MINUTES
City of St. Helena
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 23, 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 https://sthelenaca.portal.civicclerk.com/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: City Council Member Scott Diaz
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dohring called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor: Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor: Michelle Deasy, City Council Members: Aaron Barak, Kate Spadarotto
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dohring led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
City Council Member Kate Spadarotto moved to adopt the agenda. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Aaron Barak and on voice vote 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: City Council Member Scott Diaz
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5.1. Regular City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026
Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve the Regular City Council minutes of June 9, 2026. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on voice vote 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: City Council Member Scott Diaz
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.
Estimated start time: 6:05 p.m.
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
City Attorney Ethan Walsh reported that there was no reportable action from the Closed Session Meeting held on June 23, 2026.
Interim City Manager, Jim McCann reminded the Council that there will be no City Council meeting on July 14. The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
8. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC RECOGNITIONS
8.1. Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation
Mayor Dohring presented the proclamation to Director of Community Services, Ashley Sylvester.
9. STAFF BRIEFING AND PRESENTATIONS
9.1. Fire Safety and Evacuation Presentation
Fire Chief John Sorensen and Acting Police Chief Justin Tharp presented on the item.
Mayor Dohring opened the Public Comment. Public Comment was received by Chris Warner.
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: 6:35 p.m.
10.1. Adoption of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with JD General Engineering in the amount of $168,992 for the R25-79 Hudson Pavement Restoration Project, authorizing the Director of Public Works to approve construction change orders not to exceed 15% of the total contract amount, and determines the R25-79 Hudson Pavement Rehabilitation Project is exempt from CEQA under Class 1 Existing Facilities.
CEQA Determination: Categorical Exemption
Prepared By: Mario Traverso, Project Manager
Recommendation: Approve the Resolution
10.2. Consideration of Second Amendment to Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mandy Kellogg, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached Resolution Approving the Second Amendment to Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services between City of St. Helena and Best Best & Krieger LLP.
10.3. Consideration and Proposed Adoption of a Resolution Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 funded by SB1: The Road and Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mario Traverso, Project Manager
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.
10.4. Consideration and Recommended adoption of a Resolution authorizing a two- year agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Napa for contract housing services in a baseline amount not-to-exceed $131,450 for the two- year period starting on July 1, 2026, and authorizing up to $20,000 for additional housing-related services for Fiscal Year 2027-28.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Natalie Bresee, Assistant Planner
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Napa for contract housing services for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28, in a baseline amount not to exceed $131,450, and authorizing the City Manager to approve up to $20,000 in additional housing-related services during FY2027-28, as needed.
10.5. May 2026 Review and Forecasting of City Water Supply Availability CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: lan Dale, Environmental Serv Tech
Recommendation: Receive and File.
10.6. Approval of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of St. Helena, State of California, Calling and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026; Requesting the Consolidation by the Napa County Supervisors for the Statewide General Election and that Napa County Provide Election Services with full Reimbursement by the City of St.
Helena.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Approve the resolutions:
• Resolution calling for election of Mayor and two (2) City Council Members
• Resolution for consolidated election for Mayor and two (2) City Council members.
10.7. Consideration of a Resolution to Reappoint a current Planning Commissioner whose term currently expires on June 30, 2026.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Reappoint current Planning Commission Chair, Chris Warner, to the Planning Commission for a new four-year term, expiring June 30, 2030.
10.8. Consideration of a Resolution to Reappoint current Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee Members/Alternates whose terms currently expires on June 30, 2026.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Appoint current member, Shannon Nolan, and alternates, Antony Rabin and Emma Leggat, to the Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee (ATSC) as members for new two-year terms, expiring June 30, 2028.
City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to adopt 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: City Council Member Scott Diaz
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1. Public Hearing on Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561, Government Code Section 3502.3.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Martin Beltran, Finance Manager
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Interim City Manager Jim McCann introduced the item and Finance Manager Martin Beltran presented the staff report.
Mayor Dohring asked for any clarifying questions from the Council.
Mayor Dohring opened the Public Comment. Deanna Griffin addressed the Council.
The item was returned to the City Council for discussion. Council members asked questions and provided comments.
12. OLD BUSINESS
13. NEW BUSINESS
Estimated start time: 7:00 p.m.
13.1. Consideration of a Resolution to appoint an applicant to the Library Board of Trustees.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Consideration of a Resolution to appoint an applicant to fill a vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees, which has terms expiring on June 30, 2026.
Interim City Manager Jim McCann introduced the item. City Clerk, Andrew Bradley presented on the item.
Mayor Dohring opened the public comment; public comment was made by Deanna Griffin.
Mayor Paul Dohring moved to approve resolution. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Aaron Barak and on roll call carried by the following AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
NOES: None
ABSENT: City Council Member Scott Diaz
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
13.2. Consideration of a Resolution to Appoint a new and reappoint a current Parks and Recreation Commission Member for terms ending June 2028.
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Consideration of a Resolution to appoint a new member and reappoint a current member with applicants to fill vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission, that has terms expiring on June 30, 2026.
City Clerk Andrew Bradley presented the item.
Mayor Dohring opened the public comment; no public comment was made.
Mayor Paul Dohring moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Aaron Barak 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: City Council Member Scott Diaz
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
13.3. Reappointment of Three Finance Committee Members and Discuss Vacancy CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation:
1. Adopt resolution to reappoint three Finance Committee members:
George Schisler, Richard Garber, and Gregg Dawley.
2. Provide feedback on options for filling vacancy.
City Clerk Bradley presented the item.
Mayor Dohring opened the public comment; no public comment was received.
Interim City Manager Jim McCann recommended that the vacancy remain unfilled at this time. The City Council concurred with the recommendation.
Mayor Paul Dohring moved to approve resolution. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Aaron Barak and on roll call carried by the following AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
NOES: None
ABSENT: City Council Member Scott Diaz
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
Mayor Dohring called for a 10-minute break at 7:06 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 7:15 p.m.
13.4. Qualification of Initiative Measure Proposing to Amend the City's Municipal Code to Codify by Ordinance the "St. Helena Trails and Open Space Plan:
Walking Routes, Trails and Publicly Accessible Open Space Report" CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) There may be CEQA needs if/when projects within the plan are begun.
Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: That the City Council:
• Receive, file, and accept the certificate of sufficiency of petition signatures as valid in all respects.
Select one of the following three options:
• Adopt the following resolution:
Resolution No. 2026- _: Resolution of the City Council of the City of St.
Helena, California submitting to the qualified voters of the City of St.
Helena on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot an initiative measure amending the City's Municipal Code to codify by ordinance the "St. Helena Trails and Open Space Plan: Walking Routes, Trails and Publicly Accessible Open Space Report; requesting the County of Napa to consolidate said election with the Statewide General Election of even date; and setting rules and deadlines for arguments and rebuttals for and against the measure; or
• Adopt the initiative measure as an ordinance, without alteration:
Adopt Ordinance No. 2026- _: an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of St. Helena, California, adding Chapter 17.32 to Title 17 of the St. Helena Municipal Code to codify by ordinance the "St. Helena Trails and Open Space Plan: Walking Routes, Trails and Publicly Accessible Open Space Report" (the "Walking Plan"), pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9215(a); or
• Order the preparation of an impact report pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9212 to be brought back to the council no more than 30 days later, to analyze the initiative's impact on City finances, regulations and ability to provide public services.
Interim City Manager, Jim McCann introduced the item and David Knudsen, from the Walk St. Helena board, presented on the item.
Mayor Dohring opened up the public comment. Public Comment was received by Sandra McCorkle, Edward Kuntz, Paul Asmuth, Linda Brown, Kristin Martin, James Decker, Mr. Martin, Patrick Kenealy, Richard Sieferheld Mayor Dohring closed the public comment period and turned the matter over to the Council for deliberation.
City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to adopt initiative measure as an ordinance, without alteration. 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: City Council Member Scott Diaz
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Barak reported on Upper Valley Waste Management Agency meeting.
Vice Mayor Deasy reported on the Water and Wastewater Committee.
Mayor Dohring congratulated the community and organizers on the Pride event that happened over the weekend. Also reported on Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) in which he was appointed to the Chair.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Mayor Dohring adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
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Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Andrew Bradley, City Clerk
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