Town of Yountville
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Special Meeting Packet – Applicant Interviews
Friday, June 30, 2023
3:00 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.
1. CALL TO ORDER; CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
OOOG
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.
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.
Members of the public may also submit Public Comment on matters not on the agenda via email at [email protected].
5. APPLICANT INTERVIEWS
A. Applicant Interviews for Yountville Arts Commission and Yountville Community Foundation.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn to the Town Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023, being held in Town Council Chambers.
I certify that a copy of this Town Council Agenda was posted at a location freelyaccessible to the public at Yountville Town Hall, 6550 Yount Street within the Town of Yountville, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
/s/Hilary Gaede, Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 5A
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: June 30, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Hilary Gaede, Deputy Town Clerk
PREPARED BY: Eddy Gomez, Town Clerk
SUBJECT:
Applicant Interviews for Yountville Arts Commission and Yountville Community Foundation.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town Council will interview the applicants listed below and will consider the appointment of three (3) Members to the Yountville Arts Commission and one (1) Member to the Yountville Community Foundation at the Town Council Regular Meeting being held on July 18, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Yountville Arts Commission applicants:
• Marita Dorenbecher
• Cynthia Kapjian
• Judy Meredith
Yountville Community Foundation applicant:
• Sandra Fagan
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 Deputy 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:
Cynthia
Middle Initial: Last Name:
Kapjian
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
YOUNTVILLE ARTS COMMISSION
Commissioner
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 am reapplying as an Arts Commissioner. I've enjoyed volunteering for the Commission and wish to continue to help promote the Arts in Yountville.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? The role of the Commission is to work for the people of Yountville under the direction of the Mayor and Town Council to help promote the Arts. The Commission helps connect people to the arts through a number of activities and also acts to connect artists to our Town. The Commission serves a leadership and hands-on role in curation, production and promotion of art events and exhibits.
How would you represent the interests of the community? Through listening to feedback and continually trying to improve the art experience in Town.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
I have served as Chair of the Commission and am now the Vice-Chair. Those positions have been helpful in broadening my own vision of the Commission and the work the Commissioners do. I am creative and hard working. I have brought new programs and segments of people into YV Arts. For example I produced a successful live stream during the pandemic, brought in both local and international artists into our Gallery and promoted our advisory member roles. I have served on the following subcommittees: Art Walk/Gallery/Art, Sip & Stroll/ PR and Marketing. I also am a supportive team player- I have given many Art Walk tours, opened the Gallery on weekends and I maintain the AudioTour- which has now expanded into a Gallery Audio Tour in addition to our Art Walk Audio Tour.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
I volunteer for my church. I volunteered for Napa County Public Health as a physician volunteer during the pandemic. I volunteer for Napa High coaching Girls Tennis and Coed Badminton.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
The Commissions success is dependent on the continued support and guidance of the Mayor and Town Council. I appreciate the freedom and flexibility that has been extended to us as Commissioners and especially the support we receive from Sam Holland.
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: 2023-06-03 Signature: Cynthia Kapjian, MD
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Marita
Middle Initial:
A.
Last Name:
Dorenbecher
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
YOUNTVILLE ARTS COMMISSION
Commissioner
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 served on theTown Council from 2011 to 2022. I served on the ZDRB from 2008-2010 I served on the Committee to chose the Veterans Memorial Sculpture in Veteran’s Park.
I retired from Council in 2022. I was involved tangentially with the Arts Council from its inception until it became a Commission. I would really like to continue service to the Town in this new capacity as I respect the mission and the accomplishments of this Commission and want to contribute my talents and efforts toward the continued success of this Commission.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? This Commission has been instrumental in building the reputation of the Town of Yountville as a destination known for art as well as wine and restaurants. The growth of the Art Walk, the Gallery showings; the special events of historical significance; the legacy round tables and the introduction of Children’s Art Exhibit are among the great achievements of the Commission. All this has been done while the Arts Commission has supported itself to a great degree with arts sales commissions.
How would you represent the interests of the community? I would hope to bring my background as both a Council Member and a Marketing Executive to building new resources; helping to shape developing programs and to participate fully in the programs that exist, helping to assist with the Gallery Openings, and other events:e set up and whatever needs to be done.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
I have experience in my career setting up media events, writing press releases, finding sponsors and managing others,From the Council I have knowledge of legislative processes and speaking to the public as well as collaborating on issues that are important to the Town of Yountville.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
Produced the NapaValley Jazz Festival for three years; Media and Community Relations Manager for the Napa Valley Marathon; Auction Producer for Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy; ZDRB Member, Council Member and Vice Mayor of the Town of Yountville.Also organized the Annual Festival of Lights Silent Auction for the Yountville Chamber of Commerce under Cindy Saucerman.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I love the Town of Yountville and wish to continue to serve our community in this capacity. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated Arts Commissioners and it would be an honor and privilege to serve along side them.
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: 2023-06-16 Signature: Marita Dorenbecher
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Sandra
Middle Initial:
R
Last Name:
Fagan
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
YOUNTVILLE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Director
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 fortunate to be a charter member of the TOYCF when the Foundation was formed several years ago. I have served on the Foundation's Board of Directors since the beginning and have seen the Foundation line items grow to include the Friends of the Yountville Library, the Yountville Bocce Club and line items for senior, youth and community programs and projects. I understand the purpose and mission of the Foundation and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving the greater community via a seat on the Foundation Board.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? The role of the TOYCF is to oversee acquiring and the use of Foundation funds and to review the requests by local entities seeking funding from the Foundation.
How would you represent the interests of the community? I am involved in my community and, I believe, I have credibility with the community-atlarge. As a senior, a member of the Yountville Bocce Club and a volunteer at a variety of local activities both past and present, I also informally represent a variety of of local population which may be interested in accessing the Foundation's resources.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
I have an historical perspective as to the purpose and functioning of the Foundation.
Further, my formal education includes a Juris Doctorate which enables me to view matters, including financial statements and requests for funding, with an eye to detail. I have both work and volunteer experience serving on and working closely with Boards and Committees.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
Please see my attached description of volunteer and community service.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I am enthusiastic about the Foundations purpose and mission. I'd be interested in promoting the work of the Foundation to the local community to encourage donations to the Foundation particularly with regard to senior, youth and community line items.
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: 2023-06-07 Signature: Sandra Fagan
Town of Yountville
Committee Application Form
Personal Contact Information Has Been Redacted
First Name:
Judy
Middle Initial: Last Name:
Meredith
Home Address: Home Address Line 2:
City:
Yountville
State:
CA
Postal Code:
94599
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone: Email Address:
YOUNTVILLE ARTS COMMISSION
Commissioner
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 have been on the Commission for the past 2 years (albeit challenging during COVID) and it has really been amazing, I have meet so many great people and feel so much a part of the community.
What do you perceive is the role of this Board, Commission, or Committee? To provide vision, leadership, inspiration and support to artists, their work and the community in an advisory capacity. This includes cultural arts and the development of educational, literary and preforming arts.
How would you represent the interests of the community? I will re-immerse myself into the role and dig in to the backend of how things work and get done as well as actively deliver and volunteer for events and activities throughout town. I also want to pursue lighting for some of the art walk, growing the Legends of the Round Tables and development of an an "adult themed" movie night for the community.
What strengths/expertise/special skills would you bring to the Board, Commission, or Committee?
I have a degree in Interior Design, with a focus on interior Architecture. I am an avid art collector, (I have even purchased from a Yountville Arts Exhibit) and I have been in Yountville working in the Wine & Food Industry for over 30 years, so I bring all my expertise and connections.
Please describe your previous community service and volunteer experience.
I have been on the Arts Commission for 2 years. Previous volunteering has involved pro-bono design work with the Ronald McDonald house in SF, volunteering for the Women's homeless shelter to provide welcome kits, writing letters to folks in assistant living, providing and pouring wine for various non-profit events including Yountville Arts.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
This has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, especially the last year after COVID, I have learned so much and met so many amazing people. I am a very positive and fun person, and I get along well with others.
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: 2023-05-30 Signature: Judy Meredith
June 21, 2023
To the Yountville Town Council,
Hello, I am writing to give my support for Judy Meredith to be re-appointed to the Yountville Arts Council.
Judy’s enthusiasm for this role has been absolutely amazing.
She brings fresh new ideas to the table and makes things happen! I have know Judy for over 30 years and her style and sense of design are exactly what we need to continue aiding Yountville to be an art, food and wine town like no other.
Please consider re-electing Judy as she truly has a proven track record and passion for this role.
Sincerely,
Kate O’Reilly
From: Ronda Schaer
To: Margie Mohler; Eric Knight; Robin McKee-Cant; Hillery Trippe; Pamela Reeves Cc: Eddy Gomez; Samantha Holland
Subject: Yountville Arts Applicants Recommendation
Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 2:56:54 PM
Attachments: signature.png
Dear Mayor Mohler and Vice Mayor Knight and Council Members McKee-Cant, Trippe and Reeves,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for three highly qualified Yountville Arts Commission applicants: returning Commissioners Cynthia Kapjian and Judy Meredith and new applicant Marita Dorenbecher. These three applicants are well qualified to serve and I will be proud to sit on the Commission with each one of them.
Marita Dorenbecher is known for her passion and compassion for the Town of Yountville. She loves Yountville and cares about the Town’s future. Having served on ZDRB and the Town Council Marita's governmental savvy will help the Commission navigate protocols and save staff time. She has a strong background as an event planner and continues to serve as Media Coordinator and Community Relations Manager for the Napa Valley Marathon. As our Commission starts it’s new year, we move forward without a public relations writer/media outreach coordinator. Marita could easily fill these roles for us which would be a welcome relief given the number of events and programs we produce. I’ve always been impressed with Marita's achievements and we are all excited that she has applied for Arts Commissioner.
Cynthia Kapjain is not only smart, a hard worker and committed Commissioner, she is a delight to work with. Cindy serves with me on our two anchor subcommittees, the Art Walk and Gallery subcommittees. I count on her creative help and her forever sense of humor. She can be unexpectedly funny in a way that keeps us chuckling for hours after but she also keeps us moving through whatever the task is in front of us. Cindy has been our Vice Chair this year and I have enjoyed working with her on a variety of programs and events and welcome the opportunity to continue to do so.
Judy Meredith is a progressive thinker and has a very organized business mind while always seeking to engage and involve our Yountville community, a community she has been a part of for some 30 years. Her recent ‘Legacy Roundtable’ events have reached a new audience for us and she plans to continue leading this Roundtable concept into next year. Judy is reconfiguring our Performing Arts subcommittee to include new and fun programs ahead. I enjoy working with Judy because she knows how to stick to business but also adds a little ‘spark’ into the program at hand. Appointing Judy to another term will assure your continued enjoyment of her unique programs on the Yountville Arts Commission.
You can see why I am enthusiastic about these three Arts Commissioner applicants. We could not have picked three more capable people and each has now and will continue to have my support. I highly recommend the appointment of Marita, Cindy and Judy to our Yountville Arts Commission.
Respectfully,
Ronda