Edition 24 | May 16, 2024

From Main Street to Mainstream

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, government is not known for its speed. It’s often the tortoise attempting to outdistance the hare. That does not mean those of us in public sector leadership do not work hard to ensure efficiency, solid goal setting, and creativity to improve the delivery of services. The City’s current leadership team is focused on effective response and prudent fiscal management. In this regard we have harnessed the expertise of mid-managers to make most of the tactical decisions and initiate strategic conversations. Partnering with community leaders, staff has been able to improve our decision-making process. And, thanks to that success the City established three core values: Collaboration, Responsiveness, and Innovation. The three values also serve as themes for the Employee Quarterly Award to underscore the importance of those principles. In addition to a more robust internal training regime and involvement of staff, both morale and productivity has been enhanced. What this means for the community is that more is getting done with the same or lower levels of staffing. The tortoise is making strides, and it counts!

Here is a list of some projects we are working on:

• Community Development: Staff continues to work on the Housing Element, sale of two City owned downtown properties, the Downtown Specific Plan, the pre-processing of various development applications including the proposed hotel for Adams Street, the St. Helena Agritourism Initiative (Noble House/Charles Krug), the review of multiple housing development proposals, and continued attention to energy efficiency and vacant buildings.
• Public Works: We are completing work on the new Wastewater Treatment Plant, planning to rehabilitate the downtown sidewalks, preparing for the expanded paving of streets this summer, and developing the Streets Masterplan. The department is exploring water supply-related options and is currently engaging in $15.1 million of capital improvements on 33 different projects.
• Community Services: This new department is finalizing preparations for the summer activities including July 4th festivities, our concert series starting June 26, various youth sports programs, and we will be launching the Parks and Recreation master planning process. In addition, the library is completing an extensive RFID tagging project and hosting many popular events including the summer reading program.
• Administrative Services: We are finalizing proposed FY 2025 Budget, transitioning to a new payment intake system, recruiting for several positions including a couple of hard-to-fill classifications, and negotiating with labor groups to enhance services to the community.
• Fire Department: SHFD is working with Public Works to reduce vegetation and prepare for the fire season, and conducting wildfire/defensible space inspections for property owners.
• Police Department: SHPD is finetuning the delivery of Dispatch Services, working on an emergency operations plan, and planning this year’s National Night Out event for August 6.

With better internal processes and the deployment of several new software solutions, staff can be more productive. A deeper dive tells a more complete story of the City’s staffing. As you can see from the chart below, in 2001, the City had about 70 full-time equivalent staff and grew to a peak of 80 in 2009 with no paid Fire employees. Today, we are at 79 without fire employees [93 with the 12 paid Fire (FTE) employees we have today]. In other words, the City is doing more with less when compared to the 2009 peak.

With the City Council focused on enhancing the quality of life for residents and achieving other important goals, the City’s management team continues to find creative solutions to improve services, cut costs, and increase the fun quotient. Please feel free to suggest new ways in which we can do better.

Yours In Service,

Anil Comelo

City Manager

City of St. Helena

City Impacted by Cyber Attack, but ...

we're still working. While our servers and a limited number of staff computers were impacted by a cyberattack that is under investigation by Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force (NC3TF) and additional law enforcement partners, City staff continues to work. While many reverted back to systems that did not rely on the City's internal and external servers, others took to the streets. Fire Chief John Sorensen went with Xinia Gamero, Planning Permit Technician III, who is bilingual, to give warnings and tickets to people using gas leaf blowers (against St. Helena Municipal Code), while also taking the time to thank those who were using electric ones. Lesley Milton, Interim Assistant Director Public Works - Operations, went out with Public Works crews to help with weed abatement efforts on City properties. Community Development Director Maya DeRosa and Senior Planner Aaron Hecock, AICP also took the time to go through and organize historic "flat files."

Antoinette Freeman, City Intern for Community Development Department

Antoinette came to the City as a seasoned event planner and hospitality professional with over a decade of experience working with prestigious restaurants, hotels, wineries, and music festivals in the Napa Valley and the greater Bay Area. Her path to the Planning Department in City Hall began with the onset of the pandemic in 2020. She decided to change careers and returned to school. She completed an associate's degree in Natural Sciences & Mathematics, focusing on geography and climatic regions. She then went on to Sonoma State University, where she completed a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Geography, and Planning with a focus on Urban Studies and Planning. 

Continue Reading about Antoinette Freeman.

May 14, 2024

• Proclamations were read and presented to recognize National Public Works Week (PDF) (May 19 to May 25) and National Police Week (May 12 to May 18). Watch the proclamations being read and received.
• Reports by Staff and City Council, Staff Briefings:
• City Manager, Anil Comelo, thanked the community for their patience as the City deals with the cyberattack. He also said that the City continues to wait on data from Noble House regarding the project at Charles Krug that he expected to receive in the coming days.
• Public Works Director, Joe Leach, PE, provided additional information on agenda items listed as Consent. This included more information on the MicroC chemical purchase for Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the award for design of Napa Intertie Water Pipeline, mentioning that it is same design firm that is doing the Vine Trail from Yountville to St. Helena so there will be some cost savings because they have already completed much of the mapping needed. He also gave information about the purchase of a crack sealer for repairing roadway cracks and the Vine Trail realignment.
• Council Member Anna Chouteau thanked the Cameo Theater and City of St. Helena for their support of the Song for Charlie screening and fentanyl awareness panel discussion, as well as the support of many community organizations including UpValley Family Centers and everyone who attended. She also thanked City staff for their participation in the Climate Solutions Showcase that was held in Napa last month. Staff was able to share information about conservation programs and rebates, and brought one of the Police Department's electric vehicles. She also mentioned a recent tour at a battery storage facility that she took as part of being part of a leadership program with PG&E. The facility plays an important part of the State's goals to reduce its use of fossil fuels.
• Consent Items:
• After the first reading of the ordinance approving General Plan Amendments and Zoning Map Amendments (PDF) on April 23, the second reading was waived and adopted in conformance with the City's adopted 2023 to 2031 Housing Element. Staff will also explore an overlay and other options including other sites and units to replace Site 10, and conduct a City Council study session focused on housing in the near future.
• Authorized an agreement with Websoft Developers for Mobile Maintenance Management System software (PDF) to track and maintain underground utility assets.
• Temporary closure of Adams Street on Sunday, June 16 for the rescheduled Rianda House Car Show (PDF).
• An agreement with Haley & Aldrich, Inc. for engineering services and project management support to procure and replace all City utility smart meters (PDF).
• An agreement with Haley & Aldrich, Inc. for engineering, design, project, and construction management services for the Del Campo Gravity Sanitary Sewer Main Replacement Project (PDF).
• Authorization to pay Rain for Rent and Herc Rentals for emergency pump rentals (PDF) at the water and wastewater treatment plants for high flow events due to extended rain season.
• Adopting new pay schedules for the Public Works Financial Analyst and Recreation Coordinator classifications (PDF).
• An agreement with We Care Animals Rescue for animal shelter and adoption services (PDF).
• Authorization to purchase MicroC Processing Chemicals for the Micro Bioreactor facility testing (PDF) at the wastewater treatment plant.
• A contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for civil engineering services to provide engineering documentation and bid specifications for the Napa Intertie Water Pipeline Replacement project (PDF).
• Approval to purchase an asphalt crack sealer (PDF).
• Approving revision of Vine Trail alignment to include a bike boulevard along Railroad Avenue between Adams Street and Fulton Lane (PDF). This item was pulled for further discussion and comment.
• Public Hearing:
• The Second Public Hearing of the proposed adoption of a City Charter (PDF), the first hearing was on April 9. Watch the hearing about the City Charter.
• Approval of resolution approving the issuance of the California Municipal Finance Authority multifamily housing revenue bonds for Hunt's Grove Apartments (PDF). Watch the discussion about the bond issuance.
• Old Business:
• Approval of resolution to execute the final loan extension and ground lease for BRIDGE Housing Corporation and Napa Valley Community Housing related to Hunt's Grove Apartments (PDF). Watch the loan extension and ground lease discussion.
• Presentation of opinion research related to proposed November 2024 Real Property Transfer Tax Revenue Measure (PDF). Watch the opinion research presentation. Read more about the research results in the St. Helena Star.
• New Business:
• Approval of resolution awarding nonprofit grants for Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025 (PDF). There was a brief presentation, discussion, and public comment about the funding for Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025.
• City Council Reports:
• Mayor Dohring discussed recent meetings about water and flood projects throughout Napa County. He also mentioned that Council Member Anna Chouteau has been reappointed as an alternate to the Executive Board for the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). He concluded with an update on the Ad Hoc Water/Wastewater Exploratory Committee that continues to meet, the committee will be meeting a few more times before making a recommendation to the City Council.
• 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?

Click the underlined event names for more information.

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

• 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.

• Artist Reception for Marvin Humphrey: Currently on display at Rianda House are the captivating oil paintings by St. Helena's own Marvin Humphrey. Many will recognize him as the former local mail carrier. Now in retirement, he dedicates his time to creating stunning depictions of Napa Valley and some evocative artwork. Rianda House, May 16 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• 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.

• Skatepark Volunteer Clean Up!: In partnership with several of our community skatepark supporters, the St. Helena Parks and Recreation team will be cleaning-up various areas of the park and then providing lunch, graciously sponsored by The Station! Skatepark at Crane Park, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. RSVP requested for lunch.

• 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.

• 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.

• Live to 100: Secrets of Blue Zones Screening: Discover the secrets of longevity and happiness from the world's longest-lived cultures. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and fascinating insights that will inspire you to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Experience a vibrant onscreen journey through the world’s original blue zones and learn about how the Blue Zones Project is applying lessons from these regions to transform our community. Cameo Cinema, May 20 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Parent Night in St. Helena - Tobacco Awareness & Prevention: Learn about the dangers and warning signs of tobacco products and keep youth safe. Translation in Spanish will be available. St. Helena High School Library (465 Main Street), May 21 at 5 p.m.

• 5th Annual Guacamole and Salsa Contest: It’s time to taste the heat at the library! You will be tasting contestants' best homemade salsa! Your vote decides the winners. Salsas range from mild to very hot and include guacamole. Cold beverages will be available to cool down your tongue—as needed! St. Helena Public Library, May 23 at 4 p.m.

• A Conversation about Trauma/PTSD and Pathways to Healing: In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Mentis is proud to host a community conversation about trauma/PTSD with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey-Stirman, professor in Stanford University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Wiltsey-Stirman will present an accessible overview of trauma, the way it impacts individuals and communities, and the latest research into treatment and coping tools, outcomes, and more. A moderated Q&A will follow the presentation. RSVP Required. Markham Vineyards, May 22 at 5:30 p.m.

• Downtown Sidewalk Repair Presentation: Learn more about two upcoming projects aimed at revitalizing our downtown sidewalks. The presentation will highlight the design, scope, and schedule for the projects. Staff will be available to discuss the projects and answer questions. St. Helena Fire Station Training Room (entrance on Railroad Avenue), May 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Bothe State Park Hike: Come hike the beautiful Redwood Trail at Bothe State Park. This is a moderate out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of 393 feet that takes approximately one and a half hours to complete. After the hike, some gentle stretches will be led by Kerry Brackett. Meet at the last parking lot, past the Ranger booth. Call for details (707) 963-8555 x101. Redwood Trail, Bothe State Park, May 31 at 9 a.m.

• Community Soccer Night: After a successful event in 2023, the St. Helena Parks and Recreation team is bringing back Noche Comunitaria de FÚTBOL (Community Soccer Night). You can expect the same great family activities and food as last year, plus Youth Soccer Clinics from Napa Valley 1839 FC and Challenger Sports, and an Adult (16+) 4 vs. 4 Soccer Tournament (pre-registration required for tournament only). St. Helena High School Soccer Fields, May 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• 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), June 16 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Save the Date - Citywide Evacuation Drills: The City will be conducting emergency evacuation drills for the community. The first will be for those living on the west side of Main Street/Highway 29 on June 19. Those living on the east side of Main Street/Highway 29 will have a similar drill in July. The City will be sending more information out via email and on social media as the date gets closer.

• Inaugural Pickleball Tournament: Although the tournament spots are filled, come cheer on the players and enjoy food trucks and festivities. All proceeds benefit UpValley Family Centers. Crane Park on June 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Save the Date - St. Helena Community Forum: Learn more about City finances and get your questions answered by members of the City Council and City Staff. Cameo Cinema, June 24 at 6 p.m.

• Save the Date - Dinner at the Museum: Enjoy a paella dinner among artifacts that document the region’s history dating back 10K years to the area’s native people, the Wappos. Look forward to tapas, Gerard’s Paella, salad, dessert from the CIA, and Napa Valley wines. St. Helena Historical Society and Museum (1255 Oak Avenue), July 20 at 5:30 p.m.

City of St. Helena

1088 College Avenue

St. Helena, CA 94574