Board of Supervisors Meeting | 12.17.2024

by | Dec 22, 2024 | Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources, Your Opinion Matters

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Today’s board meeting included presentations from the NOR REL MUK & TSNUNGWA Tribes. All matters on the consent calendar were approved as presented. The agenda included several items under County Matters – including a discussion regarding appeal fees, the recent Grand Jury report, and proposed ordinance changes focused on agriculture buildings.

A. PRESENTATIONS
A.1. Board of Supervisors – Receive a presentation from the NOR REL MUK tribe regarding matters of interest. No fiscal impact.
  • Tribal Chair | Tracy Foster-Olstad
  • Presentation material available
  • Trinity River Native’s Cultural Center
    • Hope to rent this out for events (weddings, etc.)
    • Main Tribal Office
    • Federal Recognition – actively working on this now. Will be in Washington in February to follow up on the process. Already recognized by the State.
  • Sacred Site – Natural Bridge
    • 150 people killed on April 23, 1852
  • Land Back – 180 acre Redbud Ranch. Hope to use for day camps, etc. Recently took over ownership.
  • Youth Activities – host events for schools in the area. Discuss tribal history, traditional ecological knowledge, the importance of land stewardship, responsibility to the land, …
  • Tribal Heritage Days – working to expand/enhance their involvement.
  • Tribal Contact Information (see photo)
  • New/Department-specific MOUs coming by end of year.
  • Off-Shore Wind Opportunities
  • CalPoly Humboldt & Tribal Representative

 

A.2. Board of Supervisors – Receive a presentation from the Tsnungwa tribe regarding matters of interest. No fiscal impact.
  • Paul Ammon | Tribal Chair
  • Seeking a renewal of resolution 2993 – 31 years ago.
  • Federal Recognition – shared examples of steps required, data that must be shared, etc. Having no written language to document information that is now required makes some of this very challenging.
    • Noted that there are no Federally recognized tribes in Trinity County.
    • Many changes during this process. Changes in the government entity that they work with, changes in process/requirements.
    • They were previously recognized… this status was terminated.
  • Land Agreements – located in the Western-most portion of Trinity County.
    • There is property on the Humboldt side of their area that has been deeded to them. This land is “undisturbed.” Another nearby property is used for tribal events.
    • Working with the U.S. Forest Service on MOUs. “Shadows of the Ironside” This has always been a sacred site.
  • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris – shared comments in support of the Tribes and their efforts to be formally recognized.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Resident of a seniors community spoke regarding concerns of homeless camps in the area that has translated into theft, trespassing, threats, explosions, gunfire, graffiti, environmental damage, and more. 2 Creeks Mobile Home Park.
  • Additional comments shared with similar examples. Mentioned axes, machetes, etc. Shared that men let three large dogs loose on her and her small dog. Mentioned a permanent structure built on the creek. Says this is on county land. No longer feels safe in her home, her community, her town. Example of sleeping on the porches of homes.
  • Another resident provided description of the area (all seniors-oriented) and problems they are experiencing. Says the Blue Barn Store is broken into almost weekly, vehicles have been broken into, and more. Described buckets of human waste. Mentioned talking to four different Deputies and received four different answers. Offered recommendations.
  • Another resident provided examples including breaking out security lights.
  • CAO | Trent Tuthill
    • Shared awareness of the situation. Acknowledged there is a small trip of county land, private land, etc. Acknowledged regulations that can be used to address the situation.
  • Supervisor Leutwyler asked for staff to follow up on these concerns and report back in January. He also indicated that he would ask for the Sheriff’s department to join him for a visit to the site.
  • Adrien Keyes share that it was his honor to write a letter of support for Federal recognition of our local tribes. Offered recognition and appreciation for the board’s support and specifically thank Supervisor Frasier. Shared that the association chose not to request extension of the tax reduction. Shared that State taxes on cannabis are so high that retailers are carrying over $1 billion in tax payables.
  • Comments offered in support of those sharing concerns regarding the senior areas being overwhelmed. Offered thanks and appreciation for Supervisor Frasier’s work over the years.  Called out his contributions via the K Class Housing initiative.
  • Additional thanks to Supervisor Frasier. Acknowledged his strong history of serving his community and county.

 

C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
C.1. Report from Department Heads – None
C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer
    • CAO | Trent Tuthill
      • DOT Director | Panos Kokkas – named County Engineer of the Year.
      • Draft EIR for North West Forest… 10:20 AM . Natural Resources Division will review on behalf of the county. Supervisor Carpenter-Harris will collaborate with staff.
      • New county website – launched last week. The site will continue to receive enhancements. Appreciation offered to Michael Singleton and department representatives who supported this initiative.
        • Those who signed up for county updates must sign up again to continue receiving updates. There are multiple options for the types of communication individuals would like to receive.
        • There are some options that we have chosen not to implement due to financial constraints.
      • Behavioral Health – Health & Human Services Merger. Due to retirement of HH Director | Connie Cessna Smith – these departments are being merged as the Health & Human Services Agency under the direction of Director | Liz Hamilton.
      • Committee Assignments will take place during the second meeting of January since Supervisor Carpenter-Harris will not be able to attend the first meeting.
C.3. Reports from Members of the Board of Supervisors
  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • Superior California Economic Development Board Meeting – I missed this meeting as I was traveling and no virtual meeting option was available.
    • Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board Meeting – I attended this meeting in Placer County. The agenda included updates, presentations, and board decisions regarding the allocation of funds for a biomass project. I will be the voting member for our sub-region in 2025 and 2026.
    • California Jobs First – I attended a virtual meeting of the Advisory Committee where we approved the allocation of Catalyst Funds. These are funds focused on development of plans so they can be shovel ready when implementation funds are made available next year. All counties in the region will benefit from at least one of the approved projects. Funding was awarded in two buckets – under $300,000 and over $300,000.  The results will be shared in January.
    • Homeowners Insurance Survey – the survey closed on December 4th with 381 responses.  Skylar Fisher is working with results that will be shared with the public. A presentation to the board is planned for our first meeting of 2025.
    • Jail Health – joined staff yesterday for another leadership session focused on tapping into additional funds and improving processes. Shared information from a CSAC workshop I participated in on this subject.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • LAFCO Meeting with TASA & Friends of the Library. Helped these nonprofits better understand the options, the intricacies, etc… of moving forward.
    • RCRC
      • Discussed homeowners insurance survey and RCRC staff will push a similar survey out to all 40 rural counties.
      • Shared information regarding presentations and workshops – including one from the creator of the California Jobs First initiative.
      • Carrier of Last Resort Ad Hoc Committee established to address ongoing efforts by AT&T to be released from this responsibility.
      • Infrastructure Policy – established new platform priorities.
      • RCRC Women – meeting with RCRC Chair
    • Fire Chief’s Association
      • CalFire working to clarify guidelines regarding burning permits, etc.
      • Considering training opportunities around large piles created by community drop off.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • TMC Meeting in Redding earlier this month.
      • Discussed the Hatchery Refurbishment Project. Hope to get a presentation in the Spring . Key dates shared regarding the $68 million initiative that is fully funded. Completion scheduled for September 2028. Presentation is online at TRRP site.
      • Winter Variable Flows – all eight parties have now signed off.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Missed the NACO Western Region meeting due to illness.
    • LAFCO meeting this afternoon.
    • Planned absence for the first meeting in January due to commitment for a humanitarian trip to India.
  • District 5 | Dan Frasier
    • No out of county travel
    • Behavioral Health Advisory Board this week.
    • LAFCO today
C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs – none
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar as presented.

 

E. COUNTY MATTERS
E.1. County Administrative Office – Review, discuss and provide direction to staff regarding the proposed General Plan Budget and Schedule amendment request and authorize the CAO to sign any contract amendments necessary to carryout the direction provided. $54,155.50 from the General Plan Update fund, 8238
  • CAO | Trent Tuthill & Jim Harnish | Mentier Harnish
    • Request came from consultants to adjust the schedule and the budget due to developments during the process. The end result is extension of the schedule and an increase in funding of $54,155.50.
    • Online Platform – decided not to pursue the Encode solution that was anticipated in the original plans as it was determined to not be a great fit (cost, functionality, staff time to maintain, etc.) for Trinity County. The plan is to house the updated plan on the website in a searchable format – including enhanced links to relevant sections/data.
  • Board Discussion
    • Support offered for the time extension
    • Clarification provided that the scope of streamlining and updating is limited to zoning ordinances only – not including building, environmental health, etc.
    • Platforms that can help with updating and streamlining at a broader level are being reviewed.=
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
E.2. Board of Supervisors – Discuss and provide direction to staff on the terms and conditions of the $500 appeal fee associated with Trinity County Code 2.64.050. Unknown.
  • Supervisor Cox – presented the subject, sharing that constituents have brought forward the concept of appeal fees being refunded when an appeal is upheld due to problems with how rules, regulations, etc. were applied. This would not cover appeals upheld due to discretion.
  • Public Comment
    • Comments in support of refunding fees for appeals that are upheld. He understood that this was already the established process. Acknowledged that the actual costs associated with appeals is likely greater than the current fee… and that actual costs would likely make appeals cost-prohibitive for constituents.
    • Additional comments in support of refunding fees for appeals that are upheld. Recommended keeping the $500 fee.
    • Additional comments in support of keeping the fee at $500. Supports a process for obtaining a refund.
  • Board Discussion
    • Actual Costs – absent a specific fee study, it is clear that the actual costs are much greater than the $500 fee charged.
    • Appeal Fees – quick research shows a range of $300 to $750.
    • Alternative approach – use the $500 as a deposit with the option of charging actual costs at a later time (with a cap).
    • Fee Waiver – can only be requested based on financial need.
    • Fee Refund – would need a structured process/set of rules. One option is to allow the Planning Commission to recommended for/against refund with final decision with the CAO… and for the board to make a decision to refund fees if/when findings support it.
    • CAO | Tuthill shared concerns of over complicating and noted that these are (by design) of a discretionary nature.
    • Direction to Staff  
      • Appeal Fees – maintain the existing $500 fee
      • Refund of Fees
        • The Planning Commission may recommend a refund (with findings/reasons) to the CAO who will make the final decision.
        • The Board may authorize a refund (with findings).
        • No refunds to be processed until the case is finalized (court filing would have a 30 day limit).
      • The board Acknowledged that the cost of refunds could easily exceed the $500 fee.
E.3. Board of Supervisors – Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding a potential amendment to Trinity County Code Section 15.04 – Building Code. Unknown.
  • Supervisor Frasier – presented this matter. The focus is on allowing Ag buildings without permits. Could require landowner to report building for tax assessment purposes (Humboldt County uses a letter of intent).
  • County Counsel – limited risk associated with this proposal.
  • Supervisor Cox – suggested pre-approved plans for use in situations like these.
  • Staff – support for working on this. Some concern when electrical and plumbing are involved.
  • Public Comment
    • Support offered for the proposal. Indicated this is an area in which it’s best for us to stay out of the way.
    • Additional support offered for the proposal. Noted the benefit to the cannabis community.
    • Additional support offered. Acknowledged that it leverages existing state code and noted the value of this to the community. Would like clarification on “commercial use” aspect of the proposal. Shared that the temporary use permit for a hoop house is $600 per year.
    • Additional support offered.
  • Board Discussion
    • Support offered. Setbacks would still need to be considered/adhered to.
    • Board Direction to staff – move forward with review of the proposal and bring something back to the board for consideration in a timely manner.
E.4. Clerk of the Board – Acknowledge receipt of the 2024 Civil Grand Jury Compliance Report and the 2024 Civil Grand Jury Continuity Report and acknowledge receipt of and assign a Board Member to respond to the 2024 Civil Grand Jury Report – Deaths at the Trinity County Correctional Facility. No fiscal impact.
  • CAO | Trent Tuthill
    • Two of the three items received from the Grand Jury to not require follow up.
  • Public Comment
    • Shared concerns regarding what is seen in the Grand Jury Report regarding health and safety in our Jail. Shared appreciation for our deputies and dispatch personnel. Shared examples of what she sees as failures of local law enforcement.
    • Shared similar concerns and indicated failures of management are the cause. Acknowledged fear associated with challenging leadership of local law enforcement. Encouraged action.
  • County Counsel noted that pending lawsuits will limit the amount of detail shared via this response.
  • The board appointed Supervisor Leutwyler as the board representative to work on this matter.
Prior Closed Session Report – 12.3.2024

F.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(c) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation. No. of Cases: One United Public Employees of California, Local 792 v. County of Trinity (Unfair Practice Charge No. SA-CE-1270-M)

No Action Taken

F.2. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Conference with Labor Negotiators County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Suzie Hawkins, Margaret Long Employee Organizations: General Unit

Direction given to staff.

F. ADJOURN

 

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