MUCH ACCOMPLISHED, MORE TO DO
Mayor Paul Dohring was first elected to the St. Helena City Council in 2014 and then again in 2018. He served as Vice Mayor from 2018 to 2022 and mayor from 2022 to the present. Over the past 10 years Paul has quietly yet persistently worked to bring us together, keep us together and ensure that we work together to tackle our most pressing issues: aging infrastructure, water security, wildfire risk, employee housing, climate change, city staffing, economic vitality, and the protection of our vibrant neighborhoods. Together our council, staff and community have worked on and completed countless projects, initiatives, events, programs, policies, and proclamations:
Exercising Rigorous Fiscal Oversight and Financial Stewardship
Retained Bartel Associates, LLC to analyze Pension Funding Options, directed staff to accelerate Pension Liability Payments to a 15-year term, and reaffirmed the city council’s commitment to continue accelerated payments into the fund
Created and annually updated our Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF)
Retained League of Cities recognized municipal finance expert (Michael Coleman) to perform California Municipal Financial Health diagnostic of City finances to validate City’s financial stability
Established legal/financial compliance and reporting policies and procedures
Established operating procedures, accountability policies and fraud prevention measures
Annually Adopted balanced budget while providing significant funding for vital community nonprofits and maintaining City reserves at or above 30%
Completed a Forensic Audit of the Flood Control Project
Facilitated RFP and Council award of contract for new Audit Firm
Obtained the release of Napa County Measure A flood control sales tax money totaling $5.3 million to help repay a state loan used for the flood control project.
City awarded Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for City CAFR
Adopted Ordinance updating City Financial Policy to ensure legal compliance
Created a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) to increase awareness of the City’s finances throughout the community
Preserving our Cherished Quality of Life
Successfully obtained $498,281 Community Wellness & Mental Health Program grant for a Community Wellness & Mental Health Program administered by Aldea, Inc. for children, young adults, and families offering services that include outreach and prevention, education and case management, and mental health and substance use disorder treatment
Summer Concert Series and movie nights
Community Soccer Night
Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Programs
Vigorously Defended City Against Pacaso Intrusions into Our Neighborhoods
Revamped and Updated Our Timeshare Ordinance
Advocated for and Completed Reduced speed limit on Pratt Avenue from 30 to 25 mph
Created more robust subsidy program for low-income water and wastewater customers
Joined MCE's "Deep Green" energy program for better environmental stewardship for our city
Supported Harvest Festival, Fourth of July Festivities, Post Fire Community Potluck and new Holiday Celebration program
Created more robust subsidy program for low-income water and wastewater customers
Initiated and Completed New LED streetlights installation program
Conducting Robust Legal Oversight and Litigation Management
Created first ever Council Policies on the Management of Legal Services
Completed RFP and Interview Process and Hired Best Best & Krieger LLP as new City Attorney at substantially reduced cost
Conducted first ever evaluation of our City Attorney
Substantially reduced City attorney budget over last four years
Successfully resolved Bell Creek Reservoir Water Bypass litigation and the threat of Upper York Creek Dam litigation
Successfully resolved Hall Winery Litigation and Prevailed in Obtaining Written Water Agreements Limiting Water Allocations
Conducted Numerous Short-Term Rental Enforcement Actions
Vigorously defending Neighborhoods Against Commercial Time-Share Intrusions by Pacaso
Advancing the Production of Affordable Housing for Local Employees
Successfully created, campaigned for, and PASSED Measure E to provide one percent in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase to create local fund for employee housing projects
Initiated the development of a first-time Housing Strategy for St. Helena
Provided loan proceeds and staff support and legal assistance to the Turley Flats Affordable Housing Project
Facilitated purchase of 963 Pope Street by Our Town St. Helena
Negotiated Extensive Affordable Housing Contributions from Farmstead Hotel Developers
Provided funds, fee waivers and staff assistance for Brenkle Court Affordable Housing Project
Moved forward on a comprehensive housing strategy, including passage of an indemnity ordinance, a practical application of land banking and an ADU ordinance
Directed staff to look at City-Owned Properties for Potential Affordable Housing Sites
Updated Housing Impact Fees
Expanding City Revenues, Business Recovery and Facilities
Successfully created, campaigned for, and PASSED a ½ cent sales tax (Measure D)
Successfully APPROVED the Farmstead Restaurant Expansion and Hotel Project
Successfully managed pre-election polling, developed ballot measure language, advocated for ballot measure, conducted door to door campaigning and PASSED a $19.5 million infrastructure Improvement Bond (Measure H)
Initiated the joint-use concept for Upper Napa Valley College as City Hall and directly involved with all Lease negotiations to lease the college as the City’s New City Hall
Successfully created, campaigned for, and PASSED Measure E to provide one percent in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase to create local fund for employee housing projects
Strengthened Relationship with Chamber of Commerce with Increased Funding Business recovery
Approval of Police Shared Services (Dispatch) Agreement with City of Calistoga
Established $300,000 Business Loan Assistance Program for Businesses Affected by Pandemic
Revised Downtown zoning code to allow more “By Right” Businesses Not Requiring a Use Permit
Created Ad-Hoc Revenue Task Force to explore and evaluate revenue enhancement options
Obtained $1.2 million grant for Main Street Sidewalk Replacement
Successfully worked with Vice Mayor, City Manager and Senator Dodd’s Staff to obtain $1.5 million in state funding for the Rutherford Pipeline Project
Successfully acquired $485,392 FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant for emergency backup power to Library, Madrone Knoll Pump Station, Stonebridge Wells, and Flood Control Levee Site
Secured $160,000 Grant to facilitate Zoning Code Update
Expanded the Use of Temporary business “Pop-Ups” and allowed Outdoor Seating arrangements to accommodate Businesses affected by the Pandemic
Coordinated recommended Business Recovery Marketing Partnership with City of Calistoga and Yountville
City applied for and was awarded annual Tobacco Law Enforcement Program Grants to pay for our School Resource Officer position at St. Helena Unified School District
Refinanced 2006A Water Bonds, reducing Water Fund debt by approximately $750,000
Secured $556,100 to fund City guard rail improvements on Silverado Trail from the Highway Safety Improvement Grant Program (HSIP)
Ensuring Environmental Stewardship, Public Health & Safety
and Infrastructure
Navigated St. Helena through international pandemic emergency and numerous concurrent fire and PSPS emergencies, closely worked with City Manager to transition administration to emergency operations structure, and provided stability to community and city staff throughout the two years of ongoing emergencies
Acquired funding for and commenced planning and recently construction of $18 million Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project that will replace the current system with a packaged Membrane Bioreactor Treatment Facility capable of primary, secondary and tertiary treatment
After decades of delay, successfully completed the Upper York Creek Dam Removal Project by securing the required state permits and funding, initiating vegetation removal, removing the existing dam, and commencing ongoing stream and habitat restoration
Created Water Security Framework
Amended Water Codes Related to Water Conservation Triggers and Updated Water Projections and Availability Projections and Reporting
Conducted a professional Facilities Condition and Needs Assessment (FCNA) to document and analyze the City's existing built facilities and assist with prioritizing capital improvements
Conducted Emergency Preparedness Workshop following fires
Initiated discussions and budgeted for Transition to Full-Time Professional Firefighters
Authorized various Public Works infrastructure consultant and emergency repair contracts, including projects to bring the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant into state regulatory compliance, and design, engineering and environmental review of Bell Canyon Reservoir intake tower rehabilitation
Initiated and completed the City’s Integrated Utility Master Plan
Advanced renovations of little league baseball fields
Advanced renovations and long-term rehabilitation plan for Scout Hall
Retained Raftelis (engineering-based water rate consultant) to focus on tiered water rates
and more equitable allocation of the costs of water and wastewater operations
Enabled Farmers Market to operate during later portions of pandemic
Prioritized library functions during pandemic
Initiated Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Planning at Main and Pratt and Main and Spring
Completed ADA Evaluation and Transition Plan
Updated zoning code regulating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Amended St. Helena Municipal Code regarding recreational marijuana use
Advocated for and approved and constructed El Bonita/Kennedy Court /La Quinta Repaving
Advocated for and approved and constructed Crinella Subdivision Repaving Project
Completed Pope Street Bike Lane Project
Secured NVTA funding for sidewalk project and completed Hunt Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure Project
Completed Charter Oak and Allison Avenue Overlay Project
Completed Mitchell Street Sidewalk Project
Retrofitted Water Tender 17 ($149,000 from St. Helena Fire Association)
Adopted ordinance broadening the Social Host Accountability Ordinance to include cannabis and other controlled and intoxicating substances in addition to alcohol
Conducted Fire Department Study Session to review organizational performance six months after hiring City’s first two permanent firefighters (now six); Supported Fire Department restructuring, creating more coverage and quicker response times; Response times under 5 minutes improved from 41% to 66%; Response times under 8 minutes improved from 76% to 90%; Response times under 10 minutes improved from 86% to 95%
Designated two Council Members to participate with staff in Countywide Climate Action Change Solutions
Advanced advocacy towards climate resilience, including passage of 2019 Climate Proclamation citing year 2030 to achieve draw-down goals
Coordinated with PG&E on new transmission lines to help minimize PSPS power shutoff events
Increased efforts on community fire/emergency awareness and preparedness
Continued awarding approximately $200,000 annually to our Non-profits—including Boys & Girls Club, Rianda House & Upvalley Family Center
Advanced plans for a downtown streetscape/sidewalk program
Initiated forums for community engagement on plans for city hall, library and other civic projects such as streetscape and zoning code update
Installed new ADA drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations at parks and in public spaces
Continued advocacy and partnership with organizations such as the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) and the Napa County Bicycle Coalition to support a more walkable and bikeable town and Completed Community engagement Upvalley Vine Trail segment selection
Established a ceremonial flagpole at Lyman Park and co-sponsored numerous multicultural events and celebrations of inclusivity
Advanced health and safety goals including ban on sales of flavored tobacco products to help curb youth vaping and advanced advocacy to diminish use of synthetic pesticides
Fostered and encouraged arts, culture, community celebrations, concerts, and events like Neighborhood Table, Jingle All the Way downtown skating event, holiday tree lighting, enhanced 4th of July celebrations and Hunt Avenue Hub Events
Responded proactively to the COVID 19 emergency by enhancing social services and fiscal assistance for residents and businesses, and worked with municipal, county, state and federal partners to provide increased free testing and regional coordination
Council approved Indemnity and Defense Ordinance for Certain Housing Projects
Completed our Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
Retained Housing Consultant and advanced significant work on Housing Element Update
Enrolled in 100% renewable “Deep Green” energy plan with Marin Clean Energy
Tennis Court Resurfacing and Crane Park Lighting Projects Completed
Completed ADU Updates to Zoning Code
Construction of Bathrooms at Crane Park, Lyman Park and Money Way
Declared disaster and established a “virtual” Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to manage COVID-19 pandemic
Transitioned City operations and public meetings to virtual/digital Zoom format
Completed Library partial roof replacement
Completed several PSPS After Action Reports
Preserving our Cherished Quality of Life
Successfully obtained $498,281 Community Wellness & Mental Health Program grant for a Community Wellness & Mental Health Program administered by Aldea, Inc. for children, young adults, and families offering services that include outreach and prevention, education and case management, and mental health and substance use disorder treatment
Summer Concert Series and movie nights
Community Soccer Night
Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Programs
Vigorously Defended City Against Pacaso Intrusions into Our Neighborhoods
Revamped and Updated Our Timeshare Ordinance
Passed a Truck Ordinance
Rescinded Curfew Ordinance
Completed and Implemented Elm Tree Tunnel Risk Assessment
Advocated for and Completed Reduced speed limit on Pratt Avenue from 30 to 25 mph
Established a COVID Friendly Christmas “Tree” Space at Hunt Avenue Hub
Created more robust subsidy program for low-income water and wastewater customers
Joined MCE's "Deep Green" energy program for better environmental stewardship for our city
Updated Ceremonial Flag Policy and Installed Special Display Flagpole at City Hall
Sponsored and participated in Numerous Spring Cleanup Days
Eliminated overdue fines and fees on all materials loaned by the St. Helena Public Library
Adopted Ordinance extending the City’s Leak Adjustment Policy to commercial customers in addition to residential customers
Installed radar speed detection monitors at Pratt (2), Spring Mountain Road (2), and Oak (1) and
Resolve multiple Short-Term Rental code enforcement cases
Renovated Crane Park Skatepark Crane Park Tennis Courts and fencing
Supported Harvest Festival, Fourth of July Festivities, Post Fire Community Potluck and new Holiday Celebration program
Delivered an enhanced “Jingle All the Way” event
Created more robust subsidy program for low-income water and wastewater customers
Initiated and Completed New LED streetlights installation program
Adopted resolution opposing private helicopter ports in Napa County and St. Helena and supporting County Measure D
Prioritized city council discussions on police procedure policy and practice
Prioritized city council discussions on racial and social equity
Initiated and amended various Law Enforcement Policies, including the elimination of neck Restraints
Encouraging Community Engagement and Collaborative Leadership
Increased City Council Public Comment period from 3 minutes to 4 minutes
Conducted LGBTQ+ and Diversity and Inclusivity Training
Completed successful Ad Hoc Utility Rate and Public Engagement Process resulting in adjusted Water and Wastewater rate increases
Conducted a Saturday Town Hall for the Community to focus on residents’ goals and followed up with robust City Council Goal Setting Process
Conducted Community Forums at the Cameo
Zoning Code Public Outreach and Joint City/Planning Commission Milestone Meeting Discussion of Public Outreach and Design Guidelines
Completed robust public engagement/outreach process for downtown streetscape improvements (Cultivate St. Helena)
Initiated Downtown Specific Plan focusing on land use and circulation to create more certainty, provide advanced environmental review and spur financial investment
Facilitated Infrastructure Financing Task Force meetings
Adopted Ordinance Suspending Enforcement of the City’s Curfew Ordinance
Completed Robust Community engagement to select Upvalley Vine Trail segment.
Completed the 8.2 mile stretch of the Vine Trail from St. Helena to Calistoga
Held Community Workshop on Emergency Preparedness in the wake of wildfires
Launched a Quarterly Newsletter program
Engaging in Ongoing Strategic Planning
After much prior delay adopted 2040 General Plan Update
Created City’s Vision and Mission Statement to guide goal setting and council decision-making
Established broad three-year City goals, with associated 12-month achievable objectives, for Infrastructure, Long Term Economic Sustainability, Public Communication and Participation, Access to Housing, Climate Change Response and Organizational Performance
Conducted Governance Meetings with Planning Commission and City Council
Created and annually updated our Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF)
Regularly Update our Five-year Capital Improvement Plan
Directed Staff to Conduct Strategic Planning Sessions with New City Manage Anil Comelo
Directed Staff to Begin Developing Long Range Financial Plan to Complement Long Range Financial Forecast
Formed the St. Helena Assets and Planning Engagement (SHAPE) Committee to identify alternatives to address deficiencies and opportunities identified in the FCNA, challenges identified in the Long-Range Financial Forecast (LRFF) and feasibility of concepts identified in the 2009 Visioning Statement
Regularly Update three-year Council Goals and approved annual Workplans
Maintaining High-Quality Staffing and Good Governance
Implementation of Compensation and Classification Studies and Associated Compensation Adjustments to retain Key Staff
Established Weekly Informational Updates to keep Council and employees apprised of City projects and activities and Regular New Letters and Press Releases
Completed Very Successful negotiations with Police officers Association (POA), Department heads and Mid-level Managers
Initiated Spanish Interpretation Services at City meetings
Completed digital document imaging to enhance record keeping and access to records
Revised and improved Rules of Procedure for Council Meetings and Code of Ethics and Conduct for Council and Board Members
Wrote and Presented Proclamations on Diversity & Inclusivity, Lugo Park 50 Years, Ukraine, Black History Month, Postal Service, Health Care, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Healthcare Workers, Pride Month, End to Hate, Climate Change, Jesse Duarte, Julie Spencer
Retained Jean Holsten to establish Good Governance Project; held City Council/City Manager Team Building and Governance retreats; and Planning Commission and staff team building retreats
Appointed new Police Chief Chris Hartley
Appointed new Planning Director Maya DeRosa
Hired Anil Comelo as new City Manager