City of St. Helena
Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 @ 5:30 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.
Public comment for City Council 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 City Council agenda.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation services during meetings can be scheduled upon request. To ensure interpreters are available, requests must be made at least 72 hours in advance by calling the Office of the City Clerk at (707) 968-2640 or emailing [email protected].
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/.
Servicios de interpretación en español durante la reunión pueden ser solicitados por el público. Para asegurar que los intérpretes estén disponibles, los servicios tienen que ser solicitados al menos 72 horas antes de la reunión llamando a la oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (707) 968-2640 o por correo electrónico a [email protected] .
El horario de las reuniones publicadas y próximas puede ser localizado en el sitio de web de la Ciudad en https://sthelena.civicweb.net/portal/ .
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor: Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor: Michelle Deasy City Council Members:
Aaron Barak, Kate Spadarotto, Billy Summers
3. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
4. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Under California law, public comments at special meetings are limited to subjects on the agenda only. Therefore public comment will take place during consideration of the item. Each person’s comments shall be limited to 4 minutes.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
Applicant Interviews for the Parks and Recreation Commission
5.1. The applicants for one (1) vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission with term ending June 30, 2027:
3 - 7
1. Joshua Gold
2. Denise Nelson
Joshua Gold Application
Denise Nelson Application
Denise Nelson Resume
6. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2025 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 August 22, 2025.
Erika Opp, Administrative Analyst
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.
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.
THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION City of St. Helena
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE APPLICATION
Received Date: July 25, 2025
Application Type: Parks and Recreation Commission
CA-25-029
NAME: Joshua Gold
ADDRESS: 1458 Oak Ave, Saint Helena, CA, 94574
PHONE: 843-952-3830
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY: 3 year
EMPLOYER: Duckhorn Winery
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Employed
REASON FOR APPLYING: Be more active in the community and add value in areas that I have some experience.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: I have my BA from Pace University in NYC with a major in Public Accounting. I have been a Triathlon coach for the past 28 years and have Certifications in Swimming, Cylcling and Running from various organizations. I have been the owner of the first triathlon training facility in Westchester county and have been the head coach at Asphalt Green in NYC which is a Not for Profit. I ran programs for their triathlon club and various Not for Profits such as Alzhemers Assoiciation and Leukemian and Lyphoma Foundation to name a few.
I am also trained as a Business and Life Coach..
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am a member and a trustee of Oddfellows Lodge `167 in Saint Helena REFERENCE 1: Name: Catherine Buck
Address: 1252 Allyn Ave. St Helena, CA
Phone Number(s): 707-287-4172
Email: [email protected]
REFERENCE 2: Name: Chris Phelps
Address: 1420 Madronna Ave
Phone Number(s): 707-486-9779
Email: chris@advivumcellars,com
REFERENCE 3: Name:Joel Toller
Address: 1200 Main St, Saint Helena, CA
Phone Number(s):707-738-6860
Email: [email protected]
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Have you ever attended a meeting of the Commission to which you are applying? I have not attended any of their meetings.
Agenda Item #5.1.
THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this Commission? My understanding is that we are a group of citizens to at best provide new outlook and contibute fresh ideas and new eyes at existing programs and to grow the department in a fiscally responsible way involving members of the community.
What would be your goal(s) as a Commissioner?
To be an active participant and to contribute and add value where I can. From seeing what unique offerings we can provide the community as well as be fiscally responsible Have you previously served, or do you currently serve, on a St. Helena Commission or Committee? If yes, which one(s) and for what period of time?
I have not
Is there anything else you would like us to consider when reviewing your application? Not really. I would like to further discuss and get information on the committees experctations and goals.
I agree that all of the information contained in my responses to the questions on this application are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further agree that, by checking the box below and submitting this application, online or otherwise, I am affixing my digital signature to this form as of the date submitted. I also agree that if appointed, I will serve on the Commission/Committee for which I have submitted this application.
☒ I AGREE
Joshua Gary Gold July 25, 2025
Agenda Item #5.1.
THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION City of St. Helena
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE APPLICATION
Received Date: August 4, 2025
Application Type: Parks and Recreation Commission
CA-25-030
NAME: Denise Nelson
ADDRESS: 59 Laguna Seca Court, Saint Helena, CA, 94574
PHONE: 6503463490
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY: 3years
EMPLOYER: self
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Part-time
REASON FOR APPLYING: Through volunteering, to help improve the quality of life of my community by promoting community engagement in programs, suggesting policy changes, and the effective use of parks and recreational facilities
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: (High School, College, Professional, Vocational, or other Schools Attended. Please include Major or Field of Study, Dates attended, Degree and date of Degree) OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: I have experience in budget management, managing volunteers during my BID experience, and as a columnist engaging in a diplomatic manner with the local public on controversial topics.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Past: Yountville Kiwanis, San Mateo BID President/Board Member REFERENCE 1: Name: Ines Chiarello
Address:11 San Lucas
Phone Number(s):707.963.1627
Email:
REFERENCE 2: Name:Marina Lavagnino
Address:15 Del Rio
Phone Number(s):508.612.8999
Email:
REFERENCE 3: Name:Ann Nevero
Address:58 Laguna Seca
Phone Number(s):408.394.5926
Email:
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Have you ever attended a meeting of the Commission to which you are applying? yes
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this Commission? To advise on the management of the public recreational facilities and programs What would be your goal(s) as a Commissioner?
Agenda Item #5.1.
THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION To assist in whatever capacity as needed, to ensure program accessibility to all in the community, to help keep our community engaged in their city and connected with one another.
Have you previously served, or do you currently serve, on a St. Helena Commission or Committee? If yes, which one(s) and for what period of time?
no
I agree that all of the information contained in my responses to the questions on this application are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further agree that, by checking the box below and submitting this application, online or otherwise, I am affixing my digital signature to this form as of the date submitted. I also agree that if appointed, I will serve on the Commission/Committee for which I have submitted this application.
☒ I AGREE
Denise Nelson August 4, 2025
Agenda Item #5.1.
Denise Nelson
59 Laguna Seca Court
Saint Helena, Ca 94574
650-346-3490
[email protected]
Service Profile
I believe in volunteering in my community. I also see the Park and Rec Department as more than the management of the public recreational facilities. To me, it is also the vehicle to keep our community engaged in their city and connected with one another. I currently teach two classes in the Town of Yountville’s Golden Ticket Program. As a paid columnist for a couple of years on local government and happenings, I became well acquainted with the Brown Act and related guidelines in civic volunteering. I have completed the in-depth Citizen’s Academy in San Mateo, a Charter City, as well as the Community Academy in Saint Helena. I have been a resident of the Napa Valley for 9 years, 3 in Saint Helena. I was an active member of the recently defunct Yountville Kiwanis with its only goal of fund raising for local scholarships. I have worked everything from donation solicitation for auction fundraising to hiding Easter eggs for the Bunny Breakfast. My past community service also included serving as Director/ President of the 25th Avenue Merchant’s Association (BID) where I successfully implemented a committee structure for goal attainment. I was responsible for written publications, marketing ads, and interfacing with the City of San Mateo staff. I also coordinated the unhoused jobs program for the 25th Avenue business district.
Business Profile
Productive team member with a demonstrated ability to individually succeed. Strong communication and supervisory skills with an emphasis on performance management, coaching, training, customer service, and sales.
Self Employed/Social Media Affiliate 8/2015 - 2020
Conducted workshops for arts as a contracted teacher at various locations in the Bay Area contracting direct with brick and mortar studios. Created and managed 2 private social media groups of 160,000+ members for selling and support of font and graphic design license. With a working knowledge of FTC guidelines for social media, managed engagement and brand awareness for increased sales, maintained day to day social media marketing.
General Manager/Buyer, Perfect Edge Cutlery, San Mateo, 5/2011 - 7/2015 Responsible for the hiring, training, and development of staff. Accountable for daily planning, directing. accounting of retail outlet POS system. Responsible for product procurement, pricing negotiations and purchasing analysis.
Directly responsible for written marketing material, ads, promotional flyers. As GM, oversee all guest relations, dealing with in store customers, contractors, wholesalers, and mobile units, as well as overseeing back office functions such as billing, reporting. Successfully implemented events for community exposure and sales.
Columnist, San Mateo Patch/AOL, San Mateo, 4/2011 - 12/2013 Author of the paid weekly column “My San Mateo” published Mondays via AOL & San Mateo Patch exploring local issues or events in the community.
Owner, The Perfect Ten, San Mateo, CA 1991-2010
Responsible for the development and maintenance of a strong client base through effective marketing, customer service, and community education. Accountable for all product procurement, price point analysis, merchandising, and sales success. Successful supervision of three independent contractors including sub-lease negotiations, training, and performance management. Responsible for all tax preparation and licensing requirements for state, federal, city, and health agencies.
Credit Supervisor, Provident Central Credit Union, Burlingame, CA 1983-1991 Responsible for the hiring, training, development, and supervision of staff of 24 within the Consumer Lending Division and Loan Call Center Departments. Coordinated the daily operations of consumer lending from loan sales through credit analysis and student loan servicing. Developed, implemented and monitored operating procedures for the centralization of consumer lending. Developed and administered a comprehensive training guide for departmental procedures including lending regulations and laws, judgmental credit analysis, auto leasing, California Student Loans , system interpretation and use. Prepared and managed administrative reporting including performance appraisals, federal reporting. Initiated and conducted training workshops in lending and related products. Responsible for credit granting of loans over the credit limits of staff loan officers.
Agenda Item #5.1.