Minutes — St. Helena City Council, August 11, 2026

MINUTES
City of St. Helena
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 11, 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 Kate Spadarotto, City Council Member Scott Diaz

Absent: City Council Member Aaron Barak

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dohring called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dohring led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
City Council Member Scott Diaz 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 Kate Spadarotto, City Council Member Scott Diaz
NOES: None
ABSENT: City Council Member Aaron Barak
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None

5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

5.1. Regular City Council Minutes of July 28, 2026
City Council Member Scott Diaz moved to approve the Regular City Council Meeting minutes of July 28, 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 Kate Spadarotto, City Council Member Scott Diaz
NOES: None
ABSENT: City Council Member Aaron Barak
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
Chris Warner addressed the Council.

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 provided updates on the following items:
• Congratulations were extended to the Fire and Police Departments for organizing the Fire Preparation Town Hall meeting.
• Further discussion of the Blackberg study will take place at the next regular City Council meeting on August 25.
• There are still vacancies on several of Boards and Commissions. • Mandy Kellogg, Administrative Services Director, has submitted her resignation and will be departing the City after 17 years.

City Clerk Andrew Bradley provided an update on the upcoming elections. He noted that the nomination period for City Council candidates has closed; however, there is still time to pull nomination papers for the office of Mayor. The nomination period for Mayor will close on August 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Vice Mayor Deasy requested that an item regarding restricted funds be placed on a future City Council agenda. Mayor Dohring agreed, and the item will be brought to a future meeting.

Council Member Spadarotto requested that an item regarding traffic calming on Spring Street be added to a future agenda. Council Member Diaz agreed with the request. The item will be brought to a future meeting.

8. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC RECOGNITIONS

9. STAFF BRIEFING AND PRESENTATIONS

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)

10.1. THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION BY VICE

MAYOR DEASY
Consideration and Proposed Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with GEl Consultants, Inc. for Construction Management Services related to the Bell Canyon Intake Tower and Valve House Rehabilitation Project, CIP No. W109.

CEQA Determination: Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) Prepared By: Bruce Zaeni, Project Manager
Recommendation: Staff recommend authorization
Interim City Manager McCann provided a brief overview of the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment period. Public comments were received by Gary Oliviera from GEI Consultants.

Following further discussion, the City Council determined to continue the item to the next City Council meeting in August.

10.2. THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION BY VICE

MAYOR DEASY
Consideration and proposed adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement STH Contract FY2024-093 with Mead & Hunt, Inc. for the Bell Canyon Reservoir Intake Tower and Valve House Project in the amount of $793,756 for Fixed Cone Valve procurement and Factory Acceptance Testing services, for a revised not-to-exceed contract total of $2,257,196.

CEQA Determination: Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) Prepared By: Bruce Zaeni, Project Manager
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution.

Interim City Manager McCann provided an overview.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment period; no public comment was received.

The Council engaged in additional questions and discussion.

City Council Member Scott Diaz moved to approve the resolution. 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 Kate Spadarotto, City Council Member Scott Diaz
NOES: None
ABSENT: City Council Member Aaron Barak
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
Adopted Resolution 2026-080

10.3. Consideration and proposed adoption of a resolution (1) Approving temporary street closures; and (2) Authorizing possession of open alcoholic beverages on public streets and parking lots for the 2026 Harvest Festival
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Ashley Sylvester, Director of Community Services Department
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council review and adopt the attached resolution.

Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve items 10.3, 10.4, 10.8 and

10.9. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on roll call carried by the following vote:

10.4. Consideration and proposed approval of a resolution amending the City of St. Helena Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving and adopting the amended Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974, and rescind the previous Conflict of Interest, Resolution 2025-91.

Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve items 10.3, 10.4, 10.8 and

10.9. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on roll call carried by the following vote:

10.5. THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION BY VICE

MAYOR DEASY
Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Amendment No. 2 to St. Helena Contract FY2025-019 with West Yost & Associates, Inc for the Preparation of a Water Management Plan, Increasing the Contract Amount by $99,924 for a Total Contract Amount Not-To-Exceed $311,552 and increase the total project budget to $323,552 to include $12,000 for staff time.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Joseph Leach, Director of Public Works
Recommendation: Authorize the contract increase, the budget amendment and approve the attached resolution.

Interim City Manager McCann provided an overview of the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment period. Public comment was made by Garry Rose.

Following further deliberation, the City Council continued this item to a future date.

10.6. THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION BY VICE

MAYOR DEASY
Proposed Approval of a Resolution:
(1) Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of St.

Helena and the Police Officers' Association (POA) for a One-year Contract Commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2027; and (2) Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of St.

Helena and the St. Helena Employees Association (SHEA) for a One-year Contract Commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2027; and (3) Approving Amendment #2 to the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of St. Helena and the St. Helena Professional Firefighters Association (SHPFA) for a One-year Contract Commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2027; and
(4) Adopting and Approving the Publicly Available Pay Schedules in Accordance with the Requirement of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, for members covered under the Police Officers' Association (POA), St. Helena Employees Association (SHEA), and St.

Helena Professional Firefighters Association (SHPFA).

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mandy Kellogg, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.

Following questions from Vice Mayor Deasy, Interim City Manager McCann and Administrative Services Director Mandy Kellogg provided additional information regarding the item.

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

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

10.7. THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL

MEMBER DIAZ
Proposed Approval of a Resolution:
(1) Approving an Amendment to the Unrepresented Compensation Program for a One-year period Commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2027; and
(2) Adopting and Approving the Publicly Available Pay Schedules in Accordance with the Requirement of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, for classifications covered under the Unrepresented Compensation Program and certain Part-time classifications.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Mandy Kellogg, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution.

Following questions from Council Member Diaz, Interim City Manager McCann provided a further explanation on the item.

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

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

10.8. Adopt the Napa Countywide Active Transportation Plan CEQA Determination: Exempt pursuant to Public Resources Code (PRC) §21080.20
Prepared By: Eric Janzen, Asst. PW Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council approve the attached Resolution and adopt the Napa Countywide Active Transportation Plan.

Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve items 10.3, 10.4, 10.8 and

10.9. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on roll call carried by the following vote:

10.9. Consideration and Proposed Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Work and Directing the Filing of the Notice of Completion for CIP Project W24- 04 SMART Meter Deployment
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Rebecca White, Administrative Assistant
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve items 10.3, 10.4, 10.8 and

10.9. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on roll call carried by the following vote:

11. PUBLIC HEARINGS

11.1. 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:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Find that the proposed ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and

2. Introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 17.33.010 (Definitions of Uses), Table 17.17.020(A) (Use Regulations-Commercial and Mixed-Use Zoning Districts), and Table 17.18.020(A) (Use Regulations-Business and Industrial Zoning Districts) of the St. Helena Municipal Code to clarify the regulation of on-site storage and distinguish storage that is incidental and subordinate to a lawfully established primary use from storage regulated as a separate use.

Community Development Director Leza Mikhail introduced the item.

Senior Planner Jackie Oneal provided a presentation on the item.

Mayor Dohring opened up the public comment period. No public comment was received
The matter was then turned over to the City Council for deliberation, during which Council Members provided additional comments and asked questions.

Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to approve the staff's recommendation.

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

AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Kate Spadarotto, City Council Member Scott Diaz
NOES: None
ABSENT: City Council Member Aaron Barak
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None

12. OLD BUSINESS
None

13. NEW BUSINESS

13.1. Consideration of a Resolution Allowing a Current Member of the Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee (ATS) to Continue Serving After Moving Outside City Limits.

CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Andrew Bradley, Program Manager (City Clerk) Recommendation: Approve Resolution to allow Emma Leggat to continue serving on the committee after relocating outside St. Helena city limits.

City Clerk Bradley reported on the item.

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

City Council Member Kate Spadarotto moved to approve the resolution.

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

13.2. Lewis Station Park, St Helena, Restoration, and Donation CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Ashley Sylvester, Director of Community Services Department
Recommendation: Authorize acceptance of donations and pursuit of the renovations proposal.

Interim City Manager McCann introduced Director of Community Services, Ashley Sylvester who presented on the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment period. Public comment was received by Tracy McBride, Kathy Carrick, Nancy Morrell.

The matter was then turned over to the Council for discussion, during which Council Members provided comments and asked questions. Staff will continue to bring opportunities for Council direction and decisions as the scope of the project progresses.

City Council Member Scott Diaz moved to authorize acceptance of donations and pursuit of the renovation proposal. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Kate Spadarotto and on roll call carried by the following vote:

13.3. Receive Draft Response to the 2025-2026 Napa County Civil Grand Jury Report and Provide Direction to Staff
CEQA Determination: Not a CEQA Project (CEQA Guidelines §15378) Prepared By: Joseph Leach, Director of Public Works
Recommendation: Review the attached draft response to the 2025-2026 Napa County Civil Grand Jury Report dated June 24, 2026, provide comments and direction to staff, and direct staff to return with a final proposed response for City Council consideration and adoption on August 25, 2026.

Interim City Manager McCann provided a report on the item.

Mayor Dohring opened the public comment period. Public comment was received by Tamara Sorensen.

The matter was then turned over to the City Council for discussion, during which Council Members provided comments and asked questions. City Attorney Walsh outlined the Council's options for responding to the report, including agreeing, partially agreeing, disagreeing, or partially disagreeing with the findings. If the Council disagreed or partially disagreed with any finding, the Council would be required to provide an explanation for its position.

The mayor will continue to refine the letter in consultation with with the City Manager and will sign the letter on behalf of the Council.

Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy moved to partially disagree with each finding on the Grand Jury report and to make revisions to the response letter to include additional factual supporting information and add an introducton letter addressing concerns regarding tone. The motion was seconded by City Council Member Scott Diaz and on roll call carried by the following AYES: Mayor Paul Dohring, Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy, City Council Member Scott Diaz
NOES: City Council Member Kate Spadarotto
ABSENT: City Council Member Aaron Barak
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None

14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Vice Mayor Deasy made brief comments regarding the Climate Action Committee. Mayor Dohring provided comments regarding Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA).

15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dohring adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2026.

APPROVED: ATTEST:

Paul famin arling
Paul Jamison Dohring, Mayor Andrew Bradley, City Clerk
OF ST. HELENA

St. Helena City CouncilAugust 11, 2026

St. Helena City Council
August 11, 2026