MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022 (LIVE/HYBRID
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro-Tem West called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: West, Kelly, and Tuttle. Mayor Ladwig attended remotely by video-conference. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Approximately (5) partiparis were presenty videodor sence arie aning denie take en.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION - No closed session scheduled
IV. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Kelly/Tuttle) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed 4-0.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 11/08/2022 cc.
Motion (Kelly/Tuttle) to approve the minutes as submitted. Passed 4-0.
VI. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Kelly: Water Advisory Committee will met on October 14. Low water loss last month, and Advisory Committee met the new water plant operator Sina Soleimany. Committee requested information regarding PWA task list.
Requested Consumer Confidence Report for 2022. Also discussed rainwater catchment system templates for residents to develop their own systems. Website task force (City Manager, City Clerk, Kelly) met with several vendors. General Plan process includes monthly discussions with the Coastal Commission to align city progress with Commission goals.
Tuttle: RCEA continues to work on wind energy project off the coast, and PG&E will be increasing rates approximately 3% in April. RCEA's rates are approximately .5% lower than PGE.
West: No HCAOG report. Trails Committee will meet after holiday break. Hope to coordinate installation of new posts and trail improvement projects.
Ladwig: Attended first Coastal Resiliency meeting, which is part of a Statewide effort. Trinidad Boat Parade was well attended last week.
VIl. STAFF REPORTS - City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet. Naffah introduced HCSO Lt. Josh McCall for law enforcement report. Naffah also highlighted several items in the agenda packet including a healthy Luffenholtz Creek flow rate, Audit field work concluded, TOT was up for the quarter, STR License renewal progress is ahead of schedule, and Business License application renewal applications were sent. Finally, there's a new Councilmember Academy being held in Sacramento for anyone wishing to participate.
VII.ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Katherine Burleson - Trinidad Area resident
Read a statement submitted for public record accounting the dog attack incident she encountered at the Trinidad State Beach parking area. Her corgi was attacked, unprovoked, by a pack of poodles. She was also bitten by Frank Mallet, owner of the dogs. Several accounts have been received from witnesses regarding other incidents with Mallet's dogs, unrestrained. Concerned about safety of school children when his dogs are around, near the Café where he's often found. Urged the Council to enforce the leash law and cite Frank Mallet for violating the ordinance.
Aaron Hakenen - Trinidad
Prioritze traffic calming in town, and suggested speed humps on Ocean and View Streets. Recommended 2 per street, slowing vehicles to 15 mph. $1,800 or less to purchase. Also recommend radar feedback signs on both streets. Caltrans District One may be able to loan one temporarily to raise awareness. Act now. Second, regarding HCSO Sheriff contract, we should have this evaluated to ensure the City is getting what its paying for.
I contacted them twice this fall. They were very responsive. Finally, regarding increased law enforcement 12-13-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
presence in town, their office is their vehicle. Empty office in the City Manager's building could be improved to encourage them to use it, if needed.
Cresta Shieffer - Trinidad. (Kelly Summarized letter submitted) Concerned about sharp turn on Edwards near Galindo, and pedestrian crossing. Also noticed signage needed to direct vehicle traffic to the beach via Edwards, not Galindo.
Sherry Provolt - Trinidad property owner
Agree that traffic calming measures are needed on View. Also commended student artists that participated in craft fair, and thanked all the participants and support on the boat parade.
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Staff Activity Report - November 2022
2. Financial Statements - October 2022
3. Law Enforcement Report - November 2022
4. Resolution 2022-14; Authorizing Processing of a Consolidated CDP by Caltrans to Install Broadband Infrastructure Along State Highway 101 in the City of Trinidad.
Motion (Ladwig/Kelly) to approve consent agenda as submitted. Passed 4-0.
X. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Acceptance of Resolution 2022-15; Certification of the 2022 General Election Results.
City Clerk Adams summarized that the election consisted of two parts; (3) Councilmember Seats, and Measure P - the increase in Occupancy Tax Rate from 8% to 12%. The Resolution before the Council formally adopts the results provided by the County Election Office and subsequently certified by the Board of Supervisors.
City Manager Naffah pointed out a percentage discrepancy between the County Election paperwork and the City Resolution. City Clerk Adams recognized that error and will amend the resolution upon adoption.
Motion (Kelly/Tuttle) to adopt Resolution 2022-15; Certification of the 2022 General Election Results as amended to match the certified County results. Passed 4-0.
2. Swearing-In and Seating of Newly Elected Councilmembers.
City Clerk Adams administered the Oath of Office to Cheryl Kelly, Kati Breckenridge, and Jack Tuttle to inaugurate the beginning of their 4-year terms as customary following the certification of election results.
3. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem.
City Clerk Adams explained that immediately following the seating of new members after an election, Council is asked to appoint one of their own to serve as Mayor, and Mayor Pro-Tem. There are no term limits.
Council comments included:
Ladwig: Ok with continuing serving as Mayor unless anyone else wants to take over.
Kelly: Rotation is good, and I would serve if the Council agrees to my appointment.
Public comment included:
Anita Thompson - Trinidad
Mayor Ladwig has done a great job, but I would like to see new energy and rotation to Cheryl Kelly as Mayor.
Motion (Tuttle/Breckenridge) to nominate Cheryl Kelly to serve as Mayor. Passed 4-0.
Motion (West/Tuttle) to nominate Steve Ladwig to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem. Passed 4-0.
4. Presentation/Discussion with Pacific Security regarding Supplemental Public Safety Options for Trinidad, and Preliminary Introduction of the Community Ambassador Program.
City Manager Naffah explained that the public has expressed a desire to have more law enforcement presence, but the County Sheriff does not have the Deputies to offer due to severe and prolonged staff shortages. Private 12-13-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
security, however, may be an option, under specific contract conditions and preferences set by the City's insurance provider CIRA. Those preference are that the security personnel do not carry firearms, but instead are employed to deter crime by observing and reporting. Although being unarmed is not the most popular option, some personnel will do it.
Mayor Kelly introduced Gene Bass, owner of Pacific Security. Bass explained his company will focus security patrols on whatever the City feels are a priority. His personnel have a lot of experience, and can customize coverage as directed. If loitering is the issue, they will move people along.
Council questions included:
Tuttle: Is it in our budget to hire additional security? Naffah confirmed. Bass noted that in some areas of the County, several businesses cooperate together and hire us to patrol their shopping centers. Tuttle asked if there was a phone number residents to call. Bass explained that his number is always on, and personnel is GPS tracked for safety reasons.
Public comment included:
Aaron Hakenen - Trinidad
Thanked the Council for addressing this. How close are we to inking a contract? Naffah explained that this first came up during the budget as a possibility, depending on HCSO staffing levels. Kelly explained that we have only had preliminary discussions, and no formal proposal is happening tonight. Hakenen explained that there are hot spots, but whatever approach we take there isn't a wholesale approach to moving law-abiding people along.
Adora King - Trinidad
Thanked Bass for his service. The City pays for a full-time HSCO Deputy, but residents always want to know where the police are. Now, we're considering hiring more security, with less (or different) training. Residents should know exactly what we're paying for. I don't believe security officers have arrest powers. Bass responded, stating his personnel has citizen's arrest authority but do not transport anyone. Would vacation rental parking, or dog off-leash issues occur, would security be able to handle it? Bass noted that would be something to address in the contract.
City Manager Naffah noted that the current contract with HCSO provides 24-7 coverage, without dedicated officers due to staffing shortages. The intent here is to have a security presence to deter crime in various Anita Thompson - Trinidad
Try the pilot program for many reasons, including the immediate HCSO staff shortage and response times.
Bass noted that his service does not transport criminals. That process takes a significant amount of time, and by not doing it keeps personnel in town during their entire shift.
Council comments included:
Ladwig: Are we expecting contract details soon? Naffah explained that we discussed a trial, pilot project rate and possibly some total weekly coverage.
Kelly: This was an opportunity to get acquainted, and bring a more comprehensive proposal back if the Council desired.
No decision was made. Staff will work on a draft contract with Pacific Security and return with details in the future.
ommunity Ambassador Progral
adwig explained that he is currently working on gathering details on a program underway in Arcata. Met wit Vest and Arcata City Manager Karen Diemer recently to understand this supplemental pilot program. Hope t ring more details and possibly a proposal to the Council next month (budget, training, schedule, etc. ublic comment include
nita Thompson - Trinida
Vould it be possible to include how the ambassadors would be recruited, and if a background check is required? Ladwig confirmed
12-13-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
5. Discussion/Decision regarding Public Service Announcement Concerning Trinidad Leash Law.
City Clerk Adams explained that in light of the recent incident that occurred in the Harbor area involving several unleashed dogs severely injuring a leashed dog, the City of Trinidad is issuing a Public Service Announcement in partnership with several agencies including the Trinidad Rancheria, Humboldt County Sheriff, and Trinidad State Parks reminding everyone of the citywide Leash Law.
Council comment included:
Breckenridge: Is there any way State Beach can have dog hours? A complete off-leash prohibition seems harsh.
Kelly: It's getting to be a challenge experiencing full-on leash free beaches, and I'm in support of reigning this in.
Naffah explained that dog parks are known areas, not places where people bring small children. Beaches are different. Fortunately the County allows leash-free dogs on beaches nearby.
Tuttle: How do we enforce it?
Naffah explained that we're too small of a city to patrol for unleashed pets all the time. It's easier to for a town this size to level the field by restricting unleashed dogs. The PSA is simply a reminder to the public that the law exists.
Ladwig: The County has a voice-control element to their leash law. It begs the question that we may want to address this in a future revision of the ordinance. It was a very unfortunate incident, but we need to continue the discussion.
Public comment included:
Adora King - Trinidad
Who is going to enforce it? Until the ticket gets written, we may as well enjoy cookies. I hate to be Debbie Downer, but follow the process through.
Naffah explained that the City has a contract with HC Animal Control, and Del Norte County is pursuing the poodle owner. There is no other logical way to do this for a city this size, and in our case putting the word out to get people to respect the law is helpful, along with letting HCSO Deputies know they can enforce it should they experience an issue like this. We also ask the community to make us aware if Mr. Mallet shows up in Trinidad again.
Elaine Weinreb - Trinidad Area Resident
Clam Beach is huge, and only 5 miles away. Dogs are allowed off-leash there.
Motion (Kelly/Ladwig) to approve the Public Service Announcement concerning Trinidad's Leash Law.
Passed 4-0.
6. Discussion/Decision regarding Appointment of Two (2) Councilmembers to Participate in a Government-to- City Manager Naffah explained that per the City's Government-to-Government Consultation (G2G) Policy, two Council Members can be appointed as an Ad-Hoc Committee for a G2G. The Trinidad Rancheria has requested a G2G regarding the Trinidad Trails Policy and the Trinidad Rancheria Interpretive Center. The request is for a meeting in Mid-January if possible.
Council comments included:
Ladwig: These are listening sessions. Recommended actions are brought back to the Council.
Tuttle: I recommend Ladwig.
Motion (Breckenridge/Tuttle) to nominate Council Members West and Ladwig to an Ad-Hoc Committee for a Government-to-Government Consultation with the Trinidad Rancheria. Passed 4-0. 12-13-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Planning Commissioner Appointments to Fill (3) 4-Year Terms City Clerk Adams explained that Planning Commissioner terms last 4-years, and appointments are made by the City Council. The 4-year terms expire on a rotating basis in December during each General Election year (even numbered year).
New Councilmembers are seated in January at the conclusion of each general election. At either the December or January meeting the Council is asked to make appointments to the Planning Commission to fill the vacancies left by rotating term expirations.
The current commissioners are:
Tom Hopkins Trinidad area Resident Term expires December 2024 Tristan Cole City resident Term expires December 2024
Richard Johnson Trinidad area resident Term expires December 2022 Aaron Hakenen City Resident Term expires December 2022
Diane Stockness City Resident Term expires December 2022 Trinidad Municipal Code allows the Planning Commission to include up to (2) Commissioners that live outside the city limits "...in the event there are no acceptable applicants from within the City limits". Commissioner Johnson is one of two serving that live outside the City limits. His term is expiring, along with residents Aaron Hakenen and Diane Stockness who both reside on View Street.
With no term limits specified in the Trinidad Municipal Code for Planning Commissioners, current Commissioners are welcome to reapply.
A vacancy notice and request to begin the recruitment process was authorized by the Council at the November 08 regular meeting.
By the deadline of December 09, (4) Letters of Interest were received. Current Commissioners Aaron Hakenen and Richard Johnson expressed their interest in continuing service, along with new applicants Chris Slay and Stephen Andy Coppola who both reside inside the City limits.
All the applicants have been invited to attend the meeting and introduce (or re-introduce) themselves. The Council may wish to either make the appointments, or extend the deadline if they feel it necessary. The Planning Commission meets next on December 14. Ideally the new Commissioners are seated by the PC meeting scheduled for January 18.
Council comments included:
Kelly: I served on the Commission with Hakenen and happy to see he desires to continue. Tuttle agreed.
Ladwig: Impressed with Slay's ability to understand the issues.
Commissioner candidate comments included:
Richard Johnson: Began serving in 2005 and committed to completing the General Plan update.
Aaron Hakenen: Quick introduction, echoed Johnson's comments. Looking forward to serving a full 4-year term, and wished Diane Stockness well after serving many years.
Public comment included:
Anita Thompson - Trinidad
I support Christopher Slay's appointment,
Massed 4adwig/Tute) to appoint Aaron Hakenen to serve on the Planning Commission for the next 4-year term.
Motion (West/Tuttle) to appoint Richard Johnson to serve on the Planning Commission for the next 4-year term.
Passed 4-0.
12-13-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Motion (Ladwig/Tuttle) to appoint Christopher Slay to serve on the Planning Commission for the next 4-year term. Passed 4-0
8. Discussion/Announcement regarding Upcoming, Annual Joint Meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission. and Short-Term Rental Advisory Committee to be held on January 24, 2023 at 6:00pm.
Announcement item only.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Breckenridge: Leash Law solutions.
uttle: Speed humps, Traffic Claming for Ocean, View, and Underwood I elly: Commissioner assianments. Pacific Coast Securitv agreeme - Ladwig: Community ambassador program, STR Lottery process.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:25pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Se Metly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
12-13-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6