09-12-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 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, Breckenridge. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Eli Naffah, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Administrative Assistant Anton Souza, Project Manager Jennifer Hakenen. Approximately (8) participants were present by video-conference, and (8) a were present live at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION – No closed session scheduled.
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – None
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (West/Ladwig) to approve the agenda as written. Passed unanimously.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 08-22-2023 cc2
Motion (West/Ladwig) to approve the minutes as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
West: Nothing to report.
Ladwig: Attended a G2G meeting with the Rancheria to discuss several topics including the Interchange meeting and the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail and Boardwalk repair projects.
Breckenridge: Nothing to report.
Kelly: Nothing to report.
Tuttle: Nothing to report.
VIII.STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet, including the Van Wycke trail temporary closure appeal heard by the Coastal Commission, a progress report on the water rate study, and the most recent Luffenholtz Creek flow reading.
Naffah explained that the Coastal Commission gave the City 6 months to come up with a permit solution to address the Van Wycke trail. He will meet with the Planner, City Engineer , CIRA, and Commission Staff to discuss options. The City Clerk is working with RCAC staff delivering the requested data to develop the water rate analysis tools. A reading was taken at Luffenholtz Creek this week that will require the City to notify CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife as per the water right permit conditions. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted in 2022 considers this a Stage 2 warning requiring measures to be taken to alert the public to conserve. Notices will be sent to all customers as soon as possible.
HCSO Lt. Josh McCall summarized August stats.
Westhaven resident Don Allen explained that evapotranspiration rate of the watershed will rebound around the equinox.
Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director Jacque Hostler asked the City Manager to repeat the Stage 2 water restrictions.
Public comment included:
Don Allen – Trinidad Coastal Land Trust Board member
The Land Trust has received disturbing calls about lewd behavior occurring at Baker Beach by a group of men who frequently use the beach and post spotters at the top of the trail acting as security guards to discourage the public from entering the area. The Land Trust is deeply disturbed by these reports and encourage anyone encountering such activity to report it immediately to Law Enforcement officials. 09-12-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
HCSO Lt. Josh McCall encouraged the public to report this activity to the Sheriff immediately, and recommended the Land Trust post signs at the trailhead with HCSO contact information.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Don Allen – Trinidad Area Resident
There are several benches in the Harbor area where the seat is so high that your feet can’t touch the ground due to slope erosion. Erosion gets worse when people kick gravel away from the base by swinging their feet.
The City should consider building up a base at these benches to minimize erosion and make it more comfortable for the users.
Dick Bruce – Trinidad Resident, Chair of the STR Advisory Committee The STR Committee will meet on October 16, at 6:00pm in the Town Hall for the annual meeting. Regarding the Van Wycke Trail, the City has been given 6-months to open or close it. I encourage the City to keep it open.
Dorothy Cox – Trinidad
When will Pacific Coast Security start patrolling again? Did the owners of 426 Trinity Street get a permit to remove the cherry and holly trees?
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
Pointed out a section of the City Manager contract that should be revised, specifically Section 13, second to last sentence, “…occur ‘within’…”.
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Staff Activity Report – August 2023
2. Financial Statements – July 2023
3. Law Enforcement Report – August 2023
4. Contract Renewal with City Manager Eli Naffah.
5. Accept Classification and Job Description for the Administrative Analyst/Project Manager Position, and Authorize the City Manager Fill the Position as per the Employee Policy and Procedure Guidelines.
6. Authorize the City Manager to Publish the Request for Proposals for Annual Audit Services.
7. Discussion/Decision regarding Introduction/First Reading of Ordinance 2023-03; correcting and reaffirming codification of the City of Trinidad Zoning Ordinance, Title 17 of the Trinidad Municipal Code.
8. Discussion/Decision regarding Introduction/First Reading of Ordinance 2023-04; reaffirming codification of the City of Trinidad Zoning Ordinance and amendments thereto that were not submitted to the CA Coastal Commission for certification.
Motion (Ladwig/West) to approve consent agenda as submitted, with updating the start date on the City Manager contract and additional correction as noted by resident Bryce Kenny. Passed unanimously.
X. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Continued Discussion/Decision regarding Traffic Calming Measures for View Street, Ocean Avenue, and Underwood Drive.
City Manager Naffah explained that at the August 22, 2023 meeting, the Council continued the discussion regarding traffic calming measures for View, Ocean, and Underwood, with a focus on a resident’s request to have speed humps installed to reduce driving speeds.
Public comment in favor of purchasing and installing temporary speed hump was heard by Ocean Avenue resident Karin Reese. Comment against the proposal was heard by Edwards Street resident Mike Morgan, citing concern for the expense without criteria and data to justify the project. City Manager Naffah explained that City Engineer Josh Wolf would not be able to attend the September meeting, but would attend to provide more details in October.
Council directed staff to return in September with more detailed cost estimates, the number of humps required on each roadway, required signage, and to begin the public notification process to obtain as much input as possible before implementing a temporary measure.
09-12-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Staff produced a public notice (included in the meeting packet), that was mailed to residents on each street, and posted on barricades for inspection on the affected streets. Staff gathered cost and installation requirements for the temporary speed humps (included in the meeting packet), and also researched County policy for evaluating neighborhood requests for speed humps (also included in the meeting packet).
Since the August 22 meeting, a letter has been received, signed by several Berry Road and Himalaya Drive residents requesting traffic calming/safety measures be reviewed for their roads, including Frontage and the underpass/interchange. Edwards Street residents have also requested the City consider speed humps to reduce speeds there as well.
In light of all the information gathered and received, it appears that without a policy, criteria, or data to evaluate and prioritize traffic calming strategies, independent resident observations are the only justification the City has to determine where and why speed humps are considered. This presents a challenge for Staff and Council as there are limited resources and if everything becomes a priority, nothing is a priority.
Public input received from the Ocean Avenue resident suggests there’s a pattern to offensive speeding, that points to times of day and year when traffic circulation through town is heaviest, particularly when school is in session. City Engineer Josh Wolf suggested several initial, potential options for traffic calming in his August staff report update, including
1. installation of new 15 MPH signs,
2. Designate by Ordinance Main and Trinity prohibiting trucks on Ocean and View
3. Conducting outreach with Trinidad School to educate parents on the desired pick-up and drop-off routes.
Wolf also included information clarifying the price for a single 18’ long, 10.5’ wide, 3” tall temporary speed hump (see attached quote and image) purchase and installation would be approximately $6,000 each, per street. Price includes sales tax and freight, and warning signage to be installed adjacent to each hump. Installation to be performed by Public Works staff.
To complicate matters, the other neighborhood residents that now believe their streets should be prioritized may feel ignored by their government if the criteria to evaluate the need for traffic calming measures isn’t objective. A recent letter written to the Council regarding this topic pointed out that in December 2019 the Council “authorized the City Manager to perform a comprehensive traffic study of all City streets” in conclusion to a proposal to install radar feedback signs on Trinity Street to calm traffic. That traffic study was not performed.
City Engineer Josh Wolf suggested the City consider requesting traffic data equipment from County Public Works or the City of Arcata to collect data to help zero-in on the problem and target specific solutions on an objective basis. This equipment will gather traffic volumes, frequency, and speeds, and may prove useful in developing criteria similar to the County Public Works Speed Hump Installation Policy.
As this topic continues to grow in size and scope, it’s important to note that it was not considered when the Council developed 2023-2024 budget priorities. The City is able to pivot and re-orient it’s focus at any time, especially concerning matters of public safety, but at a cost of another determined priority being tabled.
If a temporary measure is implemented on View, Ocean, and Underwood (installing 1 speed hump per street), the cost will be approximately $20,000. If one hump doesn’t solve the problem, a second hump may be required as per Engineer recommendation as humps are most effective in pairs (two per street segment), for an additional $20,000 ($40,000 total). Restricted, street fund revenue such as Gas Tax or TDA could be used to cover the expense. Depending on the lifespan of the temporary humps, permanent structures may eventually be needed costing each street an additional $20-30k.
Council questions included:
Breckenridge: I was supportive at first of installing the temporary speed humps, but with the volume of feedback received it may be time to gather some data.
West: I’m still unclear how many humps are required and the total cost. 09-12-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Kelly: There is a short-term and long-term process. Enforcement and prevention is a missing part of the longterm conversation. Data driven decisions are necessary. Everyone I spoke with wants improved safety enhancements, including the School. There are many variations on this theme. Short-term solutions may be piloted speed humps.
Ladwig: More data is important, and looking at the County guidelines gives us a template to work with. We have read all the public comments received since 2pm today, and curious to hear more tonight.
Public comment included:
Trinidad Resident – 806 Edwards Street
I’m not a fan of speed humps but I share the concern for speed on Edwards. I lived in front of one for many years. It’s dark and quiet in Trinidad. Speed bumps are noisy, and it’s important for people to realize this. Their effectiveness depends on the height of the vehicle. This makes them partially effective. Street width influences traffic speeds. Pinch-points, or bulb-outs similar to the ones on Main and Trinity Streets help slow traffic.
Pedestrian safety on Edwards Street would be improved by adding a sidewalk.
City Manager Naffah explained that crosswalks will be installed at Hector and Galindo on Edwards in the spring with HSIP funds.
Dwight Miller – Trinidad
Edwards Street traffic calming should be prioritized. It is unsafe. Expecting everyone to walk on Edwards Street is not appropriate. If we’re installing crosswalks on Edwards, consider raised crosswalks. Gather as much data as possible, and consider installing speed cameras on Edwards if necessary. Investigate whether the slope on Edwards Street is an issue for installing humps.
Willie Stein – Trinidad
Concerned for traffic on Frontage Road. I’ve lived on Ocean, and View Streets. I’m agnostic about those streets. I support having a traffic study done on Frontage Road. The walk from Berry to Trinidad School is dangerous. Vehicles travel very fast on their way down Frontage. Probability and magnitude of harm should be combined to determine preventative measures when evaluating streets.
Anna – Trinidad, Hector Street
Mildly concerned about a raised crosswalk. I lived next to speed humps for nearly a decade. Braking, accelerating, braking, accelerating is the pattern. What we expect people to do, and what they will do are two different things. I encourage a long and thorough look at the consequences of speed humps. Trailers and boats on Edwards Street in the morning should be factored into the calculus. There’s no perfect way to get humans to do the right thing, and careful consideration of impacts will help fine-tune possible solutions.
Don Allen – Trinidad Area resident
Referenced a conversation in the 1990’s regarding a prior Mayor (Dave Zebo) saying the slope of Edwards may be an issue for speed hump installation.
Jacque Hostler – Trinidad Rancheria
Echo Anna’s comments. Important to have a plan before piecemeal traffic calming. Finding the funds to bring a traffic study is encouraged. Large vehicles and trailers all visit the Harbor and must be considered.
Betsy Musick – Trinidad (Trinidad Eatery Owner)
Support gathering as much data as possible (traffic study) before reacting.
Rebecca Inder – Trinidad resident
I agree with everyone’s comments about gathering data and having a comprehensive approach to traffic calming. I’m only aware of one speed limit sign on Main Street (covered by a eucalyptus tree branch), and encourage an audit and improvement of signage would be a good first step.
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
Traffic calming on Trinity and Main Streets made Ocean Avenue traffic worse. I have mixed feelings about solutions. Speed humps were recently installed on Buttermilk Lane in Arcata. Seems like asphalt speed humps may be quieter, and if we’re going for used ones, try to get them second-hand. Camera’s sound interesting too.
Council comments included:
09-12-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
West: Installing humps on View and Ocean may push through traffic back to Trinity. Cameras sound interesting too. The cost of implementing everything can get expensive, so we need to develop some priorities.
Breckenridge: So many people want attention to their streets so a traffic study seems appropriate to gather data and develop priorities. I also like the idea to look at everything that can be done to improve safety such as improved signage, striping, etc. Where did the Edwards Street sidewalk project go? Naffah explained the Van Wycke Trail repair project failed to gain traction and the alternative plan to improve Edwards was shot down by residents on the downslope side of the road.
Ladwig: Collecting more information is key. There are more kids in town now, and we need to focus on the fact that traffic through town has been impacted by calming measures implemented on Main and Trinity.
Kelly: I’m in favor of a traffic calming “light” version, getting a sense of volume and speed. We need to take action on the reports and studies the City has already completed, or at least look at the recommendations and say why we aren’t implementing them.
No decision was made. Discussion will be continued to the October meeting.
2. Discussion/Decision regarding Proclamation 2023-01; Proclaiming September as Septic Awareness Month, and Update on the Citywide Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Program.
Project Manager Jennifer Hakenen explained that the City adopted Proclamation 2022-01 last year as a kick off to the nationally recognized Septic Awareness Week sponsored by the EPA to help communities, and state governments bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems by organizing homeowner educational events. Septic Sue was introduced as an educational tool to help educate Trinidad residents about their septic systems. She shared a variety of mailings covering a wide range of septic related information. This coincided with the kickoff of the City’s renewed efforts to actively integrate all properties into the OWTS Management Program to ensure all systems obtain and maintain a current OWTS Operating Permit.
When the project began one year ago, 27% of the parcels in Trinidad had a valid OWTS Operating Permit.
Now, one year later, 61% of the households have valid OWTS Operating Permits. The City has reached out via letter to all the owners of developed parcels within City limits that did not have a valid OWTS Permit to integrate them into the OWTS Management Program. City staff have been working with the homeowners over the last 12 months to get systems inspected and repaired as needed to issue a valid OWTS Permit.
Thanks to the cooperation and diligence of most homeowners, these efforts have resulted in us now having over 61% of homes having current permits in the OWTS Management Program. There are also approximately 10 additional properties with the City Planner that are pending review, repairs, or additional information. Once those files are processed and permits issued the compliance rate will increase another percentage.
During this process, a number of failed systems and systems in need of repair have been identified and repaired and/or replaced. This will help protect water quality and public health in the City, which is a primary purpose of the OWTS Management Program.
Final notices will go out to the remaining property owners who have not integrated themselves into the program in October. If the homeowner is unable to get a septic inspection or repair in accordance with the City’s ordinance by the end of the year for good cause, they will be asked to reach out to myself or Gabe to discuss the situation. Otherwise, the City Council can choose to pursue enforcement action against those who are out of compliance.
Permits expiring in 2024 and thereafter, will be notified 60 days prior to the expiration date and renewals will be processed as normal and under the new fee schedule that took effect July 1, 2023, as authorized by the City Council. City staff are encouraged with the progress that each homeowner has made toward voluntary integration into the OWTS Management Program.
There were no Council or public comments.
Motion (Ladwig/Breckenridge) to adopt Proclamation 2023-01. Passed unanimously. 09-12-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
3. Update/Discussion regarding Public Outreach and Awareness Options for City Leash Laws and various Announcements.
City Manager Naffah provided a brief recap of letters sent to residents and signage installed to alert pet owners of the leash law.
City Clerk Adams explained that the Council expressed interest in additional outreach programs to get the word out about pet leash law and etiquette. Colin Vance from KEKA 101 Country approached the City to discuss an opportunity to capture local airwaves and share information about the City of Trinidad. After considering how other public agencies were utilizing this media for public service messages, City staff felt it was worth exploring.
Several samples were prepared by the station for playback at tonight’s meeting, illustrating how the information would be produced and shared.
Council comments included:
Kelly: I’d like to understand who their audience is, and if they have analytics to share. Multi-modal marketing tends to be most successful.
West: How does this fit into the budget? City Clerk Adams explained that there’s a recurring request from Council to expand outreach even after direct mailings, signage, etc., so we’re delivering some options out there that may be a fit.
Ladwig: I agree with multi-modal advertising to deliver a consistent message on radio, website, and print.
Public comment included:
Rebecca Inder – Trinidad
No strong opinion about radio, but a filler could be about safe driving. The town can be represented as one that cares about safety and slow driving.
Betsy Musick – Trinidad
Happy to consider participating as a business owner, but only if the message being conveyed is consistent with the business community’s values and the town’s identity. A committee may be necessary to think this through.
City Clerk Adams noted that the next steps would be to develop the concept a little more, and broaden the scope of messages that could be delivered in this campaign.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Community Ambassador Program
- Confirmation of Yurok Tribe Representative Sherri Provolt to the Trails Advisory Committee - Van Wycke/Edwards Street Safety
ADJOURNMENT: 8:25pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor