Trinidad City Council
August 13, 2024

City Council Meeting Agenda: 08-13-2024 Page 1
Posted: Friday, August 09, 2024

NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024, at 6:00 PM
at the Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA.

NO CLOSED SESSION SCHEDULED
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 comments to 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad CA, by 2:00pm on the meeting day, or email 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: 885 8497 2977 Passcode: 042976 PLEASE NOTE that live meeting logistics will be prioritized. Connectivity issues on the part of the City may result in the meeting being delayed or rescheduled but technical challenges experienced by individuals 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. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 05-28-2024 cc2, 06-11-2024 cc, 07-09-2024 cc VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
VIII. STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Humboldt County Sheriff Dept.

IX. 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. Please direct your comments to the Council as a whole, maintain decorum and avoid personal attacks on staff, members of the Council and/or other members of the public. Council and staff responses will be minimal for non-agenda items.

X. 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 – July 2024

2. Financial Statements – June 2024
City Council Meeting Agenda: 08-13-2024 Page 2

3. Law Enforcement Report – July 2024.

4. Conflict of Interest Waiver/Disclosure for Mitchell Law Firm between the City of Trinidad and RCAA for the Trinidad Head Trail Repair Project.

5. Audit Engagement Letter with JJACPA, Inc. for June 30, 2023 Financial Statements.

6. Adopt Final Plan – Trinidad Community Coastal Resiliency Grant Project.

DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Presentation Discussion of the Community Survey Results.

2. Discussion/Decision to Appoint 2 Council Members for a future Government-to-Government Consultation with the Yurok Tribe and TAS.

3. Discussion/Decision on an appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of Coastal Development Permit 2024-09 for continued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) due to unsafe conditions. Trail closure authorization is proposed for one year while the City works with stakeholders to develop and plan additional repair options. Located at the ALMT; APN: 042- 091-005.

4. First Reading of Ordinance 2024-02 and Adoption of Resolution 2024-14; Zoning and General Plan Amendment request to change the zoning and general plan designations of the property from PR – Public and Religious to SR – Suburban Residential. Narelle 2021-04; Located at 12 Berry Road; APN: 515-331-016.

5. Discussion/Decision regarding First Amendment to the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services in the City of Trinidad.

6. Discussion/Decision regarding Revised Ballot Wording Previously adopted in Resolution 2024- 08; Calling for an Election on a Proposal to Continue the City of Trinidad’s .75% Sales Tax Transaction and Use Tax Increase for 4-Years (Measure L).

7. Discussion/Decision regarding First Reading of Ordinance 2024-03; Extending the .75% Transactions and Use Tax for General Purposes to Continue to be Administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

8. Review/Discussion/Decision of Sales Tax Impartial Analysis from the City Attorney, and the Argument in Favor of Measure L Prepared for Council Consideration and/or Endorsement.

9. Calendar/Deadline Update for Sales Tax and City Council Election; Arguments For/Against the Sales Tax Extension & Candidate Nomination Period.

X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:

MAY 28, 2024 CC2
JUNE 11, 2024 CC
JULY 09, 2024 CC
Supporting Documentation follows with: 0 PAGES

MINUTES WILL BE UPLOADED TO THE MEETING PACKET AS SOON AS THEY ARE PREPARED.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Staff Activity Report – July 2024
City Manager’s Report August 14th, 2024 Meeting
HSIP Project:

The HSIP Project is underway: crosswalks on Edwards, guardrails, striping, traffic calming improvements, and expanded pedestrian and bicyclist improvements will be done around town. The contractor for the project is RAO Construction.

Water Tank and Pipeline Project:

Construction of the new 250,000-gallon Water Tank has been delayed to October 1st.

Construction of the stainless-steel sections by the manufacturer is causing the delay. The contractor for the project is Mercer-Fraser Company.

Water Plant:

One of the intake pumps at the Water Treatment Plant is being replaced.

The discharge measurement from the Luffenholtz Creek streamflow on July 26th is 4.57 cfs which is good for this time of year. Another measurement will take place in mid-August.

The June invoice from Coleman Engineering is $11,535 and the July invoice is 8,270.

Water Rates:

A mailing on July 23rd went out to all water customers notifying them of the proposed water rate changes and the Proposition 218 process. Customers were given 45 days if they wish to protest the proposed rates. The letter spells out that written protests must be submitted by US mail or at Town Hall with original signature (typed or printed name under the signature), date, address of the property, an affirmation as the property owner or water customer of record, and reasons for protest. A public hearing will take place at the next City Council meeting on September 10th.

School Playground and Track:

Representatives of the City’s and School’s JPA Insurance Pools will meet with representatives of the City and School onsite on August 14th. We will assess the status of insurance coverage to allow the playground and the track to be open to the public outside of school hours.

Optimum Cable Channels Added:

Effective August 20th, the ACC Network and Big Ten Network will be added to the Optimum Value TV package and moved to a new channel position in select Optimum TV lineups.

Customers can look at the Optimum.net website under Pages for the Channel-Lineups.

Trinidad Coastal Land Trust:

The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust (TCLT) is having monthly Trivia Nights on the last Tuesday of the month at Town Hall. The next event is on August 27th from 6-8pm. July’s ent included a drink and pizza, and the categories were geology, wildlife, and a wild card topic.

Attachments:
• Staff Report Supplemental – Water Sold and Water Loss • City Manager Job Advertisement – July 2024
• Chief Plant Operator Job Advertisement – July 2024

STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Background Info: The City of Trinidad is responding to the Governor’s Order calling on all Californians to do their part by reducing consumption.

Luffenholtz Creek flow readings are presented to the Council on an as-needed basis - during drought events or when requested. November, December, January, and once again February has delivered abundant amounts of rainfall, providing relief from stress-related drought on the watershed. With this in mind, the focus of these reports (during the wet season) will be to share and put into perspective how Trinidad’s water consumption metrics compare to those of recent years.

The amounts represent the total water sold, captured by 323 customer meters, measured in cubic feet (7.48 gallons = 1 cubic foot).

July 2020 275,612 cuft January 2020 199,348
July 2021 251,168 January 2021 161,379
July 2022 198,081 January 2022 189,201
July 2023 223,806 January 2023 154,543
July 2024 264,491 (21.01% Water Loss) January 2024 148,407 (23.67% Water Loss) August 2019 307,500 February 2020 155,015
August 2020 273,992 February 2021 178,545
August 2021 269,771 February 2022 154,634
August 2022 227,681 February 2023 136,626
August 2023 265,808 (17.03% Water Loss) February 2024 132,690 (11.33% Water Loss) September 2019 238,316 March 2020 164,854
September 2020 302,614 March 2021 187,607
September 2021 227,831 March 2022 184,103
September 2022 216,470 March 2023 152,813
September 2023 200,348 (15.99% Water Loss) March 2024 125,188 (19.75% Water Loss) October 2019 188,075 April 2020 199,450
October 2020 230,430 April 2021 192,287
October 2021 203,176 April 2022 173,115
October 2022 180,065 April 2023 145,504
October 2023 188,335 (22.08% Water Loss) April 2024 176,413 (40.81% Water Loss) November 2019 211,649 May 2020 183,368
November 2020 198,813 May 2021 242,529
November 2021 204,438 May 2022 154,634
November 2022 169,144 May 2023 211,380
November 2023 151,914 (22.06% Water Loss) May 2024 182,738 (14.68% Water Loss) December 2019 201,305 June 2020 240,055
December 2020 185,860 June 2021 269,087
December 2021 201,160 June 2022 233,692
December 2022 170,419 June 2023 209,336
December 2023 122,937 (27% Water Loss) June 2024 229,399 (17.12% Water Loss)

Water sold in July was relatively high from a 5-year perspective. Several business accounts reached historic highs, indicating a peak season visitor traction. We will continue to monitor consumption each month and report this information (along with summary trends and analysis) to the Council for review, comparison, and questions at each meeting.

To: City Council
Date: Monday, July 29, 2024
From: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
Re: City Manager Job Advertisement – July 2024
Here is the advertising plan for the City Manager recruitment process:
• Local posting (3) places: Post Office, Murphy’s Market, Town Hall. – Monday, July 22. • City Website: Post full ad with Job Description until position filled as a City News article on the Home Page – Monday, July 22.
• City Email Newsletter: Included with each meeting notice, beginning Tuesday, July 30. • Mad River Union: 3 weeks beginning with the Wednesday, July 24 edition. $120 [email protected]
• Lost Coast Outpost: Weekly through August 28, beginning Tuesday, July 30. $200. [email protected]
• North Coast Journal: 2 weeks beginning with the Wednesday, July 31 (hopefully) edition. $282/week plus $50 for featured job: $332 x 2 = $664.00 [email protected]
• Western City Magazine: Online July 30 for 1 month. $300 • California City News: 30 Days. $225. Recommended at City Manager’s meeting. https://www.californiacitynews.org/user
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk
707.677.0223

CITY MANAGER

CITY OF TRINIDAD
The City of Trinidad is searching for qualified applicants interested in serving as City Manager.

Strong skills in public finance, budgeting, grant oversight, and contract administration to manage city operations, including streets, parks, water, cemetery, and public assets are required. Experience building relationships with Tribal Governments is essential.

Located on the beautiful northwest coast of California, Trinidad is a fishing village with a natural harbor and is one of the first incorporated cities in CA. Surrounded by the neighboring unincorporated communities of Westhaven, Patrick's Point, and Big Lagoon, Trinidad is located on the ancestral territory of the Yurok Tribe, the southern-most village of Tsurai. The Trinidad Rancheria is the City's neighbor to the south.

The City has 5 administrative staff members, 2 grant administrators, and 5 water/public works maintenance operators. Planning, Engineering, and Legal Counsel are under contract to professional consultants, and law enforcement services are provided under contract with the Humboldt County Sheriff. The City owns and operates a small public water system.

With a General Fund budget of just under 1 million, the City is very successful in acquiring grants to supplement capital improvement needs for transportation, public access, environmental protection projects, and water treatment infrastructure.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with city management experience and proven ability to work effectively with individuals with strong and sometimes competing interests. The total salary and benefit package is negotiable. Trinidad is not a PERS agency.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a current resume and three professional references.

Application Deadline of Friday, August 09, 2024 has been extended to the 16th, and will remain open until the review period begins.

Mail to: City of Trinidad, P.O. Box 390, Trinidad, CA., 95570 Deliver to: 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA
Email to: [email protected]
Additional information can be found on the City’s website at www.trinidad.ca.gov To: City Council
Date: Monday, July 29, 2024
From: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
Re: CPO Job Advertisement, Recruitment Strategy – July 2024 Here is the advertising plan for the Chief Plant Operator recruitment process:
• Local posting (3) places: Post Office, Murphy’s Market, Town Hall. – Monday, July 22. • City Website: Post full ad with Job Description until position filled as a City News article on the Home Page – Monday, July 22.
• City Email Newsletter: Included with each meeting notice, beginning Tuesday, July 30. • Mad River Union: 3 weeks beginning with the Wednesday, July 24 edition. $120 [email protected]
• Lost Coast Outpost: 4 weeks through August 28, beginning Tuesday, July 30. $200. [email protected]
• North Coast Journal: 2 weeks beginning with the Wednesday, July 31 (hopefully) edition. $214/week, plus $50/week for featured job: $264.00 x 2 = $528.00 [email protected]
• Water District Jobs.com: 35 Days. $175. Recommended by Water Talent recruitment firm. [email protected]
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk
707.677.0223
CHIEF WATER PLANT OPERATOR (T3/D2)

CITY OF TRINIDAD
The City of Trinidad is searching for qualified, certified applicants interested in serving as Chief Water Plant Operator – State Water Certified Level T3/D2.

The City of Trinidad California, a small coastal community nestled among redwoods on the Northern California Coast, is accepting applications from qualified, experienced professionals to fill the position of Chief Plant Operator for its local water plant.

Candidates must possess valid T3/D2 certifications for water treatment and distribution.

Responsibilities include performance of advanced level technical work in operation and maintenance of the water plant, supervision of water treatment plant personnel, routine maintenance, and community engagement and interaction.

This is a full-time position, with a negotiable salary depending on qualifications.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a current resume and three professional references.

Application Deadline of Friday, August 16, 2024, and will remain open until the review period begins and the right candidate is found.

Mail to: City of Trinidad, P.O. Box 390, Trinidad, CA., 95570 Deliver to: 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA
Email to: [email protected]
Additional information can be found on the City’s website at www.trinidad.ca.gov CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Financial Statements – June 2024

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 3

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

3. Law Enforcement Report – July 2024.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 4

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

4. Conflict of Interest Waiver/Disclosure for Mitchell Law Firm between the City of Trinidad and RCAA for the Trinidad Head Trail Repair Project.

AGENDA ITEM: Conflict of Interest Consent for Mitchell Law Firm to Represent the City in Contract PreparaAon with RCAA for Trinidad Head Steps/Trail RestoraAon
Date: August 13, 2024 _______________________________________________________________________ ANALYSIS:

The Mitchell Law Firm (MLF) represents the City of Trinidad as City AAorney and provides legal services to the Redwood Community AcFon Agency (RCAA). The City and RCAA wish to have a contract prepared to replace the wooden steps and restore the trail for what is known as the Trinidad Head Steps. The Consent to Conflict of Interest leAer and agreement are aAached. In essence, because of the conflict, MLF can only represent one client and in this maAer MLF will represent the City in preparaFon of a contract for RCAA to replace the Trinidad Head Steps and restore the trail leading to the Trinidad Head.

ACTION:

OpFon 1. The City of Trinidad consents to MLF represenFng the City in preparaFon of a contract and other negoFaFons related to Trail RestoraFon by RCAA.

OR
OpFon 2. Deny MLF represenFng the City in preparaFon of a contract and other negoFaFons related to Trail RestoraFon by RCAA.

Attachment:

LeAer regarding Consent to Conflict of Interest and aAached Consent.

THE MITCHELL LAW FIRM, LLP
CLIFFORD B. MITCHELL (1927 - 2010)
PAUL A. BRISSO*
RUSSELL S. GANS
NICHOLAS R. KLOEPPEL
RYAN T. PLOTZ
AMY A. HUNT
KAREN J. ROEBUCK, Senior Associate
SHAE N. McKNIGHT, Associate

ATTORNEYS AT LAW
426 FIRST STREET
EUREKA, CALIFORNIA 95501
www.mitchelllawfirm.com
Established 1915
TELEPHONE (707) 443-5643
FACSIMILE (707) 444-9586
P.O. DRAWER 1008
EUREKA, CA 95502
WILLIAM F. MITCHELL (Retired)
JOHN M. VRIEZE (Retired)
EMERY F. MITCHELL (1896 - 1991)
WALTER J. CARTER (1949 – 1993)
R.C. DEDEKAM (1929 – 2011)
NANCY K. DELANEY (1950 – 2022)
* Of Counsel
March 26, 2024
Eli Naffah, City Manager
City of Trinidad
409 Trinity Street
P.O. Box 390
Trinidad, CA 95570
Val Martinez, Executive Director
Redwood Community Action Agency
904 G Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Re: Consent to Conflict of Interest
City of Trinidad / Redwood Community Action Agency
Dear Mr. Naffah and Ms. Martinez:

This letter requests the consent of Redwood Community Action Agency (“RCAA”) to The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP’s (“Firm”) representation of City of Trinidad (“City”), in connection with wooden step replacement and trail restoration (“Trail Restoration”).

Existing Relationships
Both RCAA and City are existing and valued clients. This Firm, and principally attorney Russell Gans, has historically performed legal services for both the City and RCAA.

July 18, 2024

Past and Current Representation
The Firm has assisted RCAA with unrelated matters and is now being asked to assist the City in preparing a contract between the City and RCAA for Trail Restoration.

This Firm has provided no legal advice to RCAA regarding the Trail Restoration. The City has asked Mr. Gans of this Firm to assist in the creation of contract documents. This Firm has historically and currently provided legal counsel to RCAA and the City on numerous, unrelated matters. This conflict waiver is sought to facilitate that representation of the City with respect to the Trail Restoration and all unrelated matters, while allowing the Firm to also continue representing RCAA in other unrelated matters.

Potential Conflicts of Interest
Our Firm’s representation of the City regarding the Trail Restoration by RCAA, creates a conflict of interest relating to our representation of RCAA because the interests of the City and RCAA are not identical and may, in certain aspects, conflict with one another. Our exclusive representation of the City in this matter requires that we represent the City’s interests vigorously, even if their interests do not align with RCAA’s interests.

The fact that this Firm has a concurrent relationship with RCAA and is providing unrelated legal services to RCAA must be disclosed and, if mutually acceptable to RCAA and the City, potential conflicts related to the concurrent relationships waived. Providing your mutual consent to this letter will authorize the Firm to exclusively represent the City regarding the Trail Restoration, without regard to what may be in the best interest of RCAA.

Rule 1.7 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct provides in pertinent part:
(a) A lawyer shall not, without informed written consent from each client and compliance with paragraph (d), represent a client if the representation is directly adverse to another client in the same or a separate matter.
(b) A lawyer shall not, without informed written consent from each affected client and compliance with paragraph (d), represent a client if there is a significant risk the lawyer’s representation of the client will be materially limited by the lawyer’s responsibilities to or relationships with another client, a former client or a third person, or by the lawyer’s own interests.

July 18, 2024

(c) Even when a significant risk requiring a lawyer to comply with paragraph (b) is not present, a lawyer shall not represent a client without written disclosure of the relationship to the client and compliance with paragraph (d) where:
(1) the lawyer has, or knows that another lawyer in the lawyer’s firm has, a legal, business, financial, professional, or personal relationship with or responsibility to a party or witness in the same matter; or
(2) the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that another party’s lawyer is a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the lawyer, lives with the lawyer, is a client of the lawyer or another lawyer in the lawyer’s firm, or has an intimate personal relationship with the lawyer. (d) Representation is permitted under this rule only if the lawyer complies with paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), and:
(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client;
(2) the representation is not prohibited by law; and
(3) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client against another client represented by the lawyer in the same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal. (e) For purposes of this rule, “matter” includes any judicial or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, transaction, claim, controversy, investigation, charge, accusation, arrest, or other deliberation, decision, or action that is focused on the interests of specific persons, or a discrete and identifiable class of persons.

In accord with the foregoing, written consent to the concurrent representation of the City regarding contract preparation for the Trail Restoration while continuing to represent the City and RCAA in unrelated matters is hereby requested.

July 18, 2024

Consent
As attorneys where we have a relationship with multiple parties a conflict of interest must be disclosed and informed written consent obtained from both parties.

Accordingly, we are seeking the informed written consent of the City and RCAA before representing the City in preparation of a contract and other negotiations related to Trail Restoration.

Providing your mutual consent does not, however, obviate our obligation to maintain client confidences or otherwise permit us to disclose any confidential information obtained from RCAA or the City. At this time, we believe that we can exclusively represent the City in preparation of a contract and other negotiations related to Trail Restoration and still maintain our duty of loyalty and confidentiality to both RCAA and the City in all unrelated matters. We do not believe we have obtained any confidential information from RCAA which is material to our representation of the City.

Further, we do not believe we have obtained any confidential information from the City that is material to our representation of RCAA in unrelated matters.

If additional facts come to our attention which lead us to believe that: (i) we could not maintain our duty of loyalty and confidentiality to RCAA in unrelated matters, (ii) the issue in dispute is substantially the related to the same issue in an unrelated matter in which we represent RCAA; or (iii) we have obtained confidential information from the City which is material to our representation of RCAA in unrelated matters, we would require further written consent from the City and RCAA before we could continue to represent the City in preparation of a contract and other negotiations related to Trail Restoration.

Request
If, after considering the foregoing, RCAA and the City are willing to consent, please sign and return to us the enclosed copy of this letter (i) acknowledging that we have informed you of our existing relationships with the City and RCAA; (ii) acknowledging that the City and RCAA have been advised of the conflict of interest associated with our representing the City in preparation of a contract and other negotiations related to Trail Restoration, while continuing to represent RCAA in other unrelated matters; and (iii) indicating that the City and RCAA consent to our representation as described in this letter.

July 18, 2024

If RCAA and/or the City are not willing to consent, we will declare a conflict and assist the City in locating alternate counsel for the matter.

If you have any questions regarding this letter or our representation of the City in preparation of a contract and other negotiations related to Trail Restoration, please call us before signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter.

Very truly yours,

THE MITCHELL LAW FIRM, LLP

Russell S. Gans
July 18, 2024

CONSENT
The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP (“Firm”) has explained the conflict of interest related to Firm’s representation of the City of Trinidad, to prepare a contract and other negotiations related to wooden step replacement and trail restoration (“Trail Restoration”) by Redwood Community Action Agency (“RCAA”).

We further acknowledge the disclosure of Firm’s past and continuing representation of RCAA in unrelated matters, the conflict arising from such representation, and the consequences of any actual conflicts that may arise. The undersigned nevertheless provides its informed written consent to Firm’s representation of the City in preparation of a contract and other negotiations related to Trail Restoration by RCAA, while continuing to represent RCAA as well as the City in other unrelated matters.

Both the City of Trinidad and RCAA agree that electronic signatures and/or facsimile signatures to this Consent shall be deemed to constitute originals.

REDWOOD COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
By: _____________________________
Val Martinez, Executive Director

CITY OF TRINIDAD
By: _____________________________
Eli Naffah, City Manager
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 5

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

5. Audit Engagement Letter with JJACPA, Inc. for June 30, 2023 Financial Statements. 7080 Donlon Way, Suite 204, Dublin, CA 94568 ● phone (925) 556-6200 1102 South Main Street, Suite 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 ● phone (707) 964-6325 www.jjacpa.com ● fax: (707) 232-6226
July 16, 2024
Gabriel Adams
City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
Dear Gabriel:

You have requested that we audit the financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of City of Trinidad (City) , as of June 30, 2023, and for the year then ended and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the City’s basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents. We are pleased to confirm our acceptance and our understanding of this audit engagement by means of this letter. Our audit will be conducted with the objective of our expressing an opinion on each opinion unit.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that management’s discussion and analysis and budgetary comparison information be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. As part of our engagement, we will apply certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information (RSI) in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. These limited procedures will consist primarily of inquiries of management regarding their methods of measurement and presentation, and comparing the information for consistency with management’s responses to our inquiries. We will not express an opinion or provide any form of assurance on the RSI. The following RSI is required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This RSI will be subjected to certain limited procedures but will not be audited:
 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 Budgetary Comparison Information
Supplementary information other than RSI will accompany the City’s basic financial statements. We will subject the following supplementary information to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling the supplementary information to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. We intend to provide an opinion on the following supplementary information in relation to the financial statements as a whole:
 Combining and individual nonmajor fund financial statements.

Audit of the Financial Statements
We will conduct our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the basic financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error, fraudulent financial reporting, misappropriation of assets, or violations of laws, governmental regulations, grant agreements, or contractual agreements. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, together with the inherent limitations of internal control, an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements may not be detected exists, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with U.S. GAAS and Government Auditing Standards of the Comptroller General of the United States of America.

In making our risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. However, we will communicate to you in writing concerning any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control relevant to the audit of the financial statements that we have identified during the audit.

Management’s Responsibilities
Our audit will be conducted on the basis that management acknowledge and understand that they have responsibility:
a. For the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; b. For the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to error, fraudulent financial reporting, misappropriation of assets, or violations of laws, governmental regulations, grant agreements, or contractual agreements.
c. For following up and taking corrective action on reported audit findings from prior periods and preparing a summary schedule of prior audit findings;
d. For following up and taking corrective action on current year audit findings and preparing a corrective action plan for such findings;
e. To provide us with:
i. Access to all information of which management is aware that is relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements such as records, documentation, and other matters; ii. Additional information that we may request from management for the purpose of the audit; and iii. Unrestricted access to persons within the entity from whom we determine it necessary to obtain audit evidence.
f. For adjusting the financial statements to correct material misstatements and confirming to us in the management representation letter that the effects of any uncorrected misstatements aggregated by us during the current engagement and pertaining to the current year period(s) under audit are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements as a whole; and g. For confirming your understanding of your responsibilities as defined in this letter to us in your management representation letter.

With regard to the supplementary information referred to above, you acknowledge and understand your responsibility: (a) for the preparation of the supplementary information in accordance with the applicable criteria; (b) to provide us with the appropriate written representations regarding supplementary information; (c) to include our report on the supplementary information in any document that contains the supplementary information and that indicates that we have reported on such supplementary information; and (d) to present the supplementary information with the audited financial statements, or if the supplementary information will not be presented with the audited financial statements, to make the audited financial statements readily available to the intended users of the supplementary information no later than the date of issuance by you of the supplementary information and our report thereon.

As part of our audit process, we will request from management written confirmation concerning representations made to us in connection with the audit.

We will issue a written report upon completion of our audit of the City’s basic financial statements. Our report will be addressed to the governing body of the City. We cannot provide assurance that unmodified opinions will be expressed. Circumstances may arise in which it is necessary for us to modify our opinions, add an emphasis-ofmatter or other-matter paragraph(s), or withdraw from the engagement.

In accordance with the requirements of Government Auditing Standards, we will also issue a written report describing the scope of our testing over internal control over financial reporting and over compliance with laws, regulations, and provisions of grants and contracts, including the results of that testing. However, providing an opinion on internal control and compliance will not be an objective of the audit and, therefore, no such opinion will be expressed.

We understand that your employees will prepare all confirmations we request and will locate any documents or invoices selected by us for testing.

If you intend to publish or otherwise reproduce the financial statements and make reference to our firm, you agree to provide us with printers’ proofs or masters for our review and approval before printing. You also agree to provide us with a copy of the final reproduced material for our approval before it is distributed.

During the course of the engagement, we may communicate with you or your personnel via fax or e-mail, and you should be aware that communication in those mediums contains a risk of misdirected or intercepted communications.

Fees and Timing
The timing of our audit will be scheduled for performance and completion as follows:

Begin Complete
Document internal control and preliminary tests 9/3/2024 9/6/2024 Mail confirmations 9/3/2024 9/6/2024
Trial Balance sent to JJACPA 8/27/2024 8/27/2024
Perform year-end audit procedures 9/17/2024 9/20/2024
Issue audit report 10/31/2024 10/31/2024

Joseph Arch is the engagement partner for the audit services specified in this letter. His responsibilities include supervising JJACPA’s services performed as part of this engagement and signing or authorizing another qualified firm representative to sign the audit report.

Our fees are based on the amount of time required at various levels of responsibility, plus actual out-of-pocket expenses. Invoices will be rendered every two weeks and are payable upon presentation. We estimate that our fee for the City audit will be $18,500. We will notify you immediately of any circumstances we encounter that could significantly affect this initial fee estimate. Whenever possible, we will attempt to use the City’s personnel to assist in the preparation of schedules and analyses of accounts. This effort could substantially reduce our time requirements and facilitate the timely conclusion of the audit. Further, we will be available during the year to consult with you on financial management and accounting matters of a routine nature.

Dispute Resolution
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. If a dispute arises out of the audit engagement described herein and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiations, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation using an agreed upon mediator. If the parties are unable to agree on a mediator, the parties shall petition the state court that would have jurisdiction over this matter and request the appointment of a mediator, and such appointment shall be binding on the parties. Each party shall be responsible for its own mediation expenses and shall share equally in the mediator's fees and expenses.

During the course of the audit we may observe opportunities for economy in, or improved controls over, your operations. We will bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate level of management, either orally or in writing.

We agree to retain our audit documentation or work papers for a period of at least five years from the date of our report.

We will provide the City with the following nonattest services:
 Prepare the financial statements based on information in the trial balance and other relevant information that is provided by, and is the responsibility of, management.

With respect to any nonattest services we perform, the City’s management is responsible for (a) making all management decisions and performing all management functions; (b) assigning a competent individual to oversee the services; (c) evaluating the adequacy of the services performed; (d) evaluating and accepting responsibility for the results of the services performed; and (e) establishing and maintaining internal controls, including monitoring ongoing activities.

At the conclusion of our audit engagement, we will communicate to the City Council the following significant findings from the audit:
 Our view about the qualitative aspects of the entity’s significant accounting practices;  Significant difficulties, if any, encountered during the audit;  Uncorrected misstatements, other than those we believe are trivial, if any;  Disagreements with management, if any;
 Other findings or issues, if any, arising from the audit that are, in our professional judgment, significant and relevant to those charged with governance regarding their oversight of the financial reporting process;  Material, corrected misstatements that were brought to the attention of management as a result of our audit procedures;
 Representations we requested from management;

 Management’s consultations with other accountants, if any; and  Significant issues, if any, arising from the audit that were discussed, or the subject of correspondence, with management.

The audit documentation for this engagement is the property of JJACPA, Inc. and constitutes confidential information. However, we may be requested to make certain audit documentation available to state and federal agencies and the U.S. Government Accountability Office pursuant to authority given to it by law or regulation, or to peer reviewers. If requested, access to such audit documentation will be provided under the supervision of JJACPA’s personnel. Furthermore, upon request, we may provide copies of selected audit documentation to these agencies and regulators. The regulators and agencies may intend, or decide, to distribute the copies of information contained therein to others, including other governmental agencies.

In accordance with the requirements of Government Auditing Standards, we have attached a copy of our latest external peer review report of our firm for your consideration and files.

Please sign and return the attached copy of this letter to indicate your acknowledgment of, and agreement with, the arrangements for our audit of the financial statements including our respective responsibilities.

We appreciate the opportunity to be your financial statement auditors and look forward to working with you and your staff.

Respectfully,
JJACPA, Inc.,
7080 Donlon Way, Suite 204,
Dublin, CA 94568

*************************************************************** RESPONSE:

This letter correctly sets forth our understanding.

City of Trinidad
Acknowledged and agreed on behalf of City of Trinidad by:
______________________________________________________________ Title: _____________________________________________________________________ Name (Printed): _____________________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________________________________

9250 EAST COSTILLA AVENUE, SUITE 450
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80112
303‐792‐3020 (O) | 303‐792‐5153 (F)
WWW.WCRCPA.COM
REPORT ON THE FIRM’S SYSTEM OF QUALITY CONTROL
February 15, 2023
To the Shareholder of JJACPA, Inc.
and the Peer Review Committee of the California Society of CPAs We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of JJACPA, Inc. (the firm) in effect for the year ended September 30, 2022. Our peer review was conducted in accordance with the Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews established by the Peer Review Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Standards).

A summary of the nature, objectives, scope, limitations of, and the procedures performed in a System Review as described in the Standards may be found at www.aicpa.org/prsummary.

The summary also includes an explanation of how engagements identified as not performed or reported in conformity with applicable professional standards, if any, are evaluated by a peer reviewer to determine a peer review rating.

Firm’s Responsibility
The firm is responsible for designing and complying with a system of quality control to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with the requirements of applicable professional standards in all material respects. The firm is also responsible for evaluating actions to promptly remediate engagements deemed as not performed or reported on in conformity with the requirements of applicable professional standards, when appropriate, and for remediating weaknesses in its system of quality control, if any.

Peer Reviewer’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system of quality control and the firm’s compliance therewith based on our review.

Required Selections and Considerations
Engagements selected for review included engagements performed under Government Auditing Standards, including a compliance audit under the Single Audit Act. 2 As a part of our peer review, we considered reviews by regulatory entities as communicated by the firm, if applicable, in determining the nature and extent of our procedures.

Opinion
In our opinion, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of JJACPA, Inc. in effect for the year ended September 30, 2022 has been suitably designed and complied with to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects. Firms can receive a rating of pass, pass with deficiency(ies) or fail. JJACPA, Inc. has received a peer review rating of
w
pass.

Watson Coon Ryan, LLC
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 6

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

6. Adopt Final Plan – Trinidad Community Coastal Resiliency Grant Project.

Complete Final Plan accessible on the City’s website at: https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/7216 Or by searching Coastal Resilience in the Document Library: https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/ Or by navigating to the Departments and Services menu / Coastal Resilience Project:
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/coastal-resiliency-project

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
Date: August 13, 2024
________________________________________________________________________ SUBJECT: ADOPT FINAL PLAN – TRINIDAD COMMUNITY COASTAL

RESILIENCY PLANNING PROJECT
Summary: At the July 9th City Council Meeting, the Project Team gave a presentation on the Trinidad Community Coastal Resiliency Planning Project and provided the City Council and public with a draft final of the Trinidad Community Coastal Resilience Plan (Plan). Final comments on the draft were requested by July 31st.

As staff has not received any further comments, the Project Team has finalized the Plan and is seeking adoption by the Council. By adopting the Plan, Council approves the updated Vulnerability Assessment and identified adaptation strategies for existing and future coastal processes and conditions, along with approving the continued collaboration with Planning Partners and stakeholders to develop implementation projects or strategies.

Background: Funded by the Ocean Protection Council Prop 68 Coastal Resilience Grant Program, between 2022-2024 the City, in collaboration with planning partners, stakeholders and the public, engaged in coastal hazards and coastal resilience planning. The Project Team held three public meetings and worked closely with Tribal planning partners.

The City’s coastal resilience planning process resulted in the development of the Trinidad Community Coastal Resilience Plan (Plan). The Plan includes an updated Vulnerability Assessment for existing and future coastal processes and conditions to identify hazards and their potential impacts to resources. The Plan then identifies adaptation strategies that provide a roadmap to improve resilience for vulnerable areas and resources. The resilience strategies presented in this Plan is structured around an Adaptive Pathways Planning approach that embeds adaptation, flexibility, and robustness into long-term strategies and plans to make informed choices to assess risk, minimize losses, and maintain resources and assets valued by the community. While noting that obtaining public, regulatory, and other stakeholder support to initiate these Adaptive Pathways is critical to maintaining and enhancing community resilience.

In the Plan’s final stages, the Project Team developed Project Concept Designs for the adaptation strategies. Project Concept Designs are focused on identifying opportunity areas that create space and stability, while maintaining the character of the area. Additional recommendations for future studies and projects are identified.

A Community Engagement Plan and Community Engagement & Partnerships Summary Report were also developed under separate covers as a part of this Project. Relevant information is summarized or referenced in this Plan.

Staff Recommendation:

1. City Council adopt the Trinidad Community Coastal Resilience Plan.

Attachments: Trinidad Community Coastal Resilience Plan Notes: The Plan will be posted to the City’s website on the Coastal Resilience page after adoption.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Presentation Discussion of the Community Survey Results.

Community
Survey
Results
August 13, 2024
Background
• A community survey was conducted and published from 04/01/2024 through 5/3/2024 • The survey included general questions as well as a ‘focus topic’ on Short-Term Rentals • Web-based, mobile, and hard copy surveys were promoted via mail, email, the City website and in City Council meetings
• The City received a total of 67 resident responses via web-based survey and written response to the survey including 11 that were received from the greater Trinidad Area • Learnings:
• More time was needed to get good number of responses, thus, the deadline was extended
• Some residents reported issues with submission due to required second address line requirement (tech difficulty) which may have impacted overall number of responses
• Shorter, more frequent surveys may be more effective and timely General
Community
Survey
Reponses
Overall, how would you rate your Quality of
Life in Trinidad?

57.9%

35.82%

2.99%

1.49%
What can the City do to improve your quality
of life?
Common themes included:
• Pedestrian safety (esp Edwards) – traffic calming needed • Enforce leash laws
• Reinstate full-time City police force to help address crime/thefts • Encourage more restaurants
• Keep trails open and maintained and add benches
• Reduce water plant operational costs (consider HBMWD hook-up) • Nuisance abatement; noise, light pollution
• Public works improvements; more garbage cans, bike racks, playground for kids, pave streets
What do you value most about living in
Trinidad? Check all that apply.

Positive comments:
“Very good people live here”
“Quiet”
“Small town feel”
“Family Living”
“Fantastic School”
“Access to fishing”
“Cultural things like music and
arts nights”
Room for improvement:
“Vacation rentals have ruined
Trinidad”
“Quiet only in the ‘off season’”
How would you rate your overall sense of
safety in Trinidad?
Common themes:
• Increased police presence and
security patrols to reduce crime and
vagrancy (esp nights/weekends)
• Enhanced traffic
controls/pedestrian and bicycle
safety
• Enforcement of leash laws
How would you rate your satisfaction with the
overall appearance of the City?

34.3%

43.28%

16.42%

4.48%

1.49%
Suggestions:
• Town Hall needs a facelift (painting, update)
• Signage (fewer, better, more uniform look)
• General information sign boards
• Trinidad Head signage also
• Benches – repaired & painted
• Transient population concerns
• Curb on Edwards (w/sandbags)
• Garden Area upkeep near where Lighthouse used to be
Trinity & Edwards
• Excited for Pickleball
Are you happy with the amount and quality of
entertainment, events, recreation, and educational
opportunities in Trinidad?
Some common suggestions:
• More family friendly events, that bring the
existing local community together
• More festivals and live music
• Yoga and other activities
• More educational opportunities
How satisfied are
you with your
opportunities to
engage/provide
input to the City?

28.36%

35.82%

22.39%

10.45%

2.99%
How satisfied are you with your opportunities
to engage/provide input to the City? cont.
“Very satisfied with opportunity to provide input. Very dissatisfied with follow through and even acknowledgment or action on what is brought up. “
Areas to improve:
• Faster response to emails and phone calls
• Improve communication on complaint resolution
• Better follow-through from City Administration
How helpful is the
communication you
receive from the City?
Letters, emails, website …
How can the City’s communication be more
effective?
• Increase email communication to residents “…emails and texts are more effective than snail mail…”
• Publish a monthly or quarterly newsletter
• Set up an “online” forum or social presence for residents • Add an event calendar to the City’s website
• Set up an ‘old fashioned’ announcement board outside
Town Hall
What are some improvements (1-3) you’d like
to see in the City?
• Pedestrian safety improvements
• Street paving/improvements and intersection safety
• More activities for families and young children
• Increased trail accessibility (keep trails open, maintained) • Manage transient population while providing resources to the population
• Leash law enforcement
Actions To Address Community Feedback
Issue Planned or Completed Mitigation
Pedestrian Safety Trinidad HSIP Cycle 10 Project: Improved sidewalks/curb ramps, signage, pavement striping/markings, crosswalks on Edwards, speed humps on Ocean and View.

Leash Law Enforcement Contract(s) with Animal Control includes enforcement, signage posted throughout town, established Animal Advisory Committee.

Law Enforcement/Dedicated Sheriff Contract with HCSO for Trinidad coverage (patrols and response), part-time contract with Pacific Security, discussions with HCSO regarding full-time deputy -- but advised no resources available.

Trails Trinidad Head Trail open (step repair sched for Aug), Parker Creek open and maintained, VanWycke closed due to slide, and ALMT closed - to be discussed at City Council meeting 8.13.24.

Water Plant Operation City actively recruiting a T3 Chief Plant Operator.

Better/More Communication City invested in a new Civic Plus website in 2023. The City will also publish a newsletter and increase email communication over the coming months.

City Improvements Trinidad Town Hall upgrade task force established, pickleball/tennis court upgrades still planned, investigating new playground equipment for park area.

If you filed a
complaint (noise,
lights, parking, etc)
regarding an STR in
2023, did you receive
a timely follow-up?
Short Term
Rental
Survey
Responses
We are also seeking input regarding the
operation of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in
Trinidad. In 2016, the City approved an
ordinance addressing citizen concerns over
unregulated STRs while fulfilling State
mandates to provide visitor
services/accommodations in the Coastal
Zone. The Coastal Commission recently
approved the City's updated STR
Ordinance.Please answer the following
questions about your experience with STRs in
2023.Did you receive the 24-hour STR contact
list mailed in Feb 2024 (light blue paper) which
lists STR management contacts?
Are you aware of
the Good
Neighbor Policy
for Trinidad
STRs?
Do you know how to
file a
concern/complaint
regarding an STR?
The City derives economic benefit from
STRs in the form of Tourist Occupancy
Taxes (TOT) which typically exceed
$140,000. In addition, City merchants
rely heavily on tourists.Did you know
the City receives substantial annual
revenue from Short-Term Rentals?
Summary
• For STR’s most residents receive the 24-hour emergency contact sheet, but a better job could be done communicating about the Good Neighbor Contract. Many knew how to file a complaint if needed, but few reported issues.

City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
12 / 45

59.70% 40

35.82% 24

2.99% 2

1.49% 1
Q2 Overall, how would you rate your Quality of Life in Trinidad? Answered: 67 Skipped: 0
Total Respondents: 67
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
13 / 45
Q3 What can the City do to improve your quality of life? Answered: 61 Skipped: 6
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Due to crime & community safety concerns, hire a full time sheriff. Reopen the trails sooner than it has in the past and do not close any other trails in the future. The City needs to act fiscally responsible in regard to operating the water plant. The City's water fund reserves are depleted, there seems to be no checks and balances for consultants Coleman Engineering or Pacific Watershed Associates. The City has paid Coleman Engineering over $600k to operate the water plant. There is no urgency to replace Coleman Engineering; the City's plan is to keep Coleman Engineering on even when a T3 operator is finally on staff. The recruitment process for a T3 operator has been passive or nonexistent. It is obvious the City of Trinidad cannot afford to operate its small water plant.
6/12/2024 3:22 PM
2 improve pedestrian safety on ocean, Edwards streets 6/5/2024 10:18 AM 3 For planning commission & coastal commission in general a "what can we do to make your project succeed" attitude, rather than a "how do I make this process more lengthy, complicated & expensive for you" state of mind.
6/5/2024 9:34 AM
4 Have a city police presence 6/5/2024 7:53 AM
5 Many things. We moved to Trinidad because what you and those who came before created a town that values nature (the sea, the land, and the animals), pets especially dogs are welcome (though there are incidents where the leash rule is not followed), the residents are welcoming to one another (though there are cliques), music and theater are valued, as are the arts. still there are issues: (1) many of the tourists don't seem to understand people live here, they take walks and talk loudly, often to themselves while on the phone. Perhaps, the city can provide a guide to visitor on what is and is not acceptable behavior. (2) Visitors still get lost and travel down Galindo rather than continuing straight on Edwards when heading to the Beach. This can be solved with better visual clues. (3) Lighting is a problem. Some residents think shining bright lights with enable security (think Charlston Heston in the Omega Man), rather they need to be educated that a motion sensor is more secure. Shining bright lights directly into the Bay kills birds and other animals and is counter to the Coastal commission guidelines. There is a street lamp on our corner, it is well-designed. It is a good brightness and shrouded from casting light into the sky. We are adamantly against increasing its brightness, for we would be the ones most impacted. Edwards street needs a few more street lamps of this same style. Edwards also needs a sidewalk. I know this is in the queue, perhaps it should be prioritized. (4) Issues homeless and others stealing things, breaking into homes and cars is increasing. We do not know what the solution is. As a resident, we can install more motion-sensor lights and cameras, not leave things lying out, and be more conscience about locking doors. To do so lowers the quality of life we have come to know. Nonetheless, the city should host a forum for residents on these things, perhaps bringing in and expert. The city might provide an example of a motion sensor light for the residents and show (at the forum how to use it. These are inexpensive (~$50), solar powered, and quite effective. (5) We love arts night and music at town hall. The city can and should work to enhance this. (6) What can the city do to support the local restaurants and perhaps enable more? (7) We are sure there are many other things the City can do to improve our quality of life.
5/24/2024 5:21 PM
6 Address the lack of infrastructure for young kids in town. The lack of park space and play structures was especially apparent during the Pandemic and closure of Trinidad School. I’m glad the tennis court gets constant use, but Saunders park is depressingly underutilized when it could be a tremendous resource for residents and visitors alike. More generally, continue making decisions that benefit the younger families in town. A sense of community among young families has really blossomed in the years since the STR ordinance was enacted and speculative investment ended. Encourage more retail, and especially restaurants, in more walkable areas. I’m glad for the eateries we’ve got; I wish there were more of them and more diversity in their offerings.
5/23/2024 9:36 PM
7 1. PG&E must be held accountable for removing trees in special environment zones including 5/22/2024 3:42 PM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
14 / 45
applying for city permits to ensure all ordinances are being followed. PG&E still has not cleaned up the illegal mess left behind from an unpermitted destruction of foliage in the Groth lane Special Environment Zone. 2 Trinidad should hire a full time police resource as we have had in the past. 3. The city should also revisit connecting to Humboldt Bay Water instead of maintaining its own water plant.
8 1) Safety Concerns: Trinidad needs to hire a full-time sheriff. Over the years (and it's been ongoing), the residents have had far too many break ins, thefts and intruders on private property. These crimes have occurred on my street, on my property (as recently as last month) and in the City of Trinidad. 2) Water Scarcity and Water Budget Concerns: Please connect to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water (which has a surplus of water). Specific Concerns Include:

Ongoing droughts due to the Climate Crisis, Luffenholtz Creek is the only water source for the City of Trinidad, pipes continue to leak (last month we lost approximately 40% of our water), operating Trinidad's small water plant without a T3 operator, which has resulted in the need to hire Coleman Engineering for over two years, with no sign of stopping, has proven to be extremely costly, unsustainable, fiscally irresponsible and is not a model for capacity building.

It is unclear what benefits the City of Trinidad receives from Pacific Watershed Associates and whether or not there is an end date and timeline for this consultant. Detailed accountability for services performed by both consultants, Coleman Engineering and Pacific Watershed Association, should be reported at every City Council meeting. The City of Trinidad should monitor both consultants' charges and strive to greatly reduce these high costs. Checks and balances and transparency are needed with both Coleman Engineering and Pacific Watershed Association. 3) Reopen the City of Trinidad's trails as soon as possible and do not permanently close any trails in the future.
5/20/2024 1:01 PM
9 Litter and dog poop are a problem. It all washes down hill through the harbor and out into the bay. More needs to be done. More garbage cans need to be put out. The few we do have are constantly overflowing and lead to a stream of garbage flowing into the bay. 5/17/2024 9:01 AM
10 Better relationship with animal control. Be more ontop of the never ending barking and hostile dogs.
5/16/2024 10:54 PM
11 bike racks (especially by Murphy's/Headies), a few benches of reasonable height throughout city
5/16/2024 9:30 AM
12 Pave streets 5/15/2024 1:40 PM
13 we desperately need a sign at the state beach that tells people their dogs need to be leashes or under complete voice control. I have seen too many instances of dogs running loose from their owners and approaching other dogs, resulting in dog fights. It is very unsafe, and inconsiderate to other members of the public, when dog owners treat the beach like a dog park. 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
14 Slow traffic. Main St., Murphys Market, Chevron area needs street people & vendors to be moved along.
5/13/2024 3:18 PM
15 Enforce leash law 5/13/2024 2:40 PM
16 enforce ordinances - leash law, land use 5/13/2024 2:35 PM 17 My main interest is in keeping the town looking beautiful and people safe. 5/9/2024 10:29 AM 18 The City should keep trails open, marked and clean. There should be directional and informational signage so locals and visitors can enjoy the beauty. The City needs to find ways to keep people safe and unwanted people away, which means finding away to enforce ordinances.
5/7/2024 11:10 AM
19 resolve the water plant issues by attracting and keeping qualified full-time certified water plant operators. while the notion of piecing the staff together with part-time (thus avoiding the cost of benefits) employees, it is clearly not working. Our expenditures in this area are irresponsible and Coleman should have been reduced to less than $1,000/month LONG ago 5/7/2024 8:14 AM
20 maintain it's small town character 5/6/2024 2:48 PM
21 deter crime, slow down traffic 5/6/2024 2:41 PM
22 Quiet 5/6/2024 2:34 PM
23 Address safety issues, please 5/6/2024 2:23 PM
24 slower traffic on main roads, install speed bumps on ocean ave. 5/6/2024 2:17 PM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
15 / 45
25 Implement enforcement of existing ordinances & laws. Remove personal bias from City Council/Planning Commission
5/6/2024 2:13 PM
26 Support Local Business, Repeal Taxes, Promote Tourism 5/6/2024 2:03 PM 27 As a business, as our opinion. 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
28 Stoplight at Trinidad exit & scenic 5/6/2024 12:46 PM 29 Be more cognizant of resident wishes. 5/6/2024 12:41 PM 30 speed bumps Main Street 5/6/2024 12:36 PM
31 Allow us to give you a beautiful new sign for the museum 5/6/2024 12:31 PM 32 Speed humps on Underwood for the kids! People fly down our street 5/6/2024 12:23 PM 33 Enforce the state laws soon the beach re: unleashed dogs. 5/6/2024 10:23 AM 34 Prune the very tall trees, bushes, fix the bluff border add benches around town, beaches 5/6/2024 10:01 AM 35 1. Commit to long-term climate-mitigation actions (micro-grid for greater Trinidad, EV for city trucks, many other ...) 2. Commit to Van Wycke Trail re-build so we all have a non-Edwards-St path to the beach & harbor.
5/5/2024 7:00 PM
36 Maintain historic walking trails like the Van Wycke 5/4/2024 1:38 PM 37 Have more positive community engagement instead of constant delivering of complaints 5/3/2024 1:14 PM 38 Consider 'No overnight Parking' along the street at the Old Lighthouse site on Edwards Street.

Many RV's do not have restrooms. It is evident from observation that areas around the parking sites are used as restrooms for humans. This is not sanitary. 5/2/2024 1:05 PM
39 We need better cell phone reception. please consider letting US Cellular have a cell tower in Trinidad. We live within view of down town and have sketchy service. in an emergency situation we are isolated.
5/1/2024 6:30 PM
40 Make stop sign at Westhaven Drive and Main St. more pronounced. Actively address vagrancy without force. Maintain hiking trails.
5/1/2024 12:23 PM
41 By adding a little more beautification (flowers planted at Town Hall). The Town Hall building is in dire need of repair; painting inside and out, front steps carpeting replacement, etc. 4/29/2024 2:46 PM
42 Direct communication. A city text would be the most effective and reach a broad audience. As an example: City Council Meeting Tonight: Topics of discussion... 4/28/2024 5:20 PM
43 Make streets more walkable and safer for biking 4/25/2024 4:26 PM 44 Tri 4/23/2024 7:44 PM
45 Trinidad A playground would be nice. More Traffic control for speed. 4/23/2024 3:26 PM 46 More thought to how summer tourist traffic (namely RVs) affect those of us who live here. It is chaos sometimes. Ban RVs from traveling through town or parking along city roads. They should be parked in designated RV parks or spaces only (perhaps partner with Cher Ai Heights?)
4/22/2024 5:45 PM
47 Plan for the town's future based upon realistic expectations of city income vs expenses. The perception right now is that Trinidad is only able to operate City government with Grants. That is not sustainable.
4/22/2024 5:02 PM
48 Actively promote a sense of community...perhaps pot lucks @ town hall...Easter egg hunts....events to get to know neighbors. Restore trail access and keep average citizen more informed. Leverage the new website and messaging features. This survey reminder is the 1st thing I have received since signing up months ago. Perhaps a monthly email with activates, events happening. And communication about construction etc..we've paid for the functionality, let's use it please.
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
49 Keep supporting the museum, Womens Club, local activities and events. 4/22/2024 2:41 PM 50 I already live in the best place on earth, the only thing that could make it better if Trinidad was in the state of Jefferson. :)
4/22/2024 2:00 PM
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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51 Address some of the crime issues we’ve had recently 4/20/2024 5:21 PM 52 Trinidad is beautiful. Some things are beyond the city’s control. A bike/walking path on Scenic would be amazing and I think very needed to improve safety, at least from town to the casino.

I also really think the city would greatly benefit from a round-about at the intersection of Trinity and Edward’s (by the overlook). All the school traffic that turns down the parallel side streets to head out of town could just turn around at the round-about and head back out the main road. I am sure the residents on the sides streets would be happy for the decrease in traffic, speed bumps can be avoided. Also, many people come off the highway and go through town and end up turning around at the beach parking lot but I have seen several occasions where they turn around on Edward’s after checking out the overlook so a round about would also probably cut back on traffic on Edward’s as well. The cost is probably prohibitive and of course some people will hate the idea but throwing it out there because I do think it would be of benefit. 4/19/2024 8:22 PM
53 Underground the rest of the utilities. Repair, open and maintain all the walking and hiking trails. 4/19/2024 2:59 PM 54 Assure that walking conditions on Scenic Drive are safe by making sure there is not excessive mud or debris on the narrow shoulder on the west side. Many of us walk this stretch. Gravel or chips would be great. Possibly coordinate with the TCLT since a good swath of the west side of Scenic here consists of Bruno Groth Grove.
4/19/2024 2:45 PM
55 The siren - scared the daylights out of me the first time I heard it after moving in; another time I was on College Cove trail when it sounded for a murder suspect on College Cove Trail, but there is no way to know what it is sounding for. Never now is it a fire, a crime, something I should be concerned about? Office at City Hall says you need a scanner to know. Concerning as a new resident - never know if I am supposed to do something. 4/16/2024 5:44 PM
56 Fix Van Wycke Trail and put in walking sidewalk on Edwards. 4/14/2024 4:41 PM 57 Nothing 4/11/2024 12:40 PM
58 Maintain Local Trails. Provide more garbage and dog waste stations. 4/11/2024 11:39 AM 59 Make streets to walk in safer 4/11/2024 8:50 AM
60 Continue to maintain trails for walking/hiking. 4/9/2024 3:47 PM 61 Open the closed trails 4/6/2024 4:32 PM
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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59.70% 40

95.52% 64

85.07% 57

79.10% 53

49.25% 33

23.88% 16
Q4 What do you value most about living in Trinidad? Check all that apply.

Answered: 67 Skipped: 0
Total Respondents: 67
# OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE
1 I have made wonderful new friends in Trinidad! 6/12/2024 3:22 PM 2 very good people live here & visitors are lovely too, for the most part 6/5/2024 9:34 AM 3 The friends I've made here. 5/20/2024 1:01 PM
4 vacation rentals have ruined Trinidad 5/13/2024 3:18 PM 5 my home for 46 years 5/6/2024 2:48 PM
6 Limited growth by owts/water 5/6/2024 2:03 PM
7 Quiet - maybe is speed bumps on Main Street 5/6/2024 12:36 PM 8 I'm a part time resident 5/6/2024 12:31 PM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Sense of
community
Natural beauty
Access to
recreation
(trails and...

Quiet,
small-town feel
Rich
cultural/indige
nous history
Other (please
specify)

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Sense of community
Natural beauty
Access to recreation (trails and beaches)
Quiet, small-town feel
Rich cultural/indigenous history
Other (please specify)
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9 Family Living 5/6/2024 12:23 PM
10 Access to ocean for fishing 5/4/2024 1:38 PM
11 Small Town feel 4/28/2024 5:20 PM
12 Quiet only in the off-season 4/22/2024 5:45 PM
13 Fantastic School. 4/22/2024 2:00 PM
14 Cultural things like music and arts nights. Bravo! 4/19/2024 2:59 PM 15 No McDonalds 4/19/2024 2:45 PM
16 Used to be a sense of community, quiet small town feel and safety. Now all gone. 4/11/2024 10:26 AM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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62.69% 42

20.90% 14

16.42% 11
Q5 How would you rate your overall sense of safety in Trinidad? Answered: 67 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 67
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Most of the
time I feel
very safe in...

At times I
feel unsafe in
Trinidad.

I often feel
concerned for
my safety in...

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Most of the time I feel very safe in Trinidad.

At times I feel unsafe in Trinidad.

I often feel concerned for my safety in Trinidad.

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Q6 What can the City do to make you feel safer?
Answered: 61 Skipped: 6
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Hire a full time sheriff for the City of Trinidad 6/12/2024 3:22 PM 2 Traffic speed and visibility is a major safety concern on Ocean & Edwards. No safe place for kids to ride bikes/walk. Street parking, traffic speed & lack of side walks contribute to dangerous conditions.
6/5/2024 10:18 AM
3 My car & home both have been broken into. The museum has been vandalized twice. The Native Plant Garden is a Mecca for homeless people. Regular or irregular patrols of Saunders park, library, museum areas. Still have transients making a mess on museum porch and food bank recipients discard their bags of rice, noodles, canned food in the park area. 6/5/2024 9:34 AM
4 In City police department I was the intended victim of Michael Black last week 6/5/2024 7:53 AM 5 Encourage the residents to use motion sensor lights and cameras. Perhaps the city should install cameras at strategic locations. Care needs to be taken not to violate individual privacy. 5/24/2024 5:21 PM
6 I *feel* safe in Trinidad, but am acutely aware of dreadfully slow law enforcement response times due to Trinidad’s relative isolation.
5/23/2024 9:36 PM
7 Trinidad should have more police presence. 5/22/2024 3:42 PM 8 As mentioned above, hire a full-time sheriff. 5/20/2024 1:01 PM 9 hire police or security guards and dont let homeless folks camp out on business property. 5/17/2024 9:01 AM 10 emphasize dog leash laws; maybe on-demand flashing lights for pedestrians at the crosswalk by Murphy's (the idling bus limits visibility of oncoming traffic) 5/16/2024 9:30 AM
11 Cut back overgrowth on roads. 5/15/2024 1:40 PM
12 see beach comment above 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
13 Enforce laws. Be proactive. 5/13/2024 3:18 PM
14 address vagrant issues evening police presence 5/13/2024 2:40 PM 15 enforce ordinances. address vagrant issues. 5/13/2024 2:35 PM 16 I appreciate the patrols of the CHP and the private security firm. Life has been much better without the recent, problematic, homeless lady. I hope she is doing better where she is now. I understand Gabe had a role in that, so I appreciate what he did for her. 5/9/2024 10:29 AM
17 I don't feel unsafe in Trinidad, but it would be nice to have some types of enforcement of ordinances and ways to get quick police protection for emergencies. 5/7/2024 11:10 AM
18 impress upon the residents that they have a responsibility to lock their doors on the houses and vehicles. This alone will discourage folks from wandering through town at night, looking for easy access
5/7/2024 8:14 AM
19 find better location for homeless transients 5/6/2024 2:48 PM 20 night time weekend patrol, deter pan-handlers & vagrants. 5/6/2024 2:41 PM 21 After recurrent break-ins in my neighborhood I no longer feel safe living alone or leaving my house unattended when I'm out of town. Consider having sheriffs presence again & increasing Genes security hours. Also, would be helpful if the City could make safety a priority not just up to homeowner to call county. Consider keeping track of each break in so all neighbors aware.

Perhaps start a neighborhood watch.
5/6/2024 2:23 PM
22 more frequent presence of county sheriff. speed bumps on ocean ave & underwood. 5/6/2024 2:17 PM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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23 Better Law Enforcement 5/6/2024 2:13 PM
24 rehire our police department 5/6/2024 2:03 PM
25 Fulltime Police 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
26 Watch people strolling on Scenic 5/6/2024 12:46 PM
27 Although the town is small it has a large transient population. Probably needs a greater police presence.
5/6/2024 12:41 PM
28 Keep Crazies Out 5/6/2024 12:36 PM
29 more patrols 5/6/2024 12:31 PM
30 remove the homeless from town 5/6/2024 12:23 PM
31 Enforce the law re: unleashed dogs 5/6/2024 10:23 AM 32 We need a full time safety/police officer. City Ambassador too 5/6/2024 10:01 AM 33 Plan with other Humboldt County public entities for wrap-around services for homeless & mentally ill (the overlap is great). We must have a place & services we can send homeless & others who occasionally threaten citizens.
5/5/2024 7:00 PM
34 Lobby to allow mentally ill or addicted homeless people to be placed in involuntary treatment facilities
5/4/2024 1:38 PM
35 Reduce the transient population and maintain the local trails and beaches 5/3/2024 1:14 PM 36 I can't think of anything right now but if I do I will contact the City. 5/2/2024 1:05 PM 37 not sure 5/1/2024 6:30 PM
38 Employ at least one active duty police officer on patrol 24/7. Include Frontage Road and Berry Rd on rounds.
5/1/2024 12:23 PM
39 Go back to having a full time police department, with visible officers. Those who are intent on doing harm to people and property are very aware that police response from out of town is slow.
4/29/2024 2:46 PM
40 I always feel safe here, however, that doesn't mean there hasn't been issues. Due to that, the number one thing that needs to be addressed is the homeless/transient issue. 4/28/2024 5:20 PM
41 More visible Public Safety Officer to deal with chronic homelessness issues 4/25/2024 4:26 PM 42 Have a sheriffs presence. 4/24/2024 3:46 PM
43 Trinidad could have more regular security 4/23/2024 7:44 PM 44 Trinidad 4/23/2024 3:26 PM
45 Zero tolerance for homeless camps or problem loitering. 4/22/2024 5:45 PM 46 It's amazing that residents/visitors feel safe without any effective LE presence. Contracting for a part-time deputy sheriff is very risky and not effective LE 4/22/2024 5:02 PM
47 Share details about private security company schedule with public. Establish a way to let them know if gone on vacation so they can provide walkthru/drive by service similar to.Sheriff COPS program. Otherwise its just a passive car sitting there and u personally don't understand the value of what I'm paying for.
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
48 Keep up the good work of keeping the homeless out. 4/22/2024 2:41 PM 49 Trinidad is isolated. In the big storms of previous winters, we lost internet and power and, one the batteries failed at the local towers, mobile phone service. The City was fantastic in supporting the people with access to power at City Hall, but for some of us that work remotely we had challenges with Internet connectivity. It would be a huge boost for the city to have independent connectivity via https://www.starlink.com. The service is inexpensive enough that the city could choose to abandon Optimum and/or have redundancy. 4/22/2024 2:00 PM
50 Again, crime prevention 4/20/2024 5:21 PM
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51 I asked my kids and they said “make sure there are no scary, druggy, creepy people hanging around.” I think Trinidad is doing better with this than most of Humboldt. The area around the Library can seem sketchy at times and occasionally I stumble across a transient laying in the bushes on the trails, but it’s a difficult situation to monitor and completely resolve.

Communication to keep residents aware of crime and concerning activity is necessary. 4/19/2024 8:22 PM
52 N/A 4/19/2024 2:59 PM
53 The security service is good, but a real cop would be even better, especially at night. 4/19/2024 2:45 PM 54 I usually feel very safe but after a burglary in May 2023 I worry about theft. There was never a resolution and I never got a report from sheriff's office nor was I allowed to receive photos of thieves from pawn shop, even though they had them.
4/19/2024 8:17 AM
55 Regular police patrols 4/18/2024 7:12 PM
56 See response above about siren. Also, no law enforcement nearby and recent attempted break-in when residents were home - with resident having to hold criminal until law enforcement arrived. That is concerning.
4/16/2024 5:44 PM
57 Sidewalks would help. Dogs off leash on the beach makes me feel afraid for my small dog who might be attacked.
4/14/2024 4:41 PM
58 I like the private patrol we occasionally have in town. 4/11/2024 11:39 AM 59 Safer streets 4/11/2024 8:50 AM
60 Increased police 'presence' and better cell service. 4/9/2024 3:47 PM 61 More police presence such as patrolling. 4/6/2024 4:32 PM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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34.33% 23

43.28% 29

16.42% 11

4.48% 3

1.49% 1
Q7 How would you rate your satisfaction with the overall appearance of the City?
Answered: 67 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 67
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
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Q8 What improvements would you like to see to the City's appearance? Answered: 54 Skipped: 13
# RESPONSES DATE
1 On Edwards Street, remove the sand bags and repair the curb. On Trinidad Head, remove signage that isn't relevant. Throughout the City, have uniformed signage and posts for trails.

Repair and/or paint benches. Use approved grants to create a Pickle Ball court and implement the approved plan for pedestrians at intersections on Edwards. Even though the City received an extension, it is my hope that we do not lose these grants. 6/12/2024 3:22 PM
2 I wish everyone would pick up their own trash & not rely on PW or Mary & Dorthy to pick up after inconsiderate consumers of paper/plastic beverage containers. Cigarette butts everywhere!
6/5/2024 9:34 AM
3 Appearance improvements? Great care needs to be taken not to change the character and feel that makes Trinidad a great place to live.
5/24/2024 5:21 PM
4 It’s a shame that the two “landmarks” you first encounter as you enter town are a strip mall and a gas station. I’m happy for the services each provides, but a Main Street lacking a real civic gathering place and mixed-use development is sort of bizarre for such a small town which selfproclaims its small-town vibes. With better planning, Main Street could have been a denser, more walkable, and more charismatic area of town, but I think that ship has sailed. 5/23/2024 9:36 PM
5 Trinidad should have a sidewalk on Edwards to the harbor. 5/22/2024 3:42 PM 6 Repair the curb on Edwards (location currently has sand bags), paint and/or repair the benches, install new trail posts and trail signage, clear the trails and Trinidad Head of overgrown invasive plants and poison oak and remove signage on trails and Trinidad Head that is outdated and unnecessary.
5/20/2024 1:01 PM
7 more garbage and recycling cans and businesses regularly picking up the trash on their property.
5/17/2024 9:01 AM
8 looks pretty good as it is 5/16/2024 9:30 AM
9 I have personally picked up trash at post office, the beach, weeded the bump out areas. 5/15/2024 1:40 PM 10 n/a 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
11 Move the swap meet from Murphys Market to the school or ?. This area is so congested already in the summer
5/13/2024 3:18 PM
12 address people begging and soliciting at entrance to town 5/13/2024 2:40 PM 13 eliminate vagrants begging at entrance to city. 5/13/2024 2:35 PM 14 I know the City is working on improving the Town Hall, whose entry appearance is especially an eye sore. Keeping the Town Hall maintained is important to me. Also, existing traffic signs get dusty and sometimes need attention. I am also grateful for the trails committee to get additional signage in place. These goals align with my priorities, so thank you. 5/9/2024 10:29 AM
15 It would be nice to have the Town Hall painted and cleaned up since it is the most prominent City building. We should work with the State Parks and Trinidad Civic Club to improve the State Park on Stagecoach and the Civic Club Park at Trinity and Edwards. 5/7/2024 11:10 AM
16 upgrades to City Hall. The money is there in the budget. Plus, an incentive program that encourages folks to return the right-of-way to the City at the edge of properties. Too many properties, mine included, have encroached into the right of way, making our streets too narrow 5/7/2024 8:14 AM
17 no change 5/6/2024 2:48 PM
18 looks great 5/6/2024 2:41 PM
19 Lite pollution 5/6/2024 2:34 PM
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20 upgrade facilities, bluff vegetation control, flashing lights/signage, no humps 5/6/2024 2:03 PM 21 Less signage 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
22 Help homeless 5/6/2024 12:46 PM
23 I like the small town/fishing village feel. 5/6/2024 12:41 PM 24 Remove poppets on Main 5/6/2024 12:36 PM
25 a new sign for the museum 5/6/2024 12:31 PM
26 Painting the buildings 5/6/2024 12:23 PM
27 Too Many signs. I know - Ok. The current signage Re: dogs & leashes is small. How about a BIG sign at the beach? This is more about all the UGLY signage coming into town - I know this is Caltrans but doesn't the City have to oppose it?
5/6/2024 10:23 AM
28 Trim the large trees & bushes to roof level. More benches. Fix area and landscape by bluff & old memorial lighthouse area.
5/6/2024 10:01 AM
29 1) Attractive & safe trail from city center to harbor. 2) Fewer tourist cars in town during busy months (May-Oct), by hefty parking fees outside of free city lots & small-fee jitney from Murphy's to beach.
5/5/2024 7:00 PM
30 Trim down the hedge at the foot of Ocean Ave. so it does not block ocean view. Trim hedge at corner of Main and Ocean so it does not block view of oncoming cars when turning from Ocean to Main St. When it was planted, it received special exemption on condition that it be kept trimmed so as not to block sight line for oncoming traffic. New owners discontinued trimming.
5/4/2024 1:38 PM
31 I love towns that have planters or flags or signage that changes with the towns seasons and events
5/3/2024 1:14 PM
32 I wish the trees along the streets had not been cut down 5/2/2024 7:46 AM 33 not sure 5/1/2024 6:30 PM
34 As stated before, to update Town Hall. Overall, most of the homes and businesses have a positive appearance.
4/29/2024 2:46 PM
35 Signage promoting us as a walking village. Park and Walk. 4/28/2024 5:20 PM 36 more visible bike lanes 4/25/2024 4:26 PM
37 Trinidad should finish removing the powerlines on Underwood 4/23/2024 7:44 PM 38 Trinidad more community spaces, gardens, and art. 4/23/2024 3:26 PM 39 City works folks do an excellent job of upkeeping our town! Plus they are all cool people :) 4/22/2024 5:45 PM 40 Appearance? Buy the trailer park in the middle of town and either convert it into housing or perhaps a new City Hall. The trailer park is an eyesore, but I understand that it is 'grandfathered' and allow to continue under current Zoning. 4/22/2024 5:02 PM
41 Better landscaping in bulb outs. Work with local trailer parks to ensure they remain pleasant looking and inviting. Replant trees that have been cut down and removed. They provide screening and privacy that is lost when they are gone
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
42 I would be great if the city could find Grants to further remove utility pole and move all services underground. (You asked, yea expensive, low priority).
4/22/2024 2:00 PM
43 Less construction. Seems the streets are often torn up 4/20/2024 5:21 PM 44 Trinidad looks pretty good. It’s hard to find faults surrounded by all this natural beauty. 4/19/2024 8:22 PM 45 Improve and open the walking and hiking trails. Get rid of the orange caution tape and cones closing trails.
4/19/2024 2:59 PM
46 More trash cans--and bear proof ones. People still throw a bunch of trash, in spite of cans at the park and a couple of other places. Or make the Post Office deal with all the cigarette butts and miscellaneous crap people throw outside.
4/19/2024 2:45 PM
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47 It is still difficult for me to see the lighthouse sitting in a parking lot instead of on the bluff overlooking the water. Otherwise, the town looks good.
4/19/2024 8:17 AM
48 Loitering and speeding vehicles seem to have free rein on streets 4/16/2024 5:44 PM 49 Remove cars and RVs that are not being used, just stored. Town Hall needs some maintenance, particularly the paint.
4/14/2024 4:41 PM
50 Fewer signs. 4/11/2024 12:40 PM
51 General information boards that list city amenities, trail locations, hours of attractions. Friendly welcoming signage to let people know they are welcome and to take their time and enjoy. Like "Island Time" in Hawaii, take things slow and enjoy here. 4/11/2024 11:39 AM
52 Town Hall can use a face lift..fresh paint etc 4/11/2024 8:50 AM 53 Town Hall needs a coat of paint and looking forward to new tennis/pickleball court. 4/9/2024 3:47 PM 54 None 4/6/2024 4:32 PM
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75.76% 50

25.76% 17
Q9 Are you happy with the amount and quality of entertainment, events, recreation, and educational opportunities in Trinidad?
Answered: 66 Skipped: 1
Total Respondents: 66
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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Q10 If not, what would you suggest to enhance Trinidad? Answered: 35 Skipped: 32
# RESPONSES DATE
1 I would like to see more community events - dances. live music, food/wine, art fairs, holiday events.
6/5/2024 10:18 AM
2 Though I am happy, it might be nice to have more education (adult) classes, e.g. yoga, art, ... 5/24/2024 5:21 PM 3 Do these exist? Due respect to the Civic Club, so many of the large events that happen in town (Art Nights, Fish Fest, etc.) seemingly cater to folks from out of town (neighboring communities or further afield) or to older audiences. I’m struggling to think of events which primarily cater to Trinidad kids and families. And I get that Trinidad doesn’t have a Parks and Rec department or anything, but community movie nights or kickball tournaments and stuff like that would require almost no investment in hours or infrastructure. I am so grateful that we have a branch of the County Library. That facility and the librarians are incredible. The Library, despite all the good work of the librarians, is still surprisingly underrated and underutilized. 5/23/2024 9:36 PM
4 N/A 5/22/2024 3:42 PM
5 I would like to see the pickle ball court completed; I believe the grant will still pay for the pickle ball court. It would also be nice to have a Christmas light contest for both residents and local businesses as well as an outdoor summer community BBQ event. 5/20/2024 1:01 PM
6 promote anything besides fishing and fish. The majority of visitors to Trinidad don’t care. We have an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, beaches and closest access to redwood national park. Those are our draws. Celebrating the destruction of our natural resources, especially ones that are about to vanish, just so a few tourists can come here and help in the destruction is just silly and unsustainable. There are a number of sustainable non extractive things to see and do here. The whale watching charter boats in socal run more guests in a single trip than All the people who come to trinidad to fish combined. There is opportunity here for sustainable and appreciative tourism rather than extractive destructive tourism. 5/17/2024 9:01 AM
7 more music would always be appreciated (maybe starting a local community jam group for amateur musicians)
5/16/2024 9:30 AM
8 Less Tourists!! 5/15/2024 1:40 PM
9 n/a 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
10 Main St./View/Pat's Pt. Area is so busy & tight maybe less parked cars on Main? 5/13/2024 3:18 PM 11 For a little town, I think we are extremely blessed to have so many art and music events in Trinidad, including Trinidad Art Nights and the Trinidad Bay Festival. Land Trust provides informational tours and the Museum docents, tours of the Head Lighthouse. These are important to our community. I really can't think of much else needed to enhance Trinidad, except I would like to see more homes decorated outside for the Christmas holidays. I would also like to commend the City on the City wide yard sale events, a great recycling program! 5/9/2024 10:29 AM
12 Trinidad has a rich history indigenous, Spanish, Gold Rush, logging, fishing and tourism, maybe a history day - focused on museum?
5/6/2024 2:48 PM
13 Regular festivals (Fish Fest) 5/6/2024 2:03 PM
14 More festivals 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
15 Live music, farmers markets 5/6/2024 12:23 PM
16 cut, prune the tall trees & plants all over town. Add speed bumps to Ocean Ave. More signs for tourists, lg. truck drivers.
5/6/2024 10:01 AM
17 Need City-sponsored forums to engage citizens ... plans, with follow-through action plans, for 50-year future.Other cities have done this with great success. 5/5/2024 7:00 PM
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18 I really liked the fish festival and other small festivals and events 5/3/2024 1:14 PM 19 not sure 5/1/2024 6:30 PM
20 Educational opportunities are good. Recreational trails need to be opened and better maintained. There could be more entertainment events, currently there are only those organized by the GTCC, Civic Club, and WCA; if the PB would allow more events at the Trinidad Heart Center.
4/29/2024 2:46 PM
21 It seems like there is a missed opportunity at Trinidad State Park for a more family friendly outdoor experience. Perhaps an outdoor concert venue. It and Saunders Park are the most uncomfortable places to be in Trinidad do to transients. 4/28/2024 5:20 PM
22 Skate Park and other playground facilities for youth 4/25/2024 4:26 PM 23 A regular hot yoga class…. Unfortunately, the Vanderpool‘s don’t like my wife so not the heart center
4/23/2024 7:44 PM
24 More community events, less focused on bringing others to our community, but bringing our own community together.
4/23/2024 3:26 PM
25 For a small town there are lots of options. Maybe a summer evening event of an outdoor movie, that would bring the community together!
4/22/2024 5:45 PM
26 Support and encourage local performances. Work with people that want to bring things like Westhaven Center for Arts type stuff to town. Offer to rentals.in town hall for music events to have their event sent in an email/newsletter for the town using the civic plus system. Could set up a monthly email with a submission deadline and anything occurring within city limits could be shared more widely
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
27 I am quite happy... But it would be cool to have an annual Motorcycle Rally! (I am guessing I am the only one that would like that) :)
4/22/2024 2:00 PM
28 NA 4/20/2024 5:21 PM
29 Again from my kids “there’s things to do but a lot of the things are boring.” Maybe we can have family friendly movie nights at the town hall with a screen and projector. The Goonies, Home Alone (around Christmas), The newer Jumanji movies are just some suggestions that would go over well. A big pot of soup can be made in the Trinidad hall kitchen for an inexpensive meal and/or people can order food from the local businesses like the pizza place next door and Beachcomber may stay open late to sell drinks if it makes sense for them financially. Or maybe a food truck will want to come up.
4/19/2024 8:22 PM
30 Ask folks with kids about this-I probably would have had comments if I still had kids at home. 4/19/2024 2:45 PM 31 The TBAM Festival seems to be quite successful - as well as other concerts I've attended 4/16/2024 5:44 PM 32 I'd like to see more concerts and festivals. 4/11/2024 11:39 AM 33 Have no suggestions 4/11/2024 8:50 AM
34 More cultural events and a speaker series would be nice. 4/9/2024 3:47 PM 35 NA 4/6/2024 4:32 PM
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28.36% 19

35.82% 24

22.39% 15

10.45% 7

2.99% 2
Q11 How satisfied are you with your opportunities to engage/provide input to the City?
Answered: 67 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 67
# OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL COMMENT: DATE
1 In regard to requesting information/data be made public at City Council meetings (e.g. total amount the City was billed by Clement Engineering, what is the status for reopening the Axel Lindgren Trail), the City Manager recently changed the policy. He stated the new policy was "All requests must be submitted to the City Clerk's office as a Public Records Request and follow that protocol." This new policy makes the input process difficult. 6/12/2024 3:22 PM
2 I was recently told by the City Manager, that there was a new policy: "...all requests must be submitted to the City Clerk's office as a Public Records Request and follow that protocol." 5/20/2024 1:01 PM
3 I’ve probably left a hundred voicemails at town hall over the last ten years about various issues that fall under the town’s responsibility and never received a single phone call back. No replies to emails either.
5/17/2024 9:01 AM
4 City Manager lacks follow up and action 5/13/2024 2:40 PM 5 City Manager does not follow up or work to equally enforce leash law or land use. 5/13/2024 2:35 PM 6 Council Agenda Draft, Wednesday Prior. New City Manager 5/6/2024 2:03 PM 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neither
satisfied nor
dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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7 Where's Gabe? I miss him! I wish he answered emails, because when he does they re satisfying. Anton, Jennifer, All the TPW People are great!! 5/6/2024 10:23 AM
8 Need an active online blog where citizens can input at any time, engage with each other, and receive timely feedback from City personnel (elected or staff). 5/5/2024 7:00 PM
9 Offical meetings often impose 3 minute time limits on public comment when there is a short agenda and no reason. City manager is often unresponsive to requests for action, such as trimming hedge at foot of Ocean Ave. In general, city officials are too solicitous of Native American view point at expense of reasonable input from citizens of Trinidad. Secret and illegal meeting still occurring with Tsurai Management Team. Trails Committee has become a vehicle for closing trails rather than enhancing trail walking experiences for all. 5/4/2024 1:38 PM
10 I know that I could seek out opportunities. But the town government seems very dysfunctional and I haven't seen much outreach from other non government groups 5/3/2024 1:14 PM
11 it is hard to get the city hall on the phone 5/1/2024 6:30 PM 12 Because of the lack of communication. 4/28/2024 5:20 PM 13 All Council Meeting should be live, on-line, and available for replay. 4/22/2024 5:02 PM 14 Very satisfied with opportunity to provide input. Very dissatisfied with follow through and even acknowledgment or action on what is brought up.
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
15 Great Mayor, Staff and City. 4/22/2024 2:00 PM
16 We live outside city limits which constrains our input. 4/19/2024 2:45 PM 17 I have found the City yo be reasonable, helpful, and open to ideas and suggestions. Thank you 4/19/2024 8:17 AM 18 I'm personally satisfied, but being on the City Council gives me opportunities. I don't think others feel plugged in and we should address that.
4/14/2024 4:41 PM
19 Neutral… I am lucky I know a council member otherwise I would be less informed 4/11/2024 8:50 AM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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11.94% 8

40.30% 27

35.82% 24

8.96% 6

2.99% 2
Q12 How helpful is the communication you receive from the City?(letters, email, City website, newsletters, posters, meetings, etc.) Answered: 67 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 67
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Extremely
helpful
Very helpful
Somewhat
helpful
Not so helpful
Not at all
helpful

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Extremely helpful
Very helpful
Somewhat helpful
Not so helpful
Not at all helpful
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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Q13 How can the City's communication be more effective? Answered: 48 Skipped: 19
# RESPONSES DATE
1 The City Council Minutes need to be posted at every City Council meeting. Meeting Minutes should be posted from the previous meeting. It is important for the public to review minutes for record-keeping and as a reference for both the public and City Council. Minutes are also beneficial for future discussion of previous agenda items. 6/12/2024 3:22 PM
2 Email communication about agenda topics to city residents 6/5/2024 10:18 AM 3 City is very good at communication-if citizens do not engage it is our responsibility not the City's. All citizens should attend public meetings. If we don't, it is not the City's fault, but ours. 6/5/2024 9:34 AM
4 return emails and phone calss 6/5/2024 7:53 AM
5 More reaching out, does the city have a list of everyone's email and cell phone. Emails are texts can be more effective that the snail mail.
5/24/2024 5:21 PM
6 Put up a low-tech, old-school marquee on City Hall to say things like “CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS TUESDAY” or “COMMUNITY YARD SALE NEXT SATURDAY” or “IS YOUR SEPTIC PERMIT EXPIRED??” I know this type of stuff periodically appears on the tennis court fences, but not with enough regularity to capture my attention. 5/23/2024 9:36 PM
7 Trinidad could have a monthly newsletter posted to the website covering both city, civic and general community activities.
5/22/2024 3:42 PM
8 respond 5/17/2024 9:01 AM
9 as we live a smidge north of town, I'm not sure if we're receiving all the news that folks living directly within city limits receive
5/16/2024 9:30 AM
10 n/a 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
11 Be more timely 5/13/2024 3:18 PM
12 Please change my email address on the City group email. I don't think I'm getting emails anymore. An event calendar on the website would be helpful, so that folks can upload event information, like the KEET-TV calendar of old. Otherwise, the City is doing a good job! 5/9/2024 10:29 AM
13 no changes needed 5/7/2024 8:14 AM
14 City employees are VERY helpful - Gabe, Anton and Dan Dimmick have been helpful to me in my construction project. They are a credit to the City. 5/6/2024 2:48 PM
15 perhaps a bi-weekly email newsletter in layman's terms 5/6/2024 2:41 PM 16 Figure it out 5/6/2024 2:03 PM
17 Direct communication 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
18 Monthly letter 5/6/2024 10:01 AM
19 From (11) above: Need an active online blog where citizens can input at any time, engage with each other, and receive timely feedback from City personnel (elected or staff). 5/5/2024 7:00 PM
20 Post meeting agenda for Tsurai Management Team and allow public participation or disband as a city advisory committee.
5/4/2024 1:38 PM
21 I honestly dread seeing a letter from the city because so often it is something negative 5/3/2024 1:14 PM 22 It is fine. 5/2/2024 1:05 PM
23 have the communication to the correct property owner 5/1/2024 6:30 PM 24 Accepting online payments for water bills. 5/1/2024 12:23 PM City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
34 / 45
25 Perhaps institute a reverse 911. Website has mostly current info on meetings, etc. 4/29/2024 2:46 PM 26 Using technology to communicate swiftly and effectively for everyone. 4/28/2024 5:20 PM 27 I don't receive city communications 4/24/2024 3:46 PM 28 Trinidad 4/23/2024 7:44 PM
29 Trinidad less short term rentals, more opportunities for family’s and permanent residents to live here.
4/23/2024 3:26 PM
30 Make sure you include all of us on the outskirts of town in town issues/developments. 4/22/2024 5:45 PM 31 Increase use of the internet to communicate with area residents, not just those within the city limits.
4/22/2024 5:02 PM
32 Use email...stop mailing so much paper. Let me choose to opt put of paper mailings as much as possible. There was a short lived attempt at a newsletter when Angela was in Antons role...his role should be perfect spot for owning and producing a newsletter as his position is the most visible in the city to the public
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
33 Maybe keep current on website and social media. 4/22/2024 2:41 PM 34 Hand delivered with flowers and Brio Bread. (Tongue in cheek) 4/22/2024 2:00 PM 35 Regular emails 4/20/2024 5:21 PM
36 Trinidad could benefit from some kind of online community board, although I think many people use Nextdoor for this.
4/19/2024 8:22 PM
37 Emailing information might save the city some money in postage. 4/19/2024 2:45 PM 38 Perhaps an email communication a little more often would be helpful to keep people in the loop.
4/19/2024 8:17 AM
39 Email upcoming events 4/18/2024 7:12 PM
40 CC, City manager and staff create a web page linked to City homepage devoted to our water plant and options, including history [CC and WAC agenda, packet and video links, engineering reports, Public Opinion Comments, costs, etc] and monthly report of water fund reserves, monthly costs of water plant which include itemized cost of contracted services including itemized work orders done and projected to be done. Individual CC and WAC members could be more effective communicating if they would communicate by answering inquiries and concerns about our water system in a public forum on the above web page. Until the above page is created, CC and WAC members communication would be more effective if they would respond to public inquiries by communicating.
4/17/2024 4:29 PM
41 I really don't receive any communications other than my water bill from the City of Trinidad 4/16/2024 5:44 PM 42 Perhaps a lit up announcement board on the front of the Town Hall that lists everything happening. I often find out by word of mouth only. The website helps, but my older generation probably doesn't think to go there so readily.
4/14/2024 4:41 PM
43 Centralize to a single channel or online location. 4/11/2024 12:40 PM 44 Maybe a separate, less confrontational list of city meetings. I don't want to see the back and forth confrontations in the meeting minutes.
4/11/2024 11:39 AM
45 Notices that are timely. A website that actually works. 4/11/2024 10:26 AM 46 I rarely receive any communication except monthly packet and maybe a few additional mailers throughout the year. Wish you all could create an email distribution list and send out all the happenings at Town Hall such as Chamber meetings etc
4/11/2024 8:50 AM
47 A quarterly newsletter and a more in-depth staff report at City Council meetings would be helpful.
4/9/2024 3:47 PM
48 More consistent 4/6/2024 4:32 PM
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Q14 What are some (1-3) improvements you'd like to see the City? Answered: 54 Skipped: 13
# RESPONSES DATE
1 At City Council meetings, I, as well as the public, would like to see detailed reports for services rendered from Coleman Engineering and Pacific Watershed Assoc. Also from these two consultants: total amounts charged, both monthly and year to date, total hours billed with checks and balances in place for all charges to the City of Trinidad. Detailed reports on staffing the City's water plant and what is being done to solve the ongoing issue of not having a T3 Operator. Stop paying high consultant fees to operate the City's small water plant; it it unsustainable for the City and as a result, the City's water customers' water rates will continue to increase due to these exorbitant costs. Report the Luffenholtz Creek water levels beginning in June of each year. All of the above reported at all City Council meetings in both written and verbal formats.
6/12/2024 3:22 PM
2 Sidewalks traffic Safety Parking Management 6/5/2024 10:18 AM 3 fewer "red" parking areas more transparency about the "closed session" lawsuit, which seem interminable. Continue HBWB water partnership discussion. Coleman in Sacramento is draining the City coffers at an unacceptable rate.
6/5/2024 9:34 AM
4 city staff to respond to emails and phone calls 6/5/2024 7:53 AM 5 (1) finish the Edwards street project, including sidewalk and clear signage to the Beach and a few more street lights (of the same style and brightness) (2) repair the Van Wycke trail (3) the state of California will soon mandate no green waste in ordinary garbage. We moved here from the Bay Area where a third bin for green waste pickup was common. Trinidad needs to enable this.
5/24/2024 5:21 PM
6 1. The City should always be striving for improved walkability and a walk score of 100. There is too much reliance on cars (as hurtling death machines) and too much hand-wringing about how to protect pedestrians from them. The most walkable and safest city is one with fewest cars on the roads. 2. More and better utilization of existing infrastructure for young kids. 3.

More civic engagement. Unless dogs or trails are being discussed, valuable venues and opportunities for public comment are overlooked. I don’t know that this is a City problem, but it’s definitely a community problem. 3. The City should always be striving for a walk score of 100, minimizing reliance on vehicles and infrastructure required to support vehicles (roads, speed bumps, parking, etc).
5/23/2024 9:36 PM
7 Trinidad would be enhanced by encouraging an ice cream parlor, garden store and general store setup business.
5/22/2024 3:42 PM
8 garbage and recycling cans and property owners picking up trash on their property before it “disappears” in the bay. Enforcement of litter, dog poop, and dumping laws. 5/17/2024 9:01 AM
9 safer freeway intersection 5/16/2024 9:30 AM
10 Pave streets Repaint streets 5/15/2024 1:40 PM
11 n/a 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
12 Ban street vendors & beggars or at least move them along. No parking on Parker Crk Drive for trail walkers. Keep sidewalks clear. Tag cars that seem to never move. 5/13/2024 3:18 PM
13 address vagrant issues enforce city ordinances equally throughout City. City Manager (follow up) needs to improve
5/13/2024 2:40 PM
14 enforce leash law fairly enforce land use on both sides of the freeway. 5/13/2024 2:35 PM 15 Yes, the City needs a new flagpole at the Trinidad Bay Memorial Park. This one is almost always rusty looking. Painting it prior to the Memorial Ceremony would be appreciated. I have a good one to recommend that we are purchasing for the monument, if you are interested.

Also, trash disposal at this site would be appreciated. Thank you! 5/9/2024 10:29 AM
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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16 Improvement of Town Hall Repair the Civic Club property at the end of Trinity Street Clean up signage that should be removed
5/7/2024 11:10 AM
17 continue to cultivate interest in citizens getting involved. we are doing well here but could always use a bit more input before a decision is made. I do miss the Fish Festival as a way to get the whole town out on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Someone would need to take this on and that is not something I am willing to do but would very much appreciate if someone would :) 5/7/2024 8:14 AM
18 Maintain small town character. 5/6/2024 2:48 PM
19 -crime prevention -thievery addressed -slow traffic signs through town 5/6/2024 2:41 PM 20 Enforcement of applicable ordinances including leash law, noise. 5/6/2024 2:13 PM 21 Repeal Taxes. Reduce regulation on STR's. New City Manager 5/6/2024 2:03 PM 22 Bluff Management 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
23 Pickleball league 5/6/2024 12:46 PM
24 Remove pop outs on Main Street. They do not slow traffic - They take away parking 5/6/2024 12:36 PM 25 A new sign for the museum. I'm very sorry there seemed to be such negative pushback and it was a gift.
5/6/2024 12:31 PM
26 Fewer signs. Con't moratorium on STR's - decrease the number 5/6/2024 10:23 AM 27 Shorter trees (height to the roof only). Speed bumps 5/6/2024 10:01 AM 28 1) Convene city-wide all-citizens meetings to brainstorm what Trinidad will look like 50 years from now. I recently saw a short documentary on how several small cities have done this, with positive results. I haven't found the link, but this 2015 TED talk (13 mins) gives a good idea how to do it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPqnUK3iNHk). 2. New rules for City Council meetings, beginning with: 2a. All items-from-the floor should receive a response, in writing, from Staff (paid or elected). Too often the Council listens politely, then ... no response. Just, "next speaker". 2b. Some agenda items need more than one meeting before decisions are finalized. So, if a straw vote indicates a 3-2, then the 2 opponents should be able to request/require tabling the issue until there has been a more detailed analysis of the pro v. con ramifications. The Council has, in the past, voted quickly on issues that have long-term changes ... based on very emotional testimony from a few attendees (often not residents). 3.

Consider a City Code modification to allow councilors to be elected in alternate-pairs, rather like juror alternates. Thus, Jose & Mary might run for one position, sharing it, to encourage a few more folks to engage, and share the load. Some folks don't run for council because they don't want that much time out of their life.
5/5/2024 7:00 PM
29 See comments above. 5/4/2024 1:38 PM
30 A more fair and unbiased city goverment 5/3/2024 1:14 PM 31 As mentioned previously, please make the area near the old Lighthouse site on Edwards a 'no overnight camping' zone.
5/2/2024 1:05 PM
32 better signage at the intersection so tourists understand who has the right of way. 5/1/2024 6:30 PM 33 Side walk continued on Frontage Rd up to Berry Rd with crosswalk at Berry Rd. Trail down to Old Home Beach restored.
5/1/2024 12:23 PM
34 We feel improvement can be made in addressing "small town" complaints by not accepting any verbal complaints. If someone has an actual complaint, rather than just their opinion, it should be put in writing so as to be transparent if a public information request is submitted. 4/29/2024 2:46 PM
35 1. Communicating effectively to all citizens/businesses. 2. Creating an approach to how we handle homeless/transients 3. Being proactive about our future and the realities of what is ahead
4/28/2024 5:20 PM
36 Skate Park More public parking PickleBall lines on Tennis court 4/25/2024 4:26 PM 37 Trinidad should question why the heart center has a sign that mocks the letters THC right next to our school. Seriously.
4/23/2024 7:44 PM
38 Trinidad 4/23/2024 3:26 PM
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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39 1. less (or none!) RV traffic in the busy season. It's bad for the roads, it clogs our neighborhoods and it encourages bad driving behavior when tourists get "tourist brain". 2. more public art
4/22/2024 5:45 PM
40 1. Get Rid of the Trailer Park in the middle of town 2. Televise Council meeting on-line 3.

Create a viable emergency evacuation plan to help residents and visitors gain emergency access through the eastern forest AND post a summary of "escape routes" that Visitors can see.
4/22/2024 5:02 PM
41 Lot behind murphys turned into a fenced dog park and public space. Restore benches to trails and bluffs where they were in a timely manner. If they are maintained in the moment vs removed and then eventually replaced I have to think it's an easier lift than waiting, waiting, waiting and then trying to reinstall.
4/22/2024 2:51 PM
42 An Emergency facilities contact number. (Broken water pipe on weekends sort of thing.) Biannual facilities tour. It would be great if the folks in the city could get a tour and learn more about the water system and/or other infrastructure.
4/22/2024 2:00 PM
43 More business, dining options etc 4/20/2024 5:21 PM
44 1- pedestrian/bike path on Scenic Drive 2- More family friendly community events 3- Roundabout at Trinity and Edwards by Scenic overlook 4/19/2024 8:22 PM
45 Bike lockers. Bike racks are not secure and may touring cyclists do not get off their bikes and look around since they tour with all their gear. I regularly host cyclists via Warm Showers, so I know this is true.
4/19/2024 2:45 PM
46 Less complaining about STR and recognize the economic benefits of having them. Passing on a STR license to family members when an owner dies.
4/18/2024 7:12 PM
47 1. Administrative and public education about our water system and options 2. Create a Public Forum to accomplish #1 3.Improve creativity and bravery in bringing the community together in the search for Truth and best long term solutions for water resiliency 4/17/2024 4:29 PM
48 I'm not sure what you are asking for here - 4/16/2024 5:44 PM 49 1. Leashing on the beach and in the city. 2. Have dead beat vehicles off the streets or back yards where visible. 3. Better visible announcements about activities in Trinidad and surrounding area.
4/14/2024 4:41 PM
50 Minimize signage. Fix the Van Wycke trail. 4/11/2024 12:40 PM 51 Better pedestrian access from the city to the beach. Walking on the road is dangerous with folks looking at the view and not the road. Either a separate trail (fix existing) or sidewalk all the way down.
4/11/2024 11:39 AM
52 Better communication 4/11/2024 8:50 AM
53 Town Hall rehab w/tennis court update, new dog & kiddie parks, and more police presence.

Bonus: trail signage! ;-D
4/9/2024 3:47 PM
54 Put a roundabout at Main/Scenic/Patricks Pt Dr/101 intersection. Discourage signers at the 101 NB off-ramp.
4/6/2024 4:32 PM
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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9.09% 6

80.30% 53

10.61% 7
Q15 We are also seeking input regarding the operation of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in Trinidad. In 2016, the City approved an ordinance addressing citizen concerns over unregulated STRs while fulfilling State mandates to provide visitor services/accommodations in the Coastal Zone.

The Coastal Commission recently approved the City's updated STR Ordinance.Please answer the following questions about your experience with STRs in 2023.Did you receive the 24-hour STR contact list mailed in Feb 2024 (light blue paper) which lists STR management contacts? Answered: 66 Skipped: 1
Total Respondents: 66
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Not sure/don't
remember
Yes
No

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Not sure/don't remember
Yes
No
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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70.77% 46

29.23% 19
Q16 Are you aware of the Good Neighbor Policy for Trinidad STRs? Answered: 65 Skipped: 2
Total Respondents: 65
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
40 / 45

65.15% 43

30.30% 20

15.15% 10
Q17 Do you know how to file a concern/complaint regarding an STR? Answered: 66 Skipped: 1
Total Respondents: 66
# OPTIONAL COMMENT: DATE
1 We need to be made aware of the good neighbor policy for STRs and how to issue a complaint. Did we miss a mailing, or an email with a link to the online policy? One annoying thing was last year when the white house across the street put out their trash the night before containging lots of take-away containers and food scrapes. By morning, the animals had dumped the garbage all over the corner. This property is owned by a collective of families from Redding and is not a rental in the traditional sense. Nonetheless, the goups that come are short term visitors and do NOT understand od abide the good neighbor policy. I do not think they are ill-intentioned, rather just not abiding what it means to be a short term visitor and their impact on the community.
5/24/2024 5:21 PM
2 All concerns/complaints should be c/c to the city. 5/13/2024 3:18 PM 3 Have never had an issue w/an STR in 20 years 5/6/2024 2:03 PM 4 not sure 5/6/2024 12:31 PM
5 VRBOS, AIRB Have Ruined the Town. We no longer have enough full time residents to successfully rotate through the City Council, Planning Commission, Etc. 5/6/2024 10:23 AM
6 I could find out if I needed to file a complaint. 5/4/2024 1:38 PM 7 I don’t remember but I believe it was included in the contact mail out 4/19/2024 8:22 PM 8 Yelling at the STR people partying and shooting fireworks at night. 4/19/2024 2:59 PM 9 Not in city limits, so county regs apply to us. 4/19/2024 2:45 PM 10 But pretty sure I could figure it out. 4/11/2024 12:40 PM 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No
Optional
comment:

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
Optional comment:

City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
41 / 45

8.57% 3

11.43% 4

82.86% 29
Q18 If you filed a complaint (noise, lights, parking, etc) regarding an STR in 2023, did you receive a timely follow-up?
Answered: 35 Skipped: 32
Total Respondents: 35
# OPTIONAL COMMENT: DATE
1 We speak directly to the rental manager when necessary. 6/5/2024 10:18 AM 2 No complaints about STR's except that having 30 homes with disengaged owners, no matter how nice the visitors are has a profound effect on a spirit of community volunteerism in Trinidad. If you don't live here you are not as interested in being involved so many volunteer opportunities to improve the towns life and culture.
6/5/2024 9:34 AM
3 I called the manager and the issue was cleared up quickly 6/5/2024 7:53 AM 4 We did not file a complaint 5/24/2024 5:21 PM
5 Did not file 5/15/2024 1:40 PM
6 n/a 5/15/2024 12:51 PM
7 No complaint filed. 5/9/2024 10:29 AM
8 No complaint was filed 5/7/2024 11:10 AM
9 does not apply 5/7/2024 8:14 AM
10 Have never had an issue w/an STR in 20 years 5/6/2024 2:03 PM 11 I did file a complaint in 2023, but earlier (2020?) and received a good follow-up. 5/5/2024 7:00 PM 12 I have never filed a complaint 5/3/2024 1:14 PM
13 i have not filed any complaints 5/1/2024 6:30 PM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No
Optional
comment:

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
Optional comment:

City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
42 / 45
14 Did not file a complaint 4/29/2024 2:46 PM
15 n/a no complaint 4/28/2024 5:20 PM
16 Na 4/23/2024 7:44 PM
17 Not applicable for me. I live outside the city limits 4/22/2024 5:02 PM 18 Did.not file 4/22/2024 2:51 PM
19 N/A 4/22/2024 2:00 PM
20 NA 4/20/2024 5:21 PM
21 N/a 4/19/2024 8:22 PM
22 n/a 4/19/2024 2:45 PM
23 Did not file a complaint 4/19/2024 8:17 AM
24 Never filed a complaint 4/18/2024 7:12 PM
25 n/a 4/16/2024 5:44 PM
26 didn't file a complaint, so n/a 4/14/2024 4:41 PM
27 NA 4/11/2024 12:40 PM
28 Have not filed a complaint 4/11/2024 8:50 AM
29 No complaint filed 4/9/2024 3:47 PM
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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77.27% 51

22.73% 15
Q19 The City derives economic benefit from STRs in the form of Tourist Occupancy Taxes (TOT) which typically exceed $140,000. In addition, City merchants rely heavily on tourists.Did you know the City receives substantial annual revenue from Short-Term Rentals?
Answered: 66 Skipped: 1
Total Respondents: 66
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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17.50% 7

47.50% 19

52.50% 21
Q20 Thank you for completing this survey. Responses to the survey will be consolidated (and reported back anonymously) to the public in a future City Council meeting and posted on the City's website. Please mark the box below if you would like to be contacted by City staff or an elected official regarding any of your response(s) to this survey.

Answered: 40 Skipped: 27
Total Respondents: 40
# COMMENT: DATE
1 The Council & City Staff are accessible they shouldn't have to add more burdens to their busy lives.
6/5/2024 9:34 AM
2 Why does this survey require an answer to 2 address lines? 5/24/2024 5:21 PM 3 Thank you for the survey 5/13/2024 3:18 PM
4 let's hire weekend security guard - especially for hours 10p - 8am 5/6/2024 2:41 PM 5 To discuss plans for safety 5/6/2024 2:23 PM
6 optional - see additional notes on survey 5/6/2024 2:13 PM 7 Does it Matter 5/6/2024 12:55 PM
8 perhaps you would like to rethink a new sign for the museum. I'm disappointed in the response we got.
5/6/2024 12:31 PM
9 Thanks for asking. Few signs @ entrances to Town. Know this is Cal Trans but doesn't City have a voice? Would like a sign at state beach saying all dogs must be leashed. Yes, it's the state beach, but can't our officials (dog ambassadors) work w/ proper entities on this? 5/6/2024 10:23 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
I would like
to be contacted
by phone.

I would like
to be contacted
by email.

Comment:

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
I would like to be contacted by phone.

I would like to be contacted by email.

Comment:

City of Trinidad Community Survey 2024
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Intermittent enforcement of leash laws by law enforcement would help at beach. Why not go door to door in town to assess if dogs licensed & inoculated & adhere to leash laws. People who own more than one home should pay higher property taxes. 10 Feel free to contact me any time. After my 10 years on the council, and 2 years as mayor, I saw a lot and have many thoughts about improvements. Unfortunately, I haven't time to write my book of suggestions ... my home situation with old-age issues has me heavily engaged, but I will respond to any requests.
5/5/2024 7:00 PM
11 I'm always happy to have a conversation as needed. 4/28/2024 5:20 PM 12 Thanks for all you do! 4/25/2024 4:26 PM
13 Na 4/23/2024 7:44 PM
14 no, but please remember and put the community before tourists! 4/22/2024 5:45 PM 15 Decisions made by the Trinidad Council impact the nearby residents in the Greater Trinidad Area.
4/22/2024 5:02 PM
16 Please provide the date when survey will be discussed in Council. Thank You. 4/22/2024 2:00 PM 17 Either is fine 4/19/2024 8:22 PM
18 If there are complaints in the future about STRs, I am available to help if needed. 4/19/2024 8:17 AM 19 I want this to be completely anonymous. 4/11/2024 11:39 AM 20 Can contact me either way if you see fit to 4/11/2024 8:50 AM 21 No need to contact me unless desired. 4/9/2024 3:47 PM DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Discussion/Decision to Appoint 2 Council Members for a future Government-to-Government Consultation with the Yurok Tribe and TAS.

AGENDA ITEM: Appoint 2 Council Members for a future Governmentto-Government Consultation with the Yurok Tribe and TAS Date: August 13, 2024
________________________________________________________________________ ANALYSIS:

Per the City’s Government-to-Government Consultation (G2G) Policy, two Council Members can be appointed as an Ad-Hoc Committee for a G2G. Staff has suggested that the City Council arrange a government-to-government consultation/meeting with the Yurok Tribe and the Tsurai Ancestral Society to better understand concerns for the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail and the Van Wycke Trail.

ACTION:

Appoint two Council Members to an Ad-Hoc Committee for a Government-to-Government Consultation/Meeting with the Yurok Tribe and Tsurai Ancestral Society.

OR
Not appoint two Council Members to an Ad-Hoc Committee for a Government-to-Government Consultation/Meeting with the Yurok Tribe and Tsurai Ancestral Society.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

3. Discussion/Decision on an appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of Coastal Development Permit 2024-09 for continued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) due to unsafe conditions. Trail closure authorization is proposed for one year while the City works with stakeholders to develop and plan additional repair options. Located at the ALMT; APN: 042-091-005.
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Trinidad 2024-09 Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: August 13, 2024

Item: Trinidad 2024-09: Appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of a Coastal Development Permit for continued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) due to unsafe conditions.

Background
At their July 17, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission considered and unanimously denied a Coastal Development Permit (#2024-09) for the continued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT). The ALMT has been closed starting in February 2023 due to substantial erosion that had occurred over the winter. Since then, staff have been working on solutions for reopening the trail. However, progress has been slow at times for various reasons, and the situation as we understood it has changed somewhat from when the trail was originally closed. Therefore, staff proposed the additional closure to allow more time to develop and implement an effective reopening plan. The existing closure expired on August 3, 2024.

As you know, this is a complex situation in a sensitive area. It is staff’s opinion that the ALMT should not be reopened in its current state, because there is an almost vertical 10-to12-foot drop at the bottom of the trail where it intersects with the beach. And the City cannot move forward with a repair without approval from the Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS) (and others) per the requirements and limitations of General Plan Policy 69 and Zoning Ordinance § 17.16.080. However, staff are continuing to work towards and are making progress on an interim repair plan in cooperation with the Tsurai Management Team (TMT).

Planning Commission Action
The Planning Commission denied the continued closure of the ALMT for several reasons.

They do not feel that adequate progress has been made to reopen the trail and that reopening the trail has not been adequately prioritized. Under these circumstances, they felt that the closure would not be consistent with all applicable policies and regulations of the Trinidad LCP and Coastal Act. They expressed a desire for the City Council to be more involved and proactive in working towards reopening the trail. The Planning Commission understood that their decision would likely be appealed due to the existing physical limitations on the trail, but they saw this as a path to getting the issue before the City Council. The decision to deny the project was unanimous (5-0). The attached staff report and an excerpt from the draft minutes provide additional details.

Appeal Process
Per Zoning Ordinance/Trinidad Municipal (TMC) § 17.72.100, Planning Commission actions are appealable to the City Council within 10 days of the decision. Therefore, the appeal period ran through July 31, 2024. The Planning Commission’s decision can be appealed by any interested person that submitted either written or oral comments to the Planning Commission on this issue. However, if an appellant can show good cause as to p. 2
Trinidad 2024-09 Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting why comments could not be submitted, they can still file an appeal. The City Manager and City Planner sent a letter to the City Council on July 30, 2024, requesting that the City Council appeal the Planning Commission’s decision. Mayor Kelly appealed the decision via an email request on July 30, 2024, noting that she had not taken a stance on the project but felt it was important for the City Council to discuss the issue.

The requirements for filing an appeal are as follows:

D. Filing Requirements. Appeals to the planning commission, hearings officer or city council shall be addressed to the appellate body on a prescribed form and shall state the basis of the appeal.

Appeals shall be filed in the office of the city clerk within the appeal period provided in TMC 17.72.060. There shall be no fee for filing an appeal. The city clerk shall determine from the records whether the appellant submitted comments on the issue being appealed to each previous appellate body. Only if such comments have been submitted shall an appeal be accepted, unless the appellant can demonstrate that there were valid reasons why he could not attend the hearings or submit written comments.

Although Mayor Kelly did not speak or submit comments at the Planning Commission hearing, she has spoken with staff about trail issues on numerous occasions and is clearly an interested party. Further, City Councilmembers are generally advised to not speak at Planning Commission hearings unless they have a direct interest in a project as a citizen, because it could interfere with the Planning Commission’s decision-making process and because it could prejudice the Councilmember should an appeal be filed. Therefore, Mayor Kelly is an interested person who can show good cause for not having submitted comments at the Planning Commission hearing and can initiate this appeal.

Additional Analysis
Staff recommends that the City Council uphold the appeal and reverse the Planning Commission’s denial of CDP #2024-09 for the continued temporary closure of the ALMT due to unsafe conditions. Reopening the trail in its current condition would present a significant safety hazard for the public due to the 10 to 12-foot almost vertical drop at the toe of bluff. This is also a potential liability for the City.

Further, the City cannot implement any repairs that would involve soil disturbance or vegetation removal without approval of the TAS due to Policy 69 of the Trinidad General Plan and Zoning Ordinance § 17.16.080, which state in part: “no soil disturbance, removal of vegetation, structural improvements or use shall be permitted unless it has been approved by …the lineal descendants of Tsurai.” The TAS and TMT strongly support reopening of the trail in a thoughtful and sensitive manner.

Although progress towards reopening the trail has been slower than hoped, progress has been made. And the new closure will allow staff additional time to develop a feasible interim repair option. We are proposing a CDP for vegetation removal along the traditional alignment at the bottom of the trail for Planning Commission consideration at the August 21 meeting next week). This will allow staff, the TAS, and other professionals p. 3
Trinidad 2024-09 Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting to get a closer look at the actual conditions along this alignment in order to develop a realistic plan to reopen the trail for next summer. A barrier across the bottom of the area of vegetation removal is also proposed to keep people from trying to climb up from the beach that way.

Because (1) the closure is truly temporary, even if long-term; (2) the trail is located in a culturally and geologically sensitive area; (3) the trail presents a public safety hazard in its current condition; and (4) material progress toward developing a proposal to repair and reopen the trail is being made; therefore the project can be found to be consistent with applicable policies and regulations, including Trinidad General Plan Policy 64 and Coastal Act § 30221.

Recommendation
Based on the above, staff recommends that the City Council uphold the appeal and reverse the Planning Commission’s denial of CDP #2024-09 and approve the continued temporary closure of the ALMT for up to one year as conditioned below. If the City Council agrees with staff’s analysis, the motion could be as follows:

Based on application materials and information included in this staff report and the Planning Commission staff report, and based on public testimony and the discussion at the Planning Commission hearing, I find that the project is consistent with the City’s certified LCP and other applicable regulations, and I move to uphold the appeal, adopt the information and findings in this staff report and approve the project as described in this staff report, and as conditioned therein.

Alternatives
If the City Council does not agree with staff’s analysis, or if information is presented during the hearing that conflicts with the information contained in the staff report, the City Council has several alternatives:

A. Alter the proposed conditions of approval to address any specific concerns on the part of the Council or the public.

B. Delay action / continue the hearing to obtain further information. • In this case, the City Council should specify any additional information required from staff and / or suggestions on how to modify the project and / or conditions of approval.

C. Denial of the project.
• The City Council should provide a motion that identifies the reasons for the denial.

Conditions of Approval

1. Because the approval is for a temporary trail closure, the CDP shall expire after one year of going into effect, unless an extension is granted by the Planning Commission based on the need for more time to obtain funding and/or further explore repair and access alternatives if the Planning Commission finds that substantial progress has been made in the interim time period.
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Trinidad 2024-09 Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting Attachments
• Staff’s appeal request
• Mayor Kelly’s appeal
• Planning Commission staff report
• Excerpt from the draft minutes

CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Formal appeal of the PC 7/17/2024 denial of CDP (#2024-09) - temp closure of ALMT Ckelly Trinidad <[email protected]>
Tue 7/30/2024 8:34 AM
To:Kati Breckenridge <[email protected]>;Jtuttle Trinidad <[email protected]>;Jwest Trinidad <[email protected]>;Sladwig Trinidad <[email protected]>;Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]> Cc:Ahakenen Trinidad <[email protected]>;Trever Parker <[email protected]>;Citymanager Trinidad <[email protected]>
Dear City Council,
Based on the recommenda on from staff, I am formally appealing the Planning Commission’s July 17, 2024 denial of a Coastal Development Permit (#2024-09) for the con nued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail. The current closure expires on August 3, 2024.

The City would poten ally be crea ng a public hazard and opening itself up to substan al liability if the trail is reopened in its current state due to the 10-to-12-foot drop at the bo om of the trail. No feasible, short-term, repair op on has yet been iden fied, and the Planning Commission and the public are frustrated with the lack of progress. This appeal will allow the City Council to consider the issues and impacts to the City and give the public another opportunity to provide input. And it would give the City Council an opportunity to provide further direc on to City staff.

I would like to note that I have not taken a stance on the CDP, and I am not advoca ng for the City Council to decide one way or the other at this me. But I believe it is an issue that needs to be considered and acted upon by the City Council at a public mee ng once the en re body has adequate background informa on.

Best Regards,
Cheryl Kelly
Mayor, City of Trinidad, CA

Trinidad Planning Commission Trinidad 2024-09 – CDP: SRPT DENIED – July 17, 2024 APNs: 042-091-004 & -005
Application Filed: NA
Staff: Trever Parker
Staff Report: July 3, 2024
Commission Hearing Date: July 17, 2024
Commission Action: Denied

STAFF REPORT: CITY OF TRINIDAD
APPLICATION NO: 2024-09
APPLICANT / OWNER(S): City of Trinidad
AGENT: NA
PROJECT LOCATION: Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Coastal Development Permit for the continued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren
Memorial Trail due to unsafe conditions. Trail
closure authorization is proposed for up to one
year while the City works with stakeholders to
develop and plan additional repair options.

ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER: 042-091-004 & -005
ZONING: Open Space – OS
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: Open Space – OS
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Categorically Exempt per § 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines exempting minor alterations of land,
including temporary use of land having
negligible or no permanent effects on the
environment.

APPEAL STATUS:

Planning Commission action on a Coastal Development Permit, Variance, Conditional Use Permit, Grading Permit, or Design Review application will become final 10 working days after the date that the Coastal Commission receives a “Notice of Action Taken” from the City unless an appeal to the City Council is filed in the office of the City Clerk at that time. Furthermore, this project is _X_ / is not ___ appealable to the Coastal Commission per the City’s certified LCP, and per Section 30603 of the Coastal Act. Final action by the City on an appealable Coastal Development Permit will not

Trinidad Planning Commission Trinidad 2024-09 – CDP: SRPT DENIED – July 17, 2024 APNs: 042-091-004 & -005
become effective until 10 working days after the local appeal period has run out and no valid appeal has been filed with the Coastal Commission within that time.

SITE CHARACTERISTICS:

The Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) descends the bluff from the vista point at the end of Trinity Street to Old Home Beach. The bottom of the trail has been eroding for several years. And the large winter storms in 2022-23 and again in 2023-24 caused significant erosion at the toe of the bluff and the cable steps at the bottom of the trail are now completely gone, with a near vertical drop of at least 10 feet to the beach, which poses a hazard to pedestrians. This trail is the designated primary access to Old Home Beach and is also the traditional trail used by the inhabitants of the Tsurai Village. The trail has been closed since April 2023. Land uses adjacent to the project include primarily open space.

STAFF COMMENTS:

Background
In early February 2023, the Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS) informed the Tsurai Management Team (TMT) of significant erosion that had occurred at the toe of Old Home Beach and requested an emergency TMT meeting. The TMT agreed that emergency action to close the ALMT and Parker Creek Trail to protect public safety and sensitive environmental resources was needed. The City Planner issued an emergency Coastal Development Permit (CDP), pursuant to Trinidad Municipal Code (TMC) §

17.72.080 on February 10, 2023. The City then placed sawhorse barriers and signage to notify the public of the trail closures.

The Planning Commission approved a follow-up CDP for the emergency closure on April 19, 2023. The Parker Creek Trail closure was approved for two months, and the ALMT closure was approved for six months. On May 17, 2023, the Planning Commission approved barriers and signage at the top and bottom of the ALMT (CDP #2023-05). Additional work to protect sensitive areas and reopen the Parker Creek Trail was approved at the same time, which has since been completed and/or removed. The Parker Creek Trail was reopened on May 26, 2023, in time for Memorial Weekend. The closure of the ALMT has been extended by the Planning Commission twice and will expire on August 3, 2024. Because the situation has changed since the original closure, this extended closure is being processed as a separate permit.

Progress to Reopen the Trail
Staff have been providing monthly updates to the Planning Commission at each meeting. For a more detailed history, please see the memos in the monthly meeting packets. After the work authorized in permit #2023-05 was completed in May 2023, little progress was made for several months. The TAS were working with GHD under a

Trinidad Planning Commission Trinidad 2024-09 – CDP: SRPT DENIED – July 17, 2024 APNs: 042-091-004 & -005
Seventh Generation Fund grant to develop a feasibility study and conceptual plans for repair of the ALMT and restoration of the traditional alignment. It was hoped that once this document was completed in summer 2023, it would provide a path forward for reopening the trail.

The Planning Commission authorized the extension of the closure for four months on October 18, 2023, but expressed frustration in the lack of progress towards reopening the trail. The Planning Commission directed City staff to develop short-term repair recommendations to present to the TMT. In November 2023, the TAS stated that they would be reviewing the GHD report at their November Board meeting before presenting it to the TMT. In the meantime, GHD developed some short-term repair recommendations that would allow the trail to be reopened while larger improvements and rerouting were planned; these were presented to the Planning Commission in January. However, City staff had not been successful in obtaining the GHD report or scheduling a TMT meeting to further discuss alternative repair options.

The TMT met on February 29, 2024, where the TAS reported that they support the trail reopening and that they were working with the Yurok Tribe to develop a short-term reopening plan for the trail with the intent to have the trail open by July of this year.

Based on this progress, the Planning Commission extended the closure for another four months at their March 20, 2024 meeting. The TMT met again on April 2, 2024 where a tentative plan to reopen the trail was presented by the TAS. The plan included primarily vegetation clearing and rerouting the bottom approximately 1/3 of the trail to the west into the traditional alignment. A site visit was scheduled for April 8, where additional details and logistics were discussed. Trail specialists from Redwood Community Action Agency were included in these discussions.

City staff met with representatives from RCAA and TAS onsite in May to take a closer look at the trail realignment. The vegetation is very thick, and even with a machete, access is difficult. However, it became apparent that substantial erosion has occurred that has essentially separated the toe of the bluff from the rock outcrop that provided the traditional path to the beach. Based on the site visit, the City Engineer recommended a bridge be developed between the rock and base of the realigned trail. Therefore, a simple, light-touch option for opening the traditional alignment in the short term is likely not feasible. GHD began working on a preliminary bridge design at the direction of the City Manager. But after initial review, it has been estimated that just a bridge selection study to evaluate different bridge options and provide information (such as geologic stability, permitting requirements, construction access, and funding options) about each option so that an informed decision on how to proceed can be made is estimated to cost around $40K.

In order to have opened the new trail alignment this summer without a full permit and environmental review process, work would have needed to be limited to very minor

Trinidad Planning Commission Trinidad 2024-09 – CDP: SRPT DENIED – July 17, 2024 APNs: 042-091-004 & -005
vegetation removal and temporary improvements. While it is clear that the ALMT cannot be reopened this summer, City staff are pursuing options for getting it reopened before next summer and limit the closure to two years. Because of the thick vegetation, the traditional alignment has not been accessible, making the feasibility of various options difficult to assess. Therefore, an interim repair on the existing alignment would be the simplest option. One possibility that has been discussed internally is a prefabricated (to specifications) aluminum stairway with railings built in sections that could be assembled onsite and pressed/inserted into the sand and toe of the bluff to provide pedestrian access during the summer. It would need to be removed during the winter season. Traditional cable steps are likely not an option due to the 10+ vertical drop at the beach, because there does not appear to be enough material readily available on the beach to build up a more gradual slope.

As reported as part of the Van Wycke Trail report, City staff scheduled a meeting with the TMT on July 11. Unfortunately, Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS) members had a conflict come up at the last minute and could not attend the meeting. Although there was discussion about the design and site limitations, specific feedback was not received from other TMT members. City staff have scheduled a follow-up meeting with TAS representatives on Tuesday July 16, so there may be additional information to report at the meeting. However, it would not change the fact that the trail cannot be safely opened in its current condition nor eliminate the need for another closure.

Potential Conflicts of Interest
There are no known conflicts of interest; no Commissioners own property or reside within 500 feet of the project.

ZONING ORDINANCE / GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The ALMT is on land zoned Open Space (OS). The City’s zoning ordinance does not include required findings for projects that require a CDP but no other type of planning approval such as Design Review. Therefore, overall consistency with the City’s LCP and Coastal Act have been considered.

The ALMT was rebuilt after the adoption of the general plan but has been designed as the “primary” trail to Old Home Beach through a settlement agreement. It is considered a Tribal Cultural Resource as it is the traditional access for the nucleus of the Tsurai Village and Ceremonial Trail.

Policy 64 of the Trinidad General Plan requires that the trail system be marked and maintained for use by the public. Staff suggested this project is consistent with that requirement, because the closure is only temporary while the City investigates options to improve the trail and protect public safety. However, the Planning Commission found that continued closure was not consistent with Policy 64, because the trail has not

Trinidad Planning Commission Trinidad 2024-09 – CDP: SRPT DENIED – July 17, 2024 APNs: 042-091-004 & -005
been adequately maintained by the City and the closure has already been ongoing for more than a year.

Policy 5 of the Trinidad General Plan states that: “Where access trails must traverse steep slopes, they should be located away from unstable areas and improvements should be provided to minimize erosion and slope failures. Existing trails which are creating these problems should either be improved or closed.” The project is consistent with this policy.

In terms of the Coastal Act, the primary standard of review for this project is whether it is consistent with the public access policies of the Coastal Act (Chapter 3).

One of the primary purposes of the Coastal Act is to “Maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone consistent with sound resources conservation principals and constitutionally protected rights of private property owners.” (§ 30001.5), which also carries out a similar principal found within the CA Constitution. Section 30210 states: “In carrying out the requirement of Section 4 of Article X of the California Constitution, maximum access, which shall be conspicuously posted, and recreational opportunities shall be provided for all the people consistent with public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property owners, and natural resource areas from overuse.” The project is consistent with these sections, because the trail currently poses a risk to public safety and the closure is only temporary.

Coastal Act § 30211 states: “Development shall not interfere with the public’s right of access to the sea where acquired through use or legislative authorization, including, but not limited to, the use of dry sand and rocky coastal beaches to the first line of terrestrial vegetation.” This temporary closure will not interfere with the public’s right to access the sea, because it is short term, and there are other coastal access points in and around Trinidad.

Section 30214(a) allows that: “The public access policies of this article shall be implemented in a manner that takes into account the need to regulate the time, place, and manner of public access depending on the facts and circumstances in each case including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Topographic and geologic site characteristics…” This temporary closure is necessary due to the unsafe conditions caused by wave erosion that has compromised the integrity of the trail and the toe of the bluff.

A condition has been proposed to be included as part of the project that the approval is only for a one-year period while the TMT and other stakeholders explore short and long-term solutions. The Planning Commission may extend that time limit if found necessary and if progress can be shown in advancing repair or access alternatives.

Although the temporary closure will affect public access during the closure, it is necessary to protect public safety and will provide time for staff to develop and plan

Trinidad Planning Commission Trinidad 2024-09 – CDP: SRPT DENIED – July 17, 2024 APNs: 042-091-004 & -005
repair options. The project can be found to be consistent with the City’s certified LCP and other applicable regulations and the public access policies of the Coastal Act.

SLOPE STABILITY:

The project is located outside of the Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone. But the property where the proposed project is located is within an area designated as unstable and questionably stable based on Plate 3 of the Trinidad General Plan. The City is working with a geologist and the City Engineer on potential solutions. The closure will not further impact stability.

SEWAGE DISPOSAL:

The project will not generate wastewater.

LANDSCAPING AND FENCING:

This project does not involve any new landscaping or fencing.

DESIGN REVIEW / VIEW PROTECTION FINDINGS:

No new structures are proposed as part of this closure. The existing fencing and signage were authorized to remain as long as the trail is closed with the approval of CDP #2023-

05. Design Review is not required for this project.

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Based on the discussion at the public hearing, the project was found to not be consistent all applicable policies and regulations, in particular, General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Policy 64. Therefore, the necessary findings for granting approval of the project could not be made. The Planning Commission did not agree with staff’s analysis, and unanimously (5-0) denied the project with the following motion:

Based on application materials and information included in this Staff Report, and based on public testimony, I find that the project is not consistent with the City’s certified LCP and other applicable regulations, specifically noting a lack of demonstrable progress towards repair of the trail and inconsistency with Policy 64, and I move to deny the project as described in this staff report, and as conditioned therein without prejudice.

ATTACHMENTS
• Map of closure area (1 page)
Closure
Excerpt from the DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes of July 17, 2024

4. Trinidad 2024-09: Discussion/decision on a Coastal Development Permit for continued temporary closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) due to unsafe conditions. Trail closure authorization is proposed for one year while the City works with stakeholders to develop and plan additional repair options. Located at the ALMT; APN: 042-091-005.

Staff Report
City Planner Parker provided a brief history of the closure. She reported that the temporary closure of the trail is expiring on August 3. Staff has proposed a new closure with a new permit, because the simple repair that was anticipated is not feasible. She reported that City staff met with the Tsurai Management Team (TMT) on July 11 to discuss a plan to reopen the trail. The Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS) was unable to meet then but were available for a meeting on July 16 to discuss the work necessary to realign and open the trail. Although they will not support repairs on the current alignment, they are supportive of getting the realignment open ASAP. The TAS also plan to present the ALMT report by GHD at the next meeting. Parker emphasized the progress being made and recommended extending the closure for up to one year.

Commissioner Comments and Questions
Commissioner Johnson noted that the public is frustrated with multiple trail closures. He is hesitant to extend the existing closure without a clear path forward to reopening. He appreciates staff’s work so far but wants to incentivize continued progress.

There was a conversation about the consequences of not approving the extension. Parker reiterated that the trail cannot be safely reopened in its current condition. She presented various scenarios but explained that the City cannot proceed with repairs without the approval from the TAS due to Policy 69 and zoning regulations. She opined that a denial would have to be appealed to the City Council.

There were questions about the status of the previously proposed intermediate plan. Parker explained that upon closer inspection, a simple pedestrian bridge or stairway is not feasible, because of the erosion at the toe of the slope. An aluminum staircase or bridge has been discussed as a temporary option, but the vegetation must be cleared to be able to design something.

Johnson asked for clarification of the TMT’s position regarding the ALMT. Parker explained that the trail is identified as a recreational and cultural resource in the Tsurai Management Plan (TMP).

The Coastal Conservancy holds an easement over the property for public access. She emphasized that the TAS has always supported the traditional trail alignment.

Commissioner Cole agreed with Johnson’s concerns and frustration with the continued closure. He reiterated that a solution, intermediate or long-term, has yet to be presented to the Commission despite multiple requests. He is tired of the lack of progress and is not confident that continued closure will result in meaningful action.

Commissioner Slay noted that the coastline and the toe of the bluff seem to be in a similar condition as when the temporary closure was first approved more than a year ago. He questioned the need for more time to find a solution to an eighteen-month-old problem. He voiced his support for “light touch solutions,” that are easy to implement after erosion cycles, which will continue to occur. He also questioned whether the trail closure is consistent with Policy 64.

Commissioner Hopkins noted that due to the condition of the trail it will likely be closed for another year regardless of what the Commission does and stressed the need for an interim plan that involves the City Council.

Commissioner Hakenen expressed frustration that the interim plan that they thought was being pursued is now considered infeasible; he questions why that wasn’t determined sooner. He asked for clarification for why this was brought to the Commission as a new permit rather than an extension of the previous closure. Parker explained that conditions have changed and that a new permit opens up the decision to required noticing and appeals. Hakenen then asked if the proposal for a shortterm repair that was provided to the Commission in January 2024 had been presented to the TMT.

Parker said that it had been presented, but the TMT will not support repairs to the existing alignment, preferring to focus on the realignment to the original trail configuration.

Johnson asked why the City wasn’t pursuing a CDP to clear the brush in order to assess whether or not the realignment is feasible. Parker assured him that it will be presented at the August meeting.

Johnson then suggested amending the approval to a one-month closure, which could be extended.

Hakenen asked why the City isn’t maintaining the vegetation along the existing trail. Parker suggested that maintenance would encourage people to ignore the barriers and use the trail.

Hakenen voiced his frustration with the process and suggested that this needs to be discussed at the City Council level.

Public Comments
There were no public comments. However, written and verbal comments were made during the discussion for item #1 that also expressed objections to this trail closure.

Commissioner Discussion
There was another discussion about the consequences of denying the CDP. Trever reiterated that a CDP for brush clearing will be presented in August and is necessary before deciding on and designing any temporary/interim solutions such as a prefabricated stairway or bridge. Johnson suggested keeping RCAA and the Yurok Tribe in the loop as part of this discussion, because they may have alternative solutions to suggest.

Cole argued that enough material could likely be found on the beach to support standard cable steps at the current or new alignment. Cole also suggested escalating this issue and putting pressure on the City, the TMT, and TAS by denying the closure. He also suggested reopening the trail without repairs, as people will find a way to the beach on their own.

Parker reiterated that staff would recommend an appeal to the City Council. If the Planning Commission is going to deny the closure, she recommended denying it without prejudice so that staff could bring it back in the near future if necessary. She also recommended including specific findings for the denial that would differentiate this action from another temporary closure.

Commissioner Slay stated that he felt this closure wasn’t consistent with Policy 64 for the reasons previously stated. Commissioner Cole cited Coastal Act section 30211 and stated that the lack of progress towards repair interferes with the public’s right of access. Commissioner Johnson added that no evidence has been provided to indicate that this closure really is only temporary.

Motion (Hakenen/Slay) Based on application materials and information included in the Staff Report, and based on public testimony, I find the project is not consistent with the City certified LCP and other applicable regulations, specifically noting a lack of demonstrable progress towards repair of the trail is not consistent with Policy 64, and I move to deny the project as described in the Staff Report, and as conditioned therein without prejudice. Passed unanimously (5-0).

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

4. First Reading of Ordinance 2024-02 and Adoption of Resolution 2024-14; Zoning and General Plan Amendment request to change the zoning and general plan designations of the property from PR – Public and Religious to SR – Suburban Residential. Narelle 2021-04; Located at 12 Berry Road; APN: 515-331-016.
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Narelle 2021-04 Zoning / GP Amendment Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: August 13, 2024

Item: Narelle 2021-04: Zoning and General Plan Map Amendment Background
The project is located at 12 Berry Road, APN: 515-331-016. The property is currently developed with a church and an attached apartment. The church had been abandoned for several years prior to purchase by the current owners. They would like to convert the church into a residence and maintain the apartment as an ADU. In order to accomplish this, the property owner has requested a change in the land use designation and zoning from Public & Religious (PR) to Suburban Residential (SR). The Planning Commission recommended approval of the general plan and zoning map amendments at a public hearing on July 17, 2024. The attached Planning Commission staff report provides additional details.

Summary
Over the past several years, three of the four churches in the City have been sold into private, individual ownership. This indicates a lack of demand for this particular land use.

The SR land use designation/zoning is consistent with surrounding properties and the rural residential neighborhood of Berry Road. The amendment is essentially “downzoning,” because the SR zone allows a narrower range of uses and at a lower density than the PR zone.

One complicating factor for this site is the presence of a wetland just to the east of the existing development. The wetland has been delineated in accordance with current standards, and a 50-foot setback for future development will be maintained. This project was referred to resource agencies and any concerns have been adequately addressed. Staff is not recommending that any of the lot be designated/zoned Special Environment (SE) at this time for several reasons. It was not what was proposed by the applicants, and it would not be consistent with the surrounding zoning/land use designations even though there are other wet areas on adjacent properties. Also, the City’s zoning ordinance does not currently contain any provisions for protecting wetlands. Therefore, having the wetland delineated and requiring maintenance of a 50-foot setback will provide adequate protection for the sensitive habitat.

At this time, the applicants are proposing only minimal new development, including conversion of the church into a residence by way of internal remodeling, and repairs and installation of a new septic system to serve both residences that will be outside of the 50- foot wetland setback. That development is not being approved at this time, because it is not consistent with the existing zoning. It will require a separate permit once the amendment is approved by the City and certified by the Coastal Commission. However some of the work needed to permit that development, such as a design for the new septic system, has already been completed.
p. 2
Narelle 2021-04 Zoning / GP Amendment Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting Process
The project will need to be approved in several steps. The General Plan Land Use Map will be amended by adoption of Resolution 2024-14. The Zoning Map must be amended via an ordinance, and so will require two readings. The City Council may hold the first reading of Ordinance 2024-02 at this meeting. The second reading will occur at the next available regular City Council meeting (likely September 10, 2024). At that time, the Council will also need to adopt a second resolution authorizing staff to submit an application for an amendment of the City’s Local Coastal Program to the California Coastal Commission.

Note that as conditioned in the approval documents, the applicant is responsible for all the costs associated with processing the application, including the Local Coastal Program amendment.

Recommendation
Staff and the Planning Commission have recommended approval of this project. Based on the analysis in the attached staff report, the proposed rezone/redesignation can be found to be consistent with the City’s Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and the California Coastal Act. If the City Council agrees with staff’s analysis and the Planning Commission recommendation, the project may be approved with adoption of the attached Resolution 2024-14 and Ordinance 2024-14 subject to the conditions outlined in the Planning Commission staff report.

Alternatives
If the City Council does not agree with staff’s analysis, or if information is presented during the hearing that conflicts with the information contained in the staff report, the City Council has several alternatives:

A. Alter the proposed conditions of approval to address any specific concerns on the part of the Council or the public.

B. Delay action / continue the hearing to obtain further information. • In this case, the City Council should specify any additional information required from staff or the applicant and / or suggestions on how to modify the project and / or conditions of approval.

C. Denial of the project.
• The City Council should provide a motion that identifies the Finding(s) that cannot be made and giving the reasons for the inability to make said Finding(s).

Recommended Action

1. Adopt the attached Resolution 2024-14 approving the General Plan Land Use Map Amendment.

2. Hold the first reading of Ordinance 2024-02 amending the Zoning Map.

3. Set the second reading of Ordinance 2024-24 for the September 10, 2024 agenda.

At the September 10, 2024 meeting, the following additional actions will be taken:

4. Hold the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2024-02 amending the Zoning Map.

5. Adopt another resolution authorizing submittal of an application for an amendment to the Local Coastal Program to the California Coastal Commission. p. 3
Narelle 2021-04 Zoning / GP Amendment Agenda Item Report 08-13-24 CC Meeting Attachments
• Existing Land Use and Zoning Maps (2 pages)
• Resolution (2024-14) of Adoption of a General Plan Amendment (2 pages) • Exhibit A: Land Use Map showing Amendment 2021-04 (1 page) • Ordinance (2024-02) Amending the Zoning Map (2 pages) • Exhibit B: Zoning Map showing Amendment 2021-04 (1 page) • Planning Commission staff report and associated attachments (40 pages)

City of Trinidad Resolution #2024-14
TRINIDAD CITY HALL Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-14

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE LAND USE MAP (PLATE 1B) OF THE TRINIDAD GENERAL PLAN / LAND USE PLAN PORTION OF THE LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM TO CHANGE APN 515-331-016, 12 BERRY ROAD, FROM PUBLIC &

RELIGIOUS TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL
WHEREAS, an application to amend the land use and zoning maps for Assessor Parcel Number 515-331-016 (12 Berry Road) was submitted by the owners Nina and Shoogs Narrelle on February 10, 2021; and WHEREAS, the application is known as Narelle 2021-04: General Plan / Zoning Amendment. The amendment is to change the land use and zoning designations of Assessor Parcel Number 515-331-016 (12 Berry Road) from Public & Religious to Suburban Residential; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the General Plan / Zoning Map amendments on July 17, 2024 in accordance with State Law and the Municipal Code and recommended approval of the General Plan / Zoning Map Amendments to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the amendment is statutorily exempt from CEQA per §15265 exempting adoption of coastal plans and programs by local governments; and
WHEREAS, this amendment has been reviewed and processed pursuant to the provisions of the Local Coastal Program and City laws; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the General Plan / Zoning Map amendment on August 13, 2024; and
WHEREAS, this amendment is consistent with other parts of the City’s General Plan and certified Local Coastal Program; and
WHEREAS, Tribal Consultation was conducted for this General Plan amendment in accordance with State law; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan / Zoning Map amendment was discussed fully with testimony and documentation presented by the public and affected government agencies with all persons given the opportunity to speak for and against the proposed amendment; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Trinidad as follows:

1.That it does hereby adopt the herein-described Narelle 2021-04: General Plan / Land Use Plan amendment, as represented in the attached Exhibit “A,” for the reasons set forth in this Resolution and in the staff reports and other supporting information included in the August 13, 2024 City Council packet for this item.

Introduced, passed and adopted this 13th day of August, 2024 by the following vote:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Attest:

Gabriel Adams, City Clerk Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
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City of Trinidad Ordinance #2024-02
TRINIDAD CITY HALL Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-02

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PORTION OF THE LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM TO CHANGE APN 515-331-016, 12

BERRY ROAD, FROM PUBLIC & RELIGIOUS TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL WHEREAS, an application to amend the land use and zoning maps for Assessor Parcel Number 515-331-016 (12 Berry Road) was submitted by the owners Nina and Shoogs Narelle on February 10, 2021; and WHEREAS, the application is known as Narelle 2021-04: General Plan / Zoning Amendment. The amendment is to change the land use and zoning designations of Assessor Parcel Number 515-331-016 (12 Berry Road) from Public & Religious to Suburban Residential; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the General Plan / Zoning Map amendments on July 17, 2024 in accordance with State Law and the Municipal Code and recommended approval of the General Plan / Zoning Map Amendments to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the General Plan / Zoning Map amendments on August 13, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the amendment is statutorily exempt from CEQA per §15265 exempting adoption of coastal plans and programs by local governments; and
WHEREAS, this amendment is consistent with other parts of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and certified Local Coastal Program; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan / Zoning Map amendment was discussed fully with testimony and documentation presented by the public and affected government agencies with all persons given the opportunity to speak for and against the proposed amendment; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, the City Council does hereby amend the Zoning Map (Section

17.12.040; Section 3.04 as originally certified). The property to be rezoned is described below and is shown on the attached map labeled as “Exhibit B.”
“Assessor Parcel Number 515-331-016, 12 Berry Road, City of Trinidad, California” BE IT FINALLY ORDAINED, this action is based on the information, findings and conditions as described in the staff report and other supporting information included with the August 13, 2024 City Council packet for this agenda item.

SECTION II: This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon certification by the California Coastal Commission.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Trinidad, State of California, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Attest:

Gabriel Adams, City Clerk Cheryl Kelly, Mayor

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
Filed: February 10, 2021
Staff: Trever Parker
Staff Report: July 1, 2024
Commission Hearing Date: July 17, 2024
Commission Action: Recommend Approval
STAFF REPORT: CITY OF TRINIDAD
APPLICATION NO: 2021-04
APPLICANT / OWNER(S): Nina Narelle
AGENT: Shoogs Narelle
PROJECT LOCATION: 12 Berry Road
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Zoning and General Plan Amendment request to change the zoning and general plan designations
of the property from PR - Public and Religious to
SR – Suburban Residential.

ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER: 515-331-016
ZONING: PR – Public and Religious
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: PR – Public and Religious
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Statutorily Exempt from CEQA per §15265 of the CEQA Guidelines exempting activities and
approvals pursuant to the Coastal Act, including
adoption of local coastal plans.

APPEAL STATUS: Amendments to the Local Coastal Program, including the Zoning Ordinance and General
Plan require approval by City Council and
certification by the Coastal Commission at public
hearings. Therefore, they are not appealable. The
rezone/redesignation will not take effect until
certified by the Coastal Commission.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
SITE CHARACTERISTICS:

The property is located on the eastern side of Berry Road, just up from Frontage Road.

The approximately 2-acre property is developed with a church and an attached apartment on the western portion of the property adjacent to Berry Road. The church was constructed in the early to mid-1960’s with the attached apartment. Since then, it has also been used as a church and a school. It was vacant for several years prior to being purchased by the current owners. The eastern approximately 400 ft. (~2/3) of the property is undeveloped. Most of the property is heavily forested, and a wetland exists a little to the east of the existing structures. The lot slopes gently towards the east, getting steeper further east.

The property is zoned Public and Religious (PR) but is located within a primarily residential area. All of the other properties along Berry Road to the to the north, northwest, and east are zoned Suburban Residential (SR). Properties to the south along Frontage Road and Westhaven Drive have a mix of zoning including SR, Commercial (C), Public and Religious (PR), and Planned Development (PD) but are primarily developed with residential uses. Directly north, west and east along Berry Road, properties are developed with single-family residences. To the south and southeast, parcels are developed with single-family residences with one of the parcels developed with a duplex and another with a church being used as a residence.

STAFF COMMENTS:

Background
In general, every property in California has a land use designation in the applicable general plan, and a zoning designation in the applicable zoning ordinance. Often the general plan designation is more general (e.g. low density residential), and the zoning is more specific (e.g. Residential 2–5-acre minimum parcel size). Because Trinidad is small, the zoning and land use designations are the same.

The property owner intends to convert the church into a residence and maintain the apartment as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The PR zone does not allow residential uses other than a caretake unit. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed change is to allow the conversion of the existing church into a 2-bedroom residence and maintain the existing apartment as a 1-bedroom ADU, both of which will be served by a new septic system. These improvements will be permitted as a separate development once the rezone is approved and certified by the Coastal Commission.

The property owners / applicants originally applied to change the land use designation and zoning of this property in 2021. However, the fact that the eastern portion of the property contains a wetland (old drainage channel) complicated the application. Once the wetland delineation was completed, it was discovered that all of the existing

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
development is within 100 feet of the wetland, and the proposed new septic system was less than 50 ft. from it. Wetlands typically require a 100-foot (ft) setback from development, unless it can be found that a smaller setback is adequate. However, the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (DEH) cannot allow exceptions to the 100 ft. wetland setback in the Trinidad area. A wetland addendum assessed the situation in more detail, determining that the wet area is actually an old drainage channel, and that 50 ft. would be an adequate setback to protect the sensitive habitat.

DEH regulations only require a 50 ft. setback from drainage channels.

The applicants originally planned to construct a few minor improvements, some of which are mentioned in the wetland report(s), but those are no longer proposed, because they would have been within the 50-foot wetland setback. Additional soils testing occurred to find another location for a new septic system that would be more than 50 ft. from the wetland. Additional time was also spent developing a site plan. The applicants originally attempted to draw their own site plan, but the site conditions made that difficult. And once they hired a drafter, it became clear that the wetland was not accurately portrayed in the original wetland report. Therefore, a second addendum to the wetland report was prepared to update the mapping based on the newer, more accurate site plan.

Process
Chapter 17.68 of the Trinidad Zoning Ordinance sets forth the process for amending the zoning ordinance and the general plan. Only map amendments may be initiated by individual property owners. The Planning Commission must hold a public hearing on the amendment, and then make a recommendation to the City Council. If the Planning Commission recommends approval, the City Council must also hold a public hearing.

The amendment must be approved via both a resolution and ordinance. If the amendment is approved by the City Council, then the City must submit an application for an LCP amendment to the Coastal Commission, who will also conduct a review of applicable regulations and hold a public hearing on the application. The amendment does not take effect unless and until the Coastal Commission certifies the change. All the required and appropriate notifications and procedural steps have been followed in processing this application.

Referrals
Under CA law (SB18) jurisdictions must consult with affiliated Tribes on amendments to and adoptions of general plans. The City sent letters to all the Tribes identified by Native American Heritage Commission Native American Contacts List on November 12, 2021 offering them the opportunity to consult on this rezone application. No responses were received. In addition, referrals were sent to the Coastal Commission and CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The Coastal Commission had no comments. A staff member from CDFW visited the site to ensure that a rare plant survey isn’t necessary (primarily for the new septic system location); she had no further comments

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
or concerns after the site visit. Referrals were not sent to other City departments, since no physical changes are proposed at this time. City staff have been in communication with the County Division of Environmental Health regarding the septic system through the application process.

Potential Conflicts of Interest
There is a presumed material financial conflict of interest due to proximity for owners of property within 500 feet of a project. Commissioner Hopkins owns property that is approximately 525 feet from the project site, so there is no presumed conflict of interest.

Commissioner Cole owns property approximately 450 feet from the subject property.

When there is a presumed conflict of interest, the Commissioner must either recuse themselves, or rebut the presumption by showing that it is not reasonably foreseeable that the decision will have any financial effect on the Commissioner’s economic interests. Commissioner Cole recused himself and left the room for the duration of the hearing.

ZONING ORDINANCE CONSISTENCY
The purpose of the PR zone is to accommodate publicly owned land, other than that maintained primarily as open space, and land owned by religious organizations and used for religious worship and related activities. Whereas, the purpose of the SR zone is to provide single-family residential development at low densities suited to the physical capacity of the land and consistent with the density of nearby development. The church was legally developed with the clergy house or caretake unit prior to the zoning designation. However, the need for the church waned over time. Three of the four churches in Trinidad have been sold into individual private ownership in recent years.

The PR zoning district allows for a broad array of public and community uses and religious institutions and related activities but not residential uses other than a caretaker unit. The applicants are proposing to convert the church into a 2-bedroom residence and maintain the existing attached apartment as an ADU. The SR zone allows residential uses, including second units (with a use permit). The majority of properties adjacent to the proposed project are zoned SR and are developed with single-family residential units. Therefore, once the zoning is changed to SR, the proposed development would be consistent with the SR zoning (see Table 1).

The minimum lot area in the PR zone is only limited by the area needed to accommodate the intended use. The existing lot is approximately 83,635 sq. ft.

According to the application materials, the existing structure is 1,960 sq. ft with an existing 3,500 sq. ft. gravel driveway with sufficient parking. The existing apartment structure is 676 sq. ft with an existing covered porch and stairs. No changes to the existing building’s footprint or height are proposed at this time.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
A summary comparison of the differences in development standards between PR and SR zones is included in Table 1 below. One of the important things to consider is that the proposed SR zoning and land use designation allows a more limited range of uses and with less intense impacts and can be considered “downzoning.” Table 1: Comparison of Regulations in the PR and SR Zones Regulation Public and Religious (PR) Suburban Residential (SR) Principally
Permitted Uses
A. Churches and appurtenant
facilities
B. Fraternal and social
organizations;
C. Public parks, playgrounds,
etc;
D. Public and Private schools,
recreation centers, etc;
E. Utility substations,
corporation yards, storage
tanks, etc.

A. Single-family dwelling;
B. Home occupation
Uses Permitted
with a Use Permit
None A. Agriculture, including
farming, grazing, and plant
nursery;
B. Second dwelling unit, which
may be in a duplex, or
guesthouse.

Minimum Lot
Area
None 20,0000 sq. ft.

Maximum
Density
None One dwelling per 8,000 sq. ft. or
based on septic requirements
Minimum Yards Front: 20 ft.

Rear: 5 ft.

Side: 5 ft. except none when
adjacent to PR or C Zones.

Front: 30 ft.

Rear: 20 ft.

Side: 10 ft.

Maximum Height 25 ft. except that greater height
may permitted subject to
obtaining a conditional use
permit (CUP).
25 ft. except that the planning
commission may require a lesser
height.

Parking Depends on the use (see §

17.56.180)
Single-family dwelling: 2 spaces
in addition to any garage spaces
Attached dwellings: 1.5 spaces
per dwelling

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
Other regulations, such as requirements for Coastal Development Permits, Design Review, grading, geologic studies, etc. are the same for both zoning designations.

The existing lot and structure will meet the standards and requirements of the SR zone, so the amendment will not create any new nonconformance.

GENERAL PLAN AND COASTAL ACT CONSISTENCY
The project is not located in an area of geologic hazards or soils limitations, is already served by City water, and a new, engineered septic system will be installed, so it is consistent with policies 1-14 and 22-30. It will not require new roadways nor impact existing roadways or public services, so policies 31-43 do not apply. Commercial and recreation policies also don’t apply.

Trinidad General Plan
Biological Resources Policies

15. Riparian vegetation within 100 feet of major coastal streams should be protected. The major coastal streams in the city are Mill Creek, Mc Connahas Mill Creek, and Parker Creek.

Structures and activities should be sited outside the riparian protection zone whenever possible. If not possible, areas that must be disturbed should be kept to a minimum and be replanted with appropriate vegetation. Septic tank systems shall not be permitted in these areas.

16. The Humboldt County Natural Resources Department should define the geographical limits of the three rare plants located within potential development areas. Vegetation removal, timber harvesting, or development should be reviewed to ensure that all reasonable means have been considered to protect any existing rare plants.

17. Development of Trinidad Head should be kept to a minimum to protect the mammals and rare plants located there. The location of rare plants should be considered in the development of any trails.

18. Public agencies (i.e., State Lands Commission and State Department of Fish and Game) should take every possible step to minimize the intrusion of boaters and beachcombers on offshore rocks.

The project site does not contain creeks, riparian areas, or habitat for rare plants. The project is consistent with biological resource protection policies by mapping the wetland and providing an adequate buffer that will protect its resource values.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
Nonconforming Use Policies

19. The Land Use Map recognizes existing land use areas and attempts, wherever possible, to place them in a category which allows compatible uses. It is intended that all new development be channeled into appropriately designated areas so that land use conflicts can be minimized.

20. Some existing uses are not placed in an appropriate land use category because of their isolated location and the undesirability of providing for expansion of similar uses in the immediate area. Rather it is intended that the immediate site be placed in a compatible zone to allow the use to continue as a conforming use, but not to allow for expansion onto adjacent lands.

21. Where uses are incompatible, they are not recognized in the Land Use Map and it is intended that they be treated as non-conforming uses and not be given zoning preference.

Existing zoning, the attitudes of local property owners and the judgment of the Planning Commission should be the basis for distinguishing between uses that are compatible and those that are non-compatible.

The proposed rezone is consistent with these policies by placing the existing church, which will be converted to a single family residence with an ADU and surrounded by single-family residential within an appropriate zone/land use designation. Though the PR land use designation is compatible with the surrounding uses, as the PR zone is intended for any public and religious facility serving nearby uses, the need for churches has significantly declined with multiple churches within the City of Trinidad having been abandoned and sold. Directly to the south, there is another parcel with the PR land use designation that is also being used as a single-family residence, highlighting the need for single family residential property in this area. A third church within the town proper is being used for community type uses. Therefore, the proposed rezoning and use is consistent with the General Plan policies.

Housing Policies

45. Trinidad's role in the effort to provide adequate housing is focused on three areas:
(a) Attempting to keep the cost of existing moderate cost housing down so it can continue to be available to people with limited incomes who desire to live in Trinidad; (b) Protecting the unique character of the City as a single-family owner occupied fishing village;
(c) Encouraging the County to allow a variety of housing types in the residential areas surrounding the City consistent with septic tank limitations.

47. Only single-family residences should be permitted in the Urban Residential, Suburban Residential, Rural Residential and General Rural categories.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
Housing Element Policies

2. Due to existing physical constraints, the City of Trinidad retains the existing emphasis on single-family dwelling units in residential designated areas.

4. Promote conservation and improvement of the existing housing stock, with emphasis on older structures.

The General Plan recognizes the need for single-family residential land and the preservation of existing housing stock. Though the existing structure is not housing, the proposed rezone would allow for improvements to an older structure that has been vacant in order to create housing in an area surrounded by single family residential uses. The proposed project is consistent with these policies.

Appendix A – Land Use Categories and Zoning Conformance Public and Religious: The Public and Religious category identifies areas owned by public agencies or religious organizations. (Public ownership that are essentially open space parks have been designed as Open Space on the Land Use Map). Public agency ownerships include school sites, public parking areas, utility substations, fire stations, public buildings, and cemeteries.

Existing church sites are also included in this category. Any proposed public and religious facilities are intended to be compatible with nearby land use and to be located on streets which offer convenient access.

Suburban Residential: The Suburban Residential category is intended to provide variable density, single family residential development where public water systems are available or will be available in the near future. Densities which are likely to strain the physical capacity of the land should only occur when public sewers and water supply are available.

The existing property was originally a church built with an attached apartment. With the lack of demand for churches or other community-based uses in the neighborhood, the property is more consistent with the description and the need of the SR designation than the PR designation. The zone change / land use designation change is appropriate and consistent with the Trinidad General Plan.

Coastal Act Policies (Chapter 3)
Public Access
The project property is not located between the sea and first public roadway. It will not affect or interfere with public access.

Recreation
Not applicable.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
Marine Environment
Not applicable.

Land Resources
The project site does not have agricultural uses. The project parcel does include a wetland (drainage channel), but a wetland delineation determined direct and indirect impacts are expected to be minimal. A jurisdictional wetland delineation report was prepared by TransTerra Consulting in June 2021 using the USACE Regional Supplement to the Corps of the Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valley. The report determined the type, location, and boundaries of the two wet areas totaling approximately 5,470 sq. ft. and 815 sq. ft. The wetlands are not “jurisdictional” wetlands subject to the Clean Water Act. However, they still qualify as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) under the Coastal Act and other regulations.

An addendum to the original report was prepared in October 2021 which provided more specific recommendations for protecting the wetland and concluded that 50 ft. would provide an adequate setback for the ESHA. The Report concluded the following, “Although this addition [no longer proposed] is within the 50 [foot] recommended setback, it is not expected to affect the wetland directly and indirect impacts are expected to be minimal.” The existing septic system, which is within 50 ft. of the wetland, is proposed to be abandoned, which would include filling the old tank with gravel or other fill. The new septic system is proposed to be developed on the western portion of the property along Berry Road, 50 ft away from the wetland, as identified in the site plan. No other development is proposed at this time. By abandoning the existing septic system and installing a new one further away, potential impacts will likely be reduced.

Development
The zoning and land use designation amendment does not involve new development.

Planned future development includes a new septic system and abandonment of the existing septic system as well as a use permit for a second dwelling unit. These improvements will be permitted as a separate project once the rezone is approved and certified by the Coastal Commission.

Industrial Development
Not applicable.

The proposed project is consistent with, and does not conflict with, the resource policies of the Coastal Act.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Generally, zone changes are not exempt from review under CEQA. However, because Trinidad is in the Coastal Zone, and this project requires certification of an LCP amendment by the Coastal Commission, it falls under a statutory exemption. CEQA Guidelines §15265 states: “CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals pursuant to the Coastal Act by… any local government… necessary for the preparation and adoption of a local coastal program.” That same section further explains that: “This section shifts the burden of CEQA compliance from the local agency… to the California Coastal Commission.” The Coastal Commission’s LCP approval process is a “certified regulatory program,” which means it has been certified as being equivalent to CEQA.

As part of the application to the Coastal Commission for an LCP amendment for this project, the City will have to submit sufficient environmental information and analysis for the Coastal Commission to make their determination regarding environmental impacts. Therefore, the zone change itself will not have any foreseeable, significant environmental impacts.

SLOPE STABILITY:

This parcel is not included on Plate 3 of the General Plan, because it was annexed into the City after that map was adopted. However, on the original map prepared by Oscar Larson and Associates that formed the basis of Plate 3, the property is not mapped as being “unstable” or of “questionable” stability. The western approximately 1/3 portion of the property is within the Alquist-Priolo Fault Hazard Zone. However, single-family, wood-frame dwellings not exceeding 2-stories are exempt from the requirements of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, and no additional studies are required.

SEWAGE DISPOSAL:

The property is served by an existing substandard septic system consisting of an 1,800- gallon tank and a single leachline impacted by roots. The existing system is proposed to be abandoned and a new septic system sized for a 2-bedroom residence and 1-bedroom ADU is proposed to be developed southwest of the existing structure. That system will be a low-pressure distribution system with a 1,500-gallon tank, 750-gallon pump chamber, four 40-foot leachlines, and a 100% reserve area. The proposed amendment will not directly affect wastewater flows, but the allowable uses in the SR zone typically have lower flows than many of the allowable uses in the PR zone.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016
LANDSCAPING AND FENCING:

This project does not involve any new landscaping or fencing. The applicants have installed some fencing since purchasing the property, which is exempt from needing a permit.

DESIGN REVIEW / VIEW PROTECTION FINDINGS:

The amendment will not result in any physical changes. If any external changes to the profile of existing structures or topography are proposed in the future due to the conversion of the existing church into a single-family residence and installation of the new septic tank, then Design Review approval may be required.

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Based on the above analysis, and as conditioned, the proposed zoning map and land use designation amendment was found to be consistent with the City’s Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and the California Coastal Act. The Planning Commission agreed with staff’s analysis, and recommended approval to the City Council with the following motion and a 4-0 vote:

Based on the information submitted in the application, and included in the staff report and public testimony, I find that the land use designation and zone change is consistent with applicable standards and regulations, and I move to adopt the information and findings in the staff report and recommend to the City Council that they approve the approve the requested amendment as conditioned in the staff report.

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

1. The applicant is responsible for reimbursing the City for all costs associated with processing the application, including through the City Council and Coastal Commission. Responsibility: City Clerk prior to amending maps.

2. The application is responsible for assisting City staff to prepare and submit the information and materials necessary to apply for a Local Coastal Program Amendment through the CA Coastal Commission. Responsibility: City Clerk prior to amending maps.

3. The proposed zoning and general plan map amendments will not go into effect until approved by the City Council and certified by the CA Coastal Commission.

Responsibility: City Clerk prior to amending maps.

Trinidad Planning Commission Narelle 2021-04 – ZO/GP Amendment: SRPT RECOMMEND APPROVAL – July 17, 2024 APN: 515-331-016

ATTACHMENTS
• Current zoning map (1 page)
• Site plan (one 11x17 page)
• Wetland Report and Addenda (26 pages); appendices B and C available upon request
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8 Legend
OS - Open Space
SE - Special Environmental
SR - Suburban Residential
UR - Urban Residential
PD - Planned Devlopment
C - Commercial
VS - Visitor Services
PR - Public & Religious
Right-of-Way
Trinidad City Limits
Land Use & Zoning
www.trinidad.ca.gov
City of Trinidad
1,000 500 0 1,000
1 inch = 1,000 feet
This map generated 3/31/2022 for display purposes only.

For an official Land Use determination see Plate 1B
of the General Plan (July, 1978)
APN: 515-331-016
APN: 515-331-042 APN: 515-331-041 APN: 515-331-044
APN: 515-350-006
APN:
515-331-011
APN: 515-331-058 APN: 515-331-056
APN: 515-331-055 APN: 515-331-014
APN: 515-331-047
BERRY ROAD RESIDENCE CHANGE OF USE (<E> CHURCH)
1,960 SF
<E> 3,500 SF
GRAVEL

DRIVEWAY

SURFACE

FLOWDIRECTION,
TYP

EDGE OF GRAVEL DRIVEWAY

EDGE OF GRAVEL DRIVEWAY
<E> 200

AMP PANEL
<E> POWER POLE
<E> WATER METER
<E> PROPANE
<N> UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC
<N> SEPTIC
<N> RESERVE

PARKING

PARKING

PARKING
50'

WETLAND

SETBACK
419'
36'
30'
41' (10' MIN)
30' (5' MIN)
28'
63'
83'
83'
95'
69'
33'
48'
<E> SEPTIC
<E>

COVERED

PORCH AND
STAIRS
ADU

CHANGE OF USE
(<E> CHURCH)
676 SF

DRAWNDATEAPPROVEDJOB NUMBERCHECKSHEET
NO. BY DATE HISTORY / REVISION CHK.

Apr 05,2024-12:28pm
F:\ACAD\CAD FILES\SHOOGS NARELLE\DWG\ G0.1 PLOT PLAN.dwg SNSN 3/17/2023 3.17.2023 JDB

CONVERT CHURCH TO RESIDENCE
12 BERRY RD., TRINIDAD, CA 95570
APN: 515-331-016
G0.1

PLOT PLAN

VICINITY MAP

NOT TO SCALE

PROJECTPARCEL

CONVERT CHURCH TO RESIDENCE
12 BERRY RD. TRINIDAD, CA 95570
APN: 515-331-016
PLAN
SCALE: 1"=20'
0' 20' 40'
SCALE: 1"=20'
NOTES:

1. ALL LOCATIONS ARE
APPROXIMATE. NO SURVEY WAS
CONDUCTED FOR THIS PROJECT.

2. PROPERTY LINES ARE
APPROXIMATE.

3. CONTOURS SHOWN HEREON ARE
FROM 2009-2011 NOAA/COASTAL
CONSERVANCY LiDAR SHAPE FILES.

4. IMAGE SHOWN HEREON IS FROM
BING.

5. NO TREES WILL BE REMOVED FOR
THIS PROJECT.

OWNER INFORMATION:

OWNER: NINA & SHOOGS NARELLE
PHONE: 503-341-7483
SITE INFORMATION:

1.92 ACRES
ZONE: PR (PUBLIC & RELIGIOUS)
SRA: NO
FEMA: NO
COASTAL ZONE: YES

WETLAND LOCATION
NOTES:

FIELD LOCATIONS WERE OBTAINED BY
TRANS TERA ON-SITE 3-18-2024.

MEASUREMENTS WERE TAKEN FROM

THE EXISTING HOUSE TO WETLAND

STAKE LOCATIONS PROVIDED BY
TRANS TERA.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
for APN 515-331-016
Nina Narelle
Prepared by:

TransTerra Consulting LLC
791 8th Street
Arcata, CA 95521
Contact: Tamara Camper
(707) 840-4772
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the type and extent of jurisdictional wetlands and waters that may be affected by renovations for the property APN 515-331-016.

Jurisdictional resources considered for this report include wetlands and non-wetland “waters of the U.S.” regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); “waters of the State” regulated by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB); and the bed, bank, and channel of all lakes, rivers, and/or streams (and associated riparian vegetation), as regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

The jurisdictional delineation work was performed by Holly Vadurro B.A. and Margaux Karp B.S. of TransTerra Consulting on June 16, 2021 using the USACE Regional Supplement to the Corps of the Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version

2.0). The proposed project is located off Berry Road near Trinidad, in Humboldt County, California, on the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Trinidad 7.5-minute quadrangle map.

Wetland features were identified based on the USACE’s three-parameter approach in which wetlands are defined by the presence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and presence of wetland hydrology indicators. Generally, the limits of non-wetland “waters of the U.S.” are identified by the presence of an ordinary high-water mark (OHWM). The limits of CDFW jurisdictional waters in this project were identified as the top of the bank. Wetland features were also analyzed using the California Coastal Commission (CCC) 1-parameter approach as the project is located within coastal zone jurisdiction.

The area of investigation contained 0.14 acres of jurisdiction wetland. The wetlands include two areas of coastal Palustrine Forest (PFO) wetlands consisting of 0.1255 acres and 0.0187 acres. These wetlands do not appear hydrologically connected to any stream, falling outside of the jurisdiction of USACE, NCRWQB, and CDFW. However, these wetlands must be considered for the Humboldt County SMA policies.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
ii

CONTENTS
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................i Introduction ..................................................................................................................................1 Purpose of Study .......................................................................................................................1 Regulatory Background.................................................................................................................1 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ......................................................................................1 Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).......................................................................1 California Department of Fish and Wildlife ...............................................................................2 Additional Laws and Policies......................................................................................................3 Environmental Setting...................................................................................................................3 Project Location and Description...............................................................................................3 Soils 5
Topography and Hydrology .......................................................................................................7 Wetlands and Streamside Management Areas .........................................................................8 Vegetation.................................................................................................................................8 Methods........................................................................................................................................8 Wetland and Waters Delineation ..............................................................................................8 Results and Discussion ................................................................................................................11 Jurisdictional Wetland and Waters..........................................................................................11 Recommendations........................................................................................................................0 References....................................................................................................................................1 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
iii

FIGURES
Figure 1. Project location. .............................................................................................................4 Figure 2. Aerial image of the Project Area and existing infrastructure (Google Earth 2020).........5 Figure 3. Soil types mapped on the parcel and Project Area from the National Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey. .........................................................................................7 Figure 4. Wetland Delineation Results..........................................................................................0 TABLES
Table 1. Soils mapped on the parcel and Project Area..................................................................6 Table 2. Precipitation and temperatures for June survey period ................................................10

APPENDICES
Appendix A. Site photographs.

Appendix B. Qualifications
Appendix C. Field Forms
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
1 INTRODUCTION
Purpose of Study
This Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation report and was prepared to provide data concerning the type and extent of wetlands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB); and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). This report is based on the fieldwork performed on June 16, 2021. The project includes rezoning and associated building renovation activities.

In the following report, the “Project Area” is defined as the area within the parcel(s) where direct impacts to the environment from commercial activities may occur. On-site field assessments are completed within the Project Area. An additional “Biological Assessment Area” (BAA) encompasses a larger buffer zone around the Project Area to evaluate the potential for indirect impacts to nearby sensitive habitats, special status species, or seasonal or migrating species as a result of activities within the Project Area. The BAA is evaluated using online maps and databases, as described below. The BAA may extend beyond the project parcel(s); however, field studies are not conducted outside of parcel boundaries due to access restrictions unless otherwise specified.

REGULATORY BACKGROUND
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
The USACE Regulatory Branch regulates activities that may discharge dredged or fill materials into “waters of the U.S.” under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. This permitting authority applies to all “waters of the U.S.” where the material (1) replaces any portion of a “waters of the U.S.” with dry land or (2) changes the bottom elevation of any portion of any “waters of the U.S.”. These fill materials include sand, rock, clay, construction debris, wood chips, and materials used to create any structure or infrastructure in these waters. The selection of disposal sites for dredged or fill material is made in accordance with guidelines specified in Section 404(b)(1) of the CWA, which were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
The RWQCB is the primary agency responsible for protecting water quality in California through the regulation of discharges to surface waters under the CWA and the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Porter-Cologne Act). The RWQCB’s jurisdiction extends to all “waters of the State” and to all “waters of the U.S.”, including wetlands (isolated and non-isolated).

Section 401 of the CWA provides the RWQCB with authority to regulate, through a Water Quality Certification, any proposed, federally permitted activity that may affect water quality. Among such activities are discharges of dredged or fill material permitted by the USACE pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA. Section 401 requires the RWQCB to provide certification that there is reasonable assurance that an activity with the potential for discharge into navigable waters will not violate water quality Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
2 standards. Water Quality Certification must be based on findings that the proposed discharge will comply with water quality standards, which contain numeric and narrative objectives found in each of the nine RWQCBs’ Basin Plans.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The CDFW has jurisdictional authority over wetland resources associated with rivers, streams, and lakes pursuant to the California Fish and Game Code (§§1600–1616). Activities of state and local agencies, as well as public utilities that are project proponents, are regulated by the CDFW under Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code.

Because the CDFW includes streamside habitats under its jurisdiction that, under the federal definition, may not qualify as wetlands on a project site, its jurisdiction may be broader than that of the USACE. Riparian forests in California often lie outside the plain of ordinary high water regulated under Section 404 of the CWA, and often do not have all three parameters (wetland hydrology, hydrophytic vegetation, and hydric soils) sufficiently present to be regulated as a wetland.

However, riparian forests are frequently included within CDFW regulatory jurisdiction under Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code.

The CDFW jurisdictional limits are not as clearly defined by regulation as those of the USACE.

While they closely resemble the limits described by USACE regulations, they include riparian habitat supported by a river, stream, or lake regardless of the presence or absence of hydric and saturated soils conditions. In general, the CDFW extends jurisdiction from the top of a stream bank or to the outer limits of the adjacent riparian vegetation (outer drip line), whichever is greater. Notification is generally required for any project that will take place within or near a river, stream, lake, or their tributaries. This includes rivers or streams that flow at least periodically or permanently through a bed or channel with banks that support fish and other aquatic plant and/or wildlife species. It also includes watercourses that have a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation.

Coastal Act Policies Related to Coastal Wetlands
Coastal Act Section 30230 requires that uses of the marine environment be carried out in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of coastal waters for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes. Additionally, Coastal Act Section 30231 requires that the biological productivity and quality of coastal waters be maintained and, where feasible, restored through minimizing adverse effects of waste water discharges and entrainment, controlling runoff, preventing depletion of ground water supplies and substantial interference with surface water flow, encouraging waste water reclamation, maintaining natural vegetation buffer areas that protect riparian habitats, and minimizing alteration of natural streams.

Coastal Act Section 30233 states (in relevant part): (a) The diking, filling, or dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes shall be permitted in accordance with other applicable provisions of this division, where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects, and shall be limited to the following:

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
3 • New or expanded port, energy, and coastal-dependent industrial facilities, including commercial fishing facilities.
• Maintaining existing, or restoring previously dredged, depths in existing navigational channels, turning basins, vessel berthing and mooring areas, and boat launching ramps. • In open coastal waters, other than wetlands, including streams, estuaries, and lakes, new or expanded boating facilities and the placement of structural pilings for public recreational piers that provide public access and recreational opportunities. • Incidental public service purposes, including,but not limited to: burying cables and pipes or inspection of piers and maintenance of existing intake and outfall lines. • Mineral extraction, including sand for restoring beaches, except in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Restoration purposes.
• Nature study, aquaculture, or similar resource dependent activities.

Coastal Act Section 30121 identifies wetlands, a type of ESHA, as "lands within the coastal zone which may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow water and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, and fens”.

Unique to the Coastal Act’s definition of wetlands—see California Code of Regulations Section 13577(b)—a wetland need only display one of the parameters typically used to define wetland areas, in contrast to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which uses a three-parameter definition under its federal authorities. It is also important to note that the Coastal Act definition of wetlands (Section 30121) does not distinguish wetlands according to their quality. Thus, under the Coastal Act, poorly functioning or degraded areas that meet the definition of wetlands are nonetheless subject to wetland protection policies.

Additional Laws and Policies
In addition to the policies mentioned above, numerous other policies exist to protect wetlands, waters, and biological resources, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Project Location and Description
The Project Area is located on Humboldt County Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 515-331-016 off Berry Lane near Trinidad, in Humboldt County, California (Section 15, T8N, R1W Humboldt Meridian). This parcel covers 1.92 acres and is approximately 200-240 feet above sea level. The parcel is also located in the California Coastal Zone within the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Trinidad 7.5- minute quadrangle map.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
4 Figure 1. Project location.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
5 The project proposed is seeking a rezoning of the parcel from public/religious to multi-family.

Renovations of existing structures would occur as well as an installation of a septic system.

Figure 2. Aerial image of the Project Area and existing infrastructure (Google Earth 2020).

Soils
The kinds of soils on a property will strongly influence whether or not sensitive natural communities or special status plants will be present. For example, hydric soils, which are seasonally or permanently saturated soils as found in wetlands, or soils that possess unique “edaphic characteristics” such as high serpentine content, provide the required substrate for the growth and survival of particular sensitive communities and plants. Soil types from the National Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/) are listed below. These soil surveys are estimations of soils located on-site and are often not accurate at a fine scale.

One soil type is mapped on the parcel (Figure 3, Table 1), with Megwil and Cannonball soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes found in the Project Area. These soils are (1) nonhydric; and (2) not known to possess Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
6 edaphic characteristics associated with the distribution of sensitive natural communities or special status plants. NRCS soil mapping was not confirmed on-site. Studies regarding soil types and prime ag soils are outside of the scope of this report.

Table 1. Soils mapped on the parcel and Project Area.

Map
Unit
Symbol
Map Unit Name Description Hydric?
223 Megwil and Cannonball soils, 0 to 5
percent slopes
Megwil: very deep, moderately well-drained soils formed in marine deposits from mixed sources. These soils are found primarily on slight slopes at elevations of 4 to 183 ft. Megwil soils have moderately low saturated hydraulic conductivity with medium to low runoff. These soils have approximately 25 to 34% clay content and 0-5% gravel and paragravel.

Cannonball: very deep, moderately well-drained soils formed in marine deposits derived from mixed sources. The Cannonball series are on nearly level to steep slopes of dissected marine terraces and have slopes of 0 to 50 percent. It consists of particle sizes of rock fragments (gravel 0-10%) and clay (25-34%). The soil is usually moist in all parts in the soil moisture control section in most years but becomes nearly dry in the upper part from about September 15 to October 15 in most years. The Cannonball soils have a udic soil moisture regime.

N
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
7 Figure 3. Soil types mapped on the parcel and Project Area from the National Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey.

Topography and Hydrology
The Project Area is located in the North Coast Ranges Subregion of the Northwestern California Region of the California Floristic Province (Jepson Flora Project, 2020). The climate classification for this area is Warm Temperate (Köppen, 1936), with moderate to warm temperatures on average and most precipitation occurring during winter months.

The property is within the Luffenholtz Creek-Frontal Pacific Ocean Trinidad Planning Watershed.

Elevations on the property range from approximately 200 ft to 240 ft. The Project Area is flat to flat to slightly sloping, with slopes of less than 15 percent.

Steep slopes within North Coast Ranges are prone to high instability and landslides (Kelsey, 1978).

However, no historical landslides, potential liquefaction, or other geologic hazards are evident in the Project Area (Humboldt County, 2020). The Alquist Priolo Fault zone captures the western portion of the parcel, lying approximately 600 feet from the Alquist Priolo Fault.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
8 Wetlands and Streamside Management Areas
Wetlands, as defined by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are areas that (1) have a predominance of hydric soils; and (2) are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at levels necessary to support hydrophytic vegetation that requires saturated soil conditions.

A “Streamside Management Area” (SMA) is a legally designated buffer zone along streams and aquatic habitats where extra precaution is required to protect water quality. Section 314-61.6 of the Humboldt County General Plan provides for the protection of SMAs along perennially and intermittent streams as well as other wet areas such as natural ponds, springs, vernal pools, marshes, and wet meadows.

A review of the NWI database and Humboldt GIS Web Portal showed no SMAs or wetlands on the property. TransTerra Consulting is not tasked with mapping all SMA buffers.

Vegetation
Natural terrestrial communities in the Project Area are designated based on the CDFW criteria originally described in Holland (1986) to facilitate habitat available for sensitive species. Wetland communities are based on Cowardin et al. (1979). Sensitive natural communities are designated based on lists and alliances described using A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009). A full list of species observed during the site survey is found in Table 4.

The Project Area is generally North Coast Alluvial Redwood Forest dominated by Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Red alder (Alnus rubra), Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum), English ivy (Hedera helix), Yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus), and Lady fern (Athyrium filixfemina).

METHODS
Wetland and Waters Delineation
TransTerra staff conducted a wetlands delineation focused on identifying wetlands that meet the definition of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). Holly Vadurro (BA in Biology) and Margaux Karp (BS in Biology) of TransTerra Consulting conducted the wetland delineation on June 16, 2021. Both Holly and Margaux are certified in wetland delineation and collectively have experience delineating wetlands in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The wetlands delineation followed the USACE criteria (three-parameter approach) from the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual0F 1 and Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region (Version 2.0) 1F
2 as well as the CCC one-parameter approach.
1 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987. (Accessed via https://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/Portals/38/docs/USACE%2087%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Manual.pdf) 2 USACE Regional Supplement to the Corps of the Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (Accessed via https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1046494.pdf) Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
9 The investigation was conducted after abnormally dry, severe drought conditions2F 3 and 1.06
inches of rain in the previous two weeks (Table 2). Conditions were sunny throughout the day. TransTerra staff used a combination of existing data to stratify and delineate wetland polygons, including outstanding green vegetated areas, unvegetated areas, and visible inundation prior to fieldwork. Watercourses and nearby wetland areas were identified through the Humboldt GIS Portal3F 4 and the National Wetlands
Inventory (NWI)4F
5 . Anthropogenic and natural disturbance patterns were evaluated using historical aerial imagery. This information was used to assess proper transect location.

Vegetation and soil data were collected at two transects across the presumed wetland boundaries with two pits in total (upland/wetland). Soil pits were dug to approximately 15 inches with no restrictive layers present. Data on soil color, texture, redoximorphic features, and hydrologic conditions were collected.

Vegetation data collection consisted of listing the dominant species at each plot. The species were classified as to whether or not they are wetlands indicators, using the most current standard references for plant wetland indicators: State of California 2018 Wetland Plant List5F 6 and the USACE 2018 National
Wetland Plant List for WMVC6F
7 . The lists classify plants based on the probability that they would be found in wetlands, ranging from Obligate (almost always in wetlands), Facultative/wet (67% to 99% in wetlands), Facultative (34% to 66% in wetlands), Facultative/up 1% to 33% in wetlands) to Non-indicator (less than 1% in wetlands). Plants not listed are included in the uplands category. If 50% or greater of the dominant plant species at each plot were classified as either Obligate (OBL), Facultative/wet (FACW), or Facultative (FAC), the vegetative mix was determined to be hydrophytic (wetland plants).

A determination of the wetland boundary was made based on soil, hydrology (if present), and vegetative parameters (i.e., a three-parameter approach). Once wetland and upland characteristics were determined for each transect, data points were collected on the wetland boundary. Transect points along the wetland boundary were mapped using Avenza Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking system and Google Earth Pro (v.7.3) aerial imagery. Polygons were created using ArcMap 10.8., 2020 aerial imagery and remote sensing.
3 https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/california
4 https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/
5 https://www.fws.gov/wetlands
6 State of California 2016 Wetland Plant List (Accessed via http://wetlandplants.usace.army.mil/nwpl_static/data/DOC/lists_2016/States/pdf/CA_2016v1.pdf) 7 USACE NWPL 2018 (Accessed via https://cwbi-app.sec.usace.army.mil/nwpl_static/v34/home/home.html) Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
10 Table 2. Precipitation and temperatures for June survey period7F 8 Date Temperature (F) Precipitation Maximum Minimum Average Departure 2021-06-01 58 48 53.0 -2.2 0.00
2021-06-02 57 50 53.5 -1.7 0.00
2021-06-03 60 51 55.5 0.2 0.00
2021-06-04 59 49 54.0 -1.4 T
2021-06-05 61 46 53.5 -1.9 0.00
2021-06-06 61 47 54.0 -1.5 0.00
2021-06-07 62 47 54.5 -1.0 0.00
2021-06-08 61 44 52.5 -3.1 0.00
2021-06-09 60 43 51.5 -4.2 0.00
2021-06-10 62 46 54.0 -1.7 0.00
2021-06-11 69 53 61.0 5.2 0.14
2021-06-12 75 55 65.0 9.2 0.00
2021-06-13 71 55 63.0 7.1 0.73
2021-06-14 65 54 59.5 3.6 0.19
2021-06-15 65 52 58.5 2.5 0.00
2021-06-16 M M M M M
2021-06-17 M M M M M
2021-06-18 M M M M M
2021-06-19 M M M M M
2021-06-20 M M M M M
2021-06-21 M M M M M
2021-06-22 M M M M M
2021-06-23 M M M M M
2021-06-24 M M M M M
2021-06-25 M M M M M
2021-06-26 M M M M M
2021-06-27 M M M M M
2021-06-28 M M M M M
2021-06-29 M M M M M
2021-06-30 M M M M M
Sum 946 740 - - 1.06
Average 63.1 49.3 56.2 0.6 -
Normal 61.5 49.7 55.6 - 0.46
8 National Weather Service Forecast Office-Eureka, CA (Eureka, CA. Accessed via https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=eka)
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
11 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Jurisdictional Wetland and Waters
The area of investigation contained 0.14 acres of jurisdiction wetland. The wetlands include two areas of coastal Palustrine Forest (PFO) wetlands consisting of 0.1255 acres and 0.0187 acres (Figure 4).

These wetlands do not appear hydrologically connected to any stream, falling outside of the jurisdiction of USACE, NCRWQB, and CDFW. However, these wetlands must be considered for the Humboldt County SMA policies and CCC ESHA guidelines. One-parameter Coastal wetlands were not observed.

Some water was present in the wetlands as standing water, saturation, and water table. Minimal disturbance was observed mostly as small walking/animal paths and some clearing in the southeastern wetland edge. Along with lower recent rainfall, extreme drought conditions are also currently present for this region.

Vegetation in the wetlands was primarily dominated by obligate and facultative species such as Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Red alder (Alnus rubra), and Yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus).

Vegetation in upland areas was primarily composed of Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum).

The location of wetland observation pits were chosen based upon obvious hydrological indicators. Field Forms are attached to this document (Appendix C).

The wetland observation pit (W1) was located on the eastern border of the wetland, northeast of the house. The vegetation around the pit consisted of trees and herbs, with the dominant species being Coast redwood, Skunk cabbage, and Western sword fern. The soil was fine, clay/loam, throughout the pit with a consistent matrix with no restrictive layer present. The soil characteristic made the criteria for hydric soils Redox Dark Surface (F6). Hydrological indicators were observed by High Water Table (A2), Saturation (A3), and Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) were observed in the pit, with additional surface water present in the adjacent wetland. This wetland was determined to be PFO.

The upland pit (U1) was located to the west of the W1, slightly upslope. The soil here consisted of fine clay/loam present throughout the pit with a consistent matrix and leaf litter throughout the first 5 inches with not restrictive layer was not present. The pit was in a shaded, upland area primarily consisting of facultative upland and facultative herbs and trees and did not meet the criteria for hydric vegetation, soils, or hydrology.

The two wetland areas are connected by a portion that is located offsite and could not be mapped.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
0 Figure 4. Wetland Delineation Results
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for the project site include the following measures:

Follow all recommendations outlined by existing agency policies for minimizing impacts to natural resources and begin technical assistance to determine the possible extent of impacts to listed resources and appropriate mitigation measures.
● If impacts to wetlands are expected (either directly or indirectly by working inside or prescribed buffers), develop a Mitigation and Monitoring Plan to minimize disturbance to the area.

Numerous seeps provide evidence of shallow groundwater in this area, and additional disturbance, clearing, and road cuts would likely modify existing groundwater and surface water patterns. The slopes, combined with wet conditions, would likely cause additional erosion and instability in the area, which could subsequently increase direct and indirect effects on water quality and other resources. Additional disturbance to this area could also potentially impact aquatic species.
● To avoid wetland impacts, place temporary fencing or otherwise demark wetlands and or prescribed buffers prior to construction.
● Employ temporary erosion control measures and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce sediment entering the wetland and traveling to waters.
● Protocol level surveys prior to additional site disturbance are recommended for any areas where relocation of structures or roads may impact rare or endangered species. Surveys and appropriate protection measures for aquatic species, conducted by a qualified biologist, are also recommended for any crossings or points of diversion that are listed for alteration. Consultation with agency personnel from CDFW and USFWS is recommended if project scope changes or additional areas will be disturbed.

Please contact me with any comments or concerns regarding this memorandum or future work required for your project. I can be reached at [email protected] or (707) 840-4772. I have included our qualifications as an attachment to this memorandum as it is often requested by agency personnel reviewing work of this nature. (Appendix B)
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
1 REFERENCES
Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office. (2006). Transmittal of Guidance: Estimating the Effects of Auditory and Visual Disturbance to Northern Spotted Owls and Marbled Murrelet in Northwestern California.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/arcata/es/birds/MM/documents/MAMUNSO%20Harassment%20Guidance%20NW%20CA%202006Jul31.pdf Baldwin, B. G., Goldman, D. H., Keil, D. J., Patterson, R., & Rosatti, T. J. (Eds.). (2012). The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Second Edition). University of California Press.

CDFW - California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2018). Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities (p. 12).

California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

CDFW - California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2019). California Sensitive Natural Communities. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=153609&inline CDFW - California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2020a). Natural Communities. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities CDFW - California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2020b). Survey and Monitoring Protocols and Guidelines. https://wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/survey-protocols CNPS - California Native Plant Society. (2001). CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines. https://cnps.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/03/cnps_survey_guidelines.pdf CNPS - California Native Plant Society. (2020). Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition (online). http://vegetation.cnps.org/
Cowardin, L. M., Carter, V., Golet, F. C., & LaRoe, E. T. (1979). Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Documents/Classification-of-Wetlands-and-Deepwater-Habitatsof-the-United-States.pdf Holland, R. F. (1986). Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California (p. 156). California Department of Fish and Game.

Humboldt County. (2020). Humboldt GIS Portal, Geographic Information System (GIS) Web Applications. Humboldt County, California’s Redwood Coast. https://humboldtgov.org/1357/Web-GIS
Jepson Flora Project. (2020). Jepson eFlora, California Floristic Province. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/geography.html
Kelsey, H. M. (1978). Earthflows in Franciscan melange, Van Duzen River basin, California. Geology, 6, 361–364.

Köppen, W. (1936). Das geographische System der Klimate (The Geographic System of Climate). Verlag von Gebrüder Brontraeger.

Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
APPENDIX A—Site Photographs

APPENDIX A
Photo 1. General wetland vegetation Photo 2. General wetland vegetation Photo 3. W1 pit soils Photo 4. U1 pit soils
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
APPENDIX B—Qualifications
APPENDIX B B-1
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
APPENDIX C— Field Forms
APPENDIX C C-1
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
APPENDIX C— Field Forms
APPENDIX C C-2
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
APPENDIX C— Field Forms
APPENDIX C C-3
Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report
Nina Narelle
APN 515-331-016
June 2021
APPENDIX C— Field Forms
APPENDIX C C-4
APN 515-331-016
1 October 19, 2021
TransTerra Consulting, LLC
791 8th Street Suite I
Arcata, CA 95521
[email protected]
Tamara Camper (Owner-Principal Biologist)
Addendum memo to the Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report prepared by TransTerra Consulting for APN 515-331-016
The purpose of this memo is to present additional recommendations regarding the project at the above-referenced parcel, which includes converting a church to a residence. Proposed activities include minor improvements to existing structures, specifically, the installation of a leach field, relocation of an animal pen, the addition of a porch, and extending the existing church structure by two feet to the south.

The parcel is located within a residential area that was developed in 1966, according to the Humboldt County Web GIS page. Therefore, it has been previously developed and disturbed. Existing conditions at the site are not expected to change dramatically due to the proposed activities.

The original wetland report referenced Humboldt County Streamside Management Area Ordinance (SMA); however, the project is subject to the Trinidad Area Plan (TAP) as well as Coastal Act guidelines for wetlands. The TAP recommends a setback of 100 feet from streams, which is also a standard recommendation for wetlands. However, the TAP states that this buffer can be reduced if justifications are presented by a qualified biologist.

The wetland delineation was performed on June 16, 2021. A wetland delineation report was prepared June of 2021 and contains additional information regarding wetland location and other site conditions.

Holly Vadurro conducted a field assessment of the site on September 20, 2021, in order to determine appropriate minimization measures and ascertain the appropriate distance for setbacks from the wetlands because of the proximity of the proposed activities to the wetlands identified on the parcel. The wetlands are fed by water runoff from properties to the north of the parcel and function as a filter for residential runoff.

The proposed extension on the southern portion of the existing structure is 31 feet upslope of the southwestern portion of the wetland; the aspect of the approximately 8-degree slope is directly south, whereas the wetland edge is to the southeast. Although this addition is within the 50 recommended setback, it is not expected to affect the wetland directly and indirect impacts are expected to be minimal.

A diagram of measurements taken on-site relative to projects is attached to this addendum.

The wetlands have existed without any known detrimental effects from the existing structures, and negative impacts are not expected implementation of the proposed project if the following minimization measures are followed.

Consistent with the TAP Chapter 3.31(f), the request for a reduced buffer can be implemented with the following minimization measures:

APN 515-331-016
2 • A nesting bird survey shall be conducted if work is conducted within the nesting season for migratory birds (typically March 1 through August 31).
• Ground disturbance shall be limited to the minimum extent necessary to accomplish project goals.
• All trash shall be removed from the work site and disposed of regularly. • All equipment used during construction shall be monitored for oil and fuel leaks at all times. • All conditions of approval required by any required permit terms shall be fully implemented • The existing animal pen fencing 20 feet away from the wetland shall be moved further away.

This will increase the wetland buffer to a length of 50 feet. • Vegetation within a 30’ buffer area of the wetland shall not be removed or mowed A vegetation buffer of 30 surrounding the wetland will aid in the filtration of runoff from any current and future activities.
• Water flow to the wetland is expected to be in the form of sheet flow. Therefore, any runoff into the wetland shall not be concentrated.
• If it is necessary to use the reserve leach field, a sediment barrier shall be installed in order to reduce the introduction of sediment to the wetland.
• Sediment fencing between the structure and the wetland shall be installed during the construction of this extension.
• No vegetation downslope of the construction shall be removed in order to maintain a barrier between construction and the wetland. In order to enhance and promote existing vegetation, the dead and dried vegetation on top of the existing vegetation (as seen in the photo below) shall be removed.
• Native plants, such as Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), Deer fern (Blechnum spicant), and Sword fern (Polystichum munitum), shall be planted between the new animal fencing and the wetland.

In conclusion, if the proposed minimization measures stated in this addendum are implemented, a 50-foot setback from the proposed projects is sufficient to protect the wetlands from direct and indirect impacts. All proposed improvements are outside of the 50-foot buffer with the exception of the extension of the southern edge of the existing unit as discussed above.

Please contact me with any comments or concerns regarding this memorandum or future work required for your project. I can be reached at [email protected] or (707) 840-4772.

Tamara Camper—Owner/Principal Biologist
APN 515-331-016
3 Area between the southern edge of the structure and the southwestern edge of the wetland.

APN 515-331-016
4 Area to be planted with native shrubs and ferns.

APN 515-331-016
5 • XXXX-Existing animal pen fencing
• Existing duck house is 80’ from wetland edge
• Existing fence is 30’ from wetland edge
• Proposed deck is 60’ from wetland edge
• Proposed greenhouse extension is 31’ from wetland edge • Proposed redwood removal for leach field is 50’ from wetland edge • Slopes are 0-5% throughout project site.

APN 515-331-016
April 22, 2024
TransTerra Consulting, LLC
791 8th Street Suite I
Arcata, CA 95521
[email protected]
Tamara Camper (Owner-Principal Biologist)
Second addendum to the Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation Report prepared by TransTerra Consulting for APN 515-331-016
This addendum was written to clarify the wetland location and update wetland mapping. The project proposal includes minor improvements to the existing structure and installation of a new Onsite Wastewater Treatment System. The parcel is located in a residential area that was developed in 1966 according to the Humboldt County Web GIS page; it is therefore previously developed and disturbed.

Existing conditions at the site are not expected to change dramatically due to the proposed project.

The wetland delineation was performed on June 16, 2021. Holly Vadurro conducted a field assessment of the site on September 20, 2021 in order to address proximity of the proposed activities to the wetland identified on site in order to provide insight on setbacks from the wetlands and determine appropriate mitigation measures. Tamara Camper visited the site on March 18, 2024 to reconfirm wetland boundaries and measure the distance of the wetland and buffers from structures in order to ensure accurate mapping on an updated site plan.

A 100 meter tape was used to measure the wetland boundaries, as staked during the original delineation, from the existing structures. The original mapping of the wetland was done using Avenza, which is subject to error. The new map drafted by HDS and included in this addendum accurately portrays the wetland boundaries. The wetland and buffer conditions had not changed since the original delineation and subsequent visits.

Please contact me with any comments or concerns regarding this memorandum or future work required for your project. I can be reached at [email protected] or (707) 845-7483.

Tamara Camper—Owner/Principal Biologist
APN 515-331-016
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 5

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

5. Discussion/Decision regarding First Amendment to the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services in the City of Trinidad.

AGENDA ITEM: Humboldt Sanita7on Franchise Agreement
Date: August 13, 2024 _______________________________________________________________________ ANALYSIS:

A Franchise Agreement dated April 9, 2014, between the City of Trinidad (City) and Humboldt SanitaJ on Company (Contractor)spells out the terms for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials CollecJ on Services. The Agreement has funcJ oned well between the parJ es for the past 10 years. Last month representaJ ves of the City and Contractor met at the Contractors faciliJ es in McKinleyville. There was consensus to conJ nue the Agreement which provides for extensions of five years. Therefore, included in your packet is the First Amendment extending the Franchise Agreement unJ l August 1, 2029.

ACTION:

OpJon 1. Approve the First Amendment to the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials CollecJ on Services in the City of Trinidad OR
OpJon 2. Deny the First Amendment to the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials CollecJ on Services in the City of Trinidad Attachments:

1. First Amendment to the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services in the City of Trinidad

2. Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services in the City of Trinidad
1 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR SOLID WASTE AND

RECYCLABLE MATERIALS COLLECTION SERVICES

IN THE CITY OF TRINIDAD
This First Amendment to the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services in the City of Trinidad (this “First Amendment”) is entered and executed between the City of Trinidad, hereinafter referred to as "CITY," and Humboldt Sanitation Company, Inc., a California corporation, hereinafter referred to as "CONTRACTOR," and shall be effective as of August 1, 2024. This First Amendment constitutes the first written amendment to that certain written agreement between CITY and CONTRACTOR dated April 9, 2014, entitled Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services in the City of Trinidad (the “Franchise Agreement”).

RECITALS
A. WHEREAS, on April 9, 2014, CITY and CONTRACTOR entered into the Francise Agreement for the collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclable materials, and special wastes for a (10) year term commencing on the effective date of said agreement; and B. WHEREAS, listed in the Franchise Agreement at Section 5. TERM OF CONTRACT, CITY and CONTRACTOR agreed to a protocol to extend the terms of the existing Franchise Agreement for an additional (5) five year term, continuing up and to and expiring on August 1, 2029.

NOW THEREFORE, the CITY and CONTRACTOR mutually agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Waiver of Notice and Extension of Agreement. CITY and CONTRACTOR hereby agree to waive the notice provisions recited in Section 5 of the Franchise Agreement, and both agree to exercise the extension recited therein and continue the Franchise Agreement up and to August 1, 2029 (the “Extension Term”).

2. Continuation of Franchise Agreement. Except as modified by this First Amendment, all terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement shall continue in full force and effect during the Extension Term.

3. Electronic Signatures. Electronically scanned signatures to this First Amendment, whether by DocuSign or electronic scan, shall be deemed to constitute original signatures and enforceable as such.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this First Amendment as of the dates indicated below.

CITY OF TRINIDAD
By:

Title:

Date:
2 By:

Title:

Date:

Approved
By:

City Attorney

HUMBOLDT SANITATION
By:

Date:

Title:

Date:

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 6

NO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

6. Discussion/Decision regarding Revised Ballot Wording Previously adopted in Resolution 2024-08; Calling for an Election on a Proposal to Continue the City of Trinidad’s .75% Sales Tax Transaction and Use Tax Increase for 4-Years (Measure L). 1 DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Item: Discussion/Decision regarding Revised Ballot Wording Previously adopted in Resolution 2024-08; Calling for an Election on a Proposal to Continue the City of Trinidad’s .75% Sales Tax Transaction and Use Tax Increase for 4-Years (Measure L).

Background: Resolution 2024-08 was adopted by the Council on May 14 as a lead-up item required to ensure Sales Tax Continuation Measure L would qualify to be on the November General Election ballot.

While drafting the Impartial Analysis, the City Attorney took a closer look at the ballot measure language and felt it would be more effectively communicated with a slight revision, removing the “Shall a 3/4 cent…” terminology and replacing it with “shall a three-quarters of one percent (.075%)…” By adopting the revised resolution proposed, the Council will be properly archiving the change for future reference.

The following Sales Tax measure Ballot Question shall be submitted before the voters at the General Election to be held on November 05, 2024:

Shall a three-quarters of one percent (.075%) transaction and use tax be adopted and continued in the City of Trinidad for four additional years, starting on April 01, 2025 and terminating on March 31, 2029? YES/NO
Proposed action: Adopt Revised Resolution 2024-08; Calling for an Election on a Proposal to Continue the City of Trinidad’s .75% Sales Tax Transaction and Use Tax Increase for 4-Years (Measure L).

Attachments: Revised Resolution 2024-08.

City of Trinidad Resolution 2024-08 Page 1 of 1
TRINIDAD CITY HALL Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
RESOLUTION 2024-08 (revised)
CALLING FOR AN ELECTION ON A PROPOSAL TO CONTINUE THE CITY OF TRINIDAD’S ¾% (.75%) TRANSACTION AND USE (SALES) TAX FOR 4-YEARS
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad is one of the smallest cities in the State of California. With a population of 323, the City has a very limited tax source of revenue, and
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad is visited yearly by thousands of tourists and many residents of surrounding communities.

While visitors to the City support the local economy and commerce, residents in the surrounding communities contribute greatly to many of the civic activities in the City, and WHEREAS, the high volume of visitors relative to the small number of city residents places a very high burden on services provided by City's General Fund. These services include, but are not limited to, police and fire protection, street and public facility services, park, trail and environment maintenance and protection, and services provided by the Town Office. Additionally, the City also provides significant supporting services of police and fire protection to its surrounding communities, and WHEREAS, additional revenue is needed so that the General Fund can meet the increased service demands, and WHEREAS, in 2004, citizens of Trinidad approved an increase of transaction and use tax by 1% for four years to increase the General Fund reserve, and in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 the majority of citizens of Trinidad voted in favor of extending the transaction and use tax by ¾% (.75%) for an additional four years. Now, the Trinidad City Council proposes to extend this increase by four more years to continue to support the capability of the General Fund to provide these services, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Trinidad City Council as follows:

1. The following Sales Tax measure Ballot Question shall be submitted before the voters at the General Election to be held on November 05, 2024:

Shall a three-quarters of one percent (.075%) transaction and use tax be adopted and continued in the City of Trinidad for four additional years, starting on April 01, 2025 and terminating on March 31, 2029? YES/NO

2. Municipal Code Codification. Upon approval of the foregoing question by a simple majority vote (50% + 1), the City shall adopt the Sales Tax Extension Measure.

3. Jurisdictional Boundaries and Administration: The Sales Tax increase would be collected only within the City limits of Trinidad and be administered by the California State Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA); and

4. Impartial Analysis: The City Attorney is directed to draft an impartial analysis of the measure.

5. Further Actions: The City Clerk is directed to take all action, including public notice, and publication of the measure as required by elections law to place the measure on the November 05, 2024 ballot.

6. Election Services: The City of Trinidad shall request consolidation of this election with the County Elections Office and shall reimburse the County in full for the services rendered to conduct said election.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL, of Humboldt County of the State of California on May 14, 2024 with wording revised on August 08, 2024.

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Trinidad City Council by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Attest:
________________________________ ____________________________ Gabriel Adams, City Clerk Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 7

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

7. Discussion/Decision regarding First Reading of Ordinance 2024-03; Extending the .75% Transactions and Use Tax for General Purposes to Continue to be Administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Item: Discussion/Decision regarding First Reading of Ordinance 2024-03; Extending the .75% Transactions and Use Tax for General Purposes to Continue to be Administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Summary: Ordinance 2024-03 is required by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to be in place prior to the election November 05, 2024 General Election, whereby the City of Trinidad voters will be asked whether to extend the .75% Sales Tax another 4-years.

This Ordinance will authorize the CDTFA to postpone efforts to terminate the existing tax rate prior to the sunset date of March 31, 2025, and adopt a new termination date IF the sales tax extension passes successfully in November.

If the measure does not pass, this ordinance will become null and void.

A legal notice was summarized, and published locally and in the Mad River Union prior to this hearing as required. A second notice will be published with the outcome of this hearing, and a second reading of the Ordinance will occur in September.

Adoption of the ordinance will become effective only with a majority of Trinidad voter support of Measure L passes in November.

Attachments: Ordinance 2024-03.

Legal Notice Published

City of Trinidad Ordinance 2024-03 Page 1 of 1

TRINIDAD CITY HALL CHERYL KELLY, MAYOR
P.O. BOX 390 GABRIEL ADAMS, CITY CLERK
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD EXTENDING THE ¾% TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX FOR

GENERAL PURPOSES TO CONTINUE TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 7285.9, the City of Trinidad (the "City") has the authority to levy a Transactions and Use Tax for general purposes; WHEREAS, a majority of the voters of the City approved a three-quarter percent (¾% or .75) Transactions and Use Tax at an election held in November 2008, and renewed the measure again in 2012, and 2016, and 2020; WHEREAS, the City's Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance is found in Chapter 3.08 of the City's Municipal Code; WHEREAS, City of Trinidad Ordinance 2020-01, Section 16 sets forth a "Termination Date" which was extended by majority approval of the voters in November 2020 to March 31, 2025, at which time Ordinance 2020-01 will be repealed unless an extension or re-authorization is approved by the voters of the City at an election called for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, an extension or re-authorization of the City's Transactions and Use Tax will be submitted to the voters to extend the "Termination Date" of Ordinance 2020-01 to March 31, 2029.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Trinidad does hereby ordain as follows:

Section 1. Amendment. The definition of "Termination Date" in Section 16 of the City of Trinidad Ordinance 2020-01 of the City's Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

15.19.020 Definitions
(c) "Termination date" initially means March 31, 2029, and as of that date this Ordinance is repealed unless an extension or re-authorization of this Article is approved by the voters of the City at an election called for that purpose.

Section 2. Approval by the Voters. This Ordinance shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, November 05, 2024. Upon approval by a simple majority of the voters of the City voting on this Ordinance, the Transactions and Use Tax set forth in Ordinance 2020-01 of the City's Municipal Code shall be reauthorized and extended through and including March 31, 2029.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of August, by the following vote of the City Council:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Attest:
_________________________ _________________________
Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
First Reading: August 13, 2024
Second Reading: September 10, 2024
City of Trinidad
Legal Notice
Adoption of Ordinance 2024-03; Authorizing the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to Continue the .75% Sales Tax to be Administered if Approved by the Voters at the General Election in November 2024.

The Trinidad City Council will consider the first reading of Ordinance 2024-03 at a regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Summary of Ordinance 2024-03
Ordinance 2024-03 is required by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to be in place prior to the election November 05, 2024 General Election, whereby the City of Trinidad voters will be asked whether to extend the .75% Sales Tax another 4-years. The Ordinance will authorize the CDTFA to postpone efforts to terminate the existing tax rate prior to the sunset date of March 31, 2025, and adopt a new termination date should the sales tax extension pass successfully in November.

Second Reading of the ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 and will only become effective following the majority of voter support at the November 05, 2024 General Election.

The full text of Ordinance 2024-03 is available for public inspection at the Trinidad Town Hall, City Clerk’s office, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA, Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

It is also available electronically via www.trinidad.ca.gov. Ordinance 2024-03 will take effect 31 days following adoption.

Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk
707-677-0223
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 8

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

8. Review/Discussion/Decision of Sales Tax Impartial Analysis from the City Attorney, and the Argument in Favor of Measure L Prepared for Council Consideration and/or Endorsement.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Item: Review/Discussion/Decision of Sales Tax Impartial Analysis from the City Attorney, and the Argument in Favor of Measure L Prepared for Council Consideration and/or Endorsement.

Summary: Two topics are bundled into this discussion. First, the City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis, and second, the proposed Argument in Favor of Measure L.

Sales Tax Impartial Analysis: No Council action is required for this item. The purpose of bringing it to the agenda is to raise awareness of it. It is a tool used to educate voters from an impartial source. The analysis will be forwarded to County Elections in preparation of the Voter Information Guide it will be published in, adjacent to the Arguments For/Against, and Rebuttals.

Argument In Favor of Measure L: Drafted by Mayor Cheryl Kelly, the Argument In Favor is proposed for discussion to allow other Council members the opportunity to endorse it. The document could not be signed by the full Council without a public discussion. Supporters will be listed by name.

Proposed action: Motion to approve the proposed Argument In Favor of Measure L. Supporters will be identified by name as endorsing the document.

Attachments: City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis
Draft Argument In Favor of Measure L

CITY ATTORNEY’S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE L
THE PROPOSAL: Measure L asks the voters whether the City of Trinidad should extend its current three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) transaction and use tax rate (commonly known as the “sales tax”) for an additional four years. Voter approval of Measure L would continue the implementation of this 0.75% sales tax as described below, for an additional period of four years only, effective April 01, 2025, and expiring on March 31, 2029. If passed, this sales tax would add seventy-five cents ($0.75) in tax to a qualifying sale of one hundred dollars ($100.00).

HOW IT GOT HERE: The existing 0.75% sales tax was last renewed by the voters of the City of Trinidad in November 2020, and is currently set to expire on March 31, 2025.

HOW IT WORKS: The local sales tax in the City of Trinidad, including the additional

0.75% continued tax proposed by this Measure L, will apply to sales of most retail goods that occur within the boundaries of the City of Trinidad and to certain other items (including vehicles) purchased outside of the boundaries of the Trinidad but only if the purchaser resides within the boundaries of the City of Trinidad. The method by which the tax is assessed and procedures for collection are all governed by California state law. The sales tax does not apply to items which state law exempts from sales tax.

HOW IT IS USED: The sales tax is a general tax; all revenue generated by the local sales tax goes into the City of Trinidad’s General Fund where it is used to fund essential government services provided by the City. These services include, but are not limited to, police and fire protection, street and public facilities construction, maintenance and repair, park, trail and environmental maintenance and protection, and services provided by the City of Trinidad.

The 0.75% sales tax generates approximately $175,000 per year to the City of Trinidad’s General Fund.

A “YES” VOTE MEANS: A “Yes” vote will continue the existing three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) local sales tax through March 31, 2029.

A “NO” VOTE MEANS: A “No” vote will allow the existing three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) local sales tax to expire on March 31, 2025.

REQUIREMENT TO PASS: Measure L requires a majority (i.e., 50.00% + 1) vote of those City of Trinidad residents voting in order for it to pass.

IF YOU DESIRE A COPY OF THE FULL TRANSACTION AND USE TAX RATE RESOLUTION (No. 2024-08), PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE (409 Trinity St., Trinidad, CA (707) 677-0223) AND A COPY WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU AT NO COST.

Argument in Favor of Measure L
Vote Yes for the continuation of the City of Trinidad’s 0.75% local sales tax! Why? This tax has been used to improve and maintain the quality of services and infrastructure in our community since 2004, with a significant portion coming from tourism.

After the COVID-19 pandemic tourism slowdown in 2020, visits overall in California increased by 52% with an additional 4.6 million tourists forecasted to visit the State in 2024. This means that Trinidad will continue to see growth in the number of visits over the coming years along with an increase in tourism dollars.

Each time one of these visitors purchases gas, a restaurant meal, or non-food items from the grocery store or gift shop – they are contributing to the City’s budget for essential services like law enforcement, trash clean-up, animal control services, and road and trail maintenance.

We’re glad to live in such a special place, and we welcome visitors, but we also recognize that large numbers of tourists can result in additional wear on roads and trails and increase the need for public safety services and recreational facilities maintenance.

The Humboldt Taxpayers League again supports Measure L because they see it as a responsible sales tax to supplement our small-town revenue. The tax provides approximately 22%, or around $200,000 of the City’s estimated $900,000 budget.

Keep our city financially healthy so that we can continue to provide necessary services. Renewing this sales tax is one way to have others share in service delivery costs. Join the Taxpayers League and others in supporting Measure L and Vote Yes on November 5th!
/s/ Mayor Cheryl Kelly
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 9

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

9. Calendar/Deadline Update for Sales Tax and City Council Election; Arguments For/Against the Sales Tax Extension & Candidate Nomination Period.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Item: November Election Schedule and Upcoming Deadlines – UPDATED AUGUST 13, 2024 Background Info: The City’s November 05, 2024 Election ballot will include the Continuation of the Sales Tax Increase Measure, and Two (2) Councilmember seats.

The current Councilmember terms are:

Ladwig Term Expires December 2024
West Term Expires December 2024
Kelly Term Expires December 2026
Tuttle Term Expires December 2026
Kelly Term Expires December 2026
As of Friday, August 09, no nomination papers have been taken by prospective candidates, nor has either incumbent (Ladwig & West) filed papers for continuation. Therefore, the filing deadline will be extended to August 14.

If the City does not receive nomination papers from eligible candidates to fill the seats, this part of the ballot will be removed and the Council will have to fill the seats by appointment. The Clerk will provide an update on August 13 on this process.

The list of remaining Election deadlines is as follows:
• August 13 – Deadline to file Impartial Analysis
• August 14 – Extended Deadline for Candidate Nomination Packets IF NO INCUMBENTS file for the positions by August 09.
• August 16 – Deadline to file Arguments For/Against the Sales Tax Increase • August 28 – Deadline to file REBUTTALS to Arguments For/Occupancy Tax Increase. • September/October – Clerk’s office coordinates ballot preparation with County Elections. • November 05 – Election Day

Staff Recommendation: Review and file. Clerk will notify the Council and public of each deadline as it approaches. Monthly election progress reports will be included in the packets each month.

Attachments: None.