City of St. Helena
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
Vintage Hall Board Room - Second Floor
465 Main Street, St. Helena
PLEASE NOTE: Any person who wishes to speak regarding an item on the agenda or make a comment under the "Oral Communication" portion of the agenda may do so, but please observe the time limit of four minutes. The Mayor may reduce the four minute time limit for all speakers in circumstances where a large number of citizens intend to make public comment.
Public comment for meetings will be accepted via email to [email protected]. All public comments must be received three hours prior to the meeting. All other public comments received after the deadline will be attached to the item the next business day or soon thereafter. Public comments will not be read out loud but will be publicly available and attached to the on-line agenda.
The schedule of upcoming meetings and published meeting agendas can be found on the City of St. Helena website at https://sthelena.civicweb.net/portal/.
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor: Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall:, City Council Members: Anna Chouteau, Patrick Kenealy, Billy Summers
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Estimated start time: 6:05 p.m.
5.1. Consideration and proposed approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2024.
03-26-2024 Regular City Council - Minutes
7 - 15
6. PUBLIC FORUM:
Members of the public are entitled to speak on matters of municipal concern not on the agenda during Public Forum. Each person’s comments shall be limited to 4 minutes. Each person is entitled to speak on any non-agendized item only once at any meeting. Brief questions by Council Members for clarifications may be posed and answered, and Council Members may make requests that items be placed on future agendas, but in accordance with state law, no substantive discussion or action may take place unless and until the matter properly appears on the agenda.
Estimated start time: 6:10 p.m.
7. REPORTS BY STAFF AND CITY COUNCIL, FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS, AND
AB 1234 REPORTS:
Reports by staff and/or Council Members on items of general interest. Brief questions for clarification may be posed and answered, and Council Members may request that items be placed on a future agenda. Except under certain circumstances, the Brown Act prohibits any other discussion or action by the City Council.
Estimated start time: 6:20 p.m.
8. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC RECOGNITIONS
8.1. Proclamation recognizing "National Donate Life Month Proclamation" presented to Donene Vukovich, Donor Network West Community Engagement Specialist and former Mayor of St. Helena Ann Nevero Estimated start time: 6:25 p.m.
Proclamation
17 - 18
9. STAFF BRIEFING
None
10. CONSENT ITEMS
Members of the Council or the public (present at the meeting) may ask that any items be considered individually for purposes of considering alternative action, for extended discussion, or for public comment. Unless that is done, one motion may be used to adopt all recommended actions. (Roll Call Vote) Estimated start time: 6:30 p.m.
10.1. Consideration of a resolution approving a permit allowing the possession of open alcoholic beverages on the closed portion of Adams Street during the Rianda House Car Show Event scheduled for May 4, 2024.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.
Staff Report - Pdf
19 - 21
10.2. Approval of second reading of Ordinance adding Chapter 18.01 to the St. Helena Municipal Code adopting the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for new development.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Assistant Public Works Director Recommendation:
Approval of a second reading by title only and waive further reading of the proposed ordinance.
Staff Report - Pdf
23 - 36
10.3. Consideration of a Resolution to set a Public Hearing for 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to consider objections to the proposed 37 - 45
annexation of the property known as 2126 Madrona Avenue, St.
Helena, CA (APN 009-470-010), into the St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1, MSD Annexation No. 149.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation:
It is recommended City Council approve the Resolution and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2024 to consider objections to the proposed annexation of the property known as 2126 Madrona Ave (APN 009- 470-010), into the St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1, MSD Annexation No. 149.
Staff Report - Pdf
10.4. Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution: (1) Duly approving and adopting a publicly available pay schedule in accordance with the requirement of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, which includes a revised salary schedules for the Mid-Managers and the Executive Staff, and (2) Approving reclassifications for three positions and updating the Mid-Manager and Executive Unrepresented Compensation Program (14th Amendment) to reflect this change per Council direction to create a new Community Services Department.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: April Mitts, Assistant City Manager, Mandy Kellogg, Administrative Services Director
Recommendation:
Approve the attached resolution.
Staff Report - Pdf
Public Comment.Stephanie Iacobacci-Smithers
47 - 78
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Estimated start time: 6:35 p.m.
11.1. First Public Hearing of the Proposed Adoption of a City Charter.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: April Mitts, Assistant City Manager
Recommendation:
Approve the proposed city charter language for the November 5, 2024 ballot.
Staff Report - Pdf
Presentation
Public Comment.Laura Keir
Public Comment.Lana Ivanoff
79 - 106
12. OLD BUSINESS
None
13. NEW BUSINESS
Estimated start time: 6:50 p.m.
13.1. Consideration of a Resolution to Appoint an Applicant to Fill the Planning Commission Vacancy
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
Recommendation:
Appoint an applicant to the Planning Commission.
Staff Report - Pdf
107 - 115
13.2. Direct staff to prepare a report to the City Council pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9212 analyzing the impacts and effects of the Noble House proposal titled, "St. Helena Agritourism Initiative." Estimated start time: 7:00 p.m.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: April Mitts, Assistant City Manager
Recommendation:
Authorize the preparation of a 9212 Report.
Staff Report - Pdf
Public Comment.M.R. Wolfe and Associates on behalf of Citizens for the General Plan
Public Comment.Alan Galbraith
Public Comment.Susan Kenward.
117 - 162
13.3. Discussion and Direction Regarding Downtown Sidewalk Rehabilitation strategies between Adams Street and Mitchell Drive
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Joseph Leach, Public Works Director and City Engineer, Lesley Milton, Asst. to the City Manager
Recommendation:
Provide direction to staff regarding preferences of the proposed options for sidewalk improvements.
Staff Report - Pdf
Presentation
Public Comment.Anthony Micheli
Public Comment.Anthony Micheli 2
163 - 188
13.4. Proposed Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Hiring of Professionals for a Water Bond Financing Transaction Related to Funding for Water Capital Improvement Projects.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Joseph Leach, Public Works Director and City Engineer, Mandy Kellogg, Administrative Services Director
Recommendation:
Approve the attached resolution.
Staff Report - Pdf
189 - 207
Presentation
Public Comment.Water Audit California
14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
14.1. A. Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) - Executive Board B. Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) - General Assembly C. Napa Valley Tourism Corporation (Umbrella for Napa County) D. League of California Cities – North Bay Division
E. Napa County City Selection Committee
F. Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District G. Youth Opportunities Commission
H. Napa County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) I. Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA)
J. Napa County Watershed Information Center & Conservancy (WICC) K. Upper Valley Waste Management Agency
L. Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee M. Napa County Regional Climate Action Committee
N. Council Ad Hoc and Standing Committee Reports
15. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
This agenda was posted at City Hall, 1088 College Avenue, and at Vintage Hall, 465 Main Street, St. Helena, California on April 4, 2024.
Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call the City Clerk’s Office (707) 967-2792. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
CHALLENGING DECISIONS OF CITY ENTITIES
The time limit within which to commence any lawsuit or legal challenge to any quasi-adjudicative decision made by the City of St. Helena is governed by Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, unless a shorter limitation period is specified by any other provision, including without limitation Government Code section 65009 applicable to many land use and zoning decisions, Government Code section 66499.37 applicable to the Subdivision Map Act, and Public Resources Code section 21167 applicable to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Under Section 1094.6, any lawsuit or legal challenge to any quasi-adjudicative decision made by the City must be filed no later than the 90th day following the date on which such decision becomes final. Any lawsuit or legal challenge, which is not filed within that 90-day period, will be barred. Government Code section 65009 and 66499.37, and Public Resources Code section 21167, impose shorter limitations periods and requirements, including timely service in addition to filing.
If a person wishes to challenge the above actions in court, they may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of St. Helena, at or prior to the meeting. In addition, judicial challenge may be limited or barred where the interested party has not sought and exhausted all available administrative remedies.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL RECEIVED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Any supplemental writings or documents distributed to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this Agenda, after the posting of the Agenda, will be available for public review in the City Clerk’s Office located at 1088 College Avenue, St. Helena, California, during normal business hours and by appointment. In addition, such writings or documents will be made available on the City’s web site at https://sthelena.civicweb.net and will be available for public review at the respective meeting.
MINUTES
City of St. Helena
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
Vintage Hall Board Room - Second Floor
465 Main Street, St. Helena
A complete video recording of this meeting, except for closed session, can be found at https://sthelena.civicweb.net/Portal/ or by calling the City Clerk at (707) 968-2742. The City Council video is the official record of the Council meeting.
Present: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
Absent: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
4.1 Council Member Anna Chouteau moved to adopt the agenda as presented.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Eric Hall and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
5.1 Consideration and proposed approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2024.
Vice Mayor Eric Hall moved to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2024. The motion was seconded by Council Member Billy Summers and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
6. PUBLIC FORUM:
No public comment was received.
7. REPORTS BY STAFF AND CITY COUNCIL, FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS, and AB 1234 REPORTS:
City Attorney Ethan Walsh reported that there was no reportable action from the March 26, 2024 special City Council closed session meeting.
Staff provided reports.
Mayor Dohring commended the winners of the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce Awards as well as St. Helena Unified School District Employees of the Year and Diane Dillon for her award as Napa County Woman of the Year.
8. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC RECOGNITIONS
8.1 Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month April 2024 presented to Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Services representative Elizabeth Alfaro
9. STAFF BRIEFING
9.1 Presentation on Public Works Encroachment Permitting Process by Lesley Milton, Asst. to the City Manager
10. CONSENT ITEMS
Members of the Council or the public may ask that any items be considered individually for purposes of considering alternative action, for extended discussion, or for public comment. Unless that is done, one motion may be used to adopt all recommended actions. (Roll Call Vote)
10.1 February 2024 Review and Forecasting of City Water Supply Availability.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Ian Dale, Environmental Services Tech
Recommendation:
Receive and file.
10.2 Approve a resolution authorizing execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Suhr Consulting Group for the completion of an emergency operations plan for an amount not-to-exceed $40,000.
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Lesley Milton, Asst. to the City Manager
Recommendation:
Approve the attached resolution.
10.3 This items was removed from consent.
Adopt resolution in support of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority’s Vision Zero Plan in partial fulfillment of funding requirements for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG), a significant funding source for the Downtown Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project.
CEQA Determination: Exempt
Prepared By: Joseph Leach, Public Works Director and City Engineer Recommendation:
Adopt a Resolution in support of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority’s (NVTA’s) Vison Zero Plan.
10.4 Approve resolution declaring equipment surplus and authorizing the disposal as requested by the Fire and Public Works Departments.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Lesley Milton, Asst. to the City Manager
Recommendation:
Declare surplus and authorize the disposal of the above items as requested.
10.5 Approval of a resolution authorizing execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Coastland for engineering services associated with CIP Project W24-04 Water Distribution Fire Flow Improvements for a cost of $56,000 with a 10% contingency for a total not-to-exceed cost of $64,600.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Lesley Milton, Asst. to the City Manager
Recommendation:
Approval of the resolution authorizing execution of the contract with Coastland Engineering.
10.6 Consideration and proposed adoption of a Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the R24-79 Pavement Restoration Project and authorizing the advertisement for bids.
CEQA Determination: Class I Categorical Exemption under Section 15301 of CEQA
Prepared By: Mario Traverso, Project Manager
Recommendation:
Approve the Resolution
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
10.7 This item was removed from consent.
Consideration and Adoption of the Resolution of the City of St. Helena City Council Approving the Napa Valley Transportation Authority-Tax Agency's Measure U - Napa Valley Transportation Improvement Act Continuing a Transaction and Use Tax Expenditure Plan
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Assistant Public Works Director Recommendation:
Approve the Resolution of The City of St. Helena City Council Approving The Napa Valley Transportation Authority-Tax Agency's Measure U Napa Valley Transportation Improvement Act Continuing A Transaction And Use Tax Expenditure Plan
10.8 This item was removed from consent.
Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to Funding Agreement No. 19-19 with the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) for additional construction contingency funding for the St Helena to Calistoga Vine Trail Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $140,000.
CEQA Determination: Mitigated Negative Declaration
Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Assistant Public Works Director Recommendation:
Staff recommends the approval of the attached resolution.
Council Member Anna Chouteau moved to approve 10.1, 10.2, 10.4 through
10.6. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Eric Hall and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
10.3 Adopt resolution in support of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority’s Vision Zero Plan in partial fulfillment of funding requirements for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG), a significant funding source for the Downtown Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project.
No public comment was received.
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
Council Member Anna Chouteau moved to approve 10.3. The motion was seconded by Council Member Billy Summers and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
10.7 Consideration and Adoption of the Resolution of the City of St. Helena City Council Approving the Napa Valley Transportation Authority-Tax Agency's Measure U - Napa Valley Transportation Improvement Act Continuing a Transaction and Use Tax Expenditure Plan
Kate Miller and Grant Bailey addressed the City Council.
Council Member Anna Chouteau moved to approve 10.7. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Eric Hall and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
10.8 Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to Funding Agreement No. 19-19 with the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) for additional construction contingency funding for the St Helena to Calistoga Vine Trail Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $140,000.
No public comment was received.
Council Member Anna Chouteau moved to approve 10.8. The motion was seconded by Council Member Billy Summers and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
RECUSE: None
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
12. OLD BUSINESS
None
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.1 Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution allowing for waiver of building permit fees for EV Chargers and Gray Water Systems during a limited and specified time-period of June 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 and establish two rebate funds for a total not to exceed $79,160
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Philip Henry, Chief Building Official
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.
Chief Building Official, Philip Henry reported on item.
No public comment was received.
Council Member Anna Chouteau moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Eric Hall and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
13.2 Estimated start time: 7:10 p.m.
Approval of introduction and first reading of Ordinance adding Chapter 18.01 to the St. Helena Municipal Code adopting the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for new development.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Assistant Public Works Director Recommendation:
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
Introduce by title only and waive the first reading of the proposed ordinance; schedule second reading on April 9, 2024.
No public comment was received.
Vice Mayor Eric Hall moved to approve introduction and first reading by title only and waive further reading of proposed ordinance; schedule second reading on April 9, 2024. The motion was seconded by Council Member Anna Chouteau and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Eric Hall, Council Member Anna Chouteau, and Council Member Billy Summers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patrick Kenealy
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
13.3 Estimated start time: 7:20 p.m.
Council Discussion and Direction on the Formation of a Committee to Prepare for the City's Sesquicentennial in 2026
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Dave Jahns, Parks & Recreation Director
Recommendation:
Authorize staff to initiate a planning committee to prepare for the City’s sesquicentennial.
Parks and Recreation Director Jahns reported on item.
No public comment was received.
It was the consensus of the City Council to authorize staff to initiate a planning committee to prepare for the City's sesquicentennial.
13.4 Estimated start time: 7:30 p.m.
Formation of a new department with oversight of Arts, Culture, Library, Parks & Recreation, Grants, and Community Engagement.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA project
Prepared By: Anil Comelo, City Manager
Recommendation:
Provide direction to staff on the formation of a new department.
Assistant City Manager April Mitts, Parks and Recreation Director Dave Jahns Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
and Executive Associate Melinda Cervantes reported on item.
Public Comment was received by Wendy Watson, Leslie Stanton and Ingrid Laidley.
It was the consensus of the City Council for the following next steps:
Consult with Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Library Board of Trustees and the Parks & Recreation Commission on the name of the new department and return to the City Council with a recommendation.
Present a report to City Council at a future meeting, establishing the department, positions, job descriptions, and salary schedules.
14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
14.1 A. Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) - Executive Board B. Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) - General Assembly C. Napa Valley Tourism Corporation (Umbrella for Napa County) D. League of California Cities – North Bay Division
E. Napa County City Selection Committee
F. Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District G. Youth Opportunities Commission
H. Napa County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) I. Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA)
J. Napa County Watershed Information Center & Conservancy (WICC) K. Upper Valley Waste Management Agency
L. Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee M. Napa County Regional Climate Action Committee
N. Council Ad Hoc and Standing Committee Reports
Agenda Item #5.1.
Regular City Council
March 26, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dohring adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
Agenda Item #5.1.
City of St. Helena
PROCLAMATION
National Donate Life Month Proclamation
WHEREAS, 87 individuals in Napa County are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list, and 22 patients die each day due to the shortage of donated organs;
WHEREAS, Donor Network West serves as the federally
designated Organ Procurement Organization in Northern/Central California and Northern Nevada and works in close partnership with families, doctors, nurses, and coroners in hospitals to connect donors to recipients.
WHEREAS, organ and tissue are life-giving acts recognized worldwide as expressions of compassion to those in need that save thousands of lives each year;
WHEREAS, the need for donated organs is especially urgent in Asian, Hispanic and African American communities;
WHEREAS, a single individual’s donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine can save up to eight lives; donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of up to 75 others;
WHEREAS the spirit of giving and decision to donate are not restricted by age or medical condition;
WHEREAS, over fourteen million Californians have signed up with the state-authorized Donate Life California Registry to ensure their wishes to be organ and tissue donors are honored;
WHEREAS, California residents can sign up with the Donate Life California Donor Registry when applying for or renewing their driver’s licenses or ID cards at the California Department of Motor Vehicles;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor of the City of St. Helena, on behalf of the St. Helena City Council, in recognition of National Donate Life Month, the month of April 2024 is hereby proclaimed “National Donate Life Month” in the City of St. Helena, and in doing so we encourage all Californians to check “YES!” when applying for or renewing their driver’s license or I.D. card, or by signing up at donornetworkwest.org.
Dated: April 9, 2024
____________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor
Agenda Item #8.1.
Agenda Item #8.1.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: CONSENT ITEMS
Department: Public Works
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Consideration of a resolution approving a permit allowing the possession of open alcoholic beverages on the closed portion of Adams Street during the Rianda House Car
Show Event scheduled for May 4, 2024.
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
City Council authorized the partial closure of Adams Street and the operation of mobile food vendors for this event at the March 12, 2024 meeting.
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
Authorizing the possession of open alcoholic beverages on the closed portion of Adams Street during the Rianda
House Car Show Event.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BACKGROUND:
Rianda House is presenting the Rianda House Car Show on May 4, 2024. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the needs of older adults in the community and raising funds to support Rianda House's programs and services. The operation of mobile food vendors and a closure of a portion of Adams Street have previously been approved for this event. St. Helena Municipal Code Section 9.04.010 authorizes the Council to approve a permit allowing possession of alcoholic beverages on public streets or any private or public off-street parking lot.
DISCUSSION:
Rianda House is responsible for coordinating with their vendors to secure the necessary ABC licensing for the sale of alcohol at this event. The event organizers will continue to coordinate and update City staff members and follow through with any additional requirements that staff may have for the actual event.
GOAL:
Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life
DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Agenda Item #10.1.
CITY OF ST. HELENA
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
APPROVING A PERMIT AUTHORIZING THE
POSSESSION OF OPEN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ON THE CLOSED PORTION OF ADAMS STREET FOR
THE RIANDA HOUSE CAR SHOW EVENT ON MAY 4,
2024.
RECITALS
A. Rianda House Senior Activity Center is
planning the Rianda House Car Show to bring
the community together for the purpose of
raising awareness of the needs of older adults
in the community and raising funds to support
Rianda House’s programs and services;
B. City Council has previously approved the
closure of Adams Street east of Library Lane to
the dead end for this event;
C. City Council has approved the operation of
mobile food vendors on a portion of Library
Lane for this event;
D. St. Helena Municipal Code Section 9.04.010
authorizes the Council, by permit, to allow
possession of open alcoholic beverages on
public streets or any private or public off-street
parking lot;
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City
of St. Helena resolves as follows:
1. The possession of open containers of alcohol
is permitted on public streets and parking lots
encompassed by this event.
Agenda Item #10.1.
Approved at a Regular Meeting if the St. Helena
City Council on April 09, 2024, by the following
vote:
Mayor Paul Dohring: _____
Vice Mayor Eric Hall: _____
Council Member Anna Chouteau: _____
Council Member Patrick Kenealy _____
Council Member Billy Summers: _____
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
______________________
_____________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Cindy
Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
Agenda Item #10.1.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: CONSENT ITEMS
Department: Public Works
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: Eric Janzen, Assistant Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Approval of second reading of Ordinance adding Chapter
18.01 to the St. Helena Municipal Code adopting the
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for new
development.
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Approval of a second reading by title only and waive
further reading of the proposed ordinance.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
To approve a new Chapter to Title 18 of the St. Helena
Municipal Code adopting the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for evaluating traffic impacts of new development and in compliance with California Senate Bill 743 (SB
743).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BACKGROUND:
In 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 743, which both streamlined review for transit-oriented infill projects and directed the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to establish new practices and metrics to evaluate transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SB 743 requires that local agencies replace Level of Service (LOS) metrics—a measure of traffic flow—with Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for purposes of CEQA analysis. While SB 743 did not eliminate the ability of local agencies to continue using LOS as a planning metric in General Plans, it does shift perspective to a more sustainable transportation planning metric like VMT. The purpose of this change is to encourage infill development and help make non-automotive transportation faster, safer, and more reliable. In December 2018, OPR issued a Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, which includes recommendations for VMT assessment, thresholds of significance, and mitigation measures. St. Helena’s TDM guideline supports the implementation of SB 743 and will help projects comply with State, regional and local VMT/GHG reduction efforts.
An approval of an introduction and first reading was held at the regular City Council meeting on March 26, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
Agenda Item #10.2.
Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is a key metric for determining whether mobility and transportation related greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals are being achieved. It is defined as the total number of miles driven by a particular vehicle, or a particular group of vehicles, in relation to a particular activity, development project, geography, and/or timeframe. For example, if a person drives their car 10 miles every day for a year, their VMT for that year would be 10 times 365 or 3,650. The goal of these TDM measures is to help St. Helena achieve the VMT reduction goals set by the State and regional government, as well as those within St. Helena’s General Plan.
What would the proposed new Chapter 18.01 accomplish if adopted? The City would formally adopt Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for evaluating traffic impacts of new development in compliance with SB 743. Preserve the use of Level of Service (LOS) metrics for reviewing conformance with the General Plan on projects where VMT is not applicable. Establish new screening criteria by which projects with less than significant impact may be exempted from VMT evaluation.
Establish and adopt a Traffic Demand Management Guideline which will provide developers with a list of mitigation measures that reduce VMT, are compatible with the General Plan and available as prescriptive means to reduce VMT impact(s) of their projects.
Delegate authority to manage and enforce VMT requirements to the Director of Public Works.
Reserve Council authority to adopt, revise and rescind mitigation measures acceptable to the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
00 - St. Helena_Ordinance creating Chapter 18.01
01 - EX A - DRAFT.VMT Ordinance_clean_031524
02 - VMT White Paper - clean_031524
Agenda Item #10.2.
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST.
HELENA ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 18.01 INTO THE ST. HELENA
MUNICIPAL CODE ADOPTING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT)
METRICS IN THE CITY OF ST. HELENA
WHEREAS, in 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 743, to establish new practices and metrics to evaluate transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
WHEREAS, the City of St. Helena’s (City) does not include these new practices and metrics in the St. Helena Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, Title 18 of the City’s Municipal Code regulates environmental regulations within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt Vehicle Miles Travelled metrics within the City as Chapter 18.01 of Title 18; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further desires to conform with the Governor’s order to implement SB 743.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals: This Ordinance incorporates, and by this reference makes a part hereof, the aforementioned recitals;
SECTION 2. Adoption of new Chapter 18.01. Chapter 18.01 of the City’s Municipal Code is hereby created and stated in its entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 3. CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion 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 section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional. If for any reason Agenda Item #10.2.
-2-
any portion of this ordinance is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the balance of this ordinance shall not be affected.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its adoption, and a summary of this ordinance shall be published once with the names of the members of the Council voting for and against the ordinance in the St. Helena Star, a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of St. Helena.
Agenda Item #10.2.
-3-
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was introduced at a regular meeting of the St. Helena City Council on the day of , 2024, and was adopted at a regular meeting of the St. Helena City Council on the day of , 2024, by the following vote:
Mayor Dohring: _____
Vice Mayor Hall: _____
Councilmember Chouteau: _____
Councilmember Hardy: _____
Councilmember Summers: _____
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor
ATTEST:
CITY OF ST. HELENA
___________________________________
Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
I, CINDY TZAFOPOULOS, CITY CLERK of the City of St. Helena, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 2024.
That thereafter said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 2024, by the following vote:
Mayor Dohring: _____
Vice Mayor Hall: _____
Councilmember Chouteau: _____
Councilmember Hardy: _____
Councilmember Summers: _____
Agenda Item #10.2.
-4-
Exhibit A
St. Helena Municipal Code Chapter 12.08
[Attached behind this cover page]
Agenda Item #10.2.
• 18.01.010 - Purpose.
The specific purposes of this Article are to promote maximum efficiency in the existing transportation system, and to further the transportation goals of the St. Helena General Plan, St. Helena Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, the San Francisco Bay Area Clean Air Plan and reduce the production of Greenhouse gases by reducing total vehicle miles traveled (VMT), while enhancing access and expanding mobility by:
A. Promoting and encouraging the use of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, walking, flexible work hours and telecommuting as alternatives to solo driving; B. Incorporating these objectives into the development review process; C. Developing proactive programs and/or projects either alone or in conjunction with other jurisdictions, the Napa County Transportation Authority (NVTA), and/or the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), to support countywide planning efforts;
D. Considering the incorporation of appropriate technology designed to facilitate traffic flow, provide transit and highway information, provide trip generation alternatives, and incorporate related technology into the transportation system; E. Cooperating with other jurisdictions, the private sector, and transit operators in planning and implementing transportation programs;
F. Promoting the more efficient utilization of existing transportation facilities and ensuring that new developments are designed in ways to maximize the potential for people and goods to arrive/depart by walking, cycling, riding public transportation, or traveling in a high occupancy vehicle; and
G. Establishing an ongoing monitoring and enforcement program to ensure that the City's desired alternative mode use percentages are achieved. • 18.01.020 - Applicability.
The requirements of this Article apply to private development as described in this section:
A. Residential projects where the projected home-based VMT per resident generated by the project is greater than 15 percent below the nine-county Bay Area regional average or citywide average home-based VMT per resident.
B. Office/Employment projects where the home-based-work VMT per worker generated by the project is greater than 15 percent below the nine-county Bay Area regional average home-based-work VMT per worker.
C. Retail and Other Land Use projects that result in a net increase in VMT.
D. Any development projects that provides more parking than the minimum required by this code.
E. Any development projects that are less than 0.75 FAR.
F. Any development projects that are inconsistent with Plan Bay Area.
G. Any development projects that replace affordable residential units with a smaller number of units and/or market rate units.
Agenda Item #10.2.
H. Any development projects that are less dense than the existing use on the site to be developed.
18.01.030 - Performance Requirements.
A. In order for projects subject to the requirements of this Article to have a less than significant impact on transportation under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) those projects will need to incorporate measures to reduce single-occupant vehicle trip generation rates 15 percent below the 9-county bay area regional average.
B. Projects for which the standard VMT calculation methods are not representative of the proposed Use, may, with the approval of Director of Public Works, use Total Regional VMT, per Capita Metric or other method of determining VMT recommended by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). • 18.01.040 - Vehicle Miles Traveled calculation.
All projects subject to the requirements of this Article shall calculate the project VMT using the Solano Napa Activity-Based Model. Retail projects greater than 10,000 square feet of floor area, and other commercial and industrial projects may use either the Solano Napa Activity-Based Model or the MTC Travel Model. Proponents of projects for which the standard VMT calculation methods are not representative of the proposed Use or projects within Industrial Zoned area can petition the Director of Public Works to use an alternate method of determining VMT recommended by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The Director of Public Works shall have discretion to permit the use of any alternate method(s).
• 18.01.050 – Exempted Projects.
Projects meeting one or more of the following criteria are considered to have a less than significant impact on VMT and are exempted from the provisions of this chapter.
A. Projects that are not subject to CEQA, as described in Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 15060, or projects that are otherwise exempt from CEQA.
B. Projects which consist exclusively of deed restricted affordable housing for low or moderate income households as defined by state law or local ordinance.
C. Projects which consist exclusively of local-serving retail (grocery store, drug store, gym, etc.) or professional service providers licensed by the State of California (legal, medical, architectural, etc.) and not exceeding 10,000 square feet in floor area.
D. Projects which consist exclusively of open space, publicly owned park and/or trailheads.
18.01.060 – Mitigation Measures.
Agenda Item #10.2.
A. Projects subject to the requirements of this Article which are unable to meet the Performance Requirements defined in Section 18.01.030 and are not exempted under Section 18.01.050 may mitigate VMT by providing facilities that reduce VMT as part of their project.
B. The City has identified certain mitigation measures which reduce VMT, are consistent with the goals of the General Plan and can be implemented with a wide variety of projects. These mitigation measures are provided in the St. Helena Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Guideline which shall be developed by the Director of Public Works and approved by City Council, and may be updated from time to time. Project proponents are not limited to the mitigation measures identified in the TDM Guideline. Alternate mitigation measures can be implemented by project proponents with the approval of the City Council. The City Council may, by resolution, revise the TDM Guideline and list of identified VMT mitigation measures.
C. Projects proposing mitigation measures described herein may be required to include a LOS analysis in addition to CEQA VMT. The City retains a requirement to evaluate LOS within the local development review process to inform site access and traffic operation decisions as it relates to General Plan goals and policies.
18.01.070 – Alternative Mitigation Measures Procedure
Proponents of projects are not limited to only the mitigation measures listed in the St.
Helena Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Guideline and may propose other VMT reducing methods. When proposing other VMT reducing methods, it shall be the responsibility of the project proponent to prepare a report demonstrating the credited effectiveness of the VMT reducing method and quantify the reduction of VMT as a percentage of the nine-county Bay Area regional average. The report shall be prepared, signed and stamped by a Civil Engineer licensed in the State of California and experienced in Traffic Engineering. Calculation methods shall rely on the models described in Section
18.01.040 and be subject to the provisions therein.
Credited effectiveness of alternate VMT mitigation measures shall be quantified using the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) guidelines or other VMT references recommended by the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
18.01.080 - Submittal Requirements.
All projects subject to the requirements of this Article shall submit a transportation demand management plan in conjunction with the development application. These plans must demonstrate whether, upon implementation, they will achieve the performance requirement and shall include the following.
A. Mitigation Measures List. A completed list of the trip reduction measure(s) chosen by the applicant pursuant to the St. Helena TDM Guideline or alternate mitigation measure(s) approved by the City Council.
B. Trip Generation. Estimated daily trip generation for the proposed use based on the Solano Napa Activity-Based Model or the MTC Travel Model.
Agenda Item #10.2.
C. Implementation Plan. A description of how the performance requirements will be achieved and maintained over the life of the project.
D. Project-Designated TDM Contact. When utilizing VMT mitigation measures that require the use of public facilities, public transportation, are located on public land or require ongoing commitment(s) in order meet the requirements of this chapter, the applicant shall designate an employee or resident as the official contact for the transportation demand management (TDM) program.
E. Site Plan. A site plan that designates transportation demand management design elements including, as applicable, the location and layout/design of:
1. External: preferential parking areas, paid parking areas, bicycle connections, bicycle parking, location of on-site amenities, passenger loading areas, land dedicated for transit facilities and bus shelters, direct route to transit, and pedestrian connections.
2. Internal: showers/lockers, information boards/kiosks, ATM, dry cleaners, day care, convenience retail, post office, cafeteria, limited food service establishment, exercise facilities, and on-site transit pass sales.
18.01.090 - Monitoring and Reporting.
The City may require proponents of projects to provide an annual report when utilizing VMT mitigation measures that require the use of public facilities, public transportation, are located on public land, or require ongoing commitment(s) in order meet the requirements of this chapter. The report shall document the TDM activities undertaken, their results and an affidavit confirming that the requirements of this Section have been met. This report shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works no later than June 30 of each year following the issuance of the Certificate to Occupy. If the annual report shows compliance for three consecutive years, no further annual reports are required. If the VMT mitigation measures consist of solely measures that would be performed once, this report must be submitted at the completion of the implementation of those measures and no additional reporting is required.
The City may require a project proponent to perform a five-year review to evaluate the overall effectiveness of all VMT mitigation measures implemented on the project. The City may suggest new or modified activities or substitute activities to meet the program's objectives. The City may impose reasonable changes or extend the reporting period to assure the program's objectives will be met.
Agenda Item #10.2.
St. Helena Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Guideline In 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 743, which both streamlined review for transit-oriented infill projects and directed the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to establish new practices and metrics to evaluate transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SB 743 requires that local agencies replace Level of Service (LOS) metrics—a measure of traffic flow—with Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics for purposes of CEQA analysis. While SB 743 did not eliminate the ability of local agencies to continue using LOS as a planning metric in General Plans, it does shift perspective to a more sustainable transportation planning metric like VMT. The purpose of this shift is to encourage infill development and to help make non-automotive transportation faster, safer, and more reliable. In December 2018, OPR issued a Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, which includes recommendations for VMT assessment, thresholds of significance, and mitigation measures. St. Helena’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) guideline supports the implementation of SB 743 and will help projects comply with State, regional and local VMT/GHG reduction efforts.
Vehicle Miles Traveled
Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is a key metric for determining whether mobility and transportation related greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals are being achieved. It is defined as the total number of miles driven by a particular vehicle, or a particular group of vehicles, in relation to a particular activity, development project, geography, and/or timeframe. For example, if a person drives their car 10 miles every day for a year, their VMT for that year would be 10 times 365 or 3,650. The goal of these TDM measures is to help St. Helena achieve the VMT reduction goals set by the State and regional government, as well as those within St. Helena’s General Plan.
VMT can also be calculated for a particular project or geographic area; however, in those cases the calculations become more complicated. If someone from St. Helena drives to visit their friend in City of Napa, their round-trip will begin and end in those two cities, but they will also cross through other places to get there. Although more complex approaches could be used, current methods assign half of the resulting VMT to each city (the origin and the destination). Building on these concepts, State and regional government have developed methods for assessing the VMT of specific cities and projects.
Since higher VMT directly corresponds with increased congestion, air pollution, and GHG emissions, these agencies have also established goals and policies to reduce VMT. Among these policies is the recent switch from evaluating environmental impacts based on measures of traffic flow or delay to using VMT to evaluate those impacts.
Agenda Item #10.2.
VMT Goals in St. Helena
The City of St. Helena's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program is intended to help address the transportation-related impacts of new development by requiring projects to provide features and amenities that will foster a better pedestrian/bicycle environment, support public transit, and make it easier and more appealing for residents, employees, and visitors to use alternatives to driving or driving alone.
Unless exempt, projects are required to calculate the anticipated VMT for the development with the intent of implementing measures that reduce the VMT generated by the project to less than 15 percent below the nine-county Bay Area regional average for similar projects (the "baseline VMT"). Information on how to calculate the baseline VMT for St. Helena, Napa County and the "nine-county Bay Area average" is available in the SOLANO NAPA ACTIVITY BASED MODEL (SNABM).
Applicable to most projects: SOLANO NAPA ACTIVITY BASED MODEL (SNABM) Applicable to most large projects: MTC VMT Screening Map Projects which do not achieve the baseline VMT may implement VMT mitigation measures. The City has identified several VMT mitigation measures that owners/developers may use to achieve the VMT reduction goals. The efficacy of these mitigation measures must be evaluated as part of the CEQA analysis conducted for each individual project.
All proposed development projects must demonstrate compliance with the City’s TDM program by submitting a VMT report as part of their application for development entitlements. The report shall be prepared by a Civil Engineer with experience in traffic engineering and licensed in the State of California.
VMT submissions will be subject to initial review by the Department of Public Works (DPW) and will be incorporated into the CEQA analysis conducted for the project. See links above regarding the TDM Report/Guidebook, Program Informational Summary, and Project TDM Measures Form.
VMT Mitigation Measures List
The following prescriptive list of VMT mitigation measures are acceptable methods of reducing VMT for a development within the City of St. Helena.
Project proponents are not limited to the mitigation measures identified in this TDM Guideline.
Alternate mitigation measures may be implemented by project proponents with the approval of the City Council.
A. Passenger Loading Zones. Passenger loading zones for carpool and vanpool drop-off located near the main building entrance.
B. Pedestrian Connections and Network Improvements. Safe, convenient pedestrian connections provided from the project to surrounding public streets and, if applicable, trails.
C. Bicycle Connections and Low-Stress Bicycle Facilities. If a site is abutting a bicycle path, lane or route, provision of a bicycle connection close to an entrance to the building on the site. Traffic calming that reduces vehicle speeds and volumes to reduce stress on bicyclists.
Agenda Item #10.2.
Agenda Item #10.2.
D. Land Dedication for Transit/Bus Shelter. Where appropriate and with approval by Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA), land dedicated for transit or a bus shelter provided based on the proximity to a transit route E. Long-Term Bicycle Parking. Covered and secure long-term bicycle parking located within 75 feet of a main entrance. Long-term bicycle parking must be in at least one of the following facilities:
1. An enclosed bicycle locker;
2. A fenced, covered, locked or guarded bicycle storage area; or
3. A rack or stand inside a building that is within view of an attendant or security guard or visible from employee work areas.
F. Short-Term Bicycle Parking. Secure short-term bicycle parking located within 50 feet of a main entrance to the building.
G. Showers/Clothes Lockers. Shower and clothes locker facilities free of charge.
H. On-Site Amenities. One or more of the following amenities provided on site: day care, cafeteria, limited food service establishment, self-serve laundry, dry cleaners, exercise facilities, convenience retail, post office, or on-site transit pass sales.
I. Telecommuting. Pre-wire high-speed internet connectivity to all tenant spaces to provide opportunities and the ability for employees to work off site. High-speed internet infrastructure shall be of sufficient bandwidth to support video conferencing/streaming for all tenant spaces proposed by the project.
Agenda Item #10.2.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: CONSENT ITEMS
Department: Public Works
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Consideration of a Resolution to set a Public Hearing for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to consider objections to the proposed annexation of the property known as 2126 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena, CA (APN 009-470-010), into
the St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1, MSD
Annexation No. 149.
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
It is recommended City Council approve the Resolution
and set a Public Hearing for May 14, 2024 to consider
objections to the proposed annexation of the property
known as 2126 Madrona Ave (APN 009-470-010), into the
St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1, MSD
Annexation No. 149.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
Consideration of a resolution to set a public hearing to consider objections to the proposed annexation into the St.
Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BACKGROUND:
Any property that wishes to connect and utilize the sanitary sewer system in the City of St. Helena must be annexed into the Municipal Sewer District No. 1. All applications for annexations shall be approved by the City Council pursuant to the requirements of state law (SHMC § 13.20.040). State law details the requirements for special district annexations in Health and Safety Code Section 4600. City Council Approval of the annexation is the formal administrative process to change the property's tax rate area code from septic to sanitary sewer.
The process for a property to be annexed requires that a resolution be adopted ordering a public hearing by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the members of the City Council (HSC § 4643). The resolution is required to contain the following information and finding:
(a) Describe the boundaries of the territory proposed to be annexed. (b) Designate the proposed annexation by an appropriate number. (c) Declare that the area to be annexed to the district will be benefited by such annexation.
Agenda Item #10.3.
(d) Name the time and place for the hearing of objections by any person interested in the proposed annexation, to the inclusion in the district of any land described in the resolution.
Once adopted, the resolution, together with the names of the members of the City Council voting for and against it, must be published for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation and published in the City. The first publication shall not be more than 60 days nor less than 30 days prior to the date fixed for the hearing.
Additionally, copies of the resolution shall also be posted in three public places within the area to be annexed not earlier than the 60th day or later than the 30th day prior to the hearing. Similarly, a copy of the resolution shall also be mailed, postage prepaid, to each person to whom land in the area to be annexed is assessed as such owner is shown on the last equalized county assessment roll, at the address as shown upon the roll, and to each person who has any interest in any land within the area to be annexed whose name and address and a designation of the land in which they are interested is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
At the time established for the public hearing, the City Council will hear and consider any objections to the annexation and exclude any territory which in the Council's opinion will not be benefited by the annexation. After making changes to the boundaries of the area to be annexed, if any, the City Council may then adopt a resolution approving the annexation of the property into the District, which will also require at least four affirmative votes. Upon a determination by the Council that the property will be benefited by the annexation; certified copies of the resolution will then be recorded and filed in the manner and with the same force and effect as provided in Section 4613.
Upon recordation of the resolution, the property annexed becomes a part of the District and is subject to all the liabilities and entitled to all the benefits of the District. If the City Council approves the resolution following the public hearing on May 14, 2024, City staff will then process the annexation with Napa County and the State Board of Equalization to change the tax rate area code for the property. Staff will work with the applicant to collect outstanding fees and obtain required encroachment and building permits.
DISCUSSION:
The City of St. Helena Public Works has received annexation applications from the following parties:
2021 JKB Generation Skipping TR, owner of 2126 Madrona Ave, St. Helena, CA (APN 009-047-010), has applied to be annexed into the St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1 ("District"), MSD Annexation No. 149.
The application fees have been collected. The location map for the property is attached.
Staff request City Council to consider the applicant's annexation request and order a public hearing to be scheduled for May 14, 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Agenda Item #10.3.
Annexations to the District provide access to the City's sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment facilities. The City is agreeable to the abandonment of the onsite wastewater treatment system (septic system).
GOAL:
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure & Further Environmental Sustainability Goal 3: Pursue Water Security & Sustainable Management of Water Resources Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life
DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Exhibit A - 2126 Madrona Parcel Map
2126 Madrona Application
Agenda Item #10.3.
CITY OF ST. HELENA
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
Consideration of a Resolution to set a Public
Hearing for 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to consider objections to the proposed annexation of the property
known as 2126 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena, CA
(APN 009-470-010), into the St. Helena Municipal
Sewer District No. 1, MSD Annexation No. 149.
RECITALS
A. The owner of 2126 Madrona Avenue, St Helena, CA (APN 009-470-010) has requested annexation into the St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1 (“District”), MSD Annexation No. 149; and
B. The legal boundary for the property to be annexed is provided in Exhibit A.
RESOLUTION
The City Council of the City of St. Helena hereby resolves as follows:
1. The City Council declares that the areas to be annexed to the district will be benefited by such annexation; and
2. A hearing to consider any objection to the proposed annexation of the properties into the City of St. Helena Municipal Sewer District No. 1 is hereby set for Tuesday, May 14, 2024, commencing at 6:00 PM or soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, at the Vintage Hall Board Room, 465 Main Street, St.
Helena, California; and
3. The City Clerk shall cause a certified copy of this resolution, together with the names of the members of the City Council voting for and against it, to be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 4610; and
4. The City Clerk shall cause a certified copy of this resolution to be posted in three public places within the area to be annexed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 4610; and
5. The City Clerk shall cause a certified copy of this resolution to be mailed to each person to whom land in the area to be annexed as shown on the last county assessment roll in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 4610.
Agenda Item #10.3.
Approved at a Regular Meeting of the St. Helena City Council on April 9, 2024 by the following vote:
Mayor Dohring:
Vice Mayor Hall:
Councilmember Chouteau:
Councilmember Kenealy:
Councilmember Summers:
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk Agenda Item #10.3.
2126 Madrona Ave
Agenda Item #10.3.
Agenda Item #10.3.
Agenda Item #10.3.
is
Saint Helena CA 94574
2021 JKB Generation Skipping TR, c/o Mike Hubbard, Trustee 8463 Mercer Way Mercer Island WA 98040
707-266-2992
2126 Madrona Ave
009-470-010
Agenda Item #10.3.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: CONSENT ITEMS
Department: Human Resources
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: April Mitts, Assistant City Manager, Mandy Kellogg, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution: (1) Duly approving and adopting a publicly available pay
schedule in accordance with the requirement of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, which includes a revised salary schedules for the Mid-Managers and the Executive Staff, and (2) Approving reclassifications for three positions and updating the Mid-Manager and
Executive Unrepresented Compensation Program (14th
Amendment) to reflect this change per Council direction to create a new Community Services Department.
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Approve the attached resolution.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
March 26, 2024 - City Council directed staff to move
forward with the formation of a new department with
oversight of Library, Parks & Recreation, Grants, Arts & Culture, and Community Engagement.
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
To establish the pay schedule and reclassification of
positions necessary for the formation of the new
department.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total fiscal impact is estimated at $25,146 annually, however no budget adjustment is required for FY24 as the additional expense can be absorbed in the existing budget as a result of salary savings from a vacant position and the required timing to fill the position.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with City Council Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life: Goal 6: Improve Employee Recruitment, Retention, and Morale, and Goal 7: Enhance Organizational Effectiveness & Service Delivery staff has actively been working on a number of objectives to meet these goals.
On March 26, 2024, City staff made a presentation to City Council on the recommended formation of a new umbrella department with oversight of Arts, Culture, Library, Parks & Recreation, Grants, and Community Engagement. This recommendation was based on Council direction with the overarching goal to enhance the quality and scope of services to the St. Helena community.
Agenda Item #10.4.
At this meeting the City Council unanimously supported moving forward with the development of this new department.
Because this concept is new to our community and is a change from how things have been done in the past, the following is a brief recap of the information presented on March 26, 2024, regarding the recommended structure, the function of each division, the desired outcomes, implementation plan, and evaluation process.
Structure
The creation of a new department does not increase the total number of positions, but will reclassify current positions (as noted below) and will have the following structure:
1. Will be managed by the incumbent Parks & Recreation Director with an updated title based on new functions.
2. Will temporarily be called Community Services (which is common term in most cities and how the two departments have been represented in the City's budget since at least 1995).
3. Library Director position will be reclassified as a properly credentialed Deputy Director of Community Services - Library.
4. The Deputy Director of Community Services - Library and Recreation Manager* will report directly to the Director of the newly formed department. *The Recreation Manager was a previous and separate reorganization decision unrelated to the creation of the new department.
Functions of Each Division will Remain in Tact
As stated at the March 26, 2024 meeting, and cannot be reiterated enough, both the Library and Parks & Recreation function very well and are both beloved in the community under the current model. Even with the formation of the new department, each division (Library and Parks & Recreation) will continue to function independently with its own budget and own staff, but will report to one single department director. Any donations received through the charitable giving of the community directly to the Library Friends & Foundation, or through the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Foundation, will continue to be placed in separate fund accounts, as directed by the donor, and used only for the charitable purposes designated by the donor.
Desired Outcomes
While each division will continue to function independently, there are many desired outcomes including, but not limited to:
Broaden the scope and quality of our services.
Become a broad and inclusive department to generate better programming across functions.
Generate robust and creative programming.
Offer enhanced, refreshed, and expanded programming.
Be places where community service projects can be organized collaboratively.
Agenda Item #10.4.
Increase coordination and communication between functional areas and the community.
Reduce isolation of outward facing service functions. Achieve cross promotion of programs and activities.
Be innovative in programs offered and demographics served. Be a place where arts and culture can be highlighted. Create more community engagement.
Provide an opportunity for employee growth, succession, and retention. Partner together in areas such as:
o Physical Space (Library, Head Start Building, Carnegie Building, Parks, Opens Space and Trails, etc.)
o Joint programming collaborations
o Information and resource collaborations in areas such as:
Arts & Culture
Communications
Modernize operating model.
Enhance civic services.
Implementation
Implementation will not occur be overnight and will take time. The bullet points below provide a summary of the initial implementation, which will continue to be expanded upon with additional feedback from stakeholders.
Initial Steps
o Day-to-day operations remain the same.
o Explore opportunities for creativity and collaboration. o Keep current service delivery model intact.
Discovery Phase
o Meet with staff.
o Meet with Boards, Commissions, and Foundations.
o Meet with users.
Personnel and Development
o Launch recruitment for a highly skilled Deputy Director - Library. o Professional development and department visioning.
o Review, requests, and implementation process of budgeting for each division.
Collaboration on all Levels
o Joint meetings with Parks & Recreation Commission and Library Board. o Cross-training amongst staff to gain understanding of different divisions.
Evaluation
During the implementation phase, staff will also work on a process to evaluate the success of this new department. It is anticipated the evaluation process will be expanded once additional feedback is received from the various stakeholders. Data
o Number of visitors, registrations, programs, etc.
Agenda Item #10.4.
Community Response
o Needs/satisfaction surveys
o Stakeholder discussions
o Customer testimonials
o Board & Commission feedback
Creative Metrics
o Collaborations
o New endeavors
o Outreach impacts
o Community support
Fundraising Tracking
o Friends & Foundation
o Parks, Recreation, and Culture Foundation
Joint Workplan and Evaluation Methodology
o Include both staff workgroups
o Joint meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission and Library Board DISCUSSION:
On March 26, 2024, City Council directed staff to move forward with the creation of a new department that will oversee Library, Parks & Recreation, Grants, Arts & Culture, and Community Engagement.
In addition to the functions of the Library and Parks & Recreation divisions, as noted in the Background section, the new department will oversee grant research, grant application development, communications, and community engagement. The functions of Arts, Culture, Grants and Community Engagement are being called out and identified as responsibility areas under the new department to underscore the importance of each of them. No additional staff are needed for these functions; however, resources will be shifted from the City Manager's office to this new department as detailed below.
Grants
City Council Goal 1: Strengthen Financial Resilience includes actively seeking grant opportunities. Researching and writing of grants is shared between departments, depending on the nature of the grant.Over the past 5 years, the City has secured over $9.8 million in grant funding. The City's executive team suggested the hire of a Grants Coordinator, but instead we hope to use an internal employee for this purpose. The process of researching and applying for grants is labor intensive.Once a grant is identified, staff must research the grant requirements, determine if the City qualifies for the grant, and compile the necessary data to complete the grant application. It is common this alone can take 40+ hours of staff time per application and the City does not currently have a dedicated staff member to complete this function. With other priorities in each of the departments and working to achieve Council Goals, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to devote the time to do this critically important work.
Agenda Item #10.4.
In an effort to continue and aggressively seek grant funding, the function of researching and writing grants will be assigned to this new department. Technical expertise will still be required from individual departments and from the Finance Division of the Administrative Services Department, but this change is meant to dedicate specific resources to the process for the research and writing necessary for each grant application. The tracking and administration of the grants will continue to be maintained by the Finance Division.
Communications/Community Engagement
Over the past year, the City has been increasing its communications both internally and externally to meet City Council Goal 4: Provide Effective Community Information & Opportunities for Engagement. While individual departments have been working towards this goal the increased communication efforts have largely been led by Dave Jahns, Parks & Recreation Director and Andrew Bradley, Assistant to the City Manager.
Examples of recent efforts include, but are not limited to:
Development of a Communications Plan
Launch of the City's New Website
Regular Community Newsletters
Increased Press Releases
Community Presentations
Informational Videos
Community Academy
To ensure that the necessary resources are allocated for both grant research/writing and communications/community engagement, one Assistant to the City Manager position is being moved to the new department and being reclassified to a Program Manager classification.
Staff Recommendation
To move forward with the establishment of the new department and its subsequent functions, it is necessary to establish and adopt pay schedules for the Director position, the Deputy Director position, and the Program Manager position, approve the reallocation of positions, update the Mid-Manager and Executive Unrepresented Compensation Program to reflect this change, and approve the anticipated budget increase. These changes are further noted below.
Table 1
Position Classification Annual Costs
Current Title New Title Current New
Parks & Recreation
Director
Director of Community
Services 247,232 257,478
Library Director Deputy Director - Library*,** 227,354 234,506 Assistant to the City
Manager Program Manager*,*** 160,487 168,235
Agenda Item #10.4.
Cost Difference 25,146
*Annual costs assume top step
**Annual costs assume Anthem, full family benefits - actual amounts will be dependent on new hire
***Effective date of 5/1/24
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: None.
GOAL:
Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life
Goal 6: Improve Employee Recruitment, Retention, & Morale Goal 7: Enhance Organizational Effectiveness
DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution Community Services Reclassification of Positions Exhibit A FY23-24 Mid Management Salary Schedule Effective 2023.04.09 Exhibit B FY23-24 Executive Salary Schedule Effective 2023.04.09 Exhibit C Fourteenth Amendment Unrepresented Comp Program 2024-04-09 Redline Version
Agenda Item #10.4.
CITY OF ST. HELENA
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
Approval of a Resolution (1) Duly adopting and approving publicly available pay schedule in accordance with the requirement of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, which includes a revised salary schedules for the Mid-Managers and the Executive Staff and (2) Approving reclassifications for three positions and updating the Mid-Manager and Executive Unrepresented Compensation Program (14th Amendment) to reflect this change.
RECITALS
A. On March 26, 2024, City staff made a presentation to City Council on the recommended formation of a new umbrella department with oversight of Arts, Culture, Library, Parks & Recreation, Grants, and Community Engagement; and B. This recommendation was based on Council direction with the overarching goal to enhance the quality and scope of services to the St. Helena community; and C. On March 26, 2024, City Council directed staff to move forward with the creation of a new department that will oversee Library, Parks & Recreation, Grants, Arts & Culture, and Community Engagement; and
D. This action will include reclassifying the existing Parks & Recreation Director classification to a Community Services Director and the existing Library Director to a Deputy Community Services Director – Library classification; and E. To ensure that the necessary resources are allocated for both grant research/writing and communications/community engagement, one Assistant to the City Manager position is being moved to the new department and being reclassified to a Program Manager
F. In addition to the functions of the Library and Parks & Recreation divisions, as noted in the Background section, the new department will oversee grant research, grant application development, communications, and community engagement; and
G. The City of St. Helena contracts with the California Public Employee Retirement System (“CalPERS”) to provide retirement benefits for its employees; and H. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, CalPERS requires governing bodies of local agencies contracting with CalPERS to approve Agenda Item #10.4.
and adopt a publicly available pay schedule in accordance with public meeting laws; and
I. On April 9, 2024, via this resolution City Council is ratifying an amendment to the three-year agreement to the Unrepresented Compensation Program to include the addition of the Director of Community Services, Deputy Director of Community Services – Library, and Program Manager; and
J. Staff updated the pay scale with an effective date of April 9, 2024.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of St. Helena resolves as follows:
1. The Council hereby approves the addition of a Director of Community Services classification and establish a salary range of $160,113 – $194,619; and
2. The addition of a Deputy Director of Community Services – Library classification and establish a salary range of $136,260 – $165,625; and
3. The addition of a Program Manager classification and establish a salary range of $123,299 – $149,786: and
4. That the City of St. Helena Publicly Available Salary Schedule which includes a revised salary schedule to include the Director of Community Services, Deputy Director of Community Services – Library, and Program Manager classifications included in the Unrepresented Compensation Program and contained in Exhibit C, is hereby approved and adopted in accordance with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5; and
5. That the revised City of St. Helena Publicly Available Salary Schedule makes no changes to the salary schedules for other classifications; and
6. That the City of St. Helena Publicly Available Salary Schedule will be posted on the City’s website and will be made available for public inspection for not less than five years; and
7. Approves Amendment #14 to the Unrepresented Compensation Program to include the Director of Community Services, Deputy Director of Community Services – Library, and Program Manager classifications.
Agenda Item #10.4.
Approved at a regular meeting of the St. Helena City Council on April 9, 2024 by the following vote:
Mayor Dohring: _____
Vice Mayor Hall: _____
Councilmember Chouteau: _____
Councilmember Kenealy: _____
Councilmember Summers: _____
APPROVED: ATTEST:
______________________ ________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk Agenda Item #10.4.
CITY OF ST. HELENA PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SALARY SCHEDULE
Classification Timebase* A B C D E
Management Analyst Annual 91,739 96,326 101,142 106,199 111,509 Monthly 7,645 8,027 8,429 8,850 9,292
Hourly 44.11 46.31 48.63 51.06 53.61
Senior Management Analyst Annual 100,315 105,330 110,597 116,127 121,933 Monthly 8,360 8,778 9,216 9,677 10,161
Hourly 48.23 50.64 53.17 55.83 58.62
Public Works Assistant Operations Manager Annual 107,041 112,393 118,013 123,913 130,109 Monthly 8,920 9,366 9,834 10,326 10,842
Hourly 51.46 54.04 56.74 59.57 62.55
Recreation Manager Annual 107,810 113,201 118,861 124,804 131,044 Monthly 8,984 9,433 9,905 10,400 10,920
Hourly 51.83 54.42 57.14 60.00 63.00
Senior Planner Annual 118,634 124,566 130,794 137,334 144,200 Monthly 9,886 10,380 10,899 11,444 12,017
Hourly 57.04 59.89 62.88 66.03 69.33
Project Manager Annual 118,634 124,566 130,794 137,334 144,200 Monthly 9,886 10,380 10,899 11,444 12,017
Hourly 57.04 59.89 62.88 66.03 69.33
Public Works Operations Manager Annual 118,634 124,566 130,794 137,334 144,200 Monthly 9,886 10,380 10,899 11,444 12,017
Hourly 57.04 59.89 62.88 66.03 69.33
Treatment Plant Manager Annual 118,634 124,566 130,794 137,334 144,200 Monthly 9,886 10,380 10,899 11,444 12,017
Hourly 57.04 59.89 62.88 66.03 69.33
Lieutenant Annual 129,060 135,513 142,288 149,403 156,873 Monthly 10,755 11,293 11,857 12,450 13,073
Hourly 62.05 65.15 68.41 71.83 75.42
Chief Building Official Annual 131,683 138,267 145,180 152,439 160,061 Monthly 10,974 11,522 12,098 12,703 13,338
Hourly 63.31 66.47 69.80 73.29 76.95
Senior Civil Engineer Annual 132,854 139,497 146,471 153,795 161,485 Monthly 11,071 11,625 12,206 12,816 13,457
Hourly 63.87 67.07 70.42 73.94 77.64
Deputy Director of Community Services ‐ Library Annual 136,260 143,073 150,227 157,738 165,625 Monthly 11,355 11,923 12,519 13,145 13,802
Hourly 65.51 68.79 72.22 75.84 79.63
Assistant Public Works Director Annual 140,249 147,261 154,624 162,356 170,473 Monthly 11,687 12,272 12,885 13,530 14,206
Hourly 67.43 70.80 74.34 78.06 81.96
Mid‐Management Exempt
Effective April 9, 2024
FY 2023‐2024
Steps
Administrative Services Department Page 1 4/1/2024
EXHIBIT A
Agenda Item #10.4.
CITY OF ST. HELENA PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SALARY SCHEDULE
Mid-Management Exempt
Effective April 9, 2024
FY 2023‐2024
Classification Timebase* A B C D E
Confidential Positions
Management Analyst (1) Annual 91,739 96,326 101,142 106,199 111,509 Monthly 7,645 8,027 8,429 8,850 9,292
Hourly 44.11 46.31 48.63 51.06 53.61
Senior Management Analyst (1) Annual 100,315 105,330 110,597 116,127 121,933 Monthly 8,360 8,778 9,216 9,677 10,161
Hourly 48.23 50.64 53.17 55.83 58.62
Assistant to City Manager (1) Annual 116,975 122,824 128,965 135,413 142,184 Monthly 9,748 10,235 10,747 11,284 11,849
Hourly 56.24 59.05 62.00 65.10 68.36
Human Resources Manager (1) Annual 116,975 122,824 128,965 135,413 142,184 Monthly 9,748 10,235 10,747 11,284 11,849
Hourly 56.24 59.05 62.00 65.10 68.36
Program Manager (1) Annual 123,229 129,390 135,860 142,653 149,786 Monthly 10,269 10,783 11,322 11,888 12,482
Hourly 59.24 62.21 65.32 68.58 72.01
Finance Manager (1) Annual 128,673 135,106 141,861 148,955 156,402 Monthly 10,723 11,259 11,822 12,413 13,034
Hourly 61.86 64.95 68.20 71.61 75.19
Assistant Administrative Services Director (1) Annual 138,204 145,114 152,370 159,988 167,988 Monthly 11,517 12,093 12,697 13,332 13,999
Hourly 66.44 69.77 73.25 76.92 80.76
(1) Confidential Positions receive a 3% pay differential that is added to the employee's base salary. Confidential as defined is an employee having access in the course of his/her duties to confidential information on the employer's labor relations. *Annual timebase payrate is rounded up to the nearest whole dollar, while all other timebase payrates are rounded to the nearest cent Steps
Administrative Services Department Page 2 4/1/2024
Agenda Item #10.4.
CITY OF ST. HELENA PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SALARY SCHEDULE
Classification Timebase* A B C D E
City Clerk Annual 119,971 125,969 132,268 138,881 145,825 Monthly 9,998 10,497 11,022 11,573 12,152 Hourly 57.68 60.56 63.59 66.77 70.11
Administrative Services Director Annual 157,556 165,434 173,706 182,391 191,511 Monthly 13,130 13,786 14,475 15,199 15,959 Hourly 75.75 79.54 83.51 87.69 92.07
Director of Community Services Annual 160,113 168,119 176,525 185,351 194,619 Monthly 13,343 14,010 14,710 15,446 16,218 Hourly 76.98 80.83 84.87 89.11 93.57
Fire Chief(1) Annual 213,247
Monthly 17,771
Hourly 102.52
Director of Community Development Annual 178,279 187,193 196,553 206,380 216,699 Monthly 14,857 15,599 16,379 17,198 18,058 Hourly 85.71 90.00 94.50 99.22 104.18
Director of Public Works Annual 178,279 187,193 196,553 206,380 216,699 Monthly 14,857 15,599 16,379 17,198 18,058 Hourly 85.71 90.00 94.50 99.22 104.18
Police Chief Annual 179,458 188,431 197,853 207,746 218,133 Monthly 14,955 15,703 16,488 17,312 18,178 Hourly 86.28 90.59 95.12 99.88 104.87
Assistant City Manager Annual 190,045 199,547 209,524 220,001 231,001 Monthly 15,837 16,629 17,460 18,333 19,250 Hourly 91.37 95.94 100.73 105.77 111.06 City Manager (1) Annual 269,006
Monthly 22,417
Hourly 129.33
(1) Salaries do not have a scale.
*Annual timebase payrate is rounded up to the nearest whole dollar, while all other timebase payrates are rounded to the nearest cent.
Executive Management ‐ Department Heads
Effective April 9, 2024
FY 2023‐2024
Steps
Administrative Services Department Page 1 3/29/2024
EXHIBIT B
Agenda Item #10.4.
UNREPRESENTED COMPENSATION
PROGRAM
ThirteenthFourteenth Amendment: February 13, 2024April 9, 2024 July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Adopted: March 8, 2016
First Amendment: June 24, 2016
Second Amendment: September 13, 2016
Third Amendment: June 27, 2017
Fourth Amendment: May 8, 2018
Fifth Amendment: October 8, 2019
Sixth Amendment: October 22, 2019
Seventh Amendment: July 14, 2020
Eighth Amendment: October 13, 2020
Ninth Amendment (inadvertently numbered as Eighth): February 9, 2021 Tenth Amendment: February 8, 2022
Eleventh Amendment: July 26, 2022
Twelfth Amendment: September 13, 2022
Thirteenth Amendment: February 13, 2024
EXHIBIT C
Agenda Item #10.4.
CITY OF ST. HELENA
UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Section 1.1 Employee Definitions
Section 1.2 Purpose of the Unrepresented Employee Compensation Program
Section 1.3 Employees Covered
Section 1.4 Exempt Status of Management Employees Covered SECTION 2: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
SECTION 3: EMPLOYEE SALARY COMPENSATION
Section 3.1 Annual Salary Adjustments
Section 3.2 Salary Schedule
Section 3.3 Confidential Pay Differential
Section 3.4 Bi-lingual Pay
Section 3.5 Out-of-Class Pay
SECTION 4: RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Section 4.1 Tier One: Pension Formulas
Section 4.2 Tier Two: Pension Formulas
Section 4.3 Tier Three: PEPRA Pension Formulas
Section 4.4 Cost Sharing Implementation – All Tiers
Section 4.5 Converting Sick Leave Balance
Section 4.6 Other Options Included in CalPERS Contract
Section 4.7 Implementation of Internal Revenue Code Section 414(h)(2) Section 4.8 All Provisions Subject to Requirements of Law SECTION 5: INSURANCE BENEFITS
Section 5.1 General Provisions
Section 5.2 Life Insurance
Section 5.3 Short-term Disability
Section 5.4 Vision Care
SECTION 6: HOLIDAYS
SECTION 7: VACATION LEAVE
Section 7.1 Vacation Entitlement
Section 7.2 Vacation Accrual
Section 7.3 Vacation usage
SECTION 8: EXECUTIVE LEAVE
Agenda Item #10.4.
SECTION 9: OTHER LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Section 9.1 Sick Leave
Section 9.2 Family Care
Section 9.3 Bereavement Leave
Section 9.4 Industrial Accident Leave
Section 9.5 Miscellaneous Leave With Pay
Section 9.6 FLMA and CFRA Leaves
Section 9.7 Leave for Pregnancy, Childbirth and Related Medical Conditions
Section 9.8 Leave of Absence Without Pay
Section 9.9 Military leave
SECTION 10: TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Section 10.1 Professional Seminars and Training
Section 10.2 Professional Membership Fees
Section 10.3 College Tuition Reimbursement
SECTION 11: OTHER BENEFITS
Section 11.1 Vehicle Allowance for Unrepresented
Employees
Section 11.2 Deferred Compensation Plan
Section 11.3 Health Club Membership
Section 11.4 Sick Leave Payout
Section 11.5 St. Helena Charity Based Events
Section 11.6 Uniform Allowance
SECTION 12 : TERMINATION ALLOWANCE
Section 12.1 Severance Pay
Section 12.2 Allowance Schedule
Agenda Item #10.4.
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
All provisions of this resolution only apply to At-will Executive Management, MidManagement, and Confidential employees (together “Employees”) as defined herein.
1.1 Employee Definitions:
At-Will Executive Management Employee – an employee who serves at the will of the City Manager and who has responsibility for formulating, administering, and/or managing City policies and programs. In the City, this would typically be department heads.
Mid-Management Employee – an employee whose position is just below the department heads or City Manager and is responsible for managing a distinct responsibility area. MidManagers are in regular City service and are not at-will.
Confidential Employee – a Mid-Management employee, who in the course of his or her duties, has access to confidential information relating to the City’s administration of employer-employee relations. This access may include instances of an occasional but critical nature or due to the employee whose position requires the incumbent to provide direct administrative support to a manager who has such access.
1.2 Purpose of the Unrepresented Employee Compensation Program:
For At-will Executive Management, Mid-Management, and Confidential employees (together “Employees”), this resolution is adopted to promote the development of a stronger, more effective Management Team, not merely for purposes of employeremployee relations but also as a means of recognizing outstanding management performance in all public service areas. These general purposes may be achieved through several means, notably: training, more effective communication among departments, and clear identification of goals and objectives. Also inherent in such a program is the means of retaining good department heads and mid-managers and strengthening the managers (if any) who’s effectiveness and performances fall short of reasonable levels of expectation. This resolution is also referred to herein as the “Unrepresented Program.” This resolution sets forth all of the compensation and benefits for the positions set forth in section 1.3.
1.3 Employees Covered:
Employees covered under this program shall include the following:
A. At-Will Executive Management
Administrative Services Director
Assistant City Manager
Director of Community Development
Director of Community Services
Fire Chief
Library Director
Police Chief
Agenda Item #10.4.
14 Public Works Director
Parks & Recreation Director
City Clerk
B. Mid-Management
Assistant Public Works Director
Chief Building Official
Deputy Director of Community Services – Library
Library Manager
Police Lieutenant
Management Analyst
Program Manager
Public Works Assistant Operations Manager
Public Works Operations Manager
Recreation Manager
Senior Management Analyst (non-Confidential)
Senior Planner
Senior Engineer
Treatment Plant Manager
C. Confidential
Administrative Services Manager
Assistant Administrative Services Director
Assistant to the City Manager
Human Resources Manager
Senior Management Analyst
Additional job classes may be added to the Unrepresented Program from time to time, based upon the creation of additional City departments/divisions, the addition of new positions, or by the reclassification of existing positions to either At-will Management, MidManagement, or Confidential based upon the nature of the work.
1.4 Exempt Status of Employees Covered:
The City has reviewed the salaries and duties of the Employees covered under the Unrepresented Program and has determined that these employees are exempt from the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
SECTION 2: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The Executive Management employees as designated in Section 1.3(A) shall be “At Will” employees, and shall enter into an employment contract, confirming the “At Will” status of the employee and setting forth any special pay or benefits such as severance pay.
Employment contracts with all At-will Executive Management employees will be approved by the City Manager, or, in the case of the City Manager’s employment contract, approved by the Council, pursuant to the terms of the City of St. Helena Municipal Code, authorizing the City Manager to appoint all At-will Executive Management employees except the City Attorney.
Agenda Item #10.4.
14 SECTION 3: EMPLOYMEE SALARY COMPENSATION
3.1 Annual Salary Adjustment:
3.1.1 Effective July 1, 2022, all bargaining unit members shall receive a Cost of Living (COLA) increase of five (5) percent.
Effective the first full period in July of each year of the successor agreement, all bargaining unit members shall receive an increase to base salary equal to the year over year (April/April) percentage increase in the San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward CPI-U with a ceiling of five (5) percent.
3.1.2 Equity Adjustment. The City will provide equity adjustments for Unrepresented positions until each classification is within five (5) percent of salary market median (95%) based on updated information from Ralph Anderson & Associates. Annual CPI increases (Article 3.1) for both the City of St. Helena and the market jurisdictions (refreshed annually) are to be considered for the purpose of this calculation. Ralph Anderson & Associates provided updated information to the City in May 2022 based off the cities/entities used in the previous study. Chart 1 provides a summary of the percent increase in salary to arrive at market median (95%) for each Unrepresented position as of May 2022.
Position Title % out of 95% Market Median
Administrative Services Director -4.8%
Administrative Services Manager -4.4%
Assistant Administrative Services Director -12.8%
Assistant City Manager 0.0%
Assistant Public Works Director -0.5%
Assistant to the City Manager 3.3%
Chief Building Official -2.2%
City Clerk 3.3%
Fire Chief -10.4%
Human Resources Manager -4.4%
Library Director -6.9%
Management Analyst -3.8%
Planning & Building Director -8.4%
Police Chief -9.8%
Police Lieutenant -23.0%
Public Works Assistant Operations Manager -5.5%
Public Works Director -3.7%
Public Works Operations Manager -5.5%
Parks & Recreation Director -10.4%
Senior Engineer -6.5%
Agenda Item #10.4.
14 Senior Management Analyst -3.8%
Senior Planner 2.8%
Treatment Plant Manager -4.1%
Equity adjustments will take place every six (6) months until each classification is within the range and will be as follows:
7/1/22 – Equity Adjustment of two and one-half (2 ½) percent 1/1/23 – Equity Adjustment of two (2) percent
7/1/23 – Equity Adjustment of two (2) percent
1/1/24 – Equity Adjustment of two (2) percent
7/1/24 – Equity Adjustment of two (2) percent
1/1/25 – Equity Adjustment of two (2) percent
July 1st equity adjustments will be combined with the COLA for salary adjustment calculations.
3.2 Salary Schedule:
The salary ranges for Employees covered by this Unrepresented Compensation Program are set forth in Exhibit 1, attached to this resolution, and made a part hereof by reference.
3.3 Confidential Pay Differential:
Each Confidential employee will receive a 3% pay differential to be added to the employee’s base pay. This 3% pay differential will not be added to the salary range for that job class. If at any time that a currently designated Confidential employee who receives the confidential differential is deemed to be Non-Confidential, the 3% confidential differential will cease at that time, and the City will take appropriate steps to reclassify the position.
3.4 Bilingual Pay:
Bilingual pay for fluency in both English and Spanish will be paid to employees who are routinely and consistently assigned to communicate in Spanish or to provide translation for City business by communicating in Spanish. For employees who are certified as fluent in both written and verbal Spanish language, bilingual pay will be five percent (5%) of the designated employee’s base salary. For employees who are certified as fluent only in verbal Spanish language, bilingual pay will be two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the designated employee’s base salary. Only designated employees certified by the City as fluent in both English and Spanish are eligible for this additional pay.
3.5 Out-Of-Class Pay
Pay for Performing Full Duties of Higher Class: When, because of the absence of a Department Head, Executive Management, Mid-Management, or Confidential personnel, an Employee performs substantially all of the functions (full-time) of a higher Classification, the Employee will receive an increase of ten percent (10%) of his/her base wage. The increase will be effective after the third (3rd) week of the assumption of those duties and continue during the period those duties are being performed by the employee on a full-time basis. Out-Of-Class-Pay must be Agenda Item #10.4.
14 pre-approved, in writing, by the City Manager, and will be reportable to CalPERS as special compensation to the extent permitted by CalPERS rules and regulations.
Pay for Performing Partial Duties of Higher Class: When an Employee is temporarily assigned to perform substantial functions of a higher classification for at least a period of one month, but does not perform those additional duties on a full-time basis and/or the Employee assigned to the position normally responsible for the duties is not absent, the City Manager has the discretion to provide an increase of up to five percent (5%) of the Employee’s normal base wage effective on the first day of assumption of the substantial additional duties and continuing until the City Manager determines that the assignment of the additional duties ceases. This additional pay is provided at the City Manager’s sole discretion and must be pre-approved in writing. Under current CalPERS rules and regulations, this pay for performing partial duties of the higher class is not reportable special compensation.
SECTION 4: RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Management Employees are provided retirement benefits under the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) as described in this Section 4.
4.1 Tier One: 2% at 55 Retirement Program (Miscellaneous Group) and 3% at 50 (Safety Group) – Employees Hired Before July 1, 2012 (Tier One Classic Members) This section 4.1 (including subsections) shall apply to miscellaneous employees hired before July 1, 2012.
4.1.1 2% at 55 or 3% at 50 Pension Formulas: The “2% @ 55” (for miscellaneous employees) or “3% @ 50” (for safety employees) retirement programs will be available to members covered by this Section 4.1.
4.1.2 Final Compensation Based On 12-Month Period: For the purposes of determining a retirement benefit, final compensation for members covered by this Section 4.1 shall mean the highest twelve (12) consecutive month period as specified in Government Code Section 20042.
4.1.3 Required Member Contributions:
4.1.3.1 Members covered by this Section 4.1 shall continue to pay, through payroll deduction, the full 7.0% member contribution for Miscellaneous Group and
9.0% member contribution for the Safety Group.
4.1.3.2 Miscellaneous Member Pension Cost Sharing: Beginning on the effective date of the amendment to the CalPERS contract providing for cost sharing (estimated date, Spring 2016), miscellaneous members covered by this Section 4.1 shall pay, through payroll deduction, the full 7.0% employee contribution plus an additional 1% of compensation earnable toward the City’s costs for a total contribution of 8% toward the normal cost of pension benefits as permitted by Government Code Section 20516.
Agenda Item #10.4.
14 4.2 Tier Two: 2% at 60 Retirement Program (Miscellaneous Group) or 3% at 55 (Safety Group) for Members Hired On or After July 1, 2012, and Before December 31, 2012, and Unit Members Qualified for Reciprocity (Tier Two Classic Members):
This Section 4.2 (including subsections) shall apply to members hired on or after July 1, 2012, and before January 1, 2013. In addition, this Section 4.2 shall apply to members hired on or after January 1, 2013, who are qualified for pension reciprocity as stated in Government Code Section 7522.02(c) and related CalPERS reciprocity (Classic Member) requirements:
4.2.1 2% at 60 or 3% at 55 Pension Formulas: The “2% @ 60” (for miscellaneous) or “3% @ 55” (for safety) retirement programs will be available to members covered by this Section 4.2.
4.2.2 Final Compensation Based On 36-Month Period: For the purposes of determining a retirement benefit, final compensation for members covered by this Section 4.2 shall mean the highest annual average pensionable compensation earned during thirty-six (36) consecutive months of service.
4.2.3 Required Member Contributions
4.2.3.1 Employees covered by this Section 4.2 shall continue to pay, through payroll deduction, the full 7.0% member contribution for Miscellaneous Group and
9.0% member contribution for the Safety Group.
4.2.3.2 Miscellaneous Member Pension Cost Sharing: Beginning on the effective date of the amendment to the CalPERS contract providing for cost sharing (estimated date, Spring 2016), miscellaneous employees covered by this Section
4.2 shall pay, through payroll deduction, the full 7.0% member contribution plus an additional 1% of compensation earnable towards the City’s costs for a total contribution of 8% toward the normal cost of pension benefits as permitted by Government Code Section 20516.
4.3 Tier Three: 2% at 62 PEPRA Retirement Tier (Miscellaneous Group) or 3% at 57 (Safety Group) is Required For Members Hired On or After January 1, 2013 and Not Qualified For Reciprocity (Not a Classic Member):
This Section 4.3 (including subsections) shall apply to members who were hired on or after January 1, 2013, and who do not qualify for pension reciprocity (not a Classic Member) as stated in Government Code Section 7522.02(c).
4.3.1 2% at 62 or 3% at 57 Pension Formulas: The “2% @ 62” (for miscellaneous) or “3% @ 57” (for safety) retirement programs will be available to members covered by this Section 4.3.
4.3.2 Final Compensation Based On 36-Months: Effective January 1, 2013, for the purposes of determining a retirement benefit, final compensation for members covered by this Section 4.3 shall mean the highest annual average pensionable compensation earned during thirty-six (36) consecutive months of service as required by Government Code Section 7522.32.
4.3.3 Required Member Contributions
4.3.3.1 Required 50% of Normal Costs: As required by Government Agenda Item #10.4.
14 Code Section 7522.04(g), effective January 1, 2013, members covered by this Section 4.3 shall pay, through payroll deduction, fifty percent (50%) of normal costs.
4.3.3.2 Miscellaneous Member Pension Cost Sharing: Beginning on the effective date of the amendment to the CalPERS contract providing for cost sharing (expected Spring of 2016), in addition to paying 50% of normal costs as described above, employees covered by this Section 4.3 shall pay, through payroll deduction, an additional 1.0% of pensionable compensation toward the City’s cost of pension benefits as permitted by Government Code Section 20516.
4.4 Cost Sharing Implementation – All Tiers:
CalPERS mandates an election of employees, separate from adoption of this resolution, to provide for this cost sharing pursuant to Government Code Section 20516. As soon as practicable, the City will initiate the contract amendment process for miscellaneous employee cost sharing. Upon completion of the City’s amendment to the CalPERS contract, miscellaneous member contributions will be made pursuant to Government Code Section 20516, Member Cost Sharing of Additional Benefits. The City will consider cost sharing for the Fire Chief at a future date.
4.5 Converting Sick Leave Balance:
An employee who retires may convert his/her unused sick leave balance to service credit as provided by Government Code Section 20965. Any accrued unused sick leave credit that is paid out at termination will not be available for conversion to service credit.
4.6 Other Options Included In CalPERS Contract: Employees shall be eligible for other options included in the City’s contract with CalPERS as stated in that contract, and allowed by law.
4.7 Implementation of Internal Revenue Code Section 414(h)(2):
As permitted by Internal Revenue Code Section 414(h)(2) and Government Code Section 20516, each employee shall pay, through payroll deductions, the PERS contributions described in this Article 11 with state and federal income tax on the PERS member contribution deferred to the extent permitted by Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC Section 414(h)(2).
4.8 All Provisions Subject to Requirements of Law:
The City is required to comply with all requirements of law governing the CalPERS retirement program, including, but not limited to eligibility and reporting requirements. In implementing this Unrepresented Compensation Program Resolution and related practices, the City will comply with the requirements of law, and those legal requirements prevail over any inconsistent prior practices or prior resolutions.
SECTION 5: INSURANCE BENEFITS
Agenda Item #10.4.
14 5.1 General Provisions:
The City will pay the full cost of the employee’s health insurance plan to cover both the employee and the employee’s dependents. The City will pay the full cost for dental coverage for the employee and her/his dependents. When an employee commences work with the City, the effective date of coverage of his/her benefits distribution selection shall be established by the individual carrier. In most cases, coverage begins the first of the month following date of hire.
Employees will choose from available insurance programs and/or health and welfare plans at the time of hire or as carriers allow during Open Enrollment periods. Dependent coverage may be added or deleted between Open Enrollment periods subject to conditions imposed by the selected carriers.
5.2 Life Insurance:
The City will provide term life insurance for each employee, not to exceed $50,000.
Employees may elect to increase the value of their life insurance policy by $20,000 at their own expense for a total policy value of $70,000. Employees opting for the additional coverage will have the cost of that coverage deducted from their pay.
5.3 Short-term Disability Insurance: The City will pay for the employee’s cost to participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.
5.4 Vision Care: The City will pay for vision care benefits, for the employee and all dependents through VSP Vision Care Insurance.
SECTION 6: HOLIDAYS
All Unrepresented employees shall receive 12 paid holidays per year, as follows:
Holiday Day Observed
New Year's Day January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday 3rd Monday in January
President's Day 3rd Monday in February
Cesar Chavez Birthday March 31st
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4th
Labor Day 1st Monday in September
Veteran's Day November 11th
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November
Day after Thanksgiving Friday following Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day December 24th
Christmas Day December 25th
It is the intent of this resolution that all full-time employees receive 12 paid holidays regardless of their assigned workweek. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Agenda Item #10.4.
14 Friday shall be deemed a holiday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be deemed a holiday. When an employee is required to work on a holiday, s/he may select another day as holiday leave with pay during the fiscal year with the consent of the City Manager.
Floating Holidays: Except for the calendar year they are hired, on January 1st of each year, employees earn 16 hours of floating holiday for use during that calendar year, taken in at least 8-hour increments. The hours must be used by the end of the calendar year and does not accrue. After five years of service, employees earn 40 hours of floating holiday.
SECTION 7: VACATION LEAVE
7.1 Vacation Entitlement:
Employees shall accumulate vacation in accordance with the following vacation entitlement schedule:
Years of Vacation Days
Continuous Service Earned/Year
1 – 5 years 10
6th year 15
7th year 16
This pattern continues until 20 days per year is reached. On the employee’s 25th anniversary and every five years thereafter, one additional day will be awarded on that year.
7.2 Vacation Accrual:
Employees shall begin earning vacation upon the first day of employment. Vacation leave time shall be accrued as it is earned; odd fractions rounded to the nearest tenth. Vacation time shall not be taken until earned and shall be subject to other provisions of this resolution. When an employee is on a leave without pay status, s/he shall not be entitled to earn vacation.
For purposes of calculating vacation earned upon termination, the employee’s final accrual will be prorated, based on the days worked in the employee’s last month of employment. Upon termination of an employee’s service with the City, s/he shall be paid a lump sum for all earned vacation not taken, at the employee’s hourly rate then in effect.
An employee who was a member of the unrepresented compensation program before May 8, 2018 may accrue a maximum of 380 vacation hours. An employee who is hired or promoted into an unrepresented compensation position on or after May 8, 2018 may accrue a maximum of 280 vacation hours.
7.3 Vacation Usage:
An employee may take vacation at a time approved by the employee’s direct supervisor, Agenda Item #10.4.
14 or, in the case of the City Manager, after notification of the City Council. It is the policy of the City that employees take their normal provided vacation leave each year.
Employees should not be earning vacation leave once their accrued vacation balance has reached 380 hours. All employees who have accrued at least 380 hours of vacation shall expend at least 80 hours of vacation leave per calendar year with at least 40 hours being consecutive.
SECTION 8: EXECUTIVE LEAVE
In recognition of the extra hours required to perform at the level of management, including attendance at numerous meetings outside normal working hours and the fact that employees who are exempt from FLSA are not compensated for overtime work, the following executive leave policy shall be implemented:
Each FLSA-exempt, unrepresented employee may receive up to five (5) days Executive Leave annually at the discretion of the City Manager provided on January 1st of each year.
On January 1st of each year, all hours not taken in the prior year will be lost unless an extension of time is granted by the City Manager. Additionally, at-will executive staff, the Assistant Administrative Services Director, the Assistant Public Works Director, and the Assistant to the City Manager may receive up to another five (5) days Executive Leave annually at the discretion of the City Manager provided on July 1st of each year, and all hours not taken by December 31st of the same year will be lost unless an extension of time is granted by the City Manager.
Newly hired employees shall have Executive Leave awarded to them in the following prorated manner:
If the employee is hired from:
January – March 40 hours awarded on the date of hire
April – June 30 hours awarded on the date of hire
July – September 20 hours awarded on the date of hire, 40 hours additional atwill October – December 10 hours awarded on the date of hire, 20 hours additional atwill SECTION 9: OTHER LEAVES OF ABSENCE
9.1 Sick Leave:
Employees shall accrue and use sick leave in accordance with City of St. Helena Agenda Item #10.4.
14 Personnel/Administrative on Sick Leave.
9.2 Family Care:
Except as otherwise required by state or federal law, sick leave may be used to care for the employee’s child, spouse, or domestic partner who is incapacitated by a serious health condition as defined by state of federal Law. Sick leave utilized for Family Care shall not exceed forty-eight (48) hours per occurrence.
9.3 Bereavement Leave:
Leave with pay up to 3 days per year in state/5 days out of state shall be granted by the City Manager to employees in case of the death of spouse or domestic partner regardless of gender, parent or step-parent, grand-parent, child, or stepchild, brother or sister, parent-in-law, brother/sister-in-law, son/daughter-in-law, or any relative in the immediate household of the employee. Bereavement leave shall not be charged against any accumulated leave. Additional time off (vacation, executive leave) may be taken if approved by the City Manager.
9.4 Industrial Accident Leave:
The City shall provide paid leave and benefits consistent with the State’s Worker’s Compensation laws.
9.5 Miscellaneous Leave With Pay:
Employees shall be granted a leave of absence with full pay for jury duty; subpoena of the employee as a witness; or attendance in court resulting from the employee’s official duties as assigned by the City Manager. Any compensation received by the employee for the above, except for travel reimbursement, shall be promptly remitted to the City by the employee.
9.6 Leave Pursuant to the Family and Medical Care Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act:
Employees shall be entitled to take leave in response to the birth or adoption of a child, or the placement of a child with the employee for foster care; the employee’s own serious health condition, or to care for a child, parent or spouse of the employee who has a serious health condition; for a “qualifying exigency” arising from the foreign deployment of the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent with the Armed Forces; or to care for a servicemember with a serious injury or illness if the employee is the servicemember’s spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin, as specified in the federal Family and Medical Care Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (Government Code Section 12945.2). Employees may use their accrued leave balances during such leave.
If the period of leave exceeds the employer’s accrued leave balances, the employee shall take the balance of the leave as unpaid leave.
9.7 Leave for Pregnancy, Childbirth and Related Medical Conditions (California Government Code Section 12945):
In addition to leave authorized by Section 9.6, eligible employees may take leave based Agenda Item #10.4.
14 on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions pursuant to California Government Code Section 12945. Generally, this leave should not exceed six (6) weeks for a normal pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, but may be taken for a period of up to a total of four (4) months if the employee is disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other medical conditions. The need for leave beyond six (6) weeks due to disability shall be verified in writing by the employee’s physician. The employee may use accrued leave balances during leave taken pursuant to this Section. If the period of leave exceeds the employee’s accrued leave balances, the balance of the leave shall be taken as unpaid leave.
9.8 Leave of Absence Without Pay:
Upon the written request of any employee, the City Manager may approve in writing a leave of absence without pay for a period up to thirty (30) calendar days. Except in the cases of illness or maternity, an employees' request for Leave Without Pay shall be submitted to the City Manager, accompanied by a recommendation or an explanation from the manager as to how an adequate level of service can be maintained during her/his absence. Such leave may be extended up to one calendar year by action of the City Council.
9.9 Military Leave:
An employee called to active duty in any reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard shall be granted a leave of absence for the duration of said active duty. Any full-time employee on a military leave of absence shall be compensated as outlined in the City’s Personnel Policies Manual if the employee provides proper documentation from the Commanding Officer concerning their active duty; or, if the employee is a Commanding Officer, with a copy of the order to report to active duty and any applicable extension orders.
SECTION 10: TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
10.1 Professional Seminars and Training:
To promote continued development of skills, knowledge, and abilities among the Employee, the City Manager may grant time off to employee(s) for educational leave.
Such leave may be received in order to attend professional, technical, or managerial workshops, courses, conferences, conventions, seminars, or related activities. The cost of attendance at these activities, including travel, per diem, registration, tuition, materials or other reasonable costs, are legitimate City expenditures as provided for in the annual City Budget.
10.2 Professional Membership Fees:
Most At-will Executive Management, Mid-Management, and Confidential personnel are expected to maintain membership in appropriate professional organizations. These memberships serve to acquaint the City with the current state-of-the-art in these professional areas by means of publications and special activities. The City will include the costs of these membership fees in the respective department budgets, subject to approval by the City Manager.
Agenda Item #10.4.
14 10.3 College Tuition Reimbursement:
An employee who is taking courses in a field related to his/her employment may receive reimbursement for tuition and/or materials up to $1,500 per year of the reasonable cost for books and tuition per fiscal year.
SECTION 11: OTHER BENEFITS
11.1 Vehicle Reimbursement:
Covered employees to a far greater extent than most other City employees are required to travel throughout the City and the County to fulfill their job requirements. This travel is frequently required outside of normal working hours. In recognition of this employment requirement, the City may provide either the use of a City vehicle or pay an auto allowance of $200 per month. In addition, if travel is required by the employee in his/her personal vehicle beyond the County line, mileage shall be reimbursed at the same rate as set by the IRS.
11.2 Deferred Compensation Plan:
Employees may elect payroll deductions in an amount permissible under IRS regulations, to be placed in a deferred compensation program administered at no cost to the City. To the extent allowed by law, such monies deposited would become tax deferred and would be subject to income taxation in the year they are withdrawn from the deferred compensation program. The City shall match up to $200 per month to the employee’s contribution into the City’s deferred compensation program.
11.3 Health Club Membership:
The City will pay a one-time membership fee of $25.00 towards employee enrollment in a health clubs.
11.4 Sick Leave Payout:
11.4.1 Payout upon separation, the City will pay out 50% of accrued sick leave for an employee who was an unrepresented compensation member before May 8, 2018. A new City employee who is hired into an unrepresented compensation position on or after May 8, 2018 will not be eligible for any sick leave pay out.
11.4.2 Retirees conversion, upon meeting REMIFs retiree eligibility to participate in retiree benefits, an employee who was an unrepresented compensation member before May 8, 2018, will have the option of using 100% of their accrued sick leave towards health premiums. A new City employee who is hired into an unrepresented compensation position on or after May 8, 2018 will not be eligible to convert any of their accrued sick leave towards health premiums.
11.4.3 The City will not pay the employee upon separation in good standing from the City employment for unused sick leave accrued on or after July 1, 2020. No new sick leave hours will be eligible for the conversion or payout benefits described Agenda Item #10.4.
14 in Section 11.4 of the Program beginning July 1, 2020. Those employees who had accrued hours eligible for this benefit on or before June 30, 2020 will have such eligible hours placed into a separate bank and will be permitted to convert them in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.4.
11.5 St. Helena Charity Based Events:
In recognition of the importance of being engaged with the St. Helena community, Unrepresented Employees are eligible to be reimbursed for charity event tickets related to their employment. To be eligible for reimbursement, the event must be held within the County of Napa and directly benefit the St. Helena community. Event tickets may be purchased only for the employee up to a total reimbursable amount of $750.00 per calendar year.
11.6 Uniform Allowance:
Sworn Personnel that are members of the unrepresented compensation program shall receive an annual uniform allowance in the amount of $1,250. The Uniform Allowance will be paid twice a year: in December and June, in equal amounts.
SECTION 12: TERMINATION ALLOWANCE
12.1 Severance Pay:
In order to foster job security within a professional climate, At-will Executive Management employees who receive no protection from the City’s Personnel System may be entitled to severance pay when they are discharged from the City service. At-will Management employees terminated for cause are not eligible for severance benefits.
12.2 Allowance Schedule:
At-will Executive Management employees shall generally be entitled to two (2) months’ salary, excluding fringe benefits. All specific severance pay terms and conditions must be included in the employee’s Employment Contract, as noted in section 2 (Employment Contracts). In no event shall an employee receive a severance that is greater than the employee’s salary multiplied by the number of months left on the unexpired term of the employee’s employment contract, and all severance provisions shall comply with all other requirements of law.
Agenda Item #10.4.
From: Stephanie Smithers
To: CityCouncil; Cindy Tzafopoulos
Subject: [External] Public Comment 10.4
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024 5:10:11 PM
Attachments: Screenshot 2024-04-04 at 4.49.19 PM.png
Hello Cindy,
Please include the below as a public comment for item 10.4. Thank you! Dear Council,
I was looking over the staff report for item 10.4 and some information seemed confusing to me. While I was disappointed to see that in less than a month, the estimated cost for the reorganization went from $17K to $25K, that is not what confused me. Please see the chart from the staff report:
Screenshot 2024-04-04 at 4.49.19 PM.png
Whereas in the resolution, item 3 reads:
The addition of a Program Manager classification and establish a salary range of $123,299 – $149,786: and
In addition, the supporting documents (public pay schedule) also reflect the resolution amount. I do hope this is clarified and discussed at the City Council meeting as this is nearly a $20K difference at top step. In addition, individuals move through the pay schedule in St. Helena much quicker than other cities, such as Calistoga or Napa, therefore that top step can be achieved in a short amount of time.
Considering the Assistant to the City Manager position reflects being 3.3% above in the market median chart, the salary range from Table 1 does not seem to be appropriate for the position.
Lastly, I'd like to add that in my last public comment I made mention that the creation of a Recreation Manager position seemed directly connected to the future reorganization, especially since this position is an anchor in the organization structure. I still believe the cost of that position should be included in these charts to reflect a true cost to the community.
Thank you for reviewing and hopefully clarifying.
Agenda Item #10.4.
Be Well,
Stephanie Iacobacci-Smithers
Agenda Item #10.4.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: PUBLIC HEARINGS
Department: Administration
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: April Mitts, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: First Public Hearing of the Proposed Adoption of a City Charter.
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Approve the proposed city charter language for the
November 5, 2024 ballot.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
February 28, 2023 - Baker Tilly Report on Long Range
Financial Forecast and Financial Options
May 23, 2023 - Follow-up Report on Revenue Options
July 25, 2023 - Direction to Explore Feasibility of GO Bond and Real Property Transfer Tax
October 10, 2023 - Direction to Continue to Exploration of Real Property Transfer Tax
February 27, 2024 - Direction to Poll for Real Property Transfer Tax
March 12, 2024 - Direction to Begin the Process of Placing a City Charter on the November 2024 Ballot
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
Conduct the First Public Hearing regarding adoption of a City Charter.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If a proposed charter is placed on the November 2024 ballot, the City Clerk estimates a cost of $60,000 in
addition to approximately $5,000 for informational items.
Funding for elections has been included in the FY 24
budget and will be rolled into the FY 25 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Over the last couple of years, it has become evident that the City of St. Helena needs a stable and alternate revenue source. During the last year, the City Council has examined the viability of several options and determined that pursuing a real property transfer tax is the most prudent choice. A real property transfer tax can only be implemented by Charter cities so the City Council will also need to provide the residents with the option to move from a General Law city to a Charter City.
Consistent with City Council Goal 1 - Strengthen Financial Resilience; Goal 2 - Improve Infrastructure and Further Environmental Sustainability, and Goal 5 - Enhance Quality of Life, and several other City Council Goals, the City Council has determined that there is need for additional revenues. Previously, the City Council has received several reports on financing and revenue options to address City infrastructure and staffing deficiencies.
Agenda Item #11.1.
February 28, 2023 - City Council received a presentation from Baker Tilly that included an updated Long Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) which provided financial projections and noted that the City would have to increase revenues and/or further adjust service levels. The presentation provided several ways of dealing with the financial situation including reducing expenditures, engaging more aggressively in shared services, selling city assets, helping increase business/economic activity, and increasing various types of fees and taxes. The conclusion was that if community expectations are to be met, addressing the fiscal gap by only reducing expenditures will not be sufficient and new revenue stream(s) should be considered.
May 23, 2023 - City Council discussed each of the revenue options and directed staff to pursue the Real Property Transfer Tax and other revenue enhancement options as needed.
July 25, 2023 - City Council further directed staff as follows:
1. Move forward with opinion research for a November 2024 Charter City/Real Property Transfer Tax (to be conducted in March/April 2024); and
2. Established a City Council Revenue Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Vice Mayor Hall and Councilmember Summers to assist with: setting opinion research questions, develop ballot language, and, with the real property transfer tax and corresponding Charter Requirement, draft a charter for City Council consideration.
October 10, 2023 - Staff presented to City Council the two components to implement a real property transfer tax:
1. St. Helena must become a Charter City, and
2. St. Helena voters must pass a real property transfer tax.
Both components require a simple majority of votes at a general election and both components will need to be approved by the voters in order for the real property transfer tax to go into effect.
February 27, 2024 - City Council provided direction to staff on the preferred real property transfer tax structure and to conduct opinion research on the feasibility of the tax as follows:
Flat tax of 2.5% on all real property sales over $1 million; Graduated tax of 1.5% on sales between $1 and $5 million and 3% on all sales over $5 million; and
Sunset of tax after eight years.
Agenda Item #11.1.
Opinion research is currently being conducted and it is anticipated polling results will be brought to the City Council on April 23, 2024.
March 12, 2024 - City Council was presented with information regarding the charter city.
The City of St. Helena was at one point a Charter City, it is currently a General Law city, which means the City is bound by the State of California's general law. Becoming a Charter City again will allow the City to have local authority over "municipal affairs" which includes the legal authority to enact a real property transfer tax measure.
Staff had been working with the City Council revenue Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee and legal counsel to develop recommend city charter language for Council consideration. While becoming a Charter City can be complicated, the recommendation from the Ad Hoc Committee, supported by an independent citizens group, is to bring the voters a simple and "limited" charter, as opposed to an "expansive" charter, which would provide the legal authority to enact a real property transfer tax (by approval of the voters) but continue to follow the General Law of the State of California in all other matters.
City Council directed staff to proceed with the recommended limited and "simple" charter and further directed staff to schedule two public hearings regarding a Charter City proposal.
DISCUSSION:
Part of the process of developing a city charter involves holding two noticed public hearings. Tonight is the first noticed public hearing and fulfills the requirements of California Government Code Section 34458(b) for a first public hearing to consider a city charter.
Draft City Charter Proposal
The draft charter was presented to City Council on March 12, 2024, which can be accessed by clicking here: 031224 City Council Agenda Report. This public hearing has been properly noticed and the second public hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The draft charter presented to the Council on March 12, 2024, is attached for public comment and City Council consideration.
Next Steps
May 14, 2024 - Second hearing of the Charter
June 11, 2024 - Final Council meeting to place Charter measure and real property transfer tax measure on the ballot.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: None
GOAL:
Goal 1: Strengthen Financial Sustainability
Agenda Item #11.1.
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure & Further Environmental Sustainability Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life
Goal 6: Improve Employee Recruitment, Retention, & Morale Goal 7: Enhance Organizational Effectiveness
Goal 8: Implement Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) Projects Miscellaneous/Other DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
St. Helena Charter for Consideration
Agenda Item #11.1.
83578.00000\41960099.4
CITY OF ST. HELENA CHARTER
ARTICLE I
NAME AND BOUNDARIES
100. Name and Boundaries
The municipal corporation now existing and known as the City of St. Helena, hereafter referred to as "the City," shall remain and continue to be a municipal body corporate and politic, as at present, in name, in fact, and in law. The boundaries of the City shall be as established at the time this Charter takes effect, or as they may be changed thereafter in the manner authorized by law.
ARTICLE II
POWERS OF CITY
200. Exercise of Constitutional Power of Local Taxation and Assessment The City of St. Helena adopts this Charter to exercise all constitutional powers conferred on charter cities under Article XI sections 3 and 5 of the California Constitution with respect to municipal affairs in relation to local taxes, issuance of bonds and other financings secured by local taxes, and assessments, including a system for the imposition, levy, and collection of a such tax or assessment. In the event of a conflict between this Charter and the general law, the provisions of this Charter shall govern.
201. City is Otherwise Subject to General Laws
Except as provided in this Charter with respect to the power of the City over local taxation and assessment, the powers of the City shall otherwise be constrained by, subject to, and governed by the general laws of the State as now and hereafter existing relating to cities organized under said general laws. 202. Severability
If any provision of this Charter is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remaining provisions of the Charter shall remain in full force and effect. 203. Intergovernmental Relations.
The City may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions jointly, or in cooperation, by contract or otherwise, with any one or more cities, counties, states, or civil divisions or agencies thereof, or the United States or any agency thereof.
Agenda Item #11.1.
83578.00000\41960099.4
204. Effective Date of Charter/Amendment
This Charter shall take effect upon its approval by St. Helena voters and by the Legislature of the State of California. Any amendment to this Charter shall be effective when approved by St. Helena voters and filed pursuant to the California Constitution and applicable State law.
ARTICLE III
SUCCESSION
300. Rights and Liabilities
The City shall remain vested with and continue to have, hold, and enjoy all property, rights of property, and rights of action of every nature and description now pertaining to this municipality, and is hereby declared to be the successor of same. It shall be subject to all the obligations, contracts, liabilities, debts, and duties that now exist against or with the City.
301. Ordinances, Codes, and Other Regulations
All ordinances, codes, resolutions, regulations, rules, and portions thereof, in force at the time this Charter takes effect, and not in conflict or inconsistent herewith, shall continue in force until repealed, amended, changed, or superseded in the manner provided by this Charter and any other applicable laws. 302. Pending Actions And Proceedings
No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending at the time this Charter takes effect, brought by or against the City or any officer, office, or department thereof, shall be affected or abated by the adoption of this Charter, or by anything herein contained.
ARTICLE IV
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
400. Form of Government
The form of government shall be that commonly known as the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council, consisting of four councilmembers elected for four year staggered terms, and a separately elected mayor elected for two year terms in the manner in effect when this Charter was adopted, shall establish the policy of the City and the City Manager shall carry out that policy. Each Councilmember in office at the time Agenda Item #11.1.
83578.00000\41960099.4
this Charter takes effect shall continue in office until the end of the term for which they were elected or appointed.
401. Officers and Employees
Subject to the provisions of this Charter, the present officers and employees of the City shall continue to perform the duties of their respective offices and employment without interruption and for the same compensation and under the same conditions until the election, appointment or hiring and qualification of their successors and subject to such removal and control as provided herein or by applicable general law.
Agenda Item #11.1.
First Public Hearing
City Charter
April 9, 2024, City Council Meeting
April Mitts, Assistant City Manager
Agenda Item #11.1.
Objectives
• Goals
• Background
• Actions
• Recap
• Why Establish a Charter City
• Establishing a Charter City
• Timeline
• Council Action to Place Charter City on November 2024 Ballot Agenda Item #11.1.
Overall - Seek to improve the City’s financial condition so that there is sufficient annual and long-term funding to provide high quality City services as well as maintain and replace infrastructure • Goal 1 – Strengthen Financial Resilience
• Goal 2 – Improve Infrastructure & Further Environmental Sustainability • Goal 7 – Optimize Organizational Effectiveness & Service Delivery • Goal 8 – Implement Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) Projects Overall Goals
Agenda Item #11.1.
• February 28, 2023 – Baker Tilly Report - Financial Forecast and Financial Options
• May 23, 2023 – Report on Revenue Options/Cost Reductions • July 25, 2023 – Feasibility of GO Bond and RPTT/Charter City • October 10, 2023 – Direction to explore RPTT and Charter City • February 27, 2024 – RPTT Structure Discussion
• March 12, 2024 – Direction from Council to Begin the Process of Placing a Charter City Proposal on the November 5, 2024 Ballot Background/Public Meetings
Agenda Item #11.1.
• Initiated sale of City real property
• Embarked on several process improvements to drive down costs of delivering services
• Analyzed potential shared service models
• Explored cost cutting measures
• Evaluated several revenue generation methods
• Implemented updated Impact Fees and User Fees
• Actively supported development
• Aggressively seeking grants
Actions since February 2023
Agenda Item #11.1.
• Residents tell us they want:
• Physical safety and security
• Safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure • Improved conditions of streets, bridges, parks, and sidewalks, & effective evacuation routes
• Safer streets for walking, biking, and driving
• Existing funding is not meeting community needs and additional sources of revenue are necessary
Recap - What are the Issues?
Agenda Item #11.1.
• Not a new concept, explored in 2016
• Lack of resources to fund all the City’s services, meet resident expectations, and repair/maintain the built environment • Council evaluated cost cutting and revenue generating options and directed staff to analyze a real property transfer tax (RPTT) • Only charter cities, NOT general law cities, may levy a RPTT, with voter approval
• RPTT can provide sustained funding
Why Establish a Charter City?
Agenda Item #11.1.
• The Government Code sets forth the procedures for adopting a charter. • The first step in the process of becoming a charter city is to initiate the drafting of the charter.
• There are three different methods to do so:
1. the City Council drafts the charter itself;
2. the City Council calls for the election of a charter commission to draft the charter; or
3. a citizens’ initiative is filed calling for the election of a charter commission to draft the charter.
How to Establish a Charter City
Agenda Item #11.1.
• The City Council is drafting the charter itself with input from staff and the Ad Hoc committee consisting of Vice Mayor Hall and Councilmember Summers (Option 1).
• In addition to the election requirements above, there are a number of additional procedural requirements to adopting a charter such as:
1. 1st Public Hearing
2. 2nd Public Hearing
3. Final City Council meeting to consider placing Measure on the ballot
4. Placed before St. Helena voters
How to Establish a Charter City
Agenda Item #11.1.
City Council Direction - March 12, 2024
• Move forward with a ballot measure to become a charter city with the following characteristics:
• Would be a simple and “limited” charter
• Would provide legal authority to enact a RPTT (by approval of the voters)*
• Would continue to follow the General Law of the State of California in all other matters
* In order for the real property transfer tax to be implemented the City must become a charter city.
Both the real property transfer tax measure and the city charter measure would be placed on the November 2024 ballot as a separate ballot measures.
Agenda Item #11.1.
City Charter Language
ARTICLE II
POWERS OF CITY
200. Exercise of Constitutional Power of Local Taxation and Assessment The City of St. Helena adopts this Charter to exercise all constitutional powers conferred on charter cities under Article XI sections 3 and 5 of the California Constitution with respect to municipal affairs in relation to local taxes, issuance of bonds and other financings secured by local taxes, and assessments, including a system for the imposition, levy, and collection of a such tax or assessment. In the event of a conflict between this Charter and the general law, the provisions of this Charter shall govern. 201. City is Otherwise Subject to General Laws Except as provided in this Charter with respect to the power of the City over local taxation and assessment, the powers of the City shall otherwise be constrained by, subject to, and governed by the general laws of the State as now and hereafter existing relating to cities organized under said general laws.
Agenda Item #11.1.
Next Steps
April 9, 2024
1st Public Hearing
Draft Charter to be considered by City Council
May 14, 2024
2nd Public Hearing
Draft Charter to be considered by City Council
June 11, 2024
Final City Council Meeting
Consider placing Charter Measure
on November 2024 Ballot
Agenda Item #11.1.
Public Hearing
• Questions from City Council to Staff
• Open Public Hearing for Community Input
• Close Public Hearing
• May 14, 2024 – Draft Charter to be Considered for the November 2024 Election
Agenda Item #11.1.
• 3/19/24 – Notice of Public Hearing published in Napa Valley Register: published 1x per week for 2 weeks.
• 3/19/24 – Notice posted at City Locations (City Hall, Library, and Parks & Recreation Office, Carnegie Building).
• 4/9/24 – 1st Public Hearing.
Public Notice Process
Agenda Item #11.1.
• 4/23/24 – Notice of Public Hearing published in Napa Valley Register: published 1x per week for 2 weeks.
• 4/23/24 – Notice posted at City Locations (City Hall, Library, and Parks & Recreation Office, Carnegie Building).
• 5/14/24 – 2nd Public Hearing Charter to City Council. • 6/11/24 – Final City Council meeting to consider placing Charter Measure on November ballot.
Upcoming Public Notice Process
Agenda Item #11.1.
From: Mcknz
To: Public Comment
Subject: Re: [External] E-Agenda Item 11.1 City Council Meeting - 9 Apr 2024 Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 11:53:07 AM
Attention City Council Members;
In reference to item 11.1 on the agenda;
I firmly believe there needs to be more community involvement and outreach to enable our input on such an important change to our city’s governance.
Unless I missed a notice, The proposed Charter language has not been posted nor reviewed but the residents.
I would request this matter be tabled until proper communication and engagement of the community can be facilitated and in a timely matter to arrange attendance.
Thank you,
Laura Keir
>
Agenda Item #11.1.
From: lana ivanoff
To: Cindy Tzafopoulos
Subject: [External] Please pass this on
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024 11:52:25 AM
Cindy
Please pass my letter on to City Council Members, and the City Manager.
Hope you’re doing well.
Thanks,
Lana
April 5, 2024
City Manager, City Council Members….
I am writing this letter to you all, requesting more time, and more discussion concerning changing St Helena into a Charter City.
To approve putting this on the November 2024, ballot, is premature, and unfair to residents who question, and/or oppose such an idea.
I think few people in town are aware of the consequences of such a decision, and the reasons behind making that decision. This topic needs more open discussion, where pros and cons are discussed at length.
A decision of this magnitude needs to be FULLY vetted.
I know you have supposedly taken a survey of residents, but I have yet to speak to ANYONE in my circle of friends who has taken that survey. I think the results of that survey, the numbers, the comments, etc., should be made public, and further discussions encouraged based on the survey’s responses.
I have been so discouraged watching the CC Meeting of late. It seems like very little consideration goes into public comment….. listening to ideas and opinions voiced by the residents. You claim letters are read, but it is hard to know if that is true when one never receives responses from council members. (Except one). And now, at CC/PC meetings, the public is limited in their ability to speak in public, if they have already submitted a letter. We have the right to be heard!
Remember….. you work for us. We elected you. The City Manager works for you.
Yet, hearing, and watching, the recent meetings makes one feel like the reverse is the norm. The CM is making the decisions, presents them in multiple power point presentations, the public is allowed to speak, (but there is rarely much discussion, or acknowledgment of the ideas presented by them), then, the CC approves the idea or plan. (It’s like watching the Wizard of Oz. Smoke, mirrors, power point presentations, pages and pages of staff reports, more smoke and mirrors……then everyone shaking their heads in affirmation).
It’s embarrassing, and frustrating to watch.
Agenda Item #11.1.
Many important agenda items are hidden in ‘consent items’, and the public doesn’t ever hear about them until weeks, months after they have been approved.
I think the CC needs to realize that few people in town get the Napa Register anymore, read agendas online, and fewer still are crazy enough to fill their Tuesday nights with CC and PC meetings. The ‘glitzy newsletters’ are sent out promoting the CM’s agendas/opinions, again,
….rarely asking for public opinion.
We need some town hall meetings, scheduled regularly, to keep the local residents informed. Many people are feeling left out of decisions affecting the character, livability, and viability of this town.
We residents need information presented earlier, more time to discuss that information, and then, and only then, decision making.
Please…..Stop. Breathe. Ask questions. Engage the public. Listen. Listen. Listen.
Remember who you represent, and who work for.
Thank you,
Lana Ivanoff
[email protected]
707-963-7683
Agenda Item #11.1.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS
Department: Administration
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration of a Resolution to Appoint an Applicant to Fill the Planning Commission Vacancy
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Appoint an applicant to the Planning Commission.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this action is to appoint an applicant to the Planning Commission.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND:
Planning Commissioner Marika Rothfeld has announced that she is resigning from the Planning Commission effective when the City Council appoints a replacement.
DISCUSSION:
The City has advertised a recruitment seeking applicants from the community to fill the vacancy. The term of office will expire June 30, 2025.
The City Council will convene a Special City Council meeting on April 9, 2024 to interview applicants for the vacancy.
The following lists the names of the applicants:
Planning Commission
1. Hector F. Lopez
2. David Prueter
3. Erin Martin
Should Council decide not to appoint someone from the current applicants, staff would re-advertise for the position to fill the vacancy.
GOAL:
Miscellaneous/Other
Agenda Item #13.1.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Planning Commission Application - Hector F Lopez Attachment 2 - Planning Commission Application - David Prueter Attachment 3 - Planning Commission Application - Erin Martin Martin Attachment 4 - Resolution Planning Commission
Agenda Item #13.1.
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Agenda Item #13.1.
CITY OF ST. HELENA
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
APPOINTING AN APPLICANT TO A VACANT
PLANNING COMMISSION POSITION
RECITALS
A. Planning Commission Member Marika Rothfeld announced that she is resigning from the Planning Commission effective when the City Council appoints a replacement; and
B. The City Clerk conducted a recruitment to fill the position with a term expiring June 30, 2025, and received two applications; and
C. The City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct interviews on April 9, 2024, with the City Council making an appointment at the April 9, 2024 regular meeting.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of St. Helena resolves as follows:
1. The City Council appoints ___________ to the vacant Planning Commission term of office expiring June 30, 2025.
Approved at a Regular Meeting of the St. Helena City Council on April 9, 2024, by the following vote:
Mayor Dohring: __________
Vice Mayor Hall: __________
Council Member Chouteau: __________
Council Member Patrick Kenealy: __________
Council Member Summers: __________
APPROVED: ATTEST:
________________________ ________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk Agenda Item #13.1.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS
Department: Administration
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: April Mitts, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Direct staff to prepare a report to the City Council pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9212 analyzing the impacts and effects of the Noble House proposal titled, "St.
Helena Agritourism Initiative."
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Authorize the preparation of a 9212 Report.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
To direct City staff to prepare an Elections Code Section 9212 Report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of the report preparation will be influenced largely by the breadth and complexity of the topics that City
Council wants included. Preparation of the report is
expected to include staff time, which will impact other work priorities, and possibly the use of consultants, which will result in hard costs. Based on the City Council's direction, staff will determine the costs for the preparation of the report and return to City Council to approve an allocation of funds, as determined necessary and appropriate.
BACKGROUND:
On March 12, 2024, Initiative proponents ("Noble House") filed with the City a Notice of Intent to Circulate Petition and a request that the City Attorney prepare a ballot title and summary. The City Attorney Office title and summary is an unbiased and neutral description that is to be used on the official ballot and other election materials, such as the petition that is currently being circulated for signatures.
The Initiative is included as Attachment 1 to this Staff Report. Noble House proponents have called the petition, St. Helena Agritourism Initiative (the "Initiative"). This Initiative seeks to adopt a new Winery and Planned Agritourism Overlay ("WPA Overlay"). The WPA Overlay can only be applied on up to 11 acres of large parcels in excess of 110- acres, located within City limits but outside the City's Urban Limit Line, with existing active agriculture and a winery, and served by an existing railroad line. If adopted, the the newly adopted WPA Overlay would apply to 11 acres of real property along the existing rail line located at 2800 Main Street, with mostly open, fallow acreage bordered by Deer Park Road.
Agenda Item #13.2.
The Noble House proposed Initiative would facilitate the development of an up to 56- room agritourism resort hotel, with a variety of public and visitor-serving amenities including meeting and event spaces, and an on-site spa and restaurant open to the public, including residents of St. Helena. The Initiative states it includes specific policies, development standards, and required environmental design features to ensure that the actions approved in the Initiative will require the project to proceed in an environmentally responsible manner and only as approved by the voters.
The proposed Initiative indicates project requirements include, but are not limited to:
responsible water and wastewater plans, with a reliance on recycled water for nonpotable and landscaping needs; ensuring that public access to the site is via Deer Park Road, in addition to the rail line, which will substantially minimize traffic related impacts; and a substantial commitment to the construction of new affordable workforce housing in the City of St. Helena.
Once the proponents of this Initiative have completed collecting signatures, if sufficient valid signatures are gathered during the period of time prescribed by State law, the Initiative would be placed on the ballot for consideration by voters if the City Council does not itself approve the measure, as described in the Discussion section.
DISCUSSION:
Elections Code 9212(a) authorizes the City Council to refer the Initiative measure to a city agency or agencies for a report regarding the Initiative's impact and effects ("Report") during circulation of the Initiative or before the City Council either adopts the Initiative or orders an election. Election Code Section 9212 sets broad parameters for what the report may address, and provides that the report may examine the following items:
1. Its fiscal impact.
2. Its effects on the internal consistency of the City's General and Specific Plans, the consistency between Planning and Zoning, and the limitations on City actions under Section 65008 of the Government Code and Chapters 4.2 (commencing with Section 65913) and 4.3 (commencing with Section 65915) of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code.
3. Its effects on the use of land, the impact on the availability and location of housing, and the ability of the city to meet its regional housing needs.
4. Its impact on funding for infrastructure of all types, including, but not limited to, transportation, schools, parks, and open space. The report may also discuss whether the measure would be likely to result in increased infrastructure costs or savings, including the costs of infrastructure maintenance, to current residents and businesses.
5. Its impact on the community's ability to attract and retain businesses and employment.
6. Its impact on the uses of vacant parcels of land.
7. Its impact on agricultural lands, open space, traffic congestion, existing business districts, and developed areas designated for revitalization.
Agenda Item #13.2.
8. Any other matters the legislative body requests to be in the report.
Once the petition with all signatures is submitted to the City, the City Clerk will have thirty (30) business days to examine the petition and determine if sufficient valid signatures have been collected to enable the petition to move forward. At the next regular meeting of the City Council, the City Clerk will certify the results of the examination. If the petition qualifies, the City Council must either adopt the petition without alteration at this meeting or within ten (10) days thereafter; or order an election.
The City Council may rely on the Report in making its determination to adopt the ordinance or submit it to vote. The Report will also serve to education the public on the effects of the Initiative.
Based on staff's preliminary review of the Initiative, staff recommends further consideration of the effects of the Initiative on all seven items listed in Elections Code Section 9212.
The Report must be presented to the City Council at a date set by the Council, no later than thirty (30) days after the City Clerk certifies the sufficiency of the petition. The attached Resolution allows presentation of the Report to the Council any time within the parameters set by state law.
Depending on the number of issues selected for report by the Council, staff seeks Council direction on the Report before the petition is determined to be sufficient in order to provide adequate lead time to analyze the issues that the City Council identifies for inclusion in the Report. Although staff may be able to rely on recent studies and reports, there may be other issues that require additional analysis beyond the existing documentation. Should the Council direct preparation of a Report, the City Council should specify and prioritize the issues to be analyzed and included in the Report.
GOAL:
Miscellaneous/Other
DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - The St. Helena Agritourism Initiative - Proponent Kristine Raymond Attachment 2 - Resolution
Agenda Item #13.2.
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CITY OF ST. HELENA
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ST. HELENA DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO PREPARE A
REPORT ON THE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED NOBLE
HOUSE INITIATIVE ENTITLED, “ST. HELENA
AGRITOURISM INITIATIVE” AND TO APPROPRIATE
FUNDS AND STAFF TIME FOR THE PREPARATION OF
THE REPORT.
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2024, the City Clerk for the City of St. Helena (“City”) received a Notice of Intent to circulate an initiative petition (“Initiative”) and a request for the City Attorney to prepare the official ballot title and summary; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney is preparing the official title and summary for the Initiative will provide it to the Initiative proponents; and WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 9212 authorizes the City Council to direct City staff to prepare a report on the impacts of the Initiative (“Report”), including seven specified types of impacts as well as on “any other matter” that the City Council requests to be included in the Report; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that such a Report would provide valuable information about the Initiative to the Council and to all interested residents of the City; and
WHEREAS, the preparation of a Report is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act, together with related State CEQA Guidelines (collectively, “CEQA”) in that this is an administrative action which does not involve a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect impact on the physical environment.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. HELENA AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of St. Helena directs staff to:
a. Prepare a Report on the effects of the Initiative pursuant to Elections Code section 9212, addressing each of the impacts specific in subsection (a)(1)- Agenda Item #13.2.
(7), to the extent applicable, as well as any other items identified by the City Council at its meeting on April 9, 2024; and
b. Retain, at the direction of the City Manager, any consultants that the City Manager determines are necessary or appropriate to complete the Report; and
c. Authorize the City Manager to execute any agreement(s) necessary for the retention of consultants for the Report, including agreements which exceed the City Manager authority designated in the SHMC. Agreements exceeding City Manager authority will be ratified at a later Council Meeting date; and
d. Present the Report to the City Council no later than the latest date authorized by Elections Code section 9212(b).
Approved at a Regular Meeting of the St. Helena City Council on April 9 2024, by the following vote:
Mayor Paul Dohring: ____
Vice Mayor Eric Hall: ____
Council Member Anna Chouteau: ____
Council Member Patrick Kenealy: ____
Council Member Billy Summers: ____
APPROVED: ATTEST:
______________________ ________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk Agenda Item #13.2.
April 8, 2024
By Email
Members of the City Council
City of St. Helena
c/o City Clerk
1088 College Avenue
St. Helena, CA. 94574
[email protected]
Re: Preparation of report analyzing the impacts and effects of Noble House “St. Helena Agritourism Initiative” -- Agenda Item 13.2, April 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
Dear Members of the St. Helena City Council:
On behalf of Citizens for the General Plan (“CGP”), an unincorporated association of St. Helena residents, property owners, and electors, this is to respectfully request that the City Council authorize staff to prepare a report of the impacts and effects of the above-referenced Noble House-sponsored initiative measure, as authorized by Elections Code Section 9212 (“Section 9212 Report”) and as described further in the staff report for this agenda item. CGP further requests that the Council direct staff to evaluate additional topics in the Report beyond those enumerated in the statute, as discussed further below.
A Section 9212 Report may very well be the City’s best – and only – opportunity to gather and examine critical information about the significant and potentially serious consequences of this Initiative effort. As you know, pursuing a nominally “citizen-sponsored” ballot measure enables Noble House to evade meaningful and thorough public review of its resort’s impacts on the City. By invoking (some might say cynically exploiting) a notorious loophole in the law, Noble House will not have to fund a study of the resort’s environmental and land use planning impacts. It will not have to circulate that study for public review and comment. It will not have to consider or implement public concerns and Agenda Item #13.2.
St. Helena City Council
April 8, 2024
recommendations for improving the project or minimizing or avoiding its deleterious effects on the city and its resources. Worse still, the City Council itself will be all but powerless to influence the design and operation of the resort, or to impose conditions of approval or mitigation measures to ensure the community is adequately protected.
Under these circumstances, it is imperative that the City Council not only order a Section 9212 Report as authorized by law, but that it direct staff and any consultants it retains to ensure the study is as probing and comprehensive in scope as possible. This means that in addition to the topics specified in the Elections Code and described in the Staff Report, the study should include a thorough examination of the following:
1. Applicability of Municipal Code prohibitions on using groundwater extracted for agricultural purposes for non-agricultural uses (SHMC § 13.16.080).
2. Whether as a matter of law the Initiative constitutes impermissible “spot zoning” that bestows development rights on one parcel that are superior to those on surrounding properties.
3. Whether the resort proposed by the Initiative Measure constitutes “new development” as that term is defined and understood in the General Plan.
We accordingly ask the Council to direct staff to prepare the Section 9212 as recommended, and to include these topics in its scope. Thank you for your consideration of these requests.
Most sincerely,
M. R. WOLFE & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Mark R. Wolfe
On behalf of Citizens for the General Plan
MRW:
Agenda Item #13.2.
1 Cindy Tzafopoulos
From: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 2:02 PM
To: Cindy Tzafopoulos
Subject: [External] Public Comment, City Council Agenda Item 13.1 (April 9, 2024) Following years of work at substanƟal public cost, Napa County has an approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan (“GSP”). Work on the Plan conƟnues. The proposed project contemplates the tapping of groundwater for non agricultural water supply.
Undersigned strongly urges that the Council direct Staff to seek out the view of the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“GSA”) on the appropriateness of the proposed use of groundwater to support a municipal use (hotel).
One other well maƩer: the project proponent in Exhibit C, numbered point 79, of its IniƟaƟve Measure appears to state that the permit requirement in municipal code secƟon 13.16.060 shall not be applied to water wells on the property. The Water Wells (secƟon 13.16) provisions of the municipal code became law in 2012 following careful consideraƟon by the then City Council of this conservaƟon measure. The Council should direct Staff to evaluate carefully whether it is sound public policy to waive secƟon 13.16.060 as the project applicant appears to seek.
Respecƞully submiƩed, Alan Galbraith
Member, Groundwater Resources Advisory CommiƩee (“GRAC”) Vice Chair, Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory CommiƩee (“GSPAC”) (These were the County‐established commiƩees before adopƟon of the GSP.) Sent from my iPhone
Agenda Item #13.2.
From: susan kenward
To: Cindy Tzafopoulos
Subject: [External] Concerning impacts and effects of Noble House St. Helena Agritourism Initiative Date: Monday, April 8, 2024 8:41:57 AM
All members of the St. Helena City Council
April 9, 2024
Dear Members of the St. Helena City Council:
I had hoped to attend this meeting, but with this only being added to the agenda last Thursday, I am unable. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the projects.
Most citizens agree that our city needs money and a hotel is a good idea. But why do the Noble House Developers want their project approved by an Initiative? Why not follow our normal public hearing process?
The Developers chose the Initiative so they control the process, dictate the terms of project approval and exempt it from CEQA. As you know, the California Supreme Court has ruled that projects approved by Initiative are exempt from CEQA.
It is hard to imagine a project in St. Helena more in need of CEQA impact analysis than this 56-room hotel, with a public restaurant and spa, swimming pools, public meeting and event facilities and more. The water supply is a private well that was intended for agricultural use and draws water from the aquifer. They propose “a private sewage system.” Close to the Napa River, virtually the entire site appears to be mapped in FEMA Flood Zone AE, a high risk zone. Some guests might come up on the train, ( from where? Napa?) who knows how much traffic will actually be generated?
If this hotel is exempt from CEQA, we can say goodbye to the objective analysis and public input that CEQA delivers. Forget about mitigation measures and court enforcement of CEQA requirements.
The Developers won’t complain about the terms that apply to their project approval because they wrote them! If you can wade through this 37-page Initiative, it is obvious that the Nobel House Developers need us to bend or eliminate more than a few rules that they can’t or don’t want to meet. These are not small exceptions. These are some of the most basic provisions in our General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code that we’ve spent years agreeing on. Rules that applied to Farmstead Lodging and Acacia House and that apply to you and me and anyone else who wants to live in or develop property in St.
Helena.
Agenda Item #13.2.
There are probably very good reasons why our Municipal Code was amended to prohibit an agricultural well from serving a commercial project . They exempted themselves from that code requirement too. This project isn’t subject to our Water Neutrality Ordinance.
Forget negotiations. There will be no Development Agreement for this hotel. We get only what the Developers are willing to offer and on their terms.
Approving this project by Initiative is a huge departure from our public processes and the even-handed way we elected to approve and manage development.
At the very least, we hope to be able to vote on this on the ballot in November.
Sincerely
Susan Kenward
Agenda Item #13.2.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS
Department: Public Works
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: Joseph Leach, Public Works Director and City Engineer, Lesley Milton, Asst. to the City Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion and Direction Regarding Downtown Sidewalk Rehabilitation strategies between Adams Street and
Mitchell Drive
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Provide direction to staff regarding preferences of the proposed options for sidewalk improvements.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
Included in the approved, current Capital Improvement
Program is a project to design and replace the downtown sidewalks in different phases, but it is only partially funded at this time.
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
To receive Council direction regarding preferences for the cost and timing of downtown sidewalk repair options.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact with providing Council direction at this meeting. Costs for the proposed options can vary
between $500,000 and over $9.6 million dependent on
Council direction and will be further be refined through the design and bidding process.
BACKGROUND:
The condition of our downtown sidewalks has been the topic of conversations of many previous studies, reports, community engagement reports as well as plans. Sidewalks in a downtown district have a direct impact to the vitality of the district and affects residents, visitors who try to traverse the downtown, and the businesses that are trying to be successful.
The report presented by the Urban Land Institute called out sidewalk repair or replacement as a key component of the placemaking effort in Downtown St. Helena specifically stating:
"Many of St. Helena’s challenges are related to the physical environment and the lack of any recent investment in the public realm. The sidewalk disrepair on Main Street is an ongoing problem with legal implications; there is a perception that downtown has a parking problem; and the existing public open space is underused and insufficient as far as providing a permanent place for the community to gather.
Along the heavily retail-dominated Main Street, stores close early, contributing to a lack of activation and vitality in the evenings. Numerous planning efforts over the Agenda Item #13.3.
past several years, as well as those currently underway, have attempted to address these challenges.
The Vision 2020 Plan includes the recommendations to upgrade of the sidewalks.
Additionally, parts of the recently initiated Downtown Specific Plan as well as the Streets Master Plan success and implementation are contingent upon the placemaking effort and downtown walkability.
While it is recognized that the downtown sidewalks need to be repaired, it is a costly and cumbersome effort due to a variety of factors. Examples include jurisdictional issues bordering a state highway, underground utilities, business impacts and coordination prior to and during construction, as well as ongoing liability of trip and fall hazards due to the deteriorating conditions.
The overarching goals when improving the downtown sidewalks includes:
Improve pedestrian safety.
Promote a lively Downtown environment.
Improve overall appearance of public areas.
Reduce public complaints over aesthetics.
Staff has been working to design and plan for improvements in two phases; Phase 1A (from Pine Street to Adams Street) and Phase 1B (From Adams Street to Mitchell Drive). While there is funding for design and construction of Phase 1A, there is not full funding for the construction for the Phase 1B section as envisioned in the Cultivate St Helena Plan. Recognizing the litany of challenges, but also keeping site of the goal, the plan to achieve the goal may need to be a little more creative.
DISCUSSION:
How can the City provide the elements of a vibrant Downtown in the short-term while developing a comprehensive plan for the long-term?
While trying to balance needs, funding, capabilities and responsiveness, staff is seeking direction between two different paths to achieve the goal of better sidewalks in the downtown. The Council is being asked to weigh two different opportunities: a shortterm but immediate remediation compared to a longer-term, permanent solution. Details of each option and sub-options are as follows for discussion and consideration.
Option A is an interim solution that would be a less costly, but only short-term fix to provide better, but not optimal, sidewalks while we complete design and identify funding for full design and rebuild.
Option B is a long-term solution that is consistent with the goals and desires of the Downtown Streetscape plans.
The following are more details related to the above two higher level options.
Agenda Item #13.3.
Option A1 - Temporary Replacement of Pavers - Total Cost: $500,000 This option proposes to remove and reinstall the existing pavers. Staff is proposing the removal and retrofit of the base material, removal of trees (34) impacting the pavers and the replacement of the existing pavers. With this option, no trees would be replaced, no curb and gutter would be replaced, no sewer laterals would be replaced, and the existing concrete sidewalk would remain. Replacement of the 34 trees would be an additional $51,000.
Option A2 - Temporary Replacement with Concrete - Total Cost: $700,000 This option proposes to remove existing pavers and install new concrete sidewalk.
Same as above, pavers would be removed, roots remediated, trees removed (42) but new concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters would be installed. With this option, no new trees would be planted, no sewer laterals would be replaced, and the existing concrete sidewalk would remain. Replacement of the 42 trees would be an additional $63,000.
Option B1 - Permanent/Full Sidewalk Replacement - Total Cost: $9.6 Million This option proposes to implement the Downtown Streetscape Plan which includes new concrete sidewalks, bulb-outs, curbs and gutters would be installed as described in the Cultivate St. Helena Plan. Existing street trees would be removed and replaced with species more compatible with Downtown, Crosswalks would be improved, wayfinding signage would be added, and all sewer laterals would be replaced.
Option B2 - Permanent/Full Replacement with Wider Sidewalks - Total Cost: $9.6+ Million
This option includes the same as above, with the difference of widening the sidewalks throughout. Phase 1b limits to create broad pedestrian access but may result in the removal of the center turn lane as well as is likely to reduce street parking. This option will be vetted as part of the downtown specific plan community engagement process currently underway.
Staff will provide a PowerPoint presentation with additional details of the above options during the meeting and is requesting direction regarding preferred options or alternatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Providing Direction is not a CEQA project.
GOAL:
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure & Further Environmental Sustainability Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life
Goal 8: Implement Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) Projects Miscellaneous/Other Agenda Item #13.3.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 13.3
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DOWNTOWN
SIDEWALK REHABILITATION
STRATEGIES
(ADAMS ST TO MITCHELL DR)
APRIL 9, 2024
Public Works Department
Joe Leach, PE
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Agenda Item #13.3.
AGENDA
Goals
Options
- Trees
- Details
Discussion & Direction
Downtown Sidewalk Options 2
Agenda Item #13.3.
GOALS
Improve pedestrian safety
Promote a lively Downtown
Environment
Improve overall appearance
of public areas
Reduce public complaints over
aesthetics
Agenda Item #13.3.
THE OPTIONS
Downtown Sidewalk Options 4
o Option A: Interim
1: Pavers
2: Concrete
o Option B: Permanent/long term
1: Cultivate St. Helena
2: Wider Sidewalks
Agenda Item #13.3.
TREES
Inducing Damage –
Remove & Replace
Downtown Sidewalk Options 5
• Option A1 – Pavers Remove/Replace
• Remove 34 Trees
• Replace = $51,000
• Option A2 – Pavers Remove/Replace w/ Concrete
• Remove 42 Trees
• Replace = $63,000
• Option B1 – Cultivate St Helena Downtown Plan
• Remove/Replace All Trees
• Option B2 – Widened Sidewalks
• Remove/Replace All Trees
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION A1 - PAVERS
Remove and re-install the existing pavers
Downtown Sidewalk Options 6
• Remove pavers, roots, compact & reinstall pavers.
• 34 Street trees to be removed.
• New trees could be planted at this time; $51k add.
• “Select” locations of Curb and gutter could be
removed/replaced; $50k add.
• Sewer laterals would not be replaced at this time.
• Existing concrete sidewalk would remain
[Removal/Replacement = $335k add].
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION A2 – CONCRETE
Remove the existing pavers and install concrete
Downtown Sidewalk Options
7 • Remove pavers, roots, compact & install concrete sidewalk. • 42 Street trees to be removed.
• New trees could be planted at this time; $62k add.
• “Select” locations of Curb and gutter could be removed/replaced; $50k add.
• Sewer laterals would not be replaced at this time
• Existing concrete sidewalk would remain
[Removal/Replacement = $335k add].
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION B1 - CULTIVATE ST. HELENA
Implement the Downtown Streetscape Plan
Downtown Sidewalk Options 8
• Remove existing pavers & concrete.
• Install new concrete sidewalks, bulb-outs, and curbs and gutters. • All existing street trees would be removed and replaced. • Crosswalk improvements would be added.
• Wayfinding signage and street art would be added.
• All sewer laterals replaced.
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION B2 – WIDER SIDEWALKS
Expand all Sidewalks
Downtown Sidewalk Options 9
• Needs to be vetted through the Downtown Specific Plan process.
• Remove existing pavers & concrete.
• Install new WIDENED concrete sidewalks, and curbs and gutters; creates widened ped. areas.
• All existing street trees would be removed and replaced. • Crosswalk improvements would be added.
• Wayfinding signage and street art would be added.
• All sewer laterals replaced.
• Center turn lane and street parking MAY BE removed.
• All sewer laterals replaced.
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTIONS SUMMARY
Downtown Sidewalk Options 10
BASE
COST w/
NO TREES
w/ NEW
TREES
RETAINS
PAVERS
REPLACES
PAVERS w/
CONCRETE
EXTENDS
SOME
SIDEWALKS
EXTENDS
MOST
SIDEWALKS
OPTION A1
PAVERS $500K
Excl. C&G**
$551K
Excl. C&G**
X
OPTION A2
CONCRETE $700K
Excl. C&G**
$763K
Excl. C&G**
X
OPTION B1
CULTIVATE
ST. HELENA
$10M INCL. X X
OPTION B2
WIDER
SIDEWALKS
$10M+ INCL. X X
**Estimate for select Curb/Gutter replacement = $50k
Agenda Item #13.3.
DISCUSSION &
DIRECTION
PRESENTATION TITLE 11
Agenda Item #13.3.
FOLLOWING SLIDES RETAINED FOR
REFERENCE ONLY.
Downtown Sidewalk Options 12
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION A1 – PAVERS
Downtown Sidewalk Options 13
PROS
• Inexpensive
• Quick to implement
• Retains the look
• Temporarily fixes undulating
surface
• Reduces trip hazards
CONS
• Curb & gutter is not repaired
• Retains the look
• Requires frequent maintenance
• Does not add “life” to Downtown
• Inconsistent appearance
COST
$500,000*
*estimate derived from
recent similar projects
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION A2 – CONCRETE
Downtown Sidewalk Options 14
PROS
• Inexpensive
• Quick to implement
• Retains the look
• Fixes undulating surface
• Reduces trip hazards
CONS
• Retains the look
• Does not add “life” to Downtown
• More expensive than re-installing
the pavers
• “Patchwork” appearance
COST
$700,000*
*estimate derived from
recent similar projects
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION B1 – CULTIVATE ST. HELENA
Downtown Sidewalk Options 15
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION B1 – CULTIVATE ST. HELENA
Downtown Sidewalk Options 16
CONS
• expensive
• 3-4 years to implement
incompatible with the ULI
design elements
• some street parking will be lost
PROS COST
• Pros – adds “life” to Downtown
• uses design concepts already
presented to the public
• does not require a new Downtown
Specific Plan to implement
$9,065,000*
*engineer’s estimate
prepared by BKF on
10/11/2023
Agenda Item #13.3.
OPTION B2 – WIDER SIDEWALKS
Downtown Sidewalk Options 17
Agenda Item #13.3.
Downtown Sidewalk Options 18
CONS
• very expensive
• 4-6 years to implement
• requires completion of the Downtown Specific
Plan before designing the project
• incompatible with elements of the Cultivate
St. Helena plan
• loss of most street parking
PROS COST
• improves the look,
• fixes undulating surface
and reduces trip
hazards,
• adds “life” throughout
Downtown
$11,331,000
*based on engineer’s
estimate prepared by
BKF on 10/11/2023 plus
25%
OPTION B2 – WIDER SIDEWALKS
Agenda Item #13.3.
Agenda Item #13.3.
Agenda Item #13.3.
Agenda Item #13.3.
Agenda Item #13.3.
Agenda Report to the City Council
Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS
Department: Finance
DATE: April 9, 2024
FROM: Joseph Leach, Public Works Director and City Engineer, Mandy Kellogg, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Proposed Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Hiring of Professionals for a Water Bond Financing Transaction
Related to Funding for Water Capital Improvement
Projects.
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
Approve the attached resolution.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 27, 2023 - Resolution 2023-80 Approving the Water
and Wastewater Rate Study which included the financial
plan to fund the Water and Wastewater Capital
Improvement Projects.
STATEMENT OF THE
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to authorize hiring of professionals for a financing transaction to provide funding for Water Capital Improvement Projects.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed action does not have an immediate budgetary impact; however, it will result in future bond revenues of approximately $10,500,000 and approximately $420,000 in debt issuance expenses that will be paid from the bond proceeds.
BACKGROUND:
In June 2023, the City Council approved a Water and Wastewater Rate Study, which included a financial plan to fund Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Projects.
The financial plan included a series of three proposed debt issuances in order to fund the majority of the Water Capital Improvement Projects included in the rate study. The use of debt allows for lower rate increases over the long-term by financing significant capital reinvestment and repaying over a long-time horizon.
Staff is recommending the issuance of bonds (the “2024 Water Bonds”) to finance approximately $10.5 million of projects for the City’s water system in the first bond issuance. The 2024 Water Bonds would assist the City in funding several projects including, but not limited to, the Bell Canyon Intake Tower Replacement, Kearney and Andrea Water Main Replacement, and the SMART meters project.
The item tonight is seeking approval to affirm and/or engage the City’s financing team and seeking guidance to move forward on the proposed financing. The intent is to bring Agenda Item #13.4.
the item back to the City Council/St. Helena Financing Authority Board on May 28th with all the documentation required to sell and close the 2024 Water Bonds.
DISCUSSION:
The City currently has the following obligations outstanding payable from the City’s Water Enterprise Fund:
California Statewide Communities Development Authority
Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds
Series 2012
Principal Payments: October 1, 2024 to October 1, 2032
Remaining Amount: $3,028,695
Interest Rates: 3.25% to 5.00% (2024 to 2032)
Purpose: Funded Approximately $5.3 million of Water System Improvements
______________________________________________________________________ ___________
City of St. Helena
2019 Loan Agreement
Principal Payment: October 1, 2024 to October 1, 2031
Remaining Amount: $3,809,700
Purpose: Refunding California Statewide Communities Development Authority Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Series
2006A
The proposed 2024 Water Bonds would be on parity (equal right to the system net revenues) with the above listed outstanding obligations.
The attached Resolution affirms Del Rio Advisors, LLC as municipal advisor under the contract and appoints Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. as underwriter and appoints Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation, as both Bond Counsel and Disclosure Counsel collectively (the "Financing Team"). This is the same Financing Team that completed a refunding of bonds for the City's Water Enterprise Fund in 2019 and worked on the interim financing for the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2022 that is intended to be repaid from proceeds of a USDA loan upon completion of construction of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The purpose of the proposed 2024 Water Bonds is to fund critical Water Capital Improvement Projects that were identified in the 2023 Water and Wastewater Rate Study.
Agenda Item #13.4.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: None.
GOAL:
Goal 1: Strengthen Financial Sustainability
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure & Further Environmental Sustainability Goal 3: Pursue Water Security & Sustainable Management of Water Resources Goal 8: Implement Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) Projects Miscellaneous/Other DOCUMENTS ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution Hiring 2024 Water Debt
Agenda Item #13.4.
CITY OF ST. HELENA
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING HIRING OF PROFESSIONALS
FOR A FINANCING TRANSACTION RELATED TO FUNDING FOR
WATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
RECITALS
A. The City of St. Helena (the “City”) owns and operates a system for the supply, treatment and distribution of water within the service area of the City (the “Water System”); and
B. The City desires to finance improvements to the Water System; and C. The City Council and the Board of the St. Helena Financing Authority (the “Authority”) desire to authorize City staff to move forward with hiring professionals needed to facilitate the financing of the improvements to the City’s Water System.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of St. Helena and the Board of the St.
Helena Financing Authority hereby resolve as follows:
Section 1. Financing Professionals. In connection with desired financing, the Council hereby affirms the engagement of Del Rio Advisors, LLC as municipal advisor to the City and the Authority. The Council hereby approves, authorizes and ratifies the engagement of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. as underwriter to the City and the Authority, and Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation as bond / disclosure counsel to the City and the Authority, on such terms as the City’s Administrative Services Director deems appropriate, including as to payment of fees and expenses to the municipal advisor, the underwriter and bond / disclosure counsel that such payment shall be contingent on the successful closing of the financing and shall be paid from the proceeds thereof.
Section 2. Official Actions. The Administrative Services Director is hereby authorized and directed, for and in the name and on behalf of the City and the Authority, to do any and all things and take any and all actions which are deemed necessary or advisable in order to consummate any of the actions contemplated by this resolution.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
Agenda Item #13.4.
2 Approved at a Regular Meeting of the St. Helena City Council and the Board of the St.
Helena Financing Authority on April 9, 2024, by the following vote:
Mayor Dohring: ______________
Vice Mayor: Hall ______________
Councilmember Chouteau: ______________
Councilmember Kenealy: ______________
Councilmember Summers: ______________
APPROVED:
________________________
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Cindy Tzafopoulos, City Clerk
Agenda Item #13.4.
Agenda Item 13.4
Water Bond Finance Team
Retention
By: Mandy Kellogg, Director of Administrative Services
&
Joe Leach, PE, Director of Public Works
Admin Svcs & PW Depts. April 9, 2024 1
Agenda Item #13.4.
Agenda
• Purpose of Action/Schedule
• Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) “Refresher” from 02/13/24 meeting
• Delivery Schedule: CIP vs. Rate Study vs. Bond Issuance • Requested Action
2 Agenda Item #13.4.
Purpose of Action
• Authorize procurement of consultant team to develop bond documents • Tentative Schedule:
- 4/9/24 Authorize execution of PSA’s for consultant team - 5/28/24 Council authorization approving financing & related docs - 7/24/24 Closing of Bond Sale & transfer of proceeds
3 Agenda Item #13.4.
CIP Refresher: Projects By Number
4 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 Total
Civic 7 1 0 1 0 9
Streets 10 3 3 2 1 19
Water 14 10 7 11 2 44
Wastewater 10 3 3 4 3 23
Stormwater 2 2 1 0 0 5
Total 43 19 14 18 6 100
Project Count
Agenda Item #13.4.
CIP Refresher: Projects By Budget
5 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 Total
Civic $1,315,102 $105,500 $0 $100,000 $0 $1,520,602
Streets $5,202,614 $2,132,500 $2,204,000 $1,366,000 $1,322,600 $12,227,714 Water $3,767,028 $9,166,704 $6,945,094 $9,491,821 $1,870,220 $31,240,867 Wastewater $7,470,663 $330,600 $370,600 $1,425,600 $1,375,600 $10,973,063 Stormwater $130,000 $1,054,000 $190,200 $0 $0 $1,374,200 Total $17,885,407 $12,789,304 $9,709,894 $12,383,421 $4,568,420 $57,336,446 Project Budget
Agenda Item #13.4.
Program Highlights
6 Agenda Item #13.4.
CIP vs. Rate Study vs. Bond Schedule
• Rate Study: Projected Schedule to deliver projects based upon info/priorities known last summer
• Updated Schedule:
• - defer specific projects based upon current studies
7 Agenda Item #13.4.
Requested Action
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the hiring of professionals for a financing transaction relate to funding for water capital improvement projects.
8 Agenda Item #13.4.
Discussion/Questions?
9 Agenda Item #13.4.
From: Water Audit California
To: Public Comment; [email protected]
Subject: [External] COMMENT: Regular City Council - 09 Apr 2024 – Agenda - 13.4.
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 11:40:08 AM
Attachments: image.png
WATER AUDIT CALIFORNIA COMMENT:
Regular City Council - 09 Apr 2024 –
Agenda - 13.4. Proposed Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Hiring of Professionals for a Water Bond Financing Transaction Related to Funding for Water Capital Improvement Projects.
St. Helena Residents are Paying for Inept Government Services, Not Water Residents of St. Helena have seen their water bills soar over the last 23 years. The price has gone up 1,230% during this time, yet there has been little improvement in services.
Beginning in 1996, Prop 218 has required a rate utility study every five years as justification for rate increases. In St. Helena, this study has shown year after year that the city is in desperate need of capital improvement projects for their water and wastewater facilities, together estimated to cost approximately $50 million. On face value, it is inexplicable why the City now seeks a $10 million bond. Is the City seeking to obscure the true magnitude of the problem?
The same projects are frequently cited again and again to support rate increases without progress being made. For instance, the intake tower at Bell Canyon Reservoir partially collapsed in 2011 and repairing it was included in the justification of raising rates that same year. However, it was not repaired and was also used as justification to raise rates in 2016 and 2023. During this time, the estimated cost has ballooned from $1 million to $3 million. Whether the money comes from the pockets of the residents in water rates or bond interest is mere smoke and mirrors. You will pay, sooner or later.
If money collected from ratepayers has not been going to these desperately needed capital improvement projects, where has it been going? Money from the water and wastewater enterprise fund has been diverted to legal expenses to defend continuing environmental injury, rodent control, hiring contractors rather than permanent employees, and paying a significant portion of salaries for city staff not sufficiently contributing to justify the allocation of Water Enterprise funds.
In 2017, St. Helena rescinded the Hall Winery’s Will Serve Letter, an agreement that the city would provide them water, resulting in a lawsuit which cost the city $900,000 in damages and $350,000 in legal fees. The $350,000 was paid out of ratepayers’ pockets—the Water Enterprise fund.
In 2022, St. Helena allocated wastewater funds for a stormwater berm damaged by rodents, a responsibility outside the fund's scope, contributed to by water customers.
Since late 2020, the city's struggle to recruit permanent water and wastewater operators led to a $4.3 million expenditure on contract employees in the last three years. Though the city was unable to provide salary information for permanent Agenda Item #13.4.
employees as a basis of comparison, it is estimated that hiring permanent employees would have saved the city approximately $3 million, money that could have been spent on projects like the repair of the Bell Canyon intake tower.
This high turnover has also resulted in decreased institutional memory, nearly costing ratepayers $900,000. The city has seen six changes in City Manager and five in Public Works Directors in the last 11 years. The most recent Public Works Director was not aware of the age of a water tank, and the tank was deemed the likely cause of the brown water that plagues residents. This tank was only seven years old at the time with a lifespan of 60-80 years. The city aimed to re-epoxy it for nearly a million dollars until community members pointed out that it had been constructed recently and that spending would be unnecessary.
The city has been using water and wastewater enterprise funds to pay for large portions of staff salaries. The City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and the two Assistants to the City Managers’ salaries are all paid with 40% or more of their salaries coming from the water and wastewater enterprise funds. While these staff members do work with the water and wastewater systems, it is highly unlikely they spend over 40% of their time working in these systems to justify the allocations due to the fact they are also managing a police force, fire department, and have other diverse responsibilities.
St. Helena has a history of deferring important projects and leaving residents to foot the bill. See for example, the 27-year delay in removing York Creek Dam, which caused costs to escalate tenfold. The City continued to pay approximately $35,000 a year in fines to NOAA and dithered for so long that a federal grant was lost, leaving residents to cover nearly 90% of what was eventually the approximately $10 million price tag.
City officials have favored commercial water users over residential ones. In the 2020- 21 drought year, the city council passed an ordinance limiting residential water users to 65 gallons per day per resident, a cut of 43%. This same ordinance only cut commercial use by 10%. St. Helena has a captive market on water as in 2012 it placed a moratorium on future residents drilling new wells on their property. It has not placed similar restrictions on commercial users and has not enforced its ordinance requiring well owners to report extractions.
In spite of this moratorium, groundwater extraction from the City’s Stonebridge complex has been recognized by the County as constituting a major environmental injury to the Napa River, which has attracted continuing litigation. Repeated water moratoriums are followed by proposed new hotel development. Our City has become an island surrounded by traffic congestion, and every proposal seeks to make it worse.
The City continues to ignore participation, consideration or participation in a wellproposed county-wide water district schema that could save costs, reduce environmental injury and provide redundancy. Why not engage in a public discussion of the idea? Why is maintaining a money losing ineffectual water fiefdom such a high priority?
Yes, the capital facilities likely need money, but what happened to the money that the taxpayers had already dedicated to the tasks? More important than water engineers to facilitate further debt is a top to bottom financial and functional audit. It is axiomatic that it is insane to do the same thing over and over again and to expect a different result and yet here it goes again, throwing money at a problem that is illunderstood.
Agenda Item #13.4.
The Charter City and water bond issues are merely attractive distractions from poor management. If $50 million is what is needed, why ask for $10 million? What exactly will be left to be done? How is the rest going to be paid for, and when? Why does not the proposed expert scope of work not consider remediating the City's continuing environmental injury, or the benefits of a potential county water district? Why is the City’s cost of water more than double the average in the County? This year three seats of the city council are up for election. Ask your officials what they are going to do about this problem and if you aren’t satisfied with their answer, show them your vote. People get the government that they deserve.
William McKinnon
General Counsel
Asia Jones
Policy and Communications
Water Audit California
952 School Street, 316
Napa, CA 94559
[email protected]
WATER AUDIT CALIFORNIA - A California Public Benefit Corporation 952 School Street #316, Napa, CA 94559 / phone: (707) 681-5111 Agenda Item #13.4.