Board of Supervisors Meeting | 6.3.2025

by | Jun 16, 2025 | Economic Development, Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources, Your Opinion Matters

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

This board meeting included no presentations. Under County Matters, Drew Plebani shared information regarding Commercial Cannabis-related matters that will be discussed during the public hearings on June 10th and 11th. The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar and all items under County Matters. Closed session included two items.

A. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Questions were posed regarding Trinity County’s support of ICE, will CHP be holding outside the Food Bank, would like to know more about the Active Shooter Training, asked about the deputy he understood was detained.
  • Trinity County Agriculture Alliance is hosting an event later this month that focuses on the legacy of cannabis in Trinity County and beyond. Invited the public, staff, and board to attend. This will support efforts to establish recognition of the history/legacy in a way that can support future efforts. June 26-27 at the Grange Hall.
  • Comments regarding the upcoming meetings/discussion regarding the General Plan. Emphasized the significance of the decisions that will be made during review/approval of the General Plan, Community Plans, Housing Element, etc. Noted the potential impact on economic impact… and the importance of making it easier for people to build their homes and operate their businesses.
  • Announced the opening of the community pool on June 16th. June 5th is an open house of sorts at the community pool. June 26th, participating in the worlds largest swim lesson.
  • Encouragement for the board to include opportunities for members of the public to be involved and engaged. Emphasized the importance of inclusivity and making choices that reflect respect and build trust. Noted the potential of cannabis tourism to enhance Trinity County.
B. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

B.1. Report from Department Heads

  • No live presentations. Reports are shared with the board and online.

B.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Governors Budget May Revision – this was not well received and many organizations are working hard to address concerns, provide greater clarity, and support counties and the public in general.
  • Jail Health – the joint implementation plan has been approved. This means we will receive revenues from this initiative in next year’s fiscal budget.
  • Winter Storm Funds – State support for five roads damaged during storms. No businesses reported damage so funding is not available for this purpose. Funding has not been received yet… just approved by the State. The process for planing, implementing, and reporting on projects means that it could be 5-10 years before all funding is received.
  • Trindel Board of Directors – meeting held in Trinity County. Insurance rate increases continue. Risk mitigation efforts are underway – with driver training as an example.
  • Hambro Recycling – will open on Davis Road in Weaverville tomorrow, June 4th. Information regarding services, hours, etc… are online. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
  • Sanctuary Jurisdictions – the list posted last month included all CA counties. NACO, CSCAC, RCRC and others are digging in to better understand how the list was generated, what the implications might be, etc. There is an Executive Order regarding this subject.
    • The State of California is a Sanctuary State
    • There are outstanding questions regarding Trinity County’s status.
  • Board input was provided regarding the county’s ability/efforts to notify businesses regarding potential disaster-related funding. Environmental Health does provide information to business owners regarding this when visiting in response to damage.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • NoRTEC Board Meeting – attended the recent board meting in Chico, CA.
    • NoRTEC Ad Hoc Hiring Committee – hosted this meeting to initiate recruiting for the new Executive Director.
    • Grass Valley Creek Watershed Tour – participated in this well attended tour.
    • Lewiston Architectural Review Committee – reaching out to community members to re-establish this committee.
    • Economic Development Summit Meetings – attended recent meeting focused on planning for the Fall event.
    • Tourism Development Advisory Board Meeting – hosted another Advisory Board meeting.
    • Airports – joined Supervisor Cox for productive discussion with local resident.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • Personal matters kept her from attending local Memorial Day Services
    • Fire Safe Council Meeting
    • No Out of County Travel
    • Airports – met with local resident with a lot of ideas.
    • RCRC Legislative Call
    • Medicare – support is available from the county for those who need to enroll
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • On vacation for the last two weeks
    • Recognized Supervisor Carpenter-Harris’ leadership in his absence during the last board meeting.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Memorial Services – participated in several events
    • Tribal Matters – continues working on matters of interest
    • Planning Department – offered recognition for their responsiveness and support.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Memorial Service – participated in local events
    • Community Engagement – meeting with constituents (businesses and residents. Regulations and roads often come up as areas of concern.

B.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Homeless Encampment

  • Proposed ordinance is on the agenda later today.
  • Press Release will go out today regarding the committee’s efforts
  • June 23rd is the next meeting.
  • The decision today regarding the proposed ordinance will help determine whether/how the ad hoc committee continues.
C. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • The board approved the consent calendar as presented.
D. COUNTY MATTERS

D.1. Community Development – Building – Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance creating Trinity County code section 15.26 regarding Movable Tiny Homes. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Cody Smith | Building Division Director presented this matter
    • This is the number one thing he has been asked about since he joined the department.
    • He is also reaching out to individuals that could help us implement pre-approved ADU Plans – which would provide another streamlined opportunity for additional housing units.
  • Supervisor Leutwyler noted that State law prohibits the use of ADUs for short term rentals.
  • Public Comment
    • None
  • The board approved introduction and waiving of the reading for this matter.

D.2. Community Development – Building – Waive the reading of and enact 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, introduced May 20, 2025. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Cody Smith | Building Division Director
    • This is the second reading for this ordinance.
    • The focus is on buildings that will be used for agriculture-related purposes.
    • Electrical and Plumbing do require separate permits.
    • This does not apply to buildings used for housing. A separate building permit would be required if the owner later wanted to convert the building for use as housing.
    • Does not apply for trimming, processing… because of the higher level of human involvement.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

 

D.3. Human Resources – Adopt a resolution approving a salary schedule and alphabetical listing of classifications for Trinity County Employees Effective May 1, 2025. No fiscal impact.

  • Laila Cassis | Human Resources Director presented this matter
    • Changes reflected in this document were previously approved by the board.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.4. Community Development – Environmental Health – Waive the reading of and enact an ordinance amending Trinity County Code Section 2.64.050 pertaining to Trinity County Environmental Health California Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Fees, introduced May 20, 2025. 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 presented this matter
    • This is the 2nd reading of this matter.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.=

D.5. Community Development – Cannabis – Receive an update from the Cannabis Division regarding various General Plan and Zoning Code topics. No fiscal impact.

  • Drew Plebani | Cannabis Division Director shared a presentation
    • Presentation materials are attached to the agenda
    • 91% of comments received during the General Plan process were related to Cannabis… with many of these being focused on land use/zoning
    • Provided an overview of how the plan designations and zoning are used
      • The General plan sets the long-term vision
      • Zoning translates the General Plan’s vision into clear standards and regulates where and how land uses can occur.
    • Discussed the difference between Ministerial Permits and Discretionary Permits
      • Ministerial – straightforward approval process based on objective, clear-cut standards and criteria set by law or ordinance
      • Discretionary – Require evaluation and judgment by the decision-maker, who must consider multiple factors such as community impact, environmental effects, and compatibility with planning policies.
    • Cultivation allowed by right – this is something that we could adopt this approach for specific parcel types (Agricultural Zones, etc.)
    • On Farm Retail – recently saw examples of this in place in other California counties.
      • This could be done via a micro-business license
      • All the same state regulations related to cannabis retail would still apply
    • Terminology – The State license is required for cannabis-related businesses. We are considering terminology such as “Program Enrollment” or “Operating Permit”
      • Desire is to establish a more standardized planning/permitting process
      • Dual Track Process for land use – one track Director Approved, on track based on Conditional User Permits.
      • Convert existing licenses into Director Use Permits… then requirement for ongoing program enrollment of operating permit.
    • Overlay Zones – these could be established based on input received via Community Plans.
      • Post Mountain example – we could establish different requirements for cannabis land use – allowing cultivation where it would otherwise not be allowed by the standard ordinances.
    • Setbacks/Lot Coverage  – these could be established by license type vs lot size.
    • Agricultural Zoned parcels have the ability (based on State Law) to build bunk housing for up to 35 people.
    • Business License Process
      • Establishing this for the county as a whole – all business types – would help to streamline the process for the cannabis program renewal process.
  • Public Comment
    • Appreciation expressed for Drew’s work in this area. Referenced State Legislation that puts business licenses and land use authority with the County.  Support offered for the direction described during the presentation/discussion. Question raised regarding DUP and how conversion would happen. Supports moving forward with ordinance changes now.
    • Supports changing terminology to allow for use of “permit.” Emphasized the ongoing use of ministerial approval. Supported the use of community plans and “overlay zones” as described in the presentation.
    • Comments in support of the two previous sets of comments. Questions regarding conversion of the DUP permits. Questions about the consistency in use of “overlay zones.”  Supports moving forward with ordinance changes.
    • Appreciation for the presentation and thoughtful discussion. Feels that describing commercial cannabis as a “home-based” business (business run from within the home as an office) is not appropriate… due to the potential from greater negative impacts. Supports use of “overlay zones” and encourages the continued use of discretionary approvals.
  • Board Direction
    • Timing – should cannabis ordinances be updated in advance of final draft zoning code?
    • Board Direction is to move forward with both, holding the items that are strongly tied to zoning until we have more clarity and alignment regarding both tracks.
    • Drew can bring forward documents for review – based on input received via the public workshops and ad hoc committee members.

 

D.6. County Administrative Office – Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance creating Trinity County code section 8.41 regarding Encampments on Public Property. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Trent Tuthill | CAO – presented this matter.
    • This was reviewed by all ad hoc committee members, staff, and county counsel
    • Public Safety has been the overarching goal
  • Public Comment
    • Question regarding the definition of “park” and whether this would apply to Lee Fong Park, Junction City Park, etc.
      • It was later confirmed that these parks would be included/covered.
  • Board Discussion
    • Supervisor Cox offered praise for all members of the ad hoc committee, staff, HRN, etc… who contributed during this process.
    • Discussion about the amount of time that the county must store personal property.
      • Recently established State law mandates 60 days
      • Previous court rulings required 90 days in Santa Rosa
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

D.7. County Administrative Office – Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding potential county revenue options. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Trent Tuthill | CAO – shared presentation materials included with the agenda
    • Five Year (through 2024) Revenue and Expenditure Trend was shared.
      • 2020 to 2022 revenues were down during the pandemic
      • 2023 reflected a strong increase due to one-time federal funding (provided in response to the pandemic)
      • Expenses have increased in all years except 2021/2022
    • Consumer Price Index has increased by more than 20% since 2019
    • Voter Controlled Revenue Sources
      • Sales Tax & Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
      • Community Services Area
        • High administrative costs
      • Special Districts
        • Administrative action required by Board and LAFCO
    • Highest Priority Uses of “additional” funds
      • Health & Safety
    • Presentation Materials provide sample % increases and estimated revenues
    • County Initiated vs Community Initiated
      • Special Tax (in which allocation of revenues is designated) only requires 50% + 1 if led by a community initiative. The same tax would require 66.67% if led by a county initiative.
      • Redding has an active community led tax initiative.
      • County Supervisors are not allowed to engage in any way on community led initiatives.
    • Water associated with the Humboldt County 1959 contract (50,000 acre feet)
      • Verbiage includes “downstream users” which could include Trinity County
        • Legal opinion says Trinity County does qualify as a “downstream user”
      • Humboldt County is the signatory and holds the rights.
        • Tribes reached (unsigned) MOU agreement to take 10,000 AF each
        • Humboldt has not agreed to this agreement with the tribes
      • Water is more valuable during drought years (example based on 10,000 AF
        • during drought year – $800/AF = $8 million
        • During high-end drought year – $1,500 = $15 million
        • Extreme shortage value $3,000 = $30 million
    • Water associated with 1955 agreement
      • Currently received $33,000 per year for lost tax value of land now under water
      • Since Prop 13 – 1% annual escalation
      • Would require lobbying efforts and two congressional sessions to achieve the legislative change required to change
      • CPI-type escalation factor would equate to $1.3 million range
    • CAO Recommendation
      • Provide factual information/data for any community led “tax” initiatives
        • Partner as legally allowed
        • Examples
          • 2015 Special 5% TOT Increase – 58.68% yes… required 66.67%
          • 2020 Special (Law Enforcement Funding) $.05 sales tax – 49.46% yes
          • 2022 General 5% TOT Increase – 44.91% yes… required 50% + 1
      • Board support for non-voter controlled potential revenue options
    • Board Discussion
      • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris mentioned the possibility of obtaining rights to Federal Land that is mixed in with communities
      • Direction to await outcome of Tourism Investment District before considering TOT increase
      • Direction to initiate research on both water-related options to see which one appears to present the greatest probability of success in the least amount of time.
      • Direction to support community led initiatives as these would be the most likely to succeed.
Prior Closed Session Report

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

  • Direction given to staff

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

  • No reportable action

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

  • Direction given to staff

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

  • Direction given to staff

 

E. CLOSED SESSION

E.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Labor Negotiations County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis and Elizabeth Hamilton Employee Organizations: IHSS.

E.2. Government Code Section 54956.95 – Liability Claim Claimant: Seth Ruiz (Claim No. TIBY-600219)

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.