Trinidad City Council
June 10, 2025

City Council Meeting Agenda: 06-10-2025 cc Page 1
Posted: Friday, June 06, 2025

NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM
at the Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA.

CLOSED SESSION BEGINS AT 4:30PM
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: 870 9653 4506 Passcode: 427018 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

1. 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

2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)) – One case/matter.

IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 05-13-2025 cc, 05-20-2025 scc VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS.

VIII. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT (Sheriff and Pacific Coast Security) 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.

City Council Meeting Agenda: 06-10-2025 cc Page 2
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. Financial Statements – April 2025

2. Law Enforcement Report – May 2025.

DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Discussion/Decision regarding Resolution 2025-04; Adopting the FY2025-2026 Budget.

2. Discussion/Decision to Appoint Two Councilmembers to Represent the City in Government-toGovernment (G2G) Meetings.

3. Discussion/Decision to Appoint and Replace Councilmember Breckenridge on the Animal Advisory Committee.

4. Discussion/Decision to Sunset the Trails Advisory Committee.

5. Discussion/Decision regarding Improvements to Racquet Court through the Per Capita Grant.

6. Discussion/Decision to Adopt Resolution 2025-05; to Update the Trinidad Cemetery Burial Plot Rates.

7. Discussion/Decision regarding First Reading of Ordinance 2025-02; Amending section 15.04.260 of the Trinidad Municipal Code and any other Ordinances, Resolutions, or parts of ordinances or resolutions that are in conflict with the Schedule of Fees for Building Inspection Services.

8. Staff Activity Report – May 2025
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:

MAY 13, 2025 CC
MAY 20, 2025 SCC
Supporting Documentation follows with: 12 PAGES
05-13-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Kelly, Tuttle, Varela. Kenny attended via videoconference. Breckenridge was absent. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Deputy Clerk Anton Souza, and City Planner Trever Parker. Approximately (4) participants were present by video-conference, and (8) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION – No closed session scheduled.

IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Tuttle/Varela) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed 4-0.

VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 04-08-2025 cc
Motion (Varela/Tuttle) to approve the minutes as submitted. Passed 4-0.

VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Tuttle: HTA exploring micro-transit service between the airport and Trinidad, and unveiling the new hydrogen powered bus. Also requested bus drive slow through Trinidad.

Varela: RREDC, learned about California Fishing Industry, the economy, and how offshore wind projects will affect them.

Kenny: HCAOG, Trinidad’s request for transportation funds (TDA) was approved.

Kelly: Attended RCEA meeting, discussed how to interpret PG&E bills and how much of household income is needed to pay energy costs. Energy assessment tools are available. On April 27, the CERT Team performed a moulage training (makeup included) with over 25 people attending. Thanked CERT organizers Jeff Austin and Larry Goldberg. Met with James Gore, kicking off campaign to replace Mike McGuire. Impressed with him, and appreciated the time he dedicated to visit us.

VIII.STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
City Manager Tagliaboschi highlighted accomplishments summarized in the staff report included in the meeting packet.

HCSO Lt. McCall was unable to attend, but the monthly report is included in the meeting packet.

IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Jeff Bairey – Trinidad
Update on Edwards and Galindo crosswalk signage. I also hear from several sources there are biohazards detected like giardia or e-coli or pathogen on Trinidad State Beach and Mill Creek, where I surf fish and children play? and would like to know more about that. I was on the beach yesterday and watched dogs take dumps on the beach, unleashed. There are no signs on the beach - and there needs to be - on the dune with dog poop bags and collection containers.

City Manager Tagliaboschi explained that coastal pathogens came up during an Animal Advisory discussion topic, and the crosswalk evaluation is underway.

Andrew Davis – Trinidad (zoom)
I hear something has changed on the Animal Advisory Committee – Breckenridge resigned? 05-13-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
X. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Financial Statements – March 2025

2. Law Enforcement Report – April 2025.

3. Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-01; Designating the Fire Hazard Severity Zone as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.

4. Resolution 2025-03; Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Funded By SB-1, The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Motion (Kenny/Varela) to approve consent agenda as submitted. Passed 4-0.

XI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Discussion/Presentation regarding FY2025-2026 Budget Preparation.

City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi explained that on March 11 Staff conducted a mid-year review to review budget assumptions and adjust the budget if needed to capture unforeseen circumstances or needs in the organization.

The second part of the discussion peeled back a layer and focused on the current year priorities, identified achievements, and discussed the overall health of the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds.

The takeaway from the March 11 meeting was positive as forecast revenues were a bit ahead of estimates. The Water Enterprise Fund and recently adopted rates are still in the initial stages of analysis and with recent changes in the CPO and costs associated with that change the trend is cautiously positive.

This meeting will provide detailed information on the General Fund and reserves and how they are assigned, committed, or unrestricted, Special Revenue Funds, and our Water Enterprise Fund.

There will be a discussion of our current proposed staffing plan and the financial statements for FYE June 30, 2024, and through March 30, 2025. The statements were reconciled by Cunningham, Malone and Morton Bookkeeping Service, and our Auditor Brett Jones at JJCPA who conducts Audits for the City.

The Council also agreed on a list of goals and objectives at the January 07, 2025 Council meeting as a roadmap for the future. These items included:
• Invest in maintenance and upkeep of Town Hall, and recreation assets such as trails and parks. • Continue to plan for utility undergrounding.
• Prioritize strategies to stabilize water funds and staff. Including in house T3/CPO. • Prioritize developing a classification and compensation plan, and updating the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual, which aligns staff responsibilities and wages with the needs of the City, encourage retention, and rewards advancement.

Along with maintaining and enhancing the current service levels provided to the city, the current draft of the FY25/26 Budget aims to provide a continued focus on transitional stability for the Water Department. It is important to recognize that while adopting rates and transferring $300,000 from the General Fund to the Water Enterprise Fund was important and needed, it will take time for the fund to recover. While the recent change to a new interim CPO certainly helps better manage costs, staff are still working to have an in-house CPO to perform that work. Along with trained and credential staff that can operate the plant in all conditions, with appropriate backups in case of absences or open positions.

The proposed budget includes an accurate assessment of what is to come this year, projecting conservative spending in a healthy manner. For perspective, it is important to understand that the General Fund Reserve has been building over the last 5-years due to a combination of robust economic activity affecting the 95570 area (through tourism, increasing property values, and a resilient tax base). This past FY24/25 continues with that trend.

Staff feel the proposed budget accurately reflects the desires of the community, based on priorities set by the Council. The draft includes revenue and expenditure budget worksheets for each of the fund categories.

General Fund: Administrative, Public Works, Police, & Fire Restricted Funds: Water & Cemetery
Special Revenues: Gas Tax, Transportation (TDA), & COPS 05-13-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Tagliaboschi continued the presentation with slides shared that included the following topics, echoed in the meeting packet, draft proposed budget and summary:
• Budget Unit Structure
• Revenue Sources Overview
• General Fund Revenue Sources & Sales Tax Rate
• General Fund Revenues vs. Expenditures
• General Fund Reserves, Policy, and Total Fund Balance • General Fund Divisions: Admin, Police, Public Works, Fire • 3% CPI increase for Staff
• Staff Organizational Chart – slight reduction in personnel to 8.18 FTE (8 employees) from 9.25FTE in prior year (13 employees).
• Estimated Payroll and Grant Payroll Offset
• Water Operating Fund – may end 2025 with $140,000 thanks to $300k gift from General Fund. • Water Fund Goals and Highlights
• Grants In Progress
• General Fund Goals & Highlights
• Public Works Goals & Highlights – Capital Projects (Town Hall improvements, Tennis Court, Trails, etc.) • Next Steps
Council questions included:

Councilmembers Kelly and Kenny both asked questions to help distinguish between the Assistant City Manager and the Assistance to the City Manager. CM Tagliaboschi noted Grant Coordinator Angela Cather would be a great candidate for that position.

Kelly: Thanked Tagliaboschi for the work done so far, especially handling cost overruns with the Water Plant so quickly.

Kenny: The cart is before the horse if we account for ALMT (trail) grant funding before the Council approves the project. I’ve stated a few times that just because grant funding is available, we have to make sure the project fits our policy goals. I appreciate the presentation. It answered many questions I had after reviewing the line items.

What return rate are we getting on our reserve fund? – Clerk responded, between 4-7% through LAIF, and noted that prior years of underspending and conservative revenue expectations resulted in reserve fund growth. The budget this coming year intends to utilize the reserves to implement projects that were budgeted in prior years.

Public comment included:

Andrew Davis – Trinidad
Regarding compensation study, you might want to factor into the budget cost estimates and or adjustments.

City Manager Tagliaboschi noted that once the study was in hand, it will be brought back to the Council for adoption and adjustments as recommended.

Kelly, Tuttle, Kenny discussed Pacific Coast Security shifts, days of the week, and preferences, with agreement that their service is greatly appreciated.

Motion (Kenny/Kelly) to bring back the proposed budget in June with increased budget for Pacific Coast Security to 24 hours/week. Passed unanimously.

2. Discussion/Decision regarding Distribution of Tourist Occupancy Tax Funds to Community Organizations.

City Manager Tagliaboschi explained that in 2013 the City Council agreed to allocate 10% of the total, annual Tourist Occupancy Tax revenue for community organizations. Each Council serving since then have confirmed their intent to continue this tradition.

The Chamber of Commerce, Museum, Library, and Trinidad Coastal Land Trust agreed among themselves to distribute that amount every year to each organization proportionately. 05-13-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
The total, unaudited Occupancy Tax revenue collected in FY 2023-2024 is $213,924. The City will be issuing 10% of the total revenue ($21,392) to each organization in the following payments:
30% $6,417.60 Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce
30% $6,417.60 Trinidad Museum
30% $6,417.60 Trinidad Coastal Land Trust
10% $2,139.20 Trinidad Library
Council comments included:

Kenny: Thanked the groups and expressed full support.

Kelly: Consider hearing from the groups to know how and what they’re up to.

Public comment included:

Patti Fleschner – Museum Society
Thanked the Council and offered to provide additional details as needed, but noted how insurance and building improvement costs have increased significantly.

Karen Parker – Trinidad Area Resident
Concerned why the proportion of payments are so low for Library. Patti Fleschner explained how the arrangement was made, funds were raised and reserved, and the contributions made on a regular basis by the City to maintain the facility.

Motion (Varela/Kenny) to confirm budget expense for fiscal year 2024-2025 as proposed. Passed unanimously.

3. Discussion/Decision regarding approval of the Plans and Bid Documents for the Water System Intertie Project.

Grant Coordinator Angela Cather explained that on March 11, 2025, Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Trinidad and Westhaven Community Services District regarding the Water System Intertie Project. Since approving the MOU in March 2025, the City’s contracted engineers, GHD, and WCSD’s contracted engineers, PACE, developed a completed set of Plans and Bid Documents for Council’s approval. These documents are now ready for the bidding process.

Council comment included:

Kenny: This is a project that we rely on staff to provide us good information and keep it on track.

There was no public comment.

Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to approve the Plans and Bid Documents regarding the Water System Intertie Project and direct staff to advertise the project and request formal bids. Passed unanimously.

4. Staff Activity Report – April 2025
City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi summarized the following:
• CSA4 meeting- Staff met with members of Westhaven fire, CalFire, The Rancheria, BOS Members Madrone and Wilson and Board and Lafco staff. The group discussed a study for fire services and agreed that it is a worthwhile endeavor. Specifics of the study were discussed with a plan to solicit the study to a consultant with some quotes for costs. Once those results are analyzed and discussed there could be a request to contribute to help fund the study. • Water update: Eric Sanders invoice for April -$4000.00. Carl Anderson is working to schedule his exam for T3s
• Westhaven Intertie Project: Staff received the long-anticipated Plans, Specifications, Engineering (PSE) and updated Projected Costs to complete from Westhaven Water District. The PSE are scheduled for Council approval and then the project can get out for bidding. The project is expected to start at the end of July and end around the middle of November. • Staff is waiting on contractor response and quotes for the Windows and Rot repair at Town Hall. An additional document is being prepared for the front porch carpet removal and epoxy application. 05-13-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Trails meeting May 20.
- Single-use plastic ordinance.
- Budget
ADJOURNMENT: 7:40pm.

Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Kelly, Kenny, Tuttle, Breckenridge, Varela. City Staff in attendance: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi, City Clerk Gabriel Adams, Assistant Clerk Anton Souza, and City Planner Trever Parker. Approximately (3) participants were present by video-conference, and (10) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Breckenridge/Varela) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.

IV. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR – No items presented
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) V. CONSENT AGENDA – None proposed
VI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Trinidad Trail Closure Issues: Discussion/Action regarding future management of City Trails, particularly related to the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail, Van Wycke Trail, and Galindo Trail. The discussion will focus on the approaching expiration of the temporary, permitted closure of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail and a phased reopening plan.

City Planner Trever Parker read from and summarized a comprehensive report included in the meeting packet.

She explained that trails and their repair and maintenance have been significant ongoing issues for several years. During this time, several trails have been temporarily closed, some for multiple years. Trail closures, and many maintenance activities require Coastal Development Permits (CDPs). Therefore, the Planning Commission has had primary responsibility for discussing and acting on the various closures and maintenance/repair proposals. A timeline of recent closure actions are listed below:
• Van Wycke
o August 2020, the PC approved a 6-month temporary closure that was appealed to the City Council (appeal denied) and the Coastal Commission
o September 2023, the Coastal Commission found the appeal raised no substantial issues, but made it clear they wanted a solution
o March 2024, the PC approved another 6-month closure
o September 2024, the PC denied an extension of the closure o October 2024, the City Council approved a 3-month extension of the closure o December 2024, City staff made some minor repairs (not requiring a CDP) and the closure expired. • Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail
o February 2023, City staff authorized an emergency CDP for closure at the request of the TAS o April 2023, the PC followed up to authorize a 6-month closure (2 months for Parker Creek Trail, which was reopened in May 2023)
o May 2023, the PC issued a CDP for repair of the Parker Creek Trail and remediation actions for erosion and impacts to cultural resources at the toe of the bluff along Old Home Beach o October 2023, the PC approved a 4-month extension on the condition that City staff develop a short-term reopening plan.
o March 2024, the PC approved another 4-month extension to the closure o July 2024, the Planning Commission denied a new CDP for continued temporary closure of the ALMT for up to a year (appealed to the City Council who upheld the appeal and overturned the PC decision, which was in turn appealed to the Coastal Commission who found the appeal raised no substantial issues).
o August 2024, the Planning Commission conditionally approved a CDP for vegetation removal along the realignment.
05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
The Planning Commission has expressed growing frustration with the continued closures of trails in Trinidad, particularly in the face of public opposition to the closures. This frustration is exacerbated by the fact that the Planning Commission does not have any authority to direct staff or resources to address trail issues or to otherwise affect progress towards reopening the trails other than acting on CDPs. Although they recognize that staff have been doing what they can, the Planning Commission wants the City Council to take a more active role in directing resources and following through to ensure that solutions are being actively pursued. This includes agendizing trail issues at City Council meetings to provide the public with a forum to provide input to the Council and for the Council to provide clear direction to staff.

AXEL LINDGREN MEMORIAL TRAIL (ALMT)
Parker explained that the City has continued to work with the Tsurai Management Team (TMT) to look at both short and long-term repairs to the ALMT and ways to address the bluff instability. The current closure will expire on May 23. There was some discussion at the TMT about the possibility of opening a portion of the trail. The City requested a TMT meeting on 3/31 and 4/2, but did not receive any responses from Yurok Tribe or TAS representatives. However, more recent direction given to staff is to reopen the entire trail on the existing alignment as quickly as possible.

It has always been the City’s intent to reopen the trail as soon as safely and sensitively possible. This was what various parties agreed to when the City temporarily closed the trail in February 2023 at the request of TAS. The City took several follow-up actions in 2023 as requested by the TAS, including installing fencing at the top and bottom of the trail, placing jute matting along the toe of the bluff, and installing snow/sand fencing on the beach along the base of the bluff. The City has continued to meet with the TMT to work in good faith to reopen the trail along the traditional alignment as requested by the TAS. However, that process has taken longer than anticipated and now does not appear to present a viable option for reopening the trail in the short-term.

Therefore, the City plans to move forward with a phased approach that will reopen the trail in the existing, permitted alignment in the immediate short-term, and it will also commit the City to continuing to work on improving the ALMT to protect cultural resources, including moving forward with the realignment in both the long and intermediate terms.

The phased reopening plan consists of four basic steps: 1) immediately trim vegetation and install cable steps at the toe of the existing, permitted alignment, remove the fencing, and allow the temporary closure to expire; 2) replace existing steps as needed and work with the TMT to install fencing or a railing along the east side of the trail or portions of the trail to discourage people from leaving the trail; 3) work with the TMT to plan studies and improvements necessary to reroute the bottom of the trail to the traditional alignment; and 4) apply for grant funding to implement the long-term boardwalk plan developed by GHD and TAS.

As part of the initial phase, the City plans to process an amendment to the CDP/Design Review/Use Permit that was issued in 1996 to construct/improve the Hogback Trail for public use. This hearing is scheduled to occur at the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of May 21, 2025. The proposed amendment will authorize ongoing maintenance and periodic repair of the trail consisting of vegetation trimming and placement of new cable steps at the base of the trail to replace the old cable steps that were washed away. The trail specifications and conditions of approval from the 1996 action will remain in effect.

It should be noted that the TAS object to the existing, permitted alignment of the trail. However, that alignment was properly permitted and constructed by and in coordination with the Yurok Tribe and Axel Lindgren II in 1997. The City intends to continue to work with the TAS/TMT to reroute the base of the trail. But since it has become apparent that cannot be accomplished in the short term, the City feels that reopening the trail in its current configuration best meets the City’s obligations to provide public access, meet the needs of the community, and to comply with the terms of the 1994 settlement agreement.

Council questions/comments included:

Varela: Trail closed due to safety concerns. What have been the barriers to reopening it? Kenny: I have a different view of our options tonight. The City’s Ordinance does not consider our reopening strategy to be “development”, and that we do not need a CDP to proceed. Parker noted the Coastal Commission staff believe the maintenance work needs a permit, due to the sensitive location adjacent to the shoreline.
05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Kelly: What is the CDP issuance timeline? Trever explained, a 2-week local appeal period, followed by a 10- working day appeal for the Coastal Commission.

Kenny: If someone appeals, we lose another summer without the trails open. We should apply our local coastal program interpretation to this project. Parker recommended against pursuing that option with the risk of getting a notice of violation.

Breckenridge: Asked for a description of the realignment, where there seems to be the point of contention.

Parker described that it was the bottom third of the trail where it currently veers towards the east, with the traditional route veered towards the west. The bluff retreat has made the traditional route infeasible. The Yurok Tribe chose the current route for ease of construction. The short-term, immediate opening would involve repairing the current route.

Kenny: The proposed realignment exits onto a large rock that has been impacted by erosion.

Kelly: I voted to close the trails after big storms and erosion two years ago, to mitigate safety and cultural sensitivities that occurred. Staff has been working diligently to evaluate different options. I want to preserve the longer-range plan but also do something in the short-term for the community.

Public comment included:

Steve Madrone – Fifth District County Supervisor
I built many of the trails in Trinidad over the last 40 years. Every trail (except Galindo) in the area has the same erosion problem at the toe of the slope. I propose a longer-term vision. There’s a lot of pressure along the shoreline. It’s the nature of the area. Crib steps last, but also require maintenance. There’s more than just the trail at stake below Edwards Street. The street itself is threatened by erosion, and also 80,000 gallons/day injected into the bluff by brining potable water to town . There’s city infrastructure at risk along with the Tsurai Village Site. If this was a European cemetery at risk, we might approach it differently. If you really want to stop the erosion by creating a stable transition from the trail to the beach, build a biotechnical revetment structure – including logs and willow, binding everything together. If not dealt with you’re looking at multi-million dollar projects down the road. Build biotechnical bank stabilization all the way from the west point of the beach, all the way past the Parker Creek Trail. I believe it’s possible to get permits for this. You could rebuild Groth Lane and bring 10 yard dump trucks, logs, excavators, and everything needed to stabilize the bluff. Build a toe trench and bury the midden with sand. Rip-rap fill the slope over 20ft high. In the near term the only solution is the cablesteps. I drew up a design that I’ll share with the City Manager, estimating the cost at 2-3 million dollars.

Kelly: Perhaps we can take this to the Tsurai Management Team and ask Madrone to help provide additional guidance. Madrone offered his services for free.

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin – Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director I appreciate the discussion tonight. On behalf of the Tribal Council and Chairman, we notice that Trinidad Rancheria has not been referenced in the staff report. We have repeatedly asked that the Rancheria be included in Tsurai Management Team meetings. We understand cultural sensitive discussions occur in executive sessions. It’s very concerning that after 14 years there no mention of the Trinidad Rancheria’s request to engage in trail opening or closing solutions. The Tribal Council is in favor of the proposed temporary repair. We have a lot of experience with coastal forces, erosion, and ongoing repair and maintenance. The Rancheria’s knowledge and descendance from the village should be considered. G2G consultation needs to happen. Respectfully request acknowledgement and inclusion in these solutions.

Allie Lindgren – Lineal Descendent of Tsurai
91 years old, born and raised in Trinidad. Trinidad is Tsurai. People have to change, speak slowly so everyone can understand what’s going on. Thanked the Council for holding this informative meeting.

Council comments included:

Kenny: Thanked Allie Lindgren for attended tonight.

Kelly: Summarized short-term and long-term strategies, and giving direction to the Planning Commission and Staff to move forward.
05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Breckenridge: I support the short-term, expeditious solution, and am intrigued by the long-term fix proposed by Madrone. Would like to hear more about that at some point in the future.

Varela: I feel that it’s important to acknowledge the resilience and strength of the indigenous people of this area and in this room, and the impact colonization has had on your communities. I joined the Council to be an advocate for a new way forward. Colonization has impacted the trajectory of native people’s lives, and reshaped the history of this space, allowing people like me to be here. We have a beautiful future together. I want to find an equitable path forward acknowledging and representing your experience, heritage, and history. I also want to acknowledge Jacque Hostler’s leadership of the Rancheria community. How are we going to share this history with locals and visitors. Sharing is priceless. It allows us to fall in love with this place. The focus tonight is trails. I’m in favor of adding cultural interpretive information along all our trails to share this history.

Kenny: Question about the exclusion orders, and exemptions. I think we have a pretty good case for saying we don’t need a permit. If the Coastal Commission wants to give us a cease and desist letter, we’ll address it then.

I worry about someone filing an appeal and risking the trail be closed for yet another summer. My preference would be to make a finding that the repair does not need a permit. It’s the season to get people down to the beach. Parker noted that they require 2/3rd of the Coastal Commission vote to adopt, with more rigorous review. Exclusion order will take precedence over local actions.

Kelly: I understand the need to expedite. However, the process for people to appeal gives an opportunity for more input – it’s part of the process. I believe they can be resolved quickly since we have consulted with the Coastal Commission. Kenny noted it would take at least 4-5 months.

City Manager Tagliaboschi explained that the City Attorney and Planner guidance is consistent.

Kenny: My fall-back position is to get the CDP but proceed anyway if someone appeals the project. We reserve the right to do that.

Kelly: I don’t want to lose the summer either, but I may not be comfortable saying “too bad, we’re building it anyway”. Let’s make a motion and vote to see what the Council thinks. Varela agreed.

Continued public comment:

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin – Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director Harbor asked the Coastal Commission to do maintenance, asking for an exemption, and received a favorable response. It has to do with the manner in which work will be performed. What I’m hearing is there is no intent for ground disturbance. The City may want to write a formal letter to the Coastal Commission requesting a waiver. It won’t hurt.

City Planner Parker noted that the temporary closre CDP will expire on Friday, and we cannot guarantee zero ground disturbance. The cables steps may be considered a new structure. The Coastal Commission has a waiver procedure, but the City’s LCP does not. We could move forward with the permit, and send a letter.

Steve Madrone – County Supervisor
Not doing something could create a safety issue since people may likely use the trail anyway – regardless of signage. It happens all the time. You also have tremendous experience and resources with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. It is not a no ground disturbance project.

Continued Council comment:

Kenny: We need to show backbone and be brave, and can back down if necessary. This is our City, and our ordinances.

Motion (Kenny) to move forward with a CDP for the short-term repair, with the caveat that the City reserves the right to continue with the project without a permit, and the City will continue if the project is appealed. Motion fails due to lack of second.

Kenny, continued: The long-term phase of the proposed project plan is inappropriate. There’s not enough return for the investment. We need to give the land back to a Tribal entity and let them decide how to manage 05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
the land. The Yurok Tribe should get first right of refusal. The City needs to get out of this situation. To honor Trinidad’s splendor and beauty, trails should have the least amount of engineering as possible.

Kelly: We need to stay focused on the trail proposal/repair tonight. The City should work with the Tsurai, Yurok, and Rancheria to pursue funding to redirect the trail as the Tsurai has requested.

Motion (Kelly/Tuttle) to approve the ALMT phased reopening plan, direct staff to continue implementing it with necessary CDP, writing a formal letter requesting exemption, and to continue working with Tribal entities to develop a joint-funding proposal whereby the trail can be redirected in the traditional, preferred pathway.

Passed unanimously.

GALINDO TRAIL
City Planner Parker explained that Galindo Street can be seen on aerial photos dating back at least to the 1960’s, and it is included in Trinidad’s original 1980 LCP (Plate 4 and Policy 64). It was reconstructed in 1992 as a “repair and maintenance” project. Although the TAS assert that the City agreed to close the trail in 2001 as part of the “Walkway Project,” which resulted in construction of the boardwalk along lower Edwards, and again as part of the development of the TMP, there is no evidence or support of that claim in the file record. If such an agreement was made, it was not done in a public forum. I only mention this because it is likely to come up at the meeting. I don’t think the question can be easily resolved, but it appears to be a moot point, since the City has publicly agreed to pursue closure of the trail now.

The current trail closure discussion first arose in November 2017, when the TAS presented a petition (https://www.change.org/p/trinidad-city-council-close-galindo-street-trail-in-trinidad-ca) to close the Galindo Trail as an “item from the floor” at the City Council meeting. The stated reason is because the trail passes over or near to Tsurai gravesite(s). Although the Council could not take action on an item not on the agenda, they indicated an interest in following up on the issue. Staff researched the files, and the City Council held a Government-to-Government (G2G) meeting with the Yurok Tribe in February 2018. There was also an onsite meeting around the same time with representatives from TAS, the Yurok Tribe, Trinidad Rancheria, the City Manager only, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. At that meeting, it was reported that there was a general consensus that the trail should be closed.

City staff then met with Coastal Commission staff in March 2018 to discuss the process for closure of the trail.

Coastal Commission staff did not support trail closure at that time and suggested that an LCP amendment would be required and that detailed analysis and justification to close the trail would be necessary. In addition, they suggested that some type of pedestrian pathway between the bottom of Edwards Street and the bottom of the Galindo Trail would be required in order to provide alternative access in the “same time, place, and manner” pursuant to their interpretation of Coastal Act § 30214. Coastal Commission staff additionally suggested that prescriptive rights could interfere with closing the trail. Therefore, little progress was made due to these significant hurdles.

The issue came up again in 2020, and the City Council officially directed staff to work on a proposal for closing the Galindo Trail at their August 11, 2020 meeting. (Motion to direct City staff to work with Coastal Commission staff and stakeholders to put together a proposal to close the Galindo Trail, which will eventually become an application for a CDP and LCP Amendment. Passed 4-1.) Note that in the minutes for that meeting, there are several comments from then current and former Councilmembers that they had already voted to close the trail.

However, I cannot find a record of it being on a previous City Council agenda, and my best guess is that they were referring to the G2G meeting with the Yurok Tribe in February 2018, the results of which I cannot find any details of in the record.

However, progress towards trail closure was not made until 2022 due to the previously mentioned challenges presented by Coastal Commission staff, because City staff did not have the information and resources to address them. That changed in 2022 with a change of leadership at the local CCC office and likely as the result of new executive and legislative directives requiring state agencies to more comprehensively consider environmental justice and tribal consultation/issues. The TAS met with Coastal Commission staff directly in July 2022. And City staff met with the TAS and Coastal Commission staff in August 2022, where Coastal Commission staff agreed that the trail should be closed and provided suggestions for an achievable path forward.
05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
City staff continued to meet and work closely with the TAS and Coastal Commission staff into early 2023 to plan a small parklet that would serve as a memorial and an overlook at the top of the bluff along the trail with closure and restoration of the lower portion of the trail. The conceptual plan is attached. The City was also working on coordinating repair of the boardwalk along lower Edwards at that time, which provides a critical alternative pedestrian access route. City staff were planning on presenting the plan to the City Council and the public at the February 2023 meeting. Unfortunately, we all got pulled away to deal with the erosion along Old Home Beach instead. And staff have continued to be busy with trails other issues so that we have not gotten back to working on Galindo. In addition, there have been delays with the easement for the boardwalk repair, which may impact the ability to move forward with the closure anyway.

Council comments/questions included:

Varela: Does the Tsurai Ancestral Society still want the trail closed? Kenny: Against the closure. Tuttle agreed.

Public comment included:

Aaron Hakenen – Trinidad
I’m up here as a resident – not as a Planning Commissioner. Question, if closure is a decision will the lower bench and vista be kept onsite? It’s a wonderful view of the Harbor.

Jack West – Trinidad
Former Councilmember. I was likely in the last meeting held with the Yurok Tribe. We need to follow through with things promised in the past, requested by the Yurok and Tsurai.

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin – Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director I attended the meeting Parker referenced with the BIA and Tribal Archeologists. The concern was protecting possible gravesites on the trail. It was a very serious meeting. The recommendation of the BIA Archeologist was that you can’t answer the question about the location of the grave. You can’t examine it. All you can do is protect the grave. Keeping the trail open doesn’t protect the grave. During that meeting, there was consensus that the trail should be closed. It is important to use caution with statements regarding the outcome of the Tsurai Village transfer/ownership, etc. It’s inappropriate to make statements about the disposition of the Village when it is not properly noticed on the agenda. There is current litigation that these opinions should be held for.

Steve Madrone – Trinidad Area Resident
Myself and team at RCAA and Conservation Corps built this trail with Axel Lindgren III monitoring. The trail is convenient and scenic. Late in the process of building the steps, Lindgren left for a doctor’s appointment and when he returned, he pointed out that the steps were constructed near the grave. We need to let go of our personal feelings and think about a trail through a cemetery, it’s inappropriate. I will help volunteer to remove the trail. A believe there was recognition and agreement to close this trail. This is a step forward to heal.

Tristan Cole – Trinidad
The Galindo Street Trail is the only deed public access to reach Launcher Beach. There is no deeded access via pavement.

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin – Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director The Rancheria memorialized the easement that is there during the BIA Trust process. Access to the Pier is also protected by easement. Closing the trail does not mean revoking the easement.

Council comments included:

Breckenridge: Do we know where the graves are? To promise closure but not deliver seems harmful to our relationships.

Tuttle: It is unfortunate that the Van Wycke trail was closed and now we’re talking about closing another trail. I would be ok closing this trail if Van Wycke was open. Concerned with the public being upset with us for this.

Van Wycke is technically open, but very difficult to use.

Kenny: Who was representing the public’s interest during those internal meetings? I understand a good argument can be made that the whole country is a huge injustice to the native people. It’s wrong to close this 05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7
trail, used by everyone. Two wrongs don’t make one right. This is the only public access linking to the easement. The Pier easement runs out in 2032. This is an important link for the public’s access to the Pier. I doubt this was considered when trail closure was discussed. The boardwalk to the Harbor is on Rancheria property, and in the summer dumps people off on a busy intersection. Galindo Trail exists in a quiet section of the Harbor. The boardwalk is not a great substitute. Galindo is also the quickest way to get to high-ground during a tsunami. When I walk by and think of someone buried there, I feel a connection to tribal interests.

They may be glad see people walking by, thinking about them. I don’t think there’s anything disrespectful about that. People keep an eye on that area. The top of the trail can be relocated to a less sensitive area, but trail closure is not necessary.

Kelly: I served on the Trail Committee and Planning Commission. I run trails, and voted to fix Van Wycke. I’m pro-trail. However, I anchor my decisions to integrity. This Council has discussed with all three tribal entities closing this trail. On August 11, 2020, the Council directed staff to develop a plan to close Galindo - due to gravesites, information received, and consultations. I don’t see why the Rancheria would restrict access to their business enterprises. I want to stand by to previous Council commitments, keep our word and close Galindo.

Motion (Bryce/Tuttle) to reaffirm Council commitment to keep Galindo Trail open. Motion failed 2-Yes, 3-No.

Motion (Kelly) to direct staff to continue building the process to evaluate the closure of the Galindo Trail, work with Tribal entities to confirm this position. No vote taken.

Varela: I recognize historic meetings have been held, but it feels important to have one more G2G meeting, or have further conversation to make sure this issue is relevant. It could be done with Van Wycke Trail access back on the table for discussion.

Final public comment:

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin – Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director It would be great to accomplish cultural site protection and find a solution for the Van Wycke Trail. The meeting occurred 7 years ago, and agree with Varela that reaffirming positions is a good idea.

Steve Madrone – Trinidad Area Resident
Don’t make one trail closure contingent upon another opening.

Staff will take guidance from tonight’s meeting, communicate and reaffirm Tribal entities positions, and return to the Council with information gathered.

VAN WYCKE TRAIL
City Planner Trever Parker explained that as of May 15, 2025, the CIRA’s Board (the City’s insurance provider) voted to remove the exclusion on the Van Wycke Trail, so it now has liability insurance coverage again.

Although the immediate issue of the temporary closure has been solved for the short-term, the future of this trail is still in question. The slide that is impacting the trail will continue to move, further compromising the condition of the trail. As previously noted, the City will need to decide whether to pursue repairs and to what extent, and consider if/when the trail should be closed as has been requested by the Tsurai Ancestral Society and Yurok Tribe. Staff recommends that the City Council request formal consultation with the Yurok Tribe to better understand the potential impacts to cultural resources from the use of the trail in order to inform the Council’s decision.

Public comment included:

Roland Johnson – Trinidad Area
Doesn’t want the Council to give up on Van Wycke. Recollected driving a jeep on Van Wycke growing up in Trinidad. It should be kept open.

No decision was made.
05-20-2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8

2. Discussion/Decision to Appoint two (2) Councilmembers to the Tsurai Management Team.

City Manager Tagliaboschi explained that it was appropriate to bring back the appointments made back in January when new Councilmembers were seated, to confirm Breckenridge and Varela wish to continue serving in this capacity.

Varela expressed interest in continuing. Breckenridge would give up the seat due to inconsistent scheduling that may interfere with her work schedule.

There was no public comment.

Motion (Kelly/Tuttle) to nominate Kenny to replace Breckenridge on the TMT. Passed unanimously.

Continued public comment included:

Jacque Hostler-Carmesin – Trinidad Rancheria Executive Director Concerned with being prevented from participating in Tsurai Management Team meetings.

Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) based on its position relative to Policy 69 of the City and the 12.5 acre Study Area, to invite the Trinidad Rancheria to become a member of the Tsurai Management Team. Passed unanimously.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Old Home Beach slope reinforcement concept (ALMT phased plan) - Underground Utility District
- Playground at Saunders Park.

ADJOURNMENT: 8:35pm.

Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Financial Statements – April 2025

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Law Enforcement Report – May 2025.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Discussion/Decision regarding Resolution 2025-04; Adopting the FY2025-2026 Budget.

FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
ADOPTED TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
I. BUDGET SUMMARY
II. GENERAL FUND REVENUE
III. GENERAL FUND EXPENSES
Administrative
Police
Fire
Public Works
IV. ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Water Fund
Cemetery Fund
V. SPECIAL REVENUES
COPS Grant
Integrated Waste Management
Gas Tax
Transportation Development Act (TDA)

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Joe Tagliaboschi, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Discussion/Decision regarding Resolution 2025-04; Adopting the FY2025-2026 Budget.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review, discuss, accept staff report and approve Resolution 2025-04; Adopting the FY2025-2025 Budget.

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND On May 13 Staff conducted the FY25/26 Budget Workshop. This included a presentation and discussion of changes as compared to the previous FY24/25 budget with notable changes discussed in more depth. The proposed operating budget is balanced at $957,710 in expenses with $967,723 in revenues.

This meeting provided detailed information on the General Fund and reserves and how they are assigned, committed, or unrestricted, Special Revenue Funds, and our Water Enterprise Fund.

There was a discussion of the proposed staffing plan and the financial statements for FYE June 30, 2024, and through March 30, 2025. The statements were reconciled by. Cunningham, Malone and Morton Bookkeeping Service, and our Auditor Brett Jones at JJCPA who conducts Audits for the City.

The Council also agreed on a list of goals and objectives at the January 7, 2025, Council meeting as a roadmap for the future. Staff has taken care to review these goals and incorporate them into the FY 25/26 budget.

These items included:
• Invest in maintenance and upkeep of Town Hall, and recreation assets such as trails and parks. • Prioritize strategies to stabilize water funds, and retain staff. Including in house T3/CPO. • Prioritize developing a classification and compensation plan, and updating the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual, which aligns staff responsibilities and wages with the needs of the City, encourage retention, and rewards and incentivize staff who improve their skillsets and knowledge that align with city needs.

Along with maintaining and enhancing the current service levels provided to the city, the current draft of the FY25/26 Budget aims to provide a continued focus on transitional stability for the Water Department. It is important to recognize that while adopting rates and transferring $300,000 from the General Fund to the Water Enterprise Fund was important and needed, it will take time for the fund to recover.

While the recent change to a new interim CPO certainly helps better manage costs, staff are still working to have an in-house CPO to perform that work. Along with trained and credential staff that can operate the plant in all conditions, with appropriate backups in case of absences or open positions.

The proposed budget includes an accurate assessment of what is to come this year, projecting conservative revenues and status quo spending. For perspective, it is important to understand that the General Fund Reserve has been building over the last 5-years due to a combination of robust economic activity affecting the 95570 area (through tourism, increasing property values, and a resilient tax base). The past FY24/25 continues with that trend.

Staff feels the proposed budget accurately reflects the goals of the council and the desires of the community, based on priorities set by the Council. The proposed budget includes revenue and expenditure budget worksheets for each of the fund categories:

General Fund: Administrative, Public Works, Police, & Fire Restricted Funds: Water & Cemetery
Special Revenues: Gas Tax, Transportation (TDA), & COPS

FUND DESCRIPTION & FORECASTS
GENERAL FUND: The City’s conservative approach to spending, coupled with steady revenues from the baseline economy and significant contributions from visitors, have helped build the City’s reserves over time. Four primary expense funds (Administration, Police, Fire, and Public Works) are supported by discretionary revenue received through taxes and fees for service.

Revenues: Sales and Occupancy taxes are volatile revenue sources. They are strong when the economy is healthy, but easily disrupted by natural disasters such as wildfires, droughts, pandemics, or human-triggered disasters such as housing or market crashes, It is common for cities that are primarily funded by Sales and TOT revenue streams to maintain healthy reserves to provide for resilience if, and when they are needed to cover budget shortfalls. Since 2005 Trinidad Councilmembers have prioritized fiscal stability and responsibility, and the $2.4 million General Fund reserve fund balance exemplifies that prudent fiscal policy.

Revenue sources are proportioned as follows:

Revenue priorities for FY2025/26 include:
• Continued support and analysis of Sales Tax revenue.
• Update Fee Schedule.
• Update Cemetery Plot rates.
• Monitor reserves and cash-flow needs in a manner that maximizes interest earning potential.

Reserves: The reserves provide short-term insurance to shield the City from sudden changes, to use as matching funds to leverage larger grant funding, provide cash-flow support during large-scale grant construction phases, and to stabilize the budget in an emergency. Here’s how the city could use the reserves this year. • Town Hall Improvements- windows, front porch flooring, and exterior painting (+- $175,000) • Maintain public buildings and important city assets such as trails and recreation infrastructure. • Adjust salaries as needed to account for the results of the compensation study. • Cover increasing costs due to State of Federal mandates and regulations. • Utilize for cash-flow needs during peak grant project outflow demand periods.

FY2025 Revenue Projection: $967,723 (5%)
Operating Expenses: $957,710 (<1%)
Difference: $7,013

EXPENSES
Administration (201): The budget for this category includes a sizeable portion of in-house and consultant staff that help run the City, and their expenses are based on past experiences as to what issues the City may face in the upcoming year.

Expenses and priorities for the Administration fund include:
• Staff wages & benefits for 2.67 (2.97) FTE employees with a 3% COLA determined by the City Manager. • City Attorney, Planner, Building Inspector, Accountant, Auditor, and Tech Support. • Utility costs for public buildings; Town Hall, Annex, and Library. • Office Supplies, Equipment, and Technology improvements to enhance audio quality of meetings. • Website, Municipal Code, and Recordkeeping Expenses.
• Community Group support from T.O.T. Allocation.

Public Safety (301 & COPS):

Due to an adjustment made by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the contract cost for FY2025/26 has been reduced to $60,148 ($67,500), which is a significant decrease from the prior years. Animal Control Services has a slight increase to $7,204 ($6,266).

Pacific Security has increased to $67,392 ($56,160) this is due to a request to cover the hours that they are working.

They were contracted for 20 hours a week, but changes in the company make it difficult to provide staff for that schedule. The council has agreed to the 24-hour per week staffing plan for FY25/26 at the May 13 budget meeting.

The COPS grant funding will cover FY25/26 Police, Animal Control, and Private Security expenses $134,744 ($129,926) for the City of Trinidad in FY2025. A 5% increase over FY24/25 Fire (401):

Thanks to the goodwill and dedication of life-long community resident Shawn Worth, and our Assistant Chief Dick Kieselhorst the department remains staffed and committed to providing Trinidad with emergency volunteer fire and first responder coverage. There is still a need for volunteers with an open invitation for applicants! The CERT program maintains the same budget this year with $3,500 proposed for program training and expenses, tracked through the Fire Department budget.

It is important to note that the City’s investments in public safety benefit the community. The CERT program, for example, has initiated enhancements to assist our first responders in the event of an emergency and help provide emergency personnel communications during an emergency via HAM Radio and other comms systems. The City Council is committed to doing everything it can to enrich emergency preparedness programs that benefit the entire community.

Public Works (501):

The Public Works Fund has been the recipient of significant offsets in employee labor costs over the past two years.

Otherwise known as “grant payroll allocations” these offsets are a result of grants that have eligible amounts programmed in to cover staff time involved in executing the projects. In FY2025/26 there is an estimated $7,430 to supplement Public Works staff time, down from an estimated $28,000 in FY24/25. With a growing list of non-grants funded Public Works projects slated for FY2025/26, the result is a higher wage burden on the General Fund.

Expenses and priorities for the Public Works fund include. • Staff wages & benefits for 2.48 (2.86) FTE employees with a 3% COLA determined by the City Manager. • Annual Stormwater Discharge Permit to the State Water Resources Control Board. • City Engineer expertise in public works projects, technical advisory committees, regional transportation, and funding allocations by State and Local agencies.
• Right-of-Way and ongoing trail maintenance.
• Vehicle fuel and maintenance.
• Public building and facility maintenance.

SPECIAL REVENUE – WATER FUND
After two years of increasing and unknown costs to operate the Trinidad Water Treatment Plant, the Council adopted a new rate plan that helped add additional much needed revenue to this enterprise fund. In addition, Council voted to give a one-time transfer of $300,000 to help stabilize the fund.

In March, a new interim Chief Plant Officer (CPO) was brought on board at a fixed monthly cost that is much more water enterprise fund budget friendly. Another piece of good news is staff applied for a Measure Z grant from Humboldt County and was awarded $40,000! These four actions have helped the fund slowly begin to recover some of the overly depleted fund balances.

This means that for now the adopted rate plan and the funds that are collected from that plan will be needed to continue to stabilize and grow the fund balances.

A simple method to understand budgets in general is to separate expenses into two categories, hard and soft costs, and evaluate the trends in each category.

Hard costs include general operating expenses such as energy costs to run the plant, in-house licensed personnel, treatment technology, filters, hardware, vehicle and machinery, treatment processes, etc.

Soft costs include technical and engineering staff time required to evaluate demand from a growing community, future planning and regulatory and permit report consultants, watershed consulting, and interim costs to transition back to in-house staff Plant operation.

At the end of June 30, 2024, the water system depleted its reserve and relied on a $300,000 gift from the General Fund to operate as a part of the new rates that were adopted in October 2024 to help stabilize the water enterprise fund. At least $1.1 million in capital improvement reserves has been used to cover operating expenses over the last four years.

This depletion was due to three (3) factors, not adopting new rates in a timely manner, losing an in-house CPO requiring a consultant to function as our CPO for the Water Treatment Plant. A more affordable interim CPO, and growing in-house talent to run the plant along with the newly adopted rates should help the water fund slowly build reserves to cover future plant capital costs.

The cost of operating a small water system, maintaining its efficiency, in a very desirable area to live, while functioning to provide a vital resource to a community that has emphasized a desire to live “within its means” (and local watershed), will prove to be a challenge for the rate payers. The water system relies on rates that were adopted and adjusted to reflect the current cost of running and maintaining the water treatment and distribution system.

Water Fund expenses and priorities for FY25/26 include:
• Budget adjustments, and modified staffing plan developed to better align with the adopted 5-year rate plan. • Staff wages & benefits for 2.75 (3.01) FTE total employees with a 3% COLA determined by the City Manager. • Focus on projects and grants is vital to delivering quality drinking water to customers. Recognizing that the water fund is far from out of the woods this early in the 5-year rate plan. • Continue to develop, incentivize, and train an in-house T3 Chief Water Plant Operator and T2 operator. • Consider delaying the $100,000 General Fund loan (part of the adopted 5-year rate plan) until the full impact of the new rate is allowed to develop and results are analyzed.

STAFFING PLAN AND WAGES:

The FY2025/26 identifies 8.25 FTE employees in the following categories:

Contract City Manager: .75 FTE

Permanent Employees:

City Clerk/Asst City Manager 1.0 FTE Admin
Assistant to the City Manager 1.0 FTE Admin
Grant Coordinator 1.0 FTE Admin
Assistant Clerk 1.0 FTE Admin
PW Supervisor .80 FTE Public Works
PW Maintenance II .50 FTE Public Works
PW Maintenance IV .50 FTE Public Works
Water Operator (T2) .20 FTE Water
Water Operator (T2 OIT) .50 FTE Water
Water Operator (T2 OIT) .50 FTE Water
Water Utility Operator (T3 OIT) .50 FTE Water
As per direction from the City Manager, a 3% COLA adjustment has been factored into the FY2025/26 budget for all Permanent Full and Part-time positions. The City Manager is not included in this adjustment.

The following position will be considered for wage adjustments due to a shift in responsibilities and a wage restructuring:
• City Clerk/Assistant City Manager – The adjustment is included in the budget as presented.

FY2025/26 Staffing priorities include:
• Continue to develop and implement a strategy to develop and train an in-house T3 Chief Water Plant Operator. • Conduct annual evaluations and maintain accurate personnel files and training requirements. • Implement the Classification and Compensation Study that is currently in process. This will include adoption of classifications and wage adjustments upon completion of the report.

FY25/26 BUDGET GOALS & SUMMARY

1. Utilize reserves established from prior fiscal years, if needed, to support staff retention.

2. Evaluate and update Master fee schedule to allow for better costs recovery.

3. Maintain current law enforcement coverage.

4. Continue to build city staff Water Plant Operations and water distribution system operations programs and processes.

5. Maintain and invest in public buildings, parks, and property.

6. Support community groups that enrich the community for locals and visitors.

7. Continue promoting and participating in an inclusive dialog with Tribal Governments.

8. Continue grant programs that will help the city approve the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan and ordinances update.

The proposed FY25/26 Budget recognizes a balanced operating fund budget but also identifies projects such as Town Hall improvements and Classification and Compensation Study that will require spending from the reserve fund. When staff has developed the project scope and costs there will be an agenda item for that discussion and Council approval.

City of Trinidad Resolution 2025-04 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 2025-04
ADOPTING THE FY2025-2026 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF TRINIDAD WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad is required to prepare and adopt a balanced budget every year by July 1st for the following Fiscal Year; and
WHEREAS, the City Staff has prepared a Draft Budget for FY2025-2026; and WHEREAS, a Proposed Budget, which takes into consideration public comments, has been completed and is ready for City Council for consideration and adoption.

NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Trinidad City Council does hereby adopt the proposed FY2025-2026 Budget; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Trinidad City Council does hereby instruct its staff to return to the Council periodically during the year with proposed budget amendments which may become necessary to address changing financial conditions.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL of Humboldt County of the State of California this 10th day of June, 2025.

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 Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
FY2025-26 General Fund Summary - Operating Revenue vs. Expenses REVENUE Budget Actual
General Fund Revenue Projection: $ 913,975 $ - *CIRA grants available as needed Cemetery Plot Purchases $ 30,000 $ -
Humboldt Sanitation Franchise Fees $ 12,500 $ -
TDA Transfer-In for TPW Labor $ 11,248 $ - *Reserve funds available as needed Total Revenue $ 967,723 $ -

EXPENSES
General Fund Admin $ 599,685 $ -
Public Works $ 268,212 $ -
Fire $ 26,850 $ - *Transition fund place-holder included Police $ 25,667 $ - *Private security option included
Cemetery $ 24,797 $ -
Waste Management $ 12,500 $ -
Total Expenses $ 957,710 $ -
Balance $ 10,013 $ - *Reserve funds dedicated to cover this Highlights:

General Fund Funds a significant portion of the following positions:

City Manager, City Clerk, Project Manager, Asst. Clerk & Consultants.

Provides staffing to meet increased regulations and higher government mandates.

Legal support to address ongoing litigation and consulting challenges.

General service level increases with full-time staff.

Continued support of Library, Museum, Land Trust
Continued progress on the General Plan Update
Continued commitment to optimize fees for services to sustain.

Includes 3% pay increase determined by the City Manager.

Public Safety Contract renewal with HCSO for full-time 24/7 coverage Budget includes 1248 hours of funding for private security Emphasis on enforcement of current laws and increased public safety challenges.

Public Safety paid entirely with COPS Funding (HCSO Coverage/Animal Control/PCS) CERT $3,500 included for program expenses.

Public Works Includes (1) FT Public Works Supervisor, and (2) maintenance workers Provides support to STIP and other grant funded construction projects underway Provides for City Engineer to oversee regional funding sources. $10,000 set aside for Trail Maintenance projects per Trails Comm.

Pays for ongoing, routine trail maintenance and supplies.

Pays for street lighting, routine building maintenance, and energy costs.

Reserve funds committed for larger-scale Town Hall improvements.

Staff reduction from 2.0 FTE to 1.8 FTE
Water Fund New T3 Consultant Contract with fixed cost of $4,000/month.

Revenue includes new rates adopted October 2024, and will be monitored closely.

Includes (1) Chief Operator, (3) Shift Operators/OIT's. 1.5 FTE.

Luffenholtz Creek Flow monitoring and reporting
$25,000 allocated for priority valve replacements and/or distribution line breaks Overall operating expense reduction of $60k.

Measure Z $40k award for water plant equipment replacement Streets/Roads Special Revenue Funds (Gas Tax, TDA, RMRA) used as needed.

No special projects budgeted at this time, but funds are available.

TDA Funds in reserve can be transferred to General Fund to offset TPW labor.

Reserve Funding Town Hall Exterior Wash and Trim Paint, and deck repair.

Town Hall Window Replacement Project - reserve funded.

Grant Projects
Fund Grant Award Grant
215 $ 200,000 LCP Update Grant 3 Coastal Commission
218 $ 75,000 CalRecycle SB1383 Assistance Grant 2
532 $ 825,800 HSIP Street Improvements
533 $ 177,000 OGALS Per Capita
535 $ 800,000 STIP Patricks Point & Scenic Drive
607 $ 2,000,000 MBDRP Intertie (with Westhaven CSD)
Rate Adjustments/Optimization 2% Transient Occupancy Tax Increase (from 10% to 12%) Water Rate Anaylsis
Building Permit Fee Schedule Update (in-progress, June 2025) Cemetery Plots; Rate Analysis/Adjustment (in-progress, July 2025) ...to help fund and secure future northern expansion.

Planning Admin Fee; 5-10% for in-house Staff time cost recovery Bench Policy Implementation; (30) benches at $1k each
Big Picture / Future Planning
Water Source Alternatives
Annexation Discussion
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget
201 REVENUES Notes
41010 Property Taxes - Secured $ 126,000 $ 66,320 $ 126,000 Assume 65% first installment 41020 Property Tax - Unsecured $ 5,735 $ 4,233 $ 5,375
41040 Property Tax - Prior Unsecured $ 50 $ - $ 50
41050 Proerty Tax - Current suppl $ 1,300 $ 595 $ 1,300 41060 Property Tax - prior Supplemental $ 350 $ 287 $ 350 41070 Property Tax - Fines $ 50 $ - $ 50
41071 Motor Vehicles Fines $ - $ - $ -
Interest Revenue $ 300 $ - $ 500
41110 Property Tax Exemption $ 1,000 $ 578 $ 1,000
41130 Public Safety 1/2% sales tax $ 1,200 $ 666 $ 1,200 41140 Documentary Real Property Tax $ 4,500 $ 784 $ 4,500 Recorder Fees 41190 Property Tax Administration $ (3,200) $ (1,744) $ (3,200) 41200 LAFCO $ (1,200) $ - $ (1,200)
41220 In Lieu VLF $ 21,500 $ 21,161 $ 21,500
42000 Sales Taxes $ 350,000 $ 279,794 $ 385,000 10% increase forecasted as per CM. 43000 Transient Occupancy Tax $ 215,000 $ 145,866 $ 225,000 Based on 12% tax rate. 46000 Grant Income $ 10,000 $ 23,387 $ 10,000 CIRA risk reduction funding available 46100 Measure Z Grant Income $ 40,000 $ - $ - 40K measure Z awarded for Water Dept. 47310 Vehicle License Fee Collection $ 300 $ 485 $ 300
53010 Copy Machine Fees $ 50 $ - $ 50
53020 Interest Received $ 35,000 $ 39,953 $ 35,000 Interest allocated to funds based on balances 53090 Other Miscellaneous Income $ 9,000 $ 4,103 $ 9,000 $5k Misc, $4k Parsac Dividend Disbursement 54020 Planner Application Processing $ 20,000 $ 20,322 $ 20,000 8 projects (avg. $2,500 permit) 54050 Building Inspector App. Processing $ 20,000 $ 10,772 $ 20,000 Applicant generated building permits 54100 Animal License $ 300 $ 735 $ 500
54150 Business License $ 8,000 $ 6,421 $ 8,000
54170 STR Licenses $ 9,600 $ 9,000 $ 9,600 STR Licences (32 x $300) 54300 Encroachment Permits $ 400 $ - $ 400
56150 Franchise Fees $ - $ - $ - See IWM Fund for HumSan Franchise Fee 56400 Rental Income - Verizon $ - $ - $ - Cell site decommissioned in 2022. 56500 Rental Income - Harbor $ 5,125 $ - $ 5,700 See Reactivated 2.09 Harbor Fund 56550 Rental Income - PG&E $ 13,500 $ 12,766 $ 15,000 Annual payment 56650 Rental Income - Optimum $ 7,000 $ 3,755 $ 7,000 Quarterly payments 56700 Rental Income - Town Hall $ 6,000 $ 5,080 $ 6,000 59999 Interdepartmental Transfer $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL REVENUES $ 906,860 $ 655,319 $ 913,975
Projected
Flagged
Current & Uncertain

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
General Fund Revenue
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget
201 EXPENDITURES
linked
60000 Interdepartmental Transfers $ - $ - $ - 300 K Xfer to water fund 60900 Honorariums $ 3,000.00 $ 1,950 $ 3,000 Councilmember Stipend; $50 x 5 x 12 61000 Employee Wages $ 194,317.00 $ 124,605 $ 197,053 see apportionment worksheet 61470 Fringe Benefits $ 3,120.00 $ 6,489 $ 3,744 CM housing allowance/Employee Medical in-lieu payment 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 21,416.00 $ 13,226 $ 20,370 City Contribution to Employee 457 Deferred Comp Plan 65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 27,942.00 $ 13,263 $ 35,070 see Payroll Apportionment worksheet 65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 539.00 $ 715 $ 1,099 RHS Prepaid Card ($500 per employee/year + program admin fees) 65300 Worker's Compensation $ 5,830.00 $ 11,198 $ 6,503 Based on prior year wages, see payroll allocation, distributed by fund 65500 Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 1,400.00 $ 684 $ 1,400 Use of personal vehicles for City related errands 65600 Payroll Tax $ 16,504.00 $ 11,022 $ 16,633
65800 Grant Payroll Allocation $ (38,000.00) $ (18,561) $ (42,333) As per Grant Director - See note 68090 Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 1,256.00 $ 2,699 $ 1,381 65% 201, 35% 601 68200 General Liability Insurance $ 29,650.00 $ 32,971 $ 32,615 65% 201, 35% 601 68300 Property & Casualty Insurance $ 9,570.00 $ 8,272 $ 11,000 65% 201, 35% 601 71110 Attorney - Administrative Tasks $ 40,000.00 $ 34,917 $ 40,000 Mitchell Law Firm 71130 Attorney - Litigation $ 20,000.00 $ 12,020 $ 20,000 Supplemental legal services for HR consulting or conflict-related recusals 71210 City Engineer - Administration $ - $ - $ - See Public Works 501 / Water 601 71310 City Planner - Administration $ 90,000.00 $ 68,671 $ 90,000 See Planning Expense Detail; GPU, City Generated, Applications City Planner - Enforcement $ - $ - $ - Related expenses will be tracked here for reference. 71410 Building Inspector -Admin Tasks $ 25,000.00 $ 14,529 $ 25,000 Building Permit Processing, majority offset by application fees 71430 Building Inspector - Enforcement $ - $ - $ - Related expenses will be tracked here for reference. 71510 Accountant - Admin Tasks $ 18,000.00 $ 12,341 $ 20,000 65% 201, 35% 601 71620 Auditor - Financial Reports $ 22,750.00 $ 15,910 $ 24,000 65% 201, 35% 601, + SCO Street Report 72000 TOT Allocation $ 21,600.00 $ - $ 22,500 Council discretion - as per Chamber, Museum, Library agreement 74110 Grant Expense $ 3,800.00 $ 75 $ - GrantVantage License Fee 75110 Tech Support $ 9,000.00 $ 8,694 $ 9,500 Webmaster (Civic Plus annual fee), Sound Guy, IT Support, Email Host, $500 TBWC website hosting & support 75160 Library & Local Contributions $ 2,000.00 $ 500 $ 2,000 Land Trust Lease $500, Library Staffing Support $1500 75170 Rent $ 9,000.00 $ 6,750 $ 9,000 50% of lease on 463 Trinity, split with 301 Police, $1500/month. 75180 Utilities $ 15,000.00 $ 9,372 $ 15,000 Power, Water, Gas; Town Hall, Library, CM Office 75190 Dues & Memberships $ 1,500.00 $ 942 $ 1,500 League of CA, Conference fees as per CM agreement 75200 Municipal Expense $ 3,500.00 $ 2,623 $ 3,500 Muni Code Updates, Code Hosting, Legal Notices 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ 5,000.00 $ 9,312 $ 5,000 % Shared with 601 75240 Bank Charges $ 100.00 $ - $ 100 NSF Checks - Recoverable fee 75280 Training/Education $ 200.00 $ - $ 200
75300 Contracted Services $ 500.00 $ 1,888 $ 10,500 Deckhard Technologies - STR Analysis Software; $10k Price-Hall Grant/compliance 75990 Miscellaneous Expense $500 $ 1,349 $ 500 Mck Press Subscribe $70/2-yr 76110 Telephone & Communications $6,750 $ 5,203 $ 6,750 AT&T Land Lines Town Hall, Verizon Cell Bill 76130 Cable and Internet Services $3,000 $ 2,391 $ 3,000 Suddenlink ($200/mo.) 76150 Travel $3,000 $ - $ 3,000 CM Travel To League of CA conference & CM Conference per contract 78170 Security System $500 $ 247 $ 600 Advanced Security Monitoring - Town Hall, CM Office 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $500 $ 2,386 $ 500 Town Hall supplies - Linens, Towels, Cleaning Supplies, TOTAL EXPENSES $ 577,744.00 $ 418,653 $ 599,685

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
General Fund 201- Adminstration
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget
301 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Wages $ 11,146 $ 8,882 $ 10,500 Per payroll apportionment 61470 Fringe Benefits $ 600 $ 727 $ 720 CM housing allowance 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 1,337 $ 1,141 $ 630
65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 319 $ - $ 19
65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ - $ - $ -
65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 334 $ 241 $ 347
65600 Payroll Tax $ 955 $ 815 $ 851
75170 Rent $ 9,000 $ 7,500 $ 9,000 50% of lease on 463 Trinity ($1,500/mo) 75180 Utilities $ 3,000 $ 2,949 $ 3,000 Water, Propane (heat) 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ - $ - $ - See 201 75220 75300 Contracted Services $ 129,296 $ 73,440 $ - Half time private security plus cost over COPS. 75350 Animal Control $ 6,800 $ 1,661 $ - To be paid with COPS 76110 Telephone & Communications $ - $ - $ - Communications covered by General Fund Admin 76130 Cable & Internet $ - $ 1,063 $ - Included in 201
78170 Security System $ 600 $ 318 $ 600 Advanced Security Quarterly Monitoring 85000 Capital Outlay $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 163,387 $ 98,737 $ 25,667
Notes COPS grant covering all public safety services in 2025-2026.

DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
General Fund 301- Police
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
401 EXPENDITURES
60900 Honorariums $ 6,600 $ 1,800 $ 6,600 $500 per month for Chief, $50 Asst. Chief 75180 Utilities $ 1,150 $ 155 $ 1,150 PG&E ($650) and Sequoia Gas ($500) 75190 Dues & Membership $ 350 $ 136 $ 350 Fire Chief's Association, HMRA Dues 75280 Training/Education $ 3,500 $ - $ 3,500 CERT $3,000, and Fire First Responder $500 75300 Contracted Services $ 10,000 $ - $ - Possible CSA 4 contributions 76110 Telephone $ 1,600 $ 1,529 $ 1,600 Fire Cell Phones and Training Tablet - Verizon 76140 Dispatch $ 1,800 $ - $ 1,800 Billed Biannually - Includes 2019-2023 78140 Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 350 $ 364 $ 350
78150 Vehicle Repairs & Maintenance $ 2,500 $ - $ 2,500 78160 Building Repairs & Maintenance $ 3,000 $ 1,576 $ 3,000 Generator Maintenance ($500) + Gutters 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 5,000 $ 2,747 $ 5,000 $5k Misc. 78200 Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 1,000 $ 561 $ 1,000 Air tank testing, Fire Extinguishers, misc. 90000 Capital Reserves $ - $ - $ - Transfer to reserve for future capital TOTAL EXPENSES $ 36,850 $ 8,868 $ 26,850
Notes: Prior Council action committed unspent funds to the Fire Department Reserve, an action that takes place each year during annual audit.

DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET

CITY OF TRINIDAD
General Fund 401 - Fire Department
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
501 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages $ 134,706 $ 108,848 $ 138,596 see payroll apportionment worksheet 61250 Employee Overtime $ 500 $ - $ 500
61470 Fringe - Housing $ 300 $ 512 $ 360
65100 Deferred Retirement $ 12,149 $ 9,589 $ 16,316
65200 Medical Insurance & Benefits $ 23,025 $ 10,919 $ 27,165 65252 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 1,169 $ 932 $ 1,680 65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 4,041 $ - $ 4,574
65500 Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 100 $ - $ 100 In case of vehicle breakdown or repairs 65600 Payroll Tax $ 11,234 $ 8,986 $ 11,851
65800 Grant Payroll Allocation $ (28,000) $ (13,124) $ (7,430) As per Grant Director 71210 City Engineer -Admin $ 15,000 $ 45,240 $ 15,000 TAC Meeting $400 x 12, and Non-Grant Project Consulting 71250 City Engineer - Project Fees $ - $ - $ -
71310 City Planner - Special Projects $ - $ - $ -
75180 Utilities $ - $ - $ -
75200 Municipal Expense $ 3,600 $ 7,309 $ -
75300 Contracted Services $ 5,000 $ - $ 10,000 $5k Swap or CCC's; $5kPrice-Hall Grant consulting 75370 Uniforms/personal equipment $ 1,000 $ - $ 1,500 Safety and Uniform Expenses, Reimbursements 78100 Street Maintenance & Repair $ 5,000 $ - $ 5,000 Tree Trimming, Signs, Paint 78120 Street Lighting - Operations $ 5,000 $ 4,318 $ 5,000 PG&E Streetlight Utility Bills 78130 Trail & Park Maintenance $ 10,000 $ 23,197 $ 10,000 Trail Committee Prioirites as per annual report- 2025 CIRA 17 K ref 78140 Vehicle Fuel & Oil $ 4,000 $ 3,654 $ 4,000
78150 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance $ 2,500 $ 16,855 $ 2,500 78160 Building Repairs & maintenance $ 14,000 $ 514 $ 14,000 Town Hall Windows, Painting, etc. + $500 Gen Service 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 5,000 $ 6,638 $ 5,000 Mop Service, Cleaning Supplies, Fire Exting., Tools, etc. 78200 Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 2,500 $ 890 $ 2,500 79100 Water Lab Fees $ - $ - $ -
90000 Transfer to Reserve $ 50,000 $ - $ -
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 281,824 $ 235,276 $ 268,212

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
General Fund 501 - Public Works
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
601 REVENUES
53020 Interest Income $ 12,000 $ - $ 12,000 Conservative based on 2020-2021 int earnings 53090 Other Miscellaneous Income $ 1,000 $ 90 $ 1,000 Blackflow prevention devices 57100 Water Sales $ 355,000 $ 250,860 $ 420,903 Based on a full year with new rates, but may only be Sept-June. 46000 Measure Z Grant Award $ - $ - $ 40,000 Awarded for Equipment per Grant Request - balance with 78200 57300 New Water Hookups $ - $ - $ - If needed, will zero out with expense line 79130 below 57500 Penalties $ 10,000 $ 6,675 $ 10,000 penalties less adjustments (leaks, etc.) TOTAL REVENUES $ 378,000 $ 257,625 $ 483,903
601 EXPENSES
61000 Employee Wages $ 193,646 $ 134,230 $ 177,634 see apportionment worksheet for payroll details 61470 Fringe Benefits $ 1,980 $ 2,206 $ 2,376
65100 Deferred Retirement $ 15,150 $ 10,924 $ 16,023 Empower 457 Deferred Comp Plan 65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 28,502 $ 13,983 $ 26,889 Medical, Dental, Life 65252 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 1,022 $ 794 $ 1,351 RHS Debit Card 65300 Worker's Compensation $ 5,809 $ 6,030 $ 5,862
65500 Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ - $ 193 $ -
65600 Payroll Tax $ 18,804 $ 11,241 $ 14,815
65800 Grant Payroll Allocation $ (50,000) $ (39,981) $ (20,000) DWR Water Storage & Pipeline Replacement Grant; DWR Emergency In 68090 Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 676 $ 665 $ 744 65% GF, 35% Water 68200 General Liability Insurance $ 15,966 $ 17,831 $ 16,870 65% GF; 35% Water 68300 Property & Casualty Inusrance $ 5,153 $ 4,454 $ 5,925 65% GF; 35% Water 71110 City Attorney - Administrative Tasks $ 500 $ - $ 500 Minimal 71210 City Engineer - Admin Tasks $ 3,500 $ 2,640 $ 3,500 General Water Consulting 71230 Engineer Special Projects $ 5,000 $ - $ 5,000 Rate Adjustment, Drought Consulting, Repair Support, etc. 71310 City Planner - Admin Tasks $ 5,000 $ 52 $ 5,000 Drought Consulting, Water Committee Support, etc. 71510 Accountant $ 9,000 $ 6,645 $ 11,000 65% GF; 35% Water 71620 Auditor $ 12,250 $ 6,163 $ 13,000 65% GF; 35% Water 72100 Bad Debts $ 100 $ 885 $ 100 NSF checks - (account balances recoverable) 75110 Tech Support $ 2,500 $ 483 $ 2,500 Cornerstone Computers - Kabe Miller, Website, Etc. 75180 Utilities $ 23,000 $ 18,872 $ 24,000 PG&E, Sequoia Gas, B&B Servicing 75190 Dues & Memberships $ 950 $ 855 $ 950 CRWA $572, USA $350 (FY2022-2023) 75200 Municipal Expense $ 250 $ 1,930 $ 250 Property Tax $200 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ 5,000 $ 2,170 $ 3,500 Billing Postage, Blank Bills 75240 Bank Charges $ 100 $ - $ 100 NSF Check Fees (Recovered by customer payment) 75280 Training/Education $ 1,250 $ 1,468 $ 1,250 $250/for each Grade II Certification 75300 Contracted Services $ 140,000 $ 128,855 $ 60,000 $5k HACH, $1.5K McNeil, $10k PWA, $5k Price-Hall Grant consulting 76110 Telephone $ 1,872 $ 3,280 $ 4,000 AT&T Landline, Verizon 76130 Cable & Internet Service $ 780 $ 558 $ 780 Suddenlink Internet 76160 Licenses & Fees $ 5,200 $ 4,762 $ 6,000 SWRCB Fee $1950, Water Rights $800, DEH $500 (525.00) 78140 Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 6,032 $ 4,044 $ 6,500 (1.5) vehicles dedicated to Water Service 78150 Vehicle Repairs $ 2,600 $ - $ 2,600 estimated for 1.5 vehicles 78160 Building Repairs and Maintenance $ 2,600 $ 1,085 $ 3,000 Generator Service ($750 + misc.) 78170 Security System $ 500 $ 2,020 $ 520 Advanced Security - Monitoring 78190 Materials, Supplies and Equipment $ 3,640 $ 6,044 $ 3,640 Misc Plumbing & Repairs 78200 Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 7,800 $ 27,661 $ 47,800 Tech Support for SCADA, Electrician, Whitson, & Cap Imp Repairs 79100 Water Lab Fees $ 7,800 $ 12,710 $ 7,800 North Coast Lab routine testing 79120 Water Plant Chemical $ 9,000 $ 7,680 $ 9,000 Chlorine/Polymer 79130 Water Line Hook-Ups $ - $ - $ - offset by revenue 79150 Water Line Repair $ 26,000 $ 20,665 $ 26,000 Valve Replacement 79160 Water Plant Repair $ 3,120 $ 6,043 $ 3,120
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $ 522,052 $ 430,140 $ 499,899

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Enterprise Fund 601- Water
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
701 REVENUES
53020 Interest Income $ 250 $ - $ -
58100 Cemetery Plot Sales $ 15,000 $ 33,175 $ 30,000 Based on 10 plot sales at proposed new rates. 58150 Cemetery Plot Refunds $ - $ -
TOTAL REVENUES $ 15,250 $ 33,175 $ 30,000
701 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages and Overtime $ 11,627 $ 9,830 $ 13,809 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 1,395 $ 839 $ 1,657
65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 2,748 $ 2,083 $ 3,128 65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 140 $ 65 $ 70 65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 386 $ 272 $ 456
65600 Payroll Tax $ 996 $ 850 $ 1,183
75180 Utilities $ 493 $ 452 $ 493 Water
75300 Contracted Services $ 3,000 $ 1,251 $ 3,000 Tree Service - Damaged & Hazardous Limbs 78170 Security System $ 500 $ 553 $ 500 Advanced Security - Monitoring Service 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 500 $ 255 $ 500 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 21,785 $ 16,450 $ 24,797
Net Income $ (6,535) $ 16,725 $ 5,203

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Enterprise Fund 701 - Cemetery
FINAL DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
303 REVENUES
46000 Grant Income $ 150,000 $ 155,849 $ 150,000
TOTAL REVENUES $ 150,000 $ 155,849 $ 150,000
303 EXPENDITURES
75300 Contracted Services (HCSO) $ 67,500 $ 67,500 $ 60,148 Sheriff Contract 75300 Contracted Services (HCSO) $ 6,266 $ 1,650 $ 7,204 Animal Control & Shelter Contracts 75300 Contracted Services (Pac Coast Sec) $ 56,160 $ 46,800 $ 67,392 Supplemental Law Enforcement TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 129,926 $ 115,950 $ 134,744
$ 15,256 Amount transferred to COPS reserves
Note 1 (FY21-22): The City began 2021-2022 with an expense budget of $244,000, expecting 1.5 full-time deputies. $155k COPS and the $89k emainder paid through GF Police, then backfilled with $75k Measure Z committed funds. HCSO could not provide staffing, so mid-year they amended the contract, lowered the price to $123k for FY2022, then increased it to $147k beginning July 01, 2022 to reflect inflation.

Note 2 (FY22-23): No dedicated deputy included, but 24/7 coverage offered by HCSO in the current contract, paid in full through COPS funds, $146,450. Staff shortage expected through 2022. City researching interim private security options expected to cost approximately $35/hr.

Remaining excess COPS funds will be used first, then General Funds. Measure Z application period closed.

Note 3 (FY23-24): No dedicated deputy included, but 24/7 coverage offered by HCSO in the current contract. City was notified of a substantial contract increase to $226,168 beginning July 01, 2023. Estimated $150k COPS Funds will be used first. $76k to be covered by GF.

Also including $40k as per Council decision to utilize Pacific Coast Security services to supplement law enforcement needs. ($40/hr x 1080), bringing the total General Fund cost for law enforcement budget to $116k.

Note 4 (FY24-25): HCSO Contract FY2025 $67,500. Pacific Coast Security budgeted at $56,160 ($54/hour x 1040), with no contract to authorize the new rate or upcoming year expectations), and HCSO Animal Control & Shelter Contracts $6,266 all to be covered by COPS funding. = $129,926 total public safety funding.

Note 5 (FY25-26) HCSO Contract FY2026 $60,148. Pacific Coast Security budgeted at $67,392 ( $54/hour x 1248 hours).

HCSO Law Enforcement, Animal Control & Shelter ($7,204 combined), and PCS all funded in full by COPS grant.

Special Revenue Fund 303 - COPS Grant

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY2025-2026 BUDGET
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
204 REVENUES
46000 Grant Income $ -
56150 Franchise Fees $ 11,000 $ 12,136 $ 12,500 Humboldt Sanitation Franchise Fee TOTAL REVENUES $ 12,500
204 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages and Overtime $ - $ (89) $ -
65100 Deferred Retirement $ - $ (11) $ -
65200 Medical Insurance $ - $ - $ -
65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ - $ - $ -
65300 Worker's Compensation $ - $ 191 $ -
65600 Payroll Tax $ - $ (8) $ -
75130 Garbage $ - $ 46 $ - If needed for illegally dumped items 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ - $ 326 $ - Print Advertisements 75300 Contracted Services $ - $ 1,510 $ - Used for SB1383 Share of HWMA 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 1,800 $ 1,796 $ 1,800 Pet Waste Bags 85000 Capital Outlay $ -
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,800 $ 3,760 $ 1,800

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Special Revenue Fund 204 - Integrated Waste Management
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
503 REVENUES
FY2024 ASR Report $ 45,511 Fund balance as of FYE2024 = $45,511 46000 Grant Income $ 15,000 $ 11,918 $ 14,500
46600 RMRA $ 7,900 $ 7,900 $ 8,000
TOTAL REVENUES $ 22,900 $ - $ 22,500
303 EXPENDITURES
Transfer Out - SR Fund 530 $ - $ - $ - Transfers will be done as needed.

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ - $ - $ -
Notes: Anticipated fund balance at the end of FY 2025 ; $45,511 + $15,000* = $60,511 Restricted Fund Summary: As of June 30, 2024
6/30/25 Gas Tax, RMRA, RSTP TCRF: $67,586 RSTP $0
TDA $ 107,897 RMRA $22,057
Total $ 175,483 Gas Tax $45,511
TDA* $96,194
Possible Future Allocations: Total $163,762
2025 Scenic Patch (RAO) $ 25,000
Scenic Shopping Center Culvert $ 15,000 *TDA fund balance is high since transfers out in prior year $ - were not necessary to cover TPW labor since GF revenue $ 40,000 exceeded expenses.

Remaining unallocated balance $ 135,483
Special Revenue Fund 503 - Gas Tax

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA)
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
504 REVENUES
2024 Audited Fund Balance $ 96,194 Fund balance as of 2024 ASR $96,194 46000 Grant Income $ 12,500 $ 17,323 $ 11,298 2025-2026 TDA Claim TOTAL REVENUES $ 12,500 $ - $ 11,298
503 EXPENDITURES
75250 HTA Annual Invoice $ 5,500 $ 5,529 $ 6,082
Transfer Out - GF/PW $ - $ - $ 5,216 Can be used Public Works Labor backfill TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ - $ - $ 11,298
Anticipated fund revenues at the end of FY 2025; $96,194 + 11,794 (FY2025 unspent reserve) = $107,897 Funds available to transfer General Fund for TPW Street Maintenance Labor.

Funds available for street-related expenses only.

Special Revenue Fund 504- Transportation Development Act TDA

CITY OF TRINIDAD
PROPOSED FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
STAFF PAYROLL LIST - FY2026 61000
NAME FTE Hourly rate
Annual Gross
Salary
City Clerk/Asstant City Manager 1.00 $ 43.00 $ 89,440.00 City Manager 0.68 $ 74.74 $ 105,000.00
Assistant Clerk 1.00 $ 23.39 $ 48,651.20
Assistant to CM/Grant Director 1.00 $ 30.88 $ 64,230.40 Grant Coordinator 1.00 $ 25.00 $ 52,000.00
TPW Supervisor/ Water SO 1.00 $ 27.51 $ 57,220.80
TPW Maintenance/Water OIT 1.00 $ 19.57 $ 40,705.60
TPW/Water OIT 1.00 $ 25.75 $ 53,560.00
TPW/Water SO 0.50 $ 25.75 $ 26,780.00
TOTAL 8.18 $ 537,588.00
Operator-In-Training (OIT)
Shift Operator (SO): Licensed Operator
Total funding for
multi-year grants Grant Payroll
Fund Current Grant Projects
Grant work end
date
Total Grant
Payroll
Under/(over)
budget
FYs 21-22; 22-
23; 23-24 FY 24-25 FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28
215 LCP Update Grant 3 Coastal Commission 12/31/25 $ 200,000 $ 45,000 $ - $ 8,965 $ 17,963 18,072 $ 218 CalRecycle SB 1393 Assistance grant 2 4/1/26 $ 75,000 $ 38,935 $ 0 $ 1,000 13,674 $ 24,261 $ 201 Total General Fund Administration Grants
532 HSIP Street Improvements 3/31/24 $ 799,600 $ 25,400 $ 0 $ 15,500 $ 9,900 533 OGALS Per Capita - no set grant payroll budget so could be increased 1/1/28 $ 177,000 $ 20,000 $ 0 $ 9,736 $ 6,138 3500 626 534 STIP Trinity Road Rehabilitation 6/30/25 $ 272,000 $ 3,821 $ (2,268) $ 3,475 $ 2,614 535 STIP Patricks Point and Scenic Drive $ 800,000 $ 7,860 $ 0 $ 2,812 3,930 $ 1,118 $ 501 Total Public Works Grants
606 SCDRP Tank & Pipelines 6/30/25 $ 5,079,090 $ 54,640 $ 0 $ 43,490 $ 11,150 607 MBDRP Intertie 3/31/26 $ 2,000,000 $ 111,400 $ 0 $ 47,643 $ 43,757 20000 601 Total Water System Grants
Total Secured Grant Funding and Grant Payroll 9,402,690 $ 307,056 $ $ 129,809 $ 108,006 $ 69,763 $ 1,744 $ - Projected/Pending Grant Applications Deadline
501 TBA OPC SB 1 - Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail Project June 21, 2025 3 year grant 3,000,000 $ 160,000 $ 53,000 $ 201 TBA LCP Update Grant 4 Coastal Commission No date available 3 year grant $ 150,000 $ 30,000 10,000 $ Secured and projected grant payroll 64,744 $
108,006
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED

2. Discussion/Decision to Appoint Two Councilmembers to Represent the City in Governmentto-Government (G2G) Meetings.

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor Kelly and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Appoint two (2) Council Members to Government to Government (G2G) Committee

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND

In the recent Past council has appointed two (2) members to sit on a standing committee for Tribal Governmental relations or Government to Government. However, in FY24/25 the council chose not to appoint any members to this committee with a preference to use it as an Ad Hoc when needed.

The challenge for this method is that often the party requests the G2G meeting as a very short time frame and if the City Council is not conveniently meeting at that time the date is not available for a meeting.

Staff recommend the Council appoint two (2) Members to a standing Government to Government or (Tribal Liaison) Committee. The suggestion would be the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem as these meetings are most often with the leaders of the organizations (Tribal Council, Board Chairs, Mayors etc.). Staff also recommend that the City Manager, City Planner, and /or City Clerk can act in a capacity as needed for these meetings

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
NA

FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? N/A
Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes
Where is it Budgeted? GF
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? N/A
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? NA

ATTACHMENTS
Tribal Consultation/ Government to Government Policy

TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
Committee Assignments: Revised May 20, 2025.

COMMITTEE REP ALT
Humboldt Waste Management Authority HWMA
https://www.hwma.net
Kelly Kenny
Humboldt County Association of Governments HCAOG
https://www.hcaog.net
Kelly Kenny
Tsurai Management Plan Implementation Committee Kenny/Varela No Alt.

Redwood Regional Economic Development Corp. RREDC
https://rredc.com/
Varela Breckenridge
HTA Humboldt Transit Authority HTA
https://hta.org
Tuttle Kenny
Redwood Coast Energy Authority RCEA
https://redwoodenergy.org
Tuttle Kelly
CCNM Trinidad Gateway Committee Kelly Kenny
Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau HCCVB. No rep. Chamber should take on this role
Office of Emergency Services OES
https://humboldtgov.org/356/Office-of-Emergency-Services Kelly Kenny
Hazardous Materials Response Authority HMRA
Quarterly Meetings
Kelly Varela
Humboldt Mayors Committee Kelly Kenny
Tribal Government G2G Liaison – (Trinidad Rancheria/Yurok Tribe) League of CA Cities City Manager Kelly/Kenny
Trinidad Trails Committee Kenny Kelly
Animal Advisory Committee Breckenridge Tuttle
North Humboldt Bay Fire District Discussions Kelly Kenny 1 City of Trinidad Tribal Consultation Policy
(Government to Government Consultations)
I. Introduction
The purpose of this policy is to ensure effective government-to-government consultation between the City of Trinidad, a California incorporated city and local government (“City”), and Indian tribes regarding the development of policies, programs, projects, plans, property decisions, and activities (collectively, “Activities”) that may affect California Native American Tribes, their tribal lands and resources and community interests. The goal is to promote a mutually respectful discussion and consideration of the views of tribes in order to resolve the concerns of as many parties as possible, while at the same time recognizing the City’s commitment to transparent government and obligations to comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code Section 54950 et seq. (the “Brown Act”)).

The City is located adjacent to the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Trinidad Rancheria), a federally-recognized tribe of Yurok origin, and seeks to build a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding through meaningful engagement to foster improved relationships, partnership opportunities, and progress on shared goals. The City also recognizes that it is located within the aboriginal homeland of the Yurok people, and that significant tribal cultural resources are located within the City, and the City shall engage in consultation with all California Native American Tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the Tribal Cultural Resource that may be affected by proposed or anticipated actions or Activities of the City in accordance with applicable law.

II. Definitions
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply:

Activities: Means any action taken or to be taken by the City in connection with any project that is not excluded or exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is connected with a proposed amendment to the City’s General Plan.

California Native American Tribe: Refers to a federally recognized Native American Tribe located within California, as listed in the Federal Register. Only in situations involving Tribal Cultural Resources will a non-federally recognized California Native American Tribe that is on the list maintained by the NAHC be included in this definition.

The NAHC will provide a list of non-federally recognized California Native American Tribes for each instance.

Consultation: Shall have the meaning defined in Section III of this policy, below.

Federally Recognized Tribe: A tribal entity that is recognized as having a governmentto-government relationship with the United States; these entities are listed on the Federal Register and the current list is posted on the California Governor’s Office of the Tribal 2 Advisor’s website, as the same may be amended from time to time (https://tribalaffairs.ca.gov/tribal-information/).

Tribal Cultural Resources: Shall have/has the same meaning as set forth in Public Resources Code Sec. 21074. Only in situations involving cultural resources will a nonfederally recognized California Native American Tribe that is on the list maintained by the NAHC be included in this Policy. The NAHC will provide a list of non-federally recognized California Native American Tribes for each instance where this Policy is applicable.

Tribal Sovereignty: Federally-recognized tribes are recognized in federal and state law as distinct, independent political communities exercising the powers of self-government with jurisdiction over the lands, natural and cultural resources, and activities of their tribal members, and under certain circumstances non-members, within their respective Tribal Lands. Some of these powers are inherent, and some have been delegated by the United States. Existing limitations on tribal sovereignty are defined through acts of Congress, treaties and federal court decisions.

Tribe: Refers to a California Native American Tribe or a Federally Recognized Tribe.

III. Process to Facilitate Government to Government Consultations The City will seek to identify Tribes that may be affected by City sponsored Activities, proposed or anticipated by the City, and to consult with the potentially affected Tribes at a time early in the process that allows a reasonable opportunity for Tribes to comment and participate. The City will develop a contact list for all Federally Recognized Tribes and known California Native American Tribes with interests on/within the City’s jurisdiction.

Where the City anticipates that an action or City sponsored Activities may affect Tribes, the City will disseminate public documents, notices, and sufficient information relevant to its Activities to affected Tribes to understand the scope and potential impact of the action or Activity and to make informed decisions. Notices shall be designed to include sufficient detail of the topic to be discussed to allow tribal leaders an opportunity to fully engage in the process. The City will identify the appropriate staff members and decision-makers, associated with the Activities in question, who shall ensure meaningful and respectful consideration of tribal concerns.

The City will seek to conduct meetings, outreach, and workshops at times and locations that facilitate tribal participation and meaningful and respectful consultation. The City will request information from Tribes when conducting research or studies that pertain to or could affect Tribal Lands or Tribal Cultural Resources. Pursuant to California Government Code § 65352.4 and applicable law, the City will engage in “government to government” consultation where required by California law, and specifically as required by California Government Code §§ 65351, 65352.3 and 65562.5. California Government Code § 65352.4 defines consultation as, “the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties' cultural values and, where feasible, seeking agreement. Consultation between government agencies and Native American tribes shall be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of each party's sovereignty. Consultation shall also recognize the tribes' potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places that have traditional 3 tribal cultural significance.” Effective consultation is recognized as an ongoing process, not a single event. The consultation process should focus on identifying issues of concern to tribes pertinent to the cultural place(s) at issue, including cultural values, religious beliefs, traditional practices, and laws protecting Tribal Cultural Resources through mitigation measures and alternatives that avoid significant effects to the Tribal Cultural Resources. The goal of the consultation process on other matters will define the full range of acceptable ways in which a local government can seek to accommodate tribal concerns and establish partnerships that advance the shared interests of the Tribe and the City.

A. City Manager/City Planner as Tribal Liaison for Confidential Matters The City receives, from time to time, requests to consult from Tribes to discuss various matters, some of which are policy oriented and some of which pertain to site specific concerns regarding sensitive Tribal Cultural Resources and tribal access to public property for ceremonial purposes. In accord with California Public Resources Code § 21080.3.1, prior to the release of any negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report for a project within the City or for which the City serves as lead agency under the CEQA, the City shall follow the procedures and protocols established by Public Resources Code Sections 21080.3.1 and 21080.3.2 to facilitate effective government to government consultation with affected Tribes and mitigate against potential disturbance of culturally significant resources. The City Manager and City Planner shall act in the capacity as a tribal liaison during the course of any such consultation and shall ensure these discussions remain confidential to the extent required by applicable law. Any documents acquired from Tribes or created by City staff as part of this process shall be exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act to the extent protected from disclosure by California law.

B. City Council or Committee Appointment for Review of Non-Confidential Subject Matter
Where a Tribe requests to meet with the City Council to address issues of public concern, the Tribe will be advised of the Council’s obligation to comply with the Brown Act. Where a Tribe requests to meet with the Council to discuss issues of general public concern, not subject to the confidentiality provisions regarding sensitive Tribal Cultural Resources and tribal access to public property for ceremonial purposes (which inquiries shall be directed to the City Manager and City Planner as noted in Section III.A., above), the City Council, in its discretion, will either: (i) place the public concern item on a regular meeting agenda of the full Council; or (ii) place on its agenda the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee or Standing Committee of the Council to facilitate the requested consultation. If an Ad Hoc Committee or Standing Committee is formed to facilitate the consultation, the meeting or meetings of the Committee shall be scheduled by a publicly noticed agenda and conducted in an open forum in compliance with the Brown Act.

IV. California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Consultation Protocol In accord with California Public Resources Code § 21080.3.1, prior to the release of any negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report for a project within the City and/or for which the City serves as lead agency under the CEQA, the City shall 4 follow the procedures and protocols established by Sections 21080.3.1 and 21080.3.2 to facilitate effective government to government consultation with affected Tribes and mitigate against potential disturbance of culturally significant resources. The City Manager and City Planner shall oversee administration of this policy and shall facilitate government to government consultation in compliance with CEQA and Section III.A., above.

V. Amendment of General Plan Consultation Protocol
Each time the City considers a proposal to adopt or amend the general plan or specific plan, the City will contact the appropriate California Native American Tribes identified by the NAHC. If requested by the Tribes, the City will consult for the purpose of preserving or mitigating impacts to cultural places in accordance with Government Code § 65352.3. The City will consider the following when determining whether a general plan or specific plan adoption or amendment is subject to notice and consultation requirements: (i) in the case of an applicantinitiated plan proposal, if the City accepts a complete application (as defined in Government Code § 65943) the proposal is subject to Government Code § 65352.3; and (ii) in the case of a general plan or specific plan amendment initiated by the local government, any proposal introduced for study in a public forum is subject to Government Code § 65352.3. The City will take certain actions to initiate, or propose, a general plan or general plan amendment. These actions must be taken in a duly noticed public meeting, and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: appropriation of funds, adoption of a work program, engaging the services of a consultant, or directing the planning staff to begin research on the activity.

Under Government Code § 65352.3, only if a tribe is identified by the NAHC, and that tribe requests consultation after being contacted by a local government, must a local government consult with the tribe on the plan proposal. The City will seek to consult with Tribes as early as possible and may, if appropriate, begin consultation even before a formal proposal is submitted by an applicant or initiated by the local government.

VI. Disclaimers
This policy is intended solely for the guidance of employees of the City, Council Members, Committees and Commissions. It is not intended, and should not be construed, to define the legal relationship between the City and any Tribe. This policy is not intended to replace or supplant obligations mandated by federal or California law. The policy provides general guidance for improving City consultation, communication and collaboration with Tribes to the extent that a conflict does not exist with applicable law or regulations. This policy is not intended as a regulation, or to create, expand, limit, waive, or interpret any legal rights or obligations of the City.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

3. Discussion/Decision to Appoint and Replace Councilmember Breckenridge on the Animal Advisory Committee.

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor Kelly and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Appointing one (1) Member to Animal Advisory Committee

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Animal Advisory Committee ( AAC) is a standing committee formed by the City Council on April 6,2024. The Committee consists of Five (5) members, 1 Trinidad resident , 1 Trinidad Rancheria, 1 Great Trinidad Area, and 2 Council. One the two council must serve as the Chair.

The purpose of the resolution that stood up the committee included :
1) Review and make recommendations regarding current dog-related ordinances and regulations, 2) Develop communications and awareness programs that encourage adherence to regulations.

The objectives are as follows:
1) Provide a public forum to address and discuss dog-related issues and proposed solutions, 2) Assist the City Manager, City Clerk, and Animal Control officer in addressing dog-related issues and to identify opportunities for project funding,
3) To make balanced and informed recommendations to the City Council on ways to improve regulations, enforcement and program changes related to dogs
4) Report to the Council regularly.

The AAC has conducted at least six (6) meetings in that time with meetings in June, July, September and November 2024, and two meetings in March and April 2025. The Committee has discussed a variety of issues.

In April, Chair Breckenridge asked to resign. That leaves one opening and Council. Council Member Tuttle has indicated he would prefer not to serve as chair at this time. So council also should appoint a chairperson to fill that role as well.

Staff are recommending that Council appoint one (10 Member to the AAC and also appoint a chair person.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
NA

FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? N/A
Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes
Where is it Budgeted? GF
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? N/A
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? yes

ATTACHMENTS
Animal Advisory Committee Resolution 2024-02
City of Trinidad Resolution 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
RESOLUTION 2024-02

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the City has an obligation to help protect residents and visitors from aggressive and nuisance animals and to provide for animal welfare by promoting responsible pet ownership; and WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad desires to evaluate strategies and policies designed to communicate and enforce dog-related regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad desires to consider revision of its current dog-related ordinance(s) and to explore development of new programs for enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad desires to improve the level of safety and quality of life for both animals and humans; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Trinidad City Council hereby forms a Dog Advisory Committee to hold public meetings in accordance with the Brown Act, and to operate within the framework as follows:

1. PURPOSE: The purpose of the Committee is to 1) review and make recommendations regarding current dog-related ordinances and regulations, 2) develop communications and awareness programs that encourage adherence to regulations, 3) and to assist the Council in pursuing dog-related project funding.

2. OBJECTIVES: Committee objectives include 1) provide a public forum to address and discuss dog-related issues and proposed solutions, 2) assist the City Manager, City Clerk and Animal Control officer in addressing dog-related issues and to identify opportunities for project funding, 3) make balanced and informed recommendations to the City Council on ways to improve regulations, enforcement and program changes related to dogs, and 4) report to the Council regularly.

3. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: The Dog Advisory Committee will consist of (2) City Council members, (1) Trinidad Rancheria member, (1) City of Trinidad resident, and (1) Greater Trinidad Area resident. In addition, an Animal Control Officer and/or veterinarian may attend as subject matter experts. The City Council shall vote and select one of their own to serve as the committee Chairperson. The City Manager, City Clerk, Animal Control officer, and the City Attorney will provide programmatic, empirical, and legal expertise as needed.

4. MEETING DATES: The Dog Advisory Committee will meet monthly or on an as needed basis (either more or less frequently depending on need).

5. STAFF ASSISTANCE: City Staff will provide agenda preparation, notification, and outreach assistance to the Committee. The Dog Advisory Committee may choose a member of the Committee to record the meeting minutes, or request to have a City Staff member to provide the service.

6. ETHICS CODE: All members shall review, accept, and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values promoted in the City of Trinidad’s Code of Ethics.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council on the 12th Day of March, 2024 by the following vote:

Ayes: Kelly, West, Ladwig, Tuttle, Breckenridge
Noes: None

Absent: None
Abstain: None
_________________________ _________________________
Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
City Clerk Mayor

TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
Committee Assignments: Revised May 20, 2025.

COMMITTEE REP ALT
Humboldt Waste Management Authority HWMA
https://www.hwma.net
Kelly Kenny
Humboldt County Association of Governments HCAOG
https://www.hcaog.net
Kelly Kenny
Tsurai Management Plan Implementation Committee Kenny/Varela No Alt.

Redwood Regional Economic Development Corp. RREDC
https://rredc.com/
Varela Breckenridge
HTA Humboldt Transit Authority HTA
https://hta.org
Tuttle Kenny
Redwood Coast Energy Authority RCEA
https://redwoodenergy.org
Tuttle Kelly
CCNM Trinidad Gateway Committee Kelly Kenny
Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau HCCVB. No rep. Chamber should take on this role
Office of Emergency Services OES
https://humboldtgov.org/356/Office-of-Emergency-Services Kelly Kenny
Hazardous Materials Response Authority HMRA
Quarterly Meetings
Kelly Varela
Humboldt Mayors Committee Kelly Kenny
Tribal Government G2G Liaison – (Trinidad Rancheria/Yurok Tribe) League of CA Cities City Manager Kelly/Kenny
Trinidad Trails Committee Kenny Kelly
Animal Advisory Committee Breckenridge Tuttle
North Humboldt Bay Fire District Discussions Kelly Kenny DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

4. Discussion/Decision to Sunset the Trails Advisory Committee.

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor Kelly and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommend sunsetting Trails Advisory Committee and returning the trails discussion and business back to the Council .

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Trails Committee was established as a sub-committee of the Trinidad City Council on March 22, 2017. As per the resolution The primary function is to advise the City Council, staff and Planning Commission on matters relating to policies affecting trails in the City of Trinidad. The purpose and objectives of the Trails Advisory Committee are as follows:

The Purpose: The purpose of the Committee is
1) to advise on matters relating to policies affecting trials in the City of Trinidad, 2) to serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, and City Staff, 3) make recommendations during the environmental review process on projects that may involve or affect trails in the City of Trinidad,
4) provide a forum for community engagement, outreach, and education regarding trails, and 5) make recommendations to the City Manager and City Council on the maintenance and repair of trails in the City of Trinidad.

Objectives: Committee objectives include
1) provide a public forum to solicit input from the community on issues or successes related to the maintenance and management of City trails,
2) assist City Staff in evaluating the need for maintenance on the trails throughout the calendar year,
3) make balanced and informed recommendations to the City Council on ways to improve the trails, and
4) report to the Council annually on the Committee meetings, activity, and recommendations.

The Trails Adv Committee met regularly in the initial years. However, as time has passed the work of the committee has become more contentious and more difficult to attain positive results.

This is mostly because the early work was less controversial, and the committee was mostly in agreement with what needed to be accomplished.

The work now requires more Planning Committee and City Council work and input. Task such as approving a CDP for trails work or discussion of how to proceed on ALMT is a task more suited to the City Council.

Given the evolution of the work and decisions that need to be made for trails in the City of Trinidad this work is best accomplished by the City Council and with direction to the and from the Planning Committee.

Staff recommend that the City Council move to Sunset Trails Advisory Committee. If there is a need for this type of committee in the future Council could always stand this committee back up should a future Council choose to do so.

FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? N/A
Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes
Where is it Budgeted? GF
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? N/A
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? No

ATTACHMENTS
Resolution Authorizing the Trails Advisory Committee Resolution # 2019-13 Trinidad City Hall Steve Ladwig, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
707-677-0223
RESOLUTION 2019-13
Revised 10-13-2020, and on 03-09-2021

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad’s unique location on the coast with panoramic vistas and beautiful beaches makes its trail system a treasured asset for residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, trails are important because they provide access to natural and culturally significant areas, for recreation, for scientific study, and for understanding our relationship with nature; and WHEREAS, trails enhance public health and provide a vital medium for community cohesion, they are also serve to bolster the local economy by attracting people to the area, and some of the trails in the City also provide a means of use for alternative transportation; and WHEREAS, the Council established the Trails Advisory Committee as a sub-committee of the City Council on March 22, 2019 to bring members with various viewpoints together to make recommendations to the City Council, City Staff, and Planning Commission on various topics identified below; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Trinidad City Council hereby adopts a Trails Advisory Committee to hold public meetings in accordance with the Brown Act, and to operate within the framework as follows:

1. PURPOSE: The purpose of the Committee is 1) to advise on matters relating to policies affecting trails in the City of Trinidad, 2) to serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, and City Staff, 3) make recommendations during the environmental review process on projects that may involve or affect trails in the City of Trinidad, 4) provide a forum for community engagement, outreach, and education regarding trails, and 5) make recommendations to City Manager and City Council on the maintenance and repair of trails in the City of Trinidad.

2. OBJECTIVES: Committee objectives include; 1) provide a public forum to solicit input from the community on issues or successes related to the maintenance and management of City trails, 2) assist City Staff in evaluating the need for maintenance on the trails throughout the calendar year, 3) make balanced and informed recommendations to the City Council on ways to improve the trails, and 4) report to the Council annually on the Committee meetings, activity, and recommendations.

3. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: The Trails Committee will consist of one City Council representative, one Planning Commissioner, two City residents, one Trinidad Rancheria Representative, one Yurok Tribe Representative, one Tsurai Ancestral Society Representative, and one Visitor Services/Business Representative. The City Council representative will be appointed by the City Council, and will serve as the Committee Chairperson. The Planning Commission will be recommended by the Commission and appointed by the City Council. The Tribal Representatives will be appointed by the appropriate Tribal governments, and will also provide their alternates. The two members of the public city residents, as well as the Visitor Services/Business Representative, will be appointed by the City Council in open session based on letters of interest and public interviews.

4. TERMS OF OFFICE: All members will hold staggered two-year terms. Committee members serve at the pleasure of the City Council and may be removed from office by a majority vote of the Council.

5. MEETING DATES: The Trails Committee will meet at minimum quarterly. The meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of January, April, July, and October, with special meetings as needed. The Committee will report to the City Council on a regular basis and present recommendations to the City Council on a quarterly or annual basis as needed.

6. STAFF ASSISTANCE: City Staff will provide agenda preparation, notification, and outreach assistance to the Committee. The Trails Committee may choose a member of the Committee to record the meeting minutes, or request to have a City Staff member to provide the service.

7. ETHICS CODE: All members shall review, accept, and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values promoted in the City of Trinidad’s Code of Ethics.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of November, 2019 by the following vote:

AYES: West, Miller, Ladwig, Grover, Davies
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

ATTEST:
___________________________ ________________________________________ Gabriel Adams Steve Ladwig
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 5

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

5. Discussion/Decision regarding Improvements to Racquet Court through the Per Capita Grant.

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Angela Cather, Grants Department
AGENDA ITEM: Discussion/Decision Regarding Improvements to Racquet Court through the Per Capita Grant STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to begin the bid process for improvements to the tennis court.

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND: On February 11th, staff presented Council with next step options for the longdesired upgrades to the tennis court located next to Town Hall. Currently, the City was allocated a maximum of $177,952 in grant funding from the California State Department of Parks and Recreation’s Per Capita Program.

The funding is specifically for parks and recreation acquisition and development projects.

As discussed at the February Council meeting, funding cannot be used for repairs or maintenance. but can be used for projects that increase the use of the space by creating new recreational activities. The addition of pickleball will fulfill this requirement. Resurfacing the court and replacement of the net, without including the additional striping for pickleball, would not qualify as those types of improvements are classified as repair and maintenance.

Current Status: As there were mixed opinions on the addition of pickleball, Council voted to continue the discussion at a future meeting after taking steps to perform a trial period (test) after lines are taped down and the public was able to weigh in on their experience/impacts.

Since Council’s decision, a pickleball demonstration was conducted in April, and it was found (using a decibel (dBA) measuring device (dBA)) that the school yard is louder than the pickleball players/paddles. The sound measured around 70 dBA, which is just above normal conversation levels of around 65-68 dBAs.

With the addition of pickleball, the usage of the court will likely increase, however, the hours of operation of the court would not increase. Lighting to the court is not being added. It’s also important to note that pickleball is an inclusive sport, so its addition to the court would increase its usage to different demographics.

The project is ready to go out to bid this summer, so staff is seeking approval from the City Council to begin the bid process.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Not applicable.

FISCAL IMPACT
• Is there a Fiscal Impact: No, if awarded, the project will be grant funded. • Is it Currently Budgeted: The project has been approved by the Funder and fits within the grant budget. • Where is it Budgeted: 533 Per Capita Fund
• Mandatory or Discretionary: N/A
• Staff Resource Impact: No

ATTACHMENTS
• None
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 6

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

6. Discussion/Decision to Adopt Resolution 2025-05; Amending Rates for the Purchase of Burial Plots in the Trinidad Cemetery.

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
AGENDA ITEM: Discussion/Decision to Adopt Resolution 2025-05; Amending Rates for the Purchase of Burial Plots in the Trinidad Cemetery.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Review, receive public input, discuss, and consider Resolution 2025-05; Amending Rates for the Purchase of Burial Plots in the Trinidad Cemetery.

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND: The task of updating the cemetery burial plot rates has been on the City’s to-do list for many years and is long overdue. The current rates date back to Resolution 2000-06, adopted on July 12, 2000. One of the primary justifications made at that time, as noted in the June 19, 2000 meeting minutes, was “…that people from outside Trinidad were buying cemetery plots because Trinidad rates are significantly cheaper than other parts of Humboldt County.” The same trend is a familiar issue today, with economics being a driving factor in a sudden and significant increase in the number of Trinidad Cemetery plots sold over the past five years.

Plot sale requests are coming not only from other parts the County, but also many other Northern California regions. There has been a notable increase of people requesting burial in the cemetery because they have “enjoyed visiting Trinidad in the past”. This trend puts this small cemetery with limited space in jeopardy of not having adequate land available for locals that have spent all or a significant portion of their lives in this community, have existing family graves in the cemetery, or deep ancestral connections to this area.

Raising rates will not prevent non-locals from desiring a plot in the cemetery, but it will discourage plot sales based on “being the cheapest price around”. Aligning rates with other cemeteries in the county is a baseline for determining a new, justifiable rate. Other factors included in the rate update are aimed at helping the City achieve additional goals, such as;
• Covering expenses related to operating and upkeep of the cemetery grounds. • Establishing adequate savings for future upkeep if/when plot sale revenue is reduced due to inventory limitations.
• Providing for long-term strategic decisions for possible future expansion of the cemetery grounds if/when opportunities arise.

The Cemetery Fund (7.01) was established as an “enterprise” or “special revenue” fund, with the expectation that the fund balance would continue to earn enough revenue through plot sales and interest income to support ongoing maintenance and upkeep in perpetuity. On July 01, 2024 the fund balance was $147,308. As of April 01, 2025 the fund balance decreased to $139,669 (a loss of $7,638). The loss was primarily a result of not increasing the rates this fiscal year as anticipated when the budget was approved on July 01.

General Operating expenses captured in the Cemetery budget each year include the minimum labor dedicated to mowing, routine landscaping, and professional service required to maintain trees on the property. What the budget fails to capture is long-term preservation and strategic decisions or investments that will ensure a healthy fund reserve to maintain the property when plot availability (sales) is reduced.

Staff intends to bring bigger-picture discussions before the Council in the future, but the goal and first step recommended is to update the rates immediately by adoption of Resolution 2025-05.

RATE INCREASE AUTHORITY
Trinidad Municipal Code, Chapter 12.08, CEMETERY, defines the City Council’s authority for raising rates by Resolution:

12.08.050 Interment regulations.

A. Fixed Charges, Certificate of Burial Rights. A fixed fee for each grave will be paid to the city before a grave may be opened. The amount of this fee shall be set from time to time by resolution of the city council. Fees for plots where more than one body (two bodies in caskets or the remains of four cremated bodies) will be interred shall be one and one-half times the fee for a plot where a single body is interred.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY CEMETERY PLOT RATES
The following information was collected by reaching out to local cemeteries in the area this past week for the purpose of developing a baseline from which to structure the City’s new rate analysis.

Ferndale Cemetery Association Fortuna Cemetery District Single Grave: $2,000 Single Grave: $1,800
Historical Section Single: $2,500 Cremation: $1,050
Cremation: $1,000
Greenwood (Arcata) Oceanview & Sunset (Eureka)
Single Grave: $2,650 Single Grave: $3,595
Cremation: $1,250
Blue Lake Trinidad
Single Grave: $2,135 Single Grave: $1,335*
Cremation: $ 675
*Trinidad’s rate structure includes a 1.5x cost for a single 3’x8’ plot intended for multiple burials (2 caskets, or 4 cremated remains).

RESIDENT VS. NON-RESIDENT PRICING
In May of 2024, staff requested guidance from the City Attorney regarding whether the City had the authority to charge non-residents more for burial plots. The response provided was as follows:

There is not a rule that directly allows a city to charge nonresidents more for burial plots, however, the health and safety code permits cemetery districts to charge more to nonresidents. Health and Safety Code Section 9068 states:
a) The board of trustees shall adopt a schedule of fees for interments in cemeteries owned by the district and for other necessary and convenient services.
b) The board of trustees shall adopt a schedule of nonresident fees. The board of trustees shall set these fees at an amount that at least equals the amount of fees charged to residents or taxpayers and shall include a nonresident fee of at least 15 percent of that amount.

The memo further explains the following justification, necessity, considerations, and examples for non-resident rate scenarios:

The Trinidad cemetery is operated by the City of Trinidad and not a cemetery district, however Section 9068 does demonstrate there is a recognizable difference between resident and nonresidents in terms of burial plot sales.

Cities are vested with the power to manage and control city owned cemeteries. This would include setting fees for burial plots. Nonresidents should be required to pay an additional fee because the City needs to ensure availability for residents. Nonresidents are not paying City taxes that contribute to the efficient management and maintenance of the cemetery.

Determining how to differentiate between residents and nonresidents will be challenging. Residents could include anyone currently living in Trinidad, those with proof of past residence in Trinidad, spouses or children of a resident, or several other distinctions. The City Council will have to further discuss this issue and may need to encourage public comment on the matter. A fee schedule including resident and nonresident fees shall be approved by the City Council through resolution as required by the Trinidad Municipal Code Section 12.08.050.

RATE INCREASE PROPOSAL, OPTIONS, & CONSIDERATIONS
A modest 3% annual CPI cost increase from year 2000 when the rates were last updated would result in a minimum 75% increase from the current rate. That logic alone would increase the current rate from $1,335 to $2,336.

Factor in limited space, Trinidad real estate premiums in general, and some of the long-range planning, decisions, and subsequent investments that will be required to expand the cemetery, if feasible, and it is reasonable to justify a non-resident rate in or near the Greenwood and Oceanview range: $3,600 (175% increase) Should the Council adopt the Resident vs. Non-Resident structure, the discussion would lean on the Government Health & Safety Code referenced in the City Attorney guidance, requiring a minimum 15% differential, thereby reducing the $3,600 price to $3,060 for residents.

Option 1
• Single Grave: $3,600
• Cremation: $1,780
Option 2 (15% differential between resident & non-resident) • Resident Grave: $3,060
• Resident Cremation: $1,515
• Non-Resident Grave: $3,600
• Non-Resident Cremation: $1,780
Option 3
Consider a more dramatic differential between resident/non-resident that will add premium value to local status, local ties, family connection, etc. Calculations to be made following further direction from Council.

NEXT STEPS
As guidance from the City Attorney wisely acknowledged, rate increases that involve resident vs. non-resident differential will require Council discussion and public comment on the matter. The proposed resolution may be modified, accepted as-is, or tabled for further discussion.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Not applicable.

FISCAL IMPACT
• Is there a Fiscal Impact: Yes
• Is it Currently Budgeted: Yes
• Where is it Budgeted: Cemetery Fund 7.01
• Mandatory or Discretionary: N/A
• Staff Resource Impact: No

ATTACHMENTS
• Cemetery Ordinance, Chapter 12.08
• Resolution 2000-06 – Current Cemetery Rates
• FY2026 Cemetery Budget
City of Trinidad Resolution 2025-05 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 2025-05

A RESOLUTION OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL AMENDING RATES FOR THE PURCHASE OF

BURIAL PLOTS IN THE TRINIDAD CEMETERY
WHEREAS, Section 12.08.050 of the Trinidad Municipal Code authorizes the City Council to establish fees for burial plots within the City Cemetery by resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED by the Trinidad City Council that:

1. All prior rates established by the City Council for burial plot purchase within the City’s Cemetery are replaced by those rates set forth, herein.

2. The rate schedule for the purchase of Cemetery Plots shall be the following:
a. Single Plot: $3,600.00
b. Cremation Plot: $1,780.00
c. Recording/Administrative Fee $ 75.00
per internment
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL of Humboldt County of the State of California this 10th day of June, 2025.

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 Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor

FY2024-25
Budget
Actual Thru
03/27/2025
FY 2025-26
Budget Budget Assumptions
701 REVENUES
53020 Interest Income $ 250 $ - $ -
58100 Cemetery Plot Sales $ 30,000 $ 10,590 $ 30,000 Based on 10 plot sales at proposed new rates. 58150 Cemetery Plot Refunds $ - $ -
TOTAL REVENUES $ 30,250 $ 10,590 $ 30,000
701 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages and Overtime $ 12,092 $ 10,949 $ 13,809 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 1,451 $ 1,374 $ 1,657
65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 3,244 $ 2,092 $ 3,128 65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 70 $ 66 $ 70 65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 363 $ - $ 456
65600 Payroll Tax $ 1,036 $ 979 $ 1,183
75180 Utilities $ 493 $ 553 $ 493 Water
75300 Contracted Services $ 3,000 $ - $ 3,000 Tree Service - Damaged & Hazardous Limbs 78170 Security System $ 500 $ 579 $ 500 Advanced Security - Monitoring Service 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 500 $ 33 $ 500
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 22,749 $ 16,625 $ 24,797
Net Income $ 7,501 $ (6,035) $ 5,203

CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
Enterprise Fund 701 - Cemetery
FINAL DRAFT - JUNE 10, 2025
Print Preview 6/6/25, 6:20 PM
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Trinidad/cgi/menuCompile.pl Page 1 of 4 Chapter 12.08

CEMETERY
Sections:

12.08.010 Purpose.

12.08.020 Definitions.

12.08.030 Administrative powers and duties.

12.08.040 General regulations.

12.08.050 Interment regulations.

12.08.060 Subdivision of plot.

12.08.070 Maintenance.

12.08.080 Conduct in cemeteries.

12.08.090 Plot purchases.

12.08.100 Transfer of ownership.

12.08.110 Plot use.

12.08.010 Purpose.

In order to assure mutual protection to every plot purchaser and to the city, the city council adopts the following rules and regulations. All property owners and persons within this cemetery and all plots sold shall be subject to these rules and regulations, and subject, further, to such other rules and regulations, amendments or alterations as shall be adopted by the city council from time to time; and the reference to these rules and regulations in the deeds or certificates of burial rights to plots shall have the same force and effect as if set forth in full herein. [Ord. 85-182 § 1, 1985].

12.08.020 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter:
“Cemetery” means the burial park, for earth interments, and any subsequent contiguous additions thereto, or any improvements added thereon, such as community mausoleum, for crypt or vault interments.

Print Preview 6/6/25, 6:20 PM
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Trinidad/cgi/menuCompile.pl Page 2 of 4 “Director of public works” means the person in charge of and responsible for the operation of the cemetery.
“Grave” means a space of ground within the burial park, used or intended to be used for burial. “Interment” means the disposition of human remains by burial, entombment, or cremation and inurnment.
“Memorial” means the marker or nameplate by which the individual plots and/or graves are identified with the human remains interred therein.
“Monument” means a memorial which extends above the surface of the lawn. “Plot” means space in the cemetery used or intended to be used for the interment of human remains. The term includes and applies to one or more than one adjoining grave. [Ord. 85-182 § 2, 1985].

12.08.030 Administrative powers and duties.

The director of public works, or his duly authorized representative, is empowered to administer and enforce these aforementioned rules and regulations. [Ord. 85-182 § 8, 1985].

12.08.040 General regulations.

This being a public cemetery, all area within the fenced boundaries of this memorial park shall be open to the general public at all times, except during periods of road repair, etc., and under circumstances when public entry is found to be inadvisable for health, safety and general welfare reasons, in the opinion of the city council. All vehicles moving within the cemetery must observe a maximum speed limit of 15 mph. [Ord. 85-182 § 3, 1985].

12.08.050 Interment regulations.

A. Fixed Charges, Certificate of Burial Rights. A fixed fee for each grave will be paid to the city before a grave may be opened. The amount of this fee shall be set from time to time by resolution of the city council. Fees for plots where more than one body (two bodies in caskets or the remains of four cremated bodies) will be interred shall be one and one-half times the fee for a plot where a single body is interred.

Burial plots will be reserved for no more than 30 days, with a 10 percent nonrefundable deposit to be paid at the time the plot is reserved.

B. Holidays. No interments, disinterments or removals shall be permitted on Sundays or on any legal holiday, including national and state holidays, which the county wishes the cemetery to observe, except with the consent of the director of public works, the family and the funeral chapel first had and obtained.

Print Preview 6/6/25, 6:20 PM
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Trinidad/cgi/menuCompile.pl Page 3 of 4 C. Notice. The right is reserved by the director of public works to insist upon at least 24 working hours’ notice before any interment and at least one week’s notice prior to any disinterment or removal.

D. Location of Interment Space. When instructions from the plot holder regarding the location of an interment space within a plot cannot be obtained, or are indefinite, or when for any reason the interment space cannot be opened where specified, the director of public works may, in his discretion, open it in such location in the plot as he deems best and proper, so as not to delay a funeral; and, the cemetery and/or the city shall not be liable in damages for any error made in so doing.

E. Interment of More Than One Body. No more than one body, or the remains of more than one body, shall be interred in one grave unless the grave has been purchased with a written agreement permitting such multiple interments, and except as provided in TMC 12.08.060.

Not more than two bodies, nor the remains of more than four cremated bodies, shall be interred in one grave than the maximum number permitted under state law.

Furthermore, at the time the plot is purchased, there will be a charge for digging the grave and placing the lower liner if two caskets will be placed in the grave. Digging and lower liner placement will occur at the discretion of the gravedigger and when weather permits. [Ord. 2003- 02 §§ 1, 2, 2003; Ord. 94-4 § 1, 1994; Ord. 92-4 § 3, 1991; Ord. 85-182 § 4, 1985].

12.08.060 Subdivision of plot.

The subdivision of plots is not allowed except in cases where all members of a family are cremated. In such cases, a plot may be subdivided into four parts for the purpose of interring the cremated remains. [Ord. 85-182 § 5, 1985].

12.08.070 Maintenance.

A. All grading, landscape work, improvements of any kind, and all care on plots shall be done, and all plant materials shall be planted, trimmed, cut, or removed solely by the director of public works or his duly authorized representative. All opening and closing of plots, and all interments, disinterments and removals shall be done under the supervision of the director of public works or his duly authorized representative.

B. All markers, nameplates, or other identifying memorials shall be installed only after approval is secured from the director of public works, and in no case shall any marker, nameplate or memorial be installed unless same is installed flush with existing lawn grade. No flower receptacle may be installed unless it is set wholly beneath ground level.

C. The placing of upright monuments, boxes, shells, toys, metal designs, ornaments, chairs, Print Preview 6/6/25, 6:20 PM
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Trinidad/cgi/menuCompile.pl Page 4 of 4 vases, glass, wood or iron cases, similar articles, or planting flora or fauna of any description is prohibited, and if so placed or planted, may be removed and disposed of in any manner which the director of public works shall see fit to employ. [Ord. 85-182 § 6, 1985].

12.08.080 Conduct in cemeteries.

A. Persons within the cemetery grounds, other than the director of public works, workmen, and/or funeral attendants, shall use only the avenues, walks, or roads, and any person injured while walking on the grass, except that be the only way to reach his or her plot, or while on any portion of the cemetery, other than the walks, roads, or avenues, shall in no way hold the city liable for any injuries sustained.

B. It is unlawful for any person to loiter in the city cemetery. [Ord. 90-204 § 2(O), 1990; Ord. 85- 182 § 7, 1985].

12.08.090 Plot purchases.

An individual may purchase not more than one plot in the town cemetery. Such purchase confers the right to interment, but does not confer a property right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any plot purchases prior to November 1, 1991, shall be considered to confer a property right, and the plot may be sold, traded, or given away by the present owner. From and after November 1, 1991, all plots purchased may be transferred only to the city of Trinidad, who will pay the original purchase price. [Ord. 92-4 § 1, 1991].

12.08.100 Transfer of ownership.

Any transfer of ownership on burial rights must be registered with the city clerk in writing. The transferor must pay a $50.00 fee to cover the administrative costs associated in transferring the records. [Ord. 92-4 § 2, 1991].

12.08.110 Plot use.

Plots purchased may be used for the interment of the purchaser or a family member only. [Ord. 92-4 § 4, 1991].

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 7

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

7. Discussion/Decision regarding First Reading of Ordinance 2025-02; Amending section

15.04.260 of the Trinidad Municipal Code and any other Ordinances, Resolutions, or parts of ordinances or resolutions that are in conflict with the Schedule of Fees for Building Inspection Services.

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor Kelly and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Motion and Approval of Section 1. Section 15.04.260 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

15.04.260 Building Permit Fees. Fees for permits and inspections shall be required of any person when authorized by the appropriate adopted code. Any person required to obtain a permit or a combination of any such permits shall, at the time of filing an application, pay to the City building inspector the fee set forth by the City Council. The current building permit fee schedule shall be maintained and made publicly available on the City official website or at such other location designated by the City. The City Council may amend the fee schedule by resolution at any time, as deemed necessary by the City Counci

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
In general, it is good practice to update Master Fee Schedules on an annual basis to keep cost recovery current and help better manage budgets for the Planning and Building Department along with other fees in the schedule. This is practice in most municipalities and is usually done along with the annual budget. In Trinidad this process requires an update, and an amendment to our Municipal Code to update the fees.

The last attempt at updating the Building Fees Ordinance occurred on October 10, 2012. The schedule that was approved then was based on the County of Humboldt’s format. The format established a comprehensive set of fees that allowed the fees to be more consistent and fairer. Larger projects such as new homes or high valuation projects would enjoy a stabilized fee rate for building projects including mechanical, plumbing and electrical work that would be based on similar formats and costs from other agencies. As a part of this adopted ordinance automatic fee increases would no longer automatically apply, and modifications or changes would require specific action by the Council.

The attached fee increase proposal is modest at around 35% considering it has been over 20 years since the last attempt to update the fee schedule. The proposed fees also provide for cost recovery fees to be collected when a project must be referred for evaluation and input from other agencies or departments, such as Planning, or Public Works fees.

Included in this packet for information and comparison purposes is the current and proposed increases for building, planning, grading and other fees that have staff work included in the permit costs.

Staff recommends accepting the report and updating the schedules and ordinance as submitted.

Section 1. Section 15.04.260 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

15.04.260 Building Permit Fees. Fees for permits and inspections shall be required of any person when authorized by the appropriate adopted code. Any person required to obtain a permit or a combination of any such permits shall, at the time of filing an application, pay to the City building inspector the fee set forth by the City Council. The current building permit fee schedule shall be maintained and made publicly available on the City official website or at such other location designated by the City. The City Council may amend the fee schedule by resolution at any time, as deemed necessary by the City Council.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
NA

FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? N/A Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes Where is it Budgeted?
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? N/A
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? No

ATTACHMENTS
Current Building Permit Fees
Current Grading Plan Fees
Current other Fees
Proposed Building Permit Fees
Proposed Granding plan fees
Proposed Other Fees
City of Trinidad Ordinance 2025-02
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. 2025-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD AMENDING SECTION 15.04.260 OF THE

MUNICIPAL CODE AND ANY OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, OR PARTS OF

ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS THAT ARE IN CONFLICT WITH THE SCHEDULE OF FEES

FOR BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad (“City”) maintains building permit fees, currently codified as Section 15.04.260 of the Trinidad Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Title 7, Division 1, (commencing with Section 65000) authorizes the City to impose and increase fees levied on building permits; and WHEREAS, the City desires to modify the fees required for building permits to better reflect the costs incurred by the City by providing services to City residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Trinidad (“City Council”) recognizes the need for flexibility in adjusting fees from time to time to respond to changing costs, inflation, service levels, and emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Section 15.04.260 of the Trinidad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

15.04.260 Building Permit Fees. Fees for permits and inspections shall be required of any person when authorized by the appropriate adopted code. Any person required to obtain a permit or a combination of any such permits shall, at the time of filing an application, pay to the City building inspector the fee set forth by the City Council. The current building permit fee schedule shall be maintained and made publicly available on the City official website or at such other location designated by the City. The City Council may amend the fee schedule by resolution at any time, as deemed necessary by the City Council.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL of Humboldt County of the State of California this 10th day of June, 2025, by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Attest:
________________________ _________________________
Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
First reading: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Second reading: Tuesday, July 08, 2025

CURRENT BUILDING

PERMIT FEES

PROPOSED BUILDING

PERMIT FEES

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 8

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

8. Staff Activity Report – May 2025

CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 10, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive Staff Activities Report from City Manager and Provide Comments. No Council Action Required

DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
Eric Sanders invoice for May -$4000.00.

Say-Gep Brown passed his T2 exam
Carl Anderson is took his exam for T3 on Friday June 6.

Westhaven Intertie Project
Staff received the long-anticipated Plans, Specifications, Engineering (PSE) are out for the 30- day bidding period. The project will be back for the Council Bid award in the July meeting. The project is expected to start at the end of July and end around the middle of November.

Windows, Rot, and Porch Repairs
Staff as received some contractor response on quotes for the Windows and Rot repair at Town Hall. Costs came in a bit higher than the $60 K estimate from early 2024. Costs are also in for the front porch carpet removal and epoxy application at 11K. This puts the Windows and Porch work at around 85K. Staff may have to return for council approval to include additional funds for this project.

ALMT
The CM and staff have been on the ALMT multiple times over the past week or so, including walking all the way down to the beach. The path needs some work, but staff could, and did get down safely from top to bottom. The CM has sent a contract to RCAA to build the cable steps and perform some vegetation management to allow the trail to open once the work is complete.

The work should take about a week or so to complete.

This is all conditional on no appeals to the trail opening. The appeal period runs through the end of the day on June 5. Work on the trail is scheduled to start the following Monday June 9. So, if all goes well the trail could be open by mid to late June.

FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? N/A
Is it Currently Budgeted? NA
Where is it Budgeted? NA
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? N/A
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? No

STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
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 2021 161,379
July 2021 251,168 January 2022 189,201
July 2022 198,081 January 2023 154,543
July 2023 223,806 January 2024 148,407
July 2024 264,491 (21.01% Water Loss) January 2025 131,229 (16.59% Water Loss) 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 February 2024 132,690
August 2024 233,215 (17.85% Water Loss) February 2025 131,537 (20.66% Water Loss) 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 March 2024 125,188
September 2024 200,050 (22.16% Water Loss) March 2025 136,579 (22.52% Water Loss) 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 April 2024 176,413
October 2024 206,875 (21.34% Water Loss) April 2025 171,808 (17.31% Water Loss) 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 May 2024 182,738
November 2024 159,316 (26.54% Water Loss) May 2025 216,497 (10.83% Water Loss) December 2020 185,860 June 2020 240,055
December 2021 201,160 June 2021 269,087
December 2022 170,419 June 2022 233,692
December 2023 122,937 June 2023 209,336
December 2024 159,299 (23% Water Loss) June 2024 229,399 (17.12% Water Loss) Water sold in May increased due to higher occupancy and demand, but also due to several leaks detected on customer accounts during meter reading. Water loss was below average. 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.