11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 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, Breckenridge, and Kenny. City Staff in attendance: City Clerk/Interim City Manager Gabriel Adams, Administrative Assistant Anton Souza, and Grant Administrator Angela Cather. Approximately (3) participants were present by video-conference, and (5) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ADJOURN TO 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. DR180684 IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – No reportable action taken.
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Kenny recommended pulling consent 3 for discussion.
Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to approve the agenda as revised. Passed 4-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 10/14/2025 cc
Motion (Kenny/Breckenridge) to approve the minutes as written. Passed 4-0.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Tuttle: Nothing to report.
Kenny: October 16 HCAOG meeting, action was taken to approve a Blue Lake project, hire a consultant for a transit planning document, and discussed STIP/RTIP process that prioritizes transportation projects.
Breckenridge: Deferred to the next meeting.
Kelly: CERT block party on October 26. 40-50 attendees. Thanked Headies for pizza, Murphy’s for refreshments. Hope for another 3-day training in early 2026. With SNAP benefits up in the air, the Lions Club does their food pantry on the 3rd Wednesday, and fresh produce on the first Tuesday.
VIII.PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – City Manager & Law Enforcement HCSO Lt. McCall was unable to attend. Interim City Manager Adams summarized calls for service, included in the meeting packet.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Elaine Weinreb – Trinidad area resident
Witness intersection traffic and observe much confusion. The city should consult with Caltrans to develop improvements to that dangerous intersection.
Aaron Hakenen – Trinidad
More thermoplastic is deteriorating in town. Vendor should be asked to repair this failure. Thanked the Councilmembers for their service. There are some very big issues, key issues, that relate to the longevity of this town. Think, and make decisions related to the long-term viability of this community. Fire, salaries, water, finance, are just a few. Please keep this in mind.
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Financial Statements – September 2025
2. Law Enforcement Report – October 2025.
Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to accept items 1 & 2. Passed 4-0. 11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
3. Budget Amendment to Shift Trail Maintenance Funds to Engineering Services to Cover the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail Concept Design Update.
Interim City Manager Adams explained that the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) issued by the City earlier this year to perform maintenance at the foot of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail and make it accessible was appealed to and upheld by the Coastal Commission in September. As a result, the Coastal Commission established jurisdiction over the project and convened a working group consisting of all the stakeholders to find a solution to this complex issue.
A meeting was arranged by Coastal Commission staff following the September hearing to bring everyone together, explain the process, and develop a path forward. A second meeting was held on October 16 with engineers and technical staff to focus on ways to achieve development of the alternate trail route to access the beach. The City clarified to the group that the solution proposed in the CDP took into account the budget available within the City’s means, and timeline desired to achieve the objective of reopening the trail. The amount authorized was the $10,000 budgeted in July for Trail Maintenance.
With all the stakeholders now at the table, there is a renewed hope that all parties will come together and pool their resources;
• The Coastal Commission with their regulatory expertise and mission to protect cultural resources while preserving public access,
• The Conservancy with access to funding (Climate Bond, CA Prop 4), • Tribal Entities to provide project oversight and resource protection guidance, • The City of Trinidad taking the first step by developing a conceptual preliminary design of how this new, traditional trail outlet would be fortified and as resilient as possible against ocean erosion.
The design concept will be used to further the group’s progress toward meeting benchmark timelines; to gather input during G2G consultations, full design plans for permitting, and an application to the Conservancy for funding.
The consequence of the action proposed tonight is the budget allocated for Trail Maintenance will be exhausted for the remainder of this fiscal year. Trail maintenance expenses in this category include materials, supplies, and contracted services to perform task-specific projects. It does not include labor from Public Works staff to maintain vegetation along the trails – that funding source (wages) will remain healthy for the year.
Since the City has experienced significant challenges garnering support from stakeholders to perform hardscape maintenance on the trail system, this budget line-item has been untapped in prior years. With that in consideration, the expense is justifiable for reasons described, with the hope this investment will lead to a resolution that can move this project forward.
Council comment included:
Kenny: Provided a brief history of the trail, its construction, current condition, the permit, and current appeal filed by the Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS). The Council rejected the appeal, but the Coastal Commission found that the appeal raised a substantial issue, assumed jurisdiction over the project, and did the city a great disservice. TAS was in procedural default by not following the appeal procedure. Our appeal has been rolled into a larger, global settlement on a pending suit. It’s been suggested that we take our entire annual trail maintenance budget and make a drawing that represents the preferred TAS trail route avoiding cultural resources. While everyone is in favor of resolving disputes, it would be prudent to test the waters and see if all parties are willing to accept a global settlement. We could give the $10k conditioned on a global settlement agreement. We could be accused of holding up the whole settlement process, but if the Coastal Commission decides the trail has been closed long enough, they could deny the appeal and require the city to build the cable steps.
Kelly: While I’d like to see the trail open, I don’t see any of the other parties involved in the working group come forward with funding support. I’m also concerned that TAS doesn’t support it. We don’t need to be the first to come forward with funding for these reasons. The City has been very sensitive to cultural assets, closing Parker Creek & ALMT at TAS request 3 years ago, but given the level of feedback received from the stakeholders, I agree with Kenny on this proposal.
11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Breckenridge: If we don’t fund this, what happens next? Kelly explained that the settlement issues being handled in closed session are separate, but someone else from the ALMT working group will have to step forward. If TAS can pull together funds for their big picture project, could they pull something conceptual from that project that can be useful in lieu of this $10k request? Kenny: We can put the full $10k in if everyone else steps up with resolving the ongoing trail issue.
Tuttle: It sounds like if the budget was $5k, the proposal would have been for $5k.
Public comment included:
Sherri Provolt – Trinidad
Thank you for continuing work on a project that keeps circling back. Why does TAS object to the proposal tonight? Kelly explained that they feel they haven’t been consulted with enough. TAS have been involved with this for many meetings, and many years. How can we get to step 2 if they won’t allow us to take the first step? City staff have always mentioned $10k was available for this project. The contribution would be a positive step forward and may convince other stakeholders to contribute as well.
Aaron Hakenan – Trinidad
I’m familiar with this longstanding challenge for the City. The Council decides how the money is spent. It may be possible to do a drawing for less money. It’s hard to release the history of the past and move forward in a cooperative manner. A monetary contribution may be helpful to advance towards a solution. A gesture would be a good move to eliminate the perception of the City being the obstructionist.
Council comments, continued:
Motion (Kelly) to authorize $5k with the condition that and all stakeholders agree to the concept. Kelly withdrew motion after brief discussion.
Kenny: Half is a little too generous. I recommend the City offering the full $10k with the condition that the global settlement is reached.
Breckenridge: Hearing Hakenen’s comments, $10k isn’t that much considering how long these funds have been reserved for trail improvements. I would be in favor of tying this commitment to an agreement or resolution of some kind as suggested by Kenny.
Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to authorize $10k conditioned upon all ALMT working group agree to the concept, and participants resolve the CDP appeal. Passed 3-2 (No – Kelly, Waskiewicz) XI. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Administer Oath of Office and Seating of Appointed Councilmember John Waskiewicz.
City Clerk/Interim Manager Gabriel Adams administered the oath of office to John Waskiewicz, who was appointed by the Council on October 14 to fill the remaining eligible term of former member Carrie Varela.
2. Presentation/Update of the 90% Plan Submittal for the 2024 STIP Main Street Improvement Project.
Interim City Manager Adams explained that in 2023, the City secured $800,000 through the 2024 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to rehabilitate key corridors: Main Street, Patrick’s Point Drive, and Westhaven Drive. These streets are critical for local mobility and economic activity, carrying the highest traffic volumes in Trinidad.
STIP Program Overview: The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is California’s primary mechanism for funding regional transportation projects. The STIP is a 5-year capital improvement program for transportation infrastructure, administered by Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The STIP operates on a biennial cycle, with project nominations and funding allocations occurring 11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
every two years. The STIP typically funds roadway rehabilitation, safety improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and related infrastructure upgrades.
Other Recent STIP-Funded Projects
• Downtown Trinidad Pedestrian Connectivity Project (2018 STIP) • Trinity Street Rehabilitation (2022 STIP)
Project History and Context: The need for improvements to Main Street, Patrick’s Point Drive, and Westhaven Drive was first identified by the City in 2013 and have been identified as a priority in the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) since 2014.
Purpose and Need: The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate and extend the useful life of roadway pavement on Main Street, Patrick’s Point Drive, and Westhaven Drive, and improve pedestrian accessibility in downtown Trinidad.
Portions of these streets are exhibiting signs of extreme pavement distress and failure. The existing sidewalk on the south side of Main Street is very narrow (~3.5’ wide) and does not meet accessibility standards.
Rehabilitation is needed to maintain the function of the system and avoid full reconstruction.
If the pavement condition is not addressed soon, further deterioration will require full reconstruction, increasing costs and disruption.
Project Overview:
• Sidewalk Improvements: Replace and widen sidewalk, curb ramps, and driveways on the south side of Main Street between Trinity Street and View Avenue (ADA-compliant). • Pavement Rehabilitation: Digouts, milling, and repaving on Main Street and Patrick’s Point Drive; overlay on Westhaven Drive (within City limits, outside Caltrans right-of-way). • Safety Enhancements: Thermoplastic pavement striping, markings, and signage on all three streets.
These improvements will extend the service life of the roadway, enhance safety, and support the economic vitality of the community by ensuring reliable access to key destinations.
Project Status
• CEQA Notice of Exemption Filed: April 22, 2025
• Coastal Development Permit (CDP): Not required (City Planner determination, May 2025) • 90% Design completed: October 2025
Next Steps
• Secure permissions for driveway conforms on private property • Complete 100% design (targeting December 2025)
• Prepare and submit allocation requests to Caltrans
• Advertise project, conduct bid opening, and award contract • Begin construction in June 2026 (after school dismissal) • Construction completion targeted for July 2026
Fiscal Impact: $800,000 in State-only STIP funds, administered by Caltrans. A local contribution may be required if the project cost exceeds the STIP funding amount.
No decision was made. No public comment, and minimal Council discussion.
3. Discussion/Decision regarding a FY2026 Budget Amendment for the North County Fire Working Group CostSharing Agreement to Conduct the CSA 4 Fire Service Planning Study.
Interim City Manager Adams explained that Concerns regarding the certainty of a long-standing, informal mutual aid agreement between jurisdictions within the CSA 4 District have increased due to wildfire and budget pressures on the State’s ability to guarantee 24-7, 365 days per year coverage from the Trinidad 11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
CalFIRE Station, increasing fire insurance costs, and sustainable staffing and increased regulatory pressures on the Trinidad and Westhaven Volunteer Fire Departments.
Per a detailed staff report submitted by the County Administrative Office to the Board of Supervisors on July 23, 2024, the County of Humboldt contracts with CalFIRE to provide fire protection services in County Service Area No. 4 (CSA 4) during the non-fire season. CSA 4 includes the community of Westhaven, the unincorporated area surrounding the City of Trinidad, and the unincorporated area adjacent to US Highway 101 stretching approximately ten (10) miles north of Trinidad.
The unincorporated residents of CSA 4 formed an assessment district to pay for fire protection services provided by CalFIRE on a year-round basis. The maximum benefit assessment of $29 per benefit unit was approved by property owners through an election conducted on May 06, 2023, with an annual CPI inflation factor adjustment. Under this formula, an average rural .5 acre of land may see an annual property tax assessment in CSA 4 of approximately $200.
CalFire has offered to continue providing mutually advantageous fire and emergency services through Cooperative Fire Programs. Fire Protection Reimbursement Agreement No. 1CA06883 between CalFire and the County of Humboldt funds the employment of three firefighters, including operating expenses, at the CalFire Trinidad Station.
The Board of Supervisors authorized approval of Cooperative Fire Program Agreement No. 1CA06883 by resolution for the period of July 01, 2024-June 30, 2027. The annual cost projected for the current FY was $331,261, with $223,328 being covered by the assessment, and $107,933 from the County’s General Fund.
NORTH COUNTY FIRE PLANNING WORKING GROUP: Residents in CSA 4 have continued to experience dramatic increases in home and fire insurance rates and while the current cooperative program agreement provides dedicated service for seven (7) months of the year (estimated non-fire season) and mutual aid for the remainder of the year, insurance companies do not factor in this protection service to their ratemaking process. The North County Fire Working Group was organized in 2022 to develop strategies to address this dynamic for the benefit to residents. The group consists of the County of Humboldt, City of Trinidad (Trinidad VFD), Trinidad Rancheria, and Westhaven VFD, and has identified several key issues impacting effective fire service delivery in the area, including;
• Service provider response is out of alignment with jurisdictional boundaries (more than expected under mutual aid agreements).
• Westhaven VFD does not receive funding from CSA 4, despite operating within its service area • There is a reliance within the study area on mutual aid from neighboring service providers, primarily Arcata FPD, Orick VFD, and CalFIRE.
• The City of Trinidad and Trinidad Rancheria are non-paying beneficiaries of the services provided through the Amador agreement with CalFIRE during the non-fire season and goodwill services during the fire season.
The working group agreed that a consultant contract administered by LAFCO, on behalf of the partnership is appropriate. The scope of work for the project will include:
• Evaluation of existing and needed service levels.
• Development of appropriate operation models, including cost estimates and associated financial projections.
• Development of appropriate organizational and governance models to support the best possible service within the study area.
• Analysis of revenue options to support operational and organizational models. • Implementation plan to achieve the recommended operational and organizational model.
PRIOR DISCUSSIONS: The City Council last discussed this issue on November 14, 2023. At that meeting the Council reviewed the attached memo from LAFCO requesting that the three participating agencies (County, City, and Rancheria) each contribute an initial deposit of $5,000 to support an initial planning and 11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
scoping phase that would ultimately lead to a detailed proposal from an outside consultant specializing in this field. The Council authorized the expense, unanimously, thus currently invested in the process.
FISCAL IMPACT: Knowing this project was on the horizon, the Council began budgeting to brace for the impact of the full scope cost-share. In FY2024 the Council budgeted $35k for this purpose but the project didn’t mature before the year expired. In FY2025 the Council budgeted $10k conservatively, but the full scope proposal had not been released before the year expired. Coincidentally, the former City Manager removed this expense item from the budget this year in the same month the Matrix Consulting Group, Ltd., submitted a revised proposal to LAFCO for consideration.
The request before the Council is to continue the progress of the North County Fire Planning Working Group by funding the City’s share of the Fire Planning Study agreement, not to exceed $20,000.
Public comment included:
Elaine Weinreb – Trinidad area resident
Is there any way we can work with other professional agencies to help train our volunteers, or support them in fire trainings offered at CR? Adams confirmed the City’s fire budget includes funding for training of its volunteers.
Aaron Hakenen – Trinidad
Legally, Trinidad VFD is responsible for its jurisdiction. The siren is routinely 10-15 minutes ahead of the cell phone pages volunteers receive. The funds requested for this proposal will be money well spent and I support it.
Council comments included:
Waskiewicz: Suppressing fires and reducing insurance costs are important components of this issue, and I support participating in this process to improve the situation for the City and community as well.
Motion (Kenny/Kelly) to authorize a FY2026 Fire Budget Amendment not-to-exceed $20,000 to cover the City of Trinidad’s share of the North County Fire Working Group’s cost-sharing agreement to conduct the CSA 4 Fire Service Planning Study. Passed unanimously.
4. Discussion/Decision to Receive and Accept the Final Recommendations and Sunset the Animal Advisory Committee.
Interim City Manager Adams explained that due to the difficulty of keeping the voting members engaged and available to continue the work of this committee, several members suggested putting it to rest. Final committee recommendations have been prepared, and the committee is poised to sunset.
Mayor Kelly explained that earlier this year Committee Chair Kati Breckenridge stepped down due to disruptions from either audience or fellow members that distracted the meeting focus. Fellow voting member Jack Tuttle stepped down as well. Mayor Kelly stepped in to help the committee achieve order and complete a few priority tasks but found it difficult to achieve a quorum of the remaining members.
The Committee was established by resolution in March of 2024 due to a series of dog related incidents. The purpose of the committee was to;
• Review and make recommendations regarding current dog-related ordinances and regulations, • Develop communications and awareness programs that encourage adherence to regulations.
The objectives of the committee were as follows:
• Provide a public forum to address and discuss dog-related issues and proposed solutions, • Assist the City Manager, City Clerk, and Animal Control officer in addressing dog-related issues and to identify opportunities for project funding,
• To make balanced and informed recommendations to the City Council on ways to improve regulations, enforcement and program changes related to dogs • Report to the Council regularly.
11-12-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7
A proposal to sunset this committee was brought forward to the AAC in March of 2025, but there was a renewed desire by some of the members to give it another shot, specifically to continue work that aligns County, City, and State regulations, and also focus on new information provided to the Rancheria from State Parks regarding fecal contamination on State Beach. Both topics were further discussed, and the committee has appeared to have met its purpose and objectives.
Staff supports the committee recommendation to receive the final report and requests Council direction to sunset the committee.
There was was no comments from the public.
Motion (Kelly/Breckenridge) to sunset the Animal Advisory Committee as recommended. Passed unanimously.
5. Discussion/Decision regarding December Council Meeting Schedule By consensus, Council agreed to cancel the December meeting and reconvene in January.
6. Staff Activity Report – October 2025
Presentation item only. Interim City Manager Adams provided a detailed summary of staff activities in October, included in the meeting packet. No decision was made.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT: 8:45pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor