MINUTES
City of St. Helena
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
Vintage Hall Board Room - Second Floor
465 Main Street. St. Helena CA
A complete video recording of this meeting, except for closed session, can be found at cityofsthelena.gov 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 Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
Absent:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dohring called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor: Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor: Michelle Deasy, City Council Members: Aaron Barak, Kate Spadarotto
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dohring led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to adopt the agenda. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5.1. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2026 City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to approve the Regular City Council meeting minutes of April 14, 2026. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
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.
6.1. Public Comment
No public comment was received.
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.
Interim City Manager Jim McCann congratulated staff, volunteers, and all participants in the Sesquicentennial Parade. He also provided comments on the budget and announced the appointment of Lieutenant Justin Tharp as Interim Chief of Police.
8. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC RECOGNITIONS
9. STAFF BRIEFING AND PRESENTATIONS
City Attorney Ethan Walsh reported on the Special Closed Session meeting of April 28, 2026, regarding existing litigation involving the Saint Helena Neighborhood Association. The City Council unanimously directed the City Attorney to respond to the lawsuit.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Joe Leach announced a Special City Council meeting for Tuesday, May 5th at 4:00 p.m.to consider the adoption of the Streets Master Plan.
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: 6:15 p.m.
10.1. Consideration and approval of a resolution authorizing a temporary closure of a portion of Hunt Avenue on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 6:00a.m. to 8:00p.m., for a Pride Celebration event; and (2) authorizing mobile vendors to park and operate on the closed portion of Hunt Avenue during the event; and (3) a permit allowing the possession of open alcoholic beverages on the closed portion of Hunt Avenue for the event.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.
10.2. Consideration and approval of a resolution authorizing a temporary closure of Adams Street and Library Lane on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.; and (2) mobile vendors to park and operate on Library Lane during the car show event; and (3) a permit allowing the possession of open alcoholic beverages on the closed portions of Adams Street and Library Lane for the Rianda House Car Show event.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.
10.3. March 2026 Review and Forecasting of City Water Supply Availability CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation: Receive and file.
10.4. Consideration and approval of a Public Utility Easement Deed between the City of St. Helena and PG&E and authorization to record the Easement Deed with the County of Napa.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Asst. PW Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council approve the attached Resolution and approve the Public Utility Easement Deed between PG&E and the City of St. Helena.
City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to approve the consent calendar.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy and on roll call carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. OLD BUSINESS
13. NEW BUSINESS
Estimated start time: 6:30 p.m.
13.1. Water Treatment Plant Condition Assessment Report Acceptance CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Bruce Zaeni, Project Manager
Recommendation: Receive and file the report.
Interim City Manager Jim McCann introduced the item. Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Joe Leach, presented on the item. Project Manager Bruce Zaeni and Andy Smith from West Yost Associates were available for questions.
Mayor Dohring asked for questions from the Council. Questions and comments were made.
Mayor Dohring opened the public comment. No public comment was made.
Council received and accepted the report.
14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Vice Mayor Deasy reported on the Climate Action Committee.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dohring adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2026.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Andrew Bradley, City Clerk
OF ST.
HELENA