12-10-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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, Deputy Clerk Anton Souza. Approximately (7) participants were present by video-conference, and (7) 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: Water Chief Plant Operator
2. Public Employee Evaluation: (Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1). Title: City Clerk IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
No reportable action taken in closed session.
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (West/Breckenridge) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 11-12-2024 cc2
Motion (Ladwig/Kelly) to approve the minutes as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Tuttle: Announced the new RCEA Director Beth Burks.
Ladwig: HTA is proud of its achievements, and for being public transit trend-setters implementing a renewable energy fleet.
Breckenridge: Summarized the Animal Control Advisory Committee meeting held on November 13.
Recommendations were to require aggressive dogs to be leashed on State Beach and all trails. Potential improvements were also suggested to make it easier to report aggressive or vicious dogs, and promote Trinidad as a dog friendly, law-abiding community. Recommendations will be brought to the Council for consideration.
West: HCAOG Executive Director search is underway.
Kelly: Summarized the recent G2G meeting attended with the Rancheria. Parking lot issues, law enforcement JPA, and other items of mutual interest were discussed. Shoe Drive is underway, and thanked staff and Rancheria for quick action during the recent earthquake.
VIII.STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Naffah highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet. Town Hall will be closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Chamber is hosting a New Year’s Eve party. The storm event that occurred in late November caused damage and significant expense to the Water Treatment Plant. Thanked CPO Phil Godman of Coleman Engineering for his response.
Mayor Kelly thanked and complimented City Staff for their response and communication during the emergency.
HCSO Lt. McCall summarized October stats.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Diane Stockness - Trinidad
Thanked West and Steve for their service on the Council.
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
Asked Breckenridge to confirm the two Animal Advisory Control Committee recommendations. 12-10-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Patti Fleschner – Trinidad
Thanked the outgoing Councilmember for their service and dedication to the City.
Steve Madrone – Fifth District County Supervisor, Trinidad area resident Appreciate the City’s inclusive approach to their neighbors in the surrounding communities. Congratulated the City for the voter approved Sales Tax measure, and for all voters that supported County Measure O.
Considering the water storage emergency that occurred in November, we should be pursuing grants that promote developing 5k water storage tanks on residential properties.
Janine Volkmar – Trinidad area resident
“Junk Removal” signs need to be addressed. They are all around town. Also, people are covering leash law signs with stickers.
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Staff Activity Report – November 2024
2. Financial Statements – October 2024
3. Law Enforcement Report – November 2024.
4. Ocean Protection Council Funding Opportunity Update
5. Contract with Pacific Coast Security for Supplemental Law Enforcement Services City Manager Naffah explained that the City Attorney suggested changes; 1) Limitation of Liability, P.6, second paragraph, remove “purely economic loss”, and 2) 4th paragraph, P.6, notification of limits for claims, remove paragraph 4 completely. If PCS doesn’t agree, the contract can be brought back in January.
Public comment included:
Bryce Kenny – Trinidad
Do we need security this time of year? Does it make sense? Diane Stockness – Trinidad
I like having PCS present and responsive. They’re here all year and we need them.
Council comments included:
Kelly: We receive good feedback about their service. There are always hot spots that need extra attention and we’re happy they’re here to help.
Naffah explained that law enforcement services are covered entirely by COPS funding.
Motion (Kelly/Breckenridge) to approve the contract with PCS for supplemental law enforcement services.
Passed unanimously.
6. Approval of City Manager Contract with Joe Tagliaboschi.
Motion (Ladwig/West) to pull the PCS Contract for discussion, and approve the remaining items. Passed unanimously.
XI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Acceptance of Resolution 2024-18; Certification of the 2024 General Election Results.
City Clerk Adams summarized the results of the election. Bryce Kenny and Carrie Varela were voted into office, uncontested, and Sales Tax continuation Measure L passed. The resolution requested will be the Council’s acceptance of the certified election results provided to the City of Trinidad.
There were no public or Council comments.
Motion (Ladwig/West) to approve Resolution 2024-18; Certification of the 2024 General Election Results.
Passed unanimously.
2. Swearing-In and Seating of Newly Elected Councilmembers.
City Clerk Adams administered the Oath of Office to Bryce Kenny and Carrie Varela, and they took their seats replacing Steve Ladwig and Jack West.
12-10-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
3. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem.
Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to appoint Bryce Kenny as Mayor Pro-Tem. Passed unanimously.
Motion (Kenny/Breckenridge) to re-appoint Cheryl Kelly to continue serving as Mayor. Passed unanimously.
4. Discussion/Decision regarding Van Wycke Trail Proposal.
City Manager Naffah explained that The Van Wycke Trail has been closed for approximately 5 years at the request of the City’s insurance pool, CIRA. Although “Trail Closed” signs with a chain have been in place on either side of the slumped portion of the trail, some people have continued to use the trail. The trail closed signs protected the City from liability, since the slumped portion of the trail is 55 feet long with a depth of 7 feet.
Various improvement options have been considered over this period, yet the practicality or consensus has been lacking. The likelihood of further erosion does not justify certain improvements.
The Planning Commission denied a further extension of the temporary closure beyond October 22nd and the City Council granted an extension to December 22nd.
A CIRA representative recently visited the trail and informed the City that if the failed retaining wall is removed then the trail closed sign can be replaced with a “Beware unstable ground” sign without any reference to a trail.
This will give the City immunity from claims. Staff subsequently determined that the existing posts of the retaining wall are secure, and asked CIRA if we can replace the failed wood railings. CIRA agreed. The City can remove the closure as long as the trail is not advertised. No soil disturbance will occur as a result of the work. The City plans to replace the wood railings, remove the “trail closed” signs and chains, and replace them with new signage that states “Beware, unstable ground ahead,” and allow the current, temporary trail closure to expire on December 22nd.
The new HSIP project improvements on Edwards Street will make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel on Edwards and Galindo to access the Harbor Area. Additionally, staff suggests that the bench area off Van Wycke Street, west of the slumped area, be improved as a Vista Point (i.e. with additional seating and a picnic table).
Council questions included:
Tuttle: Can we take additional steps to minimize erosion onsite? Varela: Concerned about the Tsurai’s position on this strategy. Naffah noted they’ve been supportive of a goat trail alternative, but opposed to any improvements that cause soil disturbance.
Public comments included:
Steve Madrone – Fifth District County Supervisor
I built the retaining wall that still remains onsite. The posts are 6’ underground in solid concrete, dragging deadman cables. The slope is moving from water saturation and erosion at the slope. A shoreline protection strategy could be initiated that would enable future trail improvements to last, but noted the Tsurai may object.
Closing the Galindo Trail will show good faith and create potential for receiving support to maintain the Van Wycke Trail. I’m happy to coordinate mediation inviting the Yurok and Tsurai to the table if needed, and propose replacing the posts and supporting deadman cables.
City Planner Trever Parker noted that the addition of soils and or equipment that may disturb the site is not recommended. A CDP would not be required for the recommended plan to reopen the trail, but the vista point concept will require a CDP. This may be the only viable solution, and we don’t want to get back into the temporary closures and appeal cycle.
City Manager Naffah noted that he attended a G2G meeting with the Yurok Tribe and shared the concept.
There was no reported objection.
Council comments included:
Kenny: I appreciate Madrone’s historical perspective, but I’m in favor of the City Manager’s proposal, with the improvements and signage as recommended.
Kelly: Reminded the Council this has been in the works for over 5 years. We’ve exhausted our resources, grants, and options to save the trail. This is the best solution, and likely the last logical solution. 12-10-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Breckenridge: I support proceeding with the manager’s recommendation and to revisit this down the road, inviting interested parties to develop and share thoughts on alternative repair options.
Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to adopt the staff recommendation to replace the wood railings, remove the “trail closed” signs and chains, replace them with new signage that states “Beware unstable ground ahead,” and allow the Van Wycke trail to reopen by the target closure date of December 22nd. Passed unanimously.
5. Discussion/Decision regarding Boardwalk Improvement Agreement.
City Manager Naffah explained that the Boardwalk leading to the Harbor has been in need of replacement since a number of Trex boards have failed recently. Working with City Engineers, a design using Concrete Boards was considered because of its durability in withstanding the climate and salt air of the Ocean.
The City is eligible to receive Per Capita Parks Grant funding that can be used for both the Boardwalk and a Pickleball Court. California State Parks initially requested an easement, however after meeting with their representatives and the Trinidad Rancheria a Land Use Agreement was suggested. Attorney Russ Gans prepared the attached Boardwalk Improvement Agreement which conforms to the Land Tenure Checklist provided by State Parks.
Council comments included:
Breckenridge: Do we need buy-in from the neighbors of the tennis court considering how popular pickleball has become and the associated noise levels that come with it? Kelly: Echoed Madrone’s comments about the Galindo Street closure. Staff needs to keep this discussion moving forward, and keep the City’s promises.
Kenny: Has GHD created plans for the boardwalk improvements? I’m concerned that concrete may be slippery on the steep slope.
Tuttle: Will there be any money left in the Per Capita Grant for the playground concept? Naffah explained there was approximately $170,000 in available funds, but unsure if the playground would qualify due to land tenure requirements.
Public comments included:
Steve Madrone – Fifth District County Supervisor, Trinidad area resident I would like to see the Galindo Trail closed and offer my assistance.
Naffah noted that the City met with the Coastal Commission and Tsurai, who suggested developing a parklet at the Galindo Trail entrance but let nature close the trail with vegetation growth.
Motion (Kenny/Kelly) to approve the Boardwalk Improvement Agreement. Passed unanimously.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Tennis/Pickleball Court noise concern discussion.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:30pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor