Edition 22 | April 17, 2024

Accurate Information

Every so often I hear about a perspective that is factually incorrect. From experience, I have learned to not attempt to disabuse the person of their strongly held beliefs. But some views are repeatedly stated on social media in such a confident manner that they are taken as gospel. So, I feel the need to write a column in the St. Helena Star called “Myths and Misconceptions” or more a pointed and recurring blog on NextDoor called “BS Refuted.” Jokes aside, I will attempt to address a few issues.

• No, the City is not paying to gather signatures for the Noble House hotel.
• No, City staff is not in cahoots with Noble House, the owners of the Hunter subdivision, or any other developer. Staff is however required to process/evaluate each development application according to applicable regulations and advise the City Council accordingly.
• No, staff is not “biased” and did not cause the property on Spring Street to be zoned to High Density, the City was essentially required to do so by the State of California Housing and Community Department (HCD) as part of a process that began in 2020.
• All public agencies have consent items to streamline meetings thereby allowing swift action on routine matters. All one has to do is read the staff reports or request that a particular item be pulled for discussion.
• The vast majority of agendized items (over 99%) in ALL public agencies get authorized according to staff recommendations. This is because staff usually does its due diligence and brings items to the governing body for approval that is consistent with the direction of the elected officials. So, the fact that our City Council authorizes/passes most agenda items consistent with staff recommendations, is not because of Council neglect or lack of independent thinking – it is the norm.
• The City’s budgets and accounting practices are audited each year and are in compliance with applicable rules including those of the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices- we have won awards!
• Vine Trail funding comes from general fund but is part of the City’s required contributions to receive Measure T funding and must be spent on Class I trails.
• Park Development Impact Fees can only be used to increase park space and services, not for maintenance or CIP projects such as conversion of an existing tennis court to pickleball.
• Traffic Mitigation Fees can only be used for efforts to address traffic/congestion, not the hire of police officers or for road repair.
• Unlike a private firm, every public policy matter is discussed extensively and openly. Yet, because of the diversity of information sources, not everyone learns about proposed actions/policy changes. This does not mean that there was an absence of due process or that the decision was being rushed. For example, the recent consolidation of several functions had been discussed openly in various committees and in the media since November, but we were still accused of “rushing” the decision and deciding it in secret. Oy!

In today’s polarized society in which fewer people are active in civic organizations and trust in institutions is at an all-time low, it is not surprising to have a lack of respect for elected officials and public employees. That said, nothing is more jarring than when a community member says, “staff does not care because they do not live here.” For the record, 12.5% of the City’s workforce lives within the City.

I can say with conviction that the current City leadership and all our 80 full-time employees as well as part-time employees care about the community and want nothing more than to create a safe, well-functioning, and thriving City. To that end, we welcome your involvement and input. Please attend the upcoming budget meetings (City Council Meeting on May 28 at 6 p.m.) and other community events (planned Community Forum at the Cameo Cinema on June 24). In particular, please come to our Budget Open House at City Hall on May 14, 2024, at 9 a.m. to provide input and ask staff questions in an informal setting. 

Yours in Service,

Anil Comelo

City Manager

City of St. Helena

What’s the Point of Street Sweeping?

Streets, roads, highways, and parking lots accumulate pollutants that, when combined with stormwater, can lead to water quality impacts. Street sweeping can minimize some of these pollutants, including sediment, debris, yard waste, trash, deicing materials, and trace metals. It can also improve the aesthetics of municipal roadways, control dust, and reduce the frequency of catch basin or storm drain cleaning. An effective municipal street sweeping program can meet regulatory requirements, assess street sweeping effectiveness, and minimize pollutants in roadways (source: United States Environmental Protection Agency - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System). In short, we sweep our streets weekly to help minimize pollutants in stormwater and to help storm drains stay clear of debris. In 2023 the City of St. Helena street sweeping program gathered 769.50 yards of pollutants and debris (equivalent to more than 250 truckloads or more than 25 30-yard dumpsters, the same size dumpster typically used for office or large home renovation projects). The Street Sweepers maximum speed without brushes down is 20 mph, so if you see it going through town without brushes, it is often going to or from its dumping location and back to where it left off. The funding for the weekly street sweeping comes from the City’s budget for Public Works Streets Maintenance/Operation Division, the State of California, and a maintenance agreement with Caltrans for Main Street.

The City of St. Helena is currently hiring for a variety of positions. This includes:

• Deputy Director of Community Services – Library
• Plant Operator – Wastewater
• Plant Operator – Water
• Underground Utilities Superintendent
• Police Officer
• Recreation Leader I/II
• Sports Assistant
• City Intern

Learn more about working for the City of St. Helena and apply (or share) today.

April 9, 2024

• A proclamation recognizing April as National Donate Life Month (PDF) was read and presented to Donene Vukovich, Donor Network West Community Engagement Specialist, former Mayor of St. Helena Ann Nevero, organ donors, and recipients. Watch the video of the Mayor reading the proclamation. 
• Reports by Staff and City Council:
• The Public Works Director provided an update on the beginning of the Kearney and Andrea Water Main Replacement Project that began on April 10. Watch the video about the water main replacement project discussion.
• Community Services Director gave an update on the lighting installation at the Crane Park Tennis/Pickleball Courts. The new lighting will provide an energy savings with a switch to LED, provides better lighting direction to reduce impact on neighborhood, and allows each court to operate the lights, while also providing a timer option to automatically turn off lights if they are left on by users.
• Council Member Chouteau provided an update on a tour she went on as part of a leadership program she is participating in of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. 
• Consent Items:
• A permit allowing for open alcoholic beverages (PDF) on a closed portion of Adams Street during the Rianda House Car Show that will be held on May 4.
• Second Reading of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics (PDF). Comments were also heard from St. Helena community member Chris Warner about VMT.
• Set a Public Hearing for May 14 to consider objections to proposed annexation of 2126 Madrona Avenue into the St. Helena Municipal Sewer District (PDF).
• Approved resolution for updates to a publicly available pay schedule which includes revisions for mid-managers and executive staff positions, and a resolution reclassifying three positions and updates mid-manager and executive unrepresented compensation program relating to the creation of a new Community Services Department (PDF). The Mayor, City Manager, and staff provided additional details relating to public comments received about the update to pay schedules and staff positions.
• Public Hearing:
• First hearing of the proposed adoption of a City Charter (PDF). A presentation was provided by Assistant City Manager April Mitts and it was followed by a discussion with the City Council and community about the charter. There will be an additional hearing at the May 14 City Council Meeting, followed by a third Council Meeting on June 11 where the Council would adopt the language and put the issue on the November 2024 ballot. Review proposed City Charter Presentation (PDF). Read more about the plan to move ahead with the charter and next steps in the St. Helena Star.
• New Business:
• After conducting interviews with applicants (PDF) earlier in the day the City Council appointed Hector Lopez to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Watch the City Council discussion about the appointment of the new Planning Commissioner. Read more about the appointment of Hector Lopez in the St. Helena Star.
• Directed staff to prepare a report to the City Council analyzing the effects of the Noble House proposal titled “St. Helena Agritourism Initiative” (PDF). Watch the discussion about the proposal and steps taken to prepare a report analyzing the potential hotels impact. Read more about the plan to analyze the hotel initiative in the St. Helena Star.
• After a presentation the City Council directed staff to move forward with the regrading and replacement of pavers and trees as a fix to Main Street sidewalks between Adams Street and Mitchell Drive (PDF). Watch the sidewalk option presentation and discussion. Read more about the plan for Main Street sidewalks in the St. Helena Star.
• Authorized hiring of professionals for a water bond financing transaction related to funding for water capital improvement projects (PDF). Watch the presentation and discussion about the authorization to begin the water bond financing.
• Review the complete meeting agenda and watch the meeting.
• Did you know that you can sign up to have agendas emailed to you in advance of every City Council, Commission, and Board Meeting?

Planning Commission Meeting Update - April 16, 2024

• The Planning Commission had a pre-application review for a potential hotel project on Adams Street that includes a proposal for affordable housing on Mitchell Avenue. Read the recap in the St. Helena Star. Watch the Planning Commission Meeting on YouTube.

Click the underlined event names for more information.

• St. Helena Calendar: Learn more about our business community’s upcoming community events.

• SongShine: A singing class for adults who want to strengthen voices affected by aging and/or neurological disorders. The SongShine method is designed around the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity–the human brain’s lifelong ability to reorganize itself and change by creating new or alternative neural pathways and it’s FUN! Make new friends and become part of a community of singers! American Legion Hall, Mondays at 1 p.m.

• Jazzercise: Jazzercise blends dance with Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing and Strength Training in one session. Get long, lean muscles with an undeniable mood boost! American Legion Hall, Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

• Blue Zones Project Community Meal: Blue Zones Project Upper Napa Valley is partnering with Sunshine Foods and Grace Episcopal Church to offer meals for the community on Wednesdays through June 5. Bring a bowl, utensils, and the beverage of your choice. Food available until it’s gone, arrive early. Grace Church, Wednesdays beginning at 6 p.m.

• St. Helena Open House: Join the First Presbyterian Church of St. Helena and UpValley Family Centers for an Open House event. This event celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of St. Helena and the 25th Anniversary of the UpValley Family Centers. There will be a special focus on the history of the church and its contributions to our community, including the many organizations and nonprofits that have used the church facilities. In addition, the UpValley Family Centers, located on the church property, will be open for touring the expansion of their offices and program space. The family center will also have a community mosaic project and other interactive activities for all ages. RSVP requested. 1428 and 1440 Spring Street, April 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Lyman Park Clean Up - Volunteers Needed: Help get Lyman Park ready for summer by pulling weeds, planting new plants, and making it ready for warmer weather. Join us this Earth Day by walking, riding a bike, trike, scooter, or skateboard to Lyman Park on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• St. Helena Chinese Memorial Dedication: Experience an ancient Daoist religious rite as the graves of 50 Chinese ancestors are blessed. Event organized by the St. Helena Historical Society. St. Helena Cemetery (2461 Spring Street), April 21 at 11 a.m.

• Heavy Lifting: A special event combining an artists’ book, film, poetry, and an opportunity for dialogue and healing in our era of crisis and renewal. The limited-edition artists’ book, Heavy Lifting, showcases works by artist/printer Felicia Rice of Moving Parts Press with poetry by Theresa Whitehill. This event is dedicated to Paulo Ferreira (1953 to 2023) and is a benefit for Providence Hospice in Napa. The White Barn, April 21 at 4 p.m.

• Patagonia Film Night: Sportago, Healdsburg Running Company and the Napa Valley State Parks Association are sponsoring the evening that will feature a collective of storytellers who make films on behalf of our home planet. Short films will include “Running Up for Air,” “Wolfpack,” “Mile for Mile,” “Run to be Visible,” “Run to Salvar una Cuenca” and “Closer to Home.” Cameo Cinema, April 22 at 6 p.m.

• Fentanyl Safety Event - Screening + Expert Panel: The City of St. Helena and UpValley Family Centers will present Song for Charlie - The New Drug Talk, a 30-minute film that outlines the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills. The film will be followed by an expert panel discussion focused on learning how to keep loved ones safe. Cameo Cinema, April 24 at 5 p.m.

• Upstage PlayRead: UpStage actors will present their annual play reading. They will be reading a new work, Life As I Knew It, by Frank Shima. The play is appropriately set in a library. Actor Bruce Miroglio will portray the distressed Herman who is frantically looking for a book with a blue cover, and Mara McGrath as Clara will be the stern Librarian. Antonia Allegra will play Mrs. James, a rude library patron. Also featured will be a scene from our upcoming play, The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp. St. Helena Public Library, April 25 at 4:30 p.m.

• Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Event: The event will also accept up to five bankers, boxes of paper for shredding per household. Residents can also pick up one cubic yard of compost (bring your own container). Upper Valley Compost and Recycling Yard (enter through Pestoni Family Winery), April 27 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• DEA National Drug Take Back: Turn in unneeded or expired medication for safe disposal. City of St. Helena City Hall/St. Helena Police Department, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Climate Solutions Showcase: Find out how to switch to clean energy for your home, yard, and transportation. Hear about the latest technologies and rebate programs that help you save money while cooling the climate. American Legion Hall, 1240 Pearl Street (Napa) on April 27 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Walk & Talk: Join Napa RCD for a Walk & Talk program with local arborist Bill Pramuk who will lead us in observing and learning about Sudden Oak Death (SOD), a plant pathogen affecting native trees around Napa County. RSVPs appreciated. Napa River Trail north of Lincoln Avenue and River Pointe Cottages (Napa), May 1 at 5:30 p.m.

• St. Helena’s Annual Sidewalk Sale: Head to the Historic Shopping District the first full weekend of May to shop St. Helena’s Annual Sidewalk Sale. Featuring great deals on home goods, last season clothing, accessories, art, and more! Sip, shop, and dine St. Helena! Main Street, May 3 to May 5.

• Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Blitz: This will be the 14th year in which Napa volunteers participate in the statewide effort to map this devastating disease. The SOD Blitz is educational and a day of service toward conserving our oaks. All are welcome after they watch a training video and sign up in advance. Napa County Ag Commissioner's Office (1710 Soscol Avenue, Napa), May 4 to May 6.

• Classic Car Show - Rally 4 Rianda: Join Rianda House for its 10th annual event showcasing classic cars, good company, and fun. Food, music, beer, and wine await – come one, come all! Adams Street (east of Library Lane), May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Save the Date - City of St. Helena Budget Workshop: Learn more about the City of St. Helena FY 2024/2025 budget and ask questions. St. Helena City Hall (Main Conference Room) on May 14 at 9 a.m. 

• Save the Date - Wine and Words: Join the St. Helena Public Library Friends & Foundation for an intimate evening with St. Helena winemakers who will share their stories and prized wines in support of the St. Helena Public Library. Carnegie Building, May 16 at 6 p.m.

• Save the Date - Behind the Gates - St. Helena Garden Tour 2024: Spend the afternoon touring the historic gardens of St. Helena. Tickets available now. This is a joint event by the St. Helena Historical Society and Napa County Landmarks. May 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Save the Date - 5th Annual Neighborhood Table: Celebrate the start of the summer season in St. Helena amidst the breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains and lush vineyards with an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting the St. Helena Hospital Foundation’s Mobile Health team. Groove to the rhythm of the live music of Apple Z that will set the tone for an evening of celebration and enjoyment. Adams Street at Library Lane, May 18 at 5 p.m.

City of St. Helena

1088 College Avenue

St. Helena, CA 94574