Board of Supervisors Meeting | 4.21.2026

by | May 3, 2026 | Get Involved, Stay Informed, Your Opinion Matters

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This board meeting included two presentations, including a proclamation recognizing April 19th-25th as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and information regarding the public draft Short Range Transit Development Plan (SRTDP) and Coordinated Transportation Plan (CTP) for Trinity County.  Updates were provided by our CAO and each member of the Board of Supervisors in attendance.

All items on the Consent Calendar were approved. Under County Matters, the board approved the prohibition of industrial hemp cultivation in Trinity County. Direction was provided to staff regarding the one item under Closed Session.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. District Attorney – Adopt a proclamation recognizing April 19th – 25th as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. No fiscal impact.

  • The board approved this proclamation and presented it to staff.

A.2. Trinity County Transportation Commission – Receive a presentation from LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., Project Manager Acadia Davis, regarding the public draft Short Range Transit Development Plan (SRTDP) and Coordinated Transportation Plan (CTP) for Trinity County. No fiscal impact.

Sarah Saad | DOT, and Acadia Davis | LSC Project Manager, Justine Marmesh

  • Short Range Transit Development Plan – a 5 year business plan for Transit Services
  • Population/Demographics – The largest percentage growth is anticipated in the seniors category.
  • Communities of Highest Need – Hyampom, North Hayfork, Lewiston, East Douglas City
  • Ridership Trends – huge drop during pandemic, is steadily increasing but has still not fully recovered.
  • Outreach – included passenger surveys, online surveys, community workshops, stakeholder interviews. Total of only 59 survey responses. Nobody attended the Lewiston community workshop.
  • Requested Improvements – Saturday services was the most requested improvement.
  • Knowledge Gap – need for better understanding of available services amongst various agencies that serve the target audience.
  • Funding – due to carryover balance and SB125 funding (for the next two years), we expect to have more than enough funding to cover proposed services.
  • Coordinated Transportation Plan – includes other (non-county) funded/provided transit services, identifying gaps, priorities, goals, and strategies.
  • RABA – has a very strong transit guide for Shasta County
  • Emergency Transit – we need to update the existing plan for using Trinity Transit resources to support residents during an emergency.
  • Education – support offered for enhanced communication regarding available services.
  • District 5 – request to consider monthly service to South County and North Lake areas.
  • On-Demand Service – Request to enhance this type of service to more remote counties.

Board Discussion – included questions about proposed changes, assumptions regarding fuel costs, etc. Staff followed up to indicate that adjustments would be made.

B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Grading Permit – concerns raised regarding a permit that was originally filed in March of 2025. Described new and evolving requirements that have delayed the project and dramatically increased project costs. Called for greater clarity and more efficiency in this process. This project is required to move forward with a commercial cannabis license.
  • Encroachment Permit – in process for nine years. Has turned into a very expensive project/process. Pauses have occurred for multiple reasons, including financial constraints. Feels that the process is overly burdensome, lacks clarity, and can feel punitive.
  • Permit Challenges – a local engineer added comments in support of concerns raised by previous speakers. Feels that one individual within our DOT is the primary cause of challenges. Shared that other engineers have quit projects in Trinity County due to  ongoing challenges. Called for changes in approach and/or oversight.
  • Permit Streamlining Act – referenced code that applies to permitting processes. 30 day requirement for “completeness review.” Shared that the Department of Fish & Wildlife follows this process very well, and that Trinity County does not. Feels that we need to ensure that our processes are well aligned with this Act.
  • Temporary Food Permit – something issued by Environmental Health for events. Asked that this be reviewed. Feels that the costs are prohibitive compared to the opportunity to generate revenue at these events. Requested consideration of pro-rated fees.
  • Corruption Concerns – shared concerns regarding the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department. Feels that her rights as a victim have been denied. Shared that calls and emails are being ignored. Feels that the loss of her phone during the event was not recorded appropriately. Called for more law enforcement support in Burnt Ranch.
  • Permit Challenges – shared that his subdivision project has been underway for 9 years. The last extension was two years ago. Feels that new requirements are issued at the last moment, not allowing sufficient time for response and/or requiring expensive services to be repeated (due to time passed since originally completed).

 

C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads

  • Under Sheriff | Brian Ward
    • Emergency Communications System Update – shared information about progress addressing known issues.
      • Replaced several antennae’s on Oregon Mountain, realigned others, removed equipment no longer in use.
      • Additional testing was also completed.
      • Positive feedback from VFDs and deputies.
      • More work to do – including review of test results to identify additional steps that need to be taken (duplexers, etc.).
      • Funding Update – leveraging additional funds identified by OES. We still have a good portion of the $180,000 we received from the State.
      • Focus remains on Oregon Mountain, structural challenges in Hayfork will need to be addressed

 

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Quality of Service Recognition – newest member of the Elections team was recognized for their quality of service. Their approach was described as “refreshing.”
  • Digital Assets – footage is being collected for use in promoting the county for recruiting, etc.
  • Zoning Code Ordinance – the public draft has been issued. Users must click through to the second page to view proposed zoning changes. Two public hearings have been scheduled on May 19 and 20. Communication regarding this document and opportunities for input are ongoing.
  • Salmon Fishing – May 6th is the date for the final decision regarding approval of a limited take authorization
  • Pro Housing Designation – positive feedback received, awaiting Governor’s approval.
  • Litigation Update – case has been completed. Documents are available for review.

 

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • CSAC Board Retreat – participated in this meeting focused on…
      • Since 2020 we have elected 200+ new county supervisors (over 65%) and hired 65 CAOs/CEOs.
      • Discussion focused on how we can more effectively share information and engage – both with supervisors and with the public.
    • Behavioral Health Advisory Board – reviewed plans, website changes, discussed priorities.
    • NoRTEC – continue weekly meetings
    • PSA2 – Area Agency for Aging – met yesterday to review audits, plans.
      • US Aging – president is proposing a 10% reduction
      • Anticipate $187,000 reduction in funding next fiscal year.
      • Possibility of a 32% increase in State funding in 2028/2029 due to reallocation of funds from larger AAA’s who have not been using all funding.
    • Sierra Day – met with Sierra Nevada Conservancy executive to prepare for this day of lobbying. Another meeting scheduled with all participants on Thursday. Sierra Day is 4/28 in Sacramento.
    • Tourism Funding Ad Hoc – met to discuss next steps. We now have updated data and a new tracking document for our “final push.” Rather than focusing on group meetings, we will conduct targeted outreach to build on the numbers of lodging business owners who have already indicated support for this initiative.
    • Zoning Ordinance Community Meetings – three planned for District 1.
      • Weaverville – May 12th, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      • Trinity Center – May 5th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      • Lewiston – May 7th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • RCRC Board Meeting
    • Virtual Legislative Update
    • Personal letter of opposition regarding legislation impacting
    • Fire Safe Council Meeting – Spring chipping is underway.
    • Senator Outreach – connecting on behalf of Trinity County
    • USFS Chief shared that there is a lot of misinformation about the organization’s reorganization.
    • Fire Chiefs Meeting – important updates provided
      • Big Bar VFD is in need of more volunteer support
    •  CalTrans event – shared positive report regarding event in Weaverville and acknowledged their contributions and sacrifices in support of our communities
    • Senator McGuire’s virtual town hall.
    • PSA2 Meeting
    • Weaverville Community Meeting – Zoning Ordinance.
      • Moving the meeting to the board chambers. May 12th, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
    • Pedestrian Crossing Initiative – DOT is currently tracking

 

  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • TMC – 2-day meeting. Only one gravel augmentation this year (near Steel Bridge)
    • Water Year Designation – considered “Dry.” We were very close to the “Normal” year rating, which would have triggered much more water release.
    • Hatchery Update – presentation provided regarding the funding/project plans. We anticipate being slightly short on funding and completing work beyond the original target date. Shifting TRRP goals to pre-dam levels of fish, not wild fish.
    • Salmon Fishing – he is very hopeful for a 2 fish limit (only one adult) per day.
    • Town Hall Meeting in Hayfork
      • Hmong Cultural Center Opened
      • Cemetery Association – this group is in dire need of support (board members and volunteers). One meeting per month.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Northwest California RCD Meeting – two projects advancing.
      • Five Counties Project – best practices training provided in the past, recommendation to refresh this training
    • North Coast Resource Partnership Meeting
      • Three projects within her district – good progress toward greater fire resiliency
    • California Water Plan Update
    • North Coast Air Quality Management District
    • USFS Partner Event
    • Wolves & Grizzlies – following these matters.
    • Bear Hunting – limit increased to two per season.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Tourism Funding – Yesterday, Two Six Digital hosted another meeting with Trinity County Chamber of Commerce representatives and other interested parties. Chamber representatives had a great set of questions to pose to Two Six Digital

1. Audience Targeting and Paid Media Strategy

2. Analytics and Measurement

3. Retargeting and Optimizing Conversions

4. Nurturing Audiences and Lifecycle Marketing

5. Content and Creative Strategy

6. Event Promotion Strategies

7. Tools and Technology

  • Meg Ryan Empowered Program – Supervisor Carpenter-Harris was contacted about on opportunity to be featured. There is a $32,000 fee associated with this opportunity.

 

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • No Public Comment
  • Board Discussion
    • Supervisor Brownfield shared encouragement for DOT efforts and acknowledged limitations.
  • The board approved the Consent Calendar as presented.

D.1. Auditor/Controller – Approve amendment number 9 to the agreement with CliftonLarsonAllen LLC, increasing the maximum by $5,775 and updating fees, to provide external audit services. No impact to the General Fund; additional $5,775 from the Transportation Commission.

D.2. Board of Supervisors – Authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support to the U.S. Forest Service for the North Trinity County Community Risk Reduction Project. Unknown fiscal impact.

D.3. County Administrative Office – Approve an agreement with California Safety Company, Inc. to provide alarm services for fire, security, holdup, video surveillance services, monitoring, testing, etc., to Trinity County buildings at various locations. Up to $50,000 per FY from various departments.

D.4. County Administrative Office – Approve regular meeting minutes for April 7th, 2026. No fiscal impact.

D.5. Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health Services – Approve amendment number 2 to the agreement with the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (BHSOAC), increasing the contract maximum by $450,000 to provide the Trinity County Office of Education with additional funding for Substance Use Disorder services within local school districts No impact to the General Fund; up to $23,625 in revenue for the Mental Health Budget and an additional $426,375 in funding for Trinity County Office of Education.

D.6. Information Technology – Approve a budget adjustment for FY 25/26 for Information Technology – Dept 1940 decreasing Services and Supplies and increasing Fixed Assets by $200,590. No net fiscal impact.

D.7. Sheriff – Adopt a resolution which approves an agreement with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to provide, when needed, correctional bed space and services for Trinity County Offenders. If required, $93.54 per day, per inmate and up to a maximum of $89,237.16 over a three fiscal year period from the Sheriff’s Jail budget.

D.8. Sheriff – Approve an agreement with Day Management Corp dba Day Wireless Systems to provide preventative maintenance and ongoing service support for the Trinity County emergency communications system. Up to $326,202 from the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Systems budget over 5 years.

D.9. Sheriff – Approve an agreement with Hayfork Tire to provide services for the Sheriff’s Office on an as-needed basis. Up to $20,000 from the Sheriff’s Office budget.

D.10. Transportation – Adopt a resolution certifying the 2025 Mileage in Trinity County’s Maintained Road System. No impact to the General Fund; approximately $2,412,112 per FY from Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA) funds for roadway maintenance.

E. COUNTY MATTERS

E.1. Agriculture – Waive the reading of and enact an ordinance establishing Trinity County Code Section 8.23 prohibiting Industrial Hemp Cultivation, introduced April 7, 2026. No fiscal impact.

  • Angela Blanchard | Agriculture Commissioner, presented the matter.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

Prior Closed Session Report – provided by Chair Carpenter-Harris.

F. CLOSED SESSION

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

  • Direction given to staff
ADJOURN

 

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