Minutes — St. Helena City Council, July 28, 2026

MINUTES
City of St. Helena
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 @ 6:00 PN
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, City Council Member

Absent: None

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dohring called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL
Mayor: Paul Dohring, City Council Members: Aaron Barak, Michelle Deasy, Scott Diaz, Kate Spadarotto

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dohring led the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Interim City Manager Jim McCann noted that item 11.1 would not be heard.

City Council Member Kate Spadarotto moved to adopt the agenda, removing item

11.1. 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, City Council Member Scott Diaz NOES: None
ABSENT:

ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None

5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

5. 1 Approval of the Minutes
Prior to the approval of the minutes, Vice Mayor Deasy requested that staff begin including resolution numbers in the meeting minutes. Staff confirmed that this practice will be implemented going forward.

Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Scott Diaz and on voice call carried by the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Aaron Barak, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto, City Council Member Scott Diaz
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.

Estimated start time: 6:10 p.m.

6.1 Public Comment
Public comment was received by Matthew Heil

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 on the Special Closed Session meeting of the City Council on July 28, 2026, reporting that there was no reportable action.

Interim City Manager Jim McCann reported that staff had received notification from Congressman Mike Thompson's office advising the City that the request for funding the Congressional Community Project Funding Program was awarded $1 million to the Native Sons project. He noted that funding still requires approval through the federal legislative process, including passage by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Mr. McCann also announced an update on the recommended implementation of the Blackberg report that will be presented at the August 25 City Council meeting and will be advertised on the City's website.

Additionally, he reminded the public that a Fire Safety and Preparedness Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 30, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Fire Station Training room.

City Clerk Andrew Bradley reviewed a new way for residents to stay informed called Civic Send. Residents can sign up to receive email notifications on a variety of topics, including planning projects, public notices, noise permits, and more. To subscribe, visit the City's website, click the "Stay Informed" button, then select the topics you would like to receive under "Notify Me".

The City is currently accepting applications for the following Boards and Commissions:
• Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee
• Library Board of Trustees
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Planning Commission
Positions are open until filled and potential applicants can learn more and apply at cityofsthelena.gov/cityboards.

Finally, the nomination period is still open for individuals interested in running for City Council or Mayor. Interested individuals should email the City Clerk to begin the candidate filing process. The deadline for submitting candidate paperwork is August 7 at 4:00 p.m. If an incumbent does not file, the filing period will be extended to August 12 at 4:00 p.m. City Clerk Bradley reminded residents that are not running for office that they can sign up to two nominations papers for City Council candidates (1 for each available position) and one nomination paper for a Mayor candidate.

7.1 Street Saver Report Update
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works, Joe Leach made brief presentation on the Street Saver report.

8. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC RECOGNITIONS

9. STAFF BRIEFING AND PRESENTATIONS

9.1 Water Service and Quality Discussion following event of July 18, 2026 Interim City Manager McCann introduced the item, and Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Leach presented a report regarding the July 18, 2026, incident in which a van struck a fire hydrant, resulting in a temporary loss of water service and discolored water for many residents.

The City's response to the incident was reviewed along with outlined actions that day and identified opportunities to improve emergency response communication for the future.

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: 6:40 p.m.

10.1 Adoption of a Resolution authorizing a new Professional Services Agreement with North Coast Community Planning for an amount not to exceed $97,300.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Jackie Oneal, Senior Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Professional Services Agreement with North Coast Community Planning for continued planning support services in an amount not to exceed $97,300.

Adopted Resolution 2026-071

10.2 Sesquicentennial "Cheers to 150 Years" Celebration Road Closure CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Ashley Sylvester, Director of Community Services Repammendation: Staft recommends City Council review and adopts the Adopted resolution 2026-072

10.3 Waiver of second reading and adoption of an ordinance, amending Adopt Implementing Regulations and Administrative Policies CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mandy Kellogg, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation: Waiver of second reading and adoption of an Ordinance, amending Chapter of Purchasing Municipal Code of 3.04 the Supplies, Equipment and Services, and Procedures for Public City Works Projects to update the Manager's signing authority and add a new section providing Authority to Adopt Implementing Regulations and Administrative Policies.

The item was pulled for further discussion by Vice Mayor Deasy.

Interim City Manager Jim McCann gave a brief overview of the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment. No public comment was received.

Discussion was turned back over to the Council, where Vice Mayor Deasy asked if staff could provide a quarterly summary of expenditures by vendor in the future. Interim City Manager McCann confirmed that it was something staff could provide.

City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to approve item 10.3 - Adopting Ordinance 2026-06. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Scott Diaz and on roll call carried by the following vote:

10.4 June 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.

10.5. Approving the R24-02 Oak Avenue Surface Restoration Project Plans; Authorizing the Bid Request; Finding the Oak Avenue Surface Restoration Project Exempt from CEQA.

CEQA Determination: Categorical Exemption
Prepared By: Mario Traverso, Project Manager
Recommendation: Approve the Resolution
Adopted Resolution 2026-073

10.6. Resolution Authorizing (1) a Temporary Closure of Tainter Street between Kearney Street and Oak Avenue on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 5:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.; and (2) Authorizing Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverages and the Operation of Mobile Food Vendors on this Public Street for the Guelaguetza St. Helena 2026 Event Scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, from Approximately 11a.m. to 7:00p.m.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council approve the attached resolution.

Adopted Resolution 2026-074

10.7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with Ron's Quality Construction in the amount of $114,020 for the installation of the manufactured house at the water treatment plant, Authorizing the Director of Public Works to approve change orders up to $28,407.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mario Traverso, Project Manager
Recommendation: Approve the Resolution
This item was pulled for further discussion by Council Member Diaz.

Interim City Manager McCann gave brief comments about the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment. No public comment was made.

Discussion was brought back to the Council where questions were made to staff.

City Council Member Scott Diaz moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy and on roll call carried by the following vote:

Member Scott Diaz
NOES: None
ABSENT:

ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
Adopted Resolution 2026-075

10.8. Consideration and proposed adoption of a Resolution authorizing a FY2026-2027 budget amendment to increase appropriation within CIP R18-81 Downtown Sidewalk Improvement Project budget to $73,698 for additional construction management, funded by Measure U, and the corresponding contract amendment with Coastland/DCCM.

CEQA Determination: Addendum to Previously Certified EIR or Adopted MND
Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Asst. PW Director
Recommendation: Adopt associated Resolution.

Adopted resolution 2026-076
City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to approve consent items with the exception items 10.3 and 10.7. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on roll call carried by the following vote:

11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Estimated start time: 6:50 p.m.

11.1. This item was not heard.

Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Clarifying the Regulation of On Site Storage
CEQA Determination: Common Sense Exemption (§15061(b)(3)) Prepared By: Jackie Oneal, Senior Planner
Recommendation:

12. OLD BUSINESS
Estimated start time: 7:05 p.m.

12.1. Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution approving a facility use agreement between the City of St. Helena and St. Helena Little League for the use of baseball facilities located at Crane Park.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Ashley Sylvester, Director of Community Services Department
Recommendation: City Staff recommend approving the proposed resolution approving the facility use agreement between the City of St.

Helena and St. Helena Little League.

Interim City Manager McCann introduced the item. Director of Community Services Ashley Sylvester reported on the item.

Mayor Dohring asked for brief clarifying questions from the Council before opening public comment. No public comment was made.

The discussion was turned back over to the Council where questions and comments were made.

City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to approve the resolution with the addition of a 20-year renewal unless either party gives notice one year prior, along with adding inclusive language for softball. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto 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, City Council Member Scott Diaz
NOES: None
ABSENT:

ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
Adopted Resolution 2026-077

13. NEW BUSINESS
Estimated start time: 7:15 p.m.

13.1 Consideration of a Resolution to appoint an applicant to the Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee for a term expiring June 2027.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Appoint Antionette Freeman to the Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee (ATSC) as member to fill a term that is now vacant, expiring June 30, 2027.

City Clerk Andrew Bradley reported on the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment. No public comment was made.

Discussion was brought back to the Council where questions and comments were made.

Mayor Paul Dohring moved to approve the resolution approving the application and the exception to the policy living outside of jurisdiction.

The motion was seconded by City Council Member Aaron Barak and on roll call carried by the following vote:

13.2. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Independent Auditor's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mandy Kellogg, Director of Administrative Service:

Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council receive and accep the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the City of St. Helena for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025.

Interim City Manager McCann introduced the item and gave a brief overview. Administrative Services Director Mandy Kellogg introduced Adi Harshwall with Harshwall and Associates who was the City's new auditor for Fiscal Year 2025. Adi Harshwall gave presentation on the audit.

Mayor Dohring opened up the Public Comment. Public Comment was received by Garry Rose.

Discussion was turned over to the Council where questions and comments were made. Mayor Dohring asked if staff could provide a late summer/early fall report of the budget dependent on staff capacity.

No motion was needed, report was received and filed.

Mayor Dohring called for a 5-minute break at 7:10 p.m. Council resumed at 7:19 p.m.

13.3. Approval of a resolution authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Bob Murray & Associates in the amount of $36,500 for recruitment services related to the City Manager vacancy.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: James McCann, Interim City Manager
Recommendation: Staff recommends approving the attached resolution and requests the City Council provide direction on the next steps.

Interim City Manager McCann introduced the item, provided a brief report, and introduced Gary Phillips with Bob Murray and Associates to answer any questions regarding the recruitment process.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment period. No public comments were received.

The discussion then returned to the City Council. Mayor Dohring invited the City Manager Recruitment subcommittee, consisting of Vice Mayor Deasy and Council Member Barak, to provide any additional comments regarding the recruitment.

Vice Mayor Deasy requested that the proposal be revised to include a broader recruitment effort extending beyond the traditional candidate pool and geographic area. Additionally, she requested that the proposal provide the City Council with the opportunity to review all submitted applications. Mr. Phillips confirmed that the proposal could be revised to incorporate the language.

City Council Member Aaron Barak moved to approve contract with recommended clarifying changes to the scope. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Scott Diaz and on roll call carried by the following vote:

14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Dohring informed the Council that he would be forwarding informational materials from the NVTA
Council Member Barak gave brief report on the Finance Committee meeting.

15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dohring adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

APPROVED: ATTEST:

Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Andrew Bradley, City Clerk
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St. Helena City CouncilJuly 28, 2026

St. Helena City Council
July 28, 2026