Board of Supervisors Meeting | 9.2.2025

Sharing Information | Encouraging Engagement

This board meeting included two presentations and updates from our CAO and Supervisors. The agenda included nine items on the Consent Calendar, three items under County Matters, and one under Closed Session.

The U.S.F.S. presentation was postponed due to the focus on local fires. Charlie Holthaus was recognized for his service to the people of Rush Creek and Trinity County. A proclamation recognized September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Clerk of the Board – Receive an update from U.S. Forest Service representatives regarding matters of interest in Trinity County.

This presentation was postponed.

A.2. Clerk of the Board – Adopt a proclamation honoring Charlie Holthaus for his service to the people of Rush Creek and Trinity County. No fiscal impact.

The board approved this proclamation and presented it to Charlie Holthaus, along with a plaque provided by Skylar Fisher on behalf of the Fire Safe Council.

A.3. Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health Services – Adopt a proclamation which recognizes September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. No Fiscal Impact

Liz Hamilton | Director of Health & Human Services Agency, presented information.
- People can call (530) 623-5708 for a local 24/7 Hotline
- People can also dial 988 to reach a national suicide and crisis lifeline
- We can all play a part
The board approved this proclamation and presented it to Liz Hamilton, Director of Health & Human Services Agency.

B. PUBLIC COMMENT

Band Stand Roof – comments regarding the importance of repairing the Band Stand. Indicated he has spoken to many people over the years.
Gas Prices – thanked Supervisor Gogan for lowering gas prices.
Transportation Presentation – felt that the board treated Supervisor Brownfield poorly in response to her questions regarding the Transportation Department. Feels that it is the board’s responsibility to support engagement and questions, and to make funding decisions that best represent the community’s interest.
Transportation Presentation – feels that it was disrespectful of the board to prevent public comment, and that treatment of Supervisor Brownfield was inappropriate. Feels that funds are being wasted by the Transportation Department. Questioned where funding for fire damaged roads went.
Commercial Cannabis – Licensing Workshop in Hayfork. Suggests moving the Cannabis Division back under the Planning Division. Raised questions (again) regarding the use of staff for code compliance. Feels that fines for Commercial Cannabis need to be revisited. Cannabis-related Appeal – questioned why this is not being brought before the board. Feels that policy decisions are being made at the CAO level vs the Board.
Concern shared about the board’s lack of response to public requests and questions.

C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads – none

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

Trinity Alps Unified School System— shared Jamie Green’s expression of appreciation for all involved in completing the new all-season track.
Weaverville Landfill – finally received official notification of the closing of the landfill.
Housing Element – HCD has formally approved.
Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen – work underway via Environmental Health.
CSAC Leadership – Laila Cassis completed this program.
New Planner – Alex joined the county staff today.
Budget Hearings – documents available September 8th and Hearing September 23rd.
Code Enforcement – part of a board discussion last year. Law Enforcement support is available as needed.
Fines & Fees – the board approved the current policy.
Appeal: Staff is reviewing the matter. Details need to be worked out to ensure that the matter is presented appropriately to the board.

C.3. Reports from Members of the Board of Supervisors

District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
- Economic Summit – Cannabis Tourism Panel finalized. Our own Adrien Keys and Dana Hauser will join experts in Cannabis Tourism for a panel discussion this Fall.
- NoRTEC Board Meeting – presented the Hiring Committee’s proposed candidate for the Executive Director role. Also presented a resolution that sets the stage for stronger collaboration with Service Providers like The SMART Workforce Center.
- Peak Fire Briefing – participated in briefing on Friday. Community Meeting tonight at 6:00 PM in the Veterans Memorial Hall.
- Sierra Nevada Conservancy – sub-region meeting on Friday. Board tour on Wednesday and Board Meeting on Thursday in Shaver Lake, CA.
- Trinity County Needs Assessment – met with Alec Dompka to offer feedback on the draft document.
- Coastal Cleanup – Trinity may be the only county in CA not participating in this event.

District 2 | Jill Cox
- Absent

District 3 | Liam Gogan
- Community Engagement – meeting with residents to encourage participation in upcoming Community Plan Meetings
- Hyampom Road – visited this area to evaluate the situation and potential use of the U.S. Forest Service Road if necessary.

District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
- No Out-of-County Travel
- LAFCO Meeting two weeks ago
- TMC – participated via Zoom
- Community Plan Meetings – promoted the three workshops being held within her District

District 5 | Julia Brownfield
- Building Department – Cody Smith presented information about housing-related matters in her District.
- Public Engagement
- LAFCO
- Ruth Festival

D. CONSENT CALENDAR

D.8. Pulled for discussion.
The board approved all remaining items on the Consent Calendar as presented.

D.8. Human Resources – Take the following actions in the Office of Emergency Services Division within the Health and Human Services Agency:

1. Approve a revised job description for Emergency Operations Manager and revise the salary range to H204;

2. Approve the job description, set the salary range and add to the alphabetical listing of classifications an Emergency Operations Coordinator at range H189; and

3. Modify the allocation listing for the Emergency Service division of Health and Human Services Agency to read: One (1) Emergency Operations

Coordinator or Emergency Operations Manager. Approximate cost in salary and benefits per month at A step for an Emergency Operations Coordinator at range H189 is $8,898 and for an Emergency Operations Manager at range H204 is $10,595.

Liz Hamilton | Director of Health & Human Services Agency
This is an effort to create the option of filling a lower-level role. The plan is not to fill both jobs.
The board approved this matter as presented.

E. COUNTY MATTERS

E.1. Community Development – Building – Waive the reading of and enact an ordinance amending Trinity County Code Section 15.04.080 pertaining both the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Fire Code and the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Green Building Standards Code, introduced July 1, 2025. Unknown fiscal impact.

Cody Smith | Director of Building Department
These are mandatory ordinances that are updated every three years.
This process formally adopts the related code into our ordinances.
The board approved this matter as presented.

E.2. Grand Jury – Approve a budget adjustment for FY 24/25 for Grand Jury – Dept 2050, increasing Services and Supplies by $2,357; and approve a budget adjustment for FY 24/25 for General Fund Contingency – Dept 9901, decreasing provisions for Contingency by $2,357. Increase in General Fund appropriations in the amount of $2,357; current balance in General Fund Contingency is $178,175.

Trent Tuthill | CAO
This covers some additional expenses that occurred throughout the year.
Asked for stronger coordination in the future to avoid EOY adjustments.
The board approved this matter as presented.

E.3. Clerk of the Board – Receive an update presentation from the County Administrative Officer on the Trinity County 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. No fiscal impact.

Trent Tuthill | CAO
Strategic Plan adopted in January of 2024
Five Year Plans – so we are 18 months into the process
Five High Level Strategic Items – See Page 6 for summary
51 Key Results
Objective & Subjective evaluation of status/success at this point – moving toward more objective measures in the future.
Current Priorities from within the Five Year Plan
- Develop a Healthy Community Strategy
  - good progress being made
- Develop a strategy to provide access to prompt 911 services in outlying areas
  - Challenging due to funding/staffing limitations
- Publish the overall county road repair plan on the Department of Transportatioin website, to include the routine annual maintenance plan and multiple year major storm damage repair plan.
  - Overall plans are on the site.
  - FEMA funds mentioned in Public Comment were not received.
  - $2.1 million mentioned in Public Comment involved reimbursement for the work done. The funds would not have otherwise been available.
  - Working towards a more detailed plan that can be shared online.
- Develop a coordinated advocacy strategy at the State and Federal levels that leverages BOS involvement and County staff expertise to address County needs and issues.
  - Positive examples with visits from elected officials, CSAC leaders, etc.
  - Discussed scheduling pre-conference meetings to help Supervisors better prepare for engagement/representation during functions like NACO, CSAC, RCRC, etc.
  - NACO example – staff provided Supervisor Carpenter-Harris with white papers that were delivered for meetings.
- Develop a public outreach and engagement strategy to regularly share County’s accomplishments and challenges, facilitate, dialogue and raise awareness, with the goal of creating a strong sense of community within the County.
  - Progress is being made, still a long way to go.
- Form a County economic development team to investigate opportunities that leverage County assets and to recommend priorities. Determine the cost of including a feasibility study as part of the General Plan – Build Team Trinity.
  - Some progress in this area.
  - Staff/funding limitations are an obstacle.
- Ensure the General Plan Update continues on time, target and budget for quality deliverables.
  - Strong progress
- Update the Housing Element of the General Plan – Complete!
- Oversee investments of TOT funds to ensure Trinity County is effectively promoted as a destination for arts, culture, recreation and adventure.
- Develop a Revitalization Strategy for Trinity County.
- Process CEQA compliant permit applications in a manner that reflects the interests of our community as a whole.
- Keep the public informed and seek input regarding a fully functioning legal cannabis industry program, including regulations and policies with a view toward safety and effective risk management.
- Develop a plan to build up the recently established USFS Good Neighbor Authority Agreement coordination and Supplemental Project Agreementws…..
- Develop a coordinated, cohesive BOS strategy to set clear goals for Trinity County influence over its natural resources and determine possible sources of funding.
- Ensure the voice of Trinity County is accounted for in the CVP re-consultation efforts and TRRP activitiys…
- Develop a comprehensive staff development plan, including training, succession planning, effective recruiting and compensation practices.
- Establish a closed loop process to ensure fines are collected and revenues are realized.
  - Minimal success in collecting old balances
  - Improved collection of new fines
- Consider implementation of business licenses by determining services/benefits local businesses would realize.
- Upgrade County technology, infrastructure, and use of social media for increased community engagement.

Prior Closed Session Report

Three items during the last closed session. Staff direction was provided for all.

F. CLOSED SESSION

F.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Labor Negotiations County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Suzie Hawkins and Margaret Long Employee Organizations: Deputy Sheriffs Association, General Unit, Management and Confidential Unit and Skilled Trades Unit

Direction given to staff.