City Council Meeting Agenda: 06-09-2026 cc Page 1
Posted: Friday, June 05, 2026
NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, JUNE 09, 2026, at 6:00 PM
at the Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA.
CLOSED SESSION BEGINS AT 5:15PM
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: 812 5400 4048 Passcode: 762618 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
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Calif. Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) (1 Case: Yurok Tribe v.
City of Trinidad, et. al, U.S. District Court (Northern Dist.) 1:26-cv-05240) IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 05/06/2026 scc, 05/12/2026 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 item City Council Meeting Agenda: 06-09-2026 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 – April 2026
2. Law Enforcement Report – May 2026.
3. Resolution 2026-05; Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Funded By SB-1, The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Resolution 2026-06; Adopting the FY2026-2027 Budget.
2. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar Update
3. Discussion/Decision regarding July, August Meeting Schedule.
4. Staff Activity Report – May 2026.
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:
MAY 06, 2026 SCC
MAY 12, 2026 CC
Supporting Documentation follows with: 16 PAGES
05-06-2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 06, 2026 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Kelly, Breckenridge, Tuttle, and Waskiewicz. Kenny was absent. City Staff in attendance: City Clerk/Interim City Manager Gabriel Adams, City Attorney Russ Gans, Special Project Manager Angela Cather, Administrative Assistant Anton Souza. Approximately (5) participants were present by video-conference, and (12) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM – No comments presented.
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 – Deferred to discussion agenda item 1.
V. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
VI. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Kelly/Waskiewicz) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed 4-0.
VII. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Resolution 2026-04; Approval of Partial Settlement Agreement with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria and Authorization for Mayor to Execute Agreement.
Interim City Manager Adams explained that the City Council is being asked to consider approval of a Partial Settlement Agreement between the City of Trinidad ("City") and the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria ("Trinidad Rancheria" or "Rancheria") concerning a portion of the pending litigation in City of Trinidad v. Tsurai Ancestral Society, et al., Humboldt County Superior Court Case No. DR 180684. The Agreement resolves disputes between the City and the Trinidad Rancheria regarding the Trinidad Rancheria's appointment to and participation in the Tsurai Management Team ("TMT") for the Tsurai Study Area ("TSA").
The Agreement requires the City Council to adopt a resolution appointing the Trinidad Rancheria to the TMT and conditioning the City's participation in future TMT meetings on the Trinidad Rancheria's participation as a member. In exchange, within five days after the City Council adopts the required resolution containing the Agreement's factual basis for appointment, the Trinidad Rancheria will voluntarily dismiss the First Cause of Action of its Cross-Complaint in Case No. DR 180684. The remaining causes of action in the Rancheria's CrossComplaint will proceed subject to the terms of the Agreement.
The Agreement further provides that the Parties will seek approval from the Humboldt County Superior Court, including a good faith settlement determination and retention of jurisdiction for enforcement purposes. The Agreement states that Court approval is a condition and contingency to the enforceability of the Agreement.
Recommended action/Draft Motion requested: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2026-04, approving the Partial Settlement Agreement with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, appointing the Trinidad Rancheria to the Tsurai Management Team, authorizing the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City, and making the City's approval subject to Humboldt County Superior Court adoption and acceptance, including approval of the partial settlement and retention of jurisdiction for enforcement purposes.
City Attorney Russ Gans explained that the City holds title to approximately 12.6 acres of property known as the Tsurai Study Area, located on the bluffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and near real property held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Trinidad Rancheria. Tsurai Village, which is located within the TSA, is identified in the Agreement as a tribal cultural resource under Public Resources Code section 21074.
In 2007, the City adopted the Tsurai Management Plan ("TMP") and has worked with the Tsurai Management Team concerning implementation of the TMP. In 2018, the City filed Humboldt County Superior Court Case No.
DR 180684 seeking declaratory relief regarding the rights and obligations of parties connected to the TSA and the TMP, among other issues. In 2019, the Trinidad Rancheria filed a Cross-Complaint in the litigation. The First 05-06-2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Cause of Action of the Cross-Complaint seeks declaratory relief regarding whether the Trinidad Rancheria should and can be added to the TMT and allowed to attend and participate equally in TMT meetings. The City's Complaint likewise seeks a declaration that the City has authority to appoint the Trinidad Rancheria to the TMT.
The Yurok Tribe was dismissed from the litigation in 2019 upon its motion and exercise of sovereign immunity, and the California Coastal Commission intervened as a defendant in the action.
The proposed Partial Settlement Agreement resolves only the disputes between the City and the Trinidad Rancheria regarding the Rancheria's appointment to the TMT and related declaratory relief issues regarding the City’s municipal authority to do so.
Gans further explained that under the proposed Agreement, the City Council would appoint the Trinidad Rancheria to the TMT and condition the City's participation in future TMT meetings on Trinidad Rancheria participation as a member.
The Agreement specifies factual findings for the City Council's basis for entering the Agreement.
The Agreement also requires the City Council to find that the City recognizes and accepts that both the Trinidad Rancheria and the Yurok Tribe have asserted and presented credible evidence that their respective Tribes are culturally affiliated with the TSA, and that the City is not qualified to be the arbiter of cultural affiliation with respect to either Tribe. Accordingly, the City accepts the assertions of both Tribes with respect and deference to each. The City is not adjudicating or diminishing the rights of the Yurok Tribe, deciding tribal membership or ancestry issues, or seeking to exercise jurisdiction over either Tribe for that purpose.
The City Council may also rely on logistical and practical facts supporting appointment of the Rancheria, including the scope and proximity of the Rancheria's adjacent real property holdings; the Rancheria's interest in preservation of coastal trail and beach access; the Rancheria's past support for preservation and protection of the TSA, including assistance with relocation of the Trinidad lighthouse; delays in City permitting and planning applications related to the TSA associated with non-participation of the Rancheria on the TMT; and the need for separate and additional tribal consultations absent TMT participation.
It should be noted that verified discovery responses submitted by the Coastal Conservancy in the current litigation supports the Rancheria’s appointment to the TMT. A letter from the Conservancy dated January 30, 2026, stated that should the TMT continue, the Rancheria should be a participating member of the TMT and have a voice in those meetings because they have asserted cultural and historical affiliation to the Study Area, they were initially invited to be on the TMT, they are considered stakeholders, and because Policy 69 of the City’s LCP requires the Rancheria’s approval of certain development in the Study Area.
This appointment to the TMT is not an adjudication of Tribal rights. The Council is being asked if the Rancheria should be invited to participate in the land management forum, which is the Tsurai Management Team, an advisory body to the Council. The Council is not being asked to decide on Tribal disputes, cultural identity, membership, or Federal status.
As a condition of TMT appointment, the Rancheria will consent to Brown Act-compliant TMT governance procedures and protocols established by the City, including closed session methodology for discussions regarding sensitive artifact locations. Within five days after the City Council approves the appointment resolution with the required factual basis, the Rancheria will voluntarily dismiss the First Cause of Action of its CrossComplaint in Case No. DR 180684. The Parties also agree that declaratory relief remedies requiring appointment of the Rancheria to the TMT will be deemed moot and satisfied in accordance with the Agreement.
With respect to the Yurok Tribe’s objections to the proposed partial settlement, the City’s action is to simply settle one component of litigation with the Trinidad Rancheria, and appointing another participant to the TMT. The City is not claiming authority over any tribal affairs and the agreement should not be read this way.
In response to the objection letters received over the past 24-hours from the Tsurai Ancestral Society and Yurok Tribe, the “No Adjudication or Impairment of Tribal Rights” (section 15 added to the draft agreement) clause has been prepared to further clarify the intent of this agreement for Council consideration. If so considered, the Trinidad Rancheria will need to accept it.
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The Agreement contains mutual waivers of monetary damages, costs, and attorney's fees between the City and Rancheria in Case No. DR 180684, subject to the terms of the Agreement. Each Party will bear its own costs and attorney's fees. The Agreement also provides for cooperation in any future third-party litigation or claims related to the Agreement after Court approval, with each Party independently bearing its own costs and attorney's fees.
The Agreement is expressly conditioned on approval by the Humboldt County Superior Court. The Parties agree to seek a good faith settlement determination and an order retaining jurisdiction for enforcement purposes under Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6. The Agreement provides that Court approval of the partial settlement and Court recognition of the good faith nature of the settlement are conditions and contingencies to enforceability.
Mayor Kelly recommended opening public comment by offering the three stakeholders opportunity to comment; Trinidad Rancheria, Yurok Tribe, and Tsurai Ancestral Society.
TRINIDAD RANCHERIA
Robert Hemsted – Trinidad Rancheria Vice-Chairman
Your attorney did a straight-forward job drafting the Resolution and partial settlement. It’s not the City’s job to decide on unfortunate tribal disputes. I’ve been on Tribal Council for 15 years, I was born and raised here in Trinidad. This is my community is much as it is anyone else. I am a Yurok person. It’s not your place to step in the ancestry ring. The Trinidad Rancheria has been a good partner with the City and we want to continue this relationship. I ask for your support tonight.
YUROK TRIBE
Cathie Childs – Yurok Tribe Associate Legal Counsel
Here to reiterate the objections contained in the cease-and-desist letter sent to you by the Yurok Tribe. One thing your City Attorney did not mention was the legal authority of the City to take the action contemplated tonight. While the City claims it’s not an arbiter of certain things, on page 2 of the partial settlement agreement the City makes certain factual determinations, stating that “…the (Rancheria) been presented credible evidence…” which is a basis of which you are making your decision. Only the United States Congress can make such determination. You say you’re doing it to resolve a State of California lawsuit, but you’re inviting a Federal lawsuit. Findings of fact are reserved only for the U.S. Congress.
TSURAI ANCESTRAL SOCIETY
Sarah Lindgren-Akana – Tsurai Ancestral Society
Read the complete letter sent by Paul Gallegos, legal counsel for the Tsurai Ancestral Society, included in the public comment packet and meeting archive. In summary, TAS join the Yurok Tribe in objection to the proposed Resolution and partial settlement for several reasons; 1) it is a breach of the City’s power over Native American affairs, 2) it asserts matters of fact that are disputed and being litigated in pending litigation, 3) it bolsters the Trinidad Rancheria’s evidentiary position with regard to their ancestral ties to the Tsurai Study Area currently in ongoing, pending litigation, 4) pitting tribal communities or lineal descendants against one another, or interfer with tribal interests, raises serious legal and equitable concerns and should be avoided. The letter continued by citing several court cases limit municipal authority and protect Tribal status or rights. The proposed facts stated in the Resolution are disputed in sworn testimony. The City’s current and past conduct demonstrates the City’s bad faith toward and disregard of the rights of the Yurok Tribe, and lineal descendants of Tsurai Village. The City’s conduct establishes that by giving lip-service to respecting the Yurok Tribe, the City places its economic interests over the cultural rights of the Yurok Tribe and its members. To further its economic interest, the City has pitted the tribes against one another by holding Native American cultural resources as a prize to award to one or the other at the expense of the other, in order to divide and weaken tribal alliances. The complete letter is included in the public record archive.
Continued public comment included:
Tim Seward – Trinidad Rancheria Legal Counsel
Submitted a letter earlier today addressing the partial settlement and assertions made by the Yurok Tribe, included in the public record. The settlement agreement is proposed to appoint the Trinidad Rancheria to the 05-06-2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Tsurai Management Team. The Rancheria has desired to be on the TMT since 2008, but has been excluded and unpermitted to participate. The meetings have not been held in open session, raising concerns from both the City Council and Rancheria. The Study Area property is sandwiched between Trinidad Rancheria property on both sides. The City has permitted and worked with the Yurok and TAS on matters related to the TMT to the exclusion of the Rancheria for almost 20 years despite their request and also city law (Policy 69). This has had a significant effect on the Rancheria’s ability to consult in management and ownership discussions. The requested appointment to the TMT will attempt to remedy longstanding, ongoing harm done to the Rancheria. If the City is preempted to appoint the Rancheria, it would also be preempted to working with the Yurok Tribe. The City has, on two separate occasions, to appoint the Rancheria. It never came to fruition due to objections from TAS. This appointment will not impair the Yurok Tribe or TAS. The action will not impair Federal recognition of either tribe.
One legal case cited by Gallegos was intended to advise the City not to diminish any tribal rights, but for 20 years the Trinidad Rancheria has been denied a seat on the TMT. TAS says that the Rancheria has no rights to the Village site. It is not the City’s role to determine which tribe has superior rights. The settlement agreement simply acknowledges that the Rancheria is making credible evidence to their cultural affiliation, and the City is accepting it - as it does for the Yurok and TAS. If the Yurok and TAS arguments are accepted, the Frame Settlement Agreement would also be preempted – but their arguments are not salient. They have not provided any evidence or case law that addresses the City’s right to appoint a federally recognized Native American tribe to an advisory committee to help them manage city owned land. Both letters cite random Indian case law. If Gallegos was present tonight, I’d ask him to explain some of the case law cited, all of which are relevant to onreservation activities, with one citation referencing a child pornography case. The proposed settlement agreement does not impair the rights of any tribe. The argument made by the Yurok Tribe that it would take an act of the US Congress to appoint the Rancheria to the TMT is absurd. I hope it strikes the City Council as being as absurd as it is. The findings of fact being objected to by the Yurok Tribe and TAS, are findings that the Rancheria has “presented credible evidence”. The City is well within its rights to assess evidence and make determinations. It has been done with this parcel in the past, and included in the Management Plan.
Cathie Childs – Yurok Tribe Associate Legal Counsel
Mr. Seward has completely mischaracterized the Yurok Tribe’s position. The City does not have legal authority to make factual determinations regarding Native American tribes. The partial settlement agreement makes “findings of fact” that the Resolution relies upon.
Sarah Lindgren-Akana – TAS
The TMT was formed out of a settlement agreement. Parties to that case were members. As a courtesy, the Yurok Tribe invited the Rancheria to join in the creation of the TMP. It did not invite the Rancheria to be a member of the team. When they were invited, they declined. They were invited as a neighboring tribe and landowners – not as lineal decedents. TAS is a small 501c3 non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers.
We aren’t a business, we’re not a corporation, we don’t have a casino or bingo hall, we’re not making millions of dollars at the time, and the Rancheria was and opted not to join us in the Frame lawsuit, but they didn’t. They could afford it, but did not. If the Rancheria feels they have strong evidence tying them to the site, let the court make that decision. Why put the City and its finances at risk? James Brown – Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Councilmember
This is personal to me. My great grandfather was murdered not far from here. It’s hurtful to see all the entitles involved and listen to people argue against one another. We are a federally recognized tribe of Yurok descent.
Moving forward in a good way, is to be a good partner. We believe in being good partners. We want to use our resources to be better stewards of our ancestral lands.
Council comment included:
Kelly: We are discussing the appointment of a member of the Trinidad Rancheria to an advisory body of the City Council called the Tsurai Management Team. The Rancheria is recognized in Policy 69 of the General Plan, their invitation to the TMT is referenced in the Management Plan, and the Council has voted twice in the past 10 years to include the Rancheria on the TMT. Out of respect for the Rancheria, giving them a seat on an advisory committee is not an outlandish thing to do. Showing them that respect, I don’t feel I’m disrespecting any other tribe. The main consideration tonight is in no way judging of who has more rights, or is more culturally valid than anyone else. The Rancheria is our neighbor and will be an asset to the TMT. The Yurok and TAS have expressed concern over our findings of fact, and I like the recommended section 15 offered by the City Attorney to include in the agreement tonight.
05-06-2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Waskiewicz: I don’t think I’ve ever heard a Councilmember trying to “pit” one group over another. I hear more from our Council about how we can foster a better working relationship amongst the tribes to reach fair and sound decisions.
Tuttle: Agreed with Waskiewicz. I’m new to Trinidad and do not understand the long-history of disagreements between tribes, but I care about them both very much and would love them to be friends in the future, working together, perhaps on this piece of land that they both love.
Breckenridge: I see this in some ways similar to the larger country where people aren’t working together, but carving out their own interests and not listening to other interests. In some small way bringing everyone together to provide the Council on how to move forward with the property seems like the reasonable thing to do. In no way can I offer any wisdom about the disharmony expressed between the three groups. I believe the way forward has to be for them to come together, and as a City Councilmember I’d welcome that.
Motion (Breckenridge/Waskiewicz) to adopt Resolution 2026-04; approving the Partial Settlement Agreement between the City of Trinidad and the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria appointing the Trinidad Rancheria to the Tsurai Management Team and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City subject to: (1) Staff/City Attorney inclusion of additional Section 15 in the Agreement as directed by the Council; (2) Approval and execution of the Agreement by the Trinidad Rancheria including additional Section 15; and (3) submission to the Humboldt County Superior Court for approval and retention of jurisdiction as stated in the Partial Settlement Agreement. Passed 4-0. Kenny was absent.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:40pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026 (LIVE/HYBRID)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the live-hybrid meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members in attendance: Kelly, Kenny, Breckenridge, Tuttle, and Waskiewicz. City Staff in attendance: City Clerk/Interim City Manager Gabriel Adams, Special Project Manager Angela Cather, Administrative Assistant Anton Souza, and City Planner Trever Parker.
Approximately (6) participants were present by video-conference, and (12) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION – No Closed Session
IV. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Kenny/Waskiewicz) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed 5-0.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 04/14/2026 cc
Motion (Waskiewicz/Breckenridge) to approve the minutes as written. Passed 4-0-1 (Tuttle was absent).
VI. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Waskiewicz: Nothing to report.
Kenny: HCAOG was unable to meet due to lack of quorum. The Executive Director is resigning and recruitment will begin soon.
Breckenridge: Nothing to report.
Kelly: Invited to interview on the Jefferson Exchange, Jefferson Public Radio’s live talk show devoted to current events, and learn about cities in Southern Oregon and Northern California, which took place May 12, at 9:09am, was broadcast on air to an estimated 95,000 weekly listener cume.
VII. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – City Manager & Law Enforcement HCSO Lt. Kyle Holt was introduced by City Manager Adams noted the low call volume, and thanked the City’s public safety team (HCSO and Pacific Coast Security) for proactive service to this community. Lt. Holt summarized service calls for the month of April.
VIII.ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR.
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Patti Fleschner – Trinidad Museum & Civic Club
Annual Memorial Day ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 24 at 2pm. Thanked the Council for generous Tourist Occupancy Tax contribution to community groups. Museum highlights and accomplishment letter was sent in advance of this meeting to the Council. Museum would like to go forward with a time capsule to commemorate this 250-year anniversary of the US.
Richard Johnson – Trinidad area resident
More of a question than a comment. Minor changes are being made to Redwood Transit Authority service to Trinidad. It would help and improve service, but it will be different than what we’re used to. Councilmember Tuttle, the City’s representative to the Humboldt Transit Authority explained that the plan is for micro-transit, smaller bus, making 30-minute rounds to the Arcata Airport, with additional dial-a-ride service. Plan could be unveiled within the next 6-months.
Ashley Mazonti – Trinidad area resident
Kids go to Trinidad School, and a member of the School Education Foundation. Hope to be involved in the community to enrich our experience to help the school remain successful. 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Financial Statements – March 2026
2. Law Enforcement Report – April 2026.
3. Resolution 2026-03; Request November General Election Consolidation with the County of Humboldt.
4. Annual Distribution of Tourist Occupancy Tax Funds to Community Groups/Organizations.
5. Procurement of On-Call Planning Consultant Professional Services - Request for Qualifications.
Kenny: Is the timeline for Consent 5 realistic to receive sufficient interest from interested consultants? City Manager Adams recommended following the Caltrans guidelines and limitations and try to work within current contract expiration timeline. The process may uncover additional firms that may desire to work with us.
Public comment included:
Richard Johnson – Trinidad Coastal Land Trust
Read a statement from the Land Trust thanking the City for support and contribution used to improve and enrich ongoing Land Trust projects and priorities.
Ana Davis – Trinidad Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber was dependent on the City’s contribution last year. Scholarships, fundraisers, summer camps, events, and business support are all important roles of the Chamber, and this contribution helps keep these programs alive.
Motion (Kenny/Kelly) to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
Xl. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Trinidad Drinking Water System Comparative Analysis Options.
City Manager Adams explained that on July 08, 2025, following extensive community discussion regarding the long-term sustainability, reliability, affordability, and governance of the City’s drinking water system, the Council directed staff to pursue a comparative analysis of potential future water supply strategies; 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.
Community feedback has consistently reflected two competing priorities; maintaining local ownership, operational control, and watershed stewardship of Trinidad’s municipal water system, while also addressing long-term affordability, regulatory compliance, staffing challenges, infrastructure reliability, and emergency resilience.
The questions raised at the July 08 meeting echoed similar concerns raised at the October 12, 2021 meeting when the City last questioned its water system reliability. The 2021 discussion was prompted by two primary driving forces; 1) the historic low Luffenholtz Creek flows experienced during 2019-2021 drought period, and 2) the Trinidad Rancheria’s request for additional water resources to support their economic development goals.
In July 2025, however, a new set of circumstances led to the revived discussion; 1) the City’s rapidly depleted $1.04 million dollar reserve due to high operating and certified operator costs leading to a $300,000 general fund bail-out to stabilize the Water Fund (see Resolution 2024-12), 2) the October 2024 implementation of the Water Rate Analysis that included a sharp rate increase followed by five years of consecutive 10% annual increases, and 3) an invitation from Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District to participate in feasibility discussions for the North Mainline Extension request initiated and underway by the Trinidad Rancheria.
The Council once again in July heard many similar arguments, this time mostly from residents from the greater Trinidad area (and beyond) fearful of uncontrolled growth, high water rates, lack of system control, adverse environmental impacts, mandatory district interconnection, and a desire to maintain a small system in a hyper- 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
local watershed. Arguments in favor of exploring all the options available came from Trinidad residents and water system customers facing a 5-year rate structure that puts the City’s system at an affordability risk, and serious concerns about how the depleted reserve fund will affect the water system’s reliability into the future.
The complexity of the discussion led the City Council to carefully draft a motion directing staff to seek a professional, comprehensive comparative analysis in pursuit of the facts, and the expectation that the proposal return for their final review and potential grant funded options.
PROJECT TIMELINE AND IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS
July 08, 2025: At that same July 08 City Council meeting, former City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi announced his unexpected resignation, effective at the end of August after his one-month planned vacation starting the following day on July 09.
September 2025: City Clerk/Interim City Manager positions were immediately consolidated. Trinidad-Westhaven Emergency Intertie Project faced significant design, administrative, construction, and deadline headwinds diverting staff attention away from other priorities.
October 14, 2025: Reduced staffing, competing projects and deadlines (Compensation Study, Town Hall Improvements, HSIP Crosswalk sign aesthetic issues, Intertie Project, etc.) prevented the comparative analysis from gaining any significant traction during the months following Tagliaboschi’s departure (September-December).
However, staff performed several tasks that resulted in documents that debuted in the October 14, 2025 Council meeting Staff Activity report (attached).
§ City Planner Trever Parker developed preliminary findings associated with the potential growth inducing impacts (concerns) from a connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. § City Grant Administrator Angela Cather summarized grant funding opportunities available to the City for the comparative analysis.
§ City Engineer Steve Allen reviewed 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 Gabriel Adams met with HBMWD GM Michiko Mares to help connect the dots, strategize next steps, and develop a realistic timeline with funding options.
November 13, 2025: North Mainline Extension project was unveiled at the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District meeting. The Trinidad Rancheria announced an ambitious timeline to completing their project, starting with a soon-to-be-released, self-funded feasibility study. City staff anticipated the public release of their study, and felt that it may be cost effective to approach the Rancheria and request permission to engage with their consultant. The City was unable to reach the Rancheria and coordinate a G2G meeting before the holiday season. The City Manager, Mayor, and Mayor Pro-Tem ultimately determined that an independent analysis would serve the community’s interest more effectively (back to the drawing board).
RECENT WATER SYSTEM EVENTS & OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
January 03, 2026: Scenic Drive water main break, complete and unprecedented 400,000-gallon storage drained in less than four hours, citywide boil water and turbidity exceedance notices issued, and the critical water shortage emergency that followed prevented any meaningful progress on the comparative analysis in January.
March/April, 2026: Recent emergency incidents and operational challenges highlighted both the strengths and limitations of maintaining a small independent water system, while also reinforcing the importance of evaluating long-term infrastructure, staffing, financial, and resiliency considerations through a comprehensive comparative 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
analysis. Members of the public demanded reliability and express serious concern when they found out the water plant is not fully automated.
City staff began working on a 2025 Water Rate Implementation financial performance review. FYE2025 Audit is underway but the final report has not yet been released. The results of both reports will give the Council much needed information necessary to determining whether funding a comparative analysis independently is feasible.
April 04, 2026: An unprecedented four-day water service outage and boil water notice for approximately 30 customers on Westhaven Drive caused by a redwood tree that fell and took out all overhead utilities and water service. The incident further emphasizes the need for continued, significant investment in the City’s aging distribution system, but with the bittersweet reality that the water system has not been adequately funded by the 2024 rate increase to replenish operating or capital improvement reserves.
WATER SYSTEM / PLANT OBSERVATIONS
After eight months overseeing management of the water system, handling several unprecedented water emergencies, listening to demands for water reliability and management accountability from the business community, and witnessing first-hand how difficult it is not only to operate an aging system, but also to fund, train, and retain T3 and T2 certified staff, it’s clear that the City should address this issue with awareness and urgency.
The options below outline the City’s runway to implementing the July 08, 2025 decision to conduct a comparative analysis that will provide much of the data and information needed to make critical and informed decisions moving forward. Staff is looking for guidance from Council as to what method is preferred.
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OPTIONS
City Clerk/Interim City Manager Gabriel Adams and Special Project Manager Angela Cather met with a representative of the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) by videoconference on March 23, 2026 to explain what the City Council was looking for and seek guidance on available funding programs. After a thorough summary of the City’s water system, age, recent funding awards, improvements, and challenges, the State presented the following options:
OPTION 1: California State Water Resources Control Board’s, Technical Assistance (TA) Program Under this program, the State contracts with a third-party provider who can coordinate and develop engineering and environmental analysis. The TA provider (a non-profit organization, including universities, and other professional service providers) can and will contract with necessary professionals to complete analysis. The City may have some input when selecting the engineering firm and throughout the analysis. The results of the study will determine future DFA funding eligibility, which should be aligned with the alternative determined to be the most sustainable and cost-effective under the study criteria.
As per an email received on 3/6/26 from State Water, Division of Financial Assistance Sanitary Engineer, “DFA can only offer funding for design and construction of the most long-term solution/alternative presented in the feasibility plan. For example, if the plan indicates consolidation is the most long-term solution to the problem, DFA can only provide funding for that; and any other alternative will have to be self-funded by the City.” Funding: 100% grant/free money
Timeline: approximately 6 months after submitting a request to begin analysis. The analysis can take 9-18 months.
Application Status: Ready to submit.
Pros: A successful grant award will need the City to provide water system technical/operational information, financial, historical data to seed the study, and staff attendance in regular coordination meetings, but will not 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
require the City to administer the grant. If GHD happens to be selected by the State, their effort assembling data would be more efficient and possibly more cost-effective for the City.
Any recent alternative that has been explored by the City, including the investment made in evaluating upper watershed storage retention concepts, will be considered in the assessment.
Cons: The Council has heard public comment suggesting the study be performed by a third-party. Because under this option the consultant selection and project management would be handled by the State, the City may have less influence over the study scope emphasis, assumptions, methodology, timeline adjustments, and consultant familiarity with local community values and priorities.
OPTION 2: California State Water Resources Control Board’s, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program
Under this program, the City will submit a funding application which includes a General, Technical (with a scope of work and budget), Financial and Environmental Package. When awarded, the City will administer the grant and have full control over the process, including solicitation and selection of the consultant, following grant guidelines provided by the funder.
Funding: 100% grant/free money of the proposed scope. No match required.
Timeline: Expect to receive a funding agreement 9-12 months after a complete application is submitted.
Application Status: Draft scope received and in progress* Pros: The City has a lot of experience administering grants in-house. Handling grants in-house often results in grant payroll allocations that supplement wages of city staff by reimbursing for their time spent participating in the project. By comparison, if the grant is handled by the State in Option 1, then staff time consumed by feeding required information to the consultant would not be eligible for reimbursement, and instead being a cost to the City.
Assuming the grant guidelines are followed to solicit and award a contract to the selected consultant, the City may have more control over the pool of consultants considered.
Cons: A long-range project of this size and scope would become a significant priority for the Grant and Special Project Manager. The City would assume greater administrative responsibility and risks associated with procurement, grant compliance, and project management. Depending on consultant selection, project costs and timelines could fluxuate.
OPTION 3: Self-Funded
With this option, if feasible, the City may be able to expedite the timeline. However, based on preliminary estimates ranging between $80-100k to execute the Council’s July 08 motion, and based on the preliminary financial review of the October 2024 water rates, this option may not be feasible.
Pros: Greater local control over consultant selection, study design, assumptions, and project schedule. The City may also have more flexibility to tailor the scope specifically to community concerns and policy priorities.
Faster timeline
Cons: It is still unclear whether the water fund can afford this option. If so, there may not be any room for budget flexibility in response to unanticipated design or scope changes.
Council questions included:
Kenny: Pacific Watershed Associates have done work for the City to help determine Luffenholtz Creek water supply potential, correct? Option 1 and 2 seem like the only real options because we have not determined there are funds available yet in the Water Fund. Adams confirmed that PWA has researched the watershed potential, but also the upstream storage concept.
Kelly: We need to discuss water rates again, but without conclusive financial data yet Options 1 & 2 make the most sense. Spending $80-100k of General Funds for this project is not prudent. I’m ok with Option 1 reviewing 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
all options available, including the upstream storage concept, and would be satisfied with the outcome and direction if the State studies and determines the best option to fund. Realistically, can staff handle another frontloaded in-house grant administration project? Adams explained that staff is experiencing water grant burn-out.
Many projects have been sidelined for months - if not years – while the water department has been a critical priority of the City. It will be nice to diversify staff attention to many back-burnered projects the community will benefit from.
Breckenridge: The skepticism of GHD being hired by the State to conduct the TA process does not bother me.
Tuttle: I support this path, and would like the City to have as much input as possible so we get the results we need.
Waskiewicz: Happy to see this on the agenda. The public wants to see action. Thanked the Mayor for prioritizing this discussion.
Kenny: Which option will require the most staff time? Adams explained that Option 2 is the biggest risk, since the City is completely responsible for all the front-end output – including hiring consultants, procuring grants, funding the studies, numerous Council agenda topics, etc. and trying to keep the momentum going. Option 1 will require in-house and consulting staff to feed the selected TA consultant data, documents, and resources, etc. to conduct the process.
Kenny: We would be wise to scale our ambitions for the study. To be clear, tonight we’re not deciding to connect to Humboldt Bay Water. The most important thing to look at are the financial implications. We already know we’re pushing our customers with current rate increases. If connecting to Humboldt Bay Water will cost more than that, enthusiasm for that scenario will dissipate. Why explore growth inducing impacts before understanding ratepayer costs? Presumably the Rancheria has already done the environmental analysis, but I have a hard time believing our rate payers will be satisfied paying more than what they’re expected to pay now.
Kelly: In order to answer those questions, we have to do the study. Financial and environmental implications are important, as well as the development concerns. Having a third party analyze everything will legitimize the results. Once the Council decides on an Option, we could consider prioritization of the questions we have for the study. I don’t think the community will be happy if we don’t conduct the complete analysis.
Public comment included:
Henry Cox – Trinidad
With respect to Option 1, what is the State’s record for funding what they recommend? Adams explained that WCSD went through this exact process, and they are now in construction under this program.
Dave Hankin – WCSD Board member
Complimented the staff report for this agenda topic. Our district has had a great experience with the technical assistance program. We struggled addressing water quality violations, and the regulators have been very helpful.
Construction is expected to conclude in September 2027. You should be clear when telling them what you want.
Growth impacts are the most important issue to me. The study should be parcel based – not regulation based.
The immediacy of Trinidad getting involved in the pipeline due to pipe sizing is not critical. Overall the TA process was a success for WCSD.
Patti Fleschner – Trinidad
Rapid growth fear seems unfounded since septic systems take up more space than buildings do, and also with the 95570 area being almost entirely in the coastal zone. It seems more equitable and generous to offer water to everyone, if we have access to it, and share it. As soon as our General Plan is revised, we’ll have more local control and say how development occurs. I don’t think rapid growth has been, is, or will be an issue.
Elaine Weinreb – Trinidad area resident
WCSD just received a big grant to redo its treatment system. 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7
Dick Bruce – Trinidad
You have a motion that was passed last July. You are asked to choose one of the options. Everything you want is in the motion. Information is important. Approve Option 1. The application is ready and there is no cost to the City. You’re asking a third party for an impartial analysis. The State will pay for it. I strongly support Option 1.
Jeff Bairey – Trinidad
I’ve concerned with turning this over to the State. If we don’t have money to pay for it ourselves, when will we? A year?... or two?
Tristan Cole – Trinidad
We’re having side conversations about potential impacts which is not on the agenda tonight. It’s naive to think that any one option selected will determine the outcome. I support a scientific, well-informed, impartial study.
Options 1 & 2, with 2 being a kick of the can down the road. Option 1 is realistic, and the one I’d prefer. There are many other things the community would like to see addressed, and giving this process to the State to free up staff would be great. Also, the City Planner has done a great job informing the Council with growth inducing impacts.
Anita Thompson – Trinidad
Thanked staff for the well-informed staff report. Support Option 1. I also don’t have a problem if GHD is selected to conduct the study. Even if staff wasn’t limited, a study of this size is a huge burden to implement. If the results of the TA conclude Humboldt Bay connection was most feasible, I’m concerned with the Council rejecting this informed decision that will impact future generations. I’m concerned about long-term water needs. Can the Council base their decisions on facts? I’m also concerned about a Councilmember’s bias against a connection. I hope Option 1 limits the City Council’s bias in future decision making on this important topic.
Steve Madrone – 5th District County Supervisor, Trinidad area resident I’m also in favor of Option 1. Getting answers is a great thing. We all have bias. I’ve lived on Luffenholtz Creek for 40 years. I helped the City get a 1.7 million dollar sediment reduction grant. To clarify some facts, a 6” pipeline is the minimum. The staff report says there won’t be rapid growth. There will be growth, but likely outside the City. Land use policy may help, but may make it easier to develop. Patty Stearns wrote a letter a few years ago saying a pipeline will double the area population. When you talk about an aging system, you’ll still have to deal with your distribution system, water tanks, and chlorination. Logic suggests this will increase your costs, but the study will help us find answers. Continue replacing your old lines. Support my plan for distributed water storage for fire safety and backup water when city water lines break. Marine terraces in the upper Luffenholtz Watershed holds approximately 1/3 of the Ruth Lake storage capacity. We already have the water, so tap the springs. With four tapped and an inline hydro system you can have all the water and power to run your plant.
Paula Levine – Trinidad
I support Option 1. Cost to the ratepayers will be looked at. In 2021, all Humboldt Bay customers had rates that were much less than Trinidad’s rates. I also support the fire resilience that a larger water source will provide the City. I submitted a letter for public comment.
Andrew Davis – Trinidad
I support understanding the financial feasibility first.
Carrie Varela – Former City Councilmember
I voted in support of the feasibility study in July 2025. I was concerned with losing the Rancheria as one of the City’s biggest customers. By losing that customer, annexation and growth would need to occur to gain more customers to support the system. There were many valid concerns made at the time. Working proactively and cooperatively with the Trinidad Rancheria is key to this process. I had a personal experience while living on Underwood Drive with a neighboring project proposal that would severely impact our view. I was very pleased with how the Planning Commission handled it, and had the greater good of the community in mind by limiting growth. I also had many sleepless nights leading up to the July 2025 discussion, but I echo Councilmember Tuttle’s desire to maintain local control of our water without sacrificing resiliency and sustainability. Cooperation with the Trinidad Rancheria is important. I have deep respect for their sovereignty. 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8
Motion (Tuttle/Breckenridge) to direct staff to pursue Option 1, submitting a Technical Assistance application to the State Water Resources Control Board to conduct a feasibility study as directed by the Council on July 08, 2025.
Further discussion:
Kenny: I’m not sure the TA process will be as helpful in addressing our public policy issues (growth) versus the water quality or quantity issues. I’d be willing to support this in a phased study approach, with the first thing being understanding the rates.
Tuttle: I’m looking for all or nothing. Kelly agreed, reconfirming the July 08, 2025 motion gave very clear direction as to what the City was looking for. In terms of process, there’s a motion and a second on the table.
Motion (Tuttle/Breckenridge) to direct staff to pursue Option 1, submitting a Technical Assistance application to the State Water Resources Control Board to conduct a feasibility study as directed by the Council on July 08, 2025. Passed unanimously.
2. Discussion/Decision to Approve the Second Amendment Contract with Humboldt County Sheriff to provide Law Enforcement Services to the City of Trinidad.
3. Discussion/Decision to Approve the Second Amendment Contract with Humboldt County Sheriff to Provide Animal Control and Shelter Services to the City of Trinidad.
City Manager Adams explained that discussion items 2 and 3 are combined, and that the agreements are second amendments to the 5-year agreement that began November 01, 2024. The agreement stipulates that each year the Sheriff will compute the upcoming fiscal year cost and notify the City by May for the services provided.
These contracts include Law Enforcement, Animal Control, and Animal Shelter Services. The second amendment to this agreement will result in a $5,911 increase from FY2026 for Sheriff services, and a slight increase of $429 for Animal Control Shelter and Services. The increase is calculated by the County using a population allocation method proportionate to the population base served for services rendered.
This agreement provides the same Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control Services support as the previous agreement. This will be funded in full with COPS grant funding. That revenue stream is expected to continue in FY2027.
- Second Amendment Sheriff’s Office Services $66,059.00 (10% increase) - Second Amendment Animal Control Services: $3,501.00 (6% increase) - Second Amendment Animal Shelter Services: $4,131.00 (6% increase) There were no public comments. Council expressed gratitude for the Sheriff’s service to the community.
Motion (Kenny/Tuttle) to Approve the Second Amendment to the Master Agreement with the Humboldt County Sheriff to Provide Law Enforcement, Animal Control, and Animal Shelter Services for the City of Trinidad for Fiscal Years 2025-2029, updating the fees for services for FY2027. Passed unanimously.
4. Discussion/Presentation regarding FY2025-2026 Budget Preparation.
City Manager Adams explained that on March 10 the Council conducted a mid-year review to examine assumptions and to adjust the budget if needed to capture unforeseen circumstances or needs in the organization. The second part of the discussion peeled back a layer and focused on the current year priorities, identified achievements, and discussed the overall health of the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds. The takeaway from the March 10 meeting was positive as forecast General Fund revenues were a bit ahead of estimates.
The health of the Water Fund is still under review. The City received a small grant award to have RCAC conduct a water rate performance review following the Rate Study that concluded in October 2024. Preliminary estimates indicate that the fund is falling short of expectations. The rate structure selected was not intended to fully replenish the fund, but rather only to “stop the bleeding”. The modest operating cash reserve forecasted into the 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9
rate structure adopted appears to be missing the mark by nearly 50% or more. Staff will dive deeper into the analysis with RCAC in the second half of May and return to the Council in June with more concrete details baked in to a final draft budget.
This meeting will provide information on the General Fund and reserves and how they are assigned, committed, or unrestricted, Special Revenue Funds, and our Water Enterprise Fund. The FY2025 Audit, has not yet been concluded, but staff expects it for review and approval in June.
The Council also agreed on a list of goals and objectives with the FY2026 budget. These items included:
• Invest in maintenance and upkeep of Town Hall, and recreation assets such as trails and parks. • Prioritize strategies to stabilize water funds and staff. Including in house T3/CPO. • Prioritize developing a classification and compensation plan, and updating the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual, which aligns staff responsibilities and wages with the needs of the City, encourage retention, and rewards advancement.
• Preparing for ongoing litigation to reach the trial before the end of FY2026, and set aside funding in advance. • Dedicate staff resources to bringing the Trinidad-Westhaven Emergency Intertie project to a conclusion.
Maintaining and enhancing the current service levels provided to the city, achieving compliance with state mandates, coordinating with other local and regional planning efforts to the best of our abilities, and maintaining public facilities and infrastructure are just of few of the underlying fundamentals incorporated into your budget planning process. Staff hopes to conclude the May discussion with some additional discretionary spending input from the Council that can be incorporated into the final draft. Some of those wish list items may include:
• A request from North Coast Children’s Services to provide backfill funding support if needed to keep Salmonberry Preschool solvent through the 2027 school year. • A request from the Friends of Trinidad Library to take on 100% of the additional Library hours (previously a 60/40 split), along with possible backfill funding with the County Library system facing budget cuts. • Investing in preliminary annexation analysis and prioritization, and pursuing additional consultant resources to gain traction on backlog of Planning Commission recommendations. • Phase II funding for Town Hall Improvements – Civic Club Room, Big Room interior paint, lighting, etc. • Tennis Court resurfacing.
• Preparation/Recognition of a potent el Nino winter season predicted.
STAFFING PLAN – CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION – PHASE II On October 14, 2025, Council adopted the Classification and Compensation Study submitted by Regional Government Services (RGS). The study concluded with several findings and recommendations:
Compensation Findings
• Sufficient compensation data was found for three of the seven classifications. • None of the base pay salaries or total compensation for the City’s classifications are considered competitive with the market (+/- 5% of the median).
• Base pay and total compensation for the City’s positions ranged between 8%-28% below the market median.
Salary Recommendations
• Adjust salaries so the maximum top-step salary rate is within five percent of the market median. • If fiscal restraints exist, develop a phased-in approach that provides for annual or biannual increases over a multi-year time period until the salaries for all classifications are competitive with the market. • Memorialize the internal salary alignment structure as part of the City’s compensation policy to be used when conducting salary surveys or establishing new classifications.
In addition to adopting the 2025 Classification and Compensation Study, the Council approved a 10% across-theboard increase to seed the beginning of the recommended multi-year, phased approach to reaching the market median pay rates, with direction to staff to return during the FY2027 budget discussion with a draft of the next phase.
05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 10
With the payroll apportionment being one of the first bricks laid in the budget foundation each year, staff is recommending phase 2 of the multi-year adjustment to bring all classifications to within 10% of the market median beginning July 01, resulting in a payroll increase of approximately 7.5% overall increase ($54,246), while also maintaining the internal alignment proposed by RGS.
Significant savings from FY2026 consolidation of the City Manager/Clerk, and Special Projects/Grant Coordinator positions are estimated at close to $137,000. With the Water Fund struggling to gain positive ground, and with the volatile economic climate as a result of high energy costs that are rippling through cost-of-goods and services, staff is confident that prioritizing recruitment for the Grant Coordinator position and running lean through December 2027 with a consolidated Clerk/Manager position is a fiscally responsible administrative staffing approach.
REVENUE PROJECTIONS
General Fund revenues are projected to be on budget this year (FY2026), approximately $965,000. This includes Sales, Property, Occupancy Taxes, Rents, and fees for service.
EXPENSE PROJECTIONS
General Fund department expenses are projected to be under budget this year (FY2026). Although City Attorney expenses are over budget, savings from unfilled positions (City Manager and Grant Coordinator) significantly decreased expenses overall.
Approximately $140,000 was invested in Town Hall improvements in FY2026, along with $18,000 budget reserve adjustment for the CSA4 Fire Planning Study. Cost savings from consolidated staff classifications are projected to decrease reserve spending by approximately 50%. Final reserve numbers will be received as soon as the FY2025 Audit is complete.
NEXT STEPS
Consider the information presented, provide additional input to staff from questions/insights received during the discussion, and direct staff to return in June with a final, proposed draft FY2027 budget.
Public comment included:
Rodney Oien – North Coast Children’s Services
Salmonberry Preschool is struggling with enrollment, which is down in the service area overall. As of today, 9 children are enrolled next school year, but we need approximately 15 to maintain funding. Declining birthrates and universal Transitional Kindergarden (TK) enrollment are two factors. After explaining to parents that Salmonberry may have to close, there was an interest in outreach for additional funding sources. Salmonberry began as a parent cooperative, but eventually NCCS took over the program. We’re State funded, but declining enrollment threatens funding.
Cecelia: I’m a parent of a Salmonberry child and I love the program. Part of the lore of being here was to raise our child and see her through the Salmonberry-Trinidad School system. On April 29 there was a community meeting where we learned about the funding shortfall. I’ve taken the initiative to save Salmonberry. Any support the Council could give in the short-term (this coming fiscal year) we’ll have more information about the next steps.
We want to keep this local.
Ashley Mazonti – Trinidad area resident, TSEF parent
I support the preschool and keeping our school programs healthy. Long-term enrollment issues could be a risk without Salmonberry.
Council comments included:
Kelly: Encouraged the public to reach out to North Coast Chidren’s Services if they’d like more information on how they can be supported. I also want to revisit the Tennis Court resurfacing. I’d like to find out how much it will cost and take care of it. Possibly reduce CERT funding to $1,500-2,000.
Breckenridge: I still have an issue with the dark blue paint trim on the top section of the Town Hall façade, and would like to see an improvement in the flower gardens in front. 05-12-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 11
Public comment included:
Patti Fleschner – Trinidad
Is there a possibility of relief from State mandates, or will this continue to increase? How about litigation expenses? Also, a big thanks to Public Works for improving views along the trails and viewsheds around Trinidad Head. I encourage all residents of Trinidad to maintain vegetation for the benefit of everyone’s viewsheds.
Adams explained that the General Plan will help reduce State micromanagement of land use, but overall regulatory compliance will not decrease. Approximately 30% of the City’s operation is dedicated to answering to higher authority.
Richard Johnson – Trinidad area resident
CERT believes $1,500 is acceptable, but there are some things that would be very useful for improving emergency communication.
Elaine Weinreb – Trinidad area resident
Please check the electrical system at Town Hall. I noticed some lights flickering.
No decision was made. Staff will incorporate feedback from tonight’s meeting and develop a draft budget proposal for further discussion on June 09.
5. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar.
Interim City Manager Adams presented the Council with a list of key dates associated with the November 2026 general election. Information item only. No decision was made.
6. Staff Activity Report – April 2026.
Interim City Manager Adams included the full report in the packet, but highlighted challenges and problem-solving hours dedicated to fulfilling the needs of the community, ongoing commitments, partnerships, and projects including:
- Emergency Intertie project update.
- Cash flow and investment monitoring.
- Significant water leak, extended service outage, boil water notice, and subsequent damage along Westaven Drive due to a fallen redwood tree.
- Processing two damage claims from the January Scenic Drive water main leak. - Repair of the damaged Town Hall state curtain.
- Assisted with a hazardous tree removal permit process for a View Street resident. - Removal of the HSIP Led Crosswalk signs directed by the Council in April.. - Completed the Intertie Project grant closeout, and tested the pump. WCSD had to interrupt the test due to issues in their distribution system.
- Town Hall painting is complete. Waiting for the sign to be completed.
Report only. No decision was made.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Dark Sky Ordinance consideration.
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 – April 2026
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
2. Law Enforcement Report – May 2026.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 3
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
3. Resolution 2026-05; Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Funded By SB-1, The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
ITEM: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
DATE: May 15, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Josh Wolf, City Engineer
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Trinidad incorporating a list of projects for fiscal year 2026/2027 to be funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act.
2. Authorize staff to proceed with implementation of the projects.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The City is required to adopt a resolution designating projects during fiscal year 2026/2027 which will be funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act.
The City of Trinidad will receive an estimated $8,614.00 in Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 from SB 1. City Public Works staff worked with the City Engineer to identify roadway rehabilitation projects to be completed, which can be funded in part by the City’s RMRA share. The fiscal year 2026/2027 list of projects planned to be funded in part with RMRA SB 1 revenues is as follows:
Name Locations Description Estimated
Useful Life
Anticipated
Project
Schedule
Scenic Drive Culvert
Rehabilitation
Scenic Drive Culvert replacement 20 Years July 2026-June 2027
2026/2027 Trinidad
Pavement
Rehabilitation Project
Main Street, Patrick’s
Point Drive,
Westhaven Drive,
Scenic Drive, Berry
Road
Replace asphalt
concrete surfacing,
pavement markings
and striping
10 Years July 2026-June
2027
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the Resolution will allow for RMRA funding to be used for roadway rehabilitation within the City of Trinidad for fiscal year 2026/2027.
ATTACHMENTS
1. FY 26.27 SB 1 Project List Resolution
Trinidad City Hall Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
707-677-0223
RESOLUTION 2026-05
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017) was passed by the Legislature and Signed into law by the Governor in April 2017 to address the significant multimodal transportation funding shortfalls statewide; and WHEREAS, SB 1 includes accountability and transparency provisions that will ensure the residents of our City are aware of the projects proposed for funding in our community and which projects have been completed each fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad must adopt by resolution a list of projects proposed to receive fiscal year funding from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA), created by SB 1, which must include a description and the location of each proposed project, a proposed schedule for the project’s completion, and the estimated useful life of the improvement; and
WHEREAS, the City, will receive an estimated $8,614.00 in RMRA funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 from SB 1; and
WHEREAS, this is the fifth year in which the City is receiving SB 1 funding and will enable the City to continue essential road maintenance and rehabilitation projects, safety improvements, and increasing access and mobility options for the traveling public that would not have otherwise been possible without SB 1; and WHEREAS, the City Public Works staff and the City Engineer have reviewed and concur with the proposed SB 1 project list; and
WHEREAS, the City used a Pavement Management System to develop the SB 1 project list to ensure revenues are being used on the most high-priority and cost-effective projects that also meet the communities priorities for transportation investment; and
WHEREAS, the funding from SB 1 will help the City maintain and rehabilitate four streets/roads throughout the City this year; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment found that the City streets and roads are in an “at-risk” condition and this revenue will help us increase the overall quality of our road system and over the next decade will bring our streets and roads into a “good” condition; and WHEREAS, the SB 1 project list and overall investment in our local streets and roads infrastructure with a focus on basic maintenance and safety, investing in complete streets infrastructure, and using cutting-edge technology, materials and practices, will have significant positive co-benefits statewide.
NOW, THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, ORDERED AND FOUND by the Trinidad City Council, State of California, as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. The following list of proposed projects will be funded in-part or solely with fiscal year 2026-27 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account revenues:
Project Title Locations Description Estimated
Useful Life
Anticipated
Project
Schedule
Scenic Drive Culvert
Rehabilitation
Scenic Drive Culvert replacement 20 Years July 2026-
June 2027
2026/2027 Trinidad
Pavement
Rehabilitation Project
Main Street, Patrick’s
Point Drive, Westhaven
Drive, Scenic Drive,
Berry Road
Replace asphalt
concrete surfacing,
pavement markings
and striping
10 Years July 2026-
June 2026
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Trinidad City Council, State of California this 9th day of June, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
___________________________ ________________________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Resolution 2026-06; Adopting the FY2026-2027 Budget
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 09, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk/Interim City Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Discussion/Decision regarding Resolution 2026-06; Adopting the FY2026-2027 Budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review, discuss, accept staff report and approve Resolution 2026-06; Adopting the FY2026-2027 Budget.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
On March 10 the Council conducted a FY2026 mid-year budget review to examine assumptions, make adjustments, and peel back a layer to examine whether priorities and targets were being achieved. The takeaway from that meeting was that the City’s overall financial position was healthy, City goals and priorities were being achieved despite the unanticipated staff reduction, the General Fund was on track to build additional reserves, and the Water Fund was out of the ICU but still in transitional care.
On May 12 staff presented preliminary information to set the stage for the final draft, highlighting two significant pieces of the puzzle - Salary Alignment Phase II and the Water Fund. The presentation also included updated General Fund revenue and expense projections, General Fund reserve estimates, and several challenges faced during FY2026 causing variances that would carry forward into FY2027.
As summarized in the summary sheet of the budget packet, the General Fund is anticipated to operate with a slight deficit of approximately $75,000 this year, with in expenses liberally projected near $1.04 million, and revenues conservatively at $967,723. In this context, it is important to understand that the General Fund Reserve has been building over the last 6-years due to a combination of robust economic activity, rising costs, increasing tourism, increasing property values, a resilient tax base, and missed spending targets (aka underspending).
Included in this budget is Phase II of the Salary Alignment, fulfilling the Council’s ongoing commitment to balance the needs of the City while encouraging employee retention and advancement. Phase II brings all positions equitably to 10% of the market median identified in the 2025 study conducted by Regional Government Services (RGS). The budget also anticipates full-spending of the City Manager position, baked-in. The ripple effects of this salary will be explained in more detail during the presentation, and the Council will have the opportunity to strategically discuss the position in detail in the next few months.
Financial statements from FY2025 have been reconciled by Cunningham, Malone and Morton Bookkeeping Service, but the final audit has not been completed by Brett Jones of JJACPA, Inc. The City is expecting the audited financial statements to be available at any moment, and presented to the Council for acceptance in July (approximately 3 months behind schedule).
Along with enhancing the current service level provided to the city, the budget aims to provide a continued focus on transitional stability for the Water Department. It is important to recognize that while adopting rates and transferring $300,000 from the General Fund to the Water Fund in July 2024 was needed, recovery will take many years.
The proposed budget includes an accurate assessment of what is to come this year, projecting conservative revenues, and supporting an increased diet of City planning, legal, and environmental challenges within a highly regulated State. The proposed budget includes revenue and expenditure budget worksheets for each of the fund categories:
General Fund: Administrative, Public Works, Police, & Fire Restricted Funds: Water & Cemetery
Special Revenues: Gas Tax, Transportation (TDA), & COPS
FUND DESCRIPTION & FORECASTS
GENERAL FUND: The City’s conservative approach to spending, coupled with steady revenues from the baseline economy and significant contributions from visitors have helped build the City’s reserves over time. Four primary expense funds (Administration, Police, Fire, and Public Works) are supported by discretionary revenue received through taxes and fees for service.
Revenues: Sales and Occupancy taxes are volatile revenue sources. They are strong when the economy is healthy, but easily disrupted by natural disasters such as wildfires, droughts, pandemics, or human-triggered disasters such as war, housing, or market crashes. It is common for cities that are primarily funded by Sales and TOT revenue streams to maintain healthy reserves to provide for resilience if, and when they are needed to cover budget shortfalls. Since 2005 Trinidad Councilmembers have prioritized fiscal stability and responsibility, and the $2.2 million General Fund reserve fund balance exemplifies that prudent fiscal policy.
Revenue sources are proportioned as follows:
Revenue priorities for FY2026/27 include:
• Continued analysis of Sales Tax revenue.
• Evaluate and anticipate Property Tax revenue timing for 7 new homes in various states of construction, others in the planning stages, and significant real estate currently for sale. • Review performance of revenue sources updated this past year (Building Fee & Cemetery Rates), and return to the Council in July with any further COLA adjustments as needed. • Monitor reserves and cash-flow needs in a manner that maximizes interest earning potential.
Reserves: The reserves provide short-term insurance to shield the City from sudden changes, to use as matching funds to leverage larger grant funding, provide cash-flow support during large-scale grant construction phases, and to stabilize the budget in an emergency. Here’s how the city could use the reserves this year. • Town Hall Improvements Phase II – Civic Club Room, Town Hall Interior paint, floor, lighting, etc. • Maintain important city assets such as trails and tennis court facility. • Cover increasing costs due to State of Federal mandates and regulations. • Back-fill to cover additional Planning Commission/Council priority projects. • Invest in staffing during a low grant payroll year, to optimize accessibility to projects that require grant support.
FY2027 Revenue Projection: $967,723
Operating Expenses: $1,041,083
Difference: ($73,360)
EXPENSES
Administration (201): The budget for this category includes a sizeable portion of in-house and consultant staff that help run the City, and their expenses are based on past experiences as to what issues the City may face in the upcoming year.
Expenses and priorities for the Administration fund include:
• Staff wages & benefits account for 2.67 FTE employees with a 3.5% COLA determined by the City Manager as per the CPI-U Index released in May 2026 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. • City Attorney, Planner, Building Inspector, Accountant, Auditor, and Tech Support. • Utility costs for public buildings; Town Hall, Annex, and Library. • Office Supplies, Equipment, and Technology improvements to enhance audio quality of meetings. • Website, Municipal Code, and Recordkeeping Expenses.
• Community Group support from T.O.T. Allocation.
Note: Payroll expenses in this category include full cost of the City Manager contract position that has been vacant since September 2025 ($87,546). Without this expense the overall General Fund budget deficit proposed of $73,360 would be resolved.
Public Safety (301 & COPS):
City Council approved the Second Amendment contracts with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in May.
The contract for Law Enforcement increased 10% to $66,059, Animal Control and Shelter Services increased 6% to $3,501 and $4,131.
Pacific Coast Security is budgeted to remain at $67,392 for the contract year providing 24 hours of coverage/week coverage. COPS grant funding will cover FY2027 Police, Animal Control, and Private Security expenses $141,083, continuing a second year of funding the public safety reserve (approximately $18,917).
Fire (401):
Thanks to the goodwill and dedication of life-long community resident Shawn Worth, and our Assistant Chief Dick Kieselhorst the department remains staffed and committed to providing Trinidad with emergency volunteer fire and first responder coverage. There is still a need for volunteers with an open invitation for applicants.
The City paid an $18,833 contribution FY2026 for the cooperative CSA 4 Fire Planning study. No indication has been made by LAFCO that additional funding will be required this fiscal year when the results of the study are released.
The CERT program will receive $2,000 proposed for program training and expenses, tracked through the Fire Department budget. It is important to recognize how the City’s investments in public safety benefit the community overall.
Public Works (501):
The Public Works Fund has been the recipient of significant offsets in employee labor costs over the past few years.
Otherwise known as “grant payroll allocations” these offsets are a result of grants that have eligible amounts programmed in to cover staff time involved in executing the projects. This will change in FY2027 with no money programmed for Public Works or Water Department staff. The result is a higher wage burden on those funds, but also with a benefit list shifting to other projects of community interest.
Expenses and priorities for the Public Works fund include:
• Staff wages & benefits for 2.48 FTE employees with a 3.5% COLA determined by the City Manager. • Annual Stormwater Discharge Permit Reporting to the State Water Resources Control Board. • City Engineer expertise in public works projects, technical advisory committees, regional transportation, and funding allocations by State and Local agencies.
• Right-of-Way and ongoing trail maintenance.
• Vehicle fuel and maintenance.
• Public building and facility maintenance, including $3,500 allocated for front entry landscape improvements.
SPECIAL REVENUE – WATER FUND
The Council adopted a new rate plan in October 2024 that helped add much needed revenue to stabilize the fund. In addition, Council voted to give a one-time transfer of $300,000 to forgive the debt incurred due to several years of Water Fund deficit spending.
Water Fund expenses are generally divided into two categories, hard and soft costs; Hard costs include general operating expenses such as energy costs to run the plant, in-house licensed personnel, treatment technology, filters, hardware, vehicle and machinery, treatment processes, etc.
Soft costs include technical and engineering consultants required to evaluate more complex data, planning, and regulatory tasks, along with and interim costs to transition back to in-house staff Plant operation.
CPO/T3 Update: Since March 2025, Chief Plant Operator costs decreased significantly to $4k/month while the City invested in the home-grown, in-house staff. One of our operators passed his T3 exam this year and applied to the State Water regulator to receive his license. His first application was denied with the State requesting an additional 1800 hours to be served. He sent a protest letter to the regulator arguing his college education background was equivalent to on-the-job training. He received his license on June 02, concluding a long road of working from scratch within the City’s ranks to achieve this milestone. The budget assumes this promotion, on a half-time basis.
The City Manager will be working with the employee, department staff, and regulators to determine how to best utilize the new asset.
Rate Study Review Update: The rate study follow-up awarded to the City of Trinidad through RCAC was paused in May due to many unknown financial assumptions, mainly triggered by variances recorded in the current fiscal year financial reports (January 03 Scenic Drive leak, Measure Z $40k equipment investment, and higher than anticipated contracted services). Budget construction that occurred over the past two weeks unveiled answers to questions that stalled out the review. Staff has reengaged with RCAC staff with the final results pending release to the Council in July.
Revenue Projections: Rates will increase 10% for the second of four consecutive programmed increases, resulting in approximately $42,000 in additional revenue. $37,500 in new connection revenue is also expected from (2) outside city connections on Mill Creek Lane, and (5) from the Yurok Indian Housing Project on Westhaven Drive.
Each new account will bring a minimum of $960/year in revenue ($6,720/year combined).
Expense summary: Contracted staff budget will decline significantly as staff begins the transition back to in-house Chief Plant Operator coverage. Status quo funding of routine hard costs is included, along with contingency funds included for an emergency water line repair, valve replacements, and personnel investments in tech and communication improvements – based on feedback received and documented during the January and April water leaks post-incident reports. Including the salary adjustment Phase II, staff propose a budget that calls for a 22% spending reduction compared with FY2026.
Other information for consideration: With the one-time connection fees ($37,500) and City Manager’s salary (-$43,120) included, the fund net gain is anticipated to reach $34,267 as compared to the Rate Study anticipated a net gain of $28,950. However, the Reserves (Operating, Emergency, Debt, and Capital Assets) remain underfunded by $112,767.
The cost of operating a small water system, maintaining its efficiency, in a very desirable area to live, while functioning to provide a vital resource to a community that has emphasized a desire to live “within its means” (and local watershed), will prove to be a challenge for the rate payers.
Water Fund expenses and priorities for FY25/26 include:
• Budget adjustments, and modified staffing plan developed to better align with the adopted 5-year rate plan. • Staff wages & benefits for 2.75 FTE total employees with a 3.5% COLA determined by the City Manager. • Focus on investing in staff that are vital to delivering quality drinking water to customers. • Recognizing that the water fund is far from out of the woods this early in the 5-year rate plan. • Continue to develop, incentivize, and train operators. • Complete the Rate Analysis review and continue to reduce costs while buying time to delay needing any loan funding from the General Fund until the full impact of the new rate is allowed to develop and results are determined.
• Support the TA application for the Water System Comparative Analysis Grant Project. • Continue to pursue grant funding for more expensive capital improvements and resiliency projects.
STAFFING PLAN AND WAGES:
FY2027 identifies 8.25 FTE employees in the following categories:
Contract City Manager: .75 FTE
Permanent Employees:
City Clerk/Asst City Manager 1.0 FTE Admin
Special Project Manager 1.0 FTE Admin
Grant Coordinator 1.0 FTE Admin
Administrative Assistant 1.0 FTE Admin
Public Works Supervisor 1.0 FTE Public Works/Water
Treatment Operator III .50 FTE Water
Treatment Operator II 1.0 FTE Public Works/Water
Treatment Operator I 1.0 FTE Public Works/Water
A 3.5% COLA adjustment has been factored into the FY2027 budget for all Permanent Full and Part-time positions.
FY2027 Staffing priorities include:
• Transition to the in-house T3 Chief Water Plant Operator model, and continue to develop a network with other experienced operators to support local operators during emergencies or for periodic consultation. • Conduct annual evaluations and maintain accurate personnel files and training requirements. • Implement the Classification and Compensation Study, invest in staff testing and training, and secure in-house CPO.
FY2027 BUDGET GOALS & SUMMARY
1. Utilize reserves established from prior fiscal years, if needed, to support staff retention.
2. Maintain current law enforcement and public safety coverage.
3. Continue invest in Water Plant staffing and water distribution system operations programs and processes.
4. Maintain and invest in public buildings, parks, and property.
5. Support community groups that enrich the community for locals and visitors.
6. Continue promoting and participating in an inclusive dialog with Tribal Governments.
7. Recruit the full-time Grant Coordinator to begin shifting workload and investing in programs that will help the city make large-scale investments in infrastructure and long-range planning projects.
The proposed FY2027 Budget recognizes the need for reserve fund spending with the full staffing plan in place, and for additional capital improvements that can be developed throughout the year and brought back to the Council for discussion/approval.
City of Trinidad Resolution 2026-06 Page 1 of 1
TRINIDAD CITY HALL Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
RESOLUTION 2026-06
ADOPTING THE FY2027 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF TRINIDAD
WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad is required to prepare and adopt a balanced budget every year by July 1st for the following Fiscal Year; and
WHEREAS, the City Staff has prepared a Draft Budget for FY2026-2027; and WHEREAS, a Proposed Budget, which takes into consideration public comments, has been completed and is ready for City Council for consideration and adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Trinidad City Council does hereby adopt the proposed FY2026-2027 Budget; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Trinidad City Council does hereby instruct its staff to return to the Council periodically during the year with proposed budget amendments which may become necessary to address changing financial conditions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL of Humboldt County of the State of California this 09th day of June, 2026.
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Trinidad City Council by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Attest:
________________________ _________________________
Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
ADOPTED TUESDAY, JUNE 09, 2026
I. BUDGET SUMMARY
II. GENERAL FUND REVENUE
III. GENERAL FUND EXPENSES
Administrative
Police
Fire
Public Works
IV. ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Water Fund
Cemetery Fund
V. SPECIAL REVENUES
COPS Grant
Integrated Waste Management
Gas Tax
Transportation Development Act (TDA)
FY2026-27 General Fund Summary - Operating Revenue vs. Expenses REVENUE Budget Actual
General Fund Revenue Projection: $ 913,975 $ - *CIRA grants available as needed Cemetery Plot Purchases $ 30,000 $ -
Humboldt Sanitation Franchise Fees $ 12,500 $ -
TDA Transfer-In for TPW Labor $ 11,248 $ - *Reserve funds available as needed Total Revenue $ 967,723 $ -
EXPENSES
General Fund Admin $ 651,597 $ -
Public Works $ 295,868 $ -
Fire $ 26,850 $ - *Transition fund place-holder included Police $ 25,667 $ - *Private security option included
Cemetery $ 28,601 $ -
Waste Management $ 12,500 $ -
Total Expenses $ 1,041,083 $ -
Balance $ (73,360) $ - *Reserve funds dedicated to cover this Highlights:
General Fund Funds a significant portion of the following positions:
City Manager/Clerk, Special Projects Manager, Admin Assistant, Grant Coord, & Consultants.
Provides staffing to meet increasing regulations and higher government mandates.
Legal support to conclude litigation, disputes, and land 12.5 Acre Study Area challenges.
Job Classification alignment and compensation adjustment, phase II.
Continued support of Library, Museum, Chamber of Commerce, and Land Trust.
Increased support for Library, to cover Friends of the Library share of extended hours.
Continued progress on the General Plan Update and Council/Planning Commission priorities; Annexation feasibility, outreach, and analysis.
State Mandated ADA Accessible Website Transition investment Municipal Code Update
Continued Boardwalk/Walkway Improvement Consultations with the Trinidad Rancheria Close monitoring of the City's fiscal well-being during economic volatility.
2.67 FTE employees + Contract Staff
Public Safety Contract renewal with HCSO for full-time 24/7 coverage Budget includes 1248 hours of funding for private security Emphasis on enforcement of current laws and increased public safety challenges.
Public Safety paid entirely with COPS Funding (HCSO Coverage/Animal Control/PCS) CERT $3,000 included for program expenses.
Contract Staff
Public Works Includes (1) FT Public Works Supervisor, and (2) maintenance workers Provides construction support during STIP road improvement grant project.
Provides the City Engineer's continued participation in HCAOG TAC . $3,500 set aside for Town Hall front entry landscape project.
Pays for ongoing, routine trail maintenance, equipment, and supplies.
Pays for street lighting, routine building maintenance, and energy costs.
Reserve funds committed for larger-scale Town Hall improvements.
2.48 FTE employees
Water Fund Transition to in-house T3, with supplemental funds to cover consultant overlap. 10% water rate increase effective July 01.
Includes one-time hookup fees for (2) outside city customers and (5) in-city ($37,500) Includes (1) Chief Operator, (3) Shift Operators/OIT's. 1.5 FTE.
Staff support for SWRCB Technical Assessment Application for water source alternatives.
Annual Luffenholtz Creek Flow monitoring and reporting
$15,000 allocated for priority valve replacements and/or distribution line breaks 22% operating expense reduction (pending in-house T3 and CM status) Anticipated positive cash balance of $59,196 with new hookup fees and CM salary included.
Rate study target underfunded by $84k.
2.75 FTE employees
Streets/Roads Special Revenue Funds (Gas Tax, TDA, RMRA) used as needed.
Funds available for STIP additive bid items and reserves for routine maintenance.
TDA Funds in reserve can be transferred to General Fund to offset TPW labor.
Reserve Funding Town Hall Civic Club Room Improvements
Town Hall Big Room Interior Paint, Lighting, Improvements, etc.
Tennis Court resurfacing
Grant Projects
Fund Grant Award Grant
215 $ 200,000 LCP Update Grant 3 Coastal Commission
218 $ 75,000 CalRecycle SB1383 Assistance Grant 2
533 $ 177,000 OGALS Per Capita
535 $ 800,000 STIP Patricks Point & Scenic Drive
Rate Adjustments/Optimization 2% Transient Occupancy Tax Increase (from 10% to 12%) Water Rate Anaylsis
Building Permit Fee Schedule Update (in-progress, June 2025) Cemetery Plots; Rate Analysis/Adjustment (in-progress, July 2025) ...to help fund and secure future northern expansion.
Planning Admin Fee; 5-10% for in-house Staff time cost recovery Bench Policy Implementation; (30) benches at $1k each
Big Picture / Future Planning
Water Source Alternatives
Annexation Discussion
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget
201 REVENUES Notes
41010 Property Taxes - Secured $ 126,000 $ 68,050 $ 126,000 65% 1st installment, remainder received June 41020 Property Tax - Unsecured $ 5,375 $ 3,787 $ 5,375 Cole, Ewald, YIHA expected to increase revenue 41040 Property Tax - Prior Unsecured $ 50 $ 59 $ 50
41050 Proerty Tax - Current suppl $ 1,300 $ 927 $ 1,300 41060 Property Tax - prior Supplemental $ 350 $ 237 $ 350 41070 Property Tax - Fines $ 50 $ - $ 50
41071 Motor Vehicles Fines $ - $ - $ -
Interest Revenue $ 500 $ - $ 500
41110 Property Tax Exemption $ 1,000 $ 568 $ 1,000
41130 Public Safety 1/2% sales tax $ 1,200 $ 687 $ 1,200 41140 Documentary Real Property Tax $ 4,500 $ 3,234 $ 4,500 Recorder Fees 41190 Property Tax Administration $ (3,200) $ (1,784) $ (3,200) 41200 LAFCO $ (1,200) $ (900) $ (1,200)
41220 In Lieu VLF $ 21,500 $ 21,480 $ 21,500
42000 Sales Taxes $ 385,000 $ 211,421 $ 385,000 10% increase forecasted as per CM. 43000 Transient Occupancy Tax $ 225,000 $ 162,257 $ 225,000 Based on 12% tax rate. 46000 Grant Income $ 10,000 $ - $ 10,000 CIRA risk reduction funding available 46100 Measure Z Grant Income $ - $ - $ - 40K measure Z awarded for Water Dept. 47310 Vehicle License Fee Collection $ 300 $ 470 $ 300
53010 Copy Machine Fees $ 50 $ 11 $ 50
53020 Interest Received $ 35,000 $ 32,387 $ 35,000 Interest allocated to funds based on balances 53090 Other Miscellaneous Income $ 9,000 $ 3,011 $ 9,000 $5k Misc, $4k Parsac Dividend Disbursement 54020 Planner Application Processing $ 20,000 $ 44,636 $ 20,000 8 projects (avg. $2,500 permit) 54050 Building Inspector App. Processing $ 20,000 $ 24,403 $ 20,000 Applicant generated building permits 54100 Animal License $ 500 $ 630 $ 500
54150 Business License $ 8,000 $ 6,311 $ 8,000
54170 STR Licenses $ 9,600 $ 8,700 $ 9,600 STR Licenses (29 x $300) 54300 Encroachment Permits $ 400 $ - $ 400
56150 Franchise Fees $ - $ - $ - See IWM Fund for HumSan Franchise Fee 56400 Rental Income - Verizon $ - $ - $ - Cell site decommissioned in 2022. 56500 Rental Income - Harbor $ 5,700 $ - $ 5,700 See Reactivated 2.09 Harbor Fund 56550 Rental Income - PG&E $ 15,000 $ 13,314 $ 15,000 Annual payment 56650 Rental Income - Optimum $ 7,000 $ 3,921 $ 7,000 Quarterly payments 56700 Rental Income - Town Hall $ 6,000 $ 4,815 $ 6,000 59999 Interdepartmental Transfer $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL REVENUES $ 913,975 $ 612,631 $ 913,975
Projected
Flagged
Current
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
General Fund Revenue
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget
201 EXPENDITURES
linked
60000 Interdepartmental Transfers $ - $ - $ -
60900 Honorariums $ 3,000.00 $ 1,950 $ 3,000 Councilmember Stipend; $50 x 5 x 12 61000 Employee Wages $ 210,050.00 $ 118,892 $ 228,139 see apportionment worksheet 61470 Fringe Benefits $ 3,744.00 $ 4,008 $ 3,744 CM housing allowance/Employee Medical in-lieu payment 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 21,930.00 $ 11,899 $ 24,101 City Contribution to Employee 457 Deferred Comp Plan 65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 35,070.00 $ 28,275 $ 35,070 see Payroll Apportionment worksheet 65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 1,099.00 $ 1,280 $ 1,099 RHS Prepaid Card ($500 per employee/year + program admin fees) 65300 Worker's Compensation $ 6,932.00 $ 12,465 $ 7,529 Based on prior year wages, see payroll allocation, distributed by fund 65500 Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 1,400.00 $ 332 $ 1,400 Use of personal vehicles for City related errands 65600 Payroll Tax $ 17,746.00 $ 10,300 $ 19,296
65800 Grant Payroll Allocation $ (42,333.00) $ (4,763) $ (38,450) As per Grant Director - See note 68090 Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 1,381.00 $ 1,384 $ 1,452 65% 201, 35% 601 68200 General Liability Insurance $ 32,615.00 $ 37,722 $ 38,999 65% 201, 35% 601 68300 Property & Casualty Insurance $ 11,000.00 $ 10,820 $ 10,819 65% 201, 35% 601 71110 Attorney - Administrative Tasks $ 40,000.00 $ 90,863 $ 40,000 Mitchell Law Firm 71130 Attorney - Litigation $ 20,000.00 $ 996 $ 20,000 Supplemental legal services for HR consulting or conflict-related recusals 71210 City Engineer - Administration $ - $ - $ - See Public Works 501 / Water 601 71310 City Planner - Administration $ 90,000.00 $ 109,771 $ 100,000 See Planning Expense Detail; GPU, City Generated, Applications City Planner - Enforcement $ - $ - $ - Related expenses will be tracked here for reference. 71410 Building Inspector -Admin Tasks $ 25,000.00 $ 14,719 $ 25,000 Building Permit Processing, majority offset by application fees 71430 Building Inspector - Enforcement $ - $ 1,470 $ - Related expenses will be tracked here for reference. 71510 Accountant - Admin Tasks $ 20,000.00 $ 17,671 $ 20,000 65% 201, 35% 601 71620 Auditor - Financial Reports $ 24,000.00 $ - $ 24,000 65% 201, 35% 601, + SCO Street Report 72000 TOT Allocation $ 22,500.00 $ 21,580 $ 22,500 Council discretion - as per Chamber, Museum, Library agreement 74110 Grant Expense $ - $ - $ -
75110 Tech Support $ 9,500.00 $ 11,672 $ 9,500 Webmaster (Civic Plus annual fee), Sound Guy, IT Support, Email Host, $500 TBWC website hosting & support 75160 Library & Local Contributions $ 2,000.00 $ 500 $ 5,000 Land Trust Lease $500, Library Staffing Support $4500 75170 Rent $ 9,000.00 $ 6,750 $ 9,000 50% of lease on 463 Trinity, split with 301 Police, $1500/month. 75180 Utilities $ 15,000.00 $ 12,640 $ 15,000 Power, Water, Gas; Town Hall, Library, CM Office 75190 Dues & Memberships $ 1,500.00 $ 169 $ 1,250 League of CA ($94) & Redwood Empire Membership Dues ($75) 75200 Municipal Expense $ 3,500.00 $ 150 $ 3,500 Muni Code Updates, Code Hosting, Legal Notices 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ 5,000.00 $ 7,321 $ 5,000 % Shared with 601 75240 Bank Charges $ 100.00 $ - $ 100 NSF Checks - Recoverable fee 75280 Training/Education $ 200.00 $ 1,400 $ 200
75300 Contracted Services $ 10,500.00 $ 8,711 $ 500 No planned contracted services in 2026 for General Fund. 75990 Miscellaneous Expense $500 $ 345 $ 500 Mck Press Subscribe $70/2-yr , Piano Tune 76110 Telephone & Communications $6,750 $ 4,730 $ 6,750 AT&T Land Lines Town Hall, Verizon Cell Bill 76130 Cable and Internet Services $3,000 $ 2,516 $ 3,000 Suddenlink ($200/mo.) 76150 Travel $3,000 $ - $ 3,500 Staff Travel To League of CA conference (September) 78170 Security System $600 $ 247 $ 600 Advanced Security Monitoring - Town Hall, CM Office 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $500 $ 137 $ 500 Town Hall supplies - Linens, Towels, Cleaning Supplies, TOTAL EXPENSES $ 615,784.00 $ 548,922 $ 651,597 5% spending increase, with full CM salary factored in.
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
General Fund 201- Adminstration
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget
301 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Wages $ 10,500 $ 1,760 $ 10,500 Per payroll apportionment (CM only) 61470 Fringe Benefits $ 720 $ 138 $ 720 CM housing allowance 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 630 $ - $ 630
65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 19 $ - $ 19
65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ - $ - $ -
65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 347 $ - $ 347
65600 Payroll Tax $ 851 $ 145 $ 851
75170 Rent $ 9,000 $ 6,750 $ 9,000 50% of lease on 463 Trinity ($1,500/mo) 75180 Utilities $ 3,000 $ 783 $ 3,000 Water, Propane (heat) 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ - $ - $ - See 201 75220 75300 Contracted Services $ - $ - $ - Half time private security plus cost over COPS. 75350 Animal Control $ - $ - $ - To be paid with COPS
76110 Telephone & Communications $ - $ - $ - Communications covered by General Fund Admin 76130 Cable & Internet $ - $ 988 $ - Included in 201
78170 Security System $ 600 $ 248 $ 600 Advanced Security Quarterly Monitoring 85000 Capital Outlay $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 25,667 $ 10,812 $ 25,667 No increase projected. Full CM salary factored in.
Notes COPS grant covering all public safety services in 2026-2027.
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
General Fund 301- Police
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
401 EXPENDITURES
60900 Honorariums $ 6,600 $ 4,500 $ 6,600 $500 per month for Chief, $50 Asst. Chief 75180 Utilities $ 1,150 $ 654 $ 1,150 PG&E ($650) and Sequoia Gas ($500) 75190 Dues & Membership $ 350 $ 100 $ 350 Fire Chief's Association, HMRA Dues 75280 Training/Education $ 3,500 $ 2,522 $ 3,500 CERT $2,000, and Fire First Responder $1500 75300 Contracted Services $ 10,000 $ 18,833 $ - Possible CSA 4 contributions 76110 Telephone $ 1,600 $ 825 $ 1,600 Fire Cell Phones and Training Tablet - Verizon 76140 Dispatch $ 1,800 $ - $ 1,800 Billed Biannually - Includes 2019-2023 78140 Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 350 $ 241 $ 350
78150 Vehicle Repairs & Maintenance $ 2,500 $ - $ 2,500 78160 Building Repairs & Maintenance $ 3,000 $ 1,408 $ 3,000 Generator Maintenance ($500) + Gutters 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 5,000 $ 37 $ 5,000 $5k Misc. 78200 Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 1,000 $ - $ 1,000 Air tank testing, Fire Extinguishers, misc. 90000 Capital Reserves $ - $ - $ - Transfer to reserve for future capital TOTAL EXPENSES $ 36,850 $ 29,120 $ 26,850 25% spending decrease with CSA4 costs in 2026 Notes: Prior Council action committed unspent funds to the Fire Department Reserve, an action that takes place each year during annual audit.
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
CITY OF TRINIDAD
General Fund 401 - Fire Department
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
501 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages $ 151,914 $ 105,268 $ 163,873 see payroll apportionment worksheet 61250 Employee Overtime $ 500 $ - $ 500
61470 Fringe - Housing $ 360 $ 288 $ 360
65100 Deferred Retirement $ 17,915 $ 9,842 $ 19,350
65200 Medical Insurance & Benefits $ 27,165 $ 22,421 $ 27,165 65252 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 1,680 $ 1,208 $ 1,680 65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 5,013 $ - $ 5,408
65500 Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 100 $ - $ 100 In case of vehicle breakdown or repairs 65600 Payroll Tax $ 12,992 $ 8,809 $ 14,017
65800 Grant Payroll Allocation $ (7,430) $ (3,450) $ (4,085) As per Grant Director 71210 City Engineer -Admin $ 15,000 $ 10,634 $ 15,000 TAC Meeting $400 x 12, and Non-Grant Project Consulting 71250 City Engineer - Project Fees $ - $ - $ -
71310 City Planner - Special Projects $ - $ - $ -
75180 Utilities $ - $ - $ -
75200 Municipal Expense $ - $ 7,154 $ 7,500 Stormwater Permits: MS4 x (2) $3,614 and $3,540 75300 Contracted Services $ 10,000 $ - $ 3,500 $5k Swap or CCC's. 75370 Uniforms/personal equipment $ 1,500 $ 894 $ 1,500 Safety and Uniform Expenses, Reimbursements 78100 Street Maintenance & Repair $ 5,000 $ 3,911 $ 5,000 Tree Trimming, Signs, Paint 78120 Street Lighting - Operations $ 5,000 $ 4,201 $ 5,000 PG&E Streetlight Utility Bills 78130 Trail & Park Maintenance $ 10,000 $ 35 $ 5,000 Trail Committee Prioirites as per annual report- 2025 CIRA 17 K ref 78140 Vehicle Fuel & Oil $ 4,000 $ 4,107 $ 4,500
78150 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance $ 2,500 $ 4,931 $ 3,500 78160 Building Repairs & maintenance $ 14,000 $ 148,822 $ 8,500 Gen Service $500, Town Hall front garden $3500, + $4.5k misc 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 5,000 $ 6,698 $ 7,500 Mop Service, Cleaning Supplies, Fire Exting., Tools, etc. 78200 Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 2,500 $ 452 $ 1,000 79100 Water Lab Fees $ - $ - $ -
90000 Transfer to Reserve $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 284,709 $ 336,225 $ 295,868 3% spending increase projected, with CM full salary factored in.
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
General Fund 501 - Public Works
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
2.09 REVENUES
FY2025 YE Fund Balance $ 6,411 Fund balance reported in 2025 State Lands Commission Report 56500 Harbor Lease Revenue $ 6,049 $ - $ 6,230 Annual Submerged Tidelands Lease Payment - CPI estimated increase of 3% TOTAL REVENUES $ 6,049 $ - $ 6,230
503 EXPENDITURES
79100 Water Lab Fees $ 3,800 $ 2,634 $ 2,750 Stormwater (SW) quality monitoring ($2,634) 57200 Municipal Expense $ - $ 7,154 $ 7,200 MS4 permit ($3,614) + MRP permit ($3,540) TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ - $ 9,788 $ 9,950
Prior Year State Lands Report identifies expense categories intended by the City that meet eligibility requirements per Public Resources Code authority.
Anticipated fund balance at the end of FY2026 carried forward to FY2027 will be $2,672.
CITY OF TRINIDAD
PROPOSED FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
Special Revenue Fund 2.09 - HARBOR
Mandated by State of CA Lands Commission
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
303 REVENUES
46000 Grant Income $ 150,000 $ 163,883 $ 160,000
TOTAL REVENUES $ 150,000 $ 163,883 $ 160,000
303 EXPENDITURES
75300 Contracted Services (HCSO) $ 60,148 $ 45,111 $ 66,059 Sheriff Contract 75300 Contracted Services (HCSO) $ 7,204 $ 5,403 $ 7,632 Animal Control & Shelter Contracts 75300 Contracted Services (Pac Coast Sec) $ 67,392 $ 29,700 $ 67,392 Supplemental Law Enforcement TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 134,744 $ 80,214 $ 141,083
$ 18,917 Amount transferred to COPS reserves
Note 1 (FY21-22): The City began 2021-2022 with an expense budget of $244,000, expecting 1.5 full-time deputies. $155k COPS and the $89k emainder paid through GF Police, then backfilled with $75k Measure Z committed funds. HCSO could not provide staffing, so mid-year they amended the contract, lowered the price to $123k for FY2022, then increased it to $147k beginning July 01, 2022 to reflect inflation.
Note 2 (FY22-23): No dedicated deputy included, but 24/7 coverage offered by HCSO in the current contract, paid in full through COPS funds, $146,450. Staff shortage expected through 2022. City researching interim private security options expected to cost approximately $35/hr.
Remaining excess COPS funds will be used first, then General Funds. Measure Z application period closed.
Note 3 (FY23-24): No dedicated deputy included, but 24/7 coverage offered by HCSO in the current contract. City was notified of a substantial contract increase to $226,168 beginning July 01, 2023. Estimated $150k COPS Funds will be used first. $76k to be covered by GF.
Also including $40k as per Council decision to utilize Pacific Coast Security services to supplement law enforcement needs. ($40/hr x 1080), bringing the total General Fund cost for law enforcement budget to $116k.
Note 4 (FY24-25): HCSO Contract FY2025 $67,500. Pacific Coast Security budgeted at $56,160 ($54/hour x 1040), with no contract to authorize the new rate or upcoming year expectations), and HCSO Animal Control & Shelter Contracts $6,266 all to be covered by COPS funding. = $129,926 total public safety funding.
Note 5 (FY25-26) HCSO Contract FY2026 $60,148. Pacific Coast Security budgeted at $67,392 ( $54/hour x 1248 hours).
HCSO Law Enforcement, Animal Control & Shelter ($7,204 combined), and PCS all funded in full by COPS grant.
Special Revenue Fund 303 - COPS Grant
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY2026-2027 BUDGET
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
204 REVENUES
46000 Grant Income $ -
56150 Franchise Fees $ 12,500 $ 10,786 $ 12,500 Humboldt Sanitation Franchise Fee TOTAL REVENUES $ 12,500
204 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages and Overtime $ - $ - $ -
65100 Deferred Retirement $ - $ - $ -
65200 Medical Insurance $ - $ - $ -
65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ - $ - $ -
65300 Worker's Compensation $ - $ - $ -
65600 Payroll Tax $ - $ - $ -
75130 Garbage $ - $ - $ -
75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ - $ - $ -
75300 Contracted Services $ - $ - $ - Used for SB1383 Share of HWMA 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 1,800 $ 770 $ 1,800 Pet Waste Bags 85000 Capital Outlay $ -
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,800 $ 770 $ 1,800
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
Special Revenue Fund 204 - Integrated Waste Management
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
601 REVENUES
53020 Interest Income $ 12,000 $ - $ 12,000 Conservative based on average interest earnings 53090 Other Miscellaneous Income $ 1,000 $ 90 $ 1,000 Blackflow prevention test reimbursements 57100 Water Sales $ 420,903 $ 250,860 $ 462,993 10% annual increase per 2024 adopted rate schedule 46000 Measure Z Grant $ 40,000 $ - $ - No grant awarded in 2026 57300 New Water Hookups $ - $ 4,500 $ 37,500 2 Outside City Connections and 5 in-city. See attached comment 57500 Penalties $ 10,000 $ 6,675 $ 10,000 penalties less adjustments (leaks, etc.) TOTAL REVENUES $ 483,903 $ 262,125 $ 523,493
601 EXPENSES
61000 Employee Wages $ 192,285 $ 134,126 $ 205,304 see apportionment worksheet for payroll details 61470 Fringe Benefits $ 2,376 $ 895 $ 2,376
65100 Deferred Retirement $ 17,460 $ 9,431 $ 18,786 Empower 457 Deferred Comp Plan 65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 28,889 $ 23,843 $ 26,889 Medical, Dental, Life 65252 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 1,351 $ 976 $ 1,351 RHS Debit Card 65300 Worker's Compensation $ 6,345 $ 6,712 $ 6,775
65500 Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ - $ - $ -
65600 Payroll Tax $ 16,046 $ 11,041 $ 17,143
65800 Grant Payroll Allocation $ (20,000) $ (13,431) $ - Ask Angela about this 68090 Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 744 $ 745 $ 782 65% GF, 35% Water 68200 General Liability Insurance $ 16,870 $ 20,312 $ 21,000 65% GF; 35% Water 68300 Property & Casualty Insurance $ 5,925 $ 5,826 $ 5,826 65% GF; 35% Water 71110 City Attorney - Administrative Tasks $ 500 $ - $ 500 Minimal 71210 City Engineer - Admin Tasks $ 3,500 $ 1,437 $ 3,500 General Water Consulting 71230 Engineer Special Projects $ 5,000 $ - $ 5,000 Drought Consulting, Intertie support, and TA application support. 71310 City Planner - Admin Tasks $ 5,000 $ 11,539 $ 5,000 General consulting, TA application support, etc. 71510 Accountant $ 11,000 $ 8,222 $ 11,000 65% GF; 35% Water 71620 Auditor $ 13,000 $ - $ 13,000 65% GF; 35% Water
72100 Bad Debts $ 100 $ 83 $ 100 NSF checks - (account balances recoverable) 75110 Tech Support $ 2,500 $ 566 $ 1,500 Cornerstone Computers - Kabe Miller, Website, Etc. 75180 Utilities $ 24,000 $ 17,862 $ 24,000 PG&E, Sequoia Gas, B&B Servicing 75190 Dues & Memberships $ 950 $ 962 $ 1,000 CRWA $600, USA $350 75200 Municipal Expense $ 250 $ 165 $ 250 Property Tax $200 75220 Office Supplies & Expense $ 3,500 $ 1,739 $ 3,500 Billing Postage, Blank Bills 75240 Bank Charges $ 100 $ - $ 100 NSF Check Fees (Recovered by customer payment) 75280 Training/Education $ 1,250 $ 637 $ 1,000 Testing, Certification, etc. 75300 Contracted Services $ 60,000 $ 71,299 $ 37,500 $12k HACH, $1.5K McNeil, $14k PWA, $10k for T3 Consulting 76110 Telephone $ 4,000 $ 2,968 $ 4,000 AT&T Landline, Verizon 76130 Cable & Internet Service $ 780 $ 558 $ 780 Suddenlink Internet 76160 Licenses & Fees $ 6,000 $ 5,347 $ 6,000 SWRCB Fee $1950, Water Rights $800, DEH $525 78140 Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 6,500 $ 3,739 $ 6,500 (1.5) vehicles dedicated to Water Service 78150 Vehicle Repairs $ 2,600 $ 818 $ 2,500 estimated for 1.5 vehicles 78160 Building Repairs and Maintenance $ 3,000 $ 299 $ 3,500 Generator Service ($750), Hazardous Tree Trimming 78170 Security System $ 3,640 $ 320 $ 550 Advanced Security - Monitoring 78190 Materials, Supplies and Equipment $ 3,640 $ 46,874 $ 3,640 Misc Plumbing & Repairs 78200 Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 47,800 $ 18,539 $ 10,000 Tech Support for SCADA, RVS, Electrician, Whitson, etc. 79100 Water Lab Fees $ 7,800 $ 10,135 $ 8,500 North Coast Lab routine testing 79120 Water Plant Chemical $ 9,000 $ 9,444 $ 10,500 Chlorine/Polymer 79130 Water Line Hook-Ups $ - $ 28,876 $ - offset by revenue 75300 for reimbursable construction costs 79150 Water Line Repair $ 26,000 $ 6,962 $ 15,000 Emergency repairs, and as-needed valve replacement 79160 Water Plant Repair $ 3,120 $ 3,269 $ 4,500 Filter room elbows, etc.
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $ 522,821 $ 453,135 $ 489,151 22% spending reduction due to in-house T3 transition.
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
Enterprise Fund 601- Water
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
701 REVENUES
53020 Interest Income $ 250 $ - $ -
58100 Cemetery Plot Sales $ 30,000 $ 32,445 $ 30,000 Based on 10 plot sales at proposed new rates. 58150 Cemetery Plot Refunds $ - $ -
TOTAL REVENUES $ 30,250 $ 32,445 $ 30,000
701 EXPENDITURES
61000 Employee Gross Wages and Overtime $ 15,405 $ 14,918 $ 16,881 65100 Deferred Retirement $ 1,849 $ 1,843 $ 2,026
65200 Medical Insurance & Expense $ 3,128 $ 3,226 $ 3,128 65250 Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 70 $ 119 $ 70 65300 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 508 $ - $ 557
65600 Payroll Tax $ 1,320 $ 1,313 $ 1,446
75180 Utilities $ 493 $ 655 $ 493 Water
75300 Contracted Services $ 3,000 $ 1,750 $ 3,000 Tree Service - Damaged & Hazardous Limbs 78170 Security System $ 500 $ 455 $ 500 Advanced Security - Monitoring Service 78190 Materials, Supplies & Equipment $ 500 $ 33 $ 500
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 26,773 $ 24,312 $ 28,601
Net Income $ 3,477 $ 8,133 $ 1,399
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
Enterprise Fund 701 - Cemetery
FINAL DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
503 REVENUES
FY2025 ASR Report Actuals $ 45,511 $ 25,502 Fund balance as of FYE2025 = $71,013 46000 Grant Income Fund 503 $ 15,000 $ 13,913 $ 18,000
46600 RMRA Fund 529 $ 7,900 $ 6,498 $ 8,000
TOTAL REVENUES $ 22,900 $ - $ 26,000
303 EXPENDITURES
Transfer Out - SR Fund 530 $ - $ - $ - Transfers will be done as needed.
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ - $ - $ -
Notes: Anticipated fund balance at the end of FY 2026 ; $71,013 + $18,000* = $89,013 Restricted Fund Summary: As of June 30, 2025
6/30/26 Gas Tax, RMRA, RSTP TCRF: $135,071 RSTP $0
TDA $ 68,400 RMRA $31,560
Total $ 203,471 Gas Tax $71,013
TDA* $83,600
Possible Future Allocations: Total $186,172
2025 Scenic Patch (RAO) $ 25,000
Scenic Shopping Center Culvert $ 15,000 *TDA fund balance is high since transfers out in prior year $ - were not necessary to cover TPW labor since GF revenue $ 40,000 exceeded expenses.
Remaining unallocated balance $ 163,471
Special Revenue Fund 503 - Gas Tax
CITY OF TRINIDAD
FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA)
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
FY2025-26
Budget
Actual Thru
03/31/2026
FY 2026-27
Budget Budget Assumptions
504 REVENUES
2025 Audited Fund Balance $ 96,194 Fund balance as of 2025 ASR $96,194 46000 Grant Income $ 12,500 $ 11,298 $ 11,072 Based on FY2026 TDA Claim TOTAL REVENUES $ 12,500 $ - $ 11,072
503 EXPENDITURES
75250 HTA Annual Invoice $ 5,500 $ 6,082 $ 6,705 Based on April 21, 2026 letter from HTA Transfer Out - GF/PW $ - $ - $ 4,367 Can be used Public Works Labor backfill TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ - $ - $ 11,072
Anticipated fund balance at the end of FY 2026; $68,400.
Funds available to transfer General Fund for TPW Street Maintenance Labor.
Funds available for street-related expenses only.
Special Revenue Fund 504- Transportation Development Act TDA
CITY OF TRINIDAD
PROPOSED FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
DRAFT - JUNE 09, 2026
STAFF PAYROLL LIST - FY2027 61000
NAME FTE Hourly rate
Annual Gross
Salary
City Clerk/Asstant City Manager 1.00 $ 53.50 $ 111,282.14 City Manager 0.68 $ 74.47 $ 105,000.00
Special Projects Manager 1.00 $ 39.44 $ 82,033.47
Grant Coordinator 1.00 $ 28.82 $ 59,950.80
Administrative Assistant 1.00 $ 27.66 $ 57,526.12
TPW Supervisor/ Water SO 1.00 $ 32.67 $ 67,950.89
Treatment Operator III 0.50 $ 30.22 $ 31,428.80
Treatment Operator II 1.00 $ 29.18 $ 60,694.40
Treatment Operator II 1.00 $ 23.48 $ 48,829.58
TOTAL 8.18 $ 624,696.21
Total funding for
multi-year Grant Payroll
Fund Current Grant Projects
Grant work end
date
Total Grant
Payroll
Under/(over)
budget
FYs 21-22;
22-23; 23-24 FY 24-25 FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28
215 LCP Update Grant 3 Coastal Commission 12/31/26 $ 200,000 $ 35,000 $ - $ 6,373 $ 5,034 $ 3,654 $ 19,939 218 CalRecycle SB 1393 Assistance grant 2 4/1/26 $ 75,000 $ 38,935 $ - $ 1,000 $ 9,628 $ 9,799 $ 18,508 201 Total General Fund Administration Grants
533 OGALS Per Capita - no set grant payroll budget so could be increased 1/1/28 $ 177,000 $ 20,000 $ - $ 9,736 $ 5,325 $ 1,418 $ 2,300 $ 1,221 535 STIP Patricks Point and Scenic Drive $ 800,000 $ 7,860 $ - $ 1,760 $ 4,315 $ 1,785 501 Total Public Works Grants
601 Total Water System Grants $ -
Total Secured Grant Funding and Grant Payroll $ 1,252,000 $ 101,795 $ 17,109 $ 21,747 $ 19,186 $ 42,532 $ 1,221 Projected/Pending Grant Applications Deadline
201 TBA LCP Update Grant 4 Coastal Commission No date available 3 year grant $ 150,000 $ 30,000 $ 10,000 Secured and projected grant payroll $ 11,221
108,006
5/28/26, 1:21 PM
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Request for CERT Communications Equipment for 2026/2027 City Budget From Richard Johnson <[email protected]>
Date Thu 5/28/2026 10:49 AM
To Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>; Ckelly Trinidad <[email protected]> Cc Larry Goldberg <[email protected]>; Geoffrey Austin <[email protected]> Thank you for your generous support for the Greater Trinidad Area CERT. We've made great progress over the last year equipping the CERT trailer and firehouse with communications equipment to provide multiple ways to communicate. This is a very important component of the overall emergency response effort to support our community.
As I have mentioned previously, there are several additional items that I request to be added to the City's budget allocation for FY 2026/2027. These will provide increased efficiency and redundancy for our CERT team.
The cost for these items are budgetary estimates but detailed prices can be provided when required:
Amateur band whip antenna with associated mounting hardware and cabling for redundant HAM radio in CERT trailer - $200
Replacement microphone cable for HAM radio - $25
High efficiency antennas for 2 handheld amateur radios - $100 Large format area maps with parcel addresses (assumes maps are available from the County, price estimate is for printing only) - $200 Thank you in advance for considering this request for the upcoming budget discussions.
Regards,
Richard Johnson
707 407 5309
5/8/26, 6:27 PM
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Fw: request from The Friends of the Trinidad Library
From essence Torres <[email protected]>
Date Fri 5/8/2026 6:11 PM
To Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
To: Trinidad City Council From: Friends of the Trinidad Library Date: May 8, 2026 Subject: Request for Supplemental Funding for Library Staffing Dear Members of the Trinidad City Council,
The Friends of the Trinidad Library (FOTL) is writing to formally request that the City of Trinidad assume the cost of four additional hours of library staff time per week.
As a cornerstone of our community, the Trinidad Library provides essential resources, digital access, and educational programming for residents of all ages. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the City’s ongoing partnership and the financial support provided through Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds. This contribution has been instrumental in maintaining our current operations.
The Challenges Facing the Friends Group Currently, the FOTL covers 60% of staffing costs while the City covers 40%. While we have been proud to bridge this gap through fundraising and volunteer labor, several factors have made this ratio unsustainable:
Declining Membership: A reduction in active members has limited our ability to sustain long-term financial pledges.
Volunteer Shortages: A lack of new volunteers has curtailed our capacity to execute the large-scale fundraising events necessary to meet our 60% obligation.
A Sustainable Path Forward By requesting that the City fund an additional four hours of staff time, we aim to ensure that library services remain consistent and professional. While we remain deeply grateful for the continued support from the City, this shift would provide the operational security needed to keep our doors open reliably. It would also allow the FOTL to pivot our remaining resources toward collection development and special community events.
5/8/26, 6:27 PM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM…A4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAOc1sVJGppxCjx%2FU8XsEG%2FY%3D Page 2 of 2 The Trinidad Library is a vital public service, and we believe that investing in these additional hours is a direct investment in the literacy and connectivity of our residents.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further at the next City Council meeting. Thank you for your time and your dedication to the Trinidad community.
Sincerely,
The Friends of the Trinidad Library
Essence Torres
Northcoast Children’s Services 1266 9th Street Arcata, CA 95521 (707)822-7206 Fax (707)822-7962 Dear Trinidad City Council members,
I am writing about the Salmonberry preschool and the challenges we are facing continuing to operate this program. Our enrollment has been quite low this year and based on projected enrollment for next year, we may need to close this classroom. Salmonberry is one of our oldest programs and we are exploring the options we available to keep it open.
Parents in the program have shared that the community and city have expressed an interest in finding ways to help us keep this program open, including fundraising eEorts. Given the costs of operating, if we can reach half enrollment, eight children, we project that we will still need to raise an additional $7,000 per month to meet our operating costs. Currently we have 2 children who we anticipate would be returning next year from the current class and potentially 5 additional children whose parents have turned in applications. Under this scenario, we would have a $60,000 -$70,000 deficit for the year.
We are currently exploring options to reduce operating costs that could help cover some of that budget shortfall. While the ultimate decision to close the site would be made by our Board of Directors, I feel confident that if we can successfully raise $30,000 by the end of July, we could plan to keep the program open next year. While we would still need to raise the remainder of the money during the school year, this would give us some level of certainty of being able to meet our financial obligations for the first half of the year and would go a long way in demonstrating to the Board the commitment of the community to support this eEort.
We are seeking the City’s support/assistance to help us reach our fundraising goal. I plan to attend the May 12th Board meeting and am available to meet with City staE to further discuss this situation and explore ideas for continuing this program during the next school year as well as ideas for the long-term success of the Salmonberry preschool.
Sincerely,
Rodney Oien
Executive Director
2026 Planning Projects April 14, 2026 CC Meeting
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
TO: Trinidad City Council
FROM: Trever Parker, City Planer
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM:
2026 Planning Projects and Priorities: Update on 2025 projects and discussion and prioritization of planning related projects in 2026.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY
No action is necessary, but the City Council should consider the following:
• Provide input on these projects and their prioritization for further direction to staff and the Planning Commission.
• Add other potential projects for consideration and discussion as desired. • These projects and priorities in terms of upcoming budget discussions.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Staff periodically provide the Planning Commission and City Council with a summary of current and upcoming planning-related projects. This is especially important when there are a lot of projects, particularly ongoing ones such as the general plan update. The intent is to provide an update on the status of ongoing projects, to provide perspective about what staff is working on, and to provide a mechanism for prioritizing limited budget and staff time.
One of the things that is apparent is that there is a backlog of important projects. There are a variety of reasons for this, but staff capacity has been a significant component. Even when projects are prioritized, more pressing issues tend to come up and divert staff time away from them; a good current example is the ALMT. Also, permit applications are usually unpredictable, and complex projects can take significant staff time. Staff are anticipating several project applications this year, including the development of the vacant lot behind Murphy’s. Although permit applications take up staff time, the costs are borne by the applicant.
The attached staff report was provided to the Planning Commission for their January meeting (continued to the February meeting). Some of their comments and recommendations are summarized below (the minutes are not yet available).
2026 Planning Projects April 14, 2026 CC Meeting
The following acronyms are used in this and the attached staff report but are not defined, because they are commonly used in planning reports.
ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit
ALMT – Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail
CC – City Council
CCC – CA Coastal Commission
GP – General Plan
IP – Implementation Plan (land use ordinances, including zoning, that are part of the LCP) LAFCo – Local Agency Formation Commission
LCP – Local Coastal Program (certified by the Coastal Commission) LUP – Land Use Plan portion of the LCP (e.g. general plan) OWTS – Onsite Wastewater Treatment System
PC – Planning Commission
RFP – Request for proposals
STR – Short Term Rental
VWT – Van Wycke Trail
Planning Commission Comments/Recommendations
General Plan
• The Planning Commission emphasized completion of the general plan/LCP update as a priority. They are encouraged that the Coastal Commission now seems amenable to a piecemeal approach.
• The PC wants the City Council’s support, input, and involvement in the general plan update.
• Suggest seeking outside help on the Housing Element update. • Requested a matrix of elements and status/next steps, which is provided below. • The Planning Commission would like to prioritize setting policy to implement the design guidelines drafted as part of the new design element without having to amend the design review regulations (which could be a significant undertaking).
STR Ordinance
• The Planning Commission is not aware of any complaints or pressing issues. While there has been discussion of making some tweaks, such as to the lottery system, much can be accomplished through the use of administrative rules issued by the City Manager rather than the effort required to amend the ordinance and obtain certification from the Coastal Commission.
Annexation
• The Planning Commission would like this to be a priority discussion and analysis item and want to ensure it does not fall through the cracks.
2026 Planning Projects April 14, 2026 CC Meeting
• The two new water service customers will contribute $5,000 each. This should provide some initial information to help determine the feasibility of annexation, but would not get the City through the entire annexation process, which would likely take multiple years with everything else that is going on.
• Suggested developing a plan with steps and triggers.
• Consider formation of an annexation committee.
Other
• PC wants to ensure that efforts are followed through to implementation to ensure the benefits of the work put into it.
• Website needs updating and needs to be more user friendly. This work could be outsourced. (Note that changes to the ADA will require most web content to be accessible by April 26, 2027 for small jurisdictions. This will be a significant undertaking.)
• OWTS enforcement isn’t necessarily a planning task. Develop a prioritized approach.
Tie enforcement into licensing (e.g. business licenses). Suggest publishing a list of noncompliant properties (public shaming).
• Staff capacity has been a significant hindrance. SHN has had trouble recruiting and retaining planning staff, but seems to have adequate capacity now. But it will depend on City budget considerations and the capacity of City staff to provide support. (Note that the City will need to put out an RFP for planning services in the next couple of months and negotiate a new contract for planning services; SHNs rates, along with most companies, have increased substantially in the last 5 years to keep up with the market.)
• City staff support is necessary to implement planning projects, so lack of City staff capacity affects planning projects. Additional City staff could also take some of the pressure off professional staff and complete some of the simpler and more routine tasks, possibly at a cheaper rate.
Element Content Status Next Steps
Introduction Provides an
overview of the
general plan and
a vision for the
future of the City.
Does not set
policy except for
interpretations of
the GP.
PC Recommended
September 2019 with
CCC comments
incorporated.
CC Reviewed December
2021.
September 2019 version
on the website.
This element is essentially
complete but may need minor
updating as needed based on
changes to other elements.
The figure needs to be updated
and corrected.
Need to find out how this would
fit into piecemeal certification
process.
Land Use Mandated
element that
creates the
general
framework for
PC Recommended June
2020 with initial CCC
comments incorporated.
This element is essentially
complete, but there are still some
issues with proposed land use
changes that need to be discussed
with CCC staff. This will likely be
2026 Planning Projects April 14, 2026 CC Meeting
the future pattern
of growth,
development,
and
sustainability.
CC Reviewed December
2021.
June 2020 version on the
website.
one of the last elements submitted
to CCC for certification, because it
needs to be consistent with every
other element and because it
overlaps the most with the current
certified LUP.
Conservation,
Open Space,
Recreation
This element
addresses
environmental
protection.
Conservation and
Open Space are
elements required
by state general
plan law, and
recreation/
public access is
an element/ topic
required by the
Coastal
Commission.
PC reviewed January
2021 with CCC
comments and
responses.
CCC had substantial
comments, which have
been addressed, and a
new draft was
resubmitted in February
2023.
CC reviewed August
2021 (current) draft (w
CCC comments and
responses) in January
2022.
August 2021 version on
the website.
This large and complex element
could be separated into 2 or 3
elements.
It will need minor updates, and it
should be simplified as well.
New implementing regulations
will need to be developed for this
element. Some have already been
drafted, but not reviewed by PC
or CCC.
This would be a priority to get to
the CCC along with new
implementing regulations,
because current City ordinances
lack much in the way of
environmental protection.
Circulation This is a state
mandated
element that
addresses
transportation,
public services
and utilities, as
well as energy,
air quality, and
GHG emissions.
PC reviewed April 2021.
CCC comments and
responses incorporated
and resubmitted in
February 2023.
Reviewed by CC
September 2022.
April 2021 version on
the website.
This element is essentially
complete. It needs to be updated
based on new information and as
needed to address changes to
other elements prior to submittal
to CCC.
Necessary regulatory updates
need to be assessed. Many issues
are not Coastal Act related, so
implementing ordinances do not
necessarily need to be certified by
the CCC as part of the LCP.
Design This optional
element is
intended to
protect scenic and
visual qualities.
Views to and
along the
coastline are
protected by the
Coastal Act, but
Final draft last reviewed
by the PC February
2023.
Design guidelines
developed concurrently.
CCC review and certification of
this element will be complicated
by the differences in view
protection approaches.
In the short-term, the PC would
like to look at the possibility of
implementing some or all of the
new design guidelines as policy as
2026 Planning Projects April 14, 2026 CC Meeting
private views are
not.
long as they are consistent with
existing regulatory criteria.
Cultural &
Historic
Resources
This optional
element is
intended to
protect cultural
resources and
provide guidance
for consultation.
September 2022
updated draft sent to
tribes for review and
comment. Comments
received from Trinidad
Rancheria and Yurok
Tribe and incorporated
into element.
The draft and tribal
comments have been
forwarded to the CCC.
This element is included
as part of the LCP
update grant.
Litigation and other issues have
slowed and complicated
continued consultation and
finalization of the document.
In the meantime, staff will await
comments from the CCC.
Housing State mandated
element
addressing
housing that
must be updated
every 8 years and
certified by HCD.
Adopted in April 2020.
Found legally adequate
by HCD in May 2020.
City is behind in
implementing housing
policies, but is working
diligently on them.
The Housing Element will need to
be updated in the next year with
more stringent state requirements.
See PC staff report for additional
information.
Noise State mandated
element to protect
the community
and noise
sensitive land
uses from
exposure to
excessive noise
levels.
Currently under review
by the PC, most recently
in November 2025.
Staff is working on a
revised draft for an
upcoming PC meeting.
Noise is not a Coastal
Act issue, so this
element does not need
to be certified by the
CCC.
This element is nearing
completion, and staff will
continue to work with the PC
until they feel they can
recommend it to the CC.
There have been suggestions for
the City to adopt a noise
ordinance (this would not be
directly related to the noise
element).
Safety This is another
state mandated
element and is an
important
element for
coastal resource
issues as well.
PC reviewed last in May
2025 (emergency
response section in
September 2025, which
is not a Coastal Act /
LCP issue).
Submitted to CCC staff
July 2025. Comments
Staff are working to incorporate
CCC comments, which were
relatively minimal and plan to
bring a revised draft back to the
PC this month (April).
Staff are also working on
implementing regulations for the
safety element which will be
2026 Planning Projects April 14, 2026 CC Meeting
The purpose is to
protect
community
members,
property, and the
environment
from hazards. It
also addresses
emergency
preparedness and
response.
were prioritized due to
LCP grant and were
provided in January
and April (fire) 2026.
brought to the PC within the next
few months.
The emergency response section
of the safety element still needs
some work, as planning staff is
not fully familiar with this area of
City operations.
Submittal of the Safety Element
and implementing regulations is a
CCC priority under the grant.
Figures Some figures
have been
updated and
reviewed out of
sync with the
text.
Figures for the
Introduction, Land Use,
Conservation, Open
Space and Recreation,
and Circulation Element
updated in 2022.
Safety Element Figures
updated/created in
2025.
The 2022 figures need to be
updated in some cases (e.g. the
City limits need to be revised to
remove the Rancheria trust
property) and the 2025 safety
figures are still under review.
ATTACHMENTS
• 2026 Planning Projects PC Staff Report with Attachment
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Trever Parker, City Planer
AGENDA ITEM: 2026 Planning Projects and Priorities: Update on 2025 projects and discussion and prioritization of planning related projects in 2026.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
• Provide input on these projects and their prioritization and add other potential projects for consideration and discussion as desired.
• Consider making recommendation(s) to the City Council for budget discussions and/or a potential future joint meeting.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
To start off the new year, I have been thinking about some upcoming projects and obligations, and I wanted to review the status of the projects we discussed and prioritized in 2025. There continues to be a lot of planning related projects in progress and on the horizon in Trinidad. It is beneficial for the City Council, the Planning Commission, and the public to understand those projects and how or why they have been prioritized. This is especially important when the Council discusses the City’s budget. It should be recognized that there is likely not enough staff bandwidth or budget to complete all of these tasks, which is why prioritization is important.
This is primarily an informational item and an opportunity for the Planning Commission to ask questions about projects and provide input as to what tasks should be prioritized. The Planning Commission and City Council have held a joint meeting annually for the past few years, primarily associated with the STR Committee. But there may be value in continuing that practice periodically. The Planning Commission can also make recommendations to the Council without a joint meeting. 2025 Projects & Status
The following list of projects is from the 2025 projects and priorities discussed by the Planning Commission in February 2025. An update on their status is provided below.
ADU ordinance
Based on comments received from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on the last draft, City staff changed the approach and have
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
developed a new draft in consultation with Coastal Commission staff. More information and a new draft ordinance are provided as part of the other item on this month’s agenda.
New application forms and guides
These are ready to go. They should be reviewed one more time and presented to the City Council prior to implementing them.
OWTS program
• OWTS Permits: Anton has taken over for Jennifer in coordinating OWTS permit renewals. However, it has taken time for him to get up to speed. But he is now sending out regular renewal letters and sending me the renewal applications. • OWTS Enforcement: Staff have not been able to diligently follow up with those who have not fully complied with the OWTS Management Program. But I think this may be even more important than renewals, because these are the systems that pose the greatest risk.
• OWTS Ordinance Update: One of the primary reasons to update the ordinance is to ensure that ADUs are adequately covered. In addition, implementation of the program has shed light on some sections that should be revised. The Planning Commission discussed this in April 2024. Staff plans to follow up again in 2026.
LCP update grant
• Cultural resources element: This has been on hold pending resolution of several ongoing issues, including litigation. At some point, we will have to move forward with it regardless. But for now, I plan to incorporate comments that have been received from the Yurok Tribe and Trinidad Rancheria and get it to Coastal Commission staff for review. Informal consultation with tribal entities can continue as practicable.
• Safety element: The Safety Element was reviewed by the Planning Commission and submitted to Coastal Commission staff for review. We are still awaiting their comments.
• Studies (new and updated): The previous studies have mostly been updated. This included finalizing the parking study and essentially re-doing the soils report. The biological background report is currently being finalized. • New studies: New studies included a visitor services study and a build-out analysis.
The visitor services study is drafted and has been reviewed by Coastal Commission staff. They requested additional information regarding the RV parks, but I have not been able to get in touch with either owner. There is a possible sale pending for TBTC. After an official inquiry, I did get a response from HCD that RVs do not qualify as dwellings. Prior to completing the build-out analysis, which has also been
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
drafted, I need a better idea of what the final land use/zoning designations are going to be. The RV parks are a big question mark. And Coastal Commission staff have indicated that it may be difficult to change any existing zoning without detailed site-specific analysis (which defeats the purpose of long-range planning), so I need to discuss that further with them.
• IP update: One positive development is that Coastal Commission staff have agreed, in concept, to updating the LCP in chunks based on general plan elements. Staff have drafted several new IP sections and chapters. Since the grant focuses on safety (climate change and resilience), regulations to implement the Safety Element have been a priority. But new regulations for CDP requirements and procedures and for protecting biological resources have also been drafted. These will be coming to the Planning Commission for review throughout the year. In particular, it might make sense to take a new CDP chapter to the Coastal Commission at the same time as the ADU ordinance.
Non LCP GP updates
All of the general plan elements have been drafted. As they age, they need to be updated. And the entire document needs to be reviewed for internal consistency, including with the existing general plan.
• Noise Element: This is in progress.
• Emergency response: This is in progress.
• Overall consistency: This has yet to be completed. However, completing a comprehensive update of the entire general plan has proven infeasible. Updating it element by element would be more practical, and Coastal Commission staff have agreed to this approach in concept. The existing general plan will need to be reviewed and revised as each new element is adopted and submitted to the Coastal Commission for certification in order to maintain overall consistency.
Trails
• ALMT: City staff continue to cooperate with the Coastal Commission as they work with stakeholders to facilitate solutions for reopening the ALMT. Their ALMT working group includes the City, CA Coastal Conservancy, TAS, and Yurok Tribe.
For a more detailed update on the current status, please see the City Council packets for January 13, 2026 (https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/8421) and November 12, 2025 (https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/8361).
• Galindo: No work occurred in 2025, but it was recently brought up at a Tsurai Management Team meeting, so there could be movement in 2026. However, needs to obtain an easement from the BIA to repair/rebuild the walkway before closing the trail. And I do not know whether the City would want to take action to close Galindo before the ALMT is reopened, or at least until the appeal is resolved.
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
• VWT: No work occurred in 2025, and no additional issues came up.
Water service apps / annexation
There has been slow progress on this item. City staff have had a number of discussions with the applicants and with LAFCo staff about the process and what obligations would come with approval of a water service connection. LAFCo staff have agreed to process the applications as Outside Agency Service Requests, which does not require annexation up-front. LAFCo will still require the City to consider annexation, but the connections can move ahead in the meantime. We have now agreed on a process, timelines, and fair share costs for analyzing the feasibility of annexation with both applicants. City staff are preparing the LAFCo application for submittal in time for their March meeting. The City Council will need to discuss how much time, money, and effort will be spent on pursuing annexation during their budget discussions.
Permit processing
This will continue to be ongoing as applications are submitted. I am aware of some projects that are in the design phase.
Enforcement
Staff have not had a lot of bandwidth to pursue enforcement, but important issues are addressed as needed when they come up.
Additional 2026 Projects
Many of the 2025 projects will continue to be part of our workload in 2026. There are also additional projects and issues that will need to be addressed in the coming year and several topics that the Planning Commission has been wanting to discuss for some time as part of their “future agenda items” on each agenda.
Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP)
The County recently certified the Environmental Impact Report and adopted the RCAP.
All the cities in the County have been participants in the development of the RCAP.
While the participation of all the jurisdictions is important, Trinidad won’t have a significant impact on the County’s greenhouse gas emissions, particularly because most of the emissions are from vehicles. And Trinidad will not likely get to take advantage of the project streamlining benefits, because the City doesn’t get large development projects. However, the City is interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the extent practical and complying with state mandates. The City will be expected to adopt the RCAP and contribute its fair share of costs towards an RCAP coordinator who will monitor its implementation.
Housing Element
You may have seen some news about the new Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers for Humboldt County jurisdictions. HCD sets an overall number of
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
housing units that they estimate need to be built in the County each 7-year housing cycle. That number is divided up between the jurisdictions using certain formulas with the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) deciding on the final allocation. The 7th housing cycle is coming up, and the RHNA process is currently underway. These numbers will drive the development of policies and implementation measures for the next Housing Element, which is required to be updated for each 7-year cycle; revised housing elements will be due in July 2027.
This will be an interesting housing element cycle (each County is on a slightly different timeline). The number of required housing units is unrealistically large, and it will be difficult, if not impossible, for each jurisdiction to show that they can accommodate their allocated units. On top of that, HCD has gotten more authority to enforce these housing laws and enact fines and other penalties for noncompliance. So, even though the due date seems far away, some jurisdictions are already issuing or drafting RFPs for completion of their housing elements. There are a lot of specific requirements for housing elements, including detailed analyses, which makes them somewhat tedious. In the 6th cycle, it seemed like HCD did not hold Trinidad to as high of a standard as other jurisdictions, likely due to the known limitations. But the standards are even higher now, and low-income housing is further broken down into low, very low, extremely low, and acutely low. It is hard to imagine where those lower tiers can be accommodated in Trinidad, particularly since RVs don’t count as housing.
Updating the Housing Element will likely take a significant amount of time and staff resources and will need to be started this year at some point. The more Trinidad can meet its current Housing Element implementation measures, that may help make the next one easier. Staff have been working on those based on letters of inquiry from HCD, which includes adopting an ADU ordinance as the biggest priority. It also includes a few other hopefully minor LCP/zoning updates to implement the state’s density bonus law and to add provisions for low-barrier navigations centers.
HBMWD Pipeline/Connection
A potential connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District will be a continuing topic of conversation of conversation in 2026. There are numerous steps required for that process. The City Council has elected to conduct some comparative analysis on connecting to HBMWD versus continuing to operate its water plant. However, that is just a starting point. And regardless of whether the City decides it wants to study that further, the City is an important stakeholder and should be involved in the process. It is unclear at this point what role the Planning Commission may have, but planning staff will continue to be involved.
Resiliency Project(s) Implementation
The City had plans to submit a grant for implementation funding for projects identified and recommended in the 2024 Coastal Resiliency Plan. The Ocean Protection Council,
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
which funded the plan, has encouraged the City to follow up with a funding request for implementation. But because many of the projects affect the Tsurai Study Area, there hasn’t been a clear path forward for prioritizing projects and applying for funding.
Also, staff capacity has also been an issue. The City plans to put out a job announcement for a new grant administrator very soon. I think this is an important opportunity for the City to follow up on, and I will continue to encourage the development of a grant proposal.
STR ordinance review
This may or may not come up this year. The Planning Commission is supposed to periodically review the STR ordinance and recommend changes. There is no longer an STR committee. Staff have talked about making some revisions to the lottery process, but some of that can be implemented administratively. The Planning Commission should let me know if there are any pressing STR issues that should be considered.
Other
There are a couple of items that are high on my priority list, but that aren’t really planning projects. I just thought I should mention them here, since they do affect planning issues and projects.
One is finalizing and implementing the new MOA with Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (DEH). DEH implements a variety of state mandated programs and regulations in the City, including OWTS permitting, hazardous waste management, food safety and restaurant inspections, and the new edible food waste requirements, among other things.
Another project I would love to see implemented is to get Trinidad’s online ordinances recodified. That process has been started, but City staff haven’t had the time to get the web host everything they need. The online code was last updated in 2012 and is severely out of date, since a number of important amendments have been passed since then. Hopefully staff can get this process moving again.
Future agenda items
The following list is from the future agenda items that have been included on the Planning Commission’s agenda, some for several years. One of the easiest ones would probably be to review the draft design guidelines in conjunction with the existing design guidelines and set policy for implementing the new guidelines as further refinement of the existing guidelines. They would not be enforceable except as conditions of approval, which an applicant can accept or appeal, but it would avoid the need for an LCP amendment for the time being. It is common to implement design guidelines as policy anyway. Commissioner Hakenen suggested reviewing new sign regulations as the next priority. That is an important task, but will likely take some
2026 Planning Projects January 21, 2026 PC Meeting
time, and there will be public interest in it. Commissioner Hakenen is researching sign ordinances that could serve as a good model for Trinidad. • Vegetation regulations
• Signage Master Plan/Sign regulations
• Annexation (added 09/20/23)
• Addressing cultural resources in project reviews (added 10/18/23) • Implementation of new design guidelines (added 03/20/24) • Noise ordinance (added 11/19/25)
ATTACHMENTS
• 2025 Project List and Staff Report (8 pages)
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Trever Parker, City Planer
AGENDA ITEM: 2025 Planning Projects: Discussion and prioritization of planning related projects in 2025.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
• Provide input on these projects and their prioritization • Add other potential projects for consideration and discussion at a joint City Council-Planning Commission meeting
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
As part of getting two new City Councilmembers, a new Planning Commissioner, and a new City Manager up to speed, there has been some talk about having a joint City Council-Planning Commission meeting. We have done that annually for the past few years with the STR Committee. But there is likely value in continuing that practice periodically.
In addition, there are once again a lot of planning related projects in progress and on the horizon in Trinidad. It would be good for the City Council, the City Manager, the Planning Commission, and the public to understand those projects and how or why they have been prioritized. This is especially important when the Council discusses the City’s budget. The following is a description of current, ongoing, and anticipated planning projects for 2025.
ADU Ordinance
The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance was drafted with grant funding from the Dept of Housing and Community Development (HCD). However, we did not get it all the way through the approval process before the grant ran out. This ordinance requires approval from both the Coastal Commission and HCD. The State’s second unit laws change every year, so it would be nice to get it done soon. Once the ordinance is certified by the Coastal Commission as part of the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP), the City is somewhat insulated from changes in the law. Planning staff considers this a high priority.
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
City staff have worked through all of the Coastal Commission staff’s comments and concerns. Now we are working on addressing comments from HCD as presented at the January meeting. I have drafted responses, several of which raise additional questions for Coastal Commission staff, which I have sent to them. I have requested a meeting to discuss HCD’s comments and the City’s responses. There will likely also be a few questions for the Planning Commission to address. Eventually, we may need to have a meeting with all three agencies to finalize some details. Once we have HCD and Coastal Commission concurrence, the final ordinance will require a recommendation from the Planning Commission, adoption by the City Council, and then submittal to the Coastal Commission for certification as an LCP Amendment.
New Application Forms
This is another project that was started with grant funding but not quite completed.
City staff have drafted all new planning permit application forms that are much more comprehensive than the current generic form. It is intended that the forms will provide clearer requirements, result in more complete applications, and make the process less confusing for applicants and staff. Although not necessarily essential at this time, they will be necessary once the City updates its zoning ordinance and other land use regulations, which will include more specific application requirements. And since they are essentially done, we may as well start using them so everyone can get used to them; we can always update them as needed. The forms don’t require official adoption, but I did attach them here since you haven’t seen them. The Planning Commission may want to discuss them as part of a future agenda item and provide input. We plan to present them to the City Council along with some proposed updated fees/deposits at an upcoming City Council meeting.
OWTS Program
City staff will continue to implement the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) program. Although I have had indispensable support from other City staff to finally get the program implemented City-wide, the City Planner is the designated OWTS Administrator. There are several facets to this task.
• Keep up with OWTS Operating Permits: The City now has a system in place to keep track of permit expiration dates and notify property owners when their permit will soon expire. We will also continue to monitor property sales and improvements to ensure that OWTS are upgraded as needed at appropriate times. • Follow-up on enforcement: There are still a few outstanding property owners that have not submitted complete applications and obtained OWTS permits for one or more systems. Staff have slowly ramped up our correspondence and have tried to work with the hold-outs on an informal basis. It is likely that the City will have to take more formal enforcement steps in the coming months to achieve compliance.
Unfortunately, enforcement can be very difficult and time consuming.
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
• OWTS Ordinance update: As noted at the January meeting, I want to make sure that adequate requirements and protections for OWTS are in place prior to implementation of the ADU ordinance. And as part of any amendments, it would make sense to make at least a few other minor updates to the OWTS ordinances based on lessons learned as we have more fully implemented the OWTS Management Program. Although the OWTS ordinance was originally drafted by the Planning Commission, it is not truly a land use ordinance and does not require Planning Commission review or recommendation prior to adoption of amendments by the City Council.
LCP Update Grant
Completing the LCP update is staff’s biggest priority. One, the LCP Update Grant that we have from the Coastal Commission will be done at the end of this year. And two, we have been working towards a general plan/LCP update for many years, and it is important to get that accomplished. We are behind on most of the grant tasks, but we have been making good progress over the last several months and have them all well in progress at this point. The following is a summary of grant tasks and progress. • Cultural Element: City staff need to incorporate the Rancheria and Yurok Tribe’s comments on the draft element. We will also make another attempt to get comments from the Tsurai Ancestral Society. Some of this general plan element, particularly policies related to the Tsurai Study Area, are complicated by the ongoing litigation, but we still need to move forward on it to the extent possible. We can amend it later as needed. In addition to the Cultural and Historic Resources Element, the City needs to conduct formal Tribal Consultation on the entire General Plan once all the elements are complete and near their final form.
• Safety Element: We have discussed the safety element at the last couple of meetings.
The next step is to incorporate the Planning Commission comments from the last meeting and get a draft submitted to Coastal Commission staff. • Studies: Coastal Commission staff have requested several background studies as part of the City’s LCP update. Some have been previously drafted and need updating, and some are new studies. These are tasks staff have been working on, but they haven’t all shown up on agendas, so the Planning Commission, City Council, and the public may not be aware of all of these efforts. The results and recommendations of these (and other) studies have been or will eventually need to be integrated into the general plan update as needed.
o Visitor Service Facilities: The VSF study is focused on overnight visitor accommodations. The Coastal Act identifies visitor services as a priority land use in the Coastal Zone. This issue is of particular importance considering the fact that the two RV parks in town (and the only properties zoned Visitor Services in the City) have mostly converted to long-term tenancy. The study is generally complete and has been reviewed by Coastal Commission staff. However, they
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
would like more information specific to the RV Parks and I have not been successful in obtaining the information, including contacting the property owners and HCD to get additional information. I will continue to work on that. o Build out: This study is an assessment of the build-out development potential in the City under the proposed land use designations/zoning and the City’s capacity to provide the services necessary to accommodate that development.
The study focuses on water supply, stormwater/groundwater, wastewater/OWTS and traffic/parking. Coastal Commission staff want a specific analysis of how land use changes proposed in the LCP update affect the development potential and service capacity. The Planning Commission has discussed several land use changes with minor impacts, and I have identified a few more that would make sense. I still need to review these changes with Coastal Commission staff. And the RV parks are still a big unknown in terms of future land use designation. I can’t finalize the build-out analysis until the land use changes are better solidified.
o Updates: A number of the City’s old reports have been more recently updated, such as with the Community Climate Resilience Plan (CCRP). However, the soils and biological resources background reports are currently being updated with the LCP grant funding.
o Parking: This study was drafted under a previous grant. It was reviewed by the Planning Commission but never finalized. I need to incorporate Planning Commission and Coastal Commission comments and finalize the report. This should qualify as a report update under the LCP grant to the extent that funding is available.
• IP Update: The Implementation Plan portion of the LCP consists of the subdivision, grading, building, and zoning ordinances, all of which have significant gaps and need substantial updates. These ordinances were originally written in the late 1970’s and have not been substantially updated since. We have worked on some pieces of the zoning ordinance in particular (e.g. developing provisions for administrative permits and new design guidelines), most of which were never adopted. One of the issues with the ordinances being so old, is if you update or make changes to one section, it often results in the need to make changes to other sections, so we haven’t been able to make minor updates. We are currently working on compiling all the previous updates and adding new chapters and sections where deficiencies have been identified. I am going to start putting pieces of the zoning and other ordinances on the Planning Commission agendas. To that end, I suggest the Planning Commission start familiarizing yourselves with the zoning ordinance, Title 17 of the Municipal Code, which can be found here:
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Trinidad/
o Pending amendments: There are a few zoning amendments that have been recently adopted and submitted to the Coastal Commission for certification. Although
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
these should not demand much staff time in 2025, I wanted to provide an update to the Planning Commission. The amendments include the codified numbering update, which will be critical for drafting the comprehensive zoning update, because it reconciles the codified numbering system found in the Trinidad Municipal Code and the one that was originally certified by the Coastal Commission. The other two are related to housing and were funded by a previous housing grant. They include the update of housing related definitions and allowable uses in residences as provided in state law, and addition of a process for responding to reasonable accommodate requests for persons with disabilities. Finally, there was a private application for a zone/land use designation change on Berry Road that was approved by the City. All of these amendments are still pending certification by the Coastal Commission. The applications have been deemed complete, and the City has not received any requests for additional information related to the applications.
Other GP Updates
The City’s General Plan also functions as the Land Use Plan portion of the City’s LCP. It consists of the seven State required elements as well as a couple of optional elements.
The seven required elements are land use, conservation, open space, circulation, housing, safety, and noise. There is also a separate section for public access and recreation, because that is a Coastal Act requirement. The optional elements are cultural and historical resources, and community design. All of these elements have been updated since 2020, and many of them have been reviewed by Coastal Commission staff. The Housing Element has been adopted and certified by HCD, but is not part of the LCP, so it doesn’t need Coastal Commission approval. The Land Use, Conservation, Open Space, and Circulation Elements are essentially complete, but will likely need some minor updates based on the new and updated background studies, to ensure consistency between all elements, and as a result of formal Tribal Consultation. Current and draft general plan elements can be found here:
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/document-library?search=general%20plan • Noise: The noise element is probably the smallest element and is generally not included as part of the LCP. That means is it less of a priority, because it does not fall under the LCP grant. The Planning Commission reviewed an updated draft in September 2022. I need to incorporate the Planning Commission’s comments and obtain some updated noise readings.
• Overall consistency: The general plan must be internally consistent. Once all of the elements have been drafted, they need to be reviewed again for any final updates and internal consistency. This is also the point where formal Tribal Consultation will need to occur.
Trails
There are several ongoing trails projects described below.
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
• ALMT: The City continues to work with the Tsurai Management Team (TMT) to look at both short and long-term repairs to the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail and ways to address the bluff instability. The trails memo provided as part of this packet provides additional details and current updates.
• Galindo Trail: The City Council directed staff to work on a plan for closing the Galindo Trail. City staff worked closely with the TAS and Coastal Commission staff in 2022 and into early 2023 to plan a small parklet that serve as a memorial and an overlook at the top of the bluff along the trail as part of the closure. The City was also working on coordinating repair of the boardwalk along lower Edwards, which is a critical alternative pedestrian access route. We were to the point of having draft plans close to being ready to present to the public. Unfortunately, we all got pulled away in the spring of 2023 to deal with the erosion along Old Home Beach. And we have continued to be busy with other trail issues so that we have not gotten back to working on Galindo. In addition, there have been delays with the boardwalk repair, so the project could not have moved forward anyway. It is anticipated that there will be movement again on this project in 2025.
• Van Wycke Trail: Although the immediate issue of the temporary closure has been solved for the short-term, the future of this trail is still in question. The slide that is impacting the trail will continue to move, further compromising the condition of the trail. As previously noted, the City will need to decide whether to pursue repairs and to what extent, and consider if/when the trail should be closed as has been requested by the Tsurai Ancestral Society and Yurok Tribe. This topic may or may not come up in 2025, but I will keep the Planning Commission abreast of any updates.
Annexation/Water Service Apps
The City received two applications for water service along Mill Creek Lane outside City limits. The City developed policies for responding to water connection requests outside City limits that were approved in 2023. These requests are both fairly straightforward residential connections that can be approved by the City Manager. However, the City also has to apply to the Humboldt County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for permission to provide water outside City limits. Although LAFCo have relaxed their standards somewhat so that annexation is not necessarily required, they still expect the City to consider and pursue annexation unless it is not feasible.
Unfortunately, staff have been very busy, and these applications have not been prioritized. Now that some of our other obligations have been taken care of and the City has a new City Manager, I hope to make some real progress on these applications. The City needs to do some legwork to look at the feasibility of and desire for annexation.
Staff met on February 10 to discuss next steps. I have requested the City Engineer’s office to evaluate the impact to the City’s water system from connecting all the properties along Mill Creek Lane, because that area has relatively low water pressure,
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
and improvements may be necessary. The City has also requested LAFCo staff to present some general information regarding annexation at an upcoming City Council meeting—likely the April meeting. Annexation is not a simple process and would take significant staff time. However, there has been interest from the Planning Commission and City Council in learning more about the process, and staff needs to address the water connection applications, so we need to consider it at some level.
Permit processing
Staff have an obligation to process permit applications as they are received in a timely manner. There was a significantly higher than average number of applications in 2024.
Besides the application on tonight’s agenda, there are two additional pending applications in addition to the water service applications mentioned above. One is a residential addition similar to a previously approved project that was never constructed. In addition, a relatively large (for Trinidad) application for five residential units has been submitted.
An application has been submitted by the Yurok Housing Authority to develop the property just east of Hidden Creek RV Park with five single-family dwellings. The applicant has submitted plans, a detailed project description, a septic report, biological reports, and a draft Initial Study pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Some additional information is still being prepared. But staff are starting to review the documents and will work on the CEQA document over the next month or so. The CEQA document will need to be circulated for a 30-day review period prior to the hearing and adoption, so it will be at least a couple of months before you see this project.
Enforcement
In addition to following up on OWTS permits, there are always a few enforcement issues that come up. Enforcement can be difficult, time consuming, and expensive, and the City has not generally made enforcement a high priority except in certain specific cases, usually as the result of complaints. It is important for the City to follow-up on known violations if we expect people to follow the rules. We have a couple of pending issues where we are attempting to work with the property owners on an informal basis to gain compliance. Staff will continue with these efforts as needed and/or as directed by the City Manager.
Future Agenda Items
These are items that have been added to the Planning Commission’s “future agenda items” on the agenda. Some have been on there for quite some time. Several of them will be addressed through the LCP update. However, getting that through certification by the Coastal Commission will still take time, so we can consider interim measures, such as how to implement the new design guidelines. The topic of annexation will be addressed to some degree through the processing of the water connection applications
2025 Planning Projects February 19, 2025 PC Meeting
mentioned above. The following is the current list of future agenda items from the agenda.
• Vegetation regulations
• Signage master plan/regulations
• Annexation
• Dealing with cultural resources in project reviews
• Implementation of new design guidelines
• Land acknowledgment
ATTACHMENTS
• Draft Planning Application Forms and Guides (14 pages, not included) Note: Asphalt paving to be +/- 1/8” in 10ft with no water puddles 3/8”. Paving to be flood check by general contractor, paving contractor and a representative from First Serve Productions.
First Serve Productions Inc.
CSLB/Contractors License 773811, DIR 1000003156
1550 Ridgemore Drive
Meadow Vista, CA 95722
925.202-5228
fax 925.684.4866
www.firstservepro.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________ Proposal submitted to:Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
Date: 12/30/2021
Job Name: Trinidad Tennis Court
Address:
Phone: 707.677.0223
Email: [email protected]
______________________________________________________________________________________ For the Purpose of …
Repair and Resurfacing of 1 Tennis Court
1. Flood test for waterholes if requested. Time and Materials TBD.
2. Clean out all cracks and fill with court patch binder including around the tennis net posts.
3. Sand/grind down all repaired areas before coating.
4. Apply 3 coats of Acrylic Resurfacer to the court.
5. Apply 3 coats of Full Acrylic Color to the court.
6. Layout and Stripe with approved white line paint to original specs.
7. OPTION: Furnish and Install PROTECH Crack Repair Tape System. The cracks have not been measured but will be billed at $24 Estimating approx 200 LF. We will bill for only the amount of tape used or the budget allows.
8. Cut the current post off and make them sleeves and install a New Set of Posts, Net and Center Anchor.
9. Layout and Stripe Pickleball Lines to Tennis Court in a subdue color.
Note: All materials are as specified all work to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to practices. Any alterations or deviations from above will be in written change order. All agreements are contingent upon strikes, accidents or delays out of our control i.e. Weather.
Cracks will reappear.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We hereby propose to furnish labor and materials –complete in accordance with the above specifications, for the sum of:
Labor and Materials for Item #1 = TBD
Labor and Materials for Items #2-6 = Fifteen Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars $15,800 Labor and Materials for Items #7 = Four Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars EST. $4,800 Labor and Materials for Item #8 = Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars $4,500 Labor and Materials for Item #9 = Seven Hundred Dollars Per Court $700 Regards,
Chanel Johnson
6/3/26, 10:02 PM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…NDA4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAC1awYZ%2FJ1VNqOIURvf3LTg%3D Page 1 of 3 Outlook
RE: [FWD: Resurfacing Estimate for]
From Chanel Johnson/First Serve <[email protected]> Date Thu 12/30/2021 8:13 AM
To Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Cc Rpricehall Trinidad <[email protected]>
1 attachment (40 KB)
Trindad Tennis Court 2021.doc;
Good morning… sorry I got torn away from my kids as I am not really working during the holidays.
Here is the quote. From the pictures I don’t believe you need any asphalt work done around the posts. We can grind it flush to the current level of court and fill with court patch binder, sand down and apply crack repair tape. I did an estimated guess only from the pictures on the amount needed.
This can be customized as well to your budget. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Thank you for your patience.
Make it the BEST day!
Chanel Johnson
First Serve Productions, Inc.
(925) 202-5228
(925) 684-4866 fax
From: Gabriel Adams [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 5:07 PM
To: Chanel Johnson/First Serve <[email protected]> Cc: Becky Price-Hall <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [FWD: Resurfacing Estimate for]
I totally appreciate your help with this Chanel.
Our deadline for submitting the proposal to the state is December 31. I sure hope you have a chance to write something up for us by Thursday morning.
Thank you so much.
Gabe
6/3/26, 10:02 PM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…NDA4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAC1awYZ%2FJ1VNqOIURvf3LTg%3D Page 2 of 3 From: Chanel Johnson/First Serve <[email protected]> Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 10:12 AM
To: Trinidad Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [FWD: Resurfacing Estimate for]
Gabe,
What is the name of the park? Address? I will do the bid right now! Make it the BEST day!
Chanel Johnson
First Serve Productions, Inc.
(925) 202-5228
(925) 684-4866 fax
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2021 11:42 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [FWD: Resurfacing Estimate for]
Hi Chanel,
Hope you're having a good holiday. Any chance you could give us a rough estimate for resurfacing the Trinidad Tennis Court by Thursday? We're up against a grant deadline and this project is so in need of improvement.
Thank you!
Gabe
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Resurfacing Estimate for
From: <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, December 21, 2021 8:37 am
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Cc: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "Rebecca Price-Hall" <[email protected]>
Hi Chanel,
As promised, here are some pics of the Trinidad Tennis court that is in desperate need of resurfacing. The City plans on utilizing funds from the 2018 State of CA Per Capita 6/3/26, 10:02 PM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…NDA4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAC1awYZ%2FJ1VNqOIURvf3LTg%3D Page 3 of 3 Grant Program, which distinguishes eligible projects from maintenance of existing facilities. In this case, we have a tennis court that needs resurfacing, but in order to make the project eligible we want to incorporate pickleball. Lines and color changes to the court will be necessary to allow tennis and pickleball boundaries to work simultaniously, and your company did a nice job with that in Arcata. We'd like to do the same thing.
As illustrated in the attached pics, there are sections of asphalt that will need to be repaired prior to the resurfacing. It is deteriorating at each net post, and there are also sections of cracking that have become a hazard to the players. Is this something you do, or will this be something we need to sub out prior to resurfacing? Just getting all the ducks lined up so we can get a complete grant application submitted.
I'm guessing your resurfacing estimate will include enough detail to help me determine if I need to seek addtional estimates from other contractors.
Thanks for your time. Looking forward to your reply.
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk
707.677.0223
www.trinidad.ca.gov
6/5/26, 11:33 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1…jYtNDA4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAF0xc8wPFKtGubGfvjgDHJg%3D Page 1 of 1 Outlook
Measure Z - 2025 Budgets
From Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>
Date Fri 6/5/2026 10:54 AM
To Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
2 attachments (201 KB)
Copy of Measure 2025 Awarded Budget.xlsx; Copy of Measure 2025 Proposed Budget_Original.xlsx; Hey Gabe,
Attached are both the original Measure Z budget (estimated $338k), and after a reality check, based on past awards to other entities, the paired down version submitted to the County (estimated $57k).
Thanks,
Angela
Angela Cather
Special Projects Manager
City of Trinidad
PO Box 390
463 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.499.7659
Exhibit E - Proposed Budget
Address:
Phone:
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Total of
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Balance
A. Personnel Costs
Title:
0.00 0.00
Title:
0.00 0.00
Title:
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
B. Overhead and Occupancy Costs (Rent, Utilities, Phones, Administrative etc.) Title:
Title:
0.00 0 0 0
C. Equipment/Supplies/Services (Equipment, Supplies and Services should be separate) Title:
600.00
Title:
5,000.00
Title:
1,200.00
Title:
20,000.00 19689.3 0 310.70
Title:
Description:
Salary (separate from benefits cost)
Duties Description:
Descriptions
Salary
Duties Description:
(separate from benefits cost)
4" inch pipe
Benefits Subtotal
Total Personnel:
Total Overhead and Occupancy Costs:
Description:
Description:
CRITICAL ITEM: The current SCM is at the end of its useful life and without it we cannot properly dose the water with polymer. (A polymer is chemical that binds particles in the water to make clear and clean). The SCM measures the
electrical charge of particles in a liquid to control water treatment processes. SCMs are used for controlling polymer in sludge dewatering processes, improving overall plant
performance, etc.
Mid Turbidimeter
Description:
409 Trinity St./PO Box 3,
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.677.3876
Agency Name:
Coordinator/Contact:
Benefits
Streaming Current Monitor (SCM)
Description:
Non-critical item, but is a State requirement. The backflow meter we currently have is broken. To fulfill the State's request, we require a new backwash flow meter. The backwash flow meter measures the rate of water flow during the backwash cycle of a filter. Allows the operators to monitor the
performance of the filtration system and operate within the design parameters.
(3) 4" three-way flange 90 degree elbows
Description:
CRITICAL ITEM: Need 3 new three-way flange 90 degree
elbows for plant piping - at their end of useful life. Currently the flanges at the water plant are rusting out and if they fail we cannot pump water through our system.
Salaries Subtotal
City of Trinidad
Joe Tagliaboschi
CRITICAL ITEM: If the piping fails we cannot inject the necessary CL2s (chlorine and soda ash) into the system, thus we cannot provide clean drinking water. Piping in need of replacement - Require - new 6 foot section of 4" pipe for injection ports; new sections of 4" 100 feet ductile iron piping in the filter room.
Backwash flow meter
Benefits
Benefits
Salary (separate from benefits cost)
Duties Description:
Exhibit E - Proposed Budget
Address:
Phone:
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Total of
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Descriptions Balance
409 Trinity St./PO Box 3,
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.677.3876
Agency Name:
Coordinator/Contact:
City of Trinidad
Joe Tagliaboschi
3,430.00
Title:
3,500.00
Title:
7,000.00
Title:
3,000.00
Title:
3,430.00
Title:
10,290.00 9963.41 0 326.59
Equipment Subtotal: 57,450.00 29,652.71 0.00 27797.29
Awarded Measure Z funds 40,000.00 29,652.71 0.00 10,347.29 Title:
Title:
Supplies Subtotal: 0.00 0 0 0
Title:
Title:
Services/Other Subtotal: 0.00 0 0 0
57,450.00 29,652.71 0 27797.29
Awarded Measure Z funds 40,000.00 29,652.71 0.00 10,347.29 D. Transportation/Travel (Local and Out-of-County should be separate) Title:
Title:
0.00 0 0 0
E. Fixed Assets (According to your agency's definition of a fixed asset) Title:
Services/Other Operational Costs
Description:
Total Transportation/Travel Costs:
Out of County Travel
Description:
Total Equipment/Supplies/Services:
Local Travel
Description:
Description:
Description:
CRITICAL ITEM: The raw water turbidimeter effects our
dosing capabilities, so if we are unable to properly dose we are unable to provide safe drinking water. The raw water turbidimeter measures the turbidity of the water, the current meter is at its end of use life.
Description:
Supplies
Description:
Description:
CRITICAL ITEM: Shows how effective our dosing is, and
operates as a fail safe. Midway through the treatment
process we can determine if we are processing clean
water. (Mid-treatment efficiency; allows for detection of issues in the pretreatment process such as overdosing of polymer).
Item is in need of replacement as it is at its end of useful life.
Backwash Recycler pumps
Description:
Non-critical item, but is a State requirement. Both pumps are currently broken. The pumps allow for the conservation of water by recovering clean water from the backwash cycle.
Intermediate pumps
CRITICAL ITEM: If the current pumps fail we can't pump
water to the filters, and we also couldn't fill our water tanks.
We require 2 pumps as they are at the end of their useful life. (Please be detailed. These expenses are generally under $200, depleted or consumed within 1 year)
Air Compressor
Description:
CRITICAL ITEM: If the current air compressor fails all of the valving will not operate properly and we will not be able to treat water. Air compressors in water treatment perform many tasks, such as aeration and mixing. Require a new air
compressor for the water plant, as it is at the end of its useful life.
Description:
(3) standard turbidimeter
CRITICAL ITEM: The standard turbidimeter reads whether
or not we are providing safe water. 1 per filter train $3430 per filter, requires replacement, as they are at the end of their useful life.
Description:
Raw Water Turbidimeter
Exhibit E - Proposed Budget
Address:
Phone:
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Total of
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Descriptions Balance
409 Trinity St./PO Box 3,
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.677.3876
Agency Name:
Coordinator/Contact:
City of Trinidad
Joe Tagliaboschi
Title:
0 0 0 0
Totals 57,450.00 29,652.71 0.00 27,797.29
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Balance
Totals 40,000.00 29,652.71 0.00 10,347.29
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Balance
Description:
Total Fixed Asset Costs:
Description:
Exhibit E - Proposed Budget
Address:
Phone:
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Total of
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Balance
A. Personnel Costs
Title:
0.00 0.00
Title:
0.00 0.00
Title:
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
B. Overhead and Occupancy Costs (Rent, Utilities, Phones, Administrative etc.) Title:
Title:
0.00 0 0 0
C. Equipment/Supplies/Services (Equipment, Supplies and Services should be separate) Title:
600.00
Title:
5,000.00
Title:
1,200.00
Title:
20,000.00
Title:
3,430.00
Title:
3,500.00
Title:
7,000.00
Title:
Description:
Piping in need of replacement. Require - new 6 feet section of 4" pipe for injection ports; new sections of 4" 100 feet ductile iron piping in the filter room
City of Trinidad
Joe Tagliaboschi
409 Trinity St./PO Box 3,
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.677.3876
Agency Name:
Coordinator/Contact:
Benefits
Streaming Current Monitor (SCM)
Air Compressor
Description:
Air compressors in water treatment perform many tasks, such as aeration and mixing. Require a new air compressor for the water plant - end of useful life
Backwash flow meter
Description:
Require a new backwash flow meter - at end of useful life.
Measures the rate of water flow during the backwash cycle of a filter. Allows the operators to monitor the performance of the filtration system and operate within the design parameters. (3) 4" three-way flange 90 degree elbows
Description:
Need 3 new three-way flange 90 degree elbows for plant
piping - at end of useful life
Salaries Subtotal
4" inch pipe
Benefits Subtotal
Total Personnel:
Total Overhead and Occupancy Costs:
Description:
Description:
Require a new monitor - at end of useful life. Measures the electrical charge of particles in a liquid to control water treatment processes. SCMs are used for controlling polymer in sludge dewatering processes, improving overall plant
performance, etc.
Mid Turbidimeter
Description:
Mid-treatment efficiency; allows for detection of issues in the pretreatment process such as overdosing of polymer. Needs replacement - end of useful life
Back Wash Recycler pumps
Description:
Allows for the conservation of water by recovering clean water from the backwash cycle. Require new back wash recycler pumps - end of useful life
Isolation Gate valves
Benefits
Benefits
Salary (separate from benefits cost)
Duties Description:
Salary (separate from benefits cost)
Duties Description:
Descriptions
Description:
Salary
Duties Description:
(separate from benefits cost)
Exhibit E - Proposed Budget
Address:
Phone:
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Total of
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Balance
City of Trinidad
Joe Tagliaboschi
409 Trinity St./PO Box 3,
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.677.3876
Agency Name:
Coordinator/Contact:
Descriptions
28,900.00
Title:
177,125.00
Title:
75,000.00
Title:
3,000.00
Title:
3,430.00
Title:
10,290.00
Title:
200.00
Equipment Subtotal: 338,675.00 0 0 338675
Title:
Title:
Supplies Subtotal: 0.00 0 0 0
Title:
Title:
Services/Other Subtotal: 0.00 0 0 0
338,675.00 0 0 338675
D. Transportation/Travel (Local and Out-of-County should be separate) Title:
Title:
0.00 0 0 0
E. Fixed Assets (According to your agency's definition of a fixed asset) Title:
Title:
0 0 0 0
Totals 338,675.00 0.00 0.00 338,675.00
Requested
Budget
Current
Quarter
Costs
Prior
Quarter
Costs
Remaining
Balance
Description:
Description:
Description:
Description:
Require new isolation gate valves for our distribution lines through town; (3) 3" $500 each, (4) 4" $600 each, (6) 6" $1000 each, (5) 8" $1300 each, (5) 10" $2500 each
Raw Water Turbidimeter
Description:
Measures the turbidity of the water, the current meter is at its end of use life.
Description:
(Please be detailed. These expenses are generally under $200, depleted or consumed within 1 year)
Require a new mini refrigerator for storing water samples Description:
(3) Standard Turbidimeter
1 per filter train $3430 per filter, requires replacement. End of useful life.
Description:
Supplies
Description:
Refrigerator
Total Fixed Asset Costs:
Description:
Services/Other Operational Costs
Description:
Description:
Total Transportation/Travel Costs:
Out of County Travel
Description:
Local Travel
Description:
Description:
Smart Meters
Will assist in leak detection ($545/meter) 325 meters
Badger Meters
Current meters that require replacement ($500/meter) 150 meters - end of useful life.
Intermediate pumps
Require 2 pump water out of flocculator into the filters Total Equipment/Supplies/Services:
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED
2. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar Update
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 09, 2026
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk/Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE
2. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Briefly present and review upcoming timeline. No decision required.
NOVEMBER 2026 CITY ELECTION CALENDAR
May
• Adopt Resolution requesting Election Consolidation with the County.
June
• Announce the upcoming election season calendar and prepare candidate nomination packets.
July
• Publish Election Notice for Upcoming November Council Seats on July 08. o (3) 4-Year Terms; Kelly, Breckenridge, Tuttle
o (1) 2-Year Term (Waskiewicz)
• Candidate Nomination Period opens on July 13.
August
• Filing period for City Council Candidate nominees closes on August 07 if an incumbent files. • Filing period for City Council Candidate nominees is extended to August 12 if no incumbents file by August 07.
September
• Staff works with County Elections to prepare the ballot.
October
• Publish notification of (2) upcoming Planning Commission vacancies November
• General Election, Tuesday, November 03, 2026.
December
• When County Elections results are certified, swear in new Council members, appoint Mayor, and re-distribute or confirm Committee/Commissionership assignments.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
3. Discussion/Decision regarding July, August Meeting Schedule.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 09, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE:
3. Discussion/Decision regarding July, August Meeting Schedule.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY:
Review calendar and Councilmember availability in July and August, and discuss options to either hold or maintain the regular meeting schedule.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
The City Council meeting date is set by resolution, identifying regular meetings to be held on the second and fourth Tuesday’s of each month. The Council tends to cover its business obligations at the first meeting, leaving the second monthly meeting date for overflow or items that are time sensitive.
Should the Council choose to cancel a regular meeting, notification must be given to the public. Discussing Councilmember’s preferences now will help steer expectations to address non-essential discussion topics to a future meeting should member schedules create an issue having a quorum.
If the Council desires to plan ahead for cancellation of either meeting and time sensitive issue comes up, the City Manager could request and coordinate a special meeting with only a quorum of members present.
The current regular meeting dates scheduled are Tuesday, July 07, and Tuesday, August 11.
No attachments.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
4. Staff Activity Report – May 2026.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, June 09, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activity Report – May 2026 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review content, discuss, and receive public input.
DRAFT MOTION TO CONSIDER: Accept Staff Activity Report for May 2026.
MAY 2026 SUMMARY
- STAFF PRODUCTIVITY
o ADMINISTRATION: May is the City’s kick-off to summer as the shoulder month where the activity in town is a combination of business as usual, and the tourist migration. On any given weekday morning you’ll find a mix of parents ushering their kids to school with tourists emerging from their campsites and lodging locations in hopes of finding good coffee and breakfast in the heart of town. o City administrative staff spent the first half of May fine tuning the discussion material for the May 12 meeting, including preliminary budget material and the deep background study for the Council’s water source comparative analysis. Following the landmark decision to submit a Technical Assistance grant to the State Water Board, the City Manager headed to Sacramento for two nights to attend a mandatory CIRA board meeting. Upon return staff immediately began following up with May 12 meeting decisions, addressed items back-burnered during the weeks leading up to that meeting, and dove deep into budget analysis and spreadsheets preparing for the June 09 meeting.
The rest of the month dedicated to problem-solving, meetings, responding to inquiries, routine operations, maintaining community partnerships and outreach, and managing complex projects, as summarized below:
• Provided FY2025 Audit support to JJACPA, Inc.: Provided follow up research and coordinated responses to the auditor assigned to the City of Trinidad’s FY2025 audit that is currently 3 months behind schedule, with an anticipated receive date of June 12. The delay was in no part related to the City.
• Cash Flow & Investments: Managed the city’s cash flow and investment. • Payroll: Coordinating bi-weekly payrolls.
• Water Department Support: Supporting the water staff in completing annual reports and coordinated communication with consultant staff.
• Long-Range Water Planning: Submitted the TA preliminary grant application to the State Water Board. Confirmation was received. We are waiting for further instruction. • Community Engagement & Safety Coordination: Provided staff and support for the Trinidad School Ocean Day Parade.
• Neighborhood Safety: Assisted a homeowner with a fast-track application for a hazardous tree removal.
• Water Customer Financial Hardship Assistance: Conducted water system past due account audits and developed alternative payment plans for customers having difficulty keeping up with rising costs. • Resident Real-Estate transaction support/troubleshooting: Providing support to a resident in escrow that discovered an issue with a 1999 lot line adjustment with the City of Trinidad that was not completed properly and created a serious issue with the title company. High priority issue. • Coordinated Building and Planning Permit Assistance: Facilitated communication between the applicant and consultant staff to help navigate the permit system efficiently to not waste valuable construction season time.
• State Mandated Reporting: Communicated with the State Department of General Services to complete two time-sensitive mandated reporting deadlines involving business license and building permit fees relative to ADA compliance.
• Department of Environmental Health Tour: Provided/hosted a tour requested by Department of Environmental Health Director Mario Kalson who facilitated a tour with a group of academics from UC Davis and Water Board staff on brief tour of wastewater challenges in Humboldt County. He wanted to show them Trinidad and discuss ASBS status of the Bay, housing needs for limited income families (Hidden Creek/Yeehaw), shallow wells and perched ground water and concerns about growth inducing utilities. The effort was in support of a waste water needs assessment that could be used in the future for grant funding.
• Library budget/staffing challenges: Continued meeting with County Library and Friends of the Library representatives to better understand their upcoming fiscal year challenges and determine how the City could help during the budget process.
• Community Group Contributions: Processed the TOT kick-backs approved by the Council at their May 12 meeting; Chamber, Land Trust, Library, and Museum. • Partial Settlement Agreement: Followed up with the May 06 Special City Council meeting, executing the Settlement documents and provided several responses to public record inquiries related. • Food Truck Inquiries: Staff continues to receive inquiries from mobile food facilities looking for space to park and grow their businesses. Due to a lack of public space available, or parcels zoned accordingly, staff has to facilitate creative solutions and collaborative discussions with the Land Trust, Chamber, and commercial establishments to help fulfill, in the short-term, this high-demand activity. o STAFFING: The Grant Coordinator position opened June 02, with the resume submission deadline of June 19. Job is advertised on the City Website, posted throughout town, on LoCo Jobs, Times-Standard, and Government Job websites. The annual employee evaluation process began and will conclude by June 30. Carl Anderson received his T3 License from the State! 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 project.
Financial statements included in the May meeting packet indicate business as predicted this time of year, with no variances that were not anticipated. We will be discussing FY2027 budget in depth, concluding June 09, hopefully.
General Fund Admin, Police, Fire, and Public Works are right on target with wages, currently showing expenses proportional to the number of months that have passed since the beginning of the fiscal year, July
01. Some of the savings are attributed 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 is currently under an in-depth review which kicked off with a meeting between RCAC staff and City on April 16. Budget assumptions were complicated by a series of large expenses due to leaks and failed equipment, therefore delaying the final review. The results of the formal analysis will be presented to the Council in July.
o PUBLIC WORKS: In addition to their daily routine, Public Works staff has dedicated a significant amount of time staying on top of spring mowing and vegetation maintenance. This time of year, the vegetation is in full bloom and the natural beauty of our surroundings is on full display. Your public works staff helps keep the vegetation in check so trails are passable, roadsides are manicured, and the vista points are enjoyable. o STREETLIGHTS: The City issued an encroachment permit to PGE for replacement of all the nonfunctioning lights, scheduled for completion between now and the end of July. o WATER: In addition to performing daily routine water sampling, staff focused on delivering high quality water to all customers in May
In early April the City received news that the current T3 Operator In-Training’s application for certification was denied, requesting that another 750 hours be served before the Water Board would issue the license.
This was a major blow to the City’s current operation, and yet another challenge facing the City’s 5-year long quest for in-house T3 independence.
In May, the operator submitted a protest letter to the State regulator arguing his college degree in fisheries should substitute for time served. On June 02, without warning and to our surprise, Anderson received his license in the mail, concluding a several year bench-building plan to take back CPO control to in-house staff. We are currently in conversation with the current and pending CPO to negotiate the transition and plan to retain our in-house operator for the long-run.
§ Kyle Shipman (T2) passed his Distribution exam on April 14, and is now a certified T2/D2 Operator.
Congratulations Kyle.
§ Operator in Training Dereck Shadle has applied to take the T2 exam and is waiting for his test date. § We now have two T2’s, and T3, and a third T2 in training. Go Trinidad Water! o PLANNING: The Planning Commission met in May and continued their General Plan update discussion.
City Planner Trever Parker has provided routine support with OWTS permit issuance, handling various project inquiries from the public and other agencies, met with Coastal Commission staff for a regular monthly coordination session, and continues to provide much needed senior-level guidance and input to inhouse staff on miscellaneous projects. She also provided support for several complex issues, and helped provide budgeting analysis for the current and upcoming fiscal year. o ENGINEERING: GHD staff provided ongoing support in April with two primary projects; Main Street STIP project, and Trinidad-Westhaven Emergency Intertie Project closeout. o BUILDING: City Building Inspector Dan Dimick provided professional, routine services to builders needing permit assistance during his regular weekly Thursday visits. He keeps the City Manager informed, is always willing to help, and the service he provides to the City is extremely professional, cooperative, and thorough.
§ 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: Received and processed several requests for information of deceased/burial records. Communicated with several families preparing for the inevitable, and coordinated plot locations and final details for several burials (cremation and standard) that were conducted in April. - FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
o Underground Utilities: Tabled until further notice due to rising cost estimates provided by PG&E recently, with no funding sources currently available or identified. - GRANT PROJECTS
o Trinidad-Westhaven Emergency Intertie Project: A mold and mildew outbreak in the newly constructed pumphouse caused a controversy that complicated the final stages of grant closeout, calling into question building design and construction integrity, which is currently under review.
The City of Trinidad received an A+ grade from the State Water Board on the grant administration.
City Staff met with the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and staff to discuss next steps regarding the mold outbreak in the pumphouse. The City Manager will be reprioritizing this in June as the budget for this expense is no longer funded.
The not so good news is that when the pump was tested on April 29, WCSD experienced an unanticipated pressure issue at higher elevations in the distribution system that call into question their ability to provide the City a useful amount of water in an emergency – or at least until their new treatment plant is operational in 2027 (or later). City staff will be meeting with WCSD soon to determine the best path forward to address mold remediation and pump test issues. The Council should expect to see a formal update in June or July. 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 boardwalk-sidewalk 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. The BIA responded in February, confirming receipt of the application and notifying the City that the project has been assigned to a staff member named in the letter. The City received a response from the BIA on April 22 to confirm they will be reaching out to the Trinidad Rancheria for input. Trinidad has invested approximately $90,000 of staff time over a 4-year period developing the repair plan for the boardwalk, and risks losing it if the Per Capita program expires before the City is able to get reimbursed for the eligible expenses. o STIP: The bid has been awarded to GRS, Inc. Construction will begin after School closes on June 12.
Affected businesses and residents will be notified during the second week of June. - TRIBAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS: No consultations pending, but may be needed to discuss various projects of mutual intertest, such as the boardwalk improvement project. - TRAILS:
• ALMT: There has been no progress or updated activity on the appeal. Old Home Beach shoreline erosion concerns overshadowed any possible movement towards consensus on this topic, followed by the March trial date for the existing litigation. All discussions with the Coastal Commission on this subject has been tabled as a result.
• 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 May 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 Painting: The Town Hall sign is getting a
refresh from Victory Signs. The color scheme has been
selected and the work is in progress. Hope to have the
sign on the new and improved Town Hall in June.
STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, June 09, 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 2022 189,201
July 2022 198,081 January 2023 154,543
July 2023 223,806 January 2024 148,407
July 2024 264,491 January 2025 131,229
July 2025 292,315 (17.37% Water Loss) January 2026 128,006 (16.59% Water Loss) August 2021 269,771 February 2022 154634
August 2022 227,681 February 2023 136,626
August 2023 265,808 February 2024 132,690
August 2024 233,215 February 2025 131,537
August 2025 218,593 (19.53% Water Loss) February 2026 122,728 (18.59% Water Loss) September 2021 227,831 March 2022 184,103
September 2022 216,470 March 2023 152,813
September 2023 200,348 March 2024 125,188
September 2024 200,050 March 2025 136,579
September 2025 208,873 (19.32% Water Loss) March 2026 165,706 (21.57% Water Loss) October 2021 203,176 April 2022 173,115
October 2022 180,065 April 2023 145,504
October 2023 188,335 April 2024 176,413
October 2024 206,875 April 2025 171,808
October 2025 206,839 (23.22% Water Loss) April 2026 156,370 (22.13% Water Loss) November 2021 204,438 May 2022 154,634
November 2022 169,144 May 2023 211,380
November 2023 151,914 May 2024 182,738
November 2024 159,316 May 2025 216,497
November 2025 151,829 (9.13% Water Loss) May 2026 186,799 (13.72% 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 2025 157,803 (14.27% Water Loss) June 2025 203,350 (23.71% Water Loss) Water sold (consumed) in May was as expected for the shoulder season month, with a relatively low water loss. 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.