Teleconference Location for Board and Public Participation [Cal Gov Code § 54953(a)]: Ukiah City Council Chambers 300 Seminary Ave, Ukiah Mendocino County

Minutes
Special Meeting
December 05, 2024 10:30 AM
Eureka City Council Chambers, 531 K St, Eureka, CA 95501
https://thegreatredwoodtrail.org/


  1. Call to Order
    The meeting was called to order at 10:30 am by Chair Mary Sackett.

    1. Roll Call

      Present: Chair Mary Sackett, Vice Chair Steve Madrone, City Representative Debra Garnes, James Campbell, Melanie Bagby, John Haschak, Maureen Mulheren, Jeff Hunerlach

      Absent: Caryl Hart


  2. Public Comments

    Public comments made by Perry Lincoln, James Franklin, Markida Hoaglin, Taylor Ann, Paula Fugman,  Valerie Stanley.

    NOTE: earthquake occurred during Taylor Ann's comment. Following evacuation of the building, the meeting was reconvened at 11:12am and she restarted her comment. Director Garnes left the meeting following the earthquake and did not return. A quorum was re-established with Directors Garnes and Hart absent and all other Directors present. 

  3. Staff Reports

    1. Executive Director

      Provided updates on staffing, new systems that are in place such as CivAssist for meeting agendas and minutes, and our GIS database. CEQA process on the draft master plan continues with a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) expected for public circulation in April or May of 2025 and final adoption of the master plan and PEIR in September 2025.

    2. Operations & Maintenance Division

      Operations Manager started in mid-November. Currently working on objectives related to property management, license and lease agreements, and encroachment permits.

    3. Trail Development Division

      Provided updates on trail segments in the planning and construction phase in Humboldt. Mendocino and Trinity counties. Presentation can be found on the GRTA website under "Intiatives" and "Trail & Restoration Projects"

  4. Resolution 2024-10 to Establish the GRTA Board of Directors Meeting Calendar for 2025


    John Haschak motioned to approve. Jeff Hunerlach seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  5. Resolution 2024-11 Participation in the Special District Risk Management Authority Health Benefits Ancillary Coverages Jeff Hunerlach motioned to approve. Melanie Bagby seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  6. Resolution 2024-12 Establishing Policy and Procedures Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)  

    Motion to adopt the resolution with the clarification that GRTA adopts the State of California’s CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15080 et seq. by reference, as they may be amended.

    Melanie Bagby motioned to approve. John Haschak seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  7. Resolution 2024-13 Personal Cell Phone Use Stipend to the NCRA Administration and Contracting Policy Manual 

    Motion was made to adopt the resolution with a modification to the policy manual language to include an annual adjustment pursuant to the "Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy in U.S., City Average"

    Melanie Bagby motioned to approve. Maureen Mulheren seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Nay   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Nay    James Campbell     Nay    John Haschak     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  8. Right of Entry Agreement with The Wildlands Conservancy John Haschak motioned to approve. Jeff Hunerlach seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  9. Right of Entry Agreement for Revitalizing Opportunities for the Alderpoint Region (ROAR) with Fiscal Sponsor, Community Initiatives John Haschak motioned to approve. Melanie Bagby seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  10. Non-Exclusive License Agreement with California Department of Technology Melanie Bagby motioned to approve. John Haschak seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  11. Non-Exclusive License Agreement with Manila Community Services District

    1. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution 2024-14 Making Responsible Agency Findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Adopt the Manila Community Services District Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Direct Staff to File a Notice of Determination.

      John Haschak motioned to approve. Jeff Hunerlach seconded the motion.

      The roll call vote:

        Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  
  12. Consent Agenda

    1. Approval of Financial Statements

    2. Approval of Warrants Issued

    Jeff Hunerlach motioned to approve. John Haschak seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Mary Sackett     Aye   Vice Chair Steve Madrone     Aye    James Campbell     Aye    Melanie Bagby     Aye    John Haschak     Aye    Maureen Mulheren     Aye    Jeff Hunerlach     Absent   City Representative Debra Garnes     Absent    Caryl Hart  

  13. Matters from the Board

    No action taken. 

    Director Madrone: wrote a poem to honor Director Bagby as this is her last meeting with GRTA.

    Director Mulheren: thanks Director Bagby for her service. Announces Ugly Sweater walk on trail in Ukiah.

    Chair Sackett: shares SMART project updates. Director Hart & Sackett creating a legislative subcommittee for GRTA.

  14. Closed Session

    1. Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Abandonment and Railbanking Filings, Docket Number: AB-1305 before Surface Transportation Board [Government Code section 54956.9(a)] - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)

      Direction was given to staff.

    2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4) Regarding Anticipated Initiation of Unlawful Detainer Action on GRTA Property APN 211-141-001 at 901 Dyerville Loop Road in Redcrest, CA [Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)]

      Direction was given to staff.

  15. Adjournment