City Council Meeting Agenda: 09-08-2026 cc Page 1
Posted: Friday, September 04, 2026
NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 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: 848 8230 2834 Passcode: 535493 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)
3. Personnel Exception 54957 - City Manager Performance Evaluation IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 07/14/2026 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: 09-08-2026 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 – June & July 2026
2. Law Enforcement Report – July & August 2026.
3. Adopt Resolution 2026-07; Approving and Adopting the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP)
4. Support a League of California Cities Resolution Initiative to Strengthen Local Authority Over Housing and Land Use Matters.
5. Update of the On-Call Planning Consultant Professional Services Procurement Process.
DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Decision regarding North Coast Children’s Services request for Supplemental Funding Support for Salmonberry Preschool FY2027.
2. Discussion/Update on the Water Source Comparative Analysis, Request for Technical Assistance through the State Water Resources Control Board Submitted in June 2026.
3. Discussion/Update on the Luffenholtz Creek Low-Flow Monitoring Season and Water Shortage Continency Status.
4. Discussion/Update on Wet-Weather Season/Super El-Nino Forecast Preparations.
5. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar Update.
6. Staff Activity Report – July & August 2026.
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:
JULY 14, 2026 CC
Supporting Documentation follows with: 3 PAGES
07-14-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JULY 14, 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, Tuttle, Breckenridge, and Waskiewicz. City Staff in attendance: City Clerk/Interim City Manager Gabriel Adams, Special Project Manager Angela Cather, and Administrative Assistant Anton Souza. Approximately (3) participants were present by video-conference, and (5) were present live at the beginning of the meeting.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Calif. Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) (1 Case: City of Trinidad vs. Tsurai Ancestral Society, et. al, Humb. Co. Sup. Court Case No. DR180684
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)
3. Personnel Exception 54957 - City Manager Performance Evaluation IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – No reportable action taken.
V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion (Kenny/Breckenridge) to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 06/09/2026 cc
Motion (Waskiewicz/Tuttle) to approve the minutes as written. Passed 4-0. Kenny abstained due to not having time to review the minutes.
VII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Tuttle: Nothing to report.
Kenny: HCAOG discussed LTF/Tranist allocation to each jurisdiction for FY2027.
Kelly: Attended the LAFCO meeting on May 20. Budget discussion, membership selection committee, and my last meeting serving as Trinidad’s representative.
Waskiewicz: Nothing to report.
VIII.PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – City Manager & Law Enforcement HCSO Lt. Kyle Holt was not able to attend. Interim City Manager Adams summarized stats included in the meeting packet and thanked the public safety team for all their effort keeping the community safe and patrolled.
IX. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR.
(Three (3) minute limit per Speaker unless Council approves request for extended time.) Rodney Oien – North Coast Childrens Services
6 students have been enrolled in Salmonberry Preschool so far. Targeting 8. Parents grassroot fundraising effort has raised nearly $12,000 as well. We’ll update the Council in September on enrollment and fundraising targets.
Cecelia Linarte – Trinidad Area resident, Salmonberry parent and site representative Read a prepared statement. Summarized Salmonberry Preschool program purpose and importance to the community. $12k has been raised so far to help Salmonberry this year, with a $30k target. Thanked donors and Rodney Oien for support, and encouraged the community to continue investing in this program.
Ashley Mazonti – Trinidad School parent
Noticed a large clearcut east of Trinidad on Green Diamond timber land and believe it is the cause of numerous wildlife encounters and out-of-character behavior in town lately. Expressed concern for how environmental issues will affect school enrollment.
07-14-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
X. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Financial Statements – May 2026
2. Law Enforcement Report – June 2026.
3. Designation of the City of Trinidad’s Voting Delegate for the General Assembly at the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference.
Motion (Breckenridge/Tuttle) to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
Xl. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion/Presentation regarding 2024 Water Rate Study & Budget Performance Technical Memorandum Issued by Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC).
Interim City Manager Adams introduced the discussion and RCAC representative Samantha Ryan who conducted the 2024 Rate Analysis and the budget performance technical review dated July 08, 2026, included in the meeting packet.
Ryan explained that RCAC reviewed the City of Trinidad Water Fund’s current financial performance compared with the assumptions developed in the 2024 water rate study. Overall, the Water Fund appears to be in a stronger near-term position than originally projected, primarily due to reduced contract operator costs, supplemented by non-water sales revenue in FYE 2026 and unexpected connection fee revenue projected in FYE 2027. As a result, the General Fund loan assumed in the 2024 rate study is not expected to be necessary to balance the budget during the current planning period, barring an emergency or significant change in operating conditions.
The updated projections indicate that annual revenues are generally sufficient to cover operation and maintenance expenses through FYE 2030. However, the analysis also shows that the Water Fund is not expected to fully fund recommended operating, emergency, and capital reserves under the current rate schedule. While the Water Fund is projected to make a net transfer to reserves of approximately $96,946 from FYE 2025 through FYE 2031, the projected reserve funding shortfall over the same period is approximately $938,580.
Based on these findings, Ryan encouraged the City to continue annual budget monitoring, track reserve balances separately from annual operating performance, and begin planning for an updated water rate study in 2029. The next rate study should establish a new five-year rate schedule for FYE 2030 through FYE 2034 and evaluate whether additional reserve funding should be incorporated while maintaining consideration for customer affordability.
Council comments/questions included:
Kenny: Doesn’t the law state that water systems can only charge for the cost of serving water? Kenny also noted how hookup fees can be substantial in years to come, and the City may end up exploring extending water service if other analysis in progress falls into place. Ryan explained that collecting for reserves is part of the cost of serving water.
Kelly: This is a positive and very informative report, which concludes that the anticipated $300k loan may not be needed. The negative side is there is no reserve funding, and we may be relying on one-time hookup/connection fees to gain revenue.
There were no public comments.
By consensus, the Council accepted the report and thanked RCAC staff for the good work put into the review.
2. Discussion/Presentation regarding FY2025 Audit Report Audit Prepared by JJACPA.
Interim City Manager presented the audit and pointed out several highlights identified on specific pages:
07-14-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
- How revenue sources have continued to rise above property taxes, and how the independent auditor report acknowledges Trinidad’s reliance on the tourism economy to support itself. - How despite the $300k gift from the general fund to the water fund, the City’s general fund earned enough of a surplus to decrease the year end loss to just over $200k, preserving the reserve balance for additional capital improvements in FY2026.
Council comment/questions included:
Tuttle: Expressed his willingness to support Salmonberry if supplemental funding is needed to keep the program going.
There were no public comments.
By consensus, the Council unanimously accepted the FY2025 Audited Financial Statements.
3. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar Update.
Interim City Manager explained that the candidate nomination period is open and will close on August 07 for any seats with incumbents filing, and August 12 for those without incumbents filing.
There were no Council or public comments.
Information item only.
4. Staff Activity Report – June 2026.
Report only, included in the meeting packet. Interim City Manager highlighted various projects and accomplishments.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Honoring Mary Klein and Dorothy Cox for their service to the community pickup up litter. - Salmonberry funding support.
- Leak Detection contract.
- Comparative Analysis/TA application status.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:30pm.
Submitted by: Approved by:
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
1. Financial Statements – June & July 2026
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
JUNE 2026
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
JULY 2026 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
1. Law Enforcement Report – July & August 2026.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 3
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
3. Adopt Resolution 2026-07; Approving and Adopting the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP)
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
TO: Trinidad City Council
FROM: Trever Parker, City Planer
AGENDA ITEM: Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan: Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-07 approving and adopting the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan and making the required CEQA findings identified in the Resolution as a Responsible Agency.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive a brief presentation from staff; and
2. Open the Public Hearing and receive comments and deliberate; and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-07 approving and adopting the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan and make CEQA findings identified in the Resolution as a Responsible Agency.
INTRODUCTION/SUMMARY
In 2019, Trinidad joined the County and the other incorporated cities in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to develop a shared Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a coordinated, countywide basis. The group worked in coordination with regional agencies such as the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), Humboldt Transit Authority, and Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA).
After several years of regional collaboration, which included early public engagement and then more formal outreach once the plan moved into environmental review, the County of Humboldt adopted the RCAP on December 16, 2025, along with a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (State Clearing House #2024081319), creating a shared, countywide framework that the unincorporated County and the seven incorporated cities could use to reduce GHG emissions. Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, and Rio Dell have also adopted the RCAP, and the other jurisdictions are expected to follow. The next action for the City Council is to consider and officially adopt the RCAP, using the County-certified EIR as the environmental document supporting that decision.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
The Climate Action Plan establishes a shared framework to reduce emissions and prepare communities for climate change. It focuses on major sources of local emissions such as:
o Transportation and vehicle travel
o Electricity use
o Natural gas consumption
o Waste and materials management
o Water and wastewater systems
o Carbon sequestration
The overall targets align with California's statewide goals:
o 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2030 o 85% reduction by 2045
o Achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
The plan outlines a range of possible local and regional actions, such as:
o Expanding renewable and carbon-free energy
o Increasing building energy efficiency
o Electrifying vehicles and municipal fleets
o Improving transit, walking, and biking options
o Reducing waste and landfill emissions
o Enhancing natural carbon sequestration (e.g., forests and soils)
Cities would choose which measures to implement locally based on their capacity and priorities. Because of its small population, Trinidad’s role in curbing GHGs is also small. And there is no penalty for not meeting individual reduction targets. But Trinidad residents have expressed support for GHG reduction measures, and the City has already implemented several GHG reducing projects.
If Trinidad chooses not to adopt the RCAP, the risks to the City are low. And Trinidad will likely not be able to take full advantage of the benefits anyway, because the City can’t support large development projects. However, not participating will negatively impact the other participating jurisdictions, and there are benefits to the overall environment. Benefits of adopting the Climate Action Plan, include:
• Regional Coordination: By participating and adopting the RCAP, the City does not have to prepare its own separate climate action plan. • CEQA Streamlining: Streamlining the CEQA process for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis.
• Consistency with State climate policy: Adoption helps ensure the city's policies and planning align with California climate mandates and emissions targets. • Legal Risk: Development consistent with the Climate Action Plan reduces legal risk for the City and applicants.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
• Funding Opportunities: Agencies with State approved Climate Action Plans are more competitive and for state and federal grants for, climate, energy and infrastructure projects.
DISCUSSION
RCAP
The RCAP is designed to reduce countywide GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, consistent with Senate Bill (SB) 32, and to make substantial progress toward carbon neutrality by 2045, consistent with Assembly Bill (AB) 1279. The RCAP is meant to function as a "playbook" that local agencies can use to prioritize actions, coordinate projects, and track progress over time, recognizing that implementation will be phased and dependent on available capacity and funding.
The RCAP document along with supporting appendices and the full technical and CEQA record are available on the County’s website at:
https://humboldtgov.org/2464/HumboldtRegional-Climate-Action-Plan. The RCAP is grounded in a 2022 countywide GHG emissions inventory that covers both incorporated and unincorporated Humboldt County. The RCAP also includes future emissions forecasts for 2030 and 2045, which help show how emissions may change with growth and with the implementation of already adopted State programs. These forecast scenarios establish the emissions trajectory absent additional local action and help identify the remaining gap between projected emissions and the RCAP’s 2030 reduction target, which the RCAP is designed to address.
Strategies, Measures, and Quantification
The RCAP organizes its emissions-reduction approach under eleven overarching strategies, including a "cornerstone" strategy focused on regional coordination. Table 1 summarizes the suite of general strategies by sector.
Table 1: Sector Based Strategies to Reduce GHGs
Sector Strategy
Cornerstone (C) 1. Develop a regional climate coalition Building Energy (BE) 2. Increase carbon-free electricity
3. Decarbonize existing construction
4. Decarbonize new construction
Transportation (T) 5. Shift driving to walking and biking
6. Shift driving to public transit or car-share
7. Shift land use to reduce vehicle miles traveled
Solid Waste (SW) 9. Reduce organic waste
Water & Wastewater (WW) 10. Conserve water and reduce wastewater emissions
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
Carbon Sequestration (CS) 11. Increase carbon sequestration Measures are also tailored by geography, recognizing varied approaches for urban vs. rural areas, and highlighting the differences in development patterns, infrastructure access, and implementation feasibility. Urban areas generally focus on infill development, walkable neighborhood design, better bike and transit access, and building energy upgrades, while rural measures place more emphasis on resource protection, land management, and strategies that fit dispersed development patterns.
Finally, the RCAP includes "lead by example" measures that local governments can implement through their own operations, such as improving City-owned buildings and other facilities and transitioning vehicle fleets over time. These actions do not directly result in large quantities of emissions reductions, but they demonstrate best practices and help align City operations with the broader countywide strategy.
The current suite of RCAP implementation measures is provided in Table 2.
Table 2: Humboldt RCAP GHG Emission Reduction Measures
Measure
ID Measure / Strategy Key Actions
C-1 Regional Climate
Committee
Establish a Regional Climate Committee comprised of
elected officials from each jurisdiction, HTA, HCAOG,
HWMA, and RCEA.
Building Energy
BE-1
Renewable &
Carbon-Free
Electricity
By 2030, source 90% of grid-supplied electricity from
renewable and carbon-free sources.
BE-2 Microgrids and
Energy Storage
Increase deployment of microgrids and battery storage to support grid capacity and electrification of buildings and transportation.
BE-4 Reduce Residential
Gas Consumption
Retrofit existing homes to reduce natural gas use (urban areas) by 4% by 2030 and by 74% by 2045.
BE-5
Renewable &
Carbon-Free
Electricity
Decarbonize 95% of new residential building
construction by 2027.
BE-6
Renewable &
Carbon-Free
Electricity
Decarbonize 95% of new nonresidential building
construction by 2027.
BE-7
Renewable &
Carbon-Free
Electricity
Decarbonize 30% of municipal building and facilities by 2030.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
BE-8
Renewable &
Carbon-Free
Electricity
Advocate for Offshore Wind developers to fund
transmission infrastructure and work with PG&E, the
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and
other related agencies to build electrical transmission infrastructure to supply Humboldt with energy
produced by the future offshore wind projects which will increase regional supply and resilience.
Transportation
T-1
Urban
Transportation
System Efficiency
Implement programs, such as those identified in
HCAOG’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), to
increase the mode share of active transportation in
urbanized areas from 9% to 12% by 2030, thereby
achieving a regional active transportation mode share of 8%.
T-1
Rural
Transportation
System Efficiency
Implement programs, such as those identified in
HCAOG’s RTP, that increase access to safe active
transportation, to increase the mode share of active
transportation in rural areas from 5% to 6% by 2030
thereby achieving a regional active transportation mode share of 9%.
T-2
Urban
Active
Transportation &
Land Use
Expand the public transit network in support of
HCAOG’s RTP to increase public transit mode share
from 2% to 20% public transit mode share in urbanized
areas to achieve a regional 13% public transit mode share by 2030.
T-2
Rural
Active
Transportation &
Land Use
Develop a robust public transit network in support of
HCAOG’s RTP to increase public transit mode share
from 1% to 10% in rural areas and achieve a regional 13% public transit mode share by 2030.
T-3 EV Infrastructure
Expansion
Reduce regional vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by
increasing promotion of mixed-use development in infill priority areas in alignment with HCAOG’s baseline
connectivity score included in the RTP.
T-4 EV Infrastructure
Expansion
Develop and implement regional mobility hubs and ZEV
car-share programs to support mode shift from single
occupancy vehicles.
T-5 Transportation
Efficiency
Require commercial and industrial employers with 25
employees or more to develop a Transportation Demand
Management plan.
T-6 Transportation
Efficiency
Decarbonize 15% of passenger vehicle miles traveled by
2030 and 100% by 2045 through increased adoption of
low and zero-emission vehicles and development of a
regional electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling network.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
T-7 Transportation
Efficiency
Increase commercial zero-emission vehicle use and
adoption to 10% by 2030 and 100% by 2045 through a
regional charging network and development of hydrogen
hubs.
T-8 Transportation
Efficiency
Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 12% of applicable
small off-road engines (SORE) offroad equipment by
2030 and 100% by 2045 and replace fossil diesel
consumption with renewable diesel in 55% of applicable
large diesel in alignment with EO N-79-20 by 2030.
T-9 Transportation
Efficiency - Jobs
Establish Humboldt as a pilot program for the
decarbonization of the transportation sector to help drive state and philanthropic investment throughout
Humboldt.
T-10 Transportation
Efficiency - Jobs
Work with the state and biofuel industry to establish a biofuel network within Humboldt thereby funding new
green industry and job growth to support the
decarbonization of the transportation sector.
T-11 Transportation
Efficiency
Lead by example and electrify or otherwise decarbonize
50% of the municipal fleet by 2030 in alignment with the state’s Advanced Clean Fleet Rule.
Solid Waste
SW-1
Solid Waste
Diversion &
Recycling
Establish a local waste separation facility and organics management to be able to reduce waste sent to landfills by 75% by 2030. Reduce GHG emissions by limiting truck
trips required to ship waste out of the county and import compost from out of the county.
Water and Wastewater
WW-1 Wastewater
Efficiency
Expand regional opportunities for implementation of
wastewater decarbonization technologies such as
anaerobic digesters to reduce GHG and produce
renewable fuel sources.
WW-2 Water Conservation Reduce per capita potable water consumption by 15% by 2030.
Carbon Sequestration
CS-1
Carbon Sequestration
& Green
Infrastructure
Research and implement feasible carbon sequestration
technology opportunities to support growth and
expansion of green jobs industry within the region.
CS-2 Carbon Sequestration
Offset fossil-based emissions and increase carbon
sequestration in the community by achieving SB 1383
procurement requirements (0.08 tons recovered organic
waste per person) by 2030.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
CS-3 Carbon Sequestration
Develop a County-wide Natural and Working Lands
GHG Inventory baseline by 2027 to better understand the existing and future GHG sequestration and help obtain
resources to protect and increase natural carbon
sequestration occurring in the region as well as promote biodiverse forests and wetlands resistant to wildfire.
Implementation of the RCAP's full suite of measures is estimated to reduce emissions by approximately 219,446 MT CO2e by 2030 and 1,228,128 MT CO2e by 2045. The biggest reductions are expected to come from the same sectors that are currently the largest emitters, primarily transportation, followed by key actions in energy and waste.
The RCAP's central takeaway suggests that the largest reductions will depend on cleaner vehicles and fuels, better transit options, and major improvements to waste handling and organics management, with support from policies and partnerships to realize those outcomes.
Implementation of the RCAP
The RCAP is intended to function as a long-term, programmatic plan that will be implemented through ongoing monitoring and periodic updates to support California's SB 32 GHG reduction goals and demonstrate substantial progress toward the State's AB 1279 carbon-neutrality goal. Just as important, it provides a shared countywide framework that helps the County and cities work from the same playbook to align priorities, coordinate implementation, and create a practical structure for followthrough over time.
The RCAP recognizes that implementing its full suite of measures will take sustained effort and resources. Our region has limited staffing and funding capacity, so many of the higher-cost actions will depend on long-term coordination and, in many cases, outside funding and other partnerships. Some actions involve large infrastructure or market-driven shifts that no single city controls. For example, major clean energy upgrades and projects like offshore wind depend on utility planning and state and federal funding, not just local policy. Other measures are led by partner agencies, where the City may play a supporting role, or will rely on behavior changes, such as reducing driving and increasing walking, biking, and transit use. The City can help create the conditions for those changes, but outcomes ultimately depend on how residents, businesses, and visitors respond.
To keep implementation realistic, the RCAP recommends a phased approach that prioritizes “ready-to-go” actions and encourages jurisdictions to integrate measures into work they already do such as plan updates, capital projects, and development review, while also pursuing grants, new revenue sources, and other strategic partnerships to build staffing and project capacity.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
If measures are not implemented or if the bi-annual reporting shows implemented measures are not achieving projected emissions reductions, the RCAP could be updated to include additional actions or revised actions needed to meet the 2030 milestone goal.
Why Adopt the RCAP
Adopting the RCAP gives Trinidad a roadmap for moving forward on priorities the City is already working on, such as encouraging infill housing and redevelopment, making it easier and safer to walk and bike, improving transit access, building streets and public spaces that are comfortable and better connected to neighborhoods, electrifying buildings, installing rooftop solar, installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, shifting to electric fleet vehicles and equipment where feasible, sequestering carbon in its forest resources, and working to divert organic materials away from the landfill to reduce methane production. Because it’s a coordinated regional plan, the RCAP helps the City tie its decisions to clear, measurable strategies, especially those aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled and making it easier for people to choose walking, biking, and transit for more trips.
Adoption also helps the City stay coordinated with regional partners like Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA), Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA), and Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), as well as other local jurisdictions. That coordination matters because it helps avoid duplicating work, makes it easier to align investments across agencies, and improves participating jurisdictions’ ability to compete for grant funding and deliver infrastructure and economic development projects that benefit from regional scale. In practical terms, the RCAP strengthens regional partnerships, supports shared tools and staffing capacity, and helps the region stay accountable through coordinated progress tracking and reporting.
CEQA
Humboldt County served as the CEQA Lead Agency for the RCAP and associated CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds (CEQA Guidelines §15050) and prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2024081319), as corrected and clarified by Errata dated November 25, 2025. The Final EIR consists of the Draft EIR, comments received during the public review period, responses to comments, and revisions to the Draft EIR, as required by CEQA Guidelines §15132.
On December 16, 2025, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopted the RCAP (Resolution No. 25-196) and, by separate resolution (Resolution No. 25-197), certified the Final Programmatic EIR and Errata and adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and a Statement of Overriding Considerations.
The City of Trinidad’s proposed action is to adopt the RCAP as a policy framework to guide City planning and implementation efforts, and to rely on the County-certified
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
Final EIR, as corrected and clarified by the Errata, to support that action. Adoption of the RCAP does not approve or authorize any specific development project or physical infrastructure. But because adoption of the RCAP is a discretionary action that may result in physical changes to the environment through future implementation activities, the action is subject to CEQA. The City is acting as a CEQA Responsible Agency for purposes of this action (CEQA Guidelines §15096).
As a Responsible Agency, the City is required to review and consider the County certified Final EIR, including the Errata, comments received on the Draft EIR, and the County’s responses to those comments, and to reach its own independent judgment regarding the environmental effects of adopting the RCAP (CEQA Guidelines §15096(a)). The City is not required to recertify the EIR.
The Programmatic Final EIR evaluates the potential environmental effects of implementing RCAP strategies at a programmatic level and identifies mitigation measures applicable to future discretionary projects that may be undertaken to implement the RCAP. The EIR identifies 23 mitigation measures, incorporated into the adopted MMRP, addressing potential impacts related to aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, agricultural resources, cultural and tribal cultural resources, noise, and utilities and service systems. These measures are intended to be applied at the time specific projects are proposed and generally require compliance with applicable regulations, preparation of site-specific technical studies, consultation with resource agencies and tribes, and implementation of project-level avoidance or mitigation measures where site-specific impacts may occur.
Even with these measures, the Final EIR concludes that certain impacts associated with unidentified future projects implementing the RCAP could remain significant and unavoidable due to the RCAP’s broad, policy-level scope and uncertainty regarding future project siting, design, and feasibility of mitigation. These impacts include potential effects on scenic resources, criteria air pollutants, special-status species and habitat, farmland conversion, cultural resources, noise, and infrastructure expansion. In connection with certification of the Final EIR, the County adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations, concluding that the economic, legal, social, technological, and environmental benefits of adopting the RCAP outweigh these potential impacts.
Because the City is acting as a Responsible Agency and is not approving any physical development as part of this action, the City is not required to adopt a separate MMRP or a Statement of Overriding Considerations. The proposed Resolution includes CEQA findings relying on the County-certified Final EIR, MMRP, and Statement of Overriding Considerations as part of the environmental record supporting the City’s action, consistent with CEQA Guidelines §15096.
Regional Climate Committee and Program Manager
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
Regional partners are currently developing framework for a shared Climate Program Manager position and a Regional Climate Committee to support RCAP implementation. The Manager and Committee are expected to be housed at RCEA, with the incorporated cities and Humboldt County participating on the Committee and contributing a proportional share of the Manager's salary through a regional MOU. A portion of the position may be able to be funded through grants, reducing the share of the cost for jurisdictions. Other regional partners (such as tribes and regional government agencies) would voluntarily participate through the Committee or other formal consultation process rather than as signatories to the MOU.
Both HCAOG and RCEA staff and Board of Directors have expressed support and willingness to host the Regional Climate Committee and Climate Program Manager. At RCEA’s March 26, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved a staffing reorganization concept that would result in the creation of a new Department of Engagement and Regional Climate Planning. This Department is envisioned to be multifunctional and would include support for the Region’s Climate Action Plan recognizing the large role that RCEA is expected to play in RCAP implementation.
While both HCAOG and RCEA are qualified and relevant organizations to provide the functions of regionally coordinating RCAP implementation, RCEA will have a larger staff base to provide support.
The RCAP identifies the Regional Climate Committee as a core implementation measure and specifies that the Committee should include representatives from each local jurisdiction and key regional agencies, including HTA, HCAOG, HWMA, and RCEA. The Committee would be comprised of staff members from the participating organizations who have relevant technical expertise and would participate as part of their existing job responsibilities. Committee members would be expected to meet regularly to develop shared tools, coordinate implementation across jurisdictions, and support progress tracking and reporting.
In support of the Committee's work, the RCAP envisions a Climate Program Manager as a senior professional dedicated staff position at RCEA. The Manager would convene and support the Committee, coordinate assigned work items, and prepare annual progress reports. Oversight and decision-making authority for the Manager and Committee would reside with the governing board of the host agency (RCEA or HCAOG), or a subcommittee thereof, consistent with the host agency's governance structure.
This structure is intended to build on existing regional coordination to avoid redundancy and make the best use of limited capacity. For example, the RCAP's transportation strategies align with HCAOG's adopted VROOM (2022-2042) RTP, and the RCAP's electrification strategies align with RCEA's RePower Humboldt energy action plan, both of which the City already participates in through existing regional boards and coordination bodies.
HumCo RCAP September 8, 2026 CC Meeting
RCEA is currently working with the RCAP partner jurisdictions to draft an MOU for participation in the Regional Climate Committee and funding for the Climate Program Manager. Participating jurisdictions will take the MOU to their respective Boards/Councils in the coming months. Funding for the Climate Program Manager is a significant concern, particularly for the smaller jurisdictions. A cost-sharing formula is still being developed. The County, Arcata, and Eureka have the lions share of the population and therefore cost share. All three jurisdictions have committed to funding their portions of the position. Because of Trinidad’s small population size, its relative contribution is expected to be minimal (< $500 annually), however, that could increase if other jurisdictions don’t participate.
The next staff meeting of participating jurisdictions is scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2026 to discuss the draft MOU. Anticipated next steps are as follows:
• Beth Burks with RCEA will be sending out an updated draft of the MOU soon to the RCAP partner jurisdictions for final review and comments. • RCEA plans take the final drafted MOU (agreed upon by all RCAP partners) to its Board meeting on September 24.
• The County Planning & Building Department plans to take the final drafted MOU to its Board of Supervisors hearing on October 6.
• HCAOG plans to take the final drafted MOU to its Board on October 26. • The City of Eureka plans to take the final drafted MOU to its City Council on October 30.
• HTA plans to take the MOU to its Board on either October 7 or November 4. • City of Arcata is committed to funding the Regional Climate Manager Position, but no specific Council meeting was mentioned at our meeting. • City of Fortuna plans to take the MOU to its Council November or later. • Other RCAP partners will likely follow suit.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the RCAP itself will not create an immediate fiscal impact. However, implementation will require City staff time and administrative costs, as well as potential participation in funding a shared regional Climate Program Manager position.
The City Council will consider this potential contribution at a future meeting once the MOU is finalized.
ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution # 2026-##
TRINIDAD CITY HALL Cheryl Kelly, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD ADOPTING THE HUMBOLDT REGIONAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AS THE CITY OF TRINIDAD’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AND
MAKING FINDINGS AS A RESPONSIBLE AGENCY UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the State of California has established greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets including reducing emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 pursuant to Senate Bill 32 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 pursuant to Assembly Bill 1279; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the City of Trinidad entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Humboldt and the other incorporated cities committing to develop a shared, countywide Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP); and
WHEREAS, the Humboldt County RCAP is a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional framework adopted by Humboldt County and its seven incorporated cities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support California's long-term climate goals. Developed in collaboration with regional agencies and community partners, the RCAP establishes a coordinated strategy to address climate change across land use, transportation, energy, waste, natural systems, and public services; and WHEREAS, Humboldt County, through its Planning and Building Department, led the development of the RCAP, and served as the Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the RCAP, and prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds (State Clearinghouse No. SCH #2024081319), as corrected and clarified by Final Environmental Impact Report Errata dated November 25, 2025 (Final EIR Errata); and WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopted the RCAP by Resolution No. 25-196, and by separate Resolution No. 25-197, certified the Final Programmatic EIR, as corrected and clarified by the Final EIR Errata, and adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and WHEREAS, the County-certified Final Programmatic EIR consists of the Draft EIR, comments received during the public review period, responses to comments, and revisions to the Draft EIR, as required by CEQA Guidelines 15132; and
WHEREAS, the Draft EIR contemplates the City of Trinidad as a responsible agency with discretionary action to adopt the proposed RCAP (Draft EIR, at page 1-6); and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the Final Programmatic EIR, including the comments received on the Draft EIR and the County’s responses to those comments, as part of the environmental record supporting this action; and
WHEREAS, the County-certified Programmatic Final EIR evaluates the potential environmental effects of implementing the RCAP at a programmatic level and identifies mitigation measures applicable to future discretionary projects that may be undertaken to implement RCAP strategies, measures, and actions rather than to adoption of the RCAP itself; and
WHEREAS, the Final EIR identifies potentially significant impacts associated with future RCAP-related projects in the areas of aesthetics (light and glare), air quality (toxic air contaminant emissions during construction), biological resources (including riparian habitat, sensitive natural communities, and wetlands), cultural and tribal cultural resources, and noise (ground-borne vibration), and identifies mitigation measures designed to reduce such impacts to a less than significant level when applied at the time specific projects are proposed and reviewed; and
WHEREAS, these mitigation measures generally require future project proponents to comply with applicable regulations, prepare site-specific technical studies, consult with resource agencies and tribes, and implement avoidance, minimization, and compensation measures, including but not limited to lighting design standards, construction emissions controls, aquatic resource protection and compensation, archaeological assessment and monitoring, and construction vibration controls; and WHEREAS, the Final EIR further identifies certain categories of impacts that could remain significant and unavoidable in connection with unidentified future projects implementing the RCAP, due to the broad, policylevel scope of the RCAP and uncertainty regarding the location, scale, design, and feasibility of mitigation for future infrastructure and development projects; and
WHEREAS, these potentially significant and unavoidable impacts include effects on scenic vistas and visual resources from large-scale renewable energy and renewable fuel projects; emissions of criteria air pollutants from future construction and operations; impacts to special-status species and habitat from infrastructure development; conversion of agricultural land; impairment of historical resources where avoidance is not feasible; construction and operational noise; and impacts associated with future water supply, wastewater, and electrical infrastructure improvements; and
WHEREAS, because specific future projects to implement RCAP strategies have not been proposed or approved, the County determined that it could not conclude with certainty that mitigation measures would fully reduce all such impacts to a less than significant level, and therefore adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15093 in connection with certification of the Programmatic Final EIR; and
WHEREAS, the County’s Statement of Overriding Considerations concludes that the economic, legal, social, technological, and environmental benefits of adopting the RCAP as a countywide policy framework to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change outweigh the potential environmental impacts associated with future implementation projects, which will be subject to separate, project-level environmental review and mitigation, as required by CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the RCAP provides a coordinated, countywide framework for reducing GHG emissions through sector-based strategies and measures addressing building energy, transportation, solid waste, water and wastewater, carbon sequestration, and regional coordination; and WHEREAS, the City of Trinidad desires to adopt the RCAP as its climate action plan to implement City policies, coordinate with regional partners, support grant competitiveness, and provide a clear framework for long-term GHG reduction planning and implementation; and WHEREAS, adoption of the RCAP by the City of Trinidad does not approve, fund, authorize, or entitle any specific development project or physical infrastructure, but establishes a policy framework to be implemented over time through future City actions subject to separate review and authorization; and WHEREAS, the City’s action to adopt the RCAP constitutes an independent discretionary action by the City, and the City is acting as a Responsible Agency for purposes of CEQA; and WHEREAS, as a CEQA Responsible Agency, the City must review and consider the County-certified Final EIR, reach its own independent judgment regarding the environmental effects of adopting the RCAP, and make appropriate findings for significant environmental effects, to the extent such effects are within the City’s jurisdiction or authority to address, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines 15091, 15093, and 15096; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the County-certified Final EIR, the Final EIR Errata, the MMRP, and the Statement of Overriding Considerations adopted by Humboldt County, together with the administrative record and all other information submitted for the City’s consideration, including County Resolution No. 25-197; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Trinidad as follows:
Section 1. CEQA Responsible Agency Findings
A. The City Council finds that the County-certified Programmatic Final EIR (SCH No. 2024081319), as corrected and clarified by the Final EIR Errata dated November 25, 2025, adequately analyzes and discloses the potential environmental effects associated with implementation of the RCAP at a programmatic level and is sufficient for the City’s action to adopt the RCAP.
B. Acting as a Responsible Agency pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15096, the City Council has reviewed and considered the County-certified Final EIR and Errata prior to its decision on this action and finds it adequate for adoption of the proposed RCAP (CEQA Guidelines, § 15096(e)).
C. The City Council further finds pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15901(a)(1), changes or alterations have been incorporated in the RCAP as mitigation measures which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects described in the Final EIR, as incorporated into the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Such findings pertains to aesthetics impacts (including impacts AES-1, AES-2, AES-3, and AES-4), air quality impacts (including AQ-2 and AQ-3), biological agriculture and forestry resources impacts (including BIO-1, BIO-2, BIO-3, BIO-4, BIO-5, BIO-6, BIO-7, and BIO-8), agricultural impacts (including AG-1), cultural and tribal cultural resources (including CR-1, CR-2, and CR-4), noise impacts (including NOI-1 and NOI-2), and utilities and service system impacts (including UTL-1). The City Council bases this finding on the evidence included in the Final EIR, along with the summary in the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Resolution no. 25-197 (Resolution No. 25-197), Section 6, EIR – Environmental Impacts Mitigated to Less than Significant.
D. The City Council further finds pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15901(a)(3), the RCAP mitigation measures do not reduce all environmental impacts to less than significant with mitigation measures included. However, specific economic, legal, social, technological or other considerations make reducing the impacts to less than significant and the project alternatives infeasible as evidenced in the Final EIR and summarized in Resolution No. 25-197, Section 7, EIR – Environmental Impacts Not Mitigated to Less Than Significant.
E. The City Council further finds pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 and 15093, despite the significant and unavoidable impacts identified in the EIR related to aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, agriculture, cultural and tribal resources, noise, and utilities, the beneficial economic, legal, social, technological, and other benefits of implementing the RCAP override and outweigh the significant environmental effects. Among the benefits include the City of Trinidad’s contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the climate objectives of local and statewide targets, which supersede the significant and unavoidable impacts. The evidence for this finding is included in the EIR and summarized in Resolution 25-197, Section 11, EIR – Statement of Overriding Considerations, which is hereby incorporated by this reference.
F. The City Council further acknowledges that the EIR identifies mitigation measures applicable to future discretionary projects that may be undertaken to implement RCAP strategies, measures, or actions, and that Humboldt County adopted an MMRP to ensure implementation of such measures at the time those future projects are approved. The City Council shall implement mitigation measures relevant within its jurisdiction in connection with such future projects. The City Council further finds that adoption of a separate MMRP is not required for the City’s action to adopt the RCAP.
G. If the City later proposes or acts as Lead Agency for a discretionary project to implement RCAP strategies, measures, or actions, the City will conduct appropriate project-level CEQA review at that time, apply feasible mitigation measures, and make any required findings in accordance with CEQA.
The County-certified Programmatic Final EIR may serve as a program-level environmental document for such future actions, consistent with CEQA Guidelines 15152 and 15168.
Section 2. Adoption of the RCAP
A. The City Council hereby adopts the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) as the City of Trinidad Climate Action Plan.
DATED:
ATTEST:
Gabriel Adams Cheryl Kelly
City Clerk, City of Trinidad Mayor, City of Trinidad
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2026-XX, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Trinidad, County of Humboldt, State of California, on the day of , 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: NOES: ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
Gabriel Adams
City Clerk, City of Trinidad
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 4
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
4. Support a League of California Cities Resolution Initiative to Strengthen Local Authority Over Housing and Land Use Matters.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Angela Cather, Special Projects Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of a Support Position on a Resolution Relating to Establishment of a Statewide Working Group to Develop Policy to Restore and Strengthen Local Authority Over Housing and Land Use Matters at the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
• Direct the City of Trinidad’s voting delegate to vote in support of a resolution relating to the establishment of a statewide working group that would evaluate potential approaches, including legislative proposals, constitutional amendments, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters at the General Assembly at the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference.
BACKGROUND: The City of Trinidad is a member of the League of California Cities, a nonprofit advocacy and member-driven organization that represents the interests of California’s 483 towns and cities. This year the Cal Cities 2026 Annual Conference is scheduled for September 23-25, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. This conference presents an opportunity for city officials to attend informative sessions and presentations on key topics for local leaders, along with participating in peer-to-peer sharing with fellow California city officials.
The 2026 Annual Conference will conclude with the convening of a General Assembly, comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. On July 14, 2026, the City Council appointed, Special Projects Manager, Angela Cather, to represent the City of Trinidad as its voting delegate. The General Assembly is an important opportunity where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy through taking action on conference resolutions meant to strengthen local decision-making and control.
DISCUSSION: This year, one resolution was submitted by the City of Murrieta for consideration, along with letters of concurrences submitted by multiple member cities and local officials, which are included in the attached 2026 Resolution Packet. The packet also includes background information and an analysis of the resolution by Cal Cities.
The following resolution was submitted for consideration at the League of California Cities 2026 Annual Conference by the City of Murrieta:
A RESOLUTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
CALLING FOR A WORKING GROUP TO CONSIDER A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT OR OTHER FORM OF INITIATIVE TO ENSURE FINAL LOCAL AUTHORITY OVER
HOUSING AND LAND USE DECISIONS
The resolution submitted was in response to state laws that have increasingly reduced city discretion over housing and land use decisions. The City of Murrieta maintains that the legislative efforts have not resulted in sufficient housing production to address California’s housing shortage and have not adequately accounted for differences that exist in each unique jurisdiction in infrastructure capacity, water availability, wildfire and evacuation risks, environmental constraints, fiscal impacts, public service needs, and community priorities.
The resolution itself, submitted by the City of Murrieta, does not prescribe a specific policy mechanism, but instead seeks to establish a statewide working group to evaluate a constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use decisions. The working group would be tasked with developing a more balanced framework that preserves the State’s role in establishing broad housing goals and enforcing constitutional, civil rights, fair housing, building, life-safety, and environmental requirements, while also restoring meaningful local authority to allow cities to determine how statewide housing objectives should be implemented in a manner that reflects local conditions and community priorities while continuing to support responsible housing production.
Per Cal Cities bylaws, proposed resolutions follow a pre-conference and during conference process.
First, the resolution is referred to the appropriate Policy Committee (pre-conference) for review and recommendation. This year’s resolution was referred to the Housing, Community, and Economic Development Policy Committee, scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 17, at 10:00 am via Zoom.
A list of recommendations the Policy Committee may make during the meeting is listed on page two of the 2026 Resolution Packet.
Following the Policy Committee’s consideration and recommendation, the resolution will be reviewed by the Resolutions Committee, during the conference on September 24 at 1:00 pm. A list of recommendations the policy committee may make during the meeting is listed on page two of the 2026 Resolution Packet. These recommendations will be considered the following day by the General Assembly.
The General Assembly will convene on Friday, September 25 at 8:30 am to consider any resolutions the Resolutions Committee has forwarded.
As the City of Trinidad is a member of Cal Cities, it is important that the City be represented and cast a vote on the proposed resolution. Staff recommends, at the direction of the City Council, the voting delegate submit a support position on the proposed resolution at the Cal Cities 2026 Annual Conference.
FISCAL IMPACT
• Is there a Fiscal Impact: None. All cost associated with the conference are budgeted for FY 26-
27. There is no fiscal impact with this action.
• Where is it Budgeted: 201 General Fund
ATTACHMENTS
• League of California Cities 2026 Resolution Packet
2025-2026
CAL CITIES OFFICERS
President
Gabe Quinto
Mayor
El Cerrito
First Vice President
Teresa Acosta
Council Member
Carlsbad
Second Vice President
David Cohen
Council Member
San Jose
Immediate Past President
Lynne B. Kennedy
Mayor Pro Tem,
Rancho Cucamonga
Executive Director
and CEO
Carolyn M. Coleman
1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org August 10, 2026
TO: Cal Cities Members
RE: Cal Cities 2026 Resolution Packet
Sixty days before the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Cal Cities members may submit resolutions on issues of importance to cities. This year, Cal Cities received one resolution by the July 25 deadline.
The attached packet contains the proposed resolution, background information, supporting letters from cities and city officials, and an analysis of the resolution by Cal Cities. The packet includes detailed information on the resolution process and the next steps for the resolution.
We encourage each city council to consider the resolution and determine a position so your voting delegate can represent your city’s position on the resolution.
Voting Delegates: City councils must appoint a voting delegate to vote during the General Assembly. Each city may also appoint up to two alternate delegates. If your city has not already done so, please appoint your voting delegate by Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. The voting delegate packet contains more information.
The 2026 General Assembly will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at 8:30 a.m. in the Anaheim Convention Center during the Annual Conference and Expo.
For questions about resolutions, voting delegates, or the General Assembly, please contact Zach Seals.
2026
Resolution
Packet
2026 Resolution Packet
Information on 2026 Resolutions Process
Consideration by Policy Committee (pre-conference)
Per the Cal Cities bylaws, Cal Cities President Gabe Quinto has referred the submitted resolution to the Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee. The committee will meet on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. via Zoom to review the resolution and make a recommendation that will be sent to the Resolutions Committee. A public comment period will be held during the meeting. Register for the meeting here.
A list of recommendations the policy committee may make during its meeting is on page two of this packet.
Consideration by Resolutions Committee (during conference) On Thursday, Sept. 24, at 1:00 p.m. the Resolutions Committee will meet to review the resolution and the recommendation of the policy committee.
The Resolutions Committee consist of one representative from each of Cal Cities caucuses, departments, divisions, and policy committees, as well as up to ten additional appointments made by the Cal Cities President. A public comment period will be held during the meeting. Refer to the onsite conference program for the location.
A list of recommendations the Resolutions Committee may make during its meeting is on page two of this packet.
Consideration by the General Assembly (during conference) The General Assembly will convene on Friday, Sept. 25, at 8:30 a.m. to consider any resolutions the Resolutions Committee has forwarded. To vote during the General Assembly, voting delegates must have checked in at the voting delegate booth.
Conference attendees will receive materials for the General Assembly on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 24. For more information on voting and discussion procedures during the General Assembly, see page three of this packet.
Petitioned Resolutions (during conference)
The petitioned resolution is an alternate method to introduce policy proposals during the annual conference. To initiate a petitioned resolution, voting delegates from 10% of member cities must sign the petition. The resolution and signatures are due at least 24 hours before the beginning of the General Assembly. Voting delegates who have checked in at the voting delegate booth can receive more information on petitioned resolutions at the booth onsite. 1 2026 Resolution Packet
Policy Committee and Resolutions Committee Actions
The submitted resolution will be heard by the policy committee to which it was assigned, and the Resolutions Committee. The table below shows what recommendations these bodies may make on the resolution.
Policy Committee Actions Resolutions Committee Actions
Approve Approve
Disapprove* Disapprove*
No Action No Action
Amend and approve Amend and approve
Refer to appropriate policy committee
for further study*
Approve as amended
Refer as amended to appropriate
policy committee for further study*
Refer to appropriate policy committee
for further study*
Refer as amended to appropriate
policy committee for further study*
Approve with additional
amendment(s)
Additional amendments and refer to
appropriate policy committee for
further study*
*If a resolution is disapproved or referred for further study by all policy committees to which it is assigned and the Resolutions Committee, it will not proceed to the General Assembly. 2 2026 Resolution Packet
General Assembly Voting and Discussion Procedures
Discussion Procedures:
Discussion procedures during the General Assembly are guided by two calendars:
the Consent Calendar and the Regular Calendar. As seen below, resolutions are calendared by the recommendations they receive from policy committees and the Resolutions Committee.
For General Resolutions:
Policy Committee
Recommendation
Resolutions Committee
Recommendation Calendar
Approve Approve Consent Calendar
Approve Disapprove or refer Regular Calendar
Disapprove or refer Approve Regular Calendar
Disapprove or refer Disapprove or refer Does not proceed to General Assembly
For Petitioned Resolutions:
Policy Committee
Recommendation Resolutions Committee Action Calendar
N/A
Approve Regular Calendar
Disapprove or Refer Regular Calendar
Disqualified Does not proceed to General
Assembly
Items on the Consent Calendar will be presented as one motion during the General Assembly from the Resolutions Committee chair. Unless an item on the Consent Calendar is set aside by the majority of the General Assembly, a vote will be taken on the whole calendar. If an item is set aside, it will be opened for discussion, followed by a vote.
Items on the Regular Calendar will be presented individually by the Resolutions Committee chair. After a recommendation is presented by the Resolutions Committee chair, the resolution will be opened for discussion by the General Assembly. A vote will take place following discussion.
Voting Procedures:
Per Cal Cities Bylaws Article XII, Sec. 2, all votes will be conducted by voice vote first. If the presiding official cannot determine the outcome, a vote will be taken by an alternative method, typically a raise of voting cards by voting delegates. A roll call vote may be called for by delegates of ten percent or more of the General Assembly.
3 2026 Resolution Packet
2026 Resolution
1. Resolution No. 1 submitted by City of Murrieta
• Letters of concurrence submitted by:
i. City of Banning;
ii. City of Calimesa;
iii. City of Canyon Lake;
iv. City of Moreno Valley;
v. City of Norco;
vi. City of Torrance;
vii. Crystal Ruiz, Mayor, City of San Jacinto;
viii. Jessica Alexander, Mayor, City of Temecula
• Referred to Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee
• Policy Committee Recommendation:
• Resolutions Committee Recommendation:
4 2026 Resolution Packet
Resolution No. 1
Submitted by City of Murietta
5 2026 Resolution Packet
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
CALLING FOR A WORKING GROUP TO CONSIDER A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT OR OTHER FORM OF INITIATIVE TO ENSURE FINAL LOCAL AUTHORITY OVER
HOUSING AND LAND USE DECISIONS
Source: City of Murrieta
Concurrence of five or more cities/city officials
Cities/city officials: City of Banning; City of Calimesa; City of Canyon Lake; City of Moreno Valley; City of Norco; City of Torrance; Crystal Ruiz, Mayor, City of San Jacinto; Jessica Alexander, Mayor, City of Temecula
Referred to: Housing, Community, and Economic Development Policy Committee WHEREAS, California cities have historically been responsible for adopting general plans and zoning regulations, reviewing housing development proposals, and providing or coordinating the streets, water, wastewater, public safety, parks, transportation, and other infrastructure and services necessary to support responsible, environmentally sound, and well-planned residential growth; and
WHEREAS, the League of California Cities is dedicated to protecting and expanding local control for municipalities across the state to ensure their orderly growth and development; and
WHEREAS, the League of California Cities recognizes that local zoning is a primary function of cities and an essential component of home rule, and that a city’s general plan should guide its land use planning and strategic decision-making free from pre-emption by the state; and
WHEREAS, increasingly prescriptive statewide housing mandates and development approval requirements can override locally adopted plans, zoning standards, and public review procedures without adequately accounting for differences that exist in each unique jurisdiction in infrastructure capacity, water availability, wildfire and evacuation risks, environmental constraints, fiscal impacts, public service needs, and community priorities; and
WHEREAS, California’s housing goals can be more effectively advanced through state funding, streamlined environmental requirements, and voluntary partnerships that support housing production while preserving the authority of locally elected officials to determine how and where housing is best planned and approved; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the General Assembly of the League of California Cities, assembled during the Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, on September 25, 2026, that the League of California Cities support the development and advancement of a state constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballotbased strategies that restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters within municipal boundaries, including general plans, housing elements, zoning, density, design and development standards, project siting, and the approval or denial of housing development applications; and
6 2026 Resolution Packet
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any constitutional amendment or alternative strategy should preserve the State’s authority to establish broad statewide housing goals and enforce constitutional and civil rights, fair housing requirements, building and life-safety standards, and generally applicable environmental protections, while protecting cities from state actions that compel, through funding conditions or state law, the approval of housing developments that are inconsistent with locally adopted requirements; override local zoning or density standards; or invalidate locally adopted housing or land use decisions when a city has planned in good faith to accommodate its regional housing needs allocation and maintains adequate capacity for housing at all income levels; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the League of California Cities consider establishing a statewide working group or other appropriate committee(s) to evaluate and develop a proposed constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters including but limited to: conducting appropriate legal, fiscal, and policy analyses; engaging cities and other stakeholders; and building a statewide coalition of proponent supporters in preparation for; the November 2030 General Election, or within another reasonable time frame as determined by the working group.
7 2026 Resolution Packet
Resolution No. 1: Background
Information
8 2026 Resolution Packet
Background Information for Resolution
Source: City of Murrieta
Background:
California cities are responsible for planning residential growth, adopting general plans and zoning regulations, reviewing development proposals, and providing or coordinating the infrastructure and public services necessary to support new housing. Since 2010, the State has enacted more than 500 housing-related laws that have increasingly shifted housing and land use authority away from local governments. These laws have expanded by-right development, limited locally adopted standards and review processes, and established enforcement mechanisms, including the builder’s remedy, that may override local plans and zoning. Although these measures are frequently presented as solutions to housing affordability, many increase development capacity or restrict local review without delivering the meaningful production of housing needed to address the housing crisis.
At the same time, the State has continued to prioritize increased development capacity without adequately accounting for the infrastructure, public services, economic realities, and safety measures necessary to support housing growth.
State mandates often fail to reflect local conditions, including roadway and utility capacity, water availability, wildfire exposure, environmental limitations, fiscal impacts, and the availability of essential services. Cities are consequently required to accommodate additional housing while receiving no funding or assistance to address the resulting infrastructure and service demands.
Local elected officials are directly accountable to the residents who experience the effects of development decisions and are responsible for balancing housing production with infrastructure capacity, public safety, environmental protection, fiscal sustainability, and community needs. Cities of all types in California have been grappling with this dynamic, ranging from urban to rural, coastal to inland, small to large, northern to southern, voicing concerns to legislative representatives with minimal responsiveness. This is an issue of statewide concern that needs the strength and diversity of the League of California Cities to pursue a long-term solution.
The proposed resolution directs the League of California Cities to establish a statewide working group to evaluate a constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use decisions. The working group would be tasked with developing a more balanced framework that preserves the State’s role in establishing broad housing goals and enforcing constitutional, civil rights, fair housing, building, life-safety, and environmental requirements, while restoring meaningful local authority to allow cities to determine how statewide housing 9 2026 Resolution Packet
objectives should be implemented in a manner that reflects local conditions and community priorities while continuing to support responsible housing production.
As the primary statewide organization representing California cities, the League is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. Its established policy, legal, legislative, communications, and advocacy networks enable it to convene municipalities, evaluate potential strategies, conduct legal and fiscal analyses, build consensus, engage stakeholders, and coordinate with statewide decision-makers. League leadership would help ensure that any recommendation reflects the collective interests of California municipalities and would provide the credibility, organizational capacity, and statewide reach necessary to advance a viable strategy.
10 2026 Resolution Packet
Resolution No. 1: Letters of
Concurrence
11 12
13 July 23, 2026
President Gabe Quinto
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Support for a Resolution Establishing a Working Group to Evaluate a State Constitutional Amendment or Other Initiative to Restore Local Housing and Land Use Authority Dear President Quinto,
The City of Murrieta is sponsoring a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly of the League of California Cities to establish a statewide working group to evaluate a constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use decisions.
The proposed resolution, together with the required background materials, will be submitted to Cal Cities for consideration at the 2026 Annual Conference in Orange County on September 24 and
25. The resolution would direct the League to convene a working group to evaluate potential approaches for addressing the increasingly broad and prescriptive state mandates affecting local housing, zoning, development standards, and project approval authority.
On behalf of the City of Canyon Lake, this letter confirms our support for the City of Murrieta’s submission of the proposed resolution and its consideration by the League of California Cities General Assembly at the 2026 Annual Conference.
Sincerely,
Arron Brown
City Manager
City of Canyon Lake
14 July 23, 2026
President Gabe Quinto
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Support for a Resolution Establishing a Working Group to Evaluate a State Constitutional Amendment or Other Initiative to Restore Local Housing and Land Use Authority Dear President Quinto,
The City of Murrieta is sponsoring a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly of the League of California Cities to establish a statewide working group to evaluate a constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use decisions.
The proposed resolution, together with the required background materials, will be submitted to Cal Cities for consideration at the 2026 Annual Conference in Orange County on September 24 and 25. The resolution would direct the League to convene a working group to evaluate potential approaches to address increasingly broad and prescriptive state mandates affecting local housing, zoning, development standards, and project approval authority.
On behalf of the City of Moreno Valley, this letter confirms our support for the City of Murrieta’s submission of the proposed resolution and its consideration by the League of California Cities General Assembly at the 2026 Annual Conference.
Sincerely,
Brian Mohan
City Manager
City of Moreno Valley
15 July 22, 2026
President Gabe Quinto
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Support for a Resolution Establishing a Working Group to Evaluate a State Constitutional Amendment or Other Initiative to Restore Local Housing and Land Use Authority
Dear President Quinto,
The City of Murrieta is sponsoring a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly of the League of California Cities to establish a statewide working group to evaluate a constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use decisions.
The proposed resolution, together with the required background materials, will be submitted to Cal Cities for consideration at the 2026 Annual Conference in Orange County on September 24 and 25. The resolution would direct the League to convene a working group to evaluate potential approaches for addressing the increasingly broad and prescriptive state mandates affecting local housing, zoning, development standards, and project approval authority.
On behalf of the City of the Norco, this letter confirms our support for the City of Murrieta’s submission of the proposed resolution and its consideration by the League of California Cities General Assembly at the 2026 Annual Conference.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bash
City Council Member
(951) 768-8981
16 17
18 19
20 July 23, 2026
Mr. Gabe Quinto, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Support for the City of Murrieta's Resolution Establishing a Working Group to Evaluate a State Constitutional Amendment or Other Initiative to Restore Local Housing and Land Use Authority Dear President Quinto:
I am writing in my individual capacity as Mayor of the City of Temecula to express my strong support for the City of Murrieta's proposed resolution for consideration by the General Assembly of the League of California Cities at the 2026 Annual Conference.
The proposed resolution presents an important opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate the appropriate balance between California's statewide housing objectives and the constitutional principle of local governance. Establishing a statewide working group to examine a potential constitutional amendment, legislative reforms, or other policy initiatives will provide a meaningful forum to assess how local authority over housing and land use decisions can be strengthened while continuing to address the State's housing challenges.
Cities are uniquely positioned to understand the needs, opportunities, and constraints of their communities. Local elected officials are accountable to the residents they serve and are best equipped to make land use decisions that reflect a community's character, infrastructure capacity, economic development goals, environmental stewardship, and long-term vision. Equally important, local governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting public safety. Decisions regarding housing density, transportation, emergency access, wildfire preparedness, evacuation routes, police and fire service capacity, water availability, and critical infrastructure are inherently local matters that require the knowledge and judgment of those who serve their communities every day.
While the State has an important role in addressing California's housing needs, a collaborative approach that respects local expertise and preserves meaningful local discretion will produce stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities. The proposed working group offers an opportunity to evaluate policies that achieve these shared objectives while restoring an appropriate balance between state direction and local authority.
21 Mr. Gabe Quinto, President
League of California Cities
July 23, 2026
Although this letter reflects my personal position and is not an official action or policy of the City of Temecula or the Temecula City Council, I respectfully endorse the City of Murrieta's submission of this resolution and encourage its favorable consideration by the League of California Cities General Assembly.
Thank you for your leadership and your thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
Respectfully,
Jessica Alexander
Mayor, City of Temecula
Signing in her individual capacity
and not on behalf of the City of Temecula
or the Temecula City Council.
22 2026 Resolution Packet
Resolution No. 1: Staff Analysis
23 League of California Cities Staff Analysis on Resolution No. 1 Staff: Brady Guertin, Legislative Advocate
Committee: Housing, Community, and Economic Development Summary:
Resolution No.1 states that the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) will:
1. Support the development and advancement of a state constitutional amendment or legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategy that restores and strengthens local authority over housing and land use matters, including general plans, housing elements, zoning, density, design and development standards, project siting, and the approval or denial of housing development applications.
Pursuant to the resolution, the strategy should preserve the state’s authority to set broad, statewide housing goals and enforce civil rights, fair housing, building safety, and environmental standards while protecting local control by preventing the state from compelling the approval of developments that conflict with local requirements, override local zoning or density standards, or overturn local land use decisions where a city has planned for and maintained sufficient capacity to meet its housing obligations.
2. Consider establishing a statewide working group or other appropriate committee(s) to evaluate and develop a proposed constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
The resolution states: “conducting legal, fiscal, and policy analyses; engaging cities and other stakeholders; and building a statewide coalition of proponent supporters in preparation for the November 2030 General Election, or within another reasonable time period.” Background:
As provided in the background information, the city of Murrieta is sponsoring this resolution in response to concerns over state laws that have increasingly reduced city discretion over housing and land use decisions, including legislation that requires ministerial or by-right approvals for housing projects, limits the application of local development standards, and strengthens state enforcement mechanisms against local governments.
Additionally, the city of Murrieta, in its background information, maintains that these legislative efforts have not resulted in sufficient housing production to address California's housing shortage and have not adequately accounted for 24 local infrastructure, public service needs, public safety, market, and fiscal considerations.
The resolution states that California’s housing goals are better advanced through state funding, streamlined environmental requirements, and voluntary partnerships, while preserving local authority over how and where housing is best planned and approved.
Consideration of the resolution may be informed by a brief examination of how the California Constitution allocates authority between the state and cities with respect to land use decisions.
The constitution grants cities the power to adopt local laws to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This grant is called the “police power,” which is the basis for local land use regulation. The constitution grants charter cities the additional power to adopt local laws affecting “municipal affairs.” This power, commonly referred to as “home rule,” is based on the principle that a city, rather than the state, is in the best position to identify and satisfy the needs of the local community.
The constitution’s broad grant of police power contains a significant limitation.
Local law adopted under the police power is not valid if it “conflicts” with state law. A local law “conflicts” with state law when it regulates the same “field” in which the Legislature has stated its intent to occupy. In that case, state law is said to “preempt” the local law and it cannot be enforced.
An ordinance adopted by a charter city under the municipal affairs power cannot be enforced if it affects a “matter of statewide concern.” The subjects that have been identified as “matters of statewide concern” have changed over the years due to economic, social, and political circumstances.
Since the 1960s, the state has enacted numerous laws that limit or preempt aspects of local land use and zoning authority. These laws include the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Housing Element Law, Housing Accountability Act, Density Bonus Law, Permit Streamlining Act, accessory dwelling unit laws, California Environmental Quality Act, and others. In recent years, the state has enacted several laws that Cal Cities was the leading opposition force against, as many of the proposals pre-empted local land use authority, limited public review, and constrained local flexibility. In support of its housing and land use legislation, the Legislature has cited a statewide housing crisis and the need for increased housing production at all income levels while asserting that a uniform approach to local land use decision-making is required. 25 Discussion:
The resolution does not prescribe a specific policy mechanism. The eight letters in support recommend creating a working group or committee to evaluate potential approaches, including legislative proposals, constitutional amendments, or ballot initiatives to strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
A discussion of a strategy to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters will need to consider the California Constitution’s framework for both preemption of police power enactments and municipal affairs, discussed above. It will also need to determine whether changes to the California Constitution will be proposed, and whether they constitute an amendment or a revision, which require different processes.
A constitutional revision is a multistep process blending legislative consensus, voter support, and on occasion, a constitutional convention. It requires significant public engagement.
A constitutional amendment would require a ballot initiative, which includes gathering enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, building large coalitions to support election efforts, and campaigning to voters to support the initiative. This process can involve significant costs. In the last major election for ballot initiatives in 2024, proponents spent $8-$18 million to qualify for the ballot and spent nearly $700 million for the full election cycle, averaging out to about $100 million per ballot initiative.
Cal Cities has been engaged in ballot advocacy for over 20 years. In the early 2000s, Cal Cities developed a ballot advocacy infrastructure that included forming an issue political action committee, fundraising, establishing a network of regional managers, and building a coalition with other organizations to ultimately advocate on a ballot measure. Ballot advocacy requires the approval of the Board of Directors with a supermajority vote.
In the Legislature, Cal Cities plays an active and influential role to ensure that local flexibility and autonomy in the land use and housing space is maintained by engaging on dozens of bills every legislative session to ensure that cities' voices are heard at the state Capitol. Below, you will find Cal Cities “Existing Policy” on local control, housing, and land use policies.
Fiscal Impact
The resolution itself would not have a significant direct fiscal impact. However, depending on what actions follow, the fiscal costs could be significant. 26 Existing Cal Cities Policy
Vision
To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California's cities.
Mission Statement
To expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
We Believe
• Local self-governance is the cornerstone of democracy. • Our strength lies in the unity of our diverse communities of interest. • In the involvement of all stakeholders in establishing goals and in solving problems.
• In conducting the business of government with transparency, openness, respect, and civility.
• The spirit of honest public service is what builds communities. • Open decision-making that is of the highest ethical standards honors the public trust.
• Cities are vital to the strength of the California economy. • The vitality of cities is dependent upon their fiscal stability and local autonomy.
• The active participation of all city officials increases the League's effectiveness.
• Partnerships and collaborations are essential elements of focused advocacy and lobbying.
• Ethical and well-informed city officials are essential for responsive, visionary leadership and effective and efficient city operations.
Zoning
Cal Cities believes local zoning is a primary function of cities and is an essential component of home rule. The process of adoption, implementation and enforcement of zoning ordinances should be open and fair to the public and enhance the responsiveness of local decision-makers. State policy should leave local siting and use decisions to the city and not interfere with local prerogative beyond providing a constitutionally valid procedure for adopting local regulations. State agency siting of facilities, including campuses and office buildings, should be subject to local notice and hearing requirements in order to meet concerns of the local community. Cal Cities opposes legislation that seeks to limit local authority over parking requirements.
Housing Element
Housing issues should be addressed in the general plan as other planning issues are. The housing element should be prepared for the benefit of local 27 governments and should have equal status with the other elements of the general plan.
Encourage Full Community Participation
Foster an open and inclusive community dialogue and promote alliances and partnerships to meet community needs.
Well-Planned New Growth
Recognize and preserve open space, watersheds, environmental habitats, and agricultural lands, while accommodating new growth in compact forms, in a manner that:
• De-emphasizes automobile dependency;
• Integrates the new growth into existing communities;
• Creates a diversity of affordable housing near employment centers; • Provides job opportunities for people of all ages and income levels.
Support:
The following letters of concurrence were received:
City of Banning
City of Calimesa
City of Canyon Lake
City of Moreno Valley
City of Norco
City of Torrance
Crystal Ruiz, Mayor, City of San Jacinto
Jessica Alexander, Mayor, City of Temecula
28 CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 5
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
5. Update of the On-Call Planning Consultant Professional Services Procurement Process.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Angela Cather, Special Projects Manager
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM: Procurement of On-Call Planning Consultant Professional Services Update STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
• No staff recommendation, as this item is to only serve as an update.
BACKGROUND: On May 12, 2026, the City Council adopted the January 2026 Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 10 Consultant Selection as City procedure for applicable state and federally funded projects, along with appointing the City Manager/City Clerk and Special Projects Manager to the Consultant Selection Committee and directed staff to recruit additional members to the committee with subject matter expertise in order to proceed with the consultant selection process.
As directed, staff recruited additional members to the committee and began the procurement process for an OnCall City Planner. Staff anticipated following the consultant selection timeline presented to Council in May, but additional third-party reviews caused unexpected delays. On August 10th, the City released an invitation for qualified firms to submit Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) by the deadline of August 27, 2026. The City received one submission, triggering the review and evaluation process of the SOQ to begin.
The SOQ will be ranked solely on demonstrated competence and professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance. The estimated fee schedule will not be considered during the evaluation process but will undergo a cost negotiation period after review by the Consultant Selection Committee.
Dependent on the SOQ review, evaluation, and negotiation process, staff anticipates bringing forward a recommendation to Council for contract award at the October 13, 2026, City Council meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
• None
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
1. Discussion/Decision regarding North Coast Children’s Services request for Supplemental Funding Support for Salmonberry Preschool FY2027.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 08, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE:
1. Discussion/Decision regarding North Coast Children’s Services request for Supplemental Funding Support for Salmonberry Preschool FY2027.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY:
Receive a Salmonberry Preschool budget/enrollment update from North Coast Children’s services (NCS) Executive Director Rodney Oien and consider request for funding support or a contribution based on enrollment and/or program sustainability.
PRESENTERS:
Gabriel Adams, Clerk/Interim City Manager
Rodney Oien, Executive Director, North Coast Children’s Services DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
Salmonberry Preschool children parents raised awareness of a funding shortfall anticipated for the 2026-2027 school year due to declining enrollment. This was brought to the Council’s attention during the budget workshop in May. Updates were provided to the Council in June and July on a grassroots fundraising effort coordinated by organized parents. With enrollment numbers still unclear in July, NCS agreed to table any request for funding support until September.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The City Council has complete authority over discretionary General Fund spending. General fund revenues are generated from property, sales, and tourist occupancy taxes. The Council, for example, currently budgets 10% of the annual occupancy tax revenue total as a contribution to services provided by the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, Museum, Library, and Land Trust ($21,580 was distributed in May).
The current budget adopted in June for FY2027 projected an overall spending deficit of approximately $100k this year, with the caveat being much of that may be balanced by savings realized from the current staffing plan.
In July the City accepted the FY2025 Audit that confirmed the general fund reserve of $2.1 million, of which approximately $326k is unassigned and eligible for consideration per the city’s reserve policy structure. FY2026 Audit season has yet to begin, but preliminary year-end financial analysis suggests the general fund will gain positive flow.
FUNDING REQUEST:
NCS will provide up to the minute enrollment status, fundraising status, and a desired amount of support to bridge any funding shortfalls with a range of up to $10k.
No attachments.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED
2. Discussion/Update on the Water Source Comparative Analysis, Request for Technical Assistance through the State Water Resources Control Board Submitted in June 2026
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 08, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Clerk/Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE:
2. Discussion/Update on the Water Source Comparative Analysis, Request for Technical Assistance through the State Water Resources Control Board Submitted in June 2026.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY:
Presentation item to update the Council on the status of the Technical Assistance Grant Application submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, and next steps. No action requested.
Council may wish to affirm or redirect staff priorities, or offer additional guidance, or request more information from staff for future discussions.
STAFF AVAILABLE:
Gabriel Adams, Clerk/Interim City Manager
Angela Cather, Special Projects Manager
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
On May 12, 2026, staff presented a list of options to the Council to conduct a water system comparative analysis.
For several months leading up to that meeting, city staff worked closely with State Water Board staff who presented two viable funding programs the City could pursue to receive the support needed to answer the complex questions framed in the Council’s May 12 decision; 1) Technical Assistance (TA), and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). Based on several limiting factors such as budget, timeline, and the level of burden and involvement of staff resources to implement, the Council selected to prioritize the TA route.
On May 29 the City submitted a preliminary request for TA through the Water Board website. On June 10 the Water Board denied the City’s application for TA for the following reason:
We have completed our review of the TA request for City of Trinidad. The request is not eligible for the TA program at the State Water Board. Per our Intended Use Plan (DWSRF) only systems that are failing or consolidation projects are eligible for the TA program. The request to explore interconnection is not an eligible project at this time.
City staff followed up with the Water Board representatives who shared this information:
“About two weeks ago our upper management began to raise the alarm that our Division was going to be losing multiple sources of funding over the next few years. As a result, we expect to see changes on what we can fund this upcoming fiscal year (ie only funding “Failing” systems). Our 2026-2027 DWSRF IUP, grant prioritization guidance document, is expected to be posted in July 2026 and there will be a public comment period/workshop which I encourage the City to participate in.
On July 07, 2026, as advised staff attended the State Water Board’s public workshop/hearing on the FY2027 Intended Use Plan (IUP). During that meeting I read a prepared statement and submitted the public comment packet on behalf of the City of Trinidad (see attached public comment packet).
In preparation of the final IUP presented to the Water Board on August 18, Lisa Hong and Michael Downey, Financial Assistance Section Managers who advised redirecting our engagement to the Technical Assistance Program Engineer James Garrett who supervises the Fund Expenditure Program. That program, according to Garrett, would have public comment period and workshop beginning in September, similar to the IUP process. I met with Garrett on August 28 by video-conference (MS Teams) who reaffirmed that the TA program has prioritized failing systems and consolidation projects, and advised the City pursue two other routes:
“Based on the information that you shared with me I think that the best opportunity for you to explore is through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) RealWaterTA Program (Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) Information | US EPA). The priorities of the funding administered by this US EPA program are separate from the State Water Board’s Technical Assistance program. I would encourage you to submit a request for assistance to the RealWaterTA Program.” As advised by Garrett, staff submitted a preliminary inquiry/application to the RealWaterTA program on September 02 and received confirmation of receipt on September 04 (see attached email response/communication from RealWaterTA contractor Jill Turner). The EPA is a primary funder of State Water TA programs.
STAFF RECOMMENDED PATH FORWARD
To be sure staff is moving forward in a direction supported by Council, the following workplan is proposed for discussion:
1) Prioritze grant funded opportunities to fulfill the Council’s motion on July 08, 2025 and reaffirmed on May 12, 2026 to conduct a water system comparative analysis, continuing with EPA RealWaterTA Program engagement.
2) Continue engagement with the State Water Board Fund Expenditure Program to ensure the City of Trinidad’s interests are being included as their funding priorities are shaped for FY2027. 3) Maintain communication with outside engineering firms that specialize in water planning as a self-funded option should viable and timely grant funded opportunities continue to dry up. 4) Revisit the DWSRF Planning Grant Program (OPTION 2 – May 12, 2026 staff report) and self-funded path (OPTION 3) and begin examining a possible loan structured from the General Fund to the Water Fund.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presentation item only. Received direction/input from Council on recommended path forward.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS/ATTACHMENTS:
- Public comment packet submitted to SWRCB FY2027 Intended Use Program public hearing process. - Recent email confirmation receipt from EPA RealWaterTA Program contractor.
To: State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Joaquin Esquivel, Chair
Board Members D’Adamo, Maguire, Morgan, and Blumenfeld
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
From: Gabriel Adams, City Manager/Clerk
Re: Public Comments on the FY2027 Intended Use Plan
The City of Trinidad is grateful for having the opportunity to address the board during the workshop held on July 07, and continues to follow this process with great interest.
As mentioned during the public hearing, Trinidad’s application for Technical Assistance (TA) was denied in June for two specific reasons referenced; 1) It was not considering consolidation, and 2) the water system was not failing. The Needs Assessment conducted in 2021 resulted in the City’s severe disadvantaged status as being “at risk”.
In the years immediately following that assessment, the City of Trinidad’s water system experienced severe failures on two fronts; 1) financial failure due to increased operational costs after losing its Chief Plant Operator, and 2) extended water shortage emergency due to a complete storage system loss and increased turbidity that the water plant could not treat fast enough. Details of both these issues are provided in the attachments included with this cover letter.
The Water Board has always been fair, informative, and supportive partners of the City of Trinidad’s Water system. It has benefited from several projects aimed at improving water quality and system reliability for the small number of customers it serves. The system was developed in 1970 and has done an excellent job serving the community’s needs, but has been showing signs of increasing vulnerability that the City Council has asked staff to address, focusing on both short and long-term needs. Submitting the TA grant request was a step in that direction – and maybe one of the only options available to the City at this time considering the financial constraints it is currently experiencing.
The City of Trinidad is willing to put in the work necessary address an aging system vital to supporting the local community it serves, and millions of visitors that appreciate the services provided that sustain its local economy.
To echo my comments provided during the July 07 meeting; The City of Trinidad water system is out of the ICU, but still remains in recovery care, due to several unprecedented issues that turned catastrophic given their complexity and cost. We hope there’s room in the IUP for policy that supports willing and able water systems like Trinidad that lack the funding, but would benefit greatly by tapping into the expertise and resources of the State to help make informed, generational decisions on the future of its drinking water.
For these reasons, we urge the board to continue supporting the funding of At-Risk systems like Trinidad, and to also consider evaluating the regional interconnection option as a viable discretionary funding priority for systems proactively working to avoid future failures.
Should the Board provide the City of Trinidad an opportunity to receive a modest amount of funding to conduct the Technical Assistance study and receive answers to very important questions that will help shape the focus of much larger, generational discussions moving forward, the City will be committed partners in the process. If the IUP doesn’t directly prioritize “at risk” or “severely disadvantaged systems” outright for funding, we hope the policy will give the director discretion to dive deeper into certain applications that demonstrate a severe need for support, prior to failing.
Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication serving the great state of California, and allowing access and participation in this process.
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk/City Manager
[email protected]
City of Trinidad
P.O. Box 390
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.677.0223
Attachments:
- Public Comments provided at the July 07, 2026 IUP Workshop Hearing - Water System Comparitive Analysis Discussion (May 12, 2026) - TA Grant Application Rejection (June 2026)
- Scenic Drive Water Leak Discussion (January 03, 2026) - Westhaven Drive Water Leak Discussion (April 04, 2026) - Resolution 2024-12; General Fund Loan to Water Fund (06-11-2024) Public Comment provided by the City of Trinidad during the State Water Board Public Hearing/Workshop for the FY2026-2027 Intended Use Plan; Tuesday, July 07, 2026 4:55 minutes into the meeting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX0wNjLjpVI
My name is Gabriel Adams. I am the City Manager & Clerk for the City of Trinidad. On behalf of Mayor Cheryl Kelly and the Trinidad City Council, I thank you for the discussion and providing the opportunity to comment.
I also want to thank the DFA staff and our regulators for always being insightful, supportive, and treating small cities like small cities. Their encouragement gives us the endurance needed to meet or exceed all the mandates, deadlines, and expectations of our state partners.
I did a quick read of relevant sections of the IUP, with a particular interest in the opportunities prioritized for SAFER “at-risk” systems and projects. The draft appears to give Trinidad an opportunity to receive financial assistance from the State, and I’d like to share a summary of our experience that may be of use for the Board to consider when preparing the final draft.
The City of Trinidad is a small coastal city located in the Yurok aboriginal territory of northern Humboldt County with a population just over 300. The area is rich cultural and natural resources, and supports a large tourist base 6-8 months of the year with visitors seeking cool weather, big trees, open spaces, and uncrowded beaches. (but don’t tell anyone)
Our City operates a small, Treatment Grade 3 Certification Level, single-source, surface water system with 328 connections, consisting of mostly residential customers, with a K-8 school, a working Harbor, a market, a gas station, and the Trinidad Rancheria – a Native American reservation established in 1906. We are considered a severely disadvantaged community with an “At-Risk” SAFER status, and an annual water fund operating budget of just over $500k, with no reserves.
Water shortage concerns during the 2018-2021 drought forced the City to evaluate whether the source it developed in 1970 was resilient enough to meet the community’s needs into the future. The aging infrastructure was provided a boost from the 2021 Urban Multi-Benefit Drought Relief Fund to upgrade one of the City’s two, 50-year old redwood storage tanks.
In 2021 the City lost its Chief Plant Operator who took with him over 30-years of institutional knowledge. The City’s effort to recruit an in-house T3 operator failed, and had to hire a consulting engineering firm to run the plant. As a result, the City burned through a 1-million-dollar capital reserve fund in just under 4-years covering high operating costs.
In July 2024, the Council authorized a one-time transfer of $300k from the General Fund to stabilize the water fund.
In October 2024 the City conducted a rate study with the help of RCAC. The Council faced having adopting rates that were nearly unaffordable, so instead they settled on the rate option that would only stop the bleeding, with a promise to cut costs and revisit the rate discussion in 2-3 years.
In January 2026, less than a year after its new tank was put into service, a 6” mainline broke during the overnight hours and drained the entire storage capacity – approximately 400,000 gallons. Torrential rains prolonged the recovery effort, requiring an extended boil water and water shortage period that lasted over a week.
The City has held several discussions about whether to consider an opportunity to regionalize through an interconnection (not consolidation) with the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water System that serves the City of Eureka, Arcata, several other cities, communities, and CSD’s in our area.
Council directed staff in July 2025, and again in May 2026, to research options to conduct a comparative analysis that evaluates the options of investing in the existing system, or considering an interconnection with a larger system, with an emphasis on understanding customer rates, resiliency, and growth inducing impacts.
With no funding of its own to conduct the analysis, the City turned to the Division of Financial Assistance for help, and was encouraged to submit an application for Technical Assistance.
On June 10, 2026, the application was rejected due to ineligibility, with the priorities being “Failing Systems” or “Consolidation projects”. This was disappointing considering all the significant vulnerabilities experienced by the City of Trinidad since the prior needs assessment was conducted in 2021.
The City of Trinidad water system is out of the ICU, but still remains in recovery care, due to several unprecedented issues that turned catastrophic given their complexity and cost. We hope there’s room in the IUP for policy that supports willing and able water systems like Trinidad that lack the funding, but would benefit greatly by tapping into the expertise and resources of the State to help make informed, generational decisions on the future of its drinking water.
For these reasons, we urge the board to continue supporting the funding of At-Risk systems like Trinidad, and to also consider evaluating the regional interconnection option as a viable discretionary funding priority for systems proactively working to avoid future failures.
Thank you again for the opportunity to share our comments, and for sharing so many valuable insights during this workshop.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk/Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Trinidad Drinking Water System Comparative Analysis Options.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Review the opportunities proposed, select a preferred option, and authorize staff to pursue the comparative analysis as directed on July 08, 2025.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
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-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 soonto-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 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 costeffective 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.” Note: GHD has been awarded many TA projects by the State, and could end up being the selected consultant to carry out the TA project.
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 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.
More information regarding the DWSRF can be found here:
https://waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/services/funding/SRF.html The Intended Use Plan can be found here, which discusses planning funding criteria:
https://waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/services/funding/documents/2026/2025-26-dwsrf-iup.pdf On Page 34 you will see Table 12 which discusses planning funding criteria (snapshot below) 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: Planning funding application can be found here: Forms and Instructions | California State Water Quality Control Board 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.
ATTACHMENTS
- October 14, 2025 Staff Activity Report Supplemental: Grant Opportunities for a Comparative Analysis and Feasibility Study in Connection with Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. - October 14, 2025 Staff Activity Report Supplemental: Preliminary Staff Findings on Potential Growth Inducing Impacts from Connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. - State Water Resources Control Board SAFER Dashboard (City of Trinidad Water System Profile) containing data for the 2025 Drinking Water Needs Assessment.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR DISCUSSION CONTEXT Technical information included in the July 08, 2025 City Council meeting packet:
- Water Production Memo, May 01, 2019 - GHD
- Conceptual Hydro Assessment of Luffenholtz Creek Watershed, September 06, 2019 – GHD - City of Trinidad Alternative Raw Water Source Evaluation, September 06, 2019 - GHD - Resolution 2020-16 Declaring Drought Emergency, Adopted by City Council on September 08, 2020. - Improving the Trinidad Municipal Water System: Fixing Leaks. July 22, 2021 – Richard Clompus WAC - Report on Humboldt Bay Pipeline, August 10, 2021 – Dwight Miller, WAC - Ordinance 2021-03 Water Shortage Regulations, Adopted by City Council on August 21, 2021 - Trinidad-HBMWD Water Main Connection Option Memo, October 06, 2021 – GHD - Overview of Luffenholtz Creek Water Resources and Water Availability, October 12, 2021 - PWA - Water Storage Contingency Plan (current situation with tables and maps), June 28, 2022 – PWA - Prop 218 Public Notice for Proposed Water Rate Increase – July 15, 2024 - 2024 Water Rate Study
Recent water leak incident reports included in the January, March, and April 2026 City Council meeting packets:
- January 03, 2026 Scenic Drive Water Leak Report
- January 03, 2026 Post Incident Report
- April 04, 2026 Westhaven Drive and Langford Road extended service outage
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Angela Cather, Grants Department
AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activities Report - Grant Opportunities for a Comparative Analysis and Feasibility Study in Connection with Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The following information is provided as supplemental information for the staff activities report based on City Council’s direction at the July 8, 2025, meeting regarding a consideration of connecting to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
Staff sought out grant funding opportunities in response to the City Council’s motion to: “Proceed with a comparative analysis and feasibility study that evaluates the two options for water provisioning in the City of Trinidad: 1) connection to HBMWD in partnership with the Trinidad Rancheria or independently; 2) continuing to operate its own independent municipal water plant. The study should include comparative long-term costs, developmental (growth) impacts, environmental factors, regulatory/legal guidelines, technical/engineering and operational requirements. Staff will bring the RFP for the study back to the Council for final review and seek grant money to fund. Passed 3-2. Yes – Kelly, Breckenridge, Varela. No – Kenny, Tuttle,” and found two promising funding opportunities: the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program and the SAFER (Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience) Program. Both programs are funded by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
*To ensure full eligibility, City staff sent the full City Council motion to the SWRCB, who confirmed that all items we are seeking to fund are eligible.*
More about the programs:
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program: The program is in place to assist public water systems in financing the cost of drinking water infrastructure and planning projects needed to achieve or maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements.
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) – Division of Finance Assistance, confirmed that a comparative analysis and feasibility study are funding eligible items. The SWRCB also confirmed that the City of Trinidad qualifies for up to 100% grant forgiveness for a planning project.
SAFER Program: The program was established from the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water (SADW) Fund that provides yearly funding to aim to reach sustainable operations for all the State’s drinking water systems and is a critical element for achieving the goals of safe, accessible, and affordable water for all Californians. As the City of Trinidad is listed as a small, at-risk water system, we are eligible for up to 100% of planning costs being covered by consolidation and drought resiliency.
Technical Assistance: Additionally, while the City is eligible for grant funding, eligibility does not equal approval of an application. With that in mind, it would be in the City’s interest to submit a Request for Technical Assistance (TA) application. If submitted, a TA provider may be assigned to the City to assist in submitting a planning application and navigating the application portal.
Why are we eligible for both programs?
The City of Trinidad is listed as a small, At-Risk water system (see attachment).
Why are we considered At-Risk?
We fall under all four categories for the “Drivers of Risk” per the State Water Resources Control Board:
• Water Quality (Medium Risk)
• Accessibility (High Risk)
• Affordability (High Risk)
• Technical Managerial Financial Capacity (TMFC) (Medium Risk).
To note, while having an intertie with Westhaven Community Services District in place may decrease our Accessibility Risk Factor, we need to remember that the intertie is only to be used in an emergency. The intertie is not in place to serve as an indefinite replacement to our water system if it fails.
What is the application deadline?
The SWRCB is always accepting applications for both programs, so there is no hard deadline to apply.
Other funding options available:
• USDA – The Water and Environmental Programs – Rural Development. The chance of getting 100% funding is much lower, if at all possible. Additionally, in many cases, funding would be via a loan or require a 25% match. • FEMA – First there would have to be a declared disaster in the area, and then the City would have to explain how our project reduces risk from natural disasters, including a benefit-cost analysis. Clarity of what type of funding is available (a loan or grant) is unclear currently for planning projects. • Department of Water Resources (DWR) – While we did not have a match for either DWR projects, there usually is a required match, and at this time there are no available grants.
ATTACHMENTS
• SAFER Dashboard – City of Trinidad Risk Status
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
TO: Trinidad City Council
FROM: Trever Parker, City Planer
AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activities Report: Preliminary Staff Findings on Potential Growth Inducing Impacts from Connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The following information is provided as a supplement to the staff activities report related to subsequent research based on direction given to staff at the July 8, 2025 meeting regarding consideration of connecting to HBMWD. No further discussion or action is required or requested from the Council at this time. However, staff wanted to make this information available to the Council and the public sooner rather than later in order to help stop the spread of misinformation.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
One of the main concerns about a possible HBMWD connection has been the potential for it to lead to growth in the Trinidad area. That is a critical issue, and it is likely that there are circumstances where a parcel may not be developable now but could be developed if connected to municipal water. However, growth and development can and will be controlled in a variety of ways. Many of the comments made about growth have overstated the potential impact and/or are inaccurate. The following information is intended to correct some of the assumptions and misinformation that has been presented at past meetings. This is not meant to be a comprehensive analysis, but an overview of some of the steps in the process and land use considerations that will be made in planning for a potential connection to HBMWD and for controlling growth.
Fact: Bringing HBMWD water to Trinidad will not result in rampant, uncontrolled growth.
Connections to HBMWD water can and will be controlled and restricted in a variety of ways.
There are numerous ways to control growth that are more orderly and equitable than by limiting the overall water supply. These are a few of the primary ones:
• Land use designations and zoning are the primary method of planning for and regulating growth over large areas and long time spans. This is done through general plans and zoning ordinances.
• Much of the developed area is in the Coastal Zone where either the City or County Local Coastal Program (LCP) applies. LCPs include policies and standards that limit and control growth based on the Coastal Act.
• The Coastal Act includes limitations on growth and growth inducing development such as service extensions (e.g. §§ 30250, 30254) and the Coastal Commission will enforce those limits through LCP amendments and the Coastal Development Permit process. • There are and will continue to be specific planned service area boundaries for water providers, and extensions of service outside those boundaries are limited in a variety of ways, including State laws.
• Development density will also continue to be limited based on wastewater treatment (septic) capacity. Current county standards require new lots to be a minimum of 1-acre if using onsite wastewater treatment, even if the property is served by public water.
The water service area(s) can and will be crafted to control growth. • The HBMWD will need to apply to the SWRCB for a change in the place of use for their water right. The new place of use can be narrowly drawn, and water service cannot be provided outside of that area without a new application to the SWRCB. • Similarly, HBMWD will likely need to annex Trinidad and the Rancheria into its service area (if just the Rancheria is being served, it could be an Outside Agency Service Connection without annexation). The service area does not have to be contiguous with other HBMWD service areas, and therefore, does not have to include the pipeline corridor or other areas outside of Trinidad’s existing water service area. Water cannot be provided outside of the service area(s) without additional annexation, review, and approvals, including LCP update(s) and CEQA compliance.
• One of the primary purposes of LAFCo is to ensure that service area boundaries are orderly and well thought out and that services are not extended beyond those boundaries except under specific circumstances.
• LAFCo is required to analyze growth over the next 10 years when reviewing changes of boundaries.
• The environmental review process will analyze growth as well as alternatives to minimize impacts.
The pipeline will not be constructed to serve individual connections; it will feed into existing water system(s).
• HBMWD is not a retail water service provider; they do not provide individual connections. They will wholesale water to Trinidad and/or the Rancheria, and it will generally be Trinidad and the Rancheria, along with LAFCo and other agencies (e.g.
Humboldt County, Coastal Commission), that decide how, where, and when to extend future services.
If the City is a participant in the connection planning, then it will have a significantly greater say in how the process is implemented, how the service area maps are drawn, and how water is distributed in the future.
• As noted above, approval by various agencies is required for both the initial pipeline construction and the future extensions of services. Planning for the water line should be done on a regional scale with a long-term view of community water needs. The City is a stakeholder and should be an active participant throughout the process. • The City’s General Plan / LCP already contains policies related to growth and extension of services that should be considered and amended as needed. • Annexation by HBMWD should include the City’s service area, and then the City would have authority over when and where to extend individual connections via the same LAFCo process as is currently required for connections outside City limits. • The City can choose to not connect to HBMWD at this time and still be an active participant and plan for potential future connection.
• Growth (annexation) may be beneficial to the City now or in the future, and having adequate water supply will allow the City more flexibility to consider if and when that should occur.
Fact: Not participating in the HBMWD planning process will not stop the Rancheria’s hotel • There is no reason to believe that the Rancheria won’t eventually get a connection to HBMWD regardless of whether the City is a participant. And if the City is not a participant, it will have much less say in the process and the final result. • The Rancheria, as a Tribe and a disadvantaged community, has access to a variety of funding sources, and there are currently active funding sources for water supply and consolidation projects.
Fact: Trinidad will not be forced to consolidate with or absorb nearby water service providers • The SWRCB does have some authority to require systems to consolidate:
o https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/programs/compliance/docs/202 1/rfaq-mandatory-consolidation.pdf
• However, in practice, this is not something they do. I spoke with Barry Sutter, District Engineer of District 1 of the Division of Drinking Water of the SWRCB, who oversees more than 400 small water systems throughout Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties. In his almost 10-year tenure, there has never been a mandatory consolidation, even for systems that have been out of compliance (e.g. under boil water orders) for years.
• In the last 10 years, there have only been two mandatory consolidation orders in the entire state, both in the same location.
• SWRCB will encourage, support, and facilitate voluntary consolidations. • Barry would be in support of Trinidad connecting to HBMWD, because he considers Trinidad’s system to be vulnerable, because it is a single water plant with a single source.
Fact: Connection to HBMWD is not expected result in increased septic pollution. • Based on the growth controls discussed above, a connection to HBMWD is not expected to result in significant growth, and therefore, would not contribute to significant additional wastewater.
• Pollution is not expected to occur from modern, permitted septic systems. So even if some growth occurs, that growth will be subject to current standards and requirements for septic systems. Resulting upgrades could benefit water quality. • Although people who go from individual water supplies to a municipal supply tend to use more water, the same level of increase would not be expected from those already connected to the City’s system.
• The City can implement water conservation policies and rate structures for those connected to its system.
• Additional water supply could allow the City to annex some areas thereby expanding the jurisdiction of its OWTS Management Program.
Other considerations
Another important consideration is the current funding landscape. Initial research indicates there are currently grant funds available for this type of project, particularly considering that the Rancheria is classified as a disadvantaged community and the City’s water system is classified as being at-risk. If the City does not participate and the pipe is sized to only serve the Rancheria, there will be fewer options for the City should the existing water supply and/or plant become compromised or too difficult (or expensive) to treat in the future. There would not be a huge difference in the costs for physically installing a pipe sized just for the Rancheria verses a larger one that could also accommodate the City and its water service area. But once a smaller pipe is installed, the feasibility of the City ever connecting to HBMWD in the future would be significantly curtailed, if not eliminated.
Summary
It should be understood that any connection to HBMWD will be a significant undertaking and a complex process that includes many agencies and several checks and balances with opportunities to control growth in various ways. This is a project that should be viewed in the very long term (50+ years) as well as shorter terms. The decisions made now are going to have repercussions for the City’s water supply for decades. This is a regionally important process, and the City is a stakeholder, so should be a part of it. It is to the City’s benefit to be proactive in working with all the various agencies, decision-makers, and stakeholders to plan this regionally important project. Staff’s recommendation would be that the City should be a participant in the process, even if electing not to connect at this time, in order to have some control over the outcome and to preserve a key water supply option for the future.
7/23/26, 11:32 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQALcVc8I%2FT%2BJFm35dMmQF6Zs%3D Page 1 of 5 Outlook
RE: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request
From Alyafeai, Salem@Waterboards <[email protected]> Date Wed 6/10/2026 12:59 PM
To Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>; WB-DFA-TArequest <DFA[email protected]>; Acather Trinidad <[email protected]> Cc Alyafeai, Salem@Waterboards <[email protected]> Good afternoon,
We have completed our review of the TA request for City of Trinidad. The request is not eligible for the TA program at the State Water Board. Per our Intended Use Plan (DWSRF) only systems that are failing or consolidation projects are eligible for the TA program. The request to explore interconnection is not an eligible project at this time.
We encourage you to explore funding opportunities through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) WaterTA Program (Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) Information | US EPA).
Additionally, you could check DWSRF funding. For more information, please refer to the following link:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/services/funding/SRFForms.html .
If you have any questions regarding this email, please reach out via email at: DFA[email protected] We appreciate your interest in the TA program.
--
State Water Board Technical Assistance Funding Program
[email protected]
From: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 8:38 AM
To: WB-DFA-TArequest <[email protected]>; Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>
Cc: Alyafeai, Salem@Waterboards <[email protected]> Subject: Re: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request Yes, interconnection is the key word that defines one of the options the City would like to evaluate (not consolidation). I'm aware of the distinction between the two, and appreciate your clarification. 7/23/26, 11:32 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQALcVc8I%2FT%2BJFm35dMmQF6Zs%3D Page 2 of 5 Thanks again,
Gabe
From: WB-DFA-TArequest <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 8:35 AM
To: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>; WB-DFA-TArequest <DFA[email protected]>; Acather Trinidad <[email protected]> Cc: Alyafeai, Salem@Waterboards <[email protected]> Subject: Re: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request Hello Gabriel,
Thank you for your prompt response and clarification; very helpful.
We will continue evaluating your request and get back to you sometime this week.
In the meantime, please note that consolidation involves the merger of two public water systems, resulting in one system ceasing to exist as a separate public water system. Based on our understanding, your request appears to be for an evaluation of an interconnection with Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District to provide an additional source of water, rather than a consolidation of the two systems.
Best regards,
------
State Water Board Technical Assistance Funding Program
[email protected]
From: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 8:26 AM
To: WB-DFA-TArequest <[email protected]>; Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>
Cc: Alyafeai, Salem@Waterboards <[email protected]> Subject: Re: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request Good morning Water Board,
Thanks for including me in your message thread. I'll jump in for Angela on this.
The intent to evaluate alternative water sources with the City continuing operation as it's own water system. Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District is a wholesale water supplier to Eureka, Arcata, and several other communities and districts in Humboldt County. 7/23/26, 11:32 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQALcVc8I%2FT%2BJFm35dMmQF6Zs%3D Page 3 of 5 I hope this provides the clarity you're looking for. Please reach out anytime with questions as the process unfolds.
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk/Interim City Manager
409 Trinity Street
P.O. Box 390
Trinidad, CA 95570
Office: 707.677.0223
Direct: 707-499-6473
https://trinidad.ca.gov
From: WB-DFA-TArequest <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 8:20 AM
To: Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>
Cc: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>; Alyafeai, Salem@Waterboards <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request Good morning Acather,
Thank you for submitting your TA Request Form.
Regarding the request, is the City's intention to evaluate consolidation, such that the City's water system would cease to exist as a public water system upon connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District? Or is the intent simply to secure a connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District as an additional water source? Thank you,
------
State Water Board Technical Assistance Funding Program
[email protected]
From: WB-DFA-TArequest <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2026 8:50 AM
To: Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>; WB-DFA-TArequest <DFA[email protected]> 7/23/26, 11:32 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQALcVc8I%2FT%2BJFm35dMmQF6Zs%3D Page 4 of 5 Caution: External Email. Use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. When in doubt, contact DIT or use the Phish Alert Button.
Cc: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request Technical Assistance (TA) Request Form Confirmation
Thank you for submitting your TA Request Form. Your request is being reviewed for eligibility.
Please allow up to three weeks for processing.
If you have questions about the State Water Board’s TA programs, please respond to this email or contact TA Program at: [email protected]. Include the name of the system in your email.
For information about the State Water Board Drinking Water for Schools Grant Program, please refer to the following website: Interim and Emergency Funding Assistance for Schools | California State Water Resources Control Board or email DFA[email protected] for specific inquires. ------
State Water Board Technical Assistance Funding Program
[email protected]
From: Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 2:08 PM
To: WB-DFA-TArequest <[email protected]> Cc: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Subject: City of Trinidad - Technical Assistance Request Good afternoon,
Please find the City of Trinidad's Technical Assistance Request Form, along with supporting documentation, attached. The City is requesting technical assistance to assist in conducting a comparative analysis and feasibility study that evaluates the two options for water provisioning in the City of Trinidad: 1) connection to Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District; 2) continuing to operate its own independent municipal water plant. The City is looking for the study to include comparative longterm costs, developmental (growth) impacts, environmental factors, regulatory/legal guidelines, technical/engineering and operational requirements.
Please reach out if there are any questions.
Thank you,
7/23/26, 11:32 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYy…4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQALcVc8I%2FT%2BJFm35dMmQF6Zs%3D Page 5 of 5 Angela Cather
Special Projects Manager
City of Trinidad
PO Box 390
463 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
707.499.7659
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE
1. Update/Discussion regarding the January 03, 2026, Scenic Drive Water Main Leak and Water Shortage Emergency Status.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY
No action requested. Presentation item only, with technical and operational staff present to provide a post-incident summary, current status update, help answer questions, and receive feedback that will help guide future decisions regarding the water system.
STAFF PRESENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS DISCUSSION
City Manager Gabriel Adams (Management/Outreach)
City Engineer Steve Allen (Technical)
Contract Chief Plant Operator Eric Sanders (Regulatory) Public Works Supervisor Kyle Shipman (Operations)
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The water main service line break that occurred on a problematic section of Scenic Drive during the overnight hours on January 03, 2026 rapidly drained the storage tanks (nearly 400,000 gallons of potable drinking water) and triggered the first Boil Water Notice issued by the City in over 20 years. The impacts of this event were significant and disruptive to the community. The incident further emphasizes ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of a small water system challenged by increasing costs, regulatory, and environmental pressures.
The discussion is intended to open the conversation with the Council and community, provide access to management, technical, and operational staff for questions, capture feedback, identify areas that can be improved, and recognize how staff response and community support helped rebound from a water shortage emergency.
LEAK LOCATION, TIMELINE, DETAILS
With a significant rain event forecasted, water treatment production was shut down by staff at approximately midnight on Saturday, January 03, with the 400,000-gallon storage facility at 90% capacity. Water department staff began receiving alarm calls from the plant shortly after 3:00am warning of storage/distribution system issues.
The first emails/calls/texts received from customers nearest the tank elevation were received shortly after 5:00am when their water pressure began to drop. This trend continued until the pressure drop reached Main Street just before 8:00am. City staff mobilized and immediately began troubleshooting and analyzing the information available. Trinidad Rancheria staff contacted the City Manager at 7:00am to report a leak observed near a hydrant near 824 Scenic Drive.
Based on the information gathered, approximately 72,000 gallons of water were lost per hour over a 5-hour period, beginning sometime after 2:00am Saturday morning. Water service was reported out completely in parts of the distribution system highest to the tank elevation. Pressure drops were reported on Main, Trinity, and Edwards Streets.
STAFF RESPONSE & RECOVERY
Public Notification: Staff began implementing the Water Shortage Contingency Plan as soon as the incident severity was realized. Public Works isolated the leak and began assessing production challenges. Management began implementing the communication and emergency response notification systems (website, phone calls, email lists, social media outlets).
Potable Water Trucking: Potable water trucking services were dispatched at 11:00am and a convoy of four, 1650-gallon capacity vehicles operated by Puryear Water Delivery and Norcal Water began shuttling water from the McKinleyville Community Services District (Humboldt Bay Municipal Water), direct to the City’s water storage tanks. They operated non-stop for four days with their last loads delivered on Tuesday when the tanks reached approximately 7’ in elevation (of the 18’ height peak).
Water Plant Production/Treatment: Extremely turbid water flowed through Luffenholtz Creek following a series of potent storms Saturday-Monday, slowing treatment and production, significantly to approximately 20,000-gallons per day. Treatment and production improved steadily as the storm passed and the creek cleared, increasing production to approximately 65,000-gallons per day from Tuesday on, relieving the city from its reliance on the trucking companies. By Friday the tanks reached 55% capacity.
Staff Impacts: Public Works and City Management worked round the clock starting with the first sign of trouble early in the morning Saturday. All four shift operators rotated plant duty every 5-hours, 24-hours per day through Saturday when operations stabilized and storage capacity reached 65%.
Coordination and distribution of Boil Water & High Turbidity Notices took a team of five people approximately six hours to execute, from drafting, duplicating, preparing, and delivering. The Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, and a third Councilmember joined public works and administrative staff in a door-to-door distribution campaign that lasted approximately 4-hours.
Daily updates were provided on the City website through an emergency alert notification, and red banner directing visitors to a page dedicated to the emergency. Leak repair status, water storage recovery progress, and boil water notice outreach was provided. Push notifications sent for messages of significance; 1) Notification of Emergency, 2) Boil Water Notice, and 3) Boil Water Notice lifted.
FISCAL IMPACT // TRUCKING
Saturday, January 03: 30 Loads 49,950 gallons delivered $5,400.
Sunday, January 04: 27 Loads 44,145 gallons delivered $4,860.
Monday, January 05: 31 Loads 50,685 gallons delivered $5,580.
Tuesday, January 06: 16 Loads 26,160 gallons delivered $2,880.
Total: 104 Loads 170,940 gallons $18,720
FISCAL IMPACT // LEAK REPAIR
The city has not yet received an invoice from GRS for the emergency repair. The preliminary estimate is approximately $10,000.
COMMUNITY / BUSINESS IMPACTS
Reports were received from businesses that single-use (disposable) items were used in place of dishware to minimize water use during the shortage. The Humboldt County Department of Environmental Health sent officials to Trinidad on Saturday to confirm adequate hot water temperatures required for food handling, and to verify methods used by restaurants to reduce water consumption were not compromising public health.
The Boil Water Notice, however, prompted County Health Officials to notify restaurants and the Trinidad School to close. The ripple effect of this impact was significant. Preliminary estimates calculate taxable prepared food sale losses during the 2-day closure to be in the tens of thousands. Employee wages were also lost.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Emergency Water Shortage Webpage
- Boil Water and High Turbidity Notices
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 1 of 14 Emergency Water Shortage Alert
Water
Departme
nt
Consumer
Confidence
Reports
Emergency
Water
Shortage
Alert: 01-03-
2026
Emergency Water
Shortage Alert
News Release
Date:
01-03-
2026
Back to
News
4:30PM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026:
Second Round of Testing is CLEAN:
Microbac Labs in Arcata has notified the City
that the second round of five water samples
taken from various stations throughout the
city's distributions system yesterday came up
clean. No bacterial contaminants were
found, and the BOIL WATER NOTICE IS
HEREBY CANCELLED, effective 5:00PM
today.
CITY OF
TRINIDAD
CALIFORNIA
Home Contact Us Search Ap
City
Government
Community Departments and
Services
Doing
Business
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 2 of 14 Emergency
Water
Shortage
Alert: 11-21-
2024
Water
Notices and
Notifications
Water Rates
Water
Advisory
Committee
Water
Storage Tank
Replacement
Project
Contact
Information
Water Production and Conservation:
Water production at the Treatment Plant
continues to increased due to favorable and
improving weather conditions over the past
36 hours, and an incredible response from
the Trinidad Public Works Department. After
3 days of recovery and supplemental water
trucked in by a convoy of delivery vehicles,
storage tanks are nearing 40% capacity (8
feet of water in two tanks that peak at 18'
when full capacity is reached), gaining nearly
1 foot each day.
TPW Staff estimates that by maintaining a
50% conservation message to customers,
with peak production uninterrupted by
weather, plant maintenance, etc., full
capacity may be achieved by mid-next week
and the conservation alert lifted.
Flushing, bathing, and personal hygiene is
encouraged. The City is asking customers to
be apply the 50% conservation approach
whenever possible during the duration of the
conservation alert.
Keeping you informed, and expressing
gratitude for the community's support during
this challenging time,
City of Trinidad Council & Staff
***
12:00PM NOON: TUESDAY, JANUARY 06,
Phone Number
707-677-0223
Email
Contact Group
Office Hours
Contact the City of
Trinidad mainline
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 3 of 14 2026:
Water production at the Treatment Plant has
increased due to favorable and improving
weather conditions over the past 36 hours.
The update published last night at 5:00pm
remains in effect. The state regulators are
monitoring our situation closely, and have
required a second round of testing. The
samples were delivered to the lab for
analysis this morning. Results are expected
within 24 hours. Clean test results for the
second round will enable the City to lift the
precautionary Boil Water Notice.
***
5:00PM UPDATE: MONDAY, JANUARY 05,
2026:
THE BOILED WATER NOTICE (BWN) WILL
REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL THE CITY
RECEIVES AUTHORIZATION FROM THE
STATE: Clean test results from Sunday's
sampling throughout the City's distribution
system were received from the County
Health Department late this afternoon. The
City is awaiting final authorization from the
State Division of Drinking Water to conclude
the Boil Water Notice that was issued
Sunday afternoon. The BWN will remain in
effect as a precautionary measure until
further notice. Another round of bacteria
testing will be conducted Tuesday to ensure
at 707-677-0223,
Monday-Friday, or
email
[email protected].
gov for assistance
setting up a water
service account,
questions about
your bill, questions
about drinking
water quality, or to
report a water leak.
Contact the Water
Treatment Plant at
707-677-3862, if
you have questions
about water quality
or to report a leak
on the weekends.
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 4 of 14 the health and safety of the city's drinking
water supply remains consistent. Results
are expected Wednesday afternoon.
50% CONSERVATION MEASURES
REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER
NOTICE: The quality of the City's drinking
water has been verified to meet or exceed
state standards, but the quantity of water
remains to be the issue. We continue to
seek the community's support to conserve
water as we slowly replenish the reserves.
While the City's storage system remains
compromised, community fire suppression
resources will have to come from Westhaven
Community Services District hydrants,
extending the response time needed to
access water in an emergency. The City is
doing everything it can to expedite storage
recovery without compromising the quality of
water it produces.
Please be both WATER wise AND FIRE wise
as we navigate through this challenging time.
We appreciate the cooperation and support
received from our extraordinary community.
- City of Trinidad Water Department, Council,
and Staff
***
11:00AM UPDATE: MONDAY, JANUARY
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 5 of 14 05, 2026:
The Boiled Water Notice (BWN) is still in
effect. The emphasis taken with this notice
is for water used for the purpose of drinking.
We expect to receive the test results around
2:00pm today (Monday) from mandatory
samples taken yesterday afternoon from
every sample point throughout the
distribution system. The City will notify the
public immediately via this website and
electronic outreach as soon as the results
are in.
Production: Treatment complications due to
extremely high turbidity are still slowing
production. The Norcal and Puryear Water
Delivery continue to haul water from MCSD's
fill site (Humboldt Bay Municipal Water) to
help supplement Water Plant production from
Luffenholtz Creek. A combination of
consumption and frequent filter backwashing
has left the tanks at a net zero gain over the
last 36 hours. The City is evaluating every
option possible to expedite storage
replenishment that maintains the highest
quality of water that either meets or exceeds
state standards.
Futher complicating the matter, water staff
will need to conduct routine flushing of the
distribution system (via hydrant locations) to
ensure new water is introduced into all
branches of the system. This procedure will
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 6 of 14 continue to challenge storage replenishment
efforts, likely for several weeks.
Until further notice we will remain in
emergency status and ask the following from
every water customer:
1. CONSERVATION: Remain
conservation-minded. Consume only the
amount of water necessary for your wellbeing.
2. REPORT LEAKS: Be on the lookout for
leaks, and please consider addressing
suspected or known leaks in service
lines, seeping toilets, outdoor spigots,
faucets, and any other water-wasting
appliances. Customers are responsible
for any line, valve, or equipment
extending beyond the meter to the
home. Public Works staff are available
to help you locate your meter
understand how it works, and share
advice or techniques that will help you
identify and monitor unintended water
loss.
3. ISOLATE AND SHUT OFF
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Irrigation
systems are prone to leaks and are the
primary suspect with residential high
usage.
4. SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY
ALERTS: The City of Trinidad utilizes a
very powerful website, hosted by Civic
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 7 of 14 Plus, with tools designed to increase
public engagement and response time
during emergency situations. Text alerts
are offered through the website by
clicking on the “SUBSCRIBE” button on
the home page. After enrollment you’ll
be able to receive alerts including the
content of your choice. The more water
customers and residents that are
subscribed, the faster our collective
response time will be when faced with a
sudden challenge.
Thanks again for your understanding and
ongoing cooperation.
11:00AM UPDATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 04,
2026:
Scenic Drive Water Main Leak -
REPAIRED: With help from GRS, Inc., the
mainline water leak on Scenic Drive has
been repaired and water service restored to
all customers affected.
MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION
WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FURTHER
NOTICE. Please continue to conserve at
least 50% or more of your average daily use
if possible. The community will have to work
together to help the city's storage situation
improve.
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 8 of 14 BOIL WATER NOTICE: Due to the
significant loss in pressure in several zones
of the City's distribution system, the City of
Trinidad is advising residents to only use
boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking
and cooking purposes as a safety precaution
to avoid stomach or intestinal illness, in
accordance with State Water Resources
Control Board regulations. This notice will be
advised for at least 48 hours from the date of
publication, to give the water department
time to test and verify the quality of water
meets or exceeds state standards, and also
to properly flush the distribution system.
This is a precautionary measure, required by
state drinking water law when incidents like
this occur, to ensure the highest level of
public safety. The City of Trinidad
appreciates your cooperation in this matter,
and will continue to work tirelessly to restore
system quality and reliability.
GOOD NEWS: City water staff worked
through the night flushing hydrants in the
distribution system as the first step to ensure
the safety of your drinking water. Emergency
water samples have been taken through the
system and are being tested today, in
coordination with the Humboldt County
Health Department to expedite results.
Water customers will be notified immediately
when the results are received. Upon receipt
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 9 of 14 of adequate sampling results, the BWN will
be lifted. The City expects the first test
results on Monday. Worst case scenario if
any samples come back dirty, the BWN will
be extended another 24 hours or until the
results return negative for bacterial
contaminants (coliform, etc.).
Restaurants: Contact the Humboldt County
Health Department for guidance on how Boil
Water Notices impact your business: 707-
445-6200.
EXCESSIVE TURBIDITY NOTIFICATION:
The rapid loss of water during the Scenic
Drive mainline leak on January 03 caused a
complete depletion of the City's 400,000
storage tank facility. As a result, several
zones within the City's water system
distribution system experienced a loss in
pressure, or no water service at all. To
recover and re-establish pressure, water
department staff had to pull water from the
Luffenholtz Creek infiltration gallery during
peak flows with extremely high and sustained
turbidity (cloudiness). State of California
drinking water regulations require public
notification when public water systems
violate any water standards. Although
notifications of excessive turbidity do not
trigger boil water notices, the loss in pressure
noted above does.
Water Tank Production: With the help of
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 10 of 14 Puryear Water Delivery Service and NorCal
Water, four (4) 1600 gallon tanker trucks
have been running the pipeline convoy on
wheels from the McKinleyville Community
Service District filling station to Trinidad's
water storage tanks on Westhaven Drive
hourly since noon Saturday. The City will
continue to utilize this service until the
storage tank levels are adequate.
Luffenholtz Creek Water Plant Production:
The estimated 400,000 gallons lost in less
than 5 hours overnight due to the leak will
likely take a full week of round-the-clock
production to replenish. Due to the current
weather condition, Luffenholtz Creek's water
turbidity is so high that the water treatment
process slows due to the frequent filter
backwashing required. Although water
service has been restored to customers
citywide, it is imperative that conservation
measures are preserved until the shortage
emergency concludes.
Thank you for your patience and
understanding. City of Trinidad staff is
working around the clock to provide accurate
and detailed information to the community,
and restore safe and reliable water service
as quickly as possible.
***
9:00AM UPDATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 11 of 14 03, 2026:
A water conservation alert has been issued
by the City of Trinidad due to a failed water
pipe discovered early Saturday morning on a
problematic section of distribution line at the
City/Trinidad Rancheria boundary line on
Scenic Drive. The leak has severely
impaired the water system storage capacity.
PLEASE conserve use of potable water
until further notice.
Restaurants are being advised cautiously not
to open this morning, unless very little water
can be used to sustain the business.
Water Department staff has isolated the leak,
and has now shifted its focus on production,
but warns it could take several days to
replenish the tanks. The City's current
storage capacity consists of two tanks; the
oldest being a 150,000 gallon redwood tank
built in the early 1970's, and the second
being a 250,000 gallon stainless steel tank
that was completed in early 2025 to increase
the City's total storage capacity from 300,000
gallons total, to 400,000.
The City is dedicating every available
resource to this emergency to ensure water
service is restored to all customers as quickly
as possible. Based on our initial
calculations, and a collective effort by the
entire community to conserve water today,
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 12 of 14 we may be able to have water service
restored to ALL customers within 3pm today,
but storage will likely be at emergency levels
for at least the next 48-72 hours. The
Emergency Water Shortage Alert will remain
in effect until further notice.
Customers at the highest elevation level
throughout the distribution systems reported
a complete outages or very little water
pressure around 7:30am this morning (Mill
Creek Lane, Quarry Road, Westhaven Drive,
and Scenic Drive).
Customers at the middle elevation (Murphy's
Market, Ocean, View, Main, etc.) reported
very low pressure.
As the storage tanks begin to fill, customers
may experience air and sediment in their
lines, and a gradual increase in water
pressure throughout the day.
Additional updates will be provided on the
City's website and adequate storage capacity
is achieved.
Please share this message with your
neighbors. Thank you.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 03, 2026, 7:30AM:
City of Trinidad Water Department staff
received several calls from customers in
various parts of town with reports of low
Emergency Water Shortage Alert | Trinidad CA 1/9/26, 5:33 PM https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert Page 13 of 14 pressure or no water. A large leak was
discovered in the problematic section of
Scenic Drive that occurred during the
overnight hours, and rapidly drained the
city's storage tanks. The leak has been
isolated and the City is doing everything it
can to increase production, but it will a
considerable amount of time to fill the tanks
to a non-emergency level. If you're in an
area of the distribution system that still has
water, please be very conservative with
usage until we are able to provide more
information on when the water service will be
fully restored.
Supporting Documents
Trinidad Boil Water Notice 01-
03-2026
35.69 KB
Trinidad Turbidity Notice 01-03-
2026
45.91 KB
Boil Water Notice Cancelled
257.3 KB
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este aviso contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Para una copia en español, favor de llamar al sistema de agua (707-677-0223). [CITY OF TRINIDAD WATER SYSTEM] [JANUARY 03, 2026]
BOIL WATER NOTICE
Boil Your Water Before Drinking or Food
Preparation to Avoid Illness
Due to the recent mainline water leak on Scenic
Drive which occurred on [January 03, 2026], the
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of
Drinking Water, the County Health Department,
and the [City of Trinidad] Water System are
advising residents of [City of Trinidad] to only use
boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and
cooking purposes as a safety precaution to avoid
stomach or intestinal illness. The affected area
includes: All City of Trinidad Drinking Water
System Customers.
We will inform you when tests show that water is
safe to drink, and you no longer need to boil your
water. We anticipate resolving the problem within
48 HOURS, and/or as soon as adequate results
are verified through water sample testing.
If you have questions about other uses of tap
water, such as bathing and dish washing, please
call your water system or read this guidance:
https://waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/d
rinkingwater/documents/notices/cdc_wtd_bw_advi
sory.docx
Optional: Potable water is available at the
following locations: For purchase at local retailers.
Please bring a clean water container (5 gallons
maximum capacity).
Do not drink the water without boiling it first
• Boil all water for one (1) minute (rolling boil).
• Let water cool before drinking.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking,
brushing teeth, and food preparation until
further notice.
• Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms
in the water.
If you are unable to boil your water:
Household unscented liquid bleach
• For clear water, use 8 drops (1/8 tsp.) of
bleach for 1 gallon of water. For cloudy water,
filter through a clean cloth and use 16 drops
(1/4 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
• Mix well. Allow to stand for 30 minutes before
using.
• Water may taste or smell like chlorine. This
means disinfection has occurred.
Water disinfection tablets
• Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For More Information
If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider or [the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health].
Water Utility contact: City of Trinidad, City Clerk’s Office: 707-677-0223, or visit www.trinidad.ca.gov for updated information.
State Water Resources Control Board District Office: 530-224-4845 Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction: [County Dept. of Environmental Health] Please share or post this information with others who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
CITY OF TRINIDAD PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
Did Not Meet Treatment Requirement (Turbidity)
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what you should do, what happened, and what we did to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are effectively filtering the water supply.
Normal turbidity levels at our plant are [0.02] turbidity units. A water sample taken [on January 03] showed levels of approximately [4.0] turbidity units at the Water Treatment Plant. A sample taken from the water storage tanks was [0.6]. This was above the state drinking water regulatory standard of [0.2] units. Because of these elevated levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.”
What should I do?
• We do not know of any contamination, and none of our testing has shown diseasecausing organisms in the drinking water. • Turbidity has no health effects. However, high levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
• If you have other health issues concerning the consumption of the water, you may wish to consult your doctor.
What happened? What was done?
A problem occurred with the treatment system at the water plant during extremely high Luffenholtz Creek turbidity events, and as a result the City will need to continue treating highly turbid water to replenish the storage system. Replenishing the storage system is critical to maintaining water quality standards, reliability, and adequate emergency fire suppression.
For more information, please contact the City of Trinidad at 707-677-0223, or the Water Plant at 707-677-3862.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Secondary Notification Requirements
Upon receipt of notification from a person operating a public water system, the following notification must be given within 10 days [Health and Safety Code Section 116450(g)]:
• SCHOOLS: Must notify school employees, students, and parents (if the students are minors).
• RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS (including nursing homes and care facilities): Must notify tenants. • BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS, OR OPERATORS: Must notify employees of businesses located on the property.
This notice is being sent to you by the City of Trinidad Public Water System.
State Water System ID#: 1210018. Date distributed: January 04, 2026.
CANCELLATION OF BOIL WATER NOTICE
CITY OF TRINIDAD
01/07/2026
On January 03, 2026 you were notified of the need to boil/disinfect all tap water used for drinking and cooking purposes.
The CITY OF TRINIDAD Water System in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, your water is safe to drink. It is no longer necessary to boil your tap water or for you to consume bottled water.
For more information call:
Water Utility contact:
CITY OF TRINIDAD TOWN HALL: 707-677-0223
CITY OF TRINIDAD WATER TREATMENT PLANT: 707-677-3862
Visit https://trinidad.ca.gov
State Water Resources Control Board:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (530) 224-4876
State Water Resources Control Boards
364 Knollcrest Drive, Suite 101, Redding CA 96002
Website: www.waterboards.ca.gov
Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction:
Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE
1. Update/Discussion regarding the April 04, 2026, Westhaven Drive Water Main Leak and Extended Service Outage.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY
No action requested. Presentation item only, with operational staff present to provide a post-incident summary, current status update, help answer questions, and receive feedback that will help guide future decisions regarding the water system.
STAFF PRESENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS DISCUSSION
City Manager Gabriel Adams (Management/Outreach)
Public Works Supervisor Kyle Shipman (Operations)
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
A water main service line break occurred on Friday, April 03, 2026 at approximately 6:00pm, on a 4” section of pipe located in the southbound shoulder at 254 North Westhaven Drive. The break was caused by the impact of a large redwood tree that fell across the road. The tree also took out overhead power and communication lines and completely blocked the road for nearly 36 hours.
The leak occurred on an older segment of mainline that
provides a circulation loop in the distribution system, traveling from Westhaven Drive, diving under the freeway to serve customers on Langford Road, and joins the Scenic Drive
main. The valving for this segment is complex. The 4”
asbestos concrete (AC) line splits off and runs parallel to the 10” main on Westhaven Drive, then reconnects in town at the Main and View Street intersection. At least one of the control valves are inoperable, another is questionable, and others are not intuitively located. The scope of the break, in conjunction with the complex isolation process, severely impaired the Water Department’s ability to minimize the number of customers impacted and duration of the outage.
A precautionary Boil Water Notice was issued on Saturday when the line was isolated and depressurized so utility crews onsite could remove the tree and perform overhead and
underground repairs. The break interrupted service to approximately 30 customers connected to the Westhaven Drive and Langford Road 4” distribution segment. The unprecedented, extended outage lasted approximately 76- hours, from 10am Saturday morning, April 04, through 2:00pm Tuesday, April 07.
The incident further emphasizes ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of a small water system challenged by increasing costs, regulatory, and environmental pressures.
The discussion is intended to open the conversation with the Council and community, provide access to management and operational staff for questions, capture feedback, identify areas that can be improved, and recognize how this situation compared to the January 03 incident for reference purposes.
LEAK LOCATION, TIMELINE, DETAILS
The water department was notified of the leak by phone from the owner of 254 North Westhaven Drive who witnessed the tree fall shortly after 6:00pm on Friday, April 03. The water operator notified routed calls to all Public Works and City Management staff at approximately 7:15pm. The City Manager arrived on the scene, assessed the situation, identified the leak point coming from under the large redwood approximately 4’ in diameter, and relayed the information to water operators that were enroute. After the initial assessment of water storage supply levels and the rate in which water was being lost, staff determined the severity was not critical but needed to be stabilized based on the overall site condition. Public Works contractor GRS, Inc. was contacted and confirmed availability Saturday to assist the Water Department with excavation and repair.
Three Shift Operators and the City Manager executed troubleshooting procedures that included valve closures and hydrant flushing from between 8:00pm-11:00pm to stop the leak and isolate the compromised distribution segment. Two Shift Operators and the City Manager continued troubleshooting after 11:00pm and concluded at 1:00am. Flow to the leak had been reduced, but not completely stopped. Water operators increased production at the plant to offset the loss and stabilize tank levels at approximately 70% capacity. The weather had been fair for several weeks so the creek condition was ideal for production. Preliminary overall water loss estimate is approximately 40,000 gallons.
Staff returned to the site at approximately 8:00am Saturday to continue locating valves that would fully control the leak point. The Langford Road valve was shut off shortly after 10:00am, successfully reducing the flow rate at the leak point. Water department staff contacted the City’s contracted T3 Chief Plant Operator Eric Sanders with a detailed incident timeline and report. Sanders advised to issue a Boil Water Notice to all affected customers that lost service. The notice was issued as a standard precaution due to depressurized lines and the extended period of time that we were unable to identify the size and scope of the line break.
The tree and overhead lines were cleared by PG&E just after 6:00pm. The City proceeded to excavate the leak point, assess the damage, and completed the repair just after 8:00pm. The good news was that the pipe was not crushed and was able to be repaired with a clamp, under low pressure, minimizing the introduction of contaminants down-stream. The bad news was that Boil Water Notices, once issued, could not be lifted without lab testing of bacteriological contaminants (Bac-T), and a release order from State drinking water officials.
Challenges to the timeline complicating water restoration included; 1) The break occurred suddenly after 5:00pm on Friday
2) The City was unable to access the site for excavation and repair until after 8:00pm Saturday (24-hour later)
3) Despite every effort made to reach State Drinking Water Regulators and County Public Health Officials on Sunday, it was Easter and no one responded, postponing testing
and water restoration efforts until Monday.
4) Bac-T tests require a 24-hour period. Samples were
delivered first thing Monday morning. Results were
received at 1:00pm Tuesday. The Boil Water Notice was
lifted one hour later at 2:00pm.
STAFF RESPONSE & RECOVERY
Public Notification: An “all-hands” response occurred within 1-hour of receiving notification of the incident.
Management implemented the communication and emergency response notification systems (website, phone calls, email lists, social media outlets). With power, internet, and phone lines out to many of the water customers affected, management published the first outage notice on the City website at 9:00am Saturday, followed by an SMS (text) notification to all water customers that subscribe to the City’s emergency notification system.
Continued progress updates were published as follows;
• 4:00pm Saturday
• 9:00am & 5:00pm Sunday
• 9:00am & 5:00pm Monday
• 2:00pm Tuesday
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/water-service-outage-04-04-2026-westhaven-drive Water Plant Production/Treatment: Water operators increased production at the plant to offset the loss and stabilize tank levels at approximately 70% capacity. The weather had been fair for several weeks so the creek condition was ideal for production. Preliminary overall water loss estimate is approximately 40,000 gallons.
Staff Impacts: Friday night initial assessment and inconclusive troubleshooting lasted from 7:00pm-1:00am (6) hours, and (19) total staff hours. By comparison, the January 03 Scenic Drive leak was discovered, isolated, and completely repaired in under (8) hours.
On Saturday, continued valve testing, hydrant flushing, coordination and distribution of Boil Water & High Turbidity Notices, and an all-day standby with the line break repair contractor concluded at approximately 8:00pm, requiring approximately 36-hours of overtime, and 16-hours of regular time.
On Sunday, shift operators and management staff worked regular and overtime hours.
Monday-Tuesday hours were overtime for operators that did not get the required break following their 40-hour work week ending the prior Friday.
FISCAL IMPACT // STAFFING
Payroll for the period affected is underway. No conclusions reached prior to this staff report publication.
FISCAL IMPACT // LEAK REPAIR
The city has not yet received an invoice from GRS for the emergency repair. The preliminary estimate is approximately $10-15,000.
COMMUNITY / BUSINESS IMPACTS
This incident is unique. The extended outage duration (76-hours for approximately 30 customers, all residing outside city limits) is unprecedented.
Re-pressurizing the water line serving the affected customers, without receiving clean tests from the lab and concluding the Boil Water Notice first would have severe consequences to downstream users. The management decision to minimize the number of affected customers shielded the entire system, including Trinidad School and businesses downstream from quarantined water that remained isolated until cleared by lab testing and State drinking water officials.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Boil Water Notices (BWN)
- Emergency Update Log published on the city website.
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Water Service Outage - 04-04-2026 Westhaven Drive
News Release Date:04-04-2026 Back to News
Tuesday, 2:00pm Update: Microbac confirmed all water quality samples taken were clear (negative) of any bacteriological contaminants. The City's State Water regulator has authorized the water department to restore service. The Boil Water Notice has been lifted, and Public Works is currently in the field pressurizing and flushing the affected lines! Monday, 5:00pm Update: We anticipate receiving water sample results back from Microbac Labs sometime before noon (hopefully earlier) Tuesday morning. If the results are good and the regulator authorizes the City to restore water service, we will do so immediately. In preparation of water service restoration, we want all affected customers to ensure that all water valves in the home are closed. Prolonged outages can cause sinks or garden hose taps to be left open by accident. Restoring water service can also cause air in lines that must be bled, and also discoloration in the initial water flowing through the system. This discoloration is due to minerals or sediments that have collected in the distribution pipes over time, and disrupted when water service is reactivated. We recommend bleeding this air and any discolored water out through a garden hose located closest to where your service line connects a the house. City water staff will be monitoring meters during the process, and also go door to door to assist anyone that may need assistance bleeding air from their lines.
Customers near leak site such as Te-Pah and on Westhaven Drive that did not lose water may experience air and or discoloration in their lines as well.
All customers without water are encouraged to sign up through this website to receive future water notifications, and also reach out to Town Hall and make sure your contact information is updated in our billing system. Thanks again for your continued patience.
Monday, 9:00am Update: Spoke with State Water regulator this morning at 8:00am who confirmed the City has done everything by the book to protect the health and safety of the customers affected, and is managing the outage in a manner that is minimizing the impact to the entire system. Water samples were delivered to the lab at 9:00am. Chlorine residuals of all samples taken were normal or above average. We are now waiting for the results of the bacteria tests which typically take up to 24 hours. Upon receipt of negative test results and confirmation from regulators, the City will begin restoring service immediately. Please keep in mind that the water quality testing is being taken in an abundance of caution due to the line break scenario - not because there is evidence of contamination. This is the standard protocol for this type of incident. More information will be provided in an update later today.
Sunday, 5:00pm Update: Water Department staff strategized every possible scenario to restore water to the 30 customers affected by Saturday's outage, but unfortunately this segment of line cannot be pressurized without the possibility of introducing untested water to the rest of the system. The labs were not open today, and our regulators did not respond to our outreach. As a result, our current estimate is for customers to prepare for up to an additional 48- hours for the test results and for State Regulators to lift the notice and authorize the city to restore service. More information will be shared as soon as we receive it on Monday. We sincerely apologize for this delay, and appreciate your patience. Please contact the City directly if there's anything we can do to help while we wait this out... [email protected], or 707-677-0223.
Saturday, 9:00pm Update: Due to the duration and scope of the break, along with the hydrodynamics of the North Westhaven Drive segment of the distribution system, the City had to issue a precautionary Boil Water Notice (BWN) directly to 30 customers on that line this morning just prior to isolating it for construction late this afternoon. The water line was successfully repaired shortly after 8:00pm. In order to reactivate the water line and lift the Boil Water Notice, the Water Department must test and receive negative bacteriological contaminant results over a 24-hour period. The results must be confirmed by the State Drinking Water regulator who will then lift the BWN. The timing of this incident with Easter weekend has impaired the City's ability to expedite the test, but we are doing everything we can to restore service as quickly as possible to the customers affected.
Saturday, 4:00pm Update: At approximately 9:45am the section of distribution line affected by the down tree along Westhaven Drive was isolated. Water storage tank level was not compromised during the incident, however, due to a large segment of distribution lines being shut down, a Boil Water Notice was issued as a precaution to approximately 32 customers on the impacted area at approximately 12:00pm Saturday afternoon. Tree debris has been removed and overhead utilities are in the process of being restored. The City water line repair will begin as soon as the overhead utilities are complete. The Water Department will work as quickly as possible to restore water service. An additional 24 hours may be required to repair and ensure the quality of water introduced into the isolated segment of line meets or exceeds state of California drinking water standards. The City appreciates your patience as we do everything possible to restore water service to all affected customers.
Saturday, 9:00am Update: Water service to customers on Westhaven Drive, lower Quarry, and Langford Road on the affected distribution line was interrupted just after 6pm last night when a large redwood tree fell across the road near 207 North Westhaven Drive. The tree took out PG&E, AT&T, and Optimum overhead utilities. Trinidad Public Works responded within 30 minutes of receiving notification of the water leak, worked throughout the night to prevent loss of storage capacity, and is still working to isolate the affected section of the distribution system. The leak is located under the large redwood tree that must be removed before any utility restoration work can begin. Once the site is cleaned up, overhead utilities will be restored. Water line repair will follow shortly after. Monitor your PG&E and Optimum alert notifications for a more exact restoration timeframe, or check back to this site for updates later this afternoon.
Supporting Documents
Boil Water Notice 04-05-2026.pdf
331.79 KB
BWN Cancellation - Trinidad 04-07-2026.pdf
257.87 KB
View PDF of Page
Contact Information
Phone Number
707-677-0223
Email
Contact Group
Office Hours
Contact the City of
Trinidad mainline at 707-
677-0223, Monday-Friday,
or email
[email protected] for
assistance setting up a
water service account,
questions about your bill,
questions about drinking
water quality, or to report a
water leak.
Contact the Water
Treatment Plant at 707-
677-3862, if you have
questions about water
quality or to report a leak
on the weekends.
CITY OF
TRINIDAD
CALIFORNIA
Home Contact Us Search
City Government Community Departments and Services Doing Business Este aviso contiene informacion muy importante sobre su agua potable. Para una copia en español, favor de llamar al sistema de agua(818)404-4470. [CITY OF TRINIDAD ](1210018)
BOIL WATER NOTICE
Boil Your Water Before Drinking or Food Preparation to Avoid Illness Due to a recent water main break, which occurred 04/03/26], the water distribution system was depressurized, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, and the [City of Trinidad Water Department] are advising all its customers to only use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution to avoid stomach or intestinal illness. The affected area
includes: Residents between 751 N Westhaven Dr. to the
intersection of Westhaven Dr. and frontage road, 2
residences on Quarry Rd., and all of Langford Rd.)
We will inform you when tests show that water is safe to drink and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate the power to return and the distribution system to be re-pressurized by Saturday evening. Afterwards, we will be collecting special bacteriological samples to ensure the bacteriological water quality of the water.
If you have questions about other uses of tap water, such as bathing and dish washing, please call your water system or read this guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/ dwa-comm-toolbox/before/tools/What-to-Do-During-a-BoilWater-Advisory.docx Do not drink the water without boiling it first
• Boil all water for one (1) minute
(rolling boil).
• Let water cool before drinking.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking,
brushing teeth, and food preparation
until further notice.
• Boiling water kills bacteria and other
organisms in the water.
If you are unable to boil your water:
Household unscented liquid bleach
• For clear water, use 8 drops (1/8 tspn.) of
bleach for 1 gallon of water. For cloudy water,
filter through a clean cloth and use 16 drops
(1/4 tspn.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
• Mix well. Allow to stand for 30 minutes
before using.
• Water may taste or smell like chlorine.
This means disinfection has occurred.
Water disinfection tablets
• Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider.
For more information, call:
Water Utility contact: [Carl Anderson 707-834-4903 or 707-677-3862] State Water Resources Control Board District Office: [Scott Gilbreath 530- 224-4876 or 831-566-7490]
Please share or post this information with others who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
CANCELLATION OF BOIL WATER NOTICE
CITY OF TRINIDAD
04/07/2026
On April 03, 2026 residents between 751 N Westhaven Dr. to the intersection of Westhaven Dr. and Frontage Rd., 215 Quarry Rd., 171 Quarry, and all of Langford Rd were notified of the need to boil/disinfect all tap water used for drinking and cooking purposes.
The CITY OF TRINIDAD Water System in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, your water is safe to drink. It is no longer necessary to boil your tap water or for you to consume bottled water.
For more information call:
Water Utility contact:
CITY OF TRINIDAD TOWN HALL: 707-677-0223
CITY OF TRINIDAD WATER TREATMENT PLANT: 707-677-3862
Visit https://trinidad.ca.gov
State Water Resources Control Board:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (530) 224-4876
State Water Resources Control Boards
364 Knollcrest Drive, Suite 101, Redding CA 96002
Website: www.waterboards.ca.gov
Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction:
Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health
9/8/26, 10:14 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYyYjYtNDA4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAP7ZjwtbpslEhuLX3nGEkcg%3D Page 1 of 2 Outlook
Re: EPA RealWaterTA Request #1866458; Trinidad, California - assistance request response From RealWaterTARequestContractor <[email protected]> Date Fri 9/4/2026 10:30 AM
To Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Cc RealWaterTA <[email protected]>; Acather Trinidad <[email protected]>; RealWaterTARequestContractor <[email protected]> Thanks for the information, Gabe! This is really helpful. I'll work with our EPA counterparts to see what the best assistance option will be. I should be able to get back to you in a couple weeks.
Have a great weekend!
- Jill
Jill Turner | Eastern Research Group | 541-631-2589 | Ashland, Oregon Support Contractor to EPA RealWaterTA
From: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 4, 2026 9:36 AM
To: RealWaterTARequestContractor <[email protected]> Cc: RealWaterTA <[email protected]>; Acather Trinidad <[email protected]> Subject: Re: EPA RealWaterTA Request #1866458; Trinidad, California - assistance request response
CAUTION: Don't open links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know they are safe.
Hi Jill,
Trinidad has not worked with any other TA provider in the past few years. We applied for TA with SWRCB back in June but denied because our SAFER status was At-Risk (not failing) and our inquiry was to analyze/compare a potential interconnection with our regional water source supplier with investing in our own system - not a full consolidation. The funding priorities of SWRCB prioritizes failing systems currently. The water board staff recommended we switch gears and steer our attention your direction as a possible funding partner.
The best way to provide additional info that might help describe what we're after is to share our public comment packet submitted to SWCRB during their July/August public hearings to develop their FY2027 Intended Use Plan. We engaged in that process with the hopes of getting our voice heard and find a path in for TA. Unfortunatlely the State has to narrow their priorities due to a forecasted funding cliff in FY2028, so they politely suggested we investigate grant funding opportunities at the EPA level.
9/8/26, 10:14 AM
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/id/AAQkADkxOWYxMDM1LWYyYjYtNDA4Zi05MTBhLTY4Y2I3NTgyYTFjMwAQAP7ZjwtbpslEhuLX3nGEkcg%3D Page 2 of 2 The comment packet is attached, along with the staff report provided to the Trinidad City Council that authorized our staff to pursue the TA option with the State, which backfired and left us in limbo.
Happy to continue this dialog should you have any further questions. I appreciate your reply and look forward to hearing back.
Gabe
707-499-6473
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk/Interim City Manager
409 Trinity Street
P.O. Box 390
Trinidad, CA 95570
Office: 707.677.0223
Direct: 707-499-6473
https://trinidad.ca.gov
From: RealWaterTARequestContractor <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 4, 2026 9:21 AM
To: Cityclerk Trinidad <[email protected]>
Cc: RealWaterTARequestContractor <[email protected]>; RealWaterTA <[email protected]>
Subject: EPA RealWaterTA Request #1866458; Trinidad, California - assistance request response Hello Gabriel,
Thank you for submitting a request for assistance through EPA's RealWaterTA online form. We are a support contractor to EPA for the RealWaterTA program and will be coordinating with EPA to find the best option for assistance. I'm reaching out to get some additional information about your infrastructure needs and have a few questions for you:
Has the city worked with a TA provider in the past few years to address any of the specific issues mentioned in your request?
Has the city applied for or secured water infrastructure funding related to this TA request? If not, is the city planning to apply for funding and do you also want assistance with funding application materials?
Any additional information you can provide will help us plan for assisting your community.
Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you soon. - Jill
Jill Turner | Eastern Research Group | 541-631-2589 | Ashland, Oregon Support Contractor to EPA RealWaterTA
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
3. Discussion/Update on the Luffenholtz Creek Low-Flow Monitoring Season and Water Shortage Continency Status.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 08, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE:
3. Discussion/Update on the Luffenholtz Creek Low-Flow Monitoring Season and Water Shortage Continency Plan Status.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY:
Presentation item to highlight the City’s Luffenholtz Creek drinking water source low-flow season monitoring program, share the recent data collected and current trends, and reference the Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted in 2021 that is implemented at various flow-rate stages during the dry season monitoring period (JulyOctober).
PRESENTERS:
Gabriel Adams, Clerk/Interim City Manager
Trever Parker, City Planner
Todd Kraemer, Hydrologist, Pacific Watershed Associates DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
On February 10, 2026 the City Council approved Task Order 6 under the Master Services Agreement with Pacific Watershed Associates to provide continuous bypass flow monitoring of Luffenholtz Creek during the 2026 water year. This monitoring is a requirement of the City’s Water Rights Permit through the State Water Resources Control Board and of the Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure measures are taken to protect fish and wildlife resources.
PWA Hydrologist Todd Kraemer is responsible for implementing Task Order 6, and keeping the City informed during the low-flow season with the creek flow rates and trends. Certain thresholds require notification of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and also trigger various water conservation alert stages identified in the City’s Water Shortage Contingency plan adopted following the most recent significant drought period that ended in 2021.
Prior to the recent rain event that occurred on Wednesday & Thursday, September 02-03, no significant rainfall occurred since mid-May. PWA has been monitoring the flow rates of Luffenholtz Creek since July and in midAugust alerted the water department of flow rates nearing the notification stage identified in the water rights permit (.86 cuft/sec). Low-flows nearing this stage also trigger a Stage 1 alert in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
The rain helped swell Luffenholtz Creek levels, but the trend observed so far echo’s the summer 2021 trend when flows diminished quickly to (.60 cuft) after an early September rainfall triggering the Stage 3 water conservation measures to be implemented through October.
As we get deeper into the dry season staff would like this discussion to raise awareness of the monitoring program and shortage contingency plans in place, identify possible scenarios and/or alerts that may come up as creek flows diminish, and make technical and operational staff available to the Council and public for questions.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presentation item only.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS/ATTACHMENTS:
- Most recent creek flow monitoring report from PWA (September 03, 2026) - Task Order 6 Agreement with PWA, Council approved February 10, 2026. - CDFW Streambed Alteration Agreement (5-Years through August 2028) - Water Shortage Contingency Plan 2021
o https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/6241
9/3/2026 — 9/3/2026 2,410 readings
WATER FLOW
AVERAGE
1.439 CFS
MEDIAN
1.351 CFS
MINIMUM
1.090 CFS
MAXIMUM
2.059 CFS
HEIGHT
AVERAGE
303.18 mm
MINIMUM
198.00 mm
MAXIMUM
320.00 mm
THRESHOLD CROSSINGS
Low Flow
below 0.87 CFS
No crossings
Alarm
below 0.25 CFS
No crossings
Critical
below 0.15 CFS
No crossings
BREAKDOWN: 9/3/2026 — 9/3/2026 grouped by week
2026-08-31 1.439 1.090 2.059 303.18 2,410 — —
Period Avg CFS Min CFS Max CFS Avg Height Readings Below 0.87 Below 0.25 Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Septic Evaluation • Environmental Services PACIFIC WATERSHED ASSOCIATES INC.
PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433
Ph 707-839-5130 • Fax 707-839-8168
www.pacificwatershed.com
TASK ORDER #6 – January 20, 2026
under
City of Trinidad/Pacific Watershed Associates 2021 Master Services Agreement (MSA) 01 Statement of Work: Provide continuous bypass flows using PWA MkII Telemeter and InfluxDB Data Analytics Platform Maintenance
This document serves as Task Order #6 under the Master Services Agreement for As-Needed Geologic and Hydrologic Services (2021-MSA-01) between the City of Trinidad (City) and Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA). Task Order #6 includes the following tasks related to the ongoing projects at the City’s drinking water treatment facility located along Luffenholtz Creek in Trinidad, California.
Task 6.1. 2026 Bypass Flow Measurements, Monitoring, and Reporting Continuous flow monitoring during the 2026 water year requires physical discharge measurements to calibrate the PWA MKII Bypass Flow Telemeter each low flow season. Flow measurements and monitoring occurs downstream of the stream diversion infrastructure at the City of Trinidad's municipal water treatment plant intake facility. Using the physical discharge measurements a low flow rating curve hydrograph will be linked to the City of Trinidad's computer for continuous flow monitoring using the MKII Bypass Flow Telemeter. PWA will develop rating curves, technical evaluations, and calibration for continued operation in 2026. Maintenance of the telemeter, as well as associated data collection, analysis and regulatory reporting is included in this agreement.
PWA has previously ensured that the installed system is acceptable to the State Water Resources Control Board as an adequate method for monitoring flow in accordance with the requirements of the City's Water Rights Permits.
Cost Estimate – Task 6.1. 2026 Bypass Flow Measurements and Monitoring Senior Hydrologist .................................................................... 48 hours @ $156/hr = $7,200 Principal .......................................................................................... 4 hours @ $190/hr = $728 Subtotal $8,248
Current meter and data logger rental (12 days)........................... 12 days x $160/day = $1,920 Mileage (12 round trips x 30 miles)................................................... 360 mi x 0.75/mi = $270 Subtotal $2,190
Total $10,438
Task 6.2. Maintenance of PWA MkII Bypass Flow Telemeter with Data Analytics Platform The PWA MkII telemeter has been accurately recording stream stage (water levels), and documenting bypass flows, during annual low flows in Luffenholtz Creek just downstream of the Trinidad pump station’s point of diversion site since 2017. Currently, data is being streamed directly to a computer terminal and receiving gateway City of Trinidad January 20, 2026
MSA 01, Task Order #6: PWA MkII Telemeter and Data Analytics Platform Maintenance Page 2 of 2 Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Septic Evaluation • Environmental Services via a LoRa radio link at the drinking water treatment plant. Completion of this task in October 2024 has allowed PWA to send bypass flow data to a cloud-based data analytics and visualization platform so the bypass flow data can be remotely accessed.
Continued maintenance of the developed Micro PC that runs the telemeter’s LoRa gateway to connect with the InfluxDB cloud-based data visualization platform provides continuous posting of low flow streamflow data. The benefits for the city result in 1) accessible hydrologic data remotely over the cloud 2) the data displayed as a hydrograph for ease of data interpretation by the City, and c) authorized City personnel are alerted if bypass flow falls below either the 0.86 CFS or 0.15 CFS regulatory thresholds. PWA suggests a small amount of funds to maintain and/or upgrade for monitoring and reporting purposes. Maintaining the system set up will allow the City to remotely view the hydrograph for ease of visual interpretation even when the desktop is off-line.
Cost Estimate – Task 6.2. Maintenance of PWA MkII Bypass Flow Telemeter with Data Analytics Platform Senior Hydrologist .................................................................... 10 hours @ $156/hr = $1,560 Telemeter Programmer ............................................................. 10 hours @ $156/hr = $1,560 Principal ........................................................................................... 1 hour @ $190/hr = $190 Subtotal $3,310
Total: $3,310
Tasks 6.1 and 6.2....................... Grand Total: $13,748 The services described above shall be provided by PWA on a time and materials basis for an estimated cost $13,748. Any additional costs, should they be needed, will not be charged without prior written authorization from the Client.
Professional services by PWA shall commence when authorization is signed by Pacific Watershed Associates and the City of Trinidad.
Pacific Watershed Associates
_________________________________ __________________
Danny Hagans, Principal Date
City of Trinidad
_________________________________ __________________
Gabriel Adams, Trinidad City Clerk/Interim City Manager Date p. 1 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 City of Trinidad
DROUGHT AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
Purpose
The purpose of the City of Trinidad’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) is to protect public health, welfare, and safety through conservation of the City’s water resources in times of insufficient water supply, which could be caused by drought, mechanical failure, and other conditions. Implementation of the WSCP is intended to prioritize critical water supplies for fire protection, sanitation, and domestic water use.
Public outreach and conservation in the early stages of a drought or other foreseeable shortage helps people transition to using less water and helps to minimize the adverse effects of critical water supply shortages and emergency water supply conditions.
Scope
The WSCP defines a system-specific drought and water shortage index with associated mitigation measures to be used for water supply management in times of projected shortages and insufficient supply. It is not an overall Water Management Plan. Thus, it does not cover water supply sourcing, improvements to water plant equipment and operations, or water system maintenance.
Definitions
Water User Types:
Residential User: Account serving not more than two residences.
Commercial User: Account serving non-residential uses and accounts serving more than two residences.
Large User: Account that averages 500 gpd or more during the water shortage.
Trinidad Water System Overview
The City of Trinidad’s (City) water supply is from Luffenholtz Creek, which is subject to limitations based on the terms of the City’s water right as it relates to flows in the creek.
The flow in the creek varies significantly throughout the year. Multi-year droughts, other extractions from the creek, and long-term climate change can significantly reduce summer flows. Treatment system characteristics also affect the City’s ability to produce potable water; and storage and distribution system characteristics affect the City’s ability to distribute water.
Luffenholtz Creek is currently the only source of raw water that serves the City of Trinidad system. The City purveys water to approximately 1,000 people inside and outside City limits. The City’s diversion and water plant is located at 1313 Westhaven Dr. p. 2 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 Trinidad California adjacent to Luffenholtz Creek. Water for the plant is pumped from a wet well that is filled through an infiltration gallery of perforated pipes located approximately ten feet below the creek bed. The point of diversion is just upstream of the Westhaven Dr. culvert. The City has current water rights limiting the rate of diversion, the annual maximum diversion, and requiring minimum bypass flows. In addition to water right limitations, the effective water production rates are limited by physical constraints in the processing of the water which include: infiltration gallery limitations, flocculator flow rates, filter fouling rates, backwash periods, and chlorine contact time requirements. In addition, the City has a relatively small amount of finished water storage that could supply typical uses for only a few days and is insufficient for bridging long term supply limitations.
Because Trinidad’s water source is a small creek with no reservoir, the City essentially has no long-term storage. Therefore, the situation is different from most larger water systems that obtain water from a reservoir or groundwater storage. It means that water conservation early in the dry season, when flows on Luffenholtz Creek are normal, does not preserve water for future use when creek flows get low. Essentially, the amount of water the City can supply is a function of how much water it pumps each day. (See the Water Treatment Plant Production Memo dated May 1, 2020 by GHD for additional information.) Once flows in the creek drop to a certain level, the pump outpaces the rate at which the wet well infiltration gallery refills. Once the wet well drops to a certain level, the pump has to be turned off to allow it to refill again, limiting the amount of water that can be pumped into the treatment system each day. There is a tipping point where the City can go from pumping at normal capacity, to a very sharp drop in pumping capacity once the creek reaches a critically low flow level that impacts the City’s intake system.
Roles and Responsibilities
Water Committee / Water Shortage Response Team
The City Manager shall be responsible for monitoring all potential water shortage conditions and shall make recommendations to the City Council regarding the implementation of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. It is the responsibility of the City Council or its designee to declare a water shortage. At the time of, or prior to the declaration of Stage 1, the City Council shall form a Water Shortage Response Team (WSRT) to make recommendations to the City Council and facilitate implementation of the WSCP. The specific stages and triggers to activate each stage based on the condition of the water supply will be determined in cooperation with the Water Shortage Response Team.
Once a Water Shortage Alert has been declared (Stage 1), it shall be the responsibility of the City Manager, upon recommendation by the WSRT, to declare subsequent stages based on the guidance in this plan. Table 1 summarizes the triggers and degree of water shortage for each stage of action based on the stages described below. p. 3 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 Water Shortage Response Team (WSRT): City Manager, Public Works Director, Planning Commission Representative, and City Council Representative; other City staff may be invited to participate as needed.
Declaration of Water Shortage
Upon recommendation by the WSRT, formal action declaring a water shortage is taken by City Council. The legal requirements for such action are covered in Section 350 et. seq. and 375 et. seq. of the California Water Code. The code requires the following process be followed unless an immediate emergency exists:
• That City Council hold a public hearing on the matter; • That the public hearing be properly noticed (minimum of publishing once in newspaper at least seven days prior to the date of the hearing); • Upon determining and declaring the existence of a water shortage, City Council may then adopt regulations and restrictions governing the use and delivery of water.
In accordance with CA Water Code § 376, water conservation rules adopted by the City Council establishing water use regulations become effective immediately, but the ordinance or resolution, or a summary, shall be posted in three public places within the City within 10 days of its adoption.
Public Outreach and Education
Even before formal declaration of a water shortage, a public information/media program should be activated to provide customers with as much advance notice as possible. The WSRT has developed a Drought Communications Plan to be used to implement the procedures and recommendations of this WSCP. The following section provides an overview of the general procedures for and types of public outreach that may be used in Trinidad. As technology changes, public outreach should adapt accordingly. The purpose is to reach the maximum number of people possible in a timely manner.
Following Council action, all residents and businesses, not just customers of record, would need to be provided notice of water shortage rules and regulations via a variety of media and communications methods, including print and television media, internet, and other methods. The timeline for getting information out to the public is very short. Initial notification would occur though the City’s email newsletter and water billing postcards.
Notifications will also be posted around town and on the City’s website. Large water users and those businesses that are most likely to be seriously affected should be contacted directly.
Coordination between City staff and other public agencies can begin prior to formal declaration of a water shortage and can be accomplished through regular meetings, e-mail group updates, and presentations. Getting the public involved and keeping them informed p. 4 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 will require a significant expansion of existing water conservation public information and outreach efforts. Contracting with an advertising agency to assist with a communications campaign and mass media advertising is one way to expand outreach efforts quickly. A substantial amount of printed information on how to conserve water during a water shortage has already been developed by others and can be put to immediate use.
RVS Software: Brief messages, such as what Stage the City is in can be printed on the postcard sized water bills, and they can be printed on colored paper to indicate the water shortage stage. The software does have robust query options, so the City can search for and flag accounts that used a certain percentage more water than their own average, or an overall average for example. And since the City only has a little over 300 accounts, it wouldn’t be too much work export the data to Excel and produce customized messages or mailings.
Email Newsletter: The City should develop an email list for all water customers and Luffenholtz Creek residents, that is separate from the City’s email newsletter list. The City will send out weekly updates or as conditions change.
Texts: The City may develop an alert notification system that includes sending out text messages to those who sign up.
City Website: Put most current information and conservation requirements, or links to it, on the home page.
City Council meetings: City staff will provide updates at City Council meetings.
WSRT: Regular meetings, forums or announcements as needed. WSRT meetings will be noticed and agendized in accordance with the Brown Act.
Brochures and/or flyers: Brochures and/or flyers with information and tips on conserving water will be mailed to residents in the City, the City’s Water Service Area and within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed. Brochures and flyers will be made available in City Hall and other locations around the City as available. Flyers and posters will also be posted in public locations.
Newspaper: The City does not have a daily paper of general circulation. A local, weekly newspaper may not be able to provide immediate information but may be a good tool for regular updates.
Social media may also provide a platform for public education and outreach.
In addition to outreach to water customers and the general public, the City should also develop and education and outreach program for residents of the Luffenholtz Creek watershed. The City should partner with the Trinidad Bay Watershed Council to help p. 5 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 further this endeavor. In addition to outreach, the City should inventory and monitor wells, diversions and other water rights and uses within the watershed. The City may provide assistance to watershed residents to further the City’s goals of maintaining the reliability of its water supply in dry years. This may include assistance or incentives for registering water diversions and increasing storage capacity and rainwater catchment and other actions deemed beneficial.
Water Shortage Responses
The City will manage water conservation and cutbacks for each water shortage stage.
Public outreach and education are also an important part of these measures.
Water Conservation and Rationing
For each water shortage stage, the City will implement water conservation measures. In the earliest stages, measures will be voluntary and minimal. But as the stages progress, the measures will become stricter.
Early conservation measures will focus on types and times of use. This means required reductions in or prohibitions on certain uses of water. This would include things like filling hot tubs, outdoor washing (cars, boats, driveways, etc.) watering during certain times of the day, providing water only upon request at restaurants, etc.
As water shortage stages become more severe, water rationing will be required based on baseline water use for different types of users. Required cutbacks will be based on a predetermined baseline by type of use (e.g. commercial v. residential). Those who are already below the baseline will not need to reduce water use, or will need to conserve less, and those above the baseline would need to conserve more.
Because of Trinidad’s small size, the City will work with the largest water users to implement conservation/rationing methods that reduce water use without significantly impacting critical business operations. This is important, because modest cutbacks by a few large users could save more water than all residences having to reduce their use by a certain percent.
Rate increases
Water shortage stages will also be associated with rate increases for water service. If people are using less water, revenues will go down, but many of the operating costs for treating and delivering water will stay the same. In addition, more education, monitoring and enforcement will be needed, further increasing costs to the City. Water rates may be based on the baseline water use standards; rates for use in amounts below the baseline volume would be less than rates for use above the baseline. (Also see monitoring, enforcement and penalties section.) Note that an analysis of expected revenue losses may be required in order to legally raise rates.
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Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 Water Shortage / Drought Stages
As part of planning for a water shortage, the City has determined stages, or triggers, for water conservation requirements based on the severity of the water shortage. The City Council declares each stage as it occurs, which then triggers implementation of certain conservation measures or actions. Stages may also be stepped back as conditions warrant and as recommended by the WSRT and declared by the City Council. These measures, outlined herein, are implemented and enforced through Ordinance 20##-##. The Water Supply Shortage tiering system are as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Water Supply Shortage Stages and Conditions
Stage No. Water Supply
Conditions
% Reduced
Production
Capacity
Demand Reduction
Actions
Normal Normal operating
conditions.
0% Typical conservation
with water waste
prohibition
ordinance(s) or
regulations.
Stage 1:
Water Shortage
Alert
DEWS at D2 or above
Rainfall at 75% or less
for the season, or 65%
or less March-June
0% Public outreach and
education, voluntary
reductions.
Stage 2:
Water Shortage
Warning
Luffenholtz Creek flow
rate low at 0.86 cfs
0% Mandatory water use
restrictions, additional
public outreach.
Stage 3:
Water Shortage
Emergency
Reduced pumping
capacity at water plant
0-25% Mandatory water
restrictions and
rationing, work with
individual large water
users.
Stage 4:
Severe Water
Shortage
Emergency
Further reduced
pumping capacity at
the plant, or
restrictions based on
required bypass flows.
25-50% Strict water rationing,
monitoring and
enforcement of water
use
Stage 5:
Critical Water
Shortage
Emergency
Extreme low flow on
Luffenholtz;
emergency water
service disruption due
to disaster or plant
failure; insufficient
50-100% Severe water rationing;
water supply
supplementation
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Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 water for sanitation
and fire protection.
Stage 0
Normal or above water year. Normal conservation measures recommended.
Stage 1: Water Shortage Alert
Description
Based on cumulative rainfall/water year type. This stage is be triggered early in the dry season based on the lack of rainfall over the previous wet season and/or the classification of the California Drought Early Warning System (DEWS). The criteria for entering this stage is a drought classification of D2 or higher, and/or 75% or less of total normal rainfall for the season or 65% or less of normal rainfall during the months of April through June.
These numbers may need to be adjusted in multi-year droughts. This stage indicates the potential for water shortages later in the dry season.
City Actions and Responsibilities
• Form Water Shortage Response Team
• Public outreach will occur to let users know about the potential for shortages later in the season.
• Careful monitoring of flows on Luffenholtz will occur with summary reports provided to the WSRT on a weekly basis.
• Promote regular meter reading and leak detection by residents. • Publish weekly consumption graph on City website and email newsletter.
Demand Reduction Measures
Conservation is voluntary at this point. Water waste is prohibited as usual per City ordinance.
• No watering or irrigating lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except when performed with a bucket or watering can, or by use of a drip irrigation system or similar low volume, nonspray irrigation equipment, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of allowing landscape contractors to adjust or repair an irrigation system; • No use of a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose; • No use of water to wash down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, patios, or other paved surfaces, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards or to prepare paved surfaces for sealing; and/or
• No irrigation of unlandscaped areas.
Stage 2: Water Shortage Warning
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Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 Description
Based on a low flow. The second stage is triggered by a sustained flow rate on Luffenholtz Creek of 0.86 cfs or less as measured just above the water plant, or just below the water plant with the pumps off. This number is based on the criteria for having to notify CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife in the City’s water right. This stage indicates that water shortages are likely to occur in the near future. The flow basis may be revised as better flow information becomes available. This stage includes public education and minor mandatory cutbacks to get people ready for the potential for more severe shortages.
City Actions and Responsibilities
• Daily reporting on Luffenholtz Creek flows
• Weekly meetings of the WSRT
• (Any changes in City operations, such as no flushing of lines?) • Increased water waste monitoring and enforcement and leak detection • Continue to promote meter reading and self-monitoring for customers • Public weekly newsletter, including consumption graph(s) • Consult with large water users to develop conservation plans Demand Reduction Measures
The demand reduction measures of Stage 1 remain in effect, in addition to the following:
• No washing of the exterior of dwellings, buildings or structures (with the exception of window washing and preparation of property for painting or for sale); • No operating a commercial lodging establishment, including STRs, without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens; • No serving water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron; and/or
• Follow WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits and to prepare water conservation plans.
•
Stage 3: Water Shortage Emergency
Description
Based on reduced pumping capacity from the wet well that cannot keep pace with demand on a daily basis as determined by the Public Works Director in consultation with the City Engineer. This stage indicates a current water shortage and reduced pumping and treatment capacity at the water plant. Water rationing is required at this point, along with continued public education, monitoring and enforcement of water use.
City Actions and Responsibilities
• Cease flushing of lines and hydrants
• Discontinue filling water trucks
• Institute drought rates and penalties for overuse
p. 9 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 • Water Shortage Response Team to convene as needed to consider exceptions to rationing requirements, appealable to the City Council. • Undertake contingency planning and preparation for continuing/escalating shortage • Develop strategy to mitigate revenue losses
• Prepare to implement supplemental water plan
Demand Reduction Measures
The demand reduction measures of Stage 2 remain in effect, in addition to the following:
• No watering or irrigating of lawns, landscape, or other vegetated areas on days of the week other than the specified day(s) of the week authorized and publicized by the City Manager, except when performed with a bucket or watering can, or by use of a drip irrigation system or similar low volume, nonspray irrigation equipment, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of allowing landscape contractors to adjust or repair an irrigation system. Hourly restrictions set forth in subsection (B)(1) continue to apply on authorized watering days. This provision shall not apply to residential vegetable gardens/edible plantings watered with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle;
• No watering or irrigating of lawns, landscape, or other vegetated areas using an automatic irrigation system for more than fifteen minutes per watering station per assigned day. This provision shall not apply to automatic irrigation systems exclusively using low output sprinkler equipment, including rotors, stream rotors, or micro-spray systems;
• No installation of new landscaping;
• No washing of vehicles, including RVs and boats;
• No initial filling or draining and refilling swimming pools and hot tubs; • Follow WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits, to prepare water conservation plans and to submit progress reports, or to immediately repair water system leaks, including leaks attributable to faulty pipes or fixtures; • Follow residential and commercial user water rationing regulations, including regulations intended to preclude excessive water usage and specifying maximum water usage limitations, issued by the WSRT in accordance with the City’s adopted water shortage contingency plan; and/or
• Follow WSRT directives issued to commercial users requiring the prominent placement of “Save Water” signage at specified locations at the customer’s premises. • No exercise of any rights conferred by hydrant and bulk water sales that were issued prior to the severe water shortage emergency declaration absent special permission granted by the WSRT. Said special permission may be granted only for projects necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare where no alternative to potable water exists and for emergency response purposes.
Stage 4: Severe Water Shortage Emergency
Description
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Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 This stage indicates a critical shortage and potential emergency situation. This is based on a 25% reduced pumping capacity at the plant that may only be sufficient to supply enough water for basic drinking, sanitation and fire protection needs. Substantial cutbacks in water use are required.
City Actions and Responsibilities
• This stage requires substantial monitoring and management by the City. As the pumping and production capacity is reduced, additional measures and restrictions may be required.
• Continue to work with large water users to identify additional measures to reduce use • Increased staffing to provide customer service / drought hotline • Increased staffing to patrol and monitor water use
• Publish information on ways to minimize most valuable landscaping damage and loss, including promotion of appropriate use of grey water
• Coordinate procurement of supplemental water source(s) Demand Reduction Measures
The following demand reduction measures shall be implemented during Stage 4:
• No watering or irrigating lawns, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water, except with low-flow drip irrigation;
• No irrigation of unlandscaped areas;
• No installation of new landscaping;
• No use of a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose; • No use of potable water to wash down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, patios, or other paved surfaces, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards or to prepare paved surfaces for sealing;
• No washing of the exterior of dwellings, buildings or structures (with the exception of window washing and preparation of property for painting or for sale); • No washing of vehicles, including RVs and boats;
• No operation of a commercial lodging establishment without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens; • No serving of water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron;
• No initial filling or draining and refilling swimming pools, hot tubs, wading pools, or decorative water features;
• Follow WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits, to prepare water conservation plans and to submit progress reports, or to immediately repair water system leaks, including leaks attributable to faulty pipes or fixtures; • Follow residential and commercial user water rationing regulations, including regulations intended to preclude excessive water usage and specifying maximum water usage limitations, issued by the WSRT in accordance with guidelines set forth in the City’s adopted water shortage contingency plan; and/or p. 11 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 • Follow WSRT directives issued to commercial customers requiring the prominent placement of “Save Water” signage at specified locations at the customer’s premises. • No exercise of any rights conferred by hydrant and bulk water sales that were issued prior to the severe water shortage emergency declaration absent special permission granted by the WSRT. Said special permission may be granted only for projects necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare where no alternative to potable water exists and for emergency response purposes.
Stage 5: Critical Water Shortage Emergency
Description
Catastrophic failure. This stage indicates 50% or more water loss due to extreme drought, plant failure, pipe breakage, natural disaster, etc. There may be enough storage to provide for a few days of water supply depending on the nature of the emergency.
City Actions and Responsibilities
• Consider shifting to Emergency Operations Center model of command management for overall policy guidance and coordination
• Coordinate with law enforcement agencies to address enforcement challenges Demand Reduction Measures
The following demand reduction measures shall be implemented during Stage 4:
• No watering or irrigating lawns, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water, except as authorized by the WSRT;
• No irrigation of unlandscaped areas;
• No installation of new landscaping;
• No use of a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose; • No use of potable water for any outdoor washing purpose including vehicle washing, window washing, and paint preparation;
• No operation of a commercial lodging establishment without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens; • No serving water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron;
• No filling or topping off swimming pools, hot tubs, wading pools, or decorative water features;
• No use of potable water for recreational purposes;
• Follow WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits, to prepare water conservation plans and to submit progress reports, or to immediately repair water system leaks, including leaks attributable to faulty pipes or fixtures; • Follow residential and commercial user water rationing regulations, including regulations intended to preclude excessive water usage and specifying maximum water usage limitations, issued by the WSRT in accordance with guidelines set forth in the City’s adopted water shortage contingency plan;
p. 12 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 • Follow WSRT directives issued to commercial customers requiring the prominent placement of “Save Water” signage at specified locations at the customer’s premises; • No exercising any rights conferred by hydrant and bulk water sales that were issued prior to the severe water shortage emergency declaration absent special permission granted by the WSRT. Said special permission may be granted only for projects necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare where no alternative to potable water exists and for emergency response purposes.
Monitoring, Enforcement and Penalties
In addition to determining how water use will need to be reduced, the City will also need to monitor compliance, create enforcement mechanisms and set penalties for noncompliance.
Enforcement is carried out in a number of ways during a water shortage. In cases such as a report of water waste, the first step is to communicate with the customer by telephone, letter, door tag, or by making personal contact in the field to educate them about regulations. This contact may be all that is required to get the problem resolved. If not, enforcement progresses to a written notice of violation. Beyond this, there are several methods that can be adopted in the City’s water conservation and water shortage ordinances that can be used to enforce water restrictions and rationing regulations. These methods are described below.
Penalty fees
This method would apply in situations involving violation of water restrictions, if, after multiple warnings had been given, a violation continued to occur at an account. The fee would be added to a customer’s utility bill along with a written notice sent to the customer in advance. The penalty fee shall be set by Resolution of the City Council and would increase with subsequent violations, as in the following example:
• 1st Violation $100
• 2ndViolation $250
• 3rd Violation $500
• 4th Violation $1,000
Additional, higher penalty fees may also be established and applied to large users that willfully violate water restrictions.
Excess use fees
Excess use fees are the primary method for enforcing water rationing and are imposed on customers whose water use exceeds their allocation when rationing is in effect. The purpose of the excess use fee is to make the consequences of exceeding one’s rationing allocation so severe that the customer is induced to keep their water use within their allocation and avoid being fined. Like water rates, there are two components to setting excess use fees: 1) the way they are structured, and 2) the dollar amount. Staff and the p. 13 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 Planning Commission looked at several models from other agencies and recommend utilizing a two-tiered excess use fee structure for billing reasons and for clarity in communicating penalties to the public, and example of which is shown in Table 2. Actual fees shall be set by Resolution of the City Council.
Table 2. Proposed Excess Use Fees
Excess Use
Range
Percent of Water Used in
Excess of Allotment
Excess Use Charge per 100 Cubic Feet
(~25 gpd) for all Water Used in Excess
of Allotment (in addition to ordinary
water consumption charges)
A 0% to 10% over allotment $0.00
B 10% to 25% over allotment $50.00
C More than 25% over
allotment
$100.00
The purpose of a two-tier excess use structure is to avoid very large penalties for households that make a good faith effort to stay within their allocation but wind up going over a little. If a customer’s water use exceeds one’s allocation by a large amount, though, the penalty should be very steep.
Flow restriction
Some customers will continue to exceed their allotment regardless of the amount of their water bill. In such instances, the Public Works Director is authorized to install, or have installed, a flow restricting device to provide minimal water flow, just enough for health and safety purposes. In these cases, the customer is charged a fee to cover the staff time needed to install the flow restrictor and another fee for its removal. The Public Works Director would not use this method where fire suppression sprinklers are on the same supply line as domestic water.
Disconnection/reconnection fees. Water suppliers have the legal authority to enforce water shortage regulations by terminating service for egregious violations. In such cases, the customer would be charged for both disconnection and reconnection.
Citation
Finally, the City’s water shortage ordinance authorizes staff to issue citations that would have to be paid or challenged in court. This method could be used in cases like a multifamily property where terminating service or restricting flow to all households may not be an option.
Exceptions and Appeals
Exceptions
p. 14 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 No water shortage plan can account for all situations. The exception procedure allows the WSRT to provide for special or exceptional circumstances that otherwise would create undue hardship for an individual customer or class of customers. An exception allows a customer to be relieved of a particular regulation or receive an increased allocation for the duration of the shortage. Therefore, it should be granted only when justified on specific grounds that warrant allocating more water than other similarly situated customers and when consistent with the intent of the water shortage regulations, while providing equal treatment of all customers.
This policy is to make the customer first demonstrate the demand reduction efforts taken to meet the restriction or allocation, and places responsibility for managing and monitoring water use on the customer, where it belongs. It also serves to minimize the number of exception applications from those merely seeking more water without having gone to the effort to try to live within their given allocation.
For the purpose of granting exceptions, the City Council representative shall not participate as part of the WSRT in order to avoid having to recuse themselves in the case of an appeal. In order to grant an exception, the WSRT, minus the City Council representative, shall make the following findings as applicable:
• Failure to do so would cause a condition affecting the health, sanitation, fire protection, or safety of the applicant or the public;
• Strict application of the allotment provisions imposes a severe or undue hardship on a particular customer, or render it infeasible for a business or class of business to remain in operation;
• Alternative restrictions which achieve the same level of demand reduction as the restrictions from which an exception is being sought are available and are binding and enforceable;
• The customer has demonstrated to the WSRT’s satisfaction that circumstances have changed warranting a change in the customer’s allocation; • Facilities using industry best management practices are eligible for an exception; • Demonstration by a customer of actions already taken to increase environmental sustainability that have reduced water consumption to the maximum extent feasible, as determined by the WSRT.
Additional recommendations regarding the exception process are as follows: (1) that the denial of an exception may be appealed to the City Council; (2) the City adopt administrative procedures [such as those used by the City of Tampa Bay] for including appropriate information on an exception application, including the requirement that the applicant must demonstrate maximum practical reduction in water consumption; and (3) that a policy be added allowing the WSRT to impose conditions requiring long-term water efficiency improvements from customers as part of the exception process.
Appeals
p. 15 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 A. Any person affected by a decision on water allocation, rationing, fines or enforcement by the WSRT or City staff as authorized herein may appeal to the City Council by filing a notice of appeal with the Clerk of the City within 10 working days of the action of the WSRT or City staff. The notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a filing fee set by resolution of the City Council of the City in an amount sufficient to cover costs to the City. The appeal shall stay the effect of the action of the WSRT or City staff.
B. The appeal shall be in writing and addressed to the City Council. The applicant shall file the appeal with the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall forward copies of the appeal to the City Council and WSRT. In the notice of appeal, the appellant shall state in full the facts and circumstances which make the action of the WSRT or City staff unreasonable.
It shall also state the date of the claimed unreasonable action of the WSRT or City staff.
C. The City Council shall cause the matter to be set for hearing not earlier than 14 days after the appeal has been filed with the Clerk of the City. The Clerk of the City shall cause notice to be mailed to all affected persons (within 100 feet of the property boundaries) at least 10 days prior to the hearing.
D. At the time and place set for the hearing, the City Council shall proceed to hear the testimony of the WSRT or City staff, the testimony of the owner or their representatives, and the testimony of other competent persons concerning conditions upon which the action of the WSRT or City staff is based and other matters which the City Council may deem pertinent. Any person affected may be present at such hearing, may be represented by counsel, may present testimony, and other witnesses. The hearing may be continued from time to time. The City Council may request an opinion from the City Attorney.
E. The City Council may upon the appeal either affirm the action of WSRT or City staff or modify the WSRT’s or City staff’s action in whole or in part. The decision of the City Council upon an appeal shall be based upon the facts presented to it and shall be final.
Water Shortage Recovery and Plan Termination
A water shortage ends when local rainfall, runoff, and aquifer storage levels improve to the point where the water system is once again capable of supporting unrestricted water demand. Any water use rules and regulations in effect at the time are officially rescinded by City Council and public notice is given that the water shortage is over. The WSRT would then oversee any remaining termination and plan review activities. These activities could include:
• Publicize gratitude for the community’s cooperation
• Restore water utility operations, organization, and services to pre-event levels • Document the event and response and compile applicable records for future reference
• Continue to maintain liaison as needed with external agencies • Collect cost accounting information, assess revenue losses and financial impact, and review deferred projects or programs
• Debrief staff to review effectiveness of actions, to identify the lessons learned, and to enhance response and recovery efforts in the future
p. 16 of 16
Trinidad Water Shortage Contingency Plan Revised – August 10, 2021 • Complete a detailed evaluation of affected facilities and services to prepare an “after action” report
• Update the water shortage contingency plan as needed. • Continue to evaluate and implement measures to increase supply and security.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
4. Discussion/Update on Wet-Weather Season/Super El-Nino Forecast Preparations.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 08, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE:
4. Discussion/Update on Wet-Weather Season/Super El-Nino Forecast Preparations STAFF RECOMMENDATION / SUMMARY:
Presentation item, sponsored by Councilmember Jack Tuttle, to raise awareness of the forecasted Super El Nino, discuss the City’s wet-weather preparedness, and engage in proactive collaboration with emergency services and partnering agencies.
STAFF AVAILABLE:
Gabriel Adams, Clerk/Interim City Manager
Kyle Shipman, Public Works Supervisor
Angela Cather, Special Projects Manager
Trever Parker, City Planner
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND:
On August 06, Councilmember Jack Tuttle attended a video webinar hosted by Senator Mike McGuire that brought climatologists and meteorologists together from all parts of California to discuss the forecasting models for this year’s wet-weather season.
https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/video/town-hall-us-senator-adam-schiff-and-california-senator-mike-mcguire Several models and climate experts are seeing signs that indicate a “super el nino” is setting up to bring increased precipitation and to the west coast this winter. Although the models vary as to which part of the north coast could see the highest impact of these systems, messaging from state and local level emergency preparedness agencies are consistent – to be prepared for higher-than-average rainfall and for extreme weather events that have a serious potential to impact coastal communities vulnerable to erosion.
Tuttle shared the following objective to base the discussion on:
Prevent what we can. Monitor what we cannot prevent. Prepare before an emergency occurs. Reduce avoidable bluff saturation and erosion, protect critical public infrastructure and coastal access, and ensure Trinidad can respond quickly and intelligently when major winter storms and king tides arrive.
Several proposed items Tuttle suggested the City Manager develop into a 2026-2027 El Nino Coastal Preparedness Program and return to the Council with include:
1. Identifying Trinidad’s highest-risk coastal locations.
2. Conduct a pre-winter drainage and bluff inspection and implement maintenance needs identified.
3. Early coordination with emergency service and permitting agencies.
4. Re-visit the purpose and recommendations identified in the Coastal Resiliency Plan, funded by the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and potential implementation grant funding opportunities.
DOCUMENT RESOURCES/REFERENCES
Coastal Resiliency Project information:
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/coastal-resiliency-project
Coastal Resiliency Plan adopted July 2024:
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/7216
City of Trinidad Storm Water Program:
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/public-works-department/page/stormwater-program 2026 Annual Monitoring Report for the City of Trinidad Stormwater Infiltration Facility – September 2026:
https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/media/8776
STAFF RESOURCES/DISUSSION SUPPORT
The City Manager, Special Projects Manager, and Public Works Supervisor will share how the city’s storm drain infrastructure is inspected and monitored both routinely and pre-storm events.
The City Manager will share information about emergency coordination with state, tribal, and local officials, and volunteer organizations.
The City Planner will briefly summarize the OPC program, its purpose, and possible grant funding pathways.
ACTION REQUESTED
Presentation item only. Council may direct staff with further instructions for pre-winter preparation tasks if needed.
Links provided.
No attachments.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 5
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
5. November 2026 City Council Election Calendar Update.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 08, 2026
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, City Clerk/Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA TITLE
November 2026 City Council Election Calendar Update.
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 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 6
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WERE PROVIDED
6. Staff Activity Report – July & August 2026.
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, September 08, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gabriel Adams, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM: Staff Activity Report – July/August 2026 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review content, discuss, and receive public input.
DRAFT MOTION TO CONSIDER: Accept Staff Activity Report for July/August 2026.
June 2026 SUMMARY
- STAFF PRODUCTIVITY
o ADMINISTRATION: The Council last met on July 14. Taking August off allowed administrative staff to prioritize pushing through tasks that have been in various stages of production for weeks, months, and in some cases, years. While working to clear the plate to make room for new challenges, the city endured the transition to the summer vacation haven in
July/August, then back to routine this past few weeks. These transitions require administrative pivots as the circulation patterns in town pivot from recreation back to routine. o July and August priorities included closely monitoring fiscal year-end assignments with fiscal year beginning recordkeeping. This was particularly important with the cash-flow output required to manage and maintain this summer’s biggest construction project – the Main Street STIP project.
The rest of the summer was dedicated to problem-solving, meetings, responding to inquiries, routine operations, maintaining community partnerships and outreach, and managing complex projects, as summarized below:
• Cash Flow & Investments: Managed the city’s cash flow and investment earnings potential. • Payroll: Coordinating bi-weekly payrolls.
• Water Department Support: Supported the water department by monitoring city and customer water leaks, Luffenholtz Creek low-flow season monitoring and outreach, continued comparative analysis funding pathway strategy meetings (see agenda item number 2), budget monitoring and improvement project support, and engaging with the State Water Regulator inspections at the treatment plant. • Community Events and Engagement Contributions: Provided support for use of the Town Hall facility during TBAM, Arts Night, Cal Poly Humboldt student field trip gathering place, and numerous other private events.
• 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. • Angela Cather is Heading to CalCities Conference on September 21 for professional development. • Coordinated Civic Plus Website Migration and scheduled plan for ADA compliance in March 2027. o STAFFING: The Grant Coordinator outreach period closed on June 19. 24 applications were received.
Staff assembled a resume packet and began reviewing them in early August. Due to time constraints and competing priorities, final interview scheduling/coordination was delayed several weeks. Staff intends to finalize the interview schedule during the week of September 08. 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 STIP construction project invoices ($600k project).
AUDIT SEASON: Staff has engaged with the State Controller’s Office to prepare for the Annual Street Report conducted in October, and also with HCOAG’s TDA Auditor to ensure the approximately $12k in funds received to pay the City’s portion of public transit (HTA) funds are spent appropriately. The City’s general audit for FY2026 with JJACPA will begin in November. o PUBLIC WORKS: In addition to their daily routine,
Public Works staff has dedicated a significant amount of time to overseeing and providing support to GRS, Inc.
and the STIP paving project. They also conducted
routine storm water maintenance, public facility
maintenance, and keeping the city looking sharp during
peak tourism season.
§ Trinidad Head: The City continues to
receive compliments on how well Trinidad
Head has been maintained. According to
Public Works, Say-Gep Brown deserves
most of the credit. He works countless
hours during the week and on the weekend
shaping the sweeping vegetation surround the trail looking manicured and also preserving important vista points along the trail.
o STREETLIGHTS: The City issued an encroachment permit to PGE for replacement of all the nonfunctioning lights, was scheduled for completion in July but has not happened. Staff will follow up with PGE. o WATER: In addition to performing daily routine water sampling, staff focused on delivering high quality water to all customers in July and August and monitoring/repairing customer leaks.
On July 01, the City concluded its transition from contract Chief Plant Operator control to in-house control with Carl Anderson now at the helm. This concludes a nearly 5-year process of losing our long-term operator, handing control over to a contractor, depletion of the water fund reserves to cover high operating costs, building our water operator bench from scratch, and developing our new T3 Operator pipeline. Staff met with State Water Regulators to discuss the T3 transition, and hosted Scott Gilbreath on July 15 for the bi-annual inspection.
The City Manager and Water Department team toured the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District facility on July 17 to help expand our knowledge base and continue learn about how other systems operate. A special thanks to HBMWD General Manager Michiko Mares and Operations Supervisor Mario Palmero for giving Trinidad operators a deep-dive into how a large-scale, complex, and sophisticated operation is conducted. § Kyle Shipman (T2) is now a certified T2/D2 Operator.
§ Operator in Training Dereck Shadle has applied to take the T2 exam and will be taking his test in late November.
§ We now have two T2’s, and T3, and a third T2 in training. Go Trinidad Water! The Leak Detection proposal made by GHD in July was reported as a project with huge potential but staff had to pump the breaks on it due to the preliminary cost nearly doubling when the finished proposal was received in August. Staff has identified a CIRA grant source that will be pursued and brought back to the Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Water Line Improvements: In partnership with the Yurok Indian Housing Authority’s 5-unit development project on Westhaven Drive, the City has received a new water mainline control gate valve that was installed at the project location on Friday, September 04. Isolating that segment of line was extremely problematic, but the valve installed will prove to be very useful in future water line break/leak/isolation projects. o PLANNING: The Planning Commission met in July and August, hearing both applicant-driven projects as well as continued development of city planning policies.
o ENGINEERING: GHD staff provided ongoing support in July and August with several projects; Main Street STIP project, Trinidad-Westhaven Emergency Intertie Project closeout, Wagner Street 1999 Lot Line Adjustment issue, and the resident-based development referrals. 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 July/August, along with 2 local plots purchased and 1 non-local plot.
- 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.
The Interim City Manager has been working closely with the City Engineer, project contractor, and WCSD officials developing a game plan to ensure the pumphouse is free from water leaks and can survive the test of time either as designed, or with slight modifications. The budget has been entirely spent for this project.
The City has spent approximately $25k more than the partner agency WCSD to get this project across the finish line. Neither agency has the resources to dedicate to this project on an ongoing basis, so the city management is charged with bringing the project to a conclusion.
Hoping for a formal agenda item in October to discuss the project status.
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). 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, 2025. 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. The City Manager will be meeting with the Rancheria CEO in September to discuss further handling of the situation, and hopefully develop a land tenure agreement that satisfies the state funding agency.
o STIP: The bid has been awarded to GRS, Inc. Construction is underway. Two overnight construction days began July 13 to grind and repave, minimizing traffic and business impacts, and a prolonged construction process. A substantial amount of outreach was done in advance of this construction to residents and businesses that would be affected. The night paving was a tremendous success and may become a template used for future paving projects. As of September 08, the additive bid items and final construction elements are yet to be completed. The project should commence later this month.
- TRIBAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS: No consultations pending, but may be needed to discuss various projects of mutual intertest, such as the boardwalk improvement project. The City has been sued by the Yurok Tribe for the partial settlement reached with the Trinidad Rancheria on May 06. - 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.
- STATE AGENCY MEETINGS
o Interim City Manager Adams met with Coastal Conservancy staff on July 23 for a tour of project sites, trails, and to discuss topics of mutual interest.
o A second in-person visit was hosted by the Interim Manager to introduce members of the Civic Club and brainstorm possible solutions for the old memorial lighthouse site that has been held up in an appeal with the Coastal Commission since 2012.
o Met with State Water Board members, staff, and regulators while strategizing ongoing short and longterm project goals. - PUBLIC SAFETY
o HSCO Reports/Statistics: A full list of calls/stats for July & August are included in the meeting packet. o The call ratio based on all stats is unusually low based on prior years. - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDERWAY
o Town Hall Painting: The Town Hall sign was picked up at Victory Signs in the Blue Ox complex in Eureka, and hoisted back up in place above the entrance of Town Hall in mid-July. Thank you Lynnie Horrigan for giving the old sign new life!
o Town Hall street-front landscape improvements. Councilmember Kati Breckenridge has offered to volunteer her gardening expertise and lead a full-scale overhaul of the streetside. Public Works will be removing all the existing plants in September to make way for Kati’s vision.
The Council budgeted $3,000 for a combination of hardscape and landscape features.
STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, September 08, 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 2022 198,081 cuft January 2022 189,201
July 2023 223,806 January 2023 154,543
July 2024 264,491 January 2024 148,407
July 2025 292,315 January 2025 131,229
July 2026 237,195 (13.49% Water Loss) January 2026 128,006 (16.59% Water Loss) August 2022 227,681 February 2022 154634
August 2023 265,808 February 2023 136,626
August 2024 233,215 February 2024 132,690
August 2025 218,593 February 2025 131,537
August 2026 240,848 (23.94% 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 2022 233,692
December 2022 170,419 June 2023 209,336
December 2023 122,937 June 2024 229,339
December 2024 159,299 June 2025 203,350
December 2025 157,803 (14.27% Water Loss) June 2026 247,937 (17.11% Water Loss) Water sold (consumed) in July was lower than average, but August spiked – likely due to the dry summer and increased irrigation. 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.