-11: Manage wastewater production and treatment to protect public health, natural resources, and property values in Trinidad.

Wastewater Disposal / OWTS Policies
CIRC-10.1: Require submittal of accurate and current septic information as part of any development application, including subdivisions. Uses with large quantities or high strength discharges shall be subject to more stringent reviews and requirements. (LU2.7; CONS-1b.7) Program CIRC-1 0.2.1: Ensure adequacy of the OWTS design and capacity prior to approving any new development. Require upgrades of existing systems as needed to provide adequate OWTS capacity and protect water quality. (CONS-1b.7.1) CIRC-10.2 Ensure that OWTS serving new and existing development in the City do not exceed the treatment capacity of the soils and do not contribute to ground or surface water pollution.

Program CIRC-10.2.1 Continue to maintain and implement a regulatory OWTS Management Program, in compliance with the CA OWTS Policy and the North Coast Basin Plan, that includes requirements for regular monitoring, maintenance, and pumping of OWTS .(LU-1c.8, CONS-1b.6)
Other Wastewater Initiatives
 Pursue grant funding or a revolving loan program to monitor water quality and implement OWTS improvement projects within the City’s entire Planning Area to assess and reduce pollution from OWTS. Encourage Humboldt County to participate. (LU-11.6.1)
 Encourage and support the County to implement and enforce regulations regarding OWTS within the Trinidad Planning Area. (LU-11.6.2)
 Consider the feasibility and desirability of forming a Septic Maintenance District with the County that encompasses the area from Trinidad to Moonstone. (LU-11.6.3) City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 33
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022

5. Water Service
The City of Trinidad operates a municipal water supply system that serves the occupied parcels within the City and a number of properties outside City limits. Raw water for the City system is currently supplied from Luffenholtz Creek. The City’s water system includes an infiltration gallery, water treatment plant and several storage tanks. The City's water rights, dating from the late 1970’s, allow the City to divert up to 251 gallons per minute (gpm) from the creek, or 361,440 gallons per day (gpd). However, the City's treatment plant currently has the capacity to treat approximately 105 gpm (but not necessarily 24 hours per day), equating to approximately 140,000 gpd. The City also has an unused water right on Mill Creek.

The flow rate and quality of water is highly dependent on the weather. In the winter the water takes longer to treat due to the higher turbidity, but demand is lower then. During the summer, when demand peaks, the treatment capacity is limited by the amount of water that can be withdrawn from the infiltration gallery. Several water treatment issues, including, bacterial contamination, water turbidity and chlorine contact time are important issues that City staff at the treatment plant must constantly balance. The City continues to monitor and upgrade the water plant as feasible. Recent upgrades improved treatment for turbidity and chlorine contact time to meet current drinking water standards.

The City has a designated Water Service Area (City Service Limit as designated in the previously certified Local Coastal Program (LCP)) that extends well outside of City limits (Figure 14). Prior to about the year 2000, the City provided water to users outside City limits, but within the service area, when requested, without much oversight or decisionmaking, in order to benefit from the increased revenue. However, around 2000, the policies of the Humboldt County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) changed, and they no longer allowed service extensions to properties outside the City without annexation into the City, except in cases of emergencies. Therefore, the City stopped connecting users outside City limits.

However, the dynamics have again changed. During a substantial drought spanning from 2013 to 2016, the number of requests for City water from property owners outside of the City increased substantially. In addition, LAFCo has relaxed its policy requiring annexation prior to providing water. On the other hand, water supply and resiliency has also become a more critical issue due to the potential for climate change to increase the occurrence and severity of droughts. The Trinidad water system is now serving 323 metered connections, 222 inside and 101 outside of City limits, including the Trinidad Rancheria. Currently, daily demand is approximately 60% of the treatment capacity.

To address current and future water system needs, the City’s engineering firm completed a Water Treatment Plant Production Rate Test and Analysis (GHD Memo dated May 1, 2019). Based on that report, which included limited testing and analysis, some current characteristics of the City’s water plant are as follows:

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 34
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022  Turbidity is the primary limiting factor for overall water production. The highest turbidity tends to occur during early season storm events, which is not during the peak demand period of late summer.
 Current demand, topping out at an average of 85,000 gpd, can be met with existing staffing. Increasing production may necessitate additional staff and other increased costs.
 Current storage capacity is limited and may not meet today's standards for fire protection flows.
 Changes in operations at the water plant can have unanticipated impacts on other operations at the water plant, and on other aspects of the supply and delivery system.
 There may be some minor corrections / improvements that can be made to existing equipment to increase the efficiency of the water plant.  There is a theoretical surplus in production capacity of up to approximately 48,000 gpd beyond that required to meet current peak day demand.

Demand for water is expected to increase due to new development in the Trinidad area in the upcoming years, and this increase in demand needs to be planned for. The City's planning firm completed a Water Demand Assessment (SHN, August 2019) that looked at potential build-out within the City’s Service Area, both within and outside of City limits.

The Water Service Area was broken into subareas in order to better inform the City ability to provide service and to consider areas for potential annexation. The findings of that report can be summarized as follows:
 The City’s water plant has the existing capacity to meet the demands of build-out within the City as well as some additional ADUs.
 Even after accommodating build-out in the City, there is capacity to serve some areas of the existing Service Area outside of City limits, but not all.  The City must prioritize how and where water service will be extended outside of City limits and consider adjusting the service area accordingly.  Build-out is not expected to occur for decades, and conditions can and will change within that time frame.

Based on previous estimates of low flows (e.g. 100-year return low flow) on Luffenholtz Creek, the creek is almost fully allocated in terms of water rights. In fact, it may be overallocated in a dry year. The City has periodically, but inconsistently monitored flows on the creek. In 2017, a continuous flow meter was installed on the creek just below the intake for the water plant to ensure that required bypass flows are met. Initial results indicate that the flows were less than would be anticipated in a non-drought year (2018), but bypass flows have been easily met. However, droughts, upstream land uses and climate change are likely to alter rainfall patterns and/or affect flows in the creek.

Therefore, the City’s Engineering firm completed a “Conceptual Hydrologic Assessment of the Luffenholtz Creek Watershed” (GHD memo dated October 2, 2019). That report included the following findings:
 The City has a water right that allows extraction of almost three times the current demand; however, that water is not necessarily available.  The water right includes minimum bypass flow requirements.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 35
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022  Low creek flows negatively impact the City’s ability to withdraw water from the existing infiltration gallery.
 Other users, withdrawals and water rights exist upstream of the City’s water plant, but limited information exists regarding these.
 Limited reliable data exists for estimating low return flows on Luffenholtz Creek.

However, the existing data does show that levels have dropped below the City’s water right plus the required bypass flows on occasion.  Climate change, drought, and upstream users all increase the risks and uncertainties regarding the ability of Luffenholtz Creek to meet the City’s needs now and in the future.

In addition to the assessments summarized above, the City Engineer’s office also completed a “City of Trinidad water demand and loss analysis” (GHD memo dated October 2, 2019), which found that the water loss from the City’s water system exceeds what would normally be expected for such a system. The losses are likely due to failing pipes and connections, and it was recommended that the City test various sections for pressure loss and prioritize replacement. Finally, the Engineer’s office completed a “City of Trinidad alternative raw water source evaluation” (GHD memo dated October 2, 2019) to investigate alternative water sources to Luffenholtz Creek. The alternative sources considered were recycled/reclaimed water, desalination, rainwater catchment, spring catchment, other local creeks (Mill, Parker, McConnahas Mill), and Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD). The most feasible of these alternatives was found to be hooking into the HBMWD system via the McKinleyville CSD. However, the City recently elected to not participate in a feasibility study to extend a pipeline north to Trinidad due to concerns over the growth-inducing potential of such a development. The permitting, agency coordination and community character considerations of this option are very complex. Other strategies for increasing water supply and resilience includ reducing system losses, increasing storage, rainwater catchment and tapping into other local creeks.

In addition to the information above, there are several other water supply issues that have been considered in the development of the following policies:
 The Luffenholtz Creek watershed is located entirely outside of City limits. The City needs to coordinate with the County to ensure the creek is protected from development. Commercial cannabis operations are of particular concern due to their high water demands.
 In several areas, groundwater supply is highly variable. Some wells in the area do not produce enough volume of water to meet the demand. Other concerns include contamination of wells from failed septic systems and use of pesticides and other chemicals.
 If they have riparian water rights, many property owners in the area outside the City use coastal streams as a water source, which raises the same concerns as wells.
 Additional water use in the Planning Area may overburden soil treatment capacity wastewater and increase ground and surface water pollution.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 36
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022  The Trinidad Rancheria has plans for substantial development; they anticipated using the City’s water supply but are now looking to get water from HBMWD and/or onsite wells.
 The lack of water has acted as a development constraint along with the use of septic systems.

Based on the above information, water is and will continue to be a significant concern and factor in development potential in the future. The City has developed Policies and Criteria for Evaluating Connection Requests Outside City Limits, a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and has created a Water Advisory Committee to explore and promote resiliency. Although the City’s treatment plant does not currently have the capacity to serve build-out of the City and the entire Water Service Area, growth is slow, and conditions will change. For the planning horizon of this general plan, the City has prioritized service to (1) build-out within City limits, (2) an allowance for ADUs to meet State housing laws and goals, (3) areas outside the City (within the Service Area) that the City has the capacity to serve and that would be appropriate for future annexation, and (4) limited circumstances of health and safety. Under priority #3, the City has prioritized subareas A, B, and C of the Water Service Area for future service and annexation. However, Area C presents substantial challenges due to high potential water demand, but it also has high potential for tax revenue generation. The City’s Sphere of Influence includes Areas A, B, D1 and the southern portion of Area C.

Goal CIRC-12: Ensure that the City’s water system, supply, and demand are managed for sustainability and the health and needs of users.

Water Service Policies
CIRC-12.1 Pursue avenues available to the City to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of Luffenholtz Creek water and protect the City’s water rights.

Program CIRC-12.1.1: Monitor water rights and periodically assess the capacity of Luffenholtz Creek to provide anticipated demand for domestic water including flow analyses that account for existing and potential riparian and appropriative rights, groundwater wells, land use, droughts, and climactic change. (LU-10.1) CIRC-12.2 Complete upgrades to the City’s water system to improve efficiency, water quality and storage capacity as needed and as funding and capacity allow. (LU-10.2)
Program CIRC-12.2.1: Develop a capital improvement program and pursue infrastructure improvements to reduce water loss, increase storage capacity in the system and improve the ability to withdraw water during low flows. (CONS-1c.2) Program CIRC-12.2.2: Periodically upgrade existing distribution lines, including fire hydrants, to current standards. Top priorities are repairing leaking lines and improving storage capacity at the treatment plant.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 37
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-12.2.3: Prepare an annual water report to be presented to the City Council to keep the City up to date on the condition of the water system, need for improvements, level of use and capacity of the system.

CIRC-12.3 Develop and implement an active, on-going water conservation program to minimize water consumption. To the extent possible, extend the City’s conservation program to properties outside the City that are hooked up to the City’s water system. (CONS-1c.1)
Program CIRC-12.3.1: Pursue implementation of a water rate structure and other incentives that encourage water conservation. Periodically review and amend the water rate structure to ensure that it promotes water conservation. (CONS-1d.1.1) Program CIRC-12.3.2: Maintain a Water Shortage Contingency Plan for use during times of drought or other water shortage emergencies.

Program CIRC-12.3.3:Promote the use of rainwater collection and greywater systems. (CIRC-11.3)
CIRC-12.4 Review expected water use as part of development permit applications, and monitor water use to ensure increases in water use are subject to appropriate approval procedures, including CDPs, if applicable. (CONS-1c.3) Program CIRC-12.4.1 All new connections shall enter into a service agreement with the City that includes expected and/or maximum water use based on the proposed use.

CIRC-12.5 Users within City limits are given preference for service connections. (LU10.3) CIRC-12.6 Consider expanding water service connections outside City limits only if it can be done without having significant adverse effects, either individually or cumulatively, on coastal resources, including but not limited to Luffenholtz Creek, without reducing capacity needed to serve build-out within the City and without significantly increasing the costs to residents within City limits; annexation is a prerequisite for any service expansions. (LU-10.4)
Program CIRC-12.6.1 Where the water system can accommodate only a limited amount of new development, service to coastal-dependent land, essential public services and basic industries vital to the economic health of the region, state, or nation, public recreation, commercial recreation, and visitor-serving land uses shall not be precluded by other development.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 38
Draft Circulation, Energy and Public Services Element July 2022 Program CIRC-12.6.2: In the event of a proposal to expand the City water system, prospective customers shall provide the necessary funds in whole or in part to defer the cost of system improvements through an agreement with the City. (LU-10.6) CIRC-12.7 Prioritize water service connections outside City limits based on the following factors:
 Areas where the City has the capacity to serve, while not removing capacity needed for users within City limits.
 Areas where annexation is likely to be beneficial to the City.  Proposed use(s) that have been determined to be priority uses under the Coastal Act or City policies. (LU-10.5)
CIRC-12.8 Only consider connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, or other alternative water source, if there is a compelling public necessity, enforceable measures are included to assure that the general small-town community characteristic of the service area around the City does not adversely change, and it complies with policies of the City and County LCPs and the Coastal Act.

Other Water Service Policies
 Encourage the County and/or Watershed Council to provide water conservation education.
 Encourage the County to implement a water conservation program in the TrinidadWesthaven area.  Encourage the County to pursue enforcement of illegal water diversions and withdrawals in the Luffenholtz Creek watershed.

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\\Arcata\Projects\2016\016105A-CityOfTrinidad\GIS\Projects\GenPlanUpdate\2022\ USER:jsousa DATE:7/14/2022

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P:\Arcata\2016\016105A-CityOfTrinidad\GIS\Projects\GenPlanUpdate\2022\ USER:jsousa DATE:9/9/2022

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City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
Water System & Service Area
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
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DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

3. Presentation/Discussion regarding Housing Element Zoning Ordinance Update (LEAP Grant Task).

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
September 13, 2022
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item: Housing Element Zoning Ordinance Update (LEAP Grant Task) Housing Element
The Housing Element is one of the seven general plan elements mandated by the state. It is the most rigidly dictated by state law of the all the elements and the only element that is required to be certified by a state agency—the Department of Community Development (HCD). As the state’s housing shortage continues, laws have gotten stricter, and the legislature has taken away more and more local control each year. However, they have also made additional funding available to local governments. HCD contracted with a consulting firm to help local jurisdictions, including Trinidad, develop compliant Housing Elements. The current Housing Element was adopted in April 2020 and has been certified by HCD. Based on that Housing Element, the City has received two housing-related grants from HCD (and will also receive some related regional funding).

LEAP Grant
Trinidad was approved for $65,000 in funding through HCD’s Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant Program for housing planning and to facilitate acceleration of housing production to comply with the sixth cycle of the regional housing need assessment (RHNA). The LEAP Grant was established to provide support, incentives, resources, and accountability to meet California’s Housing goals. Trinidad’s LEAP Grant tasks focus on increasing housing opportunities and resources, particularly for people with disabilities, providing information and assistance to residents on housing issues, and improving water infrastructure capacity and conservation.

Zoning Amendments
The first grant task is to prepare a zoning ordinance amendment to implement several Housing Element (HE) implementation programs, including HI-1, HI-7 and HI-11. Most of these amendments are dictated by state law and are fairly minor. The amendments consist primarily of new and updated definitions and classification of several uses as residential uses subject only to the same requirements as for a single-family residence as required by state laws.

The Planning Commission considered the amendments at their July 20 and August 17, 2022, meetings and have recommended the amendment to the City Council for approval per Zoning Ordinance §17.68.030. If adopted by the City Council, an LCP amendment application will need to be submitted to the Coastal Commission and certified prior to the amendment taking effect.

The following provides a summary of the amendments. Note that I included the “table of contents” for each chapter of the Zoning Ordinance being amended for context, but I don’t think those would be included in the adopted amendment; they would be updated the next time the City’s ordinances are codified.

Single-Family Dwelling
The definition for “dwelling, single-family” was updated to include manufactured homes as required by Government Code 65852.3. Applicable code references were also updated in the definition. Implements HE HI-1.

Employee Housing
A definition for “employee housing” was added per Health and Safety Code §17008, Employee housing for six or fewer persons is considered a residential use under state law, so it was added as a principally permitted use in the UR and SR zones and a use permitted with a use permit in the PD Zone subject to the same requirements as a single-family residence as dictated by Health and Safety Code § 17021.5. Implements HE HI-1.

Family
The definition of family was updated to remove references to the number of people, which, along with requirements regarding relationship status, is considered discrimination under federal fair housing laws. Implements HE HI-1.

Family Daycare Home/Day Care Center
A definition of “family daycare home” was added per Health and Safety Code §1596.78 and family daycare homes were added to the list of allowable home occupations, making it a residential accessory use not subject to discretionary permits as required by Health and Safety Code Chapter 3.6. Also, the conflicting definition of “day care center” (TMC §17.08.160) was removed and references to “day care centers” were removed from TMC §17.40.030 and §17.56.180. Implements HE HI-11.

A question was brought up at the Planning Commission hearing about the definition of small verses large family daycare homes, because the number of children allowed in each overlap. An explanation can be found in the code sections referenced in the definition.

Basically, a small family daycare home is up to six children (and a large is 7-12), but two additional children are allowed in either, under certain conditions, hence the overlap. See Health and Safety Code sections 1597.44 and 1597.465.

Manufactured Housing
A definition for “manufactured housing” was added per Health and Safety Code §18007, and manufactured housing was added to the definition of a single-family dwelling, and are therefore are allowed subject to the requirements of a single-family dwelling as required Government Code §65852.3. Implements HE HI-1.

Mobilehome
The definition of mobilehome was updated per Health and Safety Code §18008. In addition, §17.56.070 (mobile buildings) was updated to remove the specifications for when a mobilehome is considered a residence, because that is dictated by the definition of a single-family dwelling, state law, and the building code.

Recreational vehicle or RV
RVs are similar to mobilehomes, but are regulated differently. The definition of RV was updated including reference to Health and Safety Code §18010.

Residential Care Facilities
A definition for “residential care facilities” was added per Health and Safety Code §1502(a)(1). Health and Safety Code 1566.3 dictates that residential care facilities for up to six people are considered a residential use and a “family” for the purposes of any land use regulations. Therefore, residential care facilities were added as a principally permitted use in the UR and SR zones. In addition, residential care facilities for more than six people were added as a use permitted with a use permit in the UR and SR zones. And residential care facilities for any number of people were added as a use permitted with a use permit in the PD zone. Implements HE HI-1.

Single Room Occupancy Units
A definition for “single room occupancy units” was added based on definitions from other cities, because they are not specifically defined in the state code. And they were added as a use permitted with a use permit in the PD zone. In addition, regulations for single-room occupancy units (§17.56.025), including parking standards (§17.56.180), were added to the specific use regulations section of the zoning ordinance (Chapter 17.56). Note that parking standards for other new uses included in this amendment must be the same as for a singlefamily residence. Implements HE HI-1.

Single room occupancy units are most often converted from old hotels, but they can be new construction as well. The City has the most flexibility under state law to regulate this housing type compared to the others in this amendment. The Planning Commission discussed whether there should be any limit on the maximum number or maximum density of SRO units, or whether wastewater limitations would be enough. Most communities tend to require onsite management where there are more than 10 SRO units.

This indicates that around 10 is the point at which potential nuisances associated with this type of development become problematic. For a town as small as Trinidad, 10 would not be an unreasonable maximum. On the other hand, Trinidad does need more affordable housing. The Planning Commission felt that density will be adequately limited by septic requirements. In addition, any SRO development would require approval of a use permit and a management plan, which gives the Planning Commission flexibility to consider the issue on a case-by-case basis.

Supportive Housing
A definition for “supportive housing” was added per Government Code §65582.

Supportive housing is also considered a residential use subject only to the same requirements as a single-family residence, so it was added as a principally permitted use in the UR and SR zones and a use permitted with a use permit in the PD Zone per Government Code §65583. Implements HE HI-1.

Target Population
The term “target population” is used in the definition of “supportive housing,” so a definition was added per Government Code §65582.

Transitional Housing
A definition for “transitional housing” was added per Government Code §65582.

Transitional housing is also considered a residential use, so it was added as a principally permitted use in the UR and SR zones and a use permitted with a use permit in the PD Zone subject to the same requirements as a single-family residence per Government Code §65583. Implements HE HI-1.

HI-7/SB35
You may have noticed that the grant task included implementation of HI-7, but there were no amendments included to implement HI-7. HI-7 directs the City to develop regulations for streamlining affordable housing projects per SB35 (Government Code §65913.4).

However, upon review of the regulations, they do not apply in areas that area not designated as “urban” nor in the Coastal Zone. Therefore, Trinidad does not have to comply with this state mandate. The City could choose to follow it anyway, but the regulations are complicated, and the likelihood of such affordable housing projects being built in Trinidad due to land values and density limitations of septic systems is so low, that it would likely be a waste of time.

Attachments
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Recommended Action:

Discuss the amendment and take public comment. Direct staff to make any desired changes and bring the ordinance back for a first reading if the Council is satisfied with it. p. 1
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 An Ordinance of the City of Trinidad
Amending Zoning Ordinance Chapters, 17.08, 17.28, 17.32, 17.36, 17.40 and 17.56 Chapter 17.08

DEFINITIONS
Sections:

17.08.010 Construction.

17.08.020 Advertising area.

17.08.030 Aggrieved person.

17.08.040 Agriculture.

17.08.050 Bluff.

17.08.060 Building.

17.08.070 Building, accessory.

17.08.080 Building inspector.

17.08.090 Campground.

17.08.100 City, city council.

17.08.110 City clerk.

17.08.120 Coastal Commission.

17.08.130 Coastal development permit.

17.08.140 Coastal zone.

17.08.150 Condominium.

17.08.160 Day care center.

17.08.170 dbh.

17.08.180 Density.

17.08.200 Development.

17.08.210 Duplex.

17.08.220 Dwelling, multifamily.

17.08.230 Dwelling, single-family.

17.08.240 Dwelling, townhouse.

17.08.250 Dwelling unit.

17.08.260 Emergency.

17.08.265 Emergency shelter

17.08.267 Employee housing
p. 2
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022

17.08.270 Family.

17.08.275 Family daycare home

17.08.280 Feasible.

17.08.290 Fence.

17.08.300 Fill.

17.08.310 Floor area, gross.

17.08.320 General plan.

17.08.330 Grade.

17.08.340 Guesthouse.

17.08.350 Height.

17.08.360 Home occupation.

17.08.370 Kennel.

17.08.380 Lot.

17.08.390 Lot area.

17.08.400 Lot, corner.

17.08.410 Lot frontage.

17.08.420 Lot, interior.

17.08.430 Lot lines.

17.08.440 Lot line, rear.

17.08.450 Lot, nonconforming.

17.08.455 Manufactured housing

17.08.460 Mobilehome.

17.08.470 Mobilehome park.

17.08.480 Motel, inn.

17.08.490 New.

17.08.500 Nonconforming.

17.08.510 Off-street parking.

17.08.520 Off-street loading.

17.08.530 Ownership.

17.08.540 Person.

17.08.550 Public works project.

17.08.560 Recreation, commercial.
p. 3
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022

17.08.570 Recreational vehicle or RV.

17.08.575 Residential care facility

17.08.580 Rest home.

17.08.590 Servants’ quarters.

17.08.600 Services, personal and professional.

17.08.610 Sign.

17.08.620 Sign, freestanding.

17.08.630 Sign, off-premises.

17.08.635 Single room occupancy unit

17.08.640 Parking lot, public.

17.08.650 Sign, on-premises.

17.08.660 Story.

17.08.670 Street.

17.08.680 Structure.

17.08.690 Structure, accessory.

17.08.692 Supportive housing

17.08.695 Target population

17.08.697 Transitional housing

17.08.700 Use.

17.08.710 Use, accessory.

17.08.720 Use, principal permitted.

17.08.730 Yard.

17.08.740 Yard, front.

17.08.750 Yard, rear.

17.08.760 Yard, side.

17.08.770 Zone.

Section 17.08.160 is hereby eliminated from the Trinidad Municipal Code:

17.08.160 Day care center.
“Day care center” means any type of group child day care program, including nurseries of children of working mothers; nursery schools for children under minimum age for education in public schools; privately conducted kindergartens when not part of a public or parochial school; programs covering after-school care for school children; all of which must be conducted in p. 4
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 accordance with state and local requirements and shall not accommodate more than five children. [Ord. 166 Appx. A, 1979].

Section 17.08.230 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.08.230 Dwelling, single-family.
“Single-family dwelling” means a freestanding building designed for and/or occupied exclusively by one family to include mobilehomes and manufactured homes certified under on a foundation which conform to the National Mobile HomeManufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Secs. 5401 et seq.) on a foundation system, pursuant to Section 18551 of the California Health and Safety Code. and Chapter 29 of the UBC, 1979 Edition. [Ord. 84-180 § 6, 1984; Ord. 175 § 5, 1981; Ord. 166 Appx. A, 1979].

A new Section 17.08.267 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.267 Employee Housing
“Employee housing” means accommodation provided by an employer for six or fewer employees, and shall have the same definition as in Section 17008 of the California Health and Safety Code. Employing housing for six or fewer persons is a residential use subject only to the same requirements as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

Section 17.08.270 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.08.270 Family.
“Family” means one person, or two or more persons, or a group not in excess of five persons living together as a household as a single housekeeping in a dwelling unit. [Ord. 90-204 § 2(T), 1990; Ord. 166 Appx. A, 1979].

A new Section 17.08.275 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.275 Family daycare home
“Family daycare home” means a facility that regularly provides care, protection, and supervision for 14 or fewer children, in the provider’s own home, for periods of less than 24 hours per day, while the parents or guardians are away, and is either a large family daycare home or a small family daycare home.
a. “Large family daycare home” means a facility that provides care, protection, and supervision for 7 to 14 children, inclusive, including children under 10 years of age who reside at the home, as set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465 and as defined in regulations.
b. “Small family daycare home” means a facility that provides care, protection, and supervision for eight or fewer children, including children under 10 years of age who reside at the home, as set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.44 and as defined in regulations. p. 5
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 c. A small family daycare home or large family daycare home includes a detached single-family dwelling, a townhouse, a dwelling unit within a dwelling, or a dwelling unit within a covered multifamily dwelling in which the underlying zoning allows for residential uses. A small family daycare home or large family daycare home is where the daycare provider resides, and includes a dwelling or a dwelling unit that is rented, leased, or owned.

A new Section 17.08.267 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.455 Manufactured home or housing
“Manufactured home” or “Manufactured housing” means a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. “Manufactured home” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Sec. 5401, and following) consistent with Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.

Section 17.08.460 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.08.460 Mobilehome.
“Mobilehome” means a structure that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected onsite, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein consistent with Section 18008 of the California Health and Safety Code (CHSC). “Mobilehome” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph and complies with the state standards for mobilehomes in effect at the time of construction. “Mobilehome” does not include a commercial modular, as defined in CHSC Section 18001.8, factory-built housing, as defined in CHSC Section 19971, a manufactured home, as defined in CHSC Section 18007, a multifamily manufactured home, as defined in CHSC Section 18008.7, or a recreational vehicle, as defined in CHSC Section 18010.means a dwelling originally equipped with an axle and wheels, without motor powers, with more than 256 square feet of floor area, and complying with the construction requirements of the state for such units. [Ord. 166 Appx. A, 1979].

Section 17.08.570 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.08.570 Recreational vehicle or RV.
p. 6
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 “Recreational vehicle or RV” means a motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other temporary occupancy that is less than 400 square feet in gross floor area meeting the definition of California Health and safety Code section 18010, including park trailers or park model RVs. means a licensed vehicle, with or without motor power, with less than 256 square feet of floor area designed as a recreational residence and equipped for cooking and eating and/or sleeping. [Ord. 166 Appx. A, 1979].

A new Section 17.08.575 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.575 Residential care facility
“Residential care facility” means any family home, group care facility, or similar facility as determined by the State Ddepartment of Social Services, for 24- hour nonmedical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual, consistent with Section 1502(a)(1) of the California Health and Safety Code . State-licensed residential care facilities for six or fewer persons, excluding the facility operator and staff, shall be considered a family use subject only to the same regulations as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

A new Section 17.08.635 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.635 Single room occupancy units
“Single room occupancy units” means a cluster of residential units for occupancy by no more than two persons with a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and a maximum area of 400 square feet within a facility providing sleeping and living quarters in which sanitary and kitchen facilities may be provided within the individual unit or shared within the facility.

A new Section 17.08.692 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.692 Supportive housing
“Supportive housing” means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an onsite or offsite service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the community consistent with Section 65582(g) of the California Government Code. Supportive housing is a residential use subject only to the same requirements as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

A new Section 17.08.695 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.695 Target population
“Target population” means persons with low incomes who have one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health condition, or p. 7
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people. (See Government Code §65582(i)
A new Section 17.08.697 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.08.697 Transitional housing
“Transitional housing” means buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that require the termination of assistance and recirculating of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at a predetermined future point in time that shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance consistent with Section 65582(j) of the California Government Code. Transitional housing is a residential use subject only to the same requirements as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

Chapter 17.28

SR ZONE
Sections:

17.28.010 Established – Purpose.

17.28.020 Principal permitted uses.

17.28.030 Uses permitted with a use permit.

17.28.040 Minimum lot area.

17.28.050 Maximum density.

17.28.060 Minimum yards.

17.28.070 Maximum building height.

17.28.080 Vegetation removal.

17.28.090 Required geologic study.

Section 17.28.020 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.28.020 Principal permitted uses.

Principal permitted uses in the SR zone are:

A. Single-family dwelling, subject to the requirements of TMC 17.28.090; B. Transitional housing, supportive housing, and employee housing in a single-family dwelling; p. 8
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 C. Residential care facilities for six or fewer persons in a single-family dwelling; D. B. Keeping of no more than four household pets on each lot; E. C. Placement of one recreational vehicle on a vacant lot for use as a seasonal residence for not more than six months in any 12-month period; provided, that if occupied for more than one month in any 12-month period, a water supply and wastewater disposal system shall be provided;
F. D. Home occupations as provided in TMC 17.56.060. [Ord. 166 § 4.05(A), 1979].

Section 17.28.030 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.28.030 Uses permitted with a use permit.

Uses permitted with a use permit in the SR zone are:

A. Agriculture, including farming, grazing and plant nursery; B. A second dwelling unit, which may be in a duplex, or guesthouse, or servants’ quarters; C. Residential care facilities for seven or more persons in a single-family dwelling; DC. Removal of trees more than 12 inches dbh, except as provided in this chapter. [Ord. 167 § 5, 1980; Ord. 166 § 4.05(B), 1979].

Chapter 17.32

UR ZONE
Sections:

17.32.010 Established – Purpose.

17.32.020 Principal permitted uses.

17.32.030 Uses permitted with a use permit.

17.32.040 Minimum lot area.

17.32.050 Maximum density.

17.32.060 Minimum yards.

17.32.070 Maximum building height.

17.32.080 Vegetation removal.

17.32.090 Required geologic study.

Section 17.32.020 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.32.020 Principal permitted uses.

Principal permitted uses are:
p. 9
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 A. Single-family dwelling, subject to the requirements of TMC 17.32.090; B. Transitional housing, supportive housing, and employee housing in a single-family dwelling; C. Residential care facilities, limited to six or fewer persons in a single-family dwelling; D. B. Home occupation, as provided in TMC 17.56.060. [Ord. 166 § 4.06(A), 1979].

Section 17.32.030 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.32.030 Uses permitted with a use permit.

Uses permitted with a use permit in the UR zone include:

A. Guesthouse; servants’ quarters;
B. Residential care facilities for seven or more persons in a single-family dwelling; C. B. Removal of trees more than 12 inches dbh. [Ord. 167 § 6, 1980; Ord. 166 § 4.06(B), 1979].

Chapter 17.36

PD ZONE
Sections:

17.36.010 Established – Purpose.

17.36.020 Uses permitted with a use permit.

17.36.030 Minimum lot area.

17.36.040 Maximum density.

17.36.050 Minimum yards.

17.36.060 Maximum building height.

17.36.070 Open space.

17.36.080 Application procedure.

Section 17.36.020 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.36.020 Uses permitted with a use permit.

Uses permitted with a use permit in the PD zone are:

A. Single-family dwelling, duplex, condominiums and townhouses with not more than four dwellings in a building; groups of permitted types;
B. Transitional housing, supportive housing and employee housing in a dwelling unit; C. Residential care facilities in a dwelling unit;
D. Single room occupancy units;
p. 10
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 E. B. Motels, inns, gift shops, restaurants (not drive-in), personal services, professional offices, retail sales and visitor services;
F. C. Home occupations as provided in TMC 17.56.060;
G. D. Rest homes and, day care centers, emergency shelters with onsite management and not more than 10 beds;
H. E. A combined residence with a business use allowed by this section, other than a motel, where the business is not a home occupation as described by this title. [Ord. 87-190 § 1 (Exh. A), 1987; Ord. 168 § 3, 1980; Ord. 167 § 7, 1980; Ord. 166 § 4.07(A), 1979].

Chapter 17.40

VS ZONE
Sections:

17.40.010 Established – Purpose.

17.40.020 Principal permitted uses.

17.40.030 Uses permitted with a use permit.

17.40.040 Minimum lot area.

17.40.050 Maximum density.

17.40.060 Minimum yards.

17.40.070 Maximum building height.

17.40.080 Vegetation removal.

Section 17.40.030 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.40.030 Uses permitted with a use permit.

Uses permitted with a use permit in the VS zone are:

A. Drive-in restaurant, lounge;
B. Campground, recreational vehicle park;
C. Grocery, laundromat or similar visitor convenience appurtenant to a visitor accommodation; D. Single-family dwelling for the manager of another on-site permitted use; E. Day care center. [Ord. 166 § 4.08(B), 1979].

Chapter 17.56

SPECIFIC USE REGULATIONS
Sections:
p. 11
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022

17.56.010 Applicability.

17.56.020 Accessory uses.

17.56.030 Vehicle and other storage.

17.56.040 Animals.

17.56.050 Assemblages of persons and vehicles.

17.56.060 Home occupations.

17.56.065 Single room occupancy units

17.56.070 Mobile buildings.

17.56.080 Access to public road.

17.56.090 Accessory structures.

17.56.100 Height limitations and modifications.

17.56.110 Yards, fences, walls and hedges.

17.56.120 Swimming pools.

17.56.130 Shoreline protection and alteration.

17.56.140 Rare plants.

17.56.150 Public access to the shoreline.

17.56.160 Signs.

17.56.170 Landscaping and screening.

17.56.180 Parking.

Section 17.56.060 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.56.060 Home occupations.

Home occupations, including but not limited to commercial fishing related occupationthose ancillary to fishing and tourism, cottage industries, sewing, music studios, art studios, home and health care product distributors, food production, bookkeeping, and family daycare homes shall be permitted as an accessory use to any dwelling, subject to the following conditions:

A. All applicable State licenses and approvals are in place; B. No employees other than members of the resident family; CB. Not more than one sign not to exceed three square feet in area and attached to the dwelling; DC. No outside display of merchandise;
ED. Electrical motors only, and not to exceed a total of one horsepower; FE. No radio or television interference or noise audible beyond the boundaries of the site; GF. No significant increase in automobile, traffic over normal residential use and no trucks of greater than three-quarter ton on the site. [Ord. 166 § 6.06, 1979]. p. 12
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 A new Section 17.56.025 is added to the Trinidad Municipal Code as follows:

17.56.025 Single room occupancy units.

The provisions of this section are intended to provide opportunities for the development of permanent, affordable housing for small households and for people with special needs in proximity to transit and services and to establish standards for these small units.

A. Location. A single-room occupancy residential housing facility shall not be located within three hundred (300) feet of any other single-room occupancy residential housing, emergency shelter, or other similar program, unless such program is located within the same building or on the same lot.

B. Density. Single room occupancy units are not considered dwellings for the purposes of calculating density, but density shall not exceed wastewater treatment capacity of the soil.

C. Development Standards.

1. Size. Units shall have a minimum floor area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet and a maximum floor area of four hundred (400) square feet.

2. Occupancy. Each unit shall accommodate a maximum of two persons.

3. Bathroom. A single room occupancy unit is not required to but may contain partial or full bathroom facilities. A partial bathroom facility shall have at least a toilet and sink; a full facility shall have a toilet, sink and bathtub or shower or bathtub/shower combination. If a full bathroom facility is not provided, common bathroom facilities shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code for congregate residences with at least one full bathroom per every three units.

4. Kitchen. A single room occupancy unit is not required to but may contain partial or full kitchen facilities. A full kitchen includes a sink, a refrigerator and stove, range top or oven. A partial kitchen is missing at least one of these appliances. If a full kitchen is not provided, common kitchen facilities shall be provided with at least one full kitchen per floor.

5. Closet/Storage. Each single-room occupancy unit shall have a separate closet or be provided access to a separate, secure storage space within the facility.

6. Common Area. Ten (10) square feet of common, usable open space per unit shall be provided, with at least two hundred (200) square feet in area of interior common space, and two hundred (200) square feet of exterior open space, excluding parking areas, janitorial storage, laundry facilities, and common hallways. All common areas shall comply with all applicable ADA accessibility and adaptability requirements.

7. Laundry. Common laundry facilities shall be provided at a rate of not less than one (1) washer and one (1) dryer per site, in addition to a laundry sink and folding area. The requirement for common on-site laundry facilities may be waived if there is a public laundry facility within one-quarter (¼) of a mile from the project site. p. 13
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022

8. Cleaning Supply Room. A cleaning supply room or utility closet with a wash tub with hot and cold running water shall be provided on each floor of the single-room occupancy facility.

9. Code Compliance. Single room occupancy units shall comply with all requirements of the California Building Code. All units shall comply with all applicable accessibility and adaptability requirements.

10. New Structure. A new structure containing single room occupancy unit(s) will be subject to all applicable regulations for new structures, including geologic studies, public access requirements and design review.

11. Existing Structure. An existing structure may be converted to a single room occupancy facility, consistent with the provisions of this section. Any such conversion must bring the entire structure up to current building code standards, including accessibility and adaptability standards, unless otherwise exempted by the chief building official.

12. Wastewater. The onsite wastewater treatment system shall be designed or upgraded as needed to meet all applicable standards for single room occupancy units whether the facility is located in a new or existing structure.

D. Business Practices—Facility Management. A single room occupancy facility with ten (10) or more units shall provide on-site management. A single room occupancy facility with less than ten (10) units may provide a management office on site.

E. Management Plan. A management plan shall be submitted with the development application for a single room occupancy facility and shall be approved by the Planning Commission. The management plan must address management and operation of the facility, rental procedures, safety, and security of the residents and building maintenance.

F. Tenancy. Tenancy of SRO units shall not be for less than thirty (30) days.

G. Mixed Use Allowances. On parcels in which mixed use projects are allowed, single room occupancy units may be combined with other uses.

Section 17.56.070 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.56.070 Mobile buildings.

Mobile buildings, including mobilehomes, shall not be stored in the city. Outside of the MH combining zone a mobilehome or mobile building may be located on a lot and used for a residence or office only under the following conditions:

A. One mobile building may be used as an office, appurtenant and accessory to the operation of a mobilehome or RV sales area.

B. One mobile building may be permitted as a temporary office or residence after obtaining a building permit for the construction of a permanent building of the same use on the same lot, subject to the approval of the Building Inspector. Such use of the mobile building shall be limited to 6 months from the date of building permit issuance and shall automatically terminate upon the expiration or voidance of the building permit. The Building Inspector may approve one additional time period of 6 months if substantial progress has been made p. 14
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 in the construction of the permanent building and it is reasonable and probable that the permanent building will be completed within such additional period.

C. A mobile building may be used, subject to obtaining a use permit, as a temporary office by a construction contractor.

D. A mobile building may be used, subject to obtaining a use permit, for an office and sales of fishing equipment in conjunction with the operation of the harbor. The mobile building shall be sited, and the exterior appearance modified to blend the unit with the harbor environment. The existing parking area shall not be reduced, and the building must be removed from the harbor area between October 1st and April 15th of each year.

E. A mobilehome is considered a single-family dwelling if it is on a permanent foundation and:

1. Conforms to the National Mobile Construction and Safety Standards of 1974;

2. Meets the requirements of Chapter 29 of the UBC, 1979 Edition;

3. Conforms to the criteria for single-family dwellings, as specified in Section 6.19 Design Review. This is to include the mobilehome itself and any attached or accessory structures, such as covered porches, carports;

4. Should be at least a “double-wide.” Single-wide mobilehomes are considered to be out of character with the existing community. [Ord. 84-180 § 1, 1984; Ord. 175 § 1, 1981; Ord. 166 § 6.07, 1979].

Section 17.56.180 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

17.56.180 Parking.

Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided in all zones in conformity with the following:

A. Each required parking space shall not be less than eight feet six inches wide, 18 feet long and seven feet high; provided, that where three to four spaces are required, one space may be 16 feet long to accommodate compact cars; where five spaces are required, two may be 16 feet long; and where six or more spaces are required, up to 50 percent of the spaces may be 16 feet long.

B. Parking spaces shall be as follows:

1. Campground, RV park, motel: two spaces plus one space per unit;

2. Single-family dwelling on a lot: two spaces in addition to any garage spaces;

3. Attached dwellings (duplex, townhouse): one and one-half spaces per unit;

4. Single room occupancy units: one space per unit;

5. Offices and retail business: one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area, with a minimum of three spaces. One additional space per employee in a medical or dental office;

65. Restaurant, lounge: one space for each four seats or 200 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is the largest;
p. 15
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022

76. Drive-in restaurant: one space per 100 square feet of gross floor area;

87. Wholesale, service station, vehicle and equipment repair, day care center, retail sale of bulky items: two spaces plus one space per employee on largest shift;

98. Emergency shelters: two spaces plus one space for every five beds; 109. Within the PD planned development zone: gift shops, personal services, professional offices, retail sales, visitor services and combined residence and businesses other than a home occupation: a minimum of three spaces for up to 500 square feet of gross floor area of the business; an additional one space per each additional 300 square feet of gross floor area of the business. This provision applies only in PD or planned development zones.

C. Required parking spaces shall be located on the same lot with the use to be served. Required parking shall not be located closer than 20 feet to the intersection of street rights-of-way.

Where four or more dwellings are located on the same lot, outdoor parking shall not be closer than five feet to any on-site building and not closer than three feet to any side or rear lot line. Where more than four parking spaces are required, they shall not be located so as to require backing into the public street right-of-way. Where parking spaces or an aisle serving a parking facility is adjacent to the UR or SR zones, a sight-obscuring fence at least four feet high shall be provided.

D. Any parking facility of four or more vehicles, including access driveways and aisles, shall be graded and drained to dispose of surface water to the satisfaction of the city engineer, and shall be surfaced with concrete, asphaltic concrete, bituminous surface treatment or an equivalent satisfactory to the city engineer, and shall be maintained in good condition free of weeds, trash and debris. Individual parking spaces shall be designated by contrasting paint or markers.

E. Driveways providing access to a parking facility shall be at least 12 feet wide for each lane of travel, and aisles providing access to parking spaces shall be as follows:

1. One-way aisle serving angle parking less than 50 degrees, 12 feet wide;

2. One-way aisle serving angle parking 50 to 75 degrees, or two-way aisle serving angle parking less than 50 degrees, 18 feet wide;

3. Two-way aisle serving angle parking 50 degrees or more, or aisle serving more than 75- degree angle parking, 24 feet wide.

F. Parking facilities for nonresidential uses which will be used after dark shall be lighted; provided, that the light source shall be directed away from adjoining residential premises.

G. Required parking for residences and for uses requiring less than four parking spaces shall be graded and surfaced to provide an all-weather surface.

H. In the PD planned development zone, in lieu of providing parking facilities required by the provisions of this section, the requirements may be satisfied by payment to the city, prior to the issuance of the building permit, of an amount per parking space, prescribed by the council, for each parking space required by this section but not provided. The payment shall be deposited with the city in a special fund and shall be used, whenever possible, for the purpose of acquiring, developing, maintaining or enhancing parking facilities located, p. 16
LEAP Zoning Ordinance Amendment PC Recommended August 17, 2022 insofar as practical, in the vicinity of the use for which the payment is made. The council may decline to accept payment in lieu of providing parking facilities. [Ord. 87-190 § 1 (Exh.

A), 1987; Ord. 167 § 10, 1980; Ord. 166 § 6.18, 1979].

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

4. Discussion/Decision regarding Proclamation 2022-01; Declaring September 19-23, 2022 as Septic Smart Week and Introducing Septic Sue.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Item: Discussion/Decision regarding Proclamation 2022-01; Declaring September 19-23, 2022 as Septic Smart Week and Introducing Septic Sue.

Background Info: In conjunction with a nationwide effort by the EPA to bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems, the City of Trinidad is proposing the attached proclamation and unveiling its very own ‘Septic Sue’.

In 2008 and 2010 the City adopted ordinances that formalized resident accountability of their septic systems. A permit process was developed to create a dialog with homeowners regarding the performance of their systems, and ensure they were being properly cared for. The process proved to be challenging, and quickly prioritized properties that were being sold, short-term rentals, and those that were interacting with the City for building and development permits.

In the past, the process ebbed and flowed depending on staff workload and availability. In recent years the Council renewed its commitment to seeing programs through that prioritized public and environmental health, by using general tax revenue and OWTS permit fees to fill staff shortages to ensure these programs are functioning as designed.

The City’s in-house staff has developed relationships with local service providers, and has helped resurrect the program in coordination with the City Planner. A very creative outreach program has been designed using the EPA’s model as a template, but made it something the locals can connect with (Septic Sue). Septic Sue will partner with City staff to relay messages to homeowners, encourage participation, and showcase successful participants that value routine maintenance and proper use of their systems.

Data: A chart has been prepared to show permit status of nearly 242 inventoried parcels in Trinidad, with 19% being undeveloped parcels included.

Categories, explained:

Almost a Permit: This group has previously complied with the City’s request to integrate into the City’s OWTS Management Program. The property had an septic inspection, completed the home-owner questionnair, and a paid the fee to the City of Trinidad to receive an Operating Permit. A permit, however, was never issued.

Each homeowner in this group is being worked with individually and given the opportunity to obtain a current permit free of charge if they meet certain parameters.

No Permit: The City has no record of a septic inspection on file. Some properties have original septic installation records from the Health Department, others do not.

Expired Permit: The property has an existing OWTS Permit, but it is expired. (Permits are valid for up to 5- years).

Current Permit – Property has a current OWTS Operating Permit.

Undeveloped – The parcel is undeveloped and not required to be integrated into the OWTS Management Program at this time.

TRINIDAD CITY HALL Steve Ladwig, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
PROCLAMATION 2022-01
PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 19-23, 2022 AS SEPTIC SMART WEEK
WHEREAS, proper septic system use and routine care are vital to avoiding costly repairs that can result from neglect; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to align City policies with State legislation enacted to protect coastal resources, groundwater, the pristine waters of Trinidad Bay, and the Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) surrounding Trinidad Head, the City of Trinidad adopted Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Ordinance, Chapter 13.12, in 2008; and
WHEREAS, the OWTS Ordinance was developed to assure all septic systems are properly operated, regularly inspected, routinely maintained and monitored to prevent poor-functioning or failed systems and protect public health; and
WHEREAS, wastewater professionals in Humboldt County use their expertise in the design, installation, maintenance and regulation of septic systems in the City of Trinidad; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Septic Smart program used by the City of Trinidad educates homeowners about the need for proper septic system use and routine maintenance; and WHEREAS, paying tribute to a formal Councilmember credited with making septic system maintenance a City priority in the late 1990’s, the EPA’s ‘Septic Sam’ was redesigned and renamed ‘Septic Sue’ giving the residents of Trinidad a familiar face to connect with; and
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad will continue the ongoing effort to connect with residents and businesses to promote policies, programs, and services that encourage proper use of onsite septic systems and increase their lifespan; and
NOW THEREFORE, the Trinidad City Council (and Septic Sue!) hereby proclaims the week of September 19-23, 2022 as SepticSmart Week and urges all Trinidad Area residents to join in this special observance. ________________________
Steve Ladwig
Mayor

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 5

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

5. 2022 General Election Calendar Update.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Item: November Election Schedule and Upcoming Deadlines Background Info: The City’s November 08, 2022 Election ballot will include the Occupancy Tax Increase Measure, and Three (3) Councilmember seats.

The current Councilmember terms are:

Ladwig Term Expires December 2024
West Term Expires December 2024
Kelly Term Expires December 2022
Tuttle Term Expires December 2022
Empty Term Expires December 2022
The list of deadlines related to the Election is as follows:
• On or before July 19 - Election Notice: A notice will be published in the 3 locations throughout the City (City Hall, Murphy’s Market, and the Trinidad Post Office), and in the Times-Standard & Mad River Union announcing the November Election the Council positions available, and the Occupancy Tax Increase Measure.
• July 19 – Candidate Nomination Period Opens: Anyone who wants to file as candidate for one of the (3) open positions may pick up nomination packets from the Clerk’s office at the Town Hall.

Fee for filing a candidate statement in the election ballot is $375. Payment must be made when the nomination packets are submitted. Deadline for incumbents to file nomination papers is 2:00pm, Friday, August 12.
• August 12 – Deadline for Incumbents to file Nomination Packet. • August 12 – Deadline to file Arguments For/Against the Occupancy Tax Increase • August 18 – Extended Deadline for Candidate Nomination Packets IF NO INCUMBENTS file for the positions.
• August 22 – Deadline to file REBUTTALS to Arguments For/Occupancy Tax Increase. • August 22 – Deadline to file Impartial Analysis
• November 08 – Election Day
SEPTEMBER 13 UPDATE (see below for highlighted update)
City Council Seat Election: As of August 23, all the preparation deadlines were met. Four (4) Candidates for Three (3), 4-Year Terms have met the eligibility requirements to have their names appear on the November 08 ballot. The list of candidates, along with their ballot designations is as follows:
- Jack Tuttle, Appointed Incumbent
- Cheryl Kelly, Appointed Incumbent
- Kati Breckenridge (undesignated)
- Michael J. Morgan, Business Owner
Because there are no wards or districts in Trinidad, the top 3 vote receivers win the seats.

Outreach/Candidate Exposure: When the nomination period closed in August, contact information provided by each candidate became public information. Various organizations that host candidate forums, along with local media outlets (reporters, etc.) often request individual contact information from the Clerk’s office. Candidates will likely be receiving requests to participate or contribute content to these organizations. Some may come through the City Clerk’s office, others may come directly from the source.

Nominees for Public Office: The attached document will be published throughout town for the next 2 weeks, and also published in the Mad River Union.

Staff Recommendation: Information item only. Review and file.

Attachments: Nominees for Public Office.

NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
Notice is hereby given that the following persons have been nominated for the offices mentioned below to be filled at the general municipal election to be held in the City of Trinidad on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2022.
4-YEAR RACE, (3) SEATS AVAILABLE:

JACK TUTTLE (Appointed Incumbent)
CHERYL KELLY (Appointed Incumbent)

KATI BRECKENRIDGE
MICHAEL J. MORGAN (Business Owner)
The top three (3) candidates that receive the most votes win the election.

Posted: Friday, September 09, 2022
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk

Trinidad City CouncilSeptember 13, 2022

Trinidad City Council
September 13, 2022