Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 8C
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: June 16, 2026
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Hilary Gaede, Communications Director/ Town Clerk PREPARED BY: Hilary Gaede, Communications Director/ Town Clerk
RECOMMENDATION
Appoint four (4) individuals to serve on the Yountville Arts Commission with the terms of office to commence July 21, 2026 and expire July 20, 2028.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
At the December 4, 2012, Town Council meeting, the Town Council adopted Resolution No. 3081-12 establishing the Yountville Arts Commission and approving its bylaws. At the April 3, 2018, Town Council meeting, the Town Council adopted Resolution No. 18-3476 ratifying revisions to the Commission's bylaws to increase its membership from five (5) to seven (7) members. The Commission consists of four (4) resident members and up to three (3) members who are affiliated with a business or nonprofit organization involved in arts and cultural activities in Yountville.
The mission of the Yountville Arts Commission (Commission) is to provide vision, leadership, inspiration, and support for artists and the arts in Yountville. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Town Council and staff on matters related to cultural arts, including the development of visual, performing, and literary arts, as well as other matters referred to the Commission by the Town Council or Town Manager.
The Commission has a unique dual role, serving both as a formal advisory body and as a working committee.
In its advisory role, the Commission provides recommendations to the Town Council on cultural arts matters. As a working committee, members partner with Town staff to develop and implement arts-related programs, events, and initiatives that enhance the community's cultural offerings. This volunteer-driven structure expands the Town's ability to provide arts programming beyond what staffing resources alone could support. The Commission's bylaws establish an operating framework that balances its public policy responsibilities with its hands-on role in implementing programs and events.
With staff support, the Commission actively manages and implements a variety of cultural arts programs and initiatives, including:
a. The Yountville Public Art Walk Program;
b. The Gallery at the Community Center Program and other art exhibition opportunities; c. Yountville literary arts programs;
d. Oversight of the Public Art Fund and cultural arts-related General Fund budget; e. Fundraising activities, including pursuing public and private donations, gifts, and grants in accordance with Town policies and procedures;
f. Coordinating receptions and other events that support Commission programming; g. Marketing and public outreach efforts that promote Commission programs and events; and h. Other cultural arts activities as assigned by the Town Council.
Recruitment
A Notice of Vacancy was posted on May 1, 2026 in the Town-designated posting locations including the Town’s website under the Board and Commission page to fill four (4) positions due to terms expiring in July 2026. At the close of the application filing period, the Town received four (4) applications for four (4) positions. Applications were received from incumbent members Ronda Schaer, Noel Resnick, Geoffrey Leigh, and PJ Hudson. Staff is requesting Council reappoint the incumbent members. to the Commission with their terms of office to commence July 21, 2026 and expire July 20, 2028. Per the Town Council Handbook, Chapter II, Section Boards, Commissions, and Committee appointments states that “In the event the number of applicants equals the number of vacancies, the Town Council may waive the interviews and make the appointments based on the applicant's qualifications. This allows the Town Council to promptly fill available positions while ensuring all selected candidates meet the qualifications for their respective roles.”
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Exempt per California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guideline, Section 15061(b)(3) as an activity that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
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? Mandatory
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ronda Schaer Application Redacted
2. Ronda Schaer Application (Confidential)
3. Noel Resnick Application Redacted
4. Noel Resnick Application (Confidential)
5. Noel Resnick Bio
6. Geoffrey Leigh Application Redacted
7. Geoffrey Leigh Application (Confidential)
8. PJ Hudson Application Redacted
9. PJ Hudson Application (Confidential)