St. Helena public meetings in 2023

City Council

The St. Helena City Council meeting scheduled for December 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Vintage Hall Board Room (465 Main Street) has been cancelled. No official business will be conducted at this meeting.

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for December 19, 2023, is cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

Library Board of Trustees

The St. Helena Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on December 13, 2023, to discuss and receive presentations on several items, including a proposed merger of the Library and Parks and Recreation departments. The board will also review the November 2023 operating expense report and the December 2023 newsletter. Consent items include approval of minutes from the November 8 regular and November 16 special meetings.

• Presentation of proposed merger of Library and Parks and Recreation departments (added item)
• Review of November 2023 monthly library operating expense report (total budget $1,200,701, YTD spent $449,917.42)
• Presentation of Boards, Commissions and Committees Protocols and Rules of Conduct
• Presentation of City of St. Helena Goals and City Manager Update
• Approval of minutes from November 8 and November 16, 2023 meetings

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will receive a pre-application for a mixed-use project at the former Bank of America site, including 75 hotel rooms, 10 residential units, a restaurant, retail, spa, and underground parking. The council will provide feedback on the concept, including a requested zoning change. The agenda also includes consent items on sewer annexations, police vehicle outfitting, and a water agreement for Meadowood Napa Valley.

• Pre-application for mixed-use project at 1001 Adams Street: 75 hotel rooms, 10 residential units, restaurant, retail, spa, fitness center, conference center, underground parking
• Public hearing to consider annexation of 1516 Sulphur Springs Avenue into Sewer District No. 1 (MSD Annexation No. 146)
• Resolution to set public hearing for annexations of 855 Pratt Avenue and 1532 Sulphur Springs Avenue into Sewer District No. 1
• Resolution approving updated Water Agreement for Meadowood Napa Valley
• Resolution authorizing $10,896 budget adjustment for outfitting four new police vehicles

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will meet in a closed session to discuss labor negotiations with the St. Helena Employees Association and the Police Officers Association. No public decisions are scheduled; the meeting is procedural with a public comment period for closed-session items.

• Closed session for negotiations with St. Helena Employees Association (SHEA)
• Closed session for negotiations with Police Officers Association (POA)
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per speaker

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

The Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee meets to receive updates on the Active Transportation Plan Phase II, including Safe Routes to School, and to review draft designs for downtown walking maps and trailhead markers. The committee will also consider canceling the January meeting and hear a demonstration of the city’s Capital Improvement Program project status dashboard.

• Update and presentation of Active Transportation Plan Phase II – Safe Routes to School
• Demonstration of Public Facing Capital Improvement Program Project Status Dashboard
• Presentation and feedback on draft designs for Downtown Walking Maps, Trailhead Maps and Markers
• Consideration to cancel January 2024 meeting

Planning Commission

The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December 5, 2023, has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will hold a special meeting to interview six applicants for the Ad Hoc Water Wastewater Exploratory Committee. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Vintage Hall Board Room, 465 Main Street.

City Council

This is a special closed-session City Council meeting with no public action items. The council will discuss negotiations with the Police Officers Association and existing litigation in the case Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena. Public comment is limited to closed-session topics. The next regular meeting is December 12, 2023.

• Closed session: negotiations with Police Officers Association (POA) under Brown Act 54957.6
• Closed session: existing litigation, Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena, U.S. District Court Case No. 4:21-cv-02493-KAW
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per person

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will decide on long-term financing for wastewater system upgrades and declare three parcels surplus. The meeting also includes updates on water infrastructure projects, a proposed ban on new gas stations, and a presentation on an invasive oak borer beetle.

• $3.475 million installment sale financing for wastewater system improvements via JP Morgan Chase
• Surplus land declarations for 1480 Main Street and 1572/1574 Railroad Avenue
• Approval of $154,366 valve control technology improvements for the Water Treatment Plant
• Proposal to direct staff to ban new fossil fuel service stations via zoning code amendment
• Amendment to $532,466 professional services agreement for Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades

Library Board of Trustees

The St. Helena Library Board of Trustees is holding a special meeting with a single scheduled item: information on the Library Director transition. The board will also take public comments on non-agenda items during the public forum. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Library Director transition information (agenda item 4.1)
• Public forum for comments on non-agenda items (4-minute limit)
• Next regular meeting scheduled for December 13, 2023 at 5:00 PM

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will consider approving a $1,687,141 pavement restoration contract with Team Ghilotti Inc., authorize long-term financing for wastewater system improvements, and vote on updates to development impact fees. The agenda also includes a police department annual report, a visibility triangle education and enforcement briefing, and several consent items such as grant agreements and contract amendments. Public hearings are scheduled for the development impact fee ordinance and two utility connection exemptions for accessory dwelling units.

• Resolution to award Pavement Restoration Project to Team Ghilotti Inc. for $1,687,141
• Authorize 15-year JP Morgan Chase financing for wastewater system improvements
• Introduction of ordinance updating development impact fees and resolution adopting fee updates
• Resolution supporting NVTA's November 2024 sales tax replacement measure
• Exemptions from separate utility connection requirements for ADUs at 1815 Spring Street and 1520 Pine Street

City Council

This is a special closed-session meeting of the St. Helena City Council. The only substantive item is a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation, with significant exposure to litigation in two cases. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no public action items.

• Closed session conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (two cases) under Sec. 54956.9(b)

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees meets to review routine reports, including October operating expenses and statistics, and to receive updates from staff and the Friends & Foundation. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting focuses on informational items and public engagement.

• Review of October 2023 library operating expense report ($276,649 spent of $1,003,363 budget)
• Review of October 2023 library usage statistics (9,121 total checkouts)
• Upcoming November events: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration (Nov 2), Mindfulness Workshop (Nov 17), Kennedy remembrance discussion (Nov 21)

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

The Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee will meet to receive a presentation on California’s SB 54 Plastic Packaging Reform, a state law shifting plastic pollution responsibility to producers. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting includes procedural items and future agenda planning.

• Presentation on SB54 Plastic Packaging Reform (discussion item only)
• Pratt Avenue Traffic Calming Pilot Program (discussion item only)
• Future agenda items include Active Transportation Plan Phase II and potential Reusable Foodware Ordinance

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with the St. Helena Employees Association and a single case with significant litigation exposure. No decisions are scheduled for the open portion of the meeting.

• Closed session on labor negotiations with St. Helena Employees Association (SHEA)
• Closed session on anticipated litigation with one case

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will meet at the St. Helena Public Library to discuss and possibly approve an updated Collection Development Policy that governs how books and materials are chosen and removed. Trustees will also review monthly operating expenses, library statistics, and the October newsletter.

• Consideration and approval of updated Collection Development Policy
• Review of Monthly Library Operating Expense Report for September 2023
• Review of Library Statistics for September 2023
• Review of Library Newsletter for October 2023

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will hold a public hearing on a zoning code update and consider placing a general obligation bond on the March 2024 ballot. The consent agenda includes contracts for engineering and consulting services, vehicle purchases, and salary adjustments. The meeting also includes informational items on the Main Street Pedestrian Improvement Project and water supply forecasting.

• Public hearing on zoning code update and zoning map amendments (ZOA 2023-001, ZMA 2023-001)
• Resolution to set public hearing for annexation of 1516 Sulphur Springs Avenue into sewer district
• Contract with Mead & Hunt for $42,773 for flood protection system assessment at Adams Street
• Contract with Summit Engineering for $121,500 for Oak Avenue Rehabilitation design
• Resolution to acquire two 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E patrol vehicles for $115,000

City Council

The St. Helena City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss existing litigation in the case Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena and to conduct a performance evaluation of the City Manager. No public decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to closed-session items.

• Closed session discussion of Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena (U.S. District Court, Case No. 4:21-cv-02493-KAW)
• Closed session performance evaluation of City Manager
• Council Member Anna Chouteau attending via teleconference from Kihei, Hawaii

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review and discuss the St. Helena Development Impact Fee Report, including draft park impact fees and a user fee update. The report proposes new fee schedules for parkland and improvements, with draft tables showing significant increases from current fees. The commission will also hear updates from staff and subcommittees, and consider future agenda items.

• Draft park impact fee tables show proposed fees of $10,565 per dwelling unit for infill development and $10,362 for subdivisions, compared to current $10.46 per square foot
• Parkland standard calculated at 5.26 acres per 1,000 residents, with Quimby Act standard at 5.0 acres
• New development through 2040 projected to require 6.94-7.3 acres of parkland, costing $5.97-$6.12 million
• User fee study aims to determine full cost of services, with recommended fee levels for consideration
• Consent calendar includes approval of September 18, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will consider ratifying $1,225,458 in expenditures for emergency remediation of discolored water and authorizing use of Water Operations Fund balance. The agenda also includes introducing an ordinance to increase City Council salary, discussing a water/wastewater working group, and recognizing the new Parks & Recreation Foundation.

• Ratify $1,225,458 in emergency water discoloration repairs (Resolution 2023-106)
• First reading of ordinance to increase City Council salary per SB 329
• Discussion on establishing a Preliminary Water/Wastewater Working Group
• Resolution to reimburse water/wastewater project expenditures from tax-exempt bonds
• Proclamations for Latino Heritage Month and Friends of Libraries Week

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will meet in a closed session to discuss the City Manager’s performance evaluation and one matter of anticipated litigation. No public decisions are scheduled; the meeting is procedural with limited public comment.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission hears updates on the historic Elm Tree Tunnel management plan and the Mediterranean Oak Borer threat, plus reviews capital projects and park assignments. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily informational.

• Elm Tree Tunnel Management Plan update with 10 trees slated for 2024 removal
• Mediterranean Oak Borer infestation status and disposal methods under review
• 2023-24 Parks & Recreation Commission park assignments finalized
• Crane Park lighting upgrade ($400,000) included in 5-year capital plan
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan ($125,000) proposed for FY2024

City Council

This special closed-session meeting of the St. Helena City Council was cancelled. The agenda had included only a closed-session item for the performance evaluation of the City Manager, along with standard procedural items.

• Meeting cancelled
• Closed session item: City Manager performance evaluation (Brown Act Section 54957)
• Next regular meeting scheduled for September 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering contracts, budget adjustments, and street closures. A notable item is a motion to reconsider an urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on demolition or expansion of residential units in the A-20 district. The meeting also includes a staff briefing on discolored water in the public water system.

• Moratorium on demolition/expansion in A-20 district (reconsideration)
• $20,000 grant agreement with Nimbus Arts
• Temporary over-hire of 1 police officer and 1 utilities superintendent ($86,950 General Fund increase)
• 2023 Harvest Festival street closures and alcohol possession
• Easement with Napa Valley Wine Train for pedestrian bridge on Sulphur Creek trestle

City Council

The St. Helena City Council is holding a special closed-session meeting solely to conduct a performance evaluation of the City Manager, as permitted under Brown Act Section 54957. No other business is on the agenda, and the meeting is not open to the public for discussion of this item.

• Closed session: Public Employee Performance Evaluation (City Manager)
• Public comment period limited to 4 minutes per person
• Next regular meeting scheduled for September 12, 2023

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

The Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee will hear a presentation from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) on revitalizing downtown St. Helena, including placemaking, branding, and land use recommendations. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its August 2, 2023 meeting and discuss future agenda items.

• ULI presentation on downtown St. Helena revitalization, including SWOT analysis and opportunity sites
• Consent calendar: approval of August 2, 2023 meeting minutes
• Future agenda items include Active Transportation Plan Phase II, reusable foodware ordinance, traffic calming ordinance review, and trails program review

City Council

This is a special closed-session City Council meeting, not a regular public business meeting. The council will discuss anticipated litigation with legal counsel and hold real property negotiations for 548 Hunt Avenue with BRIDGE Housing Corporation and Napa Valley Community Housing, covering price and terms of payment. No public decisions are expected; the next regular meeting follows at 6:00 p.m.

• Closed session: conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (one case)
• Closed session: real property negotiations for 548 Hunt Avenue, St. Helena
• Negotiators: Anil Comelo, Ethan Walsh, Mandy Kellogg
• Negotiating parties: BRIDGE Housing Corporation and Napa Valley Community Housing
• Under negotiation: price and terms of payment

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will decide on several contracts and resolutions, including approving plans for the Kearney and Andrea Water Main Replacement Project and awarding contracts for water/wastewater treatment chemicals. They will also consider extending a loan for the 56-unit Hunt’s Grove affordable housing complex and adopting an urgency ordinance for a moratorium on residential demolitions in the A-20 district.

• Ratify emergency water project for discolored water in public system
• Adopt plans and authorize bids for Kearney and Andrea Water Main Replacement Project
• Award contracts for FY2023/2024 water/wastewater treatment chemicals
• Consider extending loan for Hunt’s Grove affordable housing complex (56 units) to 2081
• Adopt urgency ordinance enacting moratorium on residential demolitions/expansions in A-20 district

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will review and likely adopt the 2023-24 goals and subcommittee assignments, including Baldwin Park improvements, pickleball space, trails support, a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Crane Park lighting, equitable recreation, and teen programming. The meeting is primarily procedural with no major decisions scheduled.

• Adopt 2023-24 Commission Goals: Baldwin Park improvements, pickleball space, trails support, Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Crane Park court lighting, equitable recreation, teen programming
• Review Park Assignments
• Approve July 17, 2023 meeting minutes

Measure H Oversight Committee

The Measure H Oversight Committee, formed to advise on $9.6M in bond-funded infrastructure projects, holds its first meeting. Members receive Brown Act training and review the committee’s advisory role and project timeline for Measure H GO Bond projects.

• Brown Act training by City Clerk Cindy Tzafopoulos
• Review of Measure H Committee roles and GO Bond project timeline
• Stormwater system improvements: $1.15M for Oak Ave to Madrona project (Fall 2023)
• Water main replacement: $1.44M program (20,700 feet)
• Sewer replacement program: $2.07M for 9,500 feet of gravity sewer collection system

City Council

The St. Helena City Council met on August 8, 2023, for a special closed session. No decisions were made during the meeting, which focused on confidential discussions related to property negotiations and existing litigation.

• Closed session on property negotiations for 1480 Main Street, 1572 Railroad Avenue, and APN 009-150-006
• Closed session on existing litigation: Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena (Case No. 4:21-cv-02493-KAW)
• Closed session on existing litigation: St. Helena Citizens for a Sustainable Future v. City of St. Helena (Case No. 23-CV-000938)

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will hold a regular meeting with consent items, public hearings, and new business. Key actions include awarding a $1,687,141 pavement restoration contract, approving sewer line annexations for four properties, and considering an updated loan for a 5-unit affordable housing project. The council will also hear a presentation from MCE Clean Energy and discuss a pilot mural permit policy.

• Award R23-79 Pavement Restoration Project to Team Ghilotti for $1,687,141
• Approve sewer annexations for 2175 Palmer Dr, 2125 Palmer Dr, 1460 Grayson Ave, 1644 Grayson Ave
• Approve contracts with CivicPlus ($96,199.08) and Tripepi Smith ($65,000) for service delivery
• Award Sewer Inspection Project to APS Environmental for $318,700 with $146,505 budget adjustment
• Approve updated loan to Our Town St. Helena for 5-unit affordable housing at 963 Pope Street

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

The Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee will hear a presentation on the Napa Countywide Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory by David Morrison, Interim County Executive Officer. The committee will also consider approving minutes from a prior special meeting and discuss future agenda items including an Active Transportation Plan and a potential reusable foodware ordinance.

• Presentation on Napa Countywide Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory
• Approval of June 21, 2023 special meeting minutes
• Future agenda items: Active Transportation Plan Phase II, Reusable Foodware and Waste Reduction Ordinance, Main Street crossing study, review of City Ordinance 15.36.050, Trails and Open Spaces program

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will consider a 2024 ballot measure and approve contracts for polling and feasibility studies. It will also vote on a consent agenda including a $1.95 million emergency backup power project, a $175,000 annual Chamber of Commerce agreement, and a $146,419 cannabis tax grant. The meeting includes a staff briefing on emergency preparedness and a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month.

• 2024 ballot measure: approve contracts with FM3 ($32,250) and TeamCivX ($25,000) for polling and feasibility
• Award $1,946,637.85 contract to CD & Power for Emergency Back-Up Power Project
• Approve $175,000/year marketing agreement with St. Helena Chamber of Commerce for FY 2023-24 and 2024-25
• Accept $146,419 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant for police department
• Approve $122,000 amendment to BKF contract for Main Street Pedestrian Improvements, total not-to-exceed $1,045,600

City Council

This is a special closed-session meeting of the St. Helena City Council. The council will discuss labor negotiations with several employee groups and receive legal counsel regarding existing litigation in the Pacaso Inc. v. City of St. Helena case. No public decisions are expected, as the agenda is limited to closed-session items.

• Closed session on labor negotiations with Police Officers Association, St. Helena Employees Association, Professional Firefighters Association, and unrepresented staff
• Closed session with legal counsel on existing litigation: Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena (U.S. District Court, Case No. 4:21-cv-02493-KAW)

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide whether to approve design review for a new single-family residence at 1640 Stockton Street. The commission will also elect a new chair and vice chair, and consider extending the chair's term to three years. The agenda includes approval of the June 20, 2023 minutes.

• Design review for new 3,578 sq ft single-story home with attached garage at 1640 Stockton Street
• CEQA exemption determination under Sections 15303 and 15332
• Election of new Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair
• Possible extension of Chair term to three years
• Approval of June 20, 2023 meeting minutes

Library Board of Trustees

The St. Helena Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting with an oath of office for new trustee Gillian Casey, election of officers, and reports from the Friends & Foundation and library staff. They will also discuss new board ideas and projects, and review the July newsletter, June statistics, and June operating expenses. The agenda is largely routine with no major policy decisions.

• Oath of office for new trustee Gillian Casey
• Election of Library Board officers
• Report from Friends & Foundation Executive Director Ben Hill
• Review of June 2023 library statistics (10,106 checkouts, 2,931 digital circulations)
• Review of June 2023 operating expense report (YTD spent $817,788 of $954,708 budget)

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

This meeting of the Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 2 at 5:00 pm at St. Helena City Hall, 1088 College Avenue.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting scheduled for August 2 at 5:00 pm

City Council

The St. Helena City Council is holding a special meeting to consider appointments to three advisory bodies: the Active Transportation & Sustainability Committee, the Library Board of Trustees, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. The council will review applications and select members for the available terms. The agenda contains only this appointment item, plus routine procedural matters.

• Appointments to Active Transportation & Sustainability Committee (2 seats; applicants: Anthony Micheli, Jeff Farmer, John Zimmerman)
• Appointments to Library Board of Trustees (3 seats; applicants: David Slaby, Jan Darter, Gillian Casey, Janet Myers)
• Appointments to Parks and Recreation Commission (2 seats; applicants: Bryan Moorehead, Courtney Andrain, Jim Anderson)

City Council

This is a special City Council meeting dedicated to a new Mayor and Council Members Orientation, covering city overview, roles, Brown Act, and procedures. The facilities tour scheduled for the afternoon has been cancelled due to weather conditions. No substantive decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• New Mayor and Council Members Orientation 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• City Facilities tour cancelled due to weather
• Tour would have included Water Treatment Plant (410 Crystal Springs Road), Wastewater Treatment Plant (1 Chaix Lane), Corporation Yard (1405 Charter Oak Ave.)
• Public comment limited to agenda items, 4 minutes per person

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

The Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee will hear a presentation on the Napa Valley Vine Trail St. Helena/Calistoga segment, scheduled to open in November 2023, and discuss traffic safety issues and proposed remedies for Pratt Ave., South Crane Ave., Madrona Ave., and Spring Mountain Road. The committee will also consider expiring terms and possibly cancel the July meeting.

• Vine Trail St. Helena/Calistoga segment: 8.2 miles, $17.7M project, opening November 2023
• Traffic safety remedies: stop signs, red zones, speed table pilot on Pratt Ave., slow signs at Crane Park
• Speed survey data: Spring Mountain Rd 55-63% violators, avg peak speeds 45-63 MPH
• Engineering & Traffic Survey required before installing stop signs; Streets Master Plan budget $200,000
• Committee terms expiring June 30, 2023; applications open

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three land-use items: a lot line adjustment at 800 Crane Avenue (continued to a date uncertain), design review for a new single-family residence at 1640 Stockton Street (continued to July 18, 2023), and a use permit/design review for a barn and equipment garage/playroom at 900 Fulton Lane. The commission will also consider approving minutes from May 2 and June 6, 2023. Two of the three main items are continued, so the only item for active decision is the 900 Fulton Lane proposal.

• Lot line adjustment for three parcels at 800 Crane Avenue (continued to a date uncertain)
• Design review for new single-family home at 1640 Stockton Street (continued to July 18, 2023)
• Use permit and design review for barn and equipment garage/playroom at 900 Fulton Lane
• Approval of minutes from May 2 and June 6, 2023 meetings

Parks & Recreation Commission

The St. Helena Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting with public comment, staff reports, and consent calendar approval of prior minutes. The main discussion items are the Commission's role in supporting future public art donations and installations, and creating a potential equity and welcoming statement. The meeting also includes updates from ad-hoc subcommittees and recognition of outgoing commissioners.

• Discussion on Commission's role in public art donations and installations
• Discussion on creating a Commission equity and welcoming statement
• Ad-hoc subcommittee updates (pickleball, trails, Crane Park lighting, etc.)
• Recognition of outgoing commissioners
• Approval of May 15, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will vote on a consent agenda covering contracts for fireworks, fire/EMS analysis, water policy updates, and engineering services, plus a demolition appeal. They will also hold a public hearing to adopt the FY 2023-24 and 2024-25 biennial budget and the five-year Capital Improvement Program.

• $40,000 contract with Devastating Pyrotechnics for July 4 fireworks show
• $44,694 contract with Center for Public Safety Management for Fire/EMS analysis
• $124,200 task order with West Yost for Water Neutrality Policy update
• $211,554 task order with West Yost for Recycled Water Facilities Plan
• Appeal of Planning Commission denial for demolition at 2126 Madrona Avenue

City Council

The St. Helena City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with the Police Officers Association and unrepresented executive staff and mid-managers. The agenda is limited to this closed session item, with no public action items scheduled. The regular council meeting follows at 6:00 p.m.

• Closed session: labor negotiations with Police Officers Association (POA)
• Closed session: labor negotiations with unrepresented executive staff and mid-managers
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per person

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider two main items: a lot line adjustment between 1930 Main Street and 1112 Pratt Avenue, and a resolution determining that the FY 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program conforms with the General Plan. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from previous meetings and public comment opportunities.

• Lot line adjustment for 1930 Main Street and 1112 Pratt Avenue, moving shared property line in A-20 zoning district
• Resolution on FY 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program conformance with General Plan
• Approval of minutes from May 16, 2023 and May 2, 2023 meetings
• Public forum for items not on the agenda

City Council

The St. Helena City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with three employee organizations and to confer with legal counsel on existing litigation involving Pacaso Inc. The meeting is procedural and closed to the public, with no public action items.

• Closed session with labor negotiators for Police Officers Association, St. Helena Employees Association, and St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association
• Closed session on existing litigation: Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena (U.S. District Court, Case No. 4:21-cv-02493-KAW)

City Council

The City Council will make a final decision on an appeal by Joseph Berchtold to overturn the Planning Commission's denial of a demolition permit and design review for a new single-family home at 2126 Madrona Avenue. The denial was based on General Plan inconsistency due to a net loss of 0.53 acres of agricultural land. The council previously continued this item after hearing public testimony and will now vote on whether to uphold or overturn the denial.

• Appeal decision on 2126 Madrona Avenue demolition and new home construction
• Contract amendment with Operational Technical Services for temporary water/wastewater operators totaling $710,850
• Resolution approving plans for R23-79 Pavement Restoration Project and authorizing bids
• Reimbursement agreement with Napa Valley Wine Train for $115,300 for pedestrian crossing on Sulphur Creek bridge
• Amendment to Zoning Code Update contract with Lisa Wise Consulting for $38,875

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request by Noel Bito for a use permit to permanently establish a barbershop at 1080 Main St., Suite C, in the Central Business district. The item was continued from a previous meeting and is scheduled for a decision. The commission will also review the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program, which has been continued to June 6, 2023.

• Use permit for barbershop at 1080 Main St., Suite C (Central Business district)
• Capital Improvement Program for FY 2023/24 (continued to June 6, 2023)
• CEQA exemption for barbershop under Section 15301
• Barbershop hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm, 4 full-time employees
• No exterior modifications proposed to existing building

City Council

The City Council and Planning Commission are holding the fourth public meeting to discuss the comprehensive zoning code update, which aims to align with the 2019 General Plan. Staff will present revisions based on over 380 public comments and seek feedback on proposed changes and the schedule. Key topics include non-conforming structures, certificate of legal non-conformity, winery tanks, and objective design standards.

• Proposed removal of provision restricting expansions of non-conforming structures
• Change to make Certificate of Extent of Legal Non-Conformity review a staff-level process
• New tanks in Winery District: conditional use permit only if wine production volume increases
• Objective design standards for residential and mixed-use developments
• Expanded downtown uses including public markets, brewpubs, and maker spaces

Library Board of Trustees

The St. Helena Library Board of Trustees is holding a regular meeting to review routine reports, including April 2023 library statistics, the monthly operating expense report, and the May newsletter. They will also discuss community outreach, new board ideas, and receive a report from the Friends & Foundation. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Review of Library Statistics for April 2023
• Review of Monthly Library Operating Expense Report for April 2023
• Review of Library Newsletter for May 2023 (English and Spanish)
• Community outreach by Trustees - Terry Wood
• Report from Friends & Foundation, St. Helena Public Library - Ben Hill

City Council

The St. Helena City Council convened a special closed session to discuss labor negotiations with police, firefighters, and city employees, and to confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation. No public decisions were made during this meeting.

• Conference with Labor Negotiators: Police Officers Association (POF), St. Helena Employees Association (SHEA), and St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association
• Closed Session on litigation: Pacaso Inc. et al. v. City of St. Helena (Case No. 4:21-cv-02493-KAW)

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will hold public hearings to adopt updates to the Housing Element (2023-2031) and the Public Health, Safety, and Noise Element of the General Plan, along with EIR addenda. The council will also consider consent items including equipment purchases, a COVID-19 emergency termination, and a teleworking policy, plus old business on a water penalty appeal and a rate study.

• Adopt Housing Element update 2023-2031 (GPA 2023-001) and EIR addendum
• Adopt Public Health, Safety, and Noise Element update (GPA 2023-002) and EIR addendum
• Approve $40,600 for 5 heat/cooling unit replacements at St. Helena Library
• Approve $49,997.43 for a Vermeer CTX Track Mini Skid Steer and $41,933.01 for a John Deere tractor
• Terminate local COVID-19 emergency and authorize teleworking policy

Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee

The Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee will hold a regular meeting with an oath of office for new members, Brown Act training, and updates on the Grayson and Crane Avenue pavement project and the Capital Improvement Program. The meeting also includes public comment and consent calendar items.

• Oath of office for Amy Beaudine and Anthony Micheli
• Brown Act training by City Clerk Cindy Tzafopoulos
• Grayson and Crane Avenue Pavement Update by Assistant Engineer Mario Traverso
• CIP Update by Assistant Engineer Mario Traverso
• NVTA Transportation Accessibility Survey item will not be heard

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two General Plan amendments: one updating the Housing Element for 2023-2031 and another updating the Public Health, Safety, and Noise Element. Both include recommendations to the City Council to adopt the amendments and approve addenda to the General Plan EIR. The annual Capital Improvement Program item has been continued to May 16, 2023.

• GPA 2023-001: Housing Element update for 2023-2031, with EIR addendum
• GPA 2023-002: Public Health, Safety, and Noise Element update, with EIR addendum
• Annual Capital Improvement Program for FY 2023/24 continued to May 16, 2023
• Consent item: Approval of April 18, 2023 minutes

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will hold a public hearing to consider certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report and approving Tentative Map No. 2022-001 for the Hunter Subdivision. The project would subdivide a 16.9-acre vacant parcel into 51 single-family lots (11 with accessory dwelling units) and a 3.13-acre parcel for 25 multi-family units, totaling 87 units. The council will also consider adopting a Mitigation Monitoring Program and findings of fact.

• Certify Final EIR for Hunter Subdivision (File #PL10-040)
• Approve Tentative Map No. 2022-001 for 51 single-family lots and 25 multi-family units
• Subdivide 16.9-acre parcel north of Hunt Avenue and east of Adams Street extension
• Adopt Mitigation Monitoring Program and Statement of Overriding Considerations
• Consider flood liability memo and public comments

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will meet to receive reports, hear public comments, and vote on several consent items including water supply updates, wastewater and water treatment operator contracts, pavement restoration, pedestrian crossing funding, and zoning code updates. The meeting also includes a public hearing on a demolition permit appeal and appointments to various committees.

• Amendment No. 4 to wastewater operator contract for $220,200 (total not-to-exceed $950,200)
• Amendment No. 5 to water treatment operator contract for $490,650 (total not-to-exceed $2,644,005)
• R23-79 Pavement Restoration Project plans and bid advertisement
• $115,300 reimbursement agreement with Napa Valley Wine Train for Sulphur Creek railroad bridge pedestrian crossing structure
• Amendment #3 to Zoning Code Update contract with Lisa Wise Consulting for $38,875 (total not-to-exceed $376,234)

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider approving a demolition permit and design review for a new single-family home at 1663 Adams Street. They will also consider a lot line adjustment between 1521 and 1541 Elmhurst Ave. and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Public hearing: demolition and new home at 1663 Adams Street (CEQA exempt)
• Lot line adjustment between 1521 and 1541 Elmhurst Ave.
• Approval of minutes from March 7 and March 21, 2023 meetings

Library Board of Trustees

The St. Helena Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting with discussions on the 'Books & Benches' concept and a 'Library of Things' program, both introduced by Vice Chair David Slaby. The board will also review the April newsletter, quarterly statistics, and the March operating expense report, and hear a report from the Friends & Foundation. Consent items include approval of the January 11, 2023 meeting minutes.

• Discussion of 'Books & Benches' idea (David Slaby)
• Discussion of 'Library of Things' (David Slaby)
• Report from Friends & Foundation Executive Director Ben Hill
• Review of Library Statistics for Jan, Feb, Mar 2023
• Review of Monthly Library Operating Expense Report for March 2023

City Council

The St. Helena City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with the Police Officers Association, St. Helena Employees Association, and St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association. The agenda includes public comment on the closed session item, but no other substantive business is listed. The regular council meeting follows at 6:00 p.m.

• Closed session: labor negotiations with Police Officers Association, St. Helena Employees Association, and St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per person
• Next regular meeting scheduled for April 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

City Council

This is a special closed-session meeting of the St. Helena City Council. The only substantive item is a conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation in the case Denise Chaix Wiig et al v. Thompson Builders Corporation et al. No public decisions or discussions are scheduled; the meeting is limited to the closed session and procedural items.

• Closed session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (Napa County Superior Court Case No. 23CV-000258)
• Public comment period limited to 4 minutes per person
• Next regular City Council meeting scheduled for March 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will consider approving a new water and wastewater rate study and adopt rate increases effective September 1, 2023, with annual increases through 2027. The council will also vote on several consent items, including a sewer management plan update, a housing element progress report, and street project budget transfers. A public hearing on the rates is scheduled, and the Integrated Master Utility Plan item has been continued to a date uncertain.

• Water and wastewater rate changes effective Sept 1, 2023, with annual increases on July 1 through 2027
• Drought surcharges and rate structure changes effective Sept 1, 2023
• Contract amendment with BKF for Main Street Pedestrian Improvements design, $151,000 budget increase
• Resolution re-affirming commitment to Housing Element for RHNA and state housing laws
• Approval of Sanitary Sewer Management Plan version 8

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three items: a use permit and design review for a new mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery (2121 Spring Street), and demolition/design review permits for new single-family residences with accessory dwelling units at 1766 and 1516 Sulphur Springs Avenue. All projects are recommended for approval and are categorically exempt from CEQA. The meeting also includes consent items, public forum, and department reports.

• Use permit and design review for a 617 sq ft mausoleum with 96 casket spaces and 208 urn spaces at 2121 Spring Street
• Demolition and design review for new home with attached JADU and detached ADU at 1766 Sulphur Springs Avenue
• Demolition and design review for new home with attached garage and detached ADU at 1516 Sulphur Springs Avenue
• All three projects are CEQA-exempt under Section 15303
• Public comments accepted via email up to 3 hours before meeting

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will receive presentations on a proposed Eagle Scout project at Starr Baldwin Park and from the Upper Valley Community Center, Inc. nonprofit. They will also hear updates from ad-hoc subcommittees and consider consent items, including approval of the February 21 special meeting minutes. The meeting is largely informational, with no major decisions scheduled.

• Presentation on proposed Eagle Scout project at Starr Baldwin Park
• Presentation from Upper Valley Community Center, Inc. nonprofit foundation
• Ad-hoc subcommittee updates on goals and assignments
• Consent calendar: approval of February 21, 2023 special meeting minutes

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will meet March 14 at Vintage Hall to consider routine actions including awarding water-treatment chemical contracts, authorizing a $75,250 creek monitoring agreement, and temporarily closing Adams Street for a May community event. The meeting also includes proclamations for Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month and a PG&E gas-line update.

• Award water-treatment chemical contracts for FY 2022/23
• Approve $75,250 York Creek monitoring services agreement with Napa County Resource Conservation District
• Oppose state ballot initiative No. 21-0042A1 (Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act)
• Temporarily close Adams Street and Library Lane May 5–7 for Neighborhood Community Table Event
• Amend security contract for Napa Valley College Tenant Improvement Project to $68,523.67

City Council

This is a special closed-session meeting of the St. Helena City Council. The council will discuss labor negotiations with three employee organizations and confer with legal counsel about two potential litigation cases. No public action is expected, as the agenda consists solely of closed-session items.

• Closed session with labor negotiators for Police Officers Association, St. Helena Employees Association, and St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association
• Closed session with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (2 potential cases)

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a use permit for a gallery and retail store at 1380 Main Street #103, and a demolition permit and design review for a new home and ADU at 2126 Madrona Avenue. They will also elect a new Vice Chair and consider consent items including approval of prior minutes.

• Use permit for gallery/retail store at 1380 Main Street #103 (Menegon Building)
• Demolition permit and design review for new single-family home and ADU at 2126 Madrona Avenue
• Nomination and election of new Planning Commission Vice Chair
• Approval of February 7, 2023 minutes

Water and Wastewater Advisory Committee

The Water and Wastewater Rate Study Advisory Committee met to discuss alternatives for future water and drought rates before making recommendations to the City Council. Members reviewed past meeting minutes and heard public comments on rate structure proposals, including concerns about tiered rates and affordability for different user groups.

• Approval of past meeting minutes (June 2022–February 2023)
• Discussion of water rates alternatives and direction for City Council recommendation
• Discussion of water drought rates for City Council recommendation
• Public comments on tiered rate thresholds and affordability for low-income users

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will consider consent items including a quick-build traffic calming project at Kearney Street and Madrona Avenue, a water supply update, and a furniture purchase for the Napa Valley College move. They will also receive presentations on water and wastewater rates and long-range financial planning, and discuss future direction.

• Resolution approving construction of a quick-build traffic calming project at Kearney Street and Madrona Avenue
• January 2023 water supply report: production down 34% from Jan 2022, reservoir at 99.27% capacity
• Resolution authorizing $10,000 change order with North Bay Office Furniture for Napa Valley College move, total not-to-exceed $33,385
• Presentation by Raftelis on Water & Wastewater Rate Study
• Presentation by Baker Tilly on Long Range Financial Plan Options and Council Discussion

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission discussed converting one tennis court at Crane Park into four pickleball courts. The commission unanimously approved moving forward with this plan, directing staff to finalize a proposal. The project aims to address community interest in pickleball while minimizing costs.

• Convert Court #6 at Crane Park (1360 Oak Ave) into four pickleball courts
• Estimated project costs: $27,300–$35,390 (excluding acoustic barrier)
• Staff to confirm contractor scheduling for spring 2023 completion

Water and Wastewater Advisory Committee

This regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Rate Study Advisory Committee is cancelled, with a special meeting to be held in its place starting at 5:01 PM. The agenda items, including discussions of water and wastewater rate alternatives and drought rates, are listed but will not be addressed at this cancelled regular meeting.

• Regular meeting cancelled; special meeting at 5:01 PM
• Discussion of water rate alternatives for City Council recommendation
• Discussion of wastewater rate alternatives for City Council recommendation
• Discussion of water drought rates for City Council recommendation

City Council

The St. Helena City Council will meet in closed session to discuss public employee performance evaluations, labor negotiations with multiple employee associations, and anticipated litigation. The meeting follows a brief open session with public comment and roll call.

• Closed session on public employee performance evaluations (City Manager)
• Conference with labor negotiators (Police Officers Association, St. Helena Employees Association, St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association)
• Conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (one case with significant exposure)

Library Board of Trustees

The St. Helena Library Board of Trustees regular meeting scheduled for February 8, 2023 was cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for March 8, 2023 at 5:00 PM at the St. Helena Public Library.

Planning Commission

The St. Helena Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Hunter Subdivision, a proposal by Ben and Kelly Vanzutphen to subdivide a 16.9-acre vacant parcel north of Hunt Avenue into 51 single-family lots (11 with ADUs) and a 3.13-acre parcel for a 25-unit multi-family development, totaling 87 units. Staff recommends the Commission recommend City Council certification of the Final EIR and approval of the tentative map. The meeting also includes approval of the December 20, 2022 minutes and public comment on agenda items only.

• Public hearing on Hunter Subdivision tentative map (TM2022-001, PL10-040) for 87 residential units
• Staff recommendation to certify Final EIR and approve Mitigation Monitoring Program
• Proposal includes 51 single-family lots, 11 with accessory dwelling units, and a 25-unit multi-family parcel
• Approval of December 20, 2022 Planning Commission minutes
• Public comment letters received post-meeting on the Hunter Subdivision