11-12-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Kelly, West, Ladwig, Tuttle, Breckenridge. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Eli Naffah, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Grant Administrator Angela Cather. Approximately (2) participants were present by video-conference, and (11) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION
1. Public Employee Appointment: (Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1).) Title: New/Replacement City Manager
2. Public Employee Appointment: (Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1).) Title: Water Chief Plant Operator
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Calif. Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) (1 Case: City of Trinidad vs. Tsurai Ancestral Society, et. al, Humb. Co. Sup. Court Case No. 180684) IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
No reportable action taken in closed session.
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Ladwig/West) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 10-08-2024 cc2
Motion (West/Breckenridge) to approve the minutes as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Tuttle: Nothing to report.
Ladwig: Attended a G2G with Yurok Tribe. Tribal Council requested inclusive dialog on matters of mutual interest. No HTA update. RREDC discussed offshore wind project economic benefits.
Breckenridge: Announced the Animal Control Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 13.
West: Trail Advisory Committee will meet in January.
Kelly: HCOAG, Arcata to Eureka trial completion date postponed to May 2025, update from Ride Humboldt, and Executive Director resigned. Recruiting a new Director. Met with State Parks to discuss possible trail repair construction alternatives. CERT annual update on the agenda tonight.
VIII.STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet, water tank and pipleline project update, equipment repairs, Trinidad Head step repair project underway, ALMT vegetation removal proposal, upcoming city holidays, and Chamber of Commerce events.
HCSO Lt. McCall was not able to attend.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Unknown Speaker
Asked if speed humps would be installed on Trinity and Main Streets? X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Staff Activity Report – October 2024
2. Financial Statements – September 2024
3. Law Enforcement Report – October 2024.
4. Ocean Protection Council Funding Opportunity to Implement Coastal Resilience Plan Priority Projects on Edwards and Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail.
11-12-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Grant Administrator Angela Cather explained the grant funding opportunity, and how the funding source aligns with the Coastal Resilience Plan adopted earlier this year.
Public comment included:
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
I understand the Tsurai want to move forward with a proposal to build a grand staircase on a trail that can be revived with a pick and shovel. We should prioritize transferring the property to the Yurok Tribe and let them rebuild the trail. The boardwalk staircase is not consistent with the traditional trail. New Councilmember’s viewpoints should be considered, and it should be temporarily tabled until they and the new manager are in place.
Jacque Hostler – Trinidad Rancheria
Asked whether the grant would be requested to fund environmental and feasibility, construction, or both? Grant Administrator Angela Cather explained that Staff has identified an opportunity to apply to the OPC SB 1 Grant Program which would assist in addressing bluff instability. There are two different potential opportunities, a planning related project, and an implementation project. At this time, staff is currently evaluating if we could have an implementation (construction) project ready by the grant proposal deadline. If it is determined that we are not implementation ready, we still can apply for a planning grant giving us an opportunity to prepare for a priority project to become implementation ready.
Motion (Tuttle/Ladwig) to direct staff to develop project proposals for the SB 1 Grant Program, which will be provided for Council review at the December 2024 Council meeting, and formally invite interested parties and community members to participate in the project. Passed unanimously.
Motion (Ladwig/West) to approve Consent items 1-3, and pull Consent 4 for discussion and clarity. Passed unanimously.
XI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Annual Unmet Transit Needs Hearing
HCAOG representative, Michelle Nielson from PlanWest Partners explained the Transportation Development Act, annual process, ridership stats, examples of past public input and findings, accomplishments, and continued opportunities for public comment.
Public comment included:
Unknown speaker #1
Requested Sunday service and an expedited route for students to reach the CR campus.
Unknown speaker #2
Resident of Trinidad area for 22 years. Public transportation adds several hours to the work day without an expedited service. Requested faster routes.
Carol Mone – Trinidad Area resident
If quicker, more frequent routes were offered, maybe more people would leave their cars in Eureka and Arcata and travel by bus instead? Arrival and departures often span many hours and do not value passenger time and schedules.
Council comments included:
Tuttle: Thanked Nielson for her presentation, and shared a concept for a Trinidad Trolley ride where visitors park vehicles at the Caltrans Park n Ride and take the trolley to places of interest such as Sumeg Village and the Trinidad Rancheria.
Ladwig: Having served on the HTA Board, I know management is receptive and input is valuable. Let’s celebrate Trinidad. Giving people the opportunity to travel to Trinidad for $2 is incredible.
Comments will be summarized and forwarded to HCOAG.
11-12-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
2. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Update/Presentation CERT volunteer Larry Goldberg presented an annual report celebrating accomplishments and training programs. 20 trained CERT members have been offered monthly meetings. Members have been sworn into duty, and were deployed in February during a winter storm to canvas the area from Scenic Drive to Big Lagoon and provide a damage report to Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services. A full-scale disaster training event was held at the Blue Lake Rancheria for an active shooting scenario. Emergency trailer is owned by Trinidad CERT, but there are additions needed to make it more reliable and robust to handle several days without connection to outside entities. Would like to see disaster/emergency instructions placed in all short-term rentals in the area.
Presentation item only. Council thanked Goldberg and CERT volunteers for their service and participation.
3. Discussion/Presentation regarding Law Enforcement JPA/Contract Concept City Manager Naffah explained that our current law enforcement contract is with the Sheriff’s Office, supplemented by Pacific Coast Security (PCS). The Sheriff patrols the City and responds to calls. PCS patrols the City in the evenings and interacts with the community. The arrangement with the Sheriff’s Office and PCS provides adequate coverage for the City.
CIRA, our liability insurance pool, had concerns with the indemnity language in the Sheriff’s Contract. It shifts risk from the County to the City, as explained in the summary report included in the meeting packet.
The Sheriff’s contract with Trinidad is for 5 years, and the Sheriff has not indicated that there would be a significant increase in cost to the City.
Residents have expressed an interest in having a dedicated officer assigned to the City as the Sheriff’s Office provided when they had more personnel available. Staff met with Ferndale, Blue Lake and CIRA to discuss potential options for consideration. We want to discuss this potential option with the City Council and the community to ascertain if there is sufficient interest to further pursue this option.
The concept is that the three smallest cities in the county form a JPA or contract for services. Ferndale has a police department that can supply police officers to serve Blue Lake and Trinidad. Three officers would locate in the Blue Lake and Trinidad areas, one Sergeant and two officers. One officer would be dedicated to Trinidad. A police car and uniforms can be purchased with CIRA flexible spending funds for Trinidad.
CalPoly Humboldt Police Department could provide dispatch. Mutual aid can be provided by all local agencies including the Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Arcata, as well as Ferndale.
The cost of providing these services through the cities would be much greater that the current services provided to the City. The City is now spending under $100,000 dollars annually, but the potential cost would likely be in excess of $200,000.
Public comment included:
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
I’d like to see the JPA model CIRA has referred to. The City Manager’s report indicates this model will cost the cities more. I don’t think we should be in a big hurry to consider this proposal. Has the County been approached about the indemnity change? I would like more information, and no change to the current system.
Council comment included:
Ladwig: I too appreciate the option, but it doesn’t seem like this is the time to explore it when the town seems to be feeling an improved sense of safety.
Breckenridge: Concerned about a sudden change in liability and the risks associated.
Resident Bryce Kenny noted that the exposure identified by CIRA is not significant.
West: Wants the community to know this idea has been discussed, and would like to watch how it works in Blue Lake before further consideration is given to Trinidad joining.
Kelly: Agreed with Ladwig and West. The current system is not perfect, but public safety has improved.
Hold off on the proposal for now and consider further discussions in the future if it proves to be successful. 11-12-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Motion (Ladwig/West) to take no action, tabling the discussion into the future if needed. Passed unanimously.
4. Discussion/Updates regarding Saunders Park Playground Concept and Tennis/Pickleball Court Improvement Project.
Saunders Park Playground Concept: Councilmember Jack Tuttle initiated the concept of a playground at Saunders Park. Tuttle, City staff, Land Trust staff and Gail Saunders met on site to consider the feasibility at this location.
City Manager Naffah explained that it seems logical to preserve the walkway area for community events such as Taste of Trinidad, and locate the playground in the area close to the hillside. Outdoor fitness equipment can be located in the area where the Bocce Court is located if it is determined that the Bocce Court is not needed. The concept is being presented to the City Council and the community to ascertain if there is sufficient interest to further pursue a playground and/or outdoor fitness equipment.
Public comment included:
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
100% support, noting the ownership and maintenance of that parcel of land is complex and will require approval of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust.
Carrie Varela – Trinidad
Supports the concept.
Patti Fleschner – Trinidad
Families and children are welcome. Would be ok to see the bocce court change. The concept will improve the scenery and may have a positive impact on the type of people hanging out there. Concerned with adding facilities without having a public restroom available.
Tennis/Pickleball Court Improvement Project Update: Staff is preparing a Bid Packet which will then be reviewed by the city attorney and CIRA. Subsequently, early next year we will advertise the project and contact eligible contractors with experience in resurfacing and adding Pickleball. The project will be constructed next spring or summer.
Public comment included:
Dan Chandler – Trinidad Area
I have been a frequent user of the tennis court for many years. Suggested the City consider the color scheme installed at Larson Park in Arcata for tennis/pickleball combo. Pickleball, he warned, is a very noisy sport that may cause neighbor concerns. Also, increased use could cause scheduling issues that could be mitigated with online calendar apps. Windscreens have also been discussed as enhancements to the quality of play. I hope this project happens soon. The tennis court needs refurbishing.
Lisa & Taylor LaFevre – Trinidad
(Videoconference) Supporters of both the playground and pickleball projects.
Victoria Sackville – Trinidad
I understand transients hang out at the park, but let’s keep in mind who we consider and refer to as “undesirable”.
Unknown speaker #1
The school grounds are not often available, and an alternative is needed for children looking for recreation opportunities. Tourists also want to know where the parks are. 15 letters of support were submitted in favor of developing a playground at the Saunders Park location.
Council comments included:
Kelly: These are both great ideas that have my support. The sooner we can work on developing proposals, the better.
11-12-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Tuttle: A professional design would have to be developed. All the ideas need to be in one place and a designer should be hired to help integrate all ideas into a concept. The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust will have to approve modifying the park.
Motion (Kelly/West) to proceed exploring alternatives to developing a playground facility at Saunders Park.
Passed unanimously.
5. Discussion/Decision to Begin the Recruitment Process to Fill Expiring Planning Commissioner Terms.
City Clerk Adams explained that Planning Commissioner terms last 4-years, and appointments are made by the City Council. The 4-year terms expire on a rotating basis in December during each General Election year (even numbered year).
New Councilmembers are seated in January at the conclusion of each general election. At that meeting the Council is asked to make appointments to the Planning Commission to fill the vacancies left by rotating term expirations.
The current commissioners are:
Tom Hopkins Trinidad area Resident Term expires December 2024 Tristan Cole City resident Term expires December 2024
Richard Johnson Trinidad area resident Term expires December 2026 Aaron Hakenen City Resident Term expires December 2026
Chris Slay City Resident Term expires December 2026
Trinidad Municipal allows the Planning Commission to include up to (2) Commissioners that live outside the city limits if no qualified City residents apply. Commissioner Hopkins is one of two serving that live outside the City limits. His term is expiring, along with resident Tristan Cole (Berry Road).
With no term limits specified in the Trinidad Municipal Code for Planning Commissioners, current Commissioners are welcome to reapply.
Motion (Kelly/Ladwig) to Authorize staff to begin the recruitment process to solicit public interest in serving on the Planning Commission and bring letters of interest back to the Council for appointment in January.
Passed unanimously.
6. November General Election Update
City Clerk Adams explained that weekly election updates will be published on the County Elections Office website. Final certification will be presented at the December meeting.
Update only. No decision made.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Tennis/Pickleball Court noise concern discussion.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:32pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor