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Item #6.8.
Engineering Surveying
Intern $60 - $105 Survey Technician I-III $65 - $185
Technician $95 - $135 Lead Survey Technician $145 - $165 Design Engineer I $120 - $175 Survey Specialist I-III $130 - $280 Design Engineer II $135 - $210 Asst Surveyor I-III $130 - $195 Sr. Technician $155 - $210 Project Surveyor I-III $190 - $295 Civil Engineering Designer $155 - $245 * Chief of Party $210 - $270 Project Engineer $155 - $225 * Instrumentperson $205 - $245 Sr. Project Engineer $195 - $280 * Chainperson $195 - $230 Sr. Technical Engineer $200 - $230 * Apprentice $125 - $195 Technical Lead $230 - $280 * 2-Person Crew $395 - $480
Sr. Technical Lead $265 - $335 * 3-Person Crew $560 - $710 CADD Manager $220 - $260 * Utility Locator $195 - $265
Design Manager $350 - $390
Engineering Manager $350 - $390 Project Management & Oversight Sr. Engineering Manager $365 - $495 Project Manager $175 - $310 Sr. Project Manager $240 - $365
Construction Management Survey Manager I-II $230 - $300 Office Engineer $165 - $265 SUE Program Manager $280 - $315 * Asst. Resident Engineer $170 - $250 Division Manager $270 - $445 * Sr. Inspector - CM $185 - $260 Principal $480 - $525
* Inspector - CM $150 - $275
Resident Engineer $255 - $335 Project Support
Sr. Resident Engineer $300 - $370 Technical/Sr. Technical Writer $115 - $160 Construction Manager $255 - $295 Project/Sr. Project Assistant $85 - $185 Area Manager - CM $280 - $325 Survey Coordinator $115 - $120 Project/Sr. Project Coordinator $125 - $205
Planning Graphic/Sr. Graphic Designer $125 - $220
Planner I $105 - $140 Project/Sr. Project Accountant $120 - $185 Economist $135 - $160 Sr. Graphic Manager $195 - $260
Planner II $140 - $170 Project Delivery Manager $210 - $235 Sr. Planner $165 - $230 Project Accountant Manager $230 - $260 Safety Manager $245 - $250
Landscape Architecture/Urban Design
Landscape Intern $80 - $95 District Management
Landscape Designer I $100 - $125 * Inspector - Apprentice $95 - $100 Landscape Designer II $120 - $160 * Inspector/Sr. Inspector $95 - $175 Landscape Architect $155 - $180 * Lead Inspector $135 - $155 Sr. Landscape Architect $175 - $200 Assistant/Associate Sanitary Engineer $150 - $210 Sanitary/Sr. Sanitary Project Engineer $190 - $270
Grant Writing Operations/Deputy District Manager $240 - $345 Funding Specialist $135 - $230 District Manager-Engineer $350 - $390 Sr. Funding Specialist $225 - $260
Funding Manager $325 - $380 Special Services
Expert Witness $550
Strategic Consulting $550
MARK THOMAS & COMPANY, INC. RATE SCHEDULE
EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2026
Reimbursables including, but not limited to; reproductions, delivery and filing fees; outside consultant fees; and survey field expenses will be billed at Cost Plus 5% . Mileage will be billed per current IRS Rate.
Additional promotional steps exist within various rate categories.
This rate schedule expires June 30, 2026; rates are subject to escalation with new hourly rate schedule as of July 1, 2026. * These charge rates are subject to Prevailing Wage laws and Union contract.
RATE SCHEDULE (B) | PAGE 1 OF 1
Item #6.8.
Item #6.8.
Item #6.8.
210’± Decomposed Granite (DG)path connecting the bridge to theexisting sidewalk west of Logvy Park. 160’± Sidewalk alongfrontage of 1305 S. Oak.
Curb ramps andcrosswalk
Curb ramps andcrosswalk
Curb ramps andcrosswalk
110’± Sidewalk alongfrontage of 1622 Cedar
120’± Sidewalk along
frontage of 1602 Cedar
Curb ramps andcrosswalk
*Addition Off-Site Infrastructure Required Exhibit does notincorporate all scope of work items. This exhibit only pertainsto scope of work items listed in the last paragraph of Section2. Project Purpose and Description of the RFP.
Required
*
NORTH
Cedar St
S. Oak St
Item #6.8.
City of Calistoga
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Jed Matcham, Fire Chief
Meeting: City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 04 2026
Subject: Napa County Fire Department Automatic Aid Agreement DESCRIPTION:
Consider adopting a Resolution to Execute an Automatic Aid Agreement between the Calistoga Fire Department and the Napa County Fire Department
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider Adopting the Resolution
SUMMARY:
The proposed Automatic Aid Agreement establishes a reciprocal emergency response framework between the Calistoga Fire Department and the Napa County Fire Department. The agreement replaces a long-standing Contract for Services under which the City received compensation from Napa County for fire and emergency medical first-responder services provided within unincorporated areas adjacent to Calistoga.
Under the new structure, neither party owes the other compensation. In exchange for Calistoga Fire Department’s (CFD) continued participation in automatic aid, Napa County Fire Department (NCFD) will provide CFD with a suite of specialized services and resources that CFD currently lacks or is limited in capacity to deliver independently. The value of these services, described in detail below, represents a meaningful operational benefit to the City and its residents.
ANALYSIS:
For a number of years, the City of Calistoga has operated under a Contract for Services with Napa County for the provision of first-responder fire and emergency medical services in the jurisdictional areas served by the Napa County Fire Department. That agreement generated revenue for the City in exchange for CFD personnel and apparatus responding to incidents within NCFD’s territory.
NCFD has delivered a notice to the City that this agreement is terminated, effective June 30, 2026.
As the regional fire services environment has evolved, both agencies have identified mutual benefit in transitioning to a standard automatic aid framework—consistent with agreements used throughout California—in which resources are shared reciprocally without direct compensation. The proposed agreement formalizes this transition and is structured to ensure the City receives demonstrable, recurring operational value in return for its participation.
The agreement takes effect upon full execution and expires June 30, 2031, unless earlier terminated by either party with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice.
Item #6.9.
SERVICES AND RESOURCES PROVIDED TO CFD BY NCFD
A central feature of the agreement is the package of specialized resources and services NCFD commits to providing the City. These directly address capability gaps that would otherwise require significant capital or personnel investment by the City:
Battalion Chief Coverage — NCFD will provide operational Battalion Chief services seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, available to CFD at the discretion of the CFD Fire Chief for incident command support.
Aerial Ladder Truck — Access to NCFD’s aerial ladder apparatus for structure fires and technical rescue incidents requiring elevated access.
Technical Rescue Team — NCFD’s Technical Rescue Team will respond to incidents requiring specialized rescue capabilities beyond CFD’s standard capacity. Hazardous Materials Team — NCFD’s Haz-Mat Team will respond to incidents involving hazardous materials within CFD’s jurisdiction.
Breathing Air Support — NCFD will provide SCBA air replenishment support during extended operations.
Surge Capacity — NCFD apparatus will provide additional resource depth during major incidents or when CFD resources are committed.
Station Coverage — NCFD will provide station coverage for CFD when city resources are committed to incidents or training, maintaining response capability for the community. After-Action Reviews — Collaborative after-action reviews of significant multi-agency incidents when requested by an officer of either party.
The agreement includes substantial training benefits for CFD personnel:
Inclusion in NCFD monthly training calendar drills.
Access to NCFD formal training classes where capacity permits. Monthly Rescue and Hazardous Materials training drills. Availability for new CFD recruits in NCFD’s annual Volunteer Firefighter Academy. Jointly developed training programs, including shared curriculum development and coordinated scheduling to maximize participation by personnel of both agencies.
Vegetation Management:
NCFD will assist CFD with fuels management programs within Calistoga’s city limits, providing personnel and equipment to support planning and implementation of vegetation fuels treatment and prescribed burning. Resource involvement is subject to availability.
Mutual Obligations:
CFD will reciprocally participate in automatic aid to NCFD’s service area for specified call types and apparatus as outlined in Exhibit B, subject to availability. The agreement expressly preserves each party’s primary obligation to its own jurisdiction and supplements—but does not supplant—existing mutual aid agreements.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the recommendation as presented - Authorizes execution of the agreement as negotiated.
2. Provide direction to staff - Direct staff to renegotiate specific terms of the agreement with NCFD prior to execution.
3. Take no action - Decline to authorize the agreement. Note that the prior agreement has been terminated and declining would leave the automatic aid without an agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Item #6.9.
The previously existing agreement for services with NCFD has already expired, effective June 30, 2026. This eliminates the revenue previously received by the City under the Contract for Services with Napa County. The estimated amount of revenue under the current agreement is forecast to be approximately $176,000 for FY2025-26.
No direct compensation would flow between the parties under the new agreement. However, the specialized services and training resources provided by NCFD carry significant material operational value. Acquiring equivalent capabilities independently—Battalion Chief coverage, aerial ladder service, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials response, Breathing Air Support, Firefighter Academy access, and participation in training programs and drills—would require significant capital expenditure and recurring personnel costs that would substantially exceed the revenue lost under the prior agreement.
No appropriation is required to execute this agreement. Any budget adjustments related to the loss of contract revenue has been addressed through the City’s standard budget process and implemented in the FY2026-27 annual budget.
CEQA STATUS:
Not Applicable
ATTACHMENT(S):
Draft Resolution
CALISTOGA NCFD Automatic Aid Agreement FINAL DRAFT 7.26.26 APPROVAL(S):
Connie Cardenas, Admin. Services Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Rachel Stepp, Deputy City Manager Approved - Jul 28 2026 Yudiana Galvan, City of Calistoga | City Clerk Approved - Jul 28 2026 Item #6.9.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALISTOGA, COUNTY
OF NAPA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AUTOMATIC AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CALISTOGA AND THE COUNTY OF NAPA
WHEREAS, the City of Calistoga ("City") maintains the Calistoga Fire Department ("CFD") to provide fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services within the City's jurisdiction; WHEREAS, Napa County maintains the Napa County Fire Department ("NCFD") to provide fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services within unincorporated areas of Napa County;
WHEREAS, for a number of years the City and Napa County operated under a Contract for Services, most recently dated November 1, 2024, and entitled "Agreement for First Responder Services," pursuant to which the City received compensation from Napa County for firstresponder services provided by CFD within NCFD's service area; WHEREAS, the City and Napa County have negotiated a new Automatic Aid Agreement ("Agreement") to replace the prior Contract for Services in its entirety, establishing a reciprocal automatic aid framework consistent with standard California fire services practice; WHEREAS, under the Agreement, no compensation is owed by either party; instead, NCFD will provide CFD with specialized services and resources including aerial ladder truck response, Technical Rescue Team response, Hazardous Materials Team response, Breathing Air Support, volunteer surge capacity, station coverage, twenty-four-hour operational Battalion Chief coverage, fire investigation support, joint training, and vegetation management assistance within the City's jurisdiction;
WHEREAS, the Agreement supports the City's interest in ensuring the most expeditious and capable emergency response for City residents and property owners; WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the terms and conditions of the Agreement and finds execution to be in the best interest of the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALISTOGA DOES HEREBY FIND THE FOLLOWING:
SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council hereby finds and determines that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes and directs the Acting City Manager to execute the Automatic Aid Agreement between the City of Calistoga, by and through the Calistoga Fire Department, and Napa County, by and through the Napa County Fire Department, in substantially the form presented to the City Council, together with such nonsubstantive changes as may be approved by the City Attorney.
SECTION 3. City Manager Authority. The Acting City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to take all actions reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Item #6.9.
Resolution, including executing any amendments to the Agreement that do not materially alter the City's obligations or rights, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 4th day of August, 2026. I, YUDIANA GALVAN, CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CALISTOGA, HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing resolution was introduced and passed at a regular meeting of the Calistoga City Council by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
______________________________________ ___________________________________ Yudiana Galvan, City Clerk Donald Williams, Mayor
Item #6.9.
1 NAPA COUNTY AGREEMENT NO.
AUTOMATIC MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN NAPA COUNTY AND
THE CITY OF CALISTOGA FOR EXCHANGE OF FIRE PROTECTION,
RESCUE, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the City of Calistoga (“CITY”), a municipal corporation, by and through the Calistoga Fire Department (CFD) and Napa County (“COUNTY”), a political subdivision of the State of California, by and through the Napa County Fire Department (NCFD), collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as “Party,” and is effective on the date last signed by the Parties.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, COUNTY is a political subdivision of the State of California with authority to provide for the prevention and suppression of fires and emergency medical response within those areas of Napa County not located within the boundaries of municipalities or fire protection districts, and contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide first response emergency medical, rescue, fire suppression, and fire protection services to such areas of COUNTY; and
WHEREAS, CITY has authority to provide for the prevention and suppression of fires and emergency medical response within the City of Calistoga, and maintains a fire department to provide emergency medical, rescue, education, prevention, fire suppression, and fire protection services within its jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, CITY and COUNTY are authorized under Government Code section 55632 to enter into agreements for the furnishing of fire protection, prevention, rescue, emergency medical response, and related services; and
WHEREAS, CITY and COUNTY previously entered into an Agreement for First Responder Services, Napa County Agreement No. 250257B, dated November 1, 2024, which expires on June 30, 2026, following COUNTY’s notice of non-renewal; and WHEREAS, following the expiration of the prior Agreement for First Responder Services, CITY and COUNTY desire to provide each other with a reasonable and reciprocal exchange of automatic aid to support the most expeditious initial emergency response within the automatic aid areas described in Exhibit A, entitled “CALISTOGA CITY FIRE AND NAPA COUNTY FIRE RESPONSE AREAS,” and pursuant to the response plans set forth in Exhibit B, entitled “Napa County/Calistoga City Auto-aid Response Plans,” each of which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these mutual covenants, the Parties agree as follows:
Item #6.9.
2 AGREEMENT
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Agreement is to establish an automatic mutual aid response system for the exchange of fire protection, rescue, emergency medical services, and related emergency response services between CITY and COUNTY.
2. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below.
2.1. “After-Action Review” means a post-incident review or professional discussion of an incident response, focused on operational performance, coordination, lessons learned, and ways to sustain strengths and improve future response.
2.2 “Automatic Mutual Aid Area” means the geographic areas identified in Exhibit “A,” entitled “CALISTOGA CITY FIRE AND NAPA COUNTY FIRE RESPONSE AREAS,” as approved under this Agreement.
2.3. “CFECC” or “ECC” means the CAL FIRE St. Helena Emergency Command Center, or any successor emergency command center, dispatch center, or emergency communications center designated or used by CITY, COUNTY, NCFD, or CAL FIRE for dispatch of CITY, COUNTY, NCFD, or CAL FIRE Resources under this Agreement.
2.4. “Dispatch Center” means CFECC, ECC, or any successor or other emergency communications center, emergency command center, public safety answering point, or dispatch center used by a Party to receive incident information and dispatch or coordinate the dispatch of Resources under this Agreement.
2.5 “Formal Training Classes” means formal fire, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, command, operational, or related training classes offered, sponsored, coordinated, or made available by NCFD and made available to CITY personnel under this Agreement.
2.6 “Incident Command System” or “ICS” means the incident command system used by the Parties to command, control, coordinate, and manage emergency response operations under this Agreement as means the Incident Command System as defined in California Code of Regulations, title 19, section 2402, as it may be amended from time to time.
2.7. “Incident Commander” means the person responsible for incident command under the Incident Command System and applicable law, including California Code of Regulations, title 19, section 2402, as it may be amended from time to time.
2.8 “Rescue and Hazardous Materials Drills” means drills focused on rescue, hazardous materials response, and related emergency response capabilities, when listed on NCFD’s monthly training calendar or otherwise made available to CFD personnel under this Agreement.
2.9. “Resources” means the personnel, apparatus, specialized apparatus, teams, equipment, Item #6.9.
3 communications resources, command resources, station coverage resources, and other emergency response resources identified in the Response Plans, requested by the Incident Commander, or otherwise dispatched, requested, or provided under this Agreement.
2.10. “Response Plans” means Exhibit “B,” entitled “Napa County/Calistoga City Auto-aid Response Plans,” including the applicable response areas, CAD Event Types, incident descriptions, call types, apparatus responses, response resources, dispatch assignments, station coverage provisions, Battalion Chief coverage provisions, and related response matrix provisions approved under this Agreement.
2.11. “Special Employment Claim” means any claim, allegation, or proceeding asserting that an employee or volunteer of one Party became a special employee of the other Party, or that the other Party became a special employer, because the employee or volunteer provided aid, responded to an incident, received an assignment, or operated under the direction of the Incident Commander under this Agreement.
2.12. “Training Officers” means the personnel designated by each Party’s Fire Chief or authorized designee to manage or coordinate training for that Party’s fire department personnel.
2.13. “Volunteer Firefighter Academy” means the annual or periodic volunteer firefighter academy administered, sponsored, coordinated, or made available by NCFD and made available to CITY personnel under this Agreement.
3. Scope and Service Obligations. CITY and COUNTY shall provide to each other a reasonable and reciprocal exchange of automatic mutual aid for fire protection, rescue, emergency medical services, and related emergency response services within the automatic aid area identified in Exhibit “A,” entitled “CALISTOGA CITY FIRE AND NAPA COUNTY FIRE RESPONSE AREAS,” attached hereto and incorporated by reference (“Automatic Mutual Aid Area”). CITY and COUNTY shall provide these services in accordance with the applicable incident types, apparatus responses, response resources, dispatch assignments, and response obligations set forth in Exhibit “B,” entitled “Napa County/Calistoga City Auto-aid Response Plans,” attached hereto and incorporated by reference (“Response Plans”). The services provided under this Agreement shall not be used to supplant or substitute for either Party’s day-to-day, full, and continuing fire protection within its own jurisdiction. No Party shall be required to reduce its own fire protection resources, personnel, services, or facilities to the detriment of its normal fire protection and emergency services capability within its own jurisdiction.
4. Relationship to Mutual Aid Agreements; Conflicts. This Agreement supplements, and does not supplant, existing mutual aid agreements, the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, or either Party’s ability to request additional resources through mutual aid or any other lawful emergency-response arrangement. Any request for assistance outside the Automatic Mutual Aid Area, or for resources not identified in the Response Plans, shall be treated as a mutual aid request or other request for assistance subject to separate authorization by the responding Party. In the event of any ambiguity or conflict between this Agreement and an applicable statewide or countywide mutual aid plan, the applicable statewide or countywide mutual aid plan shall control to the extent required by law or the terms of that plan.
Item #6.9.
4 5. Implementation Policies. The Parties’ Fire Chiefs may jointly develop written operational procedures, run cards, dispatch protocols, training procedures, and similar implementation materials consistent with this Agreement and Exhibits A and B (collectively “Implementation Policies”). Any such Implementation Policies shall not modify the term, compensation, reimbursement, indemnity, insurance, termination, or other material legal obligations contained in the Agreement. Any Implementation Policies shall only be effective if approved through a written amendment signed by Fire Chiefs of both Parties.
6. Term. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date last signed by the Parties. This Agreement shall expire on June 30, 2031, unless terminated earlier by either Party with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice. Termination shall not affect either Party’s obligations for any incident, claim, cost, record, investigation, reimbursement request, or other matter arising before the effective date of termination. The provisions concerning indemnification, workers’ compensation, insurance or self-insurance, confidentiality, records, reimbursement or cost recovery, and dispute resolution shall survive expiration or termination to the extent necessary to give them effect.
7. Dispatch.
7.1. Dispatch Center and Resource Assignment. CAL FIRE St. Helena Emergency Command Center (“CFECC”) is the dispatch center used by COUNTY and NCFD for dispatch of COUNTY and NCFD resources under COUNTY’s contract with the CAL FIRE; and is the dispatch center used by CITY for dispatch of CITY resources under CITY’s contract with CAL FIRE. After dispatch, the Incident Commander may modify, cancel, or request additional Resources based on incident conditions, Resource availability, the Response Plans, and applicable operational protocols, or operational need.
7.2. Incidents within CITY Jurisdiction. For incidents occurring in those portions of CITY located within the Automatic Mutual Aid Area and identified in the Response Plans as eligible for automatic mutual aid from COUNTY, NCFD shall be included in the initial dispatch for the specified call types, apparatus responses, specialized apparatus, teams, and other response Resources identified in the Response Plans.
7.3. Incidents within COUNTY Jurisdiction. For incidents occurring in those portions of the COUNTY located in the Automatic Mutual Aid Area and identified in the Response Plans as eligible for automatic mutual aid from CITY, CFD shall be included in the initial dispatch for the specified call types, apparatus responses, and other response Resources identified in the Response Plans.
8. Responding / On Scene. Responding Resources shall monitor radio traffic as directed by the requesting ECC and shall acknowledge assignments upon receipt. The first arriving Resource shall establish incident command, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries in accordance with Section 11. Upon arrival of a chief officer or other Resource with jurisdictional authority, command may be transferred consistent with Section 11 (Command and Transfer of Command).
9. Tactical Frequencies. Resources shall utilize the tactical radio frequency assigned by the Item #6.9.
5 ECC or Incident Commander. The Parties shall coordinate communication procedures to ensure interoperability between responding resources.
10. Commitment Time. If a Resource dispatched under this Agreement anticipates being committed for more than sixty (60) minutes, the Resource shall notify ECC, if dispatched through ECC, or otherwise the dispatch center that dispatched the Resource, so that coverage needs for the affected Party may be evaluated and, as appropriate, station coverage or replacement Resources may be arranged
11. Command and Transfer of Command. When conducting joint operations under this Agreement, the Parties shall use the Incident Command System (“ICS”). The “Incident Commander” shall have the meaning set forth in California Code of Regulations, title 19, section 2402. Resources provided by one Party to assist the other shall operate under the general direction and control of the Incident Commander. When appropriate, command shall be safely transferred to the Party with primary responsibility for emergency response at the incident location. Transfers of command shall occur face-to-face when practicable and shall be communicated to responding Resources and applicable dispatch centers.
12. Automatic Initial Response: Incident Types & Resources.
12.1. Response Plans. CITY and COUNTY shall provide automatic mutual aid in accordance with Exhibit “B” and shall provide the apparatus, personnel, equipment, and other Resources specified in Exhibit “B” for the incident types identified therein.
12.2. Specialized Apparatus and Resources. COUNTY, through NCFD, shall provide CFD with the specialized apparatus, personnel, equipment, and other Resources at the time and in the manner specified in Exhibit “B” for automatic mutual aid from COUNTY to CITY.
12.3 Station Coverage. COUNTY, through NCFD, shall provide backup fire coverage for CITY when CITY fire personnel or equipment are assigned to an incident or training and the onduty CFD officer, City Fire Chief, or authorized designee determines that additional coverage is needed. During backup fire coverage assignments, NCFD Resources may be used to cover CITY response areas as needed to maintain available fire protection.
12.4. Battalion Chief Coverage. COUNTY, through NCFD, shall provide CFD with Battalion Chief coverage twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, to assist with incident command, control, and emergency response support when requested by the on-duty CFD officer, City Fire Chief, or authorized designee, or when indicated in Exhibit “B”.
12.6 After-Action Reviews. CFD and NCFD shall participate collaboratively in After-Action Reviews of Major Incidents when an officer of either Party determines an After-Action Review of an incident involving both Parties is appropriate.
13. Training. NCFD shall include CFD personnel in the Monthly Training Calendar Drills, Rescue and Hazardous Materials Drills, Volunteer Firefighter Academy and Formal Training Classes. Parties’ Training Officers may collaboratively identify additional training classes and Item #6.9.
6 programs, including joint identification of training needs, shared curriculum development, and mutual scheduling to maximize participation by personnel of both Parties. Each Party shall be responsible for its own costs associated with participation in training under this Agreement, including personnel, salary, overtime, backfill, travel, equipment, and related costs.
14. Vegetation Management. NCFD, shall provide technical and operational support to CITY for vegetation and fuels management within CITY. This support shall include participation in project planning, site assessment, identification of appropriate treatment methods, coordination of prescribed burn planning when applicable, and operational support for vegetation treatment or prescribed burn projects approved by CITY and NCFD. The Fire Chiefs or their authorized designees shall coordinate the timing, staffing, equipment, permits, and safety conditions for each project. NCFD, shall participate in at least one vegetation or fuels management planning meeting with CITY each year during the term of this Agreement to identify potential projects and available support.
15. Independent Contractor. Each Party is, and shall remain, an independent contractor of the other Party. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between the Parties. Each Party’s officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives shall remain personnel of that Party and shall not be deemed personnel of the other Party for any purpose. The dispatch or assignment of Resources through the ECC, any other applicable dispatch center, or the Incident Commander shall not alter the employment status of any responding personnel or create an employment relationship with the other Party.
16. Compensation. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or agreed in writing by the Parties, neither Party shall owe compensation to the other Party for routine automatic mutual aid provided under this Agreement. Nothing in this Section waives either Party’s ability to seek reimbursement or cost recovery for extraordinary expenses, damaged or lost equipment, specialized consumable supplies, vegetation-management project costs, or third-party disaster reimbursement, including reimbursement available through state or federal programs.
17. Indemnification. Each Party shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the other Party, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers against any and all liability, claims, actions, proceedings, losses, injuries, damages, or expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of or connected with acts or omissions of the indemnifying Party or its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers in performing this Agreement, except to the extent such liability, claims, actions, proceedings, losses, injuries, damages, or expenses arise from the active or sole negligence or willful misconduct of the indemnified Party. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of any claim, demand, action, or proceeding related to activities performed under this Agreement. The Parties shall cooperate with each other in the investigation and disposition of any claim arising out of the activities under this Agreement, providing that nothing shall require either Party to disclose any documents, records, or communications that are protected under peer review privilege, attorney-client privilege, or attorney-work product privilege.
18. Workers’ Compensation. Each Party shall maintain workers’ compensation insurance required by law for its own employees and volunteers. Each Party shall remain responsible, as the Item #6.9.
7 general employer, for workers’ compensation claims made by its own employees or volunteers arising out of services provided under this Agreement, including any Special Employment Claim.
Each Party shall process, defend, and pay, as applicable, such claims made by its own employees or volunteers and shall hold the other Party harmless from workers’ compensation liability for those claims to the extent the other Party is alleged to be a special employer only.
19. Insurance. Each Party shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, throughout the term of this Agreement, insurance or self-insurance coverage as follows: (a) Commercial General Liability (or equivalent self-insurance) with limits of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage; (b) Automobile Liability covering owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage; and (c) Workers' Compensation as required by the State of California, with Employer's Liability limits of not less than $2,000,000 per accident. A Party may satisfy the requirements of this Section through any combination of commercial insurance, joint powers authority coverage, risk pool coverage, or a program of selfinsurance. Each Party shall, within thirty (30) days of the other Party's written request, provide certificates of insurance, evidence of self-insurance, or other documentation reasonably sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this Section. Each Party shall provide the other Party with at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice of any material reduction in or cancellation of coverage required under this Section.
20. Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that such delay or failure is caused by circumstances beyond the Party's reasonable control, including but not limited to widespread natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or governmental orders that prevent performance. A Party experiencing a force majeure event shall promptly notify the other Party in writing, describing the nature and expected duration of the event. During any force majeure event, each Party's primary obligation shall be to provide emergency services within its own jurisdiction. The Parties shall cooperate in good faith to resume performance under this Agreement as soon as practicable following the cessation of the force majeure event.
21. Equipment Damage and Loss. Each Party shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of its own apparatus and equipment. If a Party's apparatus or equipment is damaged, destroyed, or lost while responding to an incident in the other Party's jurisdiction under this Agreement, the Party owning the apparatus or equipment shall be responsible for repair or replacement, except where the damage, destruction, or loss was proximately caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the other Party or its personnel. In such cases, the Party whose gross negligence or willful misconduct caused the damage shall reimburse the owning Party for the reasonable cost of repair or fair market value replacement. Claims for reimbursement under this Section shall be submitted in writing within ninety (90) days of the date of the damage, destruction, or loss, together with documentation of the costs incurred.
22. Records and Reporting. Each Party shall prepare and maintain accurate records of all incidents to which it responds under this Agreement, including incident reports, patient care reports, personnel records, apparatus and equipment records, and dispatch records. Incident reports shall be completed and available for review within the time frames established by each Item #6.9.
8 Party's standard operating procedures. Each Party shall provide the other Party with copies of incident reports for responses within the other Party's jurisdiction upon reasonable request, to the extent such disclosure is legally permitted and operationally necessary. The Parties shall cooperate in the preparation of reports required by state or federal agencies. All records shall be maintained and retained in accordance with each Party's applicable records retention schedule and applicable law. Nothing in this Section requires disclosure of records protected by attorneyclient privilege, attorney work-product privilege, peer review privilege, medical privacy laws, official information privilege, personnel privacy protections, or any applicable exemption or protection under the California Public Records Act.
23. Confidentiality; Protected Health Information. Each Party shall maintain the confidentiality of all protected health information ("PHI"), patient records, medical records, personnel records, and other confidential information obtained or accessed in the course of providing services under this Agreement. Each Party shall comply with all applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act ("CMIA"), and the California Information Practices Act, as each may be amended from time to time. PHI shall be used or disclosed only to the minimum extent necessary to provide emergency services, complete incident documentation, or as otherwise required by law. Each Party shall ensure that its personnel who may access PHI receive training on applicable privacy requirements. In the event of any unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of PHI, the Party responsible for the breach shall promptly notify the other Party and shall take all steps required by applicable law to mitigate the breach and provide required notifications. The obligations of this Section shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.
24. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement creates any right, claim, remedy, or cause of action in favor of any person or entity that is not a Party to this Agreement. No non-party may enforce any provision of this Agreement.
25. Notices. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by another method providing proof of delivery, postage prepaid, to the addresses below. A Party may change its notice address by providing written notice to the other Party. Courtesy copies may be sent by email, but email shall not substitute for formal written notice unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing.
IF TO CITY:
City of Calistoga
Attn: City Manager
1232 Washington Street
Calistoga, CA 94515
With a copy to: Calistoga Fire Chief
Item #6.9.
9 IF TO COUNTY:
Napa County
Attn: County Executive Officer
1195 Third Street
Napa, CA 94559
With a copy to: Napa County Fire Chief.
26. Assignment. Neither Party shall assign transfer, delegate, or subcontract its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party. Any attempted assignment, transfer, delegation, or subcontract without such consent shall be void.
27. Governing Law: Venue, Attorneys’ Fees. This shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Venue for any legal action in state court filed by either Party to this Agreement for the purpose of interpreting or enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall be in the Superior Court of California, County of Napa. Venue for any legal action in federal court filed by either Party to this Agreement for the purpose of interpreting or enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall be in the Northern District of California. In any action or proceeding to interpret or enforce this Agreement, the prevailing Party is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
28. Extent of Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, including Exhibits A and B, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the automatic mutual aid services described herein. Any amendment or modification to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both Parties. Operational procedures developed under Section 4 may be updated as provided in that Section, but shall not amend or modify this Agreement unless approved through a written amendment signed by both Parties.
29. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.
30. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their permitted successors and assigns. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing, and a waiver of any provision on one occasion shall not constitute a waiver of that provision on any other occasion. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been drafted equally by both Parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Signatures transmitted electronically or by portable document format (PDF) shall have the same force and effect as original signatures.
Item #6.9.
10 [REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY]
Item #6.9.
11 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement was executed by the parties hereto as of the date first above written.
CITY OF CALISTOGA, a California municipal corporation
By ___________________________
DONALD WILLIAMS
Mayor
Date: ________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM FOR
CITY:
By ___________________________
MICHELLE KENYON, City Attorney
ATTEST:
___________________________
YUDIANA GALVAN, Clerk for the City of Calistoga
[REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY]
Item #6.9.
12 NAPA COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State
of California
By ___________________________
AMBER MANFREE,
Chair, Board of Supervisors
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Office of County Counsel
By:____________________
Deputy County Counsel
Date: _________________
[Doc No 1312179]
APPROVED BY THE NAPA
COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS
Date: _____________________
Processed By:
_________________________
Deputy Clerk of the Board
ATTEST: NEHA HOSKINS
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: __________________
Item #6.9.
13 Item #6.9.
14 Item #6.9.
15 Item #6.9.
City of Calistoga
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Lauren Clark, Assistant Planner
Meeting: City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 04 2026
Subject: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance of the City of Calistoga City Council Amending Municipal Code Chapter 19.01 (Trees) Regarding the Authority Responsible for Implementation and Enforcement of the Chapter.
DESCRIPTION:
Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance of the City of Calistoga City Council Amending Municipal Code Chapter 19.01 (Trees) Regarding the Authority Responsible for Implementation and Enforcement of the Chapter.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider introducing and waiving further reading of the Ordinance Amendment of the City of Calistoga Municipal Code Chapter 19.01 (Trees) to Change the Authority Responsible for Implementation and Enforcement of the Chapter from the Director of Public Works to the Director of Planning and Building.
SUMMARY:
Calistoga Municipal Code Chapter 19.01 (Trees) was approved by Ordinance 465 in 1991, which established the Director of Public Works as the authority/responsibility for administering and enforcing the chapter.
The proposed ordinance amendment would revise Chapter 19.01 (Trees) to transfer the authority and responsibility for administering and enforcing the chapter from the Director of Public Works to the Director of Planning and Building.
Because the tree protection and removal requirements are often closely integrated with permits already administered by the Planning and Building Department, the proposed amendment is intended to improve permitting efficiency, streamline coordination between departments, and utilize the City's existing permitting and code enforcement system.
Both the Director of Public Works and the Director of Planning and Building have reviewed the proposed amendment and concur that the change would improve administrative efficiency and customer service for both City staff and the public.
ANALYSIS:
The Public Works Department processes approximately 31 Tree Protection Plans and Tree Removal/Disturbance Permits per fiscal year. Tree permits are frequently associated with private development projects as they are often required as an entitlement condition of approval and/or mitigation measures pursuant to an adopted Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP).
Item #7.1.
Consequently, Planning and Building staff routinely consult with Public Works staff when a tree permit is submitted for review to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Transferring the administration of Chapter 19.01 (Trees) to the Planning and Building Department would improve efficiency by consolidating related permitting responsibilities and authorities within a single department. The proposed amendment would also improve consistency in the enforcement of entitlement conditions and CEQA mitigation measures involving tree preservation or removal.
Additionally, the Planning and Building Department currently utilizes the City’s Citizen Serve permitting system to track development applications and building permits. Incorporating tree permits into the existing workflow would improve permit tracking, recordkeeping, and overall administrative coordination without requiring additional staffing resources.
The proposed amendment would not eliminate coordination with the Public Works Department.
Planning and Building staff would continue to route tree permits for Public Works review when necessary, particularly for trees located on public property, within the public right-of-way, or in situations requiring civil engineering expertise.
Staff believes the proposed amendment would streamline permit administration, reduce duplicative interdepartmental coordination, and improve overall operational efficiency while maintaining appropriate oversight and collaboration between departments.
This administrative structure is consistent with many California jurisdictions that assign responsibility for administering tree preservation regulations to the planning department.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Planning and Building Director does not anticipate the need for additional staffing in order to accept responsibility and authority of CMC Ch. 19.01 (Trees). The current Planning and Building staff have the capacity to process tree permits and carry out enforcement action when necessary.
All administrative permit reviews, inspections, and code enforcement are cost-recovered through a flat permit fee for tree permits. A deposit is required for mitigation of replacement trees.
CEQA STATUS:
The proposed ordinance amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), as it can be seen with certainty that the proposed amendment will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical impact on the environment.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment 1 - Ordinance of the City Council Amending CMC Ch. 19.01 APPROVAL(S):
Greg Desmond, Planning & Building Director Approved - Jul 24 2026 Connie Cardenas, Admin. Services Director Approved - Jul 24 2026 Rachel Stepp, Deputy City Manager Approved - Jul 24 2026 Yudiana Galvan, City of Calistoga | City Clerk Approved - Jul 27 2026 Item #7.1.
Item #7.1.
Attachment 1
4915-9358-2166 v2
ORDINANCE NO. XXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALISTOGA AMENDING CHAPTER 19.01 “TREES” OF THE
CALISTOGA MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, The City of Calistoga Municipal Code Chapter 19.01 establishes regulations for the preservation, protection and removal of trees within the City of Calistoga; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the administration of Chapter 19.01 is more closely related to the City’s planning, development review, land use, and environmental review functions than to the responsibilities of the Public Works Department; and WHEREAS, transferring administrative authority from the Director of Public Works to the Director of Planning and Building will improve consistency in the administration of development applications while maintaining the intent and requirements of Chapter 19.01; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ordinance does not modify the substantive standards or requirements of Chapter 19.01, but instead updates the City’s administrative structure to reflect the City’s current departmental responsibilities; and WHEREAS, on July 9, 2026, public notice of July 9, 2026, City Council meeting to consider the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Calistoga was published in the Napa Valley Register; and
WHEREAS, on July 28, 2026, public notice of the August 4, 2026, City Council meeting to consider the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Calistoga was posted to the city website and bulletin boards; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public hearing on August 4, 2026, at which time the City Council accepted the introduction, and waived further reading of the proposed amendments, reviewed related CEQA exemption and considered all public comments, written and oral, on the amendments; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALISTOGA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION ONE
The City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. The above recitals are incorporated herein as if set forth herein in full and each is relied upon independently by the City Council for its adoption of this Amendment.
B. The amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), as it can be seen with certainty that the proposed amendment will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical impact on the environment.
C. The amendments are consistent with the Calistoga General Plan as they do not alter the requirements of the Ordinance, only the administrative authority.
Item #7.1.
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SECTION TWO
Subsection (A) of Section 19.01.030 “Designations,” of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“A. Authority/Responsibility. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall have the responsibility and the authority for administering and enforcing this chapter.
SECTION THREE
Subsection (E)(3) of Section 19.01.040, “Requirements”, of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“3. In case of disagreement with the certifying arborist, the Director of Public Works Planning and Building may seek a second, qualified arborist's opinion, who may reject or modify the tree protection plan.”
SECTION FOUR
Subsection (F) of Section 19.01.040, “Requirements”, of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“F. Tree Removal/Disturbance Permit Required.
1. Tree removal/disturbance permits may be issued for trees meeting the following criteria:
a. Any tree authorized for removal by other ordinances or laws of the City, County, State, or United States of America;
b. Any tree determined by an arborist to be hazardous, dead, or hopelessly diseased;
c. Trees in commercial orchards and tree farms;
d. Where the continued existence of the tree will produce economic hardship (such as a tree growing against a foundation).
2. All applications directed to the City, including those relating to construction on a vacant lot, construction of an additional structure, changes in height or footprint of an existing structure, replacement or relocation of any utility or driveway or removal/disturbance permits, shall be referred to the Department of Public Works Planning and Building for determination of whether a tree permit is needed before a building permit is issued.
3. All applications directed to the City for tree permits, including those relating to construction on a vacant lot, construction of an additional structure, changes in height or footprint of an existing structure, replacement or relocation of any utility or driveway or removal/disturbance permits, shall include the following:
a. A simple plot plan as that required for a tree protection plan, if not already submitted for the project in question, showing all pertinent information such as topography around and near the tree(s) in question, grade changes, etc.; Item #7.1.
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b. Nature of the disturbance or removal applied for;
c. A statement of the reason and necessity for disturbing or removing the tree(s) in question;
d. Written consent of the owner of the land;
e. The diameter, drip line parameters, species, condition and number of trees on parcel. The plot plan shall also include the location, species, and size of desired replacement trees;
f. Documentation, including the opinion of an arborist may, at the discretion of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building, be an additional requirement of the application.
4. Replacement/restoration shall conform to the guidelines established by the Public Works Planning and Building Department.
5. Granting of a tree permit shall be at the discretion of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building. Applications shall be complete. Disturbance or removal of any protected tree shall be avoided if reasonable redesign of the project site plan affords it. A tree permit shall not be granted prior to the granting of all other permits required for the project in question.
6. A tree permit may include reasonable conditions that are necessary and appropriate to minimize the impact of disturbance on the tree(s) in question. A tree permit may include directions for replacement of protected trees to be removed. In addition, at the discretion of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building, there may be the requirements of a performance bond.
7. Procedures for application and permits:
a. After an application for a tree permit has been submitted to the Director of Public Works Planning and Building, the applicant shall identify the trees on site in a manner specified by the Director of Public Works Planning and Building.
b. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall have an on-site inspection of the site and tree(s) in question executed within 10 days of submission of a completed application.
c. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall render a written decision within 15 days of submission of the completed application. The decision shall expressly grant, conditionally grant, or deny a tree permit.
The decision shall include reasons for any denial and shall be made available to the applicant within 15 days of the submission of a completed application. The decision shall be final unless otherwise appealed. d. Tree permits shall be valid for 30 days. Tree permits shall be null and void after that time unless an extension is expressly granted in writing by Item #7.1.
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the Director of Public Works Planning and Building. The applicant may reapply any time after the time for the permit and all extensions have elapsed.
e. After issuance of a tree permit, and prior to taking allowed on-site action, a copy of the permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place nearby. f. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building may require on-site inspections at any time before or after the allowed action is taken in order to verify that all restrictions have been met and that all directions have been followed.
g. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall make at least one annual inspection thereafter of all replacement trees until such time as determined that they can continue to grow on their own.”
SECTION FIVE
Section 19.01.050 “Violations and penalties”, of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“A. Enforcement. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and respond to all reports of violations. Should any protected trees be disturbed, damaged, destroyed, or removed without authorization, the Director of Public Works Planning and Building may have a stop work order issued. That order shall remain in effect until satisfactory mitigations have been completed.
B. If any protected tree is disturbed, damaged, destroyed, or removed without authorization, as a result of on-site work, the Department of Public Works Planning and Building shall be notified promptly. If such a tree cannot be preserved in a healthy state, its loss shall be mitigated.”
SECTION SIX
Section 19.01.060, “Appeal,” of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“Any decision made by the Director of Public Works Planning and Building may be appealed to the Council by the applicant by filing a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within 10 days of the decision being appealed. Such hearing on appeal shall be de novo, and the Council shall be guided by the criteria and standards, and shall make findings in relation thereto, as are required for the issuance of a permit in the first instance.
The Council may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building.”
SECTION SEVEN
Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase in this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not Item #7.1.
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affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional, or invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION EIGHT
Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days from its passage.
SECTION NINE
Publication. The City Clerk is directed to cause this Ordinance to be published in the manner required by law.
THIS ORDINANCE was introduced with the first reading waived at the City of Calistoga City Council meeting on the August 4, 2026, and was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Calistoga City Council on the [INSERT DATE] by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________________ __________________________ Yudiana Galvan, City Clerk Donald Williams, Mayor
Dated:___________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon, City Attorney
Item #7.1.
Attachment 1
4915-9358-2166 v2
ORDINANCE NO. XXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALISTOGA AMENDING CHAPTER 19.01 “TREES” OF THE
CALISTOGA MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, The City of Calistoga Municipal Code Chapter 19.01 establishes regulations for the preservation, protection and removal of trees within the City of Calistoga; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the administration of Chapter 19.01 is more closely related to the City’s planning, development review, land use, and environmental review functions than to the responsibilities of the Public Works Department; and WHEREAS, transferring administrative authority from the Director of Public Works to the Director of Planning and Building will improve consistency in the administration of development applications while maintaining the intent and requirements of Chapter 19.01; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ordinance does not modify the substantive standards or requirements of Chapter 19.01, but instead updates the City’s administrative structure to reflect the City’s current departmental responsibilities; and WHEREAS, on July 9, 2026, public notice of July 9, 2026, City Council meeting to consider the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Calistoga was published in the Napa Valley Register; and
WHEREAS, on July 28, 2026, public notice of the August 4, 2026, City Council meeting to consider the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Calistoga was posted to the city website and bulletin boards; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public hearing on August 4, 2026, at which time the City Council accepted the introduction, and waived further reading of the proposed amendments, reviewed related CEQA exemption and considered all public comments, written and oral, on the amendments; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALISTOGA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION ONE
The City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. The above recitals are incorporated herein as if set forth herein in full and each is relied upon independently by the City Council for its adoption of this Amendment.
B. The amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), as it can be seen with certainty that the proposed amendment will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical impact on the environment.
C. The amendments are consistent with the Calistoga General Plan as they do not alter the requirements of the Ordinance, only the administrative authority.
Item #7.1.
Ordinance No. XXX
Municipal Code Amendments
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SECTION TWO
Subsection (A) of Section 19.01.030 “Designations,” of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“A. Authority/Responsibility. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall have the responsibility and the authority for administering and enforcing this chapter.
SECTION THREE
Subsection (E)(3) of Section 19.01.040, “Requirements”, of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“3. In case of disagreement with the certifying arborist, the Director of Public Works Planning and Building may seek a second, qualified arborist's opinion, who may reject or modify the tree protection plan.”
SECTION FOUR
Subsection (F) of Section 19.01.040, “Requirements”, of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“F. Tree Removal/Disturbance Permit Required.
1. Tree removal/disturbance permits may be issued for trees meeting the following criteria:
a. Any tree authorized for removal by other ordinances or laws of the City, County, State, or United States of America;
b. Any tree determined by an arborist to be hazardous, dead, or hopelessly diseased;
c. Trees in commercial orchards and tree farms;
d. Where the continued existence of the tree will produce economic hardship (such as a tree growing against a foundation).
2. All applications directed to the City, including those relating to construction on a vacant lot, construction of an additional structure, changes in height or footprint of an existing structure, replacement or relocation of any utility or driveway or removal/disturbance permits, shall be referred to the Department of Public Works Planning and Building for determination of whether a tree permit is needed before a building permit is issued.
3. All applications directed to the City for tree permits, including those relating to construction on a vacant lot, construction of an additional structure, changes in height or footprint of an existing structure, replacement or relocation of any utility or driveway or removal/disturbance permits, shall include the following:
a. A simple plot plan as that required for a tree protection plan, if not already submitted for the project in question, showing all pertinent information such as topography around and near the tree(s) in question, grade changes, etc.; Item #7.1.
Ordinance No. XXX
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b. Nature of the disturbance or removal applied for;
c. A statement of the reason and necessity for disturbing or removing the tree(s) in question;
d. Written consent of the owner of the land;
e. The diameter, drip line parameters, species, condition and number of trees on parcel. The plot plan shall also include the location, species, and size of desired replacement trees;
f. Documentation, including the opinion of an arborist may, at the discretion of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building, be an additional requirement of the application.
4. Replacement/restoration shall conform to the guidelines established by the Public Works Planning and Building Department.
5. Granting of a tree permit shall be at the discretion of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building. Applications shall be complete. Disturbance or removal of any protected tree shall be avoided if reasonable redesign of the project site plan affords it. A tree permit shall not be granted prior to the granting of all other permits required for the project in question.
6. A tree permit may include reasonable conditions that are necessary and appropriate to minimize the impact of disturbance on the tree(s) in question. A tree permit may include directions for replacement of protected trees to be removed. In addition, at the discretion of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building, there may be the requirements of a performance bond.
7. Procedures for application and permits:
a. After an application for a tree permit has been submitted to the Director of Public Works Planning and Building, the applicant shall identify the trees on site in a manner specified by the Director of Public Works Planning and Building.
b. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall have an on-site inspection of the site and tree(s) in question executed within 10 days of submission of a completed application.
c. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall render a written decision within 15 days of submission of the completed application. The decision shall expressly grant, conditionally grant, or deny a tree permit.
The decision shall include reasons for any denial and shall be made available to the applicant within 15 days of the submission of a completed application. The decision shall be final unless otherwise appealed. d. Tree permits shall be valid for 30 days. Tree permits shall be null and void after that time unless an extension is expressly granted in writing by Item #7.1.
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the Director of Public Works Planning and Building. The applicant may reapply any time after the time for the permit and all extensions have elapsed.
e. After issuance of a tree permit, and prior to taking allowed on-site action, a copy of the permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place nearby. f. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building may require on-site inspections at any time before or after the allowed action is taken in order to verify that all restrictions have been met and that all directions have been followed.
g. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall make at least one annual inspection thereafter of all replacement trees until such time as determined that they can continue to grow on their own.”
SECTION FIVE
Section 19.01.050 “Violations and penalties”, of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“A. Enforcement. The Director of Public Works Planning and Building shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and respond to all reports of violations. Should any protected trees be disturbed, damaged, destroyed, or removed without authorization, the Director of Public Works Planning and Building may have a stop work order issued. That order shall remain in effect until satisfactory mitigations have been completed.
B. If any protected tree is disturbed, damaged, destroyed, or removed without authorization, as a result of on-site work, the Department of Public Works Planning and Building shall be notified promptly. If such a tree cannot be preserved in a healthy state, its loss shall be mitigated.”
SECTION SIX
Section 19.01.060, “Appeal,” of the Calistoga Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows (additions underlined, deletions strikethrough):
“Any decision made by the Director of Public Works Planning and Building may be appealed to the Council by the applicant by filing a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within 10 days of the decision being appealed. Such hearing on appeal shall be de novo, and the Council shall be guided by the criteria and standards, and shall make findings in relation thereto, as are required for the issuance of a permit in the first instance.
The Council may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Director of Public Works Planning and Building.”
SECTION SEVEN
Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase in this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not Item #7.1.
Ordinance No. XXX
Municipal Code Amendments
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affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional, or invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION EIGHT
Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days from its passage.
SECTION NINE
Publication. The City Clerk is directed to cause this Ordinance to be published in the manner required by law.
THIS ORDINANCE was introduced with the first reading waived at the City of Calistoga City Council meeting on the August 4, 2026, and was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Calistoga City Council on the [INSERT DATE] by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________________ __________________________ Yudiana Galvan, City Clerk Donald Williams, Mayor
Dated:___________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Michelle Marchetta Kenyon, City Attorney
Item #7.1.
City of Calistoga
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Lauren Clark, Assistant Planner
Meeting: City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 04 2026
Subject: Consideration of a Recommendation from the Calistoga Green Committee to Amend Chapter 8.16, 8.17 and 19.12 of the Calistoga Municpal Code DESCRIPTION:
Consideration of a recommendation from the Calistoga Green Committee to direct staff to draft amendments to Chapters 18.16, 18.17, and 19.12 of the Calistoga Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Calistoga Green Committee recommends that the City Council direct staff to draft amendments to Chapters 18.16, 18.17, and 19.12 of the Calistoga Municipal Code using the draft ordinance language included as Attachment 1.
SUMMARY:
The City of Calistoga’s Green Committee, at its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, discussed and recommended Municipal Code amendments for City Council consideration. The proposed amendments to Chapter 8.17, “Reusable Foodware and Waste Reduction” of the Calistoga Municipal Code are intended to align with the current processing capabilities of Calistoga’s local waste management facility, Upper Valley Disposal & Recycling.
The Green Committee is also recommending amendments to Chapter 19.12, “Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction”, to require designated businesses to post signage notifying customers of the $0.25 charge for each carry-out bag provided at checkout.
This report and recommendation were written by a Green Committee subcommittee, consisting of Antionette Mailliard and Sean Birge, and approved by a unanimous vote by the Green Committee.
The information included in this report has not been verified or analyzed by city staff or the City Attorney.
ANALYSIS:
Foodware and Waste Reduction Ordinance Amendments (CMC Sections 8.16.010 & 8.17.010) Since the Foodware and Waste Reduction Ordinance was adopted by the City Council in 2023, Upper Valley Disposal & Recycling has updated and clarified the composting and recycling capabilities of its local processing facility. The Green Committee determined that amendments to the City's ordinance would help align the Municipal Code with current facility capabilities, reduce confusion regarding which products are accepted for composting and recycling, and reduce contamination within the City's waste stream.
Item #8.1.
After conducting research and coordinating with staff from Upper Valley Disposal & Recycling, the Green Committee is recommending amendments to Chapters 8.16 and 8.17 of the Calistoga Municipal Code to clarify which products are considered compostable and recyclable under the City's contracted collection program. Specifically, the committee is recommending amendments to:
Clarify that PLA and other plastic products labeled "100% compostable in a commercial facility" are not compostable through the City's contracted collection program. Clarify that lined or coated take-out clamshell containers are not compostable through the City's contracted collection program.
Amend the definitions of recyclable materials to include most rigid plastics, recycling code 5, and lined or coated paper cups to reflect the new recycling capabilities of the City's contracted collection program, including adding recycling code 5.
Receptacle Requirements (CMC Section 8.16.080)
The Green Committee is also recommending amendments to Section 8.16.080 to establish requirements for liners used in waste receptacles provided for customer use. According to the committee, recyclable and compostable materials are frequently sent to landfill because materials are bagged incorrectly or placed in receptacles with non-compliant liners.
To address this issue, the committee is proposing amendments that would require organic waste receptacles to be lined only with compostable bags certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and displaying the BPI certification logo. The proposed amendments would also require recyclable materials to be collected loose and prohibit the use of plastic, compostable, or other bag liners within recyclable material receptacles.
These requirements would help reduce contamination within the City's waste stream and improve the ability of the City's contracted collection program to properly process recyclable and compostable materials.
Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance Amendments (CMC Section 19.12.050) The City's Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance currently requires designated businesses to charge customers $0.25 for each carry-out bag provided at checkout. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage the use of reusable bags and reduce reliance on single-use products.
Some customers and businesses may not be fully aware of the required charge, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the ordinance. To improve public awareness and further encourage the use of reusable bags, the committee is recommending amendments to CMC Section 19.12.050 to require designated businesses to post signage informing customers of the required carry-out bag charge.
The proposed amendment would require a sign, at minimum 8½ inches by 11 inches in size, to be displayed in a visible location at each checkout or cash register. The sign would inform customers that City code requires a $0.25 charge for each carry-out bag provided at checkout. The Green Committee indicated that a similar practice has already been implemented successfully by Calmart.
Outreach was conducted by the subcommittee to several businesses within the City and general verbal support for the proposed signage requirement was received.
Proposed Ordinance Language
Item #8.1.
The Green Committee's proposed ordinance language is included as Attachment 1. The proposed amendments require review by city staff and the City Attorney prior to formal consideration by the City Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the preparation of the ordinance, including staff and legal resources, as well as any fiscal impacts associated with the implementation of the ordinance have not been evaluated by city staff.
CEQA STATUS:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) status of the Committee's recommendation has not yet been evaluated. Appropriate environmental review, if required, would be conducted prior to any discretionary action by the City Council.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Amendment to Foodware Ordinance 06.16.2026 v.3
APPROVAL(S):
Greg Desmond, Planning & Building Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Connie Cardenas, Admin. Services Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Rachel Stepp, Deputy City Manager Approved - Jul 23 2026 Yudiana Galvan, City of Calistoga | City Clerk Approved - Jul 27 2026 Item #8.1.
UPDATED GC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPOSED
FOODWARE & WASTE REDUCTION ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS
Chapter 8.16.010 Definitions
D. “Compostable”
means (1) all materials in a product, item, or packaging will break down, or otherwise become part of usable compost (e.g., soil-conditioning material, mulch) in a safe and timely manner, as defined by City-contracted collection program(s), (2) item is certified by either BPI or other third-party product certification recognized by the City, to ensure that the item is free of harmful chemicals, including but not limited to fluorinated chemicals that may have been used in foodware manufacture, and (3) item is made entirely of natural fiber as defined in this chapter.
1. "Compostable"
includes entirely natural fiber-based items except as otherwise specified in this chapter
2. Currently "compostable" shall not include products made from corn or potato.
3. "Compostable"
shall not include items composed wholly or partially of plastic of any kind, including any form of polylactic acid (PLA), and/or plastic labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable," including PLA and/or plastic items labeled, “100% compostable in a commercial facility,” as these are not biodegradable by City-contracted collection program(s).
4. "Compostable"
shall not include lined or coated takeout coffee or other hot drink cups or lined or coated take-out clamshell containers, as they are currently not compostable by City-contracted collection program(s).
E. "Natural fiber"
means plant- or animal-based, nonsynthetic fiber that is compostable, including but not limited to products made from uncoated paper, sugarcane, bamboo, wheat stems/stalk, hay, wood, etc. Natural fiber shall not include items composed wholly or partially of corn, potato, or plastic of any kind.
F. "Recyclable"
means material that can be sorted, cleaned, and reconstituted by City-contracted collection program(s) for the purpose of using the altered form in the manufacturing of a new product.
1. "Recyclable"
and/or "recycling" shall not include burning, incinerating, converting, or otherwise thermally destroying solid waste.
2. Currently "recyclable" includes most rigid plastic items and plastic items with a Item #8.1.
recycling code of 1 and/or, 2, and/or 5 only.
3. "Recyclable"
shall not include items that are composed wholly or partially of polylactic acid (PLA).
4. "Recyclable"
shall not include lined or coated paper takeout coffee or other hot drink cups as they are currently not recyclable by City-contracted collection program(s).
5. "Recyclable"
shall include glass bottles and jars, aluminum/tin/bimetal cans, bottles and trays, unlined paper products that are free of oils and/or food, and cardboard that is not coated.
Chapter 18.16.080 Provisions for receptacles
A. All commercial and business establishments who provide waste containers for customer use must provide separate receptacles for (1) solid waste (nonrecyclable or noncompostable/organic materials), (2) recyclables, and (3) organic waste (compostables). Receptacles shall be colored black or gray for nonrecyclable or noncompostable/organic materials, blue for recyclables, and green for compostables/organics or rubbish.
B. To the extent possible given space restraints, solid waste, recyclable, and compost receptacles should be placed adjacent to one another.
C. Graphic-rich signage must be posted on or above each solid waste, recyclable, and compost receptacle following norms/guidelines of the city and/or city-contracted collection program(s).
D. Organic waste (compostable) receptacles shall be lined only with compostable bags certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). Such bags shall prominently display the BPI certification logo.
E. Recyclable materials must be placed loose in the recycling receptacle and shall not be placed in plastic, compostable, or other bags or liners.
Ch. 8.17.020 Definitions
F. "Compostable"
means that (1) all materials in a product, item, or packaging will break down, or otherwise become part of usable compost (e.g., soil-conditioning material, mulch) in a safe and timely manner, as defined by City-contracted collection program(s), (2) item is certified by either BPI or other third-party product certification recognized by the City, to ensure that the item is free of harmful chemicals, including but not limited to fluorinated chemicals that may have been used in foodware manufacture, Item #8.1.
and (3) item is made entirely of natural fiber as defined in this chapter.
1. "Compostable"
includes entirely natural fiber-based items except as otherwise specified in this chapter.
2. "Compostable"
includes disposable foodware utensils made from bamboo, birchwood, and other natural fiber material except as excluded in this chapter.
3. Currently "compostable" shall not include disposable foodware made from corn or potato.
4. "Compostable"
shall not include items composed wholly or partially of plastic of any kind, including any form of polylactic acid (PLA), and/or plastic labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable," including PLA and/or plastic items labeled, “100% compostable in a commercial facility” as these are not biodegradable by city-contracted collection program(s).
5. "Compostable"
shall not include lined or coated takeout coffee or other hot drink cups or lined or coated take-out clamshell containers, as they are currently not compostable by city-contracted collection program(s).
X. "Recyclable"
means material that can be sorted, cleaned, and reconstituted by city-contracted collection program(s) for the purpose of using the altered form in the manufacturing of a new product.
1. "Recyclable"
shall include glass bottles and jars, aluminum/tin/bimetal cans, bottles and trays, unlined paper products that are free of oils and/or food, and cardboard that is not coated.
2. Currently "recyclable" includes most rigid plastic items and plastic items with a recycling code of 1 and/or, 2, and/or 5 only.
3. "Recyclable"
and/or "recycling" shall not include burning, incinerating, converting, or otherwise thermally destroying solid waste.
4. "Recyclable"
shall not include items that are composed wholly or partially of polylactic acid (PLA).
5. "Recyclable"
shall not include lined or coated paper takeout coffee or other hot drink cups as they are currently not recyclable by City-contracted collection Item #8.1.
program(s).
Chapter 19.12.050 Recyclable and Compostable carry-out bag charge.
A. Except as provided in subsection (C) below, no designated business shall provide a compostable or recyclable paper bag to a customer for the purpose of transporting merchandise out of the establishment unless:
1. The designated business charges the customer a minimum amount of $0.25 per bag or other amount set by Resolution of the City Council; and
2. The amount of the charge for each Recycled paper bag is separately itemized on the sales receipt provided by the establishment to the customer.; and
3. The designated business has prominently posted at each checkout and/or cash register location, a sign at least 8 ½ ”x11” in size, stating in large, bold text, that Calistoga City code requires customers to pay a charge of $0.25 for each carry-out bag provided at checkout.
B. Designated businesses may not rebate or otherwise reimburse a customer any portion of the charge required for an allowable carry-out bag.
C. Designated businesses may provide reusable carry-out bags, recyclable paper bags, or compostable bags at no cost to a customer who is participating in the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 106 of the Health and Safety Code, or a customer who is participating in the Supplemental Food Program pursuant to Chapter 10 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Ordinance No. 759 Foodware Ordinance
Item #8.1.
UPDATED GC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPOSED
FOODWARE & WASTE REDUCTION ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS
Chapter 8.16.010 Definitions
D. “Compostable”
means (1) all materials in a product, item, or packaging will break down, or otherwise become part of usable compost (e.g., soil-conditioning material, mulch) in a safe and timely manner, as defined by City-contracted collection program(s), (2) item is certified by either BPI or other third-party product certification recognized by the City, to ensure that the item is free of harmful chemicals, including but not limited to fluorinated chemicals that may have been used in foodware manufacture, and (3) item is made entirely of natural fiber as defined in this chapter.
1. "Compostable"
includes entirely natural fiber-based items except as otherwise specified in this chapter
2. Currently "compostable" shall not include products made from corn or potato.
3. "Compostable"
shall not include items composed wholly or partially of plastic of any kind, including any form of polylactic acid (PLA), and/or plastic labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable," including PLA and/or plastic items labeled, “100% compostable in a commercial facility,” as these are not biodegradable by City-contracted collection program(s).
4. "Compostable"
shall not include lined or coated takeout coffee or other hot drink cups or lined or coated take-out clamshell containers, as they are currently not compostable by City-contracted collection program(s).
E. "Natural fiber"
means plant- or animal-based, nonsynthetic fiber that is compostable, including but not limited to products made from uncoated paper, sugarcane, bamboo, wheat stems/stalk, hay, wood, etc. Natural fiber shall not include items composed wholly or partially of corn, potato, or plastic of any kind.
F. "Recyclable"
means material that can be sorted, cleaned, and reconstituted by City-contracted collection program(s) for the purpose of using the altered form in the manufacturing of a new product.
1. "Recyclable"
and/or "recycling" shall not include burning, incinerating, converting, or otherwise thermally destroying solid waste.
2. Currently "recyclable" includes most rigid plastic items and plastic items with a Item #8.1.
recycling code of 1 and/or, 2, and/or 5 only.
3. "Recyclable"
shall not include items that are composed wholly or partially of polylactic acid (PLA).
4. "Recyclable"
shall not include lined or coated paper takeout coffee or other hot drink cups as they are currently not recyclable by City-contracted collection program(s).
5. "Recyclable"
shall include glass bottles and jars, aluminum/tin/bimetal cans, bottles and trays, unlined paper products that are free of oils and/or food, and cardboard that is not coated.
Chapter 18.16.080 Provisions for receptacles
A. All commercial and business establishments who provide waste containers for customer use must provide separate receptacles for (1) solid waste (nonrecyclable or noncompostable/organic materials), (2) recyclables, and (3) organic waste (compostables). Receptacles shall be colored black or gray for nonrecyclable or noncompostable/organic materials, blue for recyclables, and green for compostables/organics or rubbish.
B. To the extent possible given space restraints, solid waste, recyclable, and compost receptacles should be placed adjacent to one another.
C. Graphic-rich signage must be posted on or above each solid waste, recyclable, and compost receptacle following norms/guidelines of the city and/or city-contracted collection program(s).
D. Organic waste (compostable) receptacles shall be lined only with compostable bags certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). Such bags shall prominently display the BPI certification logo.
E. Recyclable materials must be placed loose in the recycling receptacle and shall not be placed in plastic, compostable, or other bags or liners.
Ch. 8.17.020 Definitions
F. "Compostable"
means that (1) all materials in a product, item, or packaging will break down, or otherwise become part of usable compost (e.g., soil-conditioning material, mulch) in a safe and timely manner, as defined by City-contracted collection program(s), (2) item is certified by either BPI or other third-party product certification recognized by the City, to ensure that the item is free of harmful chemicals, including but not limited to fluorinated chemicals that may have been used in foodware manufacture, Item #8.1.
and (3) item is made entirely of natural fiber as defined in this chapter.
1. "Compostable"
includes entirely natural fiber-based items except as otherwise specified in this chapter.
2. "Compostable"
includes disposable foodware utensils made from bamboo, birchwood, and other natural fiber material except as excluded in this chapter.
3. Currently "compostable" shall not include disposable foodware made from corn or potato.
4. "Compostable"
shall not include items composed wholly or partially of plastic of any kind, including any form of polylactic acid (PLA), and/or plastic labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable," including PLA and/or plastic items labeled, “100% compostable in a commercial facility” as these are not biodegradable by city-contracted collection program(s).
5. "Compostable"
shall not include lined or coated takeout coffee or other hot drink cups or lined or coated take-out clamshell containers, as they are currently not compostable by city-contracted collection program(s).
X. "Recyclable"
means material that can be sorted, cleaned, and reconstituted by city-contracted collection program(s) for the purpose of using the altered form in the manufacturing of a new product.
1. "Recyclable"
shall include glass bottles and jars, aluminum/tin/bimetal cans, bottles and trays, unlined paper products that are free of oils and/or food, and cardboard that is not coated.
2. Currently "recyclable" includes most rigid plastic items and plastic items with a recycling code of 1 and/or, 2, and/or 5 only.
3. "Recyclable"
and/or "recycling" shall not include burning, incinerating, converting, or otherwise thermally destroying solid waste.
4. "Recyclable"
shall not include items that are composed wholly or partially of polylactic acid (PLA).
5. "Recyclable"
shall not include lined or coated paper takeout coffee or other hot drink cups as they are currently not recyclable by City-contracted collection Item #8.1.
program(s).
Chapter 19.12.050 Recyclable and Compostable carry-out bag charge.
A. Except as provided in subsection (C) below, no designated business shall provide a compostable or recyclable paper bag to a customer for the purpose of transporting merchandise out of the establishment unless:
1. The designated business charges the customer a minimum amount of $0.25 per bag or other amount set by Resolution of the City Council; and
2. The amount of the charge for each Recycled paper bag is separately itemized on the sales receipt provided by the establishment to the customer.; and
3. The designated business has prominently posted at each checkout and/or cash register location, a sign at least 8 ½ ”x11” in size, stating in large, bold text, that Calistoga City code requires customers to pay a charge of $0.25 for each carry-out bag provided at checkout.
B. Designated businesses may not rebate or otherwise reimburse a customer any portion of the charge required for an allowable carry-out bag.
C. Designated businesses may provide reusable carry-out bags, recyclable paper bags, or compostable bags at no cost to a customer who is participating in the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 106 of the Health and Safety Code, or a customer who is participating in the Supplemental Food Program pursuant to Chapter 10 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Ordinance No. 759 Foodware Ordinance
Item #8.1.
City of Calistoga
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Lauren Clark, Assistant Planner
Meeting: City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 04 2026
Subject: Consideration of a Recommendation from the Calistoga Green Committee to Establish Exterior Lighting Standards
DESCRIPTION:
Consideration of a recommendation from the Calistoga Green Committee to direct staff to evaluate exterior lighting standards intended to preserve the naturally dark sky and to protect the health and welfare of residents, visitors, wildlife, and the environment.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Calistoga Green Committee recommends that the City Council direct staff to evaluate the adoption of “Dark Sky” exterior lighting standards and return to the City Council with a recommended draft ordinance and city policy language for consideration.
SUMMARY:
A Green Committee subcommittee, consisting of Antoinette Mailliard and Jeremy Grove, researched the benefits of establishing outdoor lighting standards intended to reduce light pollution and preserve dark skies. In developing its recommendation, the Committee reviewed Dark Sky standards adopted by other jurisdictions and identified potential regulatory approaches for future consideration by the City Council.
The Green Committee, at its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, discussed and recommended that the City Council direct staff to evaluate and develop a Dark Sky Ordinance for City Council consideration. The recommendation is consistent with Goal No. 4 of the Green Committee's approved work plan and seeks to implement General Plan policies related to nighttime lighting and preservation of dark skies.
This report and recommendation were written by the Green Committee subcommittee and approved by a unanimous vote by the Green Committee.
The information included in this report has not been verified or analyzed by city staff or the City Attorney.
ANALYSIS:
Adopting a Dark Sky Ordinance appears prominently in the City of Calistoga's General Plan, with over 40 references, including terms such as dark sky, night sky, sky glow, International Dark Sky Association, light pollution, overlighting, nighttime sky, light overspill, and obtrusive light. Despite this clear intention, Dark Sky regulation has not yet been implemented in code or policy.
Item #8.2.
A General Plan example from the Open Space Conservation Element is provided below:
Objective
OSC-5.4 Minimize obtrusive glare and wasted energy from excessive nighttime lighting and preserve views of the nighttime sky.
Policy
P5.4-1 The importance of views of the nighttime sky should be acknowledged as a significant scenic resource in Calistoga.
Action
A5.4-1 Incorporate standards in the development of design review guidelines that are concerned with lighting quantity and design in order to minimize contributions to glare, light trespass and "sky glow" while providing nighttime lighting sufficient to ensure public safety Dark Sky standards outlined by the International Dark Sky Association are endorsed and supported by Audubon, National Park Service, United Nations, National Science Foundation, Illuminating Engineering Society and others. Dark Sky policies have been adopted by cities around the world, including a number of California cities, such as Palo Alto, Brisbane, Cupertino, and Portola Valley.
While limited exemptions may be appropriate for specific instances, such as sporting events and parades, the five basic tenets for responsible outdoor lighting in a municipal setting, co-authored by DarkSky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society, are:
1. Useful - All light should have a clear purpose
2. Targeted - Light should be directed so it falls only where it is needed.
3. Low Level - Lighting should be no brighter than necessary.
4. Controlled - Lighting should be used only if/when needed.
5. Warm-Colored - Limit the amount of blue-violet light, which Harvard Health Publication cites as having negative health consequences.
Why is responsible Dark Sky regulation an environmental priority? Among many other harmful impacts, improper and/or excessive artificial lighting:
Is known to have adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of birds, wildlife, nocturnal ecosystems, vegetation and, under certain circumstances, human health. Interferes with the natural predator/prey relationships among animals, insects, and invertebrates.
Alters breeding patterns of animals as varied as mosquitoes and frogs. Endangers migrating birds.
Is a frequent source of conflict among neighbors.
Wastes energy.
Can cause unsafe reduction in human visual performance. Was shown in a London study to increase crimes of opportunity, such as graffiti.
Goals, Benefits, Examples, and Draft Standards:
The Green Committee has conducted hours of research and has drafted an ordinance outline including and draft standards. The committee has also provided examples from other cities that have adopted similar ordinances. The draft outline is included as Attachment 1.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Item #8.2.
The fiscal impact associated with the preparation of the proposed ordinance, including staff and legal resources, as well as any fiscal impacts associated with the implementation of the ordinance have not been evaluated by city staff.
CEQA STATUS:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) status of the Committee's recommendation has not yet been evaluated. Appropriate environmental review, if required, would be conducted prior to any discretionary action by the City Council.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment 1 - Dark Sky Goals, Benefits and Examples
APPROVAL(S):
Greg Desmond, Planning & Building Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Connie Cardenas, Admin. Services Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Rachel Stepp, Deputy City Manager Approved - Jul 23 2026 Yudiana Galvan, City of Calistoga | City Clerk Approved - Jul 27 2026 Item #8.2.
Dark Sky Goals, Benefits, Examples, and Draft Standards Vision for Calistoga: 1. Protect Views
2. Enhance the “wellness” brand
3. Preserve Night Sky
4. Protect the environment
5. Improve Public Safety
6. Reduce Energy Consumption
Environmental Benefits:
Taken from darksky.org
1. Enhanced night-time aesthetics and reduced light pollution
2. Enhance and restore healthy urban ecosystems, whereas bad lighting policies lethally harm urban ecosystems.
3. Evidence suggests that excessive night lighting may contribute to crimes of opportunity, such as graffiti.
5 Principles for Responsible Outdoor
Lighting:
Taken from darksky.org
1. Useful (All light should have a clear purpose.)
2. Targeted (Direct light so it falls only where it is needed.)
3. Low level (The light should be no brighter than necessary.)
4. Controlled (Use only if and when light is needed.)
5. Warm-colored (Limit the amount of blue-violet light.) Bay Area Examples: 1. Portola Valley (Air and Light Pollution)
2. Brisbane
3. Palo Alto (Dark Sky and Bird Safe Glass):
4. Cupertino (Bird Safe and Dark Sky)
Draft Calistoga Exterior Lighting Standards: 1. Targeted lighting a. Fixture placement and direction; no light trespass
b. Shielding- nothing above 80o nadir (no light waste). c. Precise optics- LEDs are best for targeted lighting. d. Light spill limited to the illuminated object.
e. Prohibited lights shall include, but not be limited to:
i. Outdoor blinking, flashing, and/or rotating lights
ii. Flood lights,
iii. Spotlights,
2. Light levels
a. Use lowest effective level
b. No lights exceeding 1125 Lumens
3. Light curfew
a. Timers and sensors
b. 11PM curfew
4. Correlated color temperature (CCT)
a. Warmer tones below 3000K spectrum.
b. 3000K is maximum
c. Amber, 1800K, 2200K, 2400K, and 2700K are also
allowable.
d. Exceptions for sports and arenas.
ATTACHMENT 1 Item #8.2.
Dark Sky Goals, Benefits, Examples, and Draft Standards Vision for Calistoga: 1. Protect Views
2. Enhance the “wellness” brand
3. Preserve Night Sky
4. Protect the environment
5. Improve Public Safety
6. Reduce Energy Consumption
Environmental Benefits:
Taken from darksky.org
1. Enhanced night-time aesthetics and reduced light pollution
2. Enhance and restore healthy urban ecosystems, whereas bad lighting policies lethally harm urban ecosystems.
3. Evidence suggests that excessive night lighting may contribute to crimes of opportunity, such as graffiti.
5 Principles for Responsible Outdoor
Lighting:
Taken from darksky.org
1. Useful (All light should have a clear purpose.)
2. Targeted (Direct light so it falls only where it is needed.)
3. Low level (The light should be no brighter than necessary.)
4. Controlled (Use only if and when light is needed.)
5. Warm-colored (Limit the amount of blue-violet light.) Bay Area Examples: 1. Portola Valley (Air and Light Pollution)
2. Brisbane
3. Palo Alto (Dark Sky and Bird Safe Glass):
4. Cupertino (Bird Safe and Dark Sky)
Draft Calistoga Exterior Lighting Standards: 1. Targeted lighting a. Fixture placement and direction; no light trespass
b. Shielding- nothing above 80o nadir (no light waste). c. Precise optics- LEDs are best for targeted lighting. d. Light spill limited to the illuminated object.
e. Prohibited lights shall include, but not be limited to:
i. Outdoor blinking, flashing, and/or rotating lights
ii. Flood lights,
iii. Spotlights,
2. Light levels
a. Use lowest effective level
b. No lights exceeding 1125 Lumens
3. Light curfew
a. Timers and sensors
b. 11PM curfew
4. Correlated color temperature (CCT)
a. Warmer tones below 3000K spectrum.
b. 3000K is maximum
c. Amber, 1800K, 2200K, 2400K, and 2700K are also
allowable.
d. Exceptions for sports and arenas.
ATTACHMENT 1 Item #8.2.
City of Calistoga
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Lauren Clark, Assistant Planner
Meeting: City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 04 2026
Subject: Consideration of a Recommendation from the Calistoga Green Committee to Establish Low Carbon Concrete (LLC) Standards.
DESCRIPTION:
Consideration of a recommendation from the Calistoga Green Committee to direct staff to evaluate the adoption of Low-Carbon Concrete (LCC) standards.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Calistoga Green Committee recommends that the City Council direct staff to evaluate the adoption of Low-Carbon Concrete (LCC) standards and return to the City Council with a recommended draft ordinance and city policy language for consideration.
SUMMARY:
A Green Committee subcommittee, consisting of Bobbie Casey and Antoinette Mailliard, researched the feasibility and potential benefits of establishing low-carbon concrete standards. In developing its recommendation, the Committee reviewed low-carbon concrete policies adopted by other California jurisdictions and identified potential regulatory approaches for future consideration by the City Council.
The Green Committee at its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, discussed and recommended that the City Council direct staff to evaluate and develop a low-carbon concrete policy and ordinance for City Council consideration. The recommendation is consistent with Goal No. 3 of the Green Committee's approved work plan and aligns directly with the Napa County Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (RCAAP).
This report and recommendation were written by the Green Committee subcommittee and approved by a unanimous vote by the Green Committee.
The information included in this report has not been verified or analyzed by city staff or the City Attorney.
ANALYSIS:
Why is concrete a priority for climate action?
Concrete’s carbon impact is driven primarily by cement, the traditional binder used in concrete.
Cement manufacturing produces CO₂ from both fuel combustion and a chemical process (calcination).
Item #8.3.
The Environmental and Energy Studies Institute (EESI) affirms that cement is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions, making cement/concrete a key opportunity for emissions reductions through the use of new material options and procurement/policy requirements.
The RCAAP identifies multi-sector emissions reductions as necessary across the Napa region, and Calistoga can directly reduce emissions from the built environment by addressing embodied carbon in construction materials for all local projects.
What does “low-carbon concrete” mean in practice?
Low-carbon concrete is typically achieved through one or more proven approaches —without changing the basic way concrete is delivered or installed:
Example: Cement reduction through optimized mix designs (using the minimum cement needed to meet performance requirements).
Example: Replacement of traditional (or “Portland”) cement with alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (e.g. slag or fly ash).
Example: CO₂ mineralization/injection (e.g., CarbonCure type systems) that can support cement reduction while maintaining strength. The carbon removal technology company, CarbonCure, affirms that ready-mix producers using its system reduce cement content with no compromise on quality/performance.
Implementation: With multiple technologies now available, city-mandated compliance can require performance + documentation rather than requiring a single brand or technology.
How does this align with the Napa County RCAAP?
Napa County’s RCAAP “Key Points” document specifies regionwide targets to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions:
42% below 2019 levels by 2030, and
85% below 2019 levels and reach carbon neutrality by 2045.
RCAAP Chapter 3 includes actions emphasizing consistent, countywide implementation. This creates a strong policy basis for Calistoga implementing an embodied-carbon measure including both procurement and construction standards and potential coordination with other jurisdictions for consistency.
What have other cities done?
County of Marin: The County of Marin's ordinance offers an established, nearby model of effective LCC requirements through clear standards and routine construction documentation. Marin’s website states that the ordinance, codified in Marin County Building Code Chapter
19.07, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from construction concrete while maintaining safety/performance. The Marin ordinance uses pathways including “cement limit” and “embodied carbon” approaches.
Dublin, CA: City Council adopted a low-carbon concrete building code on September 17, 2024, with implementation beginning January 1, 2025, to reduce the embodied greenhouse gas emissions associated with ready-mix concrete used in permitted building projects. The code sets cement and embodied carbon limits by compressive strength, allowing compliance through either a concrete mix design documenting cement content or an environmental product declaration documenting embodied carbon content.
Item #8.3.
Santa Monica: City Council adopted Ordinance #2778 on April 23, 2024, requiring new buildings, swimming pools, and spas submitted for plan review after June 12, 2024, to meet low-carbon concrete standards that reduce embodied construction emissions. Compliance may be demonstrated at the mix or project level by meeting either cement limits or global warming potential limits through a concrete mix design or environmental product declaration, with allowable increases and exemptions defined in the ordinance.
What is the current Northern California LCC market-readiness, availability, pricing, and options?
Northern California/Bay Area suppliers offer LCC through both optimized mixes, supplementary cementitious material (SCM) substitution, and/or CO₂ mineralization/injection solutions. CarbonCure specifically describes broad ready-mix deployment and how it supports cement reduction while maintaining performance.
The importance of multiple LCC options: Research indicates that significant embodied carbon reductions are achievable at low or zero cost premiums when design/specification permits multiple compliant options.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) reports case studies showing 19%–46% embodied carbon savings at cost premiums of less than 1% through specification/substitution of lower-embodied-carbon materials.
AIA California similarly cites a report showing 46% whole-building embodied carbon reduction with less than a 1% cost premium, reinforcing that low-carbon substitutions can be cost-effective.
In Mill Valley, city planners stated low-carbon concrete “is available in Marin and not more expensive.”
Are there any local suppliers?
Eco Terra serves the Santa Rosa area with sustainable, high-performance construction materials, specializing in ready-mix concrete, recycled Class II Aggregate Base, recycled sand, and recycled drain rock for a range of project needs.
Address:175 Scenic Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Phone: (707) 787-1100
Website: https://ecoterra.build/locations/santa-rosa-ready-mix-concrete-supplier/ BKW Concrete offers Eco-Friendly Concrete Options that reduce project carbon footprint while maintaining durability and structural performance, including recycled aggregates, fly ash mixes, and permeable concrete for natural stormwater management. These sustainable alternatives can support green building standards, lower long-term costs through improved efficiency and reduced maintenance, and advance Napa County’s environmental stewardship goals.
Address: 1260 N. Dutton Ave # 175, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Phone: (707) 836-1982
Website: https://bkwconcrete.com/napa-county/
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Item #8.3.
The fiscal impact associated with the preparation of the ordinance, including staff and legal resources, as well as any fiscal impacts associated with the implementation of the ordinance have not been evaluated by city staff.
CEQA STATUS:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) status of the Committee's recommendation has not yet been evaluated. Appropriate environmental review, if required, would be conducted prior to any discretionary action by the City Council.
APPROVAL(S):
Greg Desmond, Planning & Building Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Connie Cardenas, Admin. Services Director Approved - Jul 21 2026 Rachel Stepp, Deputy City Manager Approved - Jul 23 2026 Yudiana Galvan, City of Calistoga | City Clerk Approved - Jul 27 2026 Item #8.3.