Board of Supervisors Meeting | 12.16.25

by | Jan 4, 2026 | Economic Development, Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources, Your Opinion Matters

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This board meeting included four presentations, three of which were in the form of proclamations. The fourth presentation was regarding the Upper Trinity Headwaters Restoration and Management Plan.

Updates were provided by the CAO, our Ag Commissioner, Director of Community Development, Treasurer/Tax Collector, each member of the board, and the ad hoc committees focused on tourism funding and the cannabis tax.

Seven items were pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. The board eventually approved all items on the Consent Calendar as presented. The board conducted a Public Hearing regarding the county’s application for ProHousing Designation, set the schedule of board meetings for 2026, and approved three other items under County Matters. The board discussed one item under Closed Session.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Board of Supervisors – Adopt a proclamation of appreciation which recognizes Soroptimist International of Trinity County for 50 years of outstanding community contributions.

  • The board approved this proclamation and presented it to Soroptimist representatives.

A.2. Sheriff – Adopt a proclamation of appreciation which recognizes Michael Novak, P.A. upon his retirement from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Jail Health Division.

  • The board approved this proclamation and presented it to Michael and his family.

A.3. Clerk of the Board – Adopt a proclamation of appreciation which recognizes the Trinity Alps Unified School District leadership team for their efforts to get the Secure Rural Schools bill passed.

  • The board approved this proclamation and presented it to a school representative.

A.4. Clerk of the Board – Receive a presentation on the Upper Trinity Headwaters Restoration and Management Plan.

  • 440,000 acres North of Trinity Dam
  • Support watershed and limited resilience
  •  …
  • Research Focus included:
    • Roads and related infrastructure – identified roads that contribute high levels of sediment.
    • Meadow Health and Extent – enhanced information about “lost meadows”
    • Forest Fuels Management – produced a Restorative Return on Investment tool
    • Beaver Restoration Opportunities – produced a Restoration Potential Matrix. Also worked on stream-level assessments. Identified priority sites.
  • Permitting Pathways & Stewardship – also a focus of their work
  • Trinity headwaters Land Acquisition – WRTC, 11,000 acres – a great space to apply what they’ve learned.
  • Supervisors offered to assist in sharing information with key partners
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • California Taxes – comments about the process for establishing tax base and the appeal process. Forty appeals filed last year, must be heard within two years. Shared that failure to act translates into support of the appellant’s position regarding the appropriate tax base. Suggested that the county establish a Board of Equalization to take the burden off the Board of Supervisors.
  • Property Taxes – shared his experience of property taxes increasing dramatically since purchasing the property. He is currently waiting on response to his appeal.
  • Democratic Legitimacy – emphasized the importance of transparency. Asked that the pursuit of efficiency should not be allowed to reduce transparency.
  • Closed Session – spoke about the intended used of closed session and the need for timely report out of closed session. Indicated that limitations in the details shared from closed session only apply to litigation matters. Shared that she is filing paperwork regarding a Brown Act violation.
  • Rotary Club Food Drive – invited Supervisors to participate.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads

  • Angela Blanchard | Agriculture Commissioner – shared that the ordinance banning Hemp will expire in April. Shared information regarding a survey and recommending extending the ban.

 

  • Drew Plebani | Community Development Director
    • shared that the Planning Commission will review both parts 2, 4 and 7 of Zoning Code in January.
    • Targeting Feb 15 as date for BOS update regarding Cannabis ordinance updates/changes.
    • EIR notice will be issued in January.

 

  • Terri McBrayer | Treasurer & Tax Collector 
    • New software is making a positive difference. Just completed one year with service helping us identify businesses that should be paying TOT. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of program participants.
    • Cannabis Platform – still working on finalizing implementation. Report ongoing challenges with full integration of the program and tax components. Part of the challenge is our complex tax ordinance.

 

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Emergency Communication System – almost in receipt of the $180,000 (estimated next 60 days) that will be used to assess and plan system needs, and to seed implementation funding. The Sheriff’s Department will have the lead on this initiative. Will pursue a part-time position to handle project management. Meeting in early January to review program status. Shared information regarding recent damage to a key component of the system. Work has already taken place to address the situation.
  • Jail Medical Regional Approach – RFP process underway to evaluate methodologies for supporting jail health on a regional level. Jan 7 – review initial RFP response review.
  • Secure Rural Schools Funding – still awaiting President’s signature. Shared the staggered timing associated with distribution of these funds. Noted that Panos Kokkas shared plans to provide detailed reports on how these (road) funds will be used in Trinity County.
  • Community Development Director – congratulated Drew Plebani on his promotion to this role.
  • Homeless Encampment (HART – Homeless Assistance Response Team) – provided an update regarding ongoing efforts. Noted that this work requires resources and the board may be asked to approve additional funding.
  • CSAC Leadership Institute – a Shasta County location will host five Trinity County team members in 2026. Graduation will take place in May.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • CSAC Annual Conference – full week in San Jose starting Monday, December 1. Excellent updates from Policy Committees. Wrapped up with a facilitated panel discussion with five gubernatorial candidates. Included a tour of Google HQ and several presentations regarding uses of their technology to assist jurisdictions.
    • Tourism Funding Ad Hoc – joined other committee members for meetings with funding applicants on Monday, December 8.
    • Airports – met with Supervisor Cox and DOT Director Panos regarding safety concerns and funding opportunities.
    • NoRTEC – Special Executive Committee meeting on Monday, December 8.
    • Sierra Nevada Conservancy – quarterly board meeting in Sacramento. I was elected as Vice Chair for 2026. This group will meet here in June of 2026.
    • NoRTEC – visited staff in the Chico office on the way home from Sacramento
    • Brown Act Update – participated in the workshop that covered changes to the Brown Act for 2026. Trinity County is not impacted by the changes as they only apply to counties with more than 30,000 residents.
    • Tourism Funding Ad Hoc – joined other committee members to finalize recommendations for the boards consideration during our first meeting of 2026.
    • Frontier Communications – I received a call from a resident experiencing and extended outage. CAO Tuthill provided contact information for Frontier’s VP of External Affairs for California. I am pleased to report that he has already provided two updates and describes specific action being taken to address the fallen trees and poles that are the root of the problem.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • RCRC – new survey coming out for department heads.
    • RCRC Board Meeting – wildfire resilience information shared
    • Fairview Boat Ramp – stump removed after five years of requests. Thank you to USFS
    • Minersville Boat Ramp – new project manager involved. Working with USFS, Senator McGuire’s office, and others to move this forward.
    • Tourism Funding Ad Hoc
    • Airport Meeting
    • Crosswalk Safety – continuing efforts to find a solution.
    • Firesafe Council – applications submitted for certification of 14 Firewise Communities – all were approved. This leads to slight reduction in insurance premiums.
    • Fire Chiefs Association
    • Senator Schiff’s office – meeting scheduled with a representative.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • Noted this is his last meeting as Chair of the board.
    • Feels this year has been a turning point for the county.
    • TMC Meeting – last week in Redding at Forest Service office. Patrick Flynn represented staff, Supervisor Carpenter-Harris also participated. Shared information about a mechanical problem at the hatchery that required premature release of fish. Noted that we were not informed until much later. A Trinity River Restoration Program update was provided as well.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Community Meetings – included extensive discussion regarding the Cannabis Tax. Also concerns about safety due to speeding on county/state roads.
    • TMC – participated in the meeting.
    • LAFCO – cancelled for today
    • Trinity Collaborative – attended the meeting. Acknowledged the great work done by this group.
    • NACO – conference scheduled toward the end of February
    • Holiday Wishes – encouraged all to be thoughtful of others during the holidays.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Ruth Lake CSD – met with representatives. The need for alternative septic solutions was discussed.
    • Taxes – believes we should follow up on recommendations made in public comments.
    • Holiday wishes

Public Comment Follow-Up

  • Board of Equalization Suggestion – the board provided direction to staff to provide a future update regarding this matter.

C.4. Reports from Ad Hoc

• Tourism Funding – recommendations are complete and will be presented during the first meeting of January. Recommendations include providing organizations with an off-ramp of funding for events and operations, introducing performance criteria, specific deliverables, more oversight and accountability, staggered funding based on performance, and quarterly meetings for all parties interested in the use of county funds for the promotion of tourism. Special thanks to fellow committee members, Drew Plebani, Terri McBrayer, and Supervisor Cox. We would also like to thank Mary Rist for tremendous support of our efforts. Appreciation and recognition offered for all the volunteer efforts to support tourism in Trinity County.

• Cannabis Tax – scheduling conflicts prevented meetings from taking place prior to this meeting. Plans call for public meetings in Hayfork and Weaverville, with follow up meetings form private groups if deemed necessary.

  • Meetings will likely be scheduled during the evening.
  • Supervisor Carpenter Harris shared input received during recent conversations
    • Eliminate tiered taxation – move to a flat rate. Provided specific rate recommendations
    • Cultivator in Good Standing – suggest reduced cost for renewal
    • Asked for no sunset to Cannabis Tax changes unless/until a new measure is voted upon.
    • Discussed the importance of respecting the vote of the people that introduced the Cannabis Tax.
  • Supervisor Brownfield – shared input from recent discussions
    • Asking for elimination of tax on “trim”
  • CAO Tuthill – suggested the inclusion of County Counsel on the Ad Hoc Committee to ensure that we understand the limits on changes to voter-approved tax measures.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • Public Comment
    • Request that Item D3 be pulled for discussion. Believes that “direction to staff” is not appropriate/legal for the closed session referenced in the minutes.
    • Request that Item D5 be pulled for discussion. Believes this does not meet the standard for consent calendar.
  • D3, D5, D16, D18, D19, D22, and D23 pulled for discussion.
  • All remaining items on the Consent Calendar were approved as presented.

D.3. Clerk of the Board – Approve special meeting minutes for November 17, 2025 and regular meeting minutes for November 18, 2025. No fiscal impact.

  • County Counsel has not reviewed the papers submitted today. She feels that everything is appropriate.
  • Public Comment
    • Additional comments regarding concerns previously stated.
  • Two motions presented.
    • Discussion included situations in which immediate report out is required and when it is not – such as when the outcome is “direction provided to staff”
  • The board voted to approve this matter as presented.

D.5. County Administrative Office – Adopt a resolution revising certain signature and approval authorities delegated to the County Administrative Officer. No fiscal impact.

  • CAO Tuthill – provided additional information regarding the requested change to authority.
  • Public Comment
    • Additional comment regarding the ethical concerns regarding transparency, including the placement of this on the consent calendar.
    • Additional comments regarding further delegation of authority to staff.
  • Board Discussion
    • Noted that pulling the item for discussion provides the same transparency and opportunity for public input.
    • Examples were provided regarding the types of “property” that would be impacted (and not impacted) by the proposed changes.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.16. Transportation – Approve amendment number 1 to the agreement with Dokken Engineering, Inc, modifying the scope of work and increasing the maximum cost for phase one by $154,967.25 to provide engineering services. No impact to the General Fund; up to $154,967.25 covered by Highway Bridge Program Toll Credit funds.

  • Panos Kokkas | Director of Transportation
    • Question asked about the need for outside engineers when we have in-house engineers. Response – the two engineers we have are kept busy with other deliverables, including FEMA applications, etc. They also have specific engineering expertise that don’t fit all situations.
  • Public Comment
    • Happy with transparency on display at this point. Supervisors should feel comfortable asking questions.
  • The board voted to approve this matter as presented.

D.18. Transportation – Approve an agreement with Swiftly, Inc. to provide General Transit Feed Specification – Realtime services and on-vehicle devices for Trinity Transit, and authorize the Director of Transportation to execute this agreement and any future amendments. No impact to the General Fund; up to $70,000 from State Transit Assistance (STA) and Local Transportation Funds (LTF).

  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.19. Transportation – Award to Hunt & Sons, LLC the contract to supply Schedule I fuel for the Department of Transportation (DOT) North County facilities for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and authorize the Director of Transportation to sign any amendments to the agreement. Estimated $613,137.95, with approximately $150,000 from General Fund Departments and the remaining expenses from DOT and other outside agencies.

  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.22. Trinity County Transportation Commission – Adopt a resolution amending Trinity County’s 2022 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). No impact to the General Fund; up to $6,110,695 from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

  • The plan must be amended to add new projects to make them eligible for state funding.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.23. Trinity County Transportation Commission – Adopt a resolution approving the 2026 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) for inclusion in the 2026 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and authorize the Executive Secretary to execute all related documents. No impact to the General Fund; $4,820,320 in new programming requested from the STIP.

  • Similar to item D.22.
  • Question asked about the list of projects, who approves, etc.
    • Staff reviews available funding sources and submits projects as appropriate
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
E. PUBLIC HEARING

E.1. County Administrative Office – Conduct a public hearing to discuss the completion of the following Community Development Block Grant – CV projects and authorize County Administrative Officer Trent Tuthill to sign any documents necessary to complete the closeout process.

• Trinity County Subsistence Payment Program – Grant Award Number 20-CDBG-CV1-00122

• County of Trinity Emergency Shelter Service – Grant Award Number 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00118

• County of Trinity Subsistence Payment Program (Business Assistance) – Grant Award Number 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00158

No fiscal impact.

  • CAO Tuthill – These are steps to close out grants from the past. This will fulfill our administrative requirements for these grants.
  • No public comment
  • The board voted to authorize the CAO to sign any documents necessary to complete the closeout process.
F. COUNTY MATTERS

F.1. Clerk of the Board – Set the Board of Supervisors meeting schedule for calendar year 2026. No fiscal impact.

  • The board approved this matter as presented.

F.2. Community Development – Planning – Conduct a public review hearing for the ProHousing Designation application and associated Public Review Period. No fiscal impact.

  • Drew Plebani | Community Development Director & Mintier Harnish Staff
  • Described the ProHousing Designation and related funding sources
  • Application was published last week. It is open for public review and comment for 30 days.
  • By going beyond state law, jurisdictions earn points toward ProHousing Designation.
  • Earning the designation helps jurisdictions to compete more effectively for funding – not just housing related funding.
  • Deadline – March 1 is the deadline for funding in 2026.
  • January – another agenda item to approve the application.
  • Newly proposed actions – not in Housing Element
    • Allow tri-plexes in low density areas
    • Extra density bonus incentives – allow waiver/reduction in standards to make affordability more achievable
    • Priority Processing – for specific developments, such as ADUs
    • Accessibility Options
    • ADU Bonuses – incorporated from previous discussions.
  • Submit questions or input via – Info.planning@trinitycounty.org
  • Other Sources shared – see meeting recording.
  • Anticipate PIP funding to be a minimum of $500,000 and could be as high as $750,000.
  • Public Comment
    • Request for additional information regarding efforts to attract developers to leverage the funding.
  • Next Steps – Drew Plebani suggested a follow up session early in 2026 to discuss priorities.
  • Alternative Septic Systems – CAO Tuthill stated that he will work with staff and come back to the board with additional information regarding the use of alternative septic systems.

F.3. Community Development – Planning – Waive the reading of and enact an ordinance amending Title 17 of Trinity County Code modifying various subsections to be compliant with the County’s certified Housing Element and state housing laws, introduced November 18, 2025. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Angel & Drew 
  • Supportive Housing – Six and under, no restrictions. Six and over, state licensing required.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

F.4. County Administrative Office – Waive the reading of and enact an ordinance amending Trinity County Code Section 2.64.050 updating various county fees, introduced November 18, 2025. Potential increase in revenues in an unknown amount to various county departments.

  • CAO Tuthill – This is the second reading of the ordinance. No changes made.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

F.5. Treasurer/Tax Collector – Receive an update regarding the Cannabis Tax Collection program. No fiscal impact; informational update only.

  • Terri McBrayer | Treasurer & Tax Collector
  • The current tax program was put forward by cultivators, approved by vote – Nov 3, 2020.
  • Jan 1, 2021 tax became effective
  • 2022 Tax was temporarily reduced.
  • Gross collections from the program – $866,874.33
  • See presentation materials
G. CLOSED SESSION

G.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(e) – Public Employee Appointment: County Administrative Officer

  • Public Comment
    • Comments of concern regarding use of closed session for recruitment for the CAO position. Feels the process the board is following is in violation of the Brown Act. Request for a public session agenda item related to this matter.
    • Questions raised about what is being discussed related to the CAO role during closed session. Emphasized the need for transparency to build and maintain trust.
    • Additional comments regarding the need for transparency related to this matter.
ADJOURN

 

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