City Council Meeting Agenda: 01-13-2026 cc Page 1
Posted: Friday, January 09, 2026
NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM
at the Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA.
CLOSED SESSION BEGINS AT 5:00PM
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 https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/calendar
To phone in, dial 1-888-278-0296, Conference Code: 685171 Meeting ID: 818 1118 1727 Passcode: 959026 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. DR180684 IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 11/12/2025 cc
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: 01-13-2026 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 – October/November 2025
2. Law Enforcement Report – November/December 2025.
DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Update/Discussion regarding the January 03, 2026, Scenic Drive Water Main Leak and Water Shortage Emergency Status.
2. Update/Discussion regarding the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) Repair, Coastal Commission CDP Appeal Status; Agency Roles, Procedure, & Progress.
3. Presentation/Annual Update from the Trinidad Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
4. Staff Activity Report – November/December 2025
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:
NOVEMBER 12, 2025 CC
Supporting Documentation follows with: 6 PAGES
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
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
1. Financial Statements – October/November 2025
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
2. Law Enforcement Report – November/December 2025.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
1. Update/Discussion regarding the January 03, 2026, Scenic Drive Water Main Leak and Water Shortage Emergency Status.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE
1. Update/Discussion regarding the January 03, 2026, Scenic Drive Water Main Leak and Water Shortage Emergency Status.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY
No action requested. Presentation item only, with technical and operational staff present to provide a post-incident summary, current status update, help answer questions, and receive feedback that will help guide future decisions regarding the water system.
STAFF PRESENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS DISCUSSION
City Manager Gabriel Adams (Management/Outreach)
City Engineer Steve Allen (Technical)
Contract Chief Plant Operator Eric Sanders (Regulatory) Public Works Supervisor Kyle Shipman (Operations)
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The water main service line break that occurred on a problematic section of Scenic Drive during the overnight hours on January 03, 2026 rapidly drained the storage tanks (nearly 400,000 gallons of potable drinking water) and triggered the first Boil Water Notice issued by the City in over 20 years. The impacts of this event were significant and disruptive to the community. The incident further emphasizes ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of a small water system challenged by increasing costs, regulatory, and environmental pressures.
The discussion is intended to open the conversation with the Council and community, provide access to management, technical, and operational staff for questions, capture feedback, identify areas that can be improved, and recognize how staff response and community support helped rebound from a water shortage emergency.
LEAK LOCATION, TIMELINE, DETAILS
With a significant rain event forecasted, water treatment production was shut down by staff at approximately midnight on Saturday, January 03, with the 400,000-gallon storage facility at 90% capacity. Water department staff began receiving alarm calls from the plant shortly after 3:00am warning of storage/distribution system issues.
The first emails/calls/texts received from customers nearest the tank elevation were received shortly after 5:00am when their water pressure began to drop. This trend continued until the pressure drop reached Main Street just before 8:00am. City staff mobilized and immediately began troubleshooting and analyzing the information available. Trinidad Rancheria staff contacted the City Manager at 7:00am to report a leak observed near a hydrant near 824 Scenic Drive.
Based on the information gathered, approximately 72,000 gallons of water were lost per hour over a 5-hour period, beginning sometime after 2:00am Saturday morning. Water service was reported out completely in parts of the distribution system highest to the tank elevation. Pressure drops were reported on Main, Trinity, and Edwards Streets.
STAFF RESPONSE & RECOVERY
Public Notification: Staff began implementing the Water Shortage Contingency Plan as soon as the incident severity was realized. Public Works isolated the leak and began assessing production challenges. Management began implementing the communication and emergency response notification systems (website, phone calls, email lists, social media outlets).
Potable Water Trucking: Potable water trucking services were dispatched at 11:00am and a convoy of four, 1650-gallon capacity vehicles operated by Puryear Water Delivery and Norcal Water began shuttling water from the McKinleyville Community Services District (Humboldt Bay Municipal Water), direct to the City’s water storage tanks. They operated non-stop for four days with their last loads delivered on Tuesday when the tanks reached approximately 7’ in elevation (of the 18’ height peak).
Water Plant Production/Treatment: Extremely turbid water flowed through Luffenholtz Creek following a series of potent storms Saturday-Monday, slowing treatment and production, significantly to approximately 20,000-gallons per day. Treatment and production improved steadily as the storm passed and the creek cleared, increasing production to approximately 65,000-gallons per day from Tuesday on, relieving the city from its reliance on the trucking companies. By Friday the tanks reached 55% capacity.
Staff Impacts: Public Works and City Management worked round the clock starting with the first sign of trouble early in the morning Saturday. All four shift operators rotated plant duty every 5-hours, 24-hours per day through Saturday when operations stabilized and storage capacity reached 65%.
Coordination and distribution of Boil Water & High Turbidity Notices took a team of five people approximately six hours to execute, from drafting, duplicating, preparing, and delivering. The Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, and a third Councilmember joined public works and administrative staff in a door-to-door distribution campaign that lasted approximately 4-hours.
Daily updates were provided on the City website through an emergency alert notification, and red banner directing visitors to a page dedicated to the emergency. Leak repair status, water storage recovery progress, and boil water notice outreach was provided. Push notifications sent for messages of significance; 1) Notification of Emergency, 2) Boil Water Notice, and 3) Boil Water Notice lifted.
FISCAL IMPACT // TRUCKING
Saturday, January 03: 30 Loads 49,950 gallons delivered $5,400.
Sunday, January 04: 27 Loads 44,145 gallons delivered $4,860.
Monday, January 05: 31 Loads 50,685 gallons delivered $5,580.
Tuesday, January 06: 16 Loads 26,160 gallons delivered $2,880.
Total: 104 Loads 170,940 gallons $18,720
FISCAL IMPACT // LEAK REPAIR
The city has not yet received an invoice from GRS for the emergency repair. The preliminary estimate is approximately $10,000.
COMMUNITY / BUSINESS IMPACTS
Reports were received from businesses that single-use (disposable) items were used in place of dishware to minimize water use during the shortage. The Humboldt County Department of Environmental Health sent officials to Trinidad on Saturday to confirm adequate hot water temperatures required for food handling, and to verify methods used by restaurants to reduce water consumption were not compromising public health.
The Boil Water Notice, however, prompted County Health Officials to notify restaurants and the Trinidad School to close. The ripple effect of this impact was significant. Preliminary estimates calculate taxable prepared food sale losses during the 2-day closure to be in the tens of thousands. Employee wages were also lost.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Emergency Water Shortage Webpage
- Boil Water and High Turbidity Notices
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 1 of 14 Emergency Water Shortage Alert
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Emergency Water
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4:30PM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026:
Second Round of Testing is CLEAN:
Microbac Labs in Arcata has notified the City
that the second round of five water samples
taken from various stations throughout the
city's distributions system yesterday came up
clean. No bacterial contaminants were
found, and the BOIL WATER NOTICE IS
HEREBY CANCELLED, effective 5:00PM
today.
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Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 2 of 14 Emergency
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Information
Water Production and Conservation:
Water production at the Treatment Plant
continues to increased due to favorable and
improving weather conditions over the past
36 hours, and an incredible response from
the Trinidad Public Works Department. After
3 days of recovery and supplemental water
trucked in by a convoy of delivery vehicles,
storage tanks are nearing 40% capacity (8
feet of water in two tanks that peak at 18'
when full capacity is reached), gaining nearly
1 foot each day.
TPW Staff estimates that by maintaining a
50% conservation message to customers,
with peak production uninterrupted by
weather, plant maintenance, etc., full
capacity may be achieved by mid-next week
and the conservation alert lifted.
Flushing, bathing, and personal hygiene is
encouraged. The City is asking customers to
be apply the 50% conservation approach
whenever possible during the duration of the
conservation alert.
Keeping you informed, and expressing
gratitude for the community's support during
this challenging time,
City of Trinidad Council & Staff
***
12:00PM NOON: TUESDAY, JANUARY 06,
Phone Number
707-677-0223
Email
Contact Group
Office Hours
Contact the City of
Trinidad mainline
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 3 of 14 2026:
Water production at the Treatment Plant has
increased due to favorable and improving
weather conditions over the past 36 hours.
The update published last night at 5:00pm
remains in effect. The state regulators are
monitoring our situation closely, and have
required a second round of testing. The
samples were delivered to the lab for
analysis this morning. Results are expected
within 24 hours. Clean test results for the
second round will enable the City to lift the
precautionary Boil Water Notice.
***
5:00PM UPDATE: MONDAY, JANUARY 05,
2026:
THE BOILED WATER NOTICE (BWN) WILL
REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL THE CITY
RECEIVES AUTHORIZATION FROM THE
STATE: Clean test results from Sunday's
sampling throughout the City's distribution
system were received from the County
Health Department late this afternoon. The
City is awaiting final authorization from the
State Division of Drinking Water to conclude
the Boil Water Notice that was issued
Sunday afternoon. The BWN will remain in
effect as a precautionary measure until
further notice. Another round of bacteria
testing will be conducted Tuesday to ensure
at 707-677-0223,
Monday-Friday, or
email
[email protected].
gov for assistance
setting up a water
service account,
questions about
your bill, questions
about drinking
water quality, or to
report a water leak.
Contact the Water
Treatment Plant at
707-677-3862, if
you have questions
about water quality
or to report a leak
on the weekends.
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 4 of 14 the health and safety of the city's drinking
water supply remains consistent. Results
are expected Wednesday afternoon.
50% CONSERVATION MEASURES
REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER
NOTICE: The quality of the City's drinking
water has been verified to meet or exceed
state standards, but the quantity of water
remains to be the issue. We continue to
seek the community's support to conserve
water as we slowly replenish the reserves.
While the City's storage system remains
compromised, community fire suppression
resources will have to come from Westhaven
Community Services District hydrants,
extending the response time needed to
access water in an emergency. The City is
doing everything it can to expedite storage
recovery without compromising the quality of
water it produces.
Please be both WATER wise AND FIRE wise
as we navigate through this challenging time.
We appreciate the cooperation and support
received from our extraordinary community.
- City of Trinidad Water Department, Council,
and Staff
***
11:00AM UPDATE: MONDAY, JANUARY
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 5 of 14 05, 2026:
The Boiled Water Notice (BWN) is still in
effect. The emphasis taken with this notice
is for water used for the purpose of drinking.
We expect to receive the test results around
2:00pm today (Monday) from mandatory
samples taken yesterday afternoon from
every sample point throughout the
distribution system. The City will notify the
public immediately via this website and
electronic outreach as soon as the results
are in.
Production: Treatment complications due to
extremely high turbidity are still slowing
production. The Norcal and Puryear Water
Delivery continue to haul water from MCSD's
fill site (Humboldt Bay Municipal Water) to
help supplement Water Plant production from
Luffenholtz Creek. A combination of
consumption and frequent filter backwashing
has left the tanks at a net zero gain over the
last 36 hours. The City is evaluating every
option possible to expedite storage
replenishment that maintains the highest
quality of water that either meets or exceeds
state standards.
Futher complicating the matter, water staff
will need to conduct routine flushing of the
distribution system (via hydrant locations) to
ensure new water is introduced into all
branches of the system. This procedure will
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 6 of 14 continue to challenge storage replenishment
efforts, likely for several weeks.
Until further notice we will remain in
emergency status and ask the following from
every water customer:
1. CONSERVATION: Remain
conservation-minded. Consume only the
amount of water necessary for your wellbeing.
2. REPORT LEAKS: Be on the lookout for
leaks, and please consider addressing
suspected or known leaks in service
lines, seeping toilets, outdoor spigots,
faucets, and any other water-wasting
appliances. Customers are responsible
for any line, valve, or equipment
extending beyond the meter to the
home. Public Works staff are available
to help you locate your meter
understand how it works, and share
advice or techniques that will help you
identify and monitor unintended water
loss.
3. ISOLATE AND SHUT OFF
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Irrigation
systems are prone to leaks and are the
primary suspect with residential high
usage.
4. SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY
ALERTS: The City of Trinidad utilizes a
very powerful website, hosted by Civic
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 7 of 14 Plus, with tools designed to increase
public engagement and response time
during emergency situations. Text alerts
are offered through the website by
clicking on the “SUBSCRIBE” button on
the home page. After enrollment you’ll
be able to receive alerts including the
content of your choice. The more water
customers and residents that are
subscribed, the faster our collective
response time will be when faced with a
sudden challenge.
Thanks again for your understanding and
ongoing cooperation.
11:00AM UPDATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 04,
2026:
Scenic Drive Water Main Leak -
REPAIRED: With help from GRS, Inc., the
mainline water leak on Scenic Drive has
been repaired and water service restored to
all customers affected.
MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION
WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FURTHER
NOTICE. Please continue to conserve at
least 50% or more of your average daily use
if possible. The community will have to work
together to help the city's storage situation
improve.
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 8 of 14 BOIL WATER NOTICE: Due to the
significant loss in pressure in several zones
of the City's distribution system, the City of
Trinidad is advising residents to only use
boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking
and cooking purposes as a safety precaution
to avoid stomach or intestinal illness, in
accordance with State Water Resources
Control Board regulations. This notice will be
advised for at least 48 hours from the date of
publication, to give the water department
time to test and verify the quality of water
meets or exceeds state standards, and also
to properly flush the distribution system.
This is a precautionary measure, required by
state drinking water law when incidents like
this occur, to ensure the highest level of
public safety. The City of Trinidad
appreciates your cooperation in this matter,
and will continue to work tirelessly to restore
system quality and reliability.
GOOD NEWS: City water staff worked
through the night flushing hydrants in the
distribution system as the first step to ensure
the safety of your drinking water. Emergency
water samples have been taken through the
system and are being tested today, in
coordination with the Humboldt County
Health Department to expedite results.
Water customers will be notified immediately
when the results are received. Upon receipt
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 9 of 14 of adequate sampling results, the BWN will
be lifted. The City expects the first test
results on Monday. Worst case scenario if
any samples come back dirty, the BWN will
be extended another 24 hours or until the
results return negative for bacterial
contaminants (coliform, etc.).
Restaurants: Contact the Humboldt County
Health Department for guidance on how Boil
Water Notices impact your business: 707-
445-6200.
EXCESSIVE TURBIDITY NOTIFICATION:
The rapid loss of water during the Scenic
Drive mainline leak on January 03 caused a
complete depletion of the City's 400,000
storage tank facility. As a result, several
zones within the City's water system
distribution system experienced a loss in
pressure, or no water service at all. To
recover and re-establish pressure, water
department staff had to pull water from the
Luffenholtz Creek infiltration gallery during
peak flows with extremely high and sustained
turbidity (cloudiness). State of California
drinking water regulations require public
notification when public water systems
violate any water standards. Although
notifications of excessive turbidity do not
trigger boil water notices, the loss in pressure
noted above does.
Water Tank Production: With the help of
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 10 of 14 Puryear Water Delivery Service and NorCal
Water, four (4) 1600 gallon tanker trucks
have been running the pipeline convoy on
wheels from the McKinleyville Community
Service District filling station to Trinidad's
water storage tanks on Westhaven Drive
hourly since noon Saturday. The City will
continue to utilize this service until the
storage tank levels are adequate.
Luffenholtz Creek Water Plant Production:
The estimated 400,000 gallons lost in less
than 5 hours overnight due to the leak will
likely take a full week of round-the-clock
production to replenish. Due to the current
weather condition, Luffenholtz Creek's water
turbidity is so high that the water treatment
process slows due to the frequent filter
backwashing required. Although water
service has been restored to customers
citywide, it is imperative that conservation
measures are preserved until the shortage
emergency concludes.
Thank you for your patience and
understanding. City of Trinidad staff is
working around the clock to provide accurate
and detailed information to the community,
and restore safe and reliable water service
as quickly as possible.
***
9:00AM UPDATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 11 of 14 03, 2026:
A water conservation alert has been issued
by the City of Trinidad due to a failed water
pipe discovered early Saturday morning on a
problematic section of distribution line at the
City/Trinidad Rancheria boundary line on
Scenic Drive. The leak has severely
impaired the water system storage capacity.
PLEASE conserve use of potable water
until further notice.
Restaurants are being advised cautiously not
to open this morning, unless very little water
can be used to sustain the business.
Water Department staff has isolated the leak,
and has now shifted its focus on production,
but warns it could take several days to
replenish the tanks. The City's current
storage capacity consists of two tanks; the
oldest being a 150,000 gallon redwood tank
built in the early 1970's, and the second
being a 250,000 gallon stainless steel tank
that was completed in early 2025 to increase
the City's total storage capacity from 300,000
gallons total, to 400,000.
The City is dedicating every available
resource to this emergency to ensure water
service is restored to all customers as quickly
as possible. Based on our initial
calculations, and a collective effort by the
entire community to conserve water today,
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 12 of 14 we may be able to have water service
restored to ALL customers within 3pm today,
but storage will likely be at emergency levels
for at least the next 48-72 hours. The
Emergency Water Shortage Alert will remain
in effect until further notice.
Customers at the highest elevation level
throughout the distribution systems reported
a complete outages or very little water
pressure around 7:30am this morning (Mill
Creek Lane, Quarry Road, Westhaven Drive,
and Scenic Drive).
Customers at the middle elevation (Murphy's
Market, Ocean, View, Main, etc.) reported
very low pressure.
As the storage tanks begin to fill, customers
may experience air and sediment in their
lines, and a gradual increase in water
pressure throughout the day.
Additional updates will be provided on the
City's website and adequate storage capacity
is achieved.
Please share this message with your
neighbors. Thank you.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 03, 2026, 7:30AM:
City of Trinidad Water Department staff
received several calls from customers in
various parts of town with reports of low
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 13 of 14 pressure or no water. A large leak was
discovered in the problematic section of
Scenic Drive that occurred during the
overnight hours, and rapidly drained the
city's storage tanks. The leak has been
isolated and the City is doing everything it
can to increase production, but it will a
considerable amount of time to fill the tanks
to a non-emergency level. If you're in an
area of the distribution system that still has
water, please be very conservative with
usage until we are able to provide more
information on when the water service will be
fully restored.
Supporting Documents
Trinidad Boil Water Notice 01-
03-2026
35.69 KB
Trinidad Turbidity Notice 01-03-
2026
45.91 KB
Boil Water Notice Cancelled
257.3 KB
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este aviso contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Para una copia en español, favor de llamar al sistema de agua (707-677-0223). [CITY OF TRINIDAD WATER SYSTEM] [JANUARY 03, 2026]
BOIL WATER NOTICE
Boil Your Water Before Drinking or Food
Preparation to Avoid Illness
Due to the recent mainline water leak on Scenic
Drive which occurred on [January 03, 2026], the
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of
Drinking Water, the County Health Department,
and the [City of Trinidad] Water System are
advising residents of [City of Trinidad] to only use
boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and
cooking purposes as a safety precaution to avoid
stomach or intestinal illness. The affected area
includes: All City of Trinidad Drinking Water
System Customers.
We will inform you when tests show that water is
safe to drink, and you no longer need to boil your
water. We anticipate resolving the problem within
48 HOURS, and/or as soon as adequate results
are verified through water sample testing.
If you have questions about other uses of tap
water, such as bathing and dish washing, please
call your water system or read this guidance:
https://waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/d
rinkingwater/documents/notices/cdc_wtd_bw_advi
sory.docx
Optional: Potable water is available at the
following locations: For purchase at local retailers.
Please bring a clean water container (5 gallons
maximum capacity).
Do not drink the water without boiling it first
• Boil all water for one (1) minute (rolling boil).
• Let water cool before drinking.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking,
brushing teeth, and food preparation until
further notice.
• Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms
in the water.
If you are unable to boil your water:
Household unscented liquid bleach
• For clear water, use 8 drops (1/8 tsp.) of
bleach for 1 gallon of water. For cloudy water,
filter through a clean cloth and use 16 drops
(1/4 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
• Mix well. Allow to stand for 30 minutes before
using.
• Water may taste or smell like chlorine. This
means disinfection has occurred.
Water disinfection tablets
• Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For More Information
If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider or [the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health].
Water Utility contact: City of Trinidad, City Clerk’s Office: 707-677-0223, or visit www.trinidad.ca.gov for updated information.
State Water Resources Control Board District Office: 530-224-4845 Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction: [County Dept. of Environmental Health] Please share or post this information with others who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
CITY OF TRINIDAD PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
Did Not Meet Treatment Requirement (Turbidity)
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what you should do, what happened, and what we did to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are effectively filtering the water supply.
Normal turbidity levels at our plant are [0.02] turbidity units. A water sample taken [on January 03] showed levels of approximately [4.0] turbidity units at the Water Treatment Plant. A sample taken from the water storage tanks was [0.6]. This was above the state drinking water regulatory standard of [0.2] units. Because of these elevated levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.”
What should I do?
• We do not know of any contamination, and none of our testing has shown diseasecausing organisms in the drinking water. • Turbidity has no health effects. However, high levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
• If you have other health issues concerning the consumption of the water, you may wish to consult your doctor.
What happened? What was done?
A problem occurred with the treatment system at the water plant during extremely high Luffenholtz Creek turbidity events, and as a result the City will need to continue treating highly turbid water to replenish the storage system. Replenishing the storage system is critical to maintaining water quality standards, reliability, and adequate emergency fire suppression.
For more information, please contact the City of Trinidad at 707-677-0223, or the Water Plant at 707-677-3862.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Secondary Notification Requirements
Upon receipt of notification from a person operating a public water system, the following notification must be given within 10 days [Health and Safety Code Section 116450(g)]:
• SCHOOLS: Must notify school employees, students, and parents (if the students are minors).
• RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS (including nursing homes and care facilities): Must notify tenants. • BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS, OR OPERATORS: Must notify employees of businesses located on the property.
This notice is being sent to you by the City of Trinidad Public Water System.
State Water System ID#: 1210018. Date distributed: January 04, 2026.
CANCELLATION OF BOIL WATER NOTICE
CITY OF TRINIDAD
01/07/2026
On January 03, 2026 you were notified of the need to boil/disinfect all tap water used for drinking and cooking purposes.
The CITY OF TRINIDAD Water System in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, your water is safe to drink. It is no longer necessary to boil your tap water or for you to consume bottled water.
For more information call:
Water Utility contact:
CITY OF TRINIDAD TOWN HALL: 707-677-0223
CITY OF TRINIDAD WATER TREATMENT PLANT: 707-677-3862
Visit https://trinidad.ca.gov
State Water Resources Control Board:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (530) 224-4876
State Water Resources Control Boards
364 Knollcrest Drive, Suite 101, Redding CA 96002
Website: www.waterboards.ca.gov
Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction:
Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED
2. Update/Discussion regarding the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail (ALMT) Repair, Coastal Commission CDP Appeal Status; Agency Roles, Procedure, Progress, & Timeline.
ALMT Update January 13, 2026 CC Meeting
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Trinidad City Council
Trever Parker, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail: Update on the status of the appeal of the ALMT repair project.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
• No action is required.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Since the November 12, 2025 City Council meeting, City staff have continued to meet internally and with the stakeholders in the ALMT working group (City of Trinidad, Coastal Commission, Coastal Conservancy, Yurok Tribe, Tsurai Ancestral Society) to strategize on ways to move the trail repair project forward in a thoughtful and efficient manner that protects cultural resources. This staff report provides an update on that progress as well as some additional background information based on comments and questions that have come up.
Appeal Process
There has been some confusion over how the Coastal Commission appeal process works.
Although the Coastal Commission has taken over permit jurisdiction of the project, it is still the City’s project. It might be easier to think of the process as if a private developer had proposed a building project that was appealed to the Coastal Commission, because it is essentially the same for this project. If the developer wants to continue with the project that was appealed, they must continue to go through and participate in the Coastal Commission process. And it is likely that changes would be made and/or conditions of approval added to the project in order to reduce one or more impacts. The original applicant (developer) will continue to be responsible for all the costs of permitting and building the project. If the developer does not agree with the project changes, they have the option of withdrawing the application, making the appeal moot. Then they could drop the project altogether or reapply with a redesigned project.
However, in the case of the ALMT, the option for the City to withdraw the application is complicated by the fact that the CDP for the trail closure has expired. That means the City would either have to remove the fencing and allow the trail to reopen in its current state, which poses a public safety hazard and liability to the City, or process a CDP to keep the trail closed, which could also be appealed to the Coastal Commission. Due to the complexities of the situation and difficulties to-date, Coastal Commission staff have offered to take a
ALMT Update January 13, 2026 CC Meeting
facilitator role in working with stakeholders to try to find a mutually acceptable solution for reopening the trail. However, the project itself is still the City’s responsibility. The Coastal Conservancy is offering support via grant funds. Staff recommends, at this point, that the City continue to participate in the ALMT working group and support Coastal Commission staff in their efforts to find a workable solution through consensus. This recommendation stands regardless of the current litigation. Although the litigation may eventually affect this process, the outcomes and timing of that are unknown at this time, and parties generally agree that reopening the trail is a priority.
Current Status
The ALMT working group has conceptualized a tentative plan for a phased reopening that is similar to what was approved by the City Council in May 2025. The first phase would involve reopening the upper portion of the trail in the short term. The second phase would involve opening the entire trail with the minimum improvements needed to safely reroute the bottom portion while protecting sensitive resources. The Coastal Commission proposes to permit both phases as part of the appeal with specific responsibilities and timelines to ensure the project continues through fruition. Coastal Conservancy staff would support an application for funding for at least a portion of the proposed project. The longer-term phase of more permanent improvements for the entire trail would be a separate process in the future.
At this time, the details of the phased reopening are still under discussion within the ALMT working group and have not been developed in any detail. Coastal Commission staff hope to reach a consensus on the project prior to working out specific plans. It is not recommended that the City Council discuss any such details as part of this agenda item. The ALMT working group has expressed the importance of reaching agreement on the conceptual plan between all of the stakeholders. The Coastal Commission and the City are both conducting Government-to-Government consultations, which is an important step prior to moving into the design phase.
Agreements
The construction and management of the ALMT have come about through several different agreements between the City and various parties over many years. As a refresher and for additional context, relevant excerpts from the key documents governing the ALMT are included below.
1994 Stipulated Judgement (between John Frame, City of Trinidad, Humboldt North Coast Land Trust, and the Coastal Commission)
• Parties agreed to use their best efforts to build a new trail to Old Home Beach in the vicinity of the lighthouse that would be designated as the primary trail. • Coastal Conservancy funded the feasibility study
• Construction costs:
o First $10,000 – John Frame
o Second $10,000 – split by City and Frame
o Additional costs from other sources not including the City
ALMT Update January 13, 2026 CC Meeting
• Three existing trails (Old Wagon Road (Wagner), Parker Creek, Groth Lane) designated as secondary trails.
• Signage and geologic studies were also part of the agreement. • Note that although the TAS was not a party to this stipulated judgement, the City worked directly with Axel Lindgren II on the development of the trail route and design, and the trail was constructed by the Yurok Tribe. 2005 Settlement Agreement (between Coastal Conservancy, Coastal Commission, TAS, and the City) • Develop the Tsurai Management Plan (TMP).
• Parties will make best efforts to remove the fence blocking the traditional entrance to the trail. (This was done in 2012, but without all of the proper permits and consultation, and it is currently in limbo under appeal to the Coastal Commission by the TAS).
• The parties will cooperate in an amendment of the Trinidad LCP to list the ALMT as a public access trail.
• Transfer the property to the Yurok Tribe.
TMP findings specific to the ALMT
• The ALMT is a ceremonial trail and a traditional cultural property for the Yurok Tribe and the TAS. The ALMT is the traditional Yurok trail to the village of Tsurai. • The trail is named in memory of Axel Lindgren II, Tsurai lineal descendant and founder of the Tsurai Ancestral Society. Mr. Lindgren was the primary advocate and caretaker of the village site, the cemetery, and the traditional trail for several decades. • Per the terms of the litigation settlement agreement signed by the Coastal Conservancy, the City, and the TAS, “the parties will cooperate in an amendment of the Trinidad Local Coastal Plan to list the ALMT as a public access trail.” • The current trail is of cable-tie interlocking step construction and is very steep and of moderate intensity. The public trail extends from the bluff down to the beach. • The trail requires continuous monitoring and possibly seasonal maintenance, particularly after winter storm events, by the property owner.
• The ALMT trail requires special consideration due to its status as both the designated primary beach access trail and as the Tsurai traditional and ceremonial trail. • The entrance of the ALMT trail has been diverted and is not in its traditional path, due to the location of fencing around the Memorial Lighthouse over the objections of the TAS and the Yurok Tribe.
• Per the terms of the litigation settlement agreement signed by the Coastal Conservancy, the City, and the TAS, “all parties are to make the best effort to open a portion of the fence currently blocking the traditional trail (ALMT)”.
• The City has obtained funding for the installation of a handrail along the ALMT. The handrail will make the trail safer for public use and may deter users from leaving the trail and entering the site.
• The TAS desires to have the trail kept open with seasonal/periodic closures during the winter months, as well as the removal of the second bench and development of an additional beach access trail.
• In addition to the entrance, the lower portion of the trail is also not in its traditional path.
ALMT Update January 13, 2026 CC Meeting
• Rerouting the lower portion of the trail to its traditional path is a desire of the TAS. • Rerouting the lower portion of the trail is possible, however, the area is highly saturated and the bluff in this area is also failing. In addition, this route would require extensive armoring of the surface with rock and the need of a bridge structure approximately 30-40 feet in length. Therefore, the project is possible, but would be costly. • After the storm events of January 2006 that washed away the lower portion of the trail, rerouting the trail to its traditional path was considered. However, due to the estimated cost, the current lower section of the trail was restored with cable and steps.
TMP recommendations specific to the ALMT:
• The ALMT should be managed as a Traditional Cultural Property, an established historic property type under the National Historic Preservation Act. • The ALMT should continue to be designated as the primary beach access trail according to settlement discussed at 10.1(B).
• The ALMT should be continually monitored and seasonally maintained, particularly after winter storm events, by the property owner when necessary. • The Trinidad Civic Club should be contacted to proceed with negotiations to remove the fencing at the top of the trail that is altering the traditional entrance so that the traditional entrance may be restored for public use.
• The City should proceed with the installation of a handrail along the entire trail. • The second bench on the trail should be removed to deter misuse or impact to resources.
The second bench should be removed and an alternative location explored as the handrail project is implemented.
• If funding is sought and found, the lower portion of the trail should be considered for rerouting into its traditional path.
• If the lower portion is rerouted, the current lower section should be decommissioned and returned to a natural state.
• Any construction for stabilizing the trail should be as natural and unobtrusive as possible, complementing the immediate surroundings.
ATTACHMENTS
• CCC Appeals FAQs (also see: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/lcp/mrfcj/appeals-tocommission.html) • 1994 Stipulated Judgement
• 2005 Settlement Agreement
• TMP available at: https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/8086
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
455 MARKET STREET, SUITE 300
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105-2421
VOICE (415) 904-5200
WEB: WWW.COASTAL.CA.GOV
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Coastal Commission Permit Appeal Process
Why may certain local projects be appealed?
The California Coastal Act protects California’s coast through state and local government implementation of policies that safeguard state interests in coastal resources, including the provision of maximum public access and recreational opportunities to and along the shoreline.
Although state and local interests often coincide, the Coastal Act appeal process is an important mechanism to assure that statewide interests in coastal resources are protected and appropriately balanced with competing local interests.
What types of projects are appealable?
Any locally-approved development project between the first public road and the sea; within 300 feet of a beach or the mean high tideline where there is no beach; within 300 feet of a coastal bluff edge; within 100 feet of a wetland, estuary, or stream; on tidelands, submerged lands, or public trust lands; or within a sensitive coastal resource area designated in a certified local coastal program (LCP) is appealable to the Commission. The approval or denial of a major public works project or energy facility, regardless of its location, is also appealable. In counties only, the approval of any project that is not the principalpermitted use under the certified LCP zoning code is appealable to the Commission. Note that the approval of some multifamily housing projects cannot be appealed on the basis that they are located in a sensitive coastal resource area, or on the basis that the project is not the principal permitted use when approved by a county. Local approvals of projects to construct only an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) cannot be appealed. If you have questions about whether a project may be appealable, call your local planning department or Coastal Commission office.
Who may file an appeal?
Any applicant or person who participates in the local permitting process for a project may file an appeal. An appellant must have exhausted all local appeals unless the local government charges a fee to appeal, restricts the class of people who can file appeals, or failed to follow the hearing and notice requirements for issuing a coastal development 2 approval. Any two Coastal Commissioners may also appeal projects to the Commission.
What are valid grounds for an appeal?
The grounds for appealing a project are limited to whether the project conforms to the requirements of the LCP or to the public access policies of the Coastal Act. Issues that are not addressed by the LCP are not valid appeal grounds.
How can applicants avoid an appeal to the Commission?
The best way to avoid an appeal is to work closely with your local government, neighbors, and interested citizen groups as early as possible in the local process to address the requirements of the LCP that may apply to your project. This may include providing biological and other technical information that identifies sensitive resources and potential development impacts; avoiding or providing a buffer from sensitive resources such as wetlands, environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA), and riparian areas; and following specific design rules to address shoreline erosion and other hazards, water quality, drainage, scenic views, and community character concerns. Public access and recreational opportunities in the project area may need to be addressed. Coastal Commission staff is generally available to answer questions you may have concerning interpretation and application of the LCP to your project. Due to severe budget and staffing constraints, it is not always possible for Commission staff to provide comments on a project to the local government. Do not assume that the absence of Commission staff comments on your project means there are no issues or that an appeal will not be filed. When in doubt, call the Commission district office for your area, or request that your local planner coordinate directly with Commission staff to identify potential issues that may result in an appeal of your project.
What happens if your project is appealed?
The first step in the appeal process begins when the Commission receives the notice of final local action (the local decision) on your project (see flowchart). Receipt of this notice generally starts a ten “working day” appeal period (approximately two weeks) during which your project may be appealed. If appealed, the Commission must begin the public hearing on the appeal within 49 days of the filing of the appeal to determine whether it raises a “substantial issue” relative to conformance with the LCP or with Coastal Act public access and recreation policies. Determining if a substantial issue exists depends 3 on the project and nature of issues raised in the appeal. The Commission may consider various factors, including the significance of resources potentially impacted, the scope of the project, and whether and to what degree the local decision conflicts with LCP requirements or with Coastal Act public access requirements. Sometimes applicants can make project changes that result in the withdrawal of the appeal if the changes are incorporated into the local permit approval. If more time could help clarify appeal issues, result in more relevant information being available, or allow for a more convenient location for the hearing, applicants may waive the 49-day hearing requirement. A 49-day waiver may also avoid the need for the appeal hearing to extend over two or more meetings by allowing the Commission to evaluate whether the appeal raises a substantial issue and, if so, conduct a new review of the project (“de novo” review) at the same meeting. If the Commission finds that an appeal does not raise a substantial issue, the local decision becomes final.
What happens if the Commission finds “substantial issue”? If the Commission finds that the local action raises a substantial issue, the Commission takes jurisdiction over the application. This means you will need to work with Commission staff to address all the issues raised in the appeal, and potentially other issues related to LCP and Coastal Act compliance. It is important to understand while the “substantial issue” phase is limited to issues raised by the appeal, during the de novo phase all issues relating to conformance with LCP and Coastal Act public access and recreation policies are appropriate for consideration. New studies may be required to address unresolved issues. In some cases changes in project design or location, or additional mitigation measures, may be needed to address LCP or Coastal Act requirements. After staff has evaluated the issues, your project will be scheduled for the de novo phase of the public hearing. A staff recommendation is published at least ten days before the hearing.
You have a right to one postponement if you feel more time is needed to respond to staff’s recommendation. The majority of projects appealed to the Commission are approved, but often with revised conditions to address coastal resource constraints and impacts.
How long does an appeal take?
The time required to process a Commission appeal depends in part on the complexity and significance of the issues raised. The average time 4 for appeals that do not raise a substantial issue is 2 to 3 months. For appeals that raise a substantial issue, it takes approximately 6-8 months on average to reach a final decision. It may take longer to resolve more complicated appeals. The Commission does its best to process appeals as quickly as possible, generally in the order they are received. Information needs, complexity of issues, extent of public interest, applicant responsiveness, and staff workload all affect the timing of the appeal process.
How should you communicate concerns to the Commission?
The best way to have your concerns and information reflected in a staff recommendation is to work with Commission staff. It is important to note that the Coastal Act presumes that an appeal raises a substantial issue. Accordingly, when staff recommends that an appeal raises a substantial issue, unless three or more commissioners want to hear a discussion on substantial issue, public testimony is deferred to the de novo phase of the hearing. Thus, you may not be able to address the Commission at the substantial issue phase of the hearing, though written comments submitted in advance will be distributed to Commissioners. Should the Commission find substantial issue, you will have an opportunity to submit written comments and address the Commission during the de novo phase of the public hearing. You may also contact individual commissioners outside the public hearing process (“ex parte”), if the particular Commissioner accepts ex parte communications. Commissioners must report all ex parte
communications in detail, either in writing before the hearing or orally at the hearing for the item.
What happens after the Commission approves a project?
Once the Commission approves coastal development, there may be special conditions that need to be addressed before the permit may be issued and construction begin. Sometimes it will be necessary to prepare and record legal documents on your property that reflect the requirements of the coastal permit, such as protections for habitat or open space areas. Other times revised project plans will be required that reflect changes in project design approved by the Commission.
The time required to receive the permit will depend on how quickly the special conditions are addressed. As with the processing of appeals, Commission staff does its best to review condition compliance materials submitted by applicants as soon as possible and generally in the order received. You can assist with condition compliance by submitting all required documents as soon as possible.
5 CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION (CCC) APPEALS PROCESS
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3
NO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
3. Presentation/Annual Update from the Trinidad Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
NO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED.
CERT REPRESENTATIVES WILL ATTEND AND PRESENT THE ANNUAL ACTIVITY UPDATE.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
4. Staff Activity Report – November/December 2025
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Wednesday, January 13, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activity Report – November-December 2025 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review content, discuss, and receive public input.
DRAFT MOTION TO CONSIDER: Accept Staff Activity Report for November-December 2025.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 SUMMARY
- STAFF PRODUCTIVITY
o ADMINISTRATION: November/December marks the beginning of the shoulder season with the “locals” season quickly approaching. The transition gives staff time to focus on upcoming Business and STR License renewal processes and focus on closing the prior fiscal year in preparation of the annual audit scheduled in January. Town Hall and community events also weigh heavy on staff with demands for the facility ramping up during the holiday season.
The management/clerk position still requires between 45-50 high-frequency hours/week to meet the demands of both positions. Support staff also has to operate at a high-level while juggling several projects in various stages of completion. The team is looking forward to beginning recruitment for the vacant grant coordinator position that was delayed over the holiday to ensure the outreach effort was effective.
The City Manager attended several meetings through December. Highlights included:
• November 13: Humboldt Bay Municipal Water Board Meeting – North Mainline Extension Update (Rancheria request)
• December 08: State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) staff level meeting to discuss ASBS discharge permit.
• December 09: City Council – Closed Session
• December 15: Video-conference with the ALMT Working Group - “Tsurai Management Team” breakout meeting. (See Trails Section below for details) • December 18: In-person meeting/site visit from CalRecyle representative Katie Coke. • November 18, December 02: Meetings with Mayor Kelly and Pro-Tem Kenny.
Additional information highlighting numerous topics by department is continued within this report. o FINANCE: Routine bi-weekly payroll, weekly invoice payables, and monthly cash flow analysis is performed to ensure the City’s revenues are invested appropriately while preserving adequate resources for ongoing construction invoices for the Intertie and Tank & Pipeline projects.
Financial statements included in the January meeting packet indicate business as predicted this time of year, with no anomalies or areas of concern that aren’t anticipated. There are a few invoices paid that inflate the budget – such as the Town Hall window replacement. This will be adjusted in the December statement showing a transfer in of funds from reserve, balancing the budget-to-actual percentages stated.
General Fund Admin, Police, Fire, and Public Works are right on target with wages, currently showing approximately 30% of the budget expended for almost 50% of the year recorded. This savings is contributed to the grant coordinator position that has not yet been filled, and from the currently merged Manager/Clerk positions. The savings will compound further at the end of the fiscal year when the grant payroll allocation is applied.
The Water Fund held steady through November, with revenues and expenditures right on target, but that may change when the costs of the January 03, 2026, Scenic Drive leak are applied.
The City received a minor Technical Assistance grant award last month to fund a deep-dive into the current water fund budget status, in hindsight from the October 2024 rate implementation. 60 hours of RCAC staff time will be used to determine if the rates are performing as intended. We’re lucky enough to have Samantha Ryan back to conduct this analysis with the City Manager. Results will be presented to the Council in March.
With mid-year approaching and a watchful eye on the budget, we can focus our attention at upcoming budget meetings on bigger picture strategies.
o PUBLIC WORKS: In addition to their daily routine, Public Works staff continued significant oversight to the Intertie Project, maintained city storm drain systems, performed routine public space and trail maintenance, and provided support during the Town Hall improvement window replacement and painting projects. o WATER: In addition to performing regular, daily routine water sampling and maintaining adequate water supplies available for distribution to all customers, the water department kept a close eye on the water plant during the onset of winter as Luffenholtz Creek’s dynamic condition during heavy rain events requires constant monitoring and response.
Berry Road and Underwood Drive water service
connections: Two residential water service connections are being added to the city’s distribution system, per request by property owners. The Berry Road connection will serve a new residence under construction, and the Underwood
Drive connection will serve a vacant parcel with future development potential. Hooven, Inc. has been selected as the contractor following an informal, competitive bid
process. (see photo)
Mill Creek Lane Outside City Service Connections: Both applicants requesting water service have submitted the
required documents needed by the City to move forward
with the LAFCO application, scheduled for March.
As the City reaches closer to having full control of the water system in-house, we anticipate continued reliance on an outside agent, third party T3 contractor to ensure compliance with State water laws.
Management is exploring local options with neighboring water agencies to provide this service, through a mutual aid agreement, until such time the City is fully independent with certified operators.
Currently operating with T3 Contractor Eric Sanders providing his service for a flat fee of $4k/month. In-house staff member Carl Anderson (T3 in training) passed exam several months ago and is working towards fulfilling the 1800 hours required to receive the license, and currently scheduled to take his Distribution 2 certification test soon.
Kyle Shipman (T2) and Say-gep Brown (T2) are studying for their Distribution exam (date yet to be determined)
Dereck Shadle is expecting to take his T2 as soon as possible. o LUFFENHOLTZ CREEK: A water year hydrograph was presented to the City per task order 5 agreement with Pacific Watershed Associates, and included with this packet.
o PLANNING: The Planning Commission met in November, but not December. The November meeting included issuance of a CDP to merge two parcels on Scenic Drive and repair an existing septic system, and a continued discussion of the draft Noise Element of the General Plan. City Planner Trever Parker has attended several ALMT Working Group meetings and provided support and expertise to management during the CDP appeal process.
o ENGINEERING: City Engineer Steve Allen has been busy overseeing the Emergency Intertie Project with GHD Construction Manager Dagan Short. Steve Allen has also joined the City Manager and Planner in discussions to help conceptualize a path forward to execute the Council’s July 08 direction to staff to conduct a comparative study for Humboldt Bay Municipal Water, and also on the ALMT Working Group to brainstorm engineering strategies to establish conceptual drawings for the traditional trail route. o BUILDING: City Building Inspector Dan Dimick has kept busy handling routine inquiries, progress inspections on active projects through town, and providing construction oversight and liaison services between the City and contractors working on Town Hall improvements. STOP WORK ORDER: A Stop-Work Order has been issued to Charles Garth at his property located at 1 North Westhaven Drive (corner of Westhaven Drive and Frontage Road). Numerous complaints have been issued regarding unpermitted construction on the property, excessive vehicle storage, and unpermitted/over occupancy of a facility zoned public & religious. (See photo).
o CEMETERY: Routine burials of pre-purchased plots, and one non-resident cremation plot was purchased in December.
- FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
o Underground Utilities: Staff engaged with Underground Utility Project Specialists at PG&E in an effort to coordinate a presentation for the Council at a future meeting. Due to other pressing matters, this task has been postponed until later this year or when time allows.
o Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, RFP: On July 08, 2025 the City Council directed staff with the following motion: Motion (Kelly/Breckenridge) to direct staff to proceed with a comparative analysis and feasibility study that evaluates the two options for water provisioning in the City of Trinidad: 1) connection to HBMWD in partnership with the Trinidad Rancheria or independently; 2) continuing to operate its own independent municipal water plant. The study should include comparative long-term costs, developmental (growth) impacts, environmental factors, regulatory/legal guidelines, technical/engineering and operational requirements. Staff will bring the RFP for the study back to the Council for final review and seek grant money to fund. Passed 3-2. Yes – Kelly, Breckenridge, Varela. No – Kenny, Tuttle.
The former City Manager made an attempt to visualize a path forward prior to his resignation effective August 28, but nothing concrete materialized. Staff invested time in September to revisit this topic and strategize next steps. After several meetings with technical staff and a follow up with HBMWD General Manager Michiko Mares, staff has received enough information to reprioritize the task given by the Council on July 08, and assemble the findings into either an actionable item for consideration prior to the end of year, or a meaningful update that will give the Council an opportunity to help fine-tune or steer the proposal.
Certain preliminary tasks have been distributed among staff to begin developing materials to support the next phase of discussion that will support carrying out the motion in the most efficient manner. City Planner Trever Parker developed some preliminary findings associated with the potential growth inducing impacts (concerns) from a connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. The report is attached as a supplemental document to this staff activity report, and is intended as an introduction to the research gathered following concerns raised during the July 08 meeting. This document and many others will be added to more information leading up to any actionable item reached during this process. City Grant Administrator Angela Cather was tasked with narrowing down grant funding opportunities available to the City for comparative analysis, or RFP’s that focus on consolidation projects. Cather’s report is also attached as a supplement to the staff activity report. City Engineer Steve Allen was tasked with reviewing several prior memos drafted by GHD over the last 20 years specifically comparing operation of the City’s water plant to an alternate source through HBMWD over the long-term.
Interim City Manager Adams was tasked with an introductory meeting with HBMWD GM Michiko Mares, and to help connect the dots and strategize next steps that are in sync with the July 08 motion, and a realistic timeline and funding options.
November 2025 update: HBMWD General Manager Michiko Mares reached out to the City to notify staff and Council of an upcoming presentation to the Board of Directors entitled “Overview of Next Steps for Proposed North Mainline Extension – Informational Presentation. City Staff will attend. Council and anyone interested in this topic are also encouraged to attend.
HBMWD’s November 13 Board packet and agenda are available on their website, along with the videoconference participation link (on the agenda cover). The meeting begins at 9:00am on Thursday:
https://www.hbmwd.com/2025-11-13-board-of-directors-meeting Staff will consider information presented at this meeting into its formula for determining how best to approach revisiting the Council’s July 08 direction to conduct a comparative/feasibility study. - GRANT PROJECTS
o Trinidad-Westhaven Emergency Intertie Project: Construction deadline is January 15. Contractor is nearing completion.
o Per Capita Parks & Recreation: The Racquet Court
improvement project was rejected by Council in July.
Staff shifted attention to utilizing these funds to develop a shovel ready repair plan for the decaying boardwalksidewalk surface leading down Edwards Street from Van Wycke to the Harbor. The City failed to achieve a land
tenure agreement with the Rancheria due to an issue
discussed at the special meeting on August 06. The City filed a right-of-way use application to the BIA as directed by the Rancheria. Staff filed the completed application with the BIA as advised, but without familiarity with such process, we are unable to forecast a timeline for
approval. There has been no response from the BIA to
date. We will update the Council regularly as information is received.
o HSIP (2025 CROSSWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT). The City concluded its obligation to the grant in December, and is waiting for Caltrans to complete the final grant review, close-out, and issue reimbursement of approximately $630,000.
- TRIBAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS: The Council appointed Mayor Kelly and Pro-Tem Kenny to serve as representatives for G2G consultations with the Yurok Tribe and Trinidad Rancheria. Staff has reached out to representatives of both tribes. Mayor Kelly and Interim City Manager Adams will meet with the Rancheria on January 16, at 1:30pm. Yurok Tribal Council representatives have received the City’s request and have yet to confirm a date.
- TRAILS:
• ALMT: December 15, ALMT Working Group Breakout session (Tsurai Management Team).
The purpose of this meeting was to brainstorm next steps after the Council rejected the budget amendment proposal in November to authorize $10k for engineer to develop the traditional trail beach landing concept.
In a follow up meeting with the ALMT working group, the Tsurai felt the need to call a “TMT” meeting on December 15 to explore the project in further detail. Attendance of this meeting included: (City) Gabriel Adams, Trever Parker, (Coastal Commission) Melissa Kraemer, Tamara Gedik, Rebecca Jacobson. (Coastal Conservancy) Michael Bowen, (Yurok Tribe) Toby Van Landingham, Cathie Childs, (Tsurai) Kelly Lindgren, Sarah Lindgren-Akana. The meeting lasted approximately 1.5 hours. o Coastal Commission staff explained their desire to permit a two-phased reopening plan, beginning with developing a vista point nearly 1/3 of the way down the trail, while moving towards planning/funding/constructing of Phase II – connecting the remainder of the trail to the traditional trail route beach landing. They stated the de novo appeal hearing would recognize the TAS desire for a much larger Phase III concept, but the scope of this permit would focus on Phases I and II.
They shared their understanding of how the existing snow fencing currently stored by the City would be repurposed to enclose the vista point and any other area along the trail needing a more secure barrier.
o TAS argued that snow fencing would not be enough. They insisted that the City committed to enclosing the trail on both sides from the top down with a handrail/welded-wire fence. Photos were shared from the commissioned by TAS and unveiled to the Council on October 08, 2024. TAS also expressed the need for the handrail for safe passage down the hill, and stated that any trail named after Axel Lindgren should be sturdy, safe, and secure enough to keep loose dogs out of the study area.
o City staff requested clarity from TAS on exactly what was being proposed. The plans and examples shared were taken from the June 30, 2023 GHD Technical Memorandum prepared for TAS which includes a staircase from top to bottom with fencing and handrails on both sides. The City also questioned whether the full fencing and handrail concept suggested by TAS was consistent with either Phase envisioned by the Commission in their permit development for the de novo hearing. TAS argued that prior TMT meetings focused and favored this approach. City staff pointed out that this was a considerable diversion from the cable step concept, both in scope and cost, and from what has been discussed by the ALMT working group since October. o Yurok Tribal representative Toby Van Landingham questioned the City’s track record protecting cultural resources, defended Tsurai, and stated the Yurok Tribal Council’s desire to keep the trail closed. He also tied the City’s motivation to reopen the trail to a need for accommodating tourists and generating visitor revenues. TAS joined this argument by adding that if the City wants the trail open, they need not be shy and pay for it.
The meeting concluded with the following possible next steps:
1. TAS requested a continuation of this meeting.
2. City staff would investigate a very generic cost estimate of building a fencing-enclosed handrail with a similar design as those rendered in the grand staircase proposal to better understand the financial scope of the project.
3. City staff should develop a fact-based summary to share and inform the Yurok Tribe in advance of a G2G, conveying the legal agreements/settlements that bind the ALMT to being a critical resource and component and of the City’s trail system. Tribal Council members may find it insightful to have this legal background, starting with the 1994 Stipulated Judgement that prompted one of the most significant improvements to ALMT in 1996, followed by settlements with the TAS and John Frame in 2005, which ultimately led to the City’s acceptance of the Management Plan in 2007.
4. City staff should also provide information to the Yurok Tribe that outlines significant achievements made by the City, recommended word-for-word by the 2007 Management Team, implemented to protect the Tsurai Study Area.
• GALINDO TRAIL: There has been revived chatter on social media to urge the city to close this trail, but the ongoing, unresolved ALMT issue will overshadow any attention that could be devoted to this discussion.
- PUBLIC SAFETY
o HSCO Reports/Statistics: A full list of calls/stats for November & December are included in the meeting packet.
o The call ratio based on all stats is approximately 3:1 County/City for the “Trinidad Coverage Area” included. - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDERWAY
o Town Hall Window Replacement and Rot Repair: The majority of Construction by ACGC crew took place between October 29-November
07. Hamanaka Painting has been working as best as they can around the weather delays.
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic & Geomorphic Studies • Civil Engineering • Farm & Ranch Planning • Environmental Services • Regulatory Compliance PACIFIC WATERSHED ASSOCIATES INC.
PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433
Ph 707-839-5130 • Fax 707-839-8168
www.pacificwatershed.com
December 9, 2025
Gabe Adams, Trinidad City Clerk/Interim City Manager
409 Trinity Street
P.O. Box 390
Trinidad, CA 95570
Re: Hydrograph for Water Year 2024 to 2025, Luffenholtz Creek, Humboldt County, CA.
The Luffenholtz Creek Bypass Flow Monitoring Project provides continuous bypass flow data using the PWA MkII Telemeter (Photo 1). This project is related to Task Order #5 under the Master Services Agreement for AsNeeded Geologic and Hydrologic Services (2021-MSA-01) between the City of Trinidad (City) and Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA). Task Order #5 includes tasks related to the State Water Resources Control Board monitoring and reporting requirements and ongoing projects at the City’s drinking water treatment facility located along Luffenholtz Creek in Trinidad, California.
Photo 1. On June 10, 2025 PWA visited the site to measure discharge and identified a log influencing the PWA telemeter readings. The log was removed so the telemeter could measure the elevation of the stream, which is related to bypass flow discharge.
Gabriel Adams December 29, 2025
City of Trinidad Page 2
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Septic Evaluation • Environmental Services Streamflow data was remotely accessed from PWA’s office to develop the hydrograph for Water Year 2024-2025, which is between October 1 and September 30, 2025 (Figure 1). During that time period, the watershed near the municipal water treatment plant’s point of diversion received a total of 73.45 inches of rainfall (OSU PRISM dataset). PWA routinely conducted site visits multiple times a year to measure stream discharge; measured discharges were used to determine a relationship between streamflow discharge and water surface elevations (Photo 2). During Water Year 2024-2025, PWA measured discharge seven times at various flow rates. PWA measured 54.24 CFS, the highest flow measured by staff. The lowest flow measured was 3.79 CFS. The discharge measurements are utilized to calibrate the hydrograph, and the rating curve helps us project peak flows. Discharge was measured following USGS stream discharge measurement methods.
Figure 1. The annual hydrograph displays the peaks and troughs of stream discharge and rainfall throughout the year. On the primary axis, peak discharge is immediately triggered by large intense 24-hour rainfall periods. A bar graph of 24-hour rainfall in Westhaven, California is displayed on the secondary axis. Summer baseflows begin after the last rainfall. Each discharge measurement is dated and displayed with a yellow star.
The PWA MkII telemeter has been accurately recording stream stage (water levels) and documenting bypass flows during annual low flows in Luffenholtz Creek just downstream of the Trinidad pump station’s point of diversion site since 2017. Currently, data is being streamed directly to a computer terminal and receiving gateway via a LoRa radio link at the drinking water treatment plant; a second dedicated computer and battery backup that is always left operating the telemeter was installed in the summer of 2025. This computer can only be accessed by PWA, from here the data is continuously transmitted to a cloud platform. In addition to the telemeter, water surface elevations are measured continuously by a pressure transducer deployed in the water column and calibrated using another pressure transducer that captures atmospheric barometric pressure in the project area.
This data can be downloaded quarterly to help support and calibrate the hydrologic instrumentation.
Gabriel Adams December 29, 2025
City of Trinidad Page 3
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Septic Evaluation • Environmental Services Photo 2. PWA discharge measurements bolster the accuracy of the regression equation developed from the project’s rating curve. A large number of discharge measurements at various flow rates and elevations increases the relationship and strength of the hydrograph.
Peak storms and rainstorms have an immediate impact on stream discharge. Annual rainfall amounts and late season rains impact baseflow levels, which is important to monitor at the municipal water treatment plant. The hydrograph can help determine the rate and volume of water bypassing the water treatment plant. The hydrograph shows Luffenholtz Creek receded to less than 3 CFS a total of 66 days during summer 2025. No flows were less than the low water threshold (0.86 CFS). The hydrograph shows Luffenholtz Creek exceeded 100 CFS a total of 11 times during Water Year 2024-2025. The largest peak event exceeded 200 CFS after receiving 3.18 inches of rain in 24 hours. A total of 6 storms brought us more than 2 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period. Annual rainfall has huge implications in summer during the Critical Low Flow Period, while peak storm events help shape the creeks geomorphology.
PWA is pleased with the results of our 2024-2025 bypass flow monitoring efforts for the City of Trinidad. PWA will continue to measure streamflow in Luffenholtz Creek through December 2025. We appreciate the community’s support and collaboration, PWA is committed to helping with this project in 2026. If there are any questions or project needs, please feel free to call me (707) 496-7091.
Sincerely,
PACIFIC WATERSHED ASSOCIATES INC.
Todd Kraemer, Project Manager/Hydrologist
[email protected]
STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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. As we enter into the summer low-flow months, the focus of these reports (during the dry 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 2021 251,168 cuft January 2021 161,379
July 2022 198,081 January 2022 189,201
July 2023 223,806 January 2023 154,543
July 2024 264,491 January 2024 148,407
July 2025 292,315 (17.37% Water Loss) January 2025 131,229 (16.59% Water Loss) August 2021 269,771 February 2021 178,545
August 2022 227,681 February 2022 154,634
August 2023 265,808 February 2023 136,626
August 2024 233,215 February 2024 132,690
August 2025 218,593 (19.53% Water Loss) February 2025 131,537 (20.66% Water Loss) September 2021 227,831 March 2021 187,607
September 2022 216,470 March 2022 184,103
September 2023 200,348 March 2023 152,813
September 2024 200,050 March 2024 125,188
September 2025 208,873 (19.32% Water Loss) March 2025 136,579 (22.52% Water Loss) October 2021 203,176 April 2021 192,287
October 2022 180,065 April 2022 173,115
October 2023 188,335 April 2023 145,504
October 2024 206,875 April 2024 176,413
October 2025 206,839 (23.22% Water Loss) April 2025 171,808 (17.31% Water Loss) November 2021 204,438 May 2021 242,529
November 2022 169,144 May 2022 154,634
November 2023 151,914 May 2023 211,380
November 2024 159,316 May 2024 182,738
November 2025 151,829 (9.13% Water Loss) May 2025 216,497 (10.83% Water Loss) 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 June 2024 229,339
December 2024 157,803 (14.27% Water Loss) June 2025 203,350 (23.71% Water Loss)
Water sold (consumed) in November and December was basically in line with the trend. 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.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Angela Cather, Grants Department
AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activities Report - Grant Opportunities for a Comparative Analysis and Feasibility Study in Connection with Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The following information is provided as supplemental information for the staff activities report based on City Council’s direction at the July 8, 2025, meeting regarding a consideration of connecting to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
Staff sought out grant funding opportunities in response to the City Council’s motion to: “Proceed with a comparative analysis and feasibility study that evaluates the two options for water provisioning in the City of Trinidad: 1) connection to HBMWD in partnership with the Trinidad Rancheria or independently; 2) continuing to operate its own independent municipal water plant. The study should include comparative long-term costs, developmental (growth) impacts, environmental factors, regulatory/legal guidelines, technical/engineering and operational requirements. Staff will bring the RFP for the study back to the Council for final review and seek grant money to fund. Passed 3-2. Yes – Kelly, Breckenridge, Varela. No – Kenny, Tuttle,” and found two promising funding opportunities: the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program and the SAFER (Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience) Program. Both programs are funded by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
*To ensure full eligibility, City staff sent the full City Council motion to the SWRCB, who confirmed that all items we are seeking to fund are eligible.*
More about the programs:
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program: The program is in place to assist public water systems in financing the cost of drinking water infrastructure and planning projects needed to achieve or maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements.
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) – Division of Finance Assistance, confirmed that a comparative analysis and feasibility study are funding eligible items. The SWRCB also confirmed that the City of Trinidad qualifies for up to 100% grant forgiveness for a planning project.
SAFER Program: The program was established from the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water (SADW) Fund that provides yearly funding to aim to reach sustainable operations for all the State’s drinking water systems and is a critical element for achieving the goals of safe, accessible, and affordable water for all Californians. As the City of Trinidad is listed as a small, at-risk water system, we are eligible for up to 100% of planning costs being covered by consolidation and drought resiliency.
Technical Assistance: Additionally, while the City is eligible for grant funding, eligibility does not equal approval of an application. With that in mind, it would be in the City’s interest to submit a Request for Technical Assistance (TA) application. If submitted, a TA provider may be assigned to the City to assist in submitting a planning application and navigating the application portal.
Why are we eligible for both programs?
The City of Trinidad is listed as a small, At-Risk water system (see attachment).
Why are we considered At-Risk?
We fall under all four categories for the “Drivers of Risk” per the State Water Resources Control Board:
• Water Quality (Medium Risk)
• Accessibility (High Risk)
• Affordability (High Risk)
• Technical Managerial Financial Capacity (TMFC) (Medium Risk).
To note, while having an intertie with Westhaven Community Services District in place may decrease our Accessibility Risk Factor, we need to remember that the intertie is only to be used in an emergency. The intertie is not in place to serve as an indefinite replacement to our water system if it fails.
What is the application deadline?
The SWRCB is always accepting applications for both programs, so there is no hard deadline to apply.
Other funding options available:
• USDA – The Water and Environmental Programs – Rural Development. The chance of getting 100% funding is much lower, if at all possible. Additionally, in many cases, funding would be via a loan or require a 25% match. • FEMA – First there would have to be a declared disaster in the area, and then the City would have to explain how our project reduces risk from natural disasters, including a benefit-cost analysis. Clarity of what type of funding is available (a loan or grant) is unclear currently for planning projects. • Department of Water Resources (DWR) – While we did not have a match for either DWR projects, there usually is a required match, and at this time there are no available grants.
ATTACHMENTS
• SAFER Dashboard – City of Trinidad Risk Status
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
TO: Trinidad City Council
FROM: Trever Parker, City Planer
AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activities Report: Preliminary Staff Findings on Potential Growth Inducing Impacts from Connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The following information is provided as a supplement to the staff activities report related to subsequent research based on direction given to staff at the July 8, 2025 meeting regarding consideration of connecting to HBMWD. No further discussion or action is required or requested from the Council at this time. However, staff wanted to make this information available to the Council and the public sooner rather than later in order to help stop the spread of misinformation.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
One of the main concerns about a possible HBMWD connection has been the potential for it to lead to growth in the Trinidad area. That is a critical issue, and it is likely that there are circumstances where a parcel may not be developable now but could be developed if connected to municipal water. However, growth and development can and will be controlled in a variety of ways. Many of the comments made about growth have overstated the potential impact and/or are inaccurate. The following information is intended to correct some of the assumptions and misinformation that has been presented at past meetings. This is not meant to be a comprehensive analysis, but an overview of some of the steps in the process and land use considerations that will be made in planning for a potential connection to HBMWD and for controlling growth.
Fact: Bringing HBMWD water to Trinidad will not result in rampant, uncontrolled growth.
Connections to HBMWD water can and will be controlled and restricted in a variety of ways.
There are numerous ways to control growth that are more orderly and equitable than by limiting the overall water supply. These are a few of the primary ones:
• Land use designations and zoning are the primary method of planning for and regulating growth over large areas and long time spans. This is done through general plans and zoning ordinances.
• Much of the developed area is in the Coastal Zone where either the City or County Local Coastal Program (LCP) applies. LCPs include policies and standards that limit and control growth based on the Coastal Act.
• The Coastal Act includes limitations on growth and growth inducing development such as service extensions (e.g. §§ 30250, 30254) and the Coastal Commission will enforce those limits through LCP amendments and the Coastal Development Permit process. • There are and will continue to be specific planned service area boundaries for water providers, and extensions of service outside those boundaries are limited in a variety of ways, including State laws.
• Development density will also continue to be limited based on wastewater treatment (septic) capacity. Current county standards require new lots to be a minimum of 1-acre if using onsite wastewater treatment, even if the property is served by public water.
The water service area(s) can and will be crafted to control growth. • The HBMWD will need to apply to the SWRCB for a change in the place of use for their water right. The new place of use can be narrowly drawn, and water service cannot be provided outside of that area without a new application to the SWRCB. • Similarly, HBMWD will likely need to annex Trinidad and the Rancheria into its service area (if just the Rancheria is being served, it could be an Outside Agency Service Connection without annexation). The service area does not have to be contiguous with other HBMWD service areas, and therefore, does not have to include the pipeline corridor or other areas outside of Trinidad’s existing water service area. Water cannot be provided outside of the service area(s) without additional annexation, review, and approvals, including LCP update(s) and CEQA compliance.
• One of the primary purposes of LAFCo is to ensure that service area boundaries are orderly and well thought out and that services are not extended beyond those boundaries except under specific circumstances.
• LAFCo is required to analyze growth over the next 10 years when reviewing changes of boundaries.
• The environmental review process will analyze growth as well as alternatives to minimize impacts.
The pipeline will not be constructed to serve individual connections; it will feed into existing water system(s).
• HBMWD is not a retail water service provider; they do not provide individual connections. They will wholesale water to Trinidad and/or the Rancheria, and it will generally be Trinidad and the Rancheria, along with LAFCo and other agencies (e.g.
Humboldt County, Coastal Commission), that decide how, where, and when to extend future services.
If the City is a participant in the connection planning, then it will have a significantly greater say in how the process is implemented, how the service area maps are drawn, and how water is distributed in the future.
• As noted above, approval by various agencies is required for both the initial pipeline construction and the future extensions of services. Planning for the water line should be done on a regional scale with a long-term view of community water needs. The City is a stakeholder and should be an active participant throughout the process. • The City’s General Plan / LCP already contains policies related to growth and extension of services that should be considered and amended as needed. • Annexation by HBMWD should include the City’s service area, and then the City would have authority over when and where to extend individual connections via the same LAFCo process as is currently required for connections outside City limits. • The City can choose to not connect to HBMWD at this time and still be an active participant and plan for potential future connection.
• Growth (annexation) may be beneficial to the City now or in the future, and having adequate water supply will allow the City more flexibility to consider if and when that should occur.
Fact: Not participating in the HBMWD planning process will not stop the Rancheria’s hotel • There is no reason to believe that the Rancheria won’t eventually get a connection to HBMWD regardless of whether the City is a participant. And if the City is not a participant, it will have much less say in the process and the final result. • The Rancheria, as a Tribe and a disadvantaged community, has access to a variety of funding sources, and there are currently active funding sources for water supply and consolidation projects.
Fact: Trinidad will not be forced to consolidate with or absorb nearby water service providers • The SWRCB does have some authority to require systems to consolidate:
o https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/programs/compliance/docs/202 1/rfaq-mandatory-consolidation.pdf
• However, in practice, this is not something they do. I spoke with Barry Sutter, District Engineer of District 1 of the Division of Drinking Water of the SWRCB, who oversees more than 400 small water systems throughout Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties. In his almost 10-year tenure, there has never been a mandatory consolidation, even for systems that have been out of compliance (e.g. under boil water orders) for years.
• In the last 10 years, there have only been two mandatory consolidation orders in the entire state, both in the same location.
• SWRCB will encourage, support, and facilitate voluntary consolidations. • Barry would be in support of Trinidad connecting to HBMWD, because he considers Trinidad’s system to be vulnerable, because it is a single water plant with a single source.
Fact: Connection to HBMWD is not expected result in increased septic pollution. • Based on the growth controls discussed above, a connection to HBMWD is not expected to result in significant growth, and therefore, would not contribute to significant additional wastewater.
• Pollution is not expected to occur from modern, permitted septic systems. So even if some growth occurs, that growth will be subject to current standards and requirements for septic systems. Resulting upgrades could benefit water quality. • Although people who go from individual water supplies to a municipal supply tend to use more water, the same level of increase would not be expected from those already connected to the City’s system.
• The City can implement water conservation policies and rate structures for those connected to its system.
• Additional water supply could allow the City to annex some areas thereby expanding the jurisdiction of its OWTS Management Program.
Other considerations
Another important consideration is the current funding landscape. Initial research indicates there are currently grant funds available for this type of project, particularly considering that the Rancheria is classified as a disadvantaged community and the City’s water system is classified as being at-risk. If the City does not participate and the pipe is sized to only serve the Rancheria, there will be fewer options for the City should the existing water supply and/or plant become compromised or too difficult (or expensive) to treat in the future. There would not be a huge difference in the costs for physically installing a pipe sized just for the Rancheria verses a larger one that could also accommodate the City and its water service area. But once a smaller pipe is installed, the feasibility of the City ever connecting to HBMWD in the future would be significantly curtailed, if not eliminated.
Summary
It should be understood that any connection to HBMWD will be a significant undertaking and a complex process that includes many agencies and several checks and balances with opportunities to control growth in various ways. This is a project that should be viewed in the very long term (50+ years) as well as shorter terms. The decisions made now are going to have repercussions for the City’s water supply for decades. This is a regionally important process, and the City is a stakeholder, so should be a part of it. It is to the City’s benefit to be proactive in working with all the various agencies, decision-makers, and stakeholders to plan this regionally important project. Staff’s recommendation would be that the City should be a participant in the process, even if electing not to connect at this time, in order to have some control over the outcome and to preserve a key water supply option for the future.