Board of Supervisors Meeting | 1.20.2026

by | Jan 25, 2026 | Economic Development, Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources, Your Opinion Matters

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This board meeting included two presentations. The first presentation was from Yoni Desmond and five representatives of the Friday Night Live Club. The second presentation was from Shasta County Sheriff, Michael Johnson.

Updates were provided by the CAO, our Agriculture Commissioner, Director of Community Development, and Sheriff Saxon. Updates were also provided by each member of the board and representatives of both the Tourism Funding and Cannabis Tax Ad Hoc Committees.

One item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar as presented. The board conducted a Public Hearing regarding the Environmental Impact Report that will support our General Plan efforts. One item was approved under County Matters and one item was addressed during Closed Session.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health Services – Receive a presentation from Yoni Desmond, Substance Abuse Specialist with HHSA – Behavioral Health, and the Youth in the Friday Night Live Club regarding the Third Hand Smoke & Take Back our Bathrooms Project.

  • Yoni Desmond and five members of the Friday Night Live Club presented to the board.

 

A.2. Clerk of the Board – Receive a presentation from Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson regarding the Joint Male Community Reentry Program.

  • Sheriff Johnson presented the materials included in the backup materials
  • 90-acre campus will provide wrap-around services and implement a comprehensive treatment program and case management oversight.
  • 100-bed facility – 40 for counties, 60 for state
  • Long term plan is to move the jail out of the downtown area. Initial planning is in progress to incorporate the jail into this campus
  • 10,000 lbs of food grown (for use in the jail) on 3 acres in a different facility. Plans call for a dramatic increase
  • Vocational training (including agriculture) will be part of the education services.
  • Services for the county fleet could be part of the campus and curriculum
  • No housing for alternative programs – day access only.
  • 30-year lease… with option to assume full ownership
  • CEQA – 1.5 to 2.0 year process
  • Licensed state care facility – not a prison
  • Access based on the severity of the criminal record
  • Parole Officers on site 24/7
  • Amity Foundation – the nonprofit that would likely run the program. Has experience with these programs in other areas.
  • Upon completion, program participants will be transferred back to their county of origin.
  • Trinity County would have access to this facility.
  • Ongoing discussions with the State regarding funding.

 

B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Brown Act Compliance Concerns – shared perspective that board agendas are not following requirements of the Brown Act. The use of Closed Session is the primary focus of concerns. Asked that the board cite Brown Act code that authorizes the item to be considered in Closed Session.
  • State Parks Grants – shared that a fifth round of funding will be available soon. Information should be available in late Fall. Hopes to collaborate with the board of supervisors regarding an application for enhanced services.
  • County Website – shared that Grand Jury reports are missing from some years. Also shared concerns regarding drug and tobacco use in schools and on school grounds.
  • Emergency Communications System – shared concerns that calls are not making it to the first responders. Called for more transparency regarding this matter.

 

C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads

  • Angela Blanchard | Agriculture Commissioner – shared that an ordinance will be brought the the board during the next meeting.

 

  • Sheriff Saxon – provided an update regarding the Emergency Communications System
    • Inspection of facilities began 8 days ago.
    • Only the Ironside facility has not been inspected
    • Several antennas need to be repaired or replaced.
    • Still gathering information so that we have the full picture and estimated costs associated with options.
    • Expect to have information back from Day Wireless within two weeks.
    • Clarified that Dispatch follows up with first responders to ensure that calls are received.
    • The Oregon Mountain Repeater is a high priority – and likely the cause of recent/ongoing challenges in Lewiston
    • U.S. Forest Service is also working on their system. Sheriff Saxon will contact Rachel Birkey regarding possible ways to coordinate efforts. Note – different frequencies are used by different entities.
    • Philanthropic funding – individuals and organizations can donate. Acceptance of these funds would have to be approved by the board of supervisors.
    • Elected Officials – Supervisor Cox shared that she contacted Senator McGuire’s office and spoke to Congressman Huffman about these matters

 

  • Drew Plebani | Community Development Director
    • Cannabis Equity Program Update
      • $950,000 in additional funding approved
      • A total of $1,400,000 is now available to be expended through this program.

 

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Five Counties – Jail Health Group – meeting held last week. Trinity County will allocate $25,000 for the feasibility study (over the next two years). Estimate 12 months for completion of the study. The county will then have an opportunity to decide if/how to move forward.
  • CSAC Leadership Institute – Shasta County – he was involved in the recent launch of the program currently being offered in Shasta County.
  • Congressman Huffman – asked for his support to pursue future SRS funding. Also discussed FEMA reform.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • Election – Met with two candidates for the District 1 Supervisor position.
    • Trinity Center Community Meeting – Carol Fall and I hosted a meeting with close to 100 people. The focus was on plans for a Residential Treatment Center in Trinity Center. We shared information we gathered, facilitated discussion with meeting participants, and discussed next steps. Sheriff Saxon was also in attendance.
    • Cannabis Tax Ad Hoc Committee – facilitated a meeting at the Hayfork Fairgrounds with approximately 30 people on Friday, January 9th. Also facilitated a standing room only meeting here in the board chambers on Wednesday, January 14th.
    • Fire Chiefs Association – joined Supervisor Cox for this meeting. The Emergency Communications System was a key topic of discussion.
    • Emergency Communications System – Based on conversations with Sheriff Saxon, efforts are underway to quickly assess the infrastructure, identify short and long term solutions, and respond as quickly as possible based on findings, funding, and weather conditions.
    • Natural Resources – met with Josh Smith of The Watershed Center to discuss a Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant proposal focused on outdoor recreation.
    • NoRTEC – ongoing meetings with co-chair Susan Marie and the consultant hired to work with the organization.
    • Tourism Marketing – the Trinity Chamber is hosting a meeting at the golf course restaurant for lodging business owners, TOT partners, and other local businesses involved in tourism.
    • Tourism Development Committee – I am in touch with Civitas Advisors and county staff regarding plans to renew TBID efforts. Civitas announced the recent successful formation of the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Improvement District (SCMWID). With 76% support from Santa Cruz wineries by weighted petition value, they formation introduces a 1% assessment, unlocking a first-year budget of $400,000 to drive meaningful growth and visibility for the region.

 

  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • Trinity County Chamber & Visitors Center – joined representative for discussions about future plans for the Visitors Center
    • Fire Chiefs Association – shared information about county efforts to address the emergency communications system
    • RCRC | Vice Chair of Recruitment Ad Hoc – ongoing work to gather information regarding priorities, ideas, etc.
    • RCRC Board of Directors – meeting this week.
    • Outreach – shared several examples of reaching out to elected officials and their offices regarding Trinity County
    • Trinity County Collaborative – participated in recent tours.
    • Minersville Boat Ramp – announced that the U.S. Forest Service reallocated the funds needed to fully fund this project.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • Cannabis Tax – offered appreciation to committee members
    • Community Meeting – met last week in Hayfork. Concerns about volunteers “aging out.”
    • Fairgrounds – acknowledged their financial struggles and the importance of volunteers to their operations. Now in it’s 102nd year.
    • Homeless Encampments – noted ongoing efforts
    • Dolly Parton book program – shared information on the program that provides free books for kids up to 5 years old.
    • Congressman Huffman – spoke about the hatcheries and fishing
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • NACO Rural Action Caucus – participated via Zoom. Several topics were relevant to Trinity County.
    • Regional Placement of Leadership – shared support for leadership positions being shifted from Washington, D.C. to the regions they serve.
    • Post Fire Funds – working on something she will bring to the full board and to Washington, D.C. The focus is on expanding the duration of time covered by recovery funding.
    • Trinity County Collaborative – noted progress made by this group.
    • District 5 Visit – toured roads and district with Supervisor Brownfield.
    • Tribes & Fire Safe Council – joint meeting coming up.
    • Western County Roads – researching opportunities to collaborate with others, like our Trinity County RCD
    • Community Meetings planned.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Trinity Journal – she will provide a newsletter insert.
    • Community Meetings planned

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Cannabis Tax – the committee conducted two in-person sessions, one in Hayfork and one in Weaverville. Both were well intended. Technical difficulties prevented Zoom participants from engaging directly in the conversation. The committee has received eight emails via cannabistaxinput@trinitycounty.org. All input is being curated and summarized for review by the full board on February 3rd.

The committee is conducting additional research, including: review of all input; financial modeling, and industry data. This information will be used to inform the recommendation that will be documented in a comprehensive staff report for the February 3rd board meeting.

  • Chair Carpenter-Harris confirmed continuation of this Ad Hoc Committee until after the February 3rd board meeting.

• Tourism Funding – the committee developed an action plan that will be used to manage allocation of funding, coordination of sessions with Two Six Digital, and the Trinity Chamber. Two Six Digital will record the sessions so that we can publish them on a new Economic Development portion of the county’s website.

Suzie Hawkins confirms that she has the information required to issue checks to recipients. The Trinity Chamber will be eligible to receive $7,500 per calendar quarter of 2026. All other recipients will receive their funding as soon as practical.

I am meeting with the Trinity Chamber marketing committee this afternoon. I hope that we will be able to host the first quarterly meeting within the next few weeks. Marketing plans for the first quarter of 2026 will be shared, attendees will be invited to provide feedback, and the committee will make a decision about the distribution of $7,500 for the first quarter.

  • Chair Carpenter-Harris confirmed continuation of this Ad Hoc Committee until completion of the 2026/2027 budget and allocation of tourism funding in October.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR

Public Comment

  • Request to pull items D.3 and D.4. Concern shared that D.3 should have more guardrails to go along with the proposed authorization. Shared recommendations on how to add proposed guardrails.
  • Request to pull item D.3. Asked if this was the same as last year and if there is information regarding the frequency of this authority being used on behalf of the county.
  • Request to pull item D.3. Shared concerns about transparency.

CAO Tuthill provided information about item D.3, noting that this provides signature authority only. The board retains authority for approving all budget matters and approval of individual agreements covered by this matter. This is the same process that has been in place for years.

The board pulled item D.1 for discussion.

The board approved all remaining items on the Consent Calendar.

D.1. Board of Supervisors – Appoint Sunday Stanley to the Trinity County Fair Association Board of Directors as District 3 representative to serve a term concurrent with the District 3 Supervisor. No fiscal impact.

  • Supervisor Gogan – thanked Adrien Keys for his long support. Endorsed Sunday Stanley and thanked her for stepping up.
  • Public Comment
    • Adrien Keys spoke in support of Sunday Stanley and offered thanks for his recognition.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.2. Board of Supervisors – Authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of condolence to the late Honorable Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s wife and family and a separate letter to the staff. No fiscal impact.

D.3. Clerk of the Board – Adopt a resolution authorizing signatures on all Federal contracts and other necessary documents of financial transactions and adopt a resolution authorizing signatures on all State contracts and other necessary documents of financial transactions. No fiscal impact.

D.4. Clerk of the Board – Approve regular meeting minutes for January 6, 2026. No fiscal impact.

D.5. Clerk of the Board – Authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support regarding Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. No fiscal impact.

D.6. Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health Services – Approve amendment number 1 to the agreement with Progress House increasing the maximum cost by $66,000 to provide substance use disorder residential and detox services. No impact to the General Fund; an additional $66,000 per FY from Behavioral Health funding.

D.7. Health and Human Services – Public Health – Approve an agreement with Data Strategy Consulting, LLC to provide public health technical assistance and disease surveillance support. No impact to the General Fund; up to $190,000 from Public Health grant funding.

D.8. Health and Human Services – Veterans Services – Authorize the Chairman to sign the CA Dept of Veterans Affairs certificates of compliance for the County subvention and Medi-Cal cost avoidance programs for FY 25/26. No fiscal impact.

D.9. Sheriff – Authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support regarding the development of a joint County/State Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) facility. No fiscal impact.

E. PUBLIC HEARING

E.1. Community Development – Planning – Conduct a public scoping meeting regarding the Environmental Impact Report for the Trinity County 2050 General Plan Update. No fiscal impact.

Jim Harnish | Mintier Harnish & Aileen Mahoney | Rincon

  • The plan covers all of Trinity County as part of the General Plan Update, covering a 25 year period
  • Presented materials included in the backup materials.
  • CA Environmental Quality Act (1970) – calls for public input
  • Timeline provided that includes a 30 day notice of preparation, 45 day public review period of the published report, then finalization.
  • Today’s session is focused on public input on the environmental analysis
  • Each topic area includes environmental setting, potential impacts, mitigation measures (where potentially significant impacts are identified)
  • Comments due by February 6, 2026
    • Trinity2050@trinitycounty.org
    • Or can be sent via mail

Board Discussion:

  • Relation to existing EIR for the Cannabis Program – Since completing the Cannabis Program EIR, we created opt-outs/overlay zones that limit opportunities to cultivate in some parts of the county.
    • Should/will this EIR address this? Answer – Yes.
    • Does this EIR supersede the Cannabis Program EIR, or complement it? Answer – where their are overlaps, the new EIR will supersede the previous EIR.
  • Streamlined Projects – The staff report indicates that “projects that are consistent with the General Plan would undergo a streamlined CEQA environmental review and approval process.
    • Please provide examples of what would fall into this category, and examples of what would fall outside of this category. I imagine there are things that won’t be streamlined, even if they are “consistent with the General Plan.”
    • Answer
      • Projects that require no land use changes and no zoning changes
      • Doesn’t apply if discretionary approval is required
  • EIR Deliverables – I gather we are surprised/disappointed in the format/support provided by consultants for the zoning update. Do we feel confident that the deliverables associated with this EIR will meet our expectations?
    • Answer
      • Aileen confirmed that specific changes to existing EIRs will be noted.
  • Air Quality – I see “air quality” but not “odor” or “smoke” on slide 10 of the presentation materials. Do odor and smoke fall into the air quality category?
    • Anwer:
      • Odor and smoke are included under “Air Quality.”
  • Public Comment
    • Cellular Towers – asked that potential risks associated with cellular towers be addressed in this initiative.

 

F. COUNTY MATTERS

F.1. Community Development – Planning – Adopt a resolution which authorizes application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program. No impact to the General Fund; potential revenue estimated in the amount of $650,000 under the Prohousing Incentive Program.

  • Drew Plebani | Community Development Director
  • Noted that the board previously received updates and approved related matters.
  • No public comments have been received.
  • An Ad Hoc Committee may be of value to this process later this year.
  • The board approved this matter as presented
Prior Closed Session Report
  • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris shared that direction was given to staff on both items handled under the previously Closed Session.

 

G. CLOSED SESSION

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

Public Comment

  • Concern shared regarding the use of Closed Session for this matter. Feels that a more specific citing of relevant Brown Act code be used for matters on Closed Session.
ADJOURN

 

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