MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Kelly, Ladwig, West, Tuttle, and Breckenridge. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Eli Naffah, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Deputy Clerk Anton Souza, Project Manager Jennifer Hakenen, City Engineer Josh Wolf. Approximately (6 articipants were present by video-conference at the beginning of the meeting II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION - No closed session
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (West/Ladwig) to pull item 5 Community Ambassador, and approve the agenda as amended. Passed unanimously.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 02/28/2023 cc2.
Motion (West/Ladwig) to approve as amended. Passed 4-0. Tuttle was absent.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Kelly: Gateway National Monument meeting discussed possible public celebrations for urchins and migrating whales, perhaps next year.
Tuttle: RCEA discussed April 15 deadline for solar installations and encouraged the public to lock in contracts to receive current NEM benefit rate before the changeover to NEM 2.
West: Trails Committee meeting postponed until April 18.
VIII.STAFF REPORTS - City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet. He explained that a meeting occurred today between the City Engineer, Trinidad Rancheria representatives, Indian Heath Services (IHS), Wahlund and GRS construction regarding the early March water leak on Scenic Drive. It was recommended that isolation valves be installed on both sides of the leak, caused by subsiding road surface.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
Reported that damage occured to the residence below the Scenic Drive due to the water main leak. Inquired about claim processes and insurance coverage provided by the City for the damage. Also pleased with the quick response from IHS. They are pursuing funding to cover cost of repair. County Public Works is unable to provide more than just asphalt to patch the roadway.
City Manager Naffah responded, stating the entire region is experiencing a historic amount of precipitation and hopefully funding opportunities will be available to cover damages.
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Staff Activity Report - February 2023
2. Financial Statements - January 2023
3. Law Enforcement Report - February 2023
4. Contract with Civic Plus to Provide Website Hosting and Development Services
5. Review and Approve 2022 Annual Audited Financial Statements Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve consent agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously. 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
X. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Project Proposal for Guardrails.
Crosswalks, and Striping.
City Engineer Josh Wolf explained that in November 2020, the City submitted three applications to Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle (HSIP) 10 for Set-Aside funding which included the following components:
1. Curb ramp and sidewalk replacement/upgrades, installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), curb/driveway extensions, and signage & striping at the following three (3) locations: Main Street at View Avenue, Edwards Street at Hector Street, and Edwards Street at Galindo Street
2. Replacing existing guardrail systems, end treatments and signs, and installing vegetation control mats at the following two (2) locations: Scenic Drive, south of Langford Road, and Patrick's Point Drive, north of Ocean Avenue.
3. The installation of edgelines and improved striping and signage along roadways at the following three (3) locations: Trinidad Frontage Road, from N. Westhaven Drive to End, Stagecoach Road, from City Limits to Main Street, Westhaven Drive, from City Limits to Trinidad Frontage Road.
In March 2021, Caltrans notified the City that the three applications were selected for funding. Table below summarizes the funding by project phase.
Funding and Programming Summary
Project Phase Programmed Amount
Preliminary Engineering (PE) $ 134,000
Right-of-Way (ROW) $ 49,800
Construction $ 615,800
Total $ 799,600
The project's environmental, design, and right-of-way work is nearly complete and allocation of the construction funds is expected to occur in the coming months. Following allocation of the funds, the City will solicit competitive bids for completion of construction.
The contract City Engineer, GHD Inc., will provide the Council with a project update and the anticipatec schedule for project bidding and construction. Staff anticipates bringing the project back to Council for authorization to award the construction contract in the future. Construction is anticipated to start in Summer of Council questions included:
Breckenridge: 1 notice a lack of sidewalk continuity on Ocean Ave.
Public comment included:
Karin Reese - Trinidad
Can we talk about Ocean Avenue traffic safety?
Patti Fleschner - Trinidad
Can we get rid of the worn flags on the Edwards/Trinity Street stop signs? Presentation only. No decision was made.
2. Discussion regarding Resident Requests for Traffic Calming on City Streets.
Mayor Kelly explained that concern has been raised for safety on Ocean and View Streets, and traffic humps or speed bumps have been shared by residents as a desired solution.
City Engineer Josh Wolf shared presentation material explaining that speed humps are designed to reduce vehicle speed, often reduce traffic volume and push vehicles to adjacent streets, require striping and signage, 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
increase noise levels at the bump due to rapid deceleration and vibration noise, increase emergency response time, and cost approximately $5,000 each to install.
Council questions included:
Breckenridge: What can the city do about recreation vehicles driving on Ocean and View Streets? Ladwig: Could we discourage traffic on side streets by vehicle weight restrictions? It seems like Ocean shouldn't have trucks on it, but if we slow down View it could affect Ocean. They should be looked at together, and maybe consider making Ocean Avenue one-way.
West: How about restricting RV's on side streets?
Kelly: Does reducing or posting speed limits help slow driving speeds? If there is a temporary option to install speed bumps or humps, we should strongly consider it.
Wolf offered to review the existing City ordinances to determine if any restrictions could be applied, and will measure Ocean Avenue to determine whether it can accommodate all vehicles or limit them by size.
Public comment included:
Karin Reese - Trinidad
There are no speed limit signs on Ocean Ave, and at the very least there should be one. I would be happy to host a pilot project and contribute money for a speed bump installed in front of my house.
Wolf provided radar feedback signs as an option. He explained they cost approximately $8,000 to install, provide real-time speed feedback, but the LED light can be a nuisance and maintenance must be performed periodically to keep them operating.
Bryce Kenny - Trinidad
Ocean Ave resident since 1983. Traffic increased on Ocean Ave as a result of the bulb-out's developed to calm traffic on Trinity. Large vehicles avoid the tight squeeze in front of the School by traveling on Ocean.
Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
Consider calming efforts to include all streets collectively, and possibly hold focus meetings to share thoughts.
Council comments included:
Kelly: We have heard a variety of suggestions tonight, and should ask the engineer and possibly the Planning Commission to return with suggestions at a future meeting.
Presentation and idea gathering discussion only. City Engineer will return at a future meeting with recommendations.
3. Discussion/Decision regarding Draft Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance.
City Planner Trever Parker explained that Trinidad was approved for $65,000 in funding through the Department of Community Development's (HCD) 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.
The LEAP Grant tasks are generally related to implementation of programs in the Housing Element.
Reasonable Accommodation
Housing Element implementation program HI-1 is to amend the zoning ordinance to, among other things, add a process for reasonable accommodation requests. Reasonable accommodation is a process by which a disabled person can ask for an exception to zoning ordinance standard(s) in order to have equal access to housing. This is something that has come up as an issue in the past, because the City has no exception process for zoning standards other than a variance, which has limited applicability and is a difficult process. 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
The Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities and require cities and counties to take affirmative action to eliminate regulations and practices that deny housing opportunities to persons with disabilities. Fair housing laws also require that cities and counties provide persons with disabilities flexibility in the application of land use, zoning, and building regulations, and related practices and procedures, by modifying or waiving certain requirements when it is necessary to eliminate barriers to housing. The proposed amendment would allow for the granting of minor modifications to land use regulations and LCP requirements to give persons with disabilities equal access to housing opportunities.
The amendment would add a new chapter to the zoning ordinance that outlines the process and requirements for reasonable accommodation requests. If a discretionary permit is required as part of the development, then reasonable accommodation request would be processed concurrently with the permit in the usual manner. But a reasonable accommodate request can also be made for projects that would only require a building permit or that would not require any permit. In that case, approval would be administrative. A classic example of reasonable accommodation would be a wheelchair access ramp that does not meet setback requirements.
Certain findings need to be made in granting the reasonable accommodation request, and conditions of approval can be added. Reasonable accommodations do not run with the land and may be required to be Although the primary intent of the amendment is to comply with State and Federal laws related to reasonable accommodations, the proposed language has also taken into account Coastal Act considerations and has been designed to ensure that any reasonable accommodations granted will not result in impacts to coastal resources, either individually or cumulatively. Before approval of the requested accommodation, it would be evaluated to determine whether it would require any fundamental change in the nature of a City program or laws, including the LCP. These types of measures are consistent with the way in which other cities and counties have addressed Coastal Act concerns when addressing reasonable accommodations, and consistent with language typically certified by the Coastal Commission for this purpose.
Next Steps
The draft ordinance has been recommended by the Planning Commission for adoption by the City Council. This item is presented as a discussion item in order to answer questions and get feedback from the Council. The ordinance has been sent to Coastal Commission staff for their review but still needs to be reviewed by the City Attorney. Because the ordinance uses standard language from other ordinances, I don't expect any significant issues.
Council questions included:
West: Will someone be appointed by the Council to make the exceptions? Parker explained that often times that is a Planning Director, but in Trinidad's case it would be the Manager or the Planner. Staff decisions would be appealable. There would be an application process and a building permit would be needed. Homeowner or tenant could intiate a request, with a requirement that the home is occupied by a disabled person. Anyone could make the request on behalf of a disabled person. Conditions can be added to the permit that will not run with the There were no public or Council comments.
Presentation only. City Attorney will be asked to review the draft, Planner will make minor amendments, and ordinance will be brought back for first reading at a future meeting.
4. Continued Discussion/Decision regarding Draft Contract Agreement to Provide Supplemental Public Safety Services from Pacific Coast Security.
City Manager Naffah explained that the City has been looking at supplemental security options for Trinidad due to a shortage of available law enforcement officers. A 3-month pilot project for private security is recommended with an estimated cost of approximately $15,000, part-time coverage of 4-6 hour staggered shifts, with a scope to provide visible presence in higher crime areas, observing and reporting issues to law enforcement, assist community members and businesses with loiterers, and to focus on hot spots.
Public comments included:
Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
We do have Harbor security, provided by volunteers 7-days a week, overnight shifts with daily reports. We enforce no public camping or beach walking after 9pm, and have been doing this for a number of years. Security accommodates special requests, but objective is to deter vandalism by reporting crime to HCSO immediately.
Bryce Kenny - Trinidad
Seems like the pilot project is worth a try.
Motion (Ladwig/West) to approve the 3-month pilot project with Pacific Coast Security. Passed unanimously.
5. Discussion/Update regarding Community Ambassador Program.
Continued to a future meeting.
6. Discussion/Update regarding Temporary Closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial and Parker Creek Trail Beach Access to Old Home Beach.
Mayor Kelly recused herself from the discussion due to resident proximity to the Parker Creek Trail. Mayor Pro- Tem Ladwig led the discussion.
City Manager Naffah explained that last Wednesday he met with Coastal Commission representatives on the beach to evaluate the erosion. Meeting with City Engineer Steve Allen, SHN Engineering Geologist Giovanni Vadurro, and City Planner Trever Parker tomorrow, evaluating short-term solutions to open the beach by the end of May, along with long range solutions to minimize erosion.
Council questions included:
Breckenridge: Are there grant opportunities to help fund short-term efforts? The cost of short-term solutions is concerning since the trails could deteriorate every winter.
Tuttle: Have we considered temporary sandbag stairs?
Ladwig: The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust has annual volunteer work groups that use materials onsite every year to rebuild eroded trail landings at the popular beaches along Scenic Drive. Let's put these groups to work.
They do incredible work. We should have a significant update providing solutions at the April meeting.
West: Will the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail landing be an easy short-term fix? Public comments included:
Karin Reese - Trinidad
Many of us love that beach and would volunteer to help repair it. The City may want to put a communication board at the foot of the trail explaining the situation.
Sherry Provolt - Yurok Tribal Councilmember
With the approaching busy season ahead, we need to be patient working with all interest groups to develop a plan. Support a pause using the trails until a solution is found.
Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
Requested to be included in the Tsurai Management Team meetings, and hope that the technical meeting will be public and include Rancheria representatives. Supportive of the trail closure and request communication regarding the matter.
Ladwig noted that the intention is to bring this back in April so any decisions will be made in open session.
Adora King - Trinidad
I don't walk trails anymore, but suggest more significant engineering solutions be considered to keep the trail landings stable.
Bryce Kenny - Trinidad
I love the town trail system. We were the first city in California to have the LCP certified, along with the trail component included in it. We need to take care of the trails for future generations to use them. A trail happens 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
when people walk across the land. They can be enhanced, but if people are allowed to walk to the beach the trail will develop. The trend of closing trails in Trinidad is becoming concerning. I'm sensitive to temporary closures, or closing them in general, and looking forward to having them reopened. Let people walk. Regarding the Tsurai Management Plan, General Plan Policy 69 requires the Rancheria to be included in consultations regarding such trail matters. Regarding trail use liability, State law provides immunity to governments. Hopefully solutions can be found for short and long-term soon.
Council comments included:
Breckenridge: Do the trails have to be closed, or can it just be posted to use at your own risk? Did we vote on this, or were they just closed? Do they have to be closed? Ladwig: The damage was so severe that it was past our comfort level to encourage use. In this closure period the City is assessing possible solutions.
Naffah explained that the Tsurai Management Team recommended the trails be closed.
No decision made. Discussion item only. Staff will report back to the Council at the April meeting with update.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
West: Trinidad Head step repair.
: Resident Bryce Kenny requested to have the invasive vegetation at the foot of Ocean and Edwards Streets near the Tsurai Monument be trimmed
ADJOURNMENT: 8:14pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Gabriel Adams cheryl Kell
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 (LIVE/HYBRID)
1. CALL TO ORDER
participants were present by video-conference at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION - No closed session
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (West/Ladwig) to pull item 5 Community Ambassador, and approve the agenda as amended. Passed unanimously.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 02/28/2023 cc2. l
Motion (West/Ladwig) to approve as amended. Passed 4-0. Tuttle was absent.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Kelly: Gateway National Monument meeting discussed possible public celebrations for urchins and migrating whales, perhaps next year.
Tuttle: RCEA discussed April 15 deadline for solar installations and encouraged the public to lock in contracts to receive current NEM benefit rate before the changeover to NEM 2.
West: Trails Committee meeting postponed until April 18.
VIII.STAFF REPORTS - City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet. He explained that a meeting occurred today between the City Engineer, Trinidad Rancheria representatives, Indian Heath Services (IHS), Wahlund and GRS construction regarding the early March water leak on Scenic Drive. It was recommended that isolation valves be installed on both sides of the leak, caused by subsiding road surface.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
Reported that damage occured to the residence below the Scenic Drive due to the water main leak. Inquired about claim processes and insurance coverage provided by the City for the damage. Also pleased with the quick response from IHS. They are pursuing funding to cover cost of repair. County Public Works is unable to provide more than just asphalt to patch the roadway.
City Manager Naffah responded, stating the entire region is experiencing a historic amount of precipitation and hopefully funding opportunities will be available to cover damages.
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Staff Activity Report - February 2023
2. Financial Statements - January 2023
3. Law Enforcement Report - February 2023
Contract with Civic Plus to Provide Website Hosting and Development Services.
5. Review and Approve 2022 Annual Audited Financial Statements Motion (West/Tuttle) to approve consent agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously. 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
X. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Project Proposal for Guardrails.
Crosswalks, and Striping.
City Engineer Josh Wolf explained that in November 2020, the City submitted three applications to Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle (HSIP) 10 for Set-Aside funding which included the following
1. Curb ramp and sidewalk replacement/upgrades, installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), curb/driveway extensions, and signage & striping at the following three (3) locations: Main Street at View Avenue, Edwards Street at Hector Street, and Edwards Street at Galindo Street
2. Replacing existing guardrail systems, end treatments and signs, and installing vegetation control mats at the following two (2) locations: Scenic Drive, south of Langford Road, and Patrick's Point Drive, north of Ocean Avenue.
3. The installation of edgelines and improved striping and signage along roadways at the following three (3) locations: Trinidad Frontage Road, from N. Westhaven Drive to End, Stagecoach Road, from City Limits to Main Street, Westhaven Drive, from City Limits to Trinidad Frontage Road.
In March 2021, Caltrans notified the City that the three applications were selected for funding. Table below summarizes the funding by project phase.
Funding and Programming Summary
Project Phase Programmed Amount
Preliminary Engineering (PE) $ 134,000
Right-of-Way (ROW) $49,800
Construction $ 615,800
Total $799,600
The project's environmental, design, and right-of-way work is nearly complete and allocation of the constructior unds is expected to occur in the coming months. Following allocation of the funds, the City will solicit competitive bids for completion of construction.
The contract City Engineer, GHD Inc., will provide the Council with a project update and the anticipated schedule for project bidding and construction. Staff anticipates bringing the project back to Council for authorization to award the construction contract in the future. Construction is anticipated to start in Summer of 2023.
Council questions included:
Breckenridge: I notice a lack of sidewalk continuity on Ocean Ave.
Public comment included:
Karin Reese - Trinidad
Can we talk about Ocean Avenue traffic safety?
Patti Fleschner - Trinidad
Can we get rid of the worn flags on the Edwards/Trinity Street stop signs? Presentation only. No decision was made.
2. Discussion regarding Resident Requests for Traffic Calming on City Streets.
Mayor Kelly explained that concern has been raised for safety on Ocean and View Streets, and traffic humps or speed bumps have been shared by residents as a desired solution.
City Engineer Josh Wolf shared presentation material explaining that speed humps are designed to reduce vehicle speed, often reduce traffic volume and push vehicles to adjacent streets, require striping and signage, 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
increase noise levels at the bump due to rapid deceleration and vibration noise, increase emergency response time, and cost approximately $5,000 each to install.
Council questions included:
Breckenridge: What can the city do about recreation vehicles driving on Ocean and View Streets? Ladwig: Could we discourage traffic on side streets by vehicle weight restrictions? It seems like Ocean shouldn't have trucks on it, but if we slow down View it could affect Ocean. They should be looked at together, and maybe consider making Ocean Avenue one-way.
West: How about restricting RV's on side streets?
Kelly: Does reducing or posting speed limits help slow driving speeds? If there is a temporary option to install speed bumps or humps, we should strongly consider it.
Wolf offered to review the existing City ordinances to determine if any restrictions could be applied, and will measure Ocean Avenue to determine whether it can accommodate all vehicles or limit them by size.
Public comment included:
Karin Reese - Trinidad
There are no speed limit signs on Ocean Ave, and at the very least there should be one. I would be happy to host a pilot project and contribute money for a speed bump installed in front of my house.
Wolf provided radar feedback signs as an option. He explained they cost approximately $8,000 to install, provide real-time speed feedback, but the LED light can be a nuisance and maintenance must be performed periodically to keep them operating.
Bryce Kenny - Trinidad
Ocean Ave resident since 1983. Traffic increased on Ocean Ave as a result of the bulb-out's developed to calm traffic on Trinity. Large vehicles avoid the tight squeeze in front of the School by traveling on Ocean.
Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
Consider calming efforts to include all streets collectively, and possibly hold focus meetings to share thoughts.
Council comments included:
Kelly: We have heard a variety of suggestions tonight, and should ask the engineer and possibly the Planning Commission to return with suggestions at a future meeting.
Presentation and idea gathering discussion only. City Engineer will return at a future meeting with recommendations.
3. Discussion/Decision regarding Draft Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance.
City Planner Trever Parker explained that Trinidad was approved for $65,000 in funding through the Department of Community Development's (HCD) 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.
The LEAP Grant tasks are generally related to implementation of programs in the Housing Element.
Reasonable Accommodatior
lousing Element implementation program HI-1 is to amend the zoning ordinance to, among other things, add process for reasonable accommodation requests. Reasonable accommodation is a process by which a disabled person can ask for an exception to zoning ordinance standards) in order to have equal access to housing. This s something that has come up as an issue in the past, because the City has no exception process for zoning standards other than a variance, which has limited applicability and is a difficult process. 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
The Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities and require cities and counties to take affirmative action to eliminate regulations and practices that deny housing opportunities to persons with disabilities. Fair housing laws also require that cities and counties provide persons with disabilities flexibility in the application of land use, zoning, and building regulations, and related practices and procedures, by modifying or waiving certain requirements when it is necessary to eliminate barriers to housing. The proposed amendment would allow for the granting of minor modifications to land use regulations and LCP requirements to give persons with disabilities equal access The amendment would add a new chapter to the zoning ordinance that outlines the process and requirements for reasonable accommodation requests. If a discretionary permit is required as part of the development, then reasonable accommodation request would be processed concurrently with the permit in the usual manner. But a reasonable accommodate request can also be made for projects that would only require a building permit or that would not require any permit. In that case, approval would be administrative. A classic example of reasonable accommodation would be a wheelchair access ramp that does not meet setback requirements.
Certain findings need to be made in granting the reasonable accommodation request, and conditions of approval can be added. Reasonable accommodations do not run with the land and may be required to be removed when the disabled person no longer occupies the residence.
Although the primary intent of the amendment is to comply with State and Federal laws related to reasonable accommodations, the proposed language has also taken into account Coastal Act considerations and has been designed to ensure that any reasonable accommodations granted will not result in impacts to coastal resources, either individually or cumulatively. Before approval of the requested accommodation, it would be evaluated to determine whether it would require any fundamental change in the nature of a City program or laws, including the LCP. These types of measures are consistent with the way in which other cities and counties have addressed Coastal Act concerns when addressing reasonable accommodations, and consistent with language typically certified by the Coastal Commission for this purpose.
The draft ordinance has been recommended by the Planning Commission for adoption by the City Council. This item is presented as a discussion item in order to answer questions and get feedback from the Council. The ordinance has been sent to Coastal Commission staff for their review but still needs to be reviewed by the City Attorney. Because the ordinance uses standard language from other ordinances, I don't expect any significant Council questions included:
West: Will someone be appointed by the Council to make the exceptions? Parker explained that often times that is a Planning Director, but in Trinidad's case it would be the Manager or the Planner. Staff decisions would be appealable. There would be an application process and a building permit would be needed. Homeowner or tenant could intiate a request, with a requirement that the home is occupied by a disabled person. Anyone could make the request on behalf of a disabled person. Conditions can be added to the permit that will not run with the There were no public or Council comments.
Presentation only. City Attorney will be asked to review the draft, Planner will make minor amendments, and ordinance will be brought back for first reading at a future meeting.
4. Continued Discussion/Decision regarding Draft Contract Agreement to Provide Supplemental Public Safety Public comments included:
Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
We do have Harbor security, provided by volunteers 7-days a week, overnight shifts with daily reports. We enforce no public camping or beach walking after 9pm, and have been doing this for a number of years. Security accommodates special requests, but objective is to deter vandalism by reporting crime to HCSO immediately.
Bryce Kenny - Trinidad
Seems like the pilot project is worth a try.
Motion (Ladwig/West) to approve the 3-month pilot project with Pacific Coast Security. Passed unanimously.
5. Discussion/Update regarding Community Ambassador Program.
Continued to a future meeting.
6. Discussion/Update regarding Temporary Closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial and Parker Creek Trail Beach Access to Old Home Beach.
Mayor Kelly recused herself from the discussion due to resident proximity to the Parker Creek Trail. Mayor Pro- Tem Ladwig led the discussion.
City Manager Naffah explained that last Wednesday he met with Coastal Commission representatives on the beach to evaluate the erosion. Meeting with City Engineer Steve Allen, SHN Engineering Geologist Giovanni Vadurro, and City Planner Trever Parker tomorrow, evaluating short-term solutions to open the beach by the end of May, along with long range solutions to minimize erosion.
Council questions included:
Breckenridge: Are there grant opportunities to help fund short-term efforts? The cost of short-term solutions is concerning since the trails could deteriorate every winter.
Tuttle: Have we considered temporary sandbag stairs?
Ladwig: The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust has annual volunteer work groups that use materials onsite every year to rebuild eroded trail landings at the popular beaches along Scenic Drive. Let's put these groups to work.
They do incredible work. We should have a significant update providing solutions at the April meeting.
West: Will the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail landing be an easy short-term fix? Public comments included:
Karin Reese - Trinidad
Many of us love that beach and would volunteer to help repair it. The City may want to put a communication board at the foot of the trail explaining the situation.
Sherry Provolt - Yurok Tribal Councilmember
With the approaching busy season ahead, we need to be patient working with all interest groups to develop a plan. Support a pause using the trails until a solution is found.
Jacque Hostler-Carmeson - Trinidad Rancheria
Requested to be included in the Tsurai Management Team meetings, and hope that the technical meeting will be public and include Rancheria representatives. Supportive of the trail closure and request communication regarding the matter.
Ladwig noted that the intention is to bring this back in April so any decisions will be made in open session.
Adora King - Trinidad
I don't walk trails anymore, but suggest more significant engineering solutions be considered to keep the trail landings stable.
Bryce Kenny - Trinidad
I love the town trail system. We were the first city in California to have the LCP certified, along with the trail component included in it. We need to take care of the trails for future generations to use them. A trail happens 03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
when people walk across the land. They can be enhanced, but if people are allowed to walk to the beach the trail will develop. The trend of closing trails in Trinidad is becoming concerning. I'm sensitive to temporary closures, or closing them in general, and looking forward to having them reopened. Let people walk. Regarding the Tsurai Management Plan, General Plan Policy 69 requires the Rancheria to be included in consultations regarding such trail matters. Regarding trail use liability, State law provides immunity to governments. Hopefully solutions can be found for short and long-term soon.
Council comments included:
Breckenridge: Do the trails have to be closed, or can it just be posted to use at your own risk? Did we vote on this, or were they just closed? Do they have to be closed? Ladwig: The damage was so severe that it was past our comfort level to encourage use. In this closure period the City is assessing possible solutions.
Naffah explained that the Tsurai Management Team recommended the trails be closed.
No decision made. Discussion item only. Staff will report back to the Council at the April meeting with update.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
West: Trinidad Head step repair.
Resident Bryce Kenny requested to have the invasive vegetation at the foot of Ocean and Edwards Streets near the Tsurai Monument be trimmed.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:14pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
al Challel
Gabriel Adams heryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
03-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6