[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6745329,"mediaKeyId","2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b","parentId",2270037,"title","Planning Commission chair warns state housing rules will keep fueling contentious local projects; council asks staff to explore housing strategy","audioSeconds",669,"startMs",1655000,"endMs",2324000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b&start=1655&end=2324","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b/thumbnail_1655000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6745329/California/Planning-Commission-chair-warns-state-housing-rules-will-keep-fueling-contentious-local-projects-council-asks-staff-to-explore-housing-strategy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745329-76a4ccdd6062fb7e6ad189d410284db6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145743&Signature=OZfcWQjueJ7M58G6B7rkl6DrOxBp5g2HUIQexsvnGl2X5UmB~kVTfsLq6rPMZcvHmWW71wjbmTw8cjAiiIFacNLbMLgdsGKzvIEzsTCCjcH-tcbmID3OJUl5mbBnM0pShAQBeXhPOAo1eyUaKDNAu-N4Z8jrqnztROKcutLKROVr2W9MCafK5QUWOq2RFc~KVKrxz3RZn9FfUnIAi~5~OXCfH3qnnhQQagMVyiNHjKtlhwVwMQgh2feMVs7DBpMMmpoui3zAHctnzxM6RMF3eR~hh6wv-IxXOV350cY07AKR9hWQe5yR~Q1MUJQh~p-yBg8pIpdNg~c2AWDlFmzLiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-12T09:29:07.097Z","article","John Pont, chair of the Saint Helena Planning Commission, told the City Council on Feb. 11 that the commission's caseload fell after adoption of the new general plan and zoning code but that state housing requirements and recent rezoning have shifted many projects toward ministerial review and prompted friction over minimum densities and allowable housing forms.

Pont said the commission approved 55 applications last year and received 84 applications in 2024, noting those totals reflect carryover projects and new submittals. He described two zoning effects: the medium-density residential (MDR) district no longer permits building below minimum density (eliminating a prior option to keep a single residence on a large lot), and state-mandated rezoning tied to the housing element has increased friction in higher-density zones. Pont said the Spring Street townhouse proposal and several hotel applications may be contentious and predicted more public debate as projects use state rules to limit local review.

He recommended further public outreach and suggested council-sponsored informational materials about how state law affects local development choices. Council members said they would coordinate staff and communications efforts, and several new planning commissioners were noted as attending upcoming training to increase technical expertise.

Separately, Council members asked staff to return with a housing-strategy discussion or study session to consider specific goals such as increasing full-time residents who work locally and tying housing objectives to financial sustainability, water policy and other city goals. The request grew from a public comment by Mary Stevenson urging a quantitative 10-year target and more proactive municipal housing policies.

ENDING: Council asked staff to bring back options for a housing strategy and to coordinate planning-commission outreach and education for residents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council - 11 Feb 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning Commission Chair John Pont told the council Feb. 11 that changes to the city's general plan, zoning code and state housing requirements have shifted many projects away from discretionary review and are likely to produce more contentious housing proposals.","taxTitle","Saint Helena, Napa County, California","taxId",55592,"location","California","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6745345,"Saint Helena council approves $565,063 contract to replace aging water meters, directs staff to review maintenance funding",3532,2533000,6065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b&start=2533&end=6065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b/thumbnail_2533000.jpg","/articles/6745345/California/Saint-Helena-council-approves-565063-contract-to-replace-aging-water-meters-directs-staff-to-review-maintenance-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745345-94f8c5d9d2c49ef8fb42c0f062ab3897/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145743&Signature=IG267jmnYhsNst0NwVPtTwNYR27Gq81athHWGqzuwpK9cR-8llqZB~jUwPZxDdEhszPN7Vm8iKBvO5OwV1rULy-8poGC6zFXTuBFzppiYVHwDiptDye-wMsrUETQaXPxDfdQcaRISgXxTC-s9vBr9yCoyMQiatm7Fr9E-zCfRgdJUUh-N9Orr~0aj0-FvNrZx2hOPKlSV7C9yE4-FrjBN4wThzJCqjXawcVZ7JmLFDAxz5TTpRNCh0wyElLAJ6m04Fh7UK5dziymnSDouFbzO55ME1hyJvflkmkh9Fnipu0MxfwiZbu-ViU14JEJgFj4W~~AyAznUBV2aPxo7rBIMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saint Helena City Council voted 4–1 Feb. 11 to award a construction contract to Professional Meters, Inc. for the city's smart meter replacement project (CIP W2404), approving the resolution and directing staff to review funding for future maintenance costs such as battery replacement.

Council action closed a long-running procurement and implementation discussion about replacing aging pneumatic and radio meters with modern ultrasonic/cellular meters and a customer portal (Eye on Water). Deputy City Manager Leslie Milton and Public Works Director Leach told the council staff had already purchased meters and many lids, performed a prequalification and that the lowest responsive construction bid was $565,063 from Professional Meters, Inc.

Council members said the project addresses multiple operational problems. Director Leach said more than half the city's metered connections now require manual rereads, that the city is experiencing about 30% unaccounted-for water (loss that includes leaks and under-registering meters), and that the new system would give customers near-real-time usage and help staff detect leaks faster.

The project budget and procurement history were central to the debate. Staff reported $1,180,000 in prior expenditures (meters, lids, engineering/construction management) and estimated that awarding the construction contract and completing remaining purchases would bring the total to roughly $2.3 million. The approved CIP funding was $1.97 million, leaving a projected shortfall of about $333,105; staff said roughly $100,000 of that was contingency. Staff and the council discussed tradeoffs including buying lids separately (to save an estimated 15% markup) and the risks of supply-chain lead times for larger vault meters.

Staff described two implementation options: awarding a contractor to complete installation in about six months, or doing the work in-house (an estimated 28–36 months). The council majority endorsed the faster contractor-led route, citing current operational burdens, while one council member favored delaying or staging the work.

The contract included standard procurement safeguards: a prequalification process (two bidders: Concord Utility and Professional Meters), professional construction management via Haley & Aldrich, and an owner's representative to monitor costs and daily operations during construction. Council members asked staff to return with additional contract review details; staff said the city would complete a more detailed legal and contract review before or during execution.

The final motion, made by Vice Mayor Deasy and amended to direct staff to evaluate and report back on battery and long-term maintenance funding, passed on a roll-call vote: Vice Mayor Deasy, Council Member Barrick, Council Member Spatarotto and Mayor Doreen voted yes; Council Member Summers voted no.

Council members asked staff to identify funding options for the shortfall and to include the issue in upcoming budget and CIP discussions. Staff said the project is financed in part by a prior bond sale and that purchasing meters in advance had reduced contractor markup but created a need to store equipment on-site until installation.

The council action authorizes the city manager to execute the construction contract with Professional Meters, Inc. and authorizes the director of public works to approve change orders up to the approved contingency. Staff will return with additional budget and contract-detail recommendations as requested by council.

ACTIONS AT A GLANCE
- Action: Contract award (CIP W2404 smart meter deployment) to Professional Meters, Inc.
- Motion: Approve resolution to award contract and authorize execution and change orders; direct staff to review battery/maintenance funding (motion amended). Mover: Vice Mayor Deasy. Second: not specified in transcript.
- Vote: Yes: Vice Mayor Deasy, Council Member Barrick, Council Member Spatarotto, Mayor Doreen. No: Council Member Summers. Tally: 4–1. Outcome: approved.

PROPER NAMES AND NUMBERS
- CIP project: W2404 (smart meter deployment)
- Low responsive bidder: Professional Meters, Inc.
- Prior expenditures reported: $1,180,000 (meters, lids, engineering/construction management)
- Proposed construction contract (bid): $565,063
- Estimated total project cost with construction/contingency: roughly $2,300,000
- Approved CIP funding: $1,970,000 (projected shortfall: $333,105)

Clarifying details: Staff purchased meters and standard lids separately to save approximately 15% contractor markup; custom vault lids were not pre-purchased and remain to be acquired. The contractor implementation timeline offered by staff was approximately six months; in-house completion was estimated at 28–36 months.

SOURCES: Presentation and discussion at the Feb. 11, 2025 Saint Helena City Council meeting; public staff slides and remarks by Director Leach and Deputy City Manager Leslie Milton.

ENDING: The council approved installation and asked staff to return with funding and contract details; councilors emphasized the tradeoff of faster implementation against the immediate budget shortfall and asked staff to monitor long-term maintenance costs such as battery replacements.","The Saint Helena City Council voted 4–1 on Feb. 11 to award a construction contract to Professional Meters, Inc. for the city's smart meter replacement project (CIP W2404) and directed staff to study funding for long-term maintenance costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6745334,"Neighbors ask Saint Helena to monitor Napa County hotel proposal near Sulphur Creek, citing fire, traffic and water concerns",542,409000,951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b&start=409&end=951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b/thumbnail_409000.jpg","/articles/6745334/California/Neighbors-ask-Saint-Helena-to-monitor-Napa-County-hotel-proposal-near-Sulphur-Creek-citing-fire-traffic-and-water-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745334-53a1c569f93ea51985a9f857edb3ff60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145743&Signature=nKKaNsy63SS~aFr8~hPzeL6-8gCSEqdtkPZMJFPvZJLKDtuVJ9I4vDk23TbcCP40odXFqQ44YohL-2tUGnTv2qzODBXimp8aBbVG0jlIl69-piQk~u1~X3DvklVPCraC-aau5dADJlrRFXcNxYpXR7ALF1FAfg-cAWEHtfbE9l-P83LIntQ~V8qXJdCz-bC2CwfD9z0wzX8nSkhFeNW~7pccEqmp62CJrHTmS-Z5TkqErUx0K3lb3WgB275wAHWjFM-Z5K8yzz8YRXkriiH0dCOcI9clrw6Vk8RwEydUHy0ptyvpuF2lx0yON~gaXN3hW9I1LuI9l~El~P57tCDCJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of about 20 neighbors near Sulphur Creek asked the Saint Helena City Council on Feb. 11 to watch a Napa County hotel application that residents say would place hundreds of guests, staff and diners in a wooded canyon west of Saint Helena.

The speaker said the proposal could generate as many as 500 or more vehicle trips per day on narrow, curving roads and through Spring Street, and raised concerns about fire risk to nearby neighborhoods, the adequacy of proposed water wells and wastewater systems, availability of fire suppression, parking runoff and environmental effects to Sulphur Creek and the species it supports. The speaker noted the project lies outside city limits and, as proposed, would pay transient occupancy taxes to Napa County rather than to Saint Helena.

The group said it has retained an attorney to review developer entitlements that date to the 1980s and asked the council to instruct city staff to gather facts and coordinate with county planning staff. Mayor Doreen said she was not ready to advocate for or against the project but thought it \"behooved the city\" to have staff monitor the project and report back. Staff said the city's Director DeRosa has joined the county mailing list and staff would provide an information memo to council as soon as practicable.

ENDING: Council directed staff to prepare an information memorandum and to maintain communication with Napa County staff; no formal action was taken and the matter remains under county review.","A neighborhood group told the council a developer has proposed a large hotel in the woods west of Saint Helena near Sulphur Creek. Speakers raised fire-safety, traffic, water-supply and environmental concerns and asked the city to gather facts and coordinate with Napa County; staff agreed to monitor and provide an information memo.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6745338,"Saint Helena reports 772 requests in year one of Grapevine (SeeClickFix); water quality tops complaints",393,1018000,1411000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b&start=1018&end=1411","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270037-ac04f71a2becbc2b01e6fd9c8b43ab1b/thumbnail_1018000.jpg","/articles/6745338/California/Saint-Helena-reports-772-requests-in-year-one-of-Grapevine-SeeClickFix-water-quality-tops-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745338-60c883cd466e807cefb10fd9d8c7d77f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145743&Signature=Ze8aBo0dESPhb4ubgwMlM5ijut1rkgfoA7sfdoCN6YXGV4qiiv51eHyThwYasd09SLUdHIdbMi2ztG82CSziuhKteRTACQiNSKyS0D7VHQh64Ok7ePRvLL8yLG6B49HB6UaPiE6huD7Xf5EgKm1UV3n0o1QQqn5N23SI6zBdlsfwhRZt-q94DVAyC8-m2tiJkWADl5rAH4haMgQ00Sazk7utb4SOpUw-2BTrn6qkTXk9dtt4qc7JRXKnmTSBfUFNOOmGefGho3jnzdLAPK6GX94SnjmgPjd8VELH~jwLQN6oqTO5-GRMI~XCPLJsT1SkBlC~NTb-Ss23n5-4JtzNxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy City Manager Leslie Milton presented a one-year review of the Saint Helena Grapevine platform (branded local instance of SeeClickFix) at the Feb. 11 council meeting, reporting 772 requests recorded since the soft launch and an official roll-out last January. Staff has completed or closed 729 of those reports.

Milton said the system captures nearly 100 different categories of service requests and allows residents and visitors to submit photos, drop a pin for location, and track response status. Water-quality reports were the single largest category; staff said water-related reports represented a substantial portion of calls and that 33% of water-related submissions were recorded as water-quality complaints.

City staff used the geotagging feature last summer to identify neighborhoods with recurring discolored-water complaints, allowing targeted flushing and sampling. Milton said the platform also reduced the need for ad-hoc contacts to individual council members, and that residents may submit items anonymously or register to receive status notifications.

Council members praised the platform's ability to aggregate data for operational planning and asked staff to return with metrics on average time from report to resolution. Milton said staff will continue to refine notifications and closure notes so residents understand what city crews did to resolve a request.

ENDING: Milton said staff will continue collecting data and exploring small improvements to response messaging and closure photos to show corrective actions taken.

PROVENANCE: Staff presentation and Q&A at the Feb. 11, 2025 meeting.","City staff told the council the Grapevine/SeeClickFix platform logged 772 requests in its first 12 months, with 729 marked closed. Water-quality complaints made up the largest category of reports; staff said the system helps geotag complaints to prioritize flushing and sampling.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission chair warns state housing rules will keep fueling contentious local projects; council asks staff to explore housing strategy

Saint Helena council approves $565,063 contract to replace aging water meters, directs staff to review maintenance funding

Neighbors ask Saint Helena to monitor Napa County hotel proposal near Sulphur Creek, citing fire, traffic and water concerns

Saint Helena reports 772 requests in year one of Grapevine (SeeClickFix); water quality tops complaints