Board of Supervisors Meeting | 7.15.2025

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Get Involved, Stay Informed, Uncategorized, Your Opinion Matters

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This board meeting included one presentation, updates from our CAO and Supervisors, twenty four items on the Consent Calendar, a Public Hearing, no items under County Matters, and one under Closed Session.

The presentation was focused on the recognition of our Probation Department as part of Probation Services Week.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Probation – Adopt a proclamation of appreciation which recognizes the Probation Department for their dedication and service to Trinity County, as part of Probation Services Week, July 20-26, 2205. No fiscal impact.

  • Thomas Bradford | Deputy Chief of Probation – shared an update on behalf of the department.
  • The board approved the resolution and presented it to Thomas Bradford.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Comments shared regarding concerns of mismanagement of funds. Shared concern about the fee study for Cannabis Program services. Indicated that his attorney would be contacting the county this week. Noted the importance of increasing funds to support key services. Called for an independent investigation.
  • Questions posed regarding the county’s response to previous questions regarding to potential ICE activities in the county. Posed additional questions regarding the same subject.
  • Comments about the Tourism Business Investment District. Shared concerns regarding the potential allocation of funds for infrastructure to support tourism. Shared ongoing concerns and questions.
  • Concerns regarding the county moving toward autocracy – with the CAO taking actions that she feels should have been brought to the county. Feels that we need a stronger Community Development Department.
  • Request that the Planning Commission take a different approach to the matter brought before them during the last two meetings. Suggests readdressing the mapping associated with the opt-outs.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads – none. Written updates can be found on the county website.

C.2.   Report from County Administrative Officer

    • Noted that department heads submitted written reports, which are available online.
    • The Secure Rural Schools Act was removed from the “Big Beautiful Bill.” However, another bill is still being considered, which we hope will result in funding for Trinity County.
    • Drew Plebani has been appointed as Interim Planning Director, following Ed Prestley’s Retirement
    • Budget Hearings will start on September 23rd.

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • NoRTEC – hosted four interviews for the Executive Director role.
    • Economic Impact Study – met with Alec Dompka and key stakeholders regarding a study focused on mountain biking-related tourism.
    • Fair Board – joined CAO Tuthill for a meeting with Fair Board representatives. Discussed ways to optimize available funds and resources.
    • CA Jobs First – participated in the Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Cohort meeting.
    • Tourism Business Investment District – I will be launching a website to share information regarding our efforts to introduce a TBID in Trinity County.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • Fire Chiefs Association Meeting last night.
    • Golden State Authority – update on our application for last-mile broadband funding.
    • RCRC
      • The Annual Photo Contest is open. Encouraged residents to share photos of Trinity County.
      • Fundraising Basket – time for this again. Our basket was a huge success last year. People who want to participate should contact Supervisor Cox.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • TMC Meeting in late June. Supervisor Carpenter-Harris represented us.
      • $68 million available to renovate/upgrade the Hatchery – completion estimated in 2030
    • Emergency Services Meeting
      • Feedback regarding the Active Shooter training went well.
      • ReadyTrinity.org is up and running
      • Containers containing emergency supplies were delivered to two communities
    • PUD – recognition for great response
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Absent
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Post Mountain PUD – participated in recent meeting.
    • Trinity County Fair – participated and offered recognition for a great event.
    • Volunteer Fire Departments – thanked all involved in fighting recent fires in District 5
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • D12 – noted that Mike Cottone’s name will be updated based on BOS approval.
  • The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar as presented, with the minor administrative update noted by CAO Tuthill.
E. PUBLIC HEARING

E.1. Community Development – Planning – Conduct a public hearing and adopt the General Plan Housing Element and CEQA Exemption. Unknown fiscal impact.

  • Ryan Lester | Mintier Harnish – walked through the presentation materials attached to the agenda.
  • May 13 – HCD approved the draft with no additional comments.
  • This Public Hearing Draft reflects some minor edits – nothing that will impact HCD review/approval.
  • Significant revisions – some were incorporated into the HCD Review Draft to meet State guidelines. Details are included on the presentation slides.
  • All programs were assigned priority levels. HCD signed off on this, which helps us stay aligned regarding expectations.
    • A request was made to provide a summary table showing the priorities rather than having to look for priorities within the larger document.
  • Public Hearing Opened for Public Comment
    • Comments regarding the need for a practical plan for implementing key components of the plan. Asked where responsibility for this would be housed within county departments/staff. Encouraged funding for additional resources during the budget process.
    • Comments about Tiny Homes. Feels these would be a great fit within the Post Mountain area. Feels this would increase pride of ownership vs living on raw land in a tent, etc. Asked if any funding would be available to support development. Applauded the inclusion of the Hmong language in this document/plan.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
F. CLOSED SESSION

Public Comment

  • Request for the format and criteria of performance reviews for the CAO and County Counsel to be made available to the public.

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

ADJOURN