Town of Yountville
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Special Meeting Packet
Friday, February 24, 2023
3:30 PM
Town Hall Council Chambers
Town Council
Mayor Margie Mohler
Vice Mayor Eric Knight
Council Member Hillery Bolt Trippe
Council Member Robin McKeeCant
Council Member Pam Reeves
The Town of Yountville is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other similar federal and state laws in all respects. If, as an attendee or participant in this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is provided, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations for you. Individuals who need auxiliary aids or services for effective communication or participation in programs and services of the Town of Yountville are invited to make their needs and preferences known by contacting the Town Clerk at (707) 9448851 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. This notice is available in accessible alternate formats from the ADA Coordinator.
MEETING SCHEDULE AND HOW TO VIEW AGENDA
Meeting Schedule and Location: The Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. and only meets the first Tuesday during the months of August and December at 3:00 p.m. in Town Council Chambers, located at 6550YountStreetYountvilleCalifornia94599HoweverduetotheStateofEmergencysituationduetotheCOVID19 Town Clerk at (707) 9448851 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. This notice is available in accessible alternate formats from the ADA Coordinator.
MEETING SCHEDULE AND HOW TO VIEW AGENDA
Meeting Schedule and Location: The Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. and only meets the first Tuesday during the months of August and December at 3:00 p.m. in Town Council Chambers, located at 6550 Yount Street, Yountville, California, 94599. However, due to the State of Emergency situation due to the COVID19 Pandemic, the Town Council may elect to hold the meetings virtually over Zoom. To join the Town Council meeting via Zoom, visit www.townofyountville.com/specialmeeting.
How to View the Agenda: The Agenda and associated staff reports may be viewed online by visiting the Town’s website at www.townofyountville.com/meetings.
How to Watch the Meeting: The Town Council and other Town Bodies’ meetings can be watched live in three different ways:
Via the Town’s Streaming Media Player at www.townofyountville.com/livevideo.
On the Town’s YouTube Channel at www.townofyountville.com/youtube.
On local cable TV Channel 28.
HOW TO JOIN ZOOM WEBINAR AND PROVIDE VERBAL PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Members of the public can join the Town Council meeting via Zoom Webinar. To join the meeting, use the following link: www.townofyountville.com/specialmeeting.
2. Joining the Zoom Webinar will allow you to provide LIVE Public Comment using AUDIO ONLY. – No Video. Please note Zoom Webinars are being recorded.
3. To provide Public Comment on matters NOT listed on the Agenda at the beginning of the meeting, please use the Zoom RAISE HAND feature.
4. To provide Public Comment on matters listed on the Agenda, please use the RAISE HAND feature when the Mayor calls for Public Comment,.Staff will verbally call upon you before unmuting you to speak.
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public are welcome to attend the Town Council meetings to provide public comment in person or online via the following means:
Via email – Members of the public may submit public comments via the Town’s public comment email address [email protected]. Please, include in the subject line “COMMENT TO COUNCIL”.
Via the online agenda listing – Members of the public can submit public comments via the “Speech Bubble” feature with all electronic agendas. To provide public comment through this feature, please visit www.townofyountville.com/meetings and click on the speech bubble icon found under the Options column for the desired meeting you want to leave a public comment. When leaving a public comment through this feature, please make sure to click “Next” after typing your comment. You will be prompted to enter your name and will need to click “Next” again for the comment to be fully submitted.
Any written testimony submitted will be provided to the Council Members electronically, may be read into the record and will become part of the meeting archive.
HOW TO APPEAL
Appeals: A person who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Town Council may have the right to a review of the decision by a Court. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5 and 1094.6 generally limit the time within which a decision of the Town Council may be judicially challenged. If a person challenges a decision in Court, he or she may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the Public Meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Town Council at, or before, the public meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER; CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
3ADOPTIONOFAGENDA
Council at, or before, the public meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER; CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Members of the public are entitled to speak for 3minutes per speaker on matters of municipal concern not on the agenda, during consideration of that portion of the meeting agenda entitled “Public Comment” when that item is called by the Mayor. However, the Mayor has the discretion to limit speaking time when it is reasonable under the circumstances, including when there are many items on the agenda or a high volume of members of the public who intend to speak. The Mayor also has the discretion to extend the time to speak. The Mayor shall limit or extend speaking time in a consistent manner that is not based on the content or viewpoint of the speech.
The Council may; however, briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by the public, ask for clarification from staff, refer the matter to staff, request staff to report back on the matter, or request staff to place the matter on a future agenda.
5. APPLICANT INTERVIEWS
A. Applicant Interviews for Zoning & Design Review Board and Measure S Workforce and Affordable Housing Oversight Committee
6. ADJOURNMENT
Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 5A
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: February 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Eddy Gomez, Town Clerk
PREPARED BY: Eddy Gomez, Town Clerk
SUBJECT:
Applicant Interviews for Zoning & Design Review Board and Measure S Workforce and Affordable Housing Oversight Committee
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town Council will interview the applicants listed below and will consider the appointment of one (1) member to the Zoning & Design Review Board and one (1) member to the Measure S Affordable and Workforce Housing Oversight Committee at the Town Council regular meeting being held March 7, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Zoning & Design Review Board Applicants
• Greg Knittel
• Steven Barker
• Thomas Hawthorne
Affordable and Workforce Housing Oversight Committee
• Joseph Bonner
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Exempt per California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guideline, Section 15061(b)(3)
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? N/A
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Yes
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Engaged Residents: The Town embraces our residents' commitment to community as seen through volunteerism, civic engagement, and public participation that enhances the quality of life in Yountville.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. The Town Council recognizes there is a vast and largely untapped reservoir of talent that exists among the Yountville community and encourages citizen participation to help with governing the Town by volunteering to represent Yountville on various local and countywide boards, committees, and commissions.
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct applicant interviews.
Complete vote tallies and submit them to Town Clerk for tabulation prior to the next regular Town Council meeting.
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Greg
Middle Initial: Last Name:
Knittel
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
ZONING & DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Member
Employer:
Job Title:
Interests & Experiences
Do you currently live in Yountville? Yes
Are you a Yountville Business Owner? No
Are you registered to vote in Yountville? Yes
Why do you want to serve on this Board, Commission, or Committee? I was asked by Robin Cant if I would be interested in being on the board. As licensed general contractor here in the Napa Valley since 1986, and as a resident of Yountville, I thought I could be of help to our small and unique community.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? To assist and make recommendations to the council members in regards to up coming new building or remodel projects that they may need to understand to the best of their abilities.
How would you represent the interests of the community? I'd be here to help make recommendations that protect the Towns unique infrastructure, while at the same time, helping the ZDRB to make good decisions regarding each new building plan that requires the towns approval.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
As a building contractor for almost 40 years, I've built or over seen all sorts of projects from ground up. Residential remodels and additions, custom homes, commercial tenant improvements, and commercial new construction.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
I've always been a financial supporter of various causes here in the Valley, but as a small business owner, I didn't find the time to be a volunteer. I'm now finding that I have a little more time on my hands where I can be a volunteer for such a committee as the ZDRB.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I'm 60, I like to design and build homes, ride motorcycles, and snow ski. My wife is Francine Knittel is a local artist. I have two sons that are both in the Navy, and I love and appreciate the area we live in!
Name, Addresses and Phone numbers of three (3) individuals familiar with your background (Please do not use council members as references).
Read & Agreed to Application Disclosures? Certified/Agreed Date: 2023-01-27 Signature: Greg Knittel
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Steven
Middle Initial:
A.M.
Last Name:
Barker
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
ZONING & DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Member
Employer:
Job Title:
Interests & Experiences
Do you currently live in Yountville? Yes
Are you a Yountville Business Owner? No
Are you registered to vote in Yountville? Yes
Why do you want to serve on this Board, Commission, or Committee? I might be able to help.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? Observation of the towns architecture, zoning and planning rules in order to provide long term, sustainable measures for the benefit of the community and residents.
How would you represent the interests of the community? By providing a quiet and stable input to the board or committee as required or requested.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
I was a resident and General contractor working in South Lake Tahoe for 40 years, I had regularly dealings with city planning and building departments along with T.R.P.A., an environmental planning and protection agency. I was responsible for planning and executing the completion of construction, designing a comprehensive preventive maintenance program as well as over-site for daily and long term construction, maintenance, security and janitorial operations for the 16000 seat River Cat Stadium during the first two years of operation. As a stationary engineer I was employed at the Sahara Tahoe casino/hotel, ten years, River Cat Stadium two years and the Arco arena for the Sacramento Kings, nine years. I owned and operated a commercial restaurant remodel and repair business in South Lake Tahoe, nine years. I achieved a Journeyman level as a metal fabricator while working as a civilian for the U.S. Navy in the beginning of my career. Completed Certificate of Facilities Management course at California State University, Sacramento. I choose to be a listener first, with far reaching ideas and a long history of problem solving.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
My work took most of my time. I am currently a volunteer for the Northern California Golf Association, in the role of Tournament Official.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I wish to be of help, not hindrance. A back injury ended my working life early, I am mobile, 69 years of age. I experience essential tremors at times.
Name, Addresses and Phone numbers of three (3) individuals familiar with your background (Please do not use council members as references).
Read & Agreed to Application Disclosures? Certified/Agreed Date: 2022-11-23 Signature: Steven A.M. Barker
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Thomas
Middle Initial:
A.
Last Name:
Henthorne
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
ZONING & DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Member
Employer:
Job Title:
Interests & Experiences
Do you currently live in Yountville? Yes
Are you a Yountville Business Owner? No
Are you registered to vote in Yountville? Yes
Why do you want to serve on this Board, Commission, or Committee? I love Yountville and owning a home here. I have been considering different ways to volunteer and contribute to the town and felt that with my background in real estate, remodeling, interior design and landscape design and my knowledge of construction, that the ZDRB would be an ideal opportunity to contribute.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? The ZDRB is responsible for making decisions regarding use permits in the R-District, home occupations, second dwelling units, change in uses in C-Districts, design review in H-Districts and lot line changes. The ZDRB will also hold study sessions and advise the Council regarding amendments to the General Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, Capital Improvement Plan and design review in other zoning districts.
Admittedly, I copied and pasted this from the town's ZDRB page. I wanted to ensure my full understanding of the board's role.
How would you represent the interests of the community? Having lived in communities in the past that had no architectural, design or zoning review boards and no general plan to guide them, I personally experienced why these things are so important for a community's growth and success, property values, etc.. I would like to be involved in ensuring that Yountville maintains its design, building and zoning standards for residences and businesses. I would also like to do my part to ensure that Yountville continues to grow and thrive in a way that is beneficial and positive for residents, businesses and tourism. I want Yountville to continue to be a great and beautiful place to live, a world-class destination and the "Jewel of Napa County" that it currently is.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
As a realtor for the past 12 years, I have worked with many clients and contractors who have built homes from the ground up or have done remodels of varying degrees. I have been involved in all aspects of these projects including layout, exterior and interior design, landscape design and permitting. I have also managed several major renovations of personal properties in Marin and Napa county including our home on Mulberry St in Yountville which recently went through the ZDRB review, planning review and building permit process. In addition, I was a landscape designer for 9 years prior to becoming a realtor responsible for projects involving hardscape and softscape throughout the Bay Area. I have a degree in engineering from Auburn University in Alabama and I am very comfortable reviewing and understanding building and construction plans, elevations and architectural renderings.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
I have been involved with generating donations for the Humane Society and Autism Speaks for the past several years. Many years ago (1990 - 1992) I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, West Africa focusing on small business development.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
If you would like to learn more about me and my background you can go to https://www.thomashenthorne.com/bio/. It is focused on real estate business promotion so you will have to forgive me for that. Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to volunteer for the ZDRB and work with the other members on the board.
Name, Addresses and Phone numbers of three (3) individuals familiar with your background (Please do not use council members as references).
Read & Agreed to Application Disclosures? Certified/Agreed Date: 2023-01-25 Signature: Thomas Henthorne
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Joseph
Middle Initial:
C
Last Name:
Bonner
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
AFFORDABLE AND WORKFORCE HOUSING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Resident
Employer:
Job Title:
Interests & Experiences
Do you currently live in Yountville? Yes
Are you a Yountville Business Owner? Yes
Are you registered to vote in Yountville? Yes
Why do you want to serve on this Board, Commission, or Committee? I see Workforce Housing as critical to the sustainability of Yountville's top of the line hospitality industry. Our tremendous hotels and restaurants generate the tax revenue to finance the substantial majority of Town operations. Because those businesses depend on dedicated, skilled workers, that means Yountville depends on them. If they can't afford to live in Yountville, but must commute from 30 or 40 (or more) miles away, many will eventually choose to find work closer to where they live, especially if they have families and must arrange for child care, after school care, elder care, etc. and the amount they make in Yountville simply cannot balance out the stress and personal complications of such a commute. We need to keep these skilled individuals working here in Yountville, we want them here in Yountville, and they should be able to call Yountville home. They should share the special atmosphere of the Town that their labor largely creates.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? 1) To assist Town Council by monitoring the revenue generated and expenses incurred under Measure S so they can formulate the best and most workable strategies to address Affordable/Workforce Housing. 2) To support whatever plans Council adopts.
This might include collecting community feedback, helping draft communications for Council, monitoring progress of approved projects, and interfacing with other Affordable Housing partners (e.g. county and state government officials, contractors, volunteers, etc.) in any way that Council might request. 3) Make this committee something that Yountville's residents will be interested in and supportive of.
How would you represent the interests of the community? I've lived in Yountville for a little over a year. I believe I can related to most of the people and businesses here. 1) One-third of Yountville's residents are veterans. I'm a veteran (former US Navy Commander) as were multiple members of my family, including my late father (WWII veteran), my brothers, 2 nephews, and my stepson. I know how to listen to them, and they'll be willing to listen to me. 2) Although I'm still active and working, I live in the Rancho de Napa manufactured housing park where many of the residents are retired, including many who have been retired for some time. These are my immediate neighbors. Their views on Affordable Housing will likely be similar to other retirees that live throughout Yountville. I know how to listen to them. I can appreciate their viewpoints on affordable housing and I'm confident they'd relate to how I might advocate for Council's strategies and goals in these areas.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
I'm a career community banking executive now working as a banking consultant. (1) I have significant experience in setting and enforcing budgets, managing complex operations, overseeing a wide range of projects both large and small, and working collaboratively with a wide variety of personalities. (2) As a 3 time community bank CEO (one in Colorado, one in Texas, one in Oklahoma), I understand the importance of proactively developing solid community relations, especially as related to topics that might be viewed by some community members as controversial -- like Affordable Housing. (3) During my career, I have banked numerous commercial construction projects, including those that might be involved with affordable housing such as multifamily construction or commercial renovation & repurposing (e.g. industrial properties converted to residential). I know how to track the details of sizeable construction projects with large budgets and complex zoning and permitting processes. (4) I've also banked just about any other business model you can think of, including those most prevalent in Yountville and the surrounding area such as Hotel, Restaurant, Agriculture, Retail and Healthcare. If members of the business community feel the committee's work or recommendations might impact their businesses, I speak their language and I can perfectly understand and appreciate their concerns. I know how to keep such discussions professional, productive, and flexible, and will be able to concisely communicate the "entire picture" of such interactions to Town Council for their consideration and decision making.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
I moved here from the Oklahoma City area where I was active as (1) a member of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma, and (2) Chairman of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City. I had no prior affiliation with Salvation Army, but realized after I moved to the Oklahoma City area that they were the clear leader in broad efforts to alleviate poverty, ease the burden of the homeless, and support low-income working families. It was incredibly rewarding, especially working with the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
Yountville is the most beautiful place I've ever lived (and I lived in Colorado for six years). We moved here to be close to my wife's family. I want to contribute to keeping the Town attractive, vibrant, and functional. Since Workforce Housing is a critical issue and, in general, Affordable Housing can be a controversial issue, I believe I can add the most by volunteering my time with this committee.
Name, Addresses and Phone numbers of three (3) individuals familiar with your background (Please do not use council members as references).
Read & Agreed to Application Disclosures? Certified/Agreed Date: 2023-01-31 Signature: Joseph C. Bonner