Sharing Information | Encouraging Engagement
This board meeting included two presentations: a proclamation of appreciation recognizing July 19–25, 2026 as Probation Supervision Week, and a presentation from CHP Lt. Paul Gullick. Updates were provided by our Community Development Director, our CAO, and each member of the Board of Supervisors.
The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of D.5, which was pulled for discussion and then approved as presented — along with direction to staff to change the date of the agreement on item D.9. Under County Matters, the board approved one item. A report was also given regarding the prior closed session.
A. PRESENTATIONS
A.1. Probation – Adopt a proclamation of appreciation which recognizes July 19 – 25, 2026 as Probation Supervision Week. No fiscal impact.
- Ruby Fiero | Chief Probation Officer – spoke on behalf of the department and the quiet and important impact of their work. She acknowledged her talented and dedicated team.
- The board approved this item as presented.
A.2. County Administrative Office – Receive a presentation on items of interest to Trinity County from CHP Lt Paul Gullick. No fiscal impact.
- Lt. Paul Gullick | CHP Commander – one of the first commanders who previously lived here in Trinity County. Encouraged outreach when we are aware of issues or have questions. Spoke briefly about the reasons for extra patrol activity during the Trinity Jam event, which were not directly tied to the event.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
- Public Notice / Transparency – noted a July 8th posting in the Trinity Journal regarding cell towers that was not shared in any other way that he is aware of. Shared concerns about potential health risks, especially for children, associated with cell towers. Feels the placement of a cell tower in Lowden Park is not appropriate.
- Elections – referenced the “Save America Act.” Encouraged Trinity County to follow the path that Shasta County has taken with regard to election process changes. Spoke about the “New California” group’s efforts.
- Public Safety Funding – emphasized the importance of funding law enforcement and fire departments. Feels these organizations should be prioritized when allocating funds.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
C.1. Report from Department Heads
- Drew Plebani | Community Development Director
- Guiding Principles – shared proposed changes to the schedule, based on discussion with the Planning Commission. The schedule was extended to ensure adequate time was available for their role with the EIR. The next study session, September 24th, will further refine the schedule, with focus on the order in which topics will be addressed. The next listening session is delayed until November 12th, with a tentative December 10th date for the following meeting — then the fourth Thursday of every month until completed. Adoption of the Zoning Code is anticipated in the summer of 2027.
- EIR Public Draft – available for review and comment.
- Federal Opportunity Zones – an upcoming agenda will address this matter. Applications were submitted for the three qualifying census tracts by yesterday’s deadline.
- Lowden Park Cell Tower – the upcoming meeting is only for the Airport Land Use Commission. A Planning Commission meeting will be held in August.
C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer
- Budget – department discussions were completed last week. Staff is still working to close the $4.1 million gap between initial requests and available funds. The public draft should be available on September 8th.
- Emergency Communications System – the duplexers have arrived and are being installed today. We anticipate improved clarity and reliability for transmissions.
- Lawsuit Settlement – shared that records are available for a recently settled lawsuit.
C.3. Reports from Members of the Board of Supervisors
- District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
- Opportunity Zone 2.0 Webinar – participated to learn more about the process and shared information with staff.
- Fire Chiefs Association – represented the board at this meeting. I’m working with the Fire Chiefs on an internal website to help them share and track information.
- CSAC-USDA Webinar – participated with CSAC and USDA leadership. Shared notes and a roster of USDA key contacts with staff.
- Emergency Communication System – USDA – hosted this meeting with staff and Supervisor Cox to discuss ways we can increase our chances of successful funding next year. The feedback was very encouraging.
- NoRTEC Ad Hoc Hiring Committee – hosted a meeting to move forward with recruitment of a new Executive Director.
- CSAC New Supervisors Institute Committee – participated in a virtual meeting to review planned updates to the curriculum. Our newly elected supervisors will benefit from a much improved program.
- Regional Economic Development Summit – participated in two planning sessions. Evergreen Love, owner of Ah Home Chocolate, is confirmed as a speaker for the Fall Economic Summit in Humboldt.
- Recognizing Women Entrepreneurs – I am collaborating with Supervisor Carpenter-Harris and TCDC on plans to recognize the many women entrepreneurs in Trinity County. We are collecting names and contact information, with plans to recognize them officially in November in conjunction with Women Entrepreneurs Day on November 19th. We launched this weekend and have already received more than 30 responses covering more than 25 individual entrepreneurs.
- District 2 | Jill Cox
- No out-of-county travel.
- Fire Chiefs Association – noted the importance of the new platform and shared that other organizations might benefit from something like this.
- Main Street Trees – acknowledged plans to replace four trees, and CalTrans’ efforts to provide us the opportunity to help choose the variety. There is an online platform available to share your opinion.
- Trinity County Collaborative – previously shared plans of refocusing their approach have changed.
- BLM – Weaver Creek Restoration – this project is underway.
- District 3 | Liam Gogan
- TMC Meeting in Arcata – water temperature, flow levels, and hatchery plan funding were addressed. Efforts are underway to obtain the funding needed to fill the gap between what was awarded and what is needed.
- Fish Count – shared details regarding the most recent count.
- Fisheries Department – joined CAO Tuthill for a meeting with the department leader regarding changes to the weir system. One option is to combine two nearby systems to reduce stress related to multiple steps of handling the fish.
- Trinity County Fair – shared a brief summary of his visit and plans to engage.
- Town Hall Meeting – on the 30th at Roderick Center.
- BLM Land Use – shared that members of the public are allowed to camp on BLM property for up to three weeks at a time.
- Trailhead Apothecary – a new cannabis retail operation will be opening soon in Hayfork. This will be the second permit approved for cannabis retail operations in Trinity County, with two others currently pending.
- Budget – shared perspective on how the allocation of funding works.
- District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
- Excused absence due to participation in NACo meetings.
- District 5 | Julia Brownfield
- Town Hall Meeting – early August, with hopes of having Drew Plebani discuss the zoning code.
- Trinity County Fair – joined Supervisor Gogan, and sees opportunities to provide assistance.
- Watershed Fly-Over – planned with CAO Tuthill and Nick Goulette, Executive Director of The Watershed Research & Training Center.
- No out-of-county travel.
C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs
- Tourism Funding – no new report.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
- Public Comment
- D.3. Consolidation of Elections – shared thoughts about potential impacts of moving forward with this item. Feels that District 5 needs a polling place.
- D.5. District Attorney – shared concerns, including about potential conflict of interest.
- D.5. District Attorney – supported the request for this item to be pulled for discussion.
- D.9. Probation – requested that this item be pulled due to a needed date change. This was addressed by a motion to pass the remaining items.
- Item D.5 was pulled for discussion.
- The board approved all remaining Consent Calendar items, with direction to staff to change the date of the agreement on item D.9.
D.5. County Administrative Office – Approve amendment number 1 to the professional services agreement with Prentice Long, PC, to modify the scope of services to provide temporary District Attorney’s Office support during the District Attorney’s extended absence. Unknown fiscal impact.
- CAO Tuthill – presented background information on this matter. The attorney who will provide support has done this for other counties.
- Public Comment – shared the view that the public needs to understand the agreement is with specific members of the firm, not the firm at large.
- The board approved this matter as presented.
E. COUNTY MATTERS
E.1. County Administrative Office – Approve a budget adjustment for FY 25/26 for Fire Protection – Dept 2430 increasing Other Charges by $813, and approve a budget adjustment for FY 25/26 for General Fund Contingency – Dept 9901 decreasing Provisions for Contingency by $813. Increase in General Fund Appropriations in the amount of $813; current GF Contingency balance is $494,425.
- Public Comment – none.
- The board approved this matter as presented.
PRIOR CLOSED SESSION REPORT
- Information was shared regarding the items addressed during the last closed session.
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