Board of Supervisors Meeting | 9.3.2024

by | Sep 9, 2024 | Get Involved, Stay Informed, Trinity Resources, Your Opinion Matters

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

This meeting included three presentations – including representatives of the county’s tourism partners, an update from the U.S. Forest Service, and a presentation regarding National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. The board provided staff direction regarding the potential funding of tourism and addressed several items on the County Matters agenda.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Clerk of the Board – Receive an update from the US Forest Service regarding matters that concern Trinity County.

  • Ben Sundall
    • Project Updates – progress is being made on several projects in Trinity County
    • Coffee Creek Bridge Replacement – completion anticipated in 2025
    • Trinity Lake Trails – NEPA signed. 8.6 total miles when completed
    • Fuels Reduction Work continues in several areas
    • Recent Lightening Fires – all contained at less than .5 acres
    • Staffing – still hiring. Two timber specialists were added to the team. Also a law enforcement officer.

A.2. Board of Supervisors – Receive a presentation from the NOR REL MUK tribe.

  • This presentation was postponed.

A.3. Board of Supervisors – Receive a presentation from the Tsnungwa Tribe.

  • This presentation was postponed.

A.4. County Administrative Office – Receive a presentation from the Trinity County Chamber of Commerce on current and future tourism marketing activities and plans for Trinity County.

  • Chriss Williams | Travis Finch
    • Funding Requests to support Tourism delivered on behalf of several entities
    • Presentation Materials available in the backup material
    • Accomplishments – shared highlights of work over the last 12 months
    • The Process – shared details regarding their 3-step process
      • Discovery & Goal Setting
      • Execution
      • Measurement & Feedback
    • Print & Social Media Highlights
    • Video Project – shared new video and plans for marketing with this new asset
    • Investment Request – positioned their funding request as an investment in Trinity County as it can help increase tourism… which brings in revenues
    • Total Budget – $318,000
    • Request – $170,000

A.5. Behavioral Health Services – Receive a presentation from MHSA Coordinator Jeff Kist, regarding National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month.

  • Jeff Kist
    • Trinity County Suicides (as of 2023) were 4 times higher than the California average.
    • Outreach – shared information about their outreach efforts – throughout the year and especially during this period.
    • Engagement – shared new approaches that have been improving engagement.
    • Advisory Board – have already involved Veterans, also working toward the inclusion of representatives from youth organizations.
    • Mobile Crisis Unit – shared that dispatching is one area that can be improved, otherwise everything is working very well.

 

B. PUBLIC COMMENT

  • Animal Shelter – letter from Dr. Tom Nickerson shared by another community member. Emphasizing the importance of our Animal Shelter. Noted the importance of public support as well.
  • Financial Management Concerns – shared that the county’s mismanagement of the Cannabis industry is a big part of the reason we have budget problems today.
  • County Mismanagement – shared concerns that county efforts have hurt businesses of all kinds… leading to today’s budget concerns. Called for resignations.
  • Library – concern raised that handling of the Cannabis industry led to today’s budget concerns.
  • Animal Shelter – 274 dogs, 195 cats entered the shelter last year. Shared examples of challenges we will face if the shelter is closed. Highlighted TASA’s role in supporting the shelter and its work. Highlighted volunteer support and the adoption program as well.
  • Animal Shelter – shared that the Hayfork/Trinity Pines area have the most significant problems in the county.
  • Animal Shelter – shared the story of his dog (a rescue from one of the fires that he brought to the meeting). Highlighted the role that the shelter and animal control had on this dog’s life. Also mentioned the Library
  • Budget Concerns – highlighted high level of spending for corrections, jail, probation, solid waste, etc.
  • Budget Concerns – shared disappointment in the county’s handling of the Cannabis program… leading to financial challenges. Shared support for ongoing funding of the Animal Shelter. Also highlighted the importance of the Library.
  • Cannabis – offered appreciation for recent board support of the Cannabis industry.
  • Animal Shelter – shared a letter from someone else who could not attend. Her story focused on the importance of the shelter to animals and to the county.
  • Library – emphasized the importance of the Library in the North Lake area. Noted the importance to those who are involved in homeschooling and those who need access to internet services. Noted that use of the Library building is donated by a community member. Shared that they have obtained 700 signatures on a petition to keep the libraries open.
  • Library – focused on the Hayfork Library. Highlighted the importance to low income, often isolated individuals in the area. Shared that a fundraising committee was recently formed and already raised $880.
  • Animal Shelter – highlighted the impact on people… not just the animals.
  • Library – shared her life-long interest in reading. Acknowledged the challenges leaders face in balancing a tight budget. Also mentioned the Animal Shelter.
  • Library – acknowledged reductions to the Library last year. Asked that other departments make cuts to keep the Library and Animal Shelter open. Offered support of volunteers and support groups.
  • Leadership – noted the challenges faced in balancing the budget. Shared that there must be other solutions – grants, volunteers, etc. Offered her help.
  • Animal Shelter – highlighted the role of animals in people’s mental health.
  • Library – Hayfork resident shared that she relies on the Library for internet.
  • Animal Shelter – same individual shared safety concerns regarding animals.
  • Budget – shared that the Library and Animal Shelters are the heart and spirit of our communities.
  • Budget – shared concerns about what would happen (wild dogs, etc.) without the Shelter. Shared that her two dogs are from shelters. Noted the positive impact animals can have on mental health.
  • Shelter – volunteer for Shelter shared that the public needs to support the Shelter by paying for animal licenses, etc. 1,500 letters sent to people who have not paid for their license(s).
  • Budget – noted that the shelter will have to be kept open for mandated services such as rabies-related items. Asked for more details about the funding saved by shutting down non-mandated costs. Shared the potential for lawsuits if the Shelter is closed. Suggested moving the Shelter under Health & Human Services (away from the Sheriff’s department).
  • Library – shared that there is a 4 hour layover for folks using Trinity Transit. Emphasized the value of the Library for people using Transit services… and to others she has seen using the Library while waiting.

 

C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Report from Department Heads – none

 

  • Report from County Administrative Officer
    • General Plan – new mapping functions are operational. Community Plan meetings rescheduled to allow sufficient time for review of materials prior to the meetings.
    • Budget – budget document will be published by close of business this Friday, the 6th. Budget Hearings begin on 9..24.2024

 

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • Community Meetings – three scheduled across District 1. Information regarding our budget challenges will be shared and options will be discussed.
    • Board Chair Effectiveness – received feedback from peers and staff that will help me improve my efforts for the balance of my term as Chair.
    • CSAC Board Meeting – participate in the board meeting via Zoom.
    • Prop 5 – “Local Government Financing”
      • Counties should be granted enhanced local revenue-generating authority to respond to unique circumstances in each county to provide needed infrastructure and county services. Any revenue-raising actions that require approval by the electorate should require a simple majority vote.
      • CSAC Support
    • Prop 35 – Proposition 35: “Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services”
      • This initiative would make the MCO tax permanent, subject to federal approval, and would limit the structure of the tax, and would establish specific uses for the tax revenue.
      • CSAC No Position
    • Prop 36 “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act” 
      • CSAC Support
    • Prop 4 – Climate Bond
      • The ballot measure would allocate 10 billion in state general obligation bond funding for climate-related programs.
      • CSAC Support
    • CA Jobs First – meeting in Anderson next Wednesday
    • Sierra Nevada Conservancy – meeting in Mt Shasta next Thursday.
    • NACO – Confirmed as a member of the Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee member
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • Secure Rural Schools – noted letter of support from Padilla.
    • CalTrans – we did not receive ZEV Plan Funding… but will reapply.
    • Rural EMS Coalition – now part of this group.
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • Town Hall Meetings – a lot of focus on Animal Shelter and Libraries.  Also discussion regarding Measure M – a measure to increase taxes/revenues in certain communities to support parks.
    • Community Plans – encouraged participation in upcoming workshops.
    • River Restoration Float – educational opportunity to see past and planned projects.
    • Science on Tap – informative session in Lewiston last week.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Budget Matters – shared appreciation for community engagement. Acknowledged all emails received… even if she hasn’t had time to respond to each one. Emphasized the need for change that will allow us to achieve our goals in a new financial reality.
    • Staff – meth with Ag Commissioner and Planning Staff.
    • NCRP – participated in a recent meeting regarding clean up of illegal cannabis cultivation sites. Work continues on this initiative
    • Community Meetings – meeting in Hyampom this evening. Scheduling one in Junction City.
  • District 5 | Dan Frasier
    • Behavioral Health Advisory Committee – participated in this meeting. Ongoing concerns regarding reaching quorum.
    • NCUAQ Board – meeting coming up.

 

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

1. Tribal Relations

    • Working with Tribal Representatives to reschedule their presentations.

2. Funding Sources

    • Community/County Service Areas – a tool jurisdictions use to raise funds for county services not otherwise funded by the budget. Zones are potentially used to match contributions to benefits from the use of the funds. $50,000 might be needed for consultants to help with this. $70,000 is the estimated cost for a special election for tax increases, etc. $60 per parcel per year could potentially fund the Animal Shelter.

 

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
  • Item D4 was pulled from consideration.
  • The board approved all remaining items on the Consent Calendar.

 

E. COUNTY MATTERS

E.1. Board of Supervisors – Discuss and/or take action to appoint a new second primary representative to the Colusa, Glenn, Trinity Community Action Partnership.

  • Supervisor Frasier
    • Supervisor Gogan’s other board-related committee assignments (TMC) conflict with this assignment. We need to find a new representative for this organization.
    • Meetings on the 4th Wednesday of off-months. Meeting locations vary.
    • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris volunteered to assume this responsibility.
  • The Chair approved Supervisor Carpenter- Harris as our new 2nd Primary.

 

E.2. County Administrative Office – Discuss and/or provide direction to staff regarding the allocation method for the County’s potential discretionary and Local Agency and Tribal Consistency Fund contribution to enhance tourism. Fiscal impact depends upon direction to staff.

  • CAO Tuthill
    • Noted previous discussions, and options included in backup material.
    • Looking for direction to staff regarding what to include in the proposed budget document being finalized this week
  • Board Discussion
      • Fiscal Year 19/20 – Trinity County Chamber funding went to the Visitors Bureau
      • Visitors Bureau now dissolved (absorbed by Trinity Chamber) for this fiscal year
  • Public Comment
    • Weaverville Chamber representative asked for funding allocations to be adjusted to reflect the consolidation of VB into Trinity Chamber. Noted WC historically received 3% to 5% of funding. Highlighted the revenue-generating events hosted by the WC. Noted plans in development for the promotion of tourism during slow periods (first quarter of the year). Also highlighted were discussions regarding TOT funds distribution, Tourism Investment Districts, etc.
    • Trinity Chamber – explained the history of TC and VB. Allocation of funds – highlighted the huge return on investment – as each entity also raises funds and provides many volunteer hours.
    • Trinity Chamber – highlighted key initiatives such as kiosks.
    • Weaverville Chamber – support offered for continuing funding to these organizations to support tourism.
  • Board Discussion
    • Clarification offered that TOT funding goes into the discretionary portion of General Funds – which means it could be used for Libraries, Shelter, etc.
    • Opinion shared that the recently-formed Lewiston nonprofit supporting tourism should be included in any discussions/decisions regarding county funding of tourism.
    • Questions were raised regarding the historical and best allocation of funds.
    • Suggestions were made to move toward an RFP approach so the board can use the information to support the best uses of funds.
      • Options for doing this were discussed… including staff leading the way or turning to an outside group to lead the proposal-gathering effort.
    • Option 5 was highlighted as a way forward.
    • Suggestion to add the new Lewiston nonprofit to the list, make arrangements to hear from parties regarding planned/best use of funds, then reallocate funds based on additional information received through this process.
    • Suggestion to set aside $70k for tourism – without indication of allocation. No LATCF funding is to be awarded at this time. Entities to work with funding provided that has not been used for now. The board to reach a final decision on funding and allocation at a later date.
    • Suggestion to establish an ad hoc committee to work with tourism-related entities to come up with a proposal for board consideration.
      • Supervisor Gogan & Cox volunteered for this committee assignment – plans are for the committee to present to the full board during the 11.5 board meeting.

 

E.3. County Administrative Office – Adopt a resolution waiving temporary and mobile food facility permit fees for Veterans. Unknown amount of fees.

  • CAO Tuthill
    • Shared background regarding this matter.
    • Trinity County does not have a Business License program.
    • Research regarding how other counties handle this informed the proposal put forward by staff.
  • Public Comment
    • Concern was raised regarding revenue loss from fee waivers.
  • Board Discussion
    • The anticipated loss of income is less than $1,000 per year.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

 

E.4. County Administrative Office – Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance amending code sections 2.60.530 regarding Holiday Leave and 2.60.770 regarding Travel Reimbursement. Up to $31 per day per eligible employee or grand jury member.

  • CAO Tuthill
    • This is to waive the second reading to lead to the adoption of the measure.
    • This will align the code with negotiated outcomes.
  • The board approved this matter with the correction to agenda language.

 

Subsequent Item – AB1111

  • Motion to authorize the Chair and CAO to draft and distribute a letter of support that is aligned with previous decisions made by the board.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

 

REPORT FROM PRIOR CLOSED SESSION

F.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Conference with Labor Negotiators County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Suzie Hawkins, Margaret Long. Employee Organizations: General Unit

  • Direction given to staff.

 

F. CLOSED SESSION

F.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Conference with Labor Negotiators County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Suzie Hawkins, Margaret Long Employee Organizations: General Unit

  • This Item was pulled.

 

G. ADJOURN

 

Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

 

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