Board of Supervisors Meeting | 7.1.2025

by | Jul 2, 2025 | Uncategorized

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

This board meeting included two presentations. The first was an update from Ben Sundal regarding U.S. Forest Service matters of interest to Trinity County. The second presentation focused on work done to help Trinity County plan for compliance with California’s mandate for the use of zero-emission vehicles for all transit services.

The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar and those presented under County Matters.

Ed Prestley, Deputy Director of the Community Development Department, announced that last week he submitted a two-week notice of his resignation. He also presented an update regarding code enforcement. This update included statistics regarding code enforcement activities for the last 12 months.

Supervisor Leutwyler announced that he will not seek re-election for the District 1 Supervisor position.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. County Administrative Office – Receive an update from U.S. Forest Service representatives regarding matters of interest in Trinity County. No fiscal impact.

  • Ben Sundal | U.S. Forest Service Deputy District Ranger
  • Ongoing work regarding preparations for upcoming projects
  • Corral Gulch has been approved, and work will begin soon.
  • Bowerman Project – work is already underway.
  • 5-Year Project Plan coordinates efforts with our RCD, Watershed Center, and SPI
  • Timber sale up for bid in August
  • Fire Camera on Ironside Mountain – working on special use permit now.
  • Fire cameras (six others) – two were installed, and the others are coming within the next two weeks.
  • Minersville Boat Ramp: Work continues to move this project to final approval status. A new project manager is in place to help keep it moving forward.
  • Trail work underway in the Trinity Alps
  • Burnt Ranch Campground is open for the first time in years.
  • Lake Responsibility – this has now transitioned to the Weaverville group.
  • Fire Modules are fully staffed.
  • 15,000 acres cleared through NEPA this year.
  • Prescribed Fire – planning to increase scope, pace, and scale.

A.2. Trinity County Transportation Commission – Receive a presentation from Analy Castillo and Jonathan Garrett, with Stantec Consulting Services Inc., regarding the Trinity County Transportation Commission Zero Emission Bus Feasibility Study. No fiscal impact.

  • Sarah Saad | Transportation Department
  • Johnathan Garrett & Analy Castillo | Stantec Consulting Services
  • Shared the presentation attached to today’s agenda.
  • The Full Report will be finalized within the next two weeks.
  • These documents should be considered living documents… evolving based on changes to technology, conditions, etc
  • Zero Emission Technology Overview
    • Battery Electric Vehicles
    • Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
  • CARB Regulations include a mandate to transition to Zero Emissions Transit
  • Funding – options include federal and state funding sources, some involving competitive grant applications
  • Challenges Identified – Our unique requirements make zero-emission vehicles challenging.
    • Vehicles would need to be either recharged or refueled before completing a full day’s schedule
    • Vehicles with larger capacity fuel storage are not currently available
    • Extreme conditions – very hot (requiring A/C) and very cold, impacting battery use life) temperatures are another issue for us.
  • Fleet Transition Timeline
    • Shared a chart showing infrastructure projects beginning in 2031 and the first Battery Electric vehicles being introduced in 2032.
    • Fuel Cell Electric vehicles proposed in 2033
    • Full Retirement of existing vehicles by 2036
  • Infrastructure Plans
    • Shared conceptual site plan, transforming the existing site to support the new fleet.
    • A 500 KW Generator and a 500 KW Transformer are part of the plan
    • The Hydrogen Fueling System would be restocked every 2 days.
  • Questions
    • How does the reduction in emissions per dollar invested compare to other jurisdictions?
      • Trinity County numbers are modest due to low population density.
      • Population Density – Supervisor Leutwyler shared population density data points and noted that the State mandate requirements are the same for all counties, regardless of population density.
        • San Francisco County – 18,629 per square mile
        • Sacramento County – 1,642 people per square mile
        • Trinity County – 5.1 people per square mile
        • Alpine County – 1.9 people per square mile
        • Modoc – 2.25 people per square mile
    • Were emissions involved in delivering Hydrogen every two days included in emission reduction calculations?
      • Yes.
    • What is the total projected cost over the term studied?
      • $4.8 million increase in cost over the next 15 years
      • ZEB capital and maintenance costs $12.2 million
      • Current capital and maintenance costs $7.4 million
    • What is the anticipated percentage of costs covered by federal/state funding?
      • Information is available, but not included in this version of the report
      • Two examples require 20% matching funds.
  • Supervisor Leutwyler proposed putting this matter on the agenda for further discussion regarding potential actions, such as lobbying for changes that reflect the realities of rural counties. This could include working with other organizations such as RCRC.
    • There was board consensus for this to be put on the agenda.
    • CAO Tuthill recommended that staff provide the board with information regarding current efforts.
  • Supervisor Cox highlighted the much, much larger impact to air quality of wildfires… and the potential positive impact of investing $5 million in wildfire prevention in Trinity County.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Comments regarding concerns of the manner in which CAO Tuthill is leading the organization. Examples include allocation of equity grant funds for Acela software. Other concerns raised regarding CAO compensation vs very low compensation for staff.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads

  • Ed Prestley – announced that he submitted his two week notice.
  • Sheriff Saxon
    • FBI National Partners Conference – this session covered many areas of interest. There was no cost to the County.
    • Active Shooter Training – conducted last month, working with other agencies and TCOE. Special recognition offered to Sergeant Nate Trujillo (and others) for planning and preparations.
    • Fire Season
      • Acknowledged the great work by CalFire, Forest Service, and local VFDs in responding to these fires. Noted that staffing response by the Sheriff’s department often requires off-duty personnel.
      • Highlighted the importance of the public using www.readytrinity.org and of people knowing which zone they are in (home, work, school, older family members).
      • Dispatch often receives many calls during incidents that could be avoided if people know this information.
      • Reminder that personal fireworks are not allowed in Trinity County.
    • Staffing – all Jail staff positions are filled.
    • Search Warrant Operations conducted in Southern Trinity
      • Multiple agencies involved.
      • 45 search warrants served
      • 23,495 marijuana plants were eradicated
      • 2,034 pounds of processed product was destroyed
      • 16 illegal firearms were seized
      • Over 50 environmental violations
        • Damaged/altered stream beds,
        • Coontainers of foreign labeled/banned pesticides
        • Diverting water
      • 5 people detained
      • 1 person booked into jail
      • None of these operations were participating in either the state or county programs.

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Thanked our department heads for their efforts to fund and put on the employee recognition event
  • State Budget – still researching financial implications to Trinity County
  • Emergency Communication System – brief update on evaluation of our system and potential ways to enhance.
  • Community Development Department – with Ed Prestley leaving, CAO Tuthill will assume responsibility for this department until we fill this role.
  • Www.readdtrinity.org 6,000 registered users. Help requested to increase awareness and encourage registration.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • CAPC Board Meeting – great discussion regarding best uses of available funds
    • Employee Recognition Event – great event with strong attendance.
    • NACO Telecommunications & Technology Committee Meeting – discussed regulatory developments and plans for the national conference. I am unable to attend due to funding limitations.
    • Trinity Pride Picnic – great event with a diverse audience. Groups like HRN were there to demonstrate support and highlight available services.
    • Economic Development Summit – joined planning committee in fine tuning plans. Agritourism is one of the priority topics. Senator Mike McGuire will be the keynote speaker. This will take place in Lake County during the Fall.
    • Trinity Headwaters Forest Conservation – represented the Board of Supervisors and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board for this celebration tour.
    • Tourism Development Advisory Board – met with three other advisory board members. Gained consensus for the pause of service with Civitas. We will not schedule another meeting until we determine we have the support and momentum to justify re-engagement… or until we determine that success is unlikely and we should discuss dissolving the advisory board. I am working on a web page that can be used to highlight accurate information, share testimonials, and answer frequently asked questions.
    • Legacy Cannabis Genetics Event – participated in a local event that brough together members of the commercial cannabis community, a representative of our Ag Department, researchers, etc. Discussion focused on the ongoing work and expected outcomes and benefits (such as appellation status for cannabis products grown here) of this work. It was an informative session.
    • Lewiston Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser – we raised close to $10,000 this weekend. Four local fire departments, joined our Lewiston Volunteer Fire Department in response to the Rush Creek Fire. The Lewiston crew responded within 9 minutes of the call. The fire came within 100′ or so of a property that we rent to a member of Trinity County staff.
    • Chief Corbett shared this about the response to the Rush Creek Fire – “I can attest from traveling all over the state and being on other fire departments outside of Trinity county, that we have something very special here. Every fire department in our county knows that we can only do this together and I’d say we do it pretty well. Seeing everyone show up from all the volunteer departments was amazing. I never have seen such a show of force from Trinity county resources. it was a site to see. Thank you all for all that you do and continue to do!”
    • TCDC – board meeting to discuss potential initiatives, which includes support of recreation-base tourism, development of workforce housing, and more.
    • Re-election – After giving this a lot of thought, I have decided not to run for re-election. While I am very glad that I have this opportunity to serve, the time commitment required to do this job well is greater than I can sustain while meeting commitments I made to other organizations prior to taking office. I look forward to working with fellow Supervisors, staff, and community members to make the most of my remaining term. I welcome the opportunity to share information and insights with individuals within District 1 who might be interested in this amazing opportunity to serve. I look forward to having more time to devote to community-focused initiatives that can benefit Trinity County.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
    • LAFCO – TPUD Manager update. 5% increase in partner agency contribution included in their next budget year. Training being offered.
    • RCRC – meeting in Modoc County.
      • Included a tour of key sites – including an impressive new park.
      • State funds could be available for initiatives like this in Trinity County.
      • Updates include notice of funding reductions for incident management teams.
      • Lots of discussion regarding Zero Emission Vehicle mandates.
      • Crosswalk Safety – shared concerns regarding the policies in place governing of enhancements. Noted that a death is required for CalTrans to act. Other Supervisors responded with concerns.
      • Strategic Plan will be available soon.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • No update
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • NACO – Public Lands
      • We did receive payment in lieu of taxes funds
      • Still fighting for Secure Rural Schools Act funding
      • Explore Act – to support gateway communities (public access to public lands). Could increase the scope of our Good Neighbor Authority Agreement.
    • LAFCO – attended same meeting mentioned above
    • NACO – will attend this meeting, which means missing the next Board of Supervisors Meeting
    • Mountain Lions – offered appreciation for the response to the recent attack
    • Community Blight – noted five abandoned trailers and vehicles on the side of the road.
    • Employment/Workforce Preparation – shared statistics reflecting concerns related to incoming workforce.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Fire Safe Council – good meeting. Ongoing work throughout the county.
    • LAFCO & Post Mountain PUD – next step may involve an independent review of current fire department operations.
    • Health Services Collaboration – encouraged by progress being made by this group.

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs • Homeless Encampment

  • Meeting on June 23rd
  • Article published in Trinity County monthly newsletter
  • Completed another site visit
  • While the issue will require long-term attention, the work outlined as the scope for this Ad Hoc Committee has now been completed.
  • The Homeless Encampment Ad Hoc Committee was dissolved by Board Chair – Liam Gogan.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar as presented.
E. COUNTY MATTERS

E.1. Community Development – Building – Introduce and waive the reading of an amendment to Chapter 15.04.080 to include both the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Fire Code and the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Green Building Standards Code. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Cody Smith | Building Division Director
  • Two sections of Title 24 code were missed when we last reviewed this matter.
  • California Green Building Standards Code – applies to home and commercial buildings
  • Changes are likely coming that could bring this back to the board in January.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

E.2. Community Development – Planning – Receive an update from the Deputy Director of Community Development regarding Trinity County Code Compliance. No fiscal impact.

  • Ed Prestley | Community Development Deputy Director
  • Shared a presentation regarding code compliance/enforcement
  • Two staff members dedicated to this. Others support efforts as needed.
  • Statistics | July 1, 2024 – July 1, 2025

    Building Division

    • 62 NOVs issued
    • 12 Closed out
    • 50 still in the process

    Environmental Health Division

    • 82 Number of NOV’s
    • 815 Number of Violations
    • 35 Number of properties that reached out to fix
    • 10 Number of properties that have 100% compliance

    Cannabis Division

    • 2024

      • 27 NOVs issued
      • 17 resolved within 7-day abatement period.
      • 10 accrued monetary fees for failure to abate within 7-day period.

      2025

      • 6 NOVs issued
      • 3 resolved within 7-day abatement period.
      • 3 remain unresolved (currently in 7-day abatement period).
  • Public Comment
    • Concerns raised regarding policies involving blight. Suggests that more action be taken to strengthen policies so that enforcement can be enhanced.
  • Supervisor Cox requested an update from staff regarding blight-related policies, regulations, etc.
    • There was board consensus for this request.

E.3. Transportation – Approve a budget adjustment for FY 24/25 for Misc Public Works – Dept 3110 increasing Service & Supplies by $18,000 and Interfund Expenses by $12,000; approve a budget adjustment for FY 24/25 for General Fund Contingency – Dept 9901 decreasing Appropriations for Contingency by $30,000; and approve a budget adjustment for FY 24/25 for Contributions to Other Funds – Dept 1990 Increasing Transfer Out by $30,000. Increase in General Fund appropriations in the amount of $30,000. Contingency balance as of 6/19/25 is $384,391.00.

  • Panos Kokkas | Transportation Director
  • Action being taken to enhance a levee in Weaverville that will reduce risk and result in an area being removed from the 100 year flood plain designation.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
Closed Session Report

G.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(e) – Public Employee Evaluation – County Counsel – Continued

G.2. Government Code Section 54956.95 – Liability Claim Claimant: Seth Ruiz (Claim No. TIBY-600219) – Direction to staff

ADJOURN

 

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

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