Board of Supervisors Meeting | 5.20.2025

by | May 26, 2025 | Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources, Your Opinion Matters

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

This board meeting included two presentations – an update regarding services provided by our County Counsel and a proclomation regarding Public Works Week. The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar and all items under County Matters. Closed session included four items.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. County Counsel – Receive an Annual Report from County Counsel.

  • Margaret Long | County Counsel presented an annual update
  • Document Review – contracts, resolutions, ordinances, RFPs, MOUs, etc.
    • 172 contracts
    • 40 resolutions/ordinances
  • Public Records Act – involved in PRA requests as needed. Trinity County Staff were trained to handle basic PRA request – which contributed to fewer requiring County Counsel involvement.
    • 46 since July 2024.
  • Litigation
    • 7 cases
    • 1 National Litigation
    • 2 WPTRO
  • Code Enforcement – utilizing a new process of receiverships to support successful rehabilitation of prolonged nuisance properties.
    • 9 properties through the county, from Mad River to Hayfork to Lewiston.
    • We are working with one third party who has agreed to take on all of these properties
  • Cannabis Control
    • 7 new permanent injunction orders granted (112 total)
    • 15 new settlement agreements  (88 total)
  • Probate, Conservatorship, Guardianship and Juvenile Dependency
    • 16 new CPS cases
    • 18 new Public Guardian Cases

A.2. Transportation – Adopt a proclamation recognizing May 18-24, 2025, as Public Works Week.

  • Panos Kokkas spoke on behalf of Trinity County Public Works team members.
  • The board approved this proclamation and a photo was taken with representatives being recognized.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Comments regarding cannabis licensing fee study – still awaiting details regarding new and renewal licenses. Concern that costs should be going down since most of our work should now be focused on renewals – which require less time. Feels that a refund is due to overcharging. Shared that he has contacted the state and is working with attorneys. Feels that funds collected for the General Plan have been misused and that he plans to litigate.
  • Comments from a member of the bargaining unit representing IHSS – highlighting the work they do and thanking the board for the opportunity to bargain on behalf of staff.
  • Additional comments from a member of the bargaining unit.
  • Additional comments from a member of the bargaining unit. Highlighted the importance of the work done on behalf of those needing special care from this unit.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads – none. These are posted on the county website.

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Digital Equity Grant – this grant was terminated on May 9th.
  • Golden State Connect Authority – is still working on our behalf regarding a larger grant
  • CA State Budget Update
    • $10 billion shortfall
    • Still awaiting details that will help us understand potential impacts on Trinity County
  • General Plan Public Review Sessions – June 10-11
    • Anticipate substantial discussion regarding land use
    • The documents being reviewed are already available online. Presentation materials will be shared prior to the meeting.
    • The zoning code documents will reflect input from cannabis workshops. These will be discussed at a later time (early Fall).
  • Funding Sources
    • We will discuss options for generating additional funding in an upcoming board meeting.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • Daughters visited from out-of-country and out-of-state.
    • SCED Board of Directors Meeting in Redding
    • NoRTEC Executive Committee Meeting
    • PSA2 Board Meeting
    • Tourism Development Advisory Board Meeting
    • NoRTEC Board Meeting in Chico on Thursday
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • PSA2 Meeting yesterday – significant budget reductions
    • Fire Chiefs Association Meeting
    • Forest Service – all 11 engines will be staffed this year.
    • Fire Safe Council Meeting this week.
    • Trinity County Collaborative Meetings.
    • RCRC Ad Hoc – focused on recruitment and retention.
      • Potential to refinements that can help.
    • Crosswalks – will now be pursuing public support for changes in support from CalTrans.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • Absent
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Secure Rural Schools Act Funding – continue work on this through NACO
      • $1.3 million to roads department
      • $1.3 million to schools
    • Heritage Days – spoke during this event
    • Memorial Day – will be present to recognize veterans.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Post Mountain PUD Meeting – seeing good process
    • Disaster Relief Ordinance – working with Ed Prestley regarding this.
    • Roads remain a constant struggle

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Homeless Encampment

  • Meeting on 5.15.25
  • Reviewed proposed ordinance and plan to have this on the next BOS agenda
  • Completed encampment visit in Hayfork.
  • CalFire Vegetation Management – work is concluded on two key areas.
  • Reviewed State-level focus – which is related but quite different than our local issues/efforts.
  • Sheriff Department & Probation Staff volunteered as part of the cleanup efforts.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • Items 4, 5, 6, 20, 21 pulled for discussion
  • All other items on the Consent Calendar were approved as presented.

D.4. County Administrative Office – Adopt a resolution which supports the federal recognition of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Tribe. No fiscal impact.

  • Supervisor Heidi Carpenter-Harris read the resolution and recognized tribal representatives attending the meeting.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.5. County Administrative Office – Adopt a resolution which supports the federal recognition of the Tsnungwe Tribe. No fiscal impact.

  • Supervisor Heidi Carpenter-Harris read the resolution and recognized tribal representatives attending the meeting.
  • Public Comment
    • A representative who has been working on this for 45 years spoke in support of this effort and acknowledged the importance of this resolution.
    • Another representative spoke in support of this effort and recognized Supervisor Carpenter-Harris for her support of the tribes and her comments during the Heritage Days event.
    • Another representative spoke in support of this effort. Great appreciation was expressed for this effort and for Supervisor Carpenter-Harris’ contributions.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.6. County Administrative Office – Approve amendment number 2 to the employment contract with Trent Tuthill, extending the term to April 18, 2026, and adding one additional week of professional leave to provide County Administrative duties. Approximate cost in salary and benefits per month at step D is $26,685.

  • Supervisor Brownfield raised concerns about our ability to fund this pay increase
  • Supervisor Cox offered strong support for this pay increase.
  • Suzie Hawkins clarified that previously approved increases to a department head mandates that this increase be approved.
  • Supervisor Leutwyler spoke in support of this pay increase.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.20. Transportation – Approve an agreement with Geocon Consultants Inc to provide exploratory field-testing, monitoring, and design services. Up to $800,000 over the five-year term of the agreement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, and California RMRA / STIP Funds.

  • Panos Kokkas | Director of Transportation presented the matter.
    • Without this approval we would experience delays
    • These funds would only be awarded if storm-repair projects require their work… and funds are received (from the State or Federal government) to make the repairs.
    • These firms have tools, resources, skills that we do not have within our department.
    • The funds in question can only be used for storm damage – not regular road maintenance.
  • Public Comment
    • Shared understanding of the county’s ability to act immediately if emergency actions are required to do temporary work for health and safety purposes. Feels there is not a need to have someone on retainer.
      • CAO Tuthill and Director Kokkas provided additional clarification. This includes that additional resources like these are sometimes needed to prepare the information we need to prepare and submit damage repair estimates, plans within a timely manner.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.21. Transportation – Approve an agreement with MGE Engineering Inc. to provide exploratory field-testing, monitoring, and design services. Up to $800,000 over the five-year term of the agreement from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, and California RMRA / STIP Road Funds.

  • This is the same as above – just providing us with two options instead of only one.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

E.1. Community Development – Environmental Health – Conduct a public hearing to consider introducing and waiving the reading of an ordinance amending Trinity County Code Section 2.64.050, enacting fees related to Trinity County Environmental Health California Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Fees. Estimated revenue to Environmental Health in the amount of $157,000 and eligibility for between $60,000 and $100,000 in grant funds.

  • Kristy Anderson | Environmental Health Director
    • We are the last county to file for taking on this role from the State… and the first one in approximately 20 years.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
F. COUNTY MATTERS

F.1. Board of Supervisors – Discuss and/or adopt a resolution endorsing the policies and recommendations in the guidance document titled “Collaborative Strategy for Federal Land Management in Trinity County”. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Supervisor Cox – introduced this matter on behalf of Collaborative members, many of whom were in attendance.
  • Kelly Sheen | Trinity County RCD Executive Director – presented this matter.
    • Work on this document have been underway for years – editing/enhancing based on experience and knowledge gained through disaster response and planned projects.
  • Public Comment
    • Member of the Collaborative spoke in support of this resolution and noted the significance of achieving consensus regarding these matters.
    • Member of the Collaborative acknowledged formation of this collaborative by the BOS in 2012 and spoke in support of this resolution.
    • Member of the Collaborative, Fire Safe Council, and Weaverville Community Forest spoke in support of this resolution.
    • Tara Jones | U.S. Forest Service – spoke in support of this resolution and acknowledged the strong collaboration of everyone involved.
    • Member of SAFE spoke in support of this resolution. Acknowledged the long road traveled by all parties to reach this point.
  • Board Discussion
    • Supervisor Cox acknowledged the theme of collaboration and the exceptional capabilities of staff (County, RCD, U.S. Forest Service, etc.).
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

F.2. Board of Supervisors – Receive a status update on the Tourism Development Advisory Board actions and plans. Unknown fiscal impact. Supervisor Leutwyler – presented and update regarding this initiative and answered questions.

  • Public Comment
    • Comments about the administrative process of collecting fees.

F.3. Community Development – Building – Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance amending Trinity County Code Section 15.04, adding new definitions and building permit exemptions that conform to the California Building Code, including the exemption of agricultural structures. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Cody Smith presented this matter and answered questions regarding specific use types that would quality
  • Public Comment
    • Comments in support of this amendment.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

F.4. County Administrative Office – Receive an update on Jail Health budget-related items. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • CAO Tuthill & Liz Hamilton |HHSA Director – provided an update on these efforts.
  • Goals & Objectives
    • Establish fully engaged team across disciplines to enhance services/support
    • Upgrade Systems – Electronic Health Record and Health Information Exchange
      • This streamlines and enhances tracking and organization
    • Community Health Worker Support
      • Daily visits to the Jail to support staff in implementation of this new process.
    • Cost Recovery
      • The data tracked from this new process supports access to funding.
    • Research & Maximize Funding Sources
    • Services, Supports & Coordinated Meetings
  • CalAIM (advancing and innovating Medi-Cal)
    • Multi-year Reform 2022-2027
    • Working to build a more coordinated, person-centered, and equitable health system that works for everyone
    • Population Focused – including Justice Involved
    • Justice Involved Reentry Initiative …
  • Funding Sources
    • General Fund
    • Health Realignment
      • Animal Control and Jail Health are two of over a dozen areas of focus
    • Insurance Claims (CIMI)
    • New Sources…
      • Medi-Cal Inmate Population –
        • Federal reimbursement for medical care of incarcerated individuals for certain situations.
        • Direct billing now available
      • Inter-Governmental Transfer (IGT)
        • Federal reimbursement
        • We do have to match, but receive 140% back.
      • County-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (CMAA)
        • Federal funding for state and local agencies
        • Relishes on staff time-studies
        • Jami Tea, Staff Services Manager is our local representative
          • Time Studies – show a run rate equivalent to approximately $400,000 in reimbursements.
      • PATH Justice Involved
        • Provides funding to support justice involved initiatives.
        • Go-live – October 2025
        • Funding for implementation planning
        • Trinity County receive four awards
          • Behavioral Health $400,000
          • HHS – $102,000
          • HHS/Jail – $2 million
          • Probation – $2.5 million
  • Five Key Teams
    • Executive Team
    • Health Team
    • Boots on the Ground
    • Administrative Team
    • Pre/Post Release Team
  • Additional Notes
    • This reflects a huge partnership between HHSA & Sheriff’s Department
    • The matching funds aspect provides an opportunity to receive 140% return on funds provided to match. This might come from LATCF funds for the first round of matches. This could generate $200,000 to $400,000 in additional funds back into the General Fund.
    • The 12-18 months window for reporting for reimbursement must be chosen wisely to maximize the impact/return on investment.
    • Overall, this is likely to lead to freeing up General Funds (currently used for Jail Health) for other purposes.
  • Sheriff Saxon shared appreciation for these efforts to find a way to enhance medical support for the Jail while potentially freeing up General Funds for other uses.

 

  • Caleb Jensen – a member of our staff developed the platform being used for time studies. He also created “readyTrinity.”

 

F.5. County Administrative Office – Pursuant to the County Fee Waiver Policy, find that the Trinity County Fair’s Association`s Annual Fair provides a public benefit and approve their application for waiver of County fees, waiving the Solid Waste fees in part. Potential loss of revenue in the amount of up to $8,480.

  • CAO Tuthill presented this matter.
    • This is the same request and staff recommendation as seen by the BOS last year.
    • The staff recommendation is to waive 50% of the fees – which splits the financial burden across both the Fair budget and Solid Waste.
  • The board approved the staff recommendation to waive 50% of the fees.

 

5.6.2025 CLOSED SESSION REPORT 

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

  • Direction given to staff.

F.2. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Labor Negotiations County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Suzie Hawkins and Margaret Long Employee Organizations: Deputy Sheriffs Association, General Unit, Management and Confidential Unit, Probation Peace Officers Association and Skilled Trades Unit.

  • Direction given to staff.
G. CLOSED SESSION

G.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Labor Negotiations County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Suzie Hawkins and Margaret Long Employee Organizations: Deputy Sheriffs Association, General Unit, Management and Confidential Unit, Probation Peace Officers Association and Skilled Trades Unit

G.2. Government Code Section 54954.5(e) – Public Employee Appointment: Clerk/Recorder/Assessor

G.3. Government Code Section 54954.5(e) – Public Employee Evaluation – County Counsel

G.4. Government Code Section 54954.5(d) – Liability Claim No. of Cases: One Claimant: Ryan Lynn (Claim No. TRI 25-0008) Agency Claimed Against: Trinity County

ADJOURN

 

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

Please use this form to let me know if you would like to be added to the distribution list for updates. Check the box next to the type of updates you would like to receive.