Board of Supervisors Meeting | 5.5.2026

by | Jun 8, 2026 | Economic Development, Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources

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This board meeting included four presentations, including proclamations recognizing May 2026 as Menthal Health Awareness Month and CalFresh Awareness Month, an update from the U.S. Forest Service, and a presentation from County Counsel regarding services provided to 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 appointed Supervisor Brownfield to respond to the 2025 Civil Grand Jury Report – Code Enforcement Crackdown & Compliance. The board also approved a budget adjustment for the Surveyor Department and directed the CAO to return with a draft scope of work for reviewing and updating Chapter 16 of Trinity County Code, with the goal of streamlining the process and incorporating best practices. Three items were discussed in Closed Session.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health Services – Adopt a proclamation which recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. No fiscal impact.

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

A.2. Health and Human Services – Eligibility – Adopt a proclamation which recognizes May 2026 as CalFresh Awareness Month. No fiscal impact.

  • Staff Presentation – included updates regarding the excellent level of support provided to many beneficiaries in Trinity County, which is designated as a frontier county.
  • The board approved this proclamation and presented it to staff.

A.3. Clerk of the Board – Receive an update from U.S. Forest Service representatives regarding matters of interest in Trinity County. No fiscal impact.

  • Roy Jones | US Forest Service – provided an update
    • Seasonal Fire Staffing is underway
    • Helicopter in Lewiston will be available in June
    • Seasonal Recreation & Timber Staff also being hired
    • SRS Funding Update
    • Planning Update
    • Project Update – including timber sales
    • Prescribed Fire Workshop – taking place next week
    • Shasta Trinity Burn Plan – working with a large curtain burner from Mendocino County
    • All campgrounds expected to be open on time
    • Trinity Lake Marinas have already been put in place

A.4. County Counsel – Receive an annual report from County Counsel.

No fiscal impact.

  • Margaret Long | County Counsel – presented a Year In Review update with slides
    • Introduced members of Prentice Long staff – many of whom the board never interacts with.
    • Much more time is dedicated to supporting department heads and staff than to supporting the board of supervisors.
    • Significant areas of focus include personnel matters, public records act requests (60 since July 2025), litigation, code enforcement, receivership, cannabis control, probate, conservatorship, guardianship, juvenile dependency, communication with the public (with board approval), written document reviews, contracts, ordinances, letters of support/opposition, RFPs, MOUs, etc.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Weaverville Bandstand – shared concerns about the structure, specifically the roof. Mentioned the possibility of grant funds available for this purpose.
  • PG&E Representative – Allison Talbot, introduced herself as our regional representative. She will share her contact information through the CAO.
  • Permit Streamlining – referenced the Permit Streamlining Act and indicated that Trinity County does not have key (required) components in place. Suggested an audit, not to point fingers, but to identify process improvement opportunities.
  • Public Participation – comments focused on land use matters. Shared perspective that those visiting the county should not have the same voice in shaping land use decisions as those who reside here. Encouraged prioritization of Trinity County residents’ input over all other input.
  • Fire Matters – shared concerns about the potential for a severe fire season. Called for prioritization of our volunteer fire departments. Suggests setting aside funding to support these departments, noting the previous efforts associated with a ballot measure to increase our sales tax by 1% to fund these departments, the library system, and the animal shelter.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads

  • None in person. Written reports can be found on each department’s portion of the website.

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Special Board Meetings – shared that he is working through scheduling and agendas. Encouraged review and comment
  • Broadband – met with Hoopa Valley tribal representatives; some Trinity County communities may be served by this organization as it becomes a service provider.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
  • Sierra Day at the Capitol – I joined more than 40 leaders from across the Sierra Nevada region in Sacramento on April 28th for Sierra Day at the Capitol. Together, we met with over 25 legislators and staff to make the case for sustained State investment in the Sierra — for restoration, conservation, and resilience work that protects communities like ours.
  • Tourism Business Development District – ad hoc committee members are reaching out to lodging business owners to determine the level of support for this initiative.
  • HR1 & CSAC – working with county and CSAC staff to prepare an op-ed regarding the impact of HR1 on counties like ours.
  • 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
    • No out-of-county travel
    • LAFCO Meeting – encouraged response to the Executive Director when reaching out to determine attendance/quorum
    • Virtual Media Training – provided by RCRC
    • Fire Safe Council Meeting
    • Brian Dahle – met with former Senator to inform him (as an RCRC conduit) about the Trinity County perspective.
    • State Parks | Prop 4 Funds – followed up on promise to meet with Secretary.
    • Senator Padilla’s Field Rep – discussion focused on the congressionally directed spending request from Trinity County
    • Senator Padilla Visit – May 28th
    • RCRC Legislative Update
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • No out-of-county travel
    • May 14th Community Meeting – 6:00 PM at the Roderick Community Center
    • Cemetery Update – 21 people showed up in response to calls for more support.
    • Candidates Night – attended
    • Douglas City Campground opening – some spaces can be reserved through BLM
    • Salmon Fishing – Department of Fish & Wildlife meeting tomorrow for final decision on this matter. Early season runs July 1 – August 15th.
    • Weed Management – encouraged everyone to consider May as the month to tackle this on individual properties
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Accounting RFP – participated in this process. Enjoyed meeting with more staff members and gaining a better understanding of this arena.
    • Burnt Ranch Elementary School – presented and met with staff and students. Shared information regarding tribal history and culture.
    • Hyampom Visit – looking forward to ongoing road improvements. Shared county updates and discussed zoning. PC Duncan McIntosh also participated.
    • Brian Dahle – felt the visit was informative and productive.
    • Zoning Ordinance – still working on locations/dates for community meetings.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Glenn Colusa Trinity – participated in the meeting in Colusa.
      • Involvement of Ministers was discussed
    • Brian Dahle – productive and informative meeting.
    • Zoning Ordinance – postponing community meetings until after our hearings.
    • Great Redwood Trail – submitted application to be on the board. Trinity County does need a seat on the board. She was not selected at this time.

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Tourism Funding – Two Six Digital session recordings are now on YouTube with links on the economic development page of our Trinity County website – https://www.trinitycounty.org/644/Economic-Development

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • Board Discussion
    • Supervisor Brownfield offered appreciation for support from Sheriff Saxon and Supervisor Carpenter-Harris, and other counties working on similar, for helping to make the resolution regarding Gray Wolves happen. Noted focus on the importance of being able to manage this situation to protect lives, and livestock.
    • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris also shared support for this resolution. Echoed the importance of collaborating on this with nearby counties who are equally (or more) impacted.
  • The board approved all matters on the Consent Calendar as presented.
E. COUNTY MATTERS

E.1. Clerk of the Board – Acknowledge receipt of and assign a board member to respond to the 2025 Civil Grand Jury Report – Code Enforcement Crackdown & Compliance Report. No fiscal impact.

  • Board Chair Carpenter-Harris assigned Supervisor Brownfield for this role.

E.2. Transportation – Approve a budget adjustment for FY 25/26 for Surveyor – Dept 1910 increasing Services & Supplies by $21,000 and Interfund Expenses by $4,000 and approve a budget adjustment for FY 25/26 for General Fund Contingency – Dept 9901 decreasing Appropriations for Contingency by $25,000. Increase in General Fund appropriations in the amount of $25,000;current contingency balance is $580,000.

  • Panos Kokkas | Director of Transportation – presented this matter
    • These costs reflect overruns vs historical fees associated with these services. The revised fee structure provides for full cost recovery.
  • Board Discussion
    • Supervisor Cox – asked questions regarding the process, cost structure, etc.
    • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris – focused on efficiency to reduce costs for all those involved in the process.
    • Supervisor Leutwyler – presented a modified motion: Approve the recommended budget adjustment and direct the CAO to return at a meeting within the next 90 days with a draft scope of work for an outside consultant engagement to review and update Chapter 16 of Trinity County Code with the goal of streamlining the process and incorporating best practices like those currently being implemented in Chapter 17 via the General Plan Update process.
F. CLOSED SESSION

F.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(b) – Real Property Negotiations Property: 1450 Main Street Agency Negotiator: Elizabeth Hamilton, Margaret Long and Trent Tuthill Negotiating Parties: Rick Raffanti Under Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment

F.2. Government Code Section 54954.5(c) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation No. of Cases: Two

F.3. Government Code Section 54954.5(c) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation No. of Cases: One Ismail v. Trinity County (Trinity County Superior Court Case No. 22CV010)

 

ADJOURN

 

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